Customer Comments

It is almost impossible to describe this book and do it justice. Oh, the story is easy enough to explain; teen years are tough, young love is tough, teaching is a thankless job, especially when you really have no interest in doing it. Two middle schoolers fall for each other and begin a tentative relationship. One of them kidnaps a small girl and hides her in a bunker on his uncle's property. Everyone searches, no one finds her. However, it is almost impossible to explain the creepiness found in this book. The writing style is so different from almost anything else out there. You don't want to know what these characters are thinking, but you can't stop reading. This is a really interesting book from an exciting new voice.

Middling Don Winslow is still better than many other mystery writers, but that's the highest praise that I can give to this one. I had very high hopes but in the end I wasn't impressed. Through much of the book Winslow writes as if he is presenting poetry. Maybe he thinks he is the poet laureate of the mystery, but it just comes off as being kind of goofy. Chopping sentences in places that don't make sense just seems like you're trying to be cute. Sorry, not his best. If want to read his best, and you should, try The Dawn Patrol, The Gentlemen's Hour, The Winter of Frankie Machine, or The Power Of The Dog.

I had read great reviews of this book when it was first released, but I didn't get around to reading it until a recent vacation. Take my word on this, you don't want to wait two years to get to it. This is a wonderful story that evokes so many emotions. Bizarely, it is a wonderful love story about two people who never meet. It is also a great treatise on the power of music. It's a love letter to New York. And, not least of all, it is so well written. I cna't recommend this book highly enough.

This great follow up to The Dawn Patrol brings the original cast of characters together again, if not physically, then in spirit. Boone Daniels has once again taken on a case that displeases many. Ufortunately, this time it's his best fiends that are angry. Boone has agreed to help the defense team in the case of a wealthy teenager who is accused of killing a local surfing legend. Of course there is more to the story than anyone knows, but that doesn't makes Boone's job any easier. At the risk of losing his best friends forever, Boone forges ahead with unexpected results. If you are looking for some great mysteries that evoke the iconic Southern California surf scene, you can't do any better than the novels of Don Winslow.

This is a non-stop thrill ride through the mean streets of Philly. When a bank robbery goes horribly wrong, it's obvious that someone inside our merry band of thieves has cut his own deal. Mix in crooked cops, politicians, and even more bad guys and your got a rip roaring story. Great escapist entertainment.

Another great addition to the Don Winslow collection. Well plotted with excellent characters this is a fast paced thriller set in beautiful, sunny, Southern California. Jack Wade is a fire investigator for the titular insurance company. When sent to investigate the accidental fire and death of Pamela Vale (the ostensible cause of the fire is a lit cigarette that the drunk Pamela drops on the bed), Jack quickly determines that it was no accident. Nicky Vale, Pamela's estranged husband, is a wealthy land developer with friends in high places. Everyone except Jack wants this case to be wrapped up quickly. Jack continues to push the matter, at his own personal and professional peril, and the bad guys come out of the woodwork from the most unexpected places. If this is your first Winslow book, you will be begging for more.

Winslow has written a big book on the "war on drugs." It is wide-ranging in both scope and time period, covering several decades. In addition to Winslow's typically excellent writing, this book is a great primer on the drug wars over the last three decades. Art Keller is a DEA agent who, of course, lives by his own rules. What I like so much about this book is that few things are cut-and-dried. Sure, there are characters that are just plain evil, and characters that always do the "right" think. But, most of the players have to deal with the difficult moral issues when presented with the options that a lot of money or power can provide. The many characters sometimes cross paths in the most unexpected ways, which add credibility to the plotting. All in all a great addition to the Winslow collection.

What a great follow-up to The Ballad of Trenchmouth Taggart. Set again in West Virginia, this book centers ont he live of Loyal Ledford and follows him through World War II, working his way up the corporate ladder at Mann Glass, starting his own titular company, and dealing with the civil rights issues of the 50s and 60s. It spans a lot of topics and covers them all well. You will grow to feel deeply for the characters in this book. The story is told with such a sense of impending dread that you can't relax while reading it. Glenn Taylor is has now turned out two excellent books, and I look forward to more.

This is a young adult book, and it is definitely not for everyone. The book takes place in New England in the late 1800s and tells the story of Will Henry, an orphan taken in by his father's former employer, Pellinore Warthrup, the Monstrumologist of the title. When the corpse of an Anthropophagi (legendary headless bipeds with shark-like teeth) is delivered to Warthrup's door by a grave robber he knows that trouble is brewing. And he has an inkling of where it came from. A colorful cast of characters gathers to hunt down, and kill, the pod of Anthropophagi inhabiting the local cemetary. This is a really well-written horror story with all the requisite gore. It's not gratuitous, but there is a lot of it. This book is a great start to a new series. The second, about vampires (of course) comes out in August.

Having never read Carson McCullers before, this book came as quite a surprise to me. A nice surprise. The story is engaging from the beginning, and the reader on the audiobook is wonderful. Essentially, each chapter is a vignette about one character living in small town in Georgia. Some of the characters eventually cross paths, some don't. But each character is intersting in-and-of themselves. Much of the book is heartbreaking, but all of it is engaging.

Wow, who knew comics could be so cynical? Clowes, using different artistic styles, tells Wilson's story in on page vignettes. Much of to book is spend deriding others or searching for his ex-wife and his daughter. Eventually he finds them both, for better or worse. I've read other Clowes books and found them entertaining, but this one stands out for me.

It would be hard to find a more entertaing book about the mortgage crisis that caused the current world-wide recession. Lewis shines the spotlight on a few players who either saw the lunacy of what was taking place (and found a way to capitalize on it), or those who helped cause it. Don't look for "big answers" or analysis of the craziness. Read it to learn a bit more about the mortgage derivative market, and for the shear "I can't believe he just did/said that" factor. Pure entertainment.

This slim book of stories is well deserving of the Katherine Anne Porter prize it was awarded. While they may tackle difficult subjects, the daring reader will be well rewarded with some heart rending stories of deeply flawed individuals, with the occassional glint of hope.

Definitely not one of Connelly's best. There are times when reading a Bosche novel that I ask myself why. Sure, I like the character, I keep reading them. But some of his stances and actions are just ridiculous. As a seasoned homicide veteran, some of the cliched dialogue and actions didn't ring true. He also seemed a bit slow coming to the conclusion that many readers come to rather early in the book. Reasonably entertaining, but I expect much more from Connelly.

This book left me conflicted. While it is pretty well written, much of it seems very flip. The comments made by some of the characters are just plain silly at times. Some of the plot twists are pretty obvious, and sometimes strain cerdulity.

This is my first Commissario Brunetti novel and I loved it. The writing was clever and funny. The characters grabbed me immediately, and the mystery was pretty clever.

I've read all of Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brody novels and, though the first was great, this is the best of them. There are multiple story lines, each of them intriguing, and Atkinson does an amazing job of weaving them together for a very satisfying ending. Jackson Brody is back but he is a secondary player through much of this book. The true hero of this story is 16 year old Reggie (Regina) Chase. Reggie is nanny to Dr. Joanna Hunter. When Dr. Hunter goes missing Reggie does everything she can to get the police involved. When they show little interest, Reggie implores Jackson Brody to help her. The title of this book couldn't be more apt. Everyone in the story had to be asking themselves the same question, again and again.

If you love short stories be sure to add this one to your collection. Primarily these are stories of unhappy men, often making bad decisions. They argue with family members, lose jobs and inheritances, but ultimately there is hope. These stories will make you smile (at other stupidity?), and you may just learn something about human nature. The final, title, story is a hilarious viking tale, the likes of which you've never read before.

No book is perfect, but this one comes pretty close. It is a touching and heartbreaking graphic memoir. Growing up David was subjected to numerous x-rays to try and cure his sinus problems. Those x-rays leave him cancer stricken and when he is operated on he isn't told that he has cancer. As a result of the operation he loses his voice. His family is rife with unhappiness and secrets. David's inability to speak makes him feel even more isolated. A sad but uplifting coming-of-age story.

Southern Noir. Seventeen year old Rees Dolly does her best to take care of the mentally ill mother and her two little brothers. It's not easy when your meth cooking/dealing daddy has disappeared and the bail bondsman is about to take your home. In an attempt to save the house, Rees sets out to find her daddy. Though her extended family does everything they can to stop her, she perseveres. If you like your stories dark and incestuous, this one's for you. This is a good example of Daniel Woodrell's work.

If you are looking for a way to introduce your children, pre-teen and up, to short stories, this may be just the book. The stories have a whimsical and/or science fiction element to them, but don't let that put you off. These stories cannot be categorized. The run the gamut from very strange to very touching. In addition to great stories, Tan's illustrations are fabulous.

Lange's first novel is an excellent follow up to his amazing book of short stories, Dead Boys. A lot of the usual elements of the Southern California mystery are here; the good guy who went down the wrong path and is now on the road to redemption, drugs, runaways, and the desert. Throw in a little dog fighting and a deserted town and you've got yourself a wild ride. What sets this book apart is the quality of the writing. Fans of mysteries and very good writing will not be disappointed.

This is a very interesting departure from the typical Charlie Huston mystery, and certainly a long way from his Joe Pitt vampire series. I would clasify it as speculative, rather than science fiction. The story takes place in, seemingly, current day Los Angeles, but it's not a Los Angeles that any of us know. About 10% of the worlds population have become afflicted with chronic sleeplessness, or SLP. There is a drug called DR33M3R (Dreamer) that can provide temporary relief, but not a cure. Dreamer is highly regulated and not readily available. Thus, there is a very profitable black market. Enter uncover LAPD office Parker (Park) Haas. Murder, mayhem, and online gaming all play central roles in the story. As with all of Charlie Huston's work, ultimately this is a love story, albeit a miserable one.

I haven't read a Don Winslow book since The Death and Life of Bobby Z. After reading The Dawn Patrol, I don't know why I waited so long. In addition to being a strongly plotted mystery, it also evokes Southern California (specifically the greater San Diego area) like few other books. Winslow even sprinkles in a bit of history now and again. PI Boone Daniels is hired to find a witness who has gone missing. Finding her turns out to be the easiest thing he does. The story behind the story involves all range of good and bad guys, illegal immigrants, plastic surgery, and much worse. This is a book that you will zip through in one or two sittings.

I'd read great reviews of Beat The Reaper, but kept putting it off. I don't know why I did. If you like your mysteries/thrillers hardboiled, this is the book for you. The chapters alternate between present and past of Pietro Brwna's life. We start out wondering how a doctor (Pietro) was so easily able to beat a would-be mugger to a pulp. It isn't long before we learn that he used to be a Mafia thug. As we follow what has to be one of the worst days in anyone's life, we also learn how Pietro became who he is today. A funny, exciting debut. One of the best "mysteries" I've read in some time.

What an impressive book. Dan Chaon must be one of the most underrated authors of our day. He's always good, if not great, and this may be his best. Three parallel (?) stories dealing with identity, and identity theft, that lead to an unexpected, and satisfying ending. This is probably the best book on identity theft out there. It's not a "thriller" in the traditional sense, but it is thrilling. The writing and the story are almost flawless.

It might be a young adult book, but this is one of the best books I read in 2009. The characters may be in their early teens, but the story is pertinent to all of us. A very, very good book.

A timely, and hilarious, story of these troubled times in which we live. This book has it all; adultery, the financial crisis, and poetry. If you've not read Jess Walter before, do yourself a favor. The Zero and Citizen Vince and The Financial Lives of the Poets are all fine places to start.

The rare sequel that is better than the original. This is a fine addition to the young adult canon.

Originally serialized in The New York Times Magazine, this is a very entertaining read from Mr. Harrison. The city is as much a charcter as the humans. NYC, and it's multitude of characters will provide you with a few hours of escapist entertainment.

The final book in the Paul Christopher series fills in some back story of younger Paul's life in WWII Germany. McCarry does an excellent job of evoking the time and the location in all of his Paul Christopher books. If you are looking for a good historical fiction series that takes place during WWII, this series is great. The writing is well above average for the genre.

This is a really fine commentary on society. Just when you think you've got this one figured out, the ending will have you re-reading the last couple of pages.

Talk about bleak, try working-class Michigan in the winter. The first story is only three or four pages, but you will be devestated after you read it. It's not pretty, but it's true. Some of the characters in this amazing book of short stories are not nice people. Some of them just can't buy a break. Whatever their story, each of them will have a powerfull effect on you. The best short story collection I've read in quite a while.

Some of the characters in this amazing book of short stories are not nice people. Some of them just can't buy a break. Whatever their story, each of them will have a powerfull effect on you. The best short story collection I've read in quite a while.

This was a truly stunning book that just took me by surprise. I've since recommended it to numerous friends, and strangers. You will be amazed.

Too bad the last book in the series just stinks up the joint. This book is nothing more than a reason to deal with all of the baggage left from the first four. Exceedingly disappointing.

What a great find this book is. It's a wonderful historical mystery that will appeal to adults and older teens. The language and the characters are very engaging. A very good book. Let's hope there are more to come.

This is a very fast paced, engrossing mystery set in Chicago. The city is almost as much of a character as the humans. The book provides an entertaining theory on the great Chicago fire that serves as the basis for the underlying story.

Forget about Bill O'Neill's extreme right wing leanings. Read the book for the investment advice and you could do nicely for yourself as we come out of the recent market crash.

Is it the worst mystery I've ever read? No. But it epitomizes everything that leads to people discounting the genre as serious literature. The characters become charicatures, and the coincidences come fast and furious to end the book. Pretty weak.

Just this year I discovered the Paul Christopher series (starting with The Miernik Dossier)of books by Charles McCarry. If you haven't found the series yourself, and you enjoy espionage stories, this series is invaluable. Ostensibly, the book concerns Christopher's re-entry into the world of espionage after being retired for twenty years. Really, the story concerns the history of some of the characters we've grown to love in the series. This book can be read as a stand alone, but will be much more appreciated if read in order.

If you are a Michael Connelly fan you will enjoy this book. It has all of the usual Connelly traits; red herrings, familiar characters, serial killers. However, it is far from his best. It's a page turner. But, when it's all said and done, it was pretty predictable, pretty safe.

This is a book of powerful short stories. The sense of place imbued by the author is strong. The characters are well drawn and deeply flawed. The final story has stayed with me for weeks and continues to haunt me at the oddest times.

I listened to the audio version which is read by Simon Prebble. (If you like audio books and you haven't listened to any books read by Simon, you need to. I highly recommend Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel.) This is a really interesting take on Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. To make a very long story short, Dickins and Collins are friends. Dickens is in a train wreck that kills many. He tells Collins that there was a strange character named Drood, who had been traveling on the train in a coffin, at the accident site who was stealing the souls of the dying. This experience leads to a years long fascination for Dickens and Collins with Drood, who is wanted by Scotland Yard, or is he? The book is a fascinating look at a fascinating time. Prebble's reading, as usual, is excellent.

(4.5 stars) This is that rare book that lives up to the hype. Because of all the fanfare it has received I was a bit skeptical. I've been disappointed in the past with books that had been praised to the heavens only to be very average when read. This book does not disappoint. In fact it was better than I had hoped. Don't go looking for deep answers to the meaning of life. Just enjoy a nice story about three interesting characters brought together at the right time in their lives.

I wanted to like this book. I enjoyed Hill's Heart Shaped Box. I found these stories to be mostly dull and ridiculous. I got half way through the book before I couldn't take any more. He did not get his daddy's (Stephen King) talent for the short story.

Originally serialized in Playboy, the constraints of publishing in a magazine have led Johnson to create a crisp literary thriller. One of his best.

Alan Bennett's novellas are a wonder. I'm in awe of his ability to convey so much in such a small book. Funny and touching.

I read close to 20 of Leonard's books and this is one of his best. The return of Jack Foley was worth the wait. Nobody writes dialogue like Leonard. He is one of the greats who consistently comes through.

This was serialized in Playboy before being published as a book. The space constraints from magazine publishing have made for a tight plot with excellent dialogue and characters. One of Johnson's best.

Spare. Gritty. Excellent.

This is the first of Coleman's books that I've read and it was everything had heard it would be. This is a well plotted, well written mystery with none of the over-the-top cinematic pomposity that ruins so many mysteries.

This was my first Chuck Logan and I found it to be quite entertaining.

If you like the Jack Taylor books you will be happy to see him back and in "top" form.

This is a very nice follow-up to Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrel. I listened to the audio book which was performed exceptionally well.

This is a fine noir graphic novel. As convoluted as The Big Sleep, and the art work is fabulous.

A bit more melodramatic than the prior Paul Christopher books in the series, but still a cut above the rest.

Charles McCarry returns with another in the Paul Christopher series. This is one of the best of the bunch, and it brings back several charactersfrom past novels other than Christopher.

Charles McCarry is right up there with LeCarre. This is the second in the Paul Christopher series (following The Miernick Dossier). Kennedy has just been shot and Christopher thinks he knows who killed him. The trail takes him to the U.S., Germany, France, and Vietnam. If you like intricately plotted espionage novels, McCarry is for you.

It is reprehensible, but entertaining.

I discovered Castle Freeman Jr. last year when I read his wonderful book Go With Me. He's hit another home run with this one. It's a short novel about a small town sheriff in Vermont. The story is all about atmosphere and character. Wonderful stuff.

I have discovered a great new writer. I first learned about this book when it was nominated for the Book Critics Circle award in January. Having read it, I can't wait for Taylor's next book.

I'm generally not a fan of the every man memoir, but I found this one to be interesting and touching.

A great short story writer at the top of is game. These stories are heartbreaking, but wonderful.

Charlie Huston hits another home run with this story of competing firms that clean up crime scenes (really disgusting crime scenes). Great dialogue and characters. If you haven't read Charlie Huston before, this is a good place to start.

If you enjoy stories of international intrigue in the vein of Ludlum, you will love this one. Paris, Geneva, London. Brits, Russians, Americans. It's all here.

For good reason, this book landed on multiple Best Of lists in 2008. It is an example of what great historical fiction can be. Great story, wonderful characters, and a fabulous setting. Not to be missed.

An exciting adventure through the Middle East of days gone by for kids from 10 to 13.

This is a really interesting, and creepy, story of a woman who is, self acknowledged, not a very good mother. She is on vacation at a beach resort and, for reasons not entirely known to herself, she steals a doll belonging to a child also staying at the resort. She insinuates herself into the other family's lives with unexpected consequences. An excellent translation from Italian.

An incredibly well written, really interesting look at Britain in the '60s. I listened to the audio book and the performance by Simon Prebble was great.

This book is a very dark thrill ride through the underbelly of small town Vermont. I've discovered a new author.

This is probably the best written book I have read in quite a while. Olive, though she is the commmon thread in all of the stories, is not the main character in each story. However, she is a force to be reckoned with whenever she appears. Most of the stories take place in two small towns in Maine, and concern the daily lives of the inhabitants. Most of the stories could not be considered uplifting, but they are all powerful.

A powerful, fictional memoir of a young boy's discovery about his family's hidden past in World War II Paris. A slim but powerful book.

I read this on the recommendation of my teenage son, and I loved it. It's a post apocalyptic story of what used to be America. The country is separated into twelve districts (the thirteenth was destroyed by The Capital), each providing a commodity (coal, grain, etc.) to the rest of the country. Each year two Tributes, children, are chosen to fight to the death in an event that is mandatory viewing for all citizens. The Hunger Games allow The Capital to remind the citizens of what will happen should they attempt another uprising. Though the subject is difficult it is handled well and the violence is not gratuitous. This book is an excellent addition to the world of young adult literature.

If you are a fan of Charlie Huston's Joe Pitt vampire novels, you probably don't need my recommnedation. If you haven't read them, and you like a fast paced thriller, this series is for you. Every Last Drop is one of the stronger books in the series so far (this is the fourth in the series). Joe Pitt, the bad boy with a conscience, who kills with reckless abandon, see things in this book that turn even his stomach. An excellent addition to the series.

Finally, the Bruen I love is back. After a couple of lackluster Jack Taylor books (lackluster for Bruen, but still good) we have a non-stop thrill ride that passes on all of the woe is me self-pity that has marked his most recent work. This time the bulk of the action takes place in NYC as an Irish Guard member is transferred to the NYPD in an exchange program. Never mind that the guy with the badge and the gun is a bigger psycho than most of the criminals. Vintage Bruen.

This new collection for 2008 brings together some really great comics that otherwise would never be seen. They run the gamut from humorous to disturbing. The illustrations are amazing.

Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book is a wonderful take on The Jungle Books by Kipling. In eight chapters we follow Bod, short for Nobody, Owens as he escapes the murderer that takes the lives of the rest of his family members. Bod is raised and protected by the various ghosts, witches, and other assorted residents of the graveyard until he is old enough to live on his own. Though it may be scary for younger children, the rich dialogue, and engaging stories are great.

Kevin Brockmeier has quickly become one of my favorite writers. This book of short stories includes the best elements of A Brief History of the Dead and The Truth About Celia. He is a very imaginative writer whose work I return to regularly.

This is a really fabulous story. Yes, it may be a bit longer than necessary, but you forgive that quickly once you get caught up in the writing. This book is like a throwback to classic novels of old.

Though very different from Docx's first book, The Calligrapher, it is still filled with his fantastic writing. This book has it all; big ideas, family drama, and great settings. This is a book that will make you think.

This excellent book brings together the the Rolling Stones in their early days, the Manson Family, and wanna be star/film maker/Hollywood chronicler Kenneth Anger. The brief, but important coming together of these three groups is, in the end, a story of loss and dashed dreams. if you are interested in the less-than-glamorous side of fame, and you want an idea of what the 60s were like, this book is a great place to start.

This is a truly wonderful and surprising book. It's a short but powerful book about a woman, Lillian, in a small Vermont town being terrorized by the local hard case. She approaches the sheriff, but he says he can't help her. However, he does send her to see some men who might be able to do something. With few questions asked, two men agree to take care of her problem. The story unfolds over the course of one day and night. Violence is hinted at on almost every page though, when it occurs it is neither draw out nor gratuitous. In the end a very powerful book, and a very powerful message.

What a great book. For the travel lover, or the map lover, this is the book for you. The book includes the map of every major urban train system in the world. For some of the bigger/older systems, historical information is included. Sit down with this book for a couple of hours and imagine all the great places you will visit.

This movie just comes out of nowhere and grabs you. A great story and great music.

Part fictional autobiography, part comic book. Both of my kids loved it.

Written for kids, but a good introduction to a great artist for everyone.

One of the best thrillers/mysteries in the past ten years and, the book taht introduced a distinctive new voice to America. Many of his others are good, but they all pale in comparison to this one.

Good historical fiction. If you are interested in Amsterdam, read this book.

A vampyre story with a twist. If you like vampire stories, or thrillers, you will love this.

The first in the Henry Thompson series, and still the best. A good, fast paced, thriller.

A really interesting book by a really good author. This is my favorite kind of book. While reading it you may not think much is going on, but it sucks you in. One of my favorites of 2007.

Zusak has quickly become one of my favorite young adult authors. Enjoyable for adults, but great for kids 14 and up.

Wow, what a great book. It's catagorized as young adult, but adults of all ages will appreciate this book. Without question, one of the best books I read last year. The audio edition is also fantastic.

It works. I first read this book about ten years ago. Every year or two I go back and re-read it. Simple, logical steps (including when to bail out) can lead you to impressive gains.

The really, really rich are really, really different.

A friend gave me this book and I couldn't put it down. It's one of those books that you can't wait to get back to.