Oh boy, overall I enjoyed this debut mystery by Michael Biehl but there is a lot jammed into this mystery set in a hospital that was unnecessary. The Oh boy, overall I enjoyed this debut mystery by Michael Biehl but there is a lot jammed into this mystery set in a hospital that was unnecessary. The CFO of the hospital goes in for a myocardial biopsy and things quickly go awry ending in his death. Is this a tragic accident r/t a defective catheter, negligence, malpractice, or homicide? The CFO's friend Karen Hayes is the hospital's attorney and is given a strange message by one of the nurses from Larry as he is being wheeled into surgery. This begins an investigation that uncovers more than a fatal medical misadventure. As more issues are discovered, I started to think this author was using the novel to slam hospitals and doctors and when his blurb (which was tucked into the book between the end of this story and a preview excerpt from another novel) was a practicing attorney at a national law firm who supervises "all legal worked performed by the firm for more than a dozen hospitals" Hmmm. Anyway, I liked the MC and there was enough of a hook to keep me reading and wanting to know how this would all turn out. I also found Max, the head of security, to be a fun character. But as a HCP, it was hard for me to believe that all this could be going on at a medium sized hospital, I'm talking corporate & medical fraud, substance-abusing physicians, sexual assaults of patients much less- what happened to Larry? Also, this novel was published in 2002 and there were a number of things that just wouldn't have happened anymore by 2002 (the least of these would be smoking in the hospital); and that just rubs me the wrong way especially since the author's background would make him well aware of rules regarding conflicts of interest, gifts from drug companies etc....more
I threw this in my purse to read over lunch today. One of the best of the Sherlock Holmes stories that I have read thus far. An eerie locked room mystI threw this in my purse to read over lunch today. One of the best of the Sherlock Holmes stories that I have read thus far. An eerie locked room mystery and when all is revealed quite diabolical! It did make me wonder if the instrument/vehicle that was utilized to commit murder could really be done....more
Needed a short read to occupy me during a quick lunch. This was a delightful story. Full of Holmes' keen observations as he looks at a hat and tries tNeeded a short read to occupy me during a quick lunch. This was a delightful story. Full of Holmes' keen observations as he looks at a hat and tries to develop a profile of sorts about the wearer so they could return it and a dead goose that was dropped by the man. How did this turn into sleuthing about a robbery of a jewel? That sets the Holmes and Watson we all love on the trail....more
Even though the last 1/4 of the book was the most interesting and better paced, I couldn't quite bump this up to 3 stars. In the author's defense, it Even though the last 1/4 of the book was the most interesting and better paced, I couldn't quite bump this up to 3 stars. In the author's defense, it was his 1975 debut. I was looking for a new cozy mystery and this just didn't quite make the grade. I don't know that I would put it in the cozy category, other than the MC was not a professional law enforcement officer or private detective. Charles Paris is painted as a C-list actor (my words), boozer and womanizer who gets roped into trying to contact a former female friend's baby daddy, Marius Steen. Jacqui seems to have all of a sudden been dropped by the man for no reason and she is financially dependent on him. Jacqui thinks that it may have something to do with some compromising pictures. Charles not only is stymied but soon finds it may involve murder, blackmail, and fraud. His efforts place his and Jacqui's lives in danger. Can Charles connect all the dots before disaster happens? Sounds like all the ingredients for an interesting mystery. The pacing was slow for most of the book and the characters were not fleshed out. I didn't care for most of the characters....more
A quick enjoyable read, the 6th short story in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes anthology. Sherlock is working for the wife of a missing man, who wasA quick enjoyable read, the 6th short story in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes anthology. Sherlock is working for the wife of a missing man, who was last seen in a notorious opium den in London. If you've read many of the Holmes stories, it wasn't hard to figure out the mystery of the missing man, of course without all the details of how everything came about. Dr. Watson is pulled into the search but seems pretty superfluous to this story. What is it about red hair that Doyle makes it a part of his stories even if it just a small detail?...more
2.5 stars. First of a series and Barnes' debut outing. An easy read set in the theater world, broad stereotypical characters of the cast. Michael Spra2.5 stars. First of a series and Barnes' debut outing. An easy read set in the theater world, broad stereotypical characters of the cast. Michael Spraggue is a part-time actor and former sleuth. The director of a new presentation of Dracula has been dealing with pranks that have the cast on edge. He invites Michael to join the cast and on the side try to find the "jokester". The pranks are escalating in the potential for harm as it moves closer to opening night. It seems that many of the cast and/or technical crew have secrets to hide and may have a motive for sabotaging the show.
This was fine for a quick read that I could pull out while waiting for an appt or while having lunch out by myself, but not too exciting. Even though it was relatively short, I found myself over many of the characters and just wanted the resolution to come. I read #2 in the series quite a few years ago and I recall a better read....more
3.5 There are some very fine reviews of this 2012 crime/mystery novel, the first of a 6-book series. For a broader look at the novel, I recommend you 3.5 There are some very fine reviews of this 2012 crime/mystery novel, the first of a 6-book series. For a broader look at the novel, I recommend you check them out. I agree that the city is a character itself and it has a complicated plot. A trail that goes off in many different paths that I waited patiently for how it would all fit together. So, it was a slow burn for me, and I struggled to keep at it during the first half of the book. Halfway, I realized I was thoroughly immersed in the story and powered through the rest over the last two days.
The main storyline is set in 1998 Cairo with a few flashbacks thrown in to provide much needed backstory. The MC, Makana a former Sudanese police officer, fled his country seven years prior as the radical Islamic military junta was consolidating power and increasing the violent extermination of those who would oppose them. One of the most affecting conversations in the whole book concerned the danger of this new regime and is chillingly reminiscent of what happens (or can happen) in countries around the world to this day. (Muna) "You don't understand. These people care nothing for your rules, your sense of duty. They want power, and to get it they will sweep you away, you and your department, even the law itself. None of that means anything to them" (Makana) "Your wrong. There is such thing as a rule of law. There is a constitution." (Muna) "They will rewrite the constitution to suit themselves." "People like you and me, they hate us because we can read and write, because we can see through them. Because we choose not to live our lives according to the norms of the seventh century" Makana wanted to believe in the system, in justice winning out in the end, because wasn't that the whole point for him? He had served it, fought for it, defended it with his life. Now he was just supposed to step aside and let them know do with it as they wished? The above comes in a flashback during the latter part of the novel, by then you already have a good idea about Makana's moral compass. It stands in quite a contrast to the picture of Cairo's own political pressures and the corruption that has ensued during a lot of upheaval over the decades. Thugs are now the wealthy and powerful while the bulk of the population is scraping by. So, he continues to be on the outside as a refugee in Egypt and thus is quite surprised when one of the wealthiest men wants to hire him as a PI to find a missing star football/soccer player. He can ill afford to turn down a job and he begins the task, not knowing the complications and danger that lie ahead. ...more
3.5 stars. I don't read many romance novels anymore although I have a box or two from yard sales. Pulling out a light read was in order and so I chose3.5 stars. I don't read many romance novels anymore although I have a box or two from yard sales. Pulling out a light read was in order and so I chose this older contemporary (1990s) romance. It certainly fit the bill and I enjoyed it more than I thought, so much that I read it in two days. Well, there wasn't much else on my plate to be honest. Krentz sticks to the opposites attract trope: a free-spirited young woman who hires a start-up business consultant to help her get a mail-order catalog business off the ground. What they do have in common is that neither knew their parents but had diametrically opposite upbringings. Serenity was brought up by the proverbial village of quirky characters, while Caleb strove to fit in and please his influential family after his parents' scandal hung like a heavy weight around and on him. Add to the underlying current of attraction is blackmail, murder, aggressive ex-boyfriends and lots of family drama. An engaging read....more
This was a generous 3 star and I am definitely in the minority. This is my 5th or 6th read in the Maigret series and this was the one I liked the leasThis was a generous 3 star and I am definitely in the minority. This is my 5th or 6th read in the Maigret series and this was the one I liked the least. I felt the story was just going around in circles, but maybe that was the point and I had the same frustrations as Maigret. Or maybe it was because this was my "purse" book & I read in little bits and pieces; it was hard for me to follow at times.
Maigret arrested a man for the murder of two women, who subsequently was convicted & is sentenced to death. Maigret begins to believe that there really was not enough evidence for his conviction and sets things in motion to try to find if his hunch was right....more
Another book for travel and leave behind. Set in a small town in the low country of SC made me think of my time in Beaufort, SC but without the murderAnother book for travel and leave behind. Set in a small town in the low country of SC made me think of my time in Beaufort, SC but without the murder!! The description of the area was wonderful and sometimes the best part of this 1991 debut novel of the author. I would have liked the focus to be on the murder of a long-time resident and the various small-town characters although many were stock tropes; than on the newest couple and their relationship issues. In fact, I don't know how the sex life of the wife was so relevant to the story, there was only one good connection that facilitated some empathy with another character. I'm not a prude but once again adding this aspect into the story was distracting and interrupted the pace of this murder mystery....more
It's been quite a while since I have journeyed with Milo Sturgis & Alex Delaware as they search for truth as they solve a murder case and analyze variIt's been quite a while since I have journeyed with Milo Sturgis & Alex Delaware as they search for truth as they solve a murder case and analyze various characters. When the story opens, Milo is given a cold case involving the murder of a psychology professor who had recently achieved notoriety with the publication of a controversial book. He enlists Alex to help him in his hunt for who Hope Devane was and who may have killed her in a very specific way. Milo thinks it is the husband but is open to other potential suspects. As the story unfolds it reveals many twists & turns which kept me reading eagerly. There is a lot going on here & sometimes it seems too unbelievable. As characters are fleshed out, the reader wonders who to have sympathy for: victim, prey, or predator. The ending leaves much up to the reader as well, quite a different conclusion to a mystery novel....more
Written in 1867. 2.5 stars, as I found the story slowed incredibly in the middle and plodded toward a frustrating end. Emile Gaboriau was a pioneer ofWritten in 1867. 2.5 stars, as I found the story slowed incredibly in the middle and plodded toward a frustrating end. Emile Gaboriau was a pioneer of the detective novel and the first novelist in France to write in this new genre. He died at age 36 yet was influential in moving the genre forward. Lecoq is considered to be the fictional precursor of Sherlock Holmes. I did find in the beginning that he seemed to have those acute observation and deduction skills that remined me of Holmes but as the story unfolded, he appeared to be running in circles and flummoxed...definitely not something one would see in the Holmes character. In fact, in Doyle's A Study in Scarlet, Watson asks Holmes what he thinks of Gaboriau's work and Holmes is very dismissive of the LeCoq character! My library has a number of Gaboriau's works that I may try again but not any time soon....more
2.5 stars. An older book (1997) that started a new series. I tried so hard to like these new characters, but despite them being on the right side of t2.5 stars. An older book (1997) that started a new series. I tried so hard to like these new characters, but despite them being on the right side of things I could not warm up to them. Perhaps in subsequent books? I have to say that the main character of Andy Brazil, a smart eager beaver reporter for the Charlotte Observer and volunteer cop, was especially annoying and surprisingly immature. I also found that many of the male characters could not see the two strong female characters beyond various sexual fantasies. Disappointing and one-dimensional.
Nothing wrong with the storyline of a serial murderer that brings everyone together. But not enough tension which is why the book was more of a slog than a page-turner.
The opening of the novel highlights the setting of Charlotte, NC and provides a bit of history in regard to how the hornet became the city's mascot. I had no idea....more
Read this short story at lunch today. I didn't know what a pip was in this story, other than a bad omen, until near the end. Instead of a color, the oRead this short story at lunch today. I didn't know what a pip was in this story, other than a bad omen, until near the end. Instead of a color, the orange referred to the fruit; ahh then one could know that it was an old British word for seed.
A client, J.O., arrives with a strange story of mysterious letters in which only orange pips and some instructions are within. The first recipient, J.O's uncle already displaying eccentric behaviors at time, becomes even more so and fearful after the envelope arrives. About 6 weeks later he is found dead supposedly by suicide. His father is the next recipient and scoffs at the thought that it may be an omen and he also is found dead which the authorities say was accidental. Now JO himself has received an envelope with instructions. He has come to Holmes for help to find out what is the meaning of the letters, who has sent them and to confirm his suspicions that his uncle & father were murdered. ...more
3.5 stars. Set in the 1970's in South Korea outside an U.S. Army base. CID Sgts Sueno & Bascom begin investigating a horrific murder of a South Korean3.5 stars. Set in the 1970's in South Korea outside an U.S. Army base. CID Sgts Sueno & Bascom begin investigating a horrific murder of a South Korean prostitute when her GI boyfriend is charged with her murder. A gritty crime novel that reveals the seamier side of life near the base; bars, prostitution, & black-market activities along with the corruption that surrounds the Korean businesses who seek contracts with the U.S. government. Limon brings the area and people to life. No one is all good or bad, some interesting reveals that make you question your own biases and/or stereotypes. ...more
Whew!! 2.5 stars. I am finally finished with this story which was as meandering in the first half as Falco's journeys as he seeks conspirators againstWhew!! 2.5 stars. I am finally finished with this story which was as meandering in the first half as Falco's journeys as he seeks conspirators against the Emperor and a possible murderer as well. The first half was so slow that I was as frustrated as Falco in his efforts to complete his job. Fortunately, the 2nd half was more interesting with better pacing even though some of the scenes I felt were thrown in just to keep the reader going, but unnecessary to the story arc. I did enjoy the large section that was spent in the Naples area, Oplontis, Heracleum & Pompeii (before the Vesuvius eruption) probably because I have spent so much time there myself! The other pluses were the descriptions of ancient culture of the Roman Empire and Falco's scenes with the fabulous Helena Justina.
I have quite a few books at home in this series, but probably won't be dipping in anytime soon. Maybe for next year's Historical Fiction summer TBR challenge....more
Meyer creates a story where Holmes, Watson and Freud join forces to solve a mystery of a woman found in a catatonic state in Vienna. How does that hapMeyer creates a story where Holmes, Watson and Freud join forces to solve a mystery of a woman found in a catatonic state in Vienna. How does that happen? Watson is very concerned about what appears to be paranoid, delusional Holmes related to his cocaine addiction. He tricks him into a trip to Vienna where Freud is waiting to try to cure him of his addiction. During this time in Vienna, Freud is called to consult on a young woman who was brought to the hospital in a desperate condition. Holmes has come along & becomes intrigued by this case and his powers of observation & deduction are once more put to the test. There is an exciting train chase towards the end of the story which I can see in a film script the genre Meyers is most known for....more
I kept thinking about Dudley-Do-Right as Joe Pickett's character is revealed in this first of a series mystery novel. Just exchange the Mountie uniforI kept thinking about Dudley-Do-Right as Joe Pickett's character is revealed in this first of a series mystery novel. Just exchange the Mountie uniform for that of a Wyoming Game Warden. I loved the setting, I wanted to go out and take a hike in the woods, but without the drama of course. It's been a number of reads since I've had one that I hated to set it aside and so eagerly wanted to pick it up each day. I like learning new things and even in this mystery there was something to research, I ended up googling Miller's weasels (Black-footed ferrets and their faces are SO cute!)
The story unfolds slowly as we meet the Pickett family and are introduced to the good and bad of a Game Warden's job. An outfitter whom Joe had a run-in with, is discovered in the Pickett's backyard dead of a gunshot wound and Joe is determined to discover who shot the man & why he would head to the Pickett's home. But there is more afoot than this one murder and obstacles are being placed in Joe's way. Is it politics, economic worries, job performance, something else or a combination of all. Regardless, as Joe inches closer the pace picks up until an explosive confrontation occurs. A just conclusion.
My only negative was even though Joe isn't sure who to trust, it was obvious to me from early on that one of the characters was up to no good. Too bad Joe wasn't as perceptive as his wife....more
The mystery novels of Yokomizo are starting to show up translated into English. This novel was written in 1946 and introduces us to amateur detective The mystery novels of Yokomizo are starting to show up translated into English. This novel was written in 1946 and introduces us to amateur detective Kosuke Kindaichi as he unravels an ingenious murder mystery. The killer had submitted the problem of a locked room murder and dared us to solve it. It was going to be a battle of wits. Perfect. Challenge accepted! If it was brains, logic and wit that were required, I was ready to go. Very Sherlock Holmes in his thinking and observing.
An enjoyable read. 3.5 stars. It bogged down in the telling at times which kept me from ascribing a full 4 stars to the read. ...more
4.5 stars. Thoroughly enjoyed this curious story that started out about a mysterious red-headed league that had a paying vacancy and a man who accepte4.5 stars. Thoroughly enjoyed this curious story that started out about a mysterious red-headed league that had a paying vacancy and a man who accepted the position for eight weeks and then POOF it and anyone involved in it vanishes! He takes the case to Holmes. And it is a crazy one indeed!
After all is said and done the inimitable Sherlock Holmes makes the following comment. It saved me from ennui, Alas! I already feel it closing in on me. My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little problems help me to do so.
Hallelujah for keeping us entertained Mr. Holmes!...more