Solid thriller that follows two friends in the marijuana business in Southern California. Ben is the smart business man and expert grower while Chon iSolid thriller that follows two friends in the marijuana business in Southern California. Ben is the smart business man and expert grower while Chon is the muscle. They run a top notch organization and are able to avoid any major issues, until the Cartel comes to town wanting to fold them into their organization. O short for Ophelia is a spoiled rich girl kid who is their closest friend and then some.
I did like this book, but if you put it against other Don Winslow novels, it falls a little short. The plot was interesting, but i felt the ending was a little disappointing. I still enjoyed the book, and the relationship between Ben and Chon added a lot to the plot. The Cartel had some nice supporting characters that drew you in too.
Worth the read, but I would start with some of Mr. Winslows other books first before tackling this one. Particularly the Power of and City of series....more
I listened to the audio version of this book. Felt the description was a little misleading. Says it walks through the heroes from Achilles to Bond. WhI listened to the audio version of this book. Felt the description was a little misleading. Says it walks through the heroes from Achilles to Bond. While that it true it is quickly glossed over, and is less than 15% of the book. It is really a short story that covers the evolution of humans. That isn’t what I was looking for when I decided to listen to this one, hence the one star rating....more
Solid baseball autobiography about David Ortiz aka Papi of the Boston Red Sox. David Ortiz was one of the best sluggers of his time and he tells his tSolid baseball autobiography about David Ortiz aka Papi of the Boston Red Sox. David Ortiz was one of the best sluggers of his time and he tells his tale from a young child in the Dominican Republic to his retirement moment from baseball and the Boston Red Sox.
David Ortiz is a great boisterous personality who seems to have an opinion on anything. He is very confident in his abilities and not shy about telling you what others did wrong in situations involving his life. Why he may come off a little cocky and self assured, Ortiz still comes off as very likable.
Over all a good not great baseball autobiography. While it is t the first one I would pick up, I still very much enjoyed it. ...more
The Meathead Method is the most in-depth cookbook on outdoor cooking I have ever seen. I would call this more of a chemistry book with some recipes atThe Meathead Method is the most in-depth cookbook on outdoor cooking I have ever seen. I would call this more of a chemistry book with some recipes at the end. That is a good thing. Mr. “Meathead” walks you through every aspect of grilling you could possibly think of from type of meats to cooking methods. I have never seen a cookbook go into such depth. The first half of the book or so is explanation of all things cooking.
As mentioned above, this book has the answer to every question you could ever about outdoor cooking. I would use this book as a reference guide to look back on when you are cooking. There were a couple of things I really liked about the layout of the book. The first was the table of contents and index in the book. It was broken down well, and would allow you to quickly access the sections of the book you were looking for. The other part I like about the book was the side blurbs with hot takes or myths. The hot takes gave you some tips to help you have success when cooking. The myth blurbs took a number of common beliefs in the industrial and gives you reasons why the belief was a myth.
The book also has a number of recipes that cover the gambit of outdoor cooking. There are rubs, marinades, and recipes for almost every protein or course you might encounter. There are a number of pictures that show the end result of the recipes. They are well done and left me wanting to go out and grill up a some dinner.
If you get this book, you will never need to look elsewhere when you need to reference something with outdoor cooking. Everything is throughly explained often with pictures and diagrams to make it easy to follow. This cookbook is a must have for anyone who does a lot of outdoor cooking. It will answer all your questions and evaluate your grilling to the next level. Thank you to Netgalley, Mr. “Meathead”, and William Morrow for a free advanced readers copy for an honest review....more
The full story of how Disney World came to be. From the secrecy in acquiring the land to construction to the day the park opened. This story tells howThe full story of how Disney World came to be. From the secrecy in acquiring the land to construction to the day the park opened. This story tells how Walt’s dream of Disney World came to be.
I found this book really interesting. Walt Disney went to lengths to make sure they could acquire enough land to complete his vision and along with The Disney company created a theme park that is still the most popular in the world still today. It was interesting to see how Disney met the deadline without sacrificing quality. It was also interesting to learn about some of the concepts used from techniques to make the buildings look bigger, tunnels that served a number of purposes, and canals to keep the park from flooding.
This is a fascinating read for any Disney fan or anyone interested in a large scale construction project. ...more
A mathematician is whisked away to a secret meeting with the president. He is asked to go to Russia a determine a secret code after meeting with a RusA mathematician is whisked away to a secret meeting with the president. He is asked to go to Russia a determine a secret code after meeting with a Russian Mathematician at a math conference. After arriving things go sideways and he is forced to adapt.
Not a bad story for a short novella. Even though Jack Reacher was not part of the story, the story felt very Jack Reachereque in the sense that the main character seemed to think like Jack Reacher.
Overall a solid Novella that is with the half hour to read....more
I listened to the Audible Original of this book. It was almost like a play with sounds effect and multiple actors playing the different parts. A mysteI listened to the Audible Original of this book. It was almost like a play with sounds effect and multiple actors playing the different parts. A mysterious death of a rich widow with numerous suspects is the plot for Hercule Poirot’s first case. With Hastings at his side, Poirot must work his way through the suspects and bring the killer to justice.
I found the multiple voices and sound effects hard to listen to at time. The plot was solid, and overall it was a decent read. Fun to see an early look into Poirot’s career. ...more
A very short story that was made into an audible original. Plot was above average for such a short story. Centers around Doug who has no confidence, hA very short story that was made into an audible original. Plot was above average for such a short story. Centers around Doug who has no confidence, his wife hates him and a conflict at the beach leads to a bad man wanting to get even. Doug’s friends are concerned for him, but little do they know Doug has a plan. ...more
Everyone knows of JFK’s assassination in Dallas in November 1963. The JFK Conspiracy is a fascinating look into a lesser known assassination attempt oEveryone knows of JFK’s assassination in Dallas in November 1963. The JFK Conspiracy is a fascinating look into a lesser known assassination attempt on then President Elect Kennedy in Florida. The plot was thought up by a former postal worker who was going to use dynamite and his car to set off a bomb that would take the President Elect from us before he could have his inauguration.
The story mostly follows a couple different paths. The first being the President himself. The authors give you a brief history of JFK’s life from his harrowing time on a PT boat in World War II to his womanizing ways. They also spend a lot time on Jackie Kennedy and her secret agent. Finally they focus on Richard Pavlick, the would be assassin. The three story lines focus mostly on the end of the election and the days leading up to the attempt before the inauguration.
This is the fourth book from the authors that I have read. All surrounding assassination attempts on famous Presidents. Previous books covered FDR, Washington, and Lincoln. I have enjoyed all four book. Mr. Meltzer and Mr. Mensch know how to make these non-fiction books read like a novel. If you are a fan of conspiracies, Presidents, or history, you won’t regret picking up this book....more
Neal Carey is a grad student with a rough past. Brought up by a one armed con artist/PI, he is taught how to be a PI. thief, con artist, and crook as Neal Carey is a grad student with a rough past. Brought up by a one armed con artist/PI, he is taught how to be a PI. thief, con artist, and crook as he matures. He is now connected with an organization called the Bank. When a Senator’s daughter has gone missing and it could be a problem for a senator looking to become vice president, Neal is brought in by the bank to find the daughter. As Neal digs deeper into the daughter, he finds there is much more to the story than meets the eye. He now must decide if he protects the daughter or brings her back to her parents.
Neal is a very interesting character. He is very smart, but he is no an action hero who can beat everyone up. This means he must relay on his smarts to get him out of tight situation s. The plot was solid, and it was interesting to learn about Neal’s upbringing and how it affected his decision making in present day.
Overall a good story worth the read. I am excited to dig more into this series....more
Set in the early 1950’s, Nicholai Hel has been a captive of the CIA for three long years. He is fluent in multiple languages and is trained to kill wiSet in the early 1950’s, Nicholai Hel has been a captive of the CIA for three long years. He is fluent in multiple languages and is trained to kill with his hands. The CIA offers to release him and provide him with a new passport provided he does one task for them, Kill the Soviet Union commissioner to China. Despite the odds, Hel takes them up on their offer. Hel must complete his mission as well as try to stay alive.
I was a little unsure of this book as first as it is different from the novels I normally read. As I got into it, I found myself enjoying the story. Nicholai Hel is a very interesting character. He is calm, cool, and collected despite the chaos around him. I was also fun to go back and read a book set in the time before technology ruled the world.
Overall a very interesting read. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others....more
Short children’s story that compares feelings to farts. I listened to the audio version with my 7 year old and 12 year old. The 12 year old was not imShort children’s story that compares feelings to farts. I listened to the audio version with my 7 year old and 12 year old. The 12 year old was not impressed, but that is not surprising as this book aims for a younger audience. My seven year old found the book fun and awkward (her words) as it talks about farts.
A silly book that seems to hit its target audience and is a fun listen. kids can get a laugh will also learning about their feelings and how to express them....more
Prequel to Savages. I watched the movie Savages and I didn’t particularly enjoy it, but I really enjoy Don Winslow novels. Because of that, I decided Prequel to Savages. I watched the movie Savages and I didn’t particularly enjoy it, but I really enjoy Don Winslow novels. Because of that, I decided to give this prequel a chance. It was good not great. Chon and Ben run a pot business and are dealing with predators who are trying to take them out. O is their female friend who has been with them since they were young. The book also goes back into the past of the hippy era of 1960s California to explore the previous generation of drug dealers that tie into the current crop.
The good, the characters are in line with Mr. Winslow’s other novels. They are deep, complex, and draw you in. The bad, the story was sort of all over the place. Overall it was a solid novel, and I will be picking up Savages. Hopefully I enjoy it much more than the movie from the early 2010s....more
Former FBI Special Agent Tori Hunter is back again this time trying to solve a double homicide that occurs right before a large blizzard hits ManchestFormer FBI Special Agent Tori Hunter is back again this time trying to solve a double homicide that occurs right before a large blizzard hits Manchester Bay. As the snow begins to fall the first morning, a jogger coming back from a run is shot in his garage and his girlfriend is shot in the kitchen. His girlfriend’s ten year old son is taken captive. Tori and Braddock are called to investigate. While initially they are drawn to the ex-husband, who is missing, they expand their search when he is found dead at the resort his father owned and committed suicide at. Tori, Braddock, and the rest of the gang race not only to bring the killers to justice, but to save ten year old Teddy Marist from his captors.
Mr. Stelljes seems to keep upping his game with this series. The book is a page turner, and the action is nonstop right from page one. There are so many layers to the plot, and just when you think the book is ready to end, another layer is revealed. This book is so much more than just a kidnapping. The way Mr. Stelljes strings you along is excellent and really keeps you engaged. The setting of Northern at the onset of a blizzard had me wishing for snow and cold weather. Tori and her gang are great characters that keep growing with each novel, but I found the villains in this novel to also be very intriguing and full of depth.
Each book in the series can be read by itself, but I would fully recommend diving into them all. The Tori Hunter series is one of the most underrated series out there, and Mr. Stelljes is excellent at telling a story. This was an easy five star, and a very quick read. You won’t regret picking this one up. Thank you to NetGalley, Roger Stelljes, and Bookouture for a free advanced readers copy for an honest review....more
Cotton Malone is back in another adventure. This time he is in Italy and is tasked with checking into a bishop believed to have taken money. A simple Cotton Malone is back in another adventure. This time he is in Italy and is tasked with checking into a bishop believed to have taken money. A simple tasks turns into a historically significant adventure which has the fate of the Roman Catholic Church at its center. What if there was a document out there that could dismantle the Roman Catholic Church if it came to light. Cotton travels around Italy trying to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Solid story as always. Cotton Malone stories are always fun, especially if you are a fan of history. These stories are starting to feel a little cookie cutter, so I only gave it four instead of five stars. I still really enjoyed this book because Mr. Berry does an excellent job taking mysterious events in history and weaving an adventure story out of it. Cotton Malone is a strong lead, even if some of the things he does are a little over the top. See the horse race he jockeyed in this book. It is still a very fun read.
I listened to the audio version of this book, and the narrator, Scott Brick, is one of the best in the business. I have listened to a number of books he has read, and I am never disappointed.
Overall a very fun historical thriller. This book is worth the read, and will appeal to a wide audience. Thank you to Netgalley, Steve Berry, Blackstone Audio, and Grand Central Publishing for a free advanced readers copy for an honest review....more
This one was hard to rate since it was so unique. This is a quick summary of the Cork O'Connor series. It starts with Krueger giving some quick thoughThis one was hard to rate since it was so unique. This is a quick summary of the Cork O'Connor series. It starts with Krueger giving some quick thoughts on the series as a whole. It then goes into the books in the series. There is a quick paragraph introducing each book by Krueger. Next the main characters involved in the book are introduced. After that there is an excerpt from the book itself. This book ends with a question and answer with Krueger regarding the series.
If I was just starting the series, I would love this as an introduction. Having read all except one book, it didn't do as much for me. I really liked the Q&A and the introduction. When I heard about this book, I thought Krueger was interviewed about each book individually. That is not the case here, but the Q&A was still the highlight of the book.
If I was Krueger, I would have given this to my readers for free,but given it cost $0.99 it isn't that big of a deal. Overall I went with three stars because there is some value there.
Merged review:
This one was hard to rate since it was so unique. This is a quick summary of the Cork O'Connor series. It starts with Krueger giving some quick thoughts on the series as a whole. It then goes into the books in the series. There is a quick paragraph introducing each book by Krueger. Next the main characters involved in the book are introduced. After that there is an excerpt from the book itself. This book ends with a question and answer with Krueger regarding the series.
If I was just starting the series, I would love this as an introduction. Having read all except one book, it didn't do as much for me. I really liked the Q&A and the introduction. When I heard about this book, I thought Krueger was interviewed about each book individually. That is not the case here, but the Q&A was still the highlight of the book.
If I was Krueger, I would have given this to my readers for free,but given it cost $0.99 it isn't that big of a deal. Overall I went with three stars because there is some value there....more
Denny Malone is an elite New York Police Unit known as the Force. As its leader Malone has a lot of power, and while he wants to use it to be a good cDenny Malone is an elite New York Police Unit known as the Force. As its leader Malone has a lot of power, and while he wants to use it to be a good cop, the wear and the tear of the job has led him down the path of bad cop. As the story unfolds, Malone is swept up by the Feds and has to try to find a way to get out of this jam without bringing everything and everyone he knows down in the process.
Excellent novel. I think Denny Malone is a fascinating character. A bad cop who yearns to be good, but when faced with decisions more often than not, chooses the bad path. Malone is not your typical cop hero, and his complicated character makes for a fascinating read. As with any Don Winslow novel, the plot has a lot of depth and brings you into the fold as you read.
Excellent novel revolving around a complicated character. Well worth the read or listen....more
I really liked the latest in the latest installment in the Mac McRyan series. I think this book was a step up from Deadly Stilwater, #2 in the series.I really liked the latest in the latest installment in the Mac McRyan series. I think this book was a step up from Deadly Stilwater, #2 in the series. I found this book fast paced, and a page turner. Stelljes did a great job using the presidential election theme as a vehicle to drive the story line. Mac McRyan reminds me a lot of another fictional Minnesota detective who does what it takes to get the job done, John Sanford's Lucas Davenport. There characters are very similar. Both are no nonsense detectives who get the job done. Both are independently wealthy, as well as, both being former hockey stars at the University of Minnesota. Stelljes even pays a complement or takes a shot at Sanford, I have't decided which yet, in the book. It comes Mac is talking to his girlfriend, Sally, about some money he recently came into and a possible purchase he might make. Mac tells Sally that "a rich cop with a Porsche is kind of cliche". Sanford's Davenport drives a Porsche 911. I am really looking forward to the next McRyan book, although I am a little disappointed with a possible scenery change for the series. I won't give away where the series might move too. But being a native to the Twin Cities, I alway find it kind of neat to read about a fictional story happening right in your backyard with streets and places you can picture. This is a really good book/series in the crime fighting/thriller genera.
Merged review:
I really liked the latest in the latest installment in the Mac McRyan series. I think this book was a step up from Deadly Stilwater, #2 in the series. I found this book fast paced, and a page turner. Stelljes did a great job using the presidential election theme as a vehicle to drive the story line. Mac McRyan reminds me a lot of another fictional Minnesota detective who does what it takes to get the job done, John Sanford's Lucas Davenport. There characters are very similar. Both are no nonsense detectives who get the job done. Both are independently wealthy, as well as, both being former hockey stars at the University of Minnesota. Stelljes even pays a complement or takes a shot at Sanford, I have't decided which yet, in the book. It comes Mac is talking to his girlfriend, Sally, about some money he recently came into and a possible purchase he might make. Mac tells Sally that "a rich cop with a Porsche is kind of cliche". Sanford's Davenport drives a Porsche 911. I am really looking forward to the next McRyan book, although I am a little disappointed with a possible scenery change for the series. I won't give away where the series might move too. But being a native to the Twin Cities, I alway find it kind of neat to read about a fictional story happening right in your backyard with streets and places you can picture. This is a really good book/series in the crime fighting/thriller genera....more
During the Cuba Missile Crisis a few of the Nuclear missiles bound for Cuba were secretly moved to a remote part of the USSR. Present day with the USSDuring the Cuba Missile Crisis a few of the Nuclear missiles bound for Cuba were secretly moved to a remote part of the USSR. Present day with the USSR no longer around a group of Russians along with Iran as trying to bring the still functioning missiles to Iran for us against the Western Nations. Op Center is called in to try to find the missiles and keep them from falling into Iran’s hands.
This book was good not great. At times I was really engaged in the story, and at times my mind tended to wander. So far, I haven’t been impressed by the reboot of the Op Center Series.
Overall worth picking up if you have read the rest of the series, but I wouldn’t bother if you haven’t. ...more