It's that time again...my favorite monthly link-up because I love me some books!
Gathering Prey by John Sandford - This is the 25th book in the Lucas Davenport series (and I've read all the previous 24). Admittedly, it is getting kinda predictable. I will always like Davenport as a character, but it is difficult to keep these stories fresh. The inclusion of his adoptive daughter being more prominent in this storyline helped. In not-so-typical mystery/thriller fashion, the reader knows who the bad guys are. The reader knows Davenport is going to catch the bad guys. The fun is finding out how he does it. 3.5/5
Killer by Jonathan Kellerman - Another series that I am loyal to, this is the 29th book. I really enjoy Alex Delaware & his buddy, Milo Sturgis. This was a good thriller/mystery, and you wouldn't need to read any previous Delaware books to read this one. I knew all along who didn't do it, but I was at a loss who did until it was wrapped up. 4/5
Missing by Sam Hawken - I found this book while roaming a bookstore in Texas. It has a cool cover with a sugar skull that caught my attention. It's a mystery/thriller that takes place at the Mexican/Texan border; that caught my attention too. Missing persons, cartels, police corruption, violence, sex workers, murder, human trafficking...what's not to love? Ok. Maybe, "love" isn't the best choice of when discussing those topics, but I'm really glad I grabbed this one, and I'm interested in reading more from this author. 4/5
Last Night at the Viper Room by Gavin Edwards - A seemingly well-researched story of the gone-too-soon life of River Phoenix. With an unconvential family and lifestyle, his personal history is intriguing. An early vegan, he was passionate and committed to certain beliefs. Quotes, stories, and anecdotes are used to describe "undereducated and over intelligent" young man. This book also reads as a who's who in the cool kids from the late 80s, early 90s'...specifically whose life crossed with River's and/or who hung out at The Viper Room. My big criticism is the book felt more textbook and cold; some of the topics deserved to make the reader emote and feel more than the author told the story. 3.5/5
Quick plug: I host a book challenge that begins July 1st - it's a group of book lovers from several countries - you can participate as much or as little as you like - join the facebook page ------> Book Challenge by Erin
Now, time to show me your books!
That Missing sugar skull book sounds good, not normally my kind of thing but a good way to try something new since I like watching tv shows about all the stuff you mentioned!!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to have to check out the River Phoenix book!
ReplyDeleteooooh a new challenge? i need to get on facebook more. i didn't even finish the last one, lol
ReplyDeleteIs that the most recent Alex Delaware? I've also read them all and think I've read that but if it's new new, I haven't.
ReplyDeleteI've only read one Lucas Davenport. I should go back to the beginning.
I don't do book challenges really but I did join the group because I like to read about them. LOL
The fact that there is a character out there named Alex Delaware amuses me to no end. I'd never heard of him before you and Steph talked about it. I should check it out because, you know, DELAWARE. And I'm glad you turned me onto John Sandford. I have a bunch of books on hold at the library and once that list is cleared out, I'm going to add more of his books.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe there are 25 books in the John Sandford series. That kind of blows my mind. I should check out the River Pheonix bio. As we've talked about I love gritty entertainment bios and he had such an interesting upbringing and life and such a tragic end. Plus I grew up thinking he was such a babe and owned all his movies.
ReplyDeleteMissing and Last Night at the Viper Room look really good to me!
ReplyDeleteOoooh, Missing looks good! I'll have to check that one out. :)
ReplyDeleteOoo your book challenge sounds amazing! I joined the facebook group and am going to start compiling a list of the books tonight. - Svetlana @ Life with a Side of Wine
ReplyDeleteThese all look good! My mom has given me a lot of Sandford books but I don't think I've ever read any. I have read some Alex Delaware but not all of them. I'll definitely check out this one.
ReplyDeleteMissing sounds intriguing. It is so hard for me to get into the detective series, I feel like so many of them follow the same pattern. Maybe I should branch out and try a new one.
ReplyDeleteKiller sounds really good but I feel like I need to start from the beginning.
ReplyDeleteMissing sounds really good! I'll have to check that one out.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'll have to check out missing, it sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteI am up for joining a book challenge :)
Missing sounds like a great book! Good luck with your July reading challenge!
ReplyDeleteI remember the day River Phoenix died. It still makes me sad. I really liked him. That book sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteI always love to read about your books! I need to check out the River Phoenix book, that is for sure.
ReplyDeleteWe have a book challenge starting on the 15th but Ill try to do yours too :)
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