Hideout by Louisa Luna

Alice Vega is a strange protagonist.  She appears to have issues with interpersonal relations.  She is a PI hired to find Zeb Williams, an athlete of dubious distinctions.   The search leads to racism, murder and abuse.  

Vega has a relationship with Cap which could have used some backstory.   Cap and his daughter have a relationship which seems to have the daughter as the more responsible of the pair.  

Vega’s connection to reality is tenuous at best.   She has impulsive uses of violence and there doesn’t appear to be any lasting consequences to her impulsive behavior.

The book was interesting with a complex plot, I enjoyed it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Walk the Wire by David Baldacci

Amos Decker, the Memory Man, is back in this book.  He and the very patient and tolerant Alex Jamison are sent to North Dakota with no understanding  of why they have been sent to a “simple” murder.   London, North Dakota is a hot bed of fracking and also has an Air Force installation.  To add to the mix there is a religious colony and two at odds wealthy families.

Baldacci brought Robie and Reel to the party as well.  I am fond of cross overs.  You really need to read Baldacci to follow all of this. 

The locals find mayhem and murder blossoming under their feet as Decker and Jamison attempt to solve a murder mystery.

Secrets abound and with them are the roots of the mayhem.

As always I enjoy Baldacci’s work and highly recommend him. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Stranger in Paradise by Robert B. Parker

I still enjoy Parker stories even though Spencer and Hawk aren’t in the Paradise books.  Parker creates a similar repartee between Crow and Jesse.  Crow, who claims to be an Apache warrior, comes back to Paradise to instigate a war.  Crow relishes pitting his skills against a worthy adversary.  He also has a thing for women of all ages.  Protective of the young and predatory on those of age, Crow is an enigma.  

Jesse and Jenn are still trying to determine if they should be together.  The roots of that question are explored in this chapter of their lives.

Molly provides a surprise as does Suit.

The book was entertaining.

 This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Deceived by Mary Keliikoa

This is a Kelly Pruett mystery.   Denied was the first Kelly Pruett mystery I read.   In that review I lamented the often-insane risks that Kelly, as a PI, takes.  I also noted there was no sexism involved.  I would lament the same risks taken by anyone with common sense.   Kelly is asked to investigate the disappearance of Amber, the granddaughter of a frequent client. 

The investigation leads to drug sales, drug abuse, abuse of women, murder, arson and more.   Kelly’s boyfriend, Kyle, proved a disappointment in his inability to maintain skepticism.   Kelly shows compassion and finally recognizes that her risky behavior is due to her trying to prove to her dead father that she measures up.

It was a good plot with plenty of speed.

I recommend the book. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Black Cross by Greg Iles

The development of poison gas for use against the D-Day invasion is the core of the book. The fact that the development occurs in a concentration camp provides an enormous amount of pathos.   McConnell and Stern, an unlikely duo of pacifist and Jewish activist are chosen to derail the production of the gas.

My own father served in WWII in an army chemical company.  Their job was to respond with chemicals if the Nazis used them first.  This story resonated with family history. 

Iles is a master of character creation.  He provides subtle nuances that engender his characters with body and spirit.  In addition to his characterizations, he cultivates an intricate and complex plot. 

Much of this book was horrific but it was captivating.

I highly recommend it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

One Good Deed by David Baldacci

Aloysius Archer is a thoughtful and far too considerate young man with an eye for the opposite sex. On being released from prison, he finds himself embroiled in a relationship with several women, none of whom have his best interests at heart. 

The plot is intricate and you can almost taste the dust in your throat after the area’s 6 year drought.   The hog killing provides another visceral image that is h ard to shake.

Baldacci has created yet another likeable character who seems to find his one foot constantly on a banana peel.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned