The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay

A female cop still takes heat in our so called enlightened society. Gay shows how hot it can get in a future that has put Charlie Madigan on the front line with an alien partner and a refusal to admit who she truly is. Plenty of action in a good mystery with scifi and urban fantasy co-mingled.

If you read my reviews at all, you know I like butt kicking females. It has been suggested that my family contains some delicate flowers who have the propensity and audacity to compete and win against the “stronger” gender. Charlie Madigan is a butt kicker, par excellent. Gay grounded the character with self doubt, a deep loyalty to those around her and an abiding affection for her daughter. Threats to family lie in the arena of unimaginable retaliation and revenge; I feel the author captured that essence with a lot of realism. Kelly Gay did a marvelous job painting the scenes. You felt like you were looking over Hank’s shoulder as he backed up Charlie.

I highly recommend the book and can't wait for the 2nd book.

Body of work of Kelly Gay


Review:

Web Site:

True Blue by David Baldacci

Baldacci introduces the Perry sisters in this new release. Beth Perry is the Chief of Police for Washington D. C. Mace Perry is an ex-con, ex-cop. The story revolves around Mace Perry striving to regain her badge and finding out who framed her. A government black operation intrudes on her search and threatens her life. The interplay between sisters adds interesting color.

I always find Baldacci hard to put down. This book is no exception; it makes it difficult to get to bed because you figure just one more page which of course turns into one or more chapters. The relationship between the sisters and between Mace and Roy provide a level of tension that fuels the plot. Baldacci spends some time depicting Mace’s character as this is obviously the start of a new series of book. The book has an intricate plot with apparent parallels to current events. It is a page turner.

I recommend the book and am dismayed that a sequel isn’t immediately available. I enjoyed it.

Body of work of David Baldacci

Review: http://printedpage.us/2009/09/07/true-blue-by-david-baldacci/


Web Site: http://www.davidbaldacci.com/web/

Contagion by Robin Cook

Contagion sets the stage with some incidents in the beginning of the book that eventually you come back to see their impact. The book deals with managed health care and a thinly disguised disdain for the same. The protagonist struggles with his emotional stability based on personal loss. There is plenty of action, social interplay, socio-racial commentary and intrigue. It was entrancing but uncomfortable to read, primarily due to the plausibility of the premise.

Body of work of Robin Cook

Review of the book: http://www.bentrim.info/bookreviews.htm

Site: Amazingly doesn’t seem to have one.

Charisma by Steven Barnes

Sometimes a book is truly scary due to it’s plausibility rather than it’s intent to be frightening. Barnes did an excellent job in portraying a situation that could arise. He set up characters that were believable and portrayed them with wide emotional brushes. You really dislike the bad guys but are somewhat confused by your emotions for the “good” guys. Kids are involved and if even fictional harm to kids is hard for you, this may not be your cup of tea. I have a tendency to get emotionally overwrought if kids are threatened so you may want to have a calming glass of wine at your side as you read. I found the book an excellent read and frankly quite different from the rest of Barnes’ stuff I have read.

Body of work of Steven Barnes

Web Site:  https://stevenbarneslife.wordpress.com/