MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS

The Last Precinct by Patricia Cornwell

Kay Scarpetta is a force to be reckoned with but in this book she is more of a victim.

I’m guessing it is a follow up book but there was enough back store to enable it to stand alone.   I’m not particularly squeamish but I do find the details in many of Cornwell’s books a bit over the top.  A serial killer with obvious genetic defects and who is a member of a mob is the obvious villain but less obvious is the petty minded, jealous incompetents who work to undermine Scarpetta’s reputation.

The book was interesting and a good entertaining read. 

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

The Match by Harlan Coben

DNA matching is quite the rage.  Kids want their parents to do it to see what disorders might be passed to them.  (Besides the normal how my parents screwed me up societal issues.)  Coben’s main character is mysterious.  A feral child with no record of family, Wilde inputs his DNA to a commercial site in hopes of tracking down some family.  This is how the plot train leaves the station.

Coben reflects a dismay and distain for reality TV.  Despite the fact that some very nice folks I know actually watch that drivel, I heartily concur with Coben.  There is NO reality in reality TV just horrible scripting.   (personal bias perhaps)  A reality star reaches out to Wilde and then disappears.  Wilde is determined to discover family connections and is not afraid of diving into some deep waters.

 In addition to the DNA theme is that of Internet Trolls, bot farms and Karma.   A cyber-vigilante group comes into play when PB the reality star is cybernetically raped.   The ugly reality (actual reality) of fake news and Internet Trolling is shown.  

 Coben addresses may social issues in a highly readable format.

 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

Dark Sacred Night by Michael Connelly

Bosch finds an unlikely partner in straight arrow Ballard.  They are working two cold cases, Daisy a forgotten teen and Uncle Murda, an unlamented but nevertheless murder victim.

Bosch working as a reserve officer and Ballard working as a full time detective find their different styles and methodology mesh surprisingly well.   Both cold cases grow combust into dumpster fires.  Bosch and Ballard find themselves under scrutiny and bound together by death.

Connelly always writes a good story with little sidebars that may be poignant or tragic.

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

Devoted by Dean Koontz

Koontz is inordinately fond of Golden Retrievers.  They have been featured in several of his books I’ve read.   This book features a megalomaniac seeking to enhance and extend human life and potential regardless of the cost in lives and money. The resultant failure leads to a murderous spree that impacts Woody, an autistic child and Kipp, a Golden Retriever.

The cast of characters is fairly extensive with two teams of Dark Web killers, a retired Navy Seal, a disillusioned medical examiner, a grieving employee, and a variety of greed motivated accomplices.

Koontz’s characters believe in the innate goodness of dogs and the potential to increase the bond between humans and their canine companions.

Having once been graced with the love of a Golden Retriever it is hard to argue Koontz’s fantasies.

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