The Devil’s Star by Jo Nesbo

This is a complicated mystery. The fact that it was translated from the Norwegian did not help matters. A serial murder is tracked by an alcoholic cop with one foot in the grave. The murders are almost a subplot to the self redemption of Harry Hole, the alcoholic cop.

Complicated, convoluted, intricate and compelling all describe this story. I had trouble getting into it. I persevered and am glad I did so. Harry Hole is not terribly likeable but he is brilliant and insightful. The book is populated by a lot of un-likeable characters. The author leads you down a twisted path of mental aberration, unfulfilled emotions and thwarted desires. There are also discernible societal differences between the American ethos and the Norwegian. The book is not an easy read but it is a worthwhile read.

I recommend it.

Damaged by Alex Kava

I’ve never read a Maggie O’Dell novel before. I intend to read more. The book features profiler Maggie O’Dell and Coast Guard Swimmer Liz Bailey. The two women successfully challenge stereotypes in their respective careers. The impact of a hurricane and the mystery of floating body parts provides the setting for this compelling thriller.

Alex Kava puts together a blood stirring story. It was difficult to put this down and for those of us who read multiple books simultaneously it was even worse. The characters were both likeable and believable. I particularly enjoyed Liz’s father and his reaction to retirement. I guess due to my own life state, I found that very interesting. The action was sufficient and the plot complicated enough to hold your unwavering attention.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Alex Kava

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Lay Down My Sword And Shield by James Lee Burke

This book details the rebirth of Hackberry Holland. He returned from the Korean War, rebuilt his life and now he is recreating himself. The hard panned setting and historic family background contribute to his reassessment of his identity.
Describing the book doesn’t really do justice to the story or it’s fluidity. The author reminds me of Pat Conroy and his poetry like prose. The descriptions of the countryside and people are thorough and beautiful. Hack’s experiences as a POW in Korea are horrific. His sublimation of both experience and emotions would fit quite well with PTSD victims in today’s conflicts. His drinking appears to be fuel by displaced anger. Hack’s reactions to his environment and his refusal to be what his family expects him to be as opposed to what he wants to be is a thumbnail of the book’s plot.

We tend to forget how recent equal rights are. There are parts of the book that seem practically fantastic that are supported by facts and recollection of the times. I suspect younger readers may even find some of the incidents hard to believe. Burke’s book was extraordinarily done.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of James Lee Burke

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Guardian of the Vision by Irene Radford

Soul searching could best describe this book. Radford forces her twin or is it triplet, protagonists to search their souls for the strength of their convictions. The Merlin is ever present, whether male of female and influences events regularly. There is a large dose of history and intimate fictional insight to the reign of Elizabeth I and other royals of the period. Action and magic abound to keep the blood flowing when the introspection becomes tedious. A sound conclusion finishes the trilogy. I liked the trilogy and the book.

Body of work of Irene Radford

Review: http://www.sfsite.com/07b/gv132.htm

Web Site: http://www.theflyingparty.com/radford/

Shadows of War by Larry Bond and Jim Defelice

Global warming plays havoc with the world’s economy. The inevitable conflict between those that have and those that don’t begins. China is seen as an implacable foe that threatens the security of the entire world. The U.S. finds itself in the paradoxical support of a former enemy.
The only criticism I have of this book is that I found it’s premise entirely too believable. The authors pain a gloomy picture of the not so distant future. There was plenty of action and heroic acts. I liked the metamorphic transformation of Josh from the mild mannered Clark Kent to Rambo. The transformation struck me as a metaphor of the character of the U.S. Our nation has a historic repute for acts of kindness to countries that appear to abhor us. Despite that attitude we labor to do good in the world. Other countries often perceive that as weakness until they try our patience one too many times and find they are in the tiger not riding it.

I liked the characters, the setting was clearly painted and the story moved well.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Larry Bond
Body of work of Jim Defelice

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