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The Private Patient (Adam Dalgliesh Mystery)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Authors- A-Z
by: P.D. James

August 28, 2008
There couldn't be a more atmospheric read for when you're safely and warmly curled up on the sofa! The novel maybe full of gruesome murders, windy Dorset December nights, strange characters assembled in a private nursing home - but the reader can cherish all that gruesomeness with just a shiver of horror, safely in the know that P.D. James will bring it to satisfying, psychologically credible end. I really enjoyed this latest novel by a great author, and am sure it will find a great many admirers. I think, it's definitely one of her best.

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World Without End

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by: Ken Follett

October 02, 2008
Having read my copy of "Pillars of The Earth" at least 4 times, I just had to get the follow-up.
Stainding over 1000 pages, its not a tome to pick on a whim, but its another superb travel through historical England. (Don't panick if you still haven't experienced the magnificent "Pillars", as the characters are a few generations on).
Any fans of historical fiction will love this tale of love, deceit and heart-ache. Throw in some meaty action, add some pestilence and suffering, and you're left with a book that will keep you enthralled and captivated.
I loved it. 5 stars once again for Follett!!

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Scarpetta

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by: Patricia Cornwell

November 24, 2008
Having read my copy of "Pillars of The Earth" at least 4 times, I just had to get the follow-up.
Stainding over 1000 pages, its not a tome to pick on a whim, but its another superb travel through historical England. (Don't panick if you still haven't experienced the magnificent "Pillars", as the characters are a few generations on).
Any fans of historical fiction will love this tale of love, deceit and heart-ache. Throw in some meaty action, add some pestilence and suffering, and you're left with a book that will keep you enthralled and captivated.
I loved it. 5 stars once again for Follett!!

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The Brass Verdict

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by: Michael Connelly

October 16, 2008
I have loved almost all of Michael Connelly's books and couldn't wait to read this one, particularly as I really liked the character of Mickey Haller from 'The Lincoln Lawyer'. I was not disappointed and would have given the book 5 stars were it not for two small negatives. The first is the portrayal of Harry Bosch, who appears in the book in a supporting role. We see him through Haller's eyes and he comes across as a very different man to the Bosch we know and love. One of the reviewers has described him as 'shadowy' and I would go so far as to say he is almost one-dimensional in this book. If Connelly's audience didn't know him so well, this would not be such a problem so it is only a minor quibble, however, to anyone reading this book who loves ... Read More:

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Silks

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by: Dick Francis, Felix Francis

September 04, 2008
First sentence: "Guilty."

Barrister and amateur jockey Geoffrey Mason, known as `Perry Mason' by his racing friends. He had once successfully defended a violent young man, Julian Trent. Trent, found guilty nonetheless and swearing revenge against Mason, is now being released on appeal.

Mason receives a call from fellow jockey, Steve Mitchell. Steve has been arrested for the murder of another jockey, the hatred between the two of known was well known. Mason first receives a warning and then a beating, instructing him to lose the trial and ensure Mitchell is convicted. Mason realizes his only option is to stand up to Trent, but a at the risk of his life and those he loves.

Even though this was written by Dick and Felix Francis, ... Read More:

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Doors Open

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Authors- A-Z
by: Ian Rankin

September 16, 2008
It's not a bad book, it's just not that great, and it being Rankin, you do expect something far more than half-decent. And that's all this book is really, half-decent. Compared to most of the Rebus books, it's very thin on the ground plot-wise. Most of the characters are fairly forgettable; though the premise of the heist is not without interest. It's still the page turner we have come to expect from Rankin, but you get the feeling you know what is coming on the next page. To some extent this is true of any author you get used to reading - you get to know the style and way they tell a story. You knew with the Rebus novels that the loose ends would tie up at the end somehow, but not much of an idea how. In this book, the only suspense at the end is over who will be screwing who. ... Read More:

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T is for Trespass

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by: Sue Grafton

October 30, 2008
I came late to Sue Grafton and was so hooked on these marvellous books, I read all of them up to S is for Silence over a period of about a year. It was a long wait until T is for Trespass but the book was well worth the wait. The author gives us economical writing, good plots, a cast of characters to love, what more could a reader want. Roll on U is for ....? but what will we read when she finishes Z, I shall feel as if I've lost a friend in Kinsey Millhone.

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The Appeal

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by: John Grisham

November 20, 2008
This book really gets into the workings of the appeals process and the politics involved in elections within the Supreme Court in the USA. A page turner? Only if you are looking for the story to spark into life and grab you by the collar and shake you senseless and it's when you hit the author's note that you realise that will not happen in this book. Maybe I have come to expect too much from the auhtor but I felt this book lacked a cutting edge that in parts made it tedious and quite boring.

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A Prisoner of Birth

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by: Jeffrey Archer

October 16, 2008
I wouldn't call it "British John Grisham", as the story is more like the count of Monte Cristo in modern world. And Alexandre Duma had created this twist in story long time ago. Nevertheless, the book has it all suspense, conspiracy, Swiss banks, crime & love story. It was an enjoyable read especially after John Grisham's "Innocent man". Both of these books create scary thoughts of innocent men in jail and who is responsible for that or if ever will be punished.
I liked the title of the book "A prisoner of birth" - it proves that it is possible to achieve anything even though people have different upbringings in life. It might just take more time and determination.

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Devil Bones

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Authors- A-Z
by: Kathy Reichs

August 28, 2008
As always, really looking forward to the latest Tempe tome. Really wish I hadn't bothered. Characters didn't seem to care much about what was happening, and neither did I. Ryan turns up and......what happens? Well, nothing. Tempe attacked and hospitalised, does Katy turn up to see her? No. Unless you just want to collect a 'set' of Reichs novels, skip this one. Did I mention that it was also rather depressing/ Not in content, but in tone and style. Avoid.