Hunting The King

Hunting the King

Peter Clenott

4 out of 5

One more book in the “just like Da Vinci Code”, but the only difference is, this one is good.

In 2003, as America is invading Iraq, a discovery is made that leads Molly O’Dwyer to believe that Hannaniah, the supposed daughter of Jesus, is there and Molly must find the remains before they are lost forever. Being an observant Catholic, she battles herself over the bigger picture. If she finds and reveals them to the world, what will happen to the Christian faith? With a long list of characters that had me a bit confused at times, Molly and her fellow scientist’s race through Iraq and Afghanistan following clues that Hannaniah herself left in her poetry. Climaxing in a battle of good vs evil and who can outwit who, Clenot has you on the edge of your seat until the final pages.

The brutality of the time and place are not lost on the reader, Clenott manages to carry the reader through Abu Ghraib and into the beauty of the country that protects their traditions and will fight to withhold them.

What I respected Clenott for was his implying but not really coming out and saying who the mother of the child was. Mary Magdalene’s name had been mentioned in the book as a follower, but it was never said outright that she was the mother of Hannaniah. I’m glad he didn’t get caught up in the current hype and let the reader reach their own conclusion. The one thing that did caused me to mark the book down one star was the fact that the lead character was a diabetic, but yet was able to go long days without eating and only needing one insulin shot. I don’t know why Clenott included this tidbit about his character since it really wasn’t necessary and for me, drew me away from the story. Having lived with my father, a diabetic for years, this didn’t make sense to me and kept drawing me away from the story.

Apparently, this is the first in a planned series and I look forward to see more from this writer and Molly O’Dwyer.

Amazon Review:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2MGRI715O0NIV/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

100 Cupboards

100 Cupboards

N. D. Wilson

3 out of 5

Young Henry is sent off to live with his aunt, uncle and cousins to Henry Iowa after his parents are kidnapped while on an unexplained world traveling adventure. Since there isn't an extra bedroom in the house, that is except of the room that his grandfather died in and no one can get the door open, Henry is sent to live up in the attic. This wouldn't be so bad, except for the fact that the plaster starts to crack and suddenly reveals 100 cupboard doors of all shapes and sizes. These are not just any cupboard doors, but are portals to very strange places. This very odd very slow moving story leaves too much up to the reader, there is not much explanation as to why or even how, but yet you get the feeling that this is supposed to be the beginning of a series that will slowly, and I mean slowly, unfold. The last chapter or two is what makes the book, but getting there is quite a chore.

Carpool Diem

Carpool Diem

Nancy Star

5 out of 5

Funny premise. Annie Flemming, a high powered woman, has always felt that her life was darn near perfect. Her husband and daughter have no problem with her choosing her career and travel over them, the baby-sitter takes up the slack and other things are adjusted for. Annie leaves notes and detail daily plans - what could go wrong. That is until it all comes crashing down. Well, the unthinkable happens and Annie is forced out of her high powered career. When she returns home and sees her life and family for what they are her life starts to spin out of control. Her husband isn't nearly as tough as she thought and her daughter Charlotte doesn't seem to have the same type of drive that mom does. Well, that will soon change if Annie has anything to say about it. So, what does take-no-prisoners Annie do, she applies her know how and becomes a soccer mom. If she can organize and motivate a boardroom how hard could this be. Little did she know that the cut throat atmosphere of the elite level of travel team soccer could do her and her daughter in. Very funny moments, but I did take it a little personally when a comment was made about "if you think soccer is bad, have you ever tried to talk to a hockey mom". If it wasn't so true, it would have been funny. Great book if you do or have ever had kids in highly competitive sports. More than one character will have you spinning down the hall of memories and certain parents and coaches that made you want to scream.

The Sixth Target

The Sixth Target

James Patterson

4 out of 5

I know that this series doesn't rate very high with most people, but I really enjoy it.

Each character has their own voice and style, with a definite feel of who they are. The story begins with a mass shooting on the ferry where one of the Murder Club's own is left struggling for her life and if that's not enough there is a rash of child prodigy kidnapping- but no ransom demands that leaves Boxer and the department stupefied. Not only that, but Lindsey has now been demoted, which isn't quite what she wanted and a personal life in turmoil. I enjoy the multiple storylines that have you bouncing back and forth with little tidbits thrown in that keep you wondering along the way. The "who-done-its" are easy to see and the "why's" aren't too complicated, but the way they bounce back and forth are what kept me reading.

Oh, and there is a nice little surprise near the end that will be interesting to see how it unfolds. Just love these Murder Club girls.

The House at Riverton

The House At Riverton

Kate Morton

4 out of 5

The whole time I was reading this I could only think about how much it reminded me of The Thirteenth Tale.

The story is mostly told through the eyes of 14 year old Grace Reeves who has taken a position with her mother's former employer at Riverton House in 1914. Grace begins in the kitchen and is able to view the family from this unseen position. When she enters the house, she is the same age the two young girls, though virtually invisible to them, but yet turns into their confidant. And within time, rises to the unfathomable position of ladies maid to Hannah. But things become quite topsy-turvy when at the age of 98 Grace is approached by a movie producer and is asked to be a kind of consultant for a movie about the lives of Hannah and Emmeline. As all the memories begin to flood back, Grace begins her own telling of the tale that reveals her secrets, plus the truth as to what really happened the night that a family friend and poet Robbie Hunter died in the summer house.

The truths and lies are revealed slowly and sometimes quite subtly. A few, "oh, now I get it" moments and a couple of "could they be that naïve" moments, but over all an appealing read. I just wish that it wouldn't have been so drawn out. Quite slow moving in some places and then suddenly it's over. The ending is very good, and makes up for the other slower parts. Just wish that it could have maintained a more even flow.