"Cut and Run"

"Cut and Run" is another Joe Hunter thriller by Matt Hilton and I've been reading the series in order since I discovered Hilton and Hunter.  I've learned to put everything else aside when I start one of these books so I planned the day after Thanksgiving as the day to read "Cut and Run" in its entirety.

Joe Hunter is Ex-CIA and Special Ops who came from England originally.  He's made a lot of enemies during his covert career but he is puzzled by current events.  Someone (who looks enough like him to be him or his twin) is murdering people in his name.  When the police want to question him, more people end up dead and Hunter realizes he has to be free to solve who is behind this and why they are targeting him and his friends.  But where can he turn for help -- who will help him now?

Although there are clues throughout as to possible suspects behind what appears to be revenge pure and simple, even I was blown away when I discovered who was pulling the strings behind the scenes and who was helping him or her.  This is another great read by Hunter full of twists and turns.  Reading it is like being there and I can't help but wonder how Hilton knows so much about the world of covert ops.  pazt

"Mind Prey"

I'm reading John Sandford's Lucas Davenport "Prey" series in order and just finished "Mind Prey" which (like his other books) kept me on the edge of my seat while reading yet another of his satisfying thrillers.  It's an over three hundred page hardback which I couldn't read in one setting so I have to confess that I did peek at the ending along the way.  Despite that I did read every word of the book!

Deputy Chief Lucas Davenport is called in to help find Andi Manette, a psychiatrist, who was kidnapped along with her two young daughters as they were leaving the girls' school.  Everyone close to her is a suspect -- her estranged husband, her business partner, her father, her stepmother, and her patients.  Lucas knows that time is of the essence in a kidnapping if they hope to find them alive so he and his team go into overdrive looking for clues that might tell them who is behind the kidnapping and what it is they hope to achieve from it.  Will there be a ransom or is this revenge for something?

In the meantime, Manette and her daughters are being held in an isolated farmhouse and, while Lucas tries to find them in time, she works with her daughters to save all of them from a captor obsessed with her.  As is usual with the Sandford novels I've read, this one is full of twists and turns as we follow Lucas' investigation.  Sandford is an amazing story teller!  pazt

"The Killing Moon"

"The Killing Moon" is N. K. Jemisin's first book in her new Dreamblood series.  It was published in 2012 and a second book was due out in 2013.

Although I love to read Jemisin's books, I have to admit to having some difficulty figuring out the worlds she creates.  Reading this one might have been easier if I'd discovered the Glossary in the back of the book before I started reading it versus after I'd finished it!  Jemisin does such a good job of creating an alternate world that it is like reading a foreign language in English at times.

"The Killing Moon" is set in the ancient city-state of Gujaareh and revolves around the ruling Prince and his only surviving sibling - a brother, Ehiru.  While the Prince rules, Ehiru is a "Gatherer" - one of those responsible for enforcing Hananja's law.  The principle tenet of this law is peace.  Gatherers are responsible for culling the final dream that occurs at the moment of death because it is useful for bringing peace.

In carrying out his duties, Ehiru discovers something amiss in Gujaareh and he can't continue to carry out his duties without further investigation.  However, that puts his own life at risk as well as the lives of anyone around him.  As he uncovers a plot to threaten the peace, it will lead to a showdown with his brother, the Prince, as well as an attempt to stave off a war.

Now that I've clued you in about the glossary at the end of the book, you have an opportunity read it with much more understanding all along rather than trying to puzzle it out on your own like I did!  Learn more about this author at www.nkjemisin.com and read her humorous self-interview at the end of this book.   pazt

"The Illusion of Separateness"

"The Illusion of Separateness" by Simon Van Booy is one of two novels he has written in addition to a couple of collections of short stories, a children's bedtime story picture book, and he's also edited  three non-fiction philosophy books.  Van Booy was awarded an MFA and won the H. R. Hays Poetry Prize as well as the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award.  He has written for the New York Times, the Guardian, NPR, and BBC.

Van Booy was born in London and grew up in South Wales and Oxford before playing football in Kentucky.  He has lived in Athens and Paris and currently resides in Brooklyn with his wife and daughter.  His web site is www.SimonVanBooy.com.

Although "The Illusion of Separateness" is a novel, it reads like a series of short stories and the author writes brief chapters on his characters.  The story is  inspired by true events and tells the interwoven stories of "a deformed German infantryman; a lonely British film director; a young, blind museum curator; two Jewish American newlyweds separated by war; and a caretaker at a retirement home for actors in Santa Monica."

In the acknowledgements at the end of the book, Van Booy tells us about the real life people who inspired this story.

It's a quick, fascinating read that I couldn't put down. Reading this makes me want to read more of his work so I'm moving next to one of his collection of short stories.  pazt

"rizzoli & isles" The Complete Fourth Season

The complete fourth season of "rizzoli & isles" again features Angie Harmon as Detective Jane Rizzoli and Sasha Alexander as Dr. Maura Isles.  This is my favorite season to date and I'm disappointed that the fifth season is not yet available on DVD!

In addition to solving homicides (and there are some interesting cases here with some unexpected outcomes!) this season takes us into the personal lives of Jane and Maura at a deeper level that really allows us to gain more insights into them and their families.  Every member of Jane's family is highlighted at some point in the series including her father who divorced and abandoned her mother and moved off to Florida.  He's in for a surprise when he discovers his ex-wife is a new person -- a very strong woman with a new life that doesn't include him.

Maura is drawn into the lives of her birth family including her gangster grandfather who never wanted her to be born.  As she struggles to be a sister and a daughter/granddaughter, Jane provides support and some great insights.

Jane is also struggling over her relationship with Lt. Col. Casey Jones.  He returns to Boston on leave and asks her to marry him.  However, he's in line for a promotion and could become a general - something he's always wanted.  How can Jane ask him to leave the Army now?  On the other hand, how can he ask Jane to leave a job that she loves and is very good at.  Maura finds it hard to be objective because she doesn't want Jane to leave either.

The season ends -- as do a lot of seasons -- with unresolved questions thus my disappointment at not being able to start season 5 immediately!  pazt

"I'll Never Be Long Gone"

I'll Never Be Long Gone" is the third of 5 novels by Thomas Christopher Greene but the first one I have read.  This one features brothers Charlie and Owen Bender who must put their lives together after their father's death and their mother's return from rural Vermont to New York City where she and their dad lived in their early married years.

Charlie inherits the restaurant his father owned and invested his life in while Owen is left a note by his father telling him to follow his own path -- wherever that might take him.  The brothers have always been close but the death of their father separates them as Charlie lives alone in the family home and runs the restaurant and Owen sets off to find himself.  Enter Claire (Owen's high school girlfriend) who takes a job in the restaurant as a chef working along side Charlie and romance blossoms but what will happen if/when Owen returns?

This is a story of complex family dynamics and love and loss -- very well written which means I'll be checking out his first book, "Mirror Lake," next.  pazt

"Fifty Shades of Kale" Cookbook

"Fifty Shades of Kale" is a 2013 cookbook authored by Dr. Drew Ramsey (of DrewRamseyMD.com) and Jennifer Iserloh (of http://skinnychef.com or Skinny Chef on Social Media).

Three years ago when I began helping individuals adopt a healthier lifestyle and change their eating patterns, I discovered Kale -- mostly in the form of Kale Chips.  However, my version of Kale Chips is time consuming and disappointing because the chips are gone so soon after they come out of the oven!  I love to eat them but hate spending the time making something that, though obviously liked, disappears so quickly.

I recently discovered "Fifty Shades of Kale" at my local library and took it on my ocean getaway with me.  There is a wealth of information in there about Kale and why it is so good for us.  Did you know that it delivers a huge dose of Vitamin K (more than 600% of your daily allowance per serving) and more vitamin C than an orange?  This book is full of those facts and many more.  A caution, though, it is best to buy organic kale and read this book for tips on how to wash, store and prepare kale as well as what else to have in your pantry to be well equipped to make the kale dishes they provide recipes for.

The sections are:

"Morning Quickies" which includes a Huevos Rancheros dish that I plan to try very soon but there are several others in this section that appeal to me.  I choose to make the  Huevos Rancheros  a quick supper, though, for me and my spouse along with some fruit.

"Small Bites" and again there are many recipes in this section I want to try but the "Kale with Goat Cheese and Dried Cherries" sounds so yummy that it has to be one of my first to test.

"Vegetarian Bliss" also has several recipes to tempt me and, even though I'm trying to avoid dairy products, I am going to try the "Grilled Cheese 'n Kale."  T"he "Warm Kale With Beets and Ginger" as well as the "Black Bean Soup with Fresh Lime" and the "Green Pizza" are at the top of my list, too.

"Get Satisfied" includes a number of meat dishes and although I am trying to wean myself away from meat, it's hard for a  girl formerly from Kansas who grew up on beef and poultry fresh from her grandparents' farms.  That said I believe I will get some free range chicken and try the "Chicken Enchiladas" - are you getting a hint that I like Mexican food?  Who could resist the "Beef and Kale Tacos" and a "Beef Burger with Grilled Kale" or the "Pasta e Fagioli" either?  Ok, so I'm not even going to try resisting!  I might try some meat substitutes and see if those will be just as satisfying in these dishes.

The "Naughty and Nice" section has a recipe for "Chocolate Chip Kale Cookies" that looks absolutely delicious and the "Dark Tropical Kiss" appears to be a dessert version of "Kale chips" that I must try.

There's also a "Party With Your Girl" section that gives general ideas about adding Kale to party appetizers.  The "Get Sneaky with Her" shows you ways to add Kale to some of your favorite dishes to make sure you add it to your diet daily.

Much appreciated is the Metric Conversion Chart and other charts in the back as well as the list of Resources..

This is one of the most "energizing" cookbooks I've read in a while -- I want to go out and buy ingredients and start testing these recipes immediately so tomorrow I'm going to do just that!  pazt

"Grain Mains - 100 Surprising and Satisfying Whole Grain Recipes for Every Meal of the Day"

"Grain Mains - 101 Surprising and Satisfying Whole Grain Recipes for Every Meal of the Day" is a meat-friendly, vegan, and vegetarian cookbook authored by Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough.  I am trying to move toward a more plant-based diet so I checked out this recipe book from my local library.  It is full of good information about why eating grains can benefit my health as well as recipes that make me want to go to the kitchen and start cooking.

The book is divided into 4 sections:  Introduction, Early, Cold, and Warm.  Vegan and Vegetarian recipes are clearly marked throughout and some non vegan and non vegetarian recipes have tips to make them so.
The introduction is thorough and covers types of grains and cooking methods.

Since it is easiest to get my spouse to try something new if it is at least familiar, I'll probably start with the burger recipes - maybe the Barley and Pecan Burgers first or the Black Quinoa and Black Bean Burgers?  For myself I want to try all the breakfast ones!  There are a couple of slow-cooker porridge recipes that should make the mornings I work go more smoothly. 

I love cookbooks - in fact, I think I may gain weight just from reading them.  I used to collect them more than I used them so now I'm checking them out from the library before I make a decision as to whether I want this book permanently in my home.  Will it be something I'll use regularly?  I'm still testing this one but I love all the good information in it and the recipes appear to be user friendly.  The more complicated ones I may avoid because I'm into simple, healthy cooking these days.  pazt

"Gone For Good"

"Gone for Good" is another thriller by Harlan Coben full of twists and turns and surprises throughout!

As Will Klein's mother lies dying, she tells him that his older brother, Ken, who has been presumed dead is actually alive.  Ken disappeared after his former girlfriend was found murdered in her family's basement eleven years ago.  He was presumed to have either been the murderer or another victim now dead.

After his mother's funeral, Will begins to search for the truth while his father and older sister urge him to leave it alone as they are convinced his brother is dead.  As he pursues the truth, though, the younger sister of the murdered girl comes to him offering her assistance.  Will they discover the truth or only cause more heartache along the way and endanger their own lives?

As usual, Coben has crafted a tale that I couldn't put down and I look forward to reading another of his books soon!  pazt

"A Madness of Angels"

"A Madness of Angels" (Or, The Resurrection of Matthew Swift) is Kate Griffin's first novel for adults.  Griffin is the pseudonym for Catherine Webb who is a Carnegie Medal nominated Young Adult author based in London.  Go to www.kategriffin.net to learn more about this fantasy author who apparently also writes under another pseudonymn - Claire North!  Her first novel was published when she ws 14 years old under the name of Catherine Webb.

The "A Madness of Angels" version I read is a 458 page hardback book which I had to keep returning to the library and requesting again because the size of the book was daunting and I was never willing to put it ahead of the other books I had checked out from the library.  However, my spouse and I just went on a mini vacation to the Washington coast .  ( If you haven't discovered the cabins at Kalaloch Lodge, they are not to be missed.  Off-season pricing also helps.  We settled into Cabin 5 for 4 nights with our books plus DVD's to watch on our laptop because these rooms do not come with TV's or phones and the only cell phone coverage I had was texting and even that wasn't always reliable.  We had a free breakfast at the lodge every morning so we'd eat late then I'd cook a very simple meal for an early dinner and our final meal was nuts and chocolates while we were watching a DVD later in the evening.  That left me lots of time for reading and I was able to finish one book while I was there, make notes on a couple of cookbooks I had checked out from the library, and spend a day+ reading this complete novel.)

Two years after he dies Matthew Swift, the sorcerer, is alive again -- coming back to life on the floor in the master bedroom of his old residence but now someone else is living there.  He stumbles out of the house and immediately is in danger of being killed again.  As he tries to protect himself, he begins to search for his old friends and finds they were all killed after he was.  The world has changed a lot in the last two years but he is seeking vengeance and pulls together an unlikely assortment to help him find it.

This novel is set in London where my oldest daughter, who is married to a Brit, has lived for the past sixteen years -- making it a great vacation spot for me and my spouse.  I loved the references to spots in London that I've been to that are interwoven in this fantasy.

The author also has some great insights into homelessness as well as compassion for the homeless.  The first discourse is on page 157 of the hardback version and I particularly like the last paragraph;  "Thus, with a single swoop, the entire population of old, young, black, white, frightened, bold, subdued, cowering, cold, ill, hungry, thirsty, dirty or addicted are classified as self-destructive, and every ignored face, every shadow blotted out of the memory of the stranger on the street, can be classed by a single word - failed."

My church did a project earlier this year involving the homeless in our area and it has helped me look at those asking for money at street corners in a new light.  My goal is to help when I can and not judge nor make assumptions about how they might spend any money I give them.  I felt this same sense of non-condemnation throughout the book and it was a wonderful reminder for me because this way of thinking is new to me and needs reaffirming.

At the top of page 293 there is a section about giving money to charities and using that as a way of justifying not giving to someone on the street because you've allocated your resources elsewhere and can feel like you're doing your part that way.

Another section I really enjoyed was on page 363 (a section better left for you to read!) where Matthew is having a conversation with a nurse treating him and it's about the 3 things that make Britain great - the  first is their inability to play sports but their willingness to keep trying because this year it might be different.  The second thing is the BBC and the third is the NHS.

So, now that I've made it through "A Madness of Angels" and liked it what next?  There are three more books in the Matthew Swift series so it's time to move on to the next one.  When I finish this series, the author has another one plus the books she's written under 2 other names.  She's also young so I look forward to reading her for years to come!  pazt

Apologies To My Censor"

Mitch Moxley's first (and I think only book so far) is "Apologies to My Censor - The High and Low Adventures of a Foreigner in China."  It is well written as well as fun and quick to read.

Mitch is a journalist who was tired of his life in Canada and not sure where his journalistic career was headed so he decided to accept a job as a writer and editor for the state owned "China Daily" -- China's only English-language national newspaper.  His timing was good becaue the Chinese economy was booming with the coming Olympics and Beijing was being turned into a world class city overnight.  There was only one slight hitch -- nothing could be published without the okay of the  Chinese government so, for example, when the German Prime Minister had a meeting with the Dalai Lama, her name couldn't be mentioned in "China Daily" for some period of time.

Originally, Mitch went on a year contract to "China Daily" but, when that contract ended, he managed to stay on to help cover the Olympics.  All in all he stayed in Beijing for six years as a freelance writer.  This book is about the expat life in China and his adventures including being hired to pose as a fake businessman.  He also investigated and wrote articles on the sex trade and importation of young women from Mongolia who had no idea what they'd really be doing in China and too ashamed to go home afterwards.  He also looks at China's rascist issues -- Although many Chinese live and thrive in Africa, after the Olympics China began to persecute African businessmen who had been successfully exporting Chinese goods to Africa while living in China.

Mitch has a way of bringing his stories to life and he makes his life in China interesting -- although not always easy.  I thoroughly enjoyed his book and hope it won't be his last.  It was the first I read of several books that I took on holiday with me this past week.  pazt