Rules of Engagement By: David Bruns & J.R. Olson Publish Date: 6/25/19

Reminiscent of James Clavell's "Whirlwind", "Rules of Engagement" sets up numerous story lines that all culminate in an explosive ending. A truly terrifying premise sets the action in motion, and it doesn't stop until the pulse pounding conclusion. Fascinating characters (and I'm thrilled to see so many strong women written in a military thriller!!!), numerous twists and turns, and nail biting cliffhangers all wend there way through a cyber-attack that is/could be all too real! I'm hoping, based on how this ended, that this novel could lead to a series!!!!

Missing You By: Harlan Coben

As with all of Coben's novels, this one is full of twists and turns.  They come at you so fast, you're likely to get whiplash!  What starts as a simple exploration of on-line dating, leads Kat on several chases that all culminate in a blazing inferno of facts about her own past, and possibly her future.  Exceptionally written, ingenious plotting and likeable characters combine to to make this one of Coben's best!

Winter Chill By: Joanne Fluke

Being used to Ms. Fluke's Hannah Swenson cozy mysteries, I was kind of aghast at how dark this one was-but damn it's good!  Is it a ghost story?  Is it a psychological thriller?  Is it a clever combination of the two?  This, "it was a dark and stormy night" tale doesn't answer the ultimate question it poses...or does it?

Strangled Eggs and Ham By: Maddie Day Publish date: July 2019

Oh, how I LOVE this series.  In this latest installment, one of Robbie's B&B guests is found dead at the disputed site of a future development.  With the town divided and Robbie trying not to take sides, the reader is embroiled in the pros and cons of the development of Closs Crossing; with Adele heading up those opposed and Fiona Closs heading up those for the development.  All of the wonderfully diverse characters that we've come to love, get equal time in Strangled Eggs and Ham, and their characters are deepened and make us love them all the more.  A very real set of characters populates the Country Store Mysteries which truly makes reading a book in this series like visiting old friends.  Plus you can't beat all the fabulous descriptions of the food made in Pans and Pancakes.  A wonderful series, one of my absolute favorites!

Burn This By: Lanford Wilson

A very unconventional love story-maybe.  A very unconventional story of loss and grieving-maybe. An unconventional family story-maybe.  Maybe its all three-whatever it is it hits the reader hard and doesn't let go. Kind of stunning in it's simplicity and it's rawness.

All My Sons By: Arthur Miller

After all these years, this is still my favorite Arthur Miller play.  It's deeply affecting and downright heartbreaking!

The Labors of Hercules By: Agatha Christie

The Labors of Hercules has just jumped into my top 5 Agatha Christie novels!  A brilliant concept, set's up these 12 fascinating mysteries, modeled on the 12 labors of Hercules-just done in Hercule style. Absolutely brilliant!

The Hollow By: Agatha Christie

Have to say, this one didn't wow me. I felt it was a little long in the set  up, although I understand why, it just felt long.  Kind of dragged, and the ending felt a little "precious".                                     

                                                             

Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine By: Gail Honeyman

I wasn't sure what to make of this one.  But when all was said and done, I enjoyed it.  Parts of it were very depressing, but ultimately I was left with a feeling of hope.

Kernel of Truth By: Kristi Abbott

I Love Popcorn, so it was easy to get involved with story.  A few plot holes that could have been tightened up, didn't diminish from this fast past, fun and charming tale of Rebecca, her popcorn treats, her standard Poodle, her ex-husband, oh yeah... and her dead mentor.