Mystery of the Samurai Sword By: Franklin W. Dixon

This will be the last Hardy Boy Mystery that I collect.  I had wanted to get the original canon, which is comprised of books 1-58, but being anal, I needed to have a whole number in the collection, so bumped it up to includes numbers 59 & 60.  The Mystery of the Samurai Sword made me nervous, considering how racist previous books in the series were, but this one surprised me.  There were hardly any stereotypes pointed out in this book.  The mystery was pretty well done, and the "Agatha Christie, everyone in one room big reveal" type ending actually worked and didn't feel too pat.

Chameleon By: Remi Adeleke

An adrenaline fueled thriller with great action, fascinating plot lines and exciting and innovative characters.  A fantastic start to this series!

Night of the Werewolf By: Franklin W. Dixon

You can tell that this one is the "new" Hardy Boys. The original canon of books are numbers 1 through 58. This one uses a recycled plot line, is INCREDIBLY un-P.C., even for the Hardy Boys, and the ending was too quick and convenient.  

 

The Things We Do To Our Friends By: Heather Darwent

What an utterly creepy, eerie, deliciously malevolent story!!  I can't write anything more about this book without giving away plot points.  Suffice it to say, if you want a really good read. that will f**k with your mind, this is the book for you!

 

The Sting of the Scorpion By: Franklin W. Dixon

Meh...too much happening in this one.  Didn't really hold my attention, and the ending was a little too pat, even for a Hardy Boys mystery.

Western Alliances By: Wilton Barnhardt

I didn't know what to make of this book when I tarted reading it. I couldn't tell if it was a family drama; a treatise on finance; and art history book; a European history book; a mystery...and after a while I didn't care what it was...I was having a blast following Roberto around Europe and would go where he went.  A mess, in the best possible way, Roberto is charming, a touch evil, sympathetic and someone I enjoyed spending time with.  This was a great surprise and a great read.

 

The Firebird Rocket By: Franklin W. Dixon

I have to say that this one, harkened back to the beginning of the series. It was a well plotted mystery that didn't veer off into a bunch of side stories or tangents.  Added bonsu with this one, they Hardy Boys and Chet got to visit Australia.

You Will Never Be Found By: Tove Alsterdal

A dark, cold mystery/thriller that takes its time, while gripping the reader. Interesting characters entangled with a a series of crimes and each other.  Interestingly told, I'm glad I found You Will Never Be Found!

 

Woman of Light By: Kali Fajardo-Anstine

An extraordinary novel showing the importance of storytelling, the importance of the stories being told, and the importance of who is tell the stories.  Following the story of a family over four generations in the Denver area, Woman of Light shines a light on the resilience of these characters, of a people and on the one sided history that the majority of us are taught. I just adored these characters, and finished the book wanting more of their stories. A wonderful read!

Manuscript: #10 in a popular cozy series By: A Friend

Fans of this series will LOVE this addition!  I'm so thankful that the author trusts me with their book baby!