Awakening By: D.E. Morris

I know that fantasy novels are veiled religious takes on good and evil-but I prefer it to be very veiled; there are several moments in this story where it's a little too blatant for my personal taste.  With that said, Awakening is a GREAT continuation in the Age of Valor series.  While it stands on it's own, I do highly recommend reading the first book in the series, as it add such richness to this one.  As in the first book, this one ends with a spectacular showdown, wraps up several storylines, but leaves enough dangling threads to keep the reader engaged and thirsting for book 3!

The Unkind Hours By: Dwayne Alexander Smith

This book is shattering!  Mr. Smith does it again, with his second book-no sophomore slump for him. His writing is so tight, he is able to put you in his characters' shoes with a minimum of words.  This tale of parental devastation will grip you and not let you go-not even at the end.  The twists and turns will nauseate you, the justice and injustice will elate and infuriate you, your nerves will be shredded and your thoughts will be shattered, and you'll thank Dwayne Alexander Smith for all of it! A must read!

The One-Eyed Judge By: Michael Ponsor

Another taut thriller with protagonist Judge David Norcross!  Ponsor's ability to suck his readers in is unparalleled.  This story if so fraught with twists an turns, you'll be on edge reading it-wanting to finish it quickly to know what happens, yet not wanting to continue because you feel more bad stuff coming!  An amazing writer and an amazing story teller!

All That Jazz: The Life and Times of the musical CHICAGO By: Ethan Mordden

Mordden manages to give you a complete, yet quick, history of the Chicago, the American musical, and all forms of "Chicago", from the original play through 3 movie versions ans the two musical incarnations.  It's quite extraordinary that he manages to do this in so few pages, and enterain the reader all at the same time.  An astonishing achievement!

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus By: L. Frank Baum

I read this a month ago, but assigned it for book club so I read it again.  A simply, charming and wistful origin story of Santa Claus.  Absolutely delightful!

Mycroft Holmes By: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Anna Waterhouse

Didn't know what to expect with this one, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!  A creative origin story for Mycroft Holmes (and a little bit of Sherlock Holmes as well).  Well written, fast paced, fascinating plot and great fun!

The Gray Man By: Mark Greaney

This is one hell of a fast paced thriller.  The Gray Man, the ultimate anti-hero, is an amazing character and combines his skills with an amazing amount of luck in this rocket of a read!

Killing Thyme By; Leslie Budewitz

What I really enjoy about the Spice Shop Mysteries is that we get to see Pepper actually detect and find clues and put them together; it's consistent throughout all three books.  This is no different, except that she puts the facts together incorrectly which leads to some interesting twists along the way.

Guilty as Cinnamon By: Leslie Budewitz

One part dead chef, one part ghost story, a healthy splash of Seattle history and a dash of heroic canine and you've got Guilt as Cinnamon!  A fantastic read!

Assault and Pepper By: Leslie Budewitz

Oh the sweet smell of a great read!  A mystery set in the Seattle Spice Shop and the lead is named Pepper-I mean come on!  Great setting-a flavor of Seattle-great characters and a well plotted.  A wonderful start to this series-which thankfully I received for Christmas!  On to Guilty as Cinnamon!

The Magical Misfits: The Second Story By: Neil Patrick Harris

The second novel in this delightful series focuses on Leila and her origin story, and by default the story of one of her Dad's.  Told with Harris' tongue in cheek way of speaking directly to the reader, this story nestles in perfectly with the first book and continues the saga of the Magical Misfits.  Can't wait for the 3rd installment!

An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good By: Helene Tursten

OMG!!!!  I Love this sliver of short stories.  Follow along as Maud tries to get some peace and quiet in her life.  An octogenarian, soon to be 90, Maud handles her life, her way...don't get in her way!  A wonderful little read.

The Sinister Signpost By: Franklin W. Dixon

I can totally see why these books were such a hit in the 30s with readers!  Auto racing, race horses, rocket powered bikes, what's not to love!

The Hidden Harbor Mystery By: Franklin W. Dixon

Two feuding cousins, divided, literally and figuratively, by a pond and a libel suit bring the Hardy Boys into action in the 14th installment of this series.  Filled with chases, lost villages, mysterious aquatic creatures and a great twist ending, this story is a rollicking good time!