Identity Unknown - Patricia Cornwell

Identity Unknown is Patricia Cornwell's new book - and its the 28th entry in her long running series featuring chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta.

Kay is called out to a body found in an abandoned amusement park. She's stunned when she views the victim - they had a relationship years ago. The Feds are called as they have questions about this case as well. And Kay has another case that is hard to read about. 

The supporting cast returns with Investigator Pete Marino right by Kay's side. The two have had a fractious relationship over the years, but they're both dedicated to finding the truth. 

Niece Lucy also has mad skills and also works for the Feds. Much of  her job is classified. As is Kay's husband Benton's job. Kay's sister Dorothy just annoys me so much! She is a narcissist. 

I am always intrigued with the technology, reasoning, methods and more that are used in the books. I've gone online few times to read more. It's fascinating. They figure heavily in this latest.

The Scarpetta books are all told from Kay's point of view. Cornwell keeps the time line moving forward - the characters are aging. I enjoy Kay's inner dialogue very much. 

Cornwell gives the reader a page turner in this latest. The ending of Identity Unknown is satisfying - but I happily can say that there's a door that's been left open for the next entry... I'll be watching for it.

I chose to  listen to Identity Unknown. The reader was January LaVoy again. I appreciate the continuity as her voice has become Kay for me. LaVoy has a smooth, low voice that's easy on the ears. She speaks clearly and is easy to understand. She easily captures the emotions, danger, suspense and more with her performance. LaVoy has created different voices for all of the characters. It is easy to know who is speaking. each voice is perfect for the players. A great performance. 

Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Identity Unknown.

The Waiting - Michael Connelly

I've been a fan of Michael Connelly from the first book. For me, he's never written a book I didn't enjoy. And that's also the truth for this latest - The Waiting. 

"In cold cases, it’s not the hope that kills you. It’s the waiting".

Detective Renée Ballard runs the cold case unit in the LAPD with volunteers and retired staff. A new member has joined to replace the now retired Harry Bosch. But don't count Harry out - he still has the skills and the nerves that Renée needs when her badge and gun are stolen. She can't report them as she's on thin ice with her superiors. The politicking that seems to be seething underneath the public eye has always been part of the books, but is quite blatant in The Waiting.

The cases in The Waiting are brilliantly written. A historical case that you may recognize is one. Another uses new and modern methods to chase down a old case. I was fascinated by the description of these tools. And the hunt for Renée's badge uncovers an unexpected case.

I had to actually put the book aside when the suspense ratcheted up! I didn't want to skim either. So I got the breathing under control and picked it back up! The writing is so very, very good. 

The lead roles have changed over the years as Connelly keeps the series (plural) moving forward. I thought the this was the 'Ballard" book so far. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Waiting.

The Treasure Hunters Club - Tom Ryan

When I was young I loved maps. (And I still do). I would trace the lines on the map, marking the final destination. I kept also kept copious lists of places that my family's station wagon drove through. And yes, I dreamed about finding a map to a treasure chest. I'm still looking - and I've found a treasure in Tom Ryan's new book - The Treasure Hunters Club.

There is so much to love in this book. I loved the setting by the sea, and the town of Maple Bay. The legend of the pirate's booty draws in quite a few tourists. As well as a number of permanent residents.

Ryan tells this wonderful tale with three main characters - Peter, Cass and Dandy (she's my favorite!). Each of the three have their own voice. There's a wealth of supporting players from the present and the past. 

Who's telling the truth? Who are lying? Is the legend of the pirate plunder true? 

Ryan kept me on my toes the entire way to the final ah hah! There's a twist that is epic! Things did not turn out as I had thought they would. And I adore being wrong! 

Get comfy in your favourite reading spot - you're not going want this one down. Bravo Tom Ryan!

Know Your Newlywed - Elena Armas and Hillary Nussbaum and Heather Taylor

I love audio books and I often pair one up with - cleaning the house, doing laundry, or maybe just a quick rest on the couch with my eyes closed.

Hillary Nussbaum, Heather Taylor and Elena Armas made it very hard to get back up off the couch with their audio book  - Know Your Newlywed!

 

Do you remember watching game shows that had newlyweds for contestants? And the prizes might have been a kettle or a fridge? This new version boasts a prize much larger than that! And that's what prompts Javi and Cleo to apply. Javi and Cleo are characters that you can't help but like. I had my fingers crossed for them! A wonderful rom-com plot ensues. 

I've often said that I get more immerged in a tale when I listen to it. The was definitely the case with Know Your Newlywed. I loved the two leads, Tyler Posey and Mary Mouser. Their voices were perfect for the characters. Posey has a little gravel in his voice that really works for the character and his nature. He doesn't rush. Mouser easily captures her character with a faster pace of speaking. Her voice matches the character. The supporting cast is one of the largest I've ever listened to. I really liked that - I never had to guess who was speaking. A large cast presents a richer listen for me. Everyone spoke clearly and was easy on the ears. And another nice detail was the background noises - telephones, clapping, horns, and more.

An excellent presentation of a excellent and fun rom-com! Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Know Your Newlywed.  

4 hours and 54 minutes

Christmas in Chestnut Ridge - Nancy Naigle

Yes, another seasonal read! Nancy Naigle takes us to Christmas in Chestnut Ridge.

Sheila is our lead character - and her life is not what she wants. She's successful in business, but not in love. Her best friend has moved to Chestnut Ridge and  insists that Sheila come to her new home for Christmas. She reluctantly agrees.

Well, Chestnut Ridge celebrates Christmas in a really big way! There's some great ideas scattered throughout the book. These celebrations are all tied together by a large group of supporting characters. Including Tucker, the town's Fire Chief and all round beloved good guy.

So, what do you think might happen next? Uh huh, Tucker and Sheila hit it off. The sparks fly - but will they ignite? 

Naigle really does a nice job of portraying the community, its' values and caring for all members of their town. 

I like comfort reading when the snow starts, twinkle lights appear, Christmas cookies abound and so much more. This was a classic Christmas tale. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Christmas in Chestnut Right. :0)

The House Hunt - C.M.Ewan

I liked C.M. Ewan's premise for his new novel, The House Hunt. Something so everyday as a realtor holding an open house is the starting point. When the realtor is late, the homeowner takes her place...

The book bounces back and forth between two viewpoints - that of Lucy and her husband Sam. I really like this style of story telling - I need to know what is going on with each of them.

Ewan has a dark imagination. There are a few 'over the top' machinations, but just go with it. It's hard to put this one down! If you like thrillers, this one's for you. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The House Hunt.

Uglies - Scott Westerfeld

Well hello Scott Westerfeld! I was quite happy to spend the weekend with you. Wait, that's not quite right...I spent the weekend listening to the audiobook of Uglies. I loved it!

I am a big fan of dystopian fiction. It's always intriguing to see what an author has created in their version of the future. In Uglies, Tally is looking forward to her 16th birthday - as that's the day she gets her surgeries - to be pretty. And then all she is to do is have fun. Her friend Shay doesn't want to "be pretty" and she leaves the enclave to see what's out there...

This was the setting I was keen to hear more about. I always take the time to mentally draw the settings and compare to our world and the path we're taking. 

The characters are well drawn and engaging. Tally will keep you on your toes as the story unfolds. I quite liked David who lives 'out there'. There's a great supporting cast. And though I had partially guessed what might happen next, I couldn't stop listening. And when I listened the last chapter, I just wanted to get my hands on the second book!

I chose to listen to Uglies and that was a great choice. The narrator was Brianne Tju and her performance was perfect. Her 'teen' voice is believable. Her speaking is clear and easy on the ears. She has easily captured the action, emotions and the tenor of Westerfeld's work with her voice. I've said it before, I feel more immersed a story when I listen. This was the case with Uglies. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt.  An easy five stars. 

(Uglies is now available on a streaming service. Brianne Tju plays Shay in the film.)