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 Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians - James Patterson and Matt Eversmann

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians is the newest compilation between James Patterson and Matt Eversmann.

The sub title is True Stories of the Magic of Reading. I actually liked this better than the 'secret lives'.

Having worked in a library and a bookstore, I eagerly picked up the book and dove in. I was hooked by the first story, so I read another and another and...

I found so many relatable outlooks, memories, experiences and more from many view points. Shop owners, book buyers, school librarians, public libraries, booksellers and more. All with a love of books and reading. Finding the book for someone is a wonderful feeling. I've found bookstores and libraries to be my happy places.

I enjoyed the stories that were included. I wonder if some additional tales could have been also included. Such as visiting libraries for those who can't get to the bricks and mortar building. Prison libraries. Little Free Libraries, etc.

All in all, I enjoyed this book. Short entries let you have a beginning and ending when you're busy. And I really connected with many others. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians.