Mistress by James Patterson

The first chapter in this book follows a seemingly anonymous narrator as he enters someone's home and plants a recording device.  The idea alone is terrifying.  Despite the hints that this may not be a faultless human being, the reader begins to wonder if their own homes are as readily accessible as this one.  It is a start that makes your heartbeat quicken.

Then, in the earliest twist I can remember, the book flips completely on its side.  Clearly, you have entered the world where James Patterson makes the rules.

Mistress is fast and action packed almost to the last page.  Benjamin, our main character, has been slammed into the middle of a conspiracy mystery that threatens to ruin his life if he cannot solve it.  Figure out the mystery if you can!

4 smiles and a wink for another great Patterson stand alone tale.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

"I think the question is why you were running instead of walking."
"Why not?  It's faster."
___________________________________________________________________________________

This is an excellent, fast-moving story about never underestimating clever children.  The adventure book is entertaining and enjoyable on every page.  I laughed at the children, wracked my brain to solve the mysteries with them, and related to their struggles.  I highly recommend this one!

Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgins Clark

This book start with a scene that will tear at every parents heart as two little toddlers are abducted from their home.  In what has been described as typical for Clark, the story is suspenseful and intense.  Readers will be captivated by the bond between Kelly and Kathy and feel the desperation of the parents.  I love a good suspense and who-done-it story,k so this one was 4 smiles.

My only criticism, the twin connection felt a bit far-fetched to my tastes.  Of course, I'm aware that it was intentionally written that way.

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Heroes of Olympus, Book Three

Beginning with an opening line that immediately hooks you, "until she met the exploding statue, Annabeth thought she was ready for anything" this book is a can't-miss CLASSIC!

The gang of Roman and Greek favorite we have loved throughout this fast moving series all return for the amazing third book.  This book is easily the most action packed of the bunch, and that is saying something.  I was in awe of the motion of this book, you will not be able to put it down.  In fact, with the climactic ending that clearly paves the way for a fourth book in the series, you will find yourself ready to continue that journey immediately.

Annabeth finds her own uniqueness and power in this novel, something I have been waiting for.  I sense that in the fourth book Leo will finally find his as well.  I am, as always, not-so-patiently waiting until I can get my hands on "The House of Hades".  Thank you, Mr. Riordan, for continuing to hold true to the ancient mythology and bring it to life.

5 huge smiles, a wink for the Sammy-Leo twist I did NOT expect, and a tear from that same revelation. I got goosebumps from this one!

The Reptile Room by Lemony Snickett

A Series of Unfortunate Events No. 2

     Similar to the first book in the series, which the movie followed surprisingly closely, this is a fast paced book.  The topic is marketed as being depressing, but I find the adorable characters and their intelligence refreshing.  I can see young readers enjoying the voice and appreciating our narrator decoding words for them during the story.  I, however, was rather annoyed with the constant need to define words for me.  It was a minor annoyance and didn't ruin the book for me. 

     I would highly recommend this tale of puzzle solving for young readers.  Three smiles.

The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling

"Both...were contemplating the casual vacancy: and they saw it, not as an empty space but as a magician's pocket, full of possibilities."

    This is a poignant book cloaked in an inane story of a small town, practically perfect in it's brilliance.  Casual Vacancy explores hidden truth behind the facade people put up in front of each other.  Through this story, Ms. Rowling shows us the blameless rich and the beaten-down poor.

"...they were choosing the way they lived...a physical manifestation of ignorance and indolence."

    You'll find yourself questioning, along with the town of Pagford, which side of the debates you fall on.  The truth of the twist, reminding us that life is often unfair bursts from the pages and leaves the reader speechless.  This is a beautiful novel, her first for adults, from a truly remarkable storyteller.  Highly recommended for all readers.

5 smiles, a tear, and a wink

Obsession by Jonathan Kellerman

    Alex Delaware is a psychologist who has appeared in many Kellerman novels.  I enjoy the fact that you can delve right back into these lovable characters without much background or reminder of who they are.  Even someone who picked this up unaware that they are recurring characters would find them lovable ad real.
    This novel tackles a touch cold case sparked by a death-bed confession.  The secrets unwind to reveal secrets buried all over the state.  I enjoyed trying to figure this one out with Delaware and his friends.  I did think the plot slowed a bit too much in the middle, but otherwise another great novel.
     Three smiles for this one.

The Lens and The Looker by Lory S. Kaufman

    This science fiction book begins in the future with three "hard case" kids who cannot seem to avoid trouble.  The punishment doled out includes a trip to a time when things were harder, 1347.  The premise behind the story is excellent, something I found intriguing.  However, the book fell flat.
    I was annoyed that the names of the two wold-be lovers was Romero and Guilietta.  Can we be more obvious?  They're even thrown into Verona, Italy.  The worst part is the author knew this and attempted to exploit the connection to the great play-write repeatedly throughout the book.  The names chosen, however, was where the similarity to the great work ended.  The characters in this story were flat, the story was boring, and there was a lack of natural consequences for behavior.
    All-in-all, 1 small smile for this story I shouldn't have wasted my time on.