The Cuckoos Calling by Robert Galbraith

"He was free to show off, in a very mild way, which was one of the few pleasures remaining to him."

Right away I loved these characters.  Young Robin, who has big dreams she doesn't admit to anyone.  Tough Spike who may be hiding a sweet side.  Then you add in the intriguing could-it-really-be-murder high profile case...brilliant!  JK Rowling, under her pseudonym, is free to use fantastic descriptive language fit for adults.  I loved every single page of this one.

Whether you prefer books with high mystery (even I didn't figure this one out) or books that deal with human relationships-this has what you are looking for.

Highly recommended.
5 smiles and a wink

First Love by James Patterson and Emily Raymond

"I was going to miss the apartment...like an ex-con misses his jail cell, which is to say: Not.  At.  All."

This book begins with a dedication to James' first love.  Don't skip that part.

Right off the bat there are similarities between this book and a few others that have become popular lately.  I was hoping to ignore that, or be taken on a different ride, but the similarities do show themselves.  This is a good one for a hopeless romantic.  The story line is intertwined with great descriptions of young love.  It pulls on your heartstrings for sure.

I was disappointed in the choices made by a few characters.  This led me to be a little frustrated that the adults in the novel didn't handle the disappointing choices harshly enough, in my opinion.

Not the best, but nowhere near the worst.  If you love YA romance and you're looking for another fast read, this is the one.

3 smiles.

Inferno by Dan Brown

"Madness is an ostrich who sticks her head in the sand while a pack of hyenas closes in around her."

"Would you kill half the population today in order to save our species from extinction?"

I continue to adore Dan Brown.  His language and places he brings us to visit are remarkable.  This particular journey takes us to Italy, where Robert Langdon awakes without his memories.  The story is typical for Brown in that it is high energy and intensity.  You will leave thinking about the moral implications of this one for awhile.

This one is highly recommended for all adult readers!

5 smiles and a wink.