Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

All I have to say about this one (format be damned) is WOW!

I have not always been a Stephen King fan.  Wait, that's not entirely true.  I have always been a fan of the man himself and what he does for the writing community at large.  There are stories that I love and stories that I just cannot wade through (I'm looking at you, Tommyknockers).

The Shining was always a favorite, however.  Like many other people in the book-reading world, I regularly think about that story.  (Shadows in your room?  Weird intuition?  Staying a hotel?) Having a chance to dive headfirst back into the Shining and the life of Danny Torrence was EPIC.

This one is highly recommended.  I was hooked before page 50.

In fact, if you haven't read The Shining it's worth reading that one just to get the chance to read this one.

Oh and I finished the book by going back and reading the last few paragraphs at the end of the second-to-last section.  I believe that was the perfect way to end the book (but I acknowledge that I'm a softie).

Have you read Doctor Sleep? I'd love to know what you think.  Drop me a comment!

5 HUGE smiles

Hellworld by Tom Leveen

Genre
Young Adult Horror

Synopsis
Abby's mother has been missing, presumed dead, for five years.  Now new evidence has surfaced and Abby wants to embark on a quest to see if they can find more information.  But the new evidence suggests something supernatural, and Abby isn't at all a believer.  Together with Charlie, whose father also disappeared, and his girlfriend Shelby, the teens will take on something you won't want to miss.

Why Should You Read It?
The suspense is well done.  The story is highly creepy.

What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?
Alternating timelines.  This story pops back-and-forth between two important events in the story, giving you information in an interesting spiral that makes it more suspenseful.  Masterful!

Overall Rating
4 smiles, very well done!

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith

Cormoran Strike, Book 3

Genre
Mystery

Synopsis
Cormoran Strike is back again and hunting another breed of evil.  With the help of his partner, Robin, who continues to prove how invaluable she is to the team, he will hunt someone daring enough to send a severed body part to his office.  Is someone from his past threatening him?

Why Should You Read It?
The characters and the expert writing weave you completely into the story.  You will get enveloped in every single aspect of their lives.  It's hard to put down!

What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?
Bread crumb clue trails that keep you turning pages.

Overall Rating
5 smiles and a wink. Well done again!

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

Genre
Mystery

Synopsis
Laura Blacklock is embarking on a luxury cruise to mingle with important people and make connections she can use for publication.  But this cruise isn't going as planned and someone isn't happy she is noticing.  

Why Should You Read It?
If you like a good mystery, this one delivers.  It'll leave you guessing!

What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?
How to dangle just a tiny clue before your reader that can take them in multiple directions.

Overall Rating
3 smiles and a wink for a twist I hadn't figured out.

The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner

Genre
Realistic Fiction

Synopsis
Ruth Saunders is leaving everything she has ever known in Massachusetts behind on the off chance that her writing talent can earn her a hit show in Los Angeles.  Her elderly grandmother, who has raised her since her parents' deaths when she was young, is going along for the ride.  Follow along at this glimpse of Hollywood insiders to find whether Ruth can make her dream come true or fail in epic beauty.

Why Should You Read It?
The characters are relatable and real. The situation is high interest.

What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?
Internal dialogue.

Overall Rating
3 smiles

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

GenreMystery/Thriller

SynopsisA home in postwar England, Hundreds Hall, is visited by Doctor Faraday.  That is the beginning of strange happenings at the once majestic hall.  You'll be wrapped up in the tale, as the house fades around the Ayres family.  What is happening to them all?  Could it be something supernatural or is there a more logical explanation?

Why Should You Read It?This one is haunting and wonderful.  A cross between Downton Abbey and The Shining.  Highly recommended (and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the ending if you've read it).

What Can You Learn From the Author's Writing?How to wind up slowly in a thriller so that the reader doesn't even notice they are also become worried and nervous.

Overall Rating4 smiles and a wink.