THE CAT WHO DROPPED A BOMBSHELL ~ LILIAN JACKSON BRAUN

RATING: 2-1/2 STARS


Although I am a huge fan of the "Cat Who..." mystery series by Ms. Braun, I have to admit this was not one of her better books. This book does not have the same writing flair as her previous books. I thought the storyline was kind of weak and lacked the character development for which Ms. Braun is famous for.

The Cat Who... stories (28 books) are set in the charming town of Pickax - "about 400 miles north of everywhere."

James Qwilleran (Qwill) is probably the most well-known Pickax-er since he inherited millions of dollars and donates a lot of money to the town. He also writes "The Qwill Pen", a twice-weekly column for the Moose County Something newspaper.

Yet, despite the peaceful ambiance of Pickax and the polite society that abides there in genteel harmony, each "Cat Who..." installment has a mystery that usually involves murder. Somehow Qwill and his feline friends Koko and Yum Yum always seem to solve the mystery.

In THE CAT WHO DROPPED A BOMBSHELL we find everyone in the midst planning a "Pickax Now" Festival. While planning the festival, Qwill welcomes architect Harvey Ledfied into his home (an Apple Barn), but strange occurrences seem to follow Harvey around. Why, for example, did Koko jump on Harvey's head? And why have Harvey's wealthy Aunt and Uncle not been seen in public since Harvey arrived in town?

Soon Koko's strange behavior is not the only sign of trouble in Pickax. A knitter with psychic powers predicts a murder. Qwill receives a mysterious message from an out of town woman.

Since I do not want to ruin this book for you I will not reveal anymore information. All I can tell you is that Qwill and Koko are on the case. Are they up to the task of solving another murder? Why not read the book to find out!

Although this was not one of Ms. Brauns better books, please do not be discouraged from reading her other "The Cat Who..." mystery series. The series has a quaint home-town feel and characters who will warm your heart.

Reach for any of the Cat Who... books when you need a smile.

(Note: For your convenience, I have added some links for Ms. Braun's other books. Simply click on any link for more information...



Until Next Time!
Arianna

Dating Can Be Murder By Jennifer Apodaca

RATING: 3-1/2 STARS OUT OF 5

In some ways, this book will remind you of the Janet Evanovich books. It's raunchy, funny and character driven.

When Samantha (Sam) Shaw's no-good cheating husband dies, Sam takes the insurance money, and does something useful with it. At least, useful in her terms. She buys an entirely new wardrobe, gets breast implants, and buys Heart Mates, the dating service that her deceased husband did business with.

Determined to become a successful businesswoman, Sam does her best to make a go of Heart Mates. Unfortunately, her newest client turns out to be a thug who zaps her with a stun gun, and threatens her life. Apparently the thug has a vendetta against Sam's dead husband.

Sam quickly learns that her dead husband was running an illegal drug business and was murdered (by a chocolate brownie). Before Sam met the thug, she thought her husband died of a peanut allergy.

Now Sam has until Friday to come up with the half a million dollars her husband stole.

With the help from two very handsome men Sam sets out on a hilarious adventure to find the money and beat the thugs that threaten her and her family while the bodies keep piling up.

Oops! Almost gave the ending away. If you want to know what happened to Sam, go read the book!

Why not visit your local library to pick up Dating Can Be Murder or buy the book used on Amazon.com. You won't be sorry you did!

Until Next Time!

Arianna

P.S. Please feel Free to comment on this review.

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Company Man ~ By Joseph Finder

Rating: 5 Stars

I love reading books where the author just keeps turning up the suspense by tightening a noose around a characters neck and then we the readers get to watch as he struggles to get himself out of the mess he's in. And that is exactly the kind of book Joseph Finder has delivered here. Super suspense, great characters who you feel you know and a top notch story.

I highly recommend this book. If you are a lover of thrilling and suspense fiction, you'll just love it.

The story centers around a man named Nick Conover who is CEO of Stratton (a Furniture manufacturer). One day Nick is on top of the world and then all of a sudden his life starts to spiral out of control.

Unfortunately, in the last year or so Nick's company has not been doing so well and had to lay off a lot of people.

All of a sudden Nick becomes public enemy number one. Someone breaks into his home and kills the family dog. A few days later Nick finds a strange man in his backyard. When the man refuses to leave, Nick panics and shoots him. Not knowing what to do, he calls up his friend Eddie to help him dispose of the body.

A few days later the body is discovered in a dumpster and traced back to Nick. Now a game of cat and mouse ensues between Nick, and the local policewoman, Audrey Rhimes.

After the murder Nick tries to go through his daily life as if nothing has happened. Unfortunately, he quickly learns that his employees are back-stabbing him. Everything Nick has worked for is in jeopardy!
The only bright light in Nicks life seems to be his new girlfriend Cassie. Suddenly Nick is faced with another problem...Cassie happens to be the daughter of the man he murdered.

The author creates an interesting counterpoint between Nick's professional and personal life. Nick struggles to do the right thing in the office while covering up the murder. He fails miserably at both, and it seems that everyone is turning against him.

When Nick finally sees a solution to his problems, he discovers that it has been in front of him all along. But is it too little, too late?

Finder has crafted another one of his masterpieces with this book and to tell you more of the plot would spoil the read.

Readers who (like me) enjoy fast-paced thriller action will find Company Man a hard book to put down. I confess, I lost a lot of sleep last week.

Why not check this book out at your local library or buy used on Amazon.com. You won't be sorry you did!

Until Next Time!

Arianna :)

P.S. Please feel free to comment on this review.

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