Copper Beach

Copper Beach by Jayne Ann Krentz First in the Dark Legacy series

Within the pages of very rare books some centuries old lie the secrets of the paranormal. Abby Radwell's unusual psychic talent has made her an expert in such volumes-and sometimes taken her into dangerous territory. After a deadly incident in the private library of an obsessive collector, Abby receives a blackmail threat, and rumors swirl that an old alchemical text known as The Key has reappeared on the black market.

Convinced that she needs an investigator who can also play bodyguard, she hires Sam Coppersmith, a specialist in paranormal crystals and amber-"hot rocks." Passion flares immediately between them, but neither entirely trusts the other. When it comes to dealing with a killer who has paranormal abilities, and a blackmailer who will stop at nothing to obtain an ancient alchemical code, no one is safe.

--Copper Beach by Jayne Ann Krentz Copyright © 2012 by Jayne Ann Krentz Published by Putnam Books

My Review

I enjoy Jayne Ann Krentz, which is why I keep buying her books, even though the stories have become, to my mind at least, formulaic. There’s the meeting between the hero and heroine, usually because one is the only person on earth who can solve the other’s problem, the heroine gets into trouble and the hero comes to the rescue. After the obligatory exposition by the bad guy (or in the case of this story, two bad guys), detailing the reason why he did what he did, he’s hauled off or—in most cases—killed by the hero. And they live happily ever after.

 I do get tired of the woman always being rescued by the man. Every once in a while, can’t the woman do the rescuing? Abby, in this story, at least is brave and willingly walks into the lion’s den on order to save her stepbrother Dawson. But of course, by this point, she and Sam are a team and when her attempt to put down the bad guy fails, it’s okay because Sam’s right there to deliver the final blow (rescuing her so they can live happily ever after).

Now, one thing I really like about this particular story is Abby’s family. Her father married Dawson’s mother and together they had twin girls. Dawson and his mother come from a wealthy family and the grandmother controls the purse strings.  She makes it very clear to Abby that she cannot have a dime of her family's money, which suits Abby just fine.  Problem is, no one believes her when she says she doesn't care about the money.  When she refuses to help Dawson find the notebook for a client he's trying to sign, they all think she's being spiteful because of the money.  That's not the reason, but that's what they all think.  Plus there's a ton of drama that goes back to her teen years that adds fuel to that particular fire.  A full novel unto itself could have been written on the dynamics of that family, never mind all the stuff surrounding the missing notebook and psychic ciphers and such. That’s a story I’d love to read.

I have a theory that Krentz’s novels follow the pattern they do, including the bad guy exposition, because she’s obligated to produce a certain number of novels per year and by following a certain structure, she can write her stories faster. She may also be hampered by a pre-set novel length requirement. I can’t help wondering how much better her stories would be if she threw that requirement out the window and—gasp—wrote some of those scenes differently. I’d encourage her to try that sometime, just to see what happens.


I give this story FOUR STARS.

Yes, I'm still alive

Wow, has it really been three and a half months since I posted? My, time sure does fly. I do apologize for not posting. It's not from lack of interest or not having read anything (heaven forbid!). No, it's more a matter of not having time. School took up a lot of my time this past quarter, not to mention all the writing I had to do for those classes. Add to that I started a new job at the end of March and you can understand why time and energy have been at a premium. So now here we are in summer, I'm not taking any classes--except for a self-study in algebra--and I have a pretty good handle on my new job. I have plenty of time to write reviews, which I am in the process of doing. I think I have about a dozen to write...I never really counted, but amongst the reviews to be posted are: 11-22-63: A Novel by Stephen King You Don't Know Jack and Jack in a Box by Diane Capri Hounded, Hexed, Hammered and Tricked by Kevin Hearne (Squee! Love these books!!!) Agent X by Noah Boyd A Kiss Before the Apocalypse by Thomas E. Sniegoski (Squee #2!) The Venetian Betrayal by Steve Berry ...and a few others. Or more than a few. Like I said, I haven't counted. I invite you to come back in a couple days and read a mini-slew of reviews. And I promise to keep updating on a regular basis...at least through the summer. Class starts at the end of August (only 9 weeks to go!)

Santa Fe Edge

Santa Fe Edge by Stuart Woods

Ed Eagle—the six foot seven, take-no-prisoners Santa Fe attorney—is no stranger to murder, corruption, or organized crime—both north and south of the border. His home in Santa Fe, a picturesque desert town where the wealthy enjoy the good life, seems like a welcome retreat from the grit and crime of the big cities.

But looks can be deceiving.

A puzzling murder in a golfer’s hacienda brings in a new client for Ed, but while his time is spent unraveling a complex web of sex, money, and false identity, a much more dangerous threat lurks. A ruthless and implacable enemy who has proved more than a match for him in the past has returned to Santa Fe, and this time she wants nothing less than all-out retribution.

--Santa Fe Edge
by Stuart Woods
Copyright © 2010 by Stuart Woods

My Review

Hmmm…that’s the book I would like to have read.

A more appropriate synopsis of Santa Fe Edge would read: Barbara Eagle, Ed’s ex wife, escapes from her Mexican jail and finds her way back to Santa Fe. She still has murder on her mind with Ed as her target. But when her hired hit-man fails his task, she figures she’ll finally have to take matters into her own hands and do the deed herself. A call from her lawyer, however, changes her plans. Will she finally give up her vendetta against Ed now that she’s inherited a fortune?


Okay, on with the review of the actual story…

Ed Eagle takes on a new client, a golfer whose wife is found dead in their bed. He was out of town, playing in a tournament, so it seems pretty cut-and-dried. And it is. The golfer’s story continues, but without Ed’s involvement. Oh, and the new secretary he hires—and beds—is out to steal his money.

Barbara Eagle returns and continues her machinations. She’s pretty busy throughout this story but only has one encounter with Ed, and that’s through a hit-man she hires. The rest of the time she’s bouncing from house to house and bed to bed. The truth about her now-deceased husband’s will comes out and she’s set to inherit a fortune, one that may just make her give up her murdering ways.

Cupie Dalton and Vittorio, investigator friends of Ed’s, are on Barbara’s trail, trying to keep Ed safe and alive.

Teddy Fay—a refugee from another Stuart Woods series—and his girlfriend Lauren Cade set up housekeeping in Santa Fe, all while successfully dodging one of Lance Cabot’s agents.

And…that’s about it. Nothing much else really happens in this novel. It felt more like a placeholder, something to read while you’re waiting for the next book in the series to come out.

Simple and concise like all Stuart Woods novels, this one left me scratching my head. Not because I couldn’t figure the story out…I was wondering exactly why someone wasted paper printing it and wondering why I spent my money on it.

I give this story TWO STARS.

The Sixth Man

The Sixth Man by David Baldacci

Edgar Roy-an alleged serial killer held in a secure, fortress-like Federal Supermax facility-is awaiting trial. He faces almost certain conviction. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called in by Roy's attorney, Sean's old friend and mentor Ted Bergin, to help work the case. But their investigation is derailed before it begins-en route to their first meeting with Bergin, Sean and Michelle find him murdered.

It is now up to them to ask the questions no one seems to want answered: Is Roy a killer? Who murdered Bergin? With help from some surprising allies, they continue to pursue the case. But the more they dig into Roy's past, the more they encounter obstacles, half-truths, dead-ends, false friends, and escalating threats from every direction. Their persistence puts them on a collision course with the highest levels of the government and the darkest corners of power. In a terrifying confrontation that will push Sean and Michelle to their limits, the duo may be permanently parted.

--The Sixth Man
by David Baldacci
Copyright © 2011 by David Baldacci

My Review

Imagine, if you will, a wall. Not just any wall, but a wall of data. Data that informs the viewer of everything—yes, everything—that is going on in the world in regards to the country’s security. Now imagine absorbing all that data, analyzing it, and coming up with strategies to ensure the country’s safety. All without losing your mind.

That was Edgar Roy’s job before he was arrested for murder. Housed in a federal Supermax facility in Maine, he awaits trial. His lawyer, Ted Bergin, calls on his friend Sean King and his partner, Michelle Maxwell, to come and assist him in the case. But on their way to meet him, Sean and Michelle find Ted murdered on the side of the road.

Anxious to work the case, plus find out who murdered Ted, they sign on with Ted’s associate to work on Edgar’s case. Only, as is the usual for them, things are not as cut-and-dried as they may seem. They never are when the power players of D.C. get involved.

The main characters, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, seemed a little flat in this story. They have the same drive and energy as usual, but because they’ve ostensibly put their romantic feelings aside for the duration of the story, they’ve lost some of their depth, only to gain it back at the very end. It leaves the story a little lacking, but despite that, it’s still a great story.

The plot contains the usual deep twists and turns you’d expect from a David Baldacci novel, including one I never saw coming until the end. I figured out the twist pretty much at the same time Sean did, which is great because as a reader, you never really want to figure out whodunit half-way through the story. You want there to be a surprise waiting for you and in this novel, it definitely is waiting for you, lurking, gun in hand, ready and willing to move in for the killshot.

I love the character of James Harkes, though. Someone who could pull off what he did in this story without getting his feathers ruffled catches my interest and makes me want more. I would definitely like to see him again, perhaps in his own series? And perhaps even with Kelly Paul (Edgar’s half sister)? Just a thought…

I give this story FOUR STARS.

White Nights

White Nights by Susan Edwards

Oregon Trail, 1856

After her husband is swept away by the furious waters of the Platte River, Eirica Macauley faces the journey along the Oregon Trail alone with three children and another on the way. But Eirica cannot mourn the loss of such a brute, and vows never to give a man power over her again.

A fellow settler on the trail, James Jones never meant to fall in love with another man's wife, but it was impossible to steel his heart against the beautiful Eirica. If only he can convince Eirica to trust in him, and in her own feelings.

James is everything her husband wasn't: handsome, caring, honorable. His touch ignites passion. Struggling to survive in the untamed West, Eirica can't help but be tempted by James's offer to care for her and the children. But as they near their destination, and a promising future together, they learn the past may not be so far behind after all...

--White Nights
by Susan Edwards
Copyright © 2012 by Susan Edwards
Published by Carina Press ebooks

My Review

The Jones family continues their journey westward to Oregon. Jessie is happy with Wolf, and James is working on his own happiness.

Eirica lost her husband to the rushing waters of the Platte River, but she’s not grieving. He was abusive and a drunk and though she’s terrified about what her future will hold and how she’ll do it caring for four little children, she knows she and they will be happier without Birk.

When James turns on the charm, Eirica finds she can’t resist him. He’s so good with her children and treats her with tenderness and care, something Birk never showed her. She’s free to give in to his gentle pressure and their love grows as they begin to plan for a life together.

But Eirica is not as free as she thinks. The Platte may have claimed many lives, but Birk Macauley is not one of them. And he’s determined to rejoin his wife and make her pay for leaving him to drown.

Although the writing was top-notch as it has been with the other books in the White series, I did not enjoy this story as much as the others due to the subject matter. Granted, this is the aftermath of a woman having lost her abusive husband and she learns to trust another man with her heart, but for me the story line was too predictable. I knew what was going to happen even while I was still reading the previous book in the series, White Wolf. If you plan to read the entire series, don’t leave this one out, just know that it deals with a sensitive subject and may not be to everyone’s liking.

This story was first published in 2003, the remaining stories in the series following naturally. They’re being re-released by Carina Press and the first eight books are available on their web site. Click here to order from Carina Press or the below link to order this book from Amazon.com (and find links to the others available in this series).

I give this story THREE stars.

I received an Advance Uncorrected Proof from NetGalley.

White Wolf

White Wolf by Susan Edwards

Oregon Trail, 1856

Jessica Jones is excited at the prospect of journeying west with her brothers—until she learns unmarried women are forbidden on the trip. Refusing to be left behind, she disguises herself as Jessie, the fourth and youngest Jones brother. Working as a man isn't the hard part—the challenge is hiding the womanly passion building within her, passion for the infuriating but intriguing wagon master White Wolf...

White Wolf is a man caught between two worlds. Raised among his father's people, educated by his mother's, he travels the land in search of his own path. He knows from experience the trouble a single woman can cause on the trail but when he discovers the truth about Jessie, it's too late to send her back—and too late to fight the sensual attraction he feels to the green-eyed beauty. But until he knows his destiny, he cannot ask her to stand at his side...

--White Wolf
by Susan Edwards
Copyright © 2012 by Susan Edwards
Published by Carina Press ebooks

My Review

Picking up Susan Edwards’ White series after White Wind, we meet White Wolf, the son of White Wind and Golden Eagle. Grown up, he favors his mother’s looks which helps him fit in with the white man’s world, but he will never fully be a part of it. His grandmother foresaw his gift as one of knowledge so his family sent him away to be educated, but he has no idea what to do with his gift. He agrees to help out an old friend and drive a group of emigrants to the Oregon Territory. His rules are strict but fair, but one family has a problem with one of his rules…no single women allowed.

The Jones family—James, Joshua, Jeremy and Jessica—have been planning their move for months. Now this final rule of Wolf’s is putting their plans in jeopardy. Jessie doesn’t want to be left behind, even though another family has agreed to allow her to travel with them when they leave with another group. When she confronts Wolf about this rule, he mistakes her for a boy. Who could blame him when she dresses like one? She happily allows him to continue to think that way and joins the wagon train west, eager for the adventures coming her way. Several others on the trip quickly catch on to her deception, but say nothing. When Wolf finds out the truth, he’s none too pleased, and yet at the same time, a little relieved, because now at least he understands why Jessie was starting to get under his skin. But what good would it do to give in to his attraction to her? He plans to winter over in Oregon before returning to his people the following spring and Jessie would be staying in Oregon with her brothers.

But Wolf didn’t count on Jessie’s single-minded determination. She is in love with Wolf, and is determined to find a way to make him see they belonged together. When her brothers force a marriage to protect her honor, will that be enough? Or will Wolf leave her in Oregon with her brothers come spring?

This story also includes intriguing hints about the next book in the series, White Nights.

This story was first published in 2003, the remaining stories in the series following naturally. They’re being re-released by Carina Press and the first eight books are available on their web site. Click here to order from Carina Press or the below link to order this book from Amazon.com (and find links to the others available in this series).

I give this story FOUR and a HALF stars.

I received an Advance Uncorrected Proof from NetGalley.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest
by Stieg Larsson

Lisbeth Salander—the heart of Larsson’s two previous novels—lies in critical condition, a bullet wound to her head, in the intensive care unit of a Swedish city hospital. She’s fighting for her life in more ways than one: if and when she recovers, she’ll be taken back to Stockholm to stand trial for three murders. With the help of her friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist, she will not only have to prove her innocence, but also identify and denounce those in authority who have allowed the vulnerable, like herself, to suffer abuse and violence. And, on her own, she will plot revenge—against the man who tried to kill her, and the corrupt government institutions that very nearly destroyed her life.

Once upon a time, she was a victim. Now Salander is fighting back.

--The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest
by Stieg Larsson (translated by Reg Keeland)
Copyright © Stieg Larsson

My Review

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest picks up at the precise moment The Girl Who Played with Fire left off. Mikael Blomkvist finds a severely wounded Lisbeth Salander at her father’s farm house and alerts the authorities.

At the hospital, she’s in a guarded room while she recovers. Once she’s discharged, she’s going to jail to await her murder trial. Cut off from the world, her only contact is with her doctor and her lawyer, Annika Janini, Blomkvist’s sister. She needs to actively participate in preparing her defense…that means she needs her computer. But she’s not allowed to have it in the hospital.

Blomkvist finds a way.

So while the hunt is on for the real killer, and Salander prepares her defense, Blomkvist has his own problems. He’s convinced someone is following him, keeping tabs on his every movement. So no only does he need to work on the most explosive story of his career, he needs to help Lisbeth win her case, all while staying alive.

I give this story FIVE STARS.