winter reading

With one or two exceptions, I've been slumming this winter. I've slunk down to the level of popular culture. Too cold to go out to the library so I'm reduced to what's on hand. And what's on hand ain't that classy. My SIL knows a lady that would bring her boxes and boxes of cheap paperbacks and my SIL would spread the joy. Somehow I've ended up with boxes and boxes myself. Sometimes four or five copies of the same book.

Anyway, since the weather got bad and we got high speed, I haven't made my way to the library, hence the paperback version of dumpster diving.

The Magician’s Assistant by Anne Patchett – This was the last book I checked out from the library. It came all the way from El Paso. For a dollar, the library will search outside it's regular exchange area and will have it sent 'a fer piece' for you. It was an enjoyable little read about a recent widow, the only survivor in a rather strange love triangle. She is surprised to find her deceased husband has living family and the story is about her grief and her integration into his family.

Bed Of Roses by Nora Roberts – Well, we all know Nora now don't we? I tend to skip over the hot and heavy parts but she does tell a good story. This is part 2 of the Bride series.

On The Street Where You Live by Mary Higgins Clark – Another very good storyteller of the murder mystery type.

The PMS Outlaws by Sharyn McCrumb – My sister gave me this one. It was a cute little tale about two women and their rivalry, a law partner put to the errand of buying a house for their offices and an elderly bootlegger.

Honeymoon by James Patterson & Howard Roughan – Female serial killer, marries 'em for their money and then kills 'em.

Shadow Dance by Julie Garwood – Young woman finds herself in a small Texas town to get more information about a centuries old feud between her family and the family of her sister's new husband. Dead bodies keep turning up in the truck of her car. Her FBI brother and friend come to her aid.

Bloodlines by Jan Burke – This was a good story, well written, about a newspaper reporter that spanned about 40 years with a good dose of the past thrown in. Kid/sidekick-reporter/mentor about an unsolved murder/kidnapping.

Breakwater by Carla Neggars – Hands down the worst of the lot. Dumb story, not particularly well written about an undercover investigation into a vigilante group with a main female character. And oh yeah, the requisite 'hot sex' scene.