This is a book "to die" for! It is the first in a series by Lisa Jackson. The two main characters are female detectives who unearth one clue after another to stop this demented killer!
Lisa Jackson is an artist who paints a picture of her characters with words - the bitterness of former spouses, teenagers and their rudeness, the waittress at the local eatery - you know them! The intensity of the story builds with each page and the most unexpected ending reveals itself all too soon.
This exciting read leaves you looking forward to the next book in this series.
Dragonsblood by
Todd McCaffrey (Brilliance Audiobook read by Dick Hill)
Read by Joysann
Since Anne McCaffrey gave readers the planet Pern in 1968, she has written nearly 20 novels, novellas, and short stories about this fantasy world, with or without another writer. In recent years her son Todd has taken up the stories so those of us who are addicted can continue getting new and fresh infusions. His writing seems to be much as hers and his stories are just as fulfilling; I can't tell a difference. Writing about this particular book doesn't make much sense, since it can't stand alone without the many years of background (I highly recommend starting at the beginning with Dragonflight). Also, I hate writing anything that could remotely be a spoiler, but a brief series synopsis may work:
The inhabitants of the planet Pern have an agricultural feudal society. Predominantly overshadowing their lives is the threat to their survival when Thread falls. Coming around every couple hundred years, the stringy material that rains from the sky destroys any organic matter it touches. The greatest defenses Pern has against the incursion are the dragons that can burn Thread before it reaches the ground, and the men who ride them. Generation upon generation, the stories are told of greater and lesser folk, with all their heroism, strengths, fears, frailties and love. Dragonsblood is another rich chapter in the ongoing story.
Dick Hill has performed every Pern book I've found on audio, and I can't imagine them being read by anyone else. If it's a book I'll enjoy, I'll enjoy listening to him read it. And if I can listen while doing whatever crummy household task needs doing, it goes a lot easier when I'm flying with dragons.
The Bad Boys Guide to the Galaxy by
Karen Kelley
Read by Ann
Lara is sent to Earth to find the cure to a potentially deadly disease that has stricken an Elder. Suddenly, Sam Jones finds that his fishing vacation includes babysitting Lara while she searches for a cure so that she can return. Lara's search includes a few new experiences...chocolate, pizza, slot machines, alcohol and sex with a man. Will she return to Nerak or stay on Earth like her sister and cousin?
Another funny story from Karen Kelley! This is the third book in the series, but can stand alone. I love the unique perspectives that her characters bring. Neither Earth nor Nerak will ever be the same again!!
The Novice Bride by Carol Townend
Read by Emily
Lady Cecily of Fulford has spent the last few years as a novice in a convent; it was what her father wanted. She was the second daughter, and had no real worth, but her sister arrives with the news of her mother's death and the birth of her brother. She finds her only way home is to become the bride of their family's enemy, Sir Adam Wymark. He is new to the land coming from the land of Brittney, and has found no love among the Saxons, especially after the battle of Hastings. Getting married to his intended brides' sister wasn't in the plan, but how could he resist the woman. She was an innocent and had no real knowledge of men. Suspicion and distrust run rampant between the pair. Her sister has fled, joining the ranks of men who want to rid their land of the Normans, and Cecily is scared for her sisters' life and her brother's if Adam finds out she is harboring the true heir to her father's land.
This book is the first in the Wessex Wedding series. If you're looking for a fast and enjoyable read, this book is for you. It has an extraordinary plot, and fascinating characters.
Cin Craven descended from a long maternal line of powerful witches, and is magically strong. But she is still just a human, and with the innate magic in her blood, she's a tasty treat for vampires, for her blood and submission would enhance her master's power. When a demon in vampire form takes a serious interest in her, she decides her only choice to protect those she loves is to become undead herself. She joins with The Righteous, three powerful vampires who are committed to protecting the world from the viciousness of their own kind.
An historical paranormal romance, Cin's narrative tells of her human life in the early 19th century as one of England's high society. It is an interesting take on vampire stories, and I liked it. I'll want to see where the story goes as it progresses in the next book.
Bottom Line: "When you go into court, you are putting your fate into the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty." ~ Norm Crosby
Left to Die by 
