"Death of a Red Heroine" by Qiu Xialong. A "national model worker" has been found nude and strangled. The main suspect is a high-ranking party official's son. Wow -- not my usual fare, because the investigation involves as much politics (this is Communist China) as crime, and the writing is sort of stilted.But something about this sucked me in and I cannot put it down! A friend who has visited China twice gave it to me, and I'm just enthralled. Probably as much for the insight into China as for the mystery, but I'm dying to know if justice will out... a really fun, unusual read! -- clea www.cleasimon.com

I have Rachel Gibson's and Colleen Thompson's new books on my bedside table, but since I recently had eye surgery and can't read mass market print yet, I listened to James Lee Burke's Tin Roof Blowdown, which was fabulous, as all his books are, but he's one author who really works in audio because, at least for me, his stories are as much about his words as they are his plots. I also don't know many authors who could've woven so many different post-Katrina stories together as well as he did in this one. I can sort of focus on hardcover print now, so I'm reading Marcus Luttrell's (with Patrick Robinson) Lone Survivor, as research for my Special Ops series. It's "the eyewitness account of operation redwing and the lost heroes of Seal Team 10." I can see why it's a bestseller. It's easy to read in a way, because it's a gripping page-turner and has me becoming emotionally involved with the members of Seal Team 10 (which isn't always the case in this kind of non-fiction book), but it's also very difficult, because I know, from the title and the jacket description, that everyone but the author's going to be killed. Along with reading like a fictional thriller, it's an up close and personal look at the internal conflict between personal morality and survival, and the ultimate consequences of any war. And it's definitely making me both laugh and cry, which is probably the best test of any story.

Joanne, try the large print books. My sisters read them and it makes everything a lot easier. I have a book of Colleen's on my TBR pile and I should be getting to it soon. I had the pleasure of meeting her and she's delightful. I can't read nonfiction, too emotional for me, but I look forward to your Special Ops books. I can handle it in nonfiction form. .......................................................................Hope all is well with your eye surgery.

Due to travel by air this past weekend and having foot surgery the other day, I have been able to read more then one page without putting the book down. I read Linda Howard's Up Close and Dangerous (good read as always), Nora Roberts' High Noon (great job Nora) and now in the middle of Elizabeth Lowell's Innocent as Sin (great so far too). I am listening to the new Lee Child on audio...but can't come up with the title at this minute, but am enjoying it also.

This weeks book was Widow of the south by Robert Hicks. The book is based on the true experience of a Civil War heroine, who witnessen the bloodshed at the Battle of Franklin. She did fall in love with a soldier that was treate at her house. She later dedicates her home as a burial site for fallen soldiers. The book was pretty good, just complicated.

I am reading The Good Guy by Dean Koontz I can not put it down. It is so exciting I don't even notice interruptions!!

I've been catching up on PC Cast's Parthalon books, which are fun, and I'm still listening to the adventures of Jamie Fraser (Drums of Autumn). I've also started The Hot Flash Club, listening while I crank out this crochet project. My TBR pile is so high I can't see the top of it, and still my favorite authors keep coming out with more (yay!).

I am currently reading THE GREATEST KNIGHT by Elizabeth Chadwick, which a great read. But I'm tenderhooks waiting for my copy of Robin Young's next installment in Knights Templar series-- CRUSADE. BTW I understand your need to always have a book with you, I learned my lesson by being trapped in an elevator bymyself and the only book I had to read was Statistics book for a class. I always carry a fiction book with now.

Hi Barbara, it was fun meeting you this morning. I read the latest Harry Potter, which was great! I just finished TERRITORY by Emma Bull. Another great book. I have a lot of books in my TBR pile. I'm not sure which one I'll pick next.

Barbara, I just wanted to say I want to be in your official fan club. Your speech at WisRWA had me literally laughing out loud! In answer to your question, I rushed home after the meeting to make chicken wraps for my family’s lunch. While I cut strawberries, I listened to Amanda Quick’s The River Knows, which features Louisa Bryce, who like many of Amanda’s brainy heroines has a secret identity and a troubled past. She meets safe-cracking hero, Anthony Stalbridge and of course there’s a mysterious woman, a shady nobleman and a number of dead bodies. I’m already guessing how the shady nobleman will meet his end and well, when Anthony and Louisa will figure out they’re in love.

Brenda, Amanda Quick books on audio are among my favorites. I don't know if it's the whole accent thing or what. :)

Thanks Barbara for your book reviews--I'll admit an addiction for Michael Crichton too! Currently I am reading "Killing Critics" by Carol O'Connell (rereading it from my stack of TBR's it seems like!!). I can relate with taking a book everywhere--the only way I can stay sane with having to wait everywhere one goes these days!! Keep up the good work!

Thanks Barb for sharing those great stories of taking books everywhere! After 36 yrs. of child-rearing & 35 yrs. of waitress work (overlapping!!), I was very adept at taking books & magazines everywhere too, to pass the time at appointments, events etc.--like you!! It made me more patient, occupied & less apt to take out frustrations re: my lost time on those doctors, dentists who made us all wait!!