L.A. Requiem by Robert Crais

Today I finished reading L.A. Requiem by Robert Crais.

L.A. Requiem was nominated for the 1999 Hammett Prize and the 2000 Edgar Award.  I read it as a part of my learn to write by reading program.

This is an Elvis Cole / Joe Pike series novel.  I first encountered this pair of private eyes in The Monkey's Raincoat.  I didn't jump on the Cole/Pike bandwagon then but I'm solidly there now.

Crais delivers a superb read.

The Ranger by Ace Atkins

Today I finished reading The Ranger by Ace Atkins.

A few years back I ran across a magazine article listing 100 things you should do before you die.  Some I've done like drive a pick up truck.  Some I haven't like playing cards with someone named Doc.  The list needed to include reading a book by someone named Ace.  'Cause Ace Atkins is 'the bomb.'

I discovered Ace Atkins when The Ranger was nominated for the 2012 Edgar Award.  While Ace didn't win, he certainly deserved the nomination.

Ace Atkins has been chosen by the Parker family to continue Robert B. Parker's Spenser novels.  And after reading The Ranger I can understand why.  He is an outstanding writer.  This was my first Ace Atkins novel but I can tell you for sure it won't be my last.

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Today I finished reading The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

This book is #71 on the National Public Radio Listener's Top 100 'Killer Thrillers' list.

I had never heard of Zafon and would not have read this book if it had not been on the NPR list.  And that would have been my loss.  This is a well written, intriguing story.  I recommend it to all.

Death of a Kingfisher by M.C. Beaton

Today I finished reading Death of a Kingfisher by M. C. Beaton.

I subscribe to Mystery Scene magazine and was attracted to an ad for novels by M. C. Beaton.  A series of novels who's central character is Hamish Macbeth, a police constable, in the Highlands of Scotland.

I had the pleasure of a self-driving vacation in Scotland several years ago.  I'm sure that I must have visited the quaint village of Braikie.

The book is more of a cozy mystery than a thriller like I normally read.  It is a delight.

Drawing the Line by Leonard Critcher

Today I finished reading Drawing the Line by Leonard Critcher.

I blogged about this debut novel last year when Leonard gave me the opportunity to comment on his then unpublished novel.

It was very interesting to me to see how he used the comments of myself and others to craft the final draft, now published.

It is a good read and I recommend it.

The Bourne Deception by Eric Van Lustbader

Today I finished reading The Bourne Deception by Eric Van Lustbader.

I absolutely love the Jason Bourne character.  I read all of the Ludlum Bourne novels and have been reading the continuation Bourne novels by Lustbader.   I like Lustbader and have been a big fan for years.

But I'm going to bitch about this one.  (See previous posts [ I, Sniper and Nothing to Lose] reference to me being grouchy lately.)  While I like the wild ride most Bourne novels provide, is it too much to ask for a little character development arc?  It seems to me that with each new book Jason Bourne becomes a bit more of a cardboard movie poster.

Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

Today I finished reading Hold Tight by Harlan Coben.

This thriller was nominated for the 2009 Best Thriller Award.  It is a good read and Coben does not disappoint.  The plot is twisty and fun.