The Blog

Women’s Murder Club – 20th Victim

June 10, 2020 by Leah Leave a Comment

James Patterson is one of my favorite authors. I have been reading his books for a very very long time. Alex Cross and the Women’s Murder Club are two of his book series that I love to read. Recently, James Patterson released another book, 20th Victim, part of his Women’s Murder Club series. I was very lucky to get a copy on my Kindle, almost right away, from the library. That literally never happens! Though, I think the library is ordering extra copies of popular books while it’s closed. Whatever the reason, I was very happy I didn’t have to wait long to read it!

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Women’s Murder Club Series

What do you get when you combine a sergeant, a medical examiner, a crime reporter, and an assistant district attorney? You get the fearsome foursome that make up the Women’s Murder Club! The four each work their day jobs, but always find time to get together at their favorite restaurant to officially and unofficially talk about cases. With their unique backgrounds, the foursome have helped each other solve cases and problems that, on their own, would have taken them much longer to solve.

The 20th Victim (Women’s Murder Club (20))The 19th Christmas (Women’s Murder Club)The 18th Abduction (Women’s Murder Club (18))

About 20th Victim

From Amazon –

Three victims, three bullets, three cities. The shooters’ aim is as fearsomely precise as their target selection. When Lindsay realizes that the fallen men and women excel in a lucrative, criminal activity, she leads the charge in the manhunt for the killers. As the casualty list expands, fear and fascination with this suspicious shooting gallery galvanizes the country.
The victims were no angels, but are the shooters villains . . . or heroes?

My Thoughts

I liked this book a lot. It felt like the “old James Patterson”. If you are familiar with his books, you may know what I’m talking about. The last Women’s Murder Club book I read, as well as the last Alex Cross book I read, didn’t feel like James Patterson. One of the things I like about this series is that he switches among the various characters so we see a little about what they are doing, thinking, etc. The last book or two, didn’t really seem to have much of that. This book, however, made up for it! He also had a lot for Lindsay’s husband, Joe. Which I liked a lot. I’m hoping that is a foreshadowing into future books and give Joe a bigger part!

The nice thing about the books in this series is that you can read them out of order, if you want to. Some things may not make much sense, but James Patterson does a good job filling in a little of the backstory. So you can catch on quickly. However, I would just read them in order…but I tend to be a rule follower so that could just be me!

Other Books You May Like

Reading is something I make time for every single day. Even if I only read one page, I still read every day. I tend to read a wide variety of genres. If you follow me on Goodreads, you would notice that! While I do tend to gravitate towards psychological thrillers, especially those with serial killers, I also like to read celebrity memoirs. One I read recently by Jessica Simpson, was really interesting to me. Other books I recommend are:

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Stillwater Girls by Minka Kent

The Woods by Harlan Coben

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is actually the prequel to the Hunger Games series! If you read that series, and enjoyed it, you may want to read the prequel that just came out! I enjoyed it! Everything I have read by Minka Kent is excellent. Especially Stillwater Girls! On June 12th, The Woods will be a series on Netflix! I can’t wait to watch it!

What books do you recommend for me?

Kathryn Schleich Author Interview

June 5, 2020 by Leah Leave a Comment

One of my favorite things to do (besides read and write) is to get to know other authors. I enjoy learning about their lives and what the writing process looks like for them, as well as, how they got started writing. When I started this site to share the books I am reading, one of the things I really hoped to also share, is more information about the authors I am reading. So, when I was asked if I was interested in reading a new book by an author I was not yet familiar with, I jumped at the chance! I was thrilled when she was interested in answering my questions for this author interview. That author is Kathryn Schleich!

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Hollywood and Catholic Women: Virgins, Whores, Mothers, and Other Images Salvation Station: A Novel After Effects: A Zimbell House Anthology

Kathryn Schleich Interview

Enjoy!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in Lincoln, NE, the only girl (and oldest) of five children. I am proud to say I won all of our fights! A girl has to defend her territory, after all. After receiving a BS in Journalism from Iowa State University, I moved to the Twin Cities for the first time. I met my future husband, and we lived in California (where I obtained a MA in Mass Communications) and Illinois before returning to the Twin Cities in 2002. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I always liked writing but didn’t really get serious until I went to Iowa State. Still, I wasn’t writing a lot except for articles. When I obtained my master’s degree and was writing my thesis, I remembered just how much I loved to writer. My husband became a Deacon in the Catholic Church so I had an inside view of the Catholic Church. Because of that my thesis was on the image of Catholic women in Hollywood films. My first book was a nonfiction work that evolved from that: Hollywood and Catholic Women: Virgins, Whores, Mothers, and Other Images. The 2nd edition was self-published in 2012.

Do you outline your books first or are you a seat-of-your-pants writer?

I have learned the hard way to outline. The first couple of books I knew what I wanted to say, so it was fairly easy. I wish I had outlined Salvation Station, simply because I kept putting it aside and would forget what I had written. That took a total of 10 years, starting as a screenplay. I wrote a detailed outline for the book I’m currently working on and will do that from now on. (Mystery novelist Anne Perry uses this approach and it seems to make sense).

Where do you get your ideas for your books from?

I get my ideas for fiction from a variety of sources, all based in reality. Salvation Station came to be because my then-husband would watch televangelists just because their phoniness made him mad. And I knew of people who gave all of their money blindly to the church. Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace, which I will rerelease in 2021, was inspired by events that happened to my family. My current work is also inspired by people I’ve known. And the news is great for finding ideas.

How many books have you written/had published? Which is your favorite?

I have written a total of four books. Salvation Station is my current favorite.

Do you have a specific song or playlist you listen to while writing?

I actually need to have silence to write, although I did write my master’s thesis to classical music. I see people writing in my local coffee shop (when we could actually do that!) and I can’t fathom how they do it. I can’t have distractions.

What does your writing schedule look like?

Tough question! I wish I could say that I write every day at a certain time for specified amount of time. Unfortunately, life has a way of getting in the way. However, I will say, COVID-19 has provided a little kick in the behind. But some of my writing is for volunteer organizations I work with, keeping my blog current, and research. I tend to forget that writing articles for a nonprofit’s newsletter is still writing, just a different type.

If your newest book, Salvation Station were made into a movie, who would you want to be cast in the movie?

Great question. When I envision Linda Turner, I think of a Margot Robbie type, but a little older. I originally thought of Tommy Lee Jones as Reverend Ray – that smooth, southern drawl. Idris Elba would be my dream Malachi Johnson. Beyond those three, I honestly haven’t give it too much thought.

What authors do you enjoy reading?

Jane Harper, Gillian Flynn, Paula Hawkins, Jane Smiley, James Patterson, and Donald E. Westlake are all favorites.

What do you do in your free time when you aren’t writing?

Volunteer work in St. Paul, MN normally. But nothing right now is normal. At the moment I’m building a new home and trying to sell my current one. As I said earlier, life can get in the way of good writing.

Where Can I find Her Newest Book?

If you would like to read Salvation Station by Kathryn Schleich, check out Amazon! The book is available there on Kindle and in paperback form. I will be reading the book in a little while. Be sure to check back for my review!

Thank you Kathryn Schleich!

Hunger Games Prequel

May 27, 2020 by Leah Leave a Comment

When I found out that there was going to be a prequel to the Hunger Games books, I got very excited! I added the date that it was set to release to my calendar and anxiously awaited for that day to arrive. The day before, I checked my library’s online database to see if I could place a hold on the book. It didn’t show up. The next day, the day it was releasing, I checked again, and guess what?!? For the first time EVER, I got a book on the day that it released! That never happens! I then spent the next two weeks reading The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins.

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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Journal (Hunger Games)Hunger Games 4-book Hardcover Box Set (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes)The Hunger Games [DVD]

About The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

From Amazon –

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the 10th annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to out charm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined – every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute…and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

My Thoughts about the Prequel to Hunger Games

First of all, I loved the Hunger Games books. I really did. When I was reading them, I remember thinking, “this is so messed up. These are kids killing each other.” However, the more I got into it, the more I really liked the books (and later the movies). As an aspiring writer myself, I was really impressed by the quality of writing, as well as the thought that went into planning all the details. Especially the small details.

When I heard that there was going to be a prequel to the Hunger Games and it was going to be written from Coriolanus Snow’s point of view, I literally couldn’t wait for it to come out. I love a good book written from the villain’s point of view! Not to mention, I was very intrigued by this character in the Hunger Games series, so to find out more about him, especially from before he became President Snow!

Did I Like It?

I really did! In the beginning I was a little bored. It wasn’t that the story was boring, but there was a TON of details. I had a feeling that if I could just get to the part where the Hunger Games began, I would like it more. And I was right. From the moment they entered the area, until the very last page, I couldn’t put the book down. In fact, I actually want to go back and reread the Hunger Games books all over again. Anyone that knows me, knows that I do not reread books. I have my list of favorite books that I love, but I don’t care to reread things. Until now!

Ali Cross by James Patterson

May 20, 2020 by Leah Leave a Comment

I finally got a chance to read the new (well not so new now…it took awhile to get it from the library on my Kindle) book, Ali Cross by James Patterson. Now you remember, I am a HUGE Alex Cross fan. I have been reading that series by James Patterson for about 25 years. So, when I saw he had a spinoff series starring his son, I had to read it (even though it was geared to tweens)! While it took awhile to be able to borrow it from the library for my Kindle, it was definitely worth the wait!

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About Ali Cross

From Amazon –

Ali Cross has always looked up to his father, former detective and FBI agent Alex Cross. While solving some of the nation’s most challenging crimes, his father always kept his head and did the right thing. Can Ali have the same strength and resolve?
When Ali’s best friend Gabe is reported missing, Ali is desperate to find him. At the same time, a string of burglaries targets his neighborhood—and even his own house. With his father on trial for a crime he didn’t commit, it’s up to Ali to search for clues and find his friend. But being a kid sleuth isn’t easy—especially when your father warns you not to get involved!—and Ali soon learns that clues aren’t always what they seem. Will his detective work lead to a break in Gabe’s case or cause even more trouble for the Cross family?

Ali Cross The Summer House The 18th Abduction (Women’s Murder Club)

Perfect for Tweens and Teens

I think James Patterson was a genius for taking a character from one of his most popular book series and writing a series geared towards tweens and teens. When my son was younger, finding books that he wanted to read, that didn’t have a girl as the main character, was hard. Ali Cross is a middle school boy character that will appeal to boys and girls! I can’t tell you how much I wish this book was around when my son was younger and I was trying to get him to read books with more words than the graphic novels he preferred (which I was OK with too…reading is reading).

My Thoughts

I enjoyed the book. This book felt like the old James Patterson books. The style of writing was very similar to early Alex Cross books. Which I liked a lot. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy almost everything James Patterson writes, but sometimes they just seem different. This did not. It is definitely a book I will be recommending to my friends when they are looking for books for their tween/early teen aged kids!

If you are looking for other books for your tween/teen aged kids to reading, definitely check out the following:

What Books Would You Recommend?

I think the best books are those recommend to me by others. Leave a comment and let me know what books you recommend for the tween/teen age group!

Jessica Simpson, Open Book

May 18, 2020 by Leah Leave a Comment

I read a lot of mystery, suspense, and thriller books. Sometimes the constant serial killer story is too much for me and I need a little break. One of my favorite types of books to read are memoirs or biographies. I find it super fascinating to read about someones life. When I saw that Jessica Simpson had a book out, I will admit, my initial motivation for reading it was because I thought she was a hot mess. I had seen an interview she did with Ellen Degeneres and it was a wreck. However, when I read Open Book, I learned so much about Jessica Simpson and it was nothing like I had assumed. And this, ladies and gentleman, is why we should never assume anything!

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Open Book Jessica Simpson Womens Plush Marshmallow Slide On House Slipper Clog with Memory Foam The Dukes of Hazzard (Unrated Widescreen Edition)

About Jessica Simpson and Open Book

From Amazon –

Jessica reveals for the first time her inner monologue and most intimate struggles. Guided by the journals she’s kept since age fifteen, and brimming with her unique humor and down-to-earth humanity, Open Book is as inspiring as it is entertaining.

This was supposed to be a very different book. Five years ago, Jessica Simpson was approached to write a motivational guide to living your best life. She walked away from the offer, and nobody understood why. The truth is that she didn’t want to lie.

Jessica couldn’t be authentic with her readers if she wasn’t fully honest with herself first.

Now America’s Sweetheart, preacher’s daughter, pop phenomenon, reality tv pioneer, and the billion-dollar fashion mogul invites readers on a remarkable journey, examining a life that blessed her with the compassion to help others, but also burdened her with an almost crippling need to please. Open Book is Jessica Simpson using her voice, heart, soul, and humor to share things she’s never shared before.

First celebrated for her voice, she became one of the most talked-about women in the world, whether for music and fashion, her relationship struggles, or as a walking blonde joke. But now, instead of being talked about, Jessica is doing the talking. Her book shares the wisdom and inspirations she’s learned and shows the real woman behind all the pop-culture cliché’s — “chicken or fish,” “Daisy Duke,” “football jinx,” “mom jeans,” “sexual napalm…” and more. Open Book is an opportunity to laugh and cry with a close friend, one that will inspire you to live your best, most authentic life, now that she is finally living hers.

My thoughts

First of all, I had no idea Jessica Simpson was as successful as she is. I remember liking some of her older songs years ago. I also remember enjoying the few episodes of Newlyweds that I saw. It was one of my first times seeing a reality tv show and I was hooked on them! Remember, I said I liked reading about a persons life…I also liked watching it too! Especially if it was vastly different from my own life.

Second of all, not only did I not know that Jessica Simpson was that successful, I also didn’t know that she made it her life’s mission to help people. I didn’t know that she felt like her ability to sing was God’s way of telling her to use her voice and ability for good. And she did. I found it fascinating to read about her times on various military bases and how greatly moved she was by meeting the troops and how much it meant to her.

And finally, I was VERY interested in the sections she wrote about the men she dated and/or married. Despite her relationship ending with her ex-husband, Nick Lachey, she really thought highly of him. And it showed by the way she wrote about him. Sure, she mentioned both of their issues in the relationship, but it doesn’t seem like she has any ill feelings. As for another man she dated, John Mayer, I learned that he is a total dog. Read it…tell me what you think of him after reading it!