Robert B. Parker: Stranger In Paradise (Jesse Stone)
Fun, well written with believable characters, quick, witty dialogue and a good story. Jessie Stone is the most perfect imperfect character in mystery fiction. Even if you don't know any of the back stories of these characters (like me, for I never read a Jessie Stone novel before), this book is easy to follow. Stranger In Paradise does not disappoint & because of this book I plan to read all of the books in this series. (*****)
Dr. Denis Leary: Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid
The best book by a comedian since Carlin's Brain Droppings. Not just a book filled with prior stand up material but a book filled with thoughts & observations. And the critics who complained about Leary's chapter on autism either did not get it or did not read it. The autism chapter complains about parents who have their children misdiagnosed with autism not the actual sufferers of this disease. (****)
Jeffery Deaver: The Bodies Left Behind: A Novel
A really good cat and mouse thriller between hired killers and a deputy sheriff on the run. A surprise twist that if you don't pay attention you will not see it coming. The protagonist is interesting as well as complicated. Well developed, Deaver rarely uses to many words to move the story along. (****)
Jeph Loeb: Batman: The Long Halloween
1st Graphic Novel I have actually read. Story gives a good insight into the character Two Face & his relation to Batman, however the story in general is flat & the art lacks any crispness. (***)
Harlan Coben: Darkest Fear (Myron Bolitar)
Well written, yet not totally plausible if it was an average person just finding out he had a 13 year old son & add the fact the child needs a bone marrow transplant. The ending scene is a tearjerker and it gets an extra star for the well placed humor. (****)
James A. Moore: Blood Red
One of the better vampire novels out there. Some of the subject matter may offend some people, yet it is so well written that you can't put it down. The descriptions of the town & characters are comparable to the early works of Stephen King. (*****)
Jeff Lindsay: Darkly Dreaming Dexter
One of the strangest forte's of a serial killer I've ever read. Pace at times is slow & the conclusion is flat, but the dark humor is brilliant. (***)
John Grisham: The Innocent Man
The best true story of justice denied written in the past ten years. No matter what side of the death penalty issue you are on, this story perfectly illustrates why juries must make sure the correct person has been convicted. (*****)
Ridley Pearson: Killer Weekend (Walt Fleming Novel)
Arguably his best book. An interesting Protagonist, A brilliant Villain. One of the more original assassination thrillers on the book shelf. Short chapters make the pages fly by. A fun read. (****)

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