Veronica Mars: Mr. Kiss and Tell by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham

Mr. Kiss and Tell by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham

Veronica Mars, Book 2

Publisher: Vintage (January 2015)

338 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing and Violence

This time around Veronica is asked to investigate an assault and rape that the victim says happened at the Neptune Grand Hotel, but with little to go on and seemingly no footage on the surveillance tape, it’s hard to tell who’s story is true. Enjoyable mystery that plays out a little predictably at times, but with plenty of unseen twists to make it a great last adventure with Veronica. Logan makes a few appearances, though he’s largely in the background of the story, and even though I don’t think they could ever have a true happily ever after (between their personalities and their careers), I thought the ending is about as close as you get with them, and I found it very satisfying. Great read!

The End of America by Naomi Wolf

The End of America by Naomi Wolf

Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing (September 2007)

193 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $8.32)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

I read this book when it first came out, but I recently re-read it and was surprised at how relevant much of the information still is. Though the anecdotes in the book center primarily on things that were relevant at the time, and things from the past; the ten steps that regimes use to dismantle a democracy are laid out so clearly and concisely, that I think that in and of itself makes the book worthy of a read.

You are Destined to be Together Forever by Dean Koontz

You are Destined to be Together Forever by Dean Koontz

Odd Thomas Series, Prequel

Publisher: Bantam (December 2014)

38 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

This is a short adventure that Odd Thomas and Stormy shared before going to the carnival where the mummy gypsy gave them the fortune that gave this story its title, and to which Odd Thomas refers to throughout the series. A nice little refresher about where things all started before we launch into the final chapter of Odd. Looking forward to Saint Odd, due out later this week!

Gypsy Hunted by Andrea Drew

Gypsy Hunted by Andrea Drew

Gypsy Shields Series, Book 1

Publisher: Andrea Drew (October 2014)

244 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing and Graphic Violence

After a blind date with a police detective, Gypsy interrupts a kidnapping and is grievously injured rendering her unable to talk, but her psychic/telepathic abilities allow her to contact the detective through her niece and set the investigation going in the right direction while she heals. I wasn’t initially all that keen on the main character here, Gypsy’s stories from her past (in which she seemed wild, irresponsible and selfish) had me sympathizing more with her estranged sister than her, but as the action heated up, the investigation became more front and center, the story less character-driven, and I enjoyed following the adventure as Connor and Gypsy moved along with their search for truth. Great mystery/thriller!   I look forward to the second installment, Gypsy Cradle, due out later this year.

The Professional Freelancer by Rory Scherer

The Professional Freelancer by Rory Scherer

Publisher: Rory Scherer (May 2014)

114 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Sexual References and Graphic Violence

The narrator begins by getting laid off from his job and his luck just keeps getting worse from there. We never learn much about the narrator’s appearance, and are never given his name, but his anonymity lends a kind of extra mystery to the telling of the story. The story alternates between past and present, until we are all caught up to the present situation, and I thought the style of delivery was very engaging—it definitely kept my interest. It was a little heavy on analogies and references at times, but I eventually got used to that and just took it as part of the narrator’s personality. Great novice meets underworld adventure, and I hope to see a second installment!

Effective Immediately by Evan Ronan

Effective Immediately by Evan Ronan

Close of Business Trilogy, Book 2

Publisher: Calhoun Publishing (December 2014)

66 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing

This time around the VP is not only unable to email, but has also had his fish stolen, so the narrator must again embark on a workplace investigation. It took me a little longer to get into this one, then with the first installment, but the wrap-up was great, and there were a few really funny parts. Quick read!