From the back cover: When Hurricane Katrina strikes New Orleans, forensic entomologist Nick Polchak signs up to help with the recovery effort. He is known as the Bug Man for his knowledge of insects and what they can reveal about the dead. The government’s mandate is clear – rescue the living first, recover the dead later. But something is very wrong in the toxic soup-bowl of post-Katrina New Orleans. Something beyond the headline-making misery of a drowning city. Something that began before the winds blew and the levees started to crumble. Someone is using the cover of disaster to kill…hiding the victims of murder in the same watery grave as the victims of Katrina. It’s a tale only the dead can tell. but no one besides the Bug Man is listening.

My Review: This book was wonderful! I love all the characters in this book, but the main character, Nick Polchak, is by far my favorite. Nick is SO different and funny. He is a brainiac and because he is a forensic entomologist and knows and appreciates insects through and through, he considers himself part of the insect species rather than human. He is driven to solve murders and right the wrongs of life. He goes against direct orders and goes with his gut instincts, many times getting himself in trouble. This story also includes a slight love interest, which the other books in this series hadn’t, also adding much to the story. Dr. Elizabeth Woodbridge, psychiatrist for the DMORT (Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team) is on this trip to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This book has all of the elements of a mystery that I love – suspense, drama, great characters, and on top of all that – IT’S CLEAN! Yahoo! I didn’t have to filter out offensive language and sexual content. Thank YOU, Mr. Downs for writing such a riveting book! I give this book 5 stars.

From the Back Cover
The whole thing couldnt have taken more than sixty seconds.

Bailey hung on to the counter, dazed. If she let go, shed collapseand the twitching fingers of one of the gunmen would pull a trigger. The rest of her group huddled in frozen shock.

Dear God, tell me this is a dream 

The shooters teeth clenched. Anybody who moves is dead.

On a beautiful Saturday morning the nationally read Scenes and Beans bloggers gather at Java Joint for a special celebration. Chaos erupts when three gunmen burst in and take them all hostage. One person is shot and dumped outside.

Police Chief Vince Edwards must negotiate with the desperate trio. The gunmen insist on communicating through the comments section of the blogso all the world can hear their story. What they demand, Vince cant possibly provide. But if he doesnt, over a dozen beloved Kanner Lake citizens will die 

I read this book out of order. I read Book 1, 2 and then this. Now I have ordered Book 3, Crimson Eve. The first time I tried to read this book I put it aside. I don’t know why I couldn’t get into it – not in the mood or something. The second time I picked up this book, I couldn’t put it down. As with any hostage situation, it is hard to put down until you know what is going to happen. The concept that the gunmen wanted to communicate through a blog is another interesting take. This book shows that terrible things can happen in a small town as well as in the “city.” I love that God is brought into the equation and that people were praying nonstop for the hostages. The author is able to get her points across without offensive language. I appreciate that aspect! If you are in the mood for a page-turner, I recommend this series. The three books I’ve read are good, and I look forward to reading the third one.

About the Book: The widow of a rich, older man, Paige Sorensen is younger than—and hated by—her stepchildren. And they’re dead set on proving that she forged their father’s signature on his will, which left his entire estate, including the Sorensen Academy for Girls, to her. Claudia admits she’s intrigued by this real-life soap opera, and breaks her first rule: never get personally involved. But she’s grown attached to a troubled Sorensen student—and when disaster strikes, she’ll realize that reading between the lines can mean the difference between life and death…

My Review: I love a good mystery or thriller, so I was excited for the chance to review a book with a unique take on crime by examining handwriting. I do feel as though I learned a lot about what a forensic handwriting expert might do…I had no idea our handwriting could reveal so much about us!

I also really enjoyed the storyline of Claudia taking such a special interest in one of the girls and the faith she had in her.

I found the prose in this book to be a bit simple and the pace to drag a little bit at times, but overall this was an enjoyable read with a unique take on the crime genre.

There is some language and sexual content in this book.

About the Book: For untold years, the perfectly preserved mummy had lain forgotten in the dusty basement of Boston’s Crispin Museum. Now its sudden rediscovery by museum staff is both a major coup and an attention-grabbing mystery. Dubbed “Madam X,” the mummy—to all appearances, an ancient Egyptian artifact—seems a ghoulish godsend for the financially struggling institution. But medical examiner Maura Isles soon discovers a macabre message hidden within the corpse—horrifying proof that this “centuries-old” relic is instead a modern-day murder victim.

To Maura and Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli, the forensic evidence is unmistakable, its implications terrifying. And when the grisly remains of yet another woman are found in the hidden recesses of the museum, it becomes chillingly clear that a maniac is at large—and is now taunting them.

Archaeologist Josephine Pulcillo’s blood runs cold when the killer’s cryptic missives are discovered, and her darkest dread becomes real when the carefully preserved corpse of yet a third victim is left in her car like a gruesome offering—or perhaps a ghastly promise of what’s to come.

The twisted killer’s familiarity with post-mortem rituals suggests to Maura and Jane that he may have scientific expertise in common with Josephine. Only Josephine knows that her stalker shares a knowledge even more personally terrifying: details of a dark secret she had thought forever buried.

Now Maura must summon her own dusty knowledge of ancient death traditions to unravel a murderer’s twisted endgame. And when Josephine vanishes, Maura and Jane have precious little time to derail the Archaeology Killer before he adds another chilling piece to his monstrous collection.

My Review: There are few times in the book calendar year so happy for me as the release of a new Tess Gerritsen novel. Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles are some of my favorite fictional characters and I always look forward to what comes their way next. (having said that, I loved the Bone Garden beyond all measure)

On top of that, Gerritsen always manages to find an interesting albeit super creepy topic to explore. The Keepsake is certainly no exception.

I grew up in St. Louis and the St. Louis Art Museum has a mummy. I can still remember the first time we took a field trip to the museum in school…how fascinated I was by both the mummy and the jars that apparently contained the mummy’s inner organs. I stood at the glass case staring in at those urns and trying to understand it all…staring at the mummy and trying to understand the life that it represented.

That fascination found a place in this book. For starters, there’s a museum with loads of artifacts that are not fully catalogued in the basement. That’s creepy. One of those items is a mummy, but it is soon discovered that the mummy is not ancient but from modern times. Very creepy. At this point, I couldn’t help but think what a perfect fall read this book was!

As usual, we delve a little bit into Jane and Maura’s personal lives, but the case really is the main focus. There’s a lot of suspense, some gory facts you feel you probably could have lived without but that make everything that much more interesting, a character whose past is shrouded in mystery, and so many twists and turns that just when you think you have it figured out–you realize you don’t.

The pacing is spot-on, the prose is easy as usual, and the ending leaves you eager for next book.
Once again, I have to say this is the perfect fall read, so enjoy!

Tess Gerritsen is also one of my favorite bloggers. You can read her blog here. You can also visit her website and watch the spooky trailer for The Keepsake!

Forensic entomologist Nick Polchak (a.k.a. the Bug Man) is hired by thirty-year-old Kathryn Guilford, who is terrified of bugs, to solve her friend’s death. When Polchak stumbles into the mystery of how Kathryn’s husband was killed years earlier, the action kicks into high gear — and Polchak finds himself on the run with his client from someone who will do anything to keep a secret.

This fast-paced murder mystery is more than the typical “Christian fiction;”it is good clean fun — on a thrill ride. Biblical values are implicit rather than explicit, and its fascinating elements provoke thought on a conscience, consequences, and world-views. But mostly, this book is a sizzler of a story that will not let you go.

Sally’s Review: I found this book a delightful and engaging read. After hearing the author, Tim Downs, on “Family Life Today’s” program speak about Christian fiction and his books, I immediately ordered Shoofly Pie from Amazon.com. What I appreciate so much about this book was that it was a great story, not preachy at all, yet clean.

It appears that the publisher, Howard Fiction publishes several books like this by a variety of authors. I will be checking that out!

Anyway, the story is different to me in that the main character is a forensic entomologist and solves murders by studying the insects found on the dead bodies. Yuck (for the most part), but fascinating on another level. I learned more about insects than I really ever probably thought I wanted to know. The main character, Nick Polchak is loveable – he reminds me of the absent-minded professor. He is not out to impress anyone and is totally involved in solving mysteries. It seems that is one of his first loves.

The book is fast-moving and a page-turner. The mystery is layered and complicated with a few surprises thrown in. If you like murder mysteries and are looking for a good, clean story this is the book for you! I plan to read all of the books in this series. There are three and a fourth due to come out soon.

About the Book: Jack McClure has had a troubled life. His dyslexia always made him feel like an outsider. He escaped from an abusive home as a teenager and lived by his wits on the streets of Washington D.C. It wasn’t until he realized that dyslexia gave him the ability to see the world in unique ways that he found success, using this newfound strength to become a top ATF agent.

When a terrible accident takes the life of his only daughter, Emma, and his marriage falls apart, Jack blames himself, numbing the pain by submerging himself in work. Then he receives a call from his old friend Edward Carson. Carson is just weeks from taking the reins as President of the United States when his daughter, Alli, is kidnapped. Because Emma McClure was once Alli’s best friend, Carson turns to Jack, the one man he can trust to go to any lengths to find his daughter and bring her home safely.

The search for Alli leads Jack on a road toward reconciliation . . . and into the path of a dangerous and calculating man. Someone whose actions are as cold as they are brilliant. Whose power and reach are seemingly infinite.

Faith, redemption, and political intrigue play off one another as McClure uses his unique abilities to journey into the twisted mind of a stone cold genius who is constantly one step ahead of him. Jack will soon discover that this man has affected his life and his country in more ways than he could ever imagine.

My Review:The prologue of this book draws you into the action pretty quickly. It doesn’t really let up much after that. This is a political thriller with a mix of interesting characters. It takes a hard look at faith in the political arena, which, being a person of faith was at times hard to swallow. I don’t think over all that Lustbader was taking a negative approach to faith, but rather to the people who use it to manipulate others. With our current global issues, it is understandable that people are asking these important questions.

The character of Jack McClure is immensely likeable and he is battling many struggles in his personal life. I found his life history to be fascinating. A good portion of the book travels back and forth between the past and present.

I was a little disappointed in the ending, but overall I recommend this as a fun page-turning political thriller–the perfect escape from our current mud-slinging political season.

From the back cover: The first kill was easy. The second much easier. No guilt, no remorse, just a rush of adrenaline surging through him as each life drains away, and the pleasure of knowing that their deaths help his beloved Lindsay. And there are so many more who deserve to die.

The first twisted gift to Lindsay O’Neil arrives hidden in a bouquet of flowers. When her estranged husband, Detective Zack Kier, is assigned to the case, Linsay’s past comes back with a vengeance. Because only Zack knows the dark secret she lives with–or so she thinks. Now nothing can prepare her for the nightmare to come.

Everything Lindsay’s stalker does, every life he takes, is for her. But when Lindsay spurns his gifts, she and those she loves most become targets of a depraved madman whose rage is growing, and who is waiting, watching, and closer than she ever feared.

My review: I read this book in three days. The main character , Lindsay is involved in counseling battered women because of a tragedy in her past. Although this book is basically a thriller, a little romance is thrown in. Lindsay’s estranged husband is one of the policemen on the case. Everything is tied together in an interesting way. I had figured out most of the mystery by the end of the book, but it took a while. I love mysteries because they keep you thinking throughout. This is actually a pretty good beach read – not fluffy at all, but engaging. There is some language and graphic sex in this book, but it is not overpowering and is easy to fast forward through if you find it offensive.

Although this author goes beyond my comfort level with language and explicit sexual content, I was riveted to the story. There is a serial killer on the lose in the wilds of Montana. One by one he or she is shooting out tires of women driving on deserted roads causing serious accidents. After the accident, he/she finds the women in their cars and becomes their healer. When they become well, he ties them outside to a tree naked and leaves them to die from the elements. We become very familiar with one of the victims. We also come to know the two women detectives working on the case. There are clues left behind, but they are very sketchy and the women and all working on the case are at a loss to find the killer. There is a main story and a side story.

The story part of the book is fascinating. This is the third book by Lisa Jackson I have read this summer and I do see a similar pattern in the plots. The books very much keep you hooked, however, as you try to figure out who the killer is and what his/her angle is. The characters are realistic, although I don’t know many people who live as they do. I like the fact that the women are strong and smart. The characters are flawed – not perfect people although very good at their job. This book didn’t resolve the main mystery after 496 pages which was a disappointment to me. The side story was resolved with a unexpected twist. That was exciting. More is promised to come in August of 2009, so I will look forward to the continuing saga.

From the back of the book: After years of running, Hannah Schwartz has finally built a life for herself–far from the insecure husband who bullied and abused her. Far from the close-knit Amish community who raised her, then shunned her. Still haunted by nightmare memories of her parents’ murder and the guilty secret that made her anathema–a true outcast–from her friends and family.

Only love can bring her home again. Love for a child she had feared was lost forever. And love for the peaceful people who shaped her life. But can love heal old wounds . . . or keep the community safe from a deadly danger?

My Review: I LOVED this book. I was in a rotten mood this weekend and felt I needed a good escape and I definitely found it within the pages of this book. I have been reading ALL the Amish books because I find the Amish lifestyle fascinating. This book brings things up a step. The book shows the Amish as real people and highlights their values of family, faith and honest hard work. All of the elements I love about fiction are included in this book – suspense, love, Christian worldview, murder mystery, and believeable characters.

I have read most of Colleen Coble’s books and love all of them. She usually includes a great dog and this book is no exception, so dog lovers will not be disappointed! Her books keep getting better and better. This is definitely my favorite so far! I couldn’t put this book down and read it in a day and a half. I highly recommend “Anathema.”

Anathema was published by Thomas Nelson and is available now.

I enjoy the Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense line when I’m looking for a quick read with a bit of thrills and a healthy dose of romance! Just Cause caught my eye, because I thought it might be more in the legal thriller line. It’s not really a legal thriller though it does involve a court case!

From the back of the book:
“I didn’t kill my husband!”

But no one believed Laurel Hatcher. On trial for murder, Laurel prayed for a miracle. And she got one, sort of: a deadlocked jury. A mistrial meant going through the ordeal all over again, but at least she’d have more time to prove her innocence. And now handsome police officer Dan Ryan was on her side, determined to find evidence that would clear her name. But Laurel didn’t even know what to look for— or who would want her husband dead. Until Dan took her back to the scene of the crime…where a killer was waiting.

My Review: I enjoyed this as the quick escapist read I expected it to be. Davis’s prose is solid which is really important to me in any book and the romance was sweet while there was just enough suspense to keep you guessing! The characters are all quite likeable as well. My only gripe was that Laurel didn’t really seem to grieve her husband much. Just a tad bit more exploration of the loss of her husband while being wrongly convicted would have been fascinating to me, but in 246 pages what can you expect?

A solid 8 out of 10.