Review: The Puma Years

The Puma Years by Laura Coleman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book could have been shortened and, in my opinion, for the better if the endless description of filth, insects, heat, terrible food etc had been cut at least in half. While the rescue of animals too big and wild to have ever been considered for domestication as pets is a worth while endeavor, it would seem as though the place in which it happens could be more cleanly and the volunteers would not also have the pet/owner mind-set. Guess one can't help but become attached to these beautiful creatures but somehow I just kept feeling they lost one owner to become the pet of others. There can be no doubt that these kids cared for these confused creatures but I'm not sure they were particularly trained to be doing the work they were doing. Most seemed to have rather pampered backgrounds and connections back home to return to stable and fulfilling careers. Some, obviously, did not fit into the society from which they came and this sojourn as do-gooder in the Amazon rainforest gave them an escape from the real world--none more than the author who seems unable to make meaningful bonds with fellow humans on an emotional level. I actually felt she was quite shallow and lost patience with her early on. Were it not for the story of the cats, in particular, Wyrah, I probably would never have bothered to finish the book. I'm glad I did and am grateful for the photos and drawings of some of the animals with whom the book made me somewhat familiar.

View all my reviews

Review: Her Last Breath--It AlmostTurns Out to Be!

>Her Last Breath by Linda Castillo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Horrific hit and run accident leaves a man and two of his children dead and one child in serious condition. Who could have done such a thing--a DUI? The revelations Kate and her team uncover are as horrendous and the opening scene. As more and more is learned the more impossible it is to believe there are people so inhumane in this world. As the stress of solving what turns out to be deliberate murder of Kate's once best friend's family builds up, there is the more to cause Kate's anxiety. The body of the man she killed almost 20 years ago is unearthed and Tomasetti is getting tired of her fence-sitting when it comes to their relationship. As usual, Kate has her hands full and almost loses her life at the hands of the murderer in the climax. Keeps you guessing until almost the last page

View all my reviews

Review: Cutie Pies and Deadly Lies

Cutie Pies and Deadly Lies by Addison Moore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Cute Story

Simple little Rom-com that doesn't require much thought; cheerful and fun. American sweet gum doesn't grow in Vermont, yellow birch is a junk tree and not very common; Pink lady and pippins are far less often grown than Macs but most of that wouldn't be known to non-Vermonters. Sort of like that old song Moonlight in Vermont which celebrates sycamores along the highway....nope we are too far North for Sycamores..lol..but who knows what global warming will bring..the area was once under a sea!

View all my reviews

Review: Death in a Strange Country

Death in a Strange Country by Donna Leon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The corruption on so many levels in this book is so demoralizing. Murders passed off as suicides or else brushed under the carpet as just another crime committed by a local not very smart young hoodlum. Insurance fraud, illegal dumping of toxic materials by complicit governments and governmental officials both high and low. Threats to those that would investigate and reveal the corruption in some cases, actual retribution to others. And in the end, a good man left in tears and wondering how his father-in-law is involved and yet, not wanting to know, since his wife will, at her father's death, take up running his business enterprises. Venice is a beautiful place and Brunetti loves it with all his heart, but under the surface so much darkness. I don't know if I could visit there without thinking about it, for though this is fiction, there is, I think, more than a little truth in the tale.

View all my reviews

Review: Murder By Fire--Just Okay

Murder By Fire by Faith Martin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not sure if I'm so familiar with the series or if the plot was too simple,but I knew immediately who the murderer was. I also knew why ,as soon as the character made an appearance. Continued to the end only because I wanted to know what was happening in the lives of Hilary and the members of the team. Much of the changes were disappointing. Will continue with the next book to see if new characters will be as interesting.

View all my reviews