What Charlie Read in November 2013

I’m so jealous! Because, I just don’t have time to read with working a real job (yep, I have one of those) and writing, photographing and managing this blog!

I do love to read and hope that my future holds reading a romance novel lounging on our couch in front of a blazing fire, with a cup of something hot nearby…

Oh, I almost forgot! I DID read a book this month! A children’s book; that counts, doesn’t it? I even reviewed this children’s book because I thought it was so cute and original! It’s called “And, Then…” and you can read my review right here: And, Then…

And Then…

Anyway, back to Charlie (I’m easily distracted)…

Because he has the luxury (he’s retired) of indulging in his favorite hobby (reading), I decided he could do book reviews on our blog for us. That way, when I do have time to read, I can glance through his book reviews and choose one that sounds exciting.

But, in reality, I do these book reviews because he doesn’t know how to type or use a computer or use software like WordPress (he’s a dinosaur!). I give him a book review form that I created and he hand writes the review. The funny thing is that he has terrible handwriting and most of the time I can’t read his handwritten reviews and I have to call him into my office and ask him a myriad of questions, just so I can write these reviews!

Even though this review process isn’t working out as I originally envisioned (he handwrites them and then I just transcribe them into the blog), we have a good time laughing at his reviews because I can’t read his writing!

This month, he read six books. That’s about average for him, although one month he read nine (I think; I’d have to go back and reread his reviews).

Here we go:

The Cat Who Went Up the Creek by Lilian Jackson Braun

Written in 2002, the story is set in New England and features reoccurring protagonist, James Qwilleran and his Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum. Charlie likes this series because of the cat connection (we have a Snowshoe Siamese cat, a boy named Coco). Jim is a columnist at his small town newspaper and takes a vacation in the nearby town of Black Creek, staying at the Nutcracker Inn. His vacation is really a working vacation because he is researching material for an upcoming book. And, of course, the body of a man is found floating in the creek (this is a murder mystery, after all!). Is this murder connected to the gold nuggets found on the body? This is the 24th novel in this continuing series about Jim, Koko and Yum Yum. Charlie thought this book was good and gave it 3 butterflies.

Warrior Class by Dale Brown

A Russian oilman, with ties to organized crime, decides to build a pipeline through the Balkans against NATO policy. Betting that the new American President won’t stand in his way, he is hedging that Russia will dominate Europe and he will dominate the oil supply. Meanwhile, an Air Force General and his team, on a mission in Russia to recover a spy, thwart the Russian’s plans, wrecking havoc along the way. Written in 2001, Charlie gave this story 3 butterflies.

Mirage by Clive Cussler with Jack Du Brul

Mirage by Clive Cussler

Released this year, this story involves reoccurring character, Captain Juan Cabrillo, and his ship, the Oregon. While attempting a rescue mission of a friend, the friend is fatally wounded. With is dying breath, the friend tries to give Juan a message. Cabrillo and his crew follow the clues that lead them on an action-packed adventure involving the Russians, experiments in technology and the disappearance of a U.S. destroyer during WWII. Fast-paced, Charlie loved this book and thought it was great, giving it a rating of 4 butterflies.

Cross My Heart by James Patterson

I’ll tell you up front – Charlie rated this book 5 butterflies! He thought this book was excellent and did not want to put it down! Alex Cross, another reoccurring character, is a detective in Washington D.C. Married, with a wife, children and a grandmother he adores, Alex confronts an evil man bent on manipulation by using Alex’s love for his family. This heart-pounding novel is a new release.

Take Down Twenty by Janet Evanovich

Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich

Also a new release, this story is about reoccurring character, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. Set in New Jersey, Stephanie is on the hunt for “Uncle Sunny”, a local mobster, but no one wants to turn him in! This story is a tangled web of family links and ties to mobsters, thwarting Stephanie’s efforts to find her bounty. Hysterically funny, with many twists and turns, Charlie rated this story 4 butterflies and thought this book was great.

Mary, Mary by James Patterson

Mary Mary by James Patterson

Written in 2005, Alex Cross is on vacation in California with his family. An actress is murdered in Hollywood and Alex is called by the director for help in solving the crime with the LAPD. Also, an editor for the Los Angeles Times receives an email with details about the murder signed by a Mary Smith. More emails, more murders – Mary Smith is targeting Hollywood’s elite. Charlie thought this tale was great and rated it 4 butterflies.

Since 3 out of 6 are new releases, maybe one or two will be on your Christmas gift list for the reader in your family!

Tootles,

(other book reviews)