Been on a bit of a reading spree and bolstered my numbers (although I did include a couple of quick reads/novellas).
Book #41 - No Safe House by Linwood Barclay
Seven years ago, Terry Archer and his family experienced a horrific ordeal that nearly cost them their lives. Today, the echoes of that fateful night are still audible. Terry's wife, Cynthia, is living separate from her husband and daughter after her own personal demons threatened to ruin her relationship with them permanently. Their daughter, Grace, is rebelling against her parents' seemingly needless overprotection. Terry is just trying to keep his family together. And the entire town is reeling from the senseless murder of two elderly locals.
But when Grace foolishly follows her delinquent boyfriend into a strange house, the Archers must do more than stay together. They must stay alive. Because now they have all been unwillingly drawn into the shadowy depths of their seemingly idyllic hometown.
For there, they will be reconnected with the man who saved their lives seven years ago, but who still remains a ruthless, unrepentant criminal. They will encounter killers for hire working all sides. And they will learn that there are some things people value much more than money, and will do anything to get it.
Caught in a labyrinth between family loyalty and ultimate betrayal, Terry must find a way to extricate his family from a lethal situation he still doesn't fully comprehend. All he knows is that to live, he may have to do the unthinkable....
I am normally a huge fan of Linwood Barclay - I love his writing style, the twists and turns in his books and the way he builds suspense. When I used to buy 'real books' I would always buy the hardback copy as soon as it was released. However, I have to say, this book was something of a disappointment. It was almost as if it was a last ditch attempt to meet a deadline for a book and the re-hashing of his first book (which is my favourite of his) felt somewhat lazy. Had I not managed to get hold of this as a free download, I would have been extremely disappointed to have paid good money for this. Don't get me wrong, it was perfectly readable and enjoyable but definitely not up to his usual standard.
Book #42 - The Diary of Darcy J Rhone by Emily Giffin
Filled with high school adventures of the beloved Darcy and Rachel from Something Borrowed and Something Blue, it gives readers a window into their lives before college, law school, and Dex.
This was a short read, which really focused on Darcy (mainly) and her high school days. It gives you a bit of an insight into why/how Darcy is the spoiled little madam that she is in the Something Borrowed and Something Blue books. Emily Giffin's writing style is one I really can identify with - it reads well, flows nicely and is realistic. I have a couple more of her books on my 'to read' list, which I am saving for my holiday in 3 weeks (ideal for reading by the pool at Boardwalk Villas
)
Book #43 - Where There's Smoke by Jodi Picoult
Even as a child, Serenity Jones knew she possessed unusual psychic gifts. Now, decades later, she's an acclaimed medium and host of her own widely viewed TV show, where she delivers messages to the living from loved ones who have died. Lately, though, her efforts to boost ratings and garner fame have compromised her clairvoyant instincts.
When Serenity books a young war widow to appear as a guest, the episode quickly unravels, stirring up a troubling controversy. And as she tries to undo the damage - to both her reputation and her show - Serenity finds that pride comes at a high price.
Another short story, the purpose of this e-reader exclusive book is to introduce the readers to Serenity Jones, one of the characters from the book Leaving Time. Serenity is a psychic and, being sceptical of these kind of things, I wasn't sure whether I would enjoy this book. I remain relatively unconvinced, however I have Leaving Time on my 'to read' list too (when it is released) and will give it a chance as I do enjoy a good Jodi Picoult book.
Book #44 - The Broken String by Diane Chamberlain
Some secrets need to be told . . . As a child, Riley always suspected there was a secret her parents and brother protected her from, a secret that ruined the bond between her and her brother and threatened to tear her family apart. Now seventeen years old, Riley is flying out to visit her brother Danny who has been wounded whilst fighting in Iraq. And she's is determined to find out what this secret is. But will uncovering the truth bring her and her brother together again and give her the answers she craves, or will it simply lead to more questions . . .
Hmmm, this was a short story, a very quick read but I think I must have missed something as I don't actually recall what the secret was
It was an OK book, not up to Diane Chamberlain's usual standard and a little stilted. But it was a freebie and I wanted to read something quick late one night when I was having difficulty sleeping.
Book #45 - Cry Baby by David Jackson
Its every mothers nightmare the abduction of her baby.
Thats how it starts for Erin Vogel when she is attacked and left unconscious in her apartment. When she awakes, it is to find that Georgia, her six-month-old daughter, has been taken.
But Erin is given a chance to get Georgia back. At an unthinkable price.
Like most mothers, she has always said she would do anything for her child. Now the strength of that bond is about to be put to the ultimate test.
And when her actions arouse the interest of a certain Detective Callum Doyle, one thing is inevitable: a confrontation that will be as explosive as it is unforgettable.
Every now and again I read a book that leaves me thinking "What a great story". Normally I am not a fan of books that are told from different perspectives throughout but this was well written, interesting and built the suspension nicely. I got to the point where I couldn't put it down, I just needed to find out what happened next. Eventually, I was up until 2am to get it finished. I will definitely be reading more books by David Jackson.
I had no idea just how many books were in that series though!
