A Look Back at September Reads

With September ending I thought I would take this time to list all the books I have read and reviewed for September.  So here goes:

Dead Politician Society

The Carrie Diaries

Definitely Dead

Royal Blood

Shoulder Bags and Shootings

All Together Dead

From Dead to Worse

Dead and Gone

One Bad Apple

What have you read this past month?  Feel free to comment the books you've read.

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One Bad Apple by: Sheila Connolly Review

Description off the website:

When Boston investment banker Meg Corey moves to Granford, Massachusetts, things don't go exactly smoothly. She has left behind a Boston job that was swallowed up in a bank merger, and ex boyfriend Chandler Hale, in exchange for a crumbling colonial house and an orchard. She figures she'll spend a little time fixing up the house to sell while she looks for a new job and licks her wounds. Things take a turn for the worse when Chandler shows up in town to manage a proposed commercial development project, but Meg can handle that. But then Chandler is found dead by next-door neighbor, plumber Seth Chapin, in her septic tank, and Meg is the sheriff's favorite suspect. With Seth's help she identifies the killer, but by then she has discovered that she doesn't want to leave Granford and her orchard.

This book was a great read especially for those that don't know alot about apple trees and orchards. It reads very well, some of it in Meg's mind and some when she is discussing things with others. This book was full of mystery and adventure. I totally recommend this to everyone who enjoys mystery. Definitely a 5 cup book.

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It's Monday what are you reading?

It’s that time when everyone shares what they have been reading and what they finished reading last week.  This meme is hosted by One Persons Journey through a World of Books.   

Finished Reading:

Dead and Gone by: Charlaine Harris

From Dead to Worse by: Charlaine Harris

All Together Dead by: Charlaine Harris

Currently Reading: 

One Bad Apple : An Orchard Mystery by: Sheila Connolly

Terminal Care by: Chris Stookey

Next to read:

Velocity by: Alan Jacobson

Dead in the Family by: Charlaine Harris

Godwulf Manuscript by: Robert B. Parker

Shiver by: Maggie Stiefvater

Thunder and Blood by: Stacey Voss

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Dead and Gone by: Charlaine Harris

Dead and Gone follows Sookie Stackhouse our southern barmaid as she is adjusting to multiple roommates. Along with the Were community coming out of the closet. Which is a big deal. While not as scary as when the Vampires came out it's still a toss up as to how people act about it. Sam finds himself having to go to Texas to help his mom who's husband has shot her when she came out. Sookie finds herself playing bar owner while Sam is gone and finding a terrible death while helping out at the bar. Sookie also learns more about her faery background then she knew before. And gets roped into a terrible trick by Eric to appease the King of Nevada, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

I enjoyed this book and there were parts in the end that were so sad, definitely alot of changes in this book that will definitely alter Sookie's lifestyle. I am glad she is able to work things out some what with Eric. Which does help her in the long run.

My favorite line from the book is "The Vampire Loves You" which makes you wonder which one loves her. I rate this book 5 cups, can't put this one down.

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From Dead to Worse by: Charlaine Harris

Sookie's life is turned upside down again. She finds herself helping out at a wedding, having to help her brother with some material issues, and dealing with fights between the were community and vampires. All this while trying to figure out where her beloved Tiger is. This book definitely had you on a huge rollercoaster ride. I am definitely liking Eric Northman, more and more. He hasn't played Sookie, he learns as much about her as she does. Most of the community is still recovering from the bombing of the Hotel, and the aftermath of Katrina. Sookie does her best to stay level headed. This series never ceases to amaze me. Can't wait to read the next one.

I rate this 5 cups as I really enjoy it, and am definitely turning to a Team Eric fan. I think everyone who likes paranormal really needs to check out this series you won't be let down.

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All Together Dead by: Charlaine Harris

This book follows are beloved barmaid as she goes to the Vampire Summit, which seems to be a who's who in the vampire society. We meet again The King of Texas who is the Vampire Stan, King of Mississippi good ole Russell. While they are at the summit, Queen Sophie-Anne is being tried for the murder of her husband The King of Arkansas. Sookie is the Queen's ace in the hole. Sookie also stumbles across Barry the Bellboy from Texas who is now known as Barry Bellboy. He is the King of Texas's telepath. Of course Eric and Pam are in this book as always.

What I really liked about this book is Sookie really shows her skills under really bad situations, she over comes alot to help her friends, even ones she wish would buzz off. She pushes herself and it was amazing to think one little barmaid could push herself so hard like that. I am always impressed with the Sookie Stackhouse set I think Harris has really hit something with this series now I'm off to the next one.

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Terminal Care by: Christopher Stookey

Got this in the mail today.  Back cover description:

Phil Pescoe, the 37-year-old emergency physician at Deaconess Hospital in San Francisco, becomes alarmed by a dramatic increase in the number of deaths on the East Annex (the Alzheimer's Ward). The deaths coincide with the initiation of a nw drug study on the annex where a team of neurologists have been administering "NAF"-an experimental and highly promising treatment for Alzheimer's disease to half the patients on the ward.

Mysteriously, the hospital pushes forward with the study even though six patients have died since the start of the trial.  Pescoe teams up with Clara Wong-a brilliant internist with a troubled past-to investigate the situation.  Their inquiries lead them unwittingly into the cutthroat world of big-business pharmaceuticals, where they are threatened to be swept up and lost before they have the opportunity to discover the truth behind the elaborate cover-up.

With the death count mounting, Pescoe and Wong race against time to save the patients on the ward and to stop the drug manufacturer from unleashing a dangerous new drug on the general populace.

This book was sent to me via the author through Pump Up Your Books virtual tour. 

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ipad Review

I must admit I love the iPad, it's got the wonderful backlight while reading so it's able to be used in bed.  It's easier to flip pages.  It allows apps like Goodreads to work with it.  While the price is it a tad high it is worth the purchase.  I find myself at times using it more than even my computer.  I am able to read my rss feeds all from the ipad. Out of all the book devices out there I find I really enjoy the ipad more, it has kindle apps, Barnes and Noble apps, etc.  Which I think is great.

What do you think of the iPad?  I give it 5 cups.  As a great product that can be used for various functions.  You can even do blog posts via the iPad.  Which I think is great and worthwhile product.  Something that can be used when you want to give your computer a break.  I find myself at night curling up with the iPad and reading.

Which do you prefer when going electronic with books?  Share your thoughts here on it.

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Trickster Girl by: Hillari Bell

reviewed by: VKProductions 7/22/2010

It is not often that I come across a book that manages to keep my attention for more than five to ten minutes these days, but this book certainly did that. It is the story of Kelsa Philips and her quest to heal damage done by a virus that is wiping out trees, and the choices she has to make, good or bad, to accomplish that goal.

The story starts out as many others, with a familiar reference, in this case a funeral of a loved one, Kelsa’s father. She is a typical teenager and reacts as anyone would imagine, until Raven appears, asking her to help him. At first Kelsa thinks he’s a pervert and wants nothing to do with him, she soon realizes, however, that things aren’t always as they seem, and Raven, is able to change shape and manufacture objects out of thin air. He is also able to manipulate the perception of those around him, and uses that to assist Kelsa in her ultimate goal.

Raven is a being known through the ages as the Trickster (conjuring up visions of Loki from ancient Norse mythos) he convinces Kelsa that magic does indeed exist and that she must use it to heal the world, and get the magic to Alaska, so that Raven may finish the job, along the way she is chased by a biker gang, working for the enemies of those who would help heal this plague.

It is a fast paced, in depth look at a world we all hope will never come to be, with constant surveillance, paranoia and fear mongering at every corner. Hillari Bell brings it to life in a way that makes it seem a little less scary, and definitely a little less wanted. This book is recommended for anyone who has a few hours to spare on a good entertaining story.

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Shoulder Bags and Shootings by: Dorothy Howell

This book follows a young college student named Haley who has just come back from a mini-vacation with her new boyfriend Ty. When murder follows her in the trunk of her boyfriend's grandmother's car. The main suspect is Haley. During all of this Haley is scouring Los Angeles for a Sinful handbag.

While this is a good light read, not what one would consider a heavy mystery at all. Haley spends most of the time obsessing over a handbag, and getting her co-workers in all sorts of setbacks as they try to reach a high customer service rating. At times it felt a little cheesy for lack of a better word.

I think the author should have focused more on the murder and less on the handbag obsession. It's good for a person who loves handbags, but if your looking for a good mystery you might want to scour else where.

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The Cat who Ate Modern Danish by: Lilian Jackson Braun

Again we are brought back to Qwill and Koko who have succeeded together, and have moved on from reporting art to now doing interior design where they meet various people. Qwill gets involved in two murders, jems being stolen, and a cat who's been abused. Yum Yum who in the begining of the story had two different names between Yu and Freya. Qwill settles to call her Yum Yum when he saves her from her previous owners. I enjoy this series as the language is clean and the murders aren't gruesome so to speak they are tasteful.

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The Cat who read backwards by: Lilian Jackson Braun

This was a great first read on the Kindle it's the story of James Macintosh Qwilleran. He has had a hard life having a failed marriage drinking problems, but alas our hero comes out on top getting a job at the Daily Fluxion reporting art of all kinds. There he meets the art critique who's out to score against all up and coming artists. Qwill as he prefers to be called has his first meeting with KoKo who is quite the crime sleuth. This book sets up alot of their history of how they interacted in the beginning.

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The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by: Mary Downing

I thoroughly enjoyed this little story written by Mary Downing Hahn. It is the story of James Crutchfield and his cousin Florence. Florence has spent some time in a orphanage, and is adopted by her long lost Uncle. She meets James and learns about the death of his sister Sophia. Sophia a spirit who cannot rest for whatever reason. She is spent on causing pain to her brother out of jealousy. I thought it was well written and any teenager or adult would find the story interesting with the fact that jealousy will rear it's head at any situation.

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Living Dead in Dallas by: Charlaine Harris

In this book we find Sookie and Bill being summoned to Eric to be sent to Dallas to investigate a few things. But like Sookie's life with Bill not everything is up to par. She first off has to pick up a coffin at the airport to bring to a hotel. Which inside contains her beloved boyfriend. She has to use her powers to determine what happened to a missing vampire, but alas in Sookie's favor is a deal she made the human would be turned over for justice or will he?

Great read as always Charlaine Harris has hit on something with her Sookie Stackhouse series. They draw you in and leave you just enough room to beg for more. I find myself having a great read and when it's over I'm dying for the next installation of Ms. Stackhouse. She is a strong character considering most women in books aren't always the strongest. I definitely recommend this series for anyone who's looking for a strong female role in a book. Hats off to you Ms. Harris you rock!

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Pat Conroy Biography

Pat Conroy is one of America’s most acclaimed and widely read authors and the New York Times bestselling writer of ten novels and memoirs, including The Water Is Wide, The Lords of Discipline, The Great Santini, The Prince of Tides, and South of Broad.

Conroy was born in 1945 in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up as the first of seven children in a military family, Conroy moved twenty-three times before he turned eighteen. His father, a pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps, was physically and emotionally abusive to his children, an experience that colored much of Conroy’s writing, particularly The Great Santini (1976).

In 1963, after graduating high school, Conroy enrolled in the Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. His experience at the Citadel provided the basis for his first book, The Boo (1970), as well as his novel The Lords of Discipline (1980) and his memoir My Losing Season (2002).

After graduating from the Citadel, Conroy took a job as a school teacher in an impoverished community on Daufuskie Island off the coast of South Carolina. He was fired after one year for personal differences with the school’s administration, including his refusal to abide by the school’s practice of corporal punishment. His novel The Water Is Wide (1972), which was honored by the National Education Association, was largely based on his experiences.

In the 1980s, Conroy moved from South Carolina to Atlanta, and then to Rome, Italy, where he wrote The Prince of Tides (1986), about a former football player’s tragic upbringing and its effect on his family. In 1991, the book was made into a major motion picture starring Barbra Streisand and Nick Nolte that was nominated for seven Academy Awards. After publishing his fourth novel, Beach Music, in 1997, Conroy married his third wife, Cassandra King, who is herself the author of four novels. Since then, he has written the memoir My Losing Season (2002), The Pat Conroy Cookbook: Recipes of My Life (2004) with Suzanne Williamson Pollak, South of Broad (2009), and the essay collection My Life in Books (2010).

Conroy was inducted into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame in 2004 and won the Outstanding Author Award from the Southeast Library Association in 2006. He currently lives on Fripp Island, South Carolina.

This was via Open Road Media

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Jack Higgins Biography

Jack Higgins is the pseudonym of Harry Patterson (b. 1929), the New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty thrillers, including The Eagle Has Landed and The Wolf at the Door. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide.

Born in England, Patterson grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The political and religious turmoil in Northern Ireland would later become a significant influence in his books, many of which prominently feature the Irish Republican Army. After attending grammar school and college in Leeds, England, Patterson joined the British Army and served in the Household Cavalry, stationed along the East German border.

Following his military service, Patterson earned a degree in sociology from the London School of Economics, which led to teaching jobs at two English colleges. In 1959, Patterson began writing novels. With the 1975 publication of the international blockbuster The Eagle Has Landed, which was later made into a movie of the same name starring Michael Caine, Patterson became a regular fixture on bestseller lists.

Patterson lives in Jersey, in the Channel Islands.

This was supplied via Open Road Media 

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Author Q & A for Butterflies in May

Author Q & A

First things first. Were you ever pregnant as a teen?  If not, what inspired you to write Butterflies in May?

No, I wasn’t, but several girls I knew of in high school faced unplanned pregnancies. I also knew of several young women faced with the same situation in college.  I used to wonder what if? What would I do?  The seed of inspiration for this book began in high school, but later took hold after the birth of my first son. I’ve always found teen pregnancy a compelling subject that is still very much taboo in our society. I wanted to break that taboo and write a realistic story about the emotional journey of one teen’s pregnancy and lead the reader through her decision-making process as well as the aftermath of her final decision.

How long did it take you to write this book?

It took several years to write a first draft. This is my first novel, so it was a learning experience for me. I also had two sons and moved twice during that time (from Chicago to Toledo, Ohio, and then from Toledo to Cincinnati).  I wrote while my sons were napping and on the weekends.  Fortunately, however, the experience of pregnancy, giving birth, and the emotions I felt during that time were still fresh in my mind.

How has the book changed from that initial first draft?

When I sent my book off to Bancroft Press, it was written in third person and an editor there very much liked the book, but wanted to see it written in first person.  The publisher strongly agreed. Taking their advice changed the tone of the story dramatically and brought a greater intensity and intimacy to Ali’s dilemma, engaging the reader by the reality of the issues at hand. Later, I also added new characters, a new subplot, and more details about Ali’s life as a high school senior and her best friend, Monica.

How is Butterflies in May different from other teen pregnancy books?

Butterflies in May does not resort to apologies, pitiful pictures, or victimhood to touch the reader. It’s not a story about being pressured to have sex, about getting date-raped, about being underprivileged, or about being unlikable. Teens by their very nature consider themselves invincible. To be painted as a victim is usually not something with which they identify. (If it were, 80% of them wouldn’t still be having sex, given the known probability of pregnancy and disease.) Ali and her story stand out for the fact that she and her boyfriend are strong and intelligent with big plans for their future education and lives. Their laudable qualities attract the interest and respect of the intended audience in a way that engages the young adult reader, bringing them into situations with which they are more likely to identify. Ali and Matt choose to become sexually active, they choose to take precautions. Do they think they’re invincible? Yes. Are they? No. They take precautions, but one time lose themselves in their youthful passion. Are they careless? Yes. Victims? No.  What’s more, in Butterflies in May, the dilemma of responsibility and choice is stage front and center.

Would you describe Butterflies in May as a pro-choice or pro-life book?

Neither.  It was never my intention to write a book that made a political statement. I simply wanted to explore the emotional journey of one girl’s unplanned pregnancy, and how it affects her life and the people around her.  When the publisher at Bancroft Press first read Butterflies in May, he commented that he wasn’t sure whether I was pro-choice or pro-life. I took that as the highest form of praise.  I’m finding that this book speaks to people regardless of their political and religious values in the pro-life/pro-choice debate. I believe Butterflies in May  transcends the pro-life/pro-choice debate because it focuses on the emotional journey of my character, Ali Parker.

Are you pro-life or pro-choice? This is a tough question for me because I don’t see the pro-life/pro-choice issue in black and white. Intellectually and practically, I’m pro-choice. In my heart, I’m pro-life.  What’s most important is that I would never presume to know what the right decision is for anyone faced with an unplanned pregnancy. While researching this book, I’ve heard stories about young women who opted to keep their babies and fortunately, with the help of supportive parents, their stories have happy endings. But I’ve also heard stories about pregnant teens being kicked out of their homes and sometimes, even their schools. I spoke with a counselor once who was working with a teen who’d been thrown out of her home after telling her parents she was pregnant. She was also kicked out of the school she was attending. This young woman wanted to keep her baby, and the counselor was trying to move heaven and earth to find this young woman a safe place to stay and a school that would allow her to continue her education. In an extreme case, I read an article in Seventeen (August 2005) about a 12-year-old girl who confided in her mother that she’d lost her virginity. Her mother’s response was to pour bleach down her throat. The girl died. Whenever I hear or read about stories such as these, I realize how important it is for women ¾young and old¾to have options.  Every situation is different and unless we can guarantee the safety and financial viability of every mother and her unborn child, I think we have a responsibility as a society to provide choices.

 

Who are all these people who’ve blurbed the book?

Most of the people who’ve provided blurbs are people who work closely with teens such as teachers or counselors, or experts in the field of adolescent issues and teen pregnancy prevention. The Candies Foundation and Healthy Teen Network, for example, are both organizations committed to educating Americans about adolescent pregnancy and prevention. Peter Bearman, a professor at Columbia University, co-authored the most comprehensive study ever done on adolescent health and sexuality and shared his results on a 60 Minutes program (May 22, 2005) about virginity-pledge programs.  Other people who’ve provided blurbs include Dr. Claire Brindis, Professor of Pediatrics and Health Policy at the University of California at San Francisco, and Lori Rolleri of ETR Associates, a national non-profit organization that conducts adolescent reproductive health research, training, and program development. You’ll also find a blurb from Christopher Kraus, an Adolescent Advocacy Manager at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and some of his teen leaders who participate in the Postponing Sexual Involvement Program.

 

How can people whose jobs and politics are so different all agree on the usefulness of this single book?

Respect for human life, I believe, is the great equalizer in this story.  Whether you’re pro-choice or pro-life, everyone agrees that human life is precious and the main character in my book, Ali Parker, gives voice to this as she considers her options. Everyone also agrees that teen pregnancy is a serious problem in America. Every year, nearly one million girls will face the frightening and life-altering news that they are pregnant, according to statistics from The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. Butterflies in May  puts a human face on a real-life problem and provides a platform for discussion. Every expert I’ve talked with agrees that talking to teens about the birds and the bees and s-e-x does not mean having one conversation and then saying you’re done. Butterflies in May  is a contemporary, fictional exploration of teen pregnancy and the human experience that gives teens, parents, counselors, and teachers something to think about, examine, and discuss—at length and in depth.

How do you hope your book will be used?

Butterflies in May can easily stand alone as a novel that teens will find engaging, whether they are sexually active or not.  It’s a story about first love and letting go¾timeless subjects that have wide audience appeal. But it certainly could be used as an educational tool, and I hope that it will.  Statistics show that 80% of all teenagers are having sex. (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 1998.) I think Butterflies in May, in an engaging way, brings young adult readers into situations with which they are likely to identify.  This book addresses first love, adolescent sexuality, contraception, reproductive services, and relationships¾topics that can serve as a platform for discussion at home or in school. 

You have two sons. Have they read Butterflies in May?

My youngest son is 11 years old. For now, he prefers to read about mythical creatures and flying broomsticks. (But I’m sure this will change over the next two years as he approaches adolescence!) My oldest son, who’s 13, is reading it now. He’s had sex education in school and I think Butterflies in May fills in the gaps created by an abstinence-only education.  After he read the first couple of chapters, we had several very lengthy discussions about the pros and cons of abstinence-only education, sexual morality and values, peer pressure, abortion, adoption, and contraceptives. He even ventured into some surprising areas like feelings and how to discern the difference between infatuation and love.

What can we learn from Butterflies in May?

Without preaching or condescension, Butterflies in May emphasizes the consequences and responsibilities of sexual behavior among teens. If there is a message in this book for teens, it’s to look before leaping into a sexual relationship. As for parents or anyone who works with teens, Butterflies in May gives them a realistic snapshot of a teen’s life, the world they live in and the pressures they face. The reality is that 4 in 10 girls will experience at least one pregnancy before reaching age 20, according to statistics from The Candies Foundation.  Unfortunately, adolescent sexuality and teen pregnancy continues to be a delicate topic that we don’t want to talk about. Teens think it can’t happen to me; and parents think it can’t happen to my kid. But it can and it does. It’s my hope that this book will get the lines of communication open between teens, parents, and anyone who works with adolescents. Without being intimidating, without being a lecture, Butterflies in May serves as a platform for discussion and gives everyone something to talk about.

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Royal Blood Review

Royal Blood is a book written by Kolina Topel it's the story of Christina. A girl who is in her 20's and suffers from horrible headaches. She has traveled all over and for some reason has been called back home. Not by anyone specific. She is nothing like her mother. She is always warm no matter what she wears. In the winter she finds herself wearing tank tops and not being cold in the least. Her best confidant besides her mother is her best friend Alexander.

In a split moment she finds her world turned upside down, and nothing is what it seems. She was destined for greater things, born into vampire royalty without knowing it.

Review:

I thought this book was great, it makes you wonder what would happen to someone if what happened to Christina happened to them. I like how it's similar to books like twilight but doesn't have the perfect ending. The ending is more like a beginning of a journey for Christina. I also appreciated that the love interest was more real than most books now a days. Sometimes the ones we love don't survive battles.

I will be looking forward to reading more by Kolina as this book drew my in very quickly only bad part is it ended too fast for me. I rate this 4 cups and will be looking for other books by her to continue my reading adventure with this author.

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Definitely Dead by: Charlaine Harris

Another great novel by Charlaine Harris in this one our beloved barmaid has to go to New Orleans to go through her cousin Hadley's things as Hadley has recently died. While she is dealing with this she also has to face her dark secret of what happened to Debbie. She has also gotten a new boyfriend with Quinn, the Bengal Tiger.

While she is at her cousins she meets a fellow witch who has kept the apartment in tact as Hadley had left it. Questions arise to Sookie as to what happened to Hadley. And Quinn's employee Jake who's been missing. When Sookie and her Hadley's landlord stumble across a newly made vampire.

This is where Sookie learns the truth about Bill. Just when you thought she couldn't hate him anymore. He kept such a big secret from her. And now she feels very much like the jilted lover. She has no love for him anymore just anger, and wishing she had a stake with his name on it.

We also learn more about the Queen Sophie-Anne and her relationship with Hadley and that in some odd way those two loved each other. And we also learn that even though the Queen married the King of Arkansas something is odd about him. Alot of power play at hand. And we actually get to see the Queen vulnerable a couple of times.

As always a great read, love the rides these books take you on. I rate this 4 cups as I am glad she is moving away from Bill but feel that part is still dragging. And that Debbie Pelt situation is a bit out of range with the story. Others haven't retaliated against Sookie except for the Pelt family. It felt forced. Can't wait to start the next one.

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What are you reading??

Hosted by Sheila at One Persons Journey Through A World Of Books

This is a meme to list the books completed last week, the books currently being read, and the books to be finished this week.

Completed Last Week: 

Dead Politican Society by: Robin Spano

The Carrie Diaries by: Candace Bushnell 

Reading Right Now: 

Ruined by: Paula Morris

Definitely Dead: Charlaine Harris

Vampire Academy by: Richelle Mead

About to Begin: 

Siren by: Tricia Rayburn 

Paranormalcy by: Kristen White

One Bad Apple by: Sheila Connolly

The Body Finder by: Kimberly Derting

What are you reading this week?  I encourage everyone to feel free to share their books in the comments.

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The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell

For those who were looking for a younger spin on Sex and the City with the Carrie Diaries, I think you will be very mistaken. This story could be anyone nothing in it really sets Carrie Bradshaw apart from other people. She has her crazy, angry sister who displeases her father everytime you turn around.

Then there are her friends that at best remind many of us of either or friends or kids at school that we saw that way. As with a typical book there is a bad boy. Things that are done in this book I couldn't see Bradshaw doing prior to Sex and The City. While it is a cute little book with a good story of the young girl. There is nothing that sets her out to know this is what Bradshaw will become later in life.

I rate this book 3 cups while it is a good little read, nothing in it grabbed my attention and kept me going this is why she is the way she is. In my opinion I think that Sex and The City has had it's run, and it's time to go out on a good note.

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Dead Politican Society by: Robin Spano

This book is great it's about a group known as SPU who's been killing Politicans. Clare goes undercover to try to determine how deep SPU (Society for Public Utopia) goes and who's involved all the while trying to pretend to be a college student. The SPU is such a secret society then no one will mention it to anyone but who's involved. They leave business cards at the scene of crimes. Clare is also proving she can do undercover and move off of being a beat cop.

Annabel who's a writer for a local paper obituary is also trying to prove herself and get a book deal and takes it apon herself to contact Utopia Girl to work on a book deal to improve her standing. And at times it's feels like Annabel made a deal with the devil. Utopia Girl doesn't make it easy for Annabel makes her look deep and think about why this is happening what the greater picture is.

Matthew Easton is a local professor, who can't stand Clare being thrown in his class assuming it's cause she is made of money. Even though that is far from the case. The cops think he's connected to SPU, as it is what he teaches. A world that isn't what we have now. How to change things. Matthew is also going through women like their candy. Can't seem to commit on one. He dates and dumps them in rapid succession.

Brian Haas, who has some destination of wanting very badly to join up with SPU, they (SPU) won't allow him to join but that doesn't stop him from questioning everyone involved with SPU and those not involved. He assumes that everyone is involved and just keeping him out. He seems to have his own agenda led by his dad to join the secret society. He's leading a life drawn out by his parents knowing there are sacrifices he must make including his being gay. He has accepted the choices and knows someday he will have to marry for the greater good.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story with it's twists and turns and will be looking for other work from this author. This book was intriguing showing how close people can be connected without even knowing it. Definitely had me wondering who was responsible for the murders. I rate this a four tea cup as it was confusing in some areas but over all a great read.

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