A Book A Week

What's in a name? When James Patterson's publisher initially provided me with a copy of his latest Alex Cross novel, the book bore the title Cross Out. However, by the time the story reached bookshelves and readers' hands, it had transformed, emerging with the new title Alex Cross Must Die. Given my tradition of receiving the latest Cross book from my mom every Christmas, I had to wait a few weeks to determine which title better suited the narrative. Now that I've read it, I find myself questioning whether the name of this book truly holds significance. It stands as another robust thriller from the bestselling author, but neither title appears to align more fittingly with the story than the other. The name change offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of book marketing and publication, yet at the end of the day, the crucial question for most readers remains: Is the book any good?

While investigating a series of murders perpetrated by the 'Dead Hours Killer,' Alex Cross and his partner John Sampson find their focus diverted when news breaks of a commercial airliner shot down near a D.C. airport. The aftermath of this apparent act of terror is vast, with debris and remains scattered over miles. Temporarily putting aside their murder case, the duo lends their expertise to this national security crisis. As details emerge, it is revealed that the weapon used was a Vietnam-era machine gun with significant firepower, yet the path to answers remains murky.

Simultaneously, Alex's wife Bree becomes entangled in an unexpected murder case, brought to her attention through Alex's daughter, who sought help for a troubled friend. The discovery of the friend's body unveils a disturbing pattern of abuse and grooming that sends shockwaves through their community. With three cases encroaching on the lives of the Cross family and their youngest, Ali, delving into amateur sleuthing, the entire clan is pushed to the limits of their investigative skills, jeopardizing their safety in the process. Complicating matters further is the lingering presence of the mysterious M, an enigmatic figure who has taunted Cross across several books, adding a deeper layer of suspense to the entire narrative.

Alex Cross Must Die is a novel burdened by an abundance of plot that exceeds what can be effectively contained within its pages. While Patterson's trademark short chapters contribute to a fast-paced reading experience, the narrative is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of events. The three distinct cases presented could have each been expanded into their own works, allowing for more thorough exploration and attention. Instead, Patterson navigates swiftly from case to case and character to character, resulting in a narrative that, while thrilling, lacks the emotional impact that a more focused approach could have delivered. The enduring strength of the series has often rested on the nuanced growth of its characters, but in this installment, the crowded plot leaves little room for reflection or development. While it provides an entertaining read, the novel lacks the lasting resonance found in the series' best entries.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 9)

Can you recall the last book that completely caught you off guard? TJ Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea has graced countless best-of lists, with many avid readers passionately declaring it one of their all-time favorites. Nevertheless, having experienced disappointment with hyped books before and considering that the novel didn't fall within my usual preferred genre, Klune's work seemed destined to be one of those titles universally loved but not necessarily deserving of my personal exploration. A couple of years had passed since the release of The House in the Cerulean Sea, and the initial fervor had quieted. The book had slipped off my radar until I noticed it on a friend's recent list of year-end favorites. Intrigued by its enduring acclaim, I finally decided to give the book a read. Surprise, surprise—it surpassed my expectations in ways I hadn't imagined.

Linus Baker lives a life steeped in monotony. His dwelling is a typical abode in an average neighborhood, accompanied by a cunning little cat who grudgingly shares his life. Linus diligently commutes to work daily, strictly adhering to rules and regulations. At 40 years old and carrying some extra weight, he may not strike you as someone destined for anything extraordinary. Linus's seemingly mundane job, however, is far from ordinary. Serving as a caseworker for the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he oversees the well-being of peculiar children in government-sanctioned orphanages. Unfazed by personality or circumstance, Linus is the epitome of objectivity, unwaveringly devoted to following the rules and content in doing so.

Linus experiences a profound shock when an entirely unexpected event unfolds. Summoned to the office of Extremely Upper Management, he is overcome with worry and fear, questioning why, as an exemplary employee, he would find himself in such a situation. To his surprise, he discovers that he is not facing disciplinary action but is assigned a highly classified case instead. His new task involves investigating Marsyas Island Orphanage, a facility housing children with diverse magical abilities. Rumors circulate that one of these children is none other than the offspring of Satan. Linus must confront his fears and employ his experience and objectivity to determine whether the child is, indeed, the Antichrist.

As I started The House in the Cerulean Sea, I was uncertain about its essence. Klune delivers his fantasy with a straightforwardness that might initially be a bit disconcerting. Rather than meticulously detailing his world's rules, the magic within simply exists, gradually unveiling itself as we progress through the narrative. As someone who seldom delves into the genre, I discovered that this approach resonated more with me than those books that dedicate extensive pages to constructing their worlds. Klune trusts his readers to comprehend the realm he has conjured, and I found myself effortlessly immersed in it.

The protagonist, Linus, embodies the epitome of ordinariness, serving as our conduit to absorb the extraordinary elements of the story. The children in the orphanage may initially appear as various magical beings. As we delve deeper, though, we begin to perceive them for what they truly are—innocent youngsters simply trying to navigate the complexities of life. As Linus acquaints himself with each child and their enigmatic caretaker, a man fiercely protective of his charges, we witness the transformation and understanding that blossoms within him. The narrative evolves into a poignant allegory delving into the essence of love and the worthiness of being loved for simply being oneself. It struck a deep chord with me, and I now see why it has enchanted readers the way it has. Ultimately, The House in the Cerulean Sea unfolds as a love story, a testament reminding us that even those labeled "other" are entitled to the same rights as everyone else.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 8)

The enduring fascination between humanity and the vast sea has a rich literary history. Renowned authors like Ernest Hemingway and Jules Verne delved into its mysteries, while Herman Melville, most famously, crafted his monumental fictional quest for the great white whale within the unforgiving oceanic expanse. Now, Daniel Kraus joins this literary tradition of exploring the depths of the sea. His work, Whalefall, stands as an epic tale, not unlike the classic tomes before it. It is distinguished by a contemporary, scientific angle that is gripping the hearts and minds of readers. I was immediately captivated by this narrative and couldn't put it down until I had reached the final page.

Jay Gardiner has spent his entire life immersed in diving. His father, Mitt, a notable diver in his own right, ensured that Jay became intimately acquainted with the ocean's depths. Their relationship flourished beneath the waves, with Mitt imparting knowledge about the vastness of the sea, its beauty, and its perils. While these lessons instilled in Jay a profound respect for the ocean, Mitt's almost compulsive obsession with oceanic facts sometimes seemed to eclipse everything else. It was a surprise when Mitt defied all the rules he had instilled in his son and embarked on a solo dive from which he never returned. Jay and his family were left grappling with why an experienced diver like Mitt would undertake such a reckless expedition.

Haunted by guilt and unanswered questions, Jay resolves to undertake a daring dive of his own. His mission is to retrieve his father's remains from the depths of the Pacific Ocean, a seemingly impossible task. While searching the deep waters of Mitt's last believed location, Jay becomes entangled in a swarm of squids escaping from a hungry sperm whale. In a whirlwind turn of events, he is swept away by a powerful current directly into the maw of the massive mammal. With a rapidly depleting oxygen supply, Jay realizes he has only one hour to confront his inner demons and make a harrowing escape from the belly of the whale.

In Whalefall, Daniel Kraus plunges readers into an oceanic adventure that's as much about survival as it is about self-discovery. Yes, it revolves around a man's unlikely ordeal of being swallowed by a whale, but this incident also serves as a catalyst for a much deeper exploration of his past, his intricate relationship with his father, and his sheer determination to endure. Admittedly, one must embrace a certain suspension of disbelief from the start, but once engrossed in the narrative, any reservations become inconsequential. The novel boasts its "scientific accuracy," though I have some reservations about this claim. Nonetheless, the story's entertainment value is undeniable.

Whalefall reads like a hybrid of Moby Dick and The Martian, blending the epic scope of the former with the survivalist science characteristic of the latter. This unique blend culminates in an emotionally gratifying conclusion that compliments the unfolding grand adventure. Ultimately, Whalefall delivers a captivating oceanic odyssey that skillfully harmonizes thrills with a profound emotional undercurrent, leaving a lasting mark as an unforgettable adventure.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 7)

Stacy Willingham's first book, A Flicker in the Dark, showcased the author's talent for crafting unique psychological thrillers, and her subsequent novel, All the Dangerous Things, reinforced this skill. Now, she returns with another thriller that maintains this trend while exploring new territory. Only If You're Lucky sees the author present her most personal and intricate novel to date. I received a copy of the book and its audiobook from Willingham's publisher and was excited to delve into it.

Margot, always preferring the sidelines of life, remains a reserved observer even as she enters a small liberal arts school in South Carolina. Her initial college year is marked by playing it safe—studying, earning good grades—hardly altering her introverted nature. Lucy Sharpe, her polar opposite, possesses a charismatic, attention-grabbing personality. Margot is taken aback when, at the end of the year, Lucy, with whom she has minimal interaction, proposes they room together in an off-campus house. Against her instincts, Margot agrees.

Now residing with three other girls—Lucy, the ringleader; Sloane, the sarcastic one; and Nicole, the kind one—Margot is thrust into a dynamic mix of contrasting personalities. As the year unfolds, Margot, who has long concealed herself since a tragic event following her high school graduation, gradually emerges from her protective shell. Margot and Lucy develop a close friendship, but by the midpoint of their sophomore year, a brutal murder of one of the fraternity boys from the neighboring house shakes their world, and Lucy Sharpe goes missing without a trace.

In Only If You're Lucky, Stacy Willingham crafts a psychological thriller delving into the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. The narrative hints at the women having committed something significant and concealing secrets, creating an enticing undertone that propels the plot. The story unfolds exclusively from Margot's perspective, intertwining flashback recollections with moments of grappling with the murder's aftermath, intensifying suspense. Karissa Vacker's narration in the audiobook vividly brings Margot's voice to life.

Despite the eagerness to unravel the story's secrets, my interest waned in the protagonist, Margot, compared to the compelling supporting characters. The mysterious allure of Lucy captivated me, but the narrative confined us to Margot's viewpoint. As the novel advanced, my engagement with the entire narrative dwindled, and even the thrilling twists towards the end couldn't compensate for my growing disinterest in the central character. While Willingham's adept plotting and keen character observations persist, Only If You're Lucky marks the first disappointment for me from this otherwise talented author.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 6)

Winter has firmly taken hold of South Texas this week, with temperatures refusing to rise above freezing for the past two days and even a few snow flurries filling the air. During this wintry spell, I've sought refuge nestled by the fire, immersing myself in the sun-soaked Greek island setting of Alex Michaelides's latest thriller, The Fury. This eagerly anticipated novel, the third from the bestselling author of The Silent Patient, was graciously provided to me by Michaelides's publisher in both book and audiobook format, delivering an over-the-top page-turner that proved utterly irresistible.

Lana Farrar once had it all—she reigned as the "it girl" in Hollywood for several years, starring in numerous blockbusters and ascending to the heights of global fame. Now retired, she embraces a reclusive existence, content to lead a life away from the glaring limelight. Yearning to escape London's gloomy weather, Lana retreats to her private Greek island, Aura, for the Easter holiday. Joined by her husband Jason, teenage son Leo, actress friend Kate, and playwright companion Elliot, Lana anticipates days filled with sunshine, relaxation, and cherished moments with her closest friends and family. Little do they suspect that by the weekend's end, one of them will be dead. 

"We are all the unreliable narrators of our own lives."

Elliot, Lana's playwright friend, takes on the role of narrator, recounting the events leading up to and following the unexpected death. Was it the result of the island's infamous winds, known as the menos or "fury," or a deliberate act by one of the humans? As Elliot delves into the layers of this narrative, revealing more details about the island's reality, doubt creeps in regarding the reliability of our narrator's perspective. Is everything presented as it occurred, or does a more sinister truth lurk beneath the surface?

Delving deeper into The Fury would spoil the thrill of discovering its story firsthand. Alex Michaelides skillfully employs an unreliable narrator, reveling in weaving a narrative that continually twists into its final form. Echoing the structure of a classic Greek tragedy, the story unfolds in five distinct acts, with each new segment adding depth to the existing knowledge. It plays like a blend of "White Lotus" and a traditional locked-room mystery, resulting in a captivating thriller that enthralled me. Each character is propelled by individual selfish motivations, turning the discernment of their true intentions into an integral aspect of the story's intriguing enigma. While the plot may sometimes venture into the absurd, it is all part of the fun of this story. The Fury is a campy and melodramatic thriller that, while not reaching the heights of The Silent Patient, doesn't aim to replicate it. With the right expectations, it offers a delightful and engaging read.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 5)

John Grisham holds a special place on my bookshelf, serving as a cornerstone of my love for books. Back in high school, I was grappling with a dwindling enthusiasm for reading. The required books in our curriculum simply didn't resonate with me. Recognizing this shift, my mother intervened. She promptly presented me with a stack of books she believed would rekindle my passion for reading. Among those titles was John Grisham's The King of Torts.  I eagerly consumed that legal thriller and soon delved into as many of Grisham's books as possible. His novels reignited my love for reading and opened the door to a broader fascination with the thriller genre. Although I may not read Grisham as frequently as I once did, stumbling upon that same book in my local bookstore reminded me of my enthusiasm for his works. I picked it up, eager to see if his storytelling could still capture my imagination.

Clay Carter finds himself at a professional crossroads. Having spent too many years as a public defender, the advancement prospects seem bleak. While he cherishes the work and the sense of purpose it provides, the meager public servant salary can't sustain his life. Additionally, his girlfriend is dropping not-so-subtle hints about the need to elevate his career and commit to marriage, or she'll move on. Things take a nosedive when his prospective father-in-law arranges an almost certain job opportunity at a prestigious law firm, which Clay fumbles disastrously. This unfortunate turn of events leads to the official end of his relationship.

Dejected and defeated, Clay reluctantly takes on a case involving a young man charged with a seemingly random street killing. Initially, he perceives it as just another senseless murder, a tragic norm in the crime-ridden streets of D.C. As he delves deeper into his client's background,  however, Clay stumbles upon a horrifying conspiracy that defies belief. Suddenly, he's embroiled in a complex legal battle against one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, one that holds the potential for an astronomical settlement that could transform his life entirely. Is Clay's newfound fortune a stroke of good luck, or is there a darker and more sinister force at work?

Revisiting John Grisham's The King of Torts brought a comforting sense of familiarity while offering a fresh perspective on his literary craft. His storytelling remains swift-paced, brimming with palpable tension, and is consistently entertaining. Following a character's journey from relative obscurity to sudden wealth was a pleasure. Driven by good intentions, Clay Carter finds himself thrust into a world that feels entirely foreign. As a reader, I found myself relating to his outsider's viewpoint on the extravagant lives of other mass tort lawyers, complete with private jets, lavish dining, and opulent mansions. Grisham's narrative carries a tinge of wish-fulfillment that dances on the edge of the absurd, making it thoroughly enjoyable.

Yet, with the passage of time, I discovered a newfound layer of depth in the narrative—a cautionary tale akin to the myth of Icarus. The driving force behind this story subtly shifts toward hubris, where the pursuit of more knows no bounds. As the protagonist ventures closer to his metaphorical sun, he jeopardizes not only his newfound fortune but also his reputation and the moral compass he has all but forsaken. In essence, this second reading of the book allowed me to appreciate the intricacies of both the character and the narrative more profoundly. Grisham's work not only endures as an engaging page-turner but also offers enough substance to engage readers in contemplation as they immerse themselves in the story.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 4)

Rachel Hawkins has firmly secured her place on my must-read list. Reading her latest popcorn thriller each January has become a cherished tradition. So, when her publisher offered me a copy of her newest book, The Heiress, I eagerly seized the opportunity. These days, it seems like many thriller authors are exploring the spooky house trope, and Hawkins has now added her unique take to the mix. The Heiress is another gripping page-turner, employing shifting perspectives, a chilling atmosphere, and numerous twists that are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The story opens in the small town of Tavistock, North Carolina, in 1943. Young Ruby McTavish strays away from her parents while they enjoy a picnic amidst the forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In an instant, she disappears. Ruby isn't just any ordinary child; she is the heiress to an immense fortune amassed through her father's prosperous lumber enterprise. Her father spares no expense in enlisting the services of top-tier private detectives. Three years later, Ruby is located, living with a family not too far from her original location. It's revealed that she had been kidnapped, and the individual responsible for her abduction is incarcerated, destined to remain behind bars for the rest of his life. That is until he attempts to break free. 

As Ruby matures, she transforms into a prominent figure in high society. With her substantial wealth safely secured, she redirects her focus towards matters of the heart. Yet, the dark cloud of tragedy from her early years appears to cast its shadow over her adult life. In a series of unsettling events, each of Ruby's four husbands meets an unfortunate and premature demise, igniting suspicions among those in her circle about her potential involvement in these deaths. Driven by the need to confront the profound void left by their loss and perhaps even more motivated to safeguard her family's fortune from the grasp of her younger sister, Ruby takes the step of adopting a young child named Camden. 

As Camden grew into adulthood, he distanced himself from the McTavish clan. Following Ruby's passing almost a decade ago, he was the primary inheritor of her substantial wealth. However, he consciously chose to disentangle himself from that dysfunctional family. Instead, he departed from the ancestral residence, Ashby House, and crafted a life of relative normalcy, finding love and marrying his wife, Jules. The once-renowned family estate has fallen into disrepair, and his family is summoning him back to oversee its restoration. This means he must finally have an open conversation with Jules and reveal the substantial inheritance he's largely ignored. As the couple embarks on their journey back to Ashby House, they must confront the past that Camden has tried to evade for most of his life.

Rachel Hawkins again displays her talent for crafting captivating thrillers in The Heiress. The eerie ambiance of the run-down mansion nestled in the wooded mountains creates a thoroughly chilling atmosphere, arguably the most intricate setting among all of Hawkins' previous thrillers. This atmospheric backdrop adds a layer of foreboding to every page. The tale unfolds through the shifting perspectives of Camden, Jules, and the posthumous letters from Ruby. This narrative technique artfully dispenses information, winding up the suspense and providing ample opportunities for surprising twists. Each character in the story is predominantly driven by self-serving motivations. This makes it challenging to anticipate their next moves but hard to wholeheartedly root for them. While the plot's twists may not entirely startle, the craftsmanship of weaving the story together is commendable. The Heiress stands as another solid and entertaining read from Hawkins. 

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 3)

January brings many thrilling releases this year, unveiling new works from esteemed authors such as Rachel Hawkins, Stacy Willingham, and Adam Michaelides. The thriller I started with this year hails from a new voice in the genre, one who has lived a captivating life of his own—a life that undoubtedly infuses his fiction with riveting excitement. Adam Plantinga, a seasoned law enforcement veteran with twenty-two years of experience, has previously authored two non-fiction works about the profession. In The Ascent, Plantinga leverages his insider knowledge to craft an unconventional prison break story that signals the emergence of a promising career in fiction.

The narrative begins with two distinct storylines. The first follows Kurt Argento, an ex-cop still grappling with the profound loss of his wife to cancer. Consumed by the injustice of her senseless death, Kurt becomes obsessed with seeking retribution and addressing the grievances he perceives in the world. His deep-seated need for justice prompts him to intervene when he witnesses a young girl being dragged into an alley. This act results in Kurt being brutally beaten and confined to a maximum-security prison.

Simultaneously, the story introduces Julie, a graduate student and the governor's daughter. Despite her father's pleas to avoid visiting the prison, Julie is determined to tour the facilities and gain firsthand knowledge of the treatment and rehabilitation of inmates for her studies. Acutely aware of the facility's notorious reputation, Julie commences her tour just as Kurt is being processed as the prison's newest inmate. Things take an unexpected twist when a security system malfunction occurs, unleashing a horde of violent criminals and initiating a countdown for a full system reset that will unlock every door on the premises. Now, Kurt must join forces with a small group of staff and civilians, including Julie and her two state trooper handlers, to navigate six perilous floors filled with the state's most dangerous convicts and reach the rooftop for safety.

Adam Plantinga makes an impressive fiction debut in The Ascent, seamlessly blending a sense of familiarity with refreshing innovation. Drawing from his real-world encounters, Plantinga meticulously constructs a prison setting infused with dark, intricate details that only someone with firsthand experience could envision. The storyline is irresistibly suspenseful, revolving around a simple yet intense objective: ascend to the prison's summit before a timelock unleashes a horde of malevolent beings, sealing the fate of every innocent soul left behind. The prison transforms into a nightmarish battleground, with each floor presenting new and terrifying challenges. The main character, Kurt, channels the spirit of Bruce Willis in Die Hard—a cop caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, compelled by a sense of duty to navigate an extraordinary and perilous situation. Paired with the innocent Julie, the characters provide readers with an emotional anchor as they navigate the story's thrilling climb. The Ascent proved impossible to set aside, leaving me eagerly anticipating Plantinga's next thrilling story. 

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 2)

I don't typically make New Year's resolutions. The passage of time naturally ushers in changes, so I haven't felt the need for sweeping goals at the start of the year. Reflecting on it, I realize that I've only committed to one resolution that endured. In 2012, I set out to read one book per week, which altered my future for the better. Today, my blog is a lasting accomplishment and a continual source of joy. Despite this, I don't excessively pressure myself to meet specific goals. While I read more books last year than ever before, I'm not striving to surpass that achievement this year. Instead, I aim to embrace the potential of each day, accepting both its positive and challenging aspects. 

The concept of a self-help book imparting meaningful wisdom has always been something I've scoffed at, considering them more a clever way to sell books than a tool that could genuinely help me. However, with the start of this new year, I was curious enough to try one. Glennon Doyle's Untamed was recommended as a book that shares a valuable mindset for healthy living through its mix of memoir and lifestyle advice. It seemed like an intriguing combination with potential value. When I found a copy of the book at my library's bargain book sale, it felt like fate had intervened. I decided to dive in and explore what it was all about.

Doyle's quick wit and compelling story immediately captivated me. She commenced her journey as a devoted Christian wife and mother, primarily focusing on caring for her family. However, somewhere along the way, she realized that her desire to create the best life for those around her came at the expense of her true self. Doyle began to understand that her authentic role in life was to live it to the fullest, stay true to herself, and demonstrate to her children the kind of life that embracing one's true self could bring. What ensued is a narrative of navigating divorce, forming a new blended family, and realizing that the strength or fragility of a family is not determined by its structure but by the unique value that each individual brings to the combined whole. 

After reading Untamed, my skepticism about self-help books has considerably diminished. Doyle's journey of self-discovery resonated deeply with me, especially as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Many aspects of her story mirrored parts of my own experience, and her complex relationship with religion particularly aligned with my views on the subject. Her narrative can undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for embracing the parts of oneself that may be feared or kept in the shadows. This process, as Doyle demonstrates, brings a sense of liberation, and I hope readers draw this empowering message from the book. While some of her recollections may feel more authentic than others, and a few instances seem somewhat fictionalized to fit the narrative, each story emanates from a place of positivity, aiming to inspire contemplation and self-reflection. Although I personally don't feel the need for a book to prompt this kind of introspection, I recognize its ability to benefit those who may need a little push of inspiration in their own lives.