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Julia E. (julie575) - - Reviews

1 to 20 of 21 - Page:
Abandon the Night (Envy Chronicles, Bk 3)
Abandon the Night (Envy Chronicles, Bk 3)
Author: Joss Ware
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 45
Review Date: 2/2/2016


Lots of fun! this continues the saga of a new world created after a cataclysm in the United States. The characters are interesting, the description of this new world is so interesting, and the relationships are sympathetic. A little far-fetched as to the cause of the cataclysm, but hey, it's a fantasy book.


Any four women could rob the Bank of Italy: A novel
Any four women could rob the Bank of Italy: A novel
Author: Ann Cornelisen
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 2.8/5 Stars.
 7
Review Date: 2/12/2009


An off-beat fun romp around Italy with a group of women who are almost too smart for their own good. I read it so long ago and it stayed with me as a good read.


The Assassini
The Assassini
Author: Thomas Gifford
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 36
Review Date: 3/4/2021


What a splendidly complex book that takes the reader around Europe from Rome to London and Ireland and across the Atlantic with stops in Princeton, NYC and DC, with ventures deep into the intricacies of Catholicism and Vatican politics, and historical journeys from WWII and Nazi Germany to modern times. There's a lot to learn, lots to absorb, and lots to guess. Twists and turns galore, and even a HEA hinted at (romance readers know what that means). Just a really fun book to dive into when you don't have to come up for air for a while.


Break No Bones (Temperance Brennan, Bk 9)
Break No Bones (Temperance Brennan, Bk 9)
Author: Kathy Reichs
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 309
Review Date: 4/13/2009


Tempe gets emotionally involved in a few things in this book, which adds to her depth of character. Her ex-husband, current boyfriend, and a colleague in the South Carolina milieu are those who entangle her heart. The plot is a bit tangled, too, but the character development more than makes up for any meandering and oddball pathways. Then again, those are part of the Reichs charm, I guess.


Buffalo West Wing (White House Chef, Bk 4)
Buffalo West Wing (White House Chef, Bk 4)
Author: Julie Hyzy
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 89
Review Date: 10/22/2019


Oh the plot thickens with a change in administration! And Ollie once more is plunged into a situation not of her own making, that only she can work her way out of - with some help from the Secret Service, of course. I just love the behind-the-scenes look at the White House kitchen, and in this one, the ego mania behind so many chefs (not Ollie, of course!).


Careless in Red (Inspector Lynley, Bk 15)
Careless in Red (Inspector Lynley, Bk 15)
Author: Elizabeth George
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 95
Review Date: 10/14/2009
Helpful Score: 1


Elizabeth George is a lyrical writer who uses language so beautifully to evoke a sense of place and convey rich characters. She has the capacity to draw such complex, realistic people. In this book, I saw more than ever her amazing gift for gradually revealing layers of depth in every character as she unveils the reasons behind the murder around which the book is constructed. The two processes are inextricably linked and both are fascinating. In addition to a gripping mystery, Careless in Red offers more insight into Thomas Lynley as a man and policeman. I also learned a lot about Cornwall and surfing, which was fun.


Council (Holy See Trilogy)
Council (Holy See Trilogy)
Author: Greg Tobin
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 5
Review Date: 7/28/2009


I loved this book. What a beautifully complex story and fully-drawn characters. It lent great humanity to the Papacy, and taught me some wonderful history and context. Greg Tobin is a lyrical, thoughtful writer whose craft is a pleasure to read.


Death at Bishop's Keep (Victorian-Edwardian Mystery, Bk 1)
Death at Bishop's Keep (Victorian-Edwardian Mystery, Bk 1)
Author: Robin Paige
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 135
Review Date: 9/3/2009
Helpful Score: 2


What a great relationship between the two crime-solvers! The period details are terrific and the plot very involving. A wonderful mystery for people who enjoy English murder mysteries.


Death at Daisy's Folly (Victorian-Edwardian Mystery, Bk 3)
Death at Daisy's Folly (Victorian-Edwardian Mystery, Bk 3)
Author: Robin Paige
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 89
Review Date: 9/3/2009


I do love a good English murder mystery, and this qualifies. The dollop of American attitudes really enlivens this one. I enjoyed it thoroughly.


Death at Gallows Green (Victorian-Edwardian Mystery, Bk 2)
Death at Gallows Green (Victorian-Edwardian Mystery, Bk 2)
Author: Robin Paige
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 102
Review Date: 11/17/2009
Helpful Score: 1


I loved this book, more for the relationship between the heroine and Beatrix Potter than the mystery. The authors develop personalities so well, and give a wonderful feeling of the time period.


Death at Rottingdean (Victorian-Edwardian Mystery, Bk 5)
Death at Rottingdean (Victorian-Edwardian Mystery, Bk 5)
Author: Robin Paige
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 70
Review Date: 11/17/2009


Interesting mystery with great period details. The relationship between the two protagonists is compelling.


The Devil's Company (Benjamin Weaver, Bk 3)
The Devil's Company (Benjamin Weaver, Bk 3)
Author: David Liss
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 9
Review Date: 10/30/2013


As usual, Liss crafts an intricate plot of intrigue and commerce. I always learn a lot from his books, this time about the textile industry in early 18th century England, the intertwining of commerce & politics, and the British East India Company. There were times I got a little confused yet all loose ends are tied up nicely in the end. I was stunned by the ruthlessness of powerful (and powerless) people, and found myself even more invested in Weaver's ultimate triumph.


A Dreadful Murder
A Dreadful Murder
Author: Minette Walters
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 2/2/2016


Walters does a great job of fictionalizing a 19th century England "whodunit" that was never solved. I enjoyed this quick read, and her elegant solution.


Eggsecutive Orders (White House Chef, Bk 3)
Eggsecutive Orders (White House Chef, Bk 3)
Author: Julie Hyzy
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 102
Review Date: 10/22/2019


I just love these books. The heroine is spunky and smart, trusts her intuition, and gets into situations that make perfect sense. It's a lot of fun peeking inside the White House kitchen, too.


Faithful Place (Dublin Murder Squad, Bk 3)
Faithful Place (Dublin Murder Squad, Bk 3)
Author: Tana French
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 97
Review Date: 10/30/2013


Wow is just about all I can say about Tana French's books, and this one in particular. She takes her reader on twists and turns that truly are unexpected yet make utter sense, in terms of plot and emotion. She creates a sense of time, place and culture that are indelible. I love her language and style - wonderful turns of phrases, unusual descriptions of people and place that provide insight into character and environment. Working-class Dublin in both past and present came to life vividly. I found myself rooting for Frank Mackey and felt his deep grief. Just a top-notch, character-driven mystery that showed again how Tana French's slightly skewed perspective on the world makes for satisfying fiction.


Mad Jack  (Brides, Bk 4)
Mad Jack (Brides, Bk 4)
Author: Catherine Coulter
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 241
Review Date: 3/16/2016


This book was so much fun! The heroine (Mad Jack) is delightful, and Grayson (the love interest) is a great character. The story is full of twists and turns, unexpected visits from characters in previous novels, dastardly evil people who get their comeuppance, and all manner of adventures.


The Millionaire Next Door
The Millionaire Next Door
Author: William D. Danko, Thomas J. Stanley
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 201
Review Date: 9/25/2009


interesting perspective.


The Poacher's Son (Mike Bowditch, Bk 1)
The Poacher's Son (Mike Bowditch, Bk 1)
Author: Paul Doiron
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 27
Review Date: 8/3/2020


What a great book! It grabbed me from the first page. I was intrigued initially by the chance to learn something about Maine and game wardens, a curiosity that was fulfilled. And then the plot, character development, and quality of writing kept me reading. I completed it in just a few hours. I highly recommend it and want to read more by Doiron.


Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
Review Date: 11/7/2009


What an excellent, clear explanation of how to make money work for you! I loved his comparison of how poor people think versus how rich people think. Throughout the book, this stark comparison made it obvious that initial sacrifice will have long term payoffs and confidence in the future, whereas instant gratification means long-term anxiety over the future. I wish this was required reading for all kids and parents.


The Rose Labyrinth
The Rose Labyrinth
Author: Titania Hardie
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 15
Review Date: 10/17/2021


Very interesting book from both plot and history point of view. I was interested in learning more about John Dee, and I'm a sucker for anything set in England, as well as a book with some mystery in it. I was a little skeptical as to whether I would really like it but gave it a go, and ended up being captivated and brought along a fascinating journey. It made me want to learn even more about John Dee and Elizabethan England's belief systems.


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