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Cross Country James Patterson Dr. Alex Cross is on the trail of a savage killer, taking him to Africa to uncover the evils that lurk there. Dr. Alex Cross is called in to a Washington homicide- a brutal attack on an entire family, involving not only murder but extreme mutilation. After arriving, Cross realizes that he knows the mother of the family- an old college flame. What would cause such extreme hatred of this family? With detective, and girlfriend, Bree, and longtime friend Sampson, Cross is on the trail of a gang of very sadistic killers- led by “the Tiger”. After more killings, Cross travels to Nigeria, on the trail of this vicious murderer and discovers numerous wrong doings. Gangs of murdering children, illegal diamonds, corrupt police and government, and refugee camps filled with impoverished people are all part of the background in this African nation. Teaming up with a reporter and other contacts, Alex Cross is going to uncover more than he bargained for- is he ready to take it all on? James Patterson has such a great character in the Alex Cross series. I eagerly await all of the new storylines. A driven police officer, as well as caring family man, makes up the psyche of Dr. Cross. A quick read, because you simply cannot put it down, Cross Country follows many paths. There is a bit of a political agenda in the story- exposing the horrific stories that are coming out of Africa, and they need to be said. Patterson does a masterful job in entwining his story line with current conditions. And of course, the ever present nemesis of Cross gets a mention- a forewarning for the next installment of the Cross sagas!
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World Without End Ken Follett Medieval times is once again the setting for this follow up book to Pillars of the Earth. Caris and Merthin are star crossed lovers, descendants of “Jack the Builder and Aliena” from the Pillars of the Earth saga. These two central characters must fight the church, fight their families and beliefs, as well as living during the time of the plague. A lot happens in this book during their lifetime! The architecture is not as strong an interplay as it was in Pillars of the Earth, but rather the relationships between the characters in the book. The town of Kingsbridge is once again the setting, but there is much more friendship and hatred between the classes. Ribald living, devout prayer, and family ties are the center of this story. Ken Follett has followed up his blockbuster with an equally enchanting book in World Without End. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It was very refreshing to see strong-willed women playing an integral part in the story. The plague storyline really showed the emergence of modern medicine and the pain and suffering that people had to endure during the Middle Ages. Religion is still a strong theme in the book and shows the corruption amongst the not so pious and the nobility. Even in those times, money and power was the language spoken by all. However, times were changing a bit toward the end of the story and some equality among the people was starting to emerge. A very good read. Take your time and enjoy it! click here to order
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Dark of the Moon John Sanford Rural Minnesota is the setting and murders are happening of prominent people. Virgil Flowers is off to investigate and untangle the small town web. The story starts with a gruesome burning of a senile old man- who has a vendetta against a man that was sure to die shortly anyway? Virgil Flowers is sent to investigate and discovers much more along the way. Throw in a “holier than thou” con artist, a secret sex life of the baby boomer generation, and small town gossip, and you have a thriller that is hard to put down. Virgil Flowers is an interesting, non-conforming investigator that has a writer’s perspective on his cases and makes up stories as he is solving them. Growing up in the middle of the small towns, he is able to relate to the locals and wiggle all of the juicy information out of them. Who is the murderer that is living in plain sight and no one sees? John Sanford is known for murder mysteries and his character of Lucas Davenport- mentioned only as Virgil Flowers employer in this tale. This fast paced thriller has many sub stories in it and will keep you turning the pages. It’s interesting to see the small town intermingling of everyone. There is absolutely no privacy, but then how can someone get away with all of the murders? Secrets are flushed out and stories developed as Virgil tracks down various angles. The obvious is too obvious, but makes for an interesting twist to the plot! A definite read in one sitting type of book.
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The Five Forty Five to Cannes Tess Uriza Holthe Follow the lives that are interwoven as they travel train number 545 to Cannes. The Five-Forty-Five to Cannes is a book about its character more so than the plot. It follows the lives of numerous people as they travel to Cannes, whether for work, play, or vacation. There is a wealthy American and his French wife, a photographer, a trio of brothers “working” the line, a widow and her estranged son, and many other characters. Their lives are woven together through tragedy and happiness- even though they do not know each other. The author uses rich description in highlighting the region that the train travels- through the Cannes area and through the character’s lives. Many subplots interlace throughout the story and add depth to the background of the people involved. People say that we are only seven people removed from knowing everyone, and that is easily depicted in this book. You, the reader, want to laugh, cry, and help all of the passengers on this train. Daily life is far more intriguing when we watch it through the looking glass. A very good book! click here to order
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