Book Review - The Expats by Chris Pavone

The Expats by Chris Pavone is a debut work of fiction.  I heard and read so much about this book before it was even released and the plot captured my curiosity immediately.  A lot of people were saying they were number 56, 27 and other random, high-numbered places on the library waiting list.  So, imagine my surprise when I put it on hold at my library and immediately got the book.

I have to admit that I am often let down by books that receive so much hype.  I liked The Expats, though.  However, I am not entirely sure how to review this book.  You see, this story of an expatriate family living in Luxembourg is so full of twists and turns that I really don't want to give anything away.  The book is written, and the story told, in a clever way that definitely had me turning pages.  Kate and Dexter Moore (this name initially bugged me as it's too close to Dexter Morgan but that's just minor on my part) are both deeply involved in their careers and yet neither spose knows the truth about the others work. 

It's Dexter's work that takes the family to Luxembourg and initiates Kate giving up hers.  While it's true that the wives in Luxembourg don't seem to work - it was no easy feat for Kate to walk away from a career that consumed her to the exclusion of truth in her marriage.  The thing is, this is true for Dexter, too.  While this didn't concern Kate at home in Washington D.C. she becomes very suspicious and almost distrustful in Luxembourg.  The reader is left to wonder if her suspicions are founded or the result of some boredom on Kate's part with their new life.  She is certainly not content being a housewife and stay-at-home Mom.

As the story continues, you realize that Kate and Dexter are neck deep in a giant mess.  Some of it is legal, some is not; some of it is of their doing and some is them being manipulated like puppets.  This really is a good story.  I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed.  Which surprised me because the book is lush in detail including much of the European landscape that had me feeling as if I were actually there.  Then it just ended and I was left wondering and wanting a little more.  Overall though, it's a book worth reading.

Book Review - Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb

To those who know me - in real-life and through book blogging - I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I've read Celebrity in Death, the latest in J.D. Robb's near future homicide detective procedurals.  I have to say that the book did not disappoint at all.  Every thing I love about this series was present; the ever-evolving relationships amongst the characters, a great murder mystery and of course, the love between Eve and Roarke. 

In this 34th installment of the series - there is a movie being made about an earlier case that Eve, Peabody and the rest of the cast worked tirelessly to solve.  Now, the Icove case is being made in to a major Hollywood movie - much to Eve's dismay.  Fortunately, she is generally all right with the way the movie is coming together although it does creep her out a bit.  And the majority of the cast are decent people.  Of course, there is the bad apple, K.T. Harris, the actress playing Peabody.

Harris turns up dead in the pool at a party given by the movie big wigs.  A party Eve, Roarke, Peabody, McNab and Dr. Mira were all attending off duty.  Of course, being off-duty does not prevent the case from becoming theirs.  And while they turn up a lot of bad stuff about Harris - she is still their victim.  They do not stop until they solve her murder.

The book is written with Robb's trademark humor and insght into the human condition.  This is a stellar installment into a strong series.  One that I recently learned Robb plans to continue for the long haul.  Personally, I am very happy to know this as I completely adore the characters within this series.

Book Review - A Share in Death by Deborah Crombie

A Share in Death by Deborah Crombie is the story of Detective Inspector Duncan Kincaid's week long holiday at a Yorkshire time share.  The location seems ideal and peaceful at first.  And while Kincaid does feel out of his element - he is trying to embrace the country slow life and enjoy his holiday.  He visits the local village, takes a hike and even meets the other residents in residence that week at the time share.

The second morning of Kincaid's vacation dawns bright and full of promise.  Deciding to go for an early morning swim - he discovers a dead body floating in the jacuzzi.  The local police chock the death up to a suicide but Kincaid thinks otherwise.  Soon, once another body shows up dead, he is certain that there is a killer among the people currently at the time share.

Kincaid spends the remainder of his vacation getting to know the residents and employees of the time share and tries to ferret out the killer.  This book is full of interesting twists and I was a little surprised by the identity of the killer.  I also loved the English setting of the book.  I'm curious enough about the main characters to give the next book in this series a go.

Mystery and Suspense Reading Challenge 2012

I completely adored participating in the Book Chick City Mystery & Suspense challenge last year.  I have decided that I do indeed want to participate once again this year.  This is my post, declaring said intent.  Here are the challenge details directly from Book Chick City:

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012

• Rules: There are TWO LEVELS you can choose from:

 - Read TWELVE (12) mystery & suspense novels in 2012
 - Read TWENTY FOUR (24) mystery & suspense novels in 2012 

• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• You can join at anytime. All books read in 2012 count towards the challenge regardless of when you sign up.

• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews.

• Audiobooks do not count, but all other formats are accepted.

• This challenge can crossover to other challenges.

• You DO NOT have to write reviews of the books you read, but if you decide you would like to then Mr Linky will be available each month so you can link up your reviews.

• You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog but who use Goodreads, Amazon, LibraryThing etc, you can add the URL to where you track your books. If you don't have a URL at all then choose a name you would like to use and then copy and paste the following link: 

http://www.bookchickcity.com/2011/12/sign-up-mystery-suspense-reading.html

• You can choose from the numerous sub-genres of mystery and suspense, from cosy mysteries such as Agatha Christie to the more hard-boiled kind like V I Warshawski by Sara Paretsky, or romantic suspense written by the likes of Linda Howard, forensic crime such as those written by Kathy Reichs and even paranormal/supernatural suspense such as Kelley Armstrong. I'm sure this challenge will have something for everyone! :)

If this sounds like something you might enjoy - head on over to BCC to sign up.  You can do so by clicking on the above challenge image.