Book Review of “The Lifeguard” By James Patterson and Andrew Gross

Lifeguard

By James Patterson and Andrew Gross

 

Let the name not fool you. This one does not have a straight-up “beachy” plot, but none-less-less good action.

This new thriller is filled with suspense and high tension “who-dunnit” guesses.
So we have Ned Kelly, a college graduate turned lifeguard/pool boy/handy man sorta guy at the Palm Beach. His father Frank Kelly is a small time criminal. And so are his friends Mickey, Bobby, Dee, and Barney.
Ned falls in love with a rich and beautiful “out of his league” girl Tess McAuliffe. He wants to give up his rotten ways to settle down with her.
His friends coax him to join them in one last heist, worth millions, so as to live a comfortable life with Tess.
It is supposed to be an easy job. All Ned has to do is trigger out several house alarms, as a distraction, while his friends steal the multi-million dollar worth art pieces from the mansion of Dennis Stratton.
But thins do not go as planned. The art pieces are not where they were supposed to be. They are double-crossed. All four end up being murdered. And Tess too. It seems like someone has framed Ned.
Ned flees to Boston, escaping the clutches of the cops, some criminals and of course the mastermind of the heist (Dr. Gachet).
Ned is soon caught by FBI agent, Ellie Shurtleff. But soon she too is almost convinced of his innocence and together they set out to nab the real criminals.

Though this one is quite fast paced and full of suspense, it does lack depth at some places. Ned seems to be forever sulking (initially). I wish there was more of Champs (the Aussie guy). There were some really silly instances portrayed (taking off car plates; trying to rob million dollar worth stuff with no artillery; etc).
The plot is decent, not an extra ordinary surprise ending. Lot many characters sometimes spoil the structure – but thankfully JP has managed to hold it, albeit missing the usual wit/humor. I don’t like JP co-authoring books. They tend to burn out soon.
Overall this one is worth a read.

 

Book Review of “Rise And Shine” By Anna Quindlen

Rise and Shine

By Anna Quindlen

 

So the story goes:

Bridget Fitzmaurice, the narrator of the story, works for a women’s shelter in the Bronx while her older sister, Meghan, co-host of the popular morning show Rise and Shine, is the most famous woman on television.

Meghan is married to Evan, a high-powered lawyer and they have a college going son – Leo.

Meghan’s life is hit by nasty tidal waves when her husband walks out on her and she ends up using certain forbidden words ‘on air’. Life changes. But not for the better.

Meghan leaves without a trace. And Bridget comes to the forefront.

Bridget is like the sharp, intelligent, unglamorous daughter while Megan is the airy popular kind. When Meghan disappears Bridget dons the coat of a detective and with Irving Lefkowitz’s help (a big, lumbering 67-year-old cop) she traces some clues from her childhood to find her sister.

At the heart of the story, it examines life and relationships and their importance.

I wouldn’t call this Anna’s best. I might not even recommend this.

And here’s why.
The story is interesting in bits and parts, more so towards the climax. Otherwise it is quite slow and dull.
Bridget Fitzmaurice’s character is interesting. Her job at the Bronx; her assistant, Tequila; Bridget balancing professional life, personal life, and romantic life made up for a good read. Rest of the characters were just about okay.

Had Anna Quindlen focused on the relationship of the sisters it could’ve been more interesting.
Meghan’s character could have been sketched a bit stronger.

The time frames mentioned herein aren’t very clear, making the narrative a bit confusing and losing the reader’s interest. And there’s too much focus on the socialite culture of New York. Overall it ain’t all that good.

 

Book Review of “Naked Prey” by John Sandford

Naked Prey

By John Sandford

What a brilliant thriller! The Prey series definitely bring about the adrenaline rush while reading.

Lucas Davenport is seen working for the Minnesota Governor, solving complicated and sensational crimes. He is also a family man now –with a pretty wife and a lovely child.

Things get shaken when bodies of a black man (Jane Warr) and a white girl (Deon Cash) are found hanging from a tree, in the woods of northern Minnesota.

Lucas and his partner, Del Capslock, rush to the scene and so do the local sheriffs, and a few FBI guys. Soon an arrest is about to be made. But the suspect and his wife are found murdered.

Lucas returns to Broderick (a small town in Northern Minnesota) tracing a killer only to find that the town is pumping more crime and corruption than anyone can think. So much so that the homicide is linked to other criminal acts spurting around.

This one an international labyrinth of stolen cars, drugs, gambling and kidnapping.

Along comes Lettie West– a twelve year old trapper who cares for her alcoholic mother – being victimized not once but twice. It is she who becomes the main crime solver towards the end.

Sandford delivers yet another astounding read. The plot is complex, sharp, interesting, thrilling and captivating. The characterization is strong. The way she talks; her attitude; tough exterior hiding the heart of a child longing for love and concern; adds up to make her character one of the most likeable ones. Lettie is a dearie. A great addition to the series.

We also get a glimpse of Lucas’ softer side. The richest cop (since he also designs computer games) is as loving and caring as a father ought to be. A side which we hardly came across earlier.

The murder scenes actually send a shiver down your spine. The pace is terrific. The background details are just perfect. Intervened with sub-plots, surprises, twists, felony, deaths, murders, chase and revenge, this contemporary detective-crime-fiction page-turner, scores high as a “must read”.

 

Book Review of “Just Take My Heart” By Mary Higgins Clark

Just Take My Heart

By Mary Higgins Clark

Mary Higgins Clark delivers yet another entertaining, mystery/thriller with an interesting twist and definitely a gripping plot, like always!
The title itself is so alluring.The story is about a famous actress shot in her house entangling her “soon to be”ex-husband as the prime suspect.
Emily Wallace is put on the case and she has an interesting story of her own. She’s a war widow and had recently undergone a heart transplant, and has a sub-plot revolving around it. Moreover, her creepy neighbor seems to be spying on her bringing in another plot to the gamut. The revelation of the crime bit-by-bit and the unfolding of the entire plot take the reader through a myriad of emotions – all worth it!
And by the end of the book, all you do is praise the author’s art of storytelling.
It is a fast paced story with some amazing courtroom dialogues and drama. The characters seemed a bit stereotypical and the climax was almost predictable, but absolutely enjoyable.

Book Review of “House Rules” By Jodi Picoult

House Rules

By Jodi Picoult

 

The story is about a teenager (Jacob Hunt) with Asperger’s syndrome (well researched information about the syndrome brings in the little uniqueness the book claims to present) who is charged with the murder of a girl (who was hired to help him with his social skills).
Jacob is a nerd with zero social skills but possesses super intelligence with a passion for forensic analysis.Though it’s a beautifully written plot, it holds no suspense, no thrill, and gives out an obvious and predictably disappointing climax. Ample of controversy, multiple perspectives, legal conflicts, court-room drama dragging into lengthy conversations make it a bit monotonous. Moreover, most of her books follow a certain formula of approach, which by now has become unappealing.

Book Review of “Handle With Care” By Jodi Picoult

Handle With Care

By Jodi Picoult

Well, this one seems to be a mixed bag of emotions. The ideation is bright but delivered in a some-what sloppy manner. By the end of it all it seems like the controversial topic was chosen just to keep Picoult’s formulaic trend running . Her knack to tackle tough subjects with ample twists seems to be disappearing.

The story is about a family with two daughters – the younger born with a rare disease – osteogenesis imperfecta, and how the family endures it all. With a bit ofcontroversial and heart-wrenching moments (about the younger daughter); the feelings of sympathy for the neglected bulimic elder; complex characterization; confused or rather inarticulate parents, the story flows at a slow pace but the climax seems very artificial.Yes, she does raise very logical and moving points – would you ever abort yourbaby if you know that it will be born with a disability? And if you proceed with such a pregnancy, how would you protect the baby from a lifetime of pain and suffering and how would you provide for the baby’s well-being for the rest of his/her life? Her insights are amazing and they sure make you ponder over a lot of things you generally would’ve taken for granted.

Apart from this central theme, the story has other issues that really appear mindless and an utter waste of time and energy.

Book Review of “Gone Tomorrow” By Lee Child

Gone Tomorrow

By Lee Child

A high caliber “brain candy” – yes that is what Jack Reacher’s “expeditions” turn out to be eachtime he ventures out with his lonely muscular self, and of course his tooth-brush!
The author churns out yet another gripping story set in New York this time. Jack Reacher finds himself seated in front of a woman (on a subway) who fits perfectly in the (14 point) visual checklist for a suicide bomber. He tries talking to her to extract information but it turns out that the lady is carrying a gun with which she eventually shoots herself in no time. What follows is aseries of twists and surprises and a roller coaster ride to find the truth.

Reacher is the kind of man all women dig. A retired army officer so to say but more of a bad ass with a lot of blood on his hand. All with maximum efficiency – minimum remorse.

Lee Child is a master writer. His crisp, impeccable language with intricate detailing take thereader on a different trip altogether. He mesmerizes you into reading the entire book asap to know how it all ends.The character of Reacher is so well etched that makes you pick up the books just to seewhere Jack lands himself this time and how he uses his brute force, mastermind (that can do complicated math in a jiffy and quote some laureates verbatim!) and wits to solve complexities. Honestly, the story is just about average, but it is the addiction for Reacher’s art of getting into solving complex crimes that makes one pick up the book.

And it’s all worth it!

Book Review of “Freakonomics” By Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

Freakonomics

By Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

Now this is a pleasant surprise for people who don’t really care much about economics leave alone non-fiction. The authors have showered a lot of examples to make it simpler and easier tounderstand and analyze a range of questions/topics. It is hard to put the book down once you start reading. It is pretty refreshing, engaging, appealing, inspiring and revealing (answers).

It opens up your mind to changes in the behavioral pattern of people around you; it teaches you to question (if not challenge) conventional wisdom; it beckons you to draw your conclusions. It coaxes and inspires you to find the real truth rather than accepting “data” presented on a platter.

Book Review of “For One More Day” By Mitch Albom

For One More Day

By Mitch Albom

This one is a short and easy read. The main character (Chick Benetto) is a former baseball player, who tries to commit suicide but ends up waking up in a different world – somewhere between life and death. And he gets to spend one more day with his dead mother (who, btw, died eight years ago).

Good for a one time read, this is a story of redemption and how Chick strives to face the ghosts of his life. I could trace a link to Mitch’s previous book – The Five People You Meet In Heaven. The plot might strike as a bit different, but holds a similar feel as his previous novella. The grudges that he holds, the pain he endures, the guilt that engulfs him…all die out and he comes to peace with himself. A decently inspirational read amalgamating love, family,relationships, mistakes and forgiveness.
Pretty well written for a not so ground breaking plot. It keeps you hooked on till the very end with definite emotional moments.

Book Review of “First Family” By David Baldacci

First Family

By David Baldacci

An average action-thriller by David Baldacci, First Family is follow-up to Simple Genius.
To begin with, both Sean King and Michelle Maxwell ooze out more character than before (thankfully!).
Just before Pam Dutton is about to instruct them on their next case she is found dead and her daughter (Willa) is missing.

Gripping storyline, plenty subplots, intriguing scandals, interesting twists and turns, absorbing characters of the antagonists as well make this a great read. The author has a definite knack to hook the reader from the very beginning. But at times the pace of the story drops making it a bit of a drag. The climax seems overloaded and kinda unbelievable. But overall readable.