Women's Murder Club Back in Action!

9th Judgment by James Patterson

The Women's Murder Club (along with Jacobi, Conklin, and Joe) are back together for the ninth installment of the WMC series. The SFPD homicide division is swamped with two high profile cases, both of which have Lindsey Boxer front and center. First, there is a cat burglar targeting the wealthy, sneaking in and stealing jewels as the couples entertain dinner guests on the first floor. Homicide is called into the case when the cat burglar's latest hit turns deadly. At the same time, a twisted and ruthless serial killer is targeting women and their young children in random executions around the city.

I have always loved this series and this latest is a great installment.

Loved This One!

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

Cecelia (CeeCee) Rose has had a difficult childhood with a mentally ill mother and an absent father. When her mother is suddenly killed- hot by an ice cream truck no less), CeeCee is sent to Savannah, Georgia with her great aunt Tootie.

This is a great Southern tale filled with exciting and rich characters. Loved it!

Far From You

Far From You by Lisa Schroeder

Same author as I Heart You, You Haunt Me and also written in verse. Ali is dealing with the loss of her mother, a new step mom whom she hates and a brand new baby sister. Not to mention a super hot boyfriend who really wants to go further. Ali's world is turned upside down once again when an accident leaves her stranded in a blizzard forcing her to re-evaluate what is important in life.

Left to Die!!!

Left to Die by Lisa Jackson

Montana detectives Regan Pescoli and Selena Alvarez are working around the clock to find and stop a cold blooded serial killer, dubbed the Star Crossed Killer, who lures specific targets to the wilds of Montana, forces their car to crash, then marches them naked into the woods and leaves them to die.

I really enjoyed this fast paced thriller but was a little miffed at the to be continued cliff hanger ending! Guess I will just need to jump right into the next book, Chosen to Die!

Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L Swanson

This is the story of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the attack of Secretary of State Seward and the 12 day manhunt that followed. The book is a nice mix of storytelling with primary source documents and quotes. There are a lot of great pictures in the book. This is a great historical for reluctant readers because it reads more like a thriller than just a standard historical account.

Best. Resource. EVER.

The Reading Teacher's Book of Lists by Edward B. Fry Ph.D. and Jacqueline E. Kress Ed.D.

I really wish I had this book last year because so many of the lists pertained to lessons I was doing or assessments I was trying to piece together. I have wanted this book for a while but hesitated because I didn't want to spend the money. But I saw it mentioned on a blog (Inspired to Teach) and thought, why not? I am so so so glad I sprung for it. This will be an invaluable resource. I bought it thinking it would go on my reference shelf, but it was so fun, interesting, and informative, I sat down and read all 514 pages of lists and information! It also came at a great time, as I am studying for the middle school language arts PRAXIS. I also loved that it included content area vocabulary and study skills.

This is a great resource for all teachers, homeschoolers, and parents. I highly recommend!

I Heart You, You Haunt Me

I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder

Ava had met the love of her life at a high school football game. They were perfect for each other, made each other laugh, and they were best friends. Until the day when Jackson died suddenly. Ava withdrawals from her world as she tries to work through the grief and heartache as well as come to terms with the loss and need to move on.

I Heart You, You Haunt Me is written in verse, which I love. I have some students who love books written in verse and this has all of the drama and emotion teen girls love.

A Guide for Middle School Teachers

Virgin River #4

Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr

In the fourth installment of the Virgin River series, a young and beautiful widow named Marcie Sullivan is on a quest for peace of mind and closure. At the age of nineteen, Marcie married her high school sweetheart, Bobby, only to send him off to war where he was injured in Fallujah. His commander, Ian Buchanan, saved Bobby by carrying him out of the danger zone, but Bobby was left paralyzed and unconcious. Afetr three years of caring for Bobby, Marcie became a widow. As the first anniversary of Bobby's death approached, Marcie felt the need to find the reclusive Ian, reconnect, and gain some closure. The search takes Marcie to the mountains and into Virgin River where she meets the whole VR gang.

It was kind of weird reading a Christmas story in July in 90 degree weather, but it was a sweet story and I just love all of the Virgin River characters.

Firegirl

Firegirl by Tony Abbott

Tom is a painfully shy seventh grader who just wants to fit in and be liked. But he rarely speaks to anyone, other than a boy Jeff whom he hangs out with after school. Tom has a crush on pretty girl Courtney and is trying to work up the courage to nominate her for class president. However, Tom's resolve to "get out there" is tested when a new girl, Jessica, joins the class. Will Tom have the courage to befriend Jessica at the risk of being ostracisized by everyone else?

This is a very moving story and really captures the feelings of a shy middle school student.

Good Thriller

Split Second by David Baldacci

Secret Service Agent Sean King's career is destroyed when the presidential candidate he is protecting is assassinated. Eight years later, King had worked hard to rebuild his life until he arrives early to work to find a body in his law office. Meanwhile, another secret service agent, Michelle Maxwell's, career is similarly destroyed when her protectoree is kidnapped. Somehow the cases are connected and the bodies are piling up. King and Maxwell team up to solve the mystery before they are killed themselves.

I thought this was a great thrill ride that kept me guessing until the end! I will definitely continue the series.

Scarpetta #17

The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell

Sitting down to write this little blurb, I am having a hard time putting together exactly what this latest Scarpetta installment was about. It seemed so long and drawn out that I can't quite pinpoint the main point!

Benton receives an odd and threatening Christmas card/message from a former mental patient. Then Kay receives a suspicious and dangerous Fed Ex package. Somehow Kay's appearance on a news program factors in as does the old Chandonne family of previous installments. When the book first started it was about the murders of two young women. I had high hopes that this one was going back to Kay Scarpetta and friends awesome investigation techniques. Then the story got all muddled with various avenues and details.

Sorry this blurb is so scattered. I guess it is indicitive of The Scarpetta Factor.

Ghost Girl

Ghost Girl by Tonya Hurley

From the moment I first saw this book, I wanted it. I loved the cover art, the art inside, the set up, the concept, the title....etc. This was a book right up my ally and to make it all the better, the word on the street was favorable.

I thought it was a cute book. Started off very fun. I loved the quotes from songs, poems, etc at the beginning of each chapter. I loved the names of the chapters and the way the book was set up. I did start to lose interest about half way through, but that could have been more about my crazy stressful end of the school year than the book itself. It did pick up for me at the end and I ended up enjoying it. I will definitely continue the series, bt will wait for each to come out in paperback.