Your Heart Belongs to Me

Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz

Ryan Perry has made a fortune in the internet business. He has every comfort one could imagine. He is one of People magazine's sexiest bachelors and he has an amazing girlfriend to boot. However, Ryan's life begins to unravel as he sits on a surfboard waiting for the next big wave. His heart begins to pound. His vision begins to fade and he passes out. He soon finds out he is in need of a heart transplant. As if a fatal heart condition was not distressing enough, odd things begin happening to Ryan. Is someone trying to kill him or is there some supernatural force at work?

This was an interesting read, but not edge of your seat exciting as some of Koontz's books can be.

Another good one from Laurie Halse Anderson

Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson

Kate Malone is a self-professed science geek. She is at the top of her game academically, track star, and bound for MIT. But Kate is also an insomniac. Having lost her mother at a young age, Kate is caring for her ailing little brother and Minister father who is always out helping other families. But Kate is so sure of her future, that she fails to apply to any other schools, not even a safety. Her life begins to unravel as she waits for that envelope. The one that seals her fate. Meanwhile, life in the Malone household becomes crazier as they take in bad girl neighbor Teri and little brother Mikey.

Another Good Delinsky Story

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

Susan and her teenage daughter Lily have made a nice life for themselves in a small town in Maine. Susan, the young and successful principal of the local high school. Lily, the popular, athletic, and smart high school senior. Their lives take an interesting turn when Lily becomes pregnant. Only, it is not just Lily. It is a pregnancy pact between her and her friends. The school board and the towns folk blame Susan. How could she let her daughter do such a thing. How much is a mother to blame when their kids make a bad decision? How does a controversial pact reflect on Susan as a principal?

I always enjoy Delinsky books and this one was no exception.

Great YA - Middle School

The Misfits by James Howe

Bobby is one of those invisible kids in middle school. He lives with his father and lost his mom at a young age. He has a small group of friends, all of whom are misfits in their own way. Addie is the tall brainy girl, Skeezie thinks he is a greaser from the 50ies, and Joe is glamorous and coming to terms with his sexuality. The group meets once a week at the Candy Kitchen to discuss various topics. Idealistic Addie decides to take a stand for liberty and freedom for all students by trying to create a third party for the school election but the principal puts a stop to it. The group is still unsure how to make their mark when it hits Bobby. What they really want, is for people to stop calling them names. All of a sudden the ideas start to flow and the group forms the "No-Name Party."

I thought this was a great middle school book and Howe does a nice job capturing the middle school voice and thought process. It also reminded me of my middle school's theme, which is "Make your Mark, Make a Difference."

Another Great One!

14 by JT Ellison

The elusive Snow White Killer is on the loose again, or is he? Several years ago, the Snow White Killer brutally murdered 10 women. Dubbed the Snow White Killer for the pale skinned, dark haired, a red lipstick rimmed women whose throats he slashed. Now 4 more women have been murdered fitting the same description and the same MO. Is he at it again or working with an apprentice? How does the case tie into Taylor's privileged upbringing?

This is another great installment in the Taylor Jackson/John Baldwin series. There were some tense and chilling moments in this one, for sure! And a little bit of a cliffhanger. Can't wait to read the next!

So-So Sequel

Chosen to Die by Lisa Jackson

In the follow up to Left to Die, Det. Regan Pescoli has been chosen and captured by the Star Crossed Killer. A diabolical serial killer choosing women for their initials which fit into a secret message he is trying to leave for the police. He lures them to the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana during the worst winter on record, shoots out their tire causing their cars to plummet off a cliff, rescues the women, nurses them back to health and then turns on them, marching them naked to their cold cruel death in the deep woods.

The book was fast paced and just picks up where Left to Die left off which I liked. I didn't really connect with either of the two female detectives in the same way I usually do with characters like them. But it was an enjoyable read all in all.

Loved this one!

All the Pretty Girls by JT Ellison

Nashville homicide Detective and Lieutenant Taylor Jackson has her hands full. She is working a frightening (and rapidly escalating) serial killer case with her boyfriend FBI Profiler Dr. John Baldwin and was just handed a serial rapist case as a favor to the bosses, not to mention a potential witness tampering mess.

The two main characters in this debut novel are interesting, smart, and likable. I really enjoyed the way they played off of each other and handled the mixing of the relationship with their professional lives. The serial killer in this one had an interesting and unique MO and all in all, I had a tough time putting this book down. I am excited that my friend, Jill, introduced me to a great new mystery series and I look forward to reading on!

Shutter Island

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

US Marshall Teddy Daniels is on a ferry to Shutter Island, just of the coast of Boston, with his new partner Chuck Aule. Shutter Island is the home of an experimental facility for the criminally insane. The most violent mentally ill convicts around. Teddy and Chuck are sent to investigate the strange disappearance of patient/inmate Rachel Solendo who murdered her three children. All doors were locked, windows barred, and manned checkpoints at every turn. Yet, Rachel managed to escape without being seen or leaving a trace other than a strange code Teddy is left to break. All around them things on the island become more and more disturbing. They are being lied to, don't know who to trust, and all the while the island is being hit by a passing hurricane.

This was a great thriller. Very dark and disturbing, but a real page turner. Can't wait to see the movie now to compare!