( 98 ) Mac Lane, book 2
Liked, though these seem to keep feeling unfinished. There’s an action arc in the first two books of the series, but not really a plot arc, more like the beginning of a plot arc. Rumor (and skimming web reviews) tells me things amp up in the 3rd one.
I hope so. I like that the sex (apparently required in paranormal fiction–bleah) is very matter of fact. Something happens, it’s over, the action moves on. No pages and pages of vivid detail. Thanks Ms. Moning!
( 97 ) a Spenser novel
Yes, somehow TWO Spenser books came out that I missed. I remedied that this week 
I liked this one better than “Rough Weather.”
I can’t help but notice the effect of age on Spenser. The longer this series runs the fewer the absolutes. There is no absolute good or evil in Spenser’s world anymore, just a myriad of grays. More like real life.
( 96) a Spenser novel
This wasn’t great, I admit it. But, well, it’s Spenser and I’ve had a soft spot for the Boston PI since the late 80s. I was almost disappointed to see the Grey Man lose some of his hard edges, though. Spenser needs a nemesis and they all keep shuffling off the playing field after a few books. More realistic, sure, but not as fun.
Bonus: Lotsa Hawk this book!
( 95 )
Bleah. I read the adult book this series is loosely derived from (When the Wind Blows) and enjoyed it. This was a harder read. A lot of things happened, but the plot didn’t advance much for all the action. It felt very unfinished.
Confession: I am pretty much ~over~ Patterson. I used to enjoy his work, but ever since he started farming it out to co-authors his work reads like he handed a plot outline to someone else and told them to go to town. The books just flat out are not as good. I’ve read ‘em from the library, or Kindle freebies like this one, but I won’t buy them anymore. Not til the co-authors disappear and he writes his own books again. Since Patterson signed a huge book deal earlier this year, that’s unlikely, which is a shame. His stuff used to be something to look forward to 
( 94 )
I enjoyed this, though I’m not entirely sure what the hype about it was.
It was more novella than novel and just as the characters started becoming interesting, it ended. Which may be lifelike, but makes it a less than satisfying read.
( 93 ) a V.I. Warshawski novel
Overcommitted this month with volunteer projects, NaNoWrimo, and the upcoming holiday season. I read it, I liked it, and I finally got to finish it today. How? By turning off my computer at 5pm tonight at work, closing my office door, and hiding in there for an hour so I could read in peace with no committees, no rough drafts, and, yes, I am gonna say it, no family commitments to interfere.
Besides, J has been fussing at me for picking her up from daycare, “too early.” I’ve gotten old. In my twenties when I was late to pick up it meant I’d gone with the office pack for a happy hour margarita. Now it’s quality alone time with a book. I think I like this age better
