Book Review

“Simply Lies” is David Baldacci’s latest book. It is a psychological thriller set in Virginia about two women in a cat and mouse race to solve a murder and find a treasure stolen from an organized crime family.  Mickey Gibson is single mother of two and a former police detective. She...

Something magical happens when you first reach for a book. The possibilities become endless and worlds you knew nothing about become visible- fallen cities, lost loves, thrilling challenges around every corner. This summer, allow yourself to explore a book or two--whether it be to...

Any time you open a new book, you are introduced to a world of endless possibilities. There are a thousand--no, a million different places that stories could take you. As local libraries begin to reopen at full capacity and access to hands-on literature becomes...

“The Exchange” is John Grisham’s latest novel. It is advertised as a sequel to “The Firm” that was published in 1991, but it reads more like a standalone novel. “The Exchange” takes place 15 years later with Mitch and Abby McDeere living in New York City...

“The Codebreaker’s Secret” has dual timelines. One takes place in the 1940s and the other in the 1960s. Isobel Cooper is a cryptanalyst during World War II. She works in Washington, D.C., trying to decipher encrypted Japanese messages. The job is tedious and stressful, but she enjoys the work....

Readers who frequent the Cullman County Public Library System share reviews of some of their recently read books. Submission date: June 29, 2003 Reviewer: Elaine Clayton Title: “Identity” Author: Nora Roberts Rating: 5 out of 5 stars Thoughts about the book: A truly fabulous book! A psychopath targets blond, slim...

“The Rose Code” is an intriguing novel set with two timelines. One is in 1940  during the early years of World War II. The other is in 1947 after the war is over.  In 1940, three women are hired to work in Bletchley Park as codebreakers. They work with...

“A Land Remembered” was the March selection for my book club. This novel is historical fiction of Florida from 1858 until 1960s. It was published in 1984. I did not think this could possibly be a choice for a book review in 2024. But “A Land Remembered” was winner of the...

Imagine working out at a gym and running late for a meeting. You grab your fake Marc Jacobs bag and dash to your co-worker’s car. You pull out your shoes and they are not yours. Instead of your boxy black pumps, you find red...

“A Happier Life” is narrated by two family members. In present day, Keaton Smith starts her story about her boyfriend and career woes in New York City.  As the book progresses, Keaton tells about her experiences in North Carolina. The other story is told by...

“Calamity of Souls” is set in southern Virginia in 1968, a time when George Wallace was running for president of the United States on a platform of unity. Unity meaning separation of Blacks and Whites. It was also the Jim Crow era and during the Vietnam...

Every Thursday, four senior citizens who live in an upscale retirement community meet to discuss cold case files and try to solve the murders the police could not. Each member has his or her own skill set. Joyce Meadowcroft is the last to join the group. She becomes its...

Lise See’s latest novel is set in China in the Ming Dynasty of the 15th century. The novel opens with 8-year-old Tan Yunxian being trained by her mother, Respectful Lady, on how to be proper lady. She tells her daughter, “Whether animal or woman, we are a...