Categorical Reading Lists

May God Forgive by Alan Parks

Harry McCoy Thriiler #5

I am a huge fan of this series and this outing certainly doesn't disappoint. Harry's bad habits caught up with him in the last book, so he is trying with little success to cut back on the drinks, the drugs, the fried food--but is nice to see Harry on the mend--whether he likes it or not.

An arson attack leaves five dead, three boys are accused with the crime, and while they are being transported to prison to await trial, their van is ambused and the boys are grabbed and thrown into a waiting car. The next day one of their bodies is dumped in the town center with the note--One Dead Two to Go.

Harry is on the case and has 24 hours to find the two missing boys...

25 in 2025

Once Around the Categories: Book of the Month Club, May

Tags: Book of the Month Club, May, 25In2025, 2025

Every Dead Thing by John Connolly

Charlie Parker Thriller #1

This series (11 books) gets lots of rave reviews and Mr. Connolly is often called one of the finest crime writers currently in existence--but after reading this first one I am not completely sold on his mastery. I am giving this series one more book and then I will determine if I am going to read on...

There a LOT of subplots and a LOT of back stories and a LOT of overly descriptive prose but the story is compelling and the writing if overly verbose is good. And maybe it is just me but does everything fictional detective have to be a raging alcoholic (or in recovery), with a horrible childhood and cases that have almost ruined their careers, and have a snarky superior arrogant manner, and in spite of all of this still manage to have beautiful women falling in bed with him---just asking for a friend.

25 in 2025 Challenge

Once Around The Categories: Dead

Tags: Dead, 25In2025, 2025, OnceAroundCategories

Memorial Day's Escape by A. E. Howe

Larry Macklin Mystery #19

A stellar entry into this series and as I am nearing the end of what Mr. Howe has written thus far...I do hope he continues this series...although I do have a back up plan. He has also previously written a stand alone novel and currently has the beginnings of two other series in the works. Very prolific writer and well worth the reading time.

Larry has recently been promoted to sergeant and is learning the ups and downs of managing other people...but of course while he is trying to figure that out...some prisoners ecape during a prison transport accident...leaving one guard dead and the other seriously injured. Even worse...one of the missing is Neil Manning, the man responsible for attacking and almost killing the Sherriff (Larry's Dad).

I'm proud of Larry. He is becoming a fine detective and really has to put his thinking hat on to unravel this one. Along the way, Larry even manages to improve his people managing skills. His personal life continues to flourish and I always enjoy the reading about the various household pets and their frequent house guest, Mauser. No spoilers but l loved what he arranged for Pete at the end of the book.

Tags: 2025, Holidays