Full disclosure: I had another book all picked out for July but I couldn't get into it this summer. It was a deep dive into a mass shooting that took place in Norway on July 11, 2011--it is well written, so I will leave in a TBR stack and try again next July. So I needed a substitute and landed on this book.

I generally find James Patterson's books to be quick reads but shallow and in the end unsatisfying. I thought this time-- maybe it was because I dipped into the series with the 4th book but after reading several other reviews--I see I am not alone in my opinions. 

Paper thin characters and relationships and apparently a dog that magically gains major herding skills between books 3 and 4. I will admit I never saw the ending coming and never expected these characters to be the culprits. But unless I get stuck again for a book that fits into my "First, Second, Third, ..." category I doubt if I will step my toe in The Women's Murder Club series again, a shame because it was tailor made to fit the category.

Reading Challenge: Once Around the Categories 2025

2021

I ordered this as a used book on Amazon. It came missing the first 17 pages but the seller quickly refunded my money. Still one not to want to waste a mostly intact book...I sourced out the first 17 pages for free from Google Books. Once again, Google to the rescue. A book for July and a book about WWI was just what I wanted. I really enjoyed this book, a fictional look into one of the most horrific battles of WWI. I really enjoyed this author and look forward to reading more of her books. Next August I am starting a non fiction book about the start of WWI.

2022

This was a so so read. It didn't turn out to be what I thought it was going to be about. But it did keep me reading til the end so it has that going for it.

2023

2023 has turned out to be a lot. In times of stress I read a lot BUT I don't retain a lot...it has been that kind of a year to put it mildly.

I do remember a bit of this plot but as it involves the unexpected murder of a co-worker I don't want to spoil too much. Another good round with Larry and the gang. I do count myself in the group of readers and characters that believe that Larry is using Eddie a bit too much. Eddie has fared well thus far and is in early recovery--I want him to stay that way.

Welcome to Book of the Month Club where my goal read a book with that particular month in the title for as long as the books hold out. I have separated out the titles so that they appear as separate months, it is cleaner that way.