Coffee Klatch

First off, I should say that I've yet to read The Romanov Prophecy, but it's definitely on my list, because Dee also raved about it. So if the two of you loved it, I know I will, too. (And Dee finally read The Rule of Four, which Kathleen and I both enjoyed, and chatted about earlier). Right now, I'm still reading (as in listening to on audiobook) THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. Unfortunately, my husband is off work during July, which means we've been in the car a lot together, which means I can't listen to it b/c he doesn't want to come in mid-way through the story. I need to think of a roadtrip to take by myself ...

At any rate, prior to Curious Incident, I listened to GODS IN ALABAMA by Joshilyn Jackson. Loved it! Fresh and fun with a heroine who was likeable even while having some, shall we say, rough edges to her personality. The descriptions of Alabama made me feel like I was there, and even though I usually figure out the mystery aspect of books early on, this one really did get me in the end. I really can't recommend it enough. (Also, I have to give mega-kudos to the audio book narrator. Wonderful reader!)

I also recently read Harlen Coben's TELL NO ONE (really, really enjoyed it) and am in fact now reading NO SECOND CHANCE. With my broad experience of two books by Coben, I can authoritatively say that I love the way his characters think. Both the protagonists have strong opinions and great senses of humor. I also love the way that his books (again, the 2 I've read) are a relatively small world. Evil invades the life of your neighbor kind of thing. Don't get me wrong, I love Clancy-esque type, wide-ranging suspense, but I REALLY love the intimate suspense books. The kind that make you think, damn. That could happen to me. It's that everyman quality that I'm thinking makes Coben's books so popular.

Also read recently: J.D. Robb's Origin in Death. (Thumbs up!) I'll probably blog on the In Death series soon, too. Definitely blog-worth!

Addendum: I started this post a few days ago and got side-tracked. I've now finished THE CURIOUS INCIDENT, so KO and I will do our back and forth thing soon. Stay tuned!