Dec 11 - 17, 2016

A Chihuahua in Every Stocking by Waverly Curtis - a short ebook in a new to me series featuring P.I. Geri Sullivan and her talking(!) chihuahua, Pepe. When Pepe sees that a little girl's dog has been stolen on Christmas Eve, he convinces Geri to investigate. They find more than a missing dog. I might read more in this series when I want fluff.

3 stars
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Bruno and the Carol Singers by Martin Walker - Chief of Police Bruno is busy with Christmas duties -  organizing carolers and playing Father Christmas. When there's a theft of charity money, he steps in with some kindness and mercy. Very short book with lots of food talk, it will make you want to go St. Denis in France.

3 stars
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The Wrong Side of Goodby by Michael Connelly - in the 21st Harry Bosch book, Harry is now a licensed pi and also working as an unpaid volunteer at the San Fernando police department. In his private capacity he's hired by a multi billionaire to see if the man has an heir. And in his police capacity he's tracking down a serial rapist. No, the two cases don't intertwine, and time spent on one is to the detriment of the other. We also learn a little bit more about Harry's time in Vietnam.

4 stars
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The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood - Ava joins a book club mostly for companionship after her marriage falls apart. Their theme for the year is the book that matters most and Ava chooses a book from her past that helped her get through a very difficult time. But she can't find a copy of the book or anything about the author. In the meantime, her daughter Maggie is making bad decisions in Paris. Told from several different viewpoints.

4.5 stars
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In the Pulps - 26 Short Stories by Rex Stout - published between 1912 and 1917, these short stories were written before Stout came up with his famous detective, Nero Wolfe. Most of these are not mysteries but more like quick character studies. My favorite was Pamfret and Peace, written in 1913. The main character comes back to life in 1970 and finds that the Peace Committee has taken over. No differences of opinion, no cheering for one side or the other, no comparisons, and even no talking in your sleep! At least no one can be offended.

3 stars
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As Dark as Christmas Gets by Lawrence Block - a short ebook. Chip Harrison and his Nero Wolfe wannabe employer are called to a bookstore on Christmas day to find out who stole a valuable manuscript. The author gets in a lot in these 33 pages - his opinion of deceased writers books being continued, collectors, and his fun with Nero Wolfe. But the big fun for me was when Mr. Block replied to my comment on his facebook page.

3 stars
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The Dreams of John Weaver by Josh Hanagarne - John wakes up from a coma and can see other people's dreams. I didn't really care for this book and yet had to keep reading to see what it was about. And then was sorry I did. I think it's a YA horror book.

1.5 stars