July 8 - 14, 2018

No Mercy by John Gilstrap - Jonathan Grave is the man you want to call when you need discreet help with business espionage or worse. It helps that he's immensely wealthy and has a network of powerful friends in various businesses willing and able to help him. In the first book of the series, Jonathan rescues a college student, killing his three captors in the process. But that's just the tip of the iceberg when government secrets are about to be exposed. Lots of gun and military talk, there were whole pages I skimmed. Also lots of action but I felt the story was a bit too long and the firefight lasted forever. But I'll probably read the next in the series because I made the mistake of reading the opening chapter and will want to know what happens.

3 stars
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The Death of Mrs Westaway by Ruth Ware - down on her luck Hal receives a letter that may prove to be her salvation. She has has received an inheritance from her grandmother. The only problem, she's not that person. Nevertheless, she embarks on a plan of deceit. She soon finds out she's not the only one lying. The author is touted as being a new voice in mystery but I've read versions of this plot many times. No real surprises here. Also, Hal is cold and damp for most of the book and I had to get a blanket in the summer in sympathy. I do like the author's writing.

3 stars
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For the Sins of My Father:A Mafia Killer, His Son, and the Legacy of a Mob Life by Albert Demeo, Mary Jane Ross - the author grew up adoring his father and wanting to be like him in every way. Even when he began to realize his father led a dangerous life. At a young age he would lie in bed until he heard his father come home, thankful that his father was still alive. Al's father began introducing him to his associates and work at a young age and yet didn't seem to want him to follow in his footsteps. When his father is killed by other Mafia members, Al is caught between the mob and law enforcement. The entire time I read this book I was horrified by the terrible pressure put on a boy too young to deal with it.

3 stars
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Island of the Mad by Laurie R. King - Mary Russell is asked by an old friend to look into the disappearance of her aunt, who is considered mad and has been residing in Bedlam for the past several years. Mary finds clues indicating the aunt may be in Venice so she and her husband, Sherlock Holmes, go there. Holmes has been asked by his brother Mycroft to be an unofficial spy regarding the rise of Mussolini and his Blackshirts. While in Venice, Mary joins the In crowd in her effort to find the aunt and Holmes makes the acquaintance of Cole Porter and his wife. Not quite as thrilling as some of the previous books but I did like the final solution. Not the best in the series but enjoyable.

4 stars