Review - Hot Mahogany

Even though it takes forever to make it through listening to a recorded book while working, I finished my latest, Hot Mahogany by Stuart Woods.

The premise of the story is that Stone Barrington becomes involved with a piece of antique furniture worth millions. It has been stolen from the rightful owner by a former army buddy. The owner wants it back and goes to extraordinary lengths (all legal) to get it back. And Stone is recruited to help get it back.

The description on the cover says "with it's swift action, bold characters, and wit...." I don't exactly know where they hid the swift action, bold characters, or wit. My assessment of this book: BORING! I am disappointed with Woods latest title. It's clear he is seeking to write in a new direction but fails. I cannot recommend this one.

Now I am listening to Fairest by Gail Carson Levine.

Review - Mr. Monk is Miserable

I recently finished Mr. Monk is Miserable by Lee Goldberg. I've read previous books in the series by Goldberg, and he seems to be getting better. this was probably not my favorite, but it was okay.

Mr. monk and his assistant, Natalie, find themselves in Paris, after having visited Germany to find his psychologist. One almost needs to read the previous book, Mr. Monk goes to Germany, to discover some of the plot details. Nevertheless, this book can stand on it's own.

After solving a murder aboard the plane he is on, he comes to the attention of the local police who are all amazed by his abilities. While he and Natalie are at a dinner in a sensory deprivation style restaurant, their table mate is murdered. Monk investigates and finds himself in the sewers and catacombs of Paris.

It was fun to come across places I've been to in Paris and reliving some of the memories of my short visit. But what bugged me most about the book was Goldberg's frequent use of French phrases without completely translating them. Apparently the reader needs to be fluent in French or look them up. Not all are understandable. Other that that flaw, the book seems to follow the same formula the TV series and other books follow in that no detail is too small for Monk to overlook, and no piece of garbage or outrageous moment is to absurd to chronicle.

The book was quite amusing and entertaining. I'd be happy to recommend it, especially to fans of the TV series or his other books. Abby and I now proceed to The Associate by John Grisham.

Fog's remains

It has been very foggy the last few days in this area. Even though it makes for dangerous driving the remnants of the fog can be very pretty as it sticks to everything.

Review - The Race

The latest book to be read was The Race by Richard North Patterson. I guess that I didn't get enough politics over the last 2 years, so I indulged in what I thought would be an interesting political thriller.

The first half of the book reminded me of a Spencer Tracy / Katherine Hepburn film where the characters go back and forth at each other, not really developing a story, but just the relationship. I almost put the book down at that point but I trudged on hoping it would get better. It was more than halfway through before the politics really got interesting.

The plot of the book (weak as it is) is that Corey Grace is running for the Republican nomination as President of the United States. He has two main rivals, Rob Martolla, a fellow senator, and Bob Christy, a ultra-conservative Christian minister. Along with those three characters there are so many more that I literally had to write them down to keep track of everyone. I ended up with a list of 18, leaving most of the minor characters off.

The similarities between Grace and John McCain are striking, even though Patterson says the similarities end with the military background. Yeah, right. Grace is the only character that has honesty and integrity while the others will pretty much do or say anything to get elected.

I am not recommending this book since it starts off slow and is way too sterotypical. But hey, it's done and now I can start on Mr. Monk is Miserable!

Disneyland

Me enjoying Toy Story (high score 140,000) and the delicious broccoli and cheese soup in a sourdough bowl at the Pacific Wharf in California Adventures.



The Christmas Tree in California Adventures (the one in Disnelyand was just as gorgeous), Emmalee and Debbie, Karly, and Joseph and Debbie.



Karly, Debbie and Joseph in California Adventures after a rousing ride on the bumper cars, DeeAnn and Emmalee, Karly and Emmalee with new friends. We think Eeyore had a crush on Emmalee!


Finally, we all pose in front of California Adventures on the way home.