Sunday, April 26, 2009

BONEMAN'S DAUGHTER by Ted Dekker

Ryan Evans, an intelligence officer overseas in the war zone, was captured by insurgents and escaped but not before he was tormented in the most abominable way, mimicking the serial killer BoneMan. Back in the states his wife Celine and daughter Bethany get on with their lives. Ryan has not been there for them before and they don't want him now that he is back home.

BoneMan is looking for the perfect daughter. He kidnaps girls and imperfection results in his breaking their bones and leaving them to die. Bethany is now in his clutches. She is just as good as her dad in trying to outsmart the BoneMan. Ryan is in custody because the authorities think he is the BoneMan but he gets away.

Ryan and the BoneMan come face to face and each tries to out smart the other. Will Ryan be able to give up himself to save Bethany? Will Bethany give up herself to save Ryan? Who really is her dad?

A great 5 star spine tingling thriller. Gets right under the skin and won't let go till the end. The twisted mind of the serial killer almost makes sense, but what he does to his victims is pure insanity. Thanks Miriam and Hatchette books for sending this to me.

First Family by David Baldacci

Willa's 12th birthday is held at Camp David, given to her by her aunt Jane who is the first lady. Her mom Pam looks around and sees balloons, cake and kids having fun inside, but outside she sees machine guns and guards on patrol. Her husband Tuck is Jane's brother who happens to be away on business and missing his daughter's birthday.

Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, both former secret service agents, are at Willa's house and hear a scream. They are met with bullets flying thru the locked door. Pam is dead, her throat cut. Her children Colleen and John drugged, Tuck is unconscious. Willa has been kidnapped!

Tippi has been in a coma for many years, her dad wanting justice for his daughter. Another kidnapping, more murders and cover ups lead Sean and Michelle on a merry chase.

An intriguing and suspenseful mystery to the end. Another great 5 star story. So great it could be real. Love to read Baldacci's books. Thanks Miriam and Hatchette for the book.
THE LOST HOURS by Karen White

Piper has just buried her grandmother Annabelle and now she is all alone. She came to live with her grandparents at the age of six after her parents died in a car crash. Annabelle's attorney has delivered to Piper an envelope containing only a charm. What does it mean? No note or explaination!

She digs up a forgotten box buried in the garden. It contains old, torn scrapbook pages and a newspaper clipping telling of a baby found floating in a river. She reads and learns about the lives of three best friends who recorded their thoughts, dreams and loves. Where are the rest of the pages? Piper embarks on a journey through her grandmother's life where love, death, and lost friends are found.

Such a tragic story resulting from a tragic time in our history. I give the book 5 stars. How cruel we humans can be to one another. I actually was mad at some of the characters, how dare they not tell the truth, to allow someone to believe all the way to the grave that they did something that they didn't!!! GAAAAH! Thanks Tess for the book.

FOLLOW ME by Joanna Scott

Sally Werner, a free spirited, adventurous 16 year old has a baby with her cousin thus disgracing her family. She leaves all behind, including the baby, to see the world and never looks back. She is found starving by two elderly gentlemen, one of which takes her in, providing her room and board in return for her keeping his house clean. But she can't stay forever.

On her own again, Sally Mole is created out of a love that is tragically
lost. In a daze, she is befriended by Benny who takes advantage of her and she becomes pregnant again. A new job, a place to stay and her new daughter Penelope causes her heart to sing.

Sally Bliss is created from all her happiness, how much better can it get? Her grown daughter is in love but the boy seems familiar. Can it be? She turns to her past, seeking the answers.
This was a great story. I love how the end goes back to the beginning and the cycle starts all over again. 4.5 stars