60. Die in Plain Sight by Elizabeth Lowell – My fav so far in the Rarities Unlimited series. (Only one more to go!) Although I figured out a big plot twist well before it was revealed, but I still didn’t know who the bad guy was until the final confrontation. I like it when that happens, in books and movies, if not in real life! (finished 11/1)
61. The Color of Death by Elizabeth Lowell – Although this book is listed as the 4th in the Rarities Unlimited series, it has nothing at all to do with the previous three. There is no overlap in the characters (employees of the company from which the series name was derived) or even in the theme (mystical qualities associated with antiquities), and I found that very distracting in the first third of the book, as I kept expecting the cast of characters to shift to include those people. When that didn’t occur, I let it go, but I’m still puzzled about its inclusion in the series. I mean, it’s a good stand-alone book, so why confuse readers who are expecting the actual series to continue, ya know? That said, I enjoyed this book quite a lot. I was gratified to find that the main characters weren’t superrich or super-intelligent or super-anything, although they were smart and goodlooking, because it made it easier to identify with them and to care about them. (finished 11/5)
62. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown – I wanted so badly to like this book, as I did The DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons, but I found myself mired in endless theory and Masonic history and religious/spiritual philosophy, with endless repetitions of the same information, that I was relieved when the book was finished. And the last few chapters, the ones just after the climax of the action, could have been wrapped up in one chapter, to its eternal benefit. (finished 11/13)
63. The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen – This is the first book Gerritsen wrote in what became the Rizzoli & Isles series. Jane Rizzoli is a prominent character, one of two detectives who get quite a bit of ink, and Maura Isles has not been introduced yet at all. The book is a good read and would be compelling even if I didn’t know where the story arc will take us. Knowing, however, makes the journey interesting for a different, kind of geeky writer way: I want to watch the series evolve in Gerritsen’s mind, to see when and where she makes choices that direct the story arc onto its current trajectory. (finished 11/17)
64. The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen – This is book two in what becomes the Rizzoli & Isles series and it is in this book that Rizzoli is truly the “star” character. Isles is introduced and we begin to see the seeds of the TNT TV series. This book is a continuation of the storyline begin in The Surgeon, set a year later than that first book. It gives Rizzoli a chance to face some of her demons and to claim her place in detective fiction, neither of them small feats. (finished 11/19)
65. The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen – This, the 3rd book in what becomes the Rizzoli & Isles series, is the first one where that focus is crystal clear, even though the book cover isn’t labeled accordingly on the edition I read. The main story line overlaps Isles’ personal history and life in an unlikely, but intriguing, way. And the main development in Rizzoli’s life was completely unexpected in light of the TV series. No spoilers here, though. You’ll have to read it yourself… and I recommend you do. (finished 11/22)
66. Body Double by Tess Gerritsen – Body Double focuses more on Maura Isles than on Jane Rizzoli, making her part of the main plot and revealing secrets about the circumstances of her adoption as a baby. It’s a story line that differs significantly from the TV show based on Gerritsen’s Rizzoli & Isles series, but intriguing and engaging nonetheless. It gets a definite thumbs-up from me! (finished 11/26)
67. Vanish by Tess Gerritsen – Such a good book! This is my favorite of the Rizzoli & Isles series, although its storyline (white slavery in the U.S.) does not jibe at all with that of the TV series based on the main characters in the books. Still, it’s taut and suspenseful, with surprises right up to the end. Highly recommended. (finished 11/28)
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