Summer Reading

Since everyone seems to be doing summer reading lists, I thought I’d add my own to the pile. The following books are either what I’ve recently read, am currently reading, or planning to read.

Ghosts of Saint-Michel By Jake Lamar-I loved this book! This is the second thriller by the talented Lamar to be set in Paris. This time the story is centered on Marva Dobbs, an African-American ex-pat who owns a successful soul food restaurant and has established herself as the grand dame of black Paris. The sixtyish, married, and still gorgeous Marva finds herself in peril when her much younger lover, and sous chef, is accused of being a terrorist and disappears.

Labyrinth by Kate Mosse-This book was awesome but not for the faint of heart. It’s a long book and filled with a lot of detail some of which causes the plot to move at a snails pace. All in all I really enjoyed this alternate story of the quest for the Holy Grail seen through the eyes of two women separated by 800 years.

Murder, Mayhem, and Fine Man By Claudia Mair Burney-I really enjoyed this debut mystery which introduces forensic psychologist Amanda Bell Brown. This book has it all: mystery, humor, suspense, romance, religion, and a heroine you will fall in love with. Look for an upcoming interview with author Claudia Mair Burney here on the Crime Sistahs Blog!

Twelve Sharp By Janet Evanovich-Always good for a laugh, I look forward to reading the new Stephanie Plum book every summer. This new installment doesn’t disappoint and continues the never ending saga of who will she pick: Ranger or Morelli? I know who I’d pick!

Chosen People By Karen Grigsby Bates-I’ve been looking forward to the second book in the Alex Powell series ever since the release of the first book, Plain Brown Wrapper, five years ago. This time Alex is looking into the death of a controversial author.

Dope By Sara Gran-I loved Sara Gran’s novel Come Closer and figured I’d give this one a try. I loved the book even though the ending made me mad enough to throw the book across the room. I won’t say any more. Read it yourself and let me know what you think.

The Long Mile By Clyde W. Ford-This book has been on my TBR list for a long time. I was fortunate enough to snag copies of it and the sequel Deuces Wild at BEA this year. The Long Mile is the first book in the Shango mysteries and introduces former police detective John Shannon.


On the book front, Tangled Roots will be featured this Monday July 24th( the day before my birthday) by the Shades of Romance Book Club.

Shades of Romance Book Club sends members emails of book excerpts by established and up and coming authors twice a week. You have to subscribe to receive the excerpts and members will have a chance to win copies of featured books.

To join the book club send an email to:
sormagforum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Happy Reading!
Angela