Wool by Hugh Howey

The world outside has grown unkind, the view of it limited, talk of it forbidden. But there are always those who hope, who dream. These are the dangerous people, the people who infect others with their optimism. Their punishment is simple. They are given the very thing they profess to want: They are allowed outside.


This is great story-telling, with well-developed, complex, characters, believable world-building and a plot with lots of action.

Bait by Karen Robards

It's a business trip that takes attorney Maddie Fitzgerald down to New Orleans, but it's hardly business as usual when a man breaks into her hotel room and tries to kill her. Barely escaping with her life, the sexy, stylish thirty-two-year-old brunette calls the police and finds herself face-to-face with FBI agent Sam McCabe. Unnerved by his questions-and his good looks-Maddie is told she's been targeted by a hired killer, one who has eluded McCabe for years.

Apparently, she's been mistaken for another woman, an FBI informant of the same name who was also staying at the hotel that night. McCabe grills her, and then disappears. Shaken, she finishes her business and returns home to St. Louis.

But days later, Maddie is attacked a second time, and again McCabe returns to question her. He convinces her that the only way she'll ever be safe again is if the killer is caught, and the quickest way to nab him is to use her as bait. Maddie reluctantly agrees, and sparks fly and then ignite as McCabe shadows her. But their unexpected romance throws McCabe off his stride-and puts Maddie in the hands of a killer.

An enjoyable romantic suspense, all tied up neatly at the end.  A decent editor could have shortened the book by about a third without loosing any of the the story. 

Devoted In Death by J D Robb

It's a new year in New York city, and two star-crossed lovers have just discovered an insatiable appetite...for murder.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has witnessed some grisly crimes in her career and she knows just how dark things can get on the streets. But when a much-loved musician is found dead, Eve soon realises that his murder is part of a horrifying killing spree, stretching right across the country.

Now the killers have reached New York, and they've found themselves another victim. Eve knows she only has a couple of days to save a young girl's life, and to stop the killers before their sadistic games escalate. Eve's husband Roarke is ready to put his brains and his considerable resources behind the search. But even as the couple works closely together, time is running out...

There is very little mystery here as you already knows from the start just who the killers are. What brought a fresh prospective to this book was the addition of a Deputy who refuses to just let his case slide and there's even dark cop humour to lighten the mood.

And as usual there as the relationship between Roarke and Eve, "his cop".

The Call by Yannick Murphy

The warm, wry, and patient voice of a veterinarian father tells the heartfelt story of his young New England family enduring a moving trial of loyalty, hope, and faith after they are confronted with an unthinkable crisis.

Their 12 year old son is shot and is in a coma after being shot during hunting season.  The hunter was in the woods behind their house.  The story is told by terse, log-like entries.  Weird and unusual, but effective, way of telling the story. The story itself was mostly good with a bit of wierdness included with the appearance of a spaceship that hovers over their house.

Obsession In Death by J D Robb

A crisp winter morning in New York. In a luxury apartment, the body of a woman lies stretched out on a huge bed. On the wall above, the killer has left a message in bold black ink: FOR LIEUTENANT EVE DALLAS, WITH GREAT ADMIRATION AND UNDERSTANDING.

Eve Dallas is used to unwanted attention. Famous for her high-profile cases and her marriage to billionaire businessman Roarke, she has learned to deal with intense public scrutiny and media gossip. But now Eve has become the object of a singular and deadly obsession. She has an 'admirer', who just can't stop thinking about her. Who is convinced they have a special bond. Who is planning to kill for her - again and again...

With time against her, Eve is forced to play a delicate - and dangerous - psychological dance. Because the killer is desperate for something Eve can never provide - approval. And once that becomes clear, Eve knows her own life will be at risk - along with those she cares about the most. 

 As usual an excellent addition to the series. I always love the relationship between Roarke and Eve. My only criticism would be that it is another where Eve's friends become the target of a serial killer.

The Last To Know by Melissa Hill

Eve knows what she wants. After nine good years and two kids together, it's about time Liam made an honest woman of her. Eve's sister Sam knows more than she should. Sam's always thought Eve was too good for Liam. Then she learns the truth about his business trips to Australia, and her suspicions are confirmed. And Brooke, safe on the other side of the world, knows nothing. Until a mysterious delivery arrives for her and promises to change her life forever. It seems someone doesn't want Brooke to be the last to know ...

A story within a story. Lots of misdirection and twists. A very enjoyable read. 

Ravenswood's Lady by Amanda Scott

As daughter to the Duke of Malmsbury, Cicely knew her duty. She had to obey her father's command to wed the only man who could assure the family's future position and prosperity. Unfortunately, that man was the Viscount Ravenwood. Ravenwood was no stranger to Cicely. She knew him all too well as the arrogant, conceited, totally infuriating male who had been her natural enemy since their childhood days.

So, though Cicely stiffened her upper lip and agreed to give Ravenwood her hand, she secretly made the most dangerous vow that the bride of this elegant, iron-willed lord could make: no matter what seductive wiles Ravenwood might employ, he would never conquer her heart... 

Cicely is a twit and Gilbert isn't any better. Talk to each other for goodness sakes and grow up!

Otherwise a pleasant, light read.