Book Review- James Patterson- Pop Goes the Weasel

Book Review- James Patterson- Pop Goes the Weasel

James Patterson- Pop Goes the Weasel (Warner Books 2000) 3.75 Stars

Alex Cross is finally engaged, and yes it is to Christine! Cross is after British diplomat Geoffrey Shafer, a serial killer having fun while playing a deadly game of dice. For the first time we see Cross in court trying to prove Shafer’s guilt, which may not be as easy as it seems. The two go back and forth moving and counter-moving, all in the effort to gain control of the situation.

Once again I enjoyed Alex Cross. He is a very deep and lovable character. I do get a little bit tired of how most of his serial killers seem to somehow involve his family. I am sure that this does happen, but not as much as Patterson is making it seem. The villain was very interesting as well, as we knew who it was the whole way through, which Patterson does not always do. The case work and investigative skill of Alex Cross was intriguing to read about and watch how his mind works out the details. I wasn’t as fond of the ending as it didn’t quite seem realistic, but up until that point I was enjoying the book immensely.

I recommend Pop Goes the Weasel to Patterson/Alex Cross fans, and mystery/thriller enthusiasts.

For more of my reviews check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Steven James- The Pawn

Steven James- The Pawn (Revell 2007) 4.75 Stars

Bowers has been called to North Carolina to assist the police in hunting down a serial killer. Little does he know that the killer, the Illusionist, has suddenly taken a keen interest in the man sent in to find him. As Bowers investigates, he discovers that the Illusionist always seems to be just a few steps ahead of them, and that there may be more to the killings than had been originally apparent.

I was very impressed with The Pawn. The book grabbed my attention and refused to let up. The book took many unexpected turns which intrigued me, so that I never knew what to expect at any given time. The depth of the characters was also very impressive, I felt that I could meet them and know them already. The description of the setting seemed so picturesque and beautiful it made me want visit North Carolina. I can only hope that the sequel is just as well done.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers and mysteries.

For more of my reviews check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Charles Dickens- Oliver Twist

Charles Dickens- Oliver Twist (Baronet Books) 4 Stars

Oliver Twist, a poor orphan boy mistreated everywhere he goes, decides to run away to London. There he meets Fagin and his gang of thieves and pickpockets. In an attempt to gain what he wants most, a family, he befriends a victim of Fagin’s robbery.

This is a great classic that I found more enjoyable as a version aimed at children. I cannot help myself but to fall in love with the wonderful young boy, Oliver Twist. Misfortune seems to follow him about. The ending is one that I love as it shows hope, truly a heart-warming tale of life as a poor orphan boy.

I recommend this classic to all readers of middle reader level to the elderly.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquenbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Jeffery Deaver- Hard News

Jeffery Deaver- Hard News (Bantam Books 2001) 3.5 Stars

Rune is tired of being a simple cameragirl and wants to move on to the big times, Current Events. What she has discovered might just get her there, or it could get her fired. Randy Boggs claims to be innocent and that he should not be in prison, Rune believes him. Her story about him might just get him free, but someone else does not want the story to come out. Prison life for Boggs has suddenly gotten to hot to handle and Rune must avoid letting the story kill her.

With a great sounding storyline I expected a little bit more from Deaver, don’t get me wrong it was a good book just not as good as I had hoped. The characters were filled with depth and I loved Rune as she wasn’t your typical main character. A couple of sections were a little bit disappointing as they just didn’t add up to what they could have. On the other hand it was great to look at her struggling to raise a child that is not hers, while still trying to do her job. The action scenes were also very intriguing. I also enjoyed the very end of the book as it was kind of different, but the early ending was not so great, I’d tell you why but that might spoil it for you.

I recommend Hard News to Deaver fans, people who like books about reporters, and thriller fans.

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Aal Christiansen- Submarine Killer

Aal Christiansen- Submarine Killer (Spitfire Books 1967) 3.75 Stars

Slugger Burton has been given an assignment and he’s going to complete it, even if he must gain control of his crew with an iron fist. He must take his ship, H.M.S. Alice, and rescue soldiers trapped along the coast of Greece during an evacuation of forces running from advancing German lines. Getting there will be the hard part though, having to battle submarines and dive bombers.

I was kind of surprised to find a war book aimed at middle readers, which was why I picked Submarine Killer up. Slugger Burton is a very interesting character, although he seems to be the only character that you really get to know. The descriptions of the battles were well done and perfect for the middle reader level. I found the plot to be quite fast-paced and enjoyable, especially for if you were a young reader. It contains words easy enough for the young readers, and yet has some that will challenge their vocabulary skills.

I recommend Submarine Killer to young readers in search of action or war books.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Lee Child- Die Trying

Lee Child- Die Trying (Jove 2005) 4 Stars

Jack Reacher stops to help a lady and finds himself kidnapped along with the woman. Handcuffed in the back of a truck, he finds himself taken across the States. When he finally finds out what the ransom is he cannot believe what he hears. He knows that he must get both the woman and him out before it is too late, even if it means his death.

This book was fairy fast–paced and action-filled. I enjoyed reading it. The plot was great, although I am not sure if all of it was completely plausible, hence the lower star-count than the last book. The villains in this novel were very interesting and although they were the ones against Reacher, I couldn’t help but enjoy the scenes containing their characters. The setting was wonderful and went across many States, ending up in one not seen in a lot of books, I will not say which one as it would give away some of the plot.

I recommend this novel to Lee Child fans, or anyone looking for a good thriller.

For more of my reviews, check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Vote my book as Reader's Choice Award!

As you all know I had my book published last fall. Well now I have been entered in the Saskatchewan Book Awards in the category of Reader's Choice Award, this category is quite full with titles, so I need your help. Please vote for my book Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping. The award is worth $2,000 so your help would really be appreciated.

The winner of this award is the book which receives the most votes during the voting period which this year is September 1 to September 30, 2009.
Voting takes place online at the Regina Public Library's website: http://www.reginalibrary.ca/ <http://www.reginalibrary.ca/>

or printed Ballots may be placed in the ballot boxes set up at any participating SK Public Library.

Thank you all so much!

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquentbooks.com/KidsOnACase.html