A Permanent Member of the family

Economy. I’ve waited more than a decade for another short story collection from Russell Banks. At last, twelve stories, including four previously unpublished ones, have been assembled into A Permanent Member of the Family. One could teach for a semester using each of these stories as an example of the best contemporary representations of this genre. Banks uses just a few sentences to flesh out complex characters, and he sets them in situations that reflect the challenges of our contemporary lives. Many are struggling in relationships and facing financial difficulties. Always, there’s a moral component that is key to the story. I’m hard pressed to name a favorite from this dozen. I found each story worthy of a second or third reading, bringing pleasure and new insight each time. Readers who appreciate fine literary writing, especially those who like short stories, will find a lot to enjoy in this collection. Rating: Five-star (I love it) Click here to purchase A Permanent Member of the Family from amazon.com.

The Gods of Guilt

Jury. The latest legal thriller from Michael Connelly to feature Lincoln lawyer Mickey Haller is titled, The Gods of Guilt. With each new novel in the series, Connelly deepens Haller’s character for readers. Already the most likeable defense attorney, Haller’s shortcomings and flaws add to him being presented as a complex character, a fully formed human, just like us. Fans of the series will gobble up this new installment and come away with great satisfaction. New readers can start here or anywhere with Connelly and be well entertained. I found the plot interesting and the courtroom drama engaging. Readers who like crime fiction are those most likely to be satisfied by this entertaining one. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The Gods of Guilt from amazon.com.

The Bones of Paris

Investigation. Fans of finely written crime fiction will find four successful components in Laurie R. King’s novel, The Bones of Paris. There’s a well-developed cast of complex characters, led by protagonist Harris Stuyvesant, reprised from her earlier novel, Touchstone. The setting is atmospheric and interesting: Paris in 1929 with a cast of celebrities including Man Ray, Ernest Hemingway, Cole Porter, Natalie Barney and Josephine Baker. Third, the plot is complex allowing Harris’ investigation to follow many leads. Finally, the dialogue and prose are well-crafted, allowing the narrative to proceed easily. I found part of the subject matter to be a bit gruesome for my taste, but that is often the cover charge with crime fiction. I was entertained and very satisfied by the end. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The Bones of Paris from amazon.com.

Why Priests?: A Failed Tradition

Inquiry. Garry Wills has a well informed and inquiring mind. A recent book by this prolific author is titled, Why Priests? A Failed Tradition. Having started with the disclaimer that some of his best friends are priests and that he himself once aspired to be one, Wills goes on to make a case for why the priesthood was built on a shoddy foundation and is no longer necessary. Any reader looking for a clear viewpoint will find it here. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase Why Priests from amazon.com.

Cold Tuscan Stone

Etruscan. Readers looking for a new and fresh crime series should consider reading the debut novel by David P. Wagner titled, Cold Tuscan Stone. Protagonist Rick Montoya has moved from Sante Fe to Rome to work as a translator. Montoya is an interesting and complex character, and Wagner offers readers an enjoyable beginning to what we hope will be a long series. In this outing, Montoya goes to the Etruscan city of Volterra to assist in an investigation. Wagner’s descriptive language brings the settings to live, and the plot was entertaining. I’m looking forward to the next installment. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase Cold Tuscan Stone from amazon.com.

Identical

Complicated. One of the things I like most about Scott Turow’s crime fiction is the way the author respects the intelligence of readers. Turow presents a complicated plot in Identical, and leaves it to us readers to follow him through all the twists in the story. Turow’s protagonists are identical twins, one of whom is being released from prison in 2008 having served time for a 1982 murder. Turow brings us to the past to understand the present, and offers a wide cast of interesting characters. Readers who like crime fiction, especially novels that require paying close attention, are those most likely to be entertained by this book. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase Identical from amazon.com.

Cockpit Confidential: Everything You Need to Know About Air Travel: Questions, Answers, and Reflections

Curiosity. Over the course of a few days, I zipped through airline pilot Patrick Smith’s book, Cockpit Confidential: Everything You Need to Know About Air Travel: Questions, Answers, and Reflections. I apologize in advance for saying this book has its ups and downs. For frequent fliers, there may a tidbit or two that seems new or fresh, mostly in the form of some elaboration on things experienced firsthand. For fearful and infrequent fliers, this book is likely to lead one toward greater comfort in flying because of the information conveyed. For me, I liked Smith’s point of view and personal reflections, and got a bit bored with some of his explanations. Read a sample before you commit to reading the whole book. Rating: Three-star (It’s ok) Click here to purchase Cockpit Confidential from amazon.com.