Review: Double Cross by James Patterson

In the latest James Patterson novel Alex Cross was faced with two killers. The plot was entertaining, however the relationship with his latest girlfriend was 'cringeworthy' and I hated reading all the inuendos and Patterson's pathetic attempt at romance. I think the character of Alex Cross is too old for sex, and I just wish Patterson could stick to the crime plot.

I was also annoyed by the lack of concern Cross showed for the safety of his family, even when it was revealed that they were under surveillance by one of the killers! This isn't new in the Alex Cross series though, as he always leaves the running of the household and raising of the children to 'Nana Mama'.

All in all, an entertaining read, and as always, I'm still compelled to read the next in the series.

My rating = **

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Review: Nostradamus by John Hogue

I've always been fascinated by the predictions made by Nostradamus, and so I thought it was time to find out more. Born in 1503 and dying in 1566, it was interesting to learn he had been a doctor and had treated 100s of patients with the plague.

I always imagined Nostradamus saw visions of the future, however after reading John Hogue's book Nostradamus - A Life and Myth, I learned that he used many ancient and forbidden texts, conjuring tools, astrology and burned herbs in a meditative state to 'see into the future'. Nostradamus wrote his predictions in form of quatrains and printed an almanac for the year ahead that was widely read amongst the educated in France and across Europe.

This was a great read and I recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about the life of Nostradamus. If you're hoping to read his all his quatrains though, you'll need to track down The Complete Prophecies by John Hogue, which I might just have to do.

My rating = ***

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Review: When Ghosts Speak by Mary Ann Winkowski

I absolutely loved this book!! It is written by Mary Ann Winkowski who is the renowned paranormal investigator behind the tv show Ghost Whisperer. Winkowski can only see earthbound spirits - those that haven't crossed over into the light yet. This is different from mediums who can see spirits who have crossed over. I guess even paranormal gifts have their own categories. Her gift also includes being able to 'cross over' earthbound spirits by creating a white light and sending them into it, bringing the spirit peace.

This book is extremely well structured and very informative. With chapter headings such as: 'the truth behind ghosts' 'why some souls stay behind', 'animals' etc the book covers all aspects of earthbound spirits, from why they stay, to how to protect yourself from attracting them and how to get them to cross over. Winkowski relates particular cases to illustrate her point and she remains on topic. She even lists the most common places to find earthbound spirits, who feed off the energy of the living, and the most popular occupations for attracting earthbound spirits.

I could go on and on about this book, because I'm still thinking about it even though I finished it a few days ago, and some of the stories were very touching. Even if you're a non-believer, it would be hard not to be touched by the impact she has on people's lives and how she brings peace to so many spirits and people.

I thoroughly recommend this book.

My rating = *****

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Review: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

I was originally going to buy this book for my sister for Christmas, but wasn't quite sure that she would like it so I bought it for myself instead. It was my intention to lend it to her if it was a great read, however I think I'm still undecided.

This is the story of an ageing butler reminiscing on his times serving Lord Darlington between World War I and World War II.

This book won the Booker Prize but I must say that I was a little surprised at how slow it was in the beginning. The sections I enjoyed most in the book were the main character's memories of the day to day events and conversations in his role as butler of Darlington Hall. The language and dialogue in these sections were very formal and I enjoyed these immensely. I know my sister would enjoy these sections too, however the surrounding commentary could be a little slow in parts.

Overall, I definitely enjoyed the book, but not quite sure it was worthy of the Booker Prize.

My rating = ****

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Review: The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz

I was really excited when I read that Dean Koontz was releasing a new book involving golden retrievers. I was hoping a supernatural theme was going to make this thriller a real page turner. I'm glad to say I was right, although it was a slow start, and a very quick finish.

This novel had it's moments though and a twist I wasn't expecting, although I think the plot had more potential than what was realised. I hope it's not too long before the next Koontz hits the shelves.

My rating = ***

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Review: Secrets of the Monarch by Allison DuBois

This is the latest book by the author who inspired the TV show Medium. I've read her previous books, and this was equally as enjoyable. Even though DuBois is not a 'great' writer, the subject she writes about is fascinating enough to keep her on my 'must read author' list. It's a shame that her writing is all over the place, I really think she needs a better editor.

There are some great stories throughout the book of people Allison has met and provided readings for, and I really enjoyed reading about their special moments.

My rating = **

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Review: Spy In Chancery by Paul Doherty, P.C. Doherty

An easy read over Christmas was Spy in Chancery by Paul Doherty. This is another book in the Hugh Corbett series of medieval mysteries, and I really enjoyed it.

I was thrilled to notice that Paul Doherty has a new book out this month, and it's going to take a LOT of self discipline not to skip the next 8 or so books in the series to get to the new one...

My rating = ***

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Review: Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

Well, I'm pleased to say that I finally finished Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. I have always wanted to read this book given its status as an American classic, and that the author was considered to be the first 'serious' female American author.

The novel was published in 1852 and addresses the issue of slavery in such a confronting and raw way that it would have been very difficult to ignore in its time. I must admit that I struggled to get through this one, as the dialogue of the characters is extremely authentic to the times and therefore difficult to follow. The subject matter is also quite heavy and religion is mentioned on almost every page.

All in all, I can now see why this book is called a 'classic' and I'm really glad I persisted and finished it.

Would I recommend it? That's difficult to say... if you like to challenge yourself every now and again by reading a classic (like I do) then sure, this is worth it.

Rating = ***

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Christmas Message

I've been neglecting my blog these last few months :-( as I've been really busy. I completed my Diploma of Business with Swinburne in November and took out both course awards, dux and best project. Needless to say I worked damn hard all year, and I was thrilled to the wisdoms.

The lead up to Christmas has been really hectic, and I'm sorry to say that this year I've been the most disorganised ever! Usually I have my tree up in November and cards mailed first week of December. Well this year, my tree went up in December. My laptop died a few weeks ago, which contained most of the addresses and email addresses I needed for my Christmas correspondence, argh! I've had to make do however I didn't send all my cards and I feel terrible! (If you could send me an email so I can add you back into my address book that would be great).

The best part is that I'm now on holidays for a few days, and looking forward to Christmas with my family. Now that I have finished studying and have time to read again, I'm almost finished my latest book, so stay tuned for a review.

I'll be back at work on NYE and I'm excited about 2008 and finally making plans for the wedding. Merry Christmas to my faithful readers, and a safe and Happy New Year!!!

That's my four bucks!

Review: Sole Survivor by Dean Koontz

This book has also been on my list to read for a long time, and it was well worth the wait. I enjoyed this so much more than Door to December, and was kept on the edge of my seat the entire way. I always enjoy the 'supernatural themes' and this novel had action, suspense, paranormal activity and meaning of life themes. What more could you want?

I would thoroughly recommend this book to any fan of Koontz or those that enjoy action spiced with the paranormal.

My rating = ****

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Review: The Door to December by Dean Koontz

The Door to December is an earlier book by Koontz, and has been on my list to read for a very long time. The book follows the story of a young girl kidnapped and subjected to psychological torture and brainwashing. The link to the occult was promising in the beginning, but ultimately came to an average conclusion. The romance between the lead cop and the victim's mother was laughable, and I was always one step ahead of the plot.

If anything, it makes you realise just how far Koontz has come over the years, and how his writing has matured. This book was most likely very gripping and quite scary in its time. I'm glad I read it, but if you're a fan of Koontz, I wouldn't recommend stepping back in time to read this one.

My rating = **

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Review: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

I had wanted to read this book for a long time, given it's status as an American classic, and that the author also wrote Breakfast at Tiffany's. In Cold Blood is a true crime story, based on the murder of a farming family in Kansas in 1959. The author introduces the reader to the Clutter family and they seem like the perfect family. This is not a 'whodunnit' though, as we are introduced to the killers early on, and follow the case right through to the conviction.

This book is more haunting than modern day crime fiction, and there were several nights that I didn't want to read the book before going to sleep, because of the dark subject matter. You really get into the head of the killers, and it's a little disturbing. The book is not overly graphic, it's more the fact that the killers seem to have little value for human life.

I guess I would say that this is not an 'enjoyable' read, but I'm satisfied that I read it, and understand the controversy it created in its time. I can now understand why critics claim this is one of the best true crime stories of all time.

My rating = ***

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Review: Season of the Witch by Natasha Mostert

Season of the Witch was recommended to me by someone who thought I might enjoy it. Sadly, I did not. It had a good hook though: 'compelling, original, a mesmerising blend of alchemy and sexuality. Prepare to be seduced by it', and this on the front cover: 'two sisters, a mysterious house, enter a world of beauty and darkness'.

I was really looking forward to reading it, but the story could have been achieved in half the pages, and the pet tarantula gave me nightmares. I enjoyed the references to science and alchemy but they were to few and far between.

Season of the Witch was an okay read, but I wouldn't recommend it.

My rating = **

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Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I've been reading all afternoon, and just finished The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. The author lives in Sydney, and I was sucked into this book on the first page. The book has two narrators, one is Death, and the other a young girl by the name of Liesel. Set in 1939 in Nazi Germany, Death becomes interested in Liesel's story as a young German girl during the war, who steals books. I read quite a few books set in this period when I was at ADFA, but this is a completely unique perspective on this era in history, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Although it's quite a hefty book, it's easy to read and the pages fly by (almost as quick as a Patterson). Zusak's unique style includes snippets and notes throughout the book, and he often jumps ahead to let you know what will happen, and then goes back to explain the events leading up to it. Surprisingly this style doesn't detract from the pace, and I really enjoyed this book.

Zusak has written two other books, so I might need to check them out.

My rating = *****

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Phantom of the Opera - Melbourne Theatre

I went to see the Phantom of the Opera a few weeks ago, and it was just as moving and magical as I remember. I went to see it twice in High School and absolutely loved it. Seeing it again all these years later and knowing every word and every note now made it even more memorable.


I can see now why it had such an impact on me all those years ago, and I enjoyed it from a different perspective this time. The score is haunting, the special effects are mesmerising, and the gothic and medieval sets and costumes are captivating. It wouldn't take much twisting of the arm to go again.


You've simply got to see it.


My rating = *****


That's my four bucks!

Review: Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

I finished reading the long awaited Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows and thoroughly enjoyed it! I won't spoil the ending in case you haven't read it yet, but I can tell you it was well worth the wait, and provided a lot of 'closure' to previous plots and sub-plots.

I thought the epilogue was a little weak, but I won't say any more.

Highly recommended for any Harry Potter fans, but not as a stand alone book.

My rating = ****

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Review: A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

The reason I chose this book initially is that it was written in the 1960s and tragically the author committed suicide in 1969 at age 32 without it ever being published. His mother found the manuscript and pounded the pavement to get a publisher to read and publish it. The novel went on to win a Pulitzer Prize, and has now become a classic.

Given that I generally don't read books written in the 60s (unless it's a classic), and avoid any book claiming to be 'funny' for fear of cringeworthy slap-stick humour that is ha-ha funny, I was more than pleasantly surprised to find myself totally engrossed in this book!

The wit and vocabulary of Ignatius Reilly had me laughing at almost every page, wishing I had his talent for speech and conversation. Ignatius is almost an anti-hero; he is fat, lazy and full of excuses, however somehow I was cheering for him and his eccentric ways.

I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who appreciates this kind of humour. (I tried to find a good quote from the book to include here, but I couldn't choose, and you really need the context to appreciate the humour).

My rating = *****

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Review: Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill

I've been telling anyone who will listen, that this author is the son of Stephen King. I discovered this obscure fact while reading book reviews on Amazon, and in fact this is what inspired me to buy Heart-Shaped Box. However I was astonished to find out that there is absolutely no mention of this fact in the book or on the cover. I find this amazing given how the yanks will trade on a name wherever possible and even if Joe doesn't want to use his father's fame to sell his books, I'm surprised his publisher didn't go ahead and do it anyway.

So, what was the book like? Well, I really enjoyed this story about a rock star who buys a ghost from the internet. It's a gothic thriller/horror, that is as exciting as King at his best. In fact, their writing style is quite similar, and the novel had a supernatural thread that I love in any King/Koontz, but Joe Hill is a stand-alone and talented author who is fresh and has a lot to offer.

I'm keen to find out what else he has written, and would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys King/Koontz. If you are easily spooked though, this is not the book to read before bed time.

My rating = ****

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Review: Crown in Darkness by Paul Doherty, P.C. Doherty

I felt like it was time to join Hugh Corbett as he solves another medieval mystery, and so it was that I picked up Paul Doherty's book Crown In Darkness. You might remember that he has about twelve in the series, and I'm slowly making my way through them.

This time Hugh Corbett went to Scotland following the 'accidental' death of Alexander III of Scotland to investigate the circumstances on behalf of the Chancellor. I really enjoyed the medieval nature of the plot and especially the journey to the dark forest in Scotland to visit the Picts, often referred to as pixies, goblins or elves.

"Once they were a proud people and ruled the greater part of Scotland but the Celts, the Angles, the Saxons and the Normans drove them from their lands into the dark vastness of the forests."

I thoroughly recommend this author to anyone who enjoys medieval mystery and intrigue.

My rating = ***

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Review: Step On A Crack by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

Reading a James Patterson novel is always a pleasure as the pages fly by, the font is easy going, and the chapters are so short, you just keep on reading and before you know it, you've finished. Step on a Crack was no different.

Writing in collaboration with Michael Ledwidge, Patterson introduces the reader to the new character Detective Bennett in this new series. The lead character is reminiscent of Alex Cross in so many ways, but equally enjoyable. I enjoyed the plot, and it was quick paced and had a happy ending. It was pure Patterson, and I enjoyed the 'quick read', especially after reading Cryptonomicon (see previous blog entry).

Having just read a highly intellectual tome, it is hard to give this any more than three stars, but I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Patterson.

My rating = ***

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