Commack Public Library

Four Russian girls, each with the tattoo of a sphinx moth near her left shoulder blade, one of them a murder victim, are the subjects of the latest installment in the Inspector Montalbano of Sicily series.  As the complications grow, a “benevolent society” that rescues young women becomes implicated.  The insights into modern Italian society and the forces that shape it are very interesting. The novel is very entertaining.

Evaluation: 5 out of 5

A continuation of the mobile library mystery series, Israel Armstrong, the Jewish librarian from London, living in the forgotten northern reaches of Ireland, is hiding from life in a chicken coop on a friend’s farm.  More than mildly depressed, on the brink of his 30th birthday, mourning the death of a good friend and the loss of his girlfriend, he can find nothing good about his life. He manages to solve the case of a missing teen, all the while dealing with the absurdity of his job.  There are a lot of laugh-out-loud parts to this book, and the author’s wry humor and comments are droll.

Evaluation: 4 out of 5

Ex-CIA Officer Bodo Hagen returns to Las Vegas to find his brother’s killer and becomes entangled in a plot to recover a lost artifact wanted by several very violent people who try to kill him too. His past and present are mixed in effectively with his pursuit, but the premise is a little far-fetched.

Evaluation: 3 out of 5

Beautiful…a true story of romance by Danielle Steel. These books never get tired!  Hope Dunne has carved out a name for herself as a top photographer, known the joys of marriage and motherhood, and the heartbreak of loss. In her chic SoHo loft, Hope is content with her life, finding serenity and beauty through the lens of her camera. She isn’t looking for a man or excitement. But these things find her when she accepts a last- minute assignment to fly to London at Christmas to photograph one of the world’s most celebrated writers: an Irish-American author known for novels of thrilling literary darkness.

Evaluation: 4 out of 5

Willow was born with brittle bone disease – a condition that requires Charlotte to act as full-time caregiver and has strained their emotional and financial limits. Willow’s teenaged half-sister, Amelia, suffers as well, overshadowed by Willow’s needs and lost in her own adolescent turmoil. When Charlotte decides to sue for wrongful birth in order to obtain a settlement to ensure Willow’s future, the already strained family begins to implode. I was not thrilled with this last Picoult novel.  I think I have had my fill of her for a while.  Although a talented writer her flare for over the top tissue grabbing scenes has finally gotten to me. 

Evaluation: 3 out of 5

A seventeen year old makes a pact with two of her other friends to get pregnant. What they thought was going to be just a breeze and a fun thing to do suddenly turns out to be much more than they bargained for. The girls did not take into account all repercussions this would have on them, their families and even their unborn children.  A little slow in the middle. I almost put it down to move onto another book but kept with it and after a few pages was hooked again. 

Evaluation: 3 out of 5

Falls under a Christmas book category, but other than the setting around Christmas time, you can enjoy this book anytime of the year.  This is a moving Christmas story that will make you want to hold your children tightly.  Your heart will break for little Patrick Collins – a young boy without a father.  When he is sent to stay with a grandfather he has never met, things seem like they can’t get any worse.  I love the message of grace, redemption, and forgiveness here.  It makes this an unforgettable and heart gripping read (better keep some Kleenexes nearby, too!).

Evaluation: 4 out of 5 

I started reading this in the adult version to read as part of the “One Book One Community” theme.  I have to admit, since this is not my typical read I had a hard time with the adult version of this.  I just could not stick with it.  I switched over to the YT book and found the story much more enjoyable.  For anyone remotely interested in this story but is not a big fan of these types of books – I highly recommend the YT version.  It is a really good read for ANYONE age 12 and up.  12 – 14 year olds will do best to read and to be able to discuss a lot of the meaning with someone older.  Interesting story.  Motivating.  It is amazing how many sacrifices one person is willing to make and what a difference one person can make.  Read and be inspired…

Evaluation: 4 out of 5

Kinsey Millhone, in the latest alphabet-titled mystery series by Sue Grafton, is aging well. Grafton’s skill shows itself in her keeping the character fresh and interesting, as well as realistic and engaging.  Kinsey’s dogged investigative skills unravel a twenty-year-old kidnapping case. At the same time, she learns more about her estranged family and the aunt who raised her. An engrossing novel!

Evaluation: 5 out of 5

The latest Inspector Rutlidge mystery by mother-son team Charles Todd is very very satisfying as a mystery, as well as a look at post-WWII Great Britain.  Surprisingly, after so many novels in the series, the reader is still caught up in the Inspector’s post-traumatic stress syndrome and its side effects.  The authors do a very good job in pulling the reader in, while holding some big surprises for the end.

Evaluation: 4 out of 5