The History Book Club discussion

Thank you, Jill.

JANUARY

1. by Traci Hunter Abramson

Finish date: January 2, 2014
Genre: Espionage/Mystery
Rating: B

Review: Twenty-eight-year-old Kelsey Weber is one of the CIA’s finest undercover agents. After two years under deep cover in Salman Nassar’s desert compound, she’s unearthed vital information on the volatile Middle Eastern extremist sect. When her allegiance is called into question, Nassar teaches her a lesson she won’t forget—with a bullet to the leg. Kelsey is whisked out of the field to recuperate in the safety of her missionary parents’ empty Virginia home. But civilian life proves to be more complicated than Kelsey anticipated when she meets FBI agent Noah Cabbott, the handsome neighbor tasked by her parents with safeguarding the family home in their absence. As their relationship deepens, she’s torn by her inability to divulge who—and what—she really is.


In a twist of fate, their separate investigations converge in a horrifying plot that threatens the nation’s security, and Kelsey’s identity is revealed. She and Noah have been assigned as members of a secret task force, united with one common goal: to thwart Nassar’s impending terrorist attack. As the situation grows increasingly dire, she is horrified to learn that there is a traitor in their midst: An agency mole has been leaking information to the enemy. Kelsey’s world is thrown into chaos with the shocking realization that nothing is as it seems, and each step toward the truth draws her deeper into a web of conspiracy more intricate and deadly than she dreamed . . .

Enjoyed this book. The mystery was good; I just found the love story a little cliche.

2. by Tess Gerritsen

Finish date: January 15, 2014
Genre: Mystery
Rating: A

Review: Evil exists. Evil walks the streets. And evil has spawned a diabolical new disciple in this white-knuckle thriller from New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen.


PECCAVI
The Latin word is scrawled in blood at the scene of a young woman's brutal murder: I HAVE SINNED. It's a chilling Christmas greeting for Boston medical examiner Maura Isles and Detective Jane Rizzoli, who swiftly link the victim to controversial celebrity psychiatrist Joyce O'Donnell, Jane's professional nemesis and member of a sinister cabal called the Mephisto Club.

On top of Beacon Hill, the club's acolytes devote themselves to the analysis of evil: Can it be explained by science? Does it have a physical presence? Do demons walk the earth? Drawing on a wealth of dark historical data and mysterious religious symbolism, the Mephisto scholars aim to prove a startling theory: that Satan himself exists among us.

With the grisly appearance of a corpse on their doorstep, it's clear that someone or something is indeed prowling the city. The members of the club begin to fear the very subject of their study. Could this maniacal killer be one of their own or have they inadvertently summoned an evil entity from the darkness?

Delving deep into the most baffling and unusual case of their careers, Maura and Jane embark on a terrifying journey to the very heart of evil, where they encounter a malevolent foe more dangerous than any they have ever faced . . . one whose work is only just beginning.

Great book. I love a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.

Great job with the citations, Francie. You might want to remove (no image) from your first book, since it looks like you found one.

Jill wrote: "Great job with the citations, Francie. You might want to remove (no image) from your first book, since it looks like you found one."

Thanks, Jill. Fixed it. The cover just wasn't showing up on my computer for some reason.

3. by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Finish date: January 16, 2014
Genre: Classics
Rating: A

Review: Don Quixote has become so entranced by reading chivalric romances, that he determines to become a knight-errant himself. In the company of his faithful squire, Sancho Panza, his exploits blossom in all sorts of wonderful ways. While Quixote's fancy often leads him astray -- he tilts at windmills, imagining them to be giants -- Sancho acquires cunning and a certain sagacity. Sane madman and wise fool, they roam the world together, and together they have haunted readers' imaginations for nearly four hundred years.

Such a great book. While Don Quixote's antics are humerous, I loved Sancho Panza so much more, truly hilarious.

Francie wrote: "Jill wrote: "Great job with the citations, Francie. You might want to remove (no image) from your first book, since it looks like you found one."

Thanks, Jill. Fixed it. The cover just wasn't sh..."

That happens sometimes but who knows why?????

4. by C.J. Sansom

Finish date: January 20, 2014
Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery
Rating: A

Review: Henry VIII has ordered the dissolution of the monasteries and England is full of informers. At the monastery of Scarnsea, events have spiralled out of control with the murder of Commissioner Robin Singleton. Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer, and his assistant are sent to investigate.

Great book. Matthew Shardlake is a wonderful character, and I loved the way he interacts with everyone. Will definitely read more of this series.

Francie wrote: "4. by C.J. Sansom

Date finished: January 20, 2014
Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery
Rating: A

Review: Henry VIII ..."

An excellent series. If you liked the first, I think you will like the rest.

Peter wrote: "Francie wrote: "4. by C.J. Sansom

Date finished: January 20, 2014
Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery
Rating: A

Revi..."

Thanks, Peter. Adding to TBR. Looking forward to reading the rest.

Hi Francie - I am placing the actual format here because there was a slight error in the sample given. Instead of Date Finished the actual standard is Finish Date: (very minor - but when you get a chance just fix the ones posted - you can use the sample below to refer to. We also bold the months like this JANUARY Other than these very very minor things - you are off to a stellar start. I enjoyed reading your reviews.

Our Required Format:

JANUARY

1. by Winston S. Churchill
Finish date: March 2008
Genre: (whatever genre the book happens to be)
Rating: A
Review: You can add text from a review you have written but no links to any review elsewhere even goodreads. And that is about it. Just make sure to number consecutively and just add the months.

Bentley wrote: "Hi Francie - I am placing the actual format here because there was a slight error in the sample given. Instead of Date Finished the actual standard is Finish Date: (very minor - but when you get ..."

Bentley: Welcome back. Fixed the "Finish date" portion, but I'm having trouble getting JANUARY in bold. Could you please tell me how to do this.

OK - you know how to cap it

then < space b> JANUARY < space/b>

Take out the words then, and space

FEBRUARY

5. by Martina Cole
Finish date: February 6, 2014
Genre: Crime/Mystery
Rating: F

Review: This book depicts London's criminal underworld run by Patrick Brody. This was an Audible book, and so it was a little confusing as to who was doing what, and the profanity was a little too much for me. I think maybe hearing it as opposed to reading it made it feel more crass.

Click on (some html is OK) in the upper right of the new message box and maybe that is clearer.

Bentley wrote: "Click on (some html is OK) in the upper right of the new message box and maybe that is clearer."

Bentley: Got it now. Thanks so much for your help.

6. (no image) Young Caesar by Rex Warner (no image)
Finish date: February 12, 2014
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: B

Review: On the night before his assassination, Julius Caesar writes about his early years and his rise in politics. Enjoyed learning more about the younger Caesar.

7. by Patrick O'Brien (no image)
Finish date: February 18, 2014
Genre: Children's history
Rating: A

Review: Great pictures. Easy to read and understand.

8. by David Baldacci
Finish date: February 21, 2014
Genre: Mystery
Rating: A

Review: I love David Baldacci's book, and this was another one I enjoyed immensely. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell have been hired by the First Lady to find her kidnapped niece and solve the murder of her sister-in-law. Many twists and turns, couldn't put it down.

9. by Hermann Hesse
Finish date: February 28, 2014
Genre: Classic/Spiritual
Rating: A

Review: Such a beautiful book. Makes you think about what is really important in life.

10. by Linda Lafferty (no image)
Finish date: February 28, 2014
Genre: Historical fiction/mystery
Rating: C

Review: Elizabeth Bathory of Slovakia was known as the Blood Countess, and this story goes back and forth between her rule in Slovakia and the mystery involving Betsy Path, a psychoanalyst, and her patient, Daisy Hart. The history part of the story was intriguing, but the mystery ended too abruptly; case solved, but I felt like it was incomplete.

Francie on message 17 - the citation should look like this:

(no image) Young Caesar by Rex Warner (no photo)

You do not have to add the blank icon.

Everything else is stellar. I think you have got it.

Bentley wrote: "Francie on message 17 - the citation should look like this:

(no image) Young Caesar by Rex Warner (no photo)

You do not have to add the blank icon.

Everything el..."

Fixed. Thanks for all your help.

Good job - pitch perfect

MARCH

11. by Sylvia Plath
Finish date: March 1, 2014
Genre: Classics
Rating: A

Review: This is the story of Esther Greenwood and her struggle with madness. It takes you through her suicide attempts, psychotherapy, electro-shock therapy, and recovery. Beautiful and poignant.

12. by Michael Connelly
Finish date: March 26, 2014
Genre: Mystery
Rating: A

Review: My first Harry Bosch novel and I loved it. Harry solves the murder of a fellow Vietnam tunnel rat. Great mystery.

13. by Joseph Heller
Finish date: March 30, 2014
Genre: Classics, Satire
Rating: C

Review: I'm not really sure how I felt about Catch-22. Some parts were hilarious, but growing up in a military family and having served in the Air Force myself, I guess I had a hard time dealing with the protrayal of stupidity in the officers (even though I know it's a satire).

APRIL

14. by David Baldacci

Finish date: April 10, 2014
Genre: Mystery
Rating: A

Review: This is the first Sean King and Michelle Maxwell mystery. Michelle King has lost the presidential candidate she was protecting, which ruins her future in the Secret Service. She and Sean King unite for the first time to help in her case, which eventually leads to the solving of the case that led to Sean King's fall out of the Secret Service years before. Great story, lots of suspense.

15. by Rachel Abbott

Finish date: April 15, 2014
Genre: Mystery
Rating: A

Review: Chief Inspector Tom Douglas on the hunt for the killer of a famous philanthropist. There are some disturbing things going on within murdered man's family and within his philanthropic activities. Dark and sinister. Great ending.

16. by J.M. Barrie

Finish date: April 16, 2014
Genre: Classic children's literature
Rating: A

Review: All I can say is who doesn't love Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up. Delightful!!

17. by Colm Tóibín

Finish date: April 23, 2014
Genre: Religious fiction
Rating: B

Review: An interesting concept on how Mary felt about Jesus and his disciples and trying to understand the reasons behind his crucifixion. Very sad and thought provoking.

18. by Alice Sebold

Finish date: April 30, 2014
Genre: Fiction
Rating: B

Review: A story of a teenage girl, Suzie, who is raped and murdered. From her place in heaven, Suzie watches her family and friends as they deal with her murder. This is not a book I would normally pick to read, too much sadness, but it was a selection from one of my book clubs. The rape and murder are disturbing, but the story is beautifully written.

MAY

19. by Maryka Biaggio

Finish Date: May 12, 2014
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: A

Review: In 1887, at the tender age of eighteen, May ventures to Chicago in hopes of earning enough money to support her family. Circumstances force her to take up residence at the city’s most infamous bordello, but May soon learns to employ her considerable feminine wiles to extract not only sidelong looks but also large sums of money from the men she encounters. Insinuating herself into Chicago’s high society, May lands a well-to-do fiancé—until, that is, a Pinkerton Agency detective named Reed Doherty intervenes and summarily foils the engagement.

Unflappable May quickly rebounds, elevating seduction and social climbing to an art form as she travels the world, eventually marrying a wealthy Dutch Baron. Unfortunately, Reed Doherty is never far behind and continues to track May in a delicious cat-and-mouse game as the newly-minted Baroness’s misadventures take her from San Francisco to Shanghai to London and points in between.

The Pinkerton Agency called May the most dangerous woman in the world, but I found myself rooting for her. She was an interesting character, and I liked reading about her adventures around the world.

20. by Joseph M. Higgins (no photo)

Finish Date: May 13, 2014
Genre: Religion/Science
Rating: C

Review: Is there life after death? Or is the end of our physical existence really the end of us? In this thought-provoking guide, you will examine scientific evidence so you can decide for yourself whether or not there is an afterlife. Medium Joseph M. Higgins and "Psychic Cop" Chuck Bergman attempt to answer questions like: Does consciousness survive death?Is communication possible between the living and the dead?Are mediums real--or frauds?What happens to us during near-death experiences?Where do we go when we die?Are we heaven and hell actualities?What is life like after death?Is reincarnation real--and is everyone reincarnated? Including an overview of various religious afterlife traditions, "The Everything Guide to Evidence of the Afterlife" introduces you to the unlimited possibilities of what we face after our release from the physical world.

Not sure how I felt about this book. There's a lot of information about near-death experiences, but the author repeated a lot of the same stories throughout the book.

21. by Patrick Süskind

Finish Date: May 13, 2014
Genre: Classics/Mystery
Rating: A

Review: In the slums of eighteenth-century France, the infant Jean-Baptiste Grenouille is born with one sublime gift: an absolute sense of smell. As a boy, he lives to decipher the odors of Paris, and apprentices himself to a prominent perfumer who teaches him the ancient art of mixing precious oils and herbs.

But Grenouille's genius is such that he is not satisfied to stop there, and he becomes obsessed with capturing the smells of objects such as brass doorknobs and fresh-cut wood. Then one day he catches a hint of a scent that will drive him on an ever-more-terrifying quest to create the "ultimate perfume"—the scent of a beautiful young virgin.

Spellbinding, a little creepy, hauntingly brilliant. Loved it.

22. by Gary Small (no photo)

Finish Date: May 15, 2014
Genre: Health/Aging
Rating: B

Review: Want to keep Alzheimer's at bay for years--ideally, forever? Prevention is the way, and this is the guide. Now in paperback and updated throughout, "The Alzheimer's Prevention Program" is essential for everyone with a family history of Alzheimer's, and for the 80 million baby boomers who worry whenever they forget someone's name. It's the book that shows how to strengthen memory and avoid everyday lapses. How to incorporate the top ten brain-protecting foods into your diet. How to cross-train your brain, exercising both the right and left hemisphere. And how to reduce stress, a risk factor for developing dementia and Alzheimer's, through meditation and 11 other relaxation strategies.

I read this book because my husband recently was misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's, and I wanted to learn more about this terrifying disease. There is a lot of information about how Alzheimer's may develop and the symptoms and then there are suggestions on ways to keep your brain active, which is a key element in at least delaying any onset.

23. by Raymond Chandler

Finish Date: May 15, 2014
Genre: Classics/Mystery
Rating: A

Review: When a dying millionaire hires Philip Marlowe to handle the blackmailer of one of his two troublesome daughters, Marlowe finds himself involved with more than extortion. Kidnapping, pornography, seduction, and murder are just a few of the complications he gets caught up in.

Philip Marlowe is right up there with Nero Wolfe and Ellery Queen. Great mystery. Love the almost brooding attitude of Marlowe and the way he gets right into the heart of things.

24. by Mimi Alford

Finish Date: May 27, 2014
Genre: Autobiography
Rating: B

Review: In the summer of 1962, nineteen-year-old Mimi Beardsley arrived by train in Washington, D.C., to begin an internship in the White House press office. The Kennedy Administration had reinvigorated the capital and the country—and Mimi was eager to contribute. For a young woman from a privileged but sheltered upbringing, the job was the chance of a lifetime. Although she started as a lowly intern, Mimi made an impression on Kennedy’s inner circle and, after just three days at the White House, she was presented to the President himself.

Almost immediately, the two began an affair that would continue for the next eighteen months.

President Kennedy was adored by almost everyone, and I can understand how a young girl could get caught up in his position and charm. Having said that, the age difference between him and this 19-year-old intern is a little unsettling to me. Ms. Alford's tells her reasons for continuing her affair with Kennedy and her reaction to his assassination is heartbreaking. Good story.

25. by Maurice Sendak

Finish Date: May 28, 2014
Genre: Children's Literature
Rating: A

Review: This is the story of Max, who gets sent to his room without supper, and his adventure in the forest that grows in his room. He tames and wild things and crowns himself king, and then realizes he wants to be home where he is loved.

Never read this to my kids when they were young. We did read Sendak's Chicken Soup with Rice: a Book of Months, which was a favorite of my oldest daughter. She had the whole book memorized. So happy once, happy twice, happy Chicken Soup with Rice to all.

by Maurice Sendak

JUNE

26. by Karin Slaughter

Finish Date: June 9, 2014
Genry: Mystery
Rating: A

Review: In the city of Atlanta, women are dying—at the hands of a killer who signs his work with a single, chilling act of mutilation. Leaving behind enough evidence to fuel a frenzied police hunt, this cunning madman is bringing together dozens of lives, crossing the boundaries of wealth and race. And the people who are chasing him must cross those boundaries too. Among them is Michael Ormewood, a veteran detective whose marriage is hanging by a thread—and whose arrogance and explosive temper are threatening his career. And Angie Polaski, a beautiful vice cop who was once Michael's lover before she became his enemy.

But another player has entered the game: a loser ex-con who has stumbled upon the killer's trail in the most coincidental of ways—someone who may be the key to breaking the case wide open..

Thrilling, edge-of-your seat excitement. Really enjoyed this mystery. It leads you through a maze of horror, abuse, sex, and murder.

Great progress Francie and you have had 40 views of your thread.

27. by Robert Conroy (no photo)

Finish Date: June 22, 2014
Genre: Historical Fiction/Alternative History
Rating: A

Review: What if the Japanese had continued their attack on Hawaii with the goal bombing the oil storage facilities and eventually taking control of the Hawaii Islands. This book explores that possibility. Great cast of characters, both real and fictional.

JULY

28. by Dashiell Hammett

Finish Date: July 5, 2014
Genre: Mystery
Rating: A

Review: Sam Spade is the ultimate tough guy. This story has it all, femme fatale, mastermind culprit, mystery object, murder, betrayal. This is one of the great books. Recommend to everybody.

Indeed one of the great detective stories....... and the characters that inhabit those pages are unforgettable.

29. by Kim MacQuarrie

Finish date: July 6, 2014
Genre: History
Rating: B+

Review: Very informative. I learned so much more about the Incas. History lessons in school was certainly lacking in this area, just Pizzaro's conquest. Some of the cruelty displayed on both sides was a bit disturbing. Thoroughly enjoyed this group read.

30. by Thomas Harding

Finish date: July 8, 2014
Genre: World War II History/Biography
Rating: A

Review: I really enjoyed this book, although some of the subject matter is very sad. The Holocaust is a hard subject to digest, but it should never be forgotten. Great read.

31. by Mary Stewart

Finish date: July 8, 2014
Genre: Mystery
Rating: A

Review: I read this as a teenager and decided to read again (thanks to talking with my sister). I had forgotten how much I loved Mary Stewart's writing. Her vivid descriptions of the Provence, France, make you feel like you are exploring along with the heroine of the story. Great little mystery.

32. by Rhys Bowen

Finish date: July 10, 2014
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B

Review: This is my first Molly Murphy mystery. Molly flees from Ireland and lands in America and gets involved in the investigation of the murder for a fellow passenger. Good story.

Good job Francie

Going to try to catch up here.

33. by Daphne du Maurier

Finish date: July 13, 2014
Genre: Classic/Gothic Mystery
Rating: A

Review: One of my favorite books. Dark, brooding, Gothic masterpiece.