Kathrin's Series Challenge Completed

Reading a series is like falling into step with a good friend and walking alongside him or her, sharing in the ups and downs, as we journey together through this thing we call life. Whether we are running for our lives, chasing down the bad guy, commiserating over a relationship gone wrong or enjoying a cup of tea, series characters and I get to know each other over time in a way that a stand alone character and I cannot. There is something familiar and comforting about visiting a favorite series again, not to mention that it is exciting to see the characters grow with each book.

I was thrilled when Kathrin first mentioned the idea of a series challenge. It was the perfect opportunity to catch up on some of my series reading. Fearing overcommitment, I decided not to make a list, but to read what I could and count whatever I could manage as a success. I was not going to let myself feel guilty if I barely managed to make a dent in any of my series reading at all. Alas, I do feel a tad bit of guilt. I wanted to read more; I meant to.

As many of you know, my reading mood shifted as the new year began. Whereas last year I was caught up in the challenge frenzy, this year I took a keen interest in ARE's and some of the newer books coming out. Not so good news for my already bulging TBR collection, true, but I decided to follow my mood's lead and see where it would take me. The only disappointment I have is that I have not been able to fit in some of the wonderful books on my challenge lists, all books I still very much want to read. On the other hand, all of my challenge choices are books sitting in my TBR room--they aren't going anywhere. So they wait a little longer. I don't think they will hold it against me.

Honestly, I'm just glad to be able to say I actually completed the challenge!

Kathrin's Series Challenge began on December 1, 2007 and ended on May 31st. I managed to complete three series during that time--at least to the point of catching up until the next books in the series are released.

The Alexandra Cooper Series by Linda Fairstein
Linda Fairstein and I go way back. There are ten books in her series featuring prosecuting attorney Alexandra Cooper. One of my favorite features of the series is the side stories that the author sprinkles throughout each book, real life cases she has heard about or encountered in her own career as a sex crimes prosecutor.

Byrne and Balzano Series by Richard Montanari
I was first introduced to Richard Montanari in 2005 when I read The Rosary Girls. I was thrilled to finally pick up and read more of his books this year. Homicide Detective Byrne and his partner Detective Balzano always seem to land the most violent and twisted of cases. The author acknowledges the weight such experiences has on his characters, a natural progression which adds to the depth of his stories. The city of Philadelphia is just another character in the series--and what a character it is!

The Theda Krakow Mysteries by Clea Simon
It was inevitable that this cat lover would eventually have to break down and read a cat mystery. Clea Simon's books are not your typical cozy cat mysteries, however. The author takes relevant and sometimes hard hitting issues and sets them as a backdrop for her entertaining novels. I especially like that the series is not all about the mystery itself, but ventures into Theda Krakow's life on a more personal level.

I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite among these three series. They each have much to offer and I will continue to seek out future books by all three authors.

Many thanks to Kathrin for hosting the challenge!

Note: Kathrin is hosting the Series Challenge Season 2 for anyone interested. It runs from June 1st to November 30th. Participation in this first season is not a requirement to join in on the fun!

Killer Heat by Linda Fairstein

First Sentence: Mike Chapman bit into the tip of a Cohiba and held the match to the end of his thick cigar, drawing several deep breaths to make certain it was lighted.

Killer Heat by Linda Fairstein
Doubleday, 2008 (ARE)
Crime Fiction (S/T); 368 pgs

Sex Crimes Prosecutor Alexandra Cooper is still going strong ten books into the series. Detectives Mercer Wallace and Mike Chapman continue to stick by her side. In the latest installment of Linda Fairstein’s best selling series, Alex is pulled into a murder investigation by her friend and colleague, homicide detective, Mike Chapman. A woman’s body has been discovered in an abandoned office building at a New York ferry port, and Mike believes it may be the missing woman who Alex has been searching for. However, the dead woman turns out to be someone else entirely, a woman with questionable associations. When a second and then third body are found brutally murdered, it becomes clear that a serial killer is on the loose in the city. The sweltering summer heat and jurisdictional battles between law enforcement agencies are not enough to stall the investigation, at least not for long.

As if that is not enough, Alex is in the middle of a 30 year old rape trial, seeking justice for a victim who has lived in fear most of her adult life while her rapist has roamed free. Yet another complication arises when it becomes obvious that Alex is being targeted by a gang whose leader she prosecuted and put into prison on rape charges not long before. The question becomes whether they have murder or simply harassment in mind. In typical Linda Fairstein fashion, Alex Cooper has her work cut out for her as the game of cat and mouse turns deadly.

In Killer Heat, Linda Fairstein follows through with her trademark history lesson, this time weaving the hunt for a serial killer among the small islands of Manhattan, which had once played a part in the defense of the country. This was perhaps the weakest part of the book, however, with the historical aspects coming across more as a lecture at times than a natural part of the story. Just the same, the islands take on a life of their own, especially when a storm comes roaring into town.

One of the reasons I enjoy this series is because Alex Cooper is a smart woman who does not back down easily. She is also compassionate and cares about the people for whom she seeks justice. Too often in this novel, it felt as if Mike Chapman was dismissing her whether through his joking or his taking over a situation. While it was not too out of place considering the danger of the situation and the need for him to do his job as a homicide investigator, at times, it seemed to get in the way of the story.

Despite that, the story itself is fast paced and hard to tear away from. Once Alex and friends are on the trail of the serial killer, events happen at break neck speed as the mystery unfolds and the race to stop the killer from striking again is on. Linda Fairstein knows how to create suspense in a novel, and she has not failed in Killer Heat. The last hundred pages had me glued to my seat. While this may not be the strongest book in the series, it was still an entertaining novel to read, and I am looking forward to the next book. Originally published on Curled Up With A Good Book at www.curledup.com. © Wendy Runyon, 2008.

Rating: (Good +)

Merciless by Richard Montanari

Merciless by Richard Montanari
Ballantine Books, 2007
Crime Fiction S/T; 402 pgs

Started: 01/16/2008
Completed: 01/27/2008
Rating: (Good +)

First Sentence: In his dream they are still alive.

Reason for Reading: This is a Curled Up With A Good Book selection, and the second series I have managed to get all caught up on for Kathrin's Series Challenge.

Comments: Merciless is author Richard Montanari’s third novel featuring homicide Detectives Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano. When homicide Detective Kevin Byrne spots a dangerous fugitive in a diner one evening, he knows he must act. Unfortunately for Byrne, the wanted man also spots him, and the events that follow quickly turn deadly. This was not exactly how Byrne wanted to finish out what had been a peaceful vacation.

It does not take long before Byrne and his partner, Detective Jessica Balzano, get a call about a body found on the bank of the Schuylkill River. They had been heading out to investigate a cold case, when an anonymous tip came in about the dead woman. They quickly change their plans and head for the crime scene, braving the cold winter weather. The body is clearly posed, sitting on the bank as if looking out at the river clothed only in what appears to be a vintage dress much too big for the woman wearing it. As the evidence is gathered, the mystery deepens.

When a second body is discovered and evidence points to the same killer, the detectives begin to worry that they have a serial killer on their hands. They are still nowhere closer to knowing who may have killed Karen, the first victim, and so the hunt continues and the stakes grow higher. Murder does not wait for one investigation to finish before another begins, and true to form, the brutal murder of a just-retired detective has everyone on edge. The already short-staffed homicide division is stretched to its limit as the two high profile cases are investigated. The media attention is an added weight the police do not really need, much less want.

Richard Montanari is careful in his details, not wanting to give anything away too soon. He is good at obfuscating the truth right until the very end. Certain themes can be found running through the novel, most particularly the way past cases and past horrors continue to haunt and impact the present. There is no getting away from it and no real way to avoid it.

Detectives Byrne and Balzano have worked together for several years now, and the reader falls quickly into their rhythm. Jessica is a young mother, balancing work, marriage and motherhood. Byrne is a divorced father, burdened by past cases and old nightmares. The killer himself is an interesting character, a wounded and delusional man. He is quite intriguing, his motives somewhat obvious and yet still quite hazy as the story unfolds.

One of the draws of Richard Montanari’s book is the setting. Philadelphia is more than just a place name in the author’s recent novels, and that holds true with this latest novel, Merciless, in which not only the city, but the winter season play important roles in the novel. The city is as much a character as the people themselves, and the wintry weather has a voice of its own.

Merciless takes readers in a number if different directions and there is a lot of set up, threatening to bog down the story at times, but never quite doing so. Once the pieces begin to fall into place, the novel takes off and there is no going back. Although this is not his strongest novel, Richard Montanari continues to be a master storyteller, and Merciless is well worth reading. Originally published on Curled Up With A Good Book at www.curledup.com. © Wendy Runyon, 2008.

An Observation: Perhaps it is simply because this season’s The Wire focuses on the media that I am more attuned to their role in police investigations right now, but I was constantly aware throughout Montanari’s novel of the media attention the police received and the pressure they felt under the media’s ever watchful gaze. Although no reporters or specific persons from the media were named or brought into focus, media in general was a background character throughout the novel, hovering, waiting, and ready to pounce on any information they could discover.

Miscellaneous: Today is Super Tuesday in the U.S.A. and my state just happens to be one of the states joining in on the election fun. I actually voted last Thursday by absentee ballot, and so that's one less thing I have to worry about today. I hope that if you are American and have an election taking place in your area, you will take the time to vote if you have not already.

Series Challenges: 1st and Onward

Not that I need an excuse to begin some of the the unmentionable amount of series books I have started collecting over the years, but joining with others in a common goal sure makes it more fun. Although Joy announced this particular challenge quite a while ago, I am only now deciding to throw my hat in the ring.


The Rules:
The Challenge runs from January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008.
Read 12 books that are the first in any series(new authors not required).
You may read your chosen books any time during the year.

My 1st in the Series Selections:
1. Blood Ties by Lori G. Armstrong - Julie Collins, a secretary in a sheriff’s office and part-time private investigator, in western South Dakota
2. Goodnight, Irene by Jan Burke - Irene Kelly, a newspaper reporter in Southern California
3. Killing Floor by Lee Child – Jack Reacher (ex-military policeman) Suspense/Thriller Series
4. Murder on a Girls' Night Out by Anne George - Patricia Anne "Mouse" Hollowell, housewife and Mary Alice "Sister" Crane, country-western bar owner in Alabama
5. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison – Rachel Morgan Urban Fantasy Series
6. Blood Price by by Tanya Huff - Victoria Nelson, Blood Series
7. Katwalk by Karen Kijewski – Kat Colorado Mystery Series
8. Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon – Guido Brunetti (Police Commissario) Series
9. The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett – Discworld Series
10. Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs - Temperance Brennan (forensic anthropologist) Mystery Series
11. Everywhere that Mary Went by Lisa Scottoline – Rosato & Associates, an all-women law firm in Philadelphia, PA
12. Desert Noir by Betty Webb - Lena Jones of Desert Investigations in Scottsdale, Arizona

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Not too long ago, I mentioned that I am participating in Kathrin's Series Challenge, which began the first of the month and will continue through to the end of May, possibly being extended beyond. After much thought and consideration, I am not going to make a list other than to refer you to my Serial Offender: Guilty As Charged List. I will be reading books from that list. I am leaving the number open to whatever I can manage.

The Rules:
1. There is no set number of books you have to read, you just have to read the books in order to be all up-to-date with the series.
2. Post your review of the books on your blog, no matter how long.
3. Post a comment at Kathrin's when you have finished a series, and when you have finished all the series you wanted to finish for the challenge.
4. Always remember this is for fun!

Cries and Whiskers by Clea Simon

Cries and Whiskers by Clea Simon
Poisoned Pen Press, 2007 (ARE)
Mystery; 260 pgs

Completed: 12/08/2007
Rating: (Very Good)

First Sentence: She felt sick.

Reason for Reading: Clea Simon was kind enough to send me an advanced reader’s copy of her latest release, Cries and Whiskers. A mystery, a book about cats, and on the recommendation of author and friend Karen E. Olson, I could not say no. Fortunately for me, I didn’t.

This is my first series completion for the Series Challenge. At least until Clea publishes another book in the series.

Comments: There were a lot of things I could have done today. I should have starting putting up the Christmas decorations, which in years past have been up no later than the first of December. I could have got a good start on the laundry. Maybe mopped the kitchen floor. Or given the dog a much needed bath. Instead, I settled in this afternoon to read Clea Simon’s latest, Cries and Whiskers, and before I knew it, I had reached the end.

Cries and Whiskers is the third novel in the Theda Krakow mystery series. Freelance journalist Theda is right at home with the club scene in her hometown of Cambridge. She has a regular gig writing feature articles on local musicians and although it does not bring in as much money as she might like, she enjoys having the steady work while at the same time spending time with her musician friends, the fans and experiencing the music itself. When rumors of a new designer drug making its way on the club circuit reach her, Theda begins to ask questions, thinking perhaps there may be a story there.

Meanwhile, the death of an animal rights activist who had been trying to rescue feral cats before a winter storm hits brings cat lovers Theda and Violet out of bed one morning in an effort to finish the job. The activist who had once disparaged domesticated animals in favor of protecting the rights of wild had not been one of Theda’s favorite people. However, her effort to save the cats from coming to harm is enough for Theda to give her the benefit of the doubt, even after death. Questions involving the death of the activist begin to accumulate and Theda soon finds herself on a mission to get to the truth. The more Theda learns, the more questions she has, as both mysteries touch much closer to home that she would like. Theda finds herself in over her head in more ways than one.

As in the previous novels, the author takes readers onto the club scene for a front row view as well as going behind the scenes. She never fails to capture the excitement and thrill of the experience, as Theda and her friends enjoy the shows. In this latest installment, however, readers are introduced to a darker side of the club scene. Usually a comfortable place for Theda, she suddenly finds her own expectations and ideas in doubt. Theda is a relatively trusting person and that trust is sorely tested in this novel. However, she is no pushover. She has a nose for trouble and is not afraid to uncover it even at its worst.

As I have come to expect with the author’s mysteries, she is not afraid to tackle moral issues. In this instance, along with the topic of drug use, she also takes on the subjects of animal activism verses animal welfare and the possible impact of development in growing communities. Clea Simon naturally touches upon these issues as part of her story, adding depth and insight amidst the humor and more cozy mystery feel the novel offers.

With plenty of playful moments with the loveable Musetta and a chance to get to now Theda’s boyfriend, Bill, a little more, Cries and Whiskers does not disappoint. It is a great addition to the series. Clea Simon sets up the story quite well, and once it gets under way, there’s no turning back.

Favorite Parts: I admit it. I love jazz music, and I doubt I would have found myself in need of distraction at a jazz concert the way Theda did. I was quite amused with how she kept herself awake and will have to keep that in mind the next time I have to sit through a rather dull lecture or some other event where I find my eyes drooping.

I also enjoyed the moments that Theda gave Musetta extra attention, playing with her. Some of their games reminded me of those I play with my own cat.

Miscellaneous: There is always a bit of sadness that comes with finishing a series, or at least catching up. Now the wait for the release of the next book begins . . .

Ohp! My own feline friend has decided to visit, jumping up on my desk and in front of my monitor (you should try trying to see around him!). Time I get this posted and give him some much deserved attention.

Cattery Row by Clea Simon

Cattery Row by Clea Simon
Poisoned Pen Press; 2006
Mystery; 227 pgs

Completed: 12/04/2007
Rating: (Very Good)

First Sentence: They came in the night, quiet and professional.

Reason for Reading: A visit with Theda and her playful cat Musetta was very much in order after I finished Beth Helm's Dervishes earlier in the week (review to come). With the Series Challenge underway and Clea Simon's latest mystery, Cries and Whiskers, having just been released, Cattery Row was dancing on my shelf, hoping I'd pick it next to read. How could I refuse?

Comments: Clea Simon outdoes herself in writing the second novel in her Theda Krakow mystery series. Theda is a freelance reporter who is down on her luck, and the bills are piling up. After a confrontation with the Mail’s feature editor, she realizes she stuck her foot in her mouth big time, possibly severing her main source for business.

When offered an assignment to do a feature on four prominent businesswomen in the community, Theda agrees. Pickings have been slim and she is feeling desperate, but the prospect of interviewing two friends for the story helps win her over. She is most looking forward to reconnecting with her old friend Cool who she lost touch when the friend’s music career took off making her quite the success. Cool dropped out of sight and out of the public eye recently, and Theda is curious to know why. Also, the reporter’s assignment includes a piece on her friend Rose Blossom who owns her own cattery, breeding beautiful Angora cats. Rose was recently appointed a show judge and Theda looks forward to seeing her in action.

A string of pedigree cat thefts, threatening phone calls, and the murder of a friend are enough to set Theda on the trail of a killer. She will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of the matter. As if matters are not complicated enough for the reporter, her ex-boyfriend is back in town and her current relationship is on the rocks. Theda is not sure what she wants, struggling with her own desire to be independent and not to fall into the old traps.

Clea Simon excels in creating strong and intelligent female characters, each very much their own person. Theda’s dedication to her work and her friends shines through, as does her desire to stay true to herself. Violet with her purple hair continues to be one of my favorite characters. Both she and Bunny are the type of friends I would want by my side.

And while humorous at times, the novel touches upon very serious issues involving the breeding and care of cats. While there are many respectable and loving cat breeders, there is also the ugly side, including unlicensed breeders and cat mills that care very little for the animals themselves and are more interested in turning a profit. Cattery Row is a delightful story, not only for it’s great cast of characters, but also the well thought out mystery, which is entertaining and stimulating.

Favorite Part: Several times while reading Clea Simon’s novel, I wished I had the power to step inside the pages of the book to be a physical part of Theda’s world, whether it be seeing Violet and her band perform live on stage or to at the very least attend that Halloween Party (why can’t there be something like that near where I live?).

Miscellaneous: Christmas is definitely in the air! If only I could motivate myself to wrap some of those presents that need to get out in the mail by the end of the week.