Summer Mystery Reading Challenge Wrap Up

I have officially completed the Summer Mystery Reading Challenge hosted by Liz and Bob at Reviewed by Liz. This challenge gave me the excuse to fit in some much needed mystery reading amongst all the other challenges I roped myself into.

Summer Mystery Reading List:

Field of Fire by James O. Born

The Monkey's Raincoat by Robert Crais

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

Sacred Cows by Karen E. Olson

The Society by Michael Palmer

The Pumpkin Seed Massacre by Susan Slater

What was the best mystery you read this summer for the challenge?

The most enjoyable book by a new-to-me author I read this summer was Karen E. Olson's novel, Sacred Cows, followed close on the heels by The Monkey's Raincoat by Robert Crais. Both were entertaining mysteries with strong and likeable protagonists who I look forward to spending more time with in the future. These two books had me turning the pages as fast as I could to find out what would happen next.

What book could you have done without?

I enjoyed each and every mystery that I chose to read for this summer, and I definitely plan to read more by each of the authors. There was not one dud in the bunch.

What was the best part of the Summer Mystery Challenge?

The best part of this challenge was getting to know six new authors. Several of my selected books had been sitting on my shelves for quite a while, waiting to be read. Although the books themselves weren't so new to me in that regard, this was the first time I took the opportunity to read anything by the authors. Now I find myself wondering why I waited so long.

I enjoyed the featured authors' posts quite a bit. My wish list of books and authors to try has grown considerably since the start of this challenge, both from the featured author articles and seeing what everyone else has been reading. Unfortunately this time around, I did not get the chance to read more than one of the featured authors' works as my main reason for participating in most of the reading challenges this year is to focus on trimming down my TBR collection. The one I did get the chance to read was Karen E. Olson's Sacred Cows, which, as you know, I thought was terffic.

All in all, the Summer Mystery Reading Challenge was an enjoyable experience; one I would definitely be interested in doing again. Many thanks to Liz and Bob for hosting the challenge. You put an amazing about of work into this and it is greatly appreciated.

The Society by Michael Palmer

The Society by Michael Palmer
Bantam, 2004
Mystery (Medical); 351 pgs

Completed: 08/16/2007
Rating: (Good)

First Sentence: 4,013,864.

Reason for Reading: I came across The Society soon after it was published and added it to my Mystery Guild order back when I still belonged to the club. The novel has set on my shelf for 3 years now (*hanging head down in shame*). It was a perfect fit as my second selection for the Medical Mystery Madness Challenge and my final choice for the Summer Mystery Reading Challenge.

From the Publisher: At the headquarters of Boston’s Eastern Quality Health, the wealthy and powerful CEO is brutally murdered. She’s not the first to die—nor the last. A vicious serial killer is on the loose and the victims have one thing in common: they are all high-profile executives in the managed care industry. Dr. Will Grant is an overworked and highly dedicated surgeon. He has experienced firsthand the outrages of a system that cares more about the bottom line than about the life-and-death issues of patients. As a member of the Hippocrates Society, Will seeks to reclaim the profession of medicine from the hundreds of companies profiting wildly by controlling the decisions that affect the delivery of care. But the doctor’s determination has attracted a dangerous zealot who will stop at nothing to make Will his ally. Soon Will is both a suspect and a victim, a pawn in a deadly endgame. Then, in one horrible moment, Will’s professional and personal worlds are destroyed and his very life placed in peril.

Rookie detective Patty Moriarity is in danger of being removed from her first big case—the managed care killings. To save her career, she has no choice but to risk trusting Will, knowing he may well be the killer she is hunting. Together they have little to go on except the knowledge that the assassin is vengeful, cunning, ruthless—and may not be working alone. That—and a cryptic message that grows longer with each murder: a message Grant and Moriarity must decipher if they don’t want to be the next victims.

Comments: Occasionally I read a book that upon finishing, I immediately think, "Gee, that would make an entertaining movie!" This is one of those times. Admittedly, the books I most often have this thought about tend to include intense action sequences. What can I say? I love a good action flick.

Michael Palmer has a good reputation as a medical thriller writer, and so I was excited about reading one of his books for the first time. After the first several pages, I began to have doubts, worried that the book would become too preachy about the negatives of managed health care. Regardless of the fact that I agreed with the main character’s concerns regarding the state of the health care system in the United States, I do not care for being lectured when reading a novel. Fortunately, those doubts were soon laid to rest as the story took off at break neck speed. Mr. Palmer sets the political stage quickly and moves on, adding real life anecdotes into the story where appropriate, and returning to the politics only as it suits the story.

Dr. Will Grant is one of those characters that is almost too good to be true--intelligent, charming, charitable, good at heart, and a good surgeon. Never mind that he has a crazy ex-wife and heavy financial burdens. His counterpart in the novel, Detective Patty Moriarity, balances out his gentleness with her toughness. She is the daughter of a colonel of the state police and knows she has to prove that she is qualified for the job on her own merits. She is another one of those strong female characters who I enjoy reading about, one who does not require a man to save her at the end of the day. There is nothing helpless about Patty.

Although I figured out at first glance who was behind the murders, The Society still made for an entertaining book to read. Would Will be able to get out from under the scandal that had been thrust on him? Would Patty be kicked off the case? And what exactly is the motive behind the murders? Is it as clear-cut as the police seem to believe? Or is it something more sinister? When the truth does come out and the motive becomes clear, well, it's horrifying.

Fast placed, intense, and entertaining, The Society had me on the edge of my seat through most of the book. Suspension of disbelief is a must, although the concerns and problems surrounding managed health care today in the U.S. must not be disregarded out of hand.

Favorite Part: There are several strong female characters in this novel, including Susan Hollister, Grace Peng Davis, Patty Moriarity, and Gloria Davenport. My favorite of the bunch is probably Patty, although Grace Peng Davis comes in at a close second. She had a difficult life and even with her most recent troubles, she remained strong and spirited.

The “Doctor Laywer” Augie Micelli was also among my favorite characters. When it came down to it, he came through for his clients.

My favorite scene of the novel is perhaps one of the most unbelievable moments, I’ll be the first to admit. Unfortunately for you, I have to remain mum or else I’d be giving too much away.

Note about the Author: American Visit the author's website to learn more about him as well as his books.

Miscellaneous: My issues of Bookmarks and The New Yorker came in the mail today! Yay! I wonder if I will actually fit reading time in for them. I have a nasty habit of letting magazines pile up . . .

Oh! And best of all, I learned from Kris over at Not Enough Books that I won a copy of Slipknot by Linda Greenlaw in a recent drawing she held. It's the first in a promising new mystery series. I know, I know. Just what I need, to start another series.

Sacred Cows by Karen E. Olson

Sacred Cows by Karen E. Olson
Warner Books, 2005
Mystery; 304 pgs

Started: 07/29/2007
Completed: 07/30/2007
Rating: (Very Good)

First Sentence: My hand closed over the cold steel in that second between hearing the phone ring and before my eyes opened.

Reason for Reading: This is my fifth selection for the Summer Mystery Reading Challenge.

I cannot help but hesitate when reviewing a book by someone I know. I don’t actually know the author, but she has honored me by reading and commenting here on my blog now and then. Still, it was enough to get me curious to try one of her books. It helps that she writes books in my one of my favorite genres. Still, what if I hated it? What if I couldn’t finish it? As it turns out though, I thoroughly enjoyed Karen Olson’s novel and will definitely be reading more of her books in the future. I can easily see Annie Seymour sliding in as a favorite mystery heroine of mine.

Comments: Annie Seymour is a veteran crime reporter for the New Haven Herald. The last thing Annie wants is to be dragged out of bed in the wee hours of the morning to a crime scene where a young college student has fallen to her death, but duty calls. In an effort to get her story and but with little help from her cop boyfriend, Annie begins her own investigation into the murder of the Yale student, uncovering more than she could ever have imagined. The victim was a high priced escort on the side, but the mystery doesn’t stop there. As Annie gets closer to the truth, following a trail of fraud, prostitution and murder, her own career and life are put on the line.

If that isn’t enough, Annie learns that her mother is mixed up in something related to her investigation, but her mother is remaining close-lipped. Then there is the young reporter, Dick Whitfield, who is dogging on her heels and seems to show up when she least wants him around.

Annie has moxie. She is cynical, rough around the edges, and tenacious in the pursuit of her story. Do not let that fool you, however, because Annie does have heart. Karen E. Olson has created an edgy and intelligent character that quickly earned my respect and had me pulling for her through the entire story.

Karen E. Olson’s Sacred Cows was a satisfying and entertaining story. The author adds a good dose of humor and wit to an otherwise hard boiled and thrilling murder mystery. There’s even a bit of romance for those readers who enjoy a touch of sexual tension between characters. I look forward to reading Secondhand Smoke, the next book in the series, in the future.

Favorite Part: I loved the cows. The idea of fiberglass cows on display throughout the city is quite amusing. My favorite part in particular was when Annie and the Mooster Street cow meet face to face. You’ll understand if you read the book.

I know it’s cliché for the main character to be a favorite, but Annie won me over pretty quickly. Besides that she is a strong female character, I like that she is not pretentious or overconfident. She knows she is good at her job, but it never crossed the line into arrogance. She came across as a real person. And besides, I can’t help but love a character who craves pizza and eats banana splits when a day can’t seem to get any more rotten.

Note about the Author: The author teamed up with several other authors (Lori Armstrong, Alison Gaylin, and Jeff Shelby) to create the First Offenders blog. It is a wonderful and witty blog where the authors talk about all sorts of subjects including writing, current political and social issues, their own lives, and much more. I recommend you take a look. Karen E. Olson also has her own website if you would like to learn more information about her books.

Read what Melody had to say about the book:
Melody's Reading Corner

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
Ballantine Books, 1901, 1902
Mystery; 173 pgs

Completed: 07/09/2007
Rating: (Very Good)


First Sentence: Mr. Sherlock Holmes, who was usually very late in the mornings, save upon those not infrequent occasions when he was up all night, was seated at the breakfast table.

Reason for Reading: I initially came upon this particular title while searching for a book to fit into the 1900 category for the Reading Through the Decades Challenge. It sounded like it might be interesting, and knowing how I enjoy a good mystery, I figured it was about time I read something by the famous Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes after all is a mystery icon.

The Hound of the Baskervilles is my 8th selection for the Reading Through the Decades Challenge (or By the Decades Challenge), my 3rd selection for the Summer Mystery Reading Challenge, and my 1st for the Classics Challenge.

From the Publisher: Perhaps the most popular of all Sherlock Holmes stories, The Hound of the Baskervilles combines the traditional detective tale with elements of horror. When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead on the wild Devon moorland with the footprints of a giant hound nearby, the blame is placed on a family curse-and it is up to Holmes and Watson to solve the mystery of the legend. Rationalism is pitted against the supernatural and good against evil, as Sherlock Holmes tries to defeat a foe almost his equal.

Comments: Sherlock Holmes is well known throughout the world as one of the finest literary detectives. His intelligence and skills in logic and observation surpass most, and he knows it. In fact, there was one part in the book where Holmes took offense to one of the characters referring to him as second best. Arrogance and a superiority complex are not qualities I tolerate well in significant characters in books, I'm afraid. Fortunately for Mr. Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle saw fit to have Dr. Watson as the narrator, therefore taking care of that little problem. Somewhat. My poor husband was worried as I read the first chapter that he was going to have to listen to my haranguing of the famous detective, which I had already begun to do. With a quick reminder to myself that if Watson, who was an intelligent man himself, was not insulted, I should not be. Hadn't I been forewarned that Sherlock Holmes thought a lot of himself? Of course, I had been. I had also been advised to take it with some humor, and so I did. Too, there was the consideration that the novel was written at the turn of the last century, over one hundred years ago.

With that behind me, I quickly lost myself in the mystery of The Hound of the Baskervilles, which I enjoyed immensely. The author laid out his story, leaving hardly a stone unturned. Sherlock Holmes is a whiz at putting the pieces of a puzzle together, even the little facts that may seem inconsequential at first. Dr. Watson himself is no slouch. He takes the lead throughout the book, even if the series is not named for him. It is he whom readers follow from London to Dartmoor to investigate the events at Baskerville Hall. It is from Dr. Watson's point of view that the story is told. While he may not be the one who figures everything out in the end, his findings and observations play a large part in Sherlock Holmes’ final wrap up of events.

The Hound of the Baskervilles is my first Sherlock Holmes novel and will not likely be my last. Even with my initial eye rolling at the character of Sherlock Holmes, I could not help but like him. He is not only smart and gifted, but there is some compassion beneath his rather logical and focused character. He is also a man of action, not just of thought. Dr. Watson provides good balance for the detective, being the more compassionate of the two. He takes notice of the beauty around him even when it does not have anything to do with the task at hand.

I cannot say I was surprised by much that occurred in the novel or by the outcome. The author left footprints all along the way so that the facts and details are all there for almost anyone who cannot help but add them up. The story itself was quite intriguing, just the same.

Favorite Part: I cannot tell you. It would ruin the effect.

Aside from that, I liked the setting of the novel. The author was able to give the moors a dark and foreboding feeling which was necessary for the story while at the same time capturing its beauty.

Note about the Author: If you would like to know more about the author, you can find a detailed biography here. The man led an extraordinary life. That alone makes me want to read some of his lesser known works.

Miscellaneous: Today is my dog’s anniversary with us. Six years ago today we brought him home from a local animal shelter. He had been a bit shy back then, taking his new surroundings in, unsure of what to expect. He settled in very quickly and soon gained his confidence. His initial shyness certainly wasn’t his natural state! He is actually very people-friendly and is a ball of energy that never rests. Except for now. He’s lying beside me, chewing a new rawhide bone at the moment.

The Monkey's Raincoat by Robert Crais

The Monkey’s Raincoat by Robert Crais
Bantam Books; 1987
Mystery; 201 pgs

Started: 06/30/2007
Completed: 06/30/2007
Rating: (Very Good)


First Sentence: “I’m sorry, Mr. Cole, this has nothing to do with you.”

Reason for Reading: Although I was familiar with the author’s name, it was not until the Los Angeles Festival of Books in 2006 that I became interested in reading anything by author Robert Crais. Sad to say, it’s taken me this long to get around to reading my first novel by the author. This is my third selection for the Summer Mystery Reading Challenge.

From the Publisher: When quiet Ellen Lang enters Elvis Cole's Disney-Deco office, she's lost something very valuable - her husband and young son. The case seems simple enough, but Elvis isn't thrilled. Neither is his enigmatic partner and firepower Joe Pike. Their search down the seamy side of Hollywood's studio lots and sculptured lawns soon leads them deep into a nasty netherworld of drugs and sex - and murder. Now the case is getting interesting, but it's also turned ugly. Because everybody, from cops to starlets to crooks, has declared war on Ellen and Elvis.

Comments: This is one of those moments when I kick myself for not picking up and reading this author sooner. Despite the author’s preference that new readers begin with his later books to gain an appreciation for where he is today with his writing, I had to start at the beginning, especially since I decided to read one of his Elvis Cole mysteries.

Elvis Cole is a private detective in Los Angeles, California. He has a way with the women, a wit that will not quit, and knows just when and where to throw a punch. Elvis also has a heart and has a habit of getting too involved with the cases he takes on. His character is balanced out in this novel by his partner, the quiet but deadly Joe Pike, who may be ruthless, still commands respect. I imagine he is the favorite character for many of Elvis Cole readers.

Robert Crais knows Los Angeles well and takes readers up and down the streets of the city, capturing some of the diversity one can find there. The Monkey’s Raincoat is a suspenseful and gripping mystery that leaves me eager to read more by this author, whether it be an Elvis Cole mystery or one of Robert Crais’ stand alones.

Favorite Part: I love Cole’s beer drinking cat. He’s completely the opposite of my cat who is as friendly as can be (and I would never give my cat beer to drink), but there are days when I feel like growling at all the people around me too.

Visit the author's website for more information about Robert Crais and his books.

The Pumpkin Seed Massacre by Susan Slater

The Pumpkin Seed Massacre by Susan Slater
World Wide Mystery, 1999
Mystery; 252 pgs

Completed: 06/30/2007
Rating: (Good)

First Sentence: The owl winged noiselessly across the moon’s path and settled on a pine bough above his head.

Reason for Reading: I have had Susan Slater’s Ben Pecos mystery series sitting on my shelf for some time now and thought the Summer Mystery Reading Challenge would be a great way to finally dive into the series and try an author I had yet to read before. The Pumpkin Seed Massacre is the first book in the series. This is also my first selection for the Medical Mystery Madness Challenge.

Synopsis: Native American psychologist Ben Pecos reluctantly takes an internship with Indian Health Services, returning to his birthplace and early childhood home. He has been away for a very long time. A mysterious virus claims the lives of several elderly pueblo residents, including his own grandmother, raising suspicion of a possible epidemic. Joined by television reporter, Julie Conlin who hopes the story will advance her career, Ben is asked to look further into the deaths and find the root cause.

Because one of the victims of the virus was the tribal governor, who had been opposed to the construction of a casino, Ben and Julie entertain the notion of possible malicious intent but cannot be sure. After all, why kill so many others if only one person was the target? The pair have their work cut out for them, and it could mean putting their own lives at risk.

Comments: Three years ago, my husband and I took a road trip through the Southwestern part of the United States. Our time was limited, and so it wasn’t quite as leisurely as we might have liked, but we had a wonderful time. One of the states we visited was New Mexico, which I fell in love with instantly. The earth was rich both in beauty and tradition. Susan Slater’s The Pumpkin Seed Massacre took me back to New Mexico, this time to locations I had not visited as well as some that were more familiar.

The author artfully weaved Pueblo Native American belief and superstition into the story. She did so with respect and careful consideration. At various points in the novel, the clash between the old ways and the modern come into play. While traditions must be upheld and respected when the elders in the pueblo begin to die, the need to investigate further through science becomes a medical necessity. There is also the issue of the gambling casino; while some people, particularly the new tribal governor, are eager for the change and the promise of wealth and jobs it may bring, others remain skeptical and are strongly opposed to the changes such a public attraction would bring to their lands.

This is not a mystery where the players are completely unknown. Readers follow the progress of the investigation from several different viewpoints, and so there was not a lot of guesswork needed on behalf of the reader in figuring out who is beind what. Just from the description on the back of the book (not included in my review), so much of the plot is given away, and yet there are still many questions posed in the novel worth getting to the bottom of.

Ben Pecos is a charming main character and Julie Conlin, the television reporter, who also takes part in the investigation holds her own. Her ethical approach alone was enough to earn my respect immediately. My favorite of all the characters, however, would have to be Lorenzo, an elder of the Pueblo Indians. He was an endearing character, and even in his innocence, he pops up in the most unusual places.

Susan Slater not only has written a suspenseful mystery but also has captured her setting in such a way as to remind me of what I loved about New Mexico so much. I will definitely be continuing on with the series.

Visit the author's website for more information about her books.

Field of Fire by James O. Born

Field of Fire by James O. Born
Putnam, 2007 (ARE)
Mystery; 340 pgs

Completed: 05/31/2007
Rating: (Good)


First Sentence: He looked over the dash of the new ford Taurus, already littered with PowerBar wrappers, thanks to his partner.
Reason for Reading: I was curious about James O. Born’s novels and when I saw this one among the books available for review through Curled Up With a Good Book, I couldn’t resist requesting the copy. This is my first selection for the Summer Mystery Reading Challenge (Liz, the hostess, said participants could get a head start on this one, and so I took advantage of her offer).

Comments: What better way to begin summer than with a novel full of mystery and intrigue? Field of Fire is a good place to start. Stepping outside of his Bill Tasker series, author James O. Born presents a new protagonist, Alex Duarte, a special agent with the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Agency, otherwise known as ATF. Alex walks the straight path, intent on doing good and seeking justice. He is hardworking and ambitious, wanting to move up in the department. He earned his name “Rocket” because of his focus and determination once he is set on a task.

When the man Alex recently arrested proves to be the intended target of a bombing that killed innocent people, including a young boy, Alex is pulled into a complex investigation involving the assistant attorney general's office. Alberto Salez had been picked up on gun charges. He agreed to help the ATF uncover the identity of the possible bomber only to escape from custody himself. Now on the run for his life and from the authorities, Alberto Salez will stop at nothing to stay one step ahead.

Alex is determined to track down the man he let get away. However, Department of Justice attorney, Caren Larson, has been assigned to work with Alex to help her with her own investigation, that involving the bombing at the labor camp as well as two other related bombings and murders believed to be the result of labor union disputes. Trying to catch Salez's trail and uncovering the motive and identity of the bomber are first on Alex's agenda.

Attorney Caren Larson is an enigma to Alex. She is smart and beautiful. They make a good team, and seemingly balance each other out. However, Alex is not completely sure what part Caren plays in the investigation and what her motives are. As the investigation continues, the more tangled the web appears to be. Is everything as it seems or is there more to what is going on? Alex is determined to get to the truth.

The novel follows the movements of three main characters throughout the novel, that of Alex and his investigation, the hired killer as he continues to hunt down the designated victims and Salez's flight for survival. With each perspective, the layers of the mystery are revealed and the intensity builds, coming to a dramatic climax at the end.

Within the framework of the story, the author deftly explores the personal side of his characters, offering insight and depth into their lives, exploring their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. The author subtly weaves in social issues, including that of race and ethnicity and the struggles a war veteran may have in coming to terms with his past.

Alex Duarte may seem too good to be true upon first glance, but once you get to know the guy, he’s not only likeable but he’s admirable. Haunted by his experience in Bosnia, not trusting his own ability to read people and his confidence and pride in the work he does only add to his charm. He’s a man of action, whose honesty and dedication make him stand out.

The author takes great care with the details. James O. Born’s research and personal experience play a large part in crafting a novel that has a realistic feel to it, even in the more unconventional moments. Field of Fire is both entertaining and gripping. It will make a great summer reading experience. Originally published on Curled Up With a Good Book at www.curledup.com. © Wendy Runyon, 2007

Favorite Part: As confident as Alex is doing his job, his lack of confidence in his social skills was endearing.

My favorite scene was when Alex and Caren faced the men outside of the bar. I could just see that scene played out in a movie.

Just One More . . . The Summer Mystery Reading Challenge

All mystery readers need to check out Summer Mystery Reading Challenge hosted by Liz and Bob at Reviewed by Liz. The rules are very simple: participants read 6 books by new-to-you mystery authors between June 1st and August 31st. What could be simpler than that? Okay, so maybe not so simple if you are like me and are already participating in more challenges than a reasonable person would take on. Still . . . There's that Karen E. Olson mystery Sacred Cows I would really like to read, and what about Paul Levine's Solomon vs. Lord, that caught my eye one day when I was browsing through the mystery section? Oh! And I have been meaning to try a book by Betty Webb whose mystery series has been highly recommended. I dare not tell you how many books by new-to-me authors I own but have yet to read, and quite a few fall into the mystery category in one way or another. I do not lack choices for this challenge, let me tell you! As it is, I'm already slated to read three new-to-me mystery authors for the Medical Mystery Challenge. And wouldn't that be perfect if I get in a time crunch?

So I said no more challenges. A woman can change her mind. The advantages to this latest challenge are that I do not have to chose the six books I plan to read ahead of time and there is no set time limit to have each book read by as long as the books are read between June 1st and August 31st.

Any excuse to read a mystery . . .

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Speaking of mysteries, I could not help but share this story. I subscribe to a fantastic magazine called Mystery Scene. One of the letters in the letter's section caught my attention. Reader Roy Pursey wrote in to inquire about a book called Spy he had seen listed on the Fantastic Fiction website that he hoped to find a copy of. The author Justin Scott (aka Paul Garrison) responded by saying that the novel has yet to be published, much less written. Evidently a reviewer saw mention of his book in a catalog and published a review in several magazines. To top it off, another dishonest reviewer passed the review off as his own. According to the author, "All the reviews were very encouraging and doubtless would have helped sales if only I had written the book." [Mystery Scene, Number 99, 2007, pg 6]