Texas Outlaw by James Patterson

Texas Outlaw by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this book on the 14 Day shelf when I stopped at the library. This was a whole new style of book for me to read from James Patterson. I enjoyed it. It was a nice change for pace from his Alex Cross series. I might have to go back and find book 1 in the series.

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Blue Labyrinth - By Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Blue Labyrinth by Douglas Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another fun read where you have to suspend certain aspects in reality but I have come to expecct it from this series. It was a fun read and kept me entertained for a couple of days.

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Impact - By Douglas Preston

Impact by Douglas Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I grabbed this the other day when I was picking up a few book at the library for my staycation this week. The beginning was sort of weird in that I didn't quite understand how the 3 story lines were going to finally combine but at the end it did and over all it was a good book. Probably closer to a 3.5 star book but I will give it a 4.

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The Bourne Evolution by Brian Freeman

The Bourne Evolution by Brian Freeman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fun easy read that kept me entertained. This one had some nice twists and turns that had me guessing until the end.

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Chaos Rising by Timothy Zahn (Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy #1)

Chaos Rising by Timothy Zahn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This one was just sort of ehhhhhhhhhhh for me. It took me a couple of chapters to figure out that there were a lot of flashbacks going on to try and set up more of the backstory. It seemed like the character was always perfect and rarely made mistakes.

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One True Patriot by Sean Parnell

One True Patriot by Sean Parnell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It has been a little while since I read the other 2. This was a decent story. The main character seemed to be flying around a little off his rocker a bit more this time and it had a few interesting twists and turns at the end that I didn't expect. I am sure that I will end up reading the next one when it gets released.


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The Malta Exchange by Steve Berry

The Malta Exchange by Steve Berry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It has been awhile since I have read one from this series. I had to get to used to the characters again. If felt like this story had 3 different sets of people all working at odds against each other and I had a hard time following it at points. At the end things did finally get cleaned/cleared up and the ending was good. Overall it was just okay.

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The Russia Account by Stephen Coonts

The Russia Account by Stephen Coonts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is probably closer to a 3.5 star book. It was just sort of okay. Not sure why. It just didn't seem to grab me like a lot of his other books have. The flow was decent the story line was pretty good but I just never got into.

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Book Review of "Of Blood and Bone" by Nora Roberts

Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a nice solid follow up to the first book. The One completes her training and then heads home to finally get ready for her quest. At times it got a little slow but the ending was pretty good. Overall I liked it.

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The Last Odyssey by James Rollins

The Last Odyssey by James Rollins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another good adventure of the Sigma Team has the stop the villians while also dealing with another historical/supernatural issue. This series has always been a fun take a brain break type of read for me.

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Firing Point by Mike Maden

Firing Point by Mike Maden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just another solid adventure in the Jack Ryan Jr series. Cybercrime is taking over the world and Jack Jr helps defeat it this time pretty much all by himself.

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Hawk by James Patterson - Another book closer to my goal of 60 for the year.

Hawk by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overall an interesting book. Sort of a sequel to another series but you can read it as a stand alone. It was an enjoyable and easy read.

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The Wrath of Poseidon by Clive Cussler

Wrath of Poseidon by Clive Cussler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yeah, just another adventure of the Fargo Team. The only thing I didn't like about this one was that about 80% of the story was a flashback to when they first met and what started their life together. The story itself was good, it just felt weird to spend so much time in the historical portion just to set up the current day portion of the story. The story still flowed and I enjoyed it, it just felt weird.

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To Wake the Giant: A Novel of Pearl Harbor by Jeff Shaara

To Wake the Giant: A Novel of Pearl Harbor by Jeff Shaara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fun historical read. Very cool to read about the planning of the attack from the Japanese side and how the US missed signs and had miscommunication and assumptions on their side. I really enjoyed it.

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The Journey of the Pharaohs - CLive Cusser and Graham Brown - Book 50 for the year

Journey of the Pharaohs by Clive Cussler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was just another solid adventure with Kurt Austin and his normal team. It had some nice twists and turns and overall was a just a fun read.

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Crooked River by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Crooked River: Agent Pendergast #19 by Douglas Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I finally finished listening to this book that was on CD for my road trip to Pitt and back. Overall it was okay. Still a fun story with Agent Pendergast , but maybe because I was listening on CD instead of reading I kept zoning out and I had to replay certain sections at times since I missed stuff. Overall still a fun read.

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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read. A co-worker mentioned they really enjoyed it so I thought I should finally give it a try. It took a little while to get into the flow of the writing since the English is little different than what I am used to and the style forced me to slow down. It was still enjoyable but I think I missed a lot of stuff so I will probably have to read it again.

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Bloodline by James Rollins

Bloodline by James Rollins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just another fun easy read that kept me entertained for a few days while reading on my lunch hour.

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The White Lioness - Henning Mankell

The White Lioness by Henning Mankell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I just didn't enjoy this book. At times it felt like it was just dragging and dragging. A friend thought I might like it but I didn't. Oh well at least I finally finished it.

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Code of Honor - Marc Cameron and Tom Clancy

Code of Honor by Marc Cameron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yep, ANother book read in the Jack Ryan Universe. This was just something that was on my to read list and I saw it in the library when I was picking up a book for my wife. I have always enjoyed this series so I rarely say anything bad about it. It is a fun escape from reality for me for a few days as I read them that quickly. If you have enjoyed other books in the Jack Ryan universe you will enjoy this one also.

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Year One - Nora Roberts

Year One by Nora Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My wife recommended this to me and I decided to give it a try. . It is a cool story about a pandemic of some sort that wipes out almost 2/3 of the globe and releases magical abilities for certain people who use it for good or evil. It was a fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Once I read some of the other books I have stacked up I will read the next one in this series

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If it Bleeds - Stephen King

If It Bleeds by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just a fun easy read of 4 novellas. The first one was very good, the second one was a little confusing at first but then it got better. The third one and the longest brought back a character from a previous book that was fun to read and the final story was also pretty good. It kept me entertained for a few days.

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The Lost Throne by Chris Kuzneski - my book review

The Lost Throne by Chris Kuzneski
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I listened to this book as Book on CD while road tripping and overall it wasn't a bad book. It is the first time I have tried any of this authors work and overall it was enjoyable. The action was good and the story moved along at a pretty good pace. I might search out more of his work after I get caught up on the other books that I am trying to read.

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Book Review #41 - Camino Island by John Grisham

Camino Island by John Grisham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It has been awhile since I have read a John Grisham book and this was a nice change of story from what he usually writes. It still involves mystery, theft, deception and other things but it was different. It kept me entertained for a several days. Now I just need to wait for my turn on the wait list for the second book.

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Book Review - Enemy Contact by Mike Maden and Tom Clancy - Book 40 for the year

Enemy Contact by Mike Maden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another Story in the Jack Ryan Jr Saga. In this one it felt like it had too many odd unrelated side stories. Overall the action was decent, the story was good and admittedly I was able to sort of predict who the main villain was. At least it kept me entertained during this pandemic.

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Book Review - The Oracle by Clive Cussler and Robin Burcell

The Oracle by Clive Cussler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was another fun easy read in the Sam and Remi Fargo adventure series. A few nice twists and turns. I read these to keep me entertained during the Covid crisis and this one did.

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Full Force and Effect by Mark Greaney/Tom Clancy

Full Force and Effect by Mark Greaney

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was another solid book in the Jack Ryan Jr series. Now North Korea is looking to become a nuclear power and they will do almost anything to get there. Some nice twists and turns and over just a nice easy read.



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Lisey's Story by Stephen King - A book review (sort of)

Lisey's Story by Stephen King

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Well this is the first Stephen King book that I have NOT enjoyed in a long time. It was probably closer to a 2.5 star but goodreads doesn't allow .5 starts. The story seemed to drag and there were multiple flashbacks and hints at stuff that happened that made it really hard to keep track of what was going on. Just my humble opinion but it wasn't his best work.



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Book Review - The warning by James Patterson

The Warning by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is one of those books where James Patterson steps out of his normal genre and writes something different. The story moved nicely but I felt like the ending was a little - Ehhh. Not a big deal. Overall it was a fun easy ready that kept me entertained for a few days.



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Random Thought

I'm 51, & I realized I still have so many unanswered questions! I never found out who let the dogs out... the way to get to Sesame Street... why Dora doesn't just use Google Maps... why we don't ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"... why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed... why "abbreviated" is such a long word... why lemon juice is made with artificial flavor yet dish-washing liquid is made with real lemons... why they sterilize the needle for lethal injections... and, why do you have to "put your two cents in" but it's only a "penny for your thoughts" where's that extra penny going to... why do The Alphabet Song and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star have the same tune... why did you just try to sing those two previous songs... and just what is Victoria's secret? ...and do you really think I am this witty ?? ... I actually stole this from a friend, who stole it from her brother's girlfriend's Uncle's cousin's, baby momma's Doctor...Now it is your turn to steal it from me... lol Enjoy the rest of your day!

Book Review: The Winter Fortress by Neal Bascomb

The Winter Fortress: The Epic Mission to Sabotage Hitler’s Atomic Bomb by Neal Bascomb

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was an in depth detailed account of how Norwegian (sp?) resistance fighters worked to destroy the Heavy Water plant that Germany had commandeered during World War II. The beginning was a little slow as the author introduced you to all the main players and why they chose to be part of the resistance. Overall it was a good book on one part of WWII that I did not know a lot about. Please note I am using this in the terms of people fighting the Germans that had taken over their country. Some of these folks had fled Norway, Trained in England and then returned to perform the attacks



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Book Review - Havana Storm by Clive Cussler

Havana Storm by Clive Cussler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was definitely just another fun easy read in the Dirk Pitt adventure series. Ever since I read the first one many moons ago I have always enjoyed this series. It keeps me entertained for a few hours. Some folks might think the stories get a little cookie cutter but I think anyone that rights series like this tends to do them all in a similar manner.



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Book Review - Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This was such a weird book. I never saw the movie but folks said that was weird also so I sort of expected this to be weird but wow this was over the top weird. All can I say at this point is that I am done!



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The Given Sacrifice by S.M. Stirling a book review

The Given Sacrifice by S.M. Stirling

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is the 10th book out of 15 of a series that I Started a LONG time but now it seems to just keep on dragging on. He has created a fantastic universe in the Pacific Northwest and I guess we call it the upper Midwest so I understand the need for the number of books, but wow this is a long series. The author does a great job of describing the scenes but at times it feels like he gets stuck in the details. Trying to keep track of who is related to who and how made me feel like I was reading Game of Thrones with the number of characters involved. I am sure sooner or later I will get back to reading the next one but for now I will let this series sit lower on my priority list in terms of reading.



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Book Review of: The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band

The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band by Neil Strauss

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was an interesting read. Brought back memories of listening to their music in HS. I am truly shocked that they all somehow survived without seriously hurting themselves. Overall it was a decent read, just something different to read while stuck at home.



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Book Review #30 for 2020 - Killing the SS: The Hunt for the Worst War Criminals in History by Bill O'Reilly

Killing the SS: The Hunt for the Worst War Criminals in History by Bill O'Reilly

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Since I like reading about WWII I thought I would give this one a shot. It was an interesting read. Amazing to hear how many Nazi's got away and how many were actually helped by the US Government, the Red Cross and other organizations.



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Book Review - The Navigator by Clive Cussler

The Navigator by Clive Cussler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is probably closer to 4.5 than a four. Overall just another fun adventure with the Numa Team as Austin and Zavala yet again save the day! These are the fun reads that I enjoy to kill time on a hot summer day/evening/night.



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Book Review - Still Life with Crows by Douglas Preston

Still Life With Crows by Douglas Preston

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Another book I forgot to mark as completed. Pendergast was his normal eccentric self and it kept me entertained for a few days while stuck at home.



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True Believer by Jack Carr - A simple mans book review

True Believer by Jack Carr

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was probably closer to a 4.5 but I gave it a 4 since the first part of the book felt really slow! It did finally start picking up and overall I really enjoyed the story. This has been a fun new character to watch grow and learn as he realizes how screwed over he got. I am pretty sure I will keep on reading these as they come out.



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1st to Die by James Patterson - Book Review

1st to Die by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I actually finished the book about a week ago but I forgot to mark it as complete in Goodreads. Another fun Murder/Mystery novel from James Patterson. I am sure sooner or later I will circle back and read another one of them in the future. Especially since we are still stuck in stay at home, safer at home self quarantine, whatever you want to call it mode!

Stay Safe!



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Book 25 in 2020 - The Royal Dragoneers by M.R. Mathias

The Royal Dragoneers by M.R. Mathias

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Just a new author that I have never tried that I had on my kindle. An interesting start to what is apparently a series. After I read some other stuff I will probably come back and read some more of this series.



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Airframe by Michael Crichton

Airframe by Michael Crichton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A simple easy to read thriller that kept me entertained during another weekend of lockdown at the house.



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Book Review - The Protocol - by J. Robert Kennedy

The Protocol by J. Robert Kennedy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a quick, fun easy read over the weekend. I would probably give it closer to 4.5 stars but 4 works. It had a couple of nice twists to it and overall I enjoyed the story and the pace etc Since we can't really go anywhere I have a feeling I am going to crush my goal of 60 books for the year.



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Book 21 of the year - The Strain by Guillermo del Toro

The Strain by Guillermo del Toro

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was a fun read. I only knew that it involved vampires but beyond that nothing else. It definitely keep me entertained while practicing social distancing and staying safe!



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Book Review - A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton

A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


My first time reading any book by Sue Grafton, overall it was a decent read. It kept me entertained over the Easter weekend. Stay Safe and Stay Physically distant!



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Book Review - Demon Seed by Dean Koontz

Demon Seed by Dean Koontz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book felt really short. It was a fun and interesting read that made me want to keep on reading. Stay Safe and Stay Home!



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Book Review - The Black Echo by Michael Connelly

The Black Echo by Michael Connelly

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Well another book done. This one was pretty good. The beginning was a little slow but then it picked up and at the end it had a couple of nice twists and turns that make you think. Overall I enjoyed it.



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Book Review - Wizards First Rule by Terry Goodkind

Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I actually finished this the other day and just forgot to update Goodreads. Overall this was a fun fantasy story. The beginning was a little slow but then the action picked up and it had a few nice twists and turns that kept me entertained.



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Lindsey Stirling Performs Artemis at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center

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Book Review #15 - Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Victory That Changed American History - By Brian Kilmeade

Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Victory That Changed American History by Brian Kilmeade

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was an interesting read about a time in US History that I have never really read about. Definitely learned some new stuff and got reminded of some other stuff.



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Another Book review - Riptide by Douglas Preston

Riptide by Douglas Preston

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I finished this one a couple of weeks ago. This was just a different sort of action and adventure story as a group searches for a hidden pirate treasure.



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Blue Moon by Lee Child a Book review

Blue Moon by Lee Child

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Another great Jack Reacher story. Nothing like Jack and a couple of folks taking on 2 different mobs in a small town in America!



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