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Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Audible Book Review: Daemon by Daniel Suarez

This is a very intense AI suspense/mystery - well done!
Daemon
Written by: Daniel Suarez
Narrated by: Jeff Gurner
Length: 15 hrs and 57 mins
Series: Daemon, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-08-09
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Sci Fi, Techno-Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Technology controls almost everything in our modern-day world, from remote entry on our cars to access to our homes, from the flight controls of our airplanes to the movements of the entire world economy. Thousands of autonomous computer programs, or daemons, make our networked world possible, running constantly in the background of our lives, trafficking e-mail, transferring money, and monitoring power grids. For the most part, daemons are benign, but the same can't always be said for the people who design them.
Matthew Sobol was a legendary computer game designer - the architect behind half-a-dozen popular online games. His premature death depressed both gamers and his company's stock price. But Sobol's fans aren't the only ones to note his passing. When his obituary is posted online, a previously dormant daemon activates, initiating a chain of events intended to unravel the fabric of our hyper-efficient, interconnected world. With Sobol's secrets buried along with him, and as new layers of his daemon are unleashed at every turn, it's up to an unlikely alliance to decipher his intricate plans and wrest the world from the grasp of a nameless, faceless enemy - or learn to live in a society in which we are no longer in control. . . .
Computer technology expert Daniel Suarez blends haunting high-tech realism with gripping suspense in an authentic, complex thriller in the tradition of Michael Crichton, Neal Stephenson, and William Gibson.
©2009 Daniel Suarez; (P)2009 Penguin Audio


Review:
Matthew Sobol, a legendary computer game designer has died of cancer. Physically he is gone, but he is still around – in his computer programs – especially one special program he calls Daemon. The computer entity contacts Detective Pete Sebeck directly leading him to further victims. Although the FBI takes over the cases they don’t agree with Pete who is the only investigator inclined to believe that the killer is Sobol through his computer program, Daemon.


This is a wonderful mystery --- not fully solved and not really a happy ending. There is plenty of action from different views. The early part of the book follows the investigations with Pete until the computer program manipulates him into major trouble. The story also picks up other characters who are contacted and engaged by - to them - an unknown entity. Some accept the new employer willingly but others are strong-armed with no choice. The story is a bit confusing as not all povs are fully clarified. This might require a re-listen… if it was a movie, it would be one to watch more than once to pick up on the threads.

Although I work well with computers, I do not have any real technical training and I am not a gamer. I may not have fully grasped all the computer technicalities but I was able to follow the gist. The control that Daemon exercises through the internet on various companies and agencies is truly scary. The goal is initiate a social agenda through an intricate design created, and left behind, by Sobol. I enjoyed the writing and found the whole idea fascinating. I enjoyed the mystery elements too. I just realized there is a sequel and I will be adding that to my Audible library. I recommend this book to sci fi buffs who enjoy mystery and AI intrigue.

Audio Notes: Jeff Gurner is the primary narrator and he does an excellent job. There is also wonderful full performance with female voices and sound effects that enrich the listen. The audio is really wonderful and I recommend it for those who love a good audio.

This AI suspense/mystery was from my own Audible shelf from 2012. This qualifies for TBR, Audio Challenge and "D" in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Book Review: The Bluebonnet Betrayal, A Potting Shed Mystery by Marty Wingate

This is an easy, delightful cozy mystery with gardening interests and lovely warmth – other than the death of course.
The Bluebonnet Betrayal, A Potting Shed Mystery
by Marty Wingate
File Size: 2129 KB
Print Length: 294 pages
Publisher: Alibi (August 2, 2016)
ASIN: B017QLSIU4
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Bestselling author Marty Wingate “plants clever clues with a dash of romantic spice,” raves Mary Daheim. Now Wingate’s inimitable gardening heroine, Pru Parke, is importing a precious bloom from Texas—and she won’t let a vicious murder stop her.
Pru’s life in England is coming full circle. A Texas transplant, she’s married to the love of her life, thriving in the plum gardening position she shares with her long-lost brother, and prepping a Chelsea Flower Show exhibit featuring the beloved bluebonnets of the Texas hill country. Technically, Twyla Woodford, the president of a gardening club in the Lone Star State, is in charge of the London event, but Pru seems to be the one getting her hands dirty. When they finally do meet, Pru senses a kindred spirit—until Twyla turns up dead.
Although Twyla’s body was half buried under a wall in their display, Pru remains determined to mount a spectacular show. Twyla would have insisted. So Pru recruits her husband, former Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Pearse, to go undercover and do a bit of unofficial digging into Twyla’s final hours. If Pru has anything


Review:
Pru Parke is a ‘transplanted’ Texan living and gardening in England where she now lives with her new husband. Pru and her newly found brother are working to restore the gardens on a country estate. Pru has been asked by a Texan gardening ‘friend’, Twyla Woodford, to help set up a Texas exhibit for the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in London.

Pru arrives at the exhibit site and begins to meet the various crew: an aloof ‘designer’, Roddy; a competent, if angry, crew boss, Chiv, and his jealous partner, Iris; a mostly absent, wealthy sponsor, Damien; and a young, enthusiastic researcher, Forde, who is convinced the sponsor will buy his special biofuel product. Pru picks up on some tension among these crew members even before she meets the Texas garden society ladies. Pru picks up five of the Texas ladies at the airport only to learn that their fearless leader, Twyla, has been delayed.

Twyla finally arrives and she and Pru hit it off right away. Twyla has some concerns that she has to resolve although she doesn’t fully explain the problems to Pru. This gives Pru fuel for the mystery when Twyla is discovered murdered the next morning. The Chief Inspector immediately warns Pru to keep her nose out of the investigation and to keep her husband, Chris, the former chief inspector who retired and now serves as consultant, out of the way too.

This of course won’t work for Pru who is determined to find Twyla’s killer while she also continues preparing for the exhibit. Pru drags Chris onto the crew to investigate under cover. As they make their inquiries, Pru learns that all four men, and several of the ladies, had relationships with Twyla that might provide a motive for the killing. Now they just have to narrow the field of suspects without getting in the line of fire.

Although there initially seemed to be quite a lot of characters and suspects, Ms. Wingate does a wonderful job of tying all the details together while hiding the true killer until an exciting confrontation at the end. The story brims with gardening background that I found interesting and I loved the gentle humor. Each chapter begins with a tidbit from the fictional ARGS (Austin Rock Garden Society) news or minutes. There is a sweet romantic vibe between Pru and Chris that adds to the story.

There is a rich warmth and easy style (yes, cozy) to the writing which makes this enjoyable entertainment. This is the second Potting Shed Mystery that I have read by Ms. Wingate and I highly recommend this author and series to readers who like cozy mysteries.

I received this title through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Monday, August 1, 2016

MBS July 2016 Reading Wrap-Up

Martha's Bookshelf July 2016


My goals are repeated below the book list - 15 per month total. I was ahead by two in January but down by five in February; up one in March; down one in April. May I was up nine by including children's books. June I was down two. JULY I am down three so that puts me up one for the year to the end of July.  I still hope to read more TBRs but right now I am running behind on those.

Total read = 12
Audio/Audible = 4
eBook = 8 (two tour reviews; 2 author request, 1 kindle TBR)
NetGalley = 3
Print = 0

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TBR =  4 (obtained prior to 2016); year to date = 36
New to Me Authors = 4; year to date = 61
Series Continued = 5; year to date = 21

There were no 5.0 rated books in July and two rated 4.5.

Code for the list is:
A = Audio/Audible     ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox    ABB = Audiobook Blast
E or ETour = eBook
NG = NetGalley
P = Print
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2016

JULY 2016
  1. E-Tour-- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Regina Shen, Defiance by Lance Erlick; Dystopian, YA; my rating 4.0.
  2. ATBR-- Audible Book Review: Daemon by Daniel Suarez; Sci Fi, Techno Thriller; my rating 4.5.
  3. NG-- Book Review: A License to Wed: Rebellious Brides by Diana Quincy; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.
  4.  A-- Audible Book Review: Burning Nation: Book 2 of Divided We Fall by Trent Reedy; Dystopian, Sci Fi, YA; my rating 4.0.
  5. NG-- Book Review: Machinations by Hayley Stone; Sci Fi, Suspense Thriller; my rating 4.25.
  6. E(Author)-- Book Review: Indiana Belle (American Journey Book 3) by John A. Heldt; Dystopian, Sci Fi, YA; my rating 4.25.
  7. ATBR-- Audible Book Review: For Honor We Stand: Man of War, Book 2 by H. Paul Honsinger; Sci Fi, Military Space Opera; my rating 4.5
  8. E-Tour-- Book Review: Regina Shen: Endurance by Lance Erlick; Dystopian, Sci Fi, YA; my rating 4.25.
  9. NG-- Book Review: The Bluebonnet Betrayal, A Potting Shed Mystery by Marty Wingate; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.
  10. ETBR--Book Review: Quiet As They Come by Angie Chau; Asian American, Fiction; my rating 4.5.
  11. ATBR-- Audible Book Review: This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti; Inspiration, Religious, Suspense; my rating 4.25.
  12. E(Author)--Book Review: Engaged in Danger (Jamie Quinn Cozy Mystery Book 4) by Barbara Venkataraman; Cozy Mystery, Female Lawyer; my rating 4.25.


I have certain goals to reach my challenges and reading total for 2016.


The YEARLY reading goals+ Progress (+ after the number means I am ahead; - means I am short; no symbol means I am right on goal.)
Total = 180................... End of July = 106+
Audio = 72................... to date = 46+
NetGalley = 42.............. to date = 24
Tours  = 24..................... to date = 14 (incls 3 NG)
Ladies Book Club (LBC) = 12.. to date =6-
Print = 12...................... = (4-) These are same as the LBC books.
Mixed in Author Reviews (hopefully includes TBR books I've won) = 18 to date = 22+ (includes childrens)

My TBR goal is to read at least 100 from my shelves, whether Audible, Kindle, other ebook or print.
TBRs read as of July = 36-

The goal breaks down roughly to 15 books a MONTHLY in these formats (with TBRs, print, LBC and others overlapping at times):
Audio --  6
eBooks -- 2  (author review/tour or TBR)
NetGalley -- 3.5
TBR Print  --  1
TBR eBook -- 1
LBC -- 1
Other -- 1

MBS June 2016 Reading Wrap-Up

Martha's Bookshelf June 2016


My goals are repeated below the book list - 15 per month total. I was ahead by two in January but down by five in February; up one in March; down one in April.  May I was up nine by including children's books. JUNE I am down two so that puts me up four for the year to the end of June.  I still hope to gain a couple TBR groups maybe during the summer so I do not have to push at the end of the year.

Total read = 13
Audio/Audible = 7 (1 tour)
eBook = 6 (three tour reviews; 1 author request)
NetGalley = 3
Print = 0

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TBR =  0 (obtained prior to 2016); year to date = 32
New to Me Authors = 8; year to date = 57
Series Continued = 4; year to date = 16

There was one 5.0 rated book in June and one 4.5.

Code for the list is:
A = Audio/Audible     ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox    ABB = Audiobook Blast
E or ETour = eBook
NG = NetGalley
P = Print
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2016

       JUNE 2016
  1. A-- Audible Book Review: Burning Bright: Ivy Granger Book 3 by E.J. Stevens; Detective, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.0.
  2. E-Tour-- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Regina Shen: Resilience by Lance Erlick; Dystopian, Sci Fi, YA; my rating 4.0.
  3. ABB--Audible Book Review: Dangerous and Unseemly: A Concordia Wells Mystery, Book 1 by K.B. Owen; Historical, Mystery, Amateur Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.25.
  4. A-Tour--Audible Book Review: Birthright: Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective, Book 4 by E.J. Stevens Detective, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy; my rating 4.25.
  5. E(Author)-- Book Review: Guardian of Paradise by W.E. Lawrence; Historical, Adventure Romance; my rating 4.0.
  6. ABJ-- Audible Book Review: Beware the Little White Rabbit Anthology; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Steampunk; my rating 4.5.
  7. E-Tour-- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Regina Shen: Vigilance by Lance Erlick; Dystopian, YA; my rating 4.0.
  8. A(Narrator)-- Audible Book Review: The Pit Stop: This Stop Could Be Life or Death by Carmen DeSousa; Mystery, Paranormal; my rating 4.25.
  9. ABJ-- Audio Book Review: Desolation by M.L. Banner; Post Apocalyptic, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
  10. NG-- Book Review: Laos File (The Shake Davis Series) by Dale Dye; Military Thriller; my rating 5.0.
  11. ABB-- Audio Book Review: The Christmas Kitten: A Polly Parrett Pet-Sitter Cozy Murder Mystery, Book 2 by Liz Dodwell; Cozy Mystery; my rating 4.25.
  12. NG-- Book Review: A Better World by Marcus Sakey; Sci Fi, Suspense Thriller; my rating 4.25.
  13. NG-- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Ultimate Courage (True Heroes) by Piper J. Drake; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.5. Ending 8/4/2016
  14. Drake 

I have certain goals to reach my challenges and reading total for 2016.


The YEARLY reading goals+ Progress (+ after the number means I am ahead; - means I am short; no symbol means I am right on goal.)
Total = 180................... End of June = 94
Audio = 72................... to date = 42+
NetGalley = 42.............. to date = 21
Tours  = 24..................... to date = 12 (incls 3 NG)
Ladies Book Club (LBC) = 12.. to date = 5
Print = 12...................... = (4-) These are same as the LBC books.
Mixed in Author Reviews (hopefully includes TBR books I've won) = 18 to date = 20+ (includes childrens)

My TBR goal is to read at least 100 from my shelves, whether Audible, Kindle, other ebook or print.
TBRs read as of June = 32-

The goal breaks down roughly to 15 books a MONTHLY in these formats (with TBRs, print, LBC and others overlapping at times):
Audio --  6
eBooks -- 2  (author review/tour or TBR)
NetGalley -- 3.5
TBR Print  --  1
TBR eBook -- 1
LBC -- 1
Other -- 1

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Sunday Post July 31, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday August 1, 2016

I miss-scheduled this so it is posting late... but better late then not at all.

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.
What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

It is hard to realize that July is over -- it went so fast! I brought my DH home on Thursday. He is in pain today after more activity in the last several days than he probably had in the last three weeks at rehab. You don't realize how normal motions of bathing, dressing and walking up and down stairs tax the body. He managed to got to church this morning and wore plastic wrap under his shirt because the shirts itch and hurt the hair as it is growing back. Turns out it was lucky he did that because the lower tube wounds bled under the wrap. The main sternum cut is scabbed over and healing but these larger (straw size) holes are apparently still open and oozing. He will see the surgeon on Tuesday so we will see what he says.

I enjoyed my reading although I only finished two books; I am midway in two others. I finished one ebooks and one audio. I had hoped to do four reviews but only got three up as I had work that took presidence. I did post my usual memes. 

I got to visit more bloggers early in the week which I am glad of. I spent the later part getting reviews posted.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review: Machinations by Hayley Stone; Sci Fi, Suspense Thriller; my rating 4.25.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)


This Present Darkness
Written by: Frank Peretti
Narrated by: Jack Sondericker
I enjoyed this re-read. We will be discussing on Saturday.
Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle (Author)


Engaged in Danger (Jamie Quinn Cozy Mystery Book 4)
by Barbara Venkataraman
This is an easy reading lawyer mystery series!
I received this from the author for an honest review.
Click on book title for full description.






Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG)


Inquisitor
by Mitchell Hogan
I am very engaged in this intriguing sci fi. I am 60% in.
I have had this from NetGalley since early in the year.

Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)


Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Written by: Laura Hillenbrand
Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
I am half way through this remarkable story of WWII.
This is from my Audible TBR shelf.

Click on book title for full description.



3. eBook/Kindle (Promo/review reach out from Lori at Great Escapes Book Tours)


The Cat, The Collector and the Killer
A Cats In Trouble Mystery
by Leann Sweeney 
This looks like a fun cozy that releases 8/2/16.
In the latest mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of The Cat, the Sneak and the Secret, a cat collector is suspected of murder.
Jillian Hart and police chief Tom Stewart are enjoying peaceful, newly wedded bliss in Mercy, South Carolina, until a woman is found wandering the streets one night. She's in her night clothes, disoriented, and carrying a kitten in a tote bag. A search of the woman’s house reveals many more cats, a maze of cardboard boxes—and a dead man.
Although the evidence suggests the frail woman is the killer, Jillian doesn’t believe she’s capable of such a crime. The dead man had many enemies in town, which means finding the real murderer may prove to be its own cat and mouse game...



4. Audible/MP3 (Narrator)


Deceitful Moon: Manny Williams Series, Book 2
Written by: Rick Murcer
Narrated by: DJ Holte
I received this forensic mystery title from the Narrator.
Publisher's Summary
Detective Manny Williams and his partner, Sophie Lee, are called to the scene of a disturbing and gruesome murder at Lansing's local adult playhouse, the White Kitty. The circumstances surrounding the murder rocket deeper into the bizarre as the forensic evidence reveals more questions than answers. As he begins his investigation, Manny is interrupted by a phone call that shakes his world. His nemesis, serial killer Dr. Fredrick Argyle, has killed again and sent the evidence to prove it. Argyle's heinous actions force Manny and Sophie back to the Caribbean. All the while the body count rises in his home city. Two serial killers. Each threatening to change his life forever. One succeeds.
©2011 Rick Murgittroyd (P)2015 Murcer Press, LLC



July 30, 2016 - I am still one day behind but expect to catch up this week with Reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I posted three reviews this past week. With two new I still have seven total pending. I hope again to post four this week.  I have to work harder to get up to date.

I've reduced my author ebook reviews committed with no specific dates queue to three books so I might start accepting new ones for the end of the year.
My NetGalley shelves are down to three when I finish the one I plan to read this week.
I'm sort of hoping to set aside September for TBR books only so I am still trying to resist new arcs/author requests and NetGalley.


We have two coming up releases at eTreasure's NetGalley page this week.
Fractal
Rachel J. Mannino
Sci Fi Romance

The Handy Dandy Quick Reference Guide For Teachers
Working with Children with Academic & Behavior Problems
Dr. Jackie Paxton
Nonfiction, Reference



Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received one ebook through NetGalley and two audiobooks from the narrators.
Again - I didn't purchase any kindle titles since I picked up more than enough free kindle titles.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
Received from the narrator:
Deceitful Moon: Manny Williams Series, Book 2
Written by: Rick Murcer
Narrated by: DJ Holte
Forensic Evidence Mystery.
See full description above under Currently Reading.

Received through NetGalley:
The Cat, The Collector and the Killer
A Cats In Trouble Mystery
by Leann Sweeney 
A cozy mystery - see full description under Currently Reading above.


Unseemly Pursuits: The Concordia Wells Mysteries Book 2Received from the narrator:
Unseemly Pursuits: The Concordia Wells Mysteries Book 2
Audiobook
Written by: K.B. Owen
Narrated by: Becket Royce


Cozy mystery - I enjoyed book one and was glad to be offered book two.

Won
NONE

Purchased
NONE

Free

Over the past week I added 67!! free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

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