Martha's Bookshelf *** Friday Pick Giveaway January 14, 2011

I have a feeling this year is going to fly by! I have had a good week getting work done. Hope to work on publishing things next week.  I forgot to take the camera in to get a picture of the latest set of books but they have been listed below.

NOTE: New rules for international participants. I learned over the past weeks that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00.  If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy. :o)

1/14/11 New List  - I will have to get a picture next week.
#17
Scavenger by David Morrell
The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea by Sebastian Junger
Wicked Prey by John Sandford
Moonfire by Judit Redman Robbins
In Silence by Erica Spindler
Night Sins: A Novel by Tami Hoag
Dead as a Doornail: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel by Charlaine Harris
Four to Score (Stephanie Plum, No. 4) by Janet Evanovich
No Ordinary Man by Suzanne Simmons
1022 Evergreen Place (Cedar Cove) by Debbie Macomber
Time to Run (Navy SEALs, Book 3) by Marliss Melton
Malice Domestic: An Anthology of Original Traditional Mystery Stories
Taboo by Susan Johnson
Turbulent Sea (Drake Sisters, Book 6) by Christine Feehan
Saving Faith by David Baldacci
Michal: A Novel by Jill Eileen Smith

12/3/10  Here is the newest Book Set:
#16

Adam by Ted Dekker
Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith
The Proposition by Judith Ivory
Cold As Ice by Anne Stuart
Veils of Silk by Mary Jo Putney
Sleep Softly by Gwen Hunter
Comanche Woman by Joan Johnston (part of a great series!)
Barefoot: A Novel by Elin Hilderbrand
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
Blueberry Hill by Marcia Evanick (small tear on cover)
Through the Grinder (Coffeehouse Mysteries, No. 2) by Cleo Coyle
Forever, Ashley  by Lori Copeland
She Loves Me Not by Wendy Corsi Staub
Cornered Tigress  by Jade Lee
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Uneasy Alliance (Famous Firsts) Jayne Ann Krentz (slightly worn)

Okay - I've been promising a new set of "used" books for giveaway and finally I got the picture!

List #15

Double Exposure (Brio Girls) by Kathy Wierenga

Wicked Widow  by Amanda Quick

A Little Magic by Nora Roberts

Imitation in Death by J. D. Robb

A Heart Speaks by LaVyrle Spencer

The Texas CEO's Secret (Silhouette Special Edition) by Nicole Foster

Almost Forever (Sarah) by Linda Howard

Silver Falls by Anne Stuart

Deadly Gamble by Linda Lael Miller

List #14

The Cobra Event by Richard Preston

Proof of Intent: A Charley Sloan Courtroom Thriller by William Coughlin, Walter Sorrels

Blood And Glory (Soldiers Of War) (Soldiers of War, Book 1) byLarson Reed

Off Season by Jack Ketchum

The Color of Law: A Novel by Mark Gimenez
Atlantis by David Gibbins
Depraved Indifference by Joseph Teller
Lines of Defense by Barry Siegel
Must the Maiden Die (Seneca Falls Historical Myster) by Miriam Grace Monfredo
Gospel Truths by J.G. Sandom
The Summons by John Grisham - Audio CDs

Here is set #13 of "new" Used books!

Flamingo Diner by Sherryl Woods
Death Cruise (St. Martin's True Crime Library) by Don Davis
The Angel by Carla Neggers
Anansi Boys by Neil Gairman
The Hellion by LaVyrle Spencer
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix
The Outside Man by Richard North Patterson

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read.  Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!"  Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....
Group #12
The Ripple Effect by Lynn Erickson
First King of Shannara (Shannara Trilogy, Prequel)  by Terry Brooks
Seal Team Oneby Dick Couch
Motion to Suppress by Perri O'Saughnessy
Presumption of Death by Perri O'Saughnessy
Pandemic by Daniel Kalla
Lethal Practice by Peter Clement
The Undertaker's Widow by Phillip M. Margolin
The Burning Man by Phillip M. Margollin
Double Jeopardy by William Bernhardt
The Genesis Code: A Thriller by John Case
The Gunslinger (The Dark Tower, Book 1) by Stephen King

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods - CD Audio
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher
Looking Back by Belva Plain
The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly
Rainmaker by John Grisham - Audio Tapes

PLEASE NOTE UPDATED RULES IN RED BELOW!

I am going to continue to include the full list updated with chosen books crossed off.  You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see each post and the book pictures if you want!  I am happy to say that so far about 128 books have found new homes! YAY.  I pulled a couple of hardbacks and larger books as the postage cost was prohibitive. 

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books!  And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by the Friday Pick Giveaways.

I originally posted ten Friday Pick posts with 16 books each.  I will strike out the books as they are chosen. Some of the books may be chosen by winners in the SaSR weekly drawings. So it will be first pick to the one who claims it.  SaSR winners are announced Friday mornings (or afternoon if I get busy!) and it usually takes that person a bit of time to get back to me. That means the Friday Pick winner who is drawn Thursday night will usually get the choice named in their comment as I will have time to remove it from the file list before announcing the winner at SaSR.

Note new rules at the top of this post regarding international winners.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists (less whichever books might be picked by the comment or SaSR winners each week).  PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM SETTING A NEW CUT OFF TIME AS THURSDAY  NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce the next Friday.
ALSO, TO SAVE ME EXTRA WORK, I WILL ASK THE WINNERS TO CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND E-MAIL ME THEIR ADDRESSES at mesreads@gmail.com.  I will confirm receipt of the addresses.  If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder over the weekend but I won't be so rushed on Fridays!  So I still recommend that you leave your e-mail especially if you are new and I don't have a way to find it!

Thanks for helping these books find a new home!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Almost Single by Advaita Kala

Pick #2
Breaking Point by Suzanne Brockmann
The Crush by Sandra Brown
The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3
One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon
Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman
Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford
The Sixth Sense
The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)
The Forgotten by Faye Kellerman
Swear by the Moon by Shirley Busbee
Montana Bride by Barbara Clark (A)

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Jake's Return by Liana Laverentz (A)
The Jester by James Patterson - Audio Tapes
The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole
Misfortune by Nancy Geary
False Prophet by Faye Kellerman
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes
A Kiss of Fate by Mary Jo Putney (SC)

Pick #6
Tin Man by Dale Brown
The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*
On Bear Mountain by Deborah Smith
The Edge of Town by Dorothy Garlock
The Healer by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan
Mistletoe and Mischief by Patricia Wynn

Pick #7
In Her Defense by Stephen Horn - Audio Tape
A Perfect Gentleman by Barbara Metzger (slightly creased)
Scarred by William Heffernan (spine creased)
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
The Path to Her Heart by Linda Ford (Personally Autographed)
X-Men 2
Hunted by William W. Johnstone (spine frayed at top)
Man of My Dreams by Johanna Lindsey (spine frayed a bit at bottom)
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
Stormy Weather by Carl Haasen - Audio Tapes
Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)
Into the Forest by Jean Hegland - Audio Tapes (box creased but tapes good)
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes
Vertical Run by Joseph R. Garber (sc)

Pick #9
Spyder Web by Tom Grace - Audio Tapes
The Closers by Michael Connelly
Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology
Final Appeal by Lisa Scottoline (spine creased)
The Lost World by Michael Crichton - Audio Tapes
Evil Whispers by Owl Goingback
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Darkfall by Stephen Laws
Runaway Heart by Stephen J. Cannell
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10
The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)
Double Blind by Ken Goodard
Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief by Dorothy Gilman - Audio Tapes
The Trouble with Mary by Millie Criswell
Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)

Winners of Friday Pick January 7, 2011

CONGRATULATIONS 

TO THE WINNERS

of Friday Pick January 7, 2011

Now this is the first time this happened -
Justpeachy36 and Carol L picked the same book!
No #10 came up first so Justpeachy36 for sure gets A Little Magic.
But I may have another copy in a box of Nora Roberts I have been holding off to post as Author multiple book picks one of these days. 

I'll have to check next Tuesday as I will be away this weekend.
Ladies, please email your addresses and choice of bookmarks.

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop January 14 -17th

WELCOME TO A DREAMY GIVEAWAY HOP!. I hope you are awake and not just dreaming!! Over 160 chances to win Book related items!
This hop was organized by the fabulous Kathy at I Am A Reader Not A Writer and she is SOOO nice to let me co-host!

Over 160 participating blogs are offering a book related giveaway and we are all linked up together so you can easily hop from one giveaway to another.  The hop runs from Friday, January 14th through Monday, January 17th.

I thought I would make this a bit of a challenge - but easy entry.

My Giveaway is for ANYONE who can get books from Amazon, Indie Presses, OR Book Depository. OR if Book Depository doesn't ship to you then I will do a PayPal or other gift card for that winner.  So hopefully this really does include EVERYONE.


There are two prizes: 
#1 $20.00 towards books.
#2 $10.00 towards books.
There is one little catch - when you make your book selection to send to me I want it to include either the word "Dreaming" or to expand the choices I decided to add the word "Dream." 

You don't need to spend time now picking a book as you can take your time with the selection if you are the winner. But I had fun looking up choices:
The first book I thought of was Dreaming by Jill Barnett - it is available on Kindle but the paperback version New says $312!  But I have a used copy  - I just have to read it.

Here are some other choices I found:
The Dreaming Void (The Void Trilogy) - Sci Fi
Dreaming of You - Romance
Darkly Dreaming Dexter (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard) - Crime
Dreaming with God - Inspirational
Dreaming Anastasia: A Novel of Love, Magic, and the Power of Dreams - Y.A.
The Dreaming Collection - Magna
Dreaming of the Bones - Mystery
Dreaming in English - Women's Fiction

I found at least 20 books with "Dreaming" and most were available at both Amazon or Book Depository. But if you can't find something with the word dreaming then you can pick a book that includes the word "Dream."

Since books can be ordered from Book Depository with no shipping, I am applying the same rule at Amazon so the winner will plan the choices to include shipping. The books can be any format: Kindle, hardback, paperback or even audio.

Rule #1 - You must be a follower of my blog.
Rule #2 - ENTER USING THIS FORM!
Giveaway closes 11:59pm Eastern on January 17.  Winners to be chosen by Random.Org.


Ready now??? Go HOPPING and Dream of books along the way!

Book Review: Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

There is lots of action in this sexy Vampire tale.
Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1) by Jeaniene Frost.

• Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 11 hour(s) and 17 min.
• Program Type: Audiobook
• Version: Unabridged
• Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. (March 31, 2010)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B003F238J0

Genre: Paranormal - Vampire

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

Product Description Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership. In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

I read this from my own Audible choices. I liked the characters and the cheeky dialogue, especially from Bones. The voice on Bones was almost too heavy British but he is one sexy guy. The voice of Cat's mother is really whiny but then that fits her personality.

Cat is feisty and although she thinks she is all powerful she learns better when she faces Bones. Bones coerces Cat into agreeing to work with him to kill Vampires. Then he puts Cat through a vigorous training program.  It is clear that Bones is smitten. But since Cat's mother insists that all vampires are evil and need to be killed can Bones ever trust Cat not to try to kill him much less look favorably on his advances?

There is a lot of fast paced action. The enemies that Bones is pursuing make for a good plot. The super hero plot of two "good guys" taking out 20+ bad vampires is not so realistic but that is the nature of the super hero plot. 

A couple of the sex scenes were pretty erotic but the narrator did a great job with the romance and expressions of love. Bones' intense feelings and Cat's conflicted ones help to carry the story.  I thought that I would likely listen to another in the series although maybe not right away. Yet already I am missing the intensity of the characters and want to know what happens next!

Winner of Devil's Desire by Laurie McBain

CONGRATULATIONS

to the Winner of the ARC

Devil's Desire by Laurie McBain

Thank you to everyone who entered.
I will email lolahb to send me her mailing address and choice of bookmarks.

Guest Post - How to Survive and Thrive List for Debut Authors by Vicky Dreiling

Please enjoy this guest post from Vicky Dreiling. You can get a sense of Vicky's humor from this great article! Thanks for sharing Vicky.

Vicky Dreiling’s How To Survive and Thrive List for Debut Authors

How to Celebrate Your First Sale

1.     Squee in your agent’s ear. Apologize profusely afterward.

2.     Call your friends and insist on meeting up at your favorite Mexican food restaurant for celebratory Chambord swirl margaritas.

3.     Spend part of your first advance check on something special – you earned it!

4.     Eat lots of chocolate. It is one of the basic food groups for authors.

How to Prepare for Your First Revision Letter

1.     Buy post-it notes in many colors. They are your friends and make the printed pages look pretty.

2.     You will need the printed version because the page numbers will change as you revise.

3.     Stock up on your caffeinated beverage of choice.

4.     Memorize the phone numbers and/or website addresses of Pizza Hut, the local Chinese Delivery service, and Chili’s to Go.

5.     Eat lots of chocolate. It is one of the basic food groups for authors.

How to be a Glamorous Almost Published Author

1.     Make an appointment with a photographer for your author photo.

2.     Try on several outfits and decide you deserve a new one for the photo.

3.     Smear mascara under your eyes. You’re out of practice putting on makeup since you’ve become a recluse.

4.     Ask the photographer if he can work miracles with Photo Shop.

5.     Eat lots of chocolate. It is one of the basic food groups for authors. 

How to Write Your First Dedication and Acknowledgements 

1.     Sniff a little as you dedicate your book to someone special who helped you make your dream come true.

2.     Thank your wonderful editor whose insights made your book so much better.

3.     Thank your Uber Talented agent who knew exactly how to sell your book.

4.     Sniff a little as you thank all your fabulous writing friends and family members who encouraged you along the journey.

5.     Eat lots of chocolate. It is one of the basic food groups for authors.

How to Stay Sane as You Realize You Didn’t Prepare Enough 

1.     Call your published friends and beg them to tell you what works for publicity. Friends will tell you nobody knows. Don’t freak out. And don’t overspend (Hah!).

2.  Get a professional website. Don’t skimp as this is your window shop to the world.

3.     Social media is not an option. Embrace it. You’ll make friends and gain name awareness.

4.    Admire your Advance Reader Copies. Keep one and give the others away on blog tours.

5.    Eat lots of chocolate. It is one of the basic food groups for authors.

How to Count Down to Your First Publication Date

1.     Remember writing comes first. Facebook and Twitter do not count as writing.

2.     If a less than positive review bothers you, take a look at the reviews for bestselling authors. You’ll be magically cured.

3.     Ignore those bestseller ranking numbers on Amazon. They bounce up and down constantly.

4.     A week or two before your first book signing, take a look in the mirror. If you scream because you look like Medusa, get thee to the hair salon pronto.

5.     It’s here – your book is on the shelves! Take photos in the bookstore and don’t forget to eat lots of chocolate!

 

Vicky Dreiling is the historical romance author of HOW TO MARRY A DUKE available now. HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL is slated for publication in July 2011.  For more information or to read an excerpt, visit her website at: http://www.vickydreiling.com/index.php

Backcover Copy for HOW TO MARRY A DUKE

Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. No love is necessary—nor desired. But how to choose amid a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London’s infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she’s not the most captivating woman he’s ever met . . .
Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she’s determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife—she’ll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke’s affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan’s desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker’s number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.

Be sure to check out my review and enter the giveaway for a chance to win one of three copies of this fun book!

Book Review and Giveaway, Three Copies, How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling

A very fun read!
How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling

• Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages (Really 396 + other excerpts)
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (January 3, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446565377
• ISBN-13: 978-0446565370

Price: Paperback $7.99; Kindle $7.99
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description
Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...

Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.

Review: I really enjoyed this light historical. The plot has some uniqueness and the characters and dialogue are fun with some sexy innuendo.

Tessa is a 26 year old independent heiress. She does not perceive that she will ever be good enough to marry and considers herself safely on the shelf. But she believes in love and dedicates her efforts to making matches, especially for the wall flowers who need a bit of help.

When the Duke accidently steps on her fan, he at first thinks she is just another silly chit throwing her fan or handkerchief at his feet. However her artless and witty responses throw him off guard. Then when she learns who she is, instead of increasing her flirtation she flees from him. The Duke is intrigued by her and decides that perhaps she can really find him a mate.

Tessa sets up a very unusual courtship/competition to help the Duke pick the right young lady. As she and the Duke spend time together considering the candidates and planning events they develop a friendship.  Of course, he is bound by duty to honor the candidates to select his bride. And her reputation would be ruined if she woos away the groom.

Added to the courtship complications are the machinations of Sherbourne’s mother who I found to be a delightful character even if most view her as a dragon.  Also Tessa’s childhood sweetheart and brother of her best friend suddenly returns after being thought to have been killed in war.  Tessa clearly doesn’t want anything to do with Richard and the reader knows there is a secret history between them. Richard however is relentless in pursuing Tessa even to the point of flouting the proprieties.  This behavior has the Duke on edge and trying any way he can to protect Tessa.

I was surprised that this is a debut novel as it flows so well. The plot is fun and the characters are strong with snappy repartee. I will definitely look forward to Ms. Dreiling’s release of How to Seduce a Scoundrel this summer.

THANK YOU TO HACHETTE FOR PROVIDING THE BOOK FOR MY REVIEW AND FOR PROVIDING THREE BOOKS FOR GIVEAWAY.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

1. Visit the Author's website or check out Five Fun Facts and tell me something you found interesting;
One of these is required for entry.  If you do both it will count as two entries.

Make sure you leave your e-mail address!

2.  Two extra entries: Watch the trailer and tell me what you think of it or if you do or don't like trailers.

3.  Comment on the Author's Guest Post for another two entries.

4.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

5. For three entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Ten total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 28, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and Giveaway: Coming Back by Marcia Muller

A female PI Coming Back from injuries to a fearful kidnapping! 
Coming Back (Sharon Mccone Mysteries)  by Marcia Muller

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; 1 edition (October 28, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446581062
• ISBN-13: 978-0446581066

       Price: Hardcover $16.16,  Kindle $11.99, Audible $11.52
      Genre: Mystery - Female PI
      My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Product Description
In Locked In, San Francisco private eye Sharon McCone was shot in the head and suffered from locked-in syndrome: almost total paralysis but with an alert, conscious mind. Now, as Sharon struggles to regain control over her body, she wants everything to go back to normal, but realizes that it may not be possible to return to her old life. Meanwhile, Sharon's relationships are suffering. Her husband is impatient with her refusal to accept help and some of her colleagues doubt her abilities after the accident. But when Sharon's friend from physical therapy goes missing, she must call upon those closest to her to find out the truth behind the disappearance. The investigation soon points to issues of national security and proves to be the most dangerous and critical case yet for Sharon and her colleagues.
 
Review: A quick listen, satisfying mystery.
This is the first Marcia Muller/Sharon McCone mystery that I have read.  I liked how the author presents the chapters with different characters, describing what is happening around that character, in thought and action.

When Sharon goes to find her friend from physical therapy, she finds that Piper has vanished over the weekend...along with every evidence that she was ever in the apartment. Sharon’s office administrator, a former San Francisco cop, Adah, comes to meet Sharon only to discover Sharon gone and to find herself in hand to hand combat before she is drugged and taken off.

Sharon feels guilty for having left the location before Adah arrived and that guilt is intensified by condemnation from Craig, another team member and Adah’s love. Now there are two snatched women to find and quickly! The clues lead to suspicion of a covert operations clean up and that makes everyone on edge as they realize what they are up against.

Even though I was not familiar with any of the characters and relationships the author gives a good picture of six of the team members. It was easy to catch on to the nuances of respect, frustration, envy, and other emotions. All of these are underlined with the sense of the “team” as they pull together to find one of their own who has been kidnapped. Although there are professional ties to the intrigue there are some pretty amateurish bad guys. Still, there is plenty of fast paced action as the team follows the leads.  The author provides lots of details on the investigative process rather than dropping clues for the reader to figure out so this has a different feel than some mysteries where the reader has to try to unravel the clues. The “who”, “whys” and “whats” are all neatly wrapped up at the end.

The story moved very quickly and was a very easy listen on Audible.  I can’t say I loved the narration as initially I thought the reading was rather flat.  After a while I guess I was involved enough in the story that the narration didn’t bother me. (I got the book as hardcover for the review and maybe this is one that reads better than listens. However, I was very glad to be able to grab this 8 hr 16 min Audible format as I love to be able to listen while I do mindless chores like folding laundry.)  I wouldn’t say this was a stunner of a read but it was a solid mystery and satisfying. I would read more of the McCone mysteries if I had spare time.

xxx

Thank you to Hachette for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE HARDBACK COPY:

1.Mandatory entry: Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For extra two entries: Tell me a favorite PI mystery book you like - female or male PI.

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Six total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on January 25, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop Coming This Weekend: January 14 -17th

I'm Dreaming of Giveaways for Books, Books and More Books!

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop runs

January 14th to 17th

Hosted by Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf

& I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

What is a giveaway hop?

Simple - Each participating blog hosts a giveaway and we link up together allowing our followers to hop easily from one giveaway to another.

For followers that means lots of chances to win free books.

The Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop will run from 12:01 AM Friday, January 14th to 11:59 PM Monday, January 17th.

Each participating blog will host their own giveaway. There is no requirement on the minimum or maximum value of the giveaway.

All participating blogs will be linked up through a Dreaming of Books linky.

Giveaways include US, US & Canada or International.

Thanks to Kathy for allow me to Co-Host this event!

You can Dream this week but this weekend do more then dream - get Hopping! See you Friday!