Barry's Book Reviews: The Cloud Pavilion (A Sano Ichiro Novel) by Laura Joh Rowland

FIVE STARS. "The Cloud Pavilion"by Laura Joh Rowland is a historical mystery novel that is set in seventeenth century feudal Japan in the Genroku period. Chamberlain Sano Ichiro is one of the two lead investigators working at the behest of the Shogun to solve all manner of crimes within and against his empire. Sano, together with the main antagonist, Yanagisawa and their samurai brethren work together to solve the mystery of the abduction and rape of a nursing mother, elderly nun and a young girl.  Sano's estranged uncle, Major Kumazawa, reluctantly asks Sano for help in finding his missing cousin, Chiyo who is one of the rape victims. The main story is artfully woven within several subplots that keep the reader engaged. Rowland enriches the story with information about the Japanese culture, politics and structure of the empire, as well as elements of the mystical.  Several strong women characters, including Sano's wife, Reiko who helps with the investigation, provide grace and balance to the story. The book is a good, steady read. Although there are some surprises, the main strength of the book is the tapestry of characters, images and plots. This was a thoroughly entertaining read for me. I kept going back to it as though I was spending time, comfortably with a good friend.

Barry's Book Reviews: Alex Cross's TRIAL by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo

FIVE STARS. "Alex Cross's TRIAL" by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo is an historical fiction novel written by the famous author of crime mysteries and one of his co-authors. It is a departure from his normal works that I must say I thoroughly enjoyed. The characterization of Teddy Roosevelt gave him life in my mind's eye. The tale involves the murder trial of a group of "white raiders" in the deep south.  Eudora, Mississippi is the home town of Ben Corbett, who relocated to Washington, DC where he is an attorney with a conscience.  He helps defend poor black clients without prejudice, perhaps due to an incident in his youth when a young black boy helped him when his mother was ill. The raw and vicious treatment of blacks in the deep south is portrayed vividly. The Ku Klux Klan are uncovered as just "regular" folks that Ben grew up with as a child.  The tension created by his wife's reluctance to support his charity cases, the friction with his previous neighbors and conservative father, and the evil Klan members helps to keep the storyline moving well.  The images of hangings and the vicious treatment of innocent black folks will remain with me. Fortunately, most of the hatred towards black people in this country has been extinguished over time. This book reminds us to be on guard against the smoldering prejudice that still may exist in the hearts of some people. Intolerance breeds monsters, and these monsters live in this book.

Barry's Book Reviews: "The Dogs Of Devonshire" by Demetrius Sherman

FOUR STARS: "The Dogs Of Devonshire" by Demetrius Sherman is a short story that grabs you as tightly as one of the Devonshire dogs from  the very beginning of the story. Fortunately you are not left mangled and broken as are the victims in the woods but nonetheless you are transformed by the message that Sherman delivers. The storyline is a classic Holmes and Watson type of plot set in modern day London. If you enjoy reading but have no time for full length novels, Sherman's short stories are sure to please. The writing is straight forward and although not as elegant as some, is still entertaining in its delivery.

Barry's Book Reviews: "The Inventors Game-A221B Sheridan Hope Case" by Demetrius Sherman

FOUR STARS: "The Inventors Game (A221B Sheridan Hope Case)" by Demetrius Sherman is an entertaining short story. It is amazing how much the writer packs into twenty something pages. For those who can't get enough of Holmes and Watson-ish stories, with non-traditional main characters in modern England, then this one is pleasing. The writing is crisp and although a bit rough at times gives a good sense of the characters and plot. If you want a quick romp through a mystery over a lunch hour, this story is for you.

Barry's Book Reviews: Plague (A Medical Thriller) by Victor Methos

TWO STARS:  For me, Victor Methos' novel, Plague (A Medical Thriller) plodded along until I thought that I would have to abandon further reading. However, I like to complete things, so I stuck with it through endless scenes of black bile spewing across the pages and dark patches of blood surfacing under the skin of victims of the plague. This novel was not novel, nor did it always have its facts straight which soured its believability for me. However, there is some intrigue which was satisfying although it took a long time to unfold. Character development for the major players was fair but the real bummer was the long list of characters that made it somewhat difficult to track the players.

Barry's Book Reviews: "Deliver Us from Evil" by David Baldacci

THREE STARS:  The "evil" in Baldacci's novel, "Deliver Us from Evil" included Nazi and Ukrainian mass murderers brought to justice by a vigilante group. The group included murder in their own repertoire of skills. The female lead vigilante, Reggie Campion, was likable even with her use of deadly force, especially once you understand the genesis of her motivation.  The storyline, which included a mysterious agency in competition with the vigilantes to bring the evil Fedir Kuchin to justice is believable to a point, except for the tortured lead protagonist, Shaw's, running away from potential long lasting love because of the death of an earlier lover.  Although human trafficking was a theme, the reader did not feel any of the pain of the dirty business. I think the writer missed a major opportunity to show us some of the evil of that world. Some call the book a "gripping thriller." Although I liked the book well enough, it didn't bring me to the edge of my seat, despite a few twists along the way.

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Barry's Book Reviews: "Whole Lotta Trouble" by Stephanie Bond

THREE STARS: Stephanie Bond's tale of intrigue in the publishing industry is one that may appeal to the many new authors that are entering the field through the revolution of independent publishing. However, I think some of the subtly will be lost on the general public. I found the writing to be adequate although the author used some boiler plate gimmicks in some of the imagery. The story was a little far fetched and had the feel of a comic strip rather than novel. Sure, I understood the humor, and some it was funny, but overall it lacked dimension. Some of the characters were not well developed although the two main characters Felicia and Tallie were adequate. The authors certainly has a slew of other works if you find that you enjoy her writing. As for me, I will try something different.

Barry's Book Reviews: "Thomas, The Friendly Ghost by Jeannie Walker

FOUR STARS: “Thomas, The Friendly Ghost” by Jeannie Walker was as strangely easy to read as the strange events in the storyline.  This is a lighthearted book for those that like a not so terrifying ghost story.  An added benefit is that it can be read in one sitting.  The book included whimsical photos and artwork that are the “evidence” of beings from a supernatural world.  If you would like a simply written “true story” that traces the events in the author’s life then this book is for you.  The writing style did not conjure up the ghosts of Beatrix Potter or Ernest Hemingway but it will please those that want a simple read.  If you believe in spirits then you will believe the stories; if not you will not be converted. However, despite the fact that I had rated the book Three Stars, no matter how much I try, my keyboard keeps on typing Four Stars. Thomas, are you there?

Barry's Book Reviews: "The Ambassador's Wife" by Jake Needham

THREE STARS:  "The Ambassador's Wife" by Jake Needham is an entertaining read.  The book is not a page turner but more of a comfortable friend that you will want to visit at a leisurely pace.  The story takes place in Singapore and Bangkok. The venue descriptions are real and gritty. You will learn a little about the culture and atmosphere of these places although the imagery is not as extensive as I would have liked. The main character, Sam Tay, is a likable fellow, a sad sack of a guy whose entire life is his job as a police detective. He is not your typical cop and therefore shines as a character. The book lacks tension although there are some surprises that will satisfy.  Overall it is a light story that will entertain those who enjoy mystery with a bit of unfulfilled romance.

Barry's Book Reviews: "She Belongs to Me" by Carmen DeSousa

FOUR STARS: "She Belongs to Me" by Carmen DeSousa is predominantly a romance novel but the thing that a guy like me can really sink his teeth into is the element of mystery. The book grabs you at the first sound of gunfire. There are several twists and turns before the story comes to its satisfying conclusion.  We are brought back and forth from the "love at first sight", courtship and marriage to the struggle over life and death and solution to the mystery. I have to say that I enjoyed the present day story more than the courtship because that part of the story dragged in places. The characters were generally believable although Jordan's vacillation between domination, kisses and tears was a bit over the top.  There was even well developed sympathy for the "never do well" paramour turned good guy.  Overall a good story for romantic types.

Barry's Book Reviews: "Falling Under" by Danielle Younge-Ullman

FOUR STARS: Falling Under by Danielle Younge-Ullman was a roller coaster ride of emotion.  The scenes artfully switched from the main character's, Mara's, youth to present time as a young adult. This technique successfully developed the richness of her character. There was a strong element of deep neurosis in her character as she sought to deaden her emotional turmoil with raw and dark sex with other artistic souls.  The plot was rather a simple one and although there were some surprises they were superficial and I found the book dragging in parts. Too much of a good thing is still too much. Danielle's writing style is sharp and biting and therefore unusually wonderful. I found that she indicted the ills of our modern world in a subtle way. She did not get into details but they were a backdrop to highlight the deep seated fears of the lead character's personality. Overall I enjoyed the book although it will not be loved by everyone.

Barry's Book Reviews: "Brava, Valentine" by Adriana Trigiani

FOUR STARS: Adriana Trigiani's "Brava, Valentine: A Novel (Valentine Trilogy, Book 2)" is another great book from my favorite Italian-American contemporary author.  The portraits of "real" characters are undoubtedly patterned after people in her life.   The love of family was well portrayed.  The elements of surprise in the storyline was also welcomed.  The love story was touching. Adriana can weave a great story.  At times some of the family dialogue was a bit boring but always reprieved by elements of the story and careful painting of the imagery. The color indigo is a favorite and perhaps once less description with it could have sufficed. Despite these little irritations the story was fun, engaging and a great read.

Barry's Book Reviews: "The Shoemaker's Wife" by Adriana Trigiani

FIVE STARS: Adriana Trigiani's novel, The Shoemaker's Wife, was a beautifully touching story with a wealth of characters. It could be a story told of many Italian immigrants as they passed through Ellis Island and settled into many towns and cities in America. The writing is exceptional. There are many wonderfully detailed scenes describing the natural beauty of the Italian Alps, the stark cold winters of Minnesota, the Metropolitan Music Center and the streets of little Italy in NYC. The story portrays real life, complete with its joy and sorrow. The characters are well developed, particularly Enza and the brothers Ciro and Eduardo. Enza's strength and ability to meet life's challenges are reminiscent of my own dear grandmother who emigrated from Italy at about the same time. The description of Enrico Caruso was marvelous. It made me wish I could have met him. There are some very sad scenes so be prepared for some tears. I love everything Italian-American, in general, but this story will go down as a favorite novel.

Barry's Book Reviews: "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

FIVE STARS: Elephants, a love  triangle and circus performers: What could be a better storyline? I enjoyed this book as evidenced by the fact that it only took me a few days to read.  The characters are engrossing and realistic.  It is amazing that Sara was able to write the part of an old man with such realism. When I read a book, I also like to learn well researched real facts. This book did not disappoint in that area. The history is interesting and accurate.  The end of the book is satisfying.  If you would like to "get lost" in a great book, this is a good choice.