There so many subplots in "Severe Clear" by Stuart Woods that I lost count. When the title of the novel is explained, it was forced and really had no significance to any of the plots. At the opening of a door there was a new character that at one point I thought I would need a score card. It was an easy read that I didn't have to think at all.

Katarina Shaw decides, at a very young age, that she wants to become an Olympic ice dance skater. She meets Heath Rocha, a young down-on-his-life/luck, guy. Their connection is instant and strong. Their story is powerful and scorching. The behind-the-scenes activity is very interesting. In the end it was dramatic and good.

Historical fiction novel that depicts two women in 1930's NYC who form an unlikely alliance to bring down notorious mob boss Lucky Luciano. Both trailblazers Eunice Carter- Manhattan's first Black female prosecutor and Polly Adler, a high society madam, are pivotal characters that bring out the novel's fundamental themes about women as the overlooked figures working in the shadows in a patriarchal, violent world.

Not as good as her others, but still had some good twists! Very big on flowery aphorisms, much moreso than any regular person would ever use in their own inner dialogue, which was a touch annoying, but I enjoyed the characters and the surprises.

This book envelopes you as it weaves the story of a special forces soldier and a young woman in Montana surviving many losses and raising her twins. As I turned the pages I couldn’t believe all the challenges these two strangers faced. Yarros also paints a vibrant picture of Montana. Be prepared with tissues. It is a tear jerker. I could not put this book down.

Deep Water Brett Battles writing as Stuart Woods 5 stars Stuart Woods died in 2022 but thanks to Brett Battles the adventures of Stone Barrington are with us and Deep Water is an exciting page turning adventure. I couldn’t put the book down.

Pretty typical McFadden. One of my least favorites, but still I read it. Initially I thought it was ridiculous that the female main character, a doctor, was so, shall we say gullible and naïve and clueless. As I read on, I realized that this was purposeful. Anyway, some interesting and surprising twists, but some quite different than the twists in her other novels. The final twist was inspiring; I am not sure if it was inspiring in a good way or a bad way. A fast read, not sure it was worth it.

I read this book because it was described as a modern classic. As relatable as the story was then, it still reins true today. Some of the characters were very thiny veiled references to real people. One thing Wolfe does well is world building. He is great at creating characters, settings, and visualizing the story. However, if he pulled back a touch, he could've saved himself well over 300 pages.

Vera Wong is at it again solving the suicide/murder of Xander Lin. Xander, a charismatic influencer is found dead and the police believe it’s a suicide. Vera thinks differently. Through her sleuthing skills, she solves Xanders death, dismantles a human trafficking ring, becomes an TikTok influencer and makes new friends along the way. Vera is no longer the lonely widow in her life’s story. A great read especially if you like the pushy mother type. I recommend this book.

This book was just fun. Catherine, a socially inept scientist falls for Tucker Jones, a charismatic good looking man whom she loves. Although it is not her usual day to go out with him, Catherine goes to his condo and interrupts his proposal to Olivia. Cat and Liv band together and go on the beach weekend that Cat planned for Tucker only to find him with Elle. The three women become close friends and seek revenge on Tucker by means of poop and frogs in his apartment only to discover him dead in his closet. Can Cat, Liv and Elle figure out who the real killer is before getting arrested for a crime they didn’t commit? Was Tucker Jones only a cheat or did his crimes go deeper? Read and find out.