Sleep No More by Iris Johansen

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Genre - Thriller

Eve Duncan, a Forensic Scientist, is approached by her mother to help find her missing friend Beth Avery. All this is tied to Eve’s past with her daughter Bonnie’s disappearance and demise which still haunts Eve. Eve’s mother Sandra finally reveals who Beth is, and Eve is completely shocked at the outcome.

Time and a very dangerous route are ahead and gives the reader one powerful storyline that is a must for anyone who has read Johansen. Particularly, if you have read her last 3 books in Quinn, Bonnie and Beth this book follows on more easily with the past history of these 3 writes.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville

Her father's Daughter by June Tate

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Genre - Historical Romance

The category of the book and the old 1945 picture on the cover can be a bit misleading, but rest assured this is a romance novel. It is quite a good, light read.

Victoria Teglia, after her stint in the navy during the war, has opened a restaurant once owned by her father who mixed with the underworld. Her father died when she was 3 years old and Victoria who had not known the true facts about her father’s history, opened The Maltese for the elite. Who knows what will crawl out of the woodwork?

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville

The Age of Doubt by Andrea Camilleri

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Genre - Mystery

This is a quaint little book, not in the least bit like a murder mystery and is very sensitively written. The author who is also known for one of his previous books, ‘The Potters Field’, is an Italian and the book has been translated into many languages. However, the main character Inspector Montalbano seems to be a middle-aged bumbling person and at times unsure of circumstances that eventuate. This is not the case, but he argues with his mind and soul and in a very Italian way, which in English is a roundabout way of beating around the bush and not getting to the point. With his flourishment, and those that serve under him in their broken English it has a lot of humour which I think is not intended. Overall a delightful read from an Italian’s point of view.



---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Fallen by Karin Slaughter

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Genre -Thriller

For Slaughter fans - a good read, but can be a bit gruesome with the description and type of killings involved. Special Agent Faith Mitchell in returning home finds her baby locked in the shed, blood in the house and her mother, who is an ex Atlanta police Chief, is missing. Faith is suspended from duty under the circumstances and together with Dr Sara Linton, must find out where her mother is and why it happened. A different ending but still not for the faint-hearted.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Deployed by Mel Odom

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Genre - Military Thriller

Bekah Shaw is a mum with a 6yo boy living with grandmother after her ex-husband decided he was not into parenthood. She works in a rural town not earning much but subsidized by the fact that she is also a Reserve Marine as Lance Corporal Bekah Shaw.

Having served previously in Afghanistan, she is called up to be deployed to Somalia,  in particular Mogadishu which is on the outskirts of Somalia, whereby she is to track down a wanted man by the name of Ragen Daud. Ragen lost his wife and child and is out for revenge.

The book is written in the eyes of Bekah Shaw and one that you need to keep reading. An interesting and intelligent write and also gives an insight to the survival of these Marines in fighting for our Countries. Not just for the male readers.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Guilt by Degrees by Marcia Clark

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Genre -Thriller

Once you get into this book you need to finish it as there are many traces to follow but the path through is certainly gripping.

Rachel Knight (Deputy District Attorney) sees red when a fellow lawyer fails to see any justice in the death of a homeless person who was stabbed because he was just a homeless person. Rachel looks into this more thoroughly and the mystery deepens. As she works to uncover the mystery, it is linked also to the violent death of the homeless person’s brother (a policeman) murdered in brutal circumstances, with his wife being the main suspect yet found not guilty. Things heat up - Is someone is following her and wants her silenced?

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

This Life is in Your Hands by Melissa Coleman

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Genre - General Fiction, Family Relationships


This is a very moving and dramatic story of a memoir that makes you realize from a child’s to adult’s perspective, how a simple yet harsh lifestyle can affect adulthood.


Set in around the late 1960s, a family pack their children into their much worn VW a set out to a rugged coastal homestead change. They have their sights set in living off the land and building their own home by hand. In this light, the family attract national media and become icons of the back-to-land farming movement. As the book reads, not the easiest of ways to raise a family and the lay back lifestyle does come with a price for the family.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

True Blue by David Baldacci

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Genre -Thriller


Mace Perry, an ex policeman recently released from 2 years imprisonment, seeks justice to those that put her behind bars and reclaim her innocence. Her sister, Beth Perry is Chief of Police and her only family, so they are very close. In the meantime she is trying to rebuild her life.

As her enquiries gather pace, she runs into strife and is not only threatened, but drawn into the world of private and public secrets involving the highest of the powers that be.

Very fast moving an excellent read and one that keeps you intrigued if Mace will survive.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

The Guardian by David Hosp

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Genre -Thriller


When a CIA informant is gunned down in the area of Virginia just outside of DC - Special Agent Jack Saunders, who is unofficially on suspension, is tasked to uncover the plot. Added to the equation, one of the most sacred artifacts in all of Islam has gone missing from Afghanistan. The carer of the artifact is led to believe it will bring power for those that serve under him and under no circumstances must it get into the hands of the Taliban.

Saunders meets up with Cianna Phelan, whose brother has come out of service after having stolen an artifact and wanting to exchange for money to someone on the wrong side of the track.

Very fast moving, plenty of action and if you enjoy this type of involved plots and schemes, an excellent read and not for the faint hearted.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

The Good Daughter by Honey Brown

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Genre -General Fiction, Australian Fiction


Brown lives in rural Victoria with her family and the background of the story is in rural outback Victoria, with the usual harsh conditions. It gives the reader a feeling of earlier times in a rural country town. A good Australian outback storyline and opens ones eyes to teenagers’ choices and interpretation of life around them as they live each day.


The main character is Rebecca Toyer is a 16yo living on the outskirts of a rural town and coming from the poorer side of the track. She has to deal with the death of her mother and her relationship with a father who is a truckie and away for days on end.


She also deals with virginity, local boys, together with the wealthy land owners (Kincaids) who are the owners of the property she lives on. Her first love is local lothario Aden Kincaid (step son) ignored by his father, and at 22 wants to ride his motor bike around Australia. Rebecca finds herself in danger of living up to schoolyard taunts together with Zach Kincaid (younger son), who is besotted with her and will do anything to get her attention and wanting to join Aden on his venture.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Wallflower in Bloom by Claire Cook

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Genre - Family Relationships

A very light read, but quite inspirational for those of us who have a low esteem on life.

Deidre Griffin with two sisters and one very charismatic brother, who is the latest ‘guru’ in New Age motivational talks. Her parents being permanent ‘hippies’ together with her sisters all working full time for her very controlling brother Tag in keeping him in the limelight. Diedre feels like a wallflower with no life of her own, although in herself, is brilliant within the IT designing web sites and organizing of events for her brother.


After a night of drinking heavily she feels sorry for herself, anomisity towards her brother and in a flight of madness puts her name up as a replacement for Dancing With The Stars show stating herself as sister to the famous Tag. She is accepted, cannot dance, rather overweight, low morale and the inevitable happens. She finally accepts herself for what she is, together with her family behind her choice.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Lost Voices by Christopher Koch

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Genre - Historical

Twice winner of the prestigious Miles Franklin Award – An interesting book narrative of one family intertwined from the early 1940’s with the Dixon family at the time living in Glenorchy. Hugh Dixon being an only child was brought up with the expectations from his parents of a career as a lawyer, doctor or accountant. Hugh’s love was drawing and his ambition was to be a book illustrator which was unheard of in those times.

His father was brought up as the second son and from wealthy parents, with good schooling. However his brother was the favourite and his education ended up being a lawyer. His father had nothing and alienated from his brother and family, had to start from scratch. He runs into a gambling debt which puts his career in jeopardy, as well as that of his wife and son and possibly a jail sentence.

Hugh at the age of eighteen contacts his great uncle who befriends him and although Hugh fails his matriculation, his great uncle pays the money for art school.

The struggles and resentments in the family history bring Hugh to discovering who he really is and makes a great read and well deserved Booker Award.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Delusion in Death by J. D. Robb

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Genre -Thriller

A storyline set in the future 2060, with all the sidelines of that era. Lt. Eve Dallas, New York’s head of crime and her husband the enigmatic Rourke who just about owns a third of New York, set out to find the killer or killers of people who have turned violent against themselves. A bit gruesome to start with and not for the faint hearted. However, interesting storyline and quite different scenarios of past books by Robb.

A good read if you can get through the first 2 chapters.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

The Janus Reprisal by Robert Ludlum

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Genre -Thriller


Top covert operative Jon Smith, who is also a qualified scientist with skills attributing to infectious diseases, is attending a WHO conference (infectious diseases) which has suddenly turned into a terrorist attack. London has housed one of the world’s deadliest terrorists Oman Dattar who is being held and tried for crimes against humanity. Dattar escapes with his men and heads to the conference where a new strain of deadly bacteria is being shown. One that is almost impossible to eradicate once let out with dire devastational consequences to the Western world.


This is a very fast action story. With Ludlum’s twists and turns, the main characters are challened to survive what the ordinary civilian could not. Once you start reading this book, it is hard to put down until it is finished.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Force of Nature by C.J. Box

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Genre -Thriller


The story line is based around Wyoming and its harsh winter conditions. Local Park Ranger Joe whose friend Nate is an ex special forces serviceman, lives incognito with no trace of his whereabouts or identity. Nate’s nemesis who taught him everything he knows in survival and the Government have been mislead and out to get Nate as a threat to the Nation. A battle of survival, many murders and Joe’s family at risk.

This is one of the best reads from C.J.Box and a thriller that can’t be overlooked.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville bookchat

Sleepwalker by Karen Robards

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Genre -Thriller

A must read for a fast action thriller at its best.

Rookie cop Micayla Lange (Mick) discovers a robbery whilst minding her Uncle’s mansion. She pulls a gun on the robber and finds herself looking at photos in her Uncle’s safe which completely shocks her. Subsequently, she is a hostage and taken away by the robber and fearing for her life if the truth came out about the photos.

They are in the forests of Detroit, snow and blizzard conditions with only nightwear. It leaves you wondering how they can survive and who is after them that wants them silenced.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville

The Sound of One Hand Clapping by Richard Flanagan

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Genre -Australian Fiction

A beautiful classic and a must for all who have not read this Australian book, which was made into a film and highly acclaimed in its own right.

Bojan Buloh and his very young wife of 16, Maria, and their baby, emigrated from Slovenia to Tasmania. Having fled the atrocities of German soldiers, families, Bojan is haunted by these circumstances for the rest of his life and made him a drunkard. He worked as the lowest of migrants in building the Tasmania Hydro dam. Always able to use his hands with wood and the love of the Australian different species of wood, helped him build furniture and make a bit of money to survive. He is left to raise his daughter Sonja who eventually fled to Sydney and some thirty five years later, Sonja visits her father who is a drunkard.

One cannot imagine the hardship during the times of construction of the dam and later the Hydro scheme, that these poor migrants went through and how badly they were accepted into the Australian way of life. Charity was poor and each for his own.

A wonderful read which leaves you appreciating the uphill battle migrants’ face when arriving into a new country and their stoic pride to keep going for their future generations


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

The Janson Command by Robert Ludlum

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Genre -Thriller

 This is an extremely fast action story involving the main character Paul Janson, a reformed assassin trying to put right his bad history. He accepts a job from one of his old friends and has to work with a sharpshooter, Jessica Kincaid. Janson takes the job to rescue a doctor who has been kidnapped by West African rebels during the ambush of an American super oil service boat. What appears to be a straight out job turns out to be absolute chaos, involving other countries with designs on oil reserves. Janson’s gut feeling ends up distrusting those that offered him the job and almost comes to a sticky end more than once. Janson's job involves many countries including Australia, in particular Luna Park in Sydney.

Excellent reading for those that like a fast-action around the world chase, and plenty of the usual nasty rebels equipped with state of the art power and less brain power, to keep you wondering, who is Janson fighting for; his employer’s enemy or someone within his employer’s organization. This is one good story you can’t put down.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Private: #1 Suspect by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

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Genre - Thriller


After the reading the first chapter with its sophistication of a Patterson murder, the next phase completely reverses into mayhem with street kids, murder and drugs. It is so different from the start of the book, makes you wonder if you want to keep reading and what is the real plot. Yes. The main character Jack Morgan if affected by both sides, and number one suspect in a very elaborate death. Jack is fighting for his life, his reputation and efforts to find the killer. A good read, but going through the first few chapters sends the story into turmoil. However, Patterson in his usual style, marries up all the events with plenty of thrills and twists for Patterson fans.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

The Demands by Mark Billingham

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Genre -Thriller

A police officer gets herself into a situation with the local newsagent on site and ends up being a hostage in a very volatile situation. The entire story is based around this drama, and one wonders if you can read a whole book with no other interest. Yes you can. Quite gripping and keeps you wondering if the hostages will be released.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson

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Genre -Thriller

Detective Michael Bennett with his brood of 10 (all adopted and very much loved) is after an infamous South American drug king and finally gets him in court. However, the outcome is not good, the drug king has fingers everywhere and causes death and destruction to not only the Police but he is out to get Bennett personally with death threats as to what he would do to Bennett and his family.

A very gripping read and the end result leaves you very much in suspense. As a reader,  it ends rather abruptly and makes you wonder if there will be a follow up. It certainly leaves one thinking and of course, enticing us as readers, to keep this in mind.

---- Reviewed by Judy,Rowville Bookchat

No One Left to Tell by Karen Rose

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Genre - Thriller

Ramon Munoz has spent 6 years in prison, convicted of a murder. Is he innocent, was he framed? PI Paige Holden investigates and the story line has so many twists and turns, murders of innocents, one wonders the outcome. A very good read for those that like thrillers and can cope with multiple murders. Could not put the book down, had to keep finding out like a maze, where is the end and what is the conclusion?

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

In Too Deep by Jayne Ann Krentz

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Genre - Supernatural

This is the introduction to the Looking Glass Trilogy involving the Arcane Society. For readers that are into the paranormal a very interesting book which gets you into the world of the paranormal and how it operates into society. Half thriller, half romance a good combination for a different read. Unpredictable in itself with interesting outcomes overall.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Luther the Calling by Neil Cross

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Genre - Mystery

DC John Luther has an extraordinary clearance rate. None of his colleagues have ever had a bad word against him. And yet there are rumours that Luther is bad – not corrupt, but tormented. This story takes you into the mind of Luther that tore his personal and professional relationships apart and propelled him over the precipice. All the way to murder. Good read with a difference for a crime thriller.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Blindside by G.F. Moffat

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Genre -Thriller

A wife of a former colleague in the US Secret Service contacts her husband’s former old friend in Alex Cahill with the fact that her husband was supposedly travelling on a doomed plane. The only catch is, there is no record of his name on the passenger list.

To uncover the truth, Cahill ends up in a storm of events that stretch from Colorado, war-torn Afghanistan and Glasgow – where DC Rebecca Irvine is investigating a new drug that is killing users.

A very fast action good read for those that like Grisham type thrillers.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

The New Republic by Lionel Shriver

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Genre -General

It was heavy reading (even though I finished) particularly with the first few chapters which were centred on the main character’s interview, with a well-known newspaper editor as a foreign correspondent. The story is quite good, but it is difficult to keep reading the journalistic jargon in the first few chapters, that we are not necessarily familiar with.

The main character is a disgruntled lawyer who wants to be a foreign correspondent, particularly to follow the missing journalist in Portugal. Some very weighty problems are challenged, but at times a heavy read. Once again, you need to be familiar with the way these newspapers are run (or so the author thinks).

Overall, not a bad story, heavy at times, but the author seems to think the reader is fully conversant with journalistic jargon. Once you get past this, the story becomes more interesting and quite intriguing.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

The Storm by Clive Cussler

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Genre -Adventure/Thriller

For Cussler fans, this is a gripping storyline and one that seems quite believable and rather scary the thought of it. Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala and the NUMA special assignments team are well and truly back in action.

Something is changing the sea and climate in the Indian ocean. Who is behind the scheme and what is it that is causing this disruption? An excellent read and hard to put down with gripping results.

---- Reviewed by Judy,Rowillve bookchat

Just take My Heart - Mary Higgins Clark

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Genre -Thriller

The title is not what it seems. Emily Wallace a 32 year old Prosecutor takes on her most challenging role in proving that the husband of an up and coming well known stage actress is guilty of her murder. Other murders come into contention, together with distrust of some of the police and the outcome is quite different to the start of a ‘looking forward to reading’ book.

A good read and one that a Mary Higgins Clark fan must not put down.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville bookchat

Hotwire by Alex Kava

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Genre - Thriller
 
Another must for Alex Kava fans. Great thriller involving special agent Maggie O’Dell investigating the death three teenagers in western Nebraska, who were having a drug induced party which ended up in an explosive light show. Somehow the victims ended up being electrocuted and scorch marks were the only evidence of electrocution happening.
 
The story also broaches a deadly outbreak pathogen which has affected children on the East Coast. Is the Government involved? What are the chances of the two issues inter-related and is the pathogen outbreak a conspiracy to involve biological warfare.


Great read and one that keeps you on your toes.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville bookchat

Gone for good by Harlan Coben

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Genre - Mystery


One of his earlier books but if you are a Coben fan then you will enjoy the read. Will Klein lost his brother and the love of his life on the same day eleven years ago. Will’s brother is on the run from being charged with Will’s girlfriend’s murder. Is he guilty? Gripping story, gruesome at times and a twist that is not expected at the end.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville bookchat

Silent Fear by Katherine Howell

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Genre - Mystery


An Australian author (resides in Queensland) with a good storyline around Sydney area.

Paramedic Holly Garland rushes to an emergency to find a man who collapsed with a bullet wound to the neck. Her brother appears on the scene which annoys Holly who has not had contact for 12 years and her animosity towards her brother is not necessarily reciprocated.

A fast moving story with many twists and turns and keeps you in suspense until the end. Not a book you can put down easily.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville bookchat

Kill Shot by Vince Flynn

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Genre - Thriller


Mitch Rapp agent or assassin and working his way through a ‘list’. His next target is a Libyan diplomat; something goes horribly wrong and leaves you in suspense. Is he alive?  International repercussions involving Homeland Security, CIA, FBI, Scotland Yard and MI5. A wanted man and intriguing story which will keep you in suspense with a very different ending. Great read.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje

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Genre - General

This is a delightful little read, set in the early 50’s about a young boy who boards a huge liner on the Indian Ocean sailing to London to stay with his relations.

The Cat’s table is in actual fact the last table from the Captain’s level, and usually sits the scrum of the selection. A tale of intrigue of what goes on behind closed doors in this era, and how a young lad survived and learned possibly what he should not have. 

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

The Sixth Man by David Baldacci

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Genre - Thriller

Edgar Roy an alleged serial killer held in a secure Federal Supermax facility is awaiting trial and almost certain of conviction. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called in by Roy’s attorney Bergin to help. Bergin ends up being murdered, and the more King and Maxwell dig into the past, the more obstacles they encounter.

A good read and most enjoyable as a David Baldacci fan.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Bonnie by Iris Johansen

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Genre - Thriller

This is the third from the series of QUINN, EVE and now BONNIE. It is important that you read these books in order as it brings you up to date in a more realistic read. However, the story can be picked up without reference.

A great read if you are into Iris Johansen, with plenty of thrills involving Eve, whose daughter Bonnie disappeared at aged 7 and her now husband, Joe Quinn and friend Catherine Ling who are both CIA agents. 

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Poodle Springs by Raymond Chandler and Robert B. Parker

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Genre - Mystery

Raymond Chandler died in 1959 and produced a half-finished mystery of which Robert B.Parker discovered and finished the story.

The story of the usual mystery fiction love, murder, hate is anything but. It is set in the 1980’s and a delight to delve into the 80’s with a storyline to match. A good plot and not too gruesome and any sexual connotations are brushed over, as at that time it was not the right thing to do to advertise any extremes of a sexual nature.

A delightful read putting the reader into the era of the 80’s with not only the lifestyle, but every detail from dressing to eating, living accommodation and cars. This makes the story different in its perception of an 80’s era murder mystery.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Sticky Fingers by Nancy Martin

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Genre - Mystery

This is a very light-hearted murder which is glossed over by the day-to-day antics of the main character’s life style and surrounds.  The main character is Roxy Abruzzo  (and her somewhat dubious relations) are tied up in finding out who murdered who.  Although Roxy is not a PI, she seems to stick her nose into what is not considered ‘lady like’ and consequently involves a very haphazard way of not only her life style, but her view to people in general. Light reading if you can follow her train of thought which changes like an express train.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Bangkok Bob by Stephen Leather

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Genre - Mystery

Long-term Bangkok resident Bob Turtledove who is a former New Orleans policeman since retired, but seems to have a knack of finding people.  He is approached by the parents of a young Mormon from Utah who has gone missing. What starts out as a missing person ends up in a deadly mission for Bob Turtledove.

The references to Bangkok makes the reader believe they have lived there (whether you have been to Bangkok or not) with a bit of old world charm, and also gives a good understanding of localities and their customs. Regardless of what you read from the media on Bangkok as it is today, this book seems to relate to an era before today and with plenty of charm. The storyline is good with plenty of action, but also a book that has its humour and well worth keeping in your home library.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

Murder by Mocha by Cleo Coyle

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Genre - Mystery

Delightful book and although a mystery, not in the least gruesome. Main character is Clare Cosi who is head barista of the Village Blend Coffee House. Clare and her staff make the most unusual coffee and at the back of the book are her coffee making tips with the most decadent chocolate recipes to try out.

Clare makes coffee to die for especially for her boyfriend NYPD Detective Mike Quinn and finds ways when the pressure of murder is around to come up with very decadent soothers.

The main story is based along the lines of a new coffee product in the local village which will make millions. Unfortunately murder gets in the way, and Clare herself unwittingly is put in a position that she must work out the murderer against the ire of her boyfriend.

A most enjoyable read, considering it is a mystery.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Bookchat-Rowville