Dexter is back!

Dexter is Dead
by Jeff Lindsay

From Jeff Lindsay's Dexter website...

"After seven national bestsellers and eight seasons as one of the most successful shows on television, New York Times bestselling author Jeff Lindsay bids a thrilling farewell to his uniquely twisted and beloved serial killer, Dexter Morgan. Dexter is Dead is the definitive conclusion of the character who has become a global icon."

"Dexter Morgan has burned the candle at both ends for many years. Blood spatter analyst...husband...father...serial killer. And now, for the first time, his world has truly collapsed. Dexter is arrested on charges of murder. He has lost everything-including his wife, his kids, and the loyalty of his sister. Now completely alone, Dexter faces a murder charge (for a crime...ironically...he did not actually commit). His only chance for freedom lies with his brother, Brian, who has a dark plan to prove Dexter's innocence. But the stakes are deadly, and the epic showdown that lies in Dexter's path may lead, once and for all, to his demise.

Jeff Lindsay's trademark devilish wit and cutting satire have never been sharper. Dexter is Dead marks the end of a beloved series, but is also Dexter's most satisfying and suspenseful outing yet."

Almost two years ago I posted a review of Dexter's Final Cut, at the time I believed it was the demise of Dexter. I was thrilled when I discovered Dexter was back, even if for only a short time (as the title suggests), in Dexter is Dead. Full disclosure, I have not yet finished reading the book. I don't want to inadvertently present any spoilers. What I can say is Mr. Lindsay does not disappoint. The next installment (and according to Lindsay's website, quoted above, the conclusion of the series) of Dexter (still in my head as Michael C. Hall from the Showtime series) picks up right where it left off in the seventh book. For fans of Dexter, Dexter is Dead will be available July 7 from your favorite book sellers. For those who have yet to be introduced to the Robin Hood of serial killers, I would suggest starting from the beginning of the series with Darkly Dreaming Dexter. 

I know ethically Dexter is wrong. However I love how he always took care of ridding the world of the bad guy, the one everyone believes should get his comeuppance. If this truly is the end of Dexter I must take this opportunity to say thank you to Mr. Lindsay. Dexter Morgan will go in my book as one of my favorite literary characters. I will miss him, but I know life goes on and there are so many more great characters you will share with us in the future.

*To comply with new guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Doubleday has provided a complimentary electronic copy of Dexter is Dead for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is strictly my opinion.

Where did the time go?

I admit to being a bibliophile. In fact I guess I should be a member of BA (Bibliophiles Anonymous). I don't think I would be too good at the anonymous part though. I can't help but share the wonderful books I read with others.

I can't believe it has been almost six months since I have written about the awesome books I have read. Wow, where to begin? I guess from the beginning, or since my last post. I actually wrote about reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon, but like all of the other times I pick up one of her great books, I stopped reading before I finished the book. I just can't seem to get to the end of these books because I just don't want the story to end. Crazy, I know, but that is just how I roll.

There have been so many books over the past six months. I will post pictures of all of the books and try to write a little about each one. If you have read my posts before it will come as no surprise I have been reading books that have been made or will be made into movies. I always want to read the book first, as there is usually no comparison to the greatness of the book, because the movie created in my head by the author's words is always so much better.

One Summer
by David Baldacci

On recommendation of my mother, I read David Baldacci's One Summer. What a wonderful book! Make sure you have a box of tissues, but it is well worth the read. A terminally ill man wants to hang on to life until Christmas. He reaches his goal, but the circumstances and events that touch this family take them to the shores of South Carolina. During this time together, the family tries to recapture the bond they once shared.

Second Grave on the Left
by Darynda Jones

The next book I read was the second book in the new series by Darynda Jones, Second Grave on the Left. Charley, the P.I. / Grim Reaper is once again in the middle of an investigation, this time for a missing friend of her faithful sidekick, Cookie. The background story of Reyes, Charley's sexy boyfriend, is revealed and an interesting side story goes on as Charley and Cookie are investigating the missing woman's disappearance. This series provides a fun twist on the supernatural by making Charley a private investigator.

Private #1 Suspect
by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Kill Alex Cross
by James Patterson

Kill Me If You Can
by James Patterson & Marshall Karp

The Christmas Wedding
by James Patterson

James Patterson is obviously one of my very favorite authors. As soon as I hear a new book is coming out I have to put it on hold at the library. I want to be one of the first to read each one of his books. Here are the ones I have read recently. All I really need to say is they are James Patterson and no matter if they are a continuation of the Detective Alex Cross series, the new Jack Morgan Private series, or a stand alone novel just about everything James Patterson writes is engrossing.

One for the Money
by Janet Evanovich

For years my mother has been reading Janet Evanovich. I'm not sure why I never picked one of her books up, but I finally did and loved it! I laughed more in this mystery / thriller than I have while reading books written by comedians. Stephanie Plum is hysterical in One for the Money. Surprisingly after reading the book I found out it was being made into a movie (surprise, surprise). I have not seen the movie yet, but I will say I started reading the second book and did not finish it (I have that right as a reader) because I just did not enjoy it as much as the first book. I will have to give it a go again someday, maybe.

Double Dexter
by Jeff Lindsay

Dexter is one of my very favorite characters. I have been cheering for this serial killer since the beginning. I had read all Jeff Lindsay's great Dexter books before the Showtime series was announced. I have to admit I was very excited to see the characters come to life. Michael C. Hall IS Dexter!! The series is wonderful, but the books are SO much better. Double Dexter, the sixth book in the series does not disappoint. I just hope we don't have to wait too long for the next book.

Life After Death
by Sally Morgan

I don't remember how I found out about Sally Morgan's book Life After Death: Messages of Love from the Other Side. I have read a few of John Edward's books, Crossing Over, One Last Time, and After Life: Answers from the Other Side and really enjoyed them. I believe in the after life and I believe the spirits of those we love that have already crossed over are in Heaven waiting for us. I also believe they surround us with their presence and watch over us all of the time. I would love to attend a private reading from either Sally Morgan or John Edward. I know some people think I am crazy, but I have some questions I would like to have answered and the only ones with the answers have already crossed over.

Crooked Letter, Crooked  Letter
by Tom Franklin

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin is one of those books that grabs you from the very beginning and you just can't put it down until you get to the last page. Richard Russo's quote about this novel is so very true, "Long after the other 75 novels of suspense you've read this year merge in your memory, you'll vividly recall this novel." With chapters alternating between the past and the present you are immediately thrown into the twenty-five year old disappearance of Cindy Walker. The back story is set in Mississippi in the late 70s and early 80s and you get a strong sense of the hostility between the black and white citizens of small town Chabot. Not only a great read for the mystery and suspense, but also for the accurate portrayal of the characters during the time period.

Every Thing On It
by Shel Silverstein

I remember falling in love with the poetry of Shel Silverstein when I was a child. I can not remember the teacher who introduced me to his wacky prose, but I will be forever grateful because they have always made me smile. This book of never-before-published poems does not disappoint. As soon as I got home with the book (yes, I actually bought the real book ... it's not available in the ebook format!) I poured over each wonderful verse. I just love his poetry and I am thankful to his family for allowing his readers to continue to enjoy his words so many years after his death.

Why My Third Husband Will
Be a Dog by Lisa Scottoline

I love mysteries, suspense, and thrillers, but I also love to laugh. I guess that is why I picked up Lisa Scottoline's My Third Husband Will Be A Dog. I have only read one other book by Ms. Scottoline, but neither of these will be the last. Not only can she weave a wonderful storyline in her novels, but she can also make you wet your pants with her real life adventures as a single mom. This is a hilarious collection of articles from her Philadelphia Inquirer column. You will laugh until you cry and then do some crying along the way.


Like with the James Patterson books, when I find an author that really captures my imagination and peaks my interest I read a number of the authors books in a row. So is the case will Brian Selznick. I know as a librarian I should have read some of these books ages ago, but now I can say I have read and loved them all.

The Boy of a Thousand Faces
by Brian Selznick

The Houdini Box
by Brian Selznick 

Wonder Struck
by Brian Selznick

The Invention of Hugo Cabret
by Brian Selznick

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
by Lisa See

One afternoon as my husband and I were watching a movie the preview for the movie Snow Flower and the Secret Fan came on the screen. I was immediately intrigued by the previews and wondered if it was a book. I was excited to find that it was indeed a book. I placed a hold on the book. When I went to the library to pick up the book I was told the book was lost and could not be found in order to fill my hold. I was very frustrated so I drove to Half-Priced Books and purchased a copy of the book. I loved everything about this book. It was so different from any book I have ever read and not my typical read. Maybe that is why I enjoyed it so very much. I had heard of foot binding, but not details. I was shocked to find out how and why this custom existed. I went online in order to read more about this ancient custom. I loved the historical information intermingled with the wonderful story of the relationship of Laotong's Lily and Snow Flower.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson

This series of books has been on my list of books to read for some time. I finally took the time to read the first book after hearing a friend gush over these books. She was excited the movie was coming out, and once again I had to read the book before seeing the movie (which I still haven't seen). I have to admit, it was a great read. I loved the family mystery, the relationship of Mikael and Lisbet, and the conflict created by Mikael's recent legal problems. I am anxious to read the next two books in the series, but have not taken the time to read them as of yet.

11/22/63
by Stephen King

As soon as I read about this book I knew I had to read it. In fact when this book came out I was still reading another book, but as soon as I finished reading it I started this awesome book! I have been fascinated with the Kennedy assassination for as long as I can remember. I don't know if it is because I live in Dallas, my love of history, or my dad's collection of newspapers from the time period but the combination of time travel (which is one of my very favorites) and the events leading up to the assassination immediately grabbed me. There were times I had to put the book down (okay, my Nook) in order to wrap my brain around what was happening in the story. I can't even begin to describe how much I enjoyed this book. It was not anything like I expected it to be, which is typical King. There are so many things I thought I wanted out of the story, but I was not disappointed. My mind still spins thinking of the time travel possibilities and King's perspective of the logistics of it all.

The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire
by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay
by Suzanne Collins

When Suzanne Collins came out with The Hunger Games, I remember my niece telling me about the book and how much she loved it. Right before Catching Fire was released I was again with Linsey when she was telling me how she was re-reading The Hunger Games so she would be ready to move right into the second book. I know she was just as excited, if not more so when Mockingjay was released. I was reluctant to read this series at first. I'm not sure why exactly. It can't be because of lack of recommendations. It seems that every time I turned around someone was asking if I had read them. Their expressions of shock were followed by glowing personal reviews and encouragement to read all three. Well, I finally listened and poured through all three of the books back to back. I absolutely loved the first two books. I was shocked, appalled, and thoroughly entertained with the story line. I can't say I loved Mockingjay as much. I don't know if it was because I sensed a finality to the series or because it seemed to move away from the action of the previous two books. I wasn't disappointed, it was just not the page-turner for me like the previous books. I have to say I do like how she ended the series. It gave you some finality, but also gave you piece of mind.

As you can see, I have been reading, even if I have not been writing. I would much rather sit and read but I also feel the need to share the great books I have enjoyed so others can find something that will entice them to read.

Happy Reading! I'm off to read. You'll just have to wait to see what I am currently reading. I'll write about it soon. It is another great book with historical references, mystery, time travel, and other peculiarities.

Books to Movies

I went to the movies with my wonderful son yesterday. We had both been wanting to see The Adjustment Bureau, so we decided to go together, especially since my darling husband can't stand suspense movies. I LOVE them...the more on the edge of your seat, the BETTER!!

Now every time I go to the movies I watch the trailers very carefully. If one peeks my interest I immediately try to read the VERY fine print to see if the movie is based on a book. That is exactly what happened yesterday. We were sitting there watching the trailers and I see Matthew McConaughey come up on the screen. Don't get me wrong, I am very interested in the movie, but now that I see who is starring in the movie I am even more interested in the book. You see, whenever I hear a book is being made into a movie, I have to read the book FIRST.


I have heard of people going to see the movie before reading the book. I have even heard of people reading half of the book, going to the movie then reading the end of the book afterward. This never really makes any sense to me. If the book came first the author had a plan. They had a certain person in mind when creating each character. I want to see the setting and characters in my own movie, the one in my head before I see what the silver screen has imagined for everyone else. I will admit there have been times when the casting director has selected a much better looking character for the movie than I have (or in the case of Mr. McConaughey, SO much better...glad I caught the trailer before I got the book...more later) envisioned. Another case in point, Michael C. Hall, the ever loveable serial killer, Dexter Morgan, created by the talented Jeff Lindsay. I will be honest. I had read t least two of the Dexter books before the series premiered. The character I had in my head really was nothing like MUCH. He IS Dexter now and whenever a new Dexter book comes out I use the TV characters in my head to created what I am reading on the page. I can't wait for the next book...and season.

Now, back to Matthew. Like I said, as soon as I see him on the screen I begin to look for signs that this was first a book. Now that I remember, I believe the trailer actually opens with something about the book, maybe the author, Michael Connelly's name. Oh well it doesn't really matter...the important things are discovered...book, Matthew, lawyers, suspense, movie!

Okay, now for the obsessive part...as we are sitting int the movie theater watching the trailers (after Matthew has left the screen, of course) I go to my G2 browser, open the Webpage for our local public library, and attempt to put the book on hold. YES! While we are sitting in the movie theater!!! Now I was not very successful because I guess everyone else in the theater beat me to it! All copies were already in use or on hold. I couldn't believe it! What bad luck.

Well, I stopped browsing the library catalog for other reads, my son was mortified...but I was doing research! I guess it doesn't matter what your hobbies or profession, you should NOT browse the library catalog online while sitting in a dark movie theater. I know for a fact it was dark. So dark that I could not read the numbers off my library card so I could put the book on hold before the late comers to the movie found out and wanted The Lincoln Lawyer for themselves.

Like I said, I stopped browsing and watched the movie...no more books into movies trailers no need, right? Any way the movie was great, very enjoyable, suspenseful, and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with my son.

When the movie was over we were supposed to pick up my hardworking husband, but he was still working hard. He graciously told us to go to the nearby bookstore and buy whatever we wanted (I know I heard him say that, he INSISTS he did not!). Well, I wanted Matthew McConaughey, so I went upstairs to look for Mr. Connelly's novel. The book angels were smiling down on me because I found the only copy! I sat down and started reading. I must have gotten lost in the pages because all of a sudden my dear, sweet, loving husband was calling me asking where in the world we were. When I told him we were in the book store he told us to run out quickly before all of his hard erred money decided to stay. Shhhhhhh, don't tell him...some of it stayed. I could walk out of there without that book! Are you kidding me? The book angels had been so good to me and directed me right to the spot I need to be to locate this book. It was calling to me. I could not simply walk away! If I didn't show my gratitude, the little angels might not be so helpful next time. I just couldn't have them crying down tears of sadness in the bookstore...it might damage the books, and water damaged books are not something to laugh at (the smell, the mold, the...., you get the picture). So anyway I ran up to the register and quickly paid for the book I had already placed my very own bookmark in so I would know where I stopped reading. It is always wise to carry an extra bookmark, you never know when you might have a reading emergency!

I think this is more than enough blogging. I need to go back and see what Matthew (I mean Mickey) is going to get into next.

And always remember...
Never judge a book by its movie.  ~J.W. Eagan