Outfox/Sandra Brown/437pages

     Outfox is the latest offering from super star author, Sandra Brown.

     Drex Easton is an FBI agent on a mission.  For the last 19 years or so he has been on the trail of a serial killer who meets women through a dating service, murders them and then cleans out their bank accounts and makes the women disappear--no bodies have been found until now.  Drex moves in next door to Jason and Talia Ford posing as a writer hoping to prove that he has finally found the killer of at least nine women.  He is sure he has the right man but isn't sure if Talia is the serial killer's partner in crime or another victim!

     This fast paced suspense novel moves quickly from one set up to the next double cross with lies and made up scenarios and fabrication at every turn.  It was fascinating!  I will admit to being doubtful in the beginning about whether I was going to like this one but about one third of the way into it, I was hooked!

     Loved the characters, loved the twist that the story took and loved the ending!

All I Want/Jill Shalvis/297 pages

Number 7 of the Animal Magnetism Series.  Parker is a special agent for U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Department and is thrown together with Zoe Stone a small aircraft pilot  by her brother.  She decides to give him a place to stay and fly him around her hometown of Sunshine, Idaho compiling evidence on a dangerous smuggler. While Parker is seriously good looking and amazing to have around Zoe has been
burnt it love before.  However she decides to start dating again and Parker begins giving her advice on
her dating skills. He also adopts two lovable kittens, Bonnie and Clyde  from her neighbor and introduces them to her cat shy dog Oreo. As time goes by the chemistry begins to heat up between Parker and Zoe but she knows it can only be a temporary fling because he is just there on a quick vacation/criminal investigation. What will happen when he decides he needs to go back to his real life and he leaves her with a broken heart?   I would recommend this series by Jill Shalvis for anyone looking for a fun, quick paced romance read.

My Hero Academia Volume 16 - Red Riot / Kohei Horikoshi (Japanese author) / 192 pages / Color in the title

This volume was my personal favorite in the series so far, and not just because it had the most action either.

The professional heroes figure out the missing girl's location is at Shie Hassaikai Compound, so they, along with the four 1A students, go on a mission to rescue her.  The problem: Overhaul, his crew, and the League of Villains have been expecting them, and they've prepared to attack and use a Quirk-removing drug the moment they arrive.

The story at this point mainly focuses on Kirishima and Tamaki's battles, as well as their backstories.  The latter was always socially awkward around his peers since grade school, and with the help of Togata, he became more confident with himself; since he had been hit with the Quirk-removing drug before, he has to work to get it back but faints after defeating three henchmen.  As for the former, I could go on a whole discussion on his backstory.

First of all, I've heard about how, out of all the 1A students, manga readers loved Kirishima's backstory the most, which says a lot since there are loads of backstories for loads of characters, major and minor.  Although it wasn't what I expected, I wasn't disappointed either; in fact, it's pretty relatable.  Kirishima got underestimated by "friends" and enemies alike in middle school due to having a "lame" Quirk, yet he was still determined to get in the top school, U.A..  It’s when there was a life-or-death situation that made him doubt himself.  When he watched an interview with a role model hero, the role model talks about how even he has been afraid and wasn’t able to save people he could’ve, but it was remembering those people and moving forward that made him become a better hero.  And Kirishima took inspiration from that.
His actions during a fight with a duo of villains were so admirable, they were willing to let him heal, so they could fight again.

My Hero Academia Volume 15 - Fighting Fate / Kohei Horikoshi (Japanese author) / 192 pages / Color in the title

Besides Midoriya getting third-year student Togata as his new mentor, three other 1A students are chosen by the other two third-years: Uraraka and Tsuyu Asui by Nejire Hado, and Eijiro Kirishima by Tamaki Amajiki.  Both groups experience fighting villains or dangerous criminals.  In the latter group, Kirishima, who was treated as useless since Vol. 5, proves himself to be extremely powerful even for a hero, let alone a new sidekick.

When Midoriya and Togata go out in the city on patrol, on the other hand, they run into a child sprinting out of an alley; Overhaul appears out of the alley behind her and claims that he is her father.  Seeing the terror in her face and the bandages covering her arms, Midoriya refuses to give the girl to him, and Togata insists Midoriya not to act so suspicious around Overhaul.  In the end, Overhaul persuades the frightened girl to come with him.

And in case that wasn't bad enough, Midoriya gets news that All Might will die between now and a year due to a mix of severe injuries and using up all his power.

Later on, the professional heroes and seven teens meet together to discuss the girl Midoriya and Togata failed to save earlier, telling them about the evidence they found that could lead to her location and thus save her.

Super Awesome, as always.

My Hero Academia Volume 14 - Overhaul / Kohei Horikoshi (Japanese author) / 205 pages / Color in the title

So much has gone on between Volumes 3 and 13 (sorry), So I'm just going to cut to the chase:

Midoriya and Bakugo fight and reveal their thoughts of each other as they do-- the former looks up to the latter for his determination, and the latter is insecure of the former for being approved by All Might more.  They're soon caught, and they both get punished and must miss class time to do "odd jobs" around the school dorms; Midoriya for three days, and Bakugo for four days (since he started the fight).  Each boy gives the other some advice on his Quirk during their punishment.

After Midoriya's punishment ends, not only does he need to catch up in school, but the class also has special guests-- three third-year students who've had personal experience in the professional hero world.  At least one of them, Mirio Togata, proves it in their first drill fight, where none of the first-years, not even Midoriya, were able to beat him-- at least, not without feeling like he or she got pummeled in the gut.  Nevertheless, Togata, originally All Might's to-be successor, becomes curious of Midoriya due to his quick analyzing of opponents as well as why he was chosen as the successor instead.     

                                                         

Meanwhile, the League of Villains invite a criminal who goes by "Overhaul" (the plague doctor guy on the cover) to join them; however, Overhaul declines, pointing out that their never having a structured plan before sending any hit man out on a mission is a major flaw in their system.  He leaves, but he also keeps an opportunity in coming back open while he goes at his own pace on wreaking havoc.

First off, I haven't been able to watch Season 3 the anime adaptation, and I hear this book was the equivalent to the season finale, so now I feel a little more ahead in the story.

Second off, YAY!  MIRIO TOGATA!  I hear so much about this guy from memes-- anyone who has a kid that plays a lot of Fallout would be reminded of its mascot when one sees him-- and he was as plucky and memorable as I thought he would be, but also a lot scarier than I expected.

The Monkey's Raincoat/Robert Crais/201 pages

Elvis Cole is a private-eye in L.A. with a case he is initially not too interested in. With the help of his mysterious partner, Joe Pike, he goes on the hunt for a missing husband and a missing son in the seedy underbelly of Hollywood. When things lead to a drug cartel, Cole and Pike bring out their darker sides to get the job done.


The author's style gave me the impression of a mash-up between Miami Vice and Lethal Weapon.

The River at Night/ Erica Ferencik/ 304 pgs

This story of 4 long-time female friends who decide to take a whitewater rafting trip in Maine starts out very slowly. Once the four inexperienced women arrive at their destination and meet their guide, however, the adventure begins. And really, though it's labeled a mystery/suspense, to me this was more action/adventure. Although it's a strange mix of action written in a very literary style. I found this distracting but others might not. This becomes a tale of survival and while I was on board for that, I was disappointed in the twist that occurred about 3/4 of the way through the story. Still, this was the worth the read for descriptions of the Maine wilderness alone.

Sworn to Silence /Linda Castillo /321 p

This is the first book in the Kate Burkholder series set in Ohio Amish country. Kate Burkholder grew up Amish but a horrific incident in her teen years caused her to rebel against her heritage. Now she is chief of Police in the nearby town of Painters Mill. When the tortured remains of young women begin to show up, they show signs of the MO of a serial rapist/killer who had been active when Kate lived there before. The man who raped her. The man she shot. The man her family buried. Could he have survived to kill again? Will Kate have to sacrifice her career in law enforcement to finally bring him to justice?

The descriptions are gritty and the characters are flawed but the plot is anything but predictable.

Gray Mountain / John Grisham /368 pp

Samantha Kofer was living the dream in one of New York City's largest law firms. She was working 60-80 hour work weeks executing her plan to make partner. Then Lehman Brothers collapsed. In order to keep her health insurance and a chance to go back once the recession improved, she took a furlough to a legal aid clinic in Appalachia. She had never seen the inside of a courtroom, so she had a lot to learn. She also met people who had made getting justice for coal miners and their families their live's work. Samantha soon learns a secret that starts a domino effect with unforeseen consequences.

The Accident/ Chris Pavone/ 418 pages

The Accident by Chris Pavone is set in the  New York publishing world with a bit of spy action tossed in.  An unknown person has Isabel Hayden under surveillance in her own apartment.  Isabel has stayed awake all night to read an anonymous work concerning the life of an media giant about to run for political office.  Once it is known that Isabel has the manuscript the lives of everyone who touches it are in danger.   Surveillance and mayhem follow the manuscript across the country.  Isabel is in a run for her own life as she realizes death is following the manuscript.  Slowly as different people read bits of the manuscript the reader is exposed to the full story.  It's a good action adventure tale although the ending is just a little too convenient.

The Woman in Cabin 10 / Ruth Ware/ 355 pages

The Woman is Cabin 10, written by Ruth Ware is billed as a suspenseful and haunting novel.  While a good novel and interesting read, the suspense did not build as much as it I expected from the cover blurbs.  Lo Blacklock is assaulted in her apartment when she disrupts a thief.  With just a couple days to overcome her shock, she alienates her boyfriend, and is off on a job related cruise.  Is it her imagination or did Lo really hear a body go overboard from the cabin next door?  Where is the occupant of Cabin 10?  As Lo digs deeper she suddenly finds herself captive on the cruise ship.  Who is holding her there and why will surprise the reader.  The story ends nicely and will satisfy the reader.  Overall it's a good story that will keep the reader's attention.
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God's Eye View/ Barry Eisler/ 374 pages

The God's Eye View by Barry Eisler demonstrates what could happen if 'big Brother' could watch as well as listen.  Evie works on a special project for the NSA.  She does a good job, maybe too good.  When she starts to make connections with the data she examines and sudden, unexpected deaths Evie takes her concerns to her boss.  NSA Director Anders is pleased that Evie has brought her concerns to him, but is not pleased that she has concerns.  Anders will stop at nothing to have things his way: all knowing, all seeing and all hearing of everyone.  Evie keeps looking, Anders keeps killing, terminating in a life and death chase.  This was a great read, full of suspense and thought provoking as well.

The Travelers/ Chris Pavone/ 433 pages

The Travelers by Chris Pavone catches the reader in a spy web and takes them on a trip of twists and turns, ups and downs.  The journey results in a suspenseful and enjoyable trip for the reader.  Will Rhodes and wife Chloe are both journalists.  Chloe had worked for Travelers magazine until the recent past when Will takes a job there.  While on a trip to Argentina, Will is placed in a situation that results in his being blackmailed into working for the CIA.  Or is it the CIA?  As the story moves forward the reader is left wondering just who are the good guys and who are not so good.  This is an action packed story that will appeal to reader who like fast paced stories such as the Da Vinci Code.

Morning Star/Pierce Brown/524 pgs.

This is the conclusion to the trilogy that began with Red Rising--and what a conclusion it is! Darrow was born a "Red," was transformed into a "Gold," and is ultimately trying to take down the society that he has discovered rules all of the classes--but ultimately wants to replace it with something better. Part science fiction, part Dystopian society, this is one wild ride. I can't recommend this trilogy strongly enough. It took me about fifty pages to get into the first book in the trilogy, Red Rising, but after that, I never looked back. Highly, highly, recommended!

Devoted in Death/J.D. Robb/374 pgs.

The latest J.D. Robb offering, Devoted in Death, has "star-crossed" lovers Ella-Loo and Darryl on a killing spree. This sadistic pair is into torture before killing their victims. It is up to Lt. Eve Dallas to: 1) discover their identities, and 2) stop them before their current victims die. It's fast, suspenseful, and what one expects from a J.D. Robb novel. Recommended!

Deadly Pursuit (Guardians of Justice, bk 2) /Irene Hannon/340 pgs.

Alison Taylor is a social worker who is a protector of the children. Strange occurrences begin to happen--dead flowers on her doorstep, bingo cards with skulls and cross-bones delivered in the mail, just to name a few. Someone is sending Alison a message, and it's not a pleasant one. Her law enforcement brothers become involved,  plus ex-Navy Seal Mitch Morgan, turned detective. There's mystery, suspense, romance--all within a St. Louis setting. Very enjoyable!

The Naked Eye/Iris Johansen & Roy Johansen/325 pgs.

Serial killer Eric Colby was executed in the San Quentin prison--or was he? Kendra Michaels played a key role in bringing Colby to justice, and due to certain circumstances, believes that he isn't dead. How does she convince the authorities that Colby is alive, and is picking up where he left off? It's a fast, exciting read, and highly recommended.

A Girl Undone/Catherine Linka/296 pgs.

This is the sequel to Linka's,  A Girl Called Fearless. Aveline Felicity Reveare (a.k.a. Avie) is still on the run from her fiance, Jessop Hawkins, with whom she has a marriage Contract. Avie's father basically sold her into marriage with Hawkins in order to save his company. Avie is on the run from Hawkins, and carries with her information that will bring down many high-level government officials. Will she be able to get the information into the right hands, and who can she really trust? It's a fast moving, exciting sequel to A Girl Called Fearless. Highly recommended!

The Mask:a Vanessa Michael Munroe Novel/344 pgs.

Vanessa Michael Munroe, when working undercover as "Michael," knows how to ferret out information and keep herself safe, even though she encounters the deadliest situations. In this go around, Michael's lover, Miles Bradford, has been brought in as a security consultant for a high-tech Japanese company. When Miles is accused of murdering a company employee, it is up to Michael to discover the truth that will gain Miles his freedom. There is drama, action, double crossing, etc., which makes for a fast, compelling read. If you are a fan of Lisbeth Salander (Girl With the Dragon Tatoo), you will want to read this series! Highly recommended!

Your Next Breath/Iris Johansen/338 pgs.

Catherine Ling is one of the CIA's most valued operatives, and suddenly finds people close to her the targets of a vicious killer. The killer is seeking revenge against Ling by trying to eliminate those she holds near and dear. It's a race against the clock for Ling as she tries to eliminate her enemy. It's a fast paced, entertaining read. Recommended!