The Institute / Stephen King / 557 pages

This is Stephen King's latest novel.  His story telling has evolved over the years.  I have read all his novels except for the Dark Tower series.  Although King's books are still suspenseful, they are no longer "scary".  This book centers around an organization that kidnaps children with telepathy or telekinesis abilities and uses the children to kill people around the world that threaten the beliefs and values of those in power.  This is definitely a good versus evil story.  It did get more exciting in the last half.

Dick Francis's Gamble / Felix Francis 352 p.

Felix Francis continues his father’s tradition of mysteries set in a racing and other background.  Nicholas “Fox” Foxton, champion jockey who suffered a career ending injury, is out for the day with Herb Kovak, his fellow independent financial advisor, at the Grand National races when Herb is murdered right in front of him.  Foxton investigates Kovak’s death as he is the executor; and, quickly finds himself the next victim.  Francis skillfully evolves relationships, fast paced plots, with twists, as Foxton tries to out “Fox” the bad guys.