Sue Recommends The Innocent by David Baldacci

David Baldacci is best known for his Camel Club Series featuring Oliver Stone, but fans should try out his newest book, The Innocent. This standalone thriller

highlights an unnamed government agency that employs snipers, such as Will Robie, to perform sanctioned assassinations usually overseas but occasionally in the U.S.

The problem with Will Robie is that he has a moral center, a conscience, and has the ability to think for himself.  Is his job assignment to kill a suspected terrorist (who turns out to be a mother with 2 small children AND an FBI agent) a political ploy that is connected with the murder of the parents of a 14 year old gifted student who has been in and out of foster homes? Can Will remain objective or will his sympathy for this new orphan threaten his and her lives and draw him further into a side of Washington that you and I do not even want to think exists?

 If this is your introduction to David Baldacci, you will enjoy a fully thought out plot with lots of twists and turns and then be looking up his other books to continue your enjoyment.  I, for one, hope that Will Robie will become the main character in more of the author's stories.  SH

Sue Recommends The Technologists by Matthew Pearl

Give TheTechnologists, an historical suspense novel written by Matthew Pearl, a try!  

 If you have any interest in Boston in the 1860s and the beginning rivalry between MIT and Harvard, this book is for you.  Pearl does an incredible job of bringing the first graduating class from MIT to life.  

He researched the MIT's first class's student journals and other histories of Boston and MIT to paint a picture of life in Boston in the 1860s.  The suspicion that Professor Rogers and his students provoked because they chose to take science past the theory and apply it to make a better world may seemed to be where Harvard and MIT differed and the friction began between the two schools.  

Add to this a mystery that of fictional unexplainable events that the students investigate through science and you have a novel with appeal to history, science, and suspense fans alike.

I listened to the Book on CD and found that it was difficult to shut it off and I kept reaching for the next disc to keep the story going.  All I can say is try it, you will certainly like it!

Also try Pearl's Dante Club that is set in the same time period in Boston.

SH

Sue Recommends Taken by Robert Crais

Did you enjoy the tv series Miami Vice, Hill Street Blues, and Cagney & Lacey? Robert Crais was the writer behind some of the episodes of these shoes, winning an Emmy nomination for Hill Street Blues.

His characters and stories continue to delight readers today although he has focused on creating characters who have extraordinary talent and training in special operation forces. Elvis Cole and Joe Pike have made their appearances in his earlier books. Taken introduces a third Delta Force alum and government mercenary named Jon Stone as Pike solicits his aid in saving Elvis Cole from the hands of Human Traffickers who steal illegals entering the country through Mexico from the various international cartels--Mexican, Asian, Russian, etc.

The suspense is high and the story is fast. Pay attention because thoughts and events are told through alternating scenarios expressed by the characters.

I loved the audio because the reader, Luke Daniels, portrays the characters' personalities so well. Enjoy!

SH

Sue Recommends The Drop by Michael Connelly

Harry Bosch is back better than ever in Michael Connelly's latest release, The Drop. Lately Connelly has been known for his Mickey Haller (Bosch's half brother) books, mostly due to the release of the Lincoln Lawyer movie.

For diehard Connelly followers, such as me, Harry Bosch is the preferred character. Perhaps it is because he knows all of the tricks and has great insights necessary to solve crimes where the forensics don't spell out the killer. The Drop has so many twists and turns as Harry learns he cannot even trust his partner as he tries to find out whether the son of a former foe in the police department and L.A. council member committed suicide or was thrown to his death. What is suspicious is that this council member requested Harry--a little political intrigue afoot.

If you haven't read the Harry Bosch series, you are in for a treat. Do you have to read them in order? No, but they are more meaningful if you understand some of the relationships and cases that may be referred to in the current novel. Happy reading!

SH

Sue Recommends Brotherband Chronicles Book 1: The Outcasts by John Flanagan

John Flanagan writes fantasy adventure fiction for young adults. You may have read a recommendation for his first best-selling series--Ranger's Apprentice--right here on this blog. Whether you are 10, 16, or 60, male or female, you will enjoy his likable characters and admire his ability to write a great story.

His new series, Brotherband Chronicles, begins with The Outcasts. This is a companion story to the Ranger's Apprentice and features a coming of age story of young men from medieval Skandia training to be warriors in groups called Brotherbands. As the name implies, one of the Brotherbands is made up of a group of boys who are considered outcasts in the community because of their actions or parentage and thus not picked by the other teams to be a part of their group.

Will Hal, Stig and the other boys in this group be able to compete with the other groups to make a name for themselves and prove that they are truly contributing member of the Skandian community who deserve respect? Stay tuned for more adventures from this rag-tag group of seafaring boys.

SH

Sue Recommends V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton

If you haven't tired of the alphabet mystery series (she is up to V now) by Sue Grafton, V is for Vengeance is not to miss. If you haven't read A to U, you will still enjoy this latest installment.

As Kinsey Milhone, our fearless PI, is innocently buying underwear, she witnesses a shoplifting crime. Little did she realize that being a good citizen and reporting the crime would result in the thief's death and pull her into the world of organized crime. Kinsey's vexing attitude and smart alec tongue keep the tension alive.

Lots of action and twists along the way for those who are looking for a good read on a cold winter's evening.

SH

Sue Recommends Concussion Crisis: Anatomy of a Silent Epidemic by Linda Carroll

Concussion Crisis: Anatomy of a Silent Epidemic is an important book for parents who have student athletes. Traumatic Head Injuries are becoming more commonplace in high school and college athletics and not just for football or basketball players.

I personally have seen the consequences of young athletes being victims of head injuries playing volleyball and lacrosse. The effects are not always apparent and the athlete finishes the game only to have symptoms appear later, the next day, or never. Symptoms may last weeks, months or longer preventing students from completing their coursework and graduating on time. In the meantime, students and parents hold their breath that there will be no permanent brain damage.

Concussion Crisis presents high school, college and pro athletes' stories. Linda Carroll, a health journalist, also provides the critical information regarding the anatomy and physiology of concussions and concerns of doctors and researchers.

The brain fascinates us all and the health of the brain should never be taken for granted.

SH

Sue Recommends The Submission by Amy Waldman

Picture the United States public anxiously awaiting the announcement of the winner of a contest to design the memorial to those who died in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

What would be the reaction when it is announced that the winner of a beautiful garden design is an American-born Muslim architect, the son of immigrants from India? Add to this scenario that one of the members of the jury selecting the design is the widow of one of those who died that tragic day.

Amy Walden did just that in The Submission, her first published novel. The release of this title so soon after the dedication of the actual memorial makes it so much more intense and opens your eyes to the many angry and opportunistic people who use displays of tribute to benefit their own selfish political and social causes.

Don't miss this extraordinary book!

SH

Sue Recommends Cold Vengeance by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

The adventure that began in Fever Dream with FBI agent Aloysius Pendergast and his hunt to discover what really happened to his wife Helen 12 years earlier in Africa, continues with Cold Vengeance, the 11th book in the Pendergast series.

There are many twists and turns as the conspiracy is slowly revealed through the surprising information revealed by his brother-in-law, Judson Esterhazy, as he tries to kill Pendergast in Scotland and the special agent's relentless, and of course, unconventional investigation.

It would be best to read Fever Dream first to understand what has already occurred in Pendergast's attempt to get to the truth. However, Cold Vengeance does not finish the story but keeps the reader waiting for the next book in the series.

For those of you who hate for a story to end, this trilogy would be a great read. Many of you may be surprised to know that Douglas Preston grew up in Wellesley. SH

Sue Recommends Eyes Wide Open by Andrew Gross

Andrew Gross is best known for his 5 best selling novels co-written with James Patterson, but he also is gaining a reputation internationally with his ability to weave a highly developed thriller on his own.

His novel The Dark Tide was nominated for Best Thriller of the Year by the International Thriller Writers.

The difference in his new mystery/thriller, Eyes Wide Open, is that he combines the true tragedy of the death of his bipolar nephew at the bottom of the 600 foot high Morrow Bay Rock (see alexwemissyou.com) with a suspenseful story of family secrets and a murdering cult leader.

This story line elicits memories (for those of you old enough in the 1960s) of the Sharon Tate and LaBianca murders by Charles Manson and his cult family, for which many of them are imprisoned to this day.

This author is one to watch and this book with its grisly murders is not for the weak of heart or stomach.

Sue Recommends The Delta Solution by Patrick Robinson

Patrick Robinson combines two elements that have made national news in the last year--pirates of Somalia and the daunting Navy Seals--in his newest international thriller, The Delta Solution. No one is safe from these Somalian "businessmen" (as the pirates like to call themselves), even ships carrying food and aid to the starving people of their own country.

This is the third military thriller in the Mark Bedford series, the first two being Diamondhead (2009) and Intercept (2010). Mark Bedford returns to active military service as an instructor who is drafted to lead a team of hand-picked Seals in shutting down the out of control piracy in the Indian Ocean. He is not a stranger to terrorists, having battled them in Iraq and Pakistan (in his two earlier books). Lots of action and thrills for those who enjoy books by Vince Flynn, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. SH

Of note is that Robins0n lives in Ireland but spends his summers in our own Cape Cod.

SH

Sue Recommends Sixth Man by David Balcacci

Baldacci pens a must read with his new suspense novel, Sixth Man. Although the characters, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, have appeared in four of his earlier thrillers, you may pick this up without reading the others. King and Maxwell have left the Secret Service behind and are embarking on a new career as private investigators. Even so, they cannot escape the political conspiracies that were a part of their former lives. I was delighted at the author's ability to keep me guessing on how the story would end. I thought the plotting in this story by Baldacci was extraordinary and this is my favorite King and Maxwell thriller yet.

The title mystified me and I was anxious to find out the connection with the story. It is not revealed until later in the novel.

At first the story appears to be about helping an old friend with the defense of a former IRS employee who has been accused of multiple murders, 6 to be precise. When the pair find their friend murdered, they become highly motivated to find out who is trying to prevent the accused, Edgar Roy, from being having a fair trial. Finding what Roy was actually doing for the government and national security will set them on a treacherous journey that may cost them their lives as well.

For those who prefer the audio version of the book, I did not enjoy Orlagh Cassidy's reading of the female characters but thought Ron McLarty did a good job. However, neither one showed a great passion for the story. See what you think, but don't let the readers keep you from enjoying this suspenseful read. Request it today!

Sue Recommends The Fallen by Mark Terry

Have you been missing the heroics and fearlessness of Jack Bauer of tv's 24 television show? Mark Terry's Derek Stillwater is here to take his place.

The Fallen is the third of the Derek Stillwater novels and considered by some to be his best so far. This novel brings Homeland Security undercover agent Stillwater face to face with the leader of The Fallen Angels and former partner who was believed to be dead at the G8 conference in Colorado Springs. What can this one man accomplish through quick thinking and raw heroism to protect world leaders and the world from these irrational terrorists with unreasonable demands?

After reading this novel, I will be picking up the first two with Derek Stillwater. Mr. Terry has Book 4 in the series coming out in June which involves biological and nuclear weapons threatening U. S. election day. I am looking forward to the thrills Stillwater next adventure, Valley of Shadows, will add to my life in June.

SH

Sue Recommends The Jungle by Clive Cussler and Jack Du Brul

The Jungle is the 8th in the Oregon Files Series by Cussler and Du Brul and is a favorite of all action/adventure fans.

This time around the former CIA operative and his "good guys" mercenaries keep the thrills going as they rescue innocents in Afghanistan, Burma, the U.S., and even sinking ships, escape kidnappings and death, and ultimately are given the task of saving the world from a 13th century weapon. There are twists and surprises that keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. One of the best in the series.

This is just one of the titles you will find on the We Need a Hero booklist available in the Wellesley Free Library. Ask for a copy when you come in.

Sue Recommends Secret Soldier by Alex Berenson

Berenson's newest John Wells novel, Secret Soldier, is published as the real time political unrest in the Middle East and Africa is taking place.

This fifth title in the series has John Wells working and utilizing his CIA skills as a freelancer for King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Abdullah suspects his brother is plotting against him to bring about his overthrow with the use of terrorists so he can take the throne in his stead. Wells, with the help of a partner and his former CIA contacts, moves undercover throughout the region , tapping his background as an Islamist and undercover Osama Bin Laden follower. His mission is to break apart the puzzle of the plot that involves kidnapping, torture, and gunfire to turn the entire Middle East against the King and the United States.

George Guidall is the narrator of the audiobook. He is a well regarded actor and has narrated books by Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, Wally Lamb, Elie Wiesel, and John Connolly. The audio recording will keep you in suspense waiting for what will happen next.


SH

Sue Recommends Dead Zero by Stephen Hunter

My first encounter with Stephen Hunter's character Bob Lee Swagger was watching Shooter, a popular feature film with Mark Wahlberg. The film was based on Hunter's first book in the series entitled Point of Impact. Shortly after I saw a review of a new novel in the series and it had great reviews. That began my quest to read Hunter's books.

Dead Zero is the newest and seventh entry in the Bob Lee Swagger series. Swagger is a former Marine sniper who is known for his shooting skills but also his ability to assess situations and outwit the enemy. He was retired with a medical disability but the U.S. government hires him as a special consultant to assist them in solving conspiracies and preventing assassinations.

With the newest title in the series, Hunter joins the bevy of titles based on global terrorism. Dead Zero begins in Afghanistan and brings the terror to our own shores. A Marine sniper, Ray Cruz, is sent to assassinate a cruel Afghan politician, Ibrahim Zarzi, but finds himself being hunted by a group of Americans. He wants to find out who in the U.S. government is the traitor responsible for the death of his spotter and the failure of his mission. Swagger is brought in to help find Cruz and prevent him from completing his assassination mission on U.S. soil as the U.S government now supports Zarzi. As Swagger performs his role in stopping Cruz, he discovers that he has a personal stake in this quest.

If you enjoy adventure, plot twists, and a smart, likable, down-to-earth character, Bob Lee Swagger novels are for you.

SH

Sue Recommends Secrets to the Grave by Tami Hoag

Tami Hoag can certainly write a great "whodunnit"/thriller, and she proves it first with Deeper than the Dead and continues with the sequel Secrets to the Grave. She keeps the pages turning with twists in the plot and throws in new clues so that you keep changing who you think is the killer. The reader has a victory moment if at the end s/he can throw up her/his fists in triumph for figuring out whodunnit before it is revealed.

The characters are so well drawn that you feel like they are old friends--from Vince Leon (the veteran FBI profiler) to his new wife, Anne (a compassionate woman who loves children and Vince). But somehow this nice couple finds themselves once again personally involved in a murder investigation.

Secrets to the Grave finds Vince and the Oak Knoll police seeking the killer of the mother of a 4 year old who is also the victim of an attempted strangling by the same person. Follow them as they try to bring resolution to this horrible crime that takes place in an idyllic California town in 1986 before DNA played a role in finding criminals.

Can't wait for the third title in the Vince and Anne Leone series and I think you will feel the same. SH

Sue Recommends Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

The author of Seabiscuit, Laura Hillenbrand, pens another winner with Unbroken: a World War II story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. She has the ability to weave a story of facts into a spellbinding tale that the reader must constantly remind herself/himself that this is a real person, Louis Zamperini, who experienced the glory of being an Olympic runner in Germany in 1936 and in World War II fought to survive a plane crash and the Japanese POW camps.

Hillenbrand did her homework with interviews, diaries, memoirs, family letters, and government documents. Unbroken begins with the life of Louis Zamperini as a juvenile delinquent and transitions to his competitiveness as an athlete with a family who loves him dearly. The skills he learned in this part of his life allowed him to survive the degradations and inhumanity of the 3 years in the POW camps. The final part of his life reveals how difficult it was to continue with life after being finally rescued at the end of the war.

Mr Zamperini (see the video clips on his webpage), now 94, wrote his own memoir, Devil at my Heels, if you would like to read more about him. You might also enjoy the videos on You Tube. SH

Sue Recommends Hell's Corner by David Baldacci

Hell's Corner is #5 in the Camel Club Series featuring Oliver Stone by David Baldacci. This is by far the best of this political thriller series, and if the earlier books caused you to question what is really going on in politics and the Intelligence Departments of the government, this one will cause you to lose most of your trust.

Oliver Stone, a former government assassin, is asked by the President to play a role finding information in events with the Mexican drug cartels. Before he can begin, a bomb in Lafayette Park, directly across from the White House, with the British Prime Minister possibly the target, sends him and an MI6 female agent into looking into who is responsible and why it occurred. There are so many false trails set in their paths, people being killed, and possible involvement by the Mexican cartels and Russian government that you wonder if Stone can discover the truth. What is real, how are the events that occur related, and who can he trust when he believes that he is being set up?

It is absolutely addictive and the plot so well constructed that you will not be able to put it down or get out of your car if you are listening to the audio book (read by Ron McLarty and Orlagh Cassidy). The story works as a standalone but you will garner so much more about the characters if you read the earlier books in the series.

Another must read! SH

Sue Recommends The Confession by John Grisham

Grisham takes the nonfiction book he wrote, An Innocent Man, and produces, The Confession, a suspenseful legal thriller with twists that keep you on the seat of your chair. Donte, an innocent high school football star is on death row for a conviction of rape and murder.

The conviction was based on a confession gained through illegal means by the police, lies, and inappropriate behavior in the judicial system.

In the meantime, the real killer wants to save Donte 4 days before his execution. Who is this man, why does he want to come forward now, and will he be in time?

Grisham is at his finest with this new novel. He makes the reader doubt the power given to the judicial system in determining life and death of citizens because it is only as good as the people involved in the process. A must read. SH