Along Came a Spider - James Patterson - 5 stars

This is a re-read for me from 2 years ago. I had forgotten that I already read it, but either way I am so glad that I am finally to get to the Alex Cross series. I enjoyed this one probably even more than the first time I read it. This is the first book to the series. I have had several of the books for awhile now. I have read plenty by James Patterson and have enjoyed just about all of it, so I expected this book to be just as good, and it really was.

The plot to this one was very fast paced, it really kept the story flowing well and kept me engaged from page one. I found nothing that was draggy or slow with the story. There were also some pretty unexpected events that took shape in this one. I loved the action and excitement that came along with this first book and I look forward to much more of that in upcoming books of the series.

I really enjoyed Alex Cross as a character right from the start. He has a good head on his shoulder, but he does have some issues which makes him flawed, and I love a good flawed character. I look forward to his development throughout the series. I also enjoyed a few of the other characters as well, such as Nana Mama, who is Cross's grandmother, and I also enjoy Sampson who is Cross's partner in crime. Both of them together really make this an enjoyable series.

I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Patterson and has not yet read this series. I also recommend this to those who just love mystery in general. There is plenty to keep anyone interested and turning the pages.

Unremembered - Jessica Brody - 4 stars

When I started reading this book, I was thinking 'ALIENS'. LOL But it was not aliens at all, but it sure did have that feel about it. It is a story that involves amnesia and the affects of that. I also really liked the pacing and the flow to this book. It was very engaging and somewhat mysterious which kept me flipping through the pages. There are also lots of great twists and turns in this story. And it makes me look forward to book 2 in the series.

I loved the characters as well. I felt like they were very relatable and realistic despite the fact that I thought Seraphina and Zen felt somewhat alien or maybe even from the past. They were what made me keep wanting to guess what the deal was, or where they came from. Their names as well seemed to be a hint of the abnormal of a far distant past. Rest assured that is not it at all. Great development with all of them, even the bad guys even though there are not may of them.

Pretty Girl 13 - Liz Coley - 3 stars

This book was really just ok for me. I initially picked it up because the synopsis said "psychological mystery". I did like how it started, I found it was very mysterious. It was a great start, but then it kind of lost that excitement factor for me. However, I do think it is a good look into mental disorders due to psychological trauma. Sadly this happens far too often in today's society.

If this had been a true story, and nothing fictitious, then I think it may have affected me differently. I did find that some of the techniques used were a bit far fetched, like erasing her personalities one at a time. She does explain in the author's note that even though this treatment is fictitious it is theoretically possible for the future.

It was like I was reading about several different characters just between her split personalities, so that gave the book a bit more life for me. So that helped immensely. I am not sure which of the personalities I liked the best, but I am sure that they are very relatable to a lot of people, therefore, possibly even helpful.

Duma Key - Stephen King - 5 stars

This was a re-read for me that I did with a couple of gals from my group. I did not remember a whole lot since it has been about 8 years since I read it. I do know that I loved it even more this time around. It was like reading the book for the first time and I enjoyed the creativity the author used for this.

This is such an enthralling and engaging journey. This story has such a wonderful plot and an amazing world where you begin to feel like you are living it and not our characters. You read through Edgar's perspective as he is telling you a story, where evil runs deep and a child becomes a tool. It also has some incredible twists and turns that is hard for us to even imagine happening.

There are plenty of heartwrenching moments where you can feel each of the characters emotional pain and triumphs. I have to say though that I was a little annoyed with King's use of hints and little spoilers throughout the story, that gives readers a heads up that something is going to happen. I can understand why it is done since Edgar is pretty much telling us a story that he has already lived, but I still did not care for it.

The characters yet again are my favorite part of the story, as it always seems, they definitely complimented the storyline very well. I can imagine the people in the story being the people I would want in my corner if I was trying to conquer something. Very well written characters. So very glad that I read it...A must read for any Stephen King fans.

North Child - Edith Pattou - 5 stars

Another great YA fantasy, not anything like I thought it would be. I love everything about it. It reads like a fairy tale love story. It has loves of twists and turns full of mystery, thriller and love. I also loved how engaging and poetic the story is. The writing flowed very well.

I loved the plot of the story. There is enough mystery to reel readers in and then pulls readers in the rest of the way for quite a ride. The use of the bear was fantastic and became one of my favorite characters. I love everything about him. I look forward to reading the nex book in the series.

Off the Page - Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer - 5 stars

This mother and daughter duo have a great gift of writing because this continuing story is pretty amazing. The first book seemed geared more to younger crowds, where this one is geared more towards older teen to young adult. It is a true to life fairy tale that you will want to live I forever.

I really loved this continuing story. I feel like the story is so magical, and it is nice to live in a world like that for a bit. The story flows so very well and is so engaging that I felt as though I was being swept away. Very poetic writing that just urges readers to continue turning the pages. I loved that.

The characters are graceful and relatable, and feel real life even though it is just a fairy tale. I loved everyone of them. Oliver and Delilah seem to fit very well together even though they are from 2 different worlds. They just click.

This duology is so worth the read, especially when you need something light in your life. The pages in this book will take you exactly where you want to go, especially if you like fairy tales.

A is For Alibi - Sue Grafton - 3 stars

This one to me, read more like a cozy mystery, even though she was a detective. This is pretty quick read and is somewhat engaging, I would wish for just a bit more excitement and mystery though, but I like it well enough to continue with the series. I did find this story to be somewhat predictable, so I hope for that to get better with time as well.

The characters are ok, more 1 dimensional than anything. I like Kinsey well enough, I just think I need to learn more about her to enjoy her character more and I think I will get that the further I get into the series. I think readers will have a lot to learn about her.

I can recommend this book for maybe first time mystery readers, or for those who just need a quick fix or a quick read. I do look forward to continuing with the series.