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Reviews by Cathy W. (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA)

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Whispering Shadows
by Jan-Philipp Sendker

Compulsive read (1/5/2015)

Whispering Shadows is a multifaceted murder mystery. It is a character driven novel that explores the human psyche to advance the story. It takes place in contemporary China. The crime and its outcome are intricately tied to the country's leadership and history. Sendker …more

Glitter and Glue: A Memoir
by Kelly Corrigan

Glitter and Glue (12/12/2013)

Kelly Corrigan has an amazing ability to tap into the human psyche and articulate the findings in a way that is both astute and humorous. Her words resonate with mothers, daughters, and women who are trying to figure out family relationships. It's the kind of book you want …more

And When She Was Good: A Novel
by Laura Lippman

Great Summer Read (7/19/2012)

Laura Lippman’s intricately plotted crime stories delve into the psychological motivations of the characters. My favorite is What the Dead Know, but And When She Was Good is right up there with a menacing storyline that presents such flawed characters that you sometimes …more

Loose Diamonds: ...and other things I've lost (and found) along the way
by Amy Ephron

Loose Diamonds... (8/11/2011)

Amy Ephron is an expert at articulating everyday life of the rich and privileged. I grew up in a wealthy suburb of Los Angeles and the essays brought back many memories of a different era. Although well written and enjoyable, overall it lacked substance and was somewhat disappointing.

The Tender Mercy of Roses: A Novel
by Anna Michaels

Good but flawed (4/17/2011)

I am ambivalent about this book. The author has created a story that is both charming and annoying. Pony Jones, the dead rodeo star, is feisty, unique character that sparked my interest. But I found it difficult to stay involved with a story that just did not make sense. …more

The Angel's Game
by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Outstanding (7/6/2009)

I loved Shadow of the Wind and when I had the opportunity to request an advance copy of Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s latest novel, I jumped at the chance. The language is beautiful -- I was hooked from the first paragraph. The power of the written word and love of literature are key …more

The Toss of a Lemon
by Padma Viswanathan

Highly Recommended (8/18/2008)

I was fascinated by the mystery, magic and cosmic inevitability that pervades this family saga. The toss of a lemon hurled at the exact moment of her son’s birth clinches Sivakami’s destiny to become a young Brahman widow and has repercussions that reverberate through …more

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