Book Review / Playing for Pizza by John Grisham

Rick Dockery was the third-string quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. In the AFC Championship game against Denver, to the surprise and dismay of virtually everyone, Rick actually got into the game. With a 17-point lead and just minutes to go, Rick provided what was arguably the worst single performance in the history of the NFL. Overnight, he became a national laughingstock and, of course, was immediately cut by the Browns and shunned by all other teams.

But all Rick knows is football, and he insists that his agent, Arnie, find a team that needs him. Against enormous odds Arnie finally locates just such a team and informs Rick that, miraculously, he can in fact now be a starting quarterback–for the mighty Panthers of Parma, Italy.

Yes, Italians do play American football, to one degree or another, and the Parma Panthers desperately want a former NFL player–any former NFL player–at their helm. So Rick reluctantly agrees to play for the Panthers–at least until a better offer comes along–and heads off to Italy. He knows nothing about Parma, has never been to Europe, and doesn’t speak or understand a word of Italian. To say that Italy holds a few surprises for Rick Dockery would be something of an understatement.

Published:     4th September 2007
Publisher:  Doubleday
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Stand-Alone
Source:  Owned

 

MY REVIEW

I have to admit that I am not a football and know nothing about the game so I was a little cautious going into this novel hoping that it was not solely about the game.  Luckily, it wasn't and I really enjoyed the story.

We follow Rick as he is injured playing for the NFL.  He is not playing well.  He wants to stay playing football so takes an opportunity to go and play in Italy as that is his only choice if he wants to continue to play.   Even though he is not happy with the situation, he does anyway and soon discovers his passion for the sport again and quite possibly his passion for life again.

I really enjoyed this story and you really don't have to know a lot about football to understand most of the story.  For me, the best part was following Rick on his journey of being down on his luck to finding himself again. 

 

Book Review / The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

A devious tale of psychological suspense involving sex, deception, and an accidental encounter that leads to murder. Fans of Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train will love this modern reimagining of Patricia Highsmith’s classic Strangers on a Train from the author of the acclaimed The Girl with a Clock for a Heart—which the Washington Post said “should be a contender for crime fiction’s best first novel of 2014.”

On a night flight from London to Boston, Ted Severson meets the stunning and mysterious Lily Kintner. Sharing one too many martinis, the strangers begin to play a game of truth, revealing very intimate details about themselves. Ted talks about his marriage that’s going stale and his wife Miranda, who he’s sure is cheating on him. Ted and his wife were a mismatch from the start—he the rich businessman, she the artistic free spirit—a contrast that once inflamed their passion, but has now become a cliché.

But their game turns a little darker when Ted jokes that he could kill Miranda for what she’s done. Lily, without missing a beat, says calmly, “I’d like to help.” After all, some people are the kind worth killing, like a lying, stinking, cheating spouse. . . .

Back in Boston, Ted and Lily’s twisted bond grows stronger as they begin to plot Miranda's demise. But there are a few things about Lily’s past that she hasn’t shared with Ted, namely her experience in the art and craft of murder, a journey that began in her very precocious youth.

Suddenly these co-conspirators are embroiled in a chilling game of cat-and-mouse, one they both cannot survive . . . with a shrewd and very determined detective on their tail.

Published:     3rd February 2015
Publisher:  HarperCollins
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Stand-Alone
Source:  Owned
 

 

MY REVIEW

I just can't stop reading books by this author.  I think is the the last one to pick up... until the next new one!!  There's just something about his writing style and the plot that draws me in every time.

In this story, we follow Ted who meets a mysterious stranger named Lily and after drinking and sharing secrets while waiting for their flights they both decide to become a team.  Ted reveals that he is sure his wife is having an affair and wants her out of the way.  Lily says that she can help with that.

There are quite a few twists and turns in this story which, to be honest, I had guessed most of them but maybe I was supposed to?  What I loved the most about this story (and honestly all of this author's novels) is that even if you have guessed what is going to happen next it doesn't matter.  That doesn't spoil the fact that I enjoy the journey the author is taking me on in this story and I want to see it through to the end.  

A truly gripping thriller that kept me hooked right to the very last page.

 

Book Review / Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

Number One bestselling author Jodi Picoult returns with her compulsive new novel - about the lengths we go to for those who have left us behind; about the staying power of love; and about how three broken souls might have just the right pieces to mend each other.
Jenna Metcalf was with her mother the night she disappeared in tragic and mysterious circumstances, but she remembers nothing.

Over ten years have passed, and still Jenna reads and rereads her mother's journals, hoping to find some clue hidden there, in the meticulous recording of her scientific research with elephants.

Desperate for answers, Jenna uses all her savings to recruit the aid of a private detective - and a psychic.

Jenna knows her mother loved her. She knows she would not leave her. And she will not rest until she finds out what happened that night. In her most gripping mystery since House Rules, Jodi Picoult brings us a powerful story of a young girl's determination to uncover the truth, however shocking and life-changing it might be.  

Published:     4th November 2014
Publisher:  Hodder & Stoughton
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Stand-Alone
Source:  Owned

MY REVIEW

I am going to say right away that this book blew me away!  This is by far one of the best books I have read all year, if not all time.  I can't believe that it has taken me this long to read it.  I've had it on my shelf since it came out and I keep meaning to pick it up but I have been in a thriller kick for quite a while now I have not picked it up but I should have!

We follow the story of Jenna and her mother who disappears under tragic circumstances.  The family are living in an elephant sanctuary that they have created.   The mother in this family goes missing, one of their staff is found dead and Jenna is found all alone.  We follow as Jenna enlists the help of a psychic and private detective (who had worked on the original case back when it happened) to help try and find her mother.  

I can't tell you how much I loved this book.  I enjoyed following Jenna, the psychic and private detective find out what truly happened.  I do have to say that the twist at the end shocked me.  I was not expecting it and certainly had not guessed it.  Amazing!

Book Review / Slow Burner by Laura Lippman

 

A woman watches her marriage implode over text message and decides that ignorance is not bliss in this bitterly satisfying short mystery by the New York Times bestselling author of Lady in the Lake.

Liz Kelsey promised herself she’d never again spy on her feckless husband, Phil. But then she discovers a string of suggestive texts on his secret burner phone. Even worse, he’s flirting with the woman who shook their unstable marriage once before. But knowledge is power. What’s more dangerous—what Liz knows or what Phil doesn’t know?

Laura Lippman’s Slow Burner is part of Hush, a collection of six stories, ranging from political mysteries to psychological thrillers, in which deception can be a matter of life and death. Each piece can be read or listened to in one truly chilling sitting.   

 

 

 

Published:     30th July 2020
Publisher:  Amazon Original Stories
Goodreads :  Click Here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Hush Collection
Source:  Owned
 

 

MY REVIEW

What a great story.  Again, this is a short story that really packs quite a punch.  We follow Liz as she discovers her husband is not only cheating on her but lying about his life to this new woman.

I really enjoyed this one and for a short story this one certainly kept me on my toes and wanting to keep reading until the very end.   Obviously I won't give anything away about the story but I loved the ending!

This author is new to me and I will certainly be looking into reading more.

 

Book Review / Snow Flakes by Ruth Ware

 

When a barrier between truth and illusion grows stronger, a family’s trust crumbles in this arresting short story by the number one New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in Cabin 10.

Leah has spent her formative years isolated on a remote island with her family. But their quiet existence, far from the devastated mainland, is cracking. Father, sensing a coming threat, demands that a wall be built. As the stone blockade rises, Father’s paranoia escalates. So does Leah’s dread that the violence the family left behind has found its way to their sanctuary.

Ruth Ware’s Snowflakes is part of Hush, a collection of six stories, ranging from political mysteries to psychological thrillers, in which deception can be a matter of life and death. Each piece can be read or listened to in one truly chilling sitting.

 

 

 

 

Published:    30th July 2020
Publisher:  Amazon Original Stories
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Hush Collection
Source:  Owned

MY REVIEW

I will be honest and say that this book was the reason I decided to pick up the books in the Hush Collection (through Amazon).  Ruth Ware is one of my favourite authors and any oppportunity to read something new from her I will definately pick up.  This collection also has the added bonus of trying new authors as well as reading books that I enjoy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and following Leah.  As this is such a short story there is a lot I can't talk about because I don't want to spoil the story for you but this one is definitely worth picking up, especially if you enjoy reading this author's writing.  Also, if you are a fan of thrillers give this one a go.  If you like this Ruth Ware has written many other really great books...

Book Review / The Gift by Alison Gaylin

 

What’s a desperate mother to do when her child suddenly disappears? Anything it takes to keep the family together in USA Today bestselling author Alison Gaylin’s short story with a sting.

It’s dreaded news for actress Lyla McCord and her husband, Nolan. Their eight-year-old daughter has vanished. To find her, Nolan reaches out to a psychic gifted with uncanny visions about the lost girl. But Lyla thinks she sees right through him. Is he a con artist or the real thing? Either way, he might be telling the truth. And that’s too frightening for Lyla to bear.

Alison Gaylin’s The Gift is part of Hush, a collection of six stories, ranging from political mysteries to psychological thrillers, in which deception can be a matter of life and death. Each piece can be read or listened to in one truly chilling sitting. 

 

 

 

Published:     30th July 2020
Publisher:  Amazon Original Stories
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Hush Collection
Source:  Owned
 

 

MY REVIEW

This is author who has written a book in this collection that I have not read anything of before but I certainly will be picking up more from.  Surprisingly for me, this story was fast paced which I hadn't thought would be possible in such a short story.

If I had to be picky, the ending in this story really wasn't for me but this story is worth picking up for the journey the story takes you on.