What I Read #54

Wrongful Death by Robert Dugoni: This legal thriller is one you don't want to miss. From the courts of Seattle to the beaches in Baja, California, author Dugoni takes the reader on a journey of corruption and military cover up. James Ford, a school teacher whose National Guard platoon is called to fight in Iraq, is killed. But was he killed in the line of duty or was he following an unlawful order? Attorney David Sloane takes on the US military as well as the federal government in this action packed novel.
Happy Reading,
JE

The Phone Call

Okay, last Friday afternoon, late in the afternoon as a matter of fact, I was dozing in my recliner. Actually I was sound asleep. The phone rang. I groped for the release on the chair, looked around the room for the phone and finally answered it right before it went to voice mail. The following conversation ensued:
Caller: Is Jimmieearl there?
Me: This is Jimmieearl.
Caller: Have you talked to your brother today?
Me: No I haven't. (by this time my heart is in my throat thinking something happened to him as he is on vacation in Michigan and Wisconsin.)
Caller: Well, my name is Ta Da and this is really awkward, and something I never do, but I just spent the last few days in Michigan with your brother and his wife and some other friends.
Me: Oh.
TD: They talked a lot about you and thought you might like to spend some time with some people your own age, so I thought I would call and invite you to go with me to a festival in Big City tomorrow evening. There will be several of my friends and other couples there and I thought you might like to join us, if you don't have other plans.
JE: Well, thanks, that's very thoughtful of you, but I have other plans. But maybe some other time.
TD: You do? Well, okay, why don't I give you my number and you can call me.
JE: That's a good idea. I will call.
TD: This puts the ball in your court now.
JE: Yeah, I guess it does (chuckle) By the way, did you all have fun in Michigan?
TD: Oh we had a great time. Or at least we women did. Your brother was a real trooper as it turned out that he was the only guy there, but he let us women have plenty of gab time.
JE: That's good. He's a great guy, and his wife is one of my very favorite people.
TD: I can see why; she's real sweet.
JE: Well, thanks for calling and I will call you sometime.
TD: Okay, bye
JE: Bye.

Now, bear in mind that since my wife died, I have had only one woman call me to "hit on me." I knew her, and I also know she had had too much to drink when she called. I wasn't interested. But now? Maybe I could be with TD.

Later in the evening, my brother called, and left me a message that if I got a phone call from a lady that I didn't know, "answer the damn phone." He said she was "good people."
Now why in the heck didn't he call a couple hours earlier?

I will call TD back. I'm sure she had to be nervous about calling some guy she had never met, and I know I was nervous about talking to some lady I had never met. So, now it's up to me to make the next move. Wow! This being old, retired, AND single is hard work. (And I really DID have other plans).

Peace,
JE

What I Read #53

In Her Defense by Stephen Horn: The beautiful socialite, Ashley Bronson, has been accused of murder. She chooses attorney, Frank O'Connell to represent her. Her case is made more difficult by a government cover-up. Add to this, the personal problems that Frank is having, plus the constant badgering by the prosecutor, and you have a very well written legal thriller that will have you guessing, while sitting on the edge of your recliner, until the end.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #52

Evil at Heart by Chelsea Cain: I didn't want to wait to read the next Archie Sheridan novel after I found out that serial killer Gretchen Lowell had escaped from prison. In Evil at Heart, there are copycat killers that actually hold Lowell in highest esteem. She has become a cult hero. There are websites where the public can go to sing her praises. People are selling T shirts saying "Go Gretchen." All of this makes searching for Lowell even harder for Archie and the Serial Killer Task Force. This novel is certainly a chilling adventure into the macabre world of the weird!
Happy Reading,
JE

What I read #51

Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain: Serial killer Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison. Detective Archie Sheridan is once again on her trail. This book was a thriller of the first degree. Gretchen is a ruthless killer and psychopath. She actually scared me, the reader. Susan Ward, the reporter with multi-hued hair, and Archie's partner Harry, team up and race the clock to save Archie from the clutches of the crazed Lowell. You'll want to read Heart Sick by Cain before you read this one. Be warned! These novels are not for the squeamish. They will convince you to make sure your doors are locked and all the lights are on.
Happy Reading,
JE

Try This: Fun but Hard

Use the first letter of your name to complete each topic in this list:

Famous Athlete: Joe DiMaggio
4 letter word: Joke
Street name: Juniper St.
Gifts/presents: jars of jam
Vehicles: Jeep
Tropical Location: Jamaica
College Major: journalism
Dairy Product: Jamocca Ice Cream
Thing in a Souvenir shop: jewelry
Boys name: Jack, Joe
Girls name: Jane, Jocelyn
Movie Title: Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Alcohol: Julep, Jack Daniels
Occupation: Judge
Flower: Jonquil
Celebrity: James Brolin, Judge Judy
Magazine: Jet, Jack and Jill
U S City: Jacksonville, FL
Pro Sport Team: Jazz of Utah
Something found in Kitchen: Juicer
Reason for being late: jogging
Something you throw away: junk
Something you shout: Jackpot!
Cartoon Character: Jeff (of Mutt and Jeff)

What I Read #50

Innocence by David Hosp: From page 1 to page 413, this legal tale held me as a captive audience. Scott Finn, a lawyer in Boston takes a pro bono case to prove that a man in prison was innocent. Along the way, Finn, and his detective friend, Koz, get involved in murders, and dirty cops. The action was non-stop and the ending was a surprise. Finn's legal assistant, Lissa, a rough talking, smart law student, adds her humor, as well as her savvy to Finn's legal practice. A good read!
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #49

Heartsick by Chelsea Cain: I really have to wonder about any author who can write a novel like this. I wonder that, if in the back of her mind, she is one sick puppy. The gruesome murders of teenage girls in Portland, Oregon brings detective Archie Sheridan back into action. Archie heads up a task force to hunt down a serial killer. He has done this before. He was kidnapped by a serial killer a few years ago who tortured him then save him. All in all, this was a novel that was hard to read because of the gore, but hard to put down because as a reader, I wanted to see how it ended. Cain has written two more in this "series" and I think I want to read them, but I need a breather in between.
Happy reading,
JE

What I Read #48

The Bricklayer by Noah Boyd: Just when I thought a suspense novel couldn't get any better, Wham! Noah Boyd does his stuff with this one. Former FBI Agent Steve Vail, who is now a brick mason, is asked to come back to help solve some murders of FBI personnel. Reluctantly, he agrees. Then the "fun" begins, at least for the reader. I will warn you that this book is not for the faint-of-heart. It gets pretty down-and-dirty. There is also humor involved between Vail and his assigned agent, Kate. I think you will all like this new read.
Happy reading,
JE

Why I read so Much

As you have probably noticed, there have been a great number of books added to my reading list recently. Since I have retired, I have a lot more time to read. Also, I am pretty much of a home-body and prefer to stay home and read or do other stuff, rather than run around.

Next reason is that it's been too damn hot and humid outside to want to be out. I go out in the mornings early and work in the yard, or go for a walk before the heat gets to me, then I have more time to read. I don't particularly like to watch TV, and, since the season for my favorite show, "Big Bang Theory" is over, there's really nothing to see after Jeopardy. So I read.

I like to read fiction. It takes me places and lets me meet people in my mind. I have the tendency to cast books like a movie, creating characters in my head, which helps me relate to them and the story line. Every time I read a "Joe Pickett" novel, I picture Tom Selleck as Pickett. If they ever want to make these novels into movies, I could be of some assistance to the casting director.

When I graduated from college, after being forced to read text books off and on for five years, (no I didn't go right straight through) I swore I would never read for knowledge again. I would only read for fun. Well, that didn't work, because I took a job out of college, and remained in it for over 30 years, that required a lot of reading of tech manuals, and research publications. I did that on company time, though. At home I read for entertainment. Or at least most of the books I read were entertaining. (note here I say most...the first fictional novel I read after college was "Gone with the Wind." It was boring, hard to read and really quite a tome of "chick lit." My wife had said it was so good!) But I progressed on the good fiction, so just look back in my blog the last couple of years and you can find some really good reads.

I never liked to read when I was a kid. I would rather be outside, in the barn, or down at the lake swimming or just hanging out with my friends. But the older I got, the more I found it easy to escape some of the trials and tribulations of my teenage years, by reading. I guess the habit stuck, and luckily it rubbed off on my daughter, Prof. She too is an avid reader. My son, Lil Bro likes to read, too and has even been writing or has written a mystery novel. It is unpublished, but maybe sometime. I keep trying to convince Prof that she should also write "the great American novel." She has had so many interesting experiences and hilarious things go on in her life, that I know she could sell a million copies.

Today, I have an middle ear infection. I am having an allergic reaction (Hives) from the antibiotic the Dr. prescribed, so I am taking it easy, taking benedryll and trying not to sweat. I have to change antibiotics after the rash/hives heal, and the infection is just going to take longer to heal. So, In the meantime, I will immerse myself in still another fictional novel.
Peace,
JE

What I read #47

Capitol Threat by William Bernhardt: Another good one. Bernhardt writes this very "chewy" novel about The Legislative Branch of the Federal government as they meet to approve the nomination of Judge Tad Roush as a justice of the Supreme Court. Roush has some secrets in is life, but is willing to share them, to keep his integrity. Opposition then comes from all sides. There's murder, sex scandals, and the undercurrent of dishonesty within our government.
This novel is extremely well written, exciting, and a "must read."
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #46

In Plain Sight by C J Box: OMG! These books just keep getting better and better. I really don't know in what order I am reading these books by C J, but what ever order doesn't matter. I am lovin' them. Joe Pickett is my new hero. In this novel, an evil matriarch of a huge ranch goes missing. Other people are murdered, as are several endangered species of western animals. Joe has to find out what is going on. The blundering sheriff of the county is no help, and Joe's micromanaging boss is making impossible demands on Joe. When crime hit very close to home, Joe steps out of the role of Game Warden and becomes a husband and father determined to protect his family no matter what the cost. Please read this one!
Happy Reading,
JE

Thoughts for 2010

1. Jim Baker and Jimmy Swaggert have written
An impressive new book. It's called .......
'Ministers Do More Than Lay People'

2. Transvestite: A guy who likes to eat, drink
And be Mary..

3. The difference between the Pope and
Your boss, the Pope only expects you
To kiss his ring.

4. My mind works like lightning, One brilliant
Flash and it is gone.

5. The only time the world beats a path to
Your door is if you're in the bathroom.

6. I hate sex in the movies. Tried it once.
The seat folded up, the drink spilled and
That ice, well, it really chilled the mood.

7. It used to be only death and taxes
Now, of course, there's
Shipping and handling, too.

8. A husband is someone who, after taking
The trash out, gives the impression that
He just cleaned the whole house.

9. My next house will have no kitchen - just
Vending machines and a large trash can.

11. Definition of a teenager?
God's punishment...for enjoying sex.

12. As you slide down the banister of life, may
The splinters never point the wrong way...


Be who you are and say what you feel...
Because those that matter... Don't mind...
And those that mind...don't matter!

What I Read #45

Blood Trail by C J Box: This riveting novel by C J Box is as exciting as the first one of his I read. Prominent people are being picked off one by one while hunting. Joe Pickett, now on special assignment for the Governor of Wyoming is put to the task of finding out who is committing these gristly murders. As usual, Pickett seems to bear the brunt of other law enforcement types.
Another easy and exciting read. I say run to your nearest library for this one.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #44

Heat Wave by Richard Castle: Another new author (for me) Castle is beginning a new series introducing NYPD Homicide Dectective Nikki Heat. She's street smart, agile, knows martial arts, and has a romantic side, too. This was a thrilling read. Heat works to solve the murder of a business tycoon. Her work is "obstructed" both on the street, and in her heart by the "tag-along" award winning journalist, Jameson Rook. Her two sidekicks, Dectectives Ochoa and Raley, better know as "Roach" add their knowledge plus humor to this fast paced story of murder and greed in the Big Apple.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #43

Compulsion by Jonathan Kellerman: A fast paced mystery featuring Dr. Delaware, a psychologist who teams up with Detective Milo Sturgis to solve a recent missing person/murder case. It leads them from the hoity-toity side of L A, to the steamier side of the city. Hold on to the arm of your chair as you read and ride in the "tricked out" Caddy along with Delaware and Sturgis. It's quite a ride from page 1 to the finale.
Happy Reading,
JE

Trimming

Due to retirement, I am now going to keep my yard neater! (Or so I say now.) While my brother was here last week, we trimmed trees. Actually it was more like cutting wood in the forest, but I digress,
I have this hedge of blooming pink wigelia along the alley in the back. It had gotten so we could not see if there was anyone coming down the alley from the west (it's a thru alley going both N/S and E/W. ) So I went out yesterday and cut the hedge down to about knee high. I have been assured that it will fill in and "come back," so that was no problem. I worked with lopping shears, hedge shears, and electric hedge trimmers. It looks sort of shabby right now, but it will improve. This morning I got up early and went out and trimmed my forsythia and spirea bushes. They were way out of control, but now they aren't. They look so much better. Next is the lilac bush. I intend to take it down even with the top of my fence. Next spring maybe I will be able to reach the flowers which were way over my head this year. Then there's the peony bushes that are done blooming and need to be cut back, and there is the shed that needs painted. Ahh! Sweet retirement! But now, it's time for a shower, coffee and my recliner and a good book. I certainly don't want to rush into anything.
Peace,
JE

What I Read #42

A Novel Way to Die by Karen Hanson Stuyck: The hatred of the members of a totally dysfunctional family leads to murder and mayhem. Two generations of the March family are totally screwed up. Jealousy and rage prevail. Only the heroics of a member of the third generation saves the day. This was an easy, but exciting read for a rainy afternoon.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #41

Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo: Another new author! This novel takes place in Amish country in Ohio. Kate Burkholder, the Chief of Police in the sleepy town of Painters Mill, Ohio is faced with finding a serial killer. She and her small police force are pressured to solve these grisly murders by the gossipy town council. Enter Investigator John Thomasetti from BCI in Columbus. Things get tense!
Castillo does a fantastic job of co-mingling the Amish culture with the "English." Not only is this an exciting read to the final page, for those of us who are interested in the Amish, it is a learning experience.
Happy Reading,
JE

Retirement Day 2

Yesterday, I got up, showered, got dressed and wondered what I was going to do. I slept a lot, read a lot and relaxed a lot.
Today, I got up, showered, got dressed, walked to the post office and back, and had an appointment with my cardiologist. I got a glowing report from him. "Exercise, enjoy your retirement, and I'll see you next year at this time. You're perfect," were his words.
Let's see...what do I want to do tomorrow?
Peace,
JE

What I Read #40

Out of Range by C.J. Box: This is another new author for me. Since I like all things nature and have a love of the west, I really like this setting. Joe Pickett is a game warden in Wyoming. His friend and co-worker Will has recently taken his own life. Joe is sent into Will's district as a temporary replacement and decides to investigate Will's death. Murder and revenge seem to the order of the day. Joe is put to the test in some of the most rugged wilderness left in the Lower 48. I am anxious to read another by author Box. This is my style of read.
Happy Reading,
JE

What I Read #39

Capitol Conspiracy by William Bernhardt: Dirty senators, terrorists, good guys and bad. Ho-hum, yawn, predictability and an ending that most good sleuth readers would have figured out way in advance.
Keep on reading,
JE

I'm Retired!

I'm retired. What do I do now? I bet I will think of something. I'll let you know.
Peace,
JE