ACCESSORY TO MURDER: A Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper Mystery By Elaine Viets

I like Elaine Viets work. Her mysteries are fun to read and I have reviewed several of them. One of the interesting twists in this book is that Elaine's mother actually was a mystery shopper! Elaine says in the Author's Note that her character, Josie Marcus, "is a mystery shopper the way James Bond is a spy."

Josie Marcus and her friend Alyce Bohannon are mystery shopping a really high-end women's store in a mall in St. Louis when a shooting and robbery take place. Alyce, the protected, wealthy, suburban housewife is shocked, but Josie, who lives in the real world, accepts the incident as a part of what is going on in our society. Little do the two women know that this is not the last murder in which they will find themselves involved. Alyce's sheltered existence is threatened when her husband is accused of the murder of a famous designer and Josie takes on herself to try to help her friend. Action packed with more plot twists then a pretzel is my description of this book.

I thought this book was more than just a fun read, although it is that. The author paints a picture of several segments of our society and it is not a pretty sight. I believe the author captures the meanness and pettiness of wealthy, sheltered individuals and how they will turn on one another in a heartbeat if they perceive some social faux pas has been committed. I liked this book for its action, plot twists, and social commentary. I like Josie Marcus as a character and hope to read more. What do you think?

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Another book by this author reviewed here: Murder with Reservations

DYING TO BE THIN - A Fat City Mystery By Kathryn Lilley

First of all, I saw a picture of Kathryn Lilley... she is gorgeous! She looks like an actress or a model!

Kate Gallagher, a plus-sized TV producer with a "face" for television, but a plus-sized body that won't look so hot on camera, has just been fired from her job and her boyfriend has dumped her. At loose ends employment-wise and relationship-wise, she decides to trade Whoopie Pies for thinner thighs by enrolling as a client at the Hoffman Clinic, an exclusive weight loss clinic. In order to pay for the clinic fees, Kate has bartered her producer talents to the local TV station to be the subject of her own "fat makeover" documentary. Kate has been at the clinic a total of one day when she finds the dead body of the diet guru. Now that the menu features murder as the specialty of the house, Kate has her hands full being an investigative reporter and trying not to be the murder's next entree!

Such a fun read. I do enjoy mysteries and this one if fun. There are lots of unexpected plot twists and a romantic fling or two in the mix. If you're looking for a book to read and enjoy, this one is a good pick. It's escapism at it's best! What do you think?

365 WAYS TO BECOME A MILLIONAIRE (Without Being Born One) By Brian Koslow
Koslow uses 12 "Time Tested Principles For A Lifetime of Prosperity and Success." They are integrity, relationships, credibility, reputation, negotiation, listening, entrepreneurial ism, money, productivity, time, confrontation and leadership. I like this format for an advice book. I enjoy little bites of information. Research actually shows that the brain processes little bites more effectively. Each one of the 12 Principles has an introduction that validates why that particular principle is important and there are a series of short, succinct tips for each section. I like the tips particularly. The book will be useful, not only for it's personal advice, but also for quotes during presentations! I love quotes and am always looking for more. Let me know if you become a millionaire as a result of Koslow's book. I know several millionaires personally and while I am not one, I think I would enjoy that lifestyle too!

SLIM FOR LIFE: The Ultimate Health and Detox Plan by Dr. Gillian McKeith

It's that time of year when we usually make resolutions to eat better, lose some weight, exercise more, etc. I confess I am always intrigued by a new weight loss idea and any new cookbook! This one is beautiful, that's what first caught my attention was the way this lovely book looks! The photographs are sumptuous. I looked to see who did them I liked them so much. Two different photographers are featured in the book, Colin Bell (portrait photography) and the wonderful Benoit Audureau (food photography).

Dr. McKeith has a quote on the cover. She says, "Step by step, day by day, I will make it easy for you." The book takes a no-nonsense approach. The first thing you are asked to do is a food diary, not really new news, but Dr. McKeith actually tells you why it's important. I like the structured approach of the book. I am always looking for ways to make myself healthier. There are daily meal plans, supplement recommendations, and recipes in the book. I am always looking for recipes, not that I am such a great cook, but I love to try new things.

Some advice. If you're considering any weight loss program or exercise program, always, always talk with your doctor before you begin. Take a copy of this book with you to the appointment and let the doc review the program before you jump into it. I don't know if this program is for you, but you've got to at least take a look at the photographs! Some of them I would frame! What do you think?

THE FIVE SECRETS YOU MUST DISCOVER BEFORE YOU DIE By John Izzo Ph.D.

Wow, this book will make you think and enjoy yourself while you're doing it! Izzo and his colleagues interviewed 200 "wise" people who are over 60 years of age. Why over 60? Who are the people he chose and why? What makes them "wise?" You'll have to read the book or listen to our interview to find out!

The book is filled with joy and a few tears. I was so moved by the personal stories. This book is valuable for so many reasons. First and foremost, it's really interesting. Second, the author gives his readers insight into how the interviews changed him personally and he shares the lessons he learned. In this overly connected, too-busy-to-think, hurry, hurry, hurry world of ours, John Izzo gives us pause for introspection. I really enjoyed the book. This is a gift to give yourself.

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THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE By Masha Hamilton
I love this book! I love the idea of this book! Masha Hamilton is an extraordinary person who has written a novel based on reality. Her story is about a restless young American librarian, Fiona Sweeney, who is searching for meaning in her life and chooses to travel in Africa to help start a library carrying books on the backs of camels.

The Camel Bookmobile is real and serves northeastern Kenya near the border with Somalia. In her interview with me, Masha told me she and her daughter actually went to Kenya and traveled with the Camel Bookmobile. I believe she has captured the culture of the region. It's people are divided by how they feel about the bookmobile, some embrace it, others oppose it, viewing it and Fi as a dangerous corrupting influence. This is a story about the unintended consequences of seemingly generous acts.

There is also an opportunity to support the Camel Book Drive created by Masha. Go to the website http://camelbookdrive.workpress.com/ to learn how you can help.

Powerful and thought provoking are words I use to describe this novel. What do you think?

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HELL FOR THE HOLIDAYS By Chris Grabenstein
No this book isn't about visiting your in-laws during the holidays! The premise of this action packed novel came to author Chris Grabenstein after reading a story in a newspaper.

The novel opens with a kidnapping. A young boy is grabbed on Halloween for no apparent reason. There are no ransom demands and he comes home unharmed. FBI agent Christopher Miller finds himself going up against a group of home grown domestic terrorists who are copying Al Qaeda's tactics by operating in cells with a twisted fundamentalist doctrine as their guide book.Their initial plan is to bring down an airliner as it takes off from JFK. Miller can't seem to get anyone's attention because the focus is on foreign terrorism. This is a rock 'em, sock 'em thrill ride of a novel that will give you way more to think about during the holiday season that gaining a few pounds and what's under the tree with your name on it! In addition to a really good story, Grabenstein has provided us with food for thought. What do you think?


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THE PENGUIN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH: A Meg Langslow Mystery by Donna Andrews
Penguins in the basement! A body in the basement! What a way to start out a mystery novel! Donna Andrews had my attention from the first sentence. I couldn't wait to find out more. And there is more, lots more. This delightful book is well-written and full of fun. I really enjoyed reading it. It's my first Meg Lanslow mystery, but it certainly won't be my last!

Meg and her fiance' Michael are renovating a lovely old home when the body of the owner of the local zoo is found dead in the basement. The zoo had been on the verge of going broke and the animals had been "farmed out" for temporary care to various members of the community. When word of the death of the zoo owner gets out, animals are "dumped" at the doorstep of Michael and Meg, thanks to Meg's father offering to take in any that had become too much trouble. Facts about a canned hunting ring have local hunters and animal activists up in arms and the zoo owner is suspected of being involved. This is a rollicking read and you will enjoy it.

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TEACHING KIDS TO CARE: Nuturing Character and Compassion by Bettie B. Youngs, PhD, EdD, Joanne Wolf, PhD, Joani Wafer, Dawn Lehman, PhD

Bettie B. Youngs is the author of the Tasteberry series for teens. I am familiar with this body and work and the wonderful response she received from teens themselves! This is not an extension of that work, but it is an extension of Dr. Youngs continued interest in helping society and young people in particular. This is not a "parenting" book, but rather a book about a movement, Kids Korps USA, a nonprofit organization that involves kids throughout the country in community service projects. "Teaching Kids To Care" is a practical guide for instilling the concept of "caring" in today's kids.

Interdependence, Connection, Perspective, Gratutude, and Inspiration these are the five essential touchstones necessary to guide children to become productive, well-adjusted, compassionate individuals. We have all seen children on the news or in the mall who are anything but the kind of individuals described. "Kindness" and "caring" seem to be lost concepts to the overly stimulated, overly connected, I-want-It-Now generation of children. This book gave me hope!

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Another book by this author reviewed here: The House That Love Built

THE HOUSE THAT LOVE BUILT: The Story of Millard and Linda Fuller, Founders of Habitat For Humanity and the Fuller Center For Housing by Dr. Bettie B. Youngs

I know there must be those who do not know about Habitat For Humanity and all of the wonderful homes that the organization has built for millions of the world's poor. It has to be where the idea for the reality home makeover show came from. It never occurred to me that an organization of this magnitude could have started with two individuals. It really blew my mind. Things change over time, as they have a tendency to do, and the beloved nonprofit Linda and Mallard Fuller had founded fired them. Nonprofit boards can be fickle! This was certainly not the end of the vision and the Fuller Center For Housing was born.

This is an interesting and surprising book. If you enjoy biography, you will find this book fascinating.

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Another book by this author reviewed here: Teaching Kids to Care