Iron River T. Jefferson Parker
Graphic, brutal, and hopeless third installment in the Charlie Hood series. As the power and range of the cartels grow, more people are destroyed while others thrive, Charlie and his ATFE team are overwhelmed, and some mysterious people intervene. Beautifully written contemporary entertainment.
The Renegades T. Jefferson Parker
In this second Charlie Hood novel, Hood is battling a fellow LASD deputy, Allison Murrietta’s son, and the Mexican Drug cartel employing them. More violence and excellent prose, but no love story this time. Again, nicely entertaining, primarily because of the beautiful prose that enlivens the adequate plot.
L. A. Outlaws T. Jefferson Parker
The first Charlie Hood novel where he gets involved with Allison Murrietta as he tries to solve the murder of 10 men at an L. A. warehouse. Police corruption, an evil assassin, loads of violence, and a great love story between two great characters, all written in excellent, Hemingway-esque prose. Nicely entertaining.
The Last Colony John Scalzi
Another Old Man novel where John Perry and Jane Sagan are now retired and just colonists. That doesn’t last long and they are caught up in interstellar politics, war, and intrigue. Entertaining, smart, and an enjoyable escape.
Old Man’s War John Scalzi
Really interesting science fiction novel about a future where old people can join the Colonial Defense Forces when they turn 75. Entertaining, marginally plausible, intelligent, and well-enough written. Lots of fun.
The Sentry Robert Crais
Pretty disappointing Joe Pike novel with Pike and Cole protecting a woman who isn’t what she seems. It has character and thematic gaps, and little emotion or power. This is about the third Crais novel in a row where he seems tired and uninterested. Too bad.
