Blown   Mark Haskell Smith

Novel about a Wall Street investment banker who embezzles $17 million and takes off for the Caribbean, and the people the bank sends to get the money back. Written in Smith’s usual engaging style, but without the usual affectionate humor for the characters of his previous books. And, after an entire narrative of fatalism, a surprising and unconvincing ending. Still a quick, entertaining read.

William James: In the Maelstrom of American Modernism   Robert D. Richardson

Very well written, highly-informative intellectual biography of a pre-eminent figure in American intellectual history, and someone I have been interested in for a very long time.  James is the American philosopher, if that is not an oxymoron, who articulated pragmatism. Covers all James’s work in detail while clearly showing us James the man. Provides a good glimpse of American intellectual and social history of the time (1842-1910), as well. Excellent use of letters to and from him. A very, very good biography, really enjoyed it and profited from reading it.

Raw   Mark Haskell Smith

Novel about the romance between a reality TV star who doesn’t really know the difference and an intellectual wannabe author needing a dose of reality. I really enjoyed and cared about the characters in the two Smith novels I’ve read previously, even most of the bad guys, but I didn’t like any of these characters. None of them were written with the affection with which he wrote the others, I guess. Even so, the novel is well done, a quick, enjoyable read. Glad I found Smith, just the lighthearted distraction I need. On to the next one.

Delicious   Mark Haskell Smith

Another very entertaining novel from Smith, this one set in Hawaii with competition between indigenous and invading mainland production catering companies. Inventive, interesting, and well-constructed plot and characterizations, both good and bad, all presented in very good, readable prose that moves right along. And, as usual, several love stories and relationships that are what it’s all about. Really enjoyed it, couldn’t put it down.

The Air Raid Killer   Frank Goldhammer

German novel that takes place in Dresden at the end of World War II. Max Heller, detective inspector, is chasing a serial murderer who commits ritual murders during air raids. Characterizations are a bit thin, and the plot took a while to get going, but it picked up, and there are some good twists toward the end. Excellent, moving description of trying to survive the senseless fire bombing in February 1945. All-in-all, an enjoyable and interesting read.

Salty   Mark Haskell Smith

Turk Henry, ex-heavy metal bass player, and his ex-super model wife go on vacation in Phuket, Thailand, and that’s when all the trouble starts. Kidnappers, pirates, a corrupt ICE agent, beautiful Thai hookers, and the heat lead to self-discovery and humor for everyone. Nicely written, lots of fun, very entertaining comic novel. Right from the beginning, wanted to see what happened to these people. Really enjoyed it, wish it hadn’t ended.

The Shadow District   Arnaldur Indridason

Icelandic mystery novel that takes place during World War II and the present day. Written in very simple prose, the narrative develops in both times simultaneously. Unfortunately, that causes problems when the present day investigator is trying to figure out things that have already been explained. The ending was completely unconvincing when one of the murderers decides to just give up and explain everything. Disappointing.

Noir   Christopher Moore

Another delightful, humorous, heartwarming, and deeply entertaining novel by Moor. It’s 1947 in San Francisco and bartenders, waitresses, aliens, crooks, Chinatown, and a narrating black mamba all come together for adventure and enjoyment. Very well written, highly imaginative, and fun. Wish it hadn’t ended.