The Truth About the Devlins - Book Review

 

A new novel by best-selling author Lisa Scottoline

Meet the Devlins. A wealthy and successful family of lawyers with a wayward son. Then a possible murder occurs (or does it?), and John, the good son, may be involved. Is the family hiding secrets, even from themselves?

Synopsis of The Truth About the Devlins

The Truth about the Devlins

The story mainly revolves around TJ Devlin, the son who is the charming disappointment in the prominent Devlin family of lawyers who work together in a highly successful firm.  TJ never finished college, much less became a lawyer. Instead, alcoholism caused his downfall and even a stint in prison. Now he’s out on parole and in rehab for alcoholism. Since TJ can’t get hired anywhere except at the firm, the family has him doing a make-work job with the title of investigator.

But then one night, the firstborn and most successful son, John, confesses to TJ that he thinks he just murdered one of the firm’s clients, an accountant he had confronted with proof of embezzlement. 

TJ immediately begins an investigation, seizing the chance to prove his worth and save his brother. But in no time, TJ and John find themselves entangled in a lethal web of deception and murder. TJ will fight to save his family, but what he learns might break them first.

Summary

I have long been a fan of author Lisa Scottoline and over the years have followed her successful series of legal thrillers/suspenseful women sleuth mysteries about a group of women who are partners in a law firm in Philadelphia. Scottoline’s series of Rosato & Associates is a favorite of mine.

In recent years, Scottoline has begun writing stand alone domestic and psychological thrillers. As the #1 bestselling author of What Happened to the Bennetts, she presents another pulse-pounding domestic thriller with The Truth About the Devlins, about family, justice, and the lies that tear us apart.

*Book Review of The Truth About the Devlins written by Wednesday Elf

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The Camino Island Trilogy by John Grisham - Book Reviews

John Grisham, well-known author of stand-alone legal thrillers, takes a departure from his usual lawyers, law office and courtroom dramas to bring us a trilogy of suspense thrillers with continuing characters in his Camino Island series. 

 

The trilogy takes place on Camino Island, a sleepy resort area off the coast of Florida.  The main characters include Bruce Cable, who owns a popular bookstore in Santa Rosa, and Mercer Mann, a young novelist.

The Camino Island Trilogy

Camino Island - Book 1

In the first book, a group of thieves steal the priceless F. Scott Fitzgerald manuscripts owned by Princeton University. Since Princeton has insured the manuscripts for twenty-five million dollars, the thieves plan to hold them for ransom. 

When investigators track the stolen manuscripts to Camino Island, and possibly to bookstore owner Bruce Cable who is suspected of sometimes dabbling in the black market of stolen books and manuscripts, they convince young novelist Mercer Mann to help them. Mercer spent many summers on Camino Island with her grandmother and knows the island well. 

Mercer’s job is to infiltrate Bruce Cable’s circle of literary friends and hopefully get close enough to him to learn his secrets.

Eventually, though, Mercer learns too much and trouble comes to this paradise island.

Camino Winds - Book 2

In Book 2, Grisham brings us back to Camino Island where you might enjoy a little sun, a little sand…. and find yourself instead with mystery and mayhem. How about murder in the midst of a hurricane.

Mercer Mann is now a best-selling author and she returns to Camino Island and Bruce’s Bay Books bookstore for an appearance on her current book tour. Then Hurricane Leo, which had been meandering all over for days with no solid land destination, suddenly heads straight for the island. There is a mandatory evacuation where most residents leave, but Bruce and a few others stay and ride out the storm.  In the devastating aftermath, one of Bruce’s friends and resident author is found dead and his injuries appear suspicious instead of storm-related.

The key to who would want Nelson dead may be in his latest novel, which, when Bruce begins to investigate, is discovered to be more shocking – and far more dangerous – than anyone could have imagined. 

Camino Ghosts - Book 3

Writer Mercer Mann returns to Camino Island to marry her boyfriend Thomas in a seaside ceremony on the beach. Island bookseller Bruce Cable performs the wedding.  Afterward, knowing Mercer is looking for a storyline for her next novel, Bruce tells her an incredible story about Dark Isle, a tiny barrier island off the North Florida coast that had been settled by freed slaves 300 years ago. 

This island’s elderly last descendant, Lovely Jackson, loves  her birthplace and it’s wonderful history and feels the island rightfully belongs to her. But a ruthless corporate developer wants to build a resort and casino on the island. Mercer and Lovely begin an enormous fight over who owns Dark Isle, taking on the developer’s corporation and all its lawyers and lobbyists, plus powerful Florida politicians.

You would think that Mercer and Lovely would not have a chance against so many powerful people, but Lovely knows the reasons the island has been uninhabited for a long time ~ the island is cursed. The island's deep secrets of the past are about to collide with the ambitions of the present, placing Dark Isle - and also Camino Island - hanging in a fateful balance.

Summary

Bookseller Bruce Cable and novelist Mercer Mann always manage to find trouble in paradise in this trilogy of stories on Camino Island.  They are a thrilling beach read for your summertime reading.

Camino Island: A Novel

Camino Winds

Camino Ghosts: A Novel

*The Camino Island Triology is reviewed by Wednesday Elf

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LOST by James Patterson - Book Review

 

Lost is a mystery novel in the police procedural, organized crime thrillers and suspense thrillers genres. 

Synopsis of Lost

Detective Tom Moon, the main character in Lost, is a Miami PD officer who is now the new leader of an FBI task force combining the FBI, DEA and Miami police. Called Operation Guardian, Moon and his team investigate International Crime.  

Lost

The Lost novel focuses on two Russian nationals - brothers Roman and Emile Rostoff unofficially known as the ‘Blood Brothers’ - who are building a powerful and deadly crime syndicate in Miami, with ties to Amsterdam.

As the story begins, Moon and his team are at Miami International Airport observing a Dutchman attempting to go through customs with six children being brought in from Amsterdam for the purpose of child sex trafficking. The man is arrested and the children taken into protective custody. 

Lost takes place primarily in Miami, Florida, with a side trip to Amsterdam when Moon accompanies the rescued children back to where the crime began. There, he meets with Marie Meijer, his counterpoint in the Dutch National Police who is working on the European end of these international crimes being organized by the Rostoff brothers. Working together, Tom & Marie discover that a large group of human trafficking victims are about to be sent by ship from Amsterdam to Miami. Now all they have to do is figure out when this will happen, what ship will be used, and in which one of dozens of Florida ports the ship will show up. 

Miami is Tom Moon’s backyard. A born and raised local, he knows the area well. But the task before him is huge. Will he be able to guess right and save the victims before it is too late?

Summary

Lost is written by James Patterson, in conjunction with author James O. Born. Born, who is a crime and science-fiction novelist as well as a career law-enforcement agent, is a native of Florida. 

I really enjoyed and readily recommend this book about Detective Tom Moon and his multi-talented team who worked to defeat an international crime ring trying to seize control over Miami.

Other James Patterson Book Reviews:

• The Christmas Mystery, reviewed by Brenda Little
• The Golf Miracle Trilogy, reviewed by Wednesday Elf
• Shattered, reviewed by Wednesday Elf
• The President is Missing, reviewed by Brenda Little

For more Book Reviews on ReviewThisReviews, 

check out ReviewThisBooks.com

*Book Review of James Patterson’s ‘Lost’ written by Wednesday Elf

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Book Review of Victims by Jonathan Kellerman

An Alex Delaware Novel

To date, there are 39 books in the Alex Delaware series by author Jonathan Kellerman. Victims is book #27 in the series, published in 2012. It features child psychologist Alex Delaware who, in his spare time, acts as a consultant to the Los Angeles Police Department on difficult murder cases his best friend, homicide detective Milo Sturgis, investigates.  Victims, as well as the entire Alex Delaware series of books, takes place in Los Angeles.

Synopsis of Victims

A woman is found murdered in what becomes the first in a gruesome crime spree. The first victim, Vita Berlin, was not a very nice woman, mean and rude to everyone she met, but still…..she didn’t deserve to be murdered.

The third victim in the bloody spree was also not a very pleasant individual; yet, the second victim was considered kind, well liked and loved by all. 

With no apparent connection among the victims, Detective Sturgis is baffled with practically no clues except for a blank page bearing a question mark left at each scene. 

Milo calls in his go-to expert in hunting homicidal maniacs. But despite his finely honed skills, even Alex is baffled as each slaying occurs and a direction cannot be found toward solving these crimes.

Finally, as pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together, and a horrible portrait of a sinister mind emerges, Milo and Alex begin to see the pattern leading them to a solution found within a shuttered mental institution. 

Summary

A murder mystery not for the faint of heart, but an exciting read for long-time fans of Alex Delaware and his detective friend, Milo Sturgis. You might want to keep the lights on while you read. 

More Jonathan Kellerman Book Reviews:

• The Wedding Guest
• The Burning

For more book reviews, check out ReviewThisBooks.com

Victims: An Alex Delaware Novel

*Book Review of Victims written by Wednesday Elf

 

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July is National Ice Cream Month

 A Holiday Review

Ronald Reagan designated the month of July as Ice Cream Month in 1984 during his presidency. It has become a time to enjoy ice cream with family and friends and try new flavors.

Ice Cream month also includes Ice Cream Day, which is celebrated on the third Sunday of July.

Celebrating National Ice Cream Month

It is easy to celebrate Ice Cream Month during its designated month of July and all year long. There are so many flavors and forms of ice cream that you could do a different one for probably the whole month. 

Ice cream is a frozen dessert made from dairy products (milk and cream), sometimes combined with fruits, nuts, and various flavors.

Image Source: Pixabay

Ice Cream can be enjoyed as a scoop in a cone, plain in a dish, as part of a Sundae, and in the form of specialty cones and bars (Drumsticks, Ice Cream Sandwich, etc.) and novelty bars like Snickers and Strawberry Shortcake.

There are many flavors of ice cream, and many brands to choose from. They range from a really creamy and delicious one made by Blue Bunny, which is very high in calories, but oh, so good, to brands for Keto diet plans and those with diabetes. Everyone, it seems, can enjoy ice cream, a very versatile dessert. 

There is also homemade ice cream made using an ice cream maker. We had one when our children were small (many moons ago) that was not electric like today's machines, but used a hand-crank. More work, but fun. Our specialty in the summer was homemade Peach ice cream. Very yummy! 

Some Ice Cream Fun Facts

• Sunday is the day more ice cream is sold than any other day of the week. Maybe that’s where the word ‘Sundae’ comes from. 🙂
• It takes about 50 licks to finish one scoop of ice cream in a cone.

Ice Cream Holidays

In addition to having a whole month dedicated to celebrating ice cream (July), there are individual days set aside to enjoy tasting particular flavors. 

There is also National Ice Cream Day on the third Sunday of July each year.

• July 1 - Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
• July 13 - National Nitrogen  Ice Cream Day
• July 17 - Peach Ice Cream Day
• July 20 - Ice Cream Soda Day
• July 23 - Vanilla Ice Cream Day
• August 19 - Soft Ice Cream Day

Ice Cream Flavors

Image Source: Wikipedia

America’s top ten ice cream flavors include the traditional three, with Vanilla being #1, Chocolate listed at #2 and Strawberry coming in at #8.  Then we have the classic Neapolitan, which is made of blocks of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry side by side in the same container. Neapolitan ice cream comes in at #10 on the list. For a whole list of flavors, click here: List of ice cream flavors - Wikipedia 

Summary

Image Source: Pixabay

So, on National Ice Cream Day and the whole month of July, celebrate this holiday with a bowl, a cone, a Sundae and more. A sweet and cool treat for this summer month. 

Which flavor of ice cream is YOUR favorite? Mine is first vanilla, then any flavor with nuts. 

For more Holiday Reviews, check out 

Review This: Holidays

For more Dessert Reviews, check out 

Review This: Desserts

*National Ice Cream Month Holiday Review is written by Wednesday Elf 

The Ultimate Ice Cream Book: Over 500 Ice Creams, Sorbets, Granitas, Drinks, And More

Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones: 90 Recipes for Making Your Own Ice Cream and Frozen Treats from Bi-Rite Creamery [A Cookbook]

For the Love of Popsicles: Naturally Delicious Icy Sweet Summer Treats from A–Z

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The Caray Family of Baseball Broadcasters - A Sports Review

Those who know me know that I am a huge baseball fan. But I’m not just a fan of the players and the teams. I also love to listen to the team announcers calling the games. This probably comes from my love of broadcasting and having married a radio broadcaster. 

There have been many well-known and famous baseball broadcasters for Major League Baseball over the years, such as Vin Scully of the Dodgers, Jack Buck with the St. Louis Cardinals and Bob Uecker of the Milwaukee Brewers. But to have four generations of one family all become baseball broadcasters, as the Harry Caray family did, is unique indeed. 

The Caray MLB Broadcasters 

Harry Christopher Caray

Harry Caray was the eldest of four generations of MLB sportscasters, both in radio and for television.  He was most well known for first working for the St. Louis Cardinals, then his 11 years with the Chicago White Sox before spending his last 16 years as the announcer for the Chicago Cubs. He became a Chicago legend for his special announcing style and his hilarious storytelling. 

While announcing for the White Sox, Caray began the practice of leading the home crowd in singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh inning stretch. Fans came to love this practice so much that when Harry left the White Sox to become the play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Cubs, it became a regular ritual which continues to this day. 

Harry Caray also became famous for his frequently exclaimed catchphrase "Holy cow!" when his team hit a home run.

Harry Christopher “Skip” Caray Jr.

Harry Caray’s son ‘Skip’ Caray followed his dad into the broadcast booth as a baseball broadcaster with the Atlanta Braves. Skip worked for the Braves for more than 30 years, before his death in 2008. Skip Caray’s son ‘Chip’ has extended the Caray broadcasting legacy to the third generation.  

Harry Caray once said that one of his proudest moments was when he worked some innings in the same broadcast booth with his son Skip and grandson Chip during a Cubs/Braves game on May 13, 1991.

Harry Christopher ‘Chip’ Caray III

After working for several years on other sports, Chip Caray began working baseball games for the Seattle Mariners from 1993 to 1995. In 1998, he was hired to work alongside his grandfather as broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs. When Harry Caray died in February 1998, Chip stayed with the team and took his grandfather's place as "the Voice of the Cubs”. Chip served as the Cubs announcer for seven seasons before leaving at the end of the 2004 season to work alongside his father, Skip, broadcasting games for the Atlanta Braves. After his dad died, Chip became the Braves regular play-by-play announcer.

In 2023, Chip Caray accepted the position of the play-by-play announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals, where his grandfather had begun his career as the voice of the Cardinals.

Harry Christopher “Chris” Caray IV

And now we come to Chris Caray, son of Chip, grandson of Skip and great-grandson of Harry Caray. Chris, along with his identical twin brother Stefan Caray, continue the legacy of the broasting Carays. 

The twins began their baseball announcing while still in college, calling games for college games before working together as sportscasters. In 2021, Chris and Stefan broadcast for the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League. In 2022, they joined the Amarillo Sod Poodles of the Texas League as their broadcasters.

In 2024, Chris (Harry Christopher Caray IV), was hired to be a play-by-play announcer for Oakland Athletics telecasts.

Summary

Four generations of Harry Christopher Caray broadcasters is a unique accomplishment. For more information about this famous family and their baseball announcing legacy, click here. 

*Image sources of the Caray family for this article are from Wikipedia. The Intro image is from Pixabay.

*A review of the Harry Caray family of baseball broadcasters written by Wednesday Elf, the ReviewThis! Baseball contributor.

The Legendary Harry Caray: Baseball's Greatest Salesman

Holy Cow!

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Toxic Prey by John Sandford - A Book Review

A Lucas and Letty Davenport Novel

Lucas, and his daughter Letty, team up to track down a dangerous scientist whose latest project could prove disastrous for the entire world. 

Synopsis

Toxic Prey (A Prey Novel)

Lucas Davenport is a US Marshal. His adopted daughter Letty Davenport is an investigator for the Department of Homeland Security. When it is discovered that a dangerous scientist has a project that could prove disastrous for the entire world, father and daughter team up to track him down.

Dr. Lionel Scott, an expert in tropical and infectious diseases, has come to believe that society is in danger of becoming nonexistent due to Earth’s out of control population levels. He thinks the disorder that has been allowed to run rampant will destroy Gaia (the earth) if the threat to the planet is allowed to continue. With a small group of dedicated followers, Scott thinks Gaia is dying and he has decided the only way to save it is to eliminate at least one-half of the world’s population. He plans to do this by releasing a deadly virus he has developed through his knowledge of infectious diseases.  He has combined two toxic diseases, making them extremely infectious, that will create a world-wide epidemic worse than any the world has yet seen. 

Summary

About the time the threat is discovered, Dr. Scott has disappeared completely. Lucas and Letty, working with a group of specialists, set out to find Scott as soon as possible. When their worst fears are confirmed, it becomes a frantic race to find Scott before the virus he created turns into the perfect weapon. 

Toxic Prey is book #34 of 34 in John Sandford’s Prey Series, published in April 2024.

Related Reviews:

• More John Sandford novels reviewed here on Review This Reviews!
• More Book Reviews on ReviewThisBooks.com 

Toxic Prey (A Prey Novel)

*Toxic Prey book review written by Wednesday Elf 

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