GEORGE & CRAIG’S READING LIST

Craig Snapp

raldo707@msn.com

George A. Hancock

runnergah@comcast.net

 

     THE BONE LIST – Brian Freeman

This is his latest and in my humble opinion his greatest book! His previous books were all Murder-Mystery-Thrillers with beaucoup twists featuring the same two characters. This is the same concept except this book is a Stand-Alone with all new characters. There are six main mysteries. I thought that I had guessed correctly on all six. If I’d had one more right, I would have only missed on five of them! And, by the way: from personal experience, if you email Brian Freeman, he usually responds within 24 hours.    –Craig

 

 

     THE SIXTH MAN – David Baldacci

In Baldacci’s latest book we learn a lot about How Smart The Human Brain Can Be! And, that’s not always a blessing. Sometimes it’s a curse! THE SIXTH MAN is a wonderful exciting story! For me, all of the information about our mind’s amazing abilities was a delicious bonus!    -Craig

 

     THE SIXTH MAN – David Baldacci

Sean King and Michelle Maxwell make an appearance in Baldacci’s new book. Edgar Roy is an alleged serial killer being held in a secure federal prison. But, as Baldacci’s readers know all is just not what it seems. Roy has a special talent. It’s a rare gift that forces in the Federal Government wish to exploit. This is a good story with unfortunately a believable plot.   –George

 

     THE HIT MAN – Lawrence Block

This book is from 13 years ago. It is the first of a four part series. The main character makes a living by killing people. Now if this sounds like a very strange premise then stop reading right here. All of his “work” is by contract. The basic price is $50,000 and often involves total strangers who live in states besides his New York. His victims are not always “angels.” This character is very good at his profession. However, it’s amazing how many things can go wrong! If you enjoy this book the others in order are: HIT LIST, HIT PARADE, and HIT AND RUN.  –Craig

 

     TOM SAWYER – Samuel Clemens

Yeah, yeah, I know! This book was only published 135 years ago! So, … I’m a little slow! No, I actually HAD read it before, yet, that was 45 years ago! I’m a whole different person now. It was like I’d never read a single word! You might be surprised with all of the gems within, from a “More Mature” perspective!    -Craig

 

     TOYS - James Patterson & Neil McMalon

Hays Bakes & his wife Lizbeth are top operatives for the Agency of Change. This novel takes Patterson in a new direction. Are we possibly reading the beginning of a new series by the Patterson the superb story teller? This is an excellent fast moving story. Hays Barker is not what he seems. Watch out for 7-4 day!     -George

 

     LIVE WIRE – Harlan Coben

This is a Myron Bolitar novel. Myron Bolitar first appeared in the 1995 novel DEAL BREAKER. Myron is a sports agent, attorney, a good friend and a problem solver. Former tennis superstar Suzze is 8 months pregnant. Her rock star husband Lex disappears after an anonymous Face Book post appears questioning the baby’s paternity. Suzze asks Myron to look into the matter. Along the way, Myron must confront and deal with various personal family issues. This is a good novel.        -George

 

     BEL-AIR DEAD – STUART WOODS

This book features Stone Barrington in another rollicking tale. The setting is on the West Coast. Dino Bacchetti and Stone venture out to Centurion Studios in Tinsel Town. Many Stuart Woods characters appear in BEL-AIR DEAD. Arrington Calder appears and is a main focus in the story. Ed & Susannah Eagle also appear in the novel. Eleanor Grosvenor also pops into the novel. Woods is a great story teller. This is a very good read.     –George

 

     CARTE BLANCE – Jeffrey Deaver

Jeffrey Deaver has written a new novel that features that ageless character James Bond. James Bond 007 fans will find this novel intriguing. Deaver’s James bond is in his early 30’s. He is a veteran of the Afghan war. Bond was recruited to serve in a new organization. Now Bond’s mission is to protect the realm by any means necessary. An interesting story set in today’s turbulent world.   –George

 

     MOBBED – Carol Higgins Clark

The Regan Reilly mystery series lives on. Regan and her husband Jack Reilly travel to the Jersey Shore with Regan’s mom & dad Luke and Nora. Regan and Nora get involved in a strange garage sale situation involving actress Cleo Paradise. Cleo apparently has disappeared or has she? This novel was an OK read but not as strong as previous works in the series.    –George

 

    THE GREATER JOURNEY: AMERICANS IN PARIS - David McCullough

David McCullough is a great writer. This massive 558 page book describes something I had little knowledge about. As David McCullough wrote in his new book, “Not all pioneers went West.” Numerous famous American spent years in Paris, France studying, learning, perfecting their particular craft. A huge American contingent spent time in Paris from 1830 to 1900. These notable Americans included: Elizabeth Blackwell, Charles Sumner, James Fennimore Cooper, Samuel F.B. Morse, Louis M. Gottshalk, George Healy, Henry James and Elihu Washburne among many others. The section dealing with Elihu Washburne was very informative.  Many individuals stay away from non-fiction works due to their massive size. This book is worth reading. Once again McCullough has written a great American story.    -George