The Bone Collector (A Lincoln Rhyme Novel) by Jeffrey Deaver has been sitting on my shelf for a long time - maybe even years. I finally dusted it off and forced myself to find the time to read. The things moms need to sacrifice!

I am so glad I did. Let’s just say this book isn’t for everyone. But if you are a CSI or Law and Order buff like me - you will love it. There are a lot of crime scenes involved described in gory detail. But I love a good mystery. And by the end of this story every t was crossed and every i dotted. I really hate loose ends and there were none here. This is the first novel by Jeffrey Deaver that I have read so I am pleased that I “discovered” this author before summer was underway.

Oh yes, I am picturing lazy days at the beach pouring over novel after novel. A mirage, I know. But if you can carve out a little “me” time and take a break from all those mommy obligations, this book is well worth the time.

I just spent the weekend reading Double Cross by James Patterson. If you like mysteries or thrillers, this is a good read for a busy parent. The book is easy to follow and you can finish it quickly even if you are interrupted, like, a million times.

If you have read James Patterson before, you will be familiar with the main character in Double Cross- the infamous Alex Cross. You will also know the bad guy Kyle Craig. But Double Cross offers not one but two killers, is the second killer connected to Kyle Craig? You must read to find out.

At the beginning of the book, Alex Cross has left the world of crime fighting in search of a more “normal” life with his family and his new lady friend - Brianna Stone. But guess what, she’s a cop - so it’s easy to figure out that Alex will be drawn back in. Alex has also made enough ememies in his past life that you know they won’t leave him alone.

So, Alex Cross’ idyllic life is interrupted by a crazy killer that likes to commit murders in front large groups of people, “audiences”, if you will. And somehow he manages to get away several times.

Meanwhile, Kyle Craig, Alex’s old friend turned ruthless murderer is in a high security prison halfway across the country. But yet somehow he seems connected.

To see how Double Cross unfolds, pick up a copy for yourself. Because the story is written in such a predictable manner, you can pick it up and put it down often without losing your train of thought. Yet there are a few surprises that keep the pages turning. Double Cross is classic James Patterson.