Cold Case (Published in 2008) - Authored by Faye Kellerman - A bit dull, but mystery is still there

It is a bit rare to see a husband and wife couple both writing books (and I would exclude those books where the couple are writing the book jointly), so the couple of Faye and Jonathan Kellerman are a bit unique. They are even more unique because they both have had books on the New York Times bestseller list at the same time. But, if you are reading one, the style of the other is different. I have read more of Jonathan, so it was a bit of surprise to read Faye, since you start thinking that maybe the style would be similar. Even though both their books deal with police and deal with murder, the action and pace in Jonathan's books is more than in Faye's books (or it could be that this was the case with just the books that I have read).
Faye Kellerman was born in 1952 in St. Louis in Missouri and went to UCLA where she got her degree in 1974, and then studied and became a dentist in terms of education, but never did practise. Instead, what she did finally was to become an author. Her most famous creation is the detective Peter Decker, who was raised as a Baptist but went back to his Jewish roots after marriage. There are a number of books that feature this detective, at last count the number of books starring him as the lead character being a total of 22 books.




Cold Case (also called The Mercedes Coffin) (spoiler alert) is about a connection between 2 murders and the police attempt to solve them. Why call it a cold case ? Well, the first murder is 15 years back, unsolved and the second one is a recent murder that seems similar to the first murder. The first one to be murdered was an apparently much loved teacher called Ben Little and the second one was a Hollywood music producer by the name Primo Ekerling. When a hot-shot and rich female CEO reads about the second murder, she sees that there is a resemblance to the first murder - and the teacher murdered in the first one was somebody who had helped her a lot. And so she decides to use the effects of money - promising the department a nice donation if they can solve the first murder, after a period of 15 years.
The department can always use the money, and so they decide to take the case, and detective Peter Decker is assigned; and he is not happy about having to jump to the command of a moneybag, but then the money is important. He does see that there does seem to be a connection; and resolving cold cases is always morally satisfying for a detective. He sets about starting the investigation, although it can be a bit tricky. The then police detectives have retired, and even though one of them is cooperative, the other one is not, and suspiciously dies of a suicide within 12 hours of the discussion. Over a period of time as he does the investigation, he figures out that there are connections. There is some amount of cross-region police politics that he has to handle, and his daughter is also now a police detective, Cindy Kutiel, whose superior office also needs to be handled politely.
The book does take the reader to a climax that can be unexpected, but it is a slow book, and I almost put it down; it did not generate the same kind of enthusiasm and tension which can keep me gripped to a book till I finish reading it.

The Private Patient (Published in 2008) - Authored by P D James - Murder in a plastic surgery clinic

In 2008, P.D James published her last, till date novel starring the familiar and constant Scotland Yard Detective, Commander Adam Dalgliesh. At 88 years of age, Dame James still has her wits about her and even though the language and speech is of an era long forgotten, the story - Private Patient is an interesting read in complete P. D. James style.
The book is set in an old house – the Cheverell Manor, which has now been renovated and converted into a clinic discretely offering plastic surgery to the rich and famous. The clinic belongs to a famous plastic surgeon by the name of George Chandler-Powell. And as the title of the book suggests, the names of the patients are strictly confidential. So when an investigative journalist by the name of Rhoda Gradwyn goes to get a scar removed, she is looking forward to a week of relaxation and recovery. However, two days into her surgery, she is murdered, by someone wearing the same kind of latex gloves that are available at Cheverell Manor.
Commander Dalgliesh and his team of detectives are called in to investigate. Where initially no suspects seem to exist, gradually Dalgliesh and his DI’s peel away secret after secret and probe into the past of the victim and the backgrounds of the Manor’s staff and doctors, to reveal an extremely large list of suspects. And as in most of her books, James also throws in a little journey back to a bygone era, where a lynching 350 years ago is somehow connected to present day events.




Suspects range from a deceased uncle, Peregrine; whose deposition would affect the members of the staff in the clinic, to an old lady, whose family had to sell the Manor to the wealthy doctor, as she continues to be a part of the household. While the investigation is underway, yet another murder takes place in the Manor, and Dalgliesh must act quickly to reveal the identity of the murderer. As always, James has put this horrible crime too in a beautiful setting, with vivid descriptions of the house, and all of Dalgliesh’s questioning being conducted in a stately library room in the manor.
If Dalgliesh is not at his intuitive best in this book, it may be because he has other things on his mind, like retirement and settling down with Emma. His relation with Emma grows in importance, which would not have been a problem had it not resulted in the plot losing track of its main victim.
While the book is not James’ best work, it is not a bad read either. However, unlike some of her older books, James does not seem to elaborate the mystery solving process being undertaken. Where in her previous books, the evidence and truth came out as a result of police procedures, the last book and this one seem to fold in on themselves. The only way Adam Dalgliesh unearths the identity of the murderer is through interviews and self-reflection at the end of the day. Maybe James does not know the present day procedures being followed, but as a result the story does not sound as convincing either.
As a James fan one would not mind the language and tone in general of her books. But, for a new reader to read about present day people and settings, in a language as flowery and old as Queen Victoria is totally out of place.  Plot wise the book is the usual James style writing, with a not-too-likable victim, suspects who are hostile and do not divulge much and the field trip back in time to unearth some secret which weighs in today. And let’s not forget a second murder. It is not a bad format, but one that is well known to all James fans.

Silks (Published in 2008) - Authored by Dick Francis and Felix Francis - Barrister under pressure

Strange that the very barrister defending the criminal, becomes turncoat and condemns the man. Or a little bit like that. The young criminal has been unsuccessful in defending himself against the allegations, rather it would seem as if Mason has failed to rescue the defendant - he however, speaks his mind out loud and contrary to what a defense counsel must do in court in keeping with his client’s image - he does the opposite. Geoffrey Mason tells the court that the only reason why he chose to defend Julian Trent was because he had to. And so, the charming, rich and violence loving Julian Trent is sentenced to eight years in prison - held guilty on eight counts, four of them for assault, three for inflicting serious injury and  one of attempted murder.
True, Mason would have rather been out of number 3 court at the Old Bailey, racing his twelve year old bay gelding in the Foxhunter Steeplechase, hailed by amateur riders as the Gold Cup. Flashback - Geoffrey had wanted to become a jockey, he had ‘fallen in love’ with steeplechasing as a teenager, and had thought he’d spend his life riding horses. His equine ambitions were dashed when his father suggested that he join the family law firm as a solicitor; his clever mind and brains become the undoing of his ambition, so, being a solicitor it is.
All that was in common amongst the two distinct professions was the presence of Silk - both jockeys and barristers wore the fabric to work! He does relive some of the passion at the racetrack at Sandown, where his barrister’s wig is set aside for racing silks! His father also suggested he remain single, he’d achieves that status seven years after his marriage is over - his pregnant wife dead.




Present day - His sense of accomplishment is short lived as the clerk informs him that Julian Trent’s sentencing has been overturned, the brat intimidated three jurors and they were coerced into changing their minds. Using his immense influence, Trent is able to pull the right strings to get out of the prison mess. Also, top jockey Steve Mitchell wants Mason to defend him, as he is now accused in the killing of another famous jockey Hamish ‘Scot’ Barlow.
Despite the evidence piled up against Trent, he is out, and gets his hands on Geoffrey the minute he is able to, beating him silly with a baseball bat. Threatening the solicitor that unless he aids in the conviction of Mitchell, his dad and girlfriend will both be killed! Also, Mitchell is in a real soup, he’s had an affair with Barlow’s sister Millie, a vet. She later committed suicide after a lethal intake of animal tranquilizer, not found in her clinic. His betting slips are stuck to the pitchfork with which Scot was murdered. Obviously, the circumstantial evidence is damning!
Silks is co - written by Dick’s son Felix; it is a well researched book, given the number of legal references in the story - from the Magna Carta to the present day legal system. The twenty one chapters are divided into three parts – Murder, Arrest, Remand (chapters 1-6), Disclosure (chapters 7-9), Trial and Punishment (chapters 10-21). A happy twist to the tale is that Mason actually gets the girl of his dreams, at the end of the story, unlike many of Francis’s heroes. Also the killer is one closer to home, yet well concealed enough to go unnoticed.

Odd and the Frost Giants (published in 2008) - Written by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman, master of fantasy and mythology, offers an endearing tale about hope conquering all odds, a tale about how one can overcome any obstacle despite one’ own shortcomings and inhibitions. The book was chosen for the UNESCO World Book Day (2008).
Odd, a Norse name meaning ‘the tip of the blade’- is a young boy; although the name is meant to bring him luck, Odd is far from knowing what the word means. He is fatherless, having lost his dad in a Viking sea -raid, when he was only ten years old. He is physically maimed when he has an accident with an axe while chopping down a tree- it leaves him lame in the right leg. But what is most endearing about Odd, is his smile.
His mother, who is Scottish, marries a rich widower - Eldred, who ill treats Odd at the slightest provocation, whilst his mother is preoccupied looking after her seven other step children. Winter arrives, cold and almost arctic, never ending, threatening the onset of spring. Odd seems to have had enough at home, and decides he must get away; he leaves his stepfather’s abode for his own father’s hut in the chilly woods. In the forest, he meets a bear (with its paw caught in a tree trunk),a fox and a crow- unaware that these are Norse gods trapped in the bodies of these creatures - Loki, Odin and Thor - trapped thus by Frost Giants (who is actually just one giant).




He learns from the animals, that the winter was going to last forever, unless the Frost Giant is defeated. Odd comes to know that the city of Asgard has been invaded by the giant, who deceived Loki , and took Thor’s hammer - thus granting him dominion over the city and the terrible prospect of an endless winter. Odd decides to help the gods, who lead him to Mimir’s Well, to gain more astuteness and insight; here he sees his past, even his parents’ lives, and the possibility of a great future. Avoiding unnecessary conflict and confrontation, Odd uses his natural flair for negotiation, transitioning from the timid character we meet in the beginning of the story to a more confident boy, standing up to face all odds with skill and stoicism. Even his mother is transformed, as she sees her son as an inspiration, and garners strength from her son’s new persona.
Throughout the book, we learn to respect the young twelve year old Odd for the character he displays despite the adversities he’s pitted against. Friendships are tested, mistrust and deceit abound, but our hero remains untouched. He practices forgiveness and moves own, without any excess emotional baggage to hinder his quest. The Goddess Freya bestows partial healing to his lame leg, and he grows taller, stronger, leaning on a carved staff, bequeathed to him by none other than Odin, the All –Father.
The story touches a number of themes that appeal to a reader- coping with physical disability, the loss of a parent to death or even remarriage, the sadness of not knowing love at an early age, gracefully accepting that there is a place for everyone under god’s sun, and giving people a second chance. A must read - Neil Gaiman’s best, most human, and touching tale thus far!

The Graveyard Book (written by Neil Gaiman) - Published in 2008

"How Nobody Came To The Graveyard"- seems an unnecessary statement of the obvious (NOBODY, really, would like to come to the graveyard!) - until realization sneaks up on you and you learn that Nobody is a toddler - who crawled away from the House of Horrors when  his former abode had been  tragically turned thus by ‘the man Jack’ - a cold blooded assassin from a dark secret society , the Jack of All Trades.
The toddler scrambles away, through wisps of mist and creatures lurking in the dark, to a place all living beings dread- the graveyard. Unbeknownst to the hapless child, the ghost of his mother pleads with the residents of God’s Acre, to help the toddler. The couple  – a picture of ghoulish marital bliss for over two hundred and fifty years (!) – embrace the child as their own, especially since they had none when they were alive.
But like all human traits, the nasty ones we take to our graves, and the arrival of Nobody causes a tussle- should he stay (he isn’t a ghost and has human needs, after all), if he does,  does he get Freedom of the Graveyard? Although they seemed happy to have him, his ghoulish foster parents were exactly that- ghouls, and they seemed clueless as far as their new ward was concerned. And so, Silas (aptly named, for his name means ‘Of the Forest’, or here the graveyard, an equally desolate space), a mysterious creature, is deputed the task for providing for Nobody’s earthly needs.

While they still debated the violation of their macabre space by this little mass of life, the Angel of Death silences every doubt of theirs by appealing to the altruistic side of their otherwise believed to be ‘dead’ conscience. And so- Nobody stays, oblivious to the fate his family met or the strange turn of events that will now alter the course of his life forever!
As ‘Bod’ grows (everyone has a nickname!), he starts to wonder what lies beyond those rusty iron gates, and why is it that though Silas can wander about wherever he wills- Bod ,   must stay put, acquiescing to the fact that this is his domain? Whilst here, Silas and Mr. Pennyworth offer him an education; from the alphabets to reading out loud (Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in The Hat).
So it is one day, as he sits practicing his reading and writing, that he chances upon his first human- Scarlet Amber Perkins, whose parents are most intriguing and interesting- they let her play in the cemetery! And like Alice in the Rabbit Hole, they go inside the hill, to get to the barrow where the oldest member of the graveyard, even older than Caius the Roman, is believed to be buried- returning somewhat disappointed.
The fourth chapter, which was intended to be the first, was also published as a short story in 2008, winning the coveted Locus Award. In it, eight year old Bod defies his foster parents’ diktat to never go there, to the Potter’s Field (the graveyard by another name).Here the souls of ‘sad people’ (not bad) wandered under a pall. But along with them, there also wandered the ghosts of witches. So his second escapade gets him to meet E.H- a 500 year old ‘witch’ Liza Hempstock.
Amidst all the excitement of exploring dark places and meeting wonderful characters, it’s time now for our Bod, aged ten- to have his first dance. So he’s all spruced up, and dances with Liza, and even the Lady Grey who promises that one day he will get to ride her magnificent steed!
When Bod is eleven, Silas tells him of how he came to be at the Graveyard, and that now since he is alive, he must do whatever he can, and so much to Silas’s surprise- he chooses to go to school! But after a few days and narrow escapes, it is decided, for his own good, that he must stay in the graveyard! (most kids would love to have that option!)
As the years progress, Bod remains unaware of Jack- who still has a score to settle and isn’t resting till he sees him dead! In a fancy room, all the men called ‘Jack’ want the killer Jack to get cracking on the case, ‘You had time (TEN years).Now, you just have a deadline.’
Words that ring with foreboding – for outside all human realm, there are powers that govern the lives we lead; we unknowingly are drawn to our fate. Thus, when Scarlet returns with best intentions to solve the mystery of Bod’s family’s tragic end, and when she introduces him to Mr. Jay Frost (historian), his doom is almost certain, for the man is actually Jack!
As the tale draws to a close, Bod starts to lose the powers he has- he cannot see in the dark, nor fade in and out. Everyone including the Owens seem strangely distant and Silas urges him to go forth into the  a world, with a new passport, a wallet with some money in it, and the assurance that when Bod calls on him, he will come.
Finally, Nobody Owens is ready to be a ‘somebody’ in the world-as he wishes his and mother goodbye, and shares his dreams with her, she bids him adieu with a song she  sang for him , as a toddler:
‘Sleep until you waken
When you’re grown you’ll see the world
If I’m not mistaken….leave no path untaken.’
So, Bod leaves his home of so many years, to be amongst his own, before the day he is finally laid to rest: “But between now and then, there was Life; and Bod walked into it with his eyes and his heart wide open.”
Set in another world, almost, the story leaves you fuzzy and warm, longing for a cuppa and more news of young Bod’s escapades in the world of humans- and if school was anything to go by, then things are surely going to get tougher!
A must read for every child, but only after every mom and dad have read the Book! It’ll just make bed time story telling a whole new experience- maybe scary at first (don’t kids just love a good ghost story?), but also the kind that solicits a slight warm tug at your heart strings as your lil’ one cuddles closer, and wants more, feeling nice he’s got daddy and she’s got mommy by their side, poor Bod!
And if a kid’s word isn’t good enough, there’s a whole list of accolades and critical acclaim the Book has received, including a Walt Disney movie offer! The Carnegie Medal, the Hugo award, Newberry Medal - between the years 2009 and 2010.

Mistborn: The Hero of Ages (published in 2008) - A fantasy book, by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel as Elantris was well received followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. He has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan commissioned Brandon to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
The last book of the Mistborn series is equivalent to a amazing roller-coaster ride. The ups and the downs of the final battle where all the secrets are laid bare is the ultimate book. All through the 749 pages which seems to fly, not a single word is worthless and weighs its role in gold. Vin inadvertently releases a power imprisoned by Lord Ruler in the well of ascension called Ruin. Ruin is the power of destruction which was one of the foremost powers along with preservation in the universe. So with Ruin on the prowl the world is again a more dangerous place to live, mists swirl around this time making people severely ill, and ash continuously fall from the sky.
Vin tries to get through the mists swirling around to get to the bottom of the many secrets held by them. Vin's journey to unravel the metaphysical manifestations of the world takes her in direct confrontation with Ruin. She and Elend move through the normal politics of negotiations and realignment with neighboring counties often gatecrashing high profile parties.



But as Elend understands the nuances of politicking, Vin confronts the powers of the world. She understands the purpose of her chaotic childhood and becomes the essence of Preservation against Ruin.
Elend matures to a politically astute leader attracting followers and also finds time for being a proud husband. His allomantic powers also extends and slowly he becomes a natural Mistborn. But his understanding with Vin, and his trust in her powers along with love helps him to confront Ruin. Sazed, the Terris scholar, and chronicler of religions finds himself adrift after the death of his life. He is in search of the true god and a true religion. Both Elend and Sazed find their faith about the Hero of Ages is the only thing that keeps them going and ultimately this is the faith which helps them to the true word.
As the book moves along, old notions about Lord Ruler as a despicable despot are pushed away and we find reasons for his tyranny. Vin, Elend and Sazed confronts the demons of myth mongering, selfishness, superstitions and destruction of the the world. The lives and secrets of the Kandra, Koloss and the inquisitors are laid bare which helps Elend to find the ultimate metal of Attium. Ruin with his lust of destruction is checkmated by the power of love which lets Vin forget her pain and loss. She becomes the essence of preservation drubbing Ruin to help create a new world with flowers for the survivors.
This book is the ultimate fantasy saga with the most unconventional twist. Great language, greater plot and the greatest of all characterizations keeps this book a real page turner till the end. Alas these adventures are only for Allomancers and its sad indeed to be a simple mortal to watch the Mistborn's save the world.

Mistborn: The Final Empire (published in 2008) - A fantasy novel by Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel was Elantris was well received followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. His has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan commissioned Brandon to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
Mistborn: the final empire is the first book of the trilogy by Bryan Sanderson. Here he creates a new world ruled by the evil Lord Ruler and his feudal aristocrats and a new magic Allomancy. Allomancy is the capability to ingest metals and use them to acquire superhuman abilities. This is inherent in the Mistborn's who then can manipulate any metal to propel themselves or use it as a weapon. The chief protagonist in this book itself is the evil Lord Ruler. He was the long awaited boy liberator who turns to the shadow to become the worse oppressor of the land of Skaa.



The brutal and absolute regime has gripped them in fear for thousand years with volcanic ash covering the city devoid of blooming flowers. The populace is ground under the thumb of oppression with executions for minor infractions being a norm. Food has become a scarcity and the slaves of Skaa loose their health and will to live.
Into this conundrum enters Keisher the ultimate revolutionary and Robin-hood rolled in to one. He was brutalized by the ruling class and had witnessed the killing of his wife by Lord Ruler. Thrown into the mines, Keisher is famous for being the only one to escape from the hell holes of the Lord. He seeks redemption for his people and revenge for his wife. He commands a rag tag army of small time crooks who have the confidence to infiltrate the palace of Lord Ruler himself seeking the means to kill him.
Vin is a thief off the streets who roams with her brother. Keisher soon finds her using Allomancy against an important official of the Lord Ruler and is fascinated by her talent and confidence. He takes her under his wings to tutor her to control her power. He teaches her the nuances of misting and in a Pygmalion like role helps her to move in the society. Vin learns to behave among the royals and feudal roles and soon infiltrates their rank as a lady. She soon enters the palace and stumbles upon the journals of the boy who would become Lord ruler. Vin also questions Keisher's belief that all aristocrats are evil killers especially as she falls for the young nobleman Elend. Vin grows taking along Keisher with her, as she develops her abilities to bring about the change of guard.
Mistborn is one of the most amazing book written by Sanderson. The pacing, characters and the idea itself is the most captivating. Sanderson does not indulge in time tested magic tricks, instead develops new capabilities, like Allomancy. Who else can imagine such innovative magical capabilities? Sanderson takes the story of a messiah and turns in on its head, with the corruption of the savior itself. There is no dull moment in the book as the action explodes right from page one. This book is definitely a captivating read and the only problem is keeping one's hands off it.

Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones (published in 2008) - The second novel in the Alcatraz series

Brandon Sanderson is a an American Fantasy writer currently based in Utah. He has a degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University and is currently one of the most exciting science fiction writers around. Nominated for the prestigious John. W. Campbell Award for science fiction twice, he also served on the staff of Leading Edge, a semi-professional speculative fiction magazine. His first novel was Elantris which was well received, followed by the “Mistborn” series which propelled him to great heights. His has since then established himself with the Alcatraz series and many short stories. Harriet McDougall, the widow of Robert Jordan commissioned Brandon to complete his famed “Wheel of Time” series. At present Sanderson lives in Provo, Utah and is an instructor at the Brigham Young University.
The second book of the Alcatraz series, it further explores the magical kingdoms and the evil cult of the librarians. Alcatraz after successfully infiltrating the Librarians is one of the most hunted boy in the planet. His grandfather plans to evacuate all of them to a safer place, but Alcatraz has other plans. He is tormented by the disappearance of his dad and plans to go to the Library of Alexandria which was his last know destination. This library is manned by its soul stealing curators who entice people to check out with a book. This library has everything written by man and is the last word in knowledge. The only catch is, if you read its books your soul is sucked out by the curators.



In Alexandria Alcatraz is soon joined by Bastille, her mother Drauline, his uncle, Kazan and cousin, Australia. Australia has the talent of waking up and looking ugly, or looking like the person whom she last thought of before falling asleep. Uncle Kazan is blessed with the talent of getting lost, that is he can get himself lost from dangerous situations and find himself back when things are favorable. Reaching the library the whole group separates and the curators tease and taunt the Occulators to take a book. Alcatraz understand their language through his translator lenses. Kazan manages to find him and awesome Bastille with the help of his “getting lost” skill. Adventures follow as they are out maneuvered and mange to outwit at the same time. Alcatraz on the trip to Alexandria learns that his is one of the greatest and dangerous talents and his father Attica had sold his soul to the curators. He finds a note written by dear dad before his transformation and finds a way to turn the clock back for his family.
The second book is hilarious, sparky and the most engaging. Sanderson employs great wit for all his characters especially for Alcatraz which makes him the smart Alec of boy wizards. The gadgets like Translator lenses and windstormers are really the ultra cool ones which all boys like to have. I am sure Bryan Sanderson would have converted some teenage fantasies writing about Alcatraz. There are some moments of awkward dialogues like when Bryan and Bastille are trapped in the pit which makes you turn the page a little faster, but on the whole the book is fast paced, engaging and great fun.
A word of caution though, always follow the Alcatraz series faithfully or else you may loose some vital points of importance. One can go ahead and have some fun times with the family with this one.