Black Friday - Alex Kava

Genre: Crime (Mystery) Thriller

A Maggie O'Dell novel.

It is 'black Friday' and the shopping malls are packed, the three explosions tear through the crowds at Mall of America.  The casualties and injuries are bad and O'Dell is called in to assist with the investigation but it gets personal when she realises that her brother might be involved.  The clock is ticking and there is another attack planned.  Can O'Dell stop it and save hundreds of lives? Can she save her brother?

The novel is gripping from the first page right through to the last, it is humorous and tense.  It explores the sibling bond and loyalty and raises many questions about terrorism and safety.

A Judgement in Stone - Ruth Rendell

Genre: Fiction (Crime Fiction/Suspense)

Published in 1977 and widely considered to be one of Rendell's greatest works, it examines the class differences in Britain in the 1970s.  This novel is my second try at reading a Rendell novel, the first being A Sight for Sore Eyes. And although this book came with high recommendations, I am once again unimpressed.  I find that there is far too much detail in the story, but not enough actually happening.  I am left bored and somehow wanting more to happen.  I can, without a doubt, say that Ruth Rendell is not an author that I like or be willing to read again.

Eunice Parchman is illiterate and ashamed of it.  She is hired by the Coverdale family as a housekeeper, and makes friends with the post-mistress (who herself is a little bit strange).  The two friends end up spurring each other on and go crazy, murdering the Coverdale's with their own guns.  They would have gotten away with it but unfortunately Eunice's illiteracy causes their downfall as an important clue is left written down and she does not realize it.  When her illiteracy is revealed to all at her trial in court, she is absolutely mortified.

I am sure that for her fans, Rendell is a wonderful writer and that they love her stuff but I would not recommend her to anyone.

Benny and Babe - Eoin Colfer

Genre: Children's Fiction

Taking place on the coast, Benny Shaw is on summer vacation at the lighthouse where his grandfather is the keeper.  He soon makes himself some new friends, one of which is the tomboy, Babe Meara.  Throughout the book we follow Benny, and sometimes Babe, as they hunt for fishing flies, weights and baits to resell.  They make an enemy.  Someone develops a crush.  The rules are broken and the price is paid.  Along with several other escapades are covered in this novel.

It is a wonderful story and was quite captivating although I didn't enjoy it as much as Benny and Omar.  It was well worth the read and the space on my bookshelf.  And even though the main character is a boy, I feel that it will speak to both boys and girls and offer the same enjoyment that I drew from this book.

Benny and Omar - Eoin Colfer

Genre: Children's Fiction

Benny Shaw loves Hurling and he likes Ireland.  And then his dad gets a job...  In Tunisia...  Which just so happens to be in Africa.  It's not Ireland and there is no Hurling.  He does not want to be here, but despite this fact, he finds himself making friends and becoming a troublemaker along with a local boy.

This is a heart warming story about two boys who, despite a language barrier, become friends and brothers.  We follow their adventures and antics and we see how these two make every moment count.

If this book teaches you only one thing it would be that spoken language is not important, but rather the language from the heart that counts.

This is a must read for Colfer fans!