BOOK REPORTS—

Pop Goes the Weasel by James Patterson

Washington DC Detective Alex Cross, also a PhD-type psychologist, confronts a grizzly string of murders which leads him to a suspect, a diplomat in the British embassy, who plays a fantasy game called the Four Horsemen—with three fellow ex-operatives from the British Intelligence Service. It’s a great story line that romps to a thundering climax in Jamaica. Cross loses his lover along the way; or does he? He also wins the final fight with his chief antagonist; or does he? Another great Patterson read!


Crashers by Dana Haynes

Good book! This novel takes a peek at “Go-Teams” which are dispatched by the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate major airplane accidents. This was a quick read, as first novels often are, in my experience. It had an interesting story line and sparkling character development. I’ll look forward to his next effort.


Third World America by Arianna Huffington

The author correctly identifies evidence of the US heading toward third world status with a vanishing industrial base, an education system in shambles, a crumbling infrastructure, corporations gone wild, a broken political system and disappearing middle class. Then she fawns over the imposter currently infesting the White House and mostly ignores his cronies who are controlling both houses of congress as if they are guiltless victims of this fiasco. If you are seeking enlightenment you will have better luck with an old issue of Mad Magazine.


The Cobra by Frederick Forsyth

Here’s another of those jewels that I wanted to read, cover to cover, non stop. Finally the US decides to destroy the cocaine industry, largely centered in the major cartel in Columbia. An ex-CIA, special ops agent, retired because he was too ruthless, is given carte-blanch to use the assets of the US and its military, no holds barred. Another masterful tale from this enduring author. Hooray for Forsyth.