*This review is from an Advanced Reading Copy*

If you like Stieg Larsson then you will love the writings of Jo Nesbo. This is the first Harry Hole novel that I have read and I was blown away by the densely layered nuance of this novel.
Hole is an alcoholic police officer whose penchant for the bottle has brought him to the end of the line in his career despite his abilities as a detective. After three murders take place within days of one another, all of the victims turning up with a red pentagram shaped diamond on their corpses it is obvious that a serial killer is on the loose. It is Hole who expects something more sinister at play and attempts to sober up long enough to solve one last case.
Set in Oslo this is further proof that the Scandinavian countries are churning out some of the best crime fiction today. I will be reading more of the Harry Hole series.

Cassie,
Today is your birthday, a special day for you. 7 years ago you came into this world. We tried to have you earlier but you refused. It’s not many babies that can withstand an induction but somehow you did. You wanted to come when you were ready.

And that describes you so well. You are your own person, full of life, love and energy. It was worth the wait to have you because you have filled my life in so many ways. I have never known someone with the heart, compassion and love for others that you have. You learn much from me because I am your dad. But please know this: I learn so very much from you. In you I see what it means to love people. I see what it means to have compassion and think of others before yourself.

I have always struggled with doubt. But when I look at you and see the way you give of yourself, I believe. For you are the presence of Jesus to me.

Thank you, my center child for being all that you are. Happy Birthday.

I love you,
Dad.

No song has ever resonated with me like this one. I plan a longer reflection on it soon.

I vacillate between this song being #2 and #3. Today, it falls in the third slot. My favorite version of this is actually the live version that was released in his 1975-85 Box Set.

Boomtown Rats – I Don't Like Mondays
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Based on a true story.

This was a seminal song in my formation. The song was featured in the movie of the same title that was released the week I began my senior year of high school. The themes in the movie of friendship and growing older were ones that would resonate with my nostalgic 17 year old self.

If you have never listened to this Canadian country-rock band then you are truly missing out. The album that features this song, Five Days in July, is a great place to start.

* This Review is from a free copy*

Daniel Gallagher is a former Boston police officer. After an exit from the force he ends up as a private investigator doing the obligatory adultery stakeouts.

At the same time two doctors who 20 years before were part of a real estate investment to build a medical plaza are gunned down within a couple of weeks of each other. Gallagher is commissioned by the first doctors widow to get to the bottom of the case.

What follows is a story that extends from Boston to Washington DC to Las Vegas in a blend of political suspense and whodunit.

This is a highly readable debut from O’Donnell that, although short on story line, will keep the reader turning the pages.

Runaway Dream: Born to Run and Bruce Springsteen’s American Vision by Louis Masure–This is a fine love letter to Springsteen’s defining disk. I had read much of this before but it was the most exhaustive take on this particular album I have come across. However, I am a bigger fan of Darkness on the Edge of Town.

The Preacher and the Politician: Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama, and Race in America by Clarence E. Walker and Gregory D. Smithers–The problem with much of the backlash surrounding Barack Obama’s membership at Trinity and his relationship with Reverend Wright during the 2008 presidential campaign was a failure to place Wright’s comments and sermons within the context of the black church in specific and race relations in general. The authors do a masterful job of providing the context for Wright and lay to rest the notion that we are a postracial nation. To make claims to that effect, they argue, dismisses the legitimate concerns of minorities. Obama’s eloquent address on race is included in this thorough and scholarly look at race in America.

The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian–Bohjalian has written a highly nuanced tale of suspense. Eight years ago, as a college sophomore, Laurel Easterbrook was almost raped and murdered on a deserted Vermont biking trail. Years later she is working for a homeless shelter and still bears the scars of that near miss. When she is tasked with going through the photographs of a recently passed client she realized that he was quite the talented photographer. However, there is much more to the story than just interesting photos. As Laurel traces his story she finds that there are some who will keep her from finding out the truth.

The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4) by Rick Riordan –This is probably my least favorite of the four that I have read but it is still fun reading.