What Happened to the Bennetts (Lisa Scottoline)

Bestselling author Lisa Scottoline's What Happened to the Bennetts is told in two parts -- one far more interesting than the other.

Jason Bennett and his family are driving home from a lacrosse game when a truck starts tailing them. Two men then draw guns on the family and want the car. What happens next changes their lives forever. Because of who these two men are, the family have 15 minutes to grab what they want to save from their home and enter the witness protection program. They of course are having trouble adjusting to leaving behind everything they know, but leaving the program would be far too dangerous. 

After a big twist that I never saw coming, Jason decides to take matters into his own hands. Part two is where we get "Superman" Jason, and things just get more unbelievable on every page, with Jason going after Mob bosses, crooked lawyers and politicians, and even the FBI. There are too many unrealistic events that take place in part two, but part one is riveting. So I'm going to average my rating out to a 3.

MY RATING - 3

I See Life Through Rose'-Colored Glasses (Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella)

Over the years, I've had the pleasure of meeting Lisa Scottoline a few times, and believe me when I tell you that she is one of the nicest people you will ever come across in your life. She greets her fans not with handshakes but with hugs, and the word that comes most to mind when I think of her is "genuine."

Her daughter, Francesca Serritella, is exactly the same way. Lisa, of course, has written numerous mysteries, but the two of them have also come together to develop a series of essay books, their newest being I See Life Through Rose'-Colored Glasses (that's the wine!). Whether it's Lisa's or Francesca's essay you're reading, I promise that you are in for a treat. From pets to exercise to dating, they write about life in such a way that every woman can relate to. Most essays are hilarious and witty, but every once in awhile they throw one in that's beautifully poignant.

One warning -- I read this book on my Kindle while my husband was asleep next to me. If you value your marriage, you may not want to do that. I laughed out loud too many times to count.

MY RATING - 4

Look Again (Lisa Scottoline)

I am the first to admit that I have not always been a fan of Lisa Scottoline's books. I know that readers love her, particularly in the Philly area, where she lives. Having the good fortune of meeting Ms. Scottoline a few years back, I know that she is unbelievably nice, even going so far as to hug her fans. However, to me, I just never thought her books were of substance. That is, until Look Again came along.

This is the story of Ellen Gleeson, an ordinary woman who came home from work one day and noticed one of those "Have You Seen This Child?" cards in the mail. One of the child looks unbelievably like her adopted son, Will. Not being able to get this out of her mind, she sacrifices family and her job as a reporter (convenient, isn't it?) to get to the bottom of it. When she does, well, you can only imagine, there is heartbreak involved.

I found this book haunting, especially the cover, which reminds me very much of Jennifer McMahon's covers. However, while the book was fast-moving and suspenseful, I tend to not enjoy books that wrap things up in the end with a neat little bow. Scottoline fans can be rabid, and this one will certainly not disappoint them. While this is certainly the best book I have read by this particular author, I still cannot call myself a fan.

MY RATING - 3

The One That I Want (Allison Winn Scotch)

Allison Winn Scotch is quickly rising the ladder to rival Picoult and Scottoline status. It is no surprise that she writes from the female perspective, with a female protagonist searching for meaning in her life. Her books are heartwarming and, even with the hint of the supernatural as in The One That I Want, very true to life.

This is the story of Tilly, a thirtysomething woman living in the same town she grew up in, having the same friends she grew up with, and married to her high school sweetheart. Her life is happy...a gorgeous husband, a job she loves as a high school counselor, and a wonderful best friend. The only thing missing is a desperately wanted baby and her mother, who died awhile back. She lives her life the only way she knows how...helping others with their problems, including her alcoholic father. When Tilly meets an old high school friend at the town fair, things begin to go awry. Suddenly Tilly can "see" things that will happen in the future, and when those events really begin to happen, the story evolves.

Scotch does it again with a real winner. You will not be disappointed.

MY RATING - 5

The Test (Patricia Gussin)

There is nothing like a good mystery story, especially one that is set in your hometown. Landmarks that the author writes about are familiar enough to make the reader understand the story more. Philadelphia seems to be the setting for many of these stories (Lisa Scottoline being the master)...I suppose because of the city's historical value.

"The Test" is the story of a billionaire family with roots in Philadelphia's exclusive Main Line. The many Parnell family members gather after their father's death to hear the reading of his will. They are shocked when they learn that they will only receive their part of the inheritance if they each pass his "test". Paul Parnell, the patriarch, felt guilty that he never really taught his children the morals they need to survive. Their inheritance will depend on if they can learn these morals in one year. Along the way, they will each face much hardship and tragedy.

This novel had such an interesting premise, but never really succeeded in getting where it needed to go. I had a hard time getting through it, as I felt at times that I was reading a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys mystery. The story is cliche'-ridden, and the ending comes so out of left field that it is laughable. Still, Gussin should be commended for her outline. This could have been a slam dunk.

MY RATING - 2

This review can also be found at www.bookloons.com.