THE PRESTIGE - Christopher Priest

THE PRESTIGE turned out to be better than I expected. It started slowly and not at all like the movie I saw at the show, which is how it usually is. Movies never live up to the books they are made from. Now I really liked the movie..what was not to like with Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, and Scarlett Johansson and David Bowie in the roles. History of magic and an amazing fantasy story of the two feuding magicians and what drives them to the lengths they go to outdo each other at every turn.
The story is told in three viewpoints, one from each magician and one from two of the descendents. This is the kind of audiobook that makes the listener stay in the parking lot or driveway to listen to just a little more before departing the vehicle. It would make me work longer, walk more miles, ride just one more lap just to get more of the tale heard.
Four beans!

SINCE YOU'RE LEAVING ANYWAY, TAKE OUT THE TRASH - Dixie Cash

This is a fun chick-lit romance mystery cozy. Loved the title, chose to read the book because of it. Glad the content matched the witty cover.

Debbie Sue lives in Salt Lick, Texas and owns Styling Station beauty salon that used to be the town gas station. Debbie Sue is a 'retired' rodeo barrel racer and trying her hand at settling down, but getting itchy feet. Her ex is the town's sheriff. Friction and attraction is still there.

Town's richest woman has been murdered and there is a $50,000 reward. This could be the ticket for something bigger and better than Salt Lick.

A lot of good characters and story in this and I will be reading more of this sister team writing as Dixie Cash.

DROP SHOT - Harlen Coben

Still in love with Myron Bolitar. And possibly a teensy crush on Win. This is a series that behooves me to read in order, as well as take my time with. I could get very greedy and read them one after another, like M&Ms (all green ones.....), so I pace myself. This way my time with Myron and Jess and Win and Esperanza is a treat to savor and look forward to.

For those who don't know, Myron is a sport's agent and finds himself righting wrongs for those who need it, whether they realize they need or not. Or want it or not.

Myron is representing Duane Richwood, an up and comer tennis player. A fellow tennis player is murdered. Myron feels compelled to investigate. Enigmatic Win assists. There is a torrid past, input from the Mob, some more killing, a lot of smart-aith remarks that endears Myron to my quirk-lovin' self.

I have placed an addendum to my 'list'. . You know 'the list'....the one where if someone from your 'list' should show up in your life and want to be with you for a short time, your significant other has to oblige gracefully. Anyway, fictional characters can now be added. So Myron joins Matthew McConaughey, Kurt Russell, Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott, Chris Isaak, Harry Connick Jr, John Hannah, Lyle Lovett (hey, it's MY list!).....

DEXTER IN THE DARK - Jeff Lindsey

Dexter is back and in trouble. His 'dark passenger' is in hiding, his sister wants help with a serial killer who is beheading and burning his victims, and he is getting married. And his soon to be stepkids want him to mentor them in the ways of killing.
Sardonic wit always with, Dexter series makes for a good read.

THE ARCHITECT - Keith Ablow

SCHNIEKEES! What a ride this book was. The reader almost immediately knows who the killer is, but you just don't care! You want to stay with it to see how they get him. And it's not like you think.
Frank Clevenger, the main character, the 'good' guy, is a forensic psychologist with issues of his own. He's a wannabe recovering alcoholic, he has an adopted son he is trying to be there for and unsure how to go about it. The son is damaged and does his best to push Frank away. They are like magnets who connect then repel.
I read DENIAL, the first in the series, several months ago. It didn't take me long to acquire more of Ablow's books, but it took me awhile to work up the courage to read another of them. I will read more of the series and look for his nonfiction works, too.

Highly recommend if you like a thrill ride.