Get Caught!

Caught, Harlan Coben, is a quick read. It’s a mystery dealing with a missing high school senior and a recently identified pedophile. But it goes way beyond that when a local TV reporter tries to connect all the dots and ends up looking into several lives of a group of friends from Princeton University.

I particularly enjoyed this book because it’s centered mainly in North Jersey near where I grew up. So I recognized many of the places mentioned and that’s always a bit of a kick. Beyond that, the story itself is full of twists and turns and confuses, not only the local TV reporter and a few persistent police investigators, but also the reader. Each time I thought we were close to solving the mystery another twist would develop. This book certainly keeps you on your toes.

My only criticism of the book is that Coben needs to get all his facts straight if he bases a story on a real-life place. Princeton does not have a medical school. That’s such a small part of the story it didn’t even need to be mentioned in the book, but it is, in fact, inaccurate.

If you like mysteries, you’ll love this book. You won’t be able to put it down until you reach the end. And then you’ll wish for more. Enjoy getting Caught!

Surviving Rejection

Left at the Altar, by Kimberley Kennedy is a short book and quick read. It tells the author’s true story of literally being left at the altar and how she got through the days, weeks, and years after her humiliating rejection. It’s also full of stories of others who had similar tales of their own. One thing I noticed is that the man is always the bad guy – seldom is it the other way around. It also is deeply religious. I have no problem with that but one must, of course, get through this with the love and support of friends and family, along with God. Beyond that, this book will surely touch those who have been through similar situations, whether they rely on God’s help or not. If you’ve been through this type of situation or if you know someone who has, this is a good book to read.

Entertaining but Predictable Storyline

Love on Assignment by Cara Lynn James is a quick read. It’s interesting but predictable. It’s about a young woman, Charlotte Hale, a secretary at a newspaper in the early 20th century. She’s one step closer to her goal to be a reporter when her boss asks her to take a position as a governess in order to “spy” on a local professor and devout Christian. She is torn between ethics and ambition. However, as the story unfolds it’s rather obvious what is going to happen. The storyline is typical where she feels guilty but also needs to finish the job in order to advance in journalism. As hard as she tries, she cannot find anything to pin on the professor and, of course, falls in love. If you’re looking for a light read, this book is for you. I found it easy to read but with little substance.