The Americans

The Americans
Series 1 on DVD

Set in 1981 in Washington DC, "The Americans" is a thrilling new TV series from FX.   Elizabeth and Philip Jennings are high level Soviet spies who appear to be normal residents of their middle class neighborhood.  Their cover is so discreet that their school age kids don't even know that they are Russian immigrants.

Created by Joe Weisberg, a former CIA officer, the series depicts plot lines that are based on real events.  The heroes are actually enemies and the story lines are always compelling.  Kerry Russell is fun to watch as a pint sized spy who is a highly trained assassin.

I absolutely loved watching "The Americans".  From the disguises to the period detail from the 1980's, I was hooked.  I can't wait until the second series is available.  If you enjoy reading spy novels and international thrillers, this series is for you.

-Holly

Takedown Twenty

 Audiobook format

By: Janet Evanovich

My favorite way to experience Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels is to listen to Lorelei King read them as I drive down the road.  Her stories always make me laugh, always a delight. In the continuing story of bounty hunter Stephanie Plum’s life she is given the job of finding her boyfriend’s godfather “Uncle Sunny”.  In Trenton, New Jersey some families are related to everyone, or so it seems.  Uncle Sunny is related to, or does business with so many, that Stephanie has a hard time trying to find him because no one will “rat him out”.  If you are a fan of Janet Evanovich but have never listened to Lorelei King read them, you should give it a try, she is remarkable.

~ Beckie

I agree – a fun “listen”! There is a return of the usual favorite characters in “Takedown Twenty” including Joe’s crazy Sicilian grandmother Bella. Watch out for Kevin!

~ Paula

 

White Fire

By Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

#13 in the Pendergast series, also available in audio format

Corrie Swanson has travelled to an exclusive ski resort town in Colorado to write her thesis about a group of miners that were eaten by grizzly bears 150 years ago. When the town founders decline Corrie's request to study the bones of the miners, Corrie takes measures into her own hands and breaks in to the storage shed. Special Agent Pendergast goes to Colorado to aid his young apprentice who is facing prosecution.

During this time, an arsonist is targeting the homes of the rich and famous in the town.

During Pendergast's and Corrie's investigation into the remains of the miners and the archives, secrets are uncovered that put the reputation of the town's founding members in jeopardy.

Pendergast discovers a connection between a long-lost Sherlock Holmes story and the mystery of the dead miners.

If you are a mystery fan, try this one!

~Paula

 

 

Stella Bain

By Anita Shreve

This book had me from the very first page.  Set early in World War I, an injured young American woman finds herself recovering in an army hospital tent in Europe unable to remember her name or her past.  This book takes you through her journey to recover her memory and her life.  Her past holds some distressing details that haunt her recovery.  I found this book so captivating that I wish I could read it again for the first time.

 ~ Beckie