Posted 1:10 PM by FaerieKissed
Camp Conviction by Natalie Buske Thomas

This is the third book in the Serena Wilcox mysteries. Even though the books are stand alone mysteries, I would definitely recommend reading this one after Virtual Memories, the second book in the series. There are characters carried over from the second book and knowing their background makes the third book more interesting. By reading this book after the second, the reader avoids learning who isn't guilty in the second book. I like to have all my options available.

Again, the concept and storyline of this book are very creative and really kept me engaged (my boyfriend is complaining that I'm ignoring him to finish the book, which is unfortunately true). Character introduction was much improved over the last book. Some of the characters are introduced as screen names. I enjoyed that element because part of the mystery was trying to discover their identities.

I really enjoyed this author's books. I think her audience is a younger audience, perhaps middle school or high school. There is not a lot of substance but for a quick and entertaining read, Thomas definitely delivers.

Posted 1:29 PM by FaerieKissed
Virtual Memories by Natalie Buske Thomas

This book is the second in the Serena Wilcox mysteries. I picked it up because the author, Natalie Buske Thomas, was giving a talk at my local library and had some of her books available for sale. The first book is available on bn.com (Gene Play). She admits that the first book was a learning process and she plans to rewrite it sometime in the future. You can read them as stand alone stories, but some of the characters are past clients in the previous books--she doesn't "ruin" the mystery though.

I liked the concept of the book. Thomas has a wonderful imagination. However, she is definitely a new author. Some of her dialogue is a bit choppy; she sometimes explains more than she shows. She introduces new characters as she needs them. As a reader, I was introduced to the employees of Virtual Memories one by one throughout the book. There was little relationship between any of them--except in the context of the mystery. The chapter that introduced a brother and sister-in-law of the victim felt out of place. It interrupted the story line and seemed a bit gratuitous.

I expect that Thomas will develop and fine tune her technique. I found myself engrossed and engaged in this book. It is designed to be a quick, light, and entertaining read, and the book accomplishes all of that. I am looking forward to reading more of the Serena Wilcox mysteries.

Posted 8:21 AM by FaerieKissed
Books I Should Check Out at the Library:

Gods, Graves, & Scholars--C.W. Ceram. This is recommended to me as a book that makes archaeology exciting. It discusses, Troy, the Minotaur's Labyrinth (I didn't know that it existed), and King Tut's tomb as well as other, lesser finds. I'm not sure if this will be a good read or not, so I'll have to see if my library carries it or can get it for me.

Posted 7:58 AM by FaerieKissed
This is a reading journal. These are my opinions only. Feel free to agree or disagree as you see fit.