Pure pop psychology - interesting, but not too deep or scientific. It doesn’t seem like the author did any true research studies; it’s more of a collection of interviews and anecdotes. I didn’t mind; it makes for an easy read, and its pretty easy to see where you fit in too (I’m a Questioner, the second most popular group, after Obligers). The book’s true value is to show us how others react to expectations and to appreciate those differences.

3.5 stars.

I have to admit, I had this book on my TBR list when I was into Criminal Minds, but some less than stellar reviews caused me to take it off. Now, David Fincher’s new Netflix show of the same name caused me to pick it back again.

I’ve always thought profiling was fascinating, and Mindhunter is actually quite readable, despite its length. John Douglas does come across as cocksure, as those negative reviews suggested - but then again, I think you’d have to be in his job. I think anyone making life-or-death decisions would have to display strong mental fortitude - confidence, or cockiness - and anyone with such a strong personality is bound to have turned people off.

After I finished the book, I wanted another perspective, so I read an article by Malcolm Gladwell, which thoroughly eviscerated criminal profiling. Again, a fascinating read. I think Douglas represents the messy world of human behavior, while Gladwell sides with the science and the proven facts. There is probably a little truth in both of their stories.

I read Still Life a year ago, and wasn't that impressed. Maybe because the librarian gushed over it, I had high expectations, but I didn't connect with Gamache, Clara, Peter, and the gang. Now, its clear that I wasn't used to Penny's writing style yet.

With A Fatal Grace, I knew what to expect. I expected cozy, small-town, flawed people. I expected humanness, error, and doubt. I went to Louise Penny's website, and found that she writes books about the consequences of murder, rather than the murder itself. In short, don't expect flashy and overdone. Think quiet village folks, a love of food and art, poetry, set against a murder. This time, I'm giving the book 4 stars.

Quotes:
‘You’re wrong there,’ said Ruth, following Myrna’s gaze. ‘This used to be my drug of choice. In my teens my drug of choice was acceptance, in my twenties it was approval, in my thirties it was love, in my forties it was Scotch... (page 45)

Murder was deeply human, the murdered and the murderer. (154)

The start of the more "grown-up" Harry Potter books. This book blew my mind when I first read it in 1999, and continues to be one of the most enjoyable books in the series. Equal parts fun, heartwarming, and heartbreaking.

I really enjoyed David Lagercrantz’ previous book, The Girl in the Spider’s Web, so I had high expectations for this one. Like last time, I felt myself getting bogged down by all the names, and not just character names, but places, street names, and what I assume to be bodies of water. I tried to keep track of all of these names, because in the past books, I have experienced that nagging feeling that I’d seen a name before, and that it was important, but I just couldn’t remember why. This book helpfully included a cast of characters, but it wasn’t an inclusive list. I wish the author wouldn’t reference so many streets or places; it was difficult to keep track of.

Okay, that was me being nitpicky. Now onto the actual plot.

I will say right away that Lisbeth isn’t as involved as the previous books. There are several new characters introduced, and the plot mainly revolves around them, with Lisbeth providing support. There is also not a lot of action. The main mystery centers on a scientific study, and how it impacted several of the characters, with Blomkvist doing research and conducting interviews to figure out the mystery. The writing is consistent, and the plot moves along steadily, but without much feeling. Lagercrantz’ style is tight, but it almost felt constricted this time around. I’m most interested in Lisbeth, and I wanted more for her to do. This book almost feels like a placeholder.

Mainly average but readable. 3 of 5 stars.

I got this book from a library sale. It was a very pretty blue hardback edition without a dust jacket, so I didn’t know anything about the plot going in. Christie takes a while to set up the premise, including a full cast of characters. I enjoy it when she does this, in other mysteries such as And Then There Were None or Murder on the Orient Express. This one lacked something though. Poirot is front and center, all brains using his little gray cells, and occasionally some heart when he gives a few people some well-meant advice. I believe the mystery fell a little flat because the motive was a bit pedestrian in the end, IMHO.

3 of 5 stars. It was an enjoyable cozy mystery for a Thanksgiving weekend.