"11th Hour"

*First, I want to send out positive thoughts and prayers for safety to those within Hurricane Sandy's way. Be prepared and stay safe!*

11th Hour by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, AF, 2012, Playaway digital audio book, 7hrs, rating=3
Source:  library

Your best friend
Lindsay Boxer is pregnant at last! But her work doesn't slow for a second. When millionaire Chaz Smith is mercilessly gunned down, she discovers that the murder weapon is linked to the deaths of four of San Francisco's most untouchable criminals. And it was taken from her own department's evidence locker. Anyone could be the killer--even her closest friends.
Or a vicious killer?
Lindsay is called next to the most bizarre crime scene she's ever seen: two bodiless heads elaborately displayed in the garden of a world-famous actor. Another head is unearthed in the garden, and Lindsay realizes that the ground could hide hundreds of victims.
You won't know until the 11th hour
A reporter launches a series of vicious articles about the cases and Lindsay's personal life is laid bare. But this time she has no one to turn to--especially not Joe. 11TH HOUR is the most shocking, most emotional, and most thrilling Women's Murder Club novel ever. (Goodreads)

The Foursome are back and lots of drama happening but only two crime mysteries to solve.  The drama:  Lindsay is pregnant and hormonal, Yuki is sleeping with Jackson, Cindy is engaged to Rich, and Claire has her hands full trying to find out more about the skulls.  Then the crimes:  (1) Two heads appear at a renowned actor's home; and (2) A man nicknamed "Revenge" is killing drug dealers.  Sounds like ingredients for an interesting mystery read, right?  Indeed it was ..well, in my case, an interesting audio read. 

On the softer side of this novel, immediately I thought Lindsay overreacted to the alleged affair her husband was supposedly having with an old flame then I remembered that when I was pregnant with my second son I had a moment when I convinced myself that my husband was cheating on me.  Of course it was all in my head and attest to how hormones can play in a person's mind.  Granted Lindsay took it over-the-top here but I suppose her fictional pregnancy fart must have affected all logic!  Anyway, I like the continued female bonding among the foursome and overall flow their lives play along the mystery part of the book.  Thus, all together this book was a good blend of drama and thriller.

"Madeline"

by Ludwig Bemelmans, YR, 1967, c1939, 48p, rating=4
Source: library

Madeline is one of the best-loved characters in children's literature. Set in picturesque Paris, this tale of a brave little girl's trip to the hospital was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1940 and has as much appeal today as it did then. The combination of a spirited heroine, timelessly appealing art, cheerful humor, and rhythmic text makes Madeline a perennial favorite with children of all ages. (Goodreads)

I recognize this famous name and I do not doubt that the story, whether through book or TV show. have come across my way.  But I do not remember such a specific event (you may recall, I have a memory of a thousand elephants) so I wanted to read it and experience this well loved classic picture book. 

Certainly Madeline, the character, had spunk.  A lovable Anne of Green Gable spirited quality that is likable.  Madeline stood out among the twelve children and put fun into a rigid routine.  She initiated the spirit of being a lovely, carefree child which later the rest wanted to emulate. 

This is a wonderful and simple rhyming book for young children.  The illustrations were a great compliment as well.  The setting, a treat.  Overall, a read that was whimsical and invited this reader to see Madeline's sweet outlook.  It gave me a bit of a homesick feeling for similar innocent times in my girlhood. 

Simply a charming book.  The children exemplified what being a child at heart means.