The 5th Horseman by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

I have mixed feelings about James Patterson's books.  I know he writes with a co-author and I know that some of his books - specifically his novels for teens - can be quite silly.  That being said, I do enjoy some of his books and his Women's Murder Club series is one that I do like. 

The 5th Horseman is the fifth book in the series.  It starts out with Lindsey Boxer, the usual narrator, on the job as lieutenant on the police force.  She's investigating a series of murders where the victims are left in cars for anyone to find.  It was very disturbing.  I had to put the book down a few times. 

The other storyline involves a hospital where healthy patients with non-life threatening conditions or injuries are dying, usually by an "accidental" mix up with medications.  Yuki's mother is taken to that hospital and the story takes off from there.

I feel like this is a solid addition to the series although there wasn't anything that moved the series along.  Nothing much changed with the women, with the exception of Yuki.  If you've been reading the series, you should continue.  The authors tells a good story.  If you haven't read the series, go on back to 1st to Die.  They are quick reads and you'll get an idea of whether or not the series is for you. 

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Wither, by Lauren DeStefano, is one of those books that caught me from the start.  The concept alone was very interesting.  I seem to be attracted to books that disgust me with the general idea and then intrigue me the rest of the way through. 

The novel focuses on Rhine.  She's a teenager living in a futuristic America where an overload of genetic testing has caused the downfall of society.  In this future, men don't live beyond the age of twenty-five and women die at age twenty.  The desire to continue the population leads to kidnapping and polygamy.  Rhine is sixteen years old when she is kidnapped and taken to a grand mansion in Florida.  While she bonds with her sister wives and a servant named Gabriel, she longs for escape and finding her brother.

One of the things that really struck me about the book is that Lindon, the young groom, is as much a victim as the girls in many ways.  His first wife has died and he's controlled by his father.   While I like the blooming relationship between Rhine and Gabriel, I think that Rhine actually has an affection for her husband, even if it isn't love.

I really enjoyed the story and although it didn't end - a pet peeve of mine - it's the first in a planned trilogy so hopefully I'll find out what happened!  The characters were well formed and the setting was described in such a way that I can completely see the mansion in my head.  There are plenty of dystopian novels out there right now and this is a good one.  Enjoy it!

What Are You Reading Wednesday - Feb 16 Edition

Behind on my blog again.  Drat.  So frustrating! I promise to catch up on reviews as quickly as I can. 

As for what I'm reading. . .

I am still reading The Distant Hours!  I can't believe it either.  I like the story and the characters but the pace is so plodding.  I've had to demote it to my bedtime book because I just can't read more than a chapter at a time without getting a bit bored.  I hate to admit that.  I will get through it.  It's just going to take me a while.

Because I like to make progress, I've started reading City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.  It's very different but it's also very interesting and it moves along.

So what are you reading?