Author Archives: Sparky
“The Fifth Witness” by Michael Connelly
Copyright 2011 by Hieronymous Inc. Published by Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Book Group, New York. This is a book that I may have read before. I have certainly seen the movie, so the story was pretty familiar. But even though I remembered, vaguely, the outcome, I decided to read it anyway. Why? Because Connelly is … Continue reading
South American Cruise (SAC) preview
Yes, Marlene and I have booked yet another cruise. I guess we are addicted. We had to think twice about this one due to its length (45 nights) but… SOUTH AMERICA! Neither of us has ever set foot in South America and this one has 10 South American ports! Had to do it. Especially when … Continue reading
“One Good Deed” by David Baldacci
Copyright 2019 by Columbus Rose Ltd. Published by Grand Central Publishing, Hachette Book Group, New York. David Baldacci is a prolific author. I have read and reported here on 13 of his books. I have probably read a few more that I didn’t report on here. But he has probably written more than 50 novels … Continue reading
Poll watching
It is election season and I am doing my part to make sure that the election goes smoothly, without drama and without suspicion of fraud. I have been a poll worker in 4 previous elections and I tell anyone who doubts the fairness of the result to be a poll worker. You will find how … Continue reading
“American Assassin” by Vince Floyd
Copyright 2010 by Vince Floyd. Published by Pocket Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, Inc, New York. I am not sure when or where I got this book – some exchange library somewhere – but I was lucky to find the first book in a long (25 books) series featuring Mitch Rapp, the “American … Continue reading
“Bistro Nights” by David Benjamin
Copyright 2023 by David Benjamin. Published by Last Kid Books, Madison WI. Yes, I know… two Benjamin books in a row. Totally luck of the draw. I keep a list of the books in my “to be read” pile and pick from that list randomly. Just happened to get two Benjamins in a row. This … Continue reading
“Benjamin’s Mess” by David Benjamin
Copyright 2025 by David Benjamin. Published by Last Kid Books, Madison WI. This is the 14th David Benjamin book that I have reviewed. And while it is true that he is one of my oldest and best friends, I would not read 14 books by anyone if I didn’t enjoy them. He is a very … Continue reading
Carnival Conquest 2 wrapup
This was the cruise that I wasn’t supposed to take. Marlene had booked it with a friend who backed out. I was able to fill in only because the timing was perfect – the cruise began 3 days after the primary election. I was exhausted from all of my election activities, so it worked well … Continue reading
Carnival Conquest 2 Day 15: Disembarkation in Miami FL
The alarm went off at 6am as directed. We finished packing then went to breakfast. We said goodbye to a few folks, then left the cabin. We had to wait about 30 minutes to get off the ship and an hour for Marlene’s son to fight his way through traffic to the port to pick … Continue reading
Carnival Conquest 2 Days 13 & 14: At sea
Day 13 started, as usual, with breakfast in the buffet. We then played some cards before going to the Diamond and Platinum reunion – a special event for the most loyal Carnival customers (Marlene is Diamond, I am Platinum). The main features of these reunion events are meeting the senior officers and getting free drinks. … Continue reading