The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly, known for The Lincoln Lawyers, The Closers, and the Harry Bosch series, displays his literary talent again with The Scarecrow. He utilizes his background in journalism to produce a thriller pitting the newspaper publishing world against modern technology.

Jack McVoy, veteran reporter for the Los Angeles Times, is given his pink slip, but allowed two weeks to tie up loose ends and train his replacement. His position will be taken over by pretty, perky and ambititious Angela Cook. Still reeling from the bad news, Jack receives a strange phone call complaining about a story he had covered on the brutal murder of Denise Babbit, a dancer in a strip club. The grandmother of Alonzo Winslow, the teenager charged with the crime. accuses Jack of not printing the truth. Jack and Angela begin investigating on their own, not because they believe in the boy's innocence, but because they think it will put a different spin on the story. However, Angela discovers a website describing the crime, and further research reveals other murders with similar MO's. When Angela is discovered murdered exactly as the others, law enforcement takes a different look at the case against Alonzo. Eventually Jack's investigation puts his life in danger and he seeks help from former lover and FBI agent Rachel Walling. They discover a link to Western Data, a huge computer server service that stores and protects data from numerous clients. Here resides the "Scarecrow" whose vast computer knowledge allows him access to anyone's data and files, changing and deleting with ease. But his evil deeds reach much farther than mere hacking or spying. It becomes a race between Jack and the Scarecrow as to whom can bring the other down first.

Though private information has never been absolutely secure, readers may find it a bit disconcerting that those with the precise know-how can reach through cyberworld and mess with our lives. Also interesting is how technology is changing the way we receive information, drastically affecting industries such as newspaper publishing.

This book is well plotted as it gradually presents the facts and clues necessary for Jack and Rachel to solve the crime. Mystery fanatics will love it, as will anyone wanting an exciting and compelling vacation read. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate it a 7.

Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris, the latest Sookie Stackhouse novel, immediately jumped to No. 1 on the New York Times Best Seller list upon its release. The public passion for vampire/werewolf stories is evident by the number of authors using this subject matter.

For those of you not familiar with Sookie, she herself has enough fairy blood to be able to read the thoughts and emotions of those in close proximaty. Her roommate, Amelia, is a witch. Sookie has had relationships with were-animals and vampires, but because of a strange ritual is now bound to super-hunk-vampire Eric. Sookie works as a barmaid at Merlotte's, a hangout for many of the mystical creatures.

Because of rumblings in the fairy world, Sookie's life is in danger. Eric and other friends do their best to protect her, but those after her can be very devious.

Sookie's brother Jason's ex-wife is found horribly murdered, crucified on a crude cross. Anti-werecreature activists are suspected in this terrible deed, but Sookie is determined to solve the crime herself.

This book is action-packed and fast moving. However the writing seems a bit amateurish, and the number of creatures and their strange proclavities is a bit hard to keep straight. Expect plenty of violence and sexual entanglements of a non-human, mystical sort. Many readers are intrigued by tales of these potentially dangerous mythical beings and their interaction with the human world. The rest of the literary world would probably prefer something more closely resembling reality. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it a 3.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Although recently best known for her Twilight vampire series, Stephenie Meyer has moved to the realm of Science Fiction in The Host. In a brilliantly created story, we learn of an alien invasion of earth unlike any we could imagine.

Tiny parasites known as "souls" must have a host to survive, and on earth are implanted into humans. Although the humans have their original body and mind, complete with memories, the Soul is expected to eventually dominate the Host and completely take over its being. A Soul known as Wanderer is surgically given to a beautiful young female Host whose human name was Melanie. Melanie and Wanderer immediately are able to communicate, and Wanderer realizes that Melanie's love for her younger brother, Jamie, will cause difficulty in subduing her. Ultimately, Wanderer's compassion for Melanie's plight sends them on a journey to locate Jamie.

Host humans are recognizable because their eyes dramatically change when inhabited by a Soul. Therefore when Wanderer and Melanie find the humans keeping Jamie, there is a emotional and violent reaction to her. They have to be persuaded over time that she was not sent to find them by the Souls.

Even those who don't appreciate Science Fiction can soon understand why this book has remained a best seller for over 50 weeks. It is beautifully created tale impelling readers to consider what exists in the universe and how other beings would view our human lifestyle. For readers of all literary taste I recommend this unique and highly imaginative tale. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate it 8 1/2.