This month I read 3 books, bringing my 2017 total to 21.

• Golden Prey (Lucas Davenport Series #27) – by John Sanford – I hadn’t read a Sanford Prey book in over a year, and I really enjoyed this one. However, I feel like I skipped at least one book in the series, so now I have to go back and figure that out! In this story, Davenport is a new U.S. Marshal, and he goes after a long-time criminal who is hiding out all over the south. Davenport eventually needs the help of Bob and Rae, two other Marshals, and they make a great team tracking cell phones of killers all over the place until a final, deadly shoot-out. This was a fast-paced, classic Davenport mystery.
• Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance – This book has been on my list for awhile, and I was able to borrow a copy of it from a work friend. I remember first hearing about it around the elections, and someone said this was a good read to understand Donald Trump’s popularity in various states. What I appreciate about this story, is the first-person perspective from a young man who survived a childhood with a lot of trauma, came out the other side more successful than any of his family members, but still struggling with the emotional trauma he endured. Reading his statements about work ethic (or lack there of) and the importance of school (or the lack of any belief by some) within his own “hillbilly” Appalachian community was fascinating. Everything he described was so different from my own lived experiences, which is why this is an important read for many, especially those of living on either coast and familiar with our unearned advantages in life.
• D.C. Dead (Stone Barrington Series #22) by Stuart Woods – This is a book by another one of my old favorite mystery writers, who I just rediscovered! I realized I haven’t read a book by him in MANY years, so I have A LOT to catch up on! I went back as far into this series as I can remember and I’ve jumped back into the Stone and Dino detective life. I love these books because they are quick, fun, silly stories that ridiculous characters and unlikely bad guys (though I guessed this one pretty early on).