Total Books: 4 Total Pages: 1597 Longest: 461 Shortest: 311
Genres: 3 (Fiction – 2, History – 1, Mystery – 1)
Ernest Dempsey – The Final Round
This is the 23rd Ernest Dempsey book I’ve read over the past 7 years, but the first that wasn’t in his Sean Wyatt Archaeological Thriller series. In fact, it’s the first fiction book that he has written that hasn’t involved adventure-type heroes with a bit of paranormal interests and treasure hunting (think Indiana Jones). So, I was a little leery of his tackling such a different subject (the world of competitive golf) in The Final Round, but now I’m hoping he can come up with a sequel! Dempsey’s series characters have been well-developed over time, but he does it well again in this single book, especially with the two main characters of Sully, an old pro, and Tyler, an upcoming amateur.
Although the setting revolves around golf, the book is really about relationships, believing in yourself, and not giving up. In our sports-hero crazy world, this book also drives home the fact that people in the spotlight can have either a positive or negative influence on those who observe them and model themselves after their hero. It also reminds me of my mom telling me to always do the right thing and be on my best behavior because you never know who is watching you from afar in your everyday life at school or work.
Ultimately, it’s a heart-warming story and in true Dempsey fashion, you aren’t sure exactly how it’s going to end until you get to the end! In addition to a sequel, I’ll be on the lookout for this to be made into a movie, too!
Mary Kay Andrews – Deep Dish
A couple of years ago, I read a few of Andrews’ “summer beach reads” and they were fun. My sister recommended this one recently, so I tackled it next. Deep Dish finds two Southern chefs with regional TV shows getting a shot at the big-time “Cooking Channel” in a competition that’s a cross between The Next Food Network Star and Survivor! Gina’s show is called Fresh Start while Tate’s show is called Vittles which has an outdoors focus. They couldn’t be more different – or are they? Throw in a cute dog, two competitive natures, kitchen sabotage, and you have a recipe for a really fun read!
LJ Ross – Poison Garden
Ross is back with the next (22nd) DCI Ryan book, Poison Garden. Ryan and friends (DCs Phillips, MacKenzie, Reed, and Lowerson) are trying to bring down the network discovered in the previous book (Death Rocks) based on the premise in the old Hitchcock movie Strangers on a Train, where murders are committed on behalf of strangers. It is another enjoyable Ryan read that will keep you turning the pages until the end – then frustrated at the end that you must wait for #23!
A.J. Baime – The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World
I got a little, ok – a lot – busy towards the end of September and didn’t finish reading my non-fiction work for the month until a few days into October! A.J. Baime’s The Accidental President which covers primarily Truman’s first four months in office (with some background bio as well) is well-written and researched. There is an extensive index and bibliography included, if you want to go further down the rabbit hole, which I did a few times!
I came away with an appreciation for how he handled everything life threw at him, including decisions which continue to impact our world today. Some people decide by not deciding, but Truman didn’t shy away from making difficult decisions which he thought were in the overall best interest of his community, state, nation, and the world. The famous “The Buck Stops Here” sign on his desk was a fitting motto for him.
Until next time, read what pleases you!
Notes By Nancy 
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