Check it out

There’s more than one way to absorb a book, and dozens of things you

can do simultaneously while enjoying a new bestseller. For those times

when you want to occupy your mind while driving, cooking, gardening or

just relaxing, listen to some of these recent releases, available on CD

or audiocassette at Newport Beach Public Libraries:

“The Brethren” -- John Grisham’s newest thriller is set in a federal

prison that is home to three former judges who meet daily to write briefs

for inmates, practice law without a license and hatch money-making scams.

Their shenanigans eventually collide with a CIA director’s scheme of

manipulating a presidential candidate in hopes of restoring power to the

beleaguered intelligence agency.

“Blood and Smoke” -- Stephen King fans won’t want to miss this

collection of sinister horror stories, published exclusively on

audiocassette and CD, and read by the author. Macabre humor and the theme

of cigarettes link the tales, which deal with obsession, withdrawal and

other haunting issues you won’t want to hear about in the dark.

“White Elephant Dead” -- Carolyn Hart dishes up another tantalizing

mystery with this 11th offering in her “Death on Demand” series.

Blackmail, murder and a women’s club rummage sale gone awry set the

action in motion, while charming characters and descriptions of coastal

landscapes add appeal.

“Where You Belong” -- Set in war-torn Kosovo and New York City,

Barbara Taylor Bradford’s latest romantic romp involves friends, family

and business associates living through the aftermath of a nightmarish

ambush. While beautiful photojournalist Val Denning escapes alive, her

love interest and colleague is killed, and a flood of secrets is set

loose.

“Red Light” -- T. Jefferson Parker’s sequel to “The Blue Light” finds

homicide investigator Merci Rayborn rebuilding her life after the death

of her partner, while trying to connect a recent prostitute murder with

another that occurred decades ago. Merci doesn’t want to believe her new

boyfriend is involved, but when she’s forced to arrest him and face

corruption in the department, much of what she believes in comes up for

examination.

“Hanging Up” -- Delia Ephron’s fine ear for dialogue and ability to

capture the nuances of family relationships contribute to the charm of

this story about three headstrong sisters in a wildly dysfunctional

family. Phone lines connect the clan, which includes a demented old

father, a temperamental teen and the 44-year-old middle sister who has

the toughest time sorting out feelings for her dying dad.

“Cradle and All” -- An ex-nun and a priest investigate two apparent

virgin pregnancies in James Patterson’s allegorical tale about a world

suffering from apocalyptic plagues. Even the most unbelieving will root

for the faithful few in this face-paced thriller that culminates in a

superbly twisted ending.

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CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams, in collaboration with

Steven Short.