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Recent Purchases

As we push through these Dog Days of August, times are lean here at THD. We are in preparations for our Upcoming Fall Releases post, and I was struck at the relative lack of titles to grab my attention. I know if I review the various lists again something will pop out and catch my eye.

Even recent purchases have failed to spark life into this dulled brain. I wonder if this is not some residual end of summer blues. Am I predestined to feel depressed because this is the time of year when freedom was snatched from me in the form of school? Oh dear me..... here are the recent purchases.

Storm Runners - T. Jefferson Parker.
Other than one or two of his early books, I now own most of this author's output. Which is in the theme of this post, excitingly depressing. I have yet to read any of his work, or even be inspired to do so. Bit the bullet and do it I guess. TJP is moving to the top of the pile!

The Spellman Files - Liza Lutz
I dismissed this book as Chick Lit a few months ago, but a change of heart due to some good reviews has me a bit excited for this book. I am severely lacking in female author's and would be please if this book turns out to be a winner.

Crusader's Cross
- James Lee Burke
Well, James is one of the first author's I really got into when I seriously began to read crime fiction. I think his books stand pretty tall even though I have feel that for a few years he has treaded water in the plot department.

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