Book Review: Dead End Deal by Allen Wyler

Dead End Deal by Allen Wyler Paperback and ebook, 402 pages Published April 2012 by Astor+Blue Editions LLC
Dead End Deal is a frightening look into the ruthless pharmaceutical business. It shows the possible lengths executives of big businesses can go to to make their company money and on the other side, what scientists will do to get their research completed. I really hope this is a complete work of fiction and not based on the real companies. You will never want to take your medicines again.
Richard Stillman has the job of bringing his business a successful treatment for Alzheimer and he will do anything to make it happen including hiring a hit man to scare the only person close enough to do it into selling him his research and findings. Jon Ritter, a neurosurgeon, on the verge of starting approved human trials for his Alzheimer treatment, is attacked and told to stop his work. He and the police believe it is the work of a radical pro-life group, The Avengers. 
I know, it seems like I am giving the mystery away, but really I am not. This all happens in the first few chapters of the book. I was a bit frustrated over the fact that I knew who was behind everything going on. I would have preferred the mystery of not knowing who was behind the attacks on Jon and his colleagues and the reason for them.
Despite that, I did enjoy it. There were some surprises still and enough suspense to keep me interested. I thought the medical/scientific information was very realistic and yet would be accessible to non-medical readers.  You can really tell when books are written by experts in the fields they write about. I am very interested to read more by Wyler. 
Source: Publisher for review For more information on the book and author: http://www.allenwyler.com/ http://astorandblue.com/dead-end-deal/

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Book Review: Light From A Distant Star by Mary McGarry Morris

Light From A Distant Star by Mary McGarry Morris Paperback, 336 pages Published: July 2012, Broadway
I had grown a little tired of all the werewolves, vampires and fairies in YA books as of late. It seemed to be all that I ever would hear about. I had found it hard to find good fiction that dealt with real people and real problems. I was really excited to get this book sent to me. Nothing supernatural in this one, but still filled with tragedy, mystery, a strong young female protagonist and real teenage issues.   Thirteen year old Nellie Peck, is young and dealing with family issues as well as getting to know some new troublesome people that have entered her life. A murder occurs and everyone is quick to blame the new guy with the past, but Nellie, who has been keeping her eyes and ears on everyone, knows who the real killer is. Afraid that no one will believe her, she has to decide whether or not to share what she saw or keep it to herself and let an innocent man go to jail.
I really enjoyed this book. It is set in a small town in Massachusetts present time, but it felt of another time, a more innocent time.  Nellie is a cross between Scout of To Kill A Mockingbird and Briony of Atonement. She is a strong, brave and intelligent girl but also has a hard time staying out of other peoples business. She eaves-drops and spies on everyone, and reads her sister's mail and diary which all eventually get her into trouble. She is hard not to like and cheer on, though. 
Great story, great characters- great book! Go get yourself a copy and renew your faith in YA. 
Source: Publisher for review

For more information on the book and author: http://marymcgarrymorris.com/

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Moving

We are in the process of moving ourselves to our new house which isn't quite liveable yet. Our stuff is in piles and the bathroom and kitchen are still being remodeled, so we aren't quite in there yet.

We are staying with family and doing a little vacation for a week before tackling the daunting process of unpacking and getting situated. A little Disney can't hurt, right? It will get us into the right mindset. ;)

Anyway, it's been a little quiet on here and will continue to be so for a little while longer. Know that I am reading so I should come back ready to share my thoughts about the books I have with me. I kept a few out of the boxes.

Hope you are all starting August off well. Not too hot, keeping cool.