I took an extended break for the Memorial Day weekend, adding days to either side of the actual holiday.  Between bouts of grandson-chasing (Gosh, they’ve got a lot of energy!), I read two really good books.

One was SKELETONS AT THE FEAST by Chris Bohjalian.  It’s a World War II story, set in the winter of 1945, when Germany’s defeat seemed imminent.  However, the almost certain surrender of the Nazis didn’t prevent them from committing incredible acts of cruelty during these final months of the war in Europe.  It’s a gritty, gut-wrenching read, and not for the faint of heart.  But a wonderfully moving, haunting, and engaging story, loosely based on the diary of a woman who experienced much of what Bohjalian’s characters endure.

The second was John Sanford’s PHANTOM PREY.   Is there a fictional hero as dashing and altogether fabulous as Lucas Davenport?  I don’t think so.  I’ve been a fan since the first scene of the first Prey book, RULES OF PREY, and my fascination (and non-too-secret crush) for this character hasn’t diminished.   Is there a better writer than John Sanford?  Can’t think of one.

Now back to work. . .