All is forgiven...

Authors who leave the plot hanging in midair are now forgiven. With the publication of Stone Cold, David Baldacci satisfied my craving for resolution of the Annabelle Conroy being pursued by the evil casino owner plot line. Baldacci crafts a tale that is impossible to put down, starring the brilliant Annabelle and the unique members of the Camel Club, including the complex character Oliver Stone.

For a delightful stand-alone read, be sure to pick up Sarah Addison Allen's novel, Garden Spells. Allen combines gardening, cooking, romance and magic in this story set in North Carolina. The main character is Claire Waverley. She runs a catering business, grows her own herbs and melds the two into a magical mix that has the town clamoring for her services. Claire's well-ordered world is shattered when an eligible man moves into the house next door and falls head over heels for her. Sydney, the roving sister, returns home with her daughter in tow and the three Waverleys get re-acquainted and heal old wounds.

Authors who ultimately disappoint

I spent the weekend reading a terrific book, plenty of action, engaging and intelligent characters. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time... until I reached the last page of the book. An entire plot line was left unresolved. I knew what I expected to happen. (SPOILER ALERT) Annabelle's new friends, including the versatile former spook, Oliver Stone, would find some clever way to disarm (and probably kill) Bagger, the murderous casino owner. BUT NOOO... the book just ended with Bagger anticipating his meeting with Annabelle. Do I have to wait until the next book to see if she survives? Ah, the torture. The book, The Collectors. The author who has put me through the emotional wringer, David Baldacci.