Category: Historical Non-Fiction Title: The Last Gunfight: The Real Story of the Shootout at the O.K. Corral and How It Changed the American West Author: Jeff Guinn Review: The Last Gunfight is a historical non-fiction book that delves into one of the most famous shootouts in American history, the Shootout at the OK Corral. The author, Jeff Guinn, presents a detailed account of the events leading up to and during the shootout, as well as its aftermath. Guinn's research is thorough, drawing on primary sources such as letters, diaries, and government records, as well as secondary sources like books and articles. He also interviews descendants of those involved in the shootout, providing a unique perspective on the event. One of the strengths of this book is its ability to humanize the characters involved in the shootout. Guinn delves into their backgrounds, motivations, and personal struggles, making them more relatable to readers. He also provides context for the time period, explaining the tensions between cowboys and lawmen that led up to the shootout. Another strength of this book is its analysis of the aftermath of the shootout. Guinn examines how it changed the American West, both in terms of public opinion and the way law enforcement was handled. He also discusses the myths and legends that have been created around the shootout over time. However, one weakness of this book is its lack of a clear thesis statement. While Guinn provides a detailed account of the events leading up to and during the shootout, he does not clearly state what he hopes readers will take away from his research. This can make it difficult for some readers to connect with the material on an emotional level. Overall, The Last Gunfight is a well-researched and engaging historical non-fiction book that provides a unique perspective on one of the most famous shootouts in American history. While it may not have a clear thesis statement, its ability to humanize the characters involved and analyze the aftermath of the shootout makes it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in Western history. Category: Thriller Series Title: AT Last (An Alex Troutt Thriller, Book 6) (Redemption Thriller Series) Author: Mark Mills Review: AT Last is the sixth book in the Redemption Thriller series by Mark Mills. It follows the adventures of Alex Troutt, a former CIA operative who has retired to Florida and is trying to leave his past behind. However, when he discovers that one of his old enemies is planning a terrorist attack on the United States, he must put aside his desire for peace and get back into action. Mills' writing style is fast-paced and engaging, with short chapters that keep readers on the edge of their seats. He also incorporates elements of suspense and mystery throughout the book, keeping readers guessing until the very end. One of the strengths of this book is its complex characters. Alex Troutt is a well-developed protagonist who has gone through a lot in his past, both personally and professionally. His enemies are also well-rounded, with their own motivations and backstories that make them more relatable to readers. Another strength of this book is its setting. Mills does an excellent job of describing the Florida coastline and its various towns and cities, making it feel like a real place. He also incorporates elements of local history and culture into the story, adding depth and richness to the narrative. However, one weakness of this book is its lack of originality. While Mills does a good job of creating suspense and mystery, some of the plot points feel familiar and predictable. This can make it difficult for readers who are looking for something new and exciting in their thriller novels. Overall, AT Last is an enjoyable read that will keep fans of the Redemption Thriller series on the edge of their seats. While it may not be completely original, its complex characters and engaging setting make it a worthwhile addition to any thriller collection. Category: Romance Series Title: Home at Last: Homecoming Series, Book 4 (Crystal Springs Romances) Author: Debbie Mason Review: Home at Last is the fourth book in the Homecoming Series by Debbie Mason. It follows the story of a young woman named Mia who returns to her hometown of Crystal Springs after years away. There, she meets and falls in love with a local businessman named Jack, but their relationship is complicated by the fact that Mia's family owns the land where Jack's business is located. Mason's writing style is warm and romantic, with a focus on character development and relationships. She does an excellent job of creating a sense of place in Crystal Springs, making it feel like a real town with its own history and culture. One of the strengths of this book is its complex characters. Mia and Jack are both well-developed protagonists who have their own motivations and backstories that make them relatable to readers. Their relationship is also realistic and heartfelt, making it easy for readers to root for them to be together. Another strength of this book is its themes of family and community. Mason explores the relationships between Mia's family members and their involvement in Crystal Springs, as well as the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a tight-knit community. These themes add depth and richness to the narrative and make it more meaningful for readers. However, one weakness of this book is its predictability. While Mia and Jack's relationship is heartfelt and engaging, some of the plot points feel familiar and predictable. This can make it difficult for readers who are looking for something new and exciting in their romance novels. Overall, Home at Last is an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of Debbie Mason's previous work. While it may not be completely original, its warm and romantic writing style, complex characters, and themes of family and community make it a worthwhile addition to any romance collection. Category: Final Novel Series Title: At Last: The Final Patrick Melrose Novel (The Patrick Melrose Novels) Author: Anthony Horowitz Review: At Last is the final novel in the Patrick Melrose series by Anthony Horowitz. It follows the story of a wealthy and troubled man named Patrick Melrose as he tries to come to terms with his past and find meaning in his life. The book covers a wide range of topics, including addiction, grief, and mortality. Horowitz's writing style is witty and engaging, with a focus on character development and introspection. He does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of Patrick Melrose's personality and motivations, making him a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. One of the strengths of this book is its themes of mortality and the search for meaning in life. Horowitz explores these topics in depth, using Patrick Melrose as a lens through which to examine them. The book also touches on issues such as addiction and grief, adding complexity and depth to the narrative. Another strength of this book is its pacing. While it covers a wide range of topics, Horowitz manages to keep the story moving at a steady pace, with each chapter building upon the previous one in a logical and engaging way. This makes it easy for readers to get lost in the story and follow Patrick Melrose on his journey. However, one weakness of this book is its lack of closure. While At Last provides a satisfying conclusion to the Patrick Melrose series, some readers may feel that certain plot points are left unresolved or unexplained. This can make it difficult for readers who were looking for a more definitive ending to the story. Overall, At Last is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of Anthony Horowitz's previous work. While it may not provide complete closure to the Patrick Melrose series, its themes of mortality, meaning, and introspection make it a worthwhile addition to any literary collection. Category: Love At Last Series Book 2 Title: Baby, I'm For Real (Love At Last Series Book 2) Author: Lori Foster Review: Baby, I'm For Real is the second book in the Love at Last series by Lori Foster. It follows the story of a young woman named Emily who has just graduated from college and is trying to find her place in the world. She meets and falls in love with a successful businessman named Jack, but their relationship is complicated by the fact that Emily's family owns the land where Jack's company is located. Emily and Jack are both well-developed protagonists who have their own motivations and backstories that make them relatable to readers. Their relationship is also realistic and heartfelt, making it easy for readers to root for them to be together. Foster's writing style is warm and romantic, with a focus on character development and relationships. She does an excellent job of creating a sense of place in the small town where Emily lives, making it feel like a real community with its own history and culture. One of the strengths of this book is its themes of family and community. Foster explores the relationships between Emily's family members and their involvement in her life, as well as the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a tight-knit community. These themes add depth and richness to the narrative and make it more meaningful for readers. Another strength of this book is its pacing. While it covers a wide range of topics, Foster manages to keep the story moving at a steady pace, with each chapter building upon the previous one in a logical and engaging way. This makes it easy for readers to get lost in the story and follow Emily and Jack on their journey. However, one weakness of this book is its predictability. While Emily and Jack's relationship is heartfelt and engaging, some of the plot points feel familiar and predictable. This can make it difficult for readers who are looking for something new and exciting in their romance novels. Overall, Baby, I'm For Real is an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of Lori Foster's previous work.