Void Moon by Michael Connelly

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Another great book by one of the best authors working today.

Void Moon (2000) is the ninth novel by American crime author Michael Connelly.

… the third of Connelly’s books not to follow the character Harry Bosch.

It was also his first novel to feature a female protagonist, Cassidy “Cassie” Black, and a protagonist who is a criminal instead of an investigator of criminals. …

She had served five years in prison for conspiring with her previous partner-in-crime, Max Freeling, to steal the winnings of casino visitors while they were asleep. …

Cassie decides she needs just one more big score to disappear overseas with her daughter.

Standup Guy by Stuart Woods

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A good Stone Barrington novel.

Millions of dollars from a long ago robbery were never recovered. Until now.

Standup Guy (2014) is #28 in the series.

After giving some legal advice to a walk-in client, Stone Barrington thinks he’s done with the man.

But several people are keenly interested in John Fratelli’s activities and how they relate to a long-ago crime…and some of them will stop at nothing to find the information they desire.

On a hunt that leads from Florida’s tropical beaches to the posh vacation homes of the Northeast, Stone finds himself walking a tightrope between ambitious authorities and seedy lowlifes who all have the same prize in their sights.

Standup Guy jacket

Rainbow & Blue Villages, Malang, Indonesia

On By Rick McIn Art and beauty, travel1 Comment

Jodipan Colorful Village is often called by tourists the Rainbow Village.

This was a slum area in the city of Malang, Indonesia, ready to be demolished. All residents relocated.

However, a group of students from a university in Malang came up with the idea to give the area a fresh and remarkable splash of paint in the hope of attracting the attention of tourists.

In June 2016, the Air Force troops painted the entire village (named Jodipan), and directly after it became a major tourist attraction.

Click PLAY or get a glimpse on YouTube.

It’s not easy to take a bad photo here. 😀

Look up. Way up.

This success inspired another Indonesian Rainbow Village ➙ Kampung Pelangi, Semarang.

Arema Blue Village was originally another slum right next door.

This area was painted April 2018.

It reminded me somewhat of the traditional blue city Chefchaouen in Morocco.

The Blue Village is not nearly as tourist ready. It’s mostly a neighbourhood painted blue in honour of the local football team.

Both are close to the train station and my hostel.

She Didn’t See it Coming by Shari Lapena

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The 2025 murder mystery from Shari Lapena is pretty good. It kept me guessing.

Bryden and Sam have it all – thriving careers, a smart apartment in a luxury condominium, supportive friends and a cherished daughter.

The perfect life for the perfect couple.

Then Sam receives a call at his office. Bryden – working from home that day – has failed to collect their daughter from daycare.

Arriving home with their little girl, he finds his wife’s car in the underground garage. Upstairs in their apartment her laptop is open on the table, her cell phone nearby, her keys in their usual place in the hall.

Except Bryden is nowhere to be seen. It’s as if she just walked out.

How can she have disappeared from her own home? And did she even leave the building at all?

With every minute that passes – and as questions swirl around their community – Bryden and Sam’s past seems a little less perfect, their condominium less safe, their friends, neighbours and relatives no longer quite so reliable . . .

Doing Hard Time by Stuart Woods

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Doing Hard Time (2014) is the 27th book in the Stone Barrington series.

A good one.

Stone Barrington is a rich New York lawyer who, over the years, has become increasingly adept at eating at fancy restaurants and spending huge amounts of money on airplanes, cars and houses. Also sleeping with every beautiful woman who comes along.

Best in this novel is the return of arch criminal (or maybe he’s really a good guy) Teddy Fay.

Teddy is on the run from just about everyone, having killed a number of people he felt deserved an early exit from their time on earth.

Stone’s son and his 2 friends are on their way to Hollywood to make a feature film. Teddy saves them in a typically insanely unlikely way.

The book is mostly set in L.A.

A Russian mafia boss from the past starts sending hitmen after Stone and family.

Entertaining, as always. An easy read.

Unintended Consequences by Stuart Woods

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A better than average Stone Barrington novel.

Unintended Consequences (2013) is #26 in the series.

An easy, entertaining read.

Stone finds himself in Paris, France. With amnesia.

What happened?

Seems a French billionaire wants to buy one of his companies. And a Russian oligarch disagrees.

Michael Cavacini is an award winning writer. Yet STILL enjoys the silly Stone Barrington novels. As do I.

Arrived Surabaya, Indonesia

On By Rick McIn hiking, travel1 Comment

My first visit to the world’s fourth-most-populous country.

It would take a LONG time to explore over 17,000 islands!

I flew into Surabaya, the 2nd largest city, for the great airfare.

Location-wise it was ideal for me jumping off to the Bromo volcano climb.

That said, Surabaya has little to offer for the tourist. It’s mostly a loud, polluted sprawl. Transportation is difficult.

I’ll leave for Malang as quickly as possible.

Gladiator II (2024)

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I only saw the film because I was stuck on a plane.

BUT it’s worth watching if only for the incredible scenes of ancient Rome.

Cast is good. I liked Denzel Washington best as he felt so believable.

The plot is probably unnecessary if you are there for the action scenes and special effects.

Don’t worry about historical inaccuracies. There are many. And no record of a gladiator riding a rhinoceros. 😀

On Rotten Tomatoes, 70% of 394 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.6/10. That sounds about right to me.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Severe Clear by Stuart Woods

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Not bad.

Severe Clear is #24 in the Stone Barrington fantasy series.

This one includes the Presidents of the United States and Mexico.

Stone Barrington is in Bel-Air, overseeing the grand opening of the ultra-luxe hotel, The Arrington, built on the grounds of the mansion belonging to his late wife, Arrington Carter.

The star-studded gala will be attended by socialites, royalty, and billionaires from overseas…and according to phone conversations intercepted by the NSA, it may also have attracted the attention of international terrorists. To ensure the safety of his guests—and the city of Los Angeles—Stone may have to call in a few favors from his friends at the CIA…