Good Reads

‘Lies’ – more twists and turns than a Tennessee back road

Robert Bailey has many fans in our state, after all, he’s one of us. “Legacy of Lies” is his fifth book and is the first in the Bocephus Haynes series. Courtroom drama as riveting as anything by John Grisham with a story as captivating as David Baldacci’s thrillers, Robert Bailey’s books will make you postpone all chores and hang the do not disturb sign.

Successful litigation of several high-profile verdicts has made Bocephus “Bo” Haynes a force to be reckoned with both in the courtroom and out. But the sudden death of his wife has his life and family spiraling out of control. His late wife’s parents have custody of his children, as Bo has lost their confidence in his ability to be the father they need.

And now, the district attorney general of Pulaski, Tenn., needs his help. Desperately. She’s been accused of murdering her ex-husband, with overwhelming evidence she did it.

With more twists and turns than the back roads of Tennessee, you’ll be up all night and glad for it with “Legacy of Lies.” I recommend all of the Robert Bailey books. You will, too. What was it that made a person not quit? Was it God? The human spirit? Or could it be the people who came along in your life and who taught you to endure the pain … the obstacles … and the loss and keep going? For Bo, there had been three such people. How many times did I sit in parking lots and driveways long after I’d arrived at my intended destination, waiting for Paul Harvey to utter those words: “And now you know the Rest of the Story.” Too many to count. I’ve wanted to write stories that can’t be turned off or put down until the very end. Stories that make people late.

Mike Rowe delivers exactly what you want: great stories

Whatever you read, you want a great story. Mike Rowe delivers all that and more in his book “The Way I Heard It.” Part Paul Harvey’s “the rest of the story” and part personal recollections, Mr. Rowe (of TV’s “Dirty Jobs” and “Somebody’s Gotta Do It”) may be this generation’s renaissance man. He’s done about any job you can imagine – either for his television career or just because he needed the money. He’s the guy next door (but he returns your stuff), and, just like us, he loves a great story.

Mike is interested in people – all people – because we all have stories. The 35 stories in this book are, in his words “for the curious mind with a short attention span.” Some are hilarious, others sad beyond measure, but they all are told with great style.

And, like any good storyteller, he makes us a part of the story. They become our stories, too. You’ll want to share this book and these with everyone. It’s a keeper. – Deb Laslie