Mission Accomplished or How We Won the War in Iraq by Christopher Cerf and Victor S. Navasky

This book is made up of lists of quotes from top government officials as well as media pundits concerning many different facets of the Iraq War (cost of the war, reception of U.S. troops by the Iraqis, looting of Iraq’s historical museums). Each fallacious quote is set against the truth, for example, a quote by Condoleeza Rice stating the Iraqis had 120,000 troops trained and read to take over security in the country when there were only 2000. It’s hard to believe the U.S. government just made one mistake after another compounding the entire event into the mess we still face today, and most likely will face for years to come.

-Dan

The Prince of Darkness by P.C. Doherty

Prince Edward (the heir to the English throne) is under suspicion for the strange death of his former paramour, who’s been locked away in a convent. Hugh Corbet is sent to clear the prioress’s name and runs into a field of possible murderers, from the nuns themselves, to the parish priest, to the sinister Mssr. DeCraon–a French envoy and spy.

The Fatal Fashione by Karen Harper

Karen Harper brings historical characters to life in this series of mysteries based on the Elizabethan court. The plots are generally well developed, keeping the reader guessing up until the final pages. Sometimes, the meetings between Queen Elizabeth I and the murderer can be a little contrived, but they are enjoyable summer reads.

-Dan