The Hodin Cabal: Choices is a novel about a secret organization on a mission to deal with a major environmental problem. This complex group deals and acts on decisions made without regard to normal ethics. Debra Ann Wynn, the main character in this story, is an investigative reporter looking into this worldwide network.

One of the many strengths of Avril Maria Serene's writing is her ability to make an organization such as this one seem realistic. She does this by revealing the group's details while Debra Ann is interviewing a dissatisfied member and also in conversations with people she's recruited to help her investigation. These sections are wordy, but intriguing because the concepts are fascinating.

There are several interesting subplots, such as Debra Ann's relationship with Paul, the father of a sick child and the struggles with alcoholism of Debra Ann's friend, police officer Marci Robbins, a person Debra Ann has called on for help. Serene wove these stories into the main plot well.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy complex mysteries with strong characters.

 

Isaac Q. Miller, the author of The Story Behind Broadway's Biggest Hits, clarifies the title he chose in his introduction when he says: “I made a big claim with the title of this book, claiming it to be about Broadway's biggest hits but the truth is that's incredibly subjective.” He's right there. For me, three of my favorites were not included. Those are Jesus Christ Superstar, Miss Saigon and The Secret Garden, all successful Broadway musicals. Yet Miller's list is solid. He chose: Chicago, Wicked, A Chorus Line, Rent, The Book of Mormon, Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, Hamilton, Jersey Boys, and Hadestown. I've seen all of those except for Hadestown. I wasn't thrilled with The Book of Mormon, but I loved the others. So I have to say he made solid and interesting choices.

Miller talks about the history behind the shows, including a little about the sources that inspired them. Sometimes those were short stories or other plays, and, in the case of Rent, a combination of Jonathan Larson's personal struggles and Puccini's opera La Bohème. He also covers the original casts, costumes, the set and lighting designs and the choreography. This is not a book that was written to stand on its own. Instead, it enhances the appreciation of the shows it covers. I'm a theater buff and I loved it.

 

Elin Hilderbrand is my go to author when I'm in the mood for a light read. Swan Song met that expectation. I enjoyed the characters, especially Coco and the exploration of the lengths someone with an unpublished screenplay will take to get it read. The party scenes were interesting and wild, although I skimmed through some of the food descriptions. Overall, this is a good summer read.