The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths is a 2010 publication.
So many of my GR friends read the Ruth Galloway series, making me wildly curious about itThe Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths is a 2010 publication.
So many of my GR friends read the Ruth Galloway series, making me wildly curious about it for a long time. I went in blind, however, not really knowing what the premise was, and I'm glad I did. While this first book has some issues, I understand now why the series is so popular.
Ruth is a forensic archaeologist in her late thirties. She is unmarried and lives with her two cats. However, her quiet, orderly, slightly dull life is rudely upended when she is approached by Detective Chief Inspector Nelson to examine a child’s bones found on a beach.
Hoping the bones belonged to the missing child in case he was never able to solve, Nelson is disappointed to learn the bones are from the iron age. But, then a second child disappears, and Ruth finds herself, not only embroiled in a murder case, but a potential victim as well.
The pacing is a bit slow and understated as the reader is slowly given glimpses into the character’s personas while the case marches on in a methodical manner. I loved the atmosphere of the book, which is creepy, a bit gray, but not too heavy. While one would think I’d instantly take to Ruth, I had a very hard time warming up to her at first.
Ruth’s family sounds exhausting, and I can understand her negative attitude, but the repeated harping on religion grew old, and even offensive on one occasion. That, coupled with animal violence, made me consider quitting the book at one point, but I was invested in the mystery enough to want to see it through.
As it turns out, I was glad I stuck with it. This serves as a reminder to me to exercise patience, because good things come to those who wait. Ruth’s love of animals, her body image problems, and her very human responses to danger, which wasn’t a common occurrence in her life, felt very realistic and understandable.
I loved the way the book concluded and feel like maybe Ruth and I might be able to forge a tenuous friendship after all.
Overall, this was a little bit of a rocky start to the series for me, but I really liked the way everything developed and am curious to see how the series progresses from here.
The Myth of Perpetual Summer by Susan Crandall is a 2018 Gallery Books publication.
Heart wrenching southern style coming of age tale, bracketed into The Myth of Perpetual Summer by Susan Crandall is a 2018 Gallery Books publication.
Heart wrenching southern style coming of age tale, bracketed into a touching story of eventual hope!
Mississippi during the 60s and 70s is boiling pot of tension and scrutiny. It’s the perfect backdrop for this coming of age story centered around Tallulah James and her dysfunctional southern family.
Tallulah copes as best she can in a house full of secrets and miseries. Her father exhibits the hallmark symptoms of mental illness in a time when it was something people didn’t understand or discuss. Her mother has little regard for parenthood, which leaves Tallulah, her brother, Griff, and younger twin siblings under their grandmother’s supervision most of the time.
Her grandmother’s overwhelming emphasis on propriety is overbearing, and her parent’s constant arguments and failings, leaves Tallulah desperate to escape Mississippi. Eventually, circumstances force her hand, propelling her to leave home and start a new life for herself. But several years later, a horrendous family situation sends Tallulah racing back home, back into her grandmother’s life, where she also reconnects with her old friend, Ross.
As memories from the past collide with the present, the family is finally forced to face the buried truths that have burdened them for far too long, paving the way for long overdue understanding, forgiveness, redemption, and healing.
I have been trying to work this book into my reading schedule for over a year and a half. It was supposed to be a summertime beach read for me, but I’m glad I ended up reading the book now, instead. It’s been a cold, dreary week, (proving there is no perpetual summer in Texas either, contrary to popular belief), and this book pulled me away from my present time and place, sucking me into a good old- fashioned southern family drama.
This story is absorbing, and so heartbreakingly sad. My heart ached for these children who longed for paternal love and guidance, but all too often had to be the adults in the family. Dark, buried secrets, is the foundation upon which lies, and scandals and whispers are built around the family, and Tallulah bears the brunt of something she doesn’t fully understand, as a teenage girl.
While the simmering Mississippi climate creates a haunting and taut atmosphere, the emotions run long and deep, building and cloying, desperate for a release. The dam will finally burst, and the relief is palpable and immediate. While the aftermath still leaves some uncertainty to contend with, overall, the predominant feeling is one of hope and new beginnings.
This is a terrific drama, which addresses a host of family issues, but with an emphasis on mental illness. The time frame reveals how once taboo topics are finally becoming less stigmatized and better understood.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Ross is THE show stealer! He is the most satisfying character in the book, all the way around. His unconditional love, patience, kindness, and loyalty are a much- needed balm. However, I also thought his own bit of family rebelliousness, which resulted in a most fitting career choice, was wonderfully ironic.
Although this book was marketed as a summer beach read, the weightiness is balanced enough to make it a great year -round choice. If you enjoy family sagas, historical fiction, or coming of age stories- this book is one you might want to consider!
Second Time Sweeter by Beverly Jenkins is a 2018 William Morrow publication.
I added this book on a whim because I was so surprised to see a contemporSecond Time Sweeter by Beverly Jenkins is a 2018 William Morrow publication.
I added this book on a whim because I was so surprised to see a contemporary novel written by Beverly Jenkins, an author, who for me, has always been associated with historical romance novels.
Apparently, this book is a part of an ongoing series I knew absolutely nothing about. I didn’t intend to start reading another series- I know, you’ve heard that a million times- much less start in on the ninth book. I don’t have time to binge read the previous eight installments, so I just took a leap and dived in, hoping for the best.
The story appears to be centered around Bernadine Brown, the owner of the small Kansas town of Henry Adams. As the story begins, we learn that Bernadine is broken hearted after the man she was dating, Malachi July, pulled a terrible stunt, putting everything he had worked so hard to achieve at risk.
If that weren’t bad enough, Mal, knowing he has disappointed so many people and hurt Bernadine terribly, is behaving almost as if HE is the injured party.
Meanwhile, store owner, and single father, Gary Clark is hoping to reconnect with the woman he was forced to give up years ago, but never really got over. However, his ex-wife has other plans…
As the title suggests this is a story about second chances and forgiveness, which is the kind of story I’m always a sucker for. I loved Gary’s daughters and the solid family life he provided for them. I was rooting for him, hoping he would finally have a chance to regain what he lost.
While the story with Mal seemed more front and center, I confess I was a little flummoxed by his behavior, and his motives were a little weak. It took me a long time to warm up to him. I was hoping for more of a grand gesture from him, however, since this is an ongoing series, maybe Mal will get his chance to impress Bernadine in more sincere and thoughtful ways- Maybe with things money can’t buy, perhaps.
Although, I couldn’t shake the feeling I was missing out on some pertinent backstory with a few of these characters, I thought this was a super sweet story. I definitely want to keep up with the Henry Adams gang in the future, and hope to add a few of the previous chapters in the series into my reading schedule so I can get caught up to speed.
Josephine Baker's Last Dance by Sherry Jones is a 2018 Gallery Books publication.
I have walked into the palaces of kings and queens and into the housJosephine Baker's Last Dance by Sherry Jones is a 2018 Gallery Books publication.
I have walked into the palaces of kings and queens and into the houses of presidents. And much more. But I could not walk into a hotel in America and get a cup of coffee, and that made me mad. And when I get mad, you know that I open my big mouth. And then look out, 'cause when Josephine opens her mouth, they hear it all over the world ...
What a life!
I didn't know much about Josephine Baker. I remember watching a movie based on her life, many, many years ago, but I’d forgotten most of it, except for the children she had adopted. This book is a work of fiction, as well, but does offer the reader more than adequate insights into Josephine’s life, both professionally and personally.
It is hard not to feel impressed by Josephine’s bravery and fortitude. She survived things that would have broken the spirit of most people and kept right on living her life with gusto. Her childhood was horrific, but her adult life was utterly fascinating. She was bold, risqué, and multi-talented, and very funny.
This novel captures Josephine’s more interesting escapades in France and Germany and examines the culture-shock she experienced when she returned to the States where she struggled to adjust to the racial inequality in her own country. Her stage shows were racy, but nothing compared to her private life where she had numerous sexual partners and relationships of all stripes.
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Josephine’s tenure as a spy for the French Resistance is quite intriguing. Her bravery is exceptional, as she faced fear head on, with aplomb, where, here again, I think many of us would have faltered. The brevity of this section, however, is a little disappointing. There are some sections that are rushed through and the book did end in an abrupt fashion, leaving out some key areas of Josephine’s later years. However, it is quite evident the author went all in on her research, and she does her best to capture the wild and undaunted spirit of the incomparable Josephine Baker.
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Overall, this is an interesting look at an early trailblazer for black women in many different areas of life and entertainment. She is still an inspiration to so many people and performers even after all these years. I enjoyed looking some YouTube clips of Josephine while reading this book. She really could dance, but I think she really loved to sing more than anything else. Some of the clips are very grainy due to age, but still worth watching, and of course several clips captured her infamous eye crossings.
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I recommend this book to everyone- especially fans of historical fiction and performance art.
4 stars
*I won this book from Goodreads giveaway – Many thanks to Gallery Books...more
No Mark Upon Her by Deborah Crombie is a 2011 McMillian publication.
Hands down, THE best book in the series to date!
I’ve been in the mood to catchNo Mark Upon Her by Deborah Crombie is a 2011 McMillian publication.
Hands down, THE best book in the series to date!
I’ve been in the mood to catch up with some of my favorite crime series this month. It’s always great to touch base with favorite characters, which often gives me a comforting feeling. However, I got a lot more than I bargained for with this fourteenth chapter of the Kincaid and James series.
The story is centered around Becca Meredith, a member of law enforcement who is considering making a run for the Olympics as a rower. However, she is murdered before she gets the chance. Kincaid and Doug catch the case, while Gemma and Melody work behind the scenes to help solve the case.
Meanwhile, Gemma and Kincaid are laying the groundwork to adopt sweet Charlotte, which brings some unexpected backlash from Gemma’s family.
Although is was published eight years ago, the subject matter would fit right in with today's headlines. The challenges women face in a male dominated field, on top of the politics designed to protect the image of the Met, made this story absolutely riveting. It is one of the darkest installments yet, but the execution was nearly flawless.
I’m only a few books away from being completely caught up with the series. I’m glad I read the books in exact order and had the chance to watch the series and its well-drawn characters grow and develop, as well as the author’s skill at writing complex and thoughtful mysteries.
If you haven’t tried this series, I highly recommend it!!
Leota Foreman, RN by Peggy Gaddis is a 1957 Arcadia House publication.
Anyone who has read my profile knows I like to collect old paperbacks. These boLeota Foreman, RN by Peggy Gaddis is a 1957 Arcadia House publication.
Anyone who has read my profile knows I like to collect old paperbacks. These books are probably not worth anything monetarily, but are books that out of print, and ones I find unique and are perhaps a little like finding buried treasure. I’ve discovered some real gems from time to time. However, I rarely find a time in my review schedule to read them.
So, due to various circumstances, I have decided to stop adding more books to the collection, at least for the foreseeable future. ( My book collection might make poor little Marie Kondo curl up in a fetal position and suck her thumb) While my little hobby is on hiatus, I am going to stick to the only 2019 New Year’s resolution I made this year, and that is to start reading books in my collection a lot more often.
This is the first book I’ve managed to squeeze in, so far. This is a 1957 medical/nurse story, which are still very popular with collectors. They are long, long, long out of print, of course. However, one can still find copies of them on Ebay and Amazon marketplace, as well as some used bookstores online.
Leota Foreman is an RN living in New York City. After losing a patient and depressed by the cold, bitter NY winter, she makes the spur of the moment decision to take a vacation in Florida. ( She doesn't give her employer notice of any kind and apparently money is of no concern)
She decides to stop in a small town of Poinsettia, to soak up some rays and enjoy the scenery. But, right away she bumps into the town doctor who appears to have zero bedside manner. However, there is a very nice man in town, a lawyer, named Mitch, who has offered to show her around. He eventually introduces Leota to an elderly lady dying of cancer who now needs more round the clock care. Although Leota left New York to get away from such scenes, as a nurse, she feels she should help if she can.
Little does she know that her life is about to change radically as she becomes embroiled in a messy family situation where high drama ensues. This story itself isn’t really all that bad. There are cancer experiments that failed, and a contested will which inspired a little legal drama. But, all the ‘Insta-love’ was off the charts, and some of it was super creepy, especially by today’s standards.
But, at the time this book was written, no one would have thought a thing of it, and most likely thought it was romantic. !!! The drama was absolutely over the top with an evil femme fatale and lots of high- handed dialogue. Some cool words like- ‘Zounds’, ‘Golly’, and ‘Jeepers’- were endearingly nostalgic.
This book was price stamped at 50 cents back in 1957 and is 128 pages in length. However, the print is very, very tiny.
A slightly rare paperback that is probably only interesting to me. However, any other collectors of medical/nurse paperback can find a few of copies available on Amazon, although they look to be reissued- listed as copyright 1962. ...more
The Day of the Dead by Nicci French is a 2018 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
This is the last book in the Frieda Klein series, so I’ve been hoThe Day of the Dead by Nicci French is a 2018 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
This is the last book in the Frieda Klein series, so I’ve been hoarding it, putting off what I was sure would be a sad goodbye. However, I have it on good authority that ‘Nicci French’ has a new book coming out soon, so I suppose it’s time to bid Freida and this awesome series farewell.
We’ve all been awaiting the final and ultimate showdown between Freida and her arch enemy Dean Reeve. The question is how many more people will Dean kill and will Freida be one of them?
As the story begins, Freida has extricated herself from her friends and family to keep them safe.
But, in a bizarre twist of fate, a young woman named Lola gets tossed into Freida’s path when it is suggested she write her dissertation on Freida, delving into her penchant for putting herself in dangerous situations. Unfortunately, Lola is now on Dean’s radar, and Freida must keep a close eye on her, lest she too becomes one of Dean’s victims.
Meanwhile, Dean is most assuredly escalating and Freida’s time is growing short. How, when and where Dean will choose their final face to face confrontation will keep readers on edge from beginning to end.
I could not have asked for a better end to such a stellar series. Tripping down memory lane a little, I recall my first impressions of Freida were a bit mixed. But, with each subsequent installment, I grew to like her more and more. This last installment is very, very atmospheric and intense. The conclusion did not let me down, after a build up that increased over seven previous installments- something I was a bit worried about.
That said, I will certainly miss Freida, and I am grateful to have made her acquaintance, as well as all the other recurring characters in the series.
If you haven’t read this series, I highly recommend it! Now that it has concluded, with only eight installments, it would be a good series, to ‘binge’ read.
Where Memories Lie by Deborah Crombie is a 2008 William Morrow publication.
The best in the series to date!
Although it might seem that Erika RosenthaWhere Memories Lie by Deborah Crombie is a 2008 William Morrow publication.
The best in the series to date!
Although it might seem that Erika Rosenthal and Gemma James are unlikely friends, they do cherish their relationship. So, when Erika phones Gemma and asks if she might discreetly investigate a delicate personal matter for her, Gemma agrees to help. Her inquiries, however, cause a domino effect, which leads to a string of murders, and more questions about the death of Erika’s husband, years ago, a case that has never been solved.
This chapter in the long running series was exceptional!! As you know, I’ve been working my way through this series, going on three years now. Nope, I’m not much of a series binge reader… obviously.
The series has been solid enough, although it got off to a bumpy start for me and remained unpredictable for a long while before it became a dependable series and finally started to live up to its stellar reputation. Yet, this is the first book in the series that I’ve rewarded with the big five.
I suppose the period of history, which is always of interest to me, and Erika’s personal, harrowing, and heartbreaking past is what resonated with me. The case is centered less on Gemma and Duncan’s personal relationship and more on their professional one. However, after exploring Duncan’s extended family in the last chapter of the series, the reader is given a little more insight into Gemma’s relationship with her parents after a health scare brings them together.
I loved how Crombie brought the threads together seamlessly, amid a compelling and emotional plot, showing the promised brilliance in her writing, I have been waiting for, but have only gotten glimpses of previously. Also, a key development, which I have been dying to see happen, finally occurred, which has me eagerly anticipating the next installment in this series!
Infinite Tuesday: An autobiographical riff by Michael Nesmith is a 2017 Crown Archetype publication.
Leave it to Michael Nesmith to reinvent the autobInfinite Tuesday: An autobiographical riff by Michael Nesmith is a 2017 Crown Archetype publication.
Leave it to Michael Nesmith to reinvent the autobiography. I, for one, am very pleased with his style and the format he chose to tell his life story because it certainly fits his personality.
However, if you are a huge Monkees fan, hoping for a book centered mostly around Michael’s time on the show, then this book might not be for you. Not to make light of the many doors that show opened for Michael, but the Monkees were only on the air for a couple of years. When this book was published in 2017, Michael was in his early seventies. To center his entire life story around two years of his long life would be boring, and that is something Michael definitely is not. In fact, Michael has a led a most fascinating and interesting life and accomplished much more than having appeared on a popular television show back in the sixties.
His approach is stunningly intimate. It is almost like having a one on one conversation with Michael. He’s refreshingly honest, admitting his moral missteps, laying bare his heartbreak and disappointments, and occasionally his genuine confusion regarding certain situations, such as his lawsuit with PBS. (What a weird story that was!)
I appreciated his candor, loved the stories he told about his friendship with Douglas Adams. What struck me here was that Michael and Douglas were so very different, yet they were able to put those differences aside and respect the other’s opinion. We could all stand to borrow a page from this book in that regard, as no one appears able to respect a differing opinion anymore.
Michael is a very bright and intelligent person and has more of an impact on our lives than many realize. This is a very unique memoir, one I found incredibly absorbing and not the least bit pretentious. In fact, I think Michaels aversion to ‘Celebrity Psychosis’ as he terms it, has left him with a more down to earth viewpoint on life, as has his faith in Christian Science- (not to be confused with Scientology).
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That said, I must admit I loved The Monkees when I was a kid and I had the biggest crush on Davy Jones. Even now the pop tunes they are famous for, are fun, even if the group was, for all intents and purposes, manufactured.
So, while I still think of The Monkees when Michael’s name pops up, I also think of Videoranch and MTV, of his liquid paper fortune, his incredible life experiences, and his willingness to take a risk, to utilize current technology or trends in creating new and visionary ideas, and respect his entrepreneurial talents immensely.
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This is a fascinating journey and I am very happy I accepted Michael’s invitation to join him as he recounts his triumphs and failures, and the many strange avenues he’s traveled down. I believe he will continue to work, to experiment, play music, and have faith in the here and now.
The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey is a 2018 Soho Press publication.
Set in 1920s Bombay, Perveen Mistry, is one of the first female lawyers The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey is a 2018 Soho Press publication.
Set in 1920s Bombay, Perveen Mistry, is one of the first female lawyers in India. Although she works in her father’s law firm, as a woman she isn’t allowed to argue a case in court.
But, when a wealthy mill owner dies, his three widows, who are practitioners of Purdah, express a desire to donate their inheritance to charity. As the executor of his will, this development raises Perveen’s suspicions. She decides a visit to the widows is in order so that they fully understand their rights. However, she quickly finds herself embroiled in a genuine murder mystery when the estate trustee is found murdered.
The story moves back and forth between ‘present day’ 1920s and 1916, revealing Perveen's shocking and painful history.
Like most avid readers I have books that languished on my TBR list for ages before I finally got around to reading them. I’ve had my eye on this one for at least a year. I knew it was a book I’d been excited to try, but at this point I can’t remember how the book was marketed. I’m thinking I probably added it because of the cultural and historical aspects, but of course I’m never one to turn down a good mystery.
I have since learned that Perveen’s character was based on two real life trailblazers, Camelia Sorabji and Mithan Tata Lam, which is most interesting and inspiring.
As with any attempt to combine two genres, a skilled balancing act is required. While the story flips back and forth between the 1920s and 1916, the author chose not to alternate the chapters, as is standard with many dual timeline stories. I think there was a reason why the author inserted the flashbacks to 1916 in this manner, but for those who are tuning in strictly for the mystery, the momentum and pacing might feel a bit jarring.
However, as a huge fan of historical fiction, I was very invested in Perveen’s backstory, and didn’t mind taking a break from the mystery in order to understand her personally, to discover the drive behind her passion, her devotion to women’s rights, and her sensitivities to the widows and why she fought to protect them and discover the truth behind the murder.
I love developing an emotional attachment to my crime solvers, whether it be a seasoned detective or an amateur sleuth. As this looks to be the first book in a planned series, the author has laid out a solid foundation to build not only good mysteries, but cultural history and character growth. I'm pretty sure Perveen could become one of my favorite characters!
I found every part of this story fascinating. The cultural landscape and the historical details were incredible. I found myself doing a few Google searches and I will certainly look at the suggested reading the author provided.
The murder mystery is one of the best I’ve read a long while. Recently, it has occurred to me that pure mysteries are not as common as they once were. Unless one turns to the cozy mystery genre for a genuine whodunit, most books falling into the mystery category are more focused on the psychological, action, or suspense elements, than on guessing who the culprit is. So, I’m buoyed by the popularity of this book, and hope it jump starts authentic mysteries back into mainstream popularity again.
Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely. I have the second book on hold at the library right now.
Can’t wait to see our courageous protagonist back in action!
Line Up for Murder by Marian Babson is a 1991 Warner Books (NY) Books publication. Originally published in 1980.
After Christmas sales! It wouldn't suLine Up for Murder by Marian Babson is a 1991 Warner Books (NY) Books publication. Originally published in 1980.
After Christmas sales! It wouldn't surprise me if a tragic crime occurred while people fought over rock bottom discounts. I thought that might be the premise of this book, and in a way it was, but it wasn't exactly what I had imagined....
Unfortunately, this is not one of Babson’s best efforts. The mystery is flat and uninspired until the last couple of chapters. Once the action starts, it was just too rushed. Maybe if Babson had a featured a cat in the story, as she so often does, the book would have been more interesting.
This book is from my personal paperback collection and I’ve been meaning to read it for years. I’ll keep the book as part of my Marian Babson collection, but I couldn’t recommend it to read.
Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter is a 2018 William Morrow publication.
I love Karin Slaughter’s books, but I haven’t picked one up in a long while. I’Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter is a 2018 William Morrow publication.
I love Karin Slaughter’s books, but I haven’t picked one up in a long while. I’d love to get back to her series- "Grant County and Will Trent"- sometime in the near future, but for now, one of her stand alone books was the best choice for me.
Unfortunately, it looks like I made the wrong decision with this one. The story grabbed my attention right away with an active shooter and the unusually calm and almost professional way Laura handled the situation had me intrigued. But, as the story progressed, that momentum tanked and never recovered. I did complete the book, but it was a real chore to do so, and I found the conclusion most unsatisfying.
This is not Slaughter’s best work by a long shot. I’m all for an author trying a different tact. I encourage it, to be honest, and while this one certainly has a different tone from her other books, this plot isn't remotely original.
Actually, it was tired and predictable. As a matter of fact, I just finished a book with a similar theme. The mother/daughter dynamic, if that was what Slaughter was going for, also fell flat for me. So, I’m a little bummed about this one because I was really craving a rip -roaring Slaughter style thriller. Sigh.
It pains me to give a KS book a low rating but, sadly, this one missed the mark all the way around for me.
The Haunting of Maddy Clare is a 2012 Berkley publication.
Now, THIS is my kind of ghost story!!
Sarah Piper agrees to step in as a temporary assistaThe Haunting of Maddy Clare is a 2012 Berkley publication.
Now, THIS is my kind of ghost story!!
Sarah Piper agrees to step in as a temporary assistant for Alistair Gellis, an independently wealthy war veteran, who spends his time hunting ghosts. He already has an assistant named Matthew Ryder, but the case they are called in to investigate requires a feminine touch. Why? Because the ghost in question, is Maddy Clare, a nineteen -year- old girl who committed suicide in a barn, and she really, really doesn’t like men.
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As Sarah, Matt, and Alistair embark on their investigation, the mystery of Maddy’s haunting, and why she is so angry, only deepens, as Maddy’s power grows stronger. To vanquish her spirit, the ghost hunting trio must determine what is behind Maddy’s quest for vengeance so that her spirit can finally rest in peace.
This is the ghost story I’ve been looking for- for ages! I was beginning to think I'd never find one this good ever again.
The mystery is riveting, the characters troubled, flawed, and sympathetic. The story has all the elements a good, traditional ghost story should, with the themes I feel make a ghost story work- and is why I love reading them.
The twists and supernatural jolts are hardly subtle, but there a few surprises that snuck up on me, and really did send a chill down my spine. Good stuff!
The story is rounded out with a romantic element, and gives the main characters room to develop, while encouraging a connection between them and the reader. The shadows of world war one still hang heavily over England, which also gives the story a bit of poignancy and more depth that one might expect from a chiller.
The atmosphere is eerie and extremely intense, and the story is dark, and super scary. Naturally, this book is the perfect story for Halloween, but it could have the same optimum effect on any dark, cold winter night….
Water Like Stone by Deborah Crombie is a 2007 William Morrow publication.
My first Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid installment of 2019! It has taken meWater Like Stone by Deborah Crombie is a 2007 William Morrow publication.
My first Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid installment of 2019! It has taken me three years to get this far in the series, as I am not much of a binge reader. But, barring some unforeseen circumstances, I will finish it this year!
I’m up to the eleventh chapter in the series, which finds Gemma and Duncan traveling to spend the Christmas holidays with Duncan’s parents. This will be Gemma’s first official visit and she is understandably nervous.
However, things get off to an unsettling start when Duncan’s sister, Juliet, discovers the body of a deceased baby while doing work on a renovation project. Duncan is just dying to get involved in the case, but of course, he must allow the local authorities to handle it.
To add more tension to the situation, Juliet is experiencing marital woes, which become very public and vocal making everyone uncomfortable, and more than a little concerned for Juliet.
This may be the most absorbing installment in the series so far. The family drama, however, was the most compelling part of the story. However, Crombie has several plot lines moving at once, which may or may not be interconnected. The story has a distinct element of dread which steadily increased, causing me genuine distress and concern for the characters. The conclusion was riveting and quite chilling.
Overall, it took me a good while to really get a good solid handle on this series. But, I think I’ve finally gotten into the groove and think it is starting to live up to my full expectations of it....more
The Hunger by Alma Katsu is a 2018 G.P Putnam’s Sons publication.
Deeply engrossing!
The Donner Party is an epic tragedy that has been explored and anThe Hunger by Alma Katsu is a 2018 G.P Putnam’s Sons publication.
Deeply engrossing!
The Donner Party is an epic tragedy that has been explored and analyzed for ages. It’s a gruesome and ghastly tale all on its own. But now, Alma Katsu has added a paranormal tint to the story which only adds yet another horrifying possibility into the mix.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book. It has been categorized as a horror novel and since it is centered around the Donner party, it certainly should fall within that genre. However, this is not your typical novel of horror by any means.
Bad luck plagued the Donner party from the start. The wagon train was filled with those hoping for a better future and those who were running away from problems, and those trying to make trouble. Yet, in this re-imagining- the Donner Party was pursued by something worse than the winter storm of the century. Yes, food is running out, but the survivors are suffering from a different kind of hunger…
This is an ambitious novel, which features both real life characters-The Breen family, William Eddy, and The Donner’s, of course- and fictional ones, pitting them against the unusually harsh realities of a plan gone horribly awry as they make desperate choices just to survive, but also putting them into a supernatural element, offering an alternative theory about what may have been beleaguering the travelers.
The author did a fantastic job with describing the scenery, and an ever better one with the character analysis. This story grabbed me right away and kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. It is atmospheric, and truly creepy, but I did feel lost on a few occasions wondering about the various conjectures implied. While the reader is focused on the puzzling ‘hunger’ that is quickly spreading, the true evil may the one lurking in the hearts of humanity and the sinister motives behind their actions.
I was drawn more towards the characters and the horrible circumstances they found themselves in that the folklore and history of the ‘Hunger’. I did find the trail to the ‘carrier’ of the strange affliction to be quite interesting, although I still felt as though I was missing a key element, leaving me to draw my own conclusions.
Overall, this is solid chiller, made all the more absorbing due to its basis in factual events. This is one you might want to read in the light of day- for to attempt it in the dark of night, may have consequences!
The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz is a 2017 Harper publication.
A clever, droll, and highly entertaining murder mystery!
Former Detective InspectThe Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz is a 2017 Harper publication.
A clever, droll, and highly entertaining murder mystery!
Former Detective Inspector Hawthorne has approached Anthony Horowitz- yes, the real author is a character in the story- to write a book about him. Although dubious, Horowitz agrees to do so. The pair wind up teaming up together, Holmes and Watson style, to solve a puzzling murder mystery.
Diana Cowper plans her own funeral and later that same day she is found strangled to death. What are the odds? The suspects, as it turns out, are more plentiful than one might have guessed. While Horowitz regales us with tidbits from the world of publishing and his frustration with Hawthorne, the investigation pulls him further away from his usual routine, as he often forgets he’s the writer of Hawthorne’s book and not his crime solving sidekick.
Told from Horowitz’s first -person perspective, the reader is schooled about the life of an author, while he takes every available opportunity to promote himself and his work along the way.
I’ve never read anything quite like it before. Despite the somber circumstances, I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion. The author’s tone is perfect and absolutely spot on, albeit tongue in cheek- mostly.
This is an ingenious whodunit, which is perfect, all on its own, but Horowitz’s narrative and unabashed owning of his healthy ego gives the story a certain charm amid the darker themes.
Despite the unlikeliness, Horowitz and Hawthorne made a pretty good detective team. I never would have guessed the outcome and was delighted by the clever and carefully constructed plot. If only there were more mysteries like this one!!
Obviously, I enjoyed this book immensely! It’s one of the best murder mysteries I’ve read since…. Well, perhaps since ‘Magpie Murders”- another plug for Horowitz- as if he needs any promotional help from me.
This book was yet another great novel that slid down my hopeless TBR list and sat collecting virtual dust in my ‘currently reading’ folder for well over a year. The upside to that is that now I don’t have to wait for the second book to come out. It’s already on my Kindle- hopefully it won’t take me another two years to get around to reading it. ...more
The Neon Rain by James Lee Burke is a 2010 Pocket Books publication. (Originally published in 1987)
I suppose it should be downright criminal that I haThe Neon Rain by James Lee Burke is a 2010 Pocket Books publication. (Originally published in 1987)
I suppose it should be downright criminal that I have yet to read one book in this long running, highly respected series, until now.
But there is no time like the present, better late than never and that jazz-
Lieutenant Dave Robicheaux discovers the body of a young black woman floating in the water while he is out fishing. His investigation into her death exposes layers upon layers of criminal activity and corruption. It also sends Dave down a dark descent where his own personal demons reside. The deeper he digs, the more trouble he finds, until finally he’s suspended from the force. This doesn’t stop him from going rogue, on a vigilante style mission all on his own…
After hearing so many people gush over this series, I felt I owed it to myself to see what all the fuss was about. But when I saw how many books were in the series, initially I balked at having to comb through twenty-two installments to get caught up. It wasn’t just the sheer volume of books, it was the daunting task of locating books that were going on thirty years of age. Sometimes that can be a little tricky and expensive. However, there are occasions where one doesn’t necessarily have to read a series in strict chronological order, so I fished around trying to see if maybe I could cheat and start with some of the more recent volumes. However, the advice I got was to start at the beginning and read the first three or four books at least, before skipping around. Fortunately, I found a copy of this first chapter in the series on Scribd.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I admit I was taken aback a bit by how gritty the story was and by how over the top the violence was. The language is also a little rough, and by that, I mean the racial epithets casually tossed about. However, the behavior is most likely spot-on for the time period and certain other circumstances.
The plot is a dated, but in the late eighties, arms dealing was a hot topic indeed. There is a side thread involving the mob, as well, but it was tidied up a bit too conveniently, in my opinion.
This series seems to have a loyal female following, and the ladies all seem to have a little crush on ole Dave. Now I think I understand why. He’s just the right amount of flawed, vulnerable, tough, honorable, and noble to make a girl what to take care of him.
However, my thoughts are a little scattered about this book. The book isn’t all that long and there is so much going on, I didn’t feel like everything came together as fluidly as it should have. Where the book excels is the character study of Dave, and in the amazing descriptions of the Louisiana scenery and backdrop. I loved the dialect, which I’m moderately familiar with, having relatives speak with that thick Cajun accent, for lack of a better term, while growing up. The cadence seems odd, and many would have a very hard time understanding it, because it’s almost like a foreign language. But I loved it, all the same.
Although this story was a bumpy ride for me, I’m glad I took the advice of the GR’s community and started with the first book so I can watch the characters and plots develop as the series progresses- and I will definitely be back to check in on Dave again sometime soon!!
The Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie is a 1923 publication.
Poirot has been frantically summoned to France by Monsieur Paul Renauld. Unfortunat The Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie is a 1923 publication.
Poirot has been frantically summoned to France by Monsieur Paul Renauld. Unfortunately, upon arrival, Hastings and Poirot are informed they have arrived too late and Renauld is dead… murdered as it so happens. Pitted against a younger and equally confident detective, Poirot is determined to meet his competition head on, utilizing his advantage of experience to solve the crime.
This is the second Poirot by Agatha Christie and is one I have not read. Christie obviously found inspiration with Holmes and Watson, and one can debate whether this is a homage or a parody, but either way, she did a masterful job with this twisty, complex whodunit.
I thoroughly enjoyed this classic mystery. I was never able to sit back, smugly confident that I had it all figured out. Christie was always at least two steps ahead of me. This is a stunning guessing game, narrated by Hastings, who provides his own unique observations along with his amusing commentary.
Despite its age, and our current desensitization and demand for more shock and awe, I think this story stands on its own merits quite well. (With the exception of a bit of cringe-worthy insta-love)
Christie is very clever, and it is obvious she put much thought into the plot, dotting the I’s and crossing the t’s. I was enthralled by her skill, and it is easy to see why she had such an enormous impact on the mystery genre.
As pure mysteries are few and far between right now, I’m looking to read more classics. Having read Poirot mysteries off and on over the years, I know this one might not rank up there with some of the later installments, but this a smart and impressive gem!!
Proof of Life by J.A. Jance is a 2017 William Morrow publication. I’ve touched base with Joanna Brady and Ali Reynolds recently, but not J.P. BeaumontProof of Life by J.A. Jance is a 2017 William Morrow publication. I’ve touched base with Joanna Brady and Ali Reynolds recently, but not J.P. Beaumont- my favorite J.A Jance series- in a long while.
So, what has Beau been up to lately?
Of course, at his age, he is retired, he’s still happily married, living in Seattle, but he’s bored and mildly depressed. Meanwhile, his very busy wife is caught up in the politics surrounding an officer involved shooting during a domestic violence call. The family at the center of the case is taken to a safe place, but their dog is left without a place to go.
So, much to his surprise, Beaumont becomes a first- time dog owner, at least temporarily. This should lift his spirits and give him something to occupy his time, but when he runs into an old nemesis, who later turns up dead after his house catches on fire, Beaumont gets sucked into the investigation when the death becomes a suspicious one.
Suddenly, Beaumont is back in his element, his depression all but forgotten…
Beaumont is quite a character, but in this 23rd chapter in the series, he is sublime. Be aware that Beau is very much a product of his time. Not everything he says lines up with our current politically correct guidelines. He still thinks men should do all the yard work, for example, and doesn’t understand why a teacher wouldn’t want a police officer to bring a gun into her elementary school classroom while he speaks to her students. But, mostly he’s a sweet guy who has mellowed nicely in his twilight years.
His interactions with his newly acquired dog are priceless and his tender approach to a delicate family situation gave me the warm and fuzzies- not something I thought I’d ever say about J. P. Beaumont.
But, of course, the reason we tune in is to solve a mystery and this one is a doozy. An old murder case connected to the death of Beaumont’s old acquaintance is woven into the current investigation, which is complex, but compelling. It was a real guessing game right to the end, and I never could have figured out how things would turn out.
I am very satisfied with this latest chapter in the series and am happy to see our favorite detective back in the saddle again!!
The Other Girl by Erica Spindler is a 2017 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Quick and uncomplicated novel of suspense-
When a popular college professor,The Other Girl by Erica Spindler is a 2017 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Quick and uncomplicated novel of suspense-
When a popular college professor, who also happens to be the son of a prominent citizen, is found brutally murdered, small town cop Miranda, (Randi), Rader’s hard- earned road to success takes an abrupt turn.
For starters, the case brings back disturbing memories of a harrowing night, years ago, when Randi was abducted, but made a narrow escape. As she and her partner, Jake, begin investigating the murder, they uncover some unsettling information about the victim. But the powers that be aren’t interested in hearing it. As a matter of fact, it looks as if someone is trying to set Randi up- framing her for the murder…. But why?
Back in the 90s, I read my share of books by Erica Spindler. Unfortunately, I lost track of her for a time. But, over the past couple of years I have added a few of her newer books to my reading list. Unfortunately, they always slipped down the list before I had a chance to reacquaint myself with her books.
However, over the Christmas holidays, I decided to take a break from ARCs and chip away at my ridiculous TBR pile. This book has been sitting on my Kindle for close to two years, so I plucked it from the middle of the heap with eager anticipation. It was just the right book, at the right time for me, as it turned out.
The plot isn’t all that deep, and is quite transparent, to boot. But the atmosphere is creepy, and the twists are effective, despite my having guessed whodunit, and why, well in advance.
In some ways the style of this book is a bit nostalgic to me. The format is very similar to all those romantic suspense novels I gobbled up back in the day. The romance is not the prominent thread in the book, but it is a part of the story, so I think it counts as romantic suspense, although I'm sure it was marketed as a psychological thriller.
Despite some imperfections, I enjoyed this book and fervently wish romantic suspense would return to this format again someday. It used to be one of my favorite genres, and I really do miss it!!
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