Spices and Seasons: Simple, Sustainable Indian Flavors by Rinku Bhattacharya is a 2014 Hippocrene Books publication.
Recently, my husband and I have bSpices and Seasons: Simple, Sustainable Indian Flavors by Rinku Bhattacharya is a 2014 Hippocrene Books publication.
Recently, my husband and I have been trying out more Indian recipes and are quickly becoming addicted to them.
Although I am still a novice, I do understand how very important the right spices are in Indian foods. However, beyond curry and turmeric, I wasn't all that familiar with the other mainstay spices and seasonings I might need or enjoy. So, this looked like a cookbook that would be informative and helpful to me.
However, I couldn’t have anticipated how wonderful this cookbook turned out to be!! Living in a small town in Texas, finding the spices and ingredients listed in many cookbooks is often a frustrating challenge. But, in this case I was pleasantly surprised by how many of the spices used in these delectable dishes, I already had in my pantry or were easy to locate locally.
The cookbook uses the standard organizational format, broken down in segments featuring appetizers, soups, breads, etc. However, she also divides the book into seasonal sections, which is also a very nice touch. Naturally, with the popularity of instant pots and the convenience of slow cooking, there are recipes added using these popular cooking aides, as well as other tools and equipment one might need or find useful, which is very helpful as well. Gluten free recipes are also included for those with special dietary needs.
The recipes are quite easy, and if you have a garden, many of the ingredients used might very well be right there in your own backyard. If not, they are most likely available in a farm market in your area.
The recipes are easy to follow, with colorful photos that had my mouth watering. I also enjoyed the author’s personal comments and family history, which made me feel as though she is a very down to earth person, who is very knowledgeable about these cultural dishes and the history behind many of them.
I have always found growing radishes and okra in my area to be very easy, but I always end up with an over abundance of them. Finding a creative use for them is not always easy. But I found a super easy way to spice up my radishes and okra, much to my delight!!
I am looking forward to trying out more recipes featured in this cookbook and will certainly return to it often.
Overall, if you are interested in learning how to make Indian food at home, or trying out new recipes that are very flavorful, healthy, and easy to make, you will find this cookbook very useful!!...more
That Old Scoundrel Death by Bill Crider is a 2019 Minotaur publication.
Dueling news blogs, a decayed school building, his deputies, and the mayor areThat Old Scoundrel Death by Bill Crider is a 2019 Minotaur publication.
Dueling news blogs, a decayed school building, his deputies, and the mayor are giving Sheriff Dan Rhodes fits. But when a body is found in the abandoned school, the chameleon victim places three prominent families under suspicion, all of them pointing fingers at the other. The sheriff has his work cut out for him trying to find out who the victim is, and why someone would want him dead.
The deeper he digs the more explosive the case becomes. Not only that, it happens to be an election year and the good sheriff is pondering his future. Should he seek re-election or hang up his badge?
This series never fails to charm me. While the stories are loaded with hysterical banter and odd duck characters, the mystery is always a top-notch whodunit. I climbed aboard this series a bit late in the game and now I’m glad I did, as there are still many books I haven’t read.
That means I won’t really have to say good-bye to the sheriff for a good long while. It is rare for a long-running series to stay fresh, and I’m sure there are a few stale chapters back there somewhere, but I’m thrilled this series went out on a high note. I still think of Bill from time to time and am so happy I discovered this quaint mystery series.
Killer Stuff and Tons of Money: Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America by Maureen Stanton is a 2011 Penguin Press publication.
FirstlyKiller Stuff and Tons of Money: Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America by Maureen Stanton is a 2011 Penguin Press publication.
Firstly, I want to thank my Goodreads friend Amy for putting this book on my radar. What an interesting book!
The author follows Curt Avery, an antiques dealer, (not his real name), over an extended period, observing him ply his trade, while giving us a few lessons about antiques in the process. It’s a fascinating journey, not only because one gets a detailed glimpse of this sub-culture, if you will, but because of the history involved.
Now, I know a moderate amount about antique dealing. My parents were really into antiquing when I was growing up. At one time my stepmother owned an antique store, and a member of my extended family is a whole lot like Curt, only on a much smaller scale. This is not a hobby for folks like Curt. It’s how he makes his living. The art of collecting, buying and selling, negotiating, knowing how to pick through the reproductions and fakes to find a real treasure takes years of practice, a lot of patience, the ability and time to travel, and knowing the intense, often illustrious history behind the items one buys and sells.
The world of antique wheeling and dealing within the flea market culture has its own rules and rituals and if you aren’t in the know it can seem a little over the top. Of course, hobbyists participate as well, hoping to luck into something worth a mint, by sheer chance… and people have.
Just watch a couple of episodes of Antiques Roadshow. There are indeed times when someone discovers something is worth a whole lot more money than they paid for it, or they simply stumbled across something in their grandmother’s attic that turned out to be a hidden gem.
But, usually, it takes years of experience and in Curt’s case it was self-taught. It can be a very stressful journey at times, with as many hard knocks as successes.
Since my parents are retired now and have slowly sold off their inventory of antiques, and as the market waxes and wanes, my interest in prowling through garage and estate sales, flea markets, and antique shops eventually trickled down to nothing. Even though I live close to a moderately sized flea market that is open every other weekend, and is a place I occasionally stumbled across a few collectable books, I haven’t visited it in some years.
Even so, I can see shifts in interest and in the value of items my parents once collected, or things I owned as a child, compared to the newer collectables, such as toys from the eighties- things that my own kids might find of interest, if they were into that sort of thing, which they aren’t, because they don’t collect anything- it’s all about ‘experiences’ now. (Which is especially annoying when I try to convince them to get their stuff out of my garage- LOL)
Nevertheless, this is a very informative book, and the author takes the reader on quite a journey through the world of flea markets and the art of antiquing.
Fans of American Pickers or Antiques Roadshow should check this book out. Television makes it look easy, but this book will be a real eye opener for you. Professionals and hobbyist alike will also appreciate the trip taken with Curt and will relate to his lifestyle and the challenges and triumphs of antique dealing.
29 Seconds by T.M. Logan is a 2019 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Fast, furious, crazy…
But very entertaining-
Alan Hawthorne, a university professor 29 Seconds by T.M. Logan is a 2019 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Fast, furious, crazy…
But very entertaining-
Alan Hawthorne, a university professor who rakes in millions of dollars through his television show, has gotten away with exhibiting inappropriate behavior toward his female colleagues for years.
Now, he has set his sights on Sarah, a young professor trying to find her footing in the Hawthorne controlled workplace.
Although Sarah has resisted Alan, she soon finds herself ensnared in his trap. But, before things go too far, Sarah rescues a child from an attempted kidnapping, and as payment for her good deed, the child’s father offers to rid Sarah of one person in her life.
Naturally, the desire to get Alan Hawthorne out of her life makes this offer very tempting. All she needs to do is make one 29 second phone call and the one thorn in her side will disappear. Will Sarah decide to take the man up on his offer?
This is my first book by T.M Logan, so I had nothing to compare it to. Many who have read his books may have a different take on it, but I enjoyed it well enough. Is it far-fetched and implausible? Yes, and it got more so as the novel progressed. Is the conclusion a bit too tidy?
Maybe- but it was also clever, and I didn’t figure out what was going on until all was revealed. I’d suggest going along with the premise, despite the suspension of belief required. It’s a solid thriller if one doesn’t take it too seriously.
In the long run, this book may not be especially memorable, but it kept me entertained in the here and now and at the moment that’s good enough for me.
Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee by Casey Cep is a 2019 Random House publication.
The case involving the Reverend WillieFurious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee by Casey Cep is a 2019 Random House publication.
The case involving the Reverend Willie Maxwell is one I was completely unfamiliar with. I never heard of him, or Robert Burns or their attorney, Tom Radney- until I picked up this book. As this was all unchartered territory for me, I found the case riveting. I could hardly believe what I was reading. The ease in which Maxwell purchased life insurance policies, not just for relatives, but for neighbors too, is staggering. That he got away with murder, time and time again, is astounding. But his luck finally ran out, when he was shot to death, at a funeral, in front of a slew of witnesses, by Robert Burns, a relative of one of Maxwell’s many victims.
Ironically, Burns would be defended by the same attorney that defended Maxwell- Tom Radney. It is also interesting to discover that famed author, Harper Lee, was once seriously considering writing a true crime story based on this case and went so far as to attend Burns’ trial, doing a little legwork, and even conducted a few interviews with those closely associated with the case.
Obviously, no book about the reverend Willie Maxwell ever surfaced.
Divided into three segments, the first of which tells how easily Willie Maxwell purchased life insurance policies, naming himself the beneficiary, then murdered the insured person and collected the money. He was a preacher in the more traditional way, but was rumored to practice voodoo, as well. This is a truly strange story and I was horrified by it. Then came the story of Robert Burns which is also compelling. The trial parts are good, and the way it all turned out is fascinating.
The second segment is centered around the attorney, Tom Radney, who defended both Maxwell and Burns. Radney was a central figure in both cases, and even had a hand in helping Lee with her research, probably hoping to find himself prominently featured in her book. I understand why the author spent a little time detailing the man’s career and life, but this part was a too extensive, and a bit boring.
The third part of the book is mostly a short biography of Harper Lee. There was nothing in this bio that I had not heard before and has nothing whatsoever to do with this case. The only thing I didn’t know is that she had followed this case, started a manuscript for a book about it, at some point, but it never came to fruition.
A book about this case, fully fleshed out, with a chapter about Tom Radney and the bit about Harper Lee, tossed in as an interesting piece of trivia, would have been good all on its own. Yet, somebody, somewhere, decided to market the book using Harper Lee’s name to generate interest and boost sales. I’d label that as exploitation, to be honest, but that’s just me.
I had mixed feelings about the book, as I think the title is misleading and Lee’s connection to the story is nothing more than an interesting aside, in my humble opinion, which was a major turn off and even angered me a little. However, it looks like I’m in the minority on this one.
That said, the criminal case is compelling and I’m glad I read this book for that reason. I’m not sure how to rate this one due to my mixed feelings about it. Although, I’m still conflicted, I’m going to go with 3 stars for this one....more
One Summer in Little Penhaven by Angela Britnell is a 2019 Choc Lit publication.
A very satisfying story!
Samantha is passed over for a partnership in One Summer in Little Penhaven by Angela Britnell is a 2019 Choc Lit publication.
A very satisfying story!
Samantha is passed over for a partnership in her law firm. Burnt out and beyond angry, she makes an impulsive, on the spot decision. She turns in her resignation, hops on a train to Cornwall, where she eventually lands in Little Penhaven. Upon her arrival, she meets Caden Day, a man with a bad reputation.
But, the more she gets to know him, the more she is convinced he’s a good guy carrying a very heavy burden and a lot of sadness in his heart. To complicate matters, Caden is stunned to discover his brother, Jory has gotten married to a young woman named, Fliss, who seems accustomed to a comfortable lifestyle. Jory needs Caden's support in more ways than one - however, Caden often remains surly and bitter.
Meanwhile, Samantha needs to figure out what she wants to do with her life, especially with her parents breathing down her neck. But, with each passing day, Samantha falls deeper in love with Penhaven and with Caden Day.
Going out on a limb here, I would say that at one time or another we’ve all been tempted to up and leave our jobs and make a fresh start. Of course, in real life, it’s not that simple, and it seldom works out the way it does in books.
But still, it was fun to live vicariously through Sam. She took a gamble and it paid off in all the ways that count.
I also grew to care for Jory and Fliss, although at first, I was a little worried about Jory’s maturity level. Fliss rises to the occasion, proving her mettle, which won my respect.
However, despite Samantha’s landing the starring role in this drama, it was Caden’s story that really packs a punch.
At the end of the day I was very pleased with how things worked out. Each of the characters worked on personal growth, faced their fears, regrets, and disappointments and learned to forgive, accept, and move forward.
The moral of the story is that there are always two sides to a story. Beware of judging someone without all the facts!! The prominent theme of having faith in someone and believing in them, even when everyone else has presumed the worst, is a positive lesson for all of us!
Faith, Friendship, Forgiveness, Hope- and of course True Love- what else could you ask for?
A Fire Story by Brian Fies is a 2019 Harry N. Abrams publication.
This graphic novel depicts Brian Fies’ personal experiences when he lost his home duA Fire Story by Brian Fies is a 2019 Harry N. Abrams publication.
This graphic novel depicts Brian Fies’ personal experiences when he lost his home during the 2017 Northern California wildfires.
His Webcomic and subsequent graphic novel has been a cathartic journey as he chronicles the various emotions he and his family felt, in the process of moving forward after such an incredibly difficult loss. He also adds others personal stories into the novel, adding even more poignancy to the devastation. The sense of community is also prevalent as people rose to the occasion to help their families, friends, and neighbors.
Brian’s sense of displacement, his broken- heartedness, and shock, leaps from the pages as does his temerity and the admission that while the process is slow and hard, and the days ahead were long and arduous, he and his family are determined to move forward and rebuild their lives.
My heart truly broke for Brian and the other families and people who shared their stories. Brian did a terrific job conveying his emotions and the way he and others around him dealt with the pain and what steps they had to take in order to move on with their lives.
From a personal standpoint, I have never experienced such a devastating loss. However, while in high school, two good friends of mine lost their homes to fire. It is so hard to comprehend, unless you experience something like that in an up close and personal way, how truly devastating it is to lose every single thing you own. It’s not just the obvious loss of things and stuff, it’s the sentimental loss, and the feeling of disassociation. Rebuilding, even if you have good insurance, even with the promise of a fresh start, just doesn’t offer all that much comfort when all you want to do is go home.
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This is a very emotional and powerful story which started as a Webcomic, which is also included in this book. Because this is a graphic novel, and the visuals are of utmost importance within this format, I must admit I wasn’t bowled over by the artwork. The style may have been a statement, in part due to the gravity of the subject matter. The artwork is in black and white and maybe a little too simplistic, but again, but it does capture the essence of the situation, which is what counts at the end of the day. The timeline is also a bit choppy, but not hard to follow and is really a minor complaint. There are also real photos included driving home the reality of damage done by the raging fires.
I recommend this book to everyone, even if graphic novels aren't really your thing. Once the impact hits you, you will most likely feel compelled to count your blessings and will feel grateful for having a roof over your head, a toothbrush, a change of clothes, your personal papers, and a hundred other small things we all take for granted every day.
I was also inspired by Brian’s story, his bravery in sharing his raw emotions with us, and despite his depressing circumstances, his fortitude, his sense of humor, and compassion for others who shared in his loss.
The Body in Question by Jill Ciment is a 2019 Pantheon Books publication.
An unvarnished but addictive legal drama!
The jury has been selected for a seThe Body in Question by Jill Ciment is a 2019 Pantheon Books publication.
An unvarnished but addictive legal drama!
The jury has been selected for a sensational criminal trial where a teenage girl is accused of murdering her younger brother. The story follows the shocking developments of the trial, but the primary focus is on the jury, which has been sequestered. The spotlight zeroes in on juror C- 2, a 52- year old photographer, and F-17 – a 41- year old anatomy professor who forge a complicated relationship while being cooped up in an Econo-Lodge. In fact, they are so distracted by their secret dalliance they may not be paying close enough attention to the courtroom testimony.
But when the jury finally begins to deliberate, they are stunned to discover their relationship has yet another repercussion, as it becomes clear the jury is divided. Will their affair effect the outcome of the trial?
A new spin, and maybe even a mini-trend, on the standard legal thriller, is to put the jury front and center. We see the trial through their eyes only. It’s a lurid, and strange case and I had a sinking feeling about it almost from the get-go. However, just like C-2 and F-17, my attention was often diverted from the nuances of the trial, by the drama going on with the jury members.
C-2 is coping with her much older husband’s many health maladies, while worrying the other jurors will catch on that she and F-17 are hitting the sheets. F-17 is taking the relationship seriously, while C-2 considers it a brief fling, one that she intends to end once the trial is over.
Meanwhile, the other jurors, who curiously enough are not given a number, but are instead referenced by descriptive nicknames, brings even more suspense to the drama, as some of them could cause trouble for the lovers. How will they respond when their suspicions about C-2 and F-17 are confirmed?
This is an interesting setup. I could see our scandal obsessed media turning a horrific crime into a circus. It also exposes the flawed court system, forcing a jury to reach a decision without pertinent information, which most assuredly would have had an impact on their final verdict. The public, of course, knows more than the jury, which turns the jury members into pariahs.
But what makes this book so interesting, is the author’s bare bones prose. She presumes her readers are smart, she gives them the credit they deserve by getting straight to the point. We don’t need everything explained in minute detail. However, the drawback of this approach is that the story is colorless. There are no emotional pulls or appeals one way or another.
Still, the result is affecting, as we see how being a part of this trial impacted the lives of the jury, often cruelly and unfairly. The lawyers, the judge, the media, all come under scrutiny, but not in a heavy- handed way. It is up to the reader to make up their own minds about the moral ethics of the jury members, and if they deserve redemption, at the end of the day.
The story gives one plenty to ruminate over about jury ethics, with the legal system. It’s a compulsive read, and because the writing is so spare, it moves at a very brisk pace. I easily read it in one sitting.
As a fan of legal dramas, this book was an easy sell for me. I appreciated the unique approach and the food for thought. Despite the lack of any deep character analysis, I still found myself thinking about the accused, and the jurors, and the complexities of justice or the lack thereof....more
The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson is a 2019 Simon & Schuster publication.
As unsolved murders go, this is THE case that puzzles me the mostThe Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson is a 2019 Simon & Schuster publication.
As unsolved murders go, this is THE case that puzzles me the most. For many it’s Jack the Ripper, whose violent killing spree has been poured over and analyzed six ways from Sunday. But, in the late 1800s, a gentle spinster lady goes on trial for the horrible double homicide of her step-mother and father.
This is a crime that took place in broad daylight, the murders occurring over an hour apart, with Lizzie and the family’s maid, Bridget, being the only two people in the house at the time. Neither of them, saw or heard anything…
The trial was sensational. National newspapers followed the events closely, editorialized and analyzed and theorized, as the testimony and evidence presented shocked the country. Through it all, Lizzie remained stoic, self-possessed, almost serene.
Most everyone has heard something of the Legend of Lizzie Borden. There have been some terrific books written about the crime, some re-imaginings, both in books and movies, all of which offer some compelling theories. It still amazes me that after all these years, the mystery still haunts us.
As this book states, on more than one occasion, it is a classic ‘locked room’ mystery. Perhaps the most famous one of all. Every time I read a book about this case, I find myself searching for an obvious clue, that one damning piece of evidence that would help me make up my mind about Lizzie's case. I've waffled back and forth since I was a teenager, and first watched ‘The Legend of Lizzie Borden’ , a made for television movie starring Elizabeth Montgomery. But at the end of the day, I’m still just as stumped, unable to make up my mind one way or another.
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This book, though centered around the trial, does go over the facts as we know them, leading up to the murder and explains why Lizzie became the primary suspect. Once we get to the trial, the author takes the standard courtroom proceedings and adds in the journalistic elements of the trial, especially the viewpoint of female journalists. It was very interesting to see what the newspapers printed as the trial progressed.
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I enjoyed the sketches and photographs of the lawyers and witnesses and the inflections of those who testified. I love a good courtroom drama, always have done, but a trial taking place in this time frame, before flashy theatrics were commonplace, pitted the opposing council against one another in a show of one-upmanship that was absolutely riveting. Not that there weren’t a few theatrics- pulling out the skulls of the deceased without warning was drama at its finest.
The inside information about the jurors was also very interesting. It was, of course, an all-male jury since women could not serve on juries until the 1950s in the state of Massachusetts. (!!!)
The one thing this book did do for me was give me a fresher perspective on the case. Times were so different back then. Women’s issues were highly misunderstood, and they were thought to be prone to hysterics, especially if Lizzie was menstruating, which, might have been a great defense for Lizzie -insanity. She must have been mad at the time, if she did indeed commit the crimes she was accused of, because, madness was the only explanation they could wrap their heads around. Women of Lizzie’s class and station simply could not commit such a heinous crime, otherwise.
This book has an interesting journey to publication, which also made it a unique read. But, more importantly, for me, is that this book succeeded where others before it failed. I now have little doubt about Lizzie’s guilt or innocence. The facts speak for themselves, and the way this book is formatted, without going off down rabbit holes or pontificating on this or that, helped me see things that were in plain sight all along.
Lizzie’s life after the trial was quiet as she was mostly shunned by locals. But she did lead a colorful life despite that and left behind a dark legacy in her wake. I wonder what Lizzie would make of all the attention her life has garnered, all the debate, the movies, books, TV shows and documentaries outlining her case, none of them able to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Lizzie Borden is guilty, nor can they exonerate her.
Without some bombshell revelation- perhaps a peak at that one file which remains untouchable- we will never really know for sure. However, this book leaves little doubt, although the author does not speculate one way or another, or give her opinion, allowing the reader to interpret the facts for themselves and draw their own conclusion, which is really how a true crime book should read.
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The one downfall is the book’s ‘no-frills’ approach. Readers will probably struggle to keep awake, especially since we’ve all become so accustomed to reading true crime in novel form. Yet, for me, that no-frills approach is what made the book so chilling. The trial portions of the book were quite enlightening. Yet, even I couldn’t just sit and read this one cover to cover without taking breaks, because, yes, it is very dry reading at times. Still, I think the book is one of the most comprehensive and revealing of any I’ve read on the subject to date.
The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street by Karen White is a 2019 Berkley publication.
A Christmas present for Tradd Street fans!!
Melanie is not exactlyThe Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street by Karen White is a 2019 Berkley publication.
A Christmas present for Tradd Street fans!!
Melanie is not exactly in the holiday spirit- so to speak- mainly because she’s harboring a secret from Jack, which is a big no-no, and she knows it, despite all of her rationalizations.
She’s also dealing with renovations, an ongoing mystery, a bit of sibling rivalry, Jack’s publishing woes, and her constant craving for sugar.
But, when it comes to her attention that there is the possibility of lucrative treasure buried somewhere on her property, and that her arch enemy is trying to locate it, she plunges herself into a revolutionary aged mystery full of intrigue and heartbreak, as she desperately tries to hold on to everything she holds dear.
I just love this series! Melanie is such a human character- she’s realistically flawed, conflicted and maybe a bit damaged, but I still root for her even when I know she's headed for trouble. While I understand all this about Melanie, sometimes I think people are too hard on her, dismiss her, or take her for granted- which is why I suppose I still feel sympathetic towards her despite her self- sabotage.
This installment has some truly interesting history, which was right up my alley. In fact, the mystery is one of the best in the series, in my humble opinion.
However, the conclusion left me breathless and heartbroken!! AARRGH! I hope we won't have to wait too long for book seven!!
Overall, I’m thankful for this holiday edition of one of my favorite series!! ...more
Gillespie County Fair by Marc Hess is a 2019 Greenleaf Group Press publication.
I was super excited about my invitation to read this book. As everyoneGillespie County Fair by Marc Hess is a 2019 Greenleaf Group Press publication.
I was super excited about my invitation to read this book. As everyone knows by now, I live in Texas and like to support local authors if I can. I was also intrigued by the setting, which is in one of my favorite places to visit- Fredericksburg, Texas!! So, I was really looking forward to reading this one.
Unfortunately, I don’t do well with large casts of characters, and this book was overflowing with them. I felt lost for a long time, but eventually, I began to catch on, and make the connections between the characters, who are related in some form or other.
The annual Gillespie County Fair is the catalyst, the big event that will bring all the key characters together. The buildup is like watching a troubling storm cloud slowly building, becoming more ominous as the story continues. It’s a bit like a cold front meeting warm air, as the past and the town’s original German settlement, battles against the upscale tourist attraction that is quickly taking over.
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While this was a story I struggled with and forced myself to finish, if I’m being honest, there were some absorbing moments when a few family secrets were revealed. The Fair, however, is not a big part of the story, sadly. If I can find some non-fiction material about the fair, I think that would be an interesting topic since it is the oldest county fair in Texas.
That leaves me on the fence about how to rate this book. It wasn’t really what I was expecting, I had a hard time staying interested and keeping up with all the characters, was disappointed that the Fair didn’t get much of mention, but I did enjoy some of the family drama. The juxtaposition between the past traditions of the town and unstoppable changes taking place is poignant and bittersweet. The last time I was there I could still sense the authentic German heritage, but yes, the shops, OktoberFest, and other events, make this a charming place to visit and spend the day sampling German beer and food, or touring wineries, and visiting the various shops and museums.
I think the author did a good job of exploring this topic, so although I’m still feeling a bit conflicted, I’m going to go with 3 stars....more
Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware is a 2019 Gallery/Scout Press publication.
Ware is back on track in this tense tale of suspense!!
I have loved Ruth Ware Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware is a 2019 Gallery/Scout Press publication.
Ware is back on track in this tense tale of suspense!!
I have loved Ruth Ware since I read ‘In a Dark, Dark Wood’, yet, I really struggled with her previous book. I didn’t lose my confidence in Ware, however, and eagerly jumped into this, her latest effort, with gusto- and I was not disappointed!!
As the story opens it becomes clear that Rowan Caine, a former nanny, is sitting in prison accused of having killed a child in her care. Through the letters Rowan has written to a prospective attorney, she explains how she came to be there, taking us all the way back to the moment she answered a classified ad for what Rowan would consider a dream job in her chosen field of childcare. Rowan seems thrilled to be considered for such a great opportunity and is genuinely nervous and excited when she is given the job.
The technologically advanced smart home Rowan gets to live in is fancy and modern, especially the state of the art kitchen, but the enormous venom thrown at her by one of her charges, coupled with a host of strange noises and occurrences, keeps Rowan on edge day and night, turning her dream job into the stuff nightmares are made of…
I think Ware’s most prominent asset, is her ability to quickly create a mood or atmosphere which sneakily draws readers into her well-constructed web. Once ensnared readers soon find themselves trapped, unable to escape until the very last sentence of the book has been read. This story is hypnotizing, and Ware kept me off guard from start to finish…. And what a finish!!
While I had some suspicions, I was mostly caught off guard by the twists and although the ending is a bit ambiguous, I liked it!! I have my own theories, and others will have theirs, making this a fun book to discuss, debate and dissect.
The author is gifted at dropping clues and hiding little Easter eggs within the story, but I was so distracted by the mind games I didn’t pick up on them until after I’d finished reading the book.
Very, very sneaky and clever of Ms. Ware! Well done! I thoroughly enjoyed this one and of course am eagerly anticipating her next release!...more
The Ghosts of Eden Park: The Bootleg King, the Women Who Pursued Him, and the Murder That Shocked Jazz-Age America by Karen Abbott is a 2019 Crown PubThe Ghosts of Eden Park: The Bootleg King, the Women Who Pursued Him, and the Murder That Shocked Jazz-Age America by Karen Abbott is a 2019 Crown Publishing Group publication.
An absorbing and shocking true crime saga!!
George Remus is a name I was only moderately familiar with. I knew he was a famous bootlegger during prohibition, but I didn’t know much more than that. I had not familiarized myself with his complex criminal operation or with his personal issues, which included referring to himself in third person, and the hint of mental instability. So, I had no idea what to expect when I started reading this book.
Well, to say George lived a colorful life is an understatement. As an attorney, he found a way to procure alcohol legally for “medicinal purposes.” This subterfuge allowed him to take control of a large percentage of distilleries. From there he built a very lucrative bootlegging operation which made him quite wealthy, earning him the moniker, “The King of the Bootleggers’.
George and his second wife, Imogene, lived a lavish lifestyle, handing out diamonds and cars to their party guests, but the law was not ignorant of his enterprise. Enter Mabel Walker Willebrandt, a prosecutor with the Attorney General’s office, whose job it was to investigate and prosecute violators of the Volstead Act.
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Mabel Walker Willebrandt
This is where the story really gets interesting. One of Wellebrant’s agents, Frank Dodge, was assigned the task of infiltrating Remus’ empire. Frank’s involvement lead to a shocking turn of events that would have made a gripping crime novel. The head spinning twist and turns in this case just goes to show that truth really is stranger than fiction…
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Imogene Remus
Since Truman Capote spoiled us with his ‘True Crime Novel’, any other approach to this ‘genre’ can be mind numbingly dry. Yet, Karen Abbott has employed a new technique which I thought worked out quite well.
The book is written in the standard chronological format- thank goodness, as I’ve never seen nonfiction work out when someone gets creative with the timeline. The research is also noteworthy as the author had access to thousands of pages of transcripts. Naturally, this requires exceptional organizational skill, and Ms. Abbot did a phenomenal job with so much material.
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George Remus
There are many people involved in this tale, and unlike fiction, where the author has control over the number of characters involved in the plot, the author didn’t have that same luxury when it came to writing nonfiction. Still, I thought Abbott handled it nicely, including all the key players in this saga without allowing it to slow down the momentum. In fact, the book is very fast paced, and held my interest all throughout.
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Frank Dodge
As one will gather from the title, bootlegging is not the only crime at play. A murder is eminent which is where Abbot applies one truly unique and clever trick-
Unless one already knows how this story plays out, the victim and the murderer remain a secret until the killing transpires in real time. Abbott keeps us on the edge of our seat, building the suspense and keeping one guessing like this was a fictional murder mystery.
Then there is that stunning trial! The prosecutor was Charles Phelps Taft II, son of William Howard Taft. But you will have to read this book to believe how it concluded. It’s one of the most insane trials I’ve ever read about from this era. Talk about putting on a show!
I admit, by the time I turned the final page, I was shaking my head in disbelief. This is one bizarre story and will take readers on a wild roller coaster ride through prohibition and the politics of the day. But mostly this is one of the most entertaining true crime books I’ve read.
Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke is a 2019 Mulholland publication.
A powerful and deeply effective crime drama!
I have been dying to get my hands on thHeaven, My Home by Attica Locke is a 2019 Mulholland publication.
A powerful and deeply effective crime drama!
I have been dying to get my hands on this book since reading ‘Bluebird, Bluebird’. As this second installment opens, we find Darren Matthews working hard to make his marriage work and stabilize his career. But then he is hand-picked to locate a young boy who has disappeared on Caddo Lake. However, this is not the usual Amber Alert situation. Young Levi King is the son of a white supremacist and Matthew’s real target is Levi’s family.
Meanwhile, the explosive knowledge his mother has on Darren could derail everything he’s precariously pieced back together. As the pressure increases, the case takes a stunning turn linking back to Darren’s previous case. In a tense race against time, Darren’s salvation depends on the rescue and return of Levi King.
I can’t put into words how impressive this series is. The atmosphere is heavy and thick, and the suspense is nearly unbearable. At its core this series is a procedural, with a mystery to solve, but the complexities of the novel, and the characters, are so deep and conflicted it seems this series defies the ordinary and mundane label is categorized under.
There is so much diversity, layers of history, especially in the depiction of the Hasinai Caddo Indians, and the incredible landscape to compliment the drama.
There are several deep topics to explore and ponder on, but one that truly stuck out for me was the timely subject of forgiveness and the all too realistic depiction of the political climate in this country, showcasing the troubling results it has wrought.
Locke’s prose and intricate plotting and pitch perfect pacing, rich characterizations, and cultural observations will make this series appealing to a much broader audience, luring in those who don’t typically read crime fiction.
Overall, I think I might have liked this second installment a little better than the first and that’s really saying something. I can’t wait to see the direction Darren Matthews will follow and what paths Attica Locke and Highway 59 will take us down in the future....more
Death in Dark Blue by Julia Buckley is a 2017 Berkley publication.
Good, solid mystery with a side of romance!
I have been trying to fit this second inDeath in Dark Blue by Julia Buckley is a 2017 Berkley publication.
Good, solid mystery with a side of romance!
I have been trying to fit this second installment of the 'Writer’s Apprentice' series into my reading schedule for a very long time. After realizing there were now four books in the series, I thought I'd better get busy before I fall too far behind!
As the story opens, things are really looking up for Lena. She’s living rent free in a gorgeous Gothic mansion, working as an apprentice for her favorite author, Camilla Graham, and her new boyfriend, Sam West, was finally cleared of murdering his estranged wife, Victoria.
As it turns out, Victoria is alive, but she’s still missing. Sam must find Victoria so they can properly divorce, but as time passes, it becomes clear that something isn’t quite right about Victoria’s disappearance and Lena is convinced she's in danger.
With some members of the press feeling contrite after accusing Sam of murder, one blogger, in particular, has offered to travel to Blue Lake and give Sam a personal apology face to face. No one believed she would really do that, but apparently, she intended to make good on her promise-
However, she never got the chance to follow through. Unfortunately, she was found dead in back of Sam’s property and Lena was the unlucky soul who discovered her body.
Now Sam and Lena are back in the spotlight as once again, as they try to discover who the murderer is while dodging the ever -present paparazzi.
I love the atmosphere surrounding Blue Lake and of course I love that Gothic house featured in the book. The pets, especially that lovely cat, is a great bonus- but they aren’t as prominently featured as one may think based on the book cover. This is not your usual cozy style mystery and I think any pure mystery lover might enjoy this series. The romance is a bit more front and center than some would like, perhaps, but of course, that certainly doesn’t bother me. I liked it!
If I had to complain about something, it would be the heavy- handedness in which the press is portrayed. While certainly realistic, the theme was hammered on to the point I started to think the author had a personal agenda going on.
Other than that, the mystery is a good one and I never even suspected who the murderer was! Because this is a series, there are some developments that will have to be addressed and explored in upcoming installments and I’m looking forward to seeing how everything plays out.
A Soldier’s Return by RaeAnne Thayne is a 2019 Harlequin Special Edition publication.
A tender, sweet medical romance-
After her divorce from her selfiA Soldier’s Return by RaeAnne Thayne is a 2019 Harlequin Special Edition publication.
A tender, sweet medical romance-
After her divorce from her selfish, immature, ‘surfer dude' husband, Melissa Fielding, returns home to Cannon Beach, with her young daughter. She now works in the medical profession, living in the Brambleberry House- a very special residence.
While walking her neighbor’s dog, she has a run in with her old classmate and her boss’s son, Eli Sanderson. With old Doc Sanderson out of commission for a while, Eli will be taking over for his father, which means that for all intents and purposes Eli is Melissa’s boss- even if it is only temporary.
That doesn’t stop Melissa from feeling flustered around Eli. He’s not the nerdy guy she knew in high school anymore. He’s a soldier, fighting off the nightmares of war casualties, feeling like it is his duty to continue to serve in the Army.
For Eli, meeting the girl he had a crush on in high school has reignited his feeling for Melissa. But he knows his stay is temporary and he is no place for a relationship.
How will the pair manage to work together every day and ignore their attraction to each other?
Full disclosure- I added this book to my TBR list without reading the synopsis first. I have always enjoyed this author’s books, so I figured this one was probably a safe bet.
The book is published by Harlequin Special Edition, not Harlequin Medical - two entirely different imprints- so I was pleasantly surprised by the strong medical elements in the story. I’m also a sucker for military guys, so in many ways this book was a perfect fit for me.
The story also has a very mild paranormal element, which I found intriguing. However, it was too vague and I'm wondering if I missed out on some key information by not reading the previous books in the series, which was a bit of a drawback for me.
But, to be clear, this book can most definitely be read as a stand-alone. That said, I hope to eventually read all the books in the series, not only to see how the other residents of Brambleberry House get their HEA, but to discover all the other mysteries of the house, as well.
Overall, this is a very nice contemporary romance, made better for me due to the medical drama, and military themes.
An emotional second chance love story, cute kids and dogs turned out to be a pretty solid combination, as well!
3.5 rounded up.
I won a digital copy of this book- so a big thanks to Harlequin and to Goodreads for hosting the giveaway....more
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