Luther: The Calling by Neil Cross is a 2011 Simon & Schuster publication.
My DH and I watched every Luther episode ever made- all without the benefit Luther: The Calling by Neil Cross is a 2011 Simon & Schuster publication.
My DH and I watched every Luther episode ever made- all without the benefit of having read this book first. While I kept intending to read it- I never quite managed to work it into my schedule… until I noticed it was part of the KU program. I immediately borrowed it, super excited by the prospect of getting to read a ‘Luther’ story.
I will confess, though, that both my husband and I were occasionally put off by the show due to the very dark nature of the plotlines. It seems we’ve both mellowed just a bit over the years. So, though I was somewhat prepared for a dark, gritty crime thriller I was not ready for the descriptions of one of the most heinous sorts of crimes out there. I had to take a few breaks before I was able to complete the novel.
This book is basically the setup for the series- the case that nearly breaks the unorthodox John Luther. This meant that “Alice” had not come along just yet- and I was a bit disappointed she was not a part of this book. I always thought the series was better when she was a part of it.
That said, John Luther is a flawed, complicated character-an anti-hero type who flaunts the rules and manages to somehow come out of it with his job still intact. The book is well-written and executed and is unflinchingly realistic at times- from the graphic depictions of the crimes and the criminals- but also the corruption and vigilantism. I am disappointed to see that a planned follow-up has never materialized. I’d love to see more installments in the series, even though I found this one a bit hard to get through due to its graphic nature and subject matter.
Overall, I was glad I finally got around to reading this book. I wish I’d done so before watching the show, though, as I feel it would have given me a better understanding of John’s actions in that first season. Even if you have not seen the show- if you like dark, twisted, gritty crime thrillers this is one you might want to consider.
Your guide to not to Getting Murdered in a quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson is a 2021 Ten Speed Press publication.
A must for mystery lovers-Your guide to not to Getting Murdered in a quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson is a 2021 Ten Speed Press publication.
A must for mystery lovers- especially the British variety! Yes, I do love a quaint English village- and of course, crime fiction readers, do know better than to be fooled by the deceptiveness of the bucolic scenery. That is what made this satirical graphic novel so funny. There’s a lot of dark humor, along with many fabulous illustrations, which made this a very entertaining book! This is a quick, one-sitting type of book, and was a nice change of pace.
Overall, I loved this graphic novel and highly recommend it to mystery lovers, of course, and maybe more for those who aren’t aware of the dangers of visiting a quaint English village….
Take it Back by Kia Abdullah is a 2020 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Outstanding!
Zara Kaleel was on the path to legal greatness when she abruptly rTake it Back by Kia Abdullah is a 2020 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Outstanding!
Zara Kaleel was on the path to legal greatness when she abruptly reversed course. She is now working at a sexual assault center-a far cry from the illustrious career her family expected from her.
When a teenager, Jodie Wolfe, comes in to report she’s been raped, Zara embarks on a life defining journey to find justice for Jodie no matter what the personal cost to herself.
What sets this case apart from others is that Jodie suffers from a malady which presents with facial deformities. She has accused a group of nice Muslim boys of sexually assaulting her at a party. As a result, her allegations are met with extreme skepticism by nearly everyone, including her best friend and even her own mother.
Zara, though, is firmly in Jodie’s corner every step of the way, even when her family pressures her to give up on the case, and even when her own life is on the line…
I’m giving this book the highest marks possible! Just as I was lamenting the lack of pure legal thrillers, this book comes along. The author certainly knows how to weave a mesmerizing, unflinchingly raw story and explore every possible angle, from every single perspective. Every page of this book challenged me, kept me in a constant state of uncertainty, and literally on the edge of my seat. My emotions were all over the place, leaving me wrecked, drained, and exhausted before all was said and done- a reaction I seldom have when reading crime fiction.
The pitch perfect pacing kept me in thrall as I absorbed all the repercussions, the consequences, the doubts, and the many layers and complexities of the story.
There are some truly riveting courtroom scenes, from a British courtroom angle, which was interesting for me. That said, this book is much more than a legal thriller. It’s deep, dark, brilliantly plotted, with a no holds barred approach. Yet, the book, as raw and harrowing as it may be, is written with polish and style. This book would make a great book club selection and might even be a good movie-if done right.
The Locksmith’s Daughter by Karen Brooks is a 2018 William Morrow publication. A skillfully crafted novel of historical fiction-
Mallory Bright’s unorThe Locksmith’s Daughter by Karen Brooks is a 2018 William Morrow publication. A skillfully crafted novel of historical fiction-
Mallory Bright’s unorthodox upbringing paves the way for her in unexpected ways when she makes a grave error in judgement and finds her reputation in ruins.
As the daughter of a locksmith, Mallory was taught the trade by her father, much to her mother’s intense dismay. But Mallory would never have guessed that her talents would lead her to the queen’s personal spymaster or that she’d become his protégé and most valued asset.
This Elizabethan historical drama is chock full of intrigue, vivid, authentic settings and details, heartbreak, and heart pounding suspense, with an unconventional love story capping it off. This book was much more than I anticipated. The acute religious strife regarding Catholics and Protestants is at the center of the story. Sir Francis Walsingham – a true historical figure- is obsessed with maintaining protestant power over Catholicism. To that end, his training and directives to Mallory were to flush out Catholic spies. Mallory is a much better student than her master could have hoped for. But when she witnesses the results of her handiwork, her heart and mind are conflicted.
“I saw no traitors plotting to bring down a queen, only desperate people; people whose world was in disarray and who felt threatened. Who prayed to the same God, only differently. Did this make what they were doing illegal?”
To complicate matters, Mallory learns some shocking revelations about her own past and struggles to tolerate Nathaniel- an obnoxious friend of a friend, who knows entirely too much about her work with Sir Francis, but who may well be the only person who can help her.
This period in history is so interesting. I never tire of reading novels set during the Elizabethan era. This story highlights the fevered religious paranoia towards Catholics. It was not entirely justified, but there were very serious and real dangers to the throne posed by Catholic spies. The book also touched on the impact the “Bartholomew's Day massacre” had on Sir Francis, which is what helped to fuel his prejudice against Catholics. There was a lot of tension, misinformation, and confusion regarding religion. The fear increased as more assassination attempts on Queen Elizabeth rose. Public executions, such as those described in this novel did indeed occur.
The author did an amazing job of recreating that tension and highlighting the moral dilemmas and atrocities that occurred in the name of religion and politics. The Locksmithing craft and the clever spy codes of the day is very interesting and fascinating. But, the characterizations in this novel are what sets it on a higher pedestal. Mallory is an outstanding personality. Her loyalty, her strength, talent and courage captured my imagination. She is quite the heroine. Nathaniel is truly nasty, in the beginning, but I grew to love him, and loved him even more for loving Mallory. Their love story is not at the center of the novel, but in many ways, it is at the heart of it – maybe even the soul of it. With so many villainous acts, so many selfish and manipulative plots afoot, with the danger at a fever pitch, their relationship lit the way to honor, bravery and hope.
This is a not only a stunning historical novel, but, a compelling story of the true meaning of love and family.
Note: This book was originally published back in 2016 by Harlequin MIRA. Some may have been given the impression this is a traditional historical romance, but it is not. It is pure Historical fiction- with a love story written into it. HF lovers will not want to miss this book!!
Another Woman’s Husband by Gill Paul is a 2017 Headline Review publication.
Interesting historical drama linking together the two women who threatenedAnother Woman’s Husband by Gill Paul is a 2017 Headline Review publication.
Interesting historical drama linking together the two women who threatened the British monarchy-
The friendship between Mary Kirk and Wallis Simpson is brought to life in this drama which switches back and forth between the 40s and late 90s when Princess Diana died.
The story goes back to when Mary and Wallis first met as teens and follows their relationship through their adult years, when Mary introduced Wallis to Earnest Simpson and examines the fallout Simpson’s divorce from Wallis and the effect it had on their friendship.
The alternate thread is set in 1997 and centers around Rachel and Alex a couple whose romantic getaway is soured due to witnessing the car crash that killed Diana. Alex becomes obsessed with the story, convinced of a conspiracy surrounding the crash, while Rachel is suffering from a series of professional setbacks, and is beset by doubts regarding her upcoming nuptials.
The history between Mary and Wallis is very interesting. I had not given it much thought, as I will admit, I’m not much of a fan of Wallis Simpson. But, this book does give a fascinating, albeit fictional account of the events that led both women into a relationship with Earnest Simpson.
The thread with Rachel and Alex a much weaker area of the book, and while it does explore the myths surrounding Diana’s death, it doesn’t really get too far into it. It’s basically a re-hash of various conspiracy theories, and never goes so far to latch onto one of them. Instead, this part of the book is more about Alex and Rachel’s relationship woes, which ended up being rather anticlimactic.
The thin connection between Wallis and Diana is just that- thin. This attempt to link the ladies together in some way didn’t quite gel for me. However, the concept is an interesting one.
The story of Mary and Wallis’s relationship was, however, written well enough, and was interesting enough to carry the novel on its own, and made reading it worth my time.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll –
I just finished a plain Kindle version of this book, mainly to refresh my memory of this book. As aAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll –
I just finished a plain Kindle version of this book, mainly to refresh my memory of this book. As a child, for some inexplicable reason, this book just didn’t interest me, nor did any of the film versions. I was a totally into Winnie the Pooh, and all the traditional fairy tales, and loved reading my mother’s Bobbsey Twins books. Maybe because I didn’t latch onto this book as a child, I never presented it to my own children with any great enthusiasm. I suppose we read the book together at some point, and I’m quite sure we saw the animated movie version a few times. However, my son certainly did not have any interest in the book and my daughter was into very modern stories.
So, long story short, I barely remember what all the fuss was about when it comes to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. As I prepare to read a historical fiction novel surrounding Lewis Carroll, I thought it might be helpful to read this book beforehand.
Sometimes, I wonder if some of the books that were read to us as children were truly meant for children. After reading this book as an adult, I can see why the book garnered so much praise, and can also see why it’s analyzed to death. But, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, and I think that while there were some puzzles and riddles here that only the brightest of children could decipher, the book was a fantasy tale, whimsical and delightful, but as is often the case, a little bittersweet and poignant.
Sometimes it does a person good read books touted as children’s novels, even when we’ve long outgrown such things, long after our own children have grown and are now preparing to read to their own children. I whiled away a little time, immersing myself in a classic story that I find more appealing now, than I ever did as a child.
I glanced through some analysis of the book, and see there are many theories about alleged allegory, and the enigma that is Lewis Carrol. I could only agree, grudgingly, with one or two theories and drug experimentation is not convincing to me at all, which was a common belief among those of my generation. Still, others seemed just as far fetched, so I suppose, like any other book, it’s up to you on how you wish to interpret this book.
Alice I have Been by Melanie Benjamin is a 2010 Random House publication.
After having read “The Swans of Fifth Avenue”, I was eager to discover some Alice I have Been by Melanie Benjamin is a 2010 Random House publication.
After having read “The Swans of Fifth Avenue”, I was eager to discover some of Melanie Benjamin’s other novels. I had heard some talk about “The Aviator’s Wife”, and so I read that one first, and was impressed with it as well. However, I had not heard of this book, and had no idea what to expect from it. So, in preparation, I downloaded a free version of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and re-read the book because as a child, I just did not find the book as appealing as everyone else, nor did my own children. So, I thought it might be a good idea to familiarize myself with it before beginning this book.
I am happy I re-read AAIW first, but I can’t say it had much of an impact on my enjoyment of this story, which is centered around the real life Alice Liddell, Lewis Carroll’s muse.
The Victorian era is riddled with moral complexities that are hard for us to digest now. Still, the approach the author took with the book left me feeling a little squeamish, and I can’t say I enjoyed this story as much as I have her other novels. Having raised two children in uncertain times, I kept waiting for a horrible reveal, and sat on pins and needles throughout as I wondered what conclusions Alice might come to by the book’s end.
Curious as to what actual history has to say about the relationship between Alice and Charles Dodgson, I learned that many questions raised in the book were mere conjecture, without much hard evidence to back it up, such as the alleged romance between Leo and Alice, and the cause of the eventual falling out between Dodgson and the Liddell’s.
Many liberties were taken in the dramatization of Alice Liddell’s life, and with historical fiction that is to be expected, but I did wish a different approach had been taken with this one.
I do believe this is the author’s debut, and so I do admire her mettle in tackling such a large and perhaps controversial subject. Being the muse for such a beloved children’s classic would indeed feel strange, I suppose, and of course the legend surrounding it took on a life of its own.
I must say though, that if you really love Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, I would approach this novel with caution and be prepared to deal with innuendo you may not like. But, also be ready for a very emotional story, but one that ends with the answer to the burning question we wondered about throughout.
I am on the fence about my feelings in regards to his novel, but because it was well written, bold, and daring, atmospheric, interesting and thought provoking, I think it deserves at least 4 stars. ...more
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