Thursday! Social media has been so hateful this week that I’m glad this is a safe place. I wasn’t involved in any of the discussions, but they weren’t pleasant to read. I’d much rather be here, talking books with all of you.
Between floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires, I hope all of you are safe. Sending virtual hugs to everyone here. So, let’s escape into books.
I’m reading J.D. Robb’s 53rd Eve Dallas “In Death” novel, Forgotten in Death. It comes out Tuesday, Sept. 7. Bodies of two women have been found at construction sites, and one body was found at a site Eve’s husband Roarke bought just a few years earlier. As a homicide cop, Eve Dallas is determined to stand for the dead. Both women were thrown away, dumped at the sites. She’s going to find the people responsible for killing and throwing away those lives.
What about you? I hope you found time to read this week instead of focusing on all the news. What are you reading?
Very happy to be here at Lesa’s Safe Place! And, thank you Lesa for making it so.
I love love love Eve and Roarke and their entire group of friends and extended family. Can’t wait to read this one!
I have read some very good books this week.
1. Diane Chamberlain’s The House at the End of the Street was particularly meaningful for me. I grew up in the small town of Cambridge, MD in the 60s where the Freedom Riders came and hysteria from ignorant racists went crazy. Dr. Peter Levy has written a book (Civil War on Race Street) about the sad and shameful days when we lived under martial law with the National Guard living in tents in our school yard, standing on street corners with guns fixed with bayonets. The days and years that made me who I am today. And, Diane Chamberlain gets her story just right. I recommend it.
“1965
Growing up in the well-to-do town of Round Hill, North Carolina, Ellie Hockley was raised to be a certain type of proper Southern lady. Enrolled in college and all but engaged to a bank manager, Ellie isn’t as committed to her expected future as her family believes. She’s chosen to spend her summer break as a volunteer helping to register black voters. But as Ellie follows her ideals fighting for the civil rights of the marginalized, her scandalized parents scorn her efforts, and her neighbors reveal their prejudices. And when she loses her heart to a fellow volunteer, Ellie discovers the frightening true nature of the people living in Round Hill.
2010
Architect Kayla Carter and her husband designed a beautiful house for themselves in Round Hill’s new development, Shadow Ridge Estates. It was supposed to be a home where they could raise their three-year-old daughter and grow old together. Instead, it’s the place where Kayla’s husband died in an accident—a fact known to a mysterious woman who warns Kayla against moving in. The woods and lake behind the property are reputed to be haunted, and the new home has been targeted by vandals leaving threatening notes. And Kayla’s neighbor Ellie Hockley is harboring long buried secrets about the dark history of the land where her house was built.
Two women. Two stories. Both on a collision course with the truth–no matter what that truth may bring to light–in Diane Chamberlain’s riveting, powerful novel about the search for justice.”
Peter Robinson’s Not Dark Yet – “One of the world’s greatest suspense writers returns with the 27th novel featuring the legendary detective Alan Banks in the mystery series Stephen King calls “the best now on the market.”
I had lost interest in this series, but happy I have it another try. I liked this obe, and I’ll be looking forward to the next.
Natasha Lester ‘s The Riviera House – I am a big fan of Natasha Lester’s, and this book was terrific. Very similar to The Stolen Lady by Laura Morelli. I recommend them both.
“Paris, 1939 – While working at the Louvre, Éliane Dufort falls for talented painter Xavier. But when the Nazis occupy the city, Xavier leaves for England and Éliane must send her sisters to the country. Broken-hearted, she finds herself working with the mysterious Rose Valland on a dangerous secret mission for the French Resistance: to record all the priceless national treasures the Germans are stealing.
Present Day – Desperate to escape her grief, Remy Lang arrives at a stunning private estate on the French Riviera. While working on her vintage fashion business, she discovers a catalogue of artworks stolen during World War II and is shocked to see a painting that hung on her childhood bedroom wall in Sydney. ”
And William Kent Krueger’s Lightning Strike was worth waiting for! Ten Gold Stars.
Thank you, Kaye. I’m so happy you stop by on Thursday to tell us what you’re reading. Diane Chamberlain’s book sounds as if it’s a reminder of a time many of us don’t remember, or, in some cases, don’t want to think about. Thank you for the description of it.
And, you’re right. Ten gold stars to William Kent Krueger’s Lightning Strike.
And, of course, you’ll love Forgotten in Death. I’m about one third through it, with some twists to come, I’m sure.
Love you, Kaye!
Hello, everyone. I agree, Lesa, it’s been a strange week. The Caldor file is in my county in Northern California, but it is now heading in a different direction. South Lake Tahoe is in evacuation mode, where my family and I spent a lovely weekend a couple of summers back. I needed some distraction, so I apologize in advance for the number and length of my reviews. Feel free to skip over them if you like.
First book read was THE BOOKBINDER’s DAUGHTER by Jessica Thorne, As a child, Sophie had lived at Ayredale Library, where the most priceless ancient books were housed. She doesn’t remember much about her time there, but she knows that her mother died at the Library under mysterious circumstances. Sophie’s father has also died, but while alive he had warned her repeatedly that it would be dangerous for her to work at Ayredale, even though such a job was coveted by most bookbinders. But then her Uncle Edward makes her an offer she can’t resist. Finally finding the strength to leave her controlling lover, Victor, she returns to Ayredale and immediately feels its embrace. She finds she is able to read some of the ancient documents and spells that others cannot, cementing her importance to the Library and its mission. She reconnects with her childhood love, Will, but quickly the Library and its imposing tree careen out of control, leading to mayhem and betrayal. This is a highly emotional story with enough action to keep fantasy fans reading. I would have preferred less repetitive description, more plot, and greater character development. (Sept.)
Mary Kay Andrews’ Christmas-themed novella THE SANTA SUIT (224 pages) was just the comfort read I needed . Still reeling from her divorce, Ivy moves from Atlanta to a farmhouse, based only on pictures she has viewed online. Little does she know that it will require more than a bit of repair to make the farmhouse livable, or that her furniture is taking an unplanned detour on the moving van. Or that she will need to look for a new employment opportunity to match her marketing skills. Fortunately, Ivy finds the new people she meets, including her real estate agent/handyman, a soon-to-be-retired candy maker, a young town clerk with wedding plans, and a lonely elderly man, welcoming and encouraging. The Santa suit of the title was left behind by the farm’s previous owner, who played Santa every year for the community, and in its pocket is a poignant letter to Santa from a young girl yearning for her absent father. Ivy makes it her quest to solve the mystery of the letter and, in the process, begins building a new identity and a new “found family.” I loved this delightfully sentimental story, told by a seasoned and talented author. (Sept.)
THE BRIGHTEST STAR IN PARIS by Diana Biller is a lovely mélange of historical romance and ghost story. Dr. Benedict Moore first fell in love with young ballerina Amelie St. James in Paris, soon after he had recovered from injuries sustained in the US Civil War. In a few weeks he had to go home to resume his medical career, but he never forgot the alluring and playful Amelie. Twelve years later, Ben is back in Paris, attending a medical conference, when he and Amelie are reunited. Now the Paris Opera Ballet’s prima ballerina, Amelie had struggled through financial hardship during the Siege of Paris, then tended to her mother through her terminal battle with a deadly disease. She had then dedicated herself to being what Paris ballet fans wanted her to be, and to making sure her precocious sister, Honorine (now 11 years old) had the best education. But Amelie doesn’t understand why she can suddenly see and hear Lise, a young member of the company, who had been found dead in the river, with other ghostly apparitions following and making demands of her. She is also confused about Ben. Although she loves him, can they ever fit into each other’s lives? In the author’s first book, Ben’s brother and sister-in-law were featured, but the books don’t have to be read in order, as each has its own distinct plot. I highly recommend what I hope will be a continuing saga of this intriguing family. (Oct.)
In THE YOUNGER WIFE by Sally Hepworth, sixtyish Stephen marries Heather, who is younger than his adult daughters. The ceremony has just concluded when an unseen tragedy strikes. Someone in the wedding party is injured, but we don’t know the victim’s identity, how serious the injury, or whether it was inflicted by another person. And we won’t know until much later in the book. The action then rewinds to reveal the major players. Stephen recently divorced his wife, who is in a nursing home with dementia. Their daughter Tully is happily married with two children, and their daughter Rachel has a thriving baking business. But both have serious neuroses, caused by issues from earlier in their lives, that are preventing them from achieving fulfillment. Heather, the bride, is a successful interior decorator who has family secrets of her own. In this compelling psychological thriller, the reader is propelled from chapter to chapter, with occasional tantalizing flashes of the wedding adding more suspense. The author is skilled at building tension (with no graphic violence) at the same time as she is developing her main characters. An excellent, engaging thriller. (Apr. 22)
In THE SHOW GIRL by Nicola Harrison, Olive has taken singing and dancing lessons throughout her childhood, and she hopes to have a career onstage, although her parents would rather see her respectably married. In the late 1920s, she is hired into the Ziegfeld Follies troupe on Broadway. Olive quickly makes a name for herself and gleefully dives into the life of a show girl–late nights dancing and drinking after performances, accepting dinner invitations and gifts from adoring male fans, and throwing caution to the wind. But when she meets Cincinnati businessman Archie Carmichael, she is smitten. The story follows Olive’s rise to stardom, her somewhat bumpy relationship with Archie, and the horror of the 1929 stock market crash, not to mention a secret Olive has been keeping that could change everything. This is a fast read, a straightforward story that might make a decent TV movie, but I thought it was a bit too simplistic, without the depth that would have made it more interesting to me.
I have treasured Heather Webb’s last three life-affirming books, all sprinkled with a hint of magical realism. In THE LIGHTS OF SUGARBERRY COVE, Savannah Scott, who owns a B&B in Sugarberry Cove, Alabama, has had a mild heart attack, which brings her daughters back together. Leala doesn’t live too far away, but she is going through a rough patch with her husband, who works long hours at a law firm. She enjoys being a stay-at-home mom to their toddler, but she misses the man she married. Sadie left home eight years ago, soon after an almost-drowning incident that turned her hair a sparkling silver, and after her decision to abandon her college education and her high school love. Since that time, she has been on the road creating and hosting a popular online show featuring everyday Southern people telling folksy stories and demonstrating family recipes. Both daughters’ relationships with their mother are strained, but they still love and support her. They all come together as the town prepares to celebrate the annual water lantern festival, where it’s believed that a mythical “lake lady” may grant select wishes floated on the lanterns. Townspeople and the inn’s guests also supply some welcome support to the plot, which is engrossing and heart-warming without being treacly.
Connie Berry’s Kate Hamilton Mysteries have become one of my favorite series. Although I haven’t yet received the third book from the library, I went ahead and read an ARC of the fourth, The SHADOW OF MEMORY, and I think it’s the best one yet! The author knows just how to set the scene so that you can see the characters and venues clearly in your mind, but she doesn’t go overboard with description. She puts Kate, an American antiques dealer, in situations in the UK that challenge her and are at least tangentially related to antiques, and she lays out plots that contain layers of clues and information that are easy to follow but so fascinating and sometimes heart-stopping. There is no grisly violence, but there are surprises that stopped me in my tracks–twice! I couldn’t believe what I was reading, although it didn’t seem that it was random or unconvincing. This story starts with a priceless painting that may or may not be authentic and a group of men who are renovating a former mental hospital into expensive living spaces. But when a former boyfriend of Kate’s elderly friend is found dead, the story of a group of teenagers at a resort sixty years ago and their exploration of a house where murders had apparently occurred becomes a second compelling plot that Kate’s detective boyfriend must investigate, with her help. I highly recommend this superior series. (May 2022)
I like the sound of The Santa Suit, Margie. Sometimes I really need a well written comfort read – I felt the same about Jackie Fraser’s The Bookshop of Second Chances – of course it was predictable, but it was well written and fun so I was happy with it.
I enjoyed The Lights of Sugarberry Cove too.
I like the sound of The Santa Suite, too, Margie. I think a lot of us are looking for comfort reads right now. I know I am. Actually, J.D. Robb’s book is a comfort read for me, and I know it is for Kaye. Eve and Roark, and a good police procedural set forty years from now.
I’m sorry for all the people in the path of the fires, but I’m glad it’s no longer heading your way. I hope you and those you love stay safe.
Oh, Connie Berry’s next book. I really like this series. Thank you for a review with no spoilers.
You had a good reading week, Margie. I loved The Lights Over Sugarberry Cove. And I can’t wait for the Diana Biller book! The Widow of Rose House was so very good.
How can 224 pages be a novella?
I agree. Sounds like a novel to me, Rick.
Stay safe Margie!
I haven’t read anything awful on Facebook so am glad for that at least! I’m just reading tonight how my old stomping grounds in New Jersey are flooding but no massive rains in Florida. Labor Day weekend is usually fraught with storms here but no hurricanes or storms are heading our way this year, knock wood!
So I’ve been reading and enjoying Dianne Freeman’s Lady Harleigh series. I just started #4 Today. I love listening while crafting since the combination enhances each activity. I’m already smiling over the misunderstandings that abound. Sounds like much fun will follow.
Oh, there’s a ballroom scene I just love in that book, Sandie, and that’s all I’ll say.
My sister and her husband drove to Boston yesterday. She said it was more adventuresome than she’d like, but her husband is a skillful driver, and he got them there safely. She’s sending pictures today. That’s a scary thought right there – photos of their drive? They must have gotten into the rain.
Stay dry!
Good afternoon everyone,
I haven’t a clue what has happened on social media Lesa – and it sounds like that’s the best way to stay!
I try very hard to keep to the people on Twitter who talk about books, gardens, wildlife, the countryside, art and that sort of thing. Occasionally I do read about Scottish politics, which are important to all of my family, but I do my utmost not to respond, even to things I agree with, as it inevitably turns into a slanging match between those who do and so not support independence.
On Facebook I mainly just post or share stuff on the same subjects, and also try to share posts by cafes and bookshops that I want to help. In fact I often think I’ll give up Facebook, but then my mother says ‘why haven’t you posted any photos of the river lately?!’ and I feel guilty….:)
This week my husband has gone back into the office – they are trialling three days in and two days working from home. It does make me a bit nervous but he was keen to do it. We are due to go on holiday in 10 days time (just within Scotland) so I am just keeping my fingers crossed.
I have just finished reading FURTHER ADVENTURES OF THE FAMILY FROM ONE END STREET by Eve Garnett. This is the second in a trilogy written in the 1930s – they are really children’s books but are the most wonderful, realistic, depictions of working class life at the time. As they are written for children, they might be seen as ‘cosy’, but I don’t find them so at all. Without being miserable or graphic, they show how much lack of money affects every aspect of the lives of people who are just as hardworking, intelligent, and ambitious as those with more funds. The Ruggles parents are both employed (Mrs R runs a laundry from the kitchen of their tiny terraced house, Mr R is a dustman); they are not destitute, but every penny counts, especially as they have seven children to clothe and feed. Even the smallest event puts a strain on the already stretched finances, and results in many calculations, and an inevitable raid on poor Mr R’s pig money tin. And boot repairs are a constant drain on the housekeeping.
Every one of the characters is so well written – Garnett knows how children think, how small things can become so big to them (eg by a chain of circumstances Kate aged 12 is charged with taking Peg and Jo, aged 5 & 7, on the train to the countryside. She is warned by her mother not to speak to strangers. A bossy woman in their train carriage demands to know why she has to peel oranges for the little ones; Kate is too scared to respond, and is therefore accused of being rude and common.)
I investigated Eve Garnett, but there is very little to find. She was originally trained as an artist, and commissioned to illustrate a book someone else was writing about poverty in London in the 1920; she was so horrified by what she saw that she wanted to write a children’s book about it. She did her own illustrations, which are also very good. I loved these books so much as a child; yesterday I talked about them on twitter and was amazed at how many people responded with their own fond memories. Many people said that when they discovered The Family From One End Street they at last saw their own lives reflected, instead of the (then) constant diet of books about very middle class families, big houses, ponies, ballet lessons and boarding schools. Nowadays the trilogy also provides an historic record.
Having finished that, I have gone back to James Beard’s DELIGHTS AND PREJUDICES, which I started earlier in the summer but had to stop for some reason. Again this is a book I first read years ago. Having now also read THE ALICE B TOKLAS COOK BOOK I can see so many similarities – though of course Toklas and Gertrude Stein were rather more unusual than Beard. But like Alice’s, just about every recipe James includes is laden with butter, cream and alcohol; no wonder it all tasted so good! He also talks about the many immigrant growers and makers his mother purchased supplies from for her hotel in early 1900s Portland, and about the great markets with their abundant produce. I was fascinated by his story about how his mother eventually decided only to employ Chinese staff, as all the italian and French chefs she hired soon headed off to California, where the climate was much more reminiscent of their original homes.
And I have also just started Jacqueline Winspear’s A DANGEROUS PLACE, the ninth Maisie Dobbs book. I stopped reading these some time ago as I got too fed up with Maisie, but I needed a book with ‘place’ in the title for our next Six Degrees of Separation, so I decided to give this one a try. I’m only on the third chapter and I’m already starting get annoyed, but I’ll press on as they are easy to read. I do know that many people love this series.This one is set in Gibraltar.
I’ve also just bought (from ebay) three books that I had been hankering after for a while:
Martin Edwards’ THE GOLDEN AGE OF MURDER – I’d had this from the library for so long that I decided I’d feel less under pressure if I just bought a copy! I started it earlier this year but various things had interrupted my reading. Having listened to the excellent Slightly Foxed podcast discussion between Edwards and Richard Reynolds my enthusiasm has been rekindled.
THE COFFIN TRAIL – so that I can start Edwards’ series in order, as recommended by Jeff!
YOU’RE A BRICK ANGELA by Mary Cadogan – a study of girls’ stories from 1839 to1985. I wanted to read this after reading Joy Francis’s Rosemary at St Anne’s and various other school stories (eg Angela Brazil).
On the radio I’ve started JANE EYRE. We were forced through this at school and I thought Jane was a dreadful drip, but many people have praised it, so I am giving it another go. I’m up to Chapter 6 (of 30+) and so far I’m not exactly loving it.
And on TV we have a new series of VERA! I’ve come to the conclusion that I do like SHETLAND a little bit more (probably something to do with Douglas Henshall…) but nevertheless, I am always glad to have Brenda Blethyn back on our screens. The first episode was good, but I felt the ending was a little bit too contrived – it didn’t seem to flow easily from the rest of the story. However, numerous people on social media have said it was the best episode they have ever seen, so what do I know? I’ll certainly keep watching. And tomorrow we also have a new series of GRANTCHESTER.
And I’m still experimenting with Dr Michael Mosley’s ‘Just One Thing’ podcasts, in which he encourages us to (and does himself) try a different thing each week to improve our wellbeing and health as we age (he is 60+). I’m getting better at the standing on one leg with my eyes closed excercise (though unlike him I can’t yet clean my teeth while doing it!), and I am trying the ice cold shower, which he says you only need to do for a maximum of 2 minutes, as anything on top of that makes no difference. He also recommends walking in nature and making yourself aware of it rather than thinking about what you need to do when you get back. Apparently studies show that this awareness has a very benefical effect. My problem is that i like to listen to audiobooks or podcasts when I am out., and not to do so feels a bit like wasted time – but he would certainly disagree with me on that one.
I have just seen some footage of the flash floods in New York – how absolutely dreadful. I do hope everyone is safe. Are you OK Jeff?
Best wishes to everyone for a safe and enjoyable week,
Rosemary
Thanks, Rosemary. Yes, I’m fine. We live on basically a hill above The Narrows (overlooking Staten Island), and we are on the 6th floor, so all we have to worry about is leaks in the roof. But they finally had the roof redone a couple of years ago, so it is all good. Around us, however, you’re right – crazy flooding.
When we turned on Amazon on the television last night, the first thing that popped up was VERA, series 11! Yay. We will add it to our Saturday Brit Night, which currently has KAVANAGH Q.C., the original UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS, THE GOOD LIFE, and THE CAZALETS. When we finish the next one we will start FOYLE’S WAR.
I’m so glad you are both OK Jeff. I used to live on the top floor in Edinburgh, and sometimes got very fed up with all the stairs, but there are clearly advantages to living high up in the current situation! And I’m glad you have books. So long as they are accompanied by food & drink, you should be OK. I remember taking the ferry to Staten Island when I went to New York many years ago – it was one of those things we thought we really had to do.
What a great Saturday night line-up you have! I don’t think I’d manage to stay awake through all of that in one go – but we tend to eat far too late and rarely sit down to watch TV till 9 or later. And as you know, I love The Cazalets. I’m currently rewatching The Larkins too, which is fun.
Stay safe!
Rosemary, You made me laugh when you said Jane Eyre was a dreadful drip. Thank you!
I love your description of FURTHER ADVENTURES OF THE FAMILY FROM ONE END STREET, and was interested in your research on Eve Garnett. I hadn’t heard of them. Of course, I have to say that my selections when I was a child were limited to what the local public library carried. It wasn’t until I was in high school that I learned that there were other books in the Narnia series besides The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. That was the only one our library carried.
I think Jacqueline Winspear is wonderful, but I, too, gave up on the Maisie Dobbs books quite a while ago.
I have an author friend in NYC whose appliances on the first floor are all under water, but she, her husband and the cats are on the second floor trying to cope.
I was the same Lesa – if it wasn’t in the library I didn’t know it existed. My favourite and much admired older cousin Sally handed down a set of the Famous Five series to me, but apart from that we had very few books in the house, simply because they cost money – both of my parents read a lot, but their reading came from the library.
Also I don’t recall there being any cheap paperbacks in those days, but maybe I just didn’t notice. And there were no charity shops at all, whereas now many high streets are full of them, and we all have our special favourites. I remember when the first one opened in Petts Wood, where we then lived, and my mother being quite shocked that I had been into it. I think this was because they had lived so near the poverty line as children that anything that smacked of charity made them nervous. (It defintely wasn’t snobbery.) Nowadays, of course, my mother is as keen on books from charity shops as I am.
I do hope your friend in NYC is soon able to reclaim her first floor – the damage after flooding can be so extensive. We have (so far) only ever had a little bit of it once, maybe 6 or 7 years ago, when the small bridge that crosses our burn further down was blocked during the worst night of rain experienced in the north of the county in living memory. The water backed up and actually came around the front of the house rather than rising from the back, where the burn is. Thank goodness it only got into the garage,which is lower, and the tenant that we had at that time very kindly moved everything out of the garage before it got wet, I still watch that burn nervously if we have a lot of rain, but so far it’s behaved (and the bridge was long ago sorted out). Today the sun is shining and the water is burbling away very peacefully.
I love your posts, Rosemary. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us.
Good morning! Our heat wave broke and the rain ended so life is, Good today.
This week I read FLOAT Plan by Trish Doller. Anna can’t move past her boyfriend ‘s suicide after nearly a year so she decides to sail through the Caribbean taking the route Ben planned for them. She gets as far as Puerto Rico and decides she isn’t experienced enough to continue solo. She advertises for a crew and Keane comes aboard. I enjoyed the descriptions of the islands as well as Anna and Keane’s overcoming of their issues. This was a quick and uplifting read for me that I chose at the right time.
Now I am reading THE GIRL FROM THE CHANNEL Islands by Jenny LeCoate. It is based on a true story of Austrian Hedy on the islands who works for the Nazis as a translator despite being a Jewish. I am more than halfway through. I am finding it slow but invested enough to see how it ends. I think I need to find something other than WWII as the basis for my historical fiction fix.
Happy Reading!
I think we all seem to need something uplifting right now, Sharon. I’m glad FLOAT PLAN worked for you. I have it on a pile someplace.
Happy Reading to you as well!
Good morning. Ida clobbered NJ last night – my town had the worst flooding since a dam broke back in ‘73. We’re in the higher part of town so we’re fine but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get my mom to her dentist appointment this afternoon.
This week I read An ARC of COUNTED CORPSE by ACF Bookens. The crew that’s salvaging items from a parsonage that’s going to be torn down find a cache of diaries that point to a possible murder that occurred a hundred years ago. I liked the change up from having the main characters stumble on a dead body.
THE SECRET STAIRCASE by Sheila Connolly. It felt sort of odd to be reading this and knowing that the series is never going to be finished.
THE CIDER SHOP RULES by Julie Anne Lindsey. A cozy mystery set in West Virginia. There were too many things going on in this one.
MRS CLAUS AND THE HALLOWEEN HOMICIDE by Liz Ireland. An elf is killed at the North
Pole – was it a snow monster someone trying to stop Santaland’s first ever Halloween celebration?
Oh, Sandy! I’m sorry. I’m glad to hear you’re fine, but that’s sad about your town. You might not even want to try to get to the dentist. Better to stay out of the water.
I agree about The Secret Staircase. It did feel odd. At least we found out a little bit more about the Bartons, though.
That’s why I’m not on social media.
It was CRAZY here last night. We live in a safe place, but all around us…New York City’s average rainfall for the entire month of September is over four inches. We had 7.19 inches in a few HOURS last night. There was flooding everywhere (the first ever Flash Flood Emergency was issued by the National Weather Center). Sadly, seven people drowned in basement apartments. Flood-prone subway stations looked like a raging river had broken its banks. Streets and highways were under water. We already had the third rainiest July, followed by the fourth rainiest August. We’re waterlogged.
At least there are books, right? I finished my 41st and 42nd short story collections this week – Antonya Nelson, NOTHING RIGHT and Brian Garfield, SUSPENDED SENTENCES. Now reading John Dickson Carr’s radio plays from 1948-49 ((THE ISLAND OF COFFINS) and a Tessa Hadley collection.
Jackie read (and enjoyed) SUBURBAN DICKS by Fabian Nicieza at my recommendation. She is now reading the first in a new series by J. R. Ward, – CLAIMED. She has read all the J. D. Robb books and has the new one on hold.
Besides the short stories (I have read over 600 this year), I read Linda Castillo’s FALLEN, as mentioned last time. This is another in her Amish series and has a rather disturbing finale.
I read a good recommendation of a first dystopian YA novel, DEPARTURES by E. J. Wenstrom, and since it was only 99 cents at the time for the Kindle (I think it is $3.99 now), how could I go wrong? It is a future (about 200+ years in the future) society that is totally managed. You get a “departure” (i.e. death) date when you are born, for reasons that seem reasonable to them (but not to us, necessarily). Young (17) Evie is scheduled to depart, takes the pill that will ease her passage, then…wakes up the next morning! Needless to say, this causes quite the panic. She is smuggled out and is helped to escape before they can finish the job, leaving behind her 16 year old sister Gracelyn. There she discovers things are not as the Directorate has claimed, as she discovers a whole world outside the walls (and, need I add, love). It does have certain elements that will remind you of other books like HUNGER GAMES and (especially) DIVERGENT. It is a short, fast read, fairly entertaining (if a little too YA for me at times), but a decent read without being excellent. The ending was somewhat disappointing, as there is a bit of an anti-climax, followed by leaving things open for a possible (probable?) sequel/
I read and enjoyed the first two in Charlaine Harris’s Gunnie Rose series, but somhow book three (THE RUSSIAN CAGE) slipped past me when it came out in February. I downloaded a library copy yesterday and I’m racing through it, as Lizbeth Rose travels to San Diego (in the Holy Russian Empire) when she hears that her true love, the grigori (wizard) Eli, is locked up. You need to read the earlier books first (AN EASY DEATH is the first), so so far I am enjoying this one more than the other two. Charlaine is always worth reading.
Oh, my gosh, Jeff! I guess I should have turned on the Weather Channel this morning. I was just sitting there eating breakfast and reading my book. Stay safe. That’s so sad about the people in the basement apartments. No, there’s no climate change.
I always try Charlaine Harris’ books. I just couldn’t get into An Easy Death. It reminded me too much of another series I had read and liked.
Happy Reading to you and Jackie. You’re right. At least there are books.
Glad you guys are okay, Jeff. Divergent sound to have elements of THX 1138 in it.
Good morning everyone!
Like Rosemary, I have no idea what is going on in social media land, but I can imagine.
After a week of stormy weather, we have had several days of near perfect weather. Sun and highs in the low to mid 70’s with low humidity.
My reading was slower this week due to being out of town helping my mom and attending a family member’s funeral.
Here’s what I read:
The Diabolical Bones (Bronte Sisters #2) by Bella Ellis – This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. The remains of a child are found in the chimney of a sealed off room in Top Withens Hall. Since it is winter, Clifton Bradshaw, the owner of Top Withens Hall, has decided to wait until spring to give the remains a proper burial. The Bronte sisters are appalled at this idea. Every body deserves a proper Christian burial. However, there is one problem, no one seems to know who the remains belong to. As the Bronte sisters attempt to discover who the bones belong to, they uncover quite a few secrets. With a hint of the supernatural, winter on the moors and the involvement of a visionary to help solve some ancient, cryptic writing, this story has a definite gothic atmosphere.
I am in the middle of The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams, recommended by Lesa. I am enjoying it so far.
Hope you all have a good and safe weekend!
I’m glad someone has had decent weather, Gretchen – you and me. Isn’t it wonderful to find a series that becomes a favorite? I’m glad you’re enjoying the Bronte Sisters books.
I hope you have a good and safe weekend as well, with some good books now that you’re home!
Good morning all. What a wild night it was here in New Jersey. I cannot describe to you the torrential rain we had for hours on end. Thankfully my house made it through without any water coming in and we didn’t lose power. Others nearby were not so lucky. I have a 2nd job (in a library, of course) and I worked last night. The decision was made to close the library at 6:15 so I got home before the worst of it. Cars were left abandoned due to flooding. Tornados went through some areas. My prayers are with all those across the country affected by these devasting storms and wildfires.
Onto a less stressful topic, reading. I read The Venice Sketchbook by Rys Bowen. It was not one of my favorites. As a matter of fact, I considered DNF but I continued on. I was bored for the first half of the book. It got better. I just started Broken Places so far so good.
I am listening to The Guncle by Steven Rowley. I am loving it. The author is the narrator and he does a really great job. I highly recommend it.
All of you be safe from fires, floods, disease (is the world ending?).
It does sort of feel as if the world is ending, doesn’t it, Kathleen?
I’m glad you got home and didn’t have to abandon your car, or get stuck somewhere. Our weather has been terrible all over the country.
I’ve heard really good things about The Guncle. I’ll have to suggest it to a friend who likes to listen to audiobooks. Thank you!
Stay safe!
No weather related issues here. Just day two of quarter end close (that slightly off fiscal year again). Crazy busy. Counting the seconds until we get to the weekend.
Should be finishing up DEADLY SUMMER NIGHTS by Vicki Delany today. I’m enjoying it, but it is a little slow for my tastes.
Well, there’s the answer to Deadly Summer Nights. Thank you, Mark! And, I hope you enjoy the weekend!
With everything that’s on the news, Afghanistan, Covid, Hurricanes, wildfires, I can’t seem to concentrate on reading. I sent my library books back unread, including The Rose Code that I’d been eager to read for months, and I canceled all my holds (11 books). I have lots of good books here to read and no energy for them. It’s the second time this year I’ve had this kind of readers’ block. The good news is that though it’s smoky the weather is cooler.
Barbara is reading the new Louise Penny novel and enjoying it a lot so far, about a third in. I bought one of the older Murder Squad anthologies in ebook format, but have yet to crack it. Maybe later, after a nap. I sure wish it would rain.
We ordered (no one local had it) the engine-building board game Wingspan a week ago, and it finally came, so we read the rules, watched a couple of videos and, since there was spare time we have played some games. It works very well two-person and is loaded with information as well as needing a reasonable amount of strategy. Fun! But then from a different library came Freya Sampson’s The Last Chance Library. It was part of Lesa’s August Treasures In My Closet post. Just the thing – I hope – to pull me from that ennui!
Good luck, Rick! I hope The Last Chance Library works. I know sometimes, nothing does. Then, I just vegetate for days. I play games on my IPad. I watch mindless TV. Sometimes, mindless is all I can handle when no book will work and the world has gone bad. Of course, that seems to be the state of the world a lot lately.
I’m glad Barbara is enjoying the Louise Penny. It wasn’t until I got about a third in that I felt better about the book. It just made me angry with the state of the world until then.
A nap sounds good right now. It’s 12:11 here, and I could stand to have lunch and a nap. Unfortunately, the nap isn’t in my future today. Maybe this weekend.
Take care of yourself. The book quagmire will pass. The state of the world, unfortunately, won’t.
I’m reading Lisa Unger’s Black Out, which is creepy in so many ways. The main character is not sure about her own identity and past, confused about who to trust, but she somehow knows she needs to run away. I’m at a point where she now discovers everything she thought was true is not…and that’s why she’s in serious jeopardy. I do love stories like this. Maybe they make me appreciate my own calm life.
And, I’ve never been a fan of women in jeopardy books, Patricia. Saying that, I love to hear other readers’ comments about the books. It’s so great that we all love different types of books.
It has been a disturbing and painful week for sure, and I stay away from news as much as possible. I have never been on Facebook or Twitter so don’t see that kind of social media. I did not even know about the flooding in New York until I read about it here. What a strange weather year this has been.
This week I finished JUST ONE DAMNED THING AFTER ANOTHER by Jodi Taylor. This is the first book in a time-travel series. The main protagonists are historians from St. Mary’s Institute of Historical Research. Each has a special period that they focus on but the assignments may take them to any time in the past. There are now 12 books in the series and I will be reading the next one for sure.
After that I read THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1 2 3. This is the book that the 1974 film of the same name was based on. It starred Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw. There was a more recent adaptation which I have not seen.
Pelham 1 2 3 is the name of a subway train in New York, and in this story, four men hijack the train. It is told from the point of view of the hijackers, policemen and men from the transit agency, and some of the passengers. So at times it can get confusing, but I enjoyed the story. Although I have seen the film, I don’t remember how true it is to the book. We will be watching the film again soon since I finished the book.
My first book in September will be THE LADY VANISHES, also known as THE WHEEL SPINS. This is another book that was made into a film. The book was written in 1936, the film made in 1938 by Alfred Hitchcock. We will be watching that film soon too (although we have seen it before).
A very young woman takes a two day train trip from a vacation spot in Europe to return to her home in the UK. Most of the people on the train are other nationalities and most do not speak English, but she meets an older woman from the UK and they have tea together and talk. Then she falls asleep and in the morning when she wakes up, the woman has disappeared. Iris, the protagonist, frantically searches for the woman, Miss Froy, but no one will admit that they saw her.
Tracy, I’m sorry about your week. I hope you’re doing okay.
I do like what you’re doing, though, reading books made into movies, and then watching the film. I’m sure it makes for great discussions.
Take care of yourself!
Lesa, your opening sentences explain my lack of “social” media use. Excepting my blog, which has a very small readership, reading a few other blogs and email, that’s it. No Facebook, no Instagram, no Twitter, etc. etc. I guess I might miss some things, but there are only so many hours in a day.
On reading: I’m amazed each week at how many books people here read! My reading goal each year is 104, two per week, and most years I fall short of that, but many here, yourself included, seem to read four or more books a week! I’m retired and can read all day and evening if I want, and couldn’t get through four books in a week. I consider myself a “careful” reader (as opposed to slow), but whatever adjective you like, it’s a process and takes me time.
Thanks for the gardening mystery suggestion.
You’re welcome, Rick. Just because I read a number of books doesn’t mean that’s good, or that they’re all good. Quality is more important than quantity, and your comment that you’re a careful reader means you’re paying attention to the books. Authors would be very pleased to know you’re giving your full attention to your reading.
Two of us at work today were talking about speed reading. I took a course in college because my roommate asked me to take it with her since she was a slow reader. I tested out at 98th percentile before taking it. I just read quickly. It’s no special accomplishment. I’m sure you get so much out of books.
You’re welcome! I hope you find a book or two that appeal to you!
Last Chance Library just finished, not bad, though not a mystery…
I like that description … careful reading. I’m that way as well. I’m lucky if I finish a book a week, although I do read more during tax season when my hubby is working nonstop. So don’t feel badly!
Stopping in a little later than everyone else. It’s been a hard week or two. I have found the news about Afghanistan quite distressing. The news about the pandemic is wearing me down. And as Lesa says social media has been disturbing. I have a feeling I haven’t seen all of the ugly threads but the ones I did see made me incredibly sad. In addition a close friend who has been having health issues (not COVID) has been in the hospital for two weeks. i am worried about the outcome.
it will not surprise anyone when I say reading has been difficult. I read a legal thriller over the weekend that I loved though. The Judge by Steve Martini is the fourth in his Paul Madriani series and it was brilliant. It was turned into a made-for-TV movie with Chris Noth and Edward Olmos. I know you don’t like legal thrillers, Lesa, but this one hit the spot. I was looking for escapism and found it.
I read Unholy Death by R. T. Campbell last week, written during the 1940s by poet Ruthven Campbell Todd to generate some quick cash. It has some really funny bits.
I started a book by Mo Hayder, poor thing, and just couldn’t read it. Same with an early Mick Herron. While I love his Slough House books, I have given up trying his earlier works. I am sure it’s me.
Not sure what’s next. Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich. I have heard it is very good.
Stay safe!
The news, the social media, your friend, even your weather, Aubrey, do not make for a comfortable week, I’m sure. There’s a lot to worry and think about. And, as you said, the social media bit just makes me sad.
I really couldn’t get into any of the books I “should” be reading, which is why I’m reading the new J.D. Robb. I can get into a futuristic police procedural. This weekend, though, I need to settle in and start reading the debut mysteries for LJ Day of Dialog. I have four to read by Sept. 16. I have a deadline of the 17th to submit questions for the panel.
I’ll call you this weekend, Aubrey. Sending hugs!
I just finished Hostage by Claire Mackintosh (thrilling) and will be starting Let Her Lie by Bryan Reardon. I am listening to the audiobook of A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins. Enjoying it.
So glad to be in your safe place! Have not been to FB yet today. Trying to get through my e-mails. Had to set up a “My Chart” with the hospital and found out that they had the wrong time on my pre-surgery Co-Vid test. Then got a phone call that they had referred me for PT out in the wilderness! Not really wilderness, but extremely far from here. It will be sent to my current one.
Watched the 5 a.m. news and saw the flooded subways, a toilet gushing like a geyser. Could not believe that NY had never had a flash flood before today
Continuing to enjoy The Girls Who Crossed The LIne and now trying to get time to listen to an audiobook,,The Fix by Baldacci. No time to sit down and rest.
Had a consultation about my back and knee. I dropped a bomb on them by telling them that it took too long to get a referral for my knee, so I got my own. The PA laid out another plan for my back, they want me to get x-rays, when can I do that? Get an epidural and if that doesn’t work get an Intercept Procedure. I never heard of that, but she said, maybe I have Modic changes! My eyes bugged out. That was on my MRI report, but everyone tossed that aside and ignored my questions long ago when I asked about. Well, I researched it and did not want to misplace my information, so I set up a FB group and now have 60 members from around the world. Hope to qualify for Incept and get it done and say “Good-bye” to my back pain.
Very busy, have a three-day pause in appointments coming up, and I so want to turn everything off read and listen to my audiobook!!!!!!! Ah, I hope I can do that!
I hope you can, too, Carolee. Sometimes, that’s the only way to enjoy our own lives – ignore the rest of the world. And, good for you for taking your health care into your own hands! Good luck with everything.
Carolee, we have had flash floods before. It was an official Flash Flood Emergency declaration that was new. Yeah, that subway gusher was something. Again, not the first time but this one was major. A lot of our problems might have been less severe if dumb people just STAYED OFF THE ROADS in the middle of a tropical storm, you know? A lot of those flooded out cars are still there today.
In Arizona, there’s a “Stupid Motorists Law”. If you ignore signs, and have to be rescued, you pay.
VENGEANCE IN DEATH by J. D, Robb in digital format via the library (with tech assistance by Scott) and A GOOD DAY FOR CHARDONNAY by Darynda Jones in print from the library.
Kevin, How is that new series by Darynda Jones? It looks interesting.
Very much enjoyed the first book, A BAD DAY FOR SUNSHINE. https://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/2020/10/review-bad-day-for-sunshine-novel-by.html
Made my favorites of the year list.
Am enjoying the new book as well.
Sort of reminds me of the Sheriff Brady series with a dash more humor. Sheriff Sunny Vicram is a lot like her with a more sarcastic streak.
I’m going to have to try it sometime.
Just finished it and enjoyed it. Answers some questions that were left from the first book.
Have not been online very much today and yet every time I get on social media–especially twitter–I see the fighting in the crime fiction community is still continuing. The world is so ugly in so many ways and I am so very tired of it. Does not help that the grief is strong as well right now.
Late this week, didn’t catch a break till now.
I read:
The Devil’s Rosary by Seabury Quinn; A volume of Jules de Grandin stories. The French supernatural sleuth battles every monster you can think of in suburban New Jersey. Took me several months reading one story a week.
Lost Mountain Pass by Larry D Sweazy; A marshal in Indian territory loses the judge he was charged with protecting, and pursues the killer, while having a bounty on his own head. Makes me glad my Grandparents left that place.
Image Control by Patrick Nathan; Purportedly an anti-fascism book, but Nathan doesn’t seem to know what fascism actually is, other than stuff he doesn’t like.
China Virus by Daniel Linden; PI Parker is called in to help figure out how a top secret virus is stolen from a top secret facility in Florida. Once he’s in, the feds try to get him out, because he might actually solve the case. Sounds about right.
Assassin’s Run by Ward Larsen; A sniper tries to find another sniper who is using a guided bullet. Lots of running around, without a lot getting done.
Killing Mercury by Anderson Harp; An assassin is after the former President’s daughter, who is training for the Olympic Biathlon, while Will Parker tries to get there in time. Cold weather thriller without a lot of action. Several subplots were unresolved, for no good reason.
Lots of Parkers there, Glen. The Devil’s Rosary sounds interesting. And, I’m a Larry D. Sweazy fan. I have a couple of his books on TBR piles right now.
Big fan of Larry D. Sweazy as well. Several of his books are in my massive eBook and Print TBR piles.
Speaking of Mr. Sweazy, as part of FFB Reviews today, I reminded folks of his book, THE DEVIL’S BONES.
https://kevintipplescorner.blogspot.com/2021/09/ffb-review-devils-bones-by-larry-d.html
Kevin, I’m glad you liked that second book. I’m going to have to check out the first. And, the fighting in the mystery community? Just ugly. Ugliest inflghting I’ve seen, but, then I didn’t know people involved in the romance fight in the last couple years, so that might have been just as bad.