How was your week? Have you been reading? Sometimes, reading is my escape. It was a rough week here. I had to put my oldest cat, Nikki, to sleep. Nikki was almost seventeen, but she was queen of the house. She was failing at the end. Just because I want to share, here is Nikki (Annika Nicole) at five weeks, and Nikki the night before she left me.
Anyone who has loved a pet knows how hard it is to take them in for that final vet’s visit. Just a rough day.
So, I did escape into my books. I read Denise Mina’s Rizzio, a dramatic retelling of the murder of David Rizzio, private secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots. And, now I’m reading Rick Bragg’s The Speckled Beauty: A Dog and His People, Lost and Found. (The dog lives. I already checked the end of the book. I didn’t need a dying dog right now.) I love Rick Bragg’s writing. I had no idea that Bragg himself had been sick. He’s suffering from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which led to heart and kidney failure and pneumonia. My friend, Donna, knew. She read it in an article he wrote. But, when Speck, the very bad dog, showed up, he helped Bragg through the rough times.
What about you? Do books help you escape or is it hard to settle into a book when you’re going through a rough period? What are you reading this week?
It’s so hard to lose one of our fur babies. I feel your pain, Lesa. Each one is so special. Thank you for the photos–my son’s family has a cat that looks so much like Nikki! I often do read for escape, but it has to be the right book at the right time. For example, I had Louise Penny’s new book out of the library, but I returned it unread because I couldn’t face reading about Covid just yet. However, I ended up reading another book with a Covid theme, as you will see below. I requested it from NetGalley without realizing what the theme was, so I felt compelled to read and review it, and I am glad I did. Thanks to you, Lesa, for recommending two of the other books I read this week.
I was excited to learn that Spencer Kope’s Special Tracking Unit Novels now number four. Kope set up the fourth, ECHOES OF THE DEAD, so it can be read as a standalone. Magnus “Steps” Craig is unique as a tracker because he alone can see the “shine” left behind by the killer–a special color that identifies the killer’s presence. Steps acquired the ability after a traumatic event as a youngster, and he tells only those who need to know, most notably his FBI partner, Jimmy Donovan. Now he’s pondering whether to tell his fiancee. In this high-tension thriller, the team is challenged by the disappearance of four high-profile men who have met annually for years to share a fly-fishing expedition. One is a congressman and former oncologist, one the LA district attorney for Major Crimes. The other two are a San Jose accounting executive and the confounder of a hedge fund. And when the first body is found, the race to save the rest is pushed to the limit. Be forewarned that there are some disturbing scenes of gruesome violence. But the research and procedural decisions that keep the investigation moving, the backstories of the four potential victims, and the insights into a twisted killer’s mind and motivation are fascinating and memorable.
It’s semi-retired librarian Charlie Harris and his cats, Diesel and Ramses, in the 14th Cat in the Stacks Mystery. WHAT THE CAT DRAGGED IN by Miranda James is perhaps even more low-key than usual, but it makes a great palate cleanser after reading a tense thriller. Charlie has unexpectedly inherited a house and farm from his grandfather, but it comes with a pile of bones found by Diesel in a closet, followed by a murder. That’s all you really need to know if you enjoy likeable, familiar characters and a quiet story with a satisfying ending.
I’m glad I was finally able to get THE ART OF BETRAYAL, the third Kate Hamilton mystery from the library, having already read an ARC of the fourth. It’s another entry in a stellar series, featuring intricate plots and relatable, down-to-earth main characters. Kate is an American antiques dealer who has been spending time in England helping out another antiques dealer while he is recovering from surgery and spending time with her police detective beau. Kate has the rare knack of reacting viscerally when she handles a valuable artifact, and she can also sense when there is trouble related to that piece. She knows an ancient Chinese jar brought to her by a woman anxious to sell it is valuable and possibly dangerous, and she is stunned when the woman turns up dead. A recurring theme in the story is the legend of the green maiden that has been told in the surrounding villages for years, and another is the White Lotus Society, which has pledged to return ancient Chinese valuables to their native country. I hope this series continues indefinitely!
Even though Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors, I wasn’t sure I could stay the course with WISH YOU WERE HERE because of the Covid theme, but I’m glad I did. Diana is in the Galapagos on a trip she hoped would end in an engagement to her long-time boyfriend, Finn, a surgeon. But she’s there alone, and things are dire. The Covid-19 pandemic is in its earliest stages, and Finn is called in to work in the Covid ICU and can’t get the time off. And in the Galapagos, Diana’s hotel and most of the stores are closed, she can’t get a phone signal, she doesn’t speak the language, and her money is running out. And oh, yes, the airline lost her luggage. If not for the initially reluctant assistance of the locals, she wouldn’t know how to cope. When she is able (only sporadically) to receive email, she reads Finn’s heartbreaking account of what his life at the hospital has become. But gradually, as Diana makes some friends in this unfamiliar country, she begins to wonder if her carefully planned life is really what she wants. The story is brimming with musings about the art business. vs. artistic expression and one particularly storied Toulouse Lautrec painting, as well as interactions with the indigenous wildlife for which the islands are known. Family dynamics are also movingly explored. And all of it is in Picoult’s luminous prose. The plot takes a stunning turn in the latter part of the book, which I won’t spoil because you need to read it for yourself. I will confess that I speed-read through many of the emails from Finn. (November)
Thank you, Margie, for the kind note about Nikki. It is always hard.
And, you’re welcome for the suggestions! I was happy to read your review of the Picoult. I don’t read her books, but I was interested in seeing what you thought because I’ve read the reviews. Thank you.
I’m sorry to hear bout your loss. Losing a pet is tough. My Mother won’t get any more pets for that very reason.
Pretty busy, but still read a lot of books.
Among Thieves by MJ Kuhn; A lady thief in a fantasy world tries to steal a magic pen. Tries way too hard to be tough.
True Crime by Max Allan Collins; Chicago PI Max Heller gets involved in the John Dillinger killing, and winds up going undercover with a bunch of bank robbers trying to kidnap J Edgar Hoover. Not a sophomore slump, but definitely a lot going on here.
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty; an Australian tennis couple take in a charity case, because she cooks for them, then the charity case and the mother disappear, and half the kids think the father is responsible. The ending was just horrid. Too Hollywood even for Hollywood.
MayDay by Dan Stratman; A pilot is taking his final flight on a brand spanking new high tech marvel of a jetliner. Then he finds out he’s a thousand miles off course, and running out of fuel. George Kennedy does not make an appearance.
Iron Eagle by Thomas N. Coffey; Biography of the famous general know for his contributions to the establishment of the Air Force. Seems weird reading about a general who actually wants to win wars in this day and age.
WagerTough by Tom Farrell; A prequel to WagerEasy, that takes the barely established hero out of his native environment, from Chicago to Denver. Too soon, man, to soon. He tries to find out who killed a bookie, and is in over his head before he even starts.
What The Light Won’t Reveal by Michael L. Judge; Magnum Force in Boston, only doesn’t have the required sleaze for the premise..
Lord Tyger by Philip Jose Farmer; NC-17 Jungle Lord book. Farmer gets a lot of love, but I always felt he’s the Otis Adelbert Kline of his day.
The Fly on the Wall by Tony Hillerman; A non-Leaphorn novel about a reporter who sees a fellow journalist fall to his death. Unsure its an accident, he traces the victim’s last story and finds a scandal worth murder. Journalism is not at all like this anymore.
Finally, A Touch of Terror by Gary Ponzi, FBI agent Nick Bracco, and his mafioso cousin Tommy go after a Russian, I guess you’d call him a cyborg, who want to detonate a nuclear device in LA. Even though you know how it ends before you even ope the novel, there’s a lot of tension generated. Good show!
Thank you, Glen. You’re right. It is so hard to lose a pet.
Well, there’s so much in your summaries. First, you do know I had to look up Otis Adelbert Kline. No idea who he was. And, you had a book you said was good! That’s fabulous!
Thanks for the tip on the Hillerman. I haven’t read that one yet. I’m looking forward to the biography Lesa mentioned in a recent “Tresaures”.
I’m so sad that Nikki has passed on. I bet she misses you but is finding solace in Jim’s arms.
A friend shared the most horrible story about how someone came on to his 5 acre fenced property and lured his dog into his car, shut the door, and left him there to die from the heat! I was so shocked and appalled by his recounting that I lost sleep.
Then during my routine visit to the podiatrist today, he saw my one leg that is incredibly swollen and is weeping along with a deep bruise weeping yellow fluid. I couldn’t feel his working on that foot and he said it was cooler than the other foot, so I think he’s worried about a DVT. They got me in to a vascular doc tomorrow. Perhaps he can tie that together with some other things that are going on with me.
When it rains, it pours. At times like these I find it hard to start a new book but sometimes find comfort in rereading.
Oh, Sandie. Sending lots of hugs your way. To be honest, as much as I love Rick Bragg, it was the wrong time for that book. I moved on to Mary Kay Andrews’ The Santa Suit. Just what I needed. I can handle something light.
Take care of yourself!
I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet cat! I’m sure she will be tremendously missed!
I’m very scared for my own cat. She’s 19 years old and sometimes has trouble walking or getting up, but she’s a feisty one and still loves to play and cuddle!
Thank you, Esther. I do miss her. Take care of your sweet cat.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet cat! I’m sure she will be tremendously missed!
I’m very scared for my own cat. She’s 19 years old and sometimes has trouble walking or getting up, but she’s a feisty one and still loves to play and cuddle!
I’m sorry for your loss. It’s never easy to those a pet.
Sometimes I read as an escape and sometimes I just can’t concentrate enough to get into a book. This was one of those weeks where I started a couple of books that I just couldn’t get interested in. But I did manage to finish two.
Am ARC of ONCE UPON A SEASIDE MURDER by Maggie Blackburn. A typical cozy mystery.
DOG EAT DOG by David Rosenfelt. A defense attorney who’s sworn off taking cases takes on a hopeless case.
Hi Sandy. Oh, that Andy Carpenter just can’t help himself with those cases, can he?
I know what you mean about not being able to concentrate at times. I’m glad you found a couple books that worked.
Thank you for your note.
I am sorry for the loss of your cat.
Our household goods were delivered to my new house on Friday and we close on our previous house today. Still knee deep in boxes to unpack.
I finished STANDARD DEVIATION by Katherine Heiny. It was a fun read.
Happy Reading!
You found time to read a book with all that’s going on, Sharon? Amazing. Good luck with everything!
Thank you for your note.
Sorry to hear about your loss of Nikki.
Mostly a nice week here (70s; 67 yesterday) and I got some good reading done. We are going for our Pfizer booster shots this morning. One benefit of being old I guess.
First was STRIKING RANGE by Margaret Mizushima, which you and others have discussed here. I thought it was one of the better mysteries in the series about Mattie Cobb and Robo, though I must admit I had my eye on the bad guy from early on in this one. I did enjoy the scene of Cole doing the dog C-section. Fascinating to read about.
I read and enjoyed Julia Dahl’s short series about reporter Rebekah Roberts and her search for her mother and her past, so didn’t know what to expect with her new standalone, THE MISSING HOURS. This is more a GONE GIRL type thing for me, and one I wouldn’t exactly recommend, though I did find it a very fast read. NYU freshman Claudia Castro, from a rich family, is date-raped and humiliated by a posted video (a theme we will return to below), and sets out to get the person behind it. Chapters alternate among several points of view – Claudia, her sister who just had a baby, the kid down the hall who helps Claudia, etc. But…it is hard to explain , but there was something off about it for me. First, I could not really get a handle on Trevor, the kid from Ohio who helps her. Several of the other characters behave really badly. Anyway, sorry about the incoherence of this, but if you want a fast thriller you could do worse.
BROKEN (IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY) is the third memoir by Jenny Lawson (The Bloggess), about her crazy life, her battles with physical and mental issues (there are many), her crazy marriage to the long-suffering Victor, and just a wild bunch of essays of her nutty life. I must admit there were times she had me laughing uncontrollably, which to me is never a bad thing, and you can skim the chapters that don’t interest you. Lawson has opened a bookstore in Texas and has her own book club, so it isn’t all lunacy, but you might want to try one of her books and see what you think.
A friend reviewed EXOTIC ADVENTURES OF ROBERT SILVERBERG on his blog, and as a huge fan of the SI master’s short stories, I had to get it (and read it). I must admit it was a disappointment. In the late ’50s when the market for science fiction short stories dried up and most magazines shut down, Silverberg briefly wrote a number of made up “articles” for a third rate Men’s Magazine called Exotic Adventures under various pseudonyms. The narrator would retail his adventures with insatiable women on South Sea islands, or the tale of a young Hungarian woman sent to a Russian gulag. They are silly and unbelievable, the sex is soft core, and this is only for Silverberg completists. Even the illustrations recreated from the magazine are third rate for the most part. After this, Silverberg had much greater success writing dozens of porn novels (see “My LIfe as a Pornographer”). Disappointing.
I have read all of Allen Eskens’s books from the first (THE LIFE WE BURY) and find him one of the least known, most underrated writers in the mystery field today. Every book has been excellent and well worth reading. They are set in the Minneapolis area and there are interrelated characters showing up in different books – Joe Talbert, Max Rupert, Boady Sanden, and a young woman who becomes Joe’s girlfriend, Lila Nash. The new book, THE STOLEN HOURS, is Lila’s story, though Joe has a cameo and Sanden is mentioned. She has finished law school and is working for the district attorney’s office while waiting to see if she passed her bar exam. But in some ways she has not gotten past being drugged and date raped (see, I told you the theme would recur) in high school. Now a young woman is found drugged and left to die in the Mississippi, but somehow survives. We see the killer and hear his motivations and his very high opinion of himself. We see the police investigation and prosecution moves. There are some big coincidences that you may or may not be bothered by, but sometimes in life stuff happens just like it. Let’s just say I raced through this one and give it my highest recommendation. Read any of Eskens’ books and you won’t be sorry, but why not start from the beginning and read them all? Or just pick this one up. You’ll get the back story and you’ll be glad you did.
Not sure what I will read next. (I am reading two short story collections and Pat Conroy’s MY READING LIFE too.) Just downloaded MY HEART IS A CHAINSAW by Stephen Graham Jones. (I liked his THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS.) And the library says they have the new Ann Cleeves book ready to be picked up.
Jackie read the Shelly Laurenston and is reading the Mizushima now, and the J. D. Robb is on her Kindle to read next.
Stay safe out there.
Jeff, That scene in the vet’s office in Mizushima’s book was one of the most interesting.
I loved Allen Eskens’ Nothing More Dangerous. I don’t read too many legal novels, so I haven’t read the books in the series, but I loved Boady’s coming-of-age story. If that book is any example, I certainly agree with you – he’s underrated and not well known. I just don’t know why.
The Dahl just didn’t interest me at all.
Happy to hear you two are getting your boosters!
Having to say good bye to a beloved pet I always say is the worst. Tears are flowing now as I write this. Take comfort in knowing you gave her the best possible life.I read We Were Never Here which was a Reese’s book club pick and I waited about a month to get from the library. Well I hate to say it but I was very disappointed. I didn’t like either of the main characters. This is the first one that I’ve read that she recommended and I think I’ll be cautious about reading any more of her picks. Sending you a hug.
Thank you, Donna, for the hug. I didn’t mean to make anyone cry, though! Just relating what my week has been like.
We were talking about these celebrity book clubs just yesterday. Reese’s is the most popular here, but I think she makes some unusual choices.
Lesa, so sorry about Nikki’s death. My heart goes out to you and I am sending a hug.
Just finished The Speckled Beauty. I enjoyed it, as I do all of Rick Bragg’s books. He is a wonderful writer, with a life full of interesting stories. Again a big hug for you.
Thank you for the hugs, Jennifer. The notes and comments mean a lot.
Rick Bragg is a wonderful writer. I totally agree with you. His writing is so beauitul.
Ack. Hate it when I don’t catch an error – beautiful.
I’m so sorry about the loss of Nikki. What a beautiful cat she was. Books do help me through tough times, but it depends on the book. But it also depends on the difficulties. So, yes sometimes books do help me escape.
This week I read:
On My Own Two Feet by Beverly Cleary – this is the second part of her memoirs beginning when she is leaving for college and ending with the publishing of her first book. It was fascinating to read about Oregon and California in the 1930’s and 1940’s. I enjoy the way she describes the dailiness of life in such detail.
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman – the first in the Mrs. Pollifax series. Volunteering to be a spy lands her a job as a courier for the CIA. Things go wrong and she ends up being captured and held in a prison. I loved this! it was a lot of fun, but more than just fluff. There was real danger, real difficulties. Mrs. Pollifax was genuine, kind, clever and such a hoot!
My husband and I are leaving this weekend for a road trip to Utah to visit our son. It looks like the weather along the way is going to be just right.
Have a great week!
Thank you, Gretchen.
We have a patron here at the library going through all the Mrs. Pollifax books. She loves them.
Safe travels this weekend!
Lesa, I have been thinking of you, dear sister friend. There’s just no preparing ourselves for the hurt we feel when we have to say good-bye to our pets. But there’s no living without those kind gentle creatures.
I did not know about Rick Bragg’s illness! I’m sure his new book is outstanding, as is everything he writes, but I can’t bring myself to read sweet dog stories. I just can’t.
What I read this past week –
“AN outstanding debut thriller by Katie Lattari, Dark Things I Adore is a tale of atonement that proves that in the grasp of manipulative men, women may momentarily fall. But in the hands of fierce women, men will be brought to their knees.
Three campfire secrets. Two witnesses. One dead in the trees. And the woman, thirty years later, bent on making the guilty finally pay.
1988. A group of outcasts gather at a small, prestigious arts camp nestled in the Maine woods. They’re the painters: bright, hopeful, teeming with potential. But secrets and dark ambitions rise like smoke from a campfire, and the truths they tell will come back to haunt them in ways more deadly than they dreamed.
2018. Esteemed art professor Max Durant arrives at his protégé’s remote home to view her graduate thesis collection. He knows Audra is beautiful and brilliant. He knows being invited into her private world is a rare gift. But he doesn’t know that Audra has engineered every aspect of their weekend together. Every detail, every conversation. Audra has woven the perfect web.
Only Audra knows what happened that summer in 1988. Max’s secret, and the dark things that followed. And even though it won’t be easy, Audra knows someone must pay.
A searing psychological thriller book of trauma, dark academia, complicity, and revenge, Dark Things I Adore unravels the realities behind campfire legends—the horrors that happen in the dark, the girls who become cautionary tales, and the guilty who go unpunished. Until now. ”
Loved it! I was surprised by how.much ’cause it really is quite dark. But I am always drawn to “art stories” and that part of this book fascinated me.
You’re so right, and you understand losing a beloved pet, Kaye. I can feel the hugs from here.
Nope. You’ll pass on Rick Bragg’s book. I’ll pass on Dark Things I Adore. Too dark for me.
Books are my happy place! It depends on the situation, as to whether I can get into a book or not. Sometimes it’s as simple as finding the right book. if you’re sad, read something light that you don’t have to think about or process.
My current audio book is For the Love of Books by Graham Tarrant (courtesy of netgalley). It is a fun book of literary trivia, and little known facts and feuds of writers. In print, I am hoping to finish the Mark Pryor and I am also reading the Bookseller’s Secret by Michelle Gable.
You’re so right, Katherine. I actually moved on. Rick Bragg wasn’t right for now. But, Mary Kay Andrews’ The Santa Suit is. Something light, as you said.
For the Love of Books sounds fun.
I’m sorry to hear about your loss Lesa. It’s sad that a long life for a cat is a short time for us. I hope reading provides you some comfort.
Another 30 degree morning here. I do believe it’s really fall.
I started the week with Cora Harrison’s 2015 A Shameful Murder, the first in her Reverend Mother mysteries set in 1920’s Cork, Ireland. The eighth book in series was reviewed here in early September, prompting me to see what I was missing. The mystery part was a bit weak, but the topography of the city Cork is interesting and Reverend Mother is quite the character.
The Eyes of the Queen (Oliver Clements, 2020)
First book of the Agents of the Crown historical fiction series. Takes place over a few months in 1572 with an assassination attempt on a young Elizabeth I and the birth of Her Majesty’s Secret Service. A bit campy, a bit gory, but, overall, held my interest.
Murder Past Due (2010) Miranda James (aka Dean James) The first book in the Cat in the Stacks Mystery series. A leash-walked Maine Coon cat, a college library setting and a cast of suspects. Another new series for me, although I do vaguely recall a Maine Coon cat featuring in a different story.
Such A Quiet Place is the new book from Megan Miranda. Not her best in my opinion. A mystery with enough twists to keep you guessing about who did what, the line between culprit and victim shifting. The plot plays out as an updated village murder mystery, but too much worrying and inner dialogue for me.
I’m also reading, off & on, Rick Bragg’s recent collection of over seventy previously printed magazine columns. Where I Come From – Stories From the Deep South . With humor and affection, he brings the beauty and peculiarities of the rural South to life.
One quote, in his elegy to a Southern author, “But those simple words have taken on a power and beauty and meaning beyond language, to become a thing to live forever.”
Thank you, MM. Rick Bragg’s writing itself just take on a power and beauty beyond language. I know he was talking about someone else, but it describes his writing as well.
The second book in Oliver Clements’ series isn’t campy, but it’s still gory and fascinating.
I love the Reverend Mother books by Cora Harrison. You’re right. For me it’s the history and Reverend Mother more than the mystery.
Lesa, I am very sorry to hear about your cat. We had have two dogs and two cats in our marriage and have had to take two of them for their final vet visit, and it is very very hard. One of our dogs died of old age while being boarded during our move to our condominium; that one was a very sad experience but we knew he was getting slower and slower. Each time my husband has to wait awhile before he can get a new pet. We have only had one at a time, and it feels strange around here with no animal friend. Our current cat is about 10 years old but doing fairly well. She is so sweet and affectionate.
The only thing that seems to affect my reading is if I am very ill (like in the hospital). One time I had my husband bring me books to the hospital — never be without a book — but I was so drained of energy I could not concentrate.
I will be back with some book thoughts.
My youngsters are 14 and 12, Tracy. Both of them still have a lot of energy, which is good. It does seem strange with one less, but two really is enough. I’ll miss her for a long time, though. I understand why your husband has to wait.
See you later with those “book thoughts”.
I’m so sorry. 🙁
This week has been okay. I was on vacation last week, and I had a fabulous time. One of my best vacations ever. So it’s been hard settling back into work, but I’ve been productive, which is a good thing since it’s month end time again.
On the reading front, I’m starting Murder Gets a Makeover by Laura Levine today. The books in this series are purposely silly, and I enjoy them for what they are, light comedic mysteries.
Thank you, Mark. I’m so glad you had a fabulous vacation. I think you deserved a break.
I’m late as usual.
Happy Thursday at Lesa’s to all.
This last ten days or more I’ve started a great deal more than I’ve finished, which is true in the garden as much as with reading. We had some much needed rain, not enough to solve our drought, but some help. The temperatures have been cooler, which is nice, and it certainly feels like Autumn, though no Fall color yet.
I started The Cold Cold Ground by Adrian McKinty, a Detective Sean Duffy mystery set in Ireland during “the troubles”. I’ve tried a couple of previous mysteries set there/then, and they haven’t worked for me, and neither did this. That said, Barbara is nearly finished with it and says, in spite of a certain amount of unnecessary sex, she’s enjoying it. Asked if she’d go on to the next, she says probably not.
I also started The Axeman by Ray Celestin, and quit after about 40 pages. I didn’t like the writing, setting, characters…it was a no-go for me, so back to the library it went. I’m not sure where I heard of the two books, but got them from the library for some reason.
I’m now starting The Curse of the Blue Figurine by John Bellairs, a 1983 “Johnny Dixon mystery”. Again, I’m not sure when or where I heard of it, nor do I know if it’s a YA mystery novel or not, but I’ll give it a try. If it doesn’t please me maybe a change of form?
After reading a review here, I may go to short stories for a while, as I have the ebook of the first Murder Squad anthology, Best Eaten Cold and Other Stories, of which I’ve read the first three stories and found them very good.
Rick, You didn’t hear of the John Bellairs book from me, but I’m a big fan. It doesn’t mean you’ll like it because they’re a mixture of mystery/horror for young people. Edward Gorey did the illustrations. I loved those books, and Bellairs died way too soon, in my opinion. He was only 53.
No illustrations in my library copy, published by Open Road (print, not ebook). Too bad, I love Gorey.
Well, darn. I was researching the John Bellairs books for work the other day, and his site, and Edward Gorey’s mentioned his illustrations.
My husband has a volume called The Best of John Bellairs, comprised of three young adult fantasy novels featuring Lewis Barnevelt, a ten-year-old boy who lives with his Uncle Jonathan. Each novel in this edition is illustrated by a different artist. One by Edward Gorey, one by Mercer Mayer, one by Richard Egielski. He has a copy of THE FACE IN THE FROST by John Bellairs, which he has read, which has illustrations by Marilyn Fitschen.
I was so sorry to hear about your cat.
I wanted to let you know that I finished an excellent Ohio book, THE STILLS, by Jess Montgomery. A widowed female sheriff in a fictional Ohio Appalachian county in 1927 investigates bootleggers in her area. The investigation involves old and new friends and family. The main character’s thoughts about her life, her husband’s death and the future are expertly interwoven into the action. Can you tell I really liked it?
It’s the third in a series but could be read as a standalone. And I discovered that Jess Montgomery is a pseudonym but not why she writes under another name.
Thank you, Cindy. Oh, I read the first in Jess Montgomery’s series, The Widows, and loved it. The books are just slow-going for me because they’re so detailed, so I haven’t gone on. But, I’ve recommended her books to book discussion groups in southern Ohio. Wonderful female characters!
Question. When we tell what we’re reading, does that only include books (print, ebook, and audio)? I ask only because in addition to reading Mystery Scene magazine each issue, I read this and several blogs about mystery and other fiction and genres. I know the question “What are you reading?” almost always means books, but I’m sure we all read a lot about books and writers beyond the books themselves.
Thank you for your note of sympathy, Rick. It is hard, but I also feel right in that I did the right thing for them.
Answer to your question now. I’ve never been picky about what people are reading. I’m just happy to know people read! And, if you read magazines, articles, blogs, that you think we might be interested in, feel free to share. I read Sarah Weinman’s Crime & Mystery column today in The New York Times. She reviewed several books I’m interested in. I have a copy of Lori Rader-Day’s forthcoming book, Death at Greenway, and I want to read that. I was really interested to read her review of a cozy, a debut, Mango, Mambo, and Murder by Raquel V. Reyes. I loved it, and reviewed it for this month’s Library Journal. (My review will be up on the blog soon.) So, yes! Feel free to let us know about magazines, blogs, or articles. I know some of us will be interested. You know how I love to go down rabbit holes!
Just got back from receiving my Pfizer booster shot. So, along with masking and distancing and being careful and avoiding crowds, I’m all set.
Rick, we both got our boosters today before lunch too. We were the only ones there! I heard the guy on the phone explaining to a woman that she would have to wait since she had the Moderna vaccine and that one is not yet approved for the boosters..
Now we will get our flu shots in a couple of weeks and we’ll be set for the moment.
Oh, I’m so sorry. I posted my comments before reading your intro to today’s post. I’ve had cats most of my adult life, (2 now, Dexter and Pongo) and know how hard it is to make that final trip with them. My deepest sympathies and condolences.
Since last week, I finished reading THE STRANGER DIARIES by Elly Griffiths. I loved it, so now there is one series by Griffiths I like a lot. It did take me a long time to read it, but I always looked forward to getting back to the book, so I don’t know why it was a slow read. I haven’t tried the the Brighton mysteries, although I did buy the first one at the recent book sale. I am still reading the Ruth Galloway series (up to the 5th book) but I have issues with that series as has been discussed here before.
The next two books I read were fantastic and one was a total surprise to me, so I ended the month with three excellent reads.
HOME TO ROOST is by Andrew Garve and published in 1976. Andrew Garve wrote over 40 detective and adventure books between 1938 and 1978 and I don’t know a lot more about him (yet). But I loved Home to Roost, so I will be looking into him more. It isn’t a straightforward mystery or detective story, more of a suspense novel, told in first person by a man who writes adventure novels, very successfully. It is one of those novels that I think is best to come into know little or nothing about the story, so it is going to be difficult to review it.
Last but not least was CATCH A FALLING SPY (also published as Twinkle Twinkle Little Spy) by Len Deighton, published in 1976. I will be reviewing at least two novels for the 1976 Club, a blogging event that will take place for a week in October. Len Deighton is one of my favorite authors, and this is a cold war spy novel. The narrator is nameless, although I am not sure he is the same nameless spy as in Deighton’s earliest novels. The action starts and ends in Algeria, with hops to France and the US. A very complex story, not for everyone but perfect for me.
Tracy, Isn’t it wonderful when we find authors that are right for us, such as Len Deighton? I hope you find the same with Andrew Garve. Like you, I know nothing about him. (I bet Jeff does.)
I do. I’ve read a lot of Deighton, especially his Bernard Samson trilogies plus a few stand alones. Garve I haven’t read much of, but he wrote a lot of interesting books, some with a newspaper background, some in various parts of England. Garve was Paul WInterton’s most famous pseudonym, but he also wrote as Roger Bax (his earliest books, starting with DEATH BENEATH JERUSALEM in 1938), and as Paul Somers (a short series about reporter Hugh Curtis) He was a journalist himself, a foreign correspondent in Moscow at one point. He died at 92 in 2001. Len Deighton is 92.
Thank you, Jeff! I suspected you’d know about him. I love to tap your book knowledge. Thank you.
Thanks, Jeff. I had seen that Andrew Garve was one of several pseudonyms for Paul WInterton, but not much more than that. I do have two earlier books by him, Murder through the Looking Glass and NoTears For Hilda.
The Bernard Samson series is my favorite by Deighton. I have read all of those (including Winter) and I am just about ready to reread them.
So sorry for the loss of your beloved cat. It’s hard. I still think about our last two cats. We haven’t brought in any animals yet. We do have many feral cats that likes to hang out in our garden. Our son’s dachshund stays with us on days we have our grandson. He’s my buddy when he’s here.
Thank you, Bonnie. That’s so nice that you still have animals around you although you don’t have any right now.
Hi Lesa
The day has really run away with me and now it’s almost dinner time in Scotland.
I am so sorry about Nikki. I had the same trip to the vet with Gracie in the spring; it was horrible, but to be honest it was also a little bit of a relief, as it had been so sad to see her deteriorating. I am thinking of you lots and sending comforting thoughts.
In 10 days time we are hoping to collect our new kitten. It’s a long story, but we have chosen a slightly older one – he is 6 months old, a lilac point Siamese. I don’t think I’ll believe it till it actually happens, as there have been a few complications along the way!
I do sometimes find reading comforting. It can be a steadying thing, I think, but the books have to be fairly light and undemanding: Barbara Pym (of course), Maeve Binchy, Angela Thirkell, DE Stevenson, Mary Stewart, Jilly Cooper (her early novels), maybe an Agatha Christie, or sometimes even a Debbie Macomber (I know…)
This week I at last finished ThE COFFIN TRAIL. I thought it was OK and I will try the next one, as I imagine Martin Edwards’ writing gets better as the seHies progresses. I did like the characters and found them well developed, I just thought the plot somewhat contrived.
So now I am (re)reading THE QUESTION OF MAX, as it fits our 1976 Club book challenge. I love Amanda Cross, though as i was saying to Nancy earlier today, why wasn’t I born Kate Fansler, Cross’s elegant, brilliant, mega-wealthy professor heroine, who also has a penthouse in Manhattan and a lawyer husband who worships the very ground on which she walks, and forces a dry martini into her hand the minute she floats through the door? 🙂 This morning David said to me ‘Is there ANY chance you could put some laundry on today?’ and I was awfully tempted to say, ‘Actually no, I will be too busy thinking up smart literary quips while drinking cocktails.’
But of course I didn’t…
On TV we watched the second eipsode of the Bake Off last night. The challenges are so hard, and the final one this week required the contestants to make a cake representing a favourite childhood toy WITH MOVING PARTS. There were some amazing creations, including a flying plane and a windmill with sails. And as ever, there were some total disasters too.
My big discovery today is that I can use my Nectar points (you get them for shopping at Sainsbury’s supermarket and now also various other places) can actually be spent on ebay!! Dangerous! So I treated myself to some of the Kate Fansler books of which I don’t have copies (I think I did have copies of most of them once, but I must have lent them to someone.) I also bought Elizabeth David’s AN OMELETTE AND A GLASS OF WINE, Luke Barr’s PROVENCE 1970: MFK FISHER, JULIA CHILD, JAMES BEARD AND THE REINVENTION OF AMERICAN TASTE and Frank Cottrell Boyce’s FRAMED.
Yesterday another friend and I met up at Aberdeen beach and had a fabulous walk from one end of the prom to the other, then round the old fishing village of Footdee, where the tiny old cottages all face inwards round a square to protect them from the weather. Many are now holiday homes, but some are sitll residences, and several are very brightly decorated, with all sorts of arty items in their little front gardens. It was a glorious day, the sunlight over the water and the lighthouse was just perfect. We were able to have an outside coffee at an Italian cafe, accompanied by a little starling who clearly knew where to find the crumbs.
Today is quite different and has been very wet and dark. The bright sunny days we get in autumn and winter are all the more enjoyable for being unexpected.
Have a good week everyone.
Rosemary
Rosemary – the Amanda Cross books have been on my radar and after hearing your description I am definitely going to get ahold of them. Your comment about your actual life at home made me giggle 🙂.
Well, that was a surprise, Rosemary, to read you might be getting an older cat instead of the pair of siblings. As you said, I’m sure there’s a story there.
Thank you. I know you’re thinking of me, and I saw your king note on Facebook, too. I know. Sometimes, when you know you can’t do anything more for them, it’s difficult, but it is a relief at the same time, knowing you’re doing your best.
Like Gretchen, I had to laugh at your comments about what your Kate Fansler life should be like, rather than what you’re living. Very good! I guess I just haven’t found the life I want to lead, other than mine, even in a book. Although there is that Katie Fforde book set in Ireland…hmm.
I read the Amanda Cross books so many years ago, I’m afraid I don’t remember them well. Or, maybe I was too young to appreciate her lifestyle.
I love to read about your rambles with your friends. Thank you for sharing! Hugs, Rosemary!
Rosemary, we want all the details of your Kitten Hunt and outcome!
Gretchen, I do hope you enjoy them. My favourite is the one I read first, many years ago now – NO WORD FROM WINIFRED. But I’ve enjoyed them all so far.
So very sorry about Nikki, Lesa.
My current read is UTUBE: Inspector Mislan and the Emancipatist Conspiracy. This is the third book in this police procedural series.
Lesa, so sorry about Nikki. I had just recently wondered what was up with your kitties.