Good morning or afternoon! I’m in Williamsburg, VA for one more day with my Mom and a sister. We’re heading home on Friday. In the meantime, I’m going to leave today’s book discussion up to all of you. Thank you for stepping up. I probably won’t get a chance to read your comments until Saturday night, but I hope you let everyone else know “What Are You Reading?”
I’ll have photos from the trip to share sometime next week! Have fun today, and thank you!
I’m in that awkward in between books again at the moment. Earlier today, I finished Spy School: Project X, the 10th in the middle grade series by Stuart Gibbs. So much fun, which isn’t a surprise since that’s always the case with this series.
Next, I will be returning to 1900 New York City with Murder on Pleasant Avenue by Victoria Thompson.
Have a great rest of your trip.
I realized a little after I posted this that I had my book order wrong. I actually started The Plot and the Pendulum, the new Library Lover’s Mystery by Jenn McKinlay last night. I’ll be reading Murder on Pleasant Avenue after that.
Good morning, all! I’m posting this at 10:30 PT on Wednesday night so I don’t have to do it before I go walking at 8:00 tomorrow morning. It’s been a busy week, and I am pleased to say I don’t have to report for jury duty tomorrow after all. I don’t mind doing my civic duty, but it’s a bit of a drive to an unfamiliar town, and I didn’t really want to be stuffed into a jury assembly room shoulder to shoulder with strangers (do they even have room for social distancing?). But enough of that. I’ve been enjoying the cooler temps lately (still in the 80s) and hope they continue, or at least don’t get any hotter..
Pamela Terry has become one of my favorite authors after two evocative novels set in Georgia. Her expressive language, clever turns of phrase, and luminous descriptions are so striking that I knew I needed to read more slowly than usual to make sure I didn’t miss a single word. In WHEN THE MOON TURNS BLUE, a statue of a Confederate general has nearly split the town of Wesleyan, GA in two–those who want it taken down immediately because of what it represents and those who want it to stay. But aside from a couple of gripping confrontations, it’s not really a story about racism in the South. It is instead a poignant character study of those affected by what they find out about themselves in the space of a couple of weeks in a rare ice storm and power outage that temporarily stuns the town. Most interesting are the stories surrounding the major characters. Antiques dealer Harry Cline’s wife, Marietta, has to leave during Harry’s funeral when a migraine threatens, but she soon finds herself playing host to three disparate characters who don’t have anywhere else to go: realtor extraordinaire Butter, who was Marietta’s friend until they had a falling-out five years earlier; bookshop owner Gordon, Marietta’s closest childhood friend, still grieving his partner’s death many years ago; and Glinda, Marietta’s sister-in-law, who is coming to terms with why she randomly humiliated her attorney husband at the reception following the funeral service. Macon, her spouse, is arguing the case for keeping the statue in the face of an opposing group’s legal suit and plans to run for mayor. Other memorable characters include the little girl next door who particularly loved Harry, an ex-con who moved to the South from LA to make a new living as an artist, the church pianist who falls a lot but refuses to use a cane, and an idealistic young man who risks everything to pursue what he knows is right. Then there are delightful touches such as a raven that keeps returning to Marietta’s windowsill and a row of topiary elephants lovingly crafted by Harry for his garden, plus a bit of romance thrown into the mix. This book has it all, and the author’s own insights–some in the narrative, many others expressed through the characters’ voices–left a lasting impression on me. The last chapter is especially satisfying. Highly recommended. (February)
William Landay’s last book, the excellent Defending Jacob, was published 10 years ago, so I was delighted that he is releasing another thoughtful novel. Jane Larkin’s sudden disappearance affects her children and her older sister deeply, so why does her husband seem largely unaffected? Has there been a murder–with attorney husband Dan as the prime suspect–or did Jane leave voluntarily? Everyone has an opinion, including the police detective assigned to the case, but there isn’t enough evidence for an arrest so the investigation languishes for years. Miranda, the youngest child (10 years old at the time her mother disappeared), is featured prominently in the plot, as she is the most fragile and goes through the most changes. One of her older brothers, Jeff, has tried to distance himself as much as possible from the situation, while oldest brother Alex comes down clearly on his father’s side. In the four “books” (long chapters), the story is told from the perspective of several characters–a former classmate of Jeff’s who is writing a book about the case, Miranda, Jeff, and Dan himself, using different types of narrative. The reader is buffeted back and forth with red herrings, conflicting “facts,” and the mystery of the book’s title, which Miranda later has tattooed on her arm. The book held my interest throughout, keeping me reading to find out (hopefully) what really happened and why. The author has created a compelling work of art that will interest those who enjoy a character-driven story combined with a suspenseful mystery. (March)
Having been very impressed with Ashley Schumacher’s upcoming YA book, The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway, I wanted to read more so I borrowed her debut YA novel, AMELIA UNABRIDGED, from the library. A recent high school graduate looking forward to attending college with her best friend, Amelia is stunned when she hears that Jenna has perished in an automobile accident while on vacation in Ireland. Amelia is also obsessed with the books in the fantastical Orman Chronicles series, so when she receives in the mail a beautiful first edition of the book that started it all, she can’t help feeling it is somehow a gift, or a sign, from her deceased friend. Taking a solo trip to Michigan and the bookstore from which the book was sent, she unexpectedly meets her idol, the reclusive 19-year-old author N.E. (Nolan) Endsley. Nolan is suffering from a personal tragedy of his own and is unable to cope with the real world, except for his friend Alex and the book store owned by Alex’s mother. The story explores the inner struggles of Amelia and Nolan, two teenagers who have only their love of the fictional land of Orman in common. Together they might be able to help each other through the most difficult time in their lives, and to start making decisions that may well plot the course of their future. Richly written, set in a whimsical book store I would love to visit (if it were only real), it is a story that bookish adults, as well as young adults, can enjoy.
I forgot to mention that William Landay’s new novel is titled ALL THAT IS MINE I CARRY WITH ME (I can never remember this title!).
I love your reviews, Margie. Especially those about books and authors i love – like Pamela Terry.
Good Morning, Lesa! I hope you’re enjoying your visit. I tried to start Killers of a Certain Age because the concept sounded like something I’d enjoy, but I couldn’t get into it. I moved on to The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie by Rachel Linden and am enjoying it so far. Sometimes a lighter read works better than the thrillers and suspense I tend to devour most.
Patricia, i thought i was going to be the only one not able to get into Killers of a Certain Age. The women, frankly, got on my nerves.
Same here, Kaye. I also didn’t like the writing style although I’m not sure I can put my finger on the problem. Others will love the book, and that just shows how hard it is to please everyone.
I hope you are enjoying your time in Colonial Williamsburg, Lesa. We visited there several years ago and loved it. We had a wonderful meal at the Kings Arms Tavern.
Two good books this week. Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen. Since Lesa already reviewed in on Saturday, I will just say what a wonderful storyteller SAA is. I loved this one and am glad she is back writin
I hunkered down under an afghan on my couch and pretty much read Freya Sampson’s The Lost Ticket in one sitting. It was a charming, sweet story about Frank who struck up a conversation with another passenger on Bus 88 in London in 1962. He was supposed to call her and meet her on the bus but lost her number that was written on his bus ticket. Now he is spending his days riding the bus looking for her to let her know how much she changed his life. Enter Libby, a 29-year-old woman who’s lost her job, her home and boyfriend. She’s currently living with her sister and watching her 4-year-old nephew. She hears Frank’s story while riding Bus 88 and makes it her mission to help find the missing woman. I loved this one too.
Praying for all of Florida.
Happy Reading!
I read one book through NetGalley that i was really looking forward to, but found it to be disappointing. Maybe there was still editing to be done, and because that might be the case i’m going to hold off mentioning it.
Good morning (yes, it is still – barely – morning) all. Hope your trip is great, Lesa. We went to Costco this morning again (seems to be Thursdays lately) and it was a madhouse. I couldn’t get into the parking lot for the second straight time. Oh well, first world problems. I hope any Floridians here are OK after Ian passes through.
This month has been almost “all short stories, all the time” as I will be past 90 read by tomorrow. I finished GIDEON AND THE YOUNG TOUGHS by John Creasey writing as J. J. Marric, TEVYE THE DAIRYMAN by Sholem Aleichem, and Emma Cline’s DADDY.
I’m about a third of the way through Martin Edwards’ THE LIFE OF CRIME, his 700+ page book on “The History of Mysteries and Their Creators,” and it is really good. I know most of the references, but anyone who hasn’t been doing this for 50 years as I have will surely pick up a ton of new books and authors to add to your list. What is good about now is, a lot of these old books, which were not available for years, have been reprinted in ebook form and trade paperbacks (for the most part) by small and specialty publishers.
We weren’t at Bouchercon in Minneapolis, but a friend who was sent me a couple of the British Library reprints he picked up there, both with (as usual) informative Martin Edwards iintroductions.
I have been reading Daniel Woodrell’s GIVE US A KISS, the first of his “Country Noir” books, but now have started the new Longmire by Craig Johnson, HELL AND BACK. Not sure about it yet, Walt seems to have amnesia and doesn’t remember anything, including how he got to Montana in the middle of a blizzard.
Good Morning to all! I’m reading the new Sherlock Holmes anthology A DETECTIVE’S LIFE. It’s charming and enjoyable! Like a visit with old friends.
This week I read:
End of Days by Brad Taylor; The protagonists are getting married when some friends need their help. Taylor’s been reading a lot of Dan Brown I think.
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille; The title says it all. There were a ton of books like this around 1960. All I can say is that Doc ford does it better.
All his Father’s Sins by Ray Biondi; True crime that occurred near where I live, at a couple of places I went to a lot. Sort of creepy in that regard..
The Affair by Lee Child; The case that led to Jack Reacher leaving the army, it’s just like all the other books. Small town with secrets, woman to sleep with, beating up rednecks half his size. He buys his toothbrush, and that’s about it for the origin tale.
Hey Lesa, Stay safe on your trip back home. In North carolina, we are under a tropical storm warning due to Hurricane Ian. Staying home from work tomorrow due to heavy wind gusts so hopefully get lots of reading done this weekend.. Currently reading A Fatal Booking by Victoria Gilbert and Bookish People by Susan Coll. I am listening to the audio of The Liar’s Girl by Catherine Ryan Howard.
I missed commenting last week, so this week I am covering the last two weeks. And in that time I only finished two books.
The first was a historical mystery set in British Columbia right after World War II, THE KILLER IN KING’S COVE, by Iona Whishaw. The heroine, Lane Winslow, has just moved to Canada from the UK, following World War II, and lives in a small town of mostly older people who have been there forever. The only younger people are a couple from New York who have recently moved to King’s Cove with their two young children. After Lane has settled down in King’s Cove, a stranger is found dead in the creek that feeds water to her property. I liked the book a lot, it was a good mystery and I liked the setting in Canada.
I just finished SPYCATCHER by Matthew Dunn a couple of days ago. I must be a sucker for just any kind of spy fiction, because this books starts out very awkwardly, and the main character is a kind of superspy that at times requires too much suspension of disbelief. Yet after about a quarter of the book I settled into the story and I enjoyed most of it. Very fast paced.
Lesa, I hope your trip is going well, I look forward to pictures, and stay safe on the drive home.