Today is Library Journal‘s Day of Dialog in which panels of authors discuss their forthcoming books. I’m moderating the Mystery panel at 1 PM ET, so I won’t be around much in the afternoon. That panel lasts about fifty minutes, and then I’m eager to hear two authors on panels later in the day. Timothy Egan is the author of The Worst Hard Times, a wonderful book about the Dust Bowl. He has a new book coming out in April, A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan’s Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them. I suspect that most of it takes place in Indiana, and some of it might take place in Evansville. I’m interested in the book, and in hearing him talk about it. Dennis Lehane is on the panel after Egan’s. His April release is called Small Mercies, and if the book is at all as compelling as his Author’s Note, this will be a powerful book. It’s set in 1974 in Boston, in the middle of the desegregation violence. I can’t wait to read that book!
So, I’m listening to authors today, and I just started Lev AC Rosen’s Lavender House on my lunch hour on Wednesday. Here’s an excerpt from Sarah Weinman’s review from The New York Times. “Evander “Andy” Mills, the protagonist of Lev AC Rosen’s LAVENDER HOUSE (Forge, 288 pp., $26.99), discovers that looking for his true self can be a decidedly dangerous exercise. Being queer in 1952 San Francisco demands a furtive lifestyle, and when Andy is busted in a gay bar raid, his policing career implodes. By serendipity, though, he’s hired to investigate the strange death of the soap heiress Irene Lamontaine, who has created her own chosen family behind the gates of her grand Art Deco estate, which is “completely sealed off, hidden” from the outside world. “Looked to me like she just took a slip and had an unhappy landing,” one member of the family tells Andy. He’s not so sure.”
What about you? I’ve now mentioned what I’m reading, what I’m doing this afternoon, and two books I’m anticipating. What are you reading this week? We’d love to know!
We have autumn in the morning, but summer in the afternoon, with highs still in the 90s.
November Man by Bill Granger; The movie with Pierce Brosnan was pretty good. This book is a bit awkward, coming between the Le Carre cycle, where intelligence work is little more than a cult, and the more patriotic Tom Clancy cycle, which followed it. Seems like a bridge, but I’m pretty sure Granger didn’t build it on purpose.
Night Fall by Nelson DeMille; It’s the 1990’s, back when adultery was considered glamorous. A couple that married, but not to each other make a sex tape on a beach, and just happen to film the explosion of TWA Flight 800. From there, we get a conspiracy with no real purpose.
Red Metal by Mark Greaney; A bit too close for comfort, as The Russians invade Poland and Germany to distract everyone from The Horn of Africa. A soap opera that could be at least100 pages shorter.
Red Roulette by Desmond Shun biography of a guy who becomes a crazy rich Asian…and then his ex-wife is disappeared. Suddenly, he’s having second thoughts.
Rising Storm by Wayne Stinnett; Jesse McDermitt tries to help a woman who got a fortune in emeralds stolen from her. The culprits are not only human traffickers, but serial killers based on the pair in All His Father’s Sins, which I read a couple of weeks ago. An interesting coincidence.
I’d take your summer or autumn, Glen. And, I’ll try any movie featuring Pierce Brosnan, although he has been in some clunkers.
I believe there was a series of November Man books, back in the day, but since there was only one movie…
I like Mark Greaney, Glen, but ALL of his books could be 100 pages shorter.
It was a decidedly mixed reading week for me–two wonderful books and two not-so-wonderful ones. You may feel differently, of course.
I have to say the third in Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club Mystery series, THE BULLET THAT MISSED, is my favorite so far. I’d already learned to love the four senior citizen members of the club, along with their law enforcement buddies, friends and family. Now I’m hoping that several more characters introduced in this story will be seen in future installments. One of the two main plots hearkens back to the death of an ambitious young TV journalist, and the other involves a threat to Elizabeth, the club’s intrepid ex-spy: kill or be killed! The mystery is an intriguing one with many suspects, a few of whom act in unexpected and sometimes quite humorous ways. There are also some romantic relationships that evolve with this book, although they aren’t the main focus. The author writes in a breezy way that keeps the action from getting too disturbing while maintaining suspense, and he has a deft hand with character development as well. I do hope that this entertaining series continues.
I was enjoying the latest in David Handler’s long-running Stewart Hoag Mystery series, THE GIRL WHO TOOK WHAT SHE WANTED, for the first half of the book. “Hoagy” is a foppish writer whose first book was a huge success, but when he couldn’t follow up with a second, his life spiraled downward. He became caught up in drugs and alcohol and his marriage with superstar actress Merilee failed. Since then he has made a living ghostwriting celebrity memoirs and is on better terms with ex-wife Merilee, so when he is presented with the possibility of ghostwriting a series of romances for wild child and reality series star Nikki, he jumps at the chance to start writing fiction again. So far, so good. But the second half felt like a different book altogether. Although the Hoag books are categorized as mysteries, I felt this one would have been much better had the author stuck with the original premise. Hoagy and Nikki would have made an interesting team. Instead, the focus of the story was on a murder and on the slowly revealed secrets of Nikki’s family. The resolution seemed clumsy and melodramatic, and the murderer was not a surprise. I also don’t understand why the story was presented as almost a prequel–something that happened at least five years earlier (late 1980s). TV reality shows weren’t really a thing in those days, by the way. The things I did like about the book are the same as those of earlier books in the series: Hoagy’s adorable basset hound and constant companion, Lulu. the light-hearted descriptions of Hoagy’s life and his clothing, Hoagy’s refusal to be a doormat, and his on-again, off-again relationship with Merilee. (February)
In NOT THAT KIND OF EVER AFTER by Luci Adams, everything that Bella Marble counted on is crumbling. Ellie, her best friend and roommate, is moving out to live with her boring boyfriend. Bella’s “perfect” parents are divorcing, and her dream job in publishing is going nowhere. But instead of dealing with each situation with acceptance, grace, and maturity, Bella chooses to blame, complain, and act irresponsibly. This is the first book by this author, and I applaud her cleverness in embracing a fairy tale theme, as evidenced by the stories Bella writes about her one-night stands. But I would have appreciated a little more depth in the character of Bella, to make her more likeable. Also, she unnecessarily risks personal danger by seeking out these one-nighters, but there are no apparent consequences. Even when she realizes that what she is doing is not so different from what she has criticized in another writer, it isn’t enough to get her to stop. The debut author definitely has talent, and I look forward to seeing how her style and content matures. For a romance, I would like to see more expansion of the romantic relationship and more development and redemption for her main character. (March)
I couldn’t wait to dive into Ann Napolitano’s new book, HELLO BEAUTIFUL, after being hugely impressed with her 2020 novel, Dear Edward. The author’s writing style is so insightful, so beautiful, that I knew I would relish every word. Julia and William find each other as college freshmen in the late 1970s. when headstrong Julia is looking for a suitable boyfriend to fit her vision for the future, and 6’7″ basketball player William is trying to find meaning and solace in his life after being ignored by his parents ever since his sister’s death. Meeting Julia’s parents and three younger sisters, William knows he has gained not just a partner but a wonderful new family. But, as we all know, life doesn’t always turn out the way we expect. One of my favorite things about the author’s style is the way she lovingly and distinctly portrays each character in the book–not just the major characters–with their own special talents, idiosyncrasies, inner dialogue, dreams and ambitions (or lack thereof). In particular, each of Julia’s sisters is an unforgettable character who figures prominently in the story. How each views her mother and father is quite different, and each has a very different trajectory through life. I also enjoyed the references to Walt Whitman’s poetry and comparisons with the girls’ favorite book, Little Women. It’s true that some parts of the book are difficult to read, even difficult to accept, but the empathetic way they are depicted kept me reading, knowing that there would ultimately be clarity and redemption. I found myself becoming teary-eyed at several points in the story, but rather than tears of sadness, they were tears of recognition and hope. This will definitely be high on my list of favorite reads of the year. (March)
I do like the sound of Hello Beautiful, Margie. I will add it to my list. It’s such a relief to find a good book after a string of poor ones, isn’t it? I went through a period in the summer when I thought it really must be me – but more recent reads have shown me it probably wasn’t.
Like you, Margie, I’m already thinking about the books that are going on my list of favorites this year. Not as many mysteries as you might expect. I haven’t found this an impressive year for crime fiction.
Margie, You make Napolitano’s new book, HELLO BEAUTIFUL, sound quite intriguing! Addibg it to my list.
Margie, I keep hearing people said that this third book of The Thursday Murder Club is their favorite. I think I have two more books to read before I get to it. Can’t wait!
Good morning Lesa. It sounds like you have a very busy day ahead of you – enjoy it! I thought Lavender House sounded familiar, but then realised I had it mixed up in my mind with The Lavender Menace – quite a different thing, though there are certainly connections.
This week I have been in Edinburgh and also here in Aberdeenshire. In Edinburgh, Anna and I went to see the black/queer cabaret I probably mentioned last week. It was at the Fruitmarket Gallery, which has developed an event space in the nightclub that was once next door. Unfortunately this didn’t work too well for this particular event – it’s just a huge former dance space, and so all the chairs were simply set out in lines – there is no tiering – and although we were only half way back, we simply could not see some of the acts. The pole dancer – who really was amazing – started her act flat on the floor in front of the front row – so only they could see anything. The drag artist was only partly visible – though from the reaction of those lucky enough to be able to see properly, he was very good. Two of the advertised acts did not show up either, so it was all a bit disappointing. I will put it down to experience! Actually it was quite useful, as we were planning to see Fergus McReadie – a jazz pianist – at the same venue later this year, but we’ve decided not to buy tickets after all. We have seen him many times before, and will do again, but not at the Fruitmarket.
I also attended Choral Evensong at the church where Anna is now singing. Old St Paul’s is very High Anglican, so lots of incense and bells, which I have to admit I do enjoy, and even the Benediction of the Sacrament, which I have only ever seen in one other Anglican church. Afterwards I chatted to the curate who had taken the service – she is a young American, Jaime Wright, and I liked her a lot. She has no truck with any sexism in the prayers, etc – it’s not all ‘he’ and ‘him’ now she’s arrived. She also told me she’d had to learn how to sing the liturgy through clouds of smoke – not easy, I’m sure. It was a very lovely and peaceful way to end the day; I will go again.
In between I met up with a few Edinburgh friends, and had coffee with one of them at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery (which has top scones!). When I came out, a guy was doing one of those user surveys on behalf of SNGs. One of the questions was ‘how old are you?’ and another was ‘how old was your companion?’ When I answered that my friend David is 28, the guy said ‘Well that’s some age difference!’
I don’t care, I really like having some younger friends – it’s so interesting to hear their take on life. David and I have great chats.
As you may have seen, politics in Westminster have descended into total chaos this week. I won’t go on and on, but this government is out of control and unfit to run the country. Even some of its own members of parliament are saying so. We need a general election very badly. Whether they will allow one to happen (one which they are almost certain to lose, and in which many of their MPs will lose their jobs) is another question. The Scottish and Welsh governments are looking on. They are both run in a far more civilised, modern manner. The utter mess in London is just adding weight to both governments’ arguments for independence.
What times we are living through.
So – books!
I am reading THE CALL OF THE CORMORANT by Donald S Murray. It was sent to me by Saraband for review, and I must say I thought ‘oh another nature book’ – but despite the cover illustration, it is anything but.
It is about a young man living on the remote Faroe Islands in the late 1800s. Karl Einarsson believes he is superior to his peers, and destined for better things than life on this remote, somewhat miserable, outpost, ruled by Denmark. His parents have come to the Faroes from Iceland, and his father, who runs one of the two stores, is a dreamer who fills Karl’s head with stories of the lost city of Atlantis, and of the Hebridean Islands to the south. Karl sometimes calls himself Cormorant XII. Emperor of Atlantis, and the Count or Duke of St Kilda. He also used various other aliases.
Karl is sent away to school, and then reluctantly begins a career as a lithographer in Copenhagen. Meanwhile his sister Christina remains on the Faroes, marries a dull but reliable fisherman, and longs to escape with a man she met earlier when his ship capsized. Karl starts to lie and brag his way through a life of scamming and swindling. The story is told from the alternate viewpoints of brother and sister, with a few others intervening from time to time. I haven’t quite finished it yet, but it apparently ends in 1930s Berlin, as the Nazis rise to power. It is based on a true story.
On television I’ve started watching the third series of LONDON KILLS – thank you Jeff for bringing this to my attention. I watched the first episode last night, and was so hooked that I stayed up for the second one as well. It’s excellent, and it’s a shame that it’s not widely known here – it began as daytime TV, goodness knows why, and I think that label is hard to lose.
And Jeff, yes I have seen SHERWOOD. It was outstanding, I thought. I am old enough to remember the miners’ strikes, and the terrible scenes at the pit heads. There was a lot of violence, and the police did not manage it well – they were often sent in from other areas, and had no idea of, or sensitivity to, the situation. Margaret Thatcher caused all of it. She closed pits and destroyed communities, and I am sure Sherwood accurately reflects the bitterness that is still felt today in pit villages that had no hope of any other employment. I’ve probably mentioned the film PRIDE more than once before, but if you haven’t seen it, it depicts the true story of one such village in Wales, the way that the families suffered during the strike, the appalling manner in which they were treated, and the way that hope was lost. (It is the true story of the connection between the LGBT community around the Gay’s The Word bookshop in London, and the people of this tiny pit village in the valleys. Their solidarity was wonderful.)
I didn’t do any special walks in Edinburgh, as I find that just by walking to/from where I need to be, I clock up at least 5 miles a day. Driving in the city is almost impossible (especially at the moment, when just about every road seems to be dug up, whether for tram works or general repairs.) So when I got back up here on Tuesday afternoon, I was only too happy to go down to the river. It was a beautiful evening (the weather has since gone seriously off – today is wet and dark…) and, although I did enjoy my visit to the metropolis, it was lovely to walk beside the quiet water.
I’m also helping my friend Ann turn out her house prior to moving to a much smaller one. The move is in 12 days’ time and we are making *very* slow progress. She’s been there for over 20 years, and her current house has so many cupboards, all jam-packed with ‘stuff’. I am used to being ruthless in these situations, as we have moved many times and David refuses to keep anything he sees as clutter, but I know that most people keep much more than we do, and possessions become tied up with memories – so it’s difficult. Fortunately Ann and I have known one another for 30 years, and can have a laugh while we are working, so we are managing to have some fun mornings – we need to get a move on though!
Today I plan to attend a lunchtime concert in town, then do a bit of research at the art gallery. So I’d better get a move on myself….
I hope everyone has a great week,
Rosemary
Oh, Rosemary. It’s always so good to catch up with your life, your walks, and your TV and books. Thank you for taking the time to share with us!
My mother, too, enjoys having friends of differing decades. I think it keeps her young!
Politics are just a mess everywhere.
I thought you would appreciate SHERWOOD, Rosemary. We watched the last Jimmy Perez episode of SHETLAND on Tuesday. Sad, but at least his personal life is looking up. Despite what he implied at the end, I’m betting they bring in a senior man (or woman) from outside. I don’t see Tosh as being ready to run things. We’ve started the final series (#10) of DOC MARTIN this week, two episodes to start, then one each Monday.
Good morning. Other than a day trip to Princeton, NJ last weekend it’s been quiet here. It’s getting cooler so other than watering the few vegetable plants that are left there’s not much gardening to do.
This week I read. THE JUDGES DAUGHTER by Donna Ball. It’s the latest in her Raine Stockton search and rescue series but partly covers things that happened in past books. The search and rescue aspect of the series was missing from this book and It rehashes too much of what happened in past books.
WHISKERS AND LIES by Sofia Kelly is her new magical cats book. A quick read because I didn’t want to put it down.
Jayne Castles newest paranormal romance set on the planet of Harmony, SWEETWATER AND THE WITCH. I usually like these but didn’t really get into this one and I’m not really sure why. Maybe just the wrong time for that book.
Sandy, It must have just been the wrong time for me with Whiskers and Lies. I took it back to the library because I just couldn’t get into it. I did read the end, though, before returning it, and I’m glad I did! Nice ending!
Good morning! I am still finding it difficult to concentrate enough to read. Managed to finish one book, Shadow Play by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. This is my second Bill Slider mystery and I really enjoyed it. Love the humor in the series and will be going to the library tomorrow to see if there are more books in the series on the shelves. I have just picked up Under a Veiled Moon by Karen Odden. This is the second book in the Inspector Corravan series set in Victorian London. This series has, so far, been set along the Thames River and this one is introducing the large number of Irish immigrants to London and the social and political issues related to this. So far, this is a good read.
It is currently snowing here in Michigan, just north of Detroit. We are being assured that this won’t stick. Fingers crossed-way too early for this! Hope the Mystery Panel goes well, Lesa!
Thank you, Jennifer!
And, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. I agree. Way too early for snow!
Aren’t the Bill Slider mysteries terrific? I enjoy the humor, too. I hope you find several on the shelves! I haven’t tried Karen Odden series yet, but I’d probably enjoy them. I like that time period for mysteries and historicals.
Got some books finished this week. First, Jackie is reading (actually rereading) Jesse Mihalik’s HUNT THE STARS before she reads the second in the series, which is just out.
Richard Osman, THE BULLET THAT MISSED. I agree with Margie on this one, even more fun than the earlier books. I like the additional characters he’s added, including the adorable Alan.
MURDER BY THE BOOK was a good collection of “Bibliophile”-related stories edited by Martin Edwards for the British Crime Library series. I enjoyed rereading Edmund Crispin’s “We Know That You’re Busy Writing…”. Others by Ngaio Marsh, Christianna Brand, Marjorie Bremner, Roy Vickets, among others.
FITTING ENDS was Dan Chaon (apparently pronounced Shone, for those who are interested)’s first collection of stories, mostly set in his native Nebraska. Kind of depressing, to be honest.
JAMES PATTERSON BY JAMES PATTERSON is subtitled The Stories of My Life. I’m having a tough time processing my reaction to the book. It was a very fast, mostly fun read, but… I also find him too glib and slick at times. I like very much what he has done to help child literacy, and he and his wife have given a lot to build school classroom libraries, something Jackie was very involved in doing when she was working. But the endless name dropping got wearisome after a while. But the chapters are very short and, as I said, it is a fast read, so…you could do a lot worse Some good stories here.
Alice Hoffman’s THE BOOKSTORE SISTERS is not my usual read. But I like her short stories and this was offered this month as one of the Amazon free books to subscribers, plus it only takes half an hour to read. Plus, anything involving bookstores is something that interests me. Download it for free. You can’t go wrong.
Do you ever get the feeling when reading a memoir that an author did some of the things he did in his life as much to have some great stories to write about later as because it was something that he really wanted to do at the time I occasionally got that feeling about some of the crazy incidents in Chris Offutt’s first memoir, INTO THE SAME RIVER. In between short chapters about him and his wife waiting for their first child to be born are his adventures starting at 19, when, rejected by the Army, he took off from Kentucky to New York with the professed goal of becoming an actor…or an artist. Other memorable stints (other than just the hazards of hitchhiking) include working for a traveling circus and a job as a supposed “naturalist” at the bottom of the Everglades (that didn’t last too long),, I like his writing and this is only 188 pages.
Currently reading a couple more short story collections – Jean Rhys, Darrell Schweitzer – while waiting for others from the library. Also reading Michael Robotham’s WHEN SHE WAS GOOD (a paperback I found in our basement laundry room ‘library’), the sequel to GOOD GIRL, BAD GIRL. Will be find out the truth of Evie’s childhood and what led her to become Angel Face.
f course, I have several more library books on hand, including the David Milch memoir, with more on the way.
Thanks for the reminder regarding Alice Hoffman, Jeff. One of my favorite authors. If you enjoyed it, I’m sure i will too.
Jeff, I just love that laundry room you have in your building.
I agree with everything you said about Patterson’s memoir. The namedropping did get to be a little much.
I didn’t even know Alice Hoffman wrote short stories! I’ll have to check that out. Thank you!
This week I finished Mrs. Claus and the Evil Elves by Liz Ireland. Not my favorite in the series but I do love these books. Despite the cutesiness of the setting and characters they are good mysteries. I wonder if April’s friend, Claire from Oregon will be in the next one.
I am nearly done with A Place to Land by Lauren K. Denton. Maya is an aged-out foster child who stops in Sugar Bend, Arkansas. She befriends two sixtyish sisters that run a gift/art/craft shop. An old jon boat washes ashore with ties to the sisters. Secrets from the past are uncovered. I haven’t read a book by this author that I didn’t love.
Thanks for the heads up on Hello Beautiful, Margie. I thought Dear Edward was wonderful.
I’m sorry it seems as if there won’t be more London Kills, Rosemary. We went through all 3 seasons rather quickly. We have the last 2 Shetland episodes for tonight and are looking forward to Doc Martin. We aren’t reality television watchers, but our daughter got us interested in Blown Away on Netflix-a reality competition of 10 glass blowers. We find it fascinating.
Warmer weather on the way for the weekend!
Happy Reading!
I was interested when you mentioned Blown Away, Sharon. I have young staff members (twenties & early thirties) who just love all those craft competitions on TV – glass blowing, baking, etc. They told us all about them at one of our staff luncheons.
I know. I’m surprised myself how much I like that Mrs. Claus series by Liz Ireland.
Happy Thursday at Lesa’s everyone! Enjoy your afternoon, Lesa!
Looking forward to reading Lavender House and Small Mercies – thanks for the heads up.
I have picked up, started, and rejected an unusual amount of books this entire year so it is with the greatest of pleasure that i can tell those of you waiting for Nora Roberts’ The Choice that it is worth the wait. I loved it.
Thank you, Kaye, for the good wishes!
I can’t wait to read Small Mercies, and The Choice. Really eager to read The Choice since you’ve raved about it.
Early voting starts Monday here at the libraries. I’ll be voting on my lunch hour on Monday!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed The Choice, Kaye. I guess I’d better read the second in the series, which I won from Goodreads last year, so I’m ready for the third.
Early voting begins here today – heading out to cast my vote now.
We voted already, by absentee ballot, which New York allows everyone since the pandemic.
I’ve decided to find out what all the excitement is about and read a Colleen Hoover novel. I’m starting with It Ends With Us. Before that, I read The Lost Girls of Willowbrook which is a tough one to read but revealing because I’d never heard the true story behind the this novel. A lighter tale will be welcome.
Have fun with the panel — moderating is always hard (coming up with all those good questions) but lots of fun.
You’re right, Patricia. Moderating isn’t easy, first, reading all 5 books! But, I enjoy discovering new authors, and 4 of the 5 were new to me. And, it goes quickly. We only have 55 minutes, and that includes the introductions and closing. So, it’s over before I know it.
I’ll be interested to see if you like It Ends With Us.
Best of luck with the moderating.
I’m in the middle of NO PARM NO FOUL by Linda Reilly. This is the second in her Grilled Cheese Mysteries. It’s set around Halloween, and I’m enjoying it.
As to life, I got out of jury duty on Tuesday (the day I had to report) after spending most of the day as juror #10. Very thankful since work doesn’t slow down for jury duty. And this was Federal jury duty, so I had to drive to downtown LA, about an hour both ways. But that does leave me with most of Michael Connelly’s THE FIFTH WITNESS to relisten to without long drives. And, it’s been so long since I listened to it that I don’t remember what is going to happen.
I know. You can get jury duty, and my work covers that, but, as you said, Mark, work doesn’t slow down for jury duty. I did have a team member get out of it yesterday because she’s been sicker than a dog since last Friday. They told her she should have called, but trying to get through to them is near impossible.
Enjoy both your books!
Hi everyone. I’m still in the midst of the White House chef mysteries, now on #7 of 9. Then I have several good books coming up next – Alyssa Kay Adams A VERY MERRY BROMANCE, the fifth in the Bromance Book Club series. I’ll read this on Kindle rather than on audio, which I’ll miss because i truly enjoyed the narrator. However, I have two audiobooks after that – Cleo Coyle’s new Haunted Bookshop mystery – THE GHOST AND THE STOLEN TEARS – gifted to me by the author when she realized just how close to Hurricane Ian I was and she was worried. Plus I won the brand new audio to Lois Winston’s ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY GLUE GUN. The entire series will be out on audio as time goes along. I think you hosted Lois on this blog, Lesa, when the book originally was published, although I can’t find a reference, so I’ll be sure to share a review. So my dance card is all booked up at the moment!
I’ve hosted Lois a couple times, Sandie. Enjoy books books. The Haunted Bookshop series is one of my favorites. I love Jack!
Sandie, I am so glad you mentioned the White House Chef mysteries last week. I read the first book in the series, STATE OF THE ONION, in the last week and I enjoyed it very much. You are right about the great characters, and I look forward to getting a copy of the 2nd one soon.
This week I finished two books. First was THE LISTENING HOUSE by Mabel Seeley. Published in 1938, it is a suspenseful story with a boardinghouse setting, with all types of suspicious and sinister types in the house. Perfect for this time of year.
Most recently I finished STATE OF THE ONION, a mystery by Julie Hyzy featuring White House Assistant Chef Olivia Paras. (As I noted above in my reply to Sandie.) Ollie loves her job, and she is one of two people being considered for the Executive Chef position when her boss retires. One day she is returning to her job at the White House when she encounters an intruder on the grounds, being chased by Secret Service agents. That event has serious repercussions for her. I enjoyed the book and will be continuing the series. I don’t need a new series to read but this one was a very fast read.
I am currently reading THE GHOST OF OPALINA OR NINE LIVES by Peggy Bacon. It is a children’s book about a ghost cat who haunts various families who live in a house between 1755 and the 1960’s.
I already have my copy of THE BULLET THAT MISSED but wasn’t going to read it until November or December. But after seeing such good comments here, I may have to go ahead and read it sooner.
We only got in one walk this week, at Tucker’s Grove Park, but it was disappointing, even though we had been there before. It is a large area but we had only been there for events and did not find easily available walking trails. We did get a good walk though because we were looking for better places to walk. Our Monday walk was superseded by a eye doctor appointment I had, and I could not read or really do anything the rest of the day because of being dilated. Tomorrow we will go to a small park downtown, Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, which is right across the street from the second place we lived in Santa Barbara, in the 1980s.
Tracy, I’m glad you’ve discovered the White House Chef series. It’s fun. Some are better than others, as in any series, but I really enjoyed it.
I like the sound of The Ghost of Opalina or Nine Lives.
I’m finishing up The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osmen (love love love this series!!) Listening to the Cartographers by Peng Shepherd on audio.
I’m giving away the Osman book this week, Katherine, for those who haven’t had a chance to read it yet.
Here I am again on Thursday night. I think I was reading Bleeding Heart Road last week, or I might have finished it. It seems I’m reading slower and slower these days. I read Laurie R. King’s Back to the Garden, and I’m happy to say I enjoyed her new stand-alone. I have my suspicions she’ll make it a series. I’m now reading Forsaken Country by Allen Eskens. I love Allen’s books, as they have a cast of characters who appear in his different books at different ages, featuring one of the well-known characters each book. In Forsaken Country, we’re back to Max Rupert, a former Minneapolis homicide detective. He’s had several major stories. I’m still reading Marple: Twelve New Mysteries, too. Next up will be two books coming out in November, Still Waters (F.B.I. K-9 #7) and Louise Penny’s A World of Curiosities. Then, I hope to finally get to The Bullet That Missed.
Oh, Kathy. I know you’re a night person, so I’m always happy to see that you’re talking about what you’re reading, no matter what time you drop in. I really need to find the time for Back to the Garden.
Well, it is Friday evening, so I am already very late and thus was not going to check in, but anyway….
So, I had the latest in the Jesse Stone series and got some of it read and was enjoying it, but dealing with a lot here and not reading like I should have been, and the clock ran out me and the eBook launched back to the library sometime in the wee hours of the morning. I hate that. Things always seem to go back sooner than they should by a couple of days and they are not like a print book where I can be four or five days late and not get fined. Sigh.
Then, this afternoon, I get an alert that the new PREY book is here for me and I downloaded that and have been reading. Good stuff.
You’re right, Kevin. The new Prey is good reading, better than some of the Prey books.
I’m sorry you have so much going on. I hope at least a little bit of it is good stuff. Hugs, my friend.