I’m getting ready to head to northern Ohio for a week to visit with family. And, to me, fall in northern Ohio also means apple cider. I’m not at all one of those people who likes all those pumpkin spice drinks. But, I love good cider.
What about you? Is there something that signals fall for you?
I might be heading home for fall, but I’m finishing Francine Mathews’ seventh Merry Folger mystery, Death on a Winter Stroll. It’s time for the Christmas Stroll on Nantucket, skipped for a year or two because of the pandemic. But, Police Chief Merry Folger is looking forward to it. This year, she’s also dealing with two vastly different groups on the island, a political family and a Hollywood contingent. They are connected through murder, though.
What about you? Enjoying fall? And, I hope you’re enjoy a good book or two. What are you reading this week?
Finished the new Prey book and enjoyed it. Reading the new Vicram Sunshine book coming out in December thanks to NetGalley. Travel safe.
Thank you, Kevin! I enjoyed the latest Prey as well.
Here, it’s fall if you have to use the heater in your car in the morning, but the AC in the afternoon.
This week I read:
The Terror by Dan Simmons; The ill fated expedition to find the Northwest Passage,has not just the dangers of the Arctic to worry about, but also an abomination beyond understanding. 200 pages too long.
The Double Life of Benson Yu by Kevin Chong; When a guy becomes a success as a comic book artist, he gets a message from his old mentor…and molester. Very uncomfortable.
If She Wakes by Erik Therme; After a car accident, a woman takes in the child of her widowed sister in law, who is not quite what she seemed before the accident. Maybe psychological thrillers don’t lend themselves to series.
Leader of the Pack by David Rosenfelt; They didn’t meet at the Candy Stooore, the client is already in prison, get the picture? (Yes, we see) I was particularly disappointed in the lack of a car crash scene (No No No) Look out! Look out Look out Look out!
The Neighborhood by Matthew Betley; a Die Hard type novel with no sharp edges, like a TV movie starring Dean Cain.
Whiskers and Lies by Sofie Kelly; lacks the punch of the last book, but still serviceable.
Clive Cussler’s Hell Burner by Mike Madden; The usual stuff from The Oregon. i was worried it would be another boring cartel novel for a while.
I have to wear my winter coat in the morning when it’s in the 30s, Glen, but by afternoon it’s in the 60s.
I just couldn’t get into Whiskers and Lies for some reason.
Lesa, I have to admit a fondness for pumpkin spice frappuccinos, but apple cider will do in a pinch. Enjoy your trip! Here’s my (long-winded) report on what I’ve been reading:
From the very beginning of the Hank Phillippi Ryan’s latest thriller, THE HOUSE GUEST, I felt the pervading tension. As the plot unfolded, I was always thinking . . . Is this character really what s/he purports to be . . . will there be physical violence . . . how can she be so naïve? The undercurrent of “something’s very wrong here” sucked me in quickly. Alyssa comes from a poor background and an unsupportive family but has become accustomed to the high life through her wealthy husband. So when Bill casts her aside suddenly and threatens to ruin her financially, she doesn’t know where to turn. An encounter with a woman in a bar who seems to be experiencing an even more difficult situation leads to a quick friendship and an invitation for Bree to stay in Alyssa’s guest house. Will the plot parallel Strangers on a Train, or will it go in another, unexpected, direction? Most of the twists happen toward the end of the book, but they are quite entertaining. I would have liked a little more back story about Alyssa and Bill, but if you enjoy thrillers with at least one character to loathe and some meaty twists, this book is for you. (February)
An enemies to lovers romance–check. Breezy, often hilarious dialogue–check. A setting surrounding a wedding–check. But there’s much, much more. Mazey Eddings’ third novel, THE PLUS ONE, is a romance with Depth (with a capital D), and with unforgettable characters. Indira and Jude have known each other from childhood, since Jude was (and still is) Indira’s brother Collin’s best friend. But they have always had an antagonistic relationship. Now, Collin, Indira, and Jude are all doctors, but their career paths have been very different. Collin and his fiancé both work at the same local hospital, and Indira is a psychiatrist, specializing in treating children. Jude has been an emergency surgeon traveling the world to treat patients in humanitarian crises, currently on leave for seven weeks to attend Collin’s wedding and surrounding events. Indira and Jude are both suffering–Indira because she has just found her boyfriend in a compromising position with a younger woman, and Jude because what he has experienced in the field has made him a broken man. Indira and Jude unexpectedly decide to fake-date for the occasion, and the rest . . . would be spoilers. Suffice it to say that there are serious mental challenges that need to be dealt with, and that’s when the dialogue becomes anything but breezy. I enjoyed everything about this story, especially Indira’s and Jude’s emotionally draining but ultimately life-affirming relationship. But the supporting characters are memorable as well. This is the third in Eddings’ loose trilogy, so it was fun to discover characters from my previous read, Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake, in the story. And I learned that there is another book to look for, the first in the series, A Brush With Love. Fear not, each can be read as a standalone. (April)
I became aware of Simu Liu when he played Jung on five seasons of Kim’s Convenience, an engaging Canadian sitcom on Netflix. I haven’t yet seen his breakout movie, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, but I was interested to read his memoir, WE WERE DREAMERS: AN IMMIGRANT SUPERHERO ORIGIN STORY. A large portion of the book covers Simu’s parents’ journey, from their early years in China to the U.S. to complete their education, and finally to Canada to make a home for themselves and their son. After living for his first four years with his loving, devoted grandparents in China, Simu found the move abrupt and confusing at first. And although he quickly adjusted and went on to excel in his studies, his parents never seemed satisfied with his achievements, resulting in a very difficult relationship for many years. Once Simu came of age and took control of his own future, it was a while until he decided that acting–not accounting–was his passion. I particularly like Simu’s conversational narration, complete with a lot of self-deprecation and some humorous asides, which makes him appear down to earth and vulnerable. He also relates, in some detail, his path toward his new career, including being cast in Kim’s Convenience and finally getting his opportunity to be a superhero. I’m sure he will have a lot more to write about as his show business career evolves.
I always enjoy spending time with the down-to-earth members of the excellent Secret, Book, and Scone Society in Miracle Springs, NC, and the sixth in the series by Ellery Adams, PAPER CUTS, is as compelling as the first five books. The Society was founded when each the four members needed a few select friends in whom to confide about a disturbing secret from her past and has evolved into a close and lasting friendship. In this book, the focus is on bookstore owner Nora, who bears the scars–both physical and mental–of a horrible automobile crash that almost took the lives of two innocent people and are a reminder of the confrontation with her then-husband that led her to drive while under the influence. It all comes flashing back, and Nora can’t help reacting viscerally, when a few unexpected occurrences convince her she might actually encounter her philandering ex right in her current home town. An interaction with a terminally ill woman–the mother of a troubled young son– who claims to know Nora, a local couple who suddenly become antagonistic, and a dead blackbird on Nora’s front porch mean trouble . . . but why? Nora’s beau, the town sheriff, wants to help, but the dying woman’s murder makes Nora a person of interest. The other women in the Society rally around Nora, but they are dealing with their own issues as well–a father just released from prison after 15 years, a daughter given up for adoption at birth and found years later, a romance that might be cooling, and a huge surprise. While Nora’s wonderfully portrayed bookstore feels almost magical, the town’s special events are fun, and Nora’s romance with the sheriff is well developed and realistic, this cozy mystery series is in no way trifling or silly. There are real-life issues here, and the stakes are high for many of the main characters. The author’s Book Retreat Mystery series is also highly recommended. (April)
Elizabeth Berg’s latest book, EARTH’S THE RIGHT PLACE FOR LOVE, is like a warm hug, an in-depth look into the life of Arthur Moses. An old soul even at age sixteen, Arthur loves everything about his home town of Mason, Missouri, especially his older brother, Frank, and the prettiest girl in school, Nola. Unlike most of his schoolmates, he is not into sports or parties. Arthur finds happiness in nature, befriends an unpopular boy from his class, does odd jobs for women in the community, and is a deep thinker. His bond with Frank, with whom he shares a bedroom, is unshakeable. Arthur leans on Frank for advice, defends him from their abusive father, and supports him in whatever he wants to do. Arthur and Nola gradually become close friends, and even though he would prefer a more intimate relationship, he supports her when she makes decisions that keep them apart. An unexpected tragedy is part of the story, but the roots Arthur has planted in his beloved town and those he loves are able to carry him through. I have always appreciated the author’s writing style and the insights she brings to even the most common situations. Those who have read The Story of Arthur Truluv will realize that Earth’s the Right Place for Love is really Arthur’s origin story, but this book can also be read as a standalone. It is a very profound book, not so much about found family as its predecessor was, but quietly inspirational. (March)
Margie, I dislike pumpkin, so all the pumpkin spice stuff leaves me cold.
I continue to tell myself that I need to read Ellery Adams’ Secret, Book, and Scone Society books. I read the first one, liked it, but never went back. Now that she has six, I should go back to the beginning. Thank you for the reminder!
Yes! I don’t eat pumpkin, I dislike spice cake in general, and the idea of pumpkin spice is a total yuck for me. I will eat a piece of pumpkin pie only if there is no other choice, as long as there is plenty of whipped cream, but haven’t had to do so in years.
I can identify with the meme that goes around of the slice of pumpkin pie sinking into a tub of whipped cream. The only way to eat it!
We’re having the same fall weather here that Glen talked about. Have to turn on the heater in the morning, and then the AC when I go to bed. But in between, neither is running.
I’m working on Secrets in the Stacks by Lynn Cahoon. I’m enjoying it, but there are some rough spots that really should be been smoothed over before it got to the ARC stage. I hope they were caught before it went to print.
Mark, When you read an ARC, it does make you wonder about the final book, doesn’t it?
Enjoy your week in Ohio. The leaves are at their peak so it will be a pretty drive.
Only one book this week. Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss. I didn’t enjoy it as much as her book last year. Nory Noel meets her high school friends for wedding week at an estate near their boarding school. Lots of drunken bridezilla antics along with the constant reminder Nory was a scholarship student and her friends are from rich families. Nory reconnects with the gardener’s son. She also runs a used bookstore where she hides the books she loves the most to keep them selling. I would have enjoyed it more if the story had been more about the bookstore and her relationship with Isaac rather than the one with the friends and the wedding.
Safe travels and Happy Reading!
Thank you, Sharon. It’s supposed to be a good day for the drive tomorrow, so I hope I do get to enjoy some of the fall colors.
Well, darn. I have that book on a pile, but I am so not into weddings and the whole bridezilla thing. I might end up skipping it. Thanks for the heads-up!
Good morning Lesa. Enjoy your trip.
I read Messages in Time by Susan Reiss. A woman communicates with a Civil War era ghost to help solve a present day murder.
Trouble Play by Elizabeth Hunter. A mystery/paranormal romance set around a dog show in Palm Springs.
Thank you, Sandy! Oh, I like ghost stories such as Messages in Time. Sounds right up my alley.
I’m with you, Lesa – I can (and do) pass on pumpkin spice anything.
What I’ve been enjoying this fall includes crisp, cool mountain weather and some of the most gorgeous leaf color i can ever remember. It makes me happy.
Like Margie, I enjoyed Hank Phillippi Ryan’s The House Guest. The two women characters were women i enjoyed spending time with. Their friendship, and their quick back and forth patter were, to me, the best part of a very good story.
And, like Margie, i also enjoyed Ellery Adams’ Paper Cuts.
For the ultimate feel good book I’m recommending The Inn at Tansy Falls by Cate Woods.
Safe travels, my friend! ❤
I think they’re having crisp, cool fall weather at home, Kaye. All of the photos I’ve seen show some beautiful leaf color. I’m glad you’re enjoying it without all that pumpkin spice fluff. (But, I also know I shouldn’t “yech on someone else’s yum”, so I usually only mention it when I’m talking to like-minded people. No one in my family likes pumpkin.
I’m also reading the new Bill Slider books, and this one is making me laugh.
Thank you, Kaye!
Good morning all.
I read The Winners by Fredrick Backman. The last in the Beartown trilogy. It was difficult to say goodbye to all the characters I have come to love. His writing is exceptional. Backman is a keen observer of human nature and has the talent to convey it in a single sentence. My one and only criticism is that the book was very long. It is slightly under 700 pages and took me a few weeks to read. Aside from that, a wonderful reading experience.
I am now reading The Bullet That Missed. I am finding it thoroughly entertaining and laugh out loud funny. This is a great series!
I wish you all a wonderful week.
Isn’t it great, Kathleen, to enjoy a laugh out loud book? I’m reading one right now, the next one by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, and I’m loving the humor.
Enjoy your week as well!
Fall to me is signified by the leaves changing colors (and then falling), acorns and squirrels all over (a lot of oak trees), and, sadly, the nights coming earlier. So far, not too bad though. I associate Halloween with my “baby” sister as her birthday is the day before. Of course, the “baby” is over 60 now.
While waiting for the next Jessie Mihalik book, Jackie is reading THE FALLEN PREY by Kelley Armstrong.
WHEN SHE WAS GOOD by Michael Robotham brings back psychologist Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac, after GOOD GIRL, BAD GIRL. In this one they finally get to the bottom of Evie’s history and who wants her dead now, so I’m curious where he’ll be going with the next in the series, coming out next year.
The rest are works in progress. Of course, there are short story collections, which I will talk about when I finish them. These are by Jean Rhys, John Weir (winner of the Grace Paley Prize in Short Fiction), lus a book I thought I’d read but hadn’t, QUEENS NOIR. I know I read the three Brooklyn and three Manhattan NOIR books but not this. In all the NOIR series, for those unfamiliar with them, different authors write different stories set in different areas of the city (or, as here, borough) . For instance, Megan Abbott’s “Hollywood Lanes” is set in Forest Hills.
I’ve read Archer Mayor’s Joe Gunther Vermont series since the first, OPEN SEASON. I believe FALL GUY is #33. In this one he gets back to the core cop/detectives, Joe, Willy, Sammie and Lester, as the two young women he has added in recent books (including the reporter daughter of his girlfriend) are absent this time. An opportunistic thief is found dead in a stolen car, with many of his stolen items around him. Was he killed for something he took, or the car, or something more personal? This one is set in the southern part of Vermont and New Hampshire.
David Milch started out writing for Steven Bochco’s HILL STREET BLUES, then was the co-creator of his NYPD BLUES and did DEADWOOD (all favorites of mine) plus other shows. Sadly, he was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2015, though he is still hanging in there. He and his family have put together LIFE’S WORK: A Memoir, and if you have any interest in any of the shows mentioned above, you should look out for it.
I also have three more short story collections that have come in (including a new Crippen & Landru collection of very early John Dickson Carr stories). Also picking one up at the library today. And got a couple more regular library books as well.
Now I will go back and read all your comments. Have a great week. Halloween looks wet here, but we haven’t had any trick or treaters in years. They don’t come around the apartment buildings, just the one and two family houses on the side streets, plus the stores on the Avenue, all of which (even the Chinese takeouts now) baskets of candy for when the parents bring the kids around after school.
I don’t have any trick or treaters in my complex, either, Jeff, but this year, I’ll be at Mom’s, and she gets up to 200 of them. So, this will be my year to see them.
I always enjoy reading about your story collections. Once in a while, I pick one up or receive one as an ARC. I always enjoy short stories, and understand why you read so many in between other books.
Alzheimers is such a tragic disease.
Your trip to visit with family sounds great. I am sure it will be beautiful there. Fall here is as Glen says, cold in the morning, hot in the afternoon.
We are keeping up with our walking a few mornings a week. We are returning to places that we used to go on photography excursions, and some have been disappointing. Chase Palm Park, which runs along East Beach, had some portions closed at the area we wanted to visit, and we will have to explore more options in that area the next time we go. We went to an alternate location nearby, the Yacht Harbor, but portions of the Breakwater were closed off. On the other hand, we went to Stow Grove Park yesterday and I loved it. It is small but has various areas of redwood trees, eucalyptus, sycamore and oaks. And shady and green. Unfortunately not shady enough for my husband, who likes overcast days for taking photos. Tomorrow we go to Douglas Preserve, overlooking Arroyo Burro Beach. It is primarily an off-leash dog park and we haven’t been in years, so it will be interesting.
Last week I was reading THE GHOST OF OPALINA by Peggy Bacon. I finished it and even have reviewed it on my blog. It is a children’s fantasy, made up of a series of linked stories that Opalina, the ghost cat, tells to the children of the house that she has lived in for all of her nine lives. None of these stories are scary, and Opalina never behaves maliciously. She does protect those she cares about. The unique aspect of this children’s book is that the stories give the reader a picture of the house and the way people lived for over two centuries, from 1750 up to 1966. The book was published in 1967, and the author was a well known illustrator. She illustrated other authors’ children’s books, and some of her own, including this one.
I am now reading THE GRAY MAN by Mark Greaney, and only have about 70 pages left. This is a fast-paced spy thriller. Like the last new espionage series I started, I was initially put off by the first few chapters, but got involved in the story and could not stop reading. So I am sure I will try the next one in the series to see how it holds up. I thought I had seen comments here about people who liked this series, but now I can’t find any of them so maybe not.
Tracy, Maybe you didn’t find the comments, but I know tons of people like the Gray Man series, so you’re certainly not alone. I like the sound of The Ghost of Opalina.
And, I think it’s great that you, your husband, and the camera have headed out for some fall pictures.
Have a great trip. I’ll have A Very Merry Bromance done by the time you return! Have a cup of cider for me, too. Hmmmmm.
Thank you, Sandie. I just shouldn’t drink it after brushing my teeth!
I love the fall chill in the morning and the crunching sound of the leaves as I walk through them. I just started reading The Family Game by Catherine Steadman and am continuing the War Librarian by Addison Armstrong. On audio it’s the Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman and Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney. I always have several books going at once.
Katherine, I want to hear what you think of The Family Game. I’ve seen it online, but haven’t really heard anything about it.
I love fall, and the leaves are especially vibrant this year. I like to make applesauce at home (and just did today). My biggest reading surprise of the week was that I stopped reading Killers of a Certain Age. I couldn’t get behind the idea of a shadowy, lawless organization that gave itself permission to have people killed. I kept thinking about the death squads in El Salvador.
That theme of paramilitary organizations and threats to democracy relates to the books I did read, the Elena Standish books by Anne Perry. At times that part is a bit heavy-handed but it beats the other way. I’ve enjoyed seeing the heroine grow up in the books in the series I’ve read so far.
I’m not really familiar with that series by Anne Perry, Trisha. I know her other series, but not that one.
Oh, my mother makes good applesauce. I love homemade applesauce.