It’s been a rough week, hasn’t it? Last Thursday, everything was still normal. I don’t live in one of the areas hit by Hurricane Helene, but I’m still in shock. My family knows people or knows of people who were affected, several who lost everything. I hope you’re doing okay, although I suspect some of you have been emotionally hit as much as I have.
Of course, this all affected my ability to read or do much of anything except watch in horror. If my Library Journal editor hadn’t pushed me, I might not be reading yet. On Tuesday, after writing checks and sending donations, I felt emotionally tapped out. I went to a bookstore, and bought two picture books.
Marcie R. Rendon’s Where They Last Saw Her isn’t one of those picture books. I can’t believe this disturbing book is what I chose to read right now. #mmiw. That stands for “missing or murdered Indian women”. Rendon is a citizen of the White Earth Nation. She’s the award-winning author of the Cash Blackbear series, but this one is a standalone. Set on the Red Pine reservation in Minnesota, it features Quill, a restless Ojibwe woman who becomes obsessed with finding several women who are missing. Since she and her friends were taunted and followed by white men from a “man-camp” where men are working on oil pipelines, she’s afraid the missing women might have been kidnapped by some of them. And, when she witnesses several men trying to take a drugged woman from the local casino, she has more worries. Quill has a loving husband and two children, and she could have left the issues to the police. But, as an Indian woman herself, with children, she knows no one is safe. It’s a wonderful book, but not easy to read.
What about you? Have you been lost this week, as I have? Or, did you find some books to take you away? What are you reading?
I’ve seen pictures of the horrific damage and read about so many poor souls affected by Hurricane Helene. Unbelievable, the sheer magnitude of it all. That, and all the news about the wars and fighting going on in the world. I will never understand how people can deliberately do such things to other people; or why any of these – or any number of other – awful things happen. Life is so precious.
Books this week:
THE VILLAGE LIBRARY DEMON-HUNTING SOCIETY by C.M. Waggoner
Sherry is the librarian in the small town of Winesap. She seems to have a talent for investigating, and has assisted the sheriff in solving several murders – a suspiciously high number of murders, considering the size of the town. It becomes more personal when someone close to her is murdered. On top of that her cat seems to be possessed by some sort of demon. Something strange is going on in Winesap, that’s for sure. Along with some of her friends as well as the town’s new priest, they form the society of the title and try to solve the murder and the problem of the demons.
I thought this would be a fun book – what with librarians, murders, and a bit of paranormal activity thrown in – but it wasn’t as good as I’d hoped. The writing was ‘basic’, the characters weren’t portrayed with any depth or even personality, nor was there much in the way of actual demon-hunting going on.
I didn’t want to give up on it so I finished the book, but overall it disappointed me. Reviews were mostly quite good though, so maybe it just wasn’t what I was meant to read this week.
Kim Hays’s PESTICIDE
I liked this book, and would not have come across it if it hadn’t been for Lesa’s Book Critiques.
I’ve read police procedurals in the past but Pesticide is far and away the best of them. You likely all know the synopsis already: a young man killed at an out-of-control riot, perhaps by a policeman; a passionate-about-organic farmer violently and disturbingly killed; detective Giuliana assigned to one of the cases, and her colleague Renzo to the other; how the two cases intertwine; the attraction between the two conscientious colleagues even though both are married; the dogged quest for the truth.
Kim Hays has created utterly believable characters, all with distinct personalities. She’s provided food for thought around what’s involved in farming organically. She has devised a gripping plot, complex nuanced characters and situations, and real suspense. I thought it was a great book.
Wow, Lindy. The first thing I did when I sat down at my desk just now was open up “What Are You Reading?” on the computer, and there was your wonderful review of PESTICIDE. You’ve made my day! Thank you. I’m delighted you enjoyed the first book in the series. The next one is SONS AND BROTHERS, whenever you feel ready for another Linder and Donatelli book.
As you know Kim, I liked all your books and I’m waiting for the new one. That’s the sign of a good series to me.
I love what you read, I have added so many to my wish list.
Thanks, Lindy, for your comments about the world, first. I agree with you.
Then, The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society. I had a copy. Now, I’m just sending it back. I read for character, and if they weren’t developed well, forget it.
As to Pesticide, maybe next month. I’m just piled up with books for Library Journal right now since we’re doing end of the year stuff. But, I want to read Kim’s books!
This week it heated back up, with triple digit heat in October.
This week I read:
Trickster by James W. Hall; This reads like the final book in the Thorn series, as it goes meta. An obnoxious teenage girl comes to his house, and acts rudely. Turns out she’s the daughter of a lost love. Turns out the love’s husband has been bugging his house, and making his life harder, and forcing the love to write novels about it. It also made me think of how many people think some mysterious power is making their lives difficult, and how seductive that line of thought must be.
Word to the Wise by Jenn McKinlay; Librarian Lindsey Norris is finally getting married, but picks up a stalker. Of course, the stalker is soon enough found dead, and her fiancee is the prime suspect. It befuddles me how in so many cozies, everybody is so surprised when a character owns a firearm. This is America. Someone might or might not like guns, but millions of people own them. It’s like the authors live in some alternate universe where the United States is part of England or something.
The Great Brain by John D. Fitzgerald; First book in the Great Brain series, read for the kids book club. Hope it doesn’t give them any ideas.
Last Chance at Devil’s Canyon by Barry Cord; A western with a lot of set up. A prize fighter, pursuing the manager who absconded with his money gets his horse stolen while taking a bath in a river. The horse thief is shot by outlaws, and taking the body to town, the prize fighter is immediately made deputy sheriff. Then the plot starts to kickin.
Whispers in the Night by Bellamina Court; A woman starts seeing ghosts, one of which sends her after a cousin who is about to end her harsh foster care supervised life the hard way.
Deception by Laura Enright; Medical thriller about a kid with a lot wrong him. Hospital administrators hope to harvest his organs, but his family are in the way. Seems more plausible all the time.
The Heist by Clive Cussler; It’s 1913, and the Federal Reserve is about to release the first shipment of greenbacks across the country. The trouble with having a lot of money, is somebody always wants to steal it, hence the title. After solving a locked room mystery, Isaac Bell gets on the case. The action never stops, but it seems weird to read about The Federal Reserve as good guys.
Despite your weather, maybe because of it, it sounds as if you had some good reading this week, Glen. Now, it makes me want to read The Great Brain to see what kind of ideas the kids might get!
My son and I being lucky enough to be in Greece visiting his girlfriend (my first real vacation in 14 years) I am happily rereading all my favorite Greek set novels: Mary Stewart’s This Rough Magic, Helen MacInnes’ Decision at Delphi, Mary Renault’s magnificent The King Must Die, Alexandra Walsh’s The Forgotten Palace, a dual timeline story set in Crete, and Erin Palmisano’s charming Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna, set on Naxos. Reading them feels a little different now that I have actually climbed up to the Parthenon (with a lot of help from my son, his girlfriend, and random strangers), set foot on one of the islands, and stood among the ruins of Knossos. I would encourage anyone who enjoys a story with great settings, multiple HEAs and just a touch of magic to pick up Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna; it’s guaranteed to leave you feeling good.
Beth, Your trip sounds wonderful, as do your books. It’s so wonderful to see the places we read about. I’m going to have to look for Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna. I love the title. Enjoy the rest of your trip and your reading!
Hi every Lesa and everyone,
Firstly, I am so sorry about all the terrible things that have happened in the southern US this past week. We have seen truly shocking scenes on the TV news. I hope all of you are safe.
I’m writing this on Wednesday night yet again, as I will be out tomorrow with my friend Sue. We plan to walk at the Dunecht Estates. The weather has been glorious here today, so we’re hoping it will last till tomorrow.
Today David and I have been trying to sort out the garden before winter comes – lots of cutting back and weeding. My husband has no interest in gardening and simply wants to make it all ‘tidied up’ (our interpretations of ‘tidy’ do not, as you might expect, have much in common– I am constantly trying to restrain him from chopping everything down to ground level.) He’d like to use weed killer as well, but so far I have won that particular argument.
On Tuesday Nancy and I walked at Castle Fraser; it was lovely to see all the trees as they change colour – and we were lucky to find the National Trust café open, so we were able to have a cup of coffee as well. Resisted the scones, just, even though they had a special ‘toffee apple’ one. Left feeling (i) noble (ii) deprived…
At lunchtime today I went to a talk at the Art Gallery about ‘childbed fever’ (also known as puerperal fever). It was very interesting – it seems that the first doctor to understand why so many women were dying of this terrible post-partum infection was Alexander Gordon, who lived just a couple of miles from my house. This was in the mid-1700s. He realised that cases of the fever (from which only 50% of women recovered) were often linked to the same midwife, or in particular the same doctor. In those days doctors would attend one woman – or even the postmortem of one who had died of the fever – then go straight on to deliver another baby. Gordon suggested that they needed to wash their hands in between, only to be laughed at and told that ‘doctors are gentlemen and gentlemen always have clean hands’. On this nonsense rested the lives of numerous women, as the medical staff spread the germs from one delivery to the next.
Puerperal fever is related to scarlet fever and more terrifyingly, sepsis.
Two doctors in the mid-1800s are credited with identifying how this fever was passed from woman to woman, but in fact Alexander Gordon has worked it out a hundred years before them. He had even published a book of all his evidence. Martin Pucci, the medical historian who gave the talk today, works at the university, and he has been able to see and handle (with white gloves on) the original book in the university library.
I’ve been to several events this past week, many connected to the WayWORD festival. Last Thursday we attended a very good retelling of Don Quixote, and on Sunday I saw Louise Welsh and Zoe Strachan ‘in conversation.’ I don’t know if any of you will have heard of either of these writers? Welsh is probably the more famous – her first novel THE CUTTING ROOM won prizes and she has written six more since then. Both women teach on the Creative Writing Masters at Glasgow University (they live in Glasgow.)
During lockdown they began another project, ‘Up Our Street’, in which they researched maps held in the National Library of Scotland (you can see these online) and delved into the history of their street. They found out that the tenements had been built when people got fed up with living in the dirty and smelly centre of the city (this would have been in the 19th century I think) and wanted to move out. The Southside had previously been fields, then a mining area. When the owners wanted to sell off parcels of land to the developers, the maps and records of the mine shafts were mysteriously lost – so building was carried out on unstable land.
In the 1960s and 70s – partly due to the construction of the huge motorway that bisects Glasgow – the tenements started to subside (Welsh: ‘the earth was making itself known’) , and the area went from being desirable to an unmortgageable red light area. As a result, Welsh said, lots of quite alternative people moved in – including artists and writers. Strachan and Welsh (who are themselves a gay couple) found out that the first gay club in Glasgow had been opened opposite their flat (though it’s no longer there.)
The women also talked about their teaching jobs, what a privilege it is to work with young people, and how their students are so well read and informed. Welsh, who teaches crime writing, said that her students are deeply interested in ideas of justice and power.
I’ve never read any of Welsh or Strachan’s books, and unfortunately our library system does not have The Cutting Room, but it did have Welsh’s latest thriller, TO THE DOGS, so I have reserved that.
I’m on the last few pages of Miss Read’s NEWS FROM THRUSH GREEN, which I’ve enjoyed. Not sure yet what I’ll read next – I have stacks of books waiting for me. I read the Miss Read partly because it fitted for Spinsters September – as did Amanda Cross’ POETIC JUSTICE ( though at the end of that one, and not without reservations, Kate finally capitulates to Reed’s proposal(s).)
On TV I’ve just finished THE PERFECT COUPLE – goodness me, Nicole Kidman and Liev Schrieber were superb, but really I thought every actor was excellent. There is a new series of GRACE which I might start now. I tried KAOS, a modern comedy retelling of the stories of the Greek gods; Jeff Goldblum stars as Zeus and Janet McTeer as Hera. Cassandra is played by Billy Piper, who looks VERY different from her Dr Who days. The series has had great reviews from the press but I didn’t find the first episode that good. Has anyone seen it?
When I was in our little library the other day, the counter was stacked high with audio books – ie boxed CD sets. The library assistant told me that they are thinking of throwing them all away as no-one borrows them and they take up so much space on the shelves. They cost around £40 each! I can see the library’s POV but it still seems like a terrible thing to do. He said he didn’t even think they could sell them as they don’t know if the CDs are scratched. I suggested he put up a notice ‘sold as seen, no guarantees’ – not sure if he will though.
Tomorrow I am going to a talk by the author John Burns. He lives in Inverness and writes about wildlife, walking, bothys, etc in northern Scotland. I have reviewed his books in the past. His talk is hosted by the JOHN MUIR TRUST. And on Friday we are back at the Tunnels to see TOM ROBINSON and his band – they’ve been performing since 1976! I like Tom a lot, he is an unapologetic rebel and very funny too. His best known songs include ‘2-4-6-8 Motorway.’
I’ll stop now (sighs of relief all round…)
I hope everyone has a good week, and that things improve for those who have suffered so much in the storms.
Rosemary, we really liked KAOS. Jeff Goldblum was perfect as an awful Zeus (the disconnect between his casual conversations with his “friend” Prometheus and the way he treats him otherwise is startling), a role that was originally going to be played by Hugh Grant! I just can’t see that.
We’re watching the fifth series of THE BAY (I must say, I find the lead to be pretty unlikable) and have the third series of THE TOWER ready to go next. We’re up to series three of FAT FRIENDS. Looking forward to the new GRACE.
Thanks Jeff, I’ll give KAOS another go. I too can’t imagine Hugh Grant in the role!
You are much more up to date with UK television than I am. I have a terrible habit of falling asleep in front of the TV before 10pm. When do you watch?
We generally watch from 7 to 11 at night,
Saturday night is “Brit Night” for us – currently, FAT FRIENDS and THE BAY and SPOOKS (MI-5) and whatever else we think of.
But I agree- sometimes I get tired earlier too.
Well, Rosemary, it doesn’t surprise me one bit that you fall asleep in front of the television before 10! Your days are so busy with those walks (you should have had the scone!), books, gardening, and author talks or concerts.
“Up Our Street” sounds absolutely fascinating. I know how interesting it is to see the history of different parts of my hometown, and it’s only 200 years old.
It’s going to take quite some time for conditions to improve in some of the areas hit by the hurricane. So many people have shown up to help. It’s the best part of us. Just a shame that we’re not like that all the time.
My parents and sister lived for years in two different towns in Western North Carolina, so, like you, Lesa, I’ve been very concerned. But still reading. I just finished listening to Ann Cleeves’s THE MOTH CATCHER, the seventh Vera Stanhope book, and I’m in the middle of Martin Walker’s A GRAVE IN THE WOODS, the 17th book in his Bruno series. For those of you who haven’t read any Bruno books, I really recommend all of them, starting at the beginning. Bruno is the chief of police in a village in the Dordogne region of France and is a thoroughly likable character, not to mention smart, brave, very sociable, and an excellent cook. He has various love interests throughout the series and solves all kinds of serious crimes while still coaching the local kids’ rugby and tennis teams, greeting all the farmers at their stalls every market day, and resolving all village squabbles. I would say the crimes in these books are too serious for them to be called cozies, but they present a gentle picture of life in a delightful French village.
I agree with you Kym on Martin Walker’s Bruno series, wonderful, multi-layered stories. And an immediacy to the writing that makes me feel like I’ve been gathering truffles with the dogs or visiting the market.
I’ve just bought two of Martin Walker’s Bruno books from a charity shop – looking forward to reading them even more now!
Another series for “someday”! Martin Walker’s Bruno books are favorites of the owner of my favorite bookstore, The Poisoned Pen. I really need to read those books sometime. Thank you for the reminder, Kim!
Lesa, it has been a tough week seeing all the damage from the hurricane. I’m so sorry for all the people affected. I felt like this earlier in the summer when one of our favorite vacation spots, Ruidoso, New Mexico, was dealing with massive wildfires and then horrible flooding when rains came over and over. The town and area is still trying to recover. My husband and I visited Asheville a couple of years ago and we’ve been very saddened by the pictures of the area and what happened. Sigh. Take care, friend, and big hugs to you!
Kay, These tragedies are always horrible, but I agree with you. When you’ve been to the area, or know people there, it makes it harder to see the destruction. My family was just in Asheville about 3 years ago, and enjoyed the arts district and the scenery there. And, we do have family affected both there and in Florida, so it makes it harder. You’re right.
Thank you, and big hugs back!
Lesa, I just read a story in the NY Times about how the Republicans in the North Carolina legislature have tried to systematically weaken building codes since they gained control of both houses after the 20120 election, sometimes by overriding the Governor’s veto. The home building industry is very generous with contributions to people who vote their way, it seems.
But, moving on. We had a great day in the city Tuesday – stayed at a (different) Marriott and went to Carnegie Hall for the first time in a long time to see Graham Nash and special guest Judy Collins in an evening of songs and stories. For 82 *Nash( and 85, they can both still sing and did a nice job. And the weather cooperated, as the threatened rain never arrived.
TO books. Jackie and I both finished Kate Quinn’s The Briar Club, discussed here before. Good book. Both of us enjoyed it, though it hasn’t prompted me to look for more of her books. Jackie is currently reading the new (#14) Mercy Thompson book by Patricia Briggs, WINTER LOST. Seems Mercy is a shifter (coyote) who is also a car mechanic, specializing in old Volkswagens. We bought a 1971 VW bug for $2,300 new when we got married, and kept it for 16 years.
I’ve mentioned The Stark House Anthology the last couple of weeks, and I finally reached the end of that entertaining short story collection.
Besides the Quinn (which is over 400 pages), I’ve been reading another book Lesa recommended, The Gatekeeper by James Byrne. This is the first (the third is coming soon) in the Dez Limerick series. He is the titular Gatekeeper, who can “open any door, keep it open, and control who goes through and who doesn’t.” Think of him as a smaller Jack Reacher, but with a wonderful sense of humor. I’m really enjoying this one, smiling regularly at Dez’s quips and antics.
I better read faster as I have several other library books at hand (or waiting to be picked up), including the next Adam Fawley book by Cara Hunter and the new Lee Goldberg.
Have a safe week!
Jeff, I’ve heard similar things about the last conservative government, ie that had their fingers in everyone’s pockets. The Scottish Office (ie Westminster in Scotland) is well known for overturning local planning decisions when big builders appeal them.
Jeff, Politics for just a minute here. I think it’s terrible that politicians don’t represent the people who actually elect them. And, I’ve though that all along. But, one party in particular seems to be notoriously in the pockets of lobbyists and those with money.
Then I forgot to talk about books, Jeff! I loved The Briar Club, but I didn’t go back and read Quinn’s other books either.
However, I’ve read all three of James Byrne’s books. I found the second one to be the weakest, but I love Dez and his humor.
Jeff, my husband David bought a 1966 VW Beetle ($3000 CDN) when he was 18 years old but the car was damaged and written off by the insurance company when someone drove into us as he was driving me to work one day. He bought a 1965 VW Beetle after that but eventually had to sell it because it just wasn’t big enough for us and our three children and all the paraphernalia that went along with so many children. We still have a photo of our older daughter who was maybe 12 years old at the time, sitting on top of the car crying buckets because she didn’t want the car to be sold. All in all David drove a Beetle for about 25 consecutive years.
Wow, better than us! I don’t think we drove it any farther than New York to Washington, D.C. No Florida trips back then. I did drive a rental Mini in Britain, from London up to Edinburgh! But in those days, there weren’t so many big cars around as there are today, so I never felt unsafe.
Jeff, that must have been a great trip from London to Edinburgh in a mini. What fun!
I finished two books this week but neither thrilled me. THE LONG WAY TO A SMALL ANGRY PLANET by Becky Chambers is a sci-if book about a ship that tunnels through space creating wormholes. Unfortunately it was 400 pages of not much happening and two dimensional characters.
A DOG NAMED LEAF by Allen Anderson was as much about his health problems as it was about the dog.
I’m currently reading MOLTEN MUD MURDER by Sara E Johnson. A forensic expert from North Carolina gets involved in a murder case in New Zealand. The forensic parts are interesting but there aren’t enough of them and the main character isn’t really doing anything for me. I’ll probably finish it since I only have a hundred pages left.
Sandy, I hosted Sara Johnson at the library in Arizona when I was there. I agree with you. I found the setting fascinating, but I never went on to read more books because the main character didn’t appeal much to me.
It never ceases to amaze me how different people react to the same story. I am a big fan of Sara’s Alexa Glock series and have recommended it to everyone. So far they all said they loved it. I have no knowledge of the New Zealand culture she is describing and found the background information in Molten Mud Murder fascinating. Perhaps I was not watching the mystery close enough 🙂 I am now reading book five in this series. I don’t normally buy books, but only book one was available from my public library, so I have purchased the rest of the series.
Oh, I agree, Karen. Everyone reads differently. That’s why I always said Reader’s Advisory at the library was an art. You don’t really know what people are looking for. While I enjoyed the background, I was looking for character.
I love that no one reads the same, or the same book!
#mmiw has been a long-standing, often ignored problem exacerbated by the pipeline and oil drilling work. Difficult topic, but good that it’s getting more attention recently. It was in the most recent by William Kent Krueger also, Spirit Crossing.
Yesterday, I started reading AGNES SHARP AND THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME (Miss Sharp Investigates) by Leonie Swann yesterday.
Murder in Duck End. Again!
Translated from German, trouble seeks out this charming group of seniors, residents of Sunset Hall, a private home now house-share. They watch out for each other and solve a mystery or two.
Readable, but not great, the first adult thriller from a novelist known for her YA books, THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK by Emiko Jean. I read the ebook, the actual hard cover was issued as The Next Girl, both in 2024. A spiderweb with a clear center – every girl taken was within a three mile radius. Suspenseful with an unexpected reveal for the climax. But maybe I’m too old! Several critical plot points were appropriated from real-life events I remember, while character development was uneven.
THE NINE TAILORS: A Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery, originally published in 1934. Dorothy Sayers once again shows off her research in an intriguing story that features a cipher and church bells. I knew almost nothing about “change ringing”, so down that rabbit- hole on YouTube. There are about 50 such towers in the US (mostly east of the Mississippi).
Cleverly paced, outside my comfort zone, but a great read, PAPER CAGE (a finalist in the Ngaio Awards for Best First Crime Novel). Based in rural New Zealand, the story incorporates racial and cultural tensions, a divided community, and several missing children. The strange web of gang connections enmeshes the families and is immediately blamed for the problems. The characters are very real and feature an unlikely detective, file clerk Lorraine aka Aunty Lo.
MM, I agree with you. PAPER CAGE was outside my comfort zzoon too, but it was definitely worth reading.
Thank you, MM, for the comment about #mmiw. I watched an interesting author talk last night featuring two Native American authors. They quoted Rendon as saying her book would have been #1 on Native American books on Amazon if it hadn’t been for several white men who were ranked higher – William Kent Krueger and Craig Johnson. And, they had some interesting things to say about Tony Hillerman without naming names. But, if you know mystery literature, you knew.
Paper Cage sounds interesting. Thank you for mentioning it!
So much devastation from the hurricane. A very sad week, indeed. 🙁
I finished the book “The Night in Question” by Susan Fletcher. A book about a senior home where an attempted murder takes place and a couple of elderly in-home sleuths try to solve whodunnit. I had hoped for more of a Richard Osman vibe, but this was a very different style. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads.
I am hosting a Local History Open House at our library this weekend. Hoping for a good turnout! Colors are starting to turn on the trees, so we will be doing a day trip tomorrow to enjoy the sites.
Oh, a local history open house! That sounds fun, Mary. I enjoy local history, even when it isn’t my community.
I know. Some of those Richard Osman wannabes don’t work for me.
Sitting here in our little home outside Boone, NC feeling thankful, grateful, and overwhelmed by what our community is going through, and will continue going through for a long time to come. So many have lost so much.
So. I have sought refuge in Chris Penhall’s light, frothy, fun series set in Portugal.
And I read, thanks to NetGalley, Patti Callahan Henry’s The Story She Left Behind. Loved it so much I read it twice.
Description from NetGalley-
Inspired by a true literary mystery, New York Times bestselling author of the mesmerizing The Secret Book of Flora Lea returns with the sweeping story of a legendary book, a lost mother, and a daughter’s search for them both.
In 1927, eight-year-old Clara Harrington’s magical childhood shatters when her mother, renowned author, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, disappears off the coast of South Carolina. Bronwyn stunned the world with a book written in an invented language that became a national sensation when she was just twelve years old. Her departure leaves behind not only a devoted husband and heartbroken daughter, but also the hope of ever translating the sequel to her landmark work. As the headlines focus on the missing author, Clara yearns for something far deeper and more insatiable: her beautiful mother.
By 1952, Clara is an illustrator raising her own daughter, Wynnie. When a stranger named Charlie Jameson contacts her from London claiming to have discovered a handwritten dictionary of her mother’s lost language. Clara is skeptical. Compelled by the tragedy of her mother’s vanishing, she crosses the Atlantic with Wynnie only to arrive during one of London’s most deadly natural disasters—the Great Smog. With asthmatic Wynnie in peril, they escape the city with Charlie and find refuge in the Jameson’s family retreat nestled in the Lake District. It is there that Clara must find the courage to uncover the truth about her mother and the story she left behind.
Told in Patti Callahan Henry’s lyrical, enchanting prose, The Story She Left Behind is a captivating novel of mystery and family legacy that captures the profound longing for a mother and the evergreen allure of secrets.
Kaye, I can’t even imagine what your community is going through. If it hurts me watching it, I can’t even imagine how it hurts your heart. I’m so sorry. Sending love, hugs, and support.
Good morning! I have been following the hurricane story and am relieved to learn that someone I know is safe. As for me, I had two doctors’ appointments and mostly am healing well. Still have to wear the neck brace, though (darn), and even worse, I had to put a back brace back on to help one spine fracture heal. Next appointment isn’t till November 4 so I guess I’m stuck with these for now. Trying to find places to sit in the house that are somewhat comfortable. The two braces don’t get along, even though they are the same brand, and I find I have to take away the top part of the back brace when I eat because then the neck brace is too tight, even at the loosest point. I’m trying to keep a positive attitude. Here’s what I finished reading this week.
It’s hard to believe that OPEN SEASON is number 40 in Jonathan Kellerman’s excellent Alex Delaware series–I think I’ve read every book! Fans know what to expect: a successful partnership between LAPD detective Milo Sturgis and psychologist/consultant Alex Delaware that ultimately results in the apprehension of the villain. It’s how they get there that never ceases to be intriguing. Alex narrates the story, including details of the investigation and insights learned, as well as immersion into the LA setting. It starts with the discovery of a young woman’s body–drugged, killed, and abandoned outdoors. We learn that other women in the area have met the same fate, but then the investigation opens much wider. Some of the victims are men, and it’s a challenge to determine whether the motives can be attributed to just one killer. I wouldn’t say there is a lot of action in this book, but I found the closing scenes to be quite satisfying. And although I wouldn’t call it one of my favorites in the series, it is certainly enough to keep me looking for the next book. (February)
Although I typically gravitate more toward novels than short stories, I do enjoy Curtis Sittenfeld’s writing. So when I was offered an opportunity to read her short story collection, SHOW DON’T TELL, I gladly accepted. And I’m very happy I did. There are a dozen stories, each showcasing the author’s signature storytelling skills, wisdom, insight, creativity, and humor. The points of view vary–some first person, some third–and a couple even alternate between different timelines. Many of them have something to say about students’ experiences with formal education, from a former scholarship student who looks back on her struggle to find her identity in an elite boarding school to graduate school students vying for highly competitive fellowships. All of the stories shine a bright light on human relationships, some of which lead to disappointment while others are, unexpectedly, just what the participants didn’t know they needed. Throughout the collection, we learn that what we think we know about the people in our lives may be very different from what we had envisioned. What makes all of these stories stand out to me is specificity. I love Sittenfeld’s attention to details, which are often surprising and original. I also appreciate that she doesn’t have to try to wow the reader with her writing style. Her stories are straightforward, accessible, thought-provoking, and ultimately satisfying. (February)
And speaking of short stories, I couldn’t resist one from the prolific Mary Kay Andrews. Both of the protagonists in HOLIDAY HIDEAWAY are looking for a change. George comes to town at Christmas time to clear out his deceased granduncle’s house and prepare it for sale, with the hope that he will miss the holiday party where his girlfriend is planning to announce their engagement. Tilly, the rental for this property, is broke after her ex-husband got everything in the divorce and has been hiding out there as she gathers enough money to move into a new place. Could it be that they have a connection from their high school days? It’s a fun, holiday-adjacent story that highlights the lives of the two strangers and propels them to a not unexpected ending. I enjoyed it, although lengthening it from a short story to a novella would have given the author–and the reader–more time to appreciate the characters and their stories.
Thinking of you Margie! ❤
Margie it must be so hard to keep a positive attitude through all this. I would be so grumpy! I hope all you’re going through right now will lead to a good-as-new you very soon.
Oh, Margie. I have a health issue that drives me nuts at times, but I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for you with two braces that won’t cooperate. And, I know how active you normally are. Such a pain, in more ways than one!
At least Mary Kay Andrews and a few other books give you some escape, but I know that doesn’t always help.
Sending hugs and love.
Margie, I really enjoyed Curtis Sittenfeld’s first short story collection (YOU THINK IT< I'LL SAY IT) and I'm looking forward to the new one.
Margie, so sorry that you are having to deal with the braces and the discomfort. I hope things have much improved by your November visit and that your body is healed soon.
Helene’s damage is tremendous, I heard Chef Andrea who is of course now feeding people in so many states that were effected. He talked about the Fight fighters who volunteered to rescue people and clear away the tremendous debris and people popping up everywhere to do what they can to help the victims. He said that in times like this is when you see the best of humaniyt.
Now the dock strike will have a big effect today. Grocery stores will be depleted of their produce and and other necessities. The widening war in the Middle East is tragic farther away but just as sorrowful.
I took one book to the hospital, The Comeback by Lily Chu. There was a little hype about this book but I trusted my instincts and am really enjoying a plot line that could have been done so superficially but not! I have learned so much more about the Korean culture and the authro brings up questions about what is best to do with your life. Ambition gets demoted and meaningful living win.
Carol, I read The Comeback some time ago. I liked it a lot! And as you say, could have been superficial but indeed it was not. A good one.
Now, I want to read the Stand-in.
I also liked that one Carol!
Carol, I hope you are doing (did?) okay at the hospital. At least The Comeback was an escape.
Take care of yourself.
And, you’re right. Despite the tragedies, we see the best of humanity. And, then we see the worst.
This whole working in the office three days a week is messing with my mind. Is today Thursday? Friday? I don’t know any more.
Last night I finished TIL DEATH, the tenth Zoe Chambers Mystery from Annette Dashofy. It was fabulous! Darker than the cozies I typically talk about, so only very slightly so.
Now, I’m on the opposite side of the spectrum. I starting COMEDY CAN BE DEADLY by Ryan Rivers. It’s the third in his Bucket List Mysteries. I’m only two chapters in, and so far enjoying it. These are lighter mysteries with plenty of laughs.
Wait until retirement, Mark. Then you really won’t know what day of the week it is!
I know you’re a big fan of Dashofy’s, so I’m glad you enjoyed the book although it was a little darker.
Two books for me this week.
I saw THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE was on a banned book list, so I picked it up. It is one of my daughter’s favorite series. I think it was the wrong book at the wrong time because I didn’t enjoy it a whole lot. I also could not figure out what would cause it to be banned.
My second book was one that has been discussed here and reviewed by Lesa. I gobbled up WE ONLY SOLVE MURDERS by Richard Osman. I cannot wait until the next book in the series.
Sunshine on tap for Cincinnati today.
Have a great week and Happy Reading!
Enjoy that sunshine and books, Sharon!
I don’t think Flavia is for every reader, so it’s understandable if you didn’t enjoy The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. I read most of the series, and I’m tired of Flavia.
All of the damage caused by Helene is very overwhelming. It seems like it is either extreme weather or huge fires causing damage and displacing people non-stop throughout the year.
Last week I mentioned reading ORBITAL by Samantha Harvey, which is short listed for the Booker Prize. Initially I thought it was science fiction. It turns out it was more a meditation on space and life on the space station. It depicts six astronauts on the space station, one day of their life there. Their thoughts, their activities, their regimen. It is short, about 200 pages, and very meditative. It inspired me to read more about the space station, and I wish it had been longer. However many reviewers did not care for it because it did not have much plot.
Now I am reading a mystery novel, THE HAMLET TRAP by Kate Wilhelm. She is new to me but I don’t know how I missed her. She wrote science fiction books and stories in the 1960s and 70s and then started writing two mystery series in the 1980s and 90s. She was married to Damon Knight, a well-known science fiction author. They did a lot of work supporting other writers. I am enjoying THE HAMLET TRAP a lot, it was published in 1987 and is set in Ashland, Oregon and the story revolves around preparation for a play to be shown there, and the people involved in creating it, the author, director, set designers etc.
Glen is continuing to read RITES OF PASSAGE: DEATH AND MOURNING IN VICTORIAN BRITAIN by Judith Flanders. He is over halfway through the book and enjoying it a lot.
You’re right, Tracy. Either extreme weather or fires.
Kate Wilhelm has been writing for years. If you decide you like her books, you have a lot of books ahead of you!
Glen’s book sounds interesting, too.
Hi Lesa,
Yes it’s awful. My heart goes out to my fellow North Carolinians and others. To see pictures of the devastation in Western NC, especially Asheville and Black Mountain, where I have vacationed or went to conferences with my church is so heartbreaking.
I just started an E-ARC of A Long Time Gone (lastest Ben Packard novel) on my kindle. I am listening to Ina Garten’s memoir on audio and reading Book for Murder (newest haunted library mystery) by Allison Brook in print.
Katherine, Does Ina Garten read her memoir? I’m on the waiting list for it at the library – something like #311 on the waiting list. It will be a while.
I know it’s more difficult if you’re familiar with a place. I’m sorry, Katherine.
Thanks Lesa, Ina does read the audiobook. She’s awesome.