Happy Thursday! Welcome back to talk about our week and our reading. Actually, I’ve been juggling reading this week, working on reviews for Library Journal while reading for myself as well. It’s just that time of month. And, this past weekend, I watched college football and went to dinner at my sister’s. Her daughter’s family was in town, and it was so nice to see them.
I’m currently reading Alex Howard’s The Ghost Cat. I think one of you recommended it, although I don’t remember who it was. I’ve had the book out from the library for a while. I’m going to admit I bogged down with the chapter labeled 1969. I’ll keep going but I found the earlier adventures of Grimalkin, the ghost cat, more interesting. The blurb calls it “A cozy historical fiction novel with a touch of magical realism”.
It begins in 1902 in Edinburgh, and follows a cat named Grimalkin through his nine lives as he meets the inhabitants through the centuries. It ends in September 2022. As I said, I’m going to keep going, but the last chapter was a rough one as Grimalkin lost a human he had loved since he was a kitten.
What about you? What have you been doing this week? What are you reading?
The highlight of my week was buying a new car to replace the one I totalled in my August auto accident. My younger son had done some research for me, and both sons came with me so I wouldn’t have to drive home alone. A nurse told me I’d have PSTD related to the accident, but so far, so good. It is a little scary, though, so the only time I’ve driven alone so far was an easy drive to the library and back. I didn’t anticipate buying a car or even driving so quickly, but it was the only time my son would be available for the next couple of weekends, and I’m actually relieved to have it behind me. As for reading, here’s what I finished this week:
I give Richard Osman a lot of credit for creating the first in a new series that makes the reader want more. He could have stuck to his extremely popular Thursday Murder Club series (and has promised a fifth book), but he has branched out with WE SOLVE MURDERS, which has has a totally different and intriguing tone. Amy and Steve Wheeler are not your typical private investigation team. Amy is Steve’s daughter-in-law, who travels the world providing individualized security for celebrities and other prominent people who have reason to worry about their safety. Currently she is protecting flamboyant Rosie, a bestselling author who lives on a remote island, but both Rosie and Amy find themselves on the run when a money laundering operation featuring influencers of all types results in more than one murder. Amy thrives on danger and is skilled at taking care of herself and her clients, although she is very concerned when when it looks like she is being framed for some of the murders. Steve, a retired cop, has surprised himself by enjoying the life of a homebody with a cat, playing a rousing weekly game of pub trivia with his team of friends and talking regularly to his deceased wife. When Amy calls on him for help, he is reluctant but can’t say no, and he discovers he may indeed still enjoy a bit of danger. What I liked about the book were the vividly drawn characters of Steve and Rosie, who provide a lot of humor and personality while navigating dangerous territory. I didn’t engage as much with Amy, who seems so far a rather one-note character. In future series books, I hope to find out more about Amy, based on hints about her troubled childhood and her fascinating relationship with her absent husband. I also look forward to a possible alliance between Steve, Amy and Rosie in a new enterprise, and I’d like to spend more time with Steve’s pub trivia team. I’m already hooked, although my preference so far is for the Thursday Murder Club series.
In her third An American in Paris Mystery series, A FASHIONABLY FRENCH MURDER, Colleen Cambridge delivers a delightful mystery set in 1950 Paris. Tabitha Knight can’t imagine returning to Detroit, as she has forged a life for herself living with her wealthy grandfather and his paramour, “Oncle” Rafe, and tutoring American women in the French language. But, of course, she finds two more bodies, both from the newest and trendiest purveyor of haute couture. The murders shock the fashion industry and uncover hidden intrigues, not to mention still-simmering bitterness from Paris’s involvement in World War II. Having found both victims, Tabitha feels some responsibility to help her favorite member of law enforcement, the dashing Inspecteur Merveille, to investigate, as she rightly points out that women will often open up to her rather than to the police. Julia Child is again a character–this time not involved in the mystery but providing close friend Tabitha and her “messieurs” with delicious food as she studies to become the fabulous chef we know and love. The mystery is interesting, but what I enjoyed most were the insider look at Parisian haute couture, including a trip to Dior’s studio, and the mouth-watering dishes prepared by Julia. I also appreciated the relationship between Grand-Pere and Oncle Rafe–their bickering over the décor of their soon-to-be-reopened restaurant is fun, but the serious matters on which they differ are also engaging to read. (April)
Kelly Bishop’s memoir, THE THIRD GILMORE GIRL, checked all the boxes for me. Kelly won a Tony Award for her role in the original Broadway cast of “A Chorus Line,” played the iconic (often disagreeable) grandmother in “Gilmore Girls” (which I binge-watched after it went off the air), had major roles in “Dirty Dancing” and TV’s “Bunheads.” and just last week turned up as Harrison Ford’s ex-wife in Apple TV’s “Shrinking.” Her well-written autobiography starts with her early days as a ballet student, then a dancer at Radio City Music Hall (no, not a Rockette), and her thrilling Broadway experiences. I especially enjoyed the details about how she interacted with Broadway greats to develop the role of Sheila in “A Chorus Line.” In her thirties, Kelly decided to cease auditioning for dance roles and instead search out opportunities where she could hone her burgeoning dramatic and comedic skills. And she made it happen! Along the way, we read about her relationships, along with all the details about her storied career, including why she changed her name from Carole to Kelly in her early career (I always wondered about that). As a huge Broadway musical fan, “Gilmore Girls” aficionado, and Kelly Bishop admirer, this memoir was just what I needed.
Congratulations, Margie. What kind of car is it, if you don’t mind saying? We bought an almost new car (18,000 miles) last winter in Florida (our third Subaru Forester) and it is great, our newest car since a VW Beetle in 1972!
Totally agree on Richard Osman. I really enjoyed the book (once it got going), especially Steve and Rosie, but (so far) it’s no THURSDAY MURDER CLUB. I found the whole story about Amy and her husband to be sketchy at best.
Jeff, it’s a 2025 Honda CR-V. It’s a higher model than my 2018 car and has a lot of cool features. And it’s red so drivers should see me coming! 🙂
So good to read your updates, Margie!
I too enjoyed A FASHIONABLY FRENCH MURDER.
I was going to ask the same question Jeff did, about your car, Margie. I have a 2018 Honda CR-V, and I love it. I didn’t realize the 2025 was higher. Hmmm. I was thinking about a new car, but since I’m so short, I don’t know that I want to go higher. I admire you for getting a new car and starting over.
I just couldn’t love Osman’s new book. I wasn’t crazy about Amy. As you said, she was one-dimensional. But, the pub trivia team is fun! I’d take more of them.
Still rolling with Detective Harriet Foster in ECHO by Tracy Clark.
You’ve been a little busy with health matters, Kevin. Sending hugs.
Family dinners are the best. I’m glad you get to see family regularly Lesa.
Another busy week here, but a more exciting one than usual as we have a son-in-law whose graduation ceremony from the police academy took place last Friday, complete with a generous helping of bagpipe music from the Vancouver Police Pipe Band. It was quite thrilling to watch him officially become a police officer. He’s worked very hard and we’re all so proud of him.
I only read one book this week:
SAY IT AGAIN IN A NICE VOICE by Meg Mason
This is a memoir of young motherhood, published in 2012 before either of the author’s novels were written.
It’s quite an honest look-in at everything and anything it means to be a young mother. Full of entertaining anecdotes, woven throughout with thoughts about going from being an up-and-coming features writer and having that career cut short by becoming a stay-at-home mother; the tedium; and even though married to a good man, the loneliness of being a young mother without family living nearby to help out or offer advice; the sheer exhaustion of being responsible for babies; the effort it takes to make friends in a new city.
It’s nothing countless other women haven’t done before but her no-holds-barred telling of it, together with the humour, makes it all so relatable. If I were still a new mother myself the book would ultimately make me realize that all would be well in the end, and I would feel ready to ‘rally’.
Although I remember liking the baby stage of my children a lot more than the author seems to have, I enjoyed reading this book; especially the second half when her girls were past the baby stage. I felt the book really came into its own then.
You’re right, Lindy. I love family dinners. Although my mother has some of the best neighbors in the world, and they had a small dinner with four people the other night, and she said they could have talked into the night. Mom, another widow, and the couple next door just look out for each other.
I can see why you’re proud of your son-in-law. And, it sounds like an impressive ceremony.
I didn’t have kids, so that memoir wouldn’t have meant much to me. But, I know my Mom always loved the baby stages.
I love that. Maybe good neighbours can be even better than family in some ways. They’re always close to hand in case of trouble or just for daily social connection, and if of a similar age they can be the most understanding of anyone about whatever might be going on in your life. I’m glad your mom has them.
I’m working on WEDDING BRIDE AND DOOM by Mary Karnes. It’s the first in her wedding planner mysteries. I’m about a third of the way in, and it’s good, but I’m hoping it picks up a bit more soon.
Hopefully, Mark, that’s just a sign of a first in a series, and not a sign of the entire series!
Unfortunately, I woke up early (even for me) this morning, feeling congested and unable to sleep any more, and since I was up, I figured I might as well come here. I read something last week about drastic changes in the weather leading to people getting sick, and it makes sense. We went from 80 last Wednesday to the 40s this Wednesday, and it’s been windy too. At least we finally had some rain (though only a quarter of an inch or so, it was enough to clean off the car) after SIX WEEKS without any. Weird, as earlier in the year we had an excessive amount.
To books, then. Jackie is reading her Cynthia Eden book, BURN IT DOWN, third in the Phoenix Fury series, and she says it is “a good one.” The main character is – duh – a phoenix. Don’t ask me.
I seem to be reading mostly short stories these days, and just passed 700 for the year. But first the two books I actually finished this week.
Paula Munier probably writes my favorite current K-9 series. It’s always a pleasure to visit Mercy Carr and her (now) husband Troy Warner, and their dogs Elvis and Susie Bear, not to mention the large crew of side characters. Most of the other K-9 series I’ve read have been in the west, so the Vermont setting here is also a nice change. In the latest, The Night Woods, Mercy is nearly nine months pregnant and resents being restricted in what she can do. When she goes to play Scrabble with the aptly named Homer, she finds him unconscious, with another man murdered in his cabin. Naturally, Mercy has to investigate, personally. There is a certain amount of humor involved, especially around her mother planning a baby shower Mercy wishes she could avoid, and there is a fun new character added to the previous crew, who will probably stick around in future books, but one thing bothered me a lot. I really HATE when mystery characters engage in annoying “Had I But Known” behavior, as Mercy does here. She “has to” go walkabout in the middle of a huge storm, alone, without her cell phone, and knowing someone threatening her is probably out there waiting. When the inevitable happens, all I could think was “it serves you right” and I wanted to just shake her and tell her how stupid and irresponsible she was. Of course, it all ends well, though the secondary murder story seemed confusing to me, and not totally integrated into the rest of the book. I even guessed the baby’s name. Recommended as always, other than that annoying interlude.
Fredric Brown is an author whose books and stories I’ve enjoyed over the years. He wrote a bunch of mysteries, and won the second ever Best First Mystery Edgar Award from the MWA, for THE FABULOUS CLIPJOINT, first in his Ed & Am Hunter series. Another terrific book of his was NIGHT OF THE JABBERWOCK, a must-read for Lewis Carroll fans. He also wrote dozens of short stories, most of them quite short. Plus, he did almost the same thing in the science fiction field, fun books and lots of short stories. In between library books, I pulled out (so to speak) on of the SF books from my Kindle, What Mad Universe, published in 1949. Keith Winton is an editor for a science fiction pulp magazine, and quite good at it. But when a rocket explodes near his boss’s estate in the Catskills, Keith wakes up to discover that – somehow – he has ended up in a very similar but still quite different universe, one where the people look the same and have the same (or similar) name, but…there is a war with the Arcturians, space travel is common, eight foot tall purple Martians walk the streets interacting with humans, all of our currency has replaced dollars with “credits,” etc. He keeps making mistakes (who wouldn’t?), some of which nearly get him killed, as he tries to navigate a world he doesn’t fully understand, make enough money to get by, and try and figure out a way to get back to his own universe, as well as the beautiful Betty, a fellow editor he has a crush on. This is a fast-moving, fun book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Every once in a while you need to read something different, and this was mine.
Current short story collections I’m reading:
Lydia Davis, Can’t and Won’t. Davis writes almost exclusively short stories, and most are very short indeed, from as little as a couple of sentences or a paragraph, to a page or two, with the occasional longer piece.
Lee Child, Safe Enough and Other Stories.This is a collection of 20 previously published stories, all of them non-Reachers, but as readable as the Reacher books are.
Barry N. Malzberg, Collecting Myself: The Uncollected Stories. Malzberg is another who has written widely in both the mystery and science fiction fields, and here he collects a bunch of his own stories.
Still waiting for several library books, including the new Margaret Mizushima, but yesterday I downloaded Ramona Emerson’s Exposure, her sequel to the excellent first Rita Todacheene book, SHUTTER, about a forensic photographer working with the Albuquerque police.
Have a good week, everyone.
I picked up Exposure at the library a few days ago. I agree with you that Shutter was excellent and was first on the holds list. Next up after I finish the two books I’ve already started.
Good morning, Jeff. Those weather changes can play havoc with health.. Rest today, and enjoy some short stories.
I always learn something from your descriptions that provide a little background on authors. Thank you for sharing that!
I agree with you about Paula Munier’s book. While I enjoyed the connection to The Odyssey, that one whole section of the book could have been eliminated for me. You’re right. It was just stupidity on Mercy’s part.
Thanks Jeff for the mention of ‘Exposure’! I hadn’t known she had a new book coming out, so this was very welcome news. (and I’m sorry you’re not feeling well, but that you recover speedily)
We’ve been promised a few winter storms, but nothing has materialized yet. Just high winds on trash collection days.
A few reads this week. I’ve enjoyed the first four in the Rachel Savernake Golden Age Mysteries series by Martin Edwards. Set in 1930’s England, the series incorporates atmospheric settings, twisty plots, and intriguing characters – even a “Cluefinder” to allow you to see clues you missed. Delightful!
A romantic spy thriller starring a globetrotting celebrity chef – an Ian Fleming parody via a food centric travel show. THE ACCIDENTAL JOE: The Top-Secret Life of a Celebrity Chef by Tom Straw (aka Richard Castle). Light entertainment.
And an older Louise Erdrich book, THE LAST REPORT ON THE MIRACLES AT LITTLE NO HORSE. The story takes place at a mission to the Ojibwe people in North Dakota (1912 to 1996) and the missionary priest residing there. A complicated story, but enlightening.
As trash cans go rolling down the street, MM?
I think I’d like that series by Martin Edwards. I’ve read quite a number of collections he’s edited. I don’t know why I haven’t started that series.
It wasn’t a good reading week for me. I started several library books that I just couldn’t get into. I did finish Romance, one of the later 87th Precinct novels by Ed McBain that someone had given me. I read most of the earlier books when I was in high school but never kept up with the series. I’m not sure if the later books weren’t very good or if my tastes have changed but I had to push myself to finish it.
I’m currently reading David Rosenfelt’s newest Andy Carpenter book, The More The Terrier. It’s formulaic but I’m enjoying it. Sometimes it’s nice to know exactly what you’re going to get in a book.
You’re right, Sandy. I think of those as comfort reads when there’s nothing unexpected, but it’s a return to comfortable characters and settings.
Hi all! I have been reading a lot of heavy books for my studies so I spent much of the last month re-reading the Amelia Peabody series when I was reading for fun. One of my holds came in so I was also able to read TO SHAPE A DRAGON’S BREATH (Nampesheweisit #1), by Moniquill Blackgoose, which was great. It has the typical fantasy elements of a girl, a dragon, and a school but written from the Native American perspective in a colonized land. I liked seeing her world, her family and the realistic way the different cultures interacted. I highly recommend it!
I also read a fun romance that took a while to get going, THE TAKEDOWN by Lily Chu. Funnily enough, it also had some cross cultural elements, since the protagonist is a diversity consultant in Toronto.
Oh, re-reads are so fun when you need an escape, Trisha. I was under a lot of pressure one year, waiting to hear about a job I really wanted (I did get it), so I could only concentrate on Nancy Drew books. Amelia Peabody sounds like a perfect escape.
Trisha, thanks for recommending To Shape a Dragon’s Breath. It sounds fascinating and I shall get it for my daughter. Not only is she interested in, and taken courses about, indigenous peoples, but she is also a teacher – so this book seems perfect for her. Christmas gift dilemma solved!
Rain, rain go away! Woke up to rain this morning. Yesterday was just beautiful with sunshine all day.
I finally read “The Phoenix Ballroom” by Ruth Hogan. Other books came first. It was an enjoyable read – although a bit too pat in how it ended with everyone happily coupled up. I know that it’s been reviewed here before but just in case someone missed it, here is my review:
Venitia, a lady in her 70’s, has lost her husband and decides to rediscover her old self rather than just succumb to old age (as her son seems to think that she should). Simultaneously, her “granny nanny”, who her son insists that she hire while he and his wife head to France on business, also is on a journey of rediscovering who she is without her mother, as she also just passed away. Together these two ladies, with a cast of characters along the way, including Venetia’s young grandson, Kite (who is very entertaining) find new lives and joy, as they restore an old building’s former dance ballroom.
We have rain here, too, Mary. It started overnight and looks like it will continue for a few hours. But, we’ve had cold temperatures in the morning, which I hate.
I know there are a number of readers here who are Ruth Hogan fans. I think I only read one or two of her books.
Mornin’, all – Happy Thursday at Lesa’s.
The perfect book found its way to me, and I’m happy.
Description from NetGalley –
The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
“This is a novel about ambitious women and the mentors that inspired them to excellence . . . Bostwick carves an unforgettable path for her characters.”–Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of The Good Left Undone
Margaret Ryan never really meant to start a book club . . . or a feminist revolution in her buttoned-up suburb.
By 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan is living the American woman’s dream. She has a husband, three children, a station wagon, and a home in Concordia–one of Northern Virginia’s most exclusive and picturesque suburbs. She has a standing invitation to the neighborhood coffee klatch, and now, thanks to her husband, a new subscription to A Woman’s Place–a magazine that tells housewives like Margaret exactly who to be and what to buy. On paper, she has it all. So why doesn’t that feel like enough?
Margaret is thrown for a loop when she first meets Charlotte Gustafson, Concordia’s newest and most intriguing resident. As an excuse to be in the mysterious Charlotte’s orbit, Margaret concocts a book club get-together and invites two other neighborhood women–Bitsy and Viv–to the inaugural meeting. As the women share secrets, cocktails, and their honest reactions to the controversial bestseller The Feminine Mystique, they begin to discover that the American dream they’d been sold isn’t all roses and sunshine–and that their secret longing for more is something they share. Nicknaming themselves the Bettys, after Betty Friedan, these four friends have no idea their impromptu club and the books they read together will become the glue that helps them hold fast through tears, triumphs, angst, and arguments–and what will prove to be the most consequential and freeing year of their lives.
The Book Club for Troublesome Women is a humorous, thought provoking, and nostalgic romp through one pivotal and tumultuous American year–as well as an ode to self-discovery, persistence, and the power of sisterhood.
Happy Thursday, Kaye! Oh, The Book Club for Troublesome Women sounds just perfect for you! Interesting that Marie Bostwick is the author. I’ve read a number of her books. They always start out light, but surprise you with the meat in them.
Sending love and hugs, Kaye.
Two inches in our rain gauge overnight and there is supposed to be more throughout the day.
Comfort reading for me this week to avoid the news.
THE INN AT TANSY Falls by Cate Woods from Kindle Unlimited. Nell’s best friend Megan has died at young age. Megan sends Nell to Tansy Falls, Vermont from London with a bucket list of the things she loved growing up there. It was very sweet and would make a great Hallmark movie.
Next I read A MERRY CHRISTMAS MURDER PLOT from Jenn McKinlay. Lesa reviewed it earlier this week. I pretty much read this in one sitting and thought it was terrific.
Lastly was MRS. CLAUS AND THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE NEW YEAR’S by Liz Ireland. I love this series. This time 3 people from the outside are found stranded on a mountain and brought to Santaland for recovery. One is murdered and it is up to April Claus to solve it as well as get them back to the states without revealing where they were. This one was great fun.
Happy Reading!
The Mrs. Claus mysteries are so implausible, and so much fun, Sharon. I always start them thinking I’ll be disappointed, and I get sucked in. Jenn’s latest was just a fun book. I enjoy her recurring characters.
I haven’t turned on the news since the election, and I don’t know how soon I will. Maybe in four or five years.
We bought our car used and certified by AAA in 2001. Will see how long it runs, it is Tauras XL . Will have buy used again if can no longer run.
I read The Four Winds, by Kristin Hannah, and it is good book to read to see that things could be much worse. Those were extremely tough times, especially for food and shelter.
Started Bunker Hill by Nathaniel Philbrick. Both the author’s ancestors have roots on Nantucket Island. I bought the book ten years ago and haven’t wanted to read since since he said in another book that my line were never worth anything. My line was active in women’s suffrage and the Underground Railroad , so there! Anyway, I am reading it and will sell it. My father told me that someone in his family fought at Bunker Hill but didn’t remember who. I notice now that the book has mixed reviews.
Good luck with your car, Carol. You must be babying it along.
Isn’t it funny how we develop a distaste for an author or subject? Philbrick didn’t make it for you, did he?
My husband takes very good care of our car, before we married, he had an ancient Honda! That author has a better than you are attitude. Other people didn’t like how how he treated the Adams family. Maybe they were descendents.