Another quiet week, which is perfect. It gave me the chance to do some extra reading. What about you? What did you do this week? What are you reading?
If my plans work out, I’m going to the library on Saturday, Aug. 16 for a “Community Book Tasting”. The library gave readers four book titles, and asked us to give our opinion. Then, we can also share our current reads. I know you’ll be curious. Here are the four titles, and they asked us to pick one.
The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri
Strong Female Character by Fern Brady
The Survivors by Jane Harper
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
Three of the books did not appeal to me. I haven’t read Jane Harper’s The Survivors, so I picked it up at the library yesterday. So, that’s what I’m reading right now.
I just started it, so here’s the blurb for the book.
Kieran Elliott’s life changed forever on the day a reckless mistake led to devastating consequences.
The guilt that still haunts him resurfaces during a visit with his young family to the small coastal community he once called home.
Kieran’s parents are struggling in a town where fortunes are forged by the sea. Between them all is his absent brother, Finn.
When a body is discovered on the beach, long-held secrets threaten to emerge. A sunken wreck, a missing girl, and questions that have never washed away…
That’s what I’m reading, and the reason behind the choice. What about you? What are you reading this week?
We have a new cat in the house. His name is London and he is two years old, with a mostly tabby coat (brown), mixed with white areas. We have had him about a week; we went to a cat adoption center last Thursday afternoon and brought him home that day. He is a larger cat than we are used to and we have always had female cats before. He weighs ten pounds which doesn’t sound like much but he seems so huge to me. He likes to eat, which is new to us. Our previous cats have been picky eaters.
Glen finished reading THE ROOM OPPOSITE: AND OTHER TALES OF MYSTERY AND IMAGINATION by F.M. Mayor, and he is keeping the book, which means he liked it. He is currently reading THIRTEEN GUESTS by J. Jefferson Farjeon, in the British Crime Library edition. He is enjoying it. Also, he continues to read chapters from BORN TO BE POSTHUMOUS, a biography of Edward Gorey, now and then.
I am now reading a nonfiction book and a mystery novel. The nonfiction book is PERPLEXING PLOTS: POPULAR STORYTELLING AND THE POETICS OF MURDER by David Bordwell. Bordwell was a film scholar; this book focuses on crime fiction, discussing crime fiction and films in the 1900s up to more recent times. The mystery is THE KILLING OF THE TINKERS by Ken Bruen, the second book in the Jack Taylor series. Set in Ireland, published in 2005. The writing is compelling, hard to put down; the subject matter is challenging.
Welcome to London! I hope he’ll be very happy living with you.
Hi Tracy, congratulations on having a new cat!!
Thanks, Carol, it has been many years since we got a new cat, so we have forgotten what it is like. And each cat is different of course.
Thanks, Lindy. London seems to be settling in, much faster than we expected.
A new cat, Tracy! I miss my cats. I hope London settles in and you all enjoy each other. I have to say, most of my cats were male. I had three females, but the males were more loving and cuddly. Enjoy! And, I hope you continue to tell me about London’s adventures. Thank you.
I haven’t read any Ken Bruen, despite the Irish setting. His books have been described as brutal.
Bruen’s books can be brutal, yes, and there are a lot of deaths, but his writing is so brilliant and the books (the Galway ones, in particular) are such short, fast reads, with all kinds of other book and movie references, that I would still recommend trying at least one. And the Galway setting will draw you in.
I’ll take your recommendation, Jeff. Thank you.
Oh dear, you don’t have cats anymore, I have only had females. Three of of them, one wanted to dive into the trash can everyday! Then I had two of her babies, we didn’t know when we adopted her that she was pregnant. Black Beauty was adopted by my mother-in-law until she died. She only want to sit on a lap and purr. The other one Happy Day is the one who won my heart, she was a big hunter and would jump from tree to tree like Tarzan without a vine. But she got me and she was there for me when my bird died and we communicated with each other. Later when we had to move, she went to my mother and she became my brother’s support cat!! He has severe autism. To me, she was a wonder cat. When my mother died the group home adopted her out and refused to let me know how to contact the adopters. I wanted a chance to say good -bye. Happy Day is worthy of having a book written about her. My son was heartbroken too about not getting to say goodbye!
Happy Day sounds like the most wonderful cat ever. I’m glad you had each other for a while.
She was!! Truly remarkable!
Someday, I hope to have cats again, Carol. I had a pregnant cat show up at our house. We kept two of her kittens, had her spayed, and I gave her to a friend. Ocelot wanted to be an only cat, and she had a wonderful life until she died of old age.
Cats are special, aren’t they?
Hope that you can find cats that get along with each other!
I went to The Friends of the Library quarterly booksale on Sunday. It was the first time I’ve been in a few years. And now, even though I certainly didn’t need any more books, I’m the proud owner of ten slightly used books.
My reading week started with two books on the lighter side. Well, light for murder anyway.
THE WORLD’S GREATEST DETECTIVE AND HER JUST OKAY ASSISTANT by Liza Tully. Olivia Blunt has always dreamed of becoming a detective, but when she gets her chance with the famous PI Aubrey Merritt, is she out of her depth? Will her eagerness be her downfall?
It’s the 32nd year of the Killer Lines Crime Fiction Festival in Hoslewit, a Cumbrian village in A NOVEL MURDER. When Jane Hepburn, lower-tier author, encounters the dead body of renowned (and reviled) literary agent Carrie Marks, the festival takes on a decidedly different tone.
But then, to offset the humor, THE WOLF TREE, a dark, compelling, creative, and suspense-driven story. I was intrigued by the review here earlier this year. Two detectives, Georgina “George” Lennox and Richie, investigate a suspicious death on a remote Scottish island. The islanders are unwelcoming, and the detectives find themselves entangled in a web of secrets and folklore. Definitely some intriguing characters, but it leaned a bit too much into the horror realm for my tastes.
Not sure about The Wolf Tree, but I like the sound of the other two books you read MM. I especially like the title of the first one; the book sounds funny already!
Thank you for supporting the library, MM!
I’ve read two out of the three books you mentioned. I haven’t read the first one, and I don’t know that I will. I enjoyed the second. Although I don’t read horror, I did like The Wolf Tree. It was different from my usual reading.
Lesa – I’d forgotten that you reviewed A Novel Murder – and I even commented on the post. It was a fun read and I was rooting for Jane throughout the story.
I don’t have anything of interest to report from here this week. No traumas, large or small. Just going for walks (today in the pouring rain which made a nice change from no rain at all for several weeks), and mundane things like laundry, grocery shopping, and visiting with neighbours. Really a perfect week. I read the following books:
FAR AND AWAY by Amy Poeppel
A couple of weeks ago I talked about The Sweet Spot by the same author. I liked it so much that I decided to read this, the author’s newest book.
Lucy’s son Jack has been expelled from school for doing something that was not meant to be hurtful to anyone but it all got out of hand and he and his family in Dallas are being shunned and persecuted. Lucy feels the only thing to do is get the whole family out of town for a while. At the same time, in Berlin, Greta’s husband has just accepted a temporary job assignment in Dallas. Through the help of a mutual acquaintance Greta snd Lucy decide to swap homes, at least for the summer.
What follows is a fast-paced, weightier-than-you-might-think, yet entertaining story. It covers a lot of ground – personal issues within marriages, family drama, unexpected second chances, friendships, and what it means to go all-in to do the right thing for your family even though the choices aren’t always clearcut or easy.
The last third of the book was delightfully chaotic, with all the carefully wrought storylines coming together. Although I didn’t enjoy it as much as The Sweet Spot, I still liked it.
THE DENTIST by Tim Sullivan
Last week Lesa reviewed this novel and made it sound so intriguing that I immediately bought a copy and read it. I loved it! I don’t give ratings to books I read but if I’ve particularly enjoyed a book I will give it a star. Any book that has received one of these coveted stars is likely headed to my favourites of the year list.
DS Cross is not well-liked by his colleagues in the Major Crime Unit of the Avon and Somerset police. He’s difficult to work with, is very exacting, requiring rules, order, and has expectations that things be done in particular ways. He approaches each case with logic, and is always looking for whatever doesn’t fit ‘the pattern’. He has next to no social awareness or empathy, is seldom satisfied with the work of others, and often comes across as rude although that is never his intention; it’s just the way he is. His current work partner, Ottey, tries to help him navigate the ins and outs of communicating with others in a socially acceptable way. His bosses tolerate him because his success rate for solving crimes is far greater than anyone else on the force.
So when a homeless man is killed seemingly by another homeless man, he doesn’t believe that’s how it happened. It’s just not logical, and he sets out to find out who the real murderer is.
DS Cross is a fascinating character in his own right, and seeing him in action as he investigates his way to finding the truth and ultimately justice for the victim – and to witness his interactions with colleagues, suspects, and other people is eye-opening. I enjoyed every page of this book. What a treat. All the characters are vividly and believably portrayed.
As an aside, I’ve seen several reviews that said there was too much emphasis and description about DS Cross’s condition and how it impacts his daily life, but I felt it was just the right amount. It showed how difficult social interactions and emotions are for him and how exhausting it is for him. The background for his character has been well set up in this first book in the series, and the reader is now fully ready for the next book(s).
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO STARTING OVER by Gabi Coatsworth
Molly is 49 years old and has been a widow for three years. She’s the owner of a bookstore in her small hometown, and has two well-meaning friends who feel it’s time to get out there and start dating. She’s still grieving and doesn’t feel at all ready to go find ‘a new love’, but her friends sign her up on a dating site anyway. This isn’t Molly’s only problem though, because her landlord is raising the rent on the bookstore and she won’t be able to come up with the necessary funds, and therefore her bookstore – the running of which is pretty much the only reason she gets out of bed in the morning – is in jeopardy. And the kicker? The ghost of her dead husband keeps popping up to dispense business advice and opinions on who she should or should not go on dates with. Poor Molly has a lot to deal with.
I enjoyed this story about Molly trying her best to put her life back together while still desperately missing what she had before. Even though writing about a serious life issue, the author treated it with a light touch and created a warm, cozy, and hopeful tale. She reminds us that with the help of family, good friends, and other people in your everyday life who care about you, second chances are not impossible and that sometimes you also have to take risks to earn yourself that precious second chance.
The author has another book coming out in October (called A Field Guide to Library Ghosts) which takes place in the same town.
It looks like you had a great reading week, Lindy! I just went back through my Goodreads list of “read” books looking for authors that I particularly liked and put some older books on my “to read” list. It’s sometimes good to revisit their books, much as you did. Stay dry!
Lindy, I agree with you about Far and Away. I loved Lucy’s husband being “on Mars”.
I didn’t realize Gabi Coatsworth has another book coming out. I will look for it. Thank you.
No traumas! That makes for a good week, Lindy.
I’m glad you liked The Dentist. I have the next book, The Cyclist, but sometimes reading too many by the same author can make them seem repetitive. And, I liked The Dentist, so I don’t want to do that.
Gabi Coatsworth’s book sounds intriguing, but I went down a rabbit hole with her. I couldn’t find A Field Guide to Library Ghosts listed anywhere. But, I like the sound of her memoir, and ended up ordering it, Love’s Journey Home. It sounds sad, but I think I’ll appreciate it. Thank you!
Lesa, It was difficult to find out about A Field Guide to Library Ghosts for some reason. I went down a rabbit hole like you did, but happened upon it listed in Goodreads, which is how I know it’s going to be published in October.
Keep me posted, please, Lindy.
I just got an email that the library had THE DENTIST available. It was not available on the Kindle, so I got it on Libby, which we also use. Will try this next before the other book.
Looking forward to hearing what you think, Jeff.
The temps are rising from the low 90’s to the upper 90’s for the next week or so. While I prefer the heat, I’m thankful for my AC. Not sure I’d enjoy it otherwise.
Earlier this evening, I finished up The Last Line, a mystery set in a theater in Mass. I met Scott Lyerly at Malice this past April. I enjoyed it, although it was darker than I was expecting. Still a traditional mystery, but I was expecting something closer to a cozy. Also, the main character’s Tourette’s was a bit overwhelming.
Now, it’s time to start FATAL SIGN-OFF, the third Book Blogger Mystery from Sarah E. Burr. I usually enjoy your books, so I’m looking forward to diving into this one and see what these characters are up to. The book will be out in a couple of weeks, but I’m working on an ARC.
I get it Mark. I know I’ve said I prefer the heat, but I’m always in air conditioning.
You’re right. The Tourette’s syndrome was a constant factor in The Last Line. In fact, that’s what I remember from the book more than the mystery itself.
We’ve finally had some nice weather this week. No rain, low humidity, and temps in the mid eighties. We took advantage of the nice weather and went to a peach festival over the weekend and our county 4-h fair yesterday. Tonight our town is having a concert so we’re planning to go to that too.
Nothing I read this week really thrilled me.
I read the sequel to A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic, A FELLOWSHIP OF LIBRARIANS & DRAGONS by J. Penner. The second book didn’t really grab me so I’m done with this series.
THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER by Cleo Coyle. This is the 6th entry in their haunted bookshop series. The ghost of a 1940s PI helps a bookstore owner solve murders. I remember trying this series years ago and not caring for it but it ticked off a state I needed for a 50 state challenge.
I’m currently reading an ARC of a paranormal romance, ACCIDENTALLY WEDDED TO A WEREWOLF from Netgalley. Not really sure why I picked this one up but it’s a fairly quick though predictable read.
Well, darn, Sandy. You’re the second one to say Penner’s second book wasn’t that great. I guess I’ll cancel my library hold on that one. I really liked the first book.
Hasn’t the weather been glorious? I’ll take this all year. I spent time sitting on the patio and reading.
Oh, that’s my favorite of Cleo Coyle’s series. I like it better than the Coffeehouse Mysteries. It reminds me a little of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.
I immediately said THE SURVIVORS too. Actually, I read it five years ago, and we recently (like, last month) watched the Aussie streaming mini-series based on the book, which, as far as I can recall, was pretty faithful to the book.
A quiet week here, which is a good thing, as well as noticeably cooler temperatures. But we have two concerts/hotel stays coming in the next week, and (unfortunately) it looks like the heat will be returning.
Books, then. Jackie had no library books so read the second of Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson books, SECOND GRAVE ON THE LEFT. Apparently, there is an ongoing thing between Charley and the Son of Satan. Don’t ask. She liked it enough to start book three (THIRD GRAVE…). Now Nora Roberts’s HIDDEN NATURE came in, so she will be reading that next.
Chris Chibnall, Death At the White Hart. I discussed this last week, finished it over the weekend. Good book, I’d read another by the same author. Unlike most British procedural-type books, this one really only had two cops working the case, Sgt. Nicola Bridge and DC Harry Ward. Nicola came from the West Dorset area where the crime happened, and had recently relocated back there from Liverpool due to personal issues. Her husband (a firefighter) was having an affair. She’s not happy with the resources she has but she’s a good detective making the best of the circumstances. The crime (again) is the murder of a local pub owner, whose naked body was found tied to a chair in the middle of the road, with a deer’s antlers tied to his head. Could this be connected to a similar murder 100 years earlier?
Edward Marston, Inspector Colbeck’s Casebook. Marston writes a lot of historical mysteries, and one of his long-running series features the so-called Railway Detective, Robert Colbeck, and his Sergeant, in 1850s England. This brings together 13 short stories about the pair and is very entertaining. If you read short stories or historicals, you should check this one out.
Kate Ellis, The Plague Maiden. After Lesa’s review of an Ellis book last week, I checked my lists and found this was the next one (#8) of her Wesley Peterson books I hadn’t read, and it had been about a dozen years since I read one. I have about 10 of them on the shelf, so pulled this one out and it was really good. All of her books have a similar format. Peterson, whose parents were both doctors from Trinidad, studied archaeology in college before becoming a cop. His best friend, Neil Watson, is an archaeologist (with a crush of Peterson’s wife, his former girlfriend) in Devon, and whatever dig he happens to be working on always has a tie-in to a much more modern murder that Wes has to solve. This is no exception and seems particularly complicated and convoluted, as everything seems to be tied together. They are digging near a church on the site of a future supermarket in the Huntings’ chain when they discover bodies, possibly victims of the plague in 1348 that wiped out huge numbers of people. They appear to be of natural causes, except one with a bashed-in skull. But then they discover a much newer skeleton, with a watch and fillings in her teeth. Meanwhile, over a decade ago, the local vicar was murdered. Now, evidence has come forth that shows the man in prison for his murder might be innocent after all. The local Huntings supermarket has been getting threats, and this culminates in a poisoning. Is this aimed at the store manager or the owner? Add in an attack on Neil at night, Wesley’s wife about to give birth for the second time, a missing woman, a strange family, and you have something that could have been a mess in the wrong hands, but a real page turner in Ellis’s capable ones. Is everything tied together as it seems? What about the diary of the dead vicar? I was really racing through this one, and it won’t be another dozen years before I get back to this series. It’s not perfect, as a couple of the ongoing characters annoyed me, but the plotting is great.
Current reading: Martin Walker, Bruno’s Challenge. The collection of stories about Bruno, the local French policeman, is not all mysteries, but is definitely worth reading for fans.
I’m a big fan of Val McDermid, though not of all of her books. I thought A PLACE OF EXECUTION was one of the best mysteries I’ve ever read, and I’m a big fan of her Karen Pirie series. I liked the idea of the Allie Burns series – an aspiring journalist in 1979 and then again at ten year intervals, but when I tried 1979 a few years ago, I couldn’t get interested in her or the story. I decided it was time to give it another try, but…I just didn’t care. Not for me.
I have a new book from the library, but since I haven’t started it yet, I’ll say no more. Have a good week.
That’s why I asked you the other day if a series was for me, Jeff. You understand my reading taste. You would have picked The Survivors, too. And, I just love Kate Ellis’ books. I love the historical aspects of her books, such as The Plague Maidens. I can’t read too many at a time, but, like you, I won’t wait forever to read the next one.
Oh, concerts again! I always enjoy hearing about the concerts and plays you and Jackie attend. And, tell Jackie I liked that Nora Roberts. I just finished the next J.D. Robb, and it was interesting. I don’t know how she manages to come up with different subjects when she’s written over 60 in that series.
Inspector Colbeck’s Casebook sounds good, but my library doesn’t have it.
Mine either. I had to buy the Kindle edition.
I remember reading comic books about The Son of Satan, Daimon Hellstrom many years ago.
Two books i really liked. lots.
The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave
Description from NetGalley
“Laura Dave continues Hannah Hall’s pulse-pounding journey in the riveting and deeply moving sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling blockbuster and Apple TV+ show, The Last Thing He Told Me.
Five years after her husband, Owen, disappeared, Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter, Bailey, have settled into a new life in Southern California. Together, they’ve forged a relationship with Bailey’s grandfather Nicholas and are putting the past behind them.
But when Owen shows up at Hannah’s new exhibition, she knows that she and Bailey are in danger again.
Hannah and Bailey are forced to go on the run in a relentless race to keep their past from catching up with them. As a thrilling drama unfolds, Hannah risks everything to get Bailey to safety—and finds there just might be a way back to Owen and their long-awaited second chance.
A gripping, rich, and deeply moving novel about the power of forgiveness, The First Time I Saw Him picks up right where the epilogue for the “genuinely moving” (The New York Times) The Last Thing He Told Me left off, giving readers the eagerly awaited and absolutely exhilarating sequel to Dave’s global blockbuster.”
Last Seen by J.T. Ellison
Description from NetGalley
“From New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison comes a twisted psychological thriller about the bonds of family and the disconnect between memory and the truth.
Come here. Come closer.
Halley James knows her marriage is over. But she’s not prepared for the rest of her life to fall apart too.
No one can hear you. No one can help you.
She just lost her job at the forensics lab. Her dad needs emergency surgery. But the biggest blow comes back home in Marchburg, Virginia, where she discovers her mother didn’t actually die in a car crash. Her mom was murdered—and her father lied about it all these years.
I have nothing to hide from you. Are you hiding something from me?
Since she was six years old, it’s been Halley and her dad. Now, she doesn’t know what to believe. Desperate for the truth, Halley chases down a lead in Brockville, Tennessee. But all there is not as it seems. Brockville’s utopian charm hides a chilling darkness. And Halley’s search for answers threatens to expose an unspeakable reality.”
I’ll skip the psychological thriller, Kaye, but I’m just starting The Last Letter of Rachel Ellsworth by Barbara O’Neal. I know you loved that one!. And, I recommended O’Neal to my Mom who said she hasn’t been able to get into anything lately. She said the print is way too small in Adriana Trigiani’s new book, and it’s quite long.
Thanks Kaye, I’ll need to look out for the Laura Dave book. I really enjoyed The Last Thing He Told Me.
Hello all – Happy WAYR Thursday! I love hearing about what other libraries are doing, Lesa. Will look forward to your report!
I had my sister-in-law and her daughter and her granddaughter here this weekend. So fun to have such enjoyable company. We hit thrift shops, and played games, and cooked together (and even better, cleaned up together)! It was lovely.
This week I read (via audio) “Ordinary Bear” by C. B. Bernard – I think that it was reviewed here. An interesting book that felt like an Alaska/Oregon modern day version of Homer’s Odyssey complete with Sirens but in the form of roller derby women! Filled with angst, love, grief joy and redemption, this is a story about a bear of a man who loses his daughter in Alaska and then helps a woman in Oregon save her daughter.
I also read Melinda French Gates slim volume called “The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward”. A bit fluffy as I was looking for more about her life with Bill but I’m sure that it will be inspiring for some. Not having ever read anything about Melinda, it held my interests to learn a bit about her life. Much of this book has to do with advice that she has received from friends, books, therapists, etc. on living a more spontaneous life.
Mary, I’ve not read anything about Melinda French Gates but I’m intrigued about the advice she received about living a more spontaneous life because I wish I were more spontaneous. I’m very much a planner and I’m comfortable when I know what’s going to happen but I think that’s not always the best way to live life. Hmmm. Food for thought.
Yes, I’ll be interested to see how this program goes, Mary. I hope some people show up. It’s at 10:30 AM on a Saturday, so I suspect everyone will be about my age, and it’ll be mostly women. I’m looking forward to it.
What a nice weekend. I like to see what people do with visiting family. You did thrift shops, played games, and cooked together. My Mom and I do jigsaw puzzles when I go to her house. If my sister comes to visit, we play pinochle. It’s so great to get together with family.
I think you’re right. I think someone here read and reviewed “Ordinary Bear”.
Good morning! We’ve been enjoying some 80s weather, but it’s back to hot again–all 90s and some 100s forecasted for the next week at least. It’s a good thing it’s usually cool in my house. This is “back to school” week, and I can’t wait to hear about first and third grade from my grandkids. My daughter-in-law photographs them together in front of their front door each year at this time, and this year Autumn is the one with missing teeth. They also fill out a little form each year about their likes, and what they want to be when they grow up. This year it’s still YouTuber for Henry and now dog trainer for Autumn. I’m told they both like their new teachers, and Autumn already has a crush on the “biggest bruiser” in her class, according to her mom. Dad Zach says he has this boy “in his crosshairs” LOL. Here’s what I’ve been reading:
Sally Smith’s debut novel, A CASE OF MICE AND MURDER, is a charming mystery set in 1901 London. More specifically, the murder occurs in the Temple, still one of the main legal precincts in London and a center for English law since the Middle Ages. I was unfamiliar with the history of the institution and the compound where barristers are housed and cases are tried, but the author lends authenticity to the story, as she herself is a barrister working and living within the Temple. The victim is the Lord Chief Justice of England, found lying dead with a large knife in his chest on the doorstep of the living quarters of Sir Gabriel Ward KC (King’s Counsel). The police are barred from entering the Temple unless and until invited, so Sir Gabriel is called upon to investigate the murder before it is turned over to law enforcement. But he is disinclined to abandon his solitary life, reading extensively to increase his already prodigious knowledge of English law and trying cases in court. Nevertheless, he knows he must acquiesce, and he carries on the investigation in a methodical, thoughtful way, fining that his knowledge and analytical skills are beneficial to solving the mystery. At the same time, Sir Gabriel is involved in a case where the author of a children’s book, Millie the Temple CHurch Mouse, which has become extremely popular among both children and their parents , claims the owner of the Temple’s book shop has benefited inappropriately from the book’s success after finding it accidentally and without an author in evidence. Sir Gabriel is a singular character that I haven’t seen in previous books, and the background of the Temple is truly fascinating. This is a quiet book, with welcome flashes of humor. But the intrigue of the murder case, juxtaposed with the improbability of a faith-based children’s book with all of its resulting sales of the book itself and the accompanying merchandise, (stuffed animals, etc.) has created a book that I had to keep reading to find out how it all turns out. I’m happy to see that the second in the series will be published in the fall. Thank you, Lindy, for recommending this book.
From the first to the most recent book (#15) in Jan Karon’s much-loved Mitford series, she has described the novels as “ordinary people living ordinary lives” in a fictional town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. That’s absolutely true, but it doesn’t begin to express the depth of emotion, humor, and universal truths that are contained in these pages. In MY BELOVED, confirmed bachelor and former Episcopal priest Tim Kavanagh is now a happily retired family man with a an artist wife and an adopted son–a veterinarian with his own wife and children. Both Tim and his wife, Cynthia, have dealt with dysfunctional families, but their marriage has been a blessing for both. As the narrative reaches the holidays, Cynthia asks Tim to write her a love letter instead of buying her a Christmas gift, and he thinks it’s a fine idea. But his heartfelt letter, wrapped carelessly along with a book of the poetry she loves, disappears from its hiding place. it is inadvertently passed from place to place, person to person, sometimes inspiring the recipient, even when they know it wasn’t written for them. But Thanksgiving is a disaster, as estranged family members can’t restrain themselves from exchanging damaging words that inflame the situation even more. Can they possibly try again at Christmas, and will anything have changed? The author says she has purposely limited physical descriptions of most of the characters, so that readers can imagine the details, and I didn’t even miss these descriptions. I was more involved with the lives of the many characters who have populated various books in the series. They represent a variety of ages, family experiences, living conditions, financial situations, and occupations, but they are all looking for the same thing–lasting love of all kinds. I have to say my favorite character in this book is a 9-year-old girl who is a promising pianist and book author and demonstrates wisdom far beyond her years. Because quite a bit of background from previous series entries is included, it’s possible to enjoy this book even if you haven’t read the rest. But I recommend reading the books in order. The author explains in the Afterword that she hadn’t written a book in this series since 2017 because of family tragedies, and I’m so glad she is finally able to do so. I think this may be the most ambitious, interesting ,and memorable book in the entire series, even though I hope she decides to write more entries. I absolutely loved it. (October)
I had been hoping for a sequel to Katie Tietjen’s debut mystery, but MURDER IN MINIATURE was a bit of a disappointment. As we learned in the first book, Death in the Details, Maple Bishop is a war widow in 1947, living in small-town Vermont and trying to make a living with her law degree. But she has had more success with her custom dollhouse business and a part-time consulting position with the police, creating “nutshells” that depict the scene of a crime. In this book, it’s a cabin where a sheriff’s deputy is found dead, his body half-burned, after a suspicious fire. Maple creates several nutshells, which are used to test different theories about the cause of the fire. I found the mystery interesting, and the perpetrator unexpected. The problem for me was that even though the character of Maple is based on a real person, she is depicted here as somewhat bland and unlikeable, and I had trouble connecting with her. The dialogue, also, seems stilted, and the hint of romance is not convincing. More importantly for me, I had hoped for more details about the creation of Maple’s miniatures, and it is downplayed in this story. If there are more books in the series, I would like the author to inject more nuance in Maple’s character and make her dollhouse business more prominent in the story. (September)
Well, I had been anticipating “Murder in Miniature”, Margie, but I think I’ll skip it based on your review. But, Jan Karon’s book! You and Kaye both recommended it, and I’m looking forward to reading it. My Mom’s on the waiting list at her library, too. She loved all the books.
Back to school week! It seems so early, but Canal Winchester goes back to school next week, and Evansville, Indiana went this week. I still think we had a better school schedule – back to school after Labor Day, and out about June 7. I liked that long hot summer to enjoy books and playing with my sisters.
This week I raced through Miss Prentice’s Protegees #2 Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath. Lord Guy Harrowby was publicly humiliated by having a marriage proposal. It is nine years later, and his mother is determined to see him wed and the father of her much hoped for grandchildren. Enter Lottie, the failed governess who has been hired as his aged aunt’s companion. Guy and Lottie meet at the weeklong house party planned by Guy’s mother and aunt. This was a little on the silly side but great fun!
Next, I read This Is Not a Game by Kelly Mullen. A locked room mystery on Mackinac Island with a granddaughter/grandmother sleuthing duo. Author Ellery Adams recommended this one. It got a little convoluted at the end, but it enjoyed it also.
The heat is back in Cincinnati. So, it a good time to stay in the a/c and read books.
Happy Reading!
Sharon, Look Before You Leap is in my TBR pile already. I so enjoyed the first in the series and after your review today I’m sure I’ll like this one too. Hooray!
This is Not a Game was on my TBR pile, but I had to take it back to the library. Maybe sometime, but I have an enormous pile, and a list that’s too long on NetGalley.
You’re right, Sharon. It’s a good time to stay inside and read. I’ve had a lot of reading time lately, and, best of all, I felt like reading.
Got sick last week after having a late appointment, it was hot and humid and by the time I got home I couldn’t breathe and felt terrible. I did little for the rest of the night and now I am refusing all late afternoon appointments!
Now reading an ARC from Celadon! It is Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn. It is a riveting read, well written and her experience of finding out a big family secret. She was startled by receiving a letter asking for information on her grandfather, a Nazi spy! She had no idea but her father always avoided talking about his childhood and his family. Her grandfather was responsible for giving information to the Japanese that lead to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I am just starting the book but I want to stop everything and read it.
I can see why her grandfather never talked about his past, Carol!
Take care of yourself. I know you do. That’s why you’re not doing late afternoon appointments. But, I worry about you.
Too much heat is bad for me, got be firm about that when it comes to appointments. Thank you, Lesa. Hope that you are currently in good health!
Morning from NE Dallas….. Some of the smaller districts returned to school yesterday and Dallas ISD starts classes Tuesday. Under the new state law, students may not use or have access to their phones, iPads, etc., during the school day. So, when the school shooting(s) happen, there will not be those pesky recordings of 911 calls with kids begging for help played in the media as in past years. Makes everything so much better.
Rant over… just annoyed….
Reading—When I can’t make Splintered Justice on Hoopla work–which has been a lot so Scott has deleted and reinstalled the app a couple of times and gotten it to work a little bit, I am working on the BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE 2025 anthology via #NetGalley.
Still waiting on FRAMED TO DEATH there. I have little hope of getting it.
And since I babbled on about my writing last week— So, I had three stories out. One got rejected. BUT.. 2 got in.
Which means…. “Second Contact” will appear in Santa Rage 2 scheduled to be out this fall sometime. This is a sequel to “First Contact” which appeared in the first Santa Rage anthology. https://amzn.to/41ysjeq
“Choked on Love” will appear in the next installment of the Perp Wore Pumpkin charity anthology series.
And, since the publisher is reviewing it, and I think it is going to happen… I have a short story in an up coming anthology based on cozy mystery tv shows. Like Santa Rage, it is inspired by something Scott said to me in a grocery store, My tale is based on my watching Death in Paradise. The read was supposed to be already out and life got in the way. Things seem to be rolling now, so keep your fingers crossed.
Back under my sun baked rock….
Congratulations Kevin on your streak of accepted pieces. Great news!!
Thank you, MM Jones.
And, the students don’t need the distractions. I know I would be distracted!
Congratulations, Kevin! That’s great that your stories have been accepted!
Thank you, Lesa.
Please know where you move! We live north of Austin and it is so hot, I wonder where it would be cooler. You have a very good point about the cell phones, they were needed in the past but sure are now with the school shootings!!
Congratulations on the two short story! Amazing!!! You doing good.
Not planning on any move. Unless I lose the house, but am trying to hang in here.
Thank you on the stories. It was a surprise.
Kevin, so glad to hear about your stories that have been accepted for publication. I will be looking for them.
Thank you, Tracy. Appreciate it.
Congratulations, Kevin. Great news. Looking forward to the stories.
Thank you, Jeff.
Congratulations on getting your stories published! I’m very happy for you and will seek out some of these anthologies so that I can read your work.
Thank you, Lindy. The first Santa Rage anthology came out last year so that one is available now. Not sure when the new reads will be out. Just been told I am included, but have not signed any contracts yet.
Exciting news, Kevin! congrats!
Thank you, Jennifer.
Greetings from California’s central coast.
I’ve just finished S.A. Crosby’s “King Of Ashes”. I enjoyed his previous books but this was a major let down for me. Imagine running a crematorium in a gang infested small Southern town. Guess where the bodies are tossed? It doesn’t take much imagination. The gangster charecters were so one-dimensional that they really all blended into a single character. But not fleshed out at all. And the violence was over the top. I don’t recall his previous books being so off-putting. Overall, I didn’t really care for any of the characters in the book ! So, reader beware!
Ed, I have to say I agree with you. I loved Cosby’s other books, but this one, well, no. I hope he gets back to what he does best the next time.
And, I didn’t even try it, Ed. Too many readers said it didn’t work for them. My best friend, who loves his books, gave up, so I didn’t try. Thank you for telling us why it didn’t work for you. Loved his other books.
I did read it and enjoyed it. But, it was more of a crime fiction read than what he normally does. Scott, my son, thought that maybe it had been written with a movie in mind.
Lesa, It is good to hear that you have had good experiences with male cats.
I agree with Jeff. Ken Bruen’s writing is wonderful and it makes up for any other problems with his books. I have only read these two in this series, and so far the stories are very noir and there is a good bit of brutality. The protagonist is a big reader and quotes a lot from books and poems. And the books are very quick reads. I read the first three books in Bruen’s Inspector Brant series. I really love that series but that one is set in London.
Thanks, Tracy. You and Jeff both like them, and say they’re quick reads. I’ll have to try one.
Good evening Lesa, that sounds like a fun event. I liked the Survivors and recently watched the netflix series based on the book and really liked it. I replied to last week’s post by mistake with this week’s current reads. They are The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen on audio and the Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas for netgalley.
Have a fun weekend!
Now, two of you are making me wish I had Netflix, Katherine. I’d just be wasting my money, though. I wouldn’t watch it enough.
I hope it’s fun. I’ll be curious to see how many show up.
Thank you! Enjoy your weekend, and Happy Reading!
It’s starting to heat up here, and were’ getting some triple digit heat, but not nearly as much as in the last several years.
I watched the new Naked Gun movie, starring Liam Neeson. It’s funnier than most contemporary movies, but the original trilogy has nothing to worry about.
This week I read:
Red and Buried by James Mullaney; Mullaney wrote a lot of the later Destroyer novels, so I gave this a chance. In 1960, a pulp style hero fighting communism disappeared. 12 years later, his deadliest foe reappears and so does the Red Menace, now 40 years old, and a bit out of practice. It’s a lot like one of the more humorous Destroyer novels, except the hero is more like Batman than Doc Savage.
Chelsea Mansion by Barry Maitland; An American tourist is killed at a flower show, and Scotland Yard investigates, but the more they pry, the weirder everything gets. Peeling the onion is pretty entertaining.
A Tale Out of Luck by Willie Nelson; Willie’s first novel is a western that tries to hard not to be just another western. Jimmy Buffet turns out to be a better novelist.
Tuesday The Rabbi Saw Red by Harry Kemelman; Rabbi Smalls is recruited to teach at a small college. The students are more interested in protesting than learning. In fact actual education doesn’t seem very important at all. Getting a degree is the only thing that matters at the end of the day. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Anyway, there’s a murder, the culprit is like all the other culprits in this series. Maybe that says something about Kemelman.
I was curious, Glen, to see if Kemelman’s books held up. I read them through Thursday in the 1970s, but never read the ones that came out later.
It sounds as if you had some good books this week. And, now that the temperatures are high, you’ll need some good books.