Yay, Thursday! I’m tied up for most of the day today, but I should have access to my IPad to read the blog and your posts. Fingers crossed. On Friday, I’m heading to my Mom’s for ten days. We all know I seldom read while I’m there, but I’ll have a review up on Friday, and we’ll see what else I review.
Before I talk about what I’m reading, I promised I’d tell you about the library book chat I went to on Saturday. It was terrific! Just the right size. Ten of us and three library staff members. Two of them talked about the books on their list, and then we talked about the books we were excited about sharing. I talked about Sulari Gentill’s Five Found Dead.
The library calls it a Community Book Tasting. I’m planning to attend the next one on Saturday, Sept. 13. Here’s how it works. “Let’s taste together these suggestions below and share our favorite title.” There are four books to pick from, but not everyone read a book in August, and that’s okay. Then, we talk about the books we’re currently reading. And, no one felt pressure to talk. Some people just came to take notes and get book suggestions, but didn’t talk about a book.
For the curious, here are the four books for September. They have to be older titles so readers can get copies from the system. I’m gong to read Sandwich by Catherine Newman. The other three books on the list are The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick, The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo, and All Our Beautiful Goodbyes by Julianne Maclean. I had more fun than when I used to lead book chats because I didn’t have to prepare anything. And, I’m going back next month. My sister told me to have fun because “Book chats are your jam!”
I’m currently reading (ok, grazing) The In Death Cookbook: To-Die-For Recipes from the World of J.D. Robb by Theresa Carle-Sanders. The Foreword is by J.D. Robb. Release day is October 7.
There are over seventy photographs of recipes and New York City, the setting for the books. There are also story excerpts that connect the recipes to the novels that inspired them. Of course, there’s Eve’s Spaghetti and Meatballs. If you’ve read the books, you’ll recognize the characters’ names: Galahad’s Tuna Tataki, Peabody’s Lunchtime Paella, Roarke’s Dry-Aged Ribeye. The recipes cover Autochef favorites and Summerset’s mouth-watering desserts.
The author, Theresa Carle-Sanders has written other cookbooks based on books. She says the series she chooses have to have a number of mentions of food. Some of her previous cookbooks include Outlander Kitchen: The Official Outlander Companion Cookbook and Castle Rock Kitchen: Wicked Good Recipes from the World of Stephen King.
It’s a fun browsing book. I don’t cook. I go to my brother-in-law’s. But I can appreciate an enjoyable cookbook, especially one connected to a series I love.
What about you? What are you reading this week? What have you been doing?
Community Book Tasting! i love it! and i agree with your sister – “Book chats ARE your jam!”
I read and enjoyed Catheribe Newman’s Sandwich and look forward to hearing what you think.
You know I’m looking forward to The In Death Cookbook!!
A book I read this week is one written by Lisa Unger; a writer I enjoy.
Description from NetGalley:
“A twisty and pacy thriller.” —Nita Prose, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid series
A woman’s brunch with friends quickly turns dark in this gripping thriller from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger
Ana Blacksmith has gathered her closest friends and sister Vera for a brunch to celebrate her recent breakup from her boyfriend Paul. But when shocking news about Paul arrives, all eyes are on Ana, the angry ex with a bad reputation. Suspicions only intensify when Ana’s best friend falls deathly ill after the brunch.
But Ana is not the only one who had a score to settle with Paul. As the investigation unfolds, rumors of a secret network that uses ancient methods to obtain justice begin to emerge. Vengeance is sweet, but it can also be deadly. Ana and Vera are determined to find the truth before Ana takes the fall and their own long-buried history comes to light.”
This one was full of twists! loved it.
Good morning, Kaye! Served Him Right sounds just perfect for you.
Yes, I loved the book chat. And, I remember that you enjoyed Sandwich, which is one reason I picked it to read.
I’m sure you going to enjoy the cookbook!
Hugs, my friend!
Lesa, I will be interested in your thoughts on Sandwich. I think I was one of the few who did not enjoy it. I know there is a sequel out that I will passing on.
We’ll see, Sharon. I’m not a literary reader.
Oh, darn! I forgot to give you the name of the Lisa Unger book!
it’s Served Him Right
It’s been hot and I’ve been busy, but I still managed to read some.
Bullet Train by Kotaro Isaka; I saw the movie a couple of years ago, and found it adequate, but I thought there must be more to it, so when I saw the book in the wild, I got it. Without the Hollywood stunt casting and the Hollywood ending, it’s a lot better. Amazingly, in the book, Japanese people live in Japan! Goodreads called it #2 in the series, while Amazon assures me it’s #1. I’ll definitely read the others in the series.
The Drury Lane Murders by Ellis Blackwood; Samuel Pepys and his two sidekicks try to investigate financial shenanigans at the King’s theatre, and of course, murder soon follows. I could have done without some of the subplots, on the whole, a pretty solid historical mystery with an historical figure you might not think of much.
The Man With No Shadow by Bonnie Quinn; sort of a Buffy on the camp grounds, as the owner of a camp grounds has to deal with various supernatural menaces. I didn’t care for her attitude.
Two out of three aren’t bad, Glen.
September is in sight. Maybe you’ll get some cooler weather.
The Community Book Tasting is such a fun idea. And like you said, just the right number of people. Margie would despair of me because I wouldn’t be brave enough to say anything, but I’d sure happily soak up what everyone else had to say.
It’s been a quiet week over here, with nothing much to report. Although I had a bit of adventure on my walk this morning. Left the house at 6:20, wended my way through the streets, then through the park, and just when I turned the corner onto the main path – directly in front of me was a large black bear. He (she?) lumbered along the path while I elected to head back the way I had come and just not be out on the main trail this morning. Beautiful animal though. Glossy black fur; very healthy looking. Coincidentally our older daughter sent a video this evening of two black bear cubs climbing the trees in her front yard today, the mama keeping an eye on them from across the street. They were so cute. Less cute was our daughter’s dog barking and barking at them. At least I could mute her, poor thing.
This week I read:
WIVES LIKE US by Plum Sykes
What a fun read! Perfect for when you want something light yet well-written, with a bit of substance.
At its heart it’s a satire about four very wealthy women (and their families) living in the English countryside, and for whom social standing and one-upmanship is paramount.
Tata, after finding a receipt, has just had a huge row with her husband who refuses to explain why he’s bought some very expensive jewelry. To teach him a lesson she decamps to the Old Coach House with their daughter and their butler, Ian, and leaves him to fend for himself. Next thing she knows, he’s seeing a bikini designer and doesn’t seem to be missing Tata at all.
Sophie’s husband is the Health Minister and is always busy or away on government business, and even when he’s home he takes her completely for granted.
Fernanda’s husband is also often away, and she’s left to deal with their young son (who has problems at school), on her own.
Ian is Tata’s butler and she would be utterly lost without him; he takes care of everything and there isn’t a problem he can’t solve. He sometimes helps out Tata’s friends. Many people have come to rely upon Ian.
There’s a whole cast of other wonderful characters to delight in as well.
Tata, Sophie, and Fernanda are all agog when they discover that the very glamorous American recently-divorced Shelby Fairfax will be moving in near them. The race is on to be the first to become friends with her. What a coup that would be.
The story is pure fun. This is a contemporary story but certain aspects bring Austen and Jeeves to mind when reading. Never a dull moment. full of silliness, gossip, amusing situations, fashion, and fabulous dialogue that made me laugh numerous times. None of the characters are anything like you or me, which makes for an excellent escape, and a very good time.
THE CYCLIST by Tim Sullivan (#2 in the DS Cross series)
A gruesome discovery has been made at a building demolition site in Bristol – a man’s body, dug up by the digger, wrapped in a ‘sheet of builders’ polythene’, and lying in the digger’s bucket.
It is eventually found to be the body of Alex, a keen cyclist who also worked in the family restaurant. But why was he murdered? Did it have something to do with performance-enhancing drugs? Or was it connected to business associates and the proposal to open a new restaurant in London? And what about his brother? Is he involved? There are suspects and questions aplenty but very few, if any, answers.
The suspects aren’t telling everything they know and there seem to be deliberate attempts to obscure the truth. DS Cross and his partner Josie Ottey follow promising leads yet get nowhere. It’s a tangled case. It’s fun to follow along throughout the investigation and witness the slow peeling away of layers of lies, half-truths, and cover-ups as Cross doggedly works his way to the finish. Ottey looks like she’s decided to make the best of working with Cross, and is developing respect for him, and tolerance of his oddities. She’s even taken it upon herself to help him learn how to navigate conversations and to give socially acceptable responses, but it’s a long slow process.
In the first book it was necessary to establish and convincingly portray that DS Cross is on the Autism spectrum – we learned how he perceives the world, how he copes (or not) with situations of all sorts, and why he does things the way he does. I had thought there would be fewer of these explanations in subsequent books but this contains just as many, most of which go over the same ground as in the first book. I read them then, I paid attention, and I didn’t want to have to tread the same ground again this time around. I’m not sure why the author felt he needed to.
Still, I liked this second entry in the series very much. The case was convoluted and I loved spending more time with Cross, Ottey, Alice, Raymond, and others. And readers have a front row seat for Cross’s interviews with suspects, each one of which is a work of art.
Lindy, I think a large black bear in your path is definitely something to report! I wish I’d seen him/her, although perhaps not right in front of me! Very exciting.
Yikes – I prefer bear sightings from the comfort of the interior of a vehicle! That must have been exciting and scary all at the same time! “Wives like Us” sounds like pure fun – will add it to my TBR list!
I had to laugh, Lindy, when you said Margie would despair of you. I know some people enjoy the chats, but don’t want to talk. That was always okay with me. I want people to be comfortable.
I have the third book in the DS Cross series. We’ll see if Sullivan overexplains again.
Well, that was quite an adventure. I’m glad you’re okay. But fun to see a beautiful bear.
I wouldn’t “despair of” you, Lindy, but I know you have a lot to contribute, so I encourage you to pull up your big-girl panties and have at it if you have the opportunity. I do speak up at my book club meetings and at Toastmasters, and at this stage of life I don’t care whether others like what I have to say or not. It’s worked well for me so far (hopefully)! I love your reading taste, and Wives Like Us sound like it is right up my alley. I’ve read and enjoyed a couple of Plum Sykes collaborations with Jo Piazza (years ago) and will look for this one.
Wow, Lindy, two sightings of black bears in your area. I thought that coyotes nearby were scary. We don’t see them, just hear a group of them howling some nights. Back to the bears, seeing them that close up sounds really cool, as long as all ends well.
I am looking into WIVES LIKE US by Plum Sykes. Not my normal kind of reading but it sounds like it could be fun, and a good break from normal.
Black bears are not very aggressive and would rather go their own way. that being said, they ARE bears and you are just a puny meat sack, so caution is the best practice. They usually lumber around neighborhoods, often at night, to raid trash cans for goodies. At night we tend to flick the outside lights on and off before going outside — that usually makes them leave. A yappy dog or a very pissed-off cat is often enough to deter a bear, but not always. A few weeks ago a man who lived a mile or so from us was killed when he confronted a black bear in his back yard that was attacking his dog. When the bear has cubs, though, they are very protective and can be very dangerous; I am surprised your daughter’s dog was not attacked. Once, while visiting Yellowstone, I saw a mother and two young daughters get out of their car to take close-up pictures of two bear cubs; the mother bear, in the distance, saw the same thing and immediately charged. Luckily, no one was injured, but the mother should have been arrested for putting her daughters in danger like that.
People can be so stupid, Jerry. You’re right. That mother should have been arrested.
Lesa, your library book group sounds very interesting. I hope to read SANDWICH by Catherine Newman sometime before the end of the year. I hope you like it. And a ten day visit to see your Mom. That is sure to be fun.
We are not doing anything exciting this week, except that tomorrow (Thursday) is our third week anniversary of getting our new cat, London. It is getting warmer here but still pretty comfortable. And the Gifford fire which was causing bad air quality in our area is almost totally contained. I now need to get in the habit of getting outside and working on the yard more.
Glen is now reading MANSLAUGHTER by Parnell Hall, the 15th book in the Stanley Hasting series. He is enjoying it a lot, as usual with this series.
I finished reading BEFORE YOUR MEMORY FADES by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, the 3rd book in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series. I liked it almost as much as the first one. And now I am reading THE DAY THE WORLD CAME TO TOWN by Jim DeFede.
I hope everyone else has had a good week, reading and otherwise.
Tracy! The Day the World came to Town is about Gander, Newfoundland and 9/11, isn’t it? One of my favorite musicals, Come From Away, is about that. I think I saw it four times.
London is going to miss you when you’re outside working.
I like the idea of the Community Book Tasting, but none of those really appeal to me. And I don’t have time to read what someone else suggests. 🙂
I’m currently reading an ARC of WHISKEY BUSINESS by Adrian Andover. It’s his debut, and I met him at Malice. The mail character owns a literary themed cocktail lounge and a disagreeable customer is found dead behind the lounge. I’m really enjoying it so far. I’m about a third of the way in. The book comes out 9/9.
Mark, That’s the nice thing about the book chat. You don’t have to read the books. You can come and enjoy the discussions.
Hearing what you’re reading, I have one you might like. I just started Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman. Fun so far.
Good morning. I used to have a librarian who had the same taste in books I do so we’d recommend books to each other but she retired.
We saw Man of La Mancha this past weekend at a local playhouse and they did a nice production. I didn’t realize how popular the show is but they sold out all nine performances.
I only finished one book this week and it was a short one, AUTOMATIC NOODLE by Analee Newitz. In a future where California has successfully fought a war to break away from the US, human intelligence level robots have been “freed” with lots of restrictions. A group of robots decide to open a noodle restaurant even though it’s technically illegal.
Oh, I’m sorry, Sandy. It’s hard to lose someone who shares your interest in books.
Man of La Mancha! That’s great that it sold out. My best friend complains it never plays around here. It’s her husband’s favorite show.
Well, that’s interesting that California broke away from the U.S. Premonition?
That’s funny. I’m sure Jackie would get s kick out of the names in the cookbook. As a matter of fact, she just finished Nora Roberts’s HUMAN NATURE (standalone) and said it was the most like a J.D. Robb of any of her “Roberts” books, probably because the main character was a cop. She liked it for that reason, but she – basically – found herself skipping over the chapters from the psycho serial killers’ point of view, just skimming them where necessary. She now started a much lighter book, Jayne Ann Krentz’s latest Jayne Castle book, IT TAKES A PSYCHIC, set in her Harmony world, dust bunnies included.
Back in the real world, I went to the eye doctor yesterday and have scheduled my cataract surgeries for the next two Tuesdays (the day she operates). She now works out of the big new building in Downtown Brooklyn, so I don’t have to go to Manhattan, as Jackie did when she had her eyes done three years ago.
Books, then. Let’s see. I finished THE DENTIST last Thursday, and BRUNO’S CHALLENGE on Friday.
I read a very positive review of a new book (perhaps ion the NY Times) and the library had it, so I got Richard Babcock’s A Small Disturbance On the Far Horizon and read it. It’s not my usual fare. I’ve seen a few comparisons to Cormac McCarthy, but I don’t read him either. Anyway, this one is set in Nevada in 1953 or ’54. Tom Lang and Ronnie Calvert have been friendly since high school, and since WWII they’ve been partnered as deputies. But Lang is having an affair with Calvert’s wife Ettie. Then one after, after a traffic stop for speeding, Ronnie is shot dead by 17 year old Adam Ott, a troubled kid from Minnesota. The rest of the book is mostly the hunt for Adam, with chapters alternating the point of view from Tom to Ettie to Adam. Well written, short and readable, its the kind of book critics love, but I didn’t really love it. I guess it is me, but I just didn’t care enough about what happened to the characters I guess, plus some of their actions were almost inexplicable, including the original shooting.
I was a big fan of Jane Smiley’s THIRTEEN WAYS OF LOOKING AT THE NOVEL, but I haven’t read any of her novels. I recently discovered she had a collection of short stories, The Age Of Grief, which consists of the title novella and five short stories. I enjoyed it.
I have two or three more collections on hand, and another to pick up at the library, but will be getting back to my usual reading next, as I started Deanna Raybourn’s Kills Well With Others, the sequel to her KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE. I hear it isn’t as good as the first one. We’ll see, I guess.
Have a safe trip.
Tell Jackie, I agree about Human Nature. It did remind me of her In Death books. And, I also skipped some of the serial killer sections. Why do authors think we want to read that point of view?
I’ll be interested to see what you think of Kills Well With Others, Jeff.
Best of luck with the cataract surgeries Jeff. You’ll be unstoppable when they’re done!
Jeff, Hope your cataract surgery goes well. I was very anxious about the surgery before I had it, but since yours is so soon you won’t have time to worry about it. And getting both eyes done so closely together sounds great.
Thanks, Tracy.
Lesa, I finished the Smiley book. Again, not my usual fare, but I did get drawn into the (novella) story of a dentist who discovers that his wife is in love with another man, makes sure does not tell him about it, then figures out that he (whoever he is) does not want the wife. Meanwhile, they have three little girls to raise, as well as their joint dental practice to run. Plus…life. Smiley is a good writer.,
Jeff, I only read Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres. I enjoyed it, although I don’t consider myself a literary reader, but I do like Shakespeare. King Lear isn’t my favorite, and that’s what she based it on. Then, when I led a book discussion, Jane Smiley’s mother showed up! Talk about making me nervous.
Good luck with the cataract surgery. But, you already know what you’re gong through because of Jackie. Everyone in my family who had it is very happy afterwards.
I hate to be negative about a book but I’m wondering if anyone else has read it “A River is Waiting” by Wally Lamb – it was an Oprah’s pick and it got good reviews. An horrific thing happens in the beginning of the book and I found the whole book terribly depressing. I can’t understand why people thought this was a good read. This is the last “Oprah Pick” for me.
Donna, My best friend (also named Donna) read the Wally Lamb. She’s a big fan of his books, but said this one was tough. So, you’re not alone in your opinion.
I read a couple of Oprah’s early picks, and found them too depressing, so I quit.
Thanks – I’m glad I’m not alone – all the reviews I read on Amazon were how great it was – Ugh!
Well it’s a bit of an unlucky Thursday for me. The new appliances for the kitchen won’t be delivered today because the oven glass was shattered and partial orders can’t be delivered. It will probably be delayed a week, at least. Then last night we smelled something like wires burning and shortly after that our air conditioning quit. The repair people can’t get here until Monday! Luckily the weekend should be cooler. But these are minor things. On to what I’ve been reading.
This week I finished “The Heir (Young Queen Victoria Mysteries #1). This was my first book by Darcie Wilde and it won’t be my last. The Heir is about a young Princess Victoria and her struggles with her mother and her mother’s right-hand-man, John Conroy. Additionally there is a murder to solve, having to do with a dead body that Victoria saw prior to her horse unceremoniously tossing her from the saddle. John Conroy firmly denies that she saw a dead body, blaming it on a head injury from her fall. Eventually, it comes out that there was a dead body, and although Mr. Conroy says that it was one of the gardeners, Victoria’s sleuthing uncovers that it was their personal doctor, Dr. Manton. Why did he die and who did it? With the help of John Conroy’s daughter, Jane, and her personal attendant Lehzen, Victoria is determined to find out who the murderer is, in spite of all of the roadblocks that her two keepers put in her way. I have never read up on Victoria’s childhood, but I am quite sure that some of the constraints put on her are true, and it must have been a truly awful time in her life. The book kept me interested and I can’t wait for the next in the series. Thank you @kensingtonbooks for the ARC! Publication date is 8/26.
Oh, Mary. That does make for a lousy Thursday. I’m sorry.
I’m glad, though, that you had a good reading week. I hope the next book is a good escape.
Minor problems in the large scheme of things Mary, but highly annoying and inconvenient all the same. Although I do feel they should make an exception to their partial delivery rule in this case; it’s not like you were the one that shattered the oven glass.
I called the supplier who called the delivery man to tell him to deliver the partial order! Two of the items arrive tomorrow! YAY!
That’s great news Mary! I’m excited for you to get at least some of the new appliances. Yay indeed.
That’s great, Mary!
Hello, everyone. Thursday night through Sunday night, Peter and I still had my godson and his wife (both early 30s, married less than a year) staying here, our second set of weeklong guests since the beginning of August–but we loved having them. Still, the past three days of no company have been glorious. Plus, thanks to all the cooking I did for our guests, the fridge and freezer are full of tasty leftovers, so I don’t have to cook at all this week.
I listened to Laurie King’s latest Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes book. It was well read and entertaining, as her books always are. It’s called KNAVE OF DIAMONDS and introduces a new character, Mary’s uncle Jake Russell, who’s a con man but a likeable fellow. There’s quite a lot of background information provided by Jake and Holmes at the beginning of the book about the theft of some valuable regalia in 1907, and it turns out that it really happened! I didn’t bog down, and once the reader had all the info, things picked up.
It seems hard to believe I don’t have anything else to report about, but I guess I’ve actually been to busy with visitors and then catching up with work after they left to do much reading. I’ll hope to have more for you next week!
Irish regalia, I should have said, so much of the book takes place in Ireland. The crime is referred to as the theft of the Irish crown jewels online, but since there was no Irish royalty in 1907, that seems odd. It’s something to do with the representative of the British crown in Ireland–the viceroy?
Thanks for the clarification, Kim, about the regalia.
A whole week without visors or cooking sounds glorious. It makes me feel a little guilty, though, since I’m going to my Mom’s for ten days. I know she enjoys my lengthy visits, though.
Enjoy some reading and writing time!
Believe me, if our son came and stayed with us for a month or more (instead of his usual one night four or five times a year), I’d be ecstatic, even if it meant cooking a three-course dinner every night! I’m sure your mother feels the same way about your visits, Lesa!
I believe you’re right, Kim.
Good morning, fellow bibliophiles! It’s been a very busy week, with four games in three days, which is too many. I was convinced to try a new game, and I did, but that meant two games in one day, and I didn’t like the new game enough to stay on the invitation list. I was also working on my theme (The Animals in Our Lives) and agenda, as I am the Toastmaster of the Day today. That means picking and developing the theme, creating the agenda, and making sure the meeting roles are all filled. This week’s speech is interesting, in that the speaker is working on the “Dealing with a Difficult Audience” project. As Toastmaster, I had to assign four members to roles where they interrupt the speech, talk over the speaker, disagree with the speaker, etc. I am one of those difficult people, by the way, but I have done this project and it’s a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to less pressure this afternoon and for the rest of the weekend, which will include grandson Henry’s piano recital on Saturday. I forgot to mention that last Sunday, I used my son’s pool and spa for the first time since my auto accident, and it was glorious! I had to have my son haul me out of both, but it was worth it and it convinced me that I need to work on both upper and lower body strength, along with my PT exercises and walking. I just managed to finish and review (this morning) the third book I read this week.
I have loved all five of Ruth Hogan’s previous books (what she calls “books with heart” on her website), so I was dismayed to learn that THE LIGHT A CANDLE SOCIETY was not accessible in the US on the publication date. Fortunately, I was finally able to get it on my Kindle, and it was well worth the wait. Widower, part-time librarian, and pub quiz enthusiast George comes to the cemetery to talk to his late wife each week and notices one day that there are no mourners at a funeral taking place at the adjoining crematorium and chapel. Speaking to the undertaker, he discovers that these “public health funerals” are held by the Council (local government) whenever the deceased has no living relatives and no will, at least none that can be found. These funerals are sad events, lacking flowers, music, a eulogy, and–most importantly– people who loved the deceased. George is desolate that someone has died without a meaningful sendoff, so he enlists the help of a fellow library worker, a florist, a cafe owner, and a second-hand store proprietor to find a way to give each such deceased a ceremony that properly reflects their life and the meaning of their death. It’s not an easy task, requiring some research and the help of a few more people who are willing, including a junior reporter for a local newspaper who longs to be able to write and publish more important articles. Sprinkled throughout the book are a dozen or so “cases”–individuals who had died for a variety of reasons, including old age, disease, accident, or suicide–and we learn briefly what their lives had been like and how they had ended. With the resources they had developed, the Light a Candle Society (they agreed Funeral Society was too lackluster) felt strongly that they were providing an important service to people whose death would not otherwise have been noticed and their life honored. Some of the Society members had their own issues to conquer and found some solace and help in their role in the Society. This is a quiet, uplifting book, an easy read, but filled with optimism, joyful collaboration, and emotion and populated with relatable, likeable characters. I loved every minute, and it wasn’t until I read about the last “case” that I was moved to tears. Even when I told my son about it, I couldn’t do it without my voice breaking. Highly recommended.
THE PROVING GROUND is the 8th Lincoln Lawyer novel in my favorite series from Michael Connelly. And it feels like one of the most intense. No longer a defense attorney, Mickey Haller represents the plaintiff in a civil lawsuit, claiming that a chatbot created by a prominent Artificial Intelligence company is responsible for motivating the plaintiff’s 16-year-old son to murder his ex-girlfriend. It is a chilling tale, and the courtroom action begins almost immediately. It is, of course, a challenge to pick the right jury members and prevent jury tampering, not to mention secure and protect all-important witnesses whose testimony could be instrumental in the jury’s decision. But most compelling is the close-up look at Mickey’s step-by-step process and especially his cocky but effective presence in front of the judge and jury, in juxtaposition with the twin attorneys representing the AI company. His team, including ex-wife Lorna and investigator/bodyguard Cisco, are part of the action, and his first wife, now the elected District Attorney, has her own issues to resolve. Set in a time of both dangerous wildfires in Southern California and lingering Covid , the story is, in turns, explosive, emotional, and frightening. Along the way, we learn more about generative AI and its dangers and benefits, and a new member of Mickey’s team, journalist Jack, helps to sift through all of the evidence in exchange for permission to write a book about the case when it is finally resolved. There is also a subplot involving a paraplegic woman whose father was wrongfully convicted of causing her injuries when she was a child, and her desire to get him released from prison before his death. I whizzed through this book in record time and highly recommend it for Connelly fans and for those who appreciate a timely, thought-provoking courtroom drama. (October)
In Jenny Colgan’s THE SECRET CHRISTMAS LIBRARY, Mirren and Theo, two antiquarian book hunters, are employed by Jamie McPherson, the laird of a Scottish Highlands clan, to find a book in his collapsing castle that may be valuable enough to help restore the castle to its former glory. Jamie doesn’t know, nor does Mirren want to reveal, that her former affair with Theo ended abruptly, and not in a good way. But together, and in the face of a crippling snow storm, they manage to find some clues that turn this quest into a treasure hunt, requiring the solving of multiple puzzles and courage in the face of many physical obstacles. Colgan’s strong suit is often her detailed, beautiful descriptions of towns, buildings, and interiors, and that skill is definitely on display here. What I was missing was her usual endearing character development. In particular, I was never able to engage with Mirren because there wasn’t enough depth of character for me. Jamie exhibits slightly more nuance, as does his friend and housekeeper, Bonnie. Theo and Jamie’s sister Esme, unfortunately, remain rather one-note characters. There is a bit of romance, but it takes too long to flourish, and I sometimes got bogged down by the too-long and too-slow plot. I was disappointed, because Colgan is one of my favorite comfort writers, but it might have been the wrong book at the wrong time for me. I did, however, appreciate the lovely epilogue that ties up the plot lines satisfactorily. (October)
The “Light a Candle Society” sounds awesome! Will definitely add to my TBR list. Have fun being the difficult audience member!
Margie, Thanks for letting me know Light a Candle Society won’t be released in the US. I will go ahead and purchase it on Kindle while the price is still low. I have yet to read a Ruth Hogan book I did not love.
You’re not doing a really good job of selling this whole idea of public speaking, when you have such a terrifying project as Dealing With a Difficult Audience. The horror of having to be the speaker! I find my family a difficult enough audience. Come to think of it, they do interrupt me, they do talk over me with their disparaging comments, and they do disagree with me. Hmmm; maybe I’m more ready than I think I am.
The Light a Candle Society sounds good, if somewhat heartbreaking. Don’t know if I could handle it. Nevertheless, I’ve ordered it so we shall see. You’re taking me out of my comfort zone today Margie.
Lindy, I’m sorry for my (somewhat disrespectful) wording in my response to you. I think I’m just feeling feisty this morning because I’m mad at my freezer since it’s making me call in the repair man. Every time we shut the freezer drawer, it sounds like there is ice behind it that is crunching! I don’t know how it got there or how to get rid of it. And we continue to need to use a hair dryer on the ice maker, but I understand that’s a common gripe of owners of this brand.
Anyway, the beauty of Toastmasters is that we have a small (about 20) group of chapter members who like, support, and have fun with each other, and it’s a great way to get over fear of public speaking in a non-threatening atmosphere. It also helps with one-on-one communication with our Table Topics (impromptu speaking in response to a question) part of the meeting. And it’s a great way to get rid of filler words and phrases (um, er, you know, like, etc.). That’s the end of my sermon for the day.
Also, I discovered that Wives Like Us is available for free under Kindle Prime REading, so I grabbed it. Thank you!
And finally, The Light a Candle Society is more uplifting than heartbreaking. Have a great weekend!
There was nothing disrespectful at all in your response Margie! In fact you made me laugh.
Enjoy young Henry’s piano recital on the weekend!
Well, Margie, you convinced a number of us to read Light a Candle Society. I’m in! Thank you.
Ha! I agree with Lindy. I don’t need hecklers. (Grin)
I read two books this week.
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown is the story of a 17-year Jane raised in an isolated cabin in Montana. When she begins to push the boundaries of her world, she becomes an accomplice to a horrific crime her father committed. She begins a search for her mother and ends up in San Francisco trying to survive as well as having the dilemma of saving her father or turning him in. The author based the father character on the Unabomber. I found this an absorbing page turner.
My second book was The Seven O’Clock Club by Amelia Ireland. Both Lesa and Margie reviewed it here. It was about 4 strangers who meet at what is seemingly a grief support group but 2/3 of the way there was an interesting twist I did not see coming. Nonetheless, I got caught up in the characters and their stories and enjoyed it very much. I still am not too sure I am happy with the ending.
Safe travels, Lesa and enjoy your family.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Sharon. I had a fun afternoon with family here in Columbus. Home now to get ready to go to Mom’s.
I know you enjoyed What Kind of Paradise, but I think the father would have turned me off.
Today, my mind is as slow as molasses! I woke up in the middle of night and read more in Sharp Objects by Gilliam Flynn. I didn’t enter for it because of the razor blade on the cover but found it at our monthly Give and Take day in our senior apartments. I heard the blurb on the back and decided to take it. Very difficult to stop reading it. A reporter from Chicago who has a cutting problem (cutting words on her body) and reading about her childhood, it is easy to see why. Her mother hated her. She is sent to report on a serial killer mystery in her home town. Two girls, strangled to death a year a part with their teeth knocked out. Her editor told her that she must stay with her family which is actually a kind of torture, with her terrible mother, strange half sister, sweet/mean/a little understanding/ and verbally terrorizng. And her silent almost not there step father. There some suspects, one the town gossips about and another that only the reader thinks about.
Carol, I read Sharp Objects years ago. Gillian Flynn just isn’t for me.
My husband is not well and has been in the hospital or nursing home for over a month and my reading concentration was shot for awhile. I do want to mention two books I did finish. The first is Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen. It’s about a French speaking English woman rejected by her husband who goes off to the French Riviera with her cleaning lady and another friend just prior to WWII. Their car breaks down in a small seaside town where the residents help them get assimilated into the village and survive the war. The first chapter is delightful. The book would make a great movie!
My second book is That Last Carolina Summer by Karen White (sad news yesterday on Facebook about her husband’s sudden death). Phoebe returns home for the summer to help her sister take care of their mother who is getting more and more forgetful. The book is about the relationships between three generations and getting over the incident that caused Phoebe to leave years ago. My only caveat is that the book should come with a trigger warning, it will be hard to read for anyone dealing with a relative with dementia.
How difficult for you. I’m sorry for your troubles, and hope that it’s possible things will get better for both of you soon!
That is awful. he must be really sick. So sorry. No wonder you are having trouble concentrating. Take care, Carol
Oh, Cindy. I’m sorry. I can certainly understand why you were having problems with concentration. I’m sure Mrs. Endicott was a welcome change. Sending hugs. We’re thinking of you.
Thanks to all of you.
Happy Thursday, Lesa!
I love a book chat! My current reads are We are all guilty here by karin slaughter and Matchmaking for psychopaths by tasha coryell.
Happy Thursday, Katherine, and happy reading!
I’m on hold for the Karin Slaughter. I don’t normally read her, but I’m going to give this one a try. I do enjoy hearing her speak. And, she’s such a cat lover!