I hope you had a good week! We had great porch-sitting weather, and then yesterday we had an all-day rain, just what we needed. Last Thursday was my favorite afternoon of the week, though. My sister, Linda, and I went to Westerville, first to a new-to-us bookstore, Birdie Books. Then, we went o a fun restaurant/tea room called Asterisk. I have to show you a picture.
The manager could have been one of us. He brought us menus that were pasted into old books. Then, he told us that when he was a kid, his father insisted he and his brother always took a book with them, even if they were only running errands for ten minutes. He said they’d take a book to the movies to read before the movie started. He still loves to read. There are bookshelves throughout the restaurant. We were tucked in a cute little corner, and we could reach out and pick books off the shelf. Naturally, they were all kinds of old books. We had a great time talking about them. It’s a full menu of tea, lunch items, and a dinner menu, along with wine, beer, and cocktails. We’ll be back, and I’ll take book-loving friends to see it. It was the highlight of my week.
I’m currently reading Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife by Martin Edwards. Six people are invited to a remote lodge in northern England over the Christmas holidays to play a mystery game. We all know how well that’s going to go – a blizzard, power outage, murder.
I do have a suggestion for you, though. If you’re going to read it, pick up a print copy rather than an e-book. Edwards wrote this in the style of Golden Age books that offered readers the opportunity to solve the mystery along with the characters. He has clues, a casefile, breaks into the book as Ellery Queen used to do. I’m not even trying to solve it since I’m reading an e-book. It would definitely be more fun in print because you could refer back to the lists of characters, follow the clues, and try to solve it. So, if you want to try it, go for print.
What about you? What have you been doing this week? What are you reading?
That does look like a fun outing Lesa.
I’m dropping in to say hello! I’m traveling, currently in Kingman, Arizona.Tomorrow a section of Route that was bypassed by I40. I’ve been a “lurker” for the past month or so as my home internet connection is, once again, outside the accepted range.
“Not Acceptable! An appropriate representation of the requested resource could not be found on this server. This error was generated by Mod_Security.”
But I’ve been reading and adding books to my potentials list. Thanks for everyone’s suggestions.
I do want to mention THE RAIN HERON from Australian author Robbie Arnott. An eco-fable, set in a politically broken near future, explores the constant push-pull that exists between our capacity for enchantment and the need to exploit what we find. Unique & wonderful!
MM, as I’m sure you’ve discovered, Kingman, Arizona was the birthplace of the late (great) Andy Devine. We passed through it several times driving from my parents’ house near Phoenix to Las Vegas and back. And for those of you too young to remember the character actor and sidekick, Jingles in the Wild Bill Hickok series in the ’50s, as well as host of the deranged Saturday morning tv show ANDY’S GANG, I’m sorry you missed him.
That’s just odd, MM, that you can get to the blog when you’re traveling in Kingman but not when you’re home.
I’m glad you’re still reading and adding books to your list. But, darn. I hope things work out when you get home.
I can view the blog, just blocked from commenting. More time to read – haha!
An Asian grocery store had an Autumn Festival, and gave Moon Cakes out to people. I ended up getting the last one! They had Dragon and Lion Dances and lanterns and all the rest.
This week I read:
107 Days by Kamala Harris; I compliment her ghost writer. The written voice was almost nothing like Harris’s speaking voice. Somebody had to remove pages and pages and pages of word salad. There is still about a bowlful, but that must have taken a lot of work. An autobiography that fails both of its goals to make the subject look good and preserve her political viability.
Anybody Who Owns His Own Home Deserves It by Alan King; A humor book about moving to the suburbs, sort of like early Erma Bombeck. Of course, this was written before the first big crime wave of the 1960’s, when big cities were a lot more pleasant than they are now.
Clare And The Missing Heir by Amanda Nelson; A humorous cozy that tries too hard and makes its sleuth seem like an idiot. The usual incompetent super cop falls for her, and you end up hoping they don’t reproduce.
Ulrich by James Walker; After a Germanic Prince loses his crown, he learns to fight, and wanders around fighting barbarian hordes, participating in Rome’s last great victory. It was strange to read about Germans yearning for Rome.
Saturday The Rabbi Went Hungry by Harry Kemelman; Thank Goodness, the last of this series. Sometimes being a completist isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. There’s a murder. Nobody cares too much. There’s a lot of squabbling over the Temple. The Rabbi threatens to resign, again. Eventually, like in all these books, we find the Yankee.
Raiders of the Bronze Age Collapse by R. Jay Driscoll; A thesis masquerading as a book. Driscoll repeats himelf a lot. Basically, he thinks the Victorians who discovered the existence of The Sea Peoples of the Late Bronze Age were completely wrong because they had different priorities than Driscoll.
The Ghost of Flight 401 by John G. Fuller; Sort of like an episode of the old In Search Of… TV Show. A weirdumentary examining a famous case where after a plane crash, the airline cannibalized the wreck for parts. The planes utilizing these parts were the scenes of a lot ghostly sightings and haunting. It’s amazing how almost forgotten this case is.
Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cottrell; Somebody, maybe Kevin, reviewed this already. Anyway, I took it as an old fashioned villain pulp, and had a great time with it. Sir Denis Nayland Smith would have been right at home.
Gun Shy by Dana Ball; A dog trainer with problems gets involved investigating a murder case. She finds her cop ex-husband cheating on her, which is a real change from most cozy series, and doesn’t even solve the case. The perp, who we’ve not seen the whole book, just shows up out of nowhere in a TSTL moment to get nabbed like a doofus. I’m not sure whether this inversion of the cozy formula was on purpose or not.
Glen, I quite enjoyed your review of Clare and the Missing Heir, even though I don’t think I’ll read it after that. And I love the new word I learned from you! Weirdumentary. Love it.
Glen I read that Alan King book in the ’60s! I still remember the paperback. I also read the sequel, HELP! I AM A PRISONER IN A CHINESE BAKERY.
I also read the Rabbi Small series when it first came out, but I gave up before he got to Saturday.
I quit the Rabbi series, too, Jeff, before the end.
Jeff, when it comes to Rabbi Small, you had more sense than I did.
Thank you for my first guffaw of the day! Great reviews!
A good reading week, Glen, with a lot of books for making fun of. Curse of the Pogo Stick was really the only decent book you read. But, the others made for some good laughs.
A new bookstore Lesa. I love browsing through a bookstore I’ve never been to before. And that tea/lunch restaurant! Great picture. What a marvellous place. Did you know of it ahead of time or did you just happen upon it?
My best day this past week was similar to Lesa’s, oddly enough. David and I went to high tea at The Secret Garden Tea Company. It’s about an hour’s drive away. Lots of delicious little things like turkey salad on cranberry scones, caramel apple bars, chocolate brioche bread pudding, and lots more besides. We had a great table, weren’t rushed, and we read the books we’d brought along as we slowly munched our way through the offerings. After that we waddled our way down three blocks to the bookstore in the area, where we spent a happy hour or so before heading home.
Books this week:
THE NANNY’S HANDBOOK TO MAGIC AND MANAGING DIFFICULT DUKES by Amy Rose Bennett
Set in Victorian England this is a fun, light historical romance with touches of fantasy, mystery, magic, comedy, and a lot of heart.
Xavier, Duke of St Lawrence is eccentric, brooding, and obsessively focussed on his horological hobby of collecting, repairing, and designing timepieces. He’s currently hard at work on a design to enter into the contest that will decide which clock gets built for the top of the tower at the New Palace of Westminster. The deadline is looming but just at this most crucial of times the home of this most orderly young man is in utter chaos. For one thing, there are strange goings-on – doors and windows inexplicably being left open or unlocked; paintings suddenly hanging askew; all manner of disconcerting things are happening and Xavier suspects it’s some form of sabotage in order to distract him from his work. In addition- and causing untold mayhem – he is now responsible for three wards; the children of a recently deceased 2nd cousin. The duke has gone through two nannies in almost as many weeks.
Enter Emmeline, a spirited 25-year-old widow and recent graduate of the Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses; the ‘exceptional’ being the judicious use of slight magic when necessary. Something goes seriously amiss as she heads out to her first interview for a nanny position, and so begins the story of Xavier, his wards (Harry, Barry, and Gary), and Emmeline.
To give any more details would spoil the fun. I thought this was a most entertaining, diverting book that had me rooting for the good guys the whole way through – one problem, danger, or dilemma at a time.
DINNER WITH EDWARD by Isabel Vincent
This is an older book, written seven or eight years ago. It’s a shortish memoir about the unexpected friendship between middle-aged Isabel (a well-known journalist) and Edward, the 93-year-old father of an old friend of Isabel’s.
Isabel is going through a divorce and feeling upset and disheartened about the end of her marriage, and she is questioning a great deal about life in general. Edward is going through a rough time as well, as his beloved wife of many years recently died and he does not see the point in living any more. Isabel’s friend suggests that Isabel go have dinner with her father and says he’s a ‘great cook’. (He is indeed. Myself, I don’t have either the knowledge or the will to put in that much effort into anything I cook.)
Eventually one day Isabel decides to visit Edward and so, over the course of weekly dinners that Edward cooks for them, begins a true friendship between these two people whose hearts are hurting. They each derive support from the other as they eat and talk about themselves, and love, and life. In a way, they save each other.
Ultimately though, I couldn’t get as attached to either Isabel or Edward as I’d hoped to. I think because the stories and anecdotes jumped around, it felt somewhat disjointed. And even though the subject matter was of importance, the telling of it mostly just skimmed the surface and didn’t make me feel what I wanted to feel. That said however, there were some very affecting passages. In the end I was glad these two people were able to help each other. We all need someone who truly understands and cares about us, and Isabel and Edward came into each other’s lives at exactly the right time.
Lindy, thanks for the review of The Nanny’s Handbook. I have it on my TBR pile but haven’t gotten to it yet.
Lindy, My sister had seen that restaurant on Facebook, so we tried it on. And, we have a pocket guide to independent bookstores, so we were trying that. Fortunately, they were on the same block so we could walk between them.
You did have a similar day. I love the sound of The Secret Garden Tea Company. I’m guessing you’ve been there before so you knew to take your books.
Thank you for your review of The Nanny’s Handbook. It’s on order at the library system, so I put it on hold. It looks great!
Fairly quiet week around here. I have to come to terms with the fact that we aren’t going to be any late breaking heat waves this year, at least not on the weekend when I can get out and enjoy them. I’m bummed. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to summer yet.
Reading wise, I’m in the middle of MURDER IN THE GRAVEYARD, the latest Destination Murders short story collection. It’s got nine stories from nine different cozy mystery authors. I’m just over half way through (read 5 of the 9 stories) and really enjoying it. Should finish it on Thursday.
From there, I’ll be reading CONTESTING THE WOOL, the newest Material Witness Mystery from Diane Vallere.
I agree, Mark. I woke up this morning, and it was only 42 degrees. That’s just ten degrees above freezing! I am so not ready to see the end of summer.
Oh, Diane Valliere. One of your favorites. Enjoy!
I’m having a busy week, with a visit from Peter’s and my godson (age 30) and his girlfriend expected on Monday and Tuesday for two days. They live in Argentina and are doing a whirlwind tour, so we’ll want to make their time here fun. We can’t wait to see him and meet her.
I finished THE HALLMARKED MAN, the Cormoran Strike/Robin Ellacott mystery I was listening to, and loved it, as I expected to. Anyone who doesn’t know the series about a pair of private detectives in London solving complicated and odd crimes and wants to try it should start with the first book, THE CUCKOO’S CALLING.
I also read Robert Harris’s PRECIPICE, which is a fictionalized true story about the British Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, a married man in his sixties, who writes daily letters to a young woman in her mid-twenties whom he’s in love with. The extraordinary thing is that he’s writing them at the start of WWI and into the second or third year of the war, and he reveals endless secrets about battle plans and troop movements to her. There are consequences. I found it fascinating, if a bit slow, but you have to be truly interested in how the First World War started to read it.
More: another (audio) book by the Englishman Peter Grainger, this one from his series “Willows and Lane,” about a young ex-policewoman and her middle-aged next-door neighbor solving crimes. This sounds cozy, but the crimes and style of writing are not. I thought this book, ARCADIA, was terrific, but it’s only available as an ebook or an audiobook, sadly, which I know doesn’t work for many of you. Plus I read A DARK AND SECRET MAGIC, a Halloween cozy with magic, monsters, and romance by Wallis Kinney. My niece recommended it to me, and I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my kind of thing. It’s definitely made for reading at Halloween, though, in case you’re looking for something seasonal–set in a New England town full of witches with different specialties. It’s full of pumpkins, costumes, and autumn food, as well as spells and curses.
Now I’m one-third into Anne Cleeve’s new mystery with Jimmy Perez, THE KILLING STONES. Excellent so far!
Enjoy the visit from your godson, Kim! And, it sounds as if it’s just the perfect length.
I don’t think the Jimmy Perez will disappoint. I liked it. It as good to catch up with Jimmy and Willow.
It’s been a busy week here. For some reason the all of the libraries around me have sales end of September and beginning of October. I’ve been to three sales and picked up about 20 books. I missed the large fall rummage sale which has a book tent because we had tickets to see Death Trap. But I enjoyed the show more than I would have another sale.
Now we’re down in Bird-in-Hand, PA exploring the Amish country for a few days. This morning we’re doing a farm tour that our hotel runs. We’ve done it before but not for several years.
Books I read this week:
CANDLE WITH CARE by Valona Jonres.
Candle shop owners and witches Tabby and Sage Winslow investigate when a local police detective is injured in an intentional assault.
A Welsh police procedural, A BODY IN THE FOREST by P.F. Ford. When the body of a young woman turns up buried in a shallow grave in the forest the police have no leads. Until a woman call to complain about a photo that was texted to her daughter. A photo that turns out to be of the dead woman before she was buried. This is the seventh in the series and I’ve already one which the post office sent to the wrong state. Hopefully I’ll get it eventually.
The Unstrung Harp by Edward Gorey. A short illustrated book about a writer. This was my favorite library sale find.
DINNER AT THE NIGHT LIBRARY by Hika Harada. Translated from Japanese. A young woman goes to work in a library that stores the book collections of dead authors and the library is only open at night. An easy read but not much actually happens.
An ARC of AT DEATH’S DOUGH. A Wisconsin pizzeria owner finds a body under the ice during a fishing trip and gets involved in solving the murder when the police chief decides it’s an accidental drowning. Another series that I started late and will go back to read the earlier books.
Oh, Amish country, Sandy. Good food, beautiful scenery and horses. Enjoy your trip and tour.
I’ll have to look for the P.F. Ford books. Welsh police procedurals sound slightly different and good. Thank you!
I agree with you. I haven’t read that Japanese translation. I like the ones I’ve read, but it does seem as if nothing happens.
I love that restaurant-with-books picture. My kind of place for sure.
We did finally get some rain yesterday, but not even enough to really clean off my car. Now a lot more is promised (fingers crossed) Sunday into next week, so we’ll see. One thing, though…the 80s are gone, as it will barely crack 60 degrees today.
On to books, then. Jackie reread the last (six year old) Monkeewrench book by P. J. Tracy, ICE COLD HEART, before reading the new one ,at my suggestion. She said to tell you that she did not remember ANY of it, and her positive conclusion from that is, now she can reread any of her favorites without remembering the plot! I don’t know if that’s exactly true. She is now reading John Scalzi’s second in the Old Man’s War series, a very belated catch-up.
I’ve only actually finished one book this week, though I’ve read parts of several others and I’m close to finishing another one today.
First, short stories. Though my totals are way down this year, I’m still reading more than a story a day, as I have daily since at least August of 1995, 30 years. Two years ago, prime publisher of short mystery stories Crippen & Landru, published a collection of new stories based on the “rules” of mystery writer Monsignor Ronald Knox, rules meant to set down how Golden Age books should go. This was SCHOOL OF HARD KNOX. Now they’ve gone that one better, as instead of Knox’s 10 Commandments of Detective Fiction (no more than one hidden passage, no Chinaman, nothing supernatural),, we get a riff on S. S. Van Dine’s 20 rules “that must be followed.” Thus, Double Crossing Van Dine, edited by Donna Andrews, Greg Herren and Art Taylor, has new stories listing Van Dine’s “rule” and then breaking it. Besides the editors, other authors include Marcia Talley, Tom Mead, and Gigi Pandian. Very entertaining so far.
Tim Sullivan, The Politician is the fourth in his Sgt. George Cross series, as a former Mayor of Bristol is killed in her home, It is made to look like a home invasion/robbery gone wrong, but Cross and his partner quickly realize it was deliberate murder. But was the motive personal (her husband was blatantly unfaithful, and her son was a degenerate gambler) or professional? Meanwhile, George is growing as a person, slowly, as he is investigating why his mother really left him and his father when George was five. Good book, as are they all, and I’ll be interested in seeing if George has a rapprochement with his mother.
As we saw several days ago, Lesa did not like the new Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman very much. I will finish The Impossible Fortune (book five) today, and my opinion is a little more positive than that. Granted, the whole bitcoin thing is a turnoff, but there is a lot to like for fans of the series. First of all, the first quarter of the book has NO mention of bitcoin at all. We get the gang as usual, with Jayce excited about her daughter Joanna’s impending wedding – personally, I cannot read one of Joyce’s chapters without smiling – though Elizabeth is still grieving and not herself, and Bogdan seems somewhat domesticated by his relationship with Donna. There are, as usual, new characters (Connie has taken Ibrahim’s advice about “giving back” and twisted it to her own interpretation). So, yes, the cryptocurrency thing may make you think “who cares?” and it definitely slows the book down at times, yet I still have raced through most of it and should finish it today. If it isn’t the best of the series, so what? Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim and friends are always worth visiting.
I’m still read the biography of Teddy Roosevelt as well.
Have a good week.
Jeff, I think almost all of us would enjoy that restaurant. So relaxing and perfect for readers.
I probably should go back and read the Monkeewrench book, but there’s so many other books out there!. I agree with you, though. I probably couldn’t read everything and find the books new.
I have The Politician, and I’m looking forward to reading it. I love this series.
Oh, I agree. It’s always good to catch up with the Thursday Murder Club, but the bitcoin bit just bored me. The people are always interesting. And, I liked Connie’s new protege.
I suspect you’re going to have to get ready for Florida to have those good temperatures again.
OK, finished the book. As a late friend was wont to say, good but not great. Too much boring bitcoin stuff, and a couple of the baddies were just tedious. But I’m glad I read it.
Lesa – love the photo of the Asterisk! That may have to go on my travel bucket list! Not much new here – I went to a concert Saturday night, a husband/wife duo – she is the daughter of jazz pianist Bob James. A nice laid back kind of venue and the music was good. I’m busy into my apple season mode – I’ve made cider and applesauce so far, and an applesauce cake. Apple butter is next. And next week my husband and I go on our annual Fall color tour. All is good.
Last week I finished “The Last Letter of Rachel Ellsworth” by Barbara O’Neal. Mariah Ellsworth is a former young snowboarding Olympian whose career was cut short when a gunman in a shopping market shot her and her mother. Unfortunately her mother did not live, and Mariah’s leg was almost unsavable. After numerous surgeries, and suffering from PTSD, she now has to try to make a life for herself. Feeling directionless, she decides to visit the foreign cafes that her author mother, Rachel, had on a bucket list. Rachel had a number of books already published about food, perhaps this list had been another book in the making. Mariah posts a job for a companion and 50 something Veronica Barrington answers the ad and gets hired. Veronica is also at a juncture in her life as her husband of many years has left her for a younger woman and her children are now in her 20’s. It’s almost Christmas and the last thing Veronica wants to do is spend the holiday alone while her kids are off skiing with her ex and his new pregnant wife. A story of fresh starts, discovery of long hidden secrets, and new friendships, this is a book that will keep you interested from start to finish.
I love apple season, Mary. You’re much more ambitious than I am. I enjoy drinking the cider, eating cider doughnuts, and eating apple crunch. My sister and I are going to Saturday’s Apple Butter Day at a neighboring community. We went two years ago, and had a nice time. They made and sold apple butter, and had a number of craft booths. It was just after I moved home, and everyone was wearing Ohio State tee shirts. It felt like a homecoming.
I’m so glad you enjoyed The Last Letter of Rachel Ellsworth. Just a good book.
I do love all things apple Mary. I take it your new kitchen is all finished and that you’re making all these delicious things while using your new appliances!
Hi Lindy – oh how I wish! It’s just one thing after another slowing progress down. So unfortunately, I’m only using some of my new appliances, some are not installed yet. No new doors yet, no counter tops yet, and the flooring and tile are only partially done. I have been using my crock pot and my instant pot for my apple creations. And my favorite fun toy, the immersion blender! It’s not hard at all, and the house smells divine when it’s cooking. Thanks for the comment!
Bad times are here again. I won a book from GoodReads that was horrible. I read two chapters and reviewed it. Then I started a book by Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe, Astor. It is an engrossing story of the Astor family and financial empire.
Then work up on Tuesday with horrible pain in my left eye again. I waited until James was up, and then we went to the ER. Four hours, one eye pressure test, my eye pressure in my left eye was up. They were going to refer me back to my ophthalmologist, so I asked them to find someone different. I got a referral to a neuroophthalmologist in Austin. My appointment is not until October 20th. It will be a challenge for our car.
Oh, Carol. I’m so sorry. Not only do you have to worry about your eye and a new doctor, but also about getting to the doctor. I’m sorry. Sending hugs, which is really all I can do. I’m sorry.
Thank you, I love and need hugs!
I’m sorry for all your troubles Carol. I hope this new doctor will be able to better help you.
Good morning! I actually had to write a review a few minutes ago–poor planning, I guess! It was another busy week. Thank goodness, I had only one card game, because I had to sub for the person that was supposed to be the Toastmaster of the Day today. That involves coming up with a theme, confirming those designated for meeting roles (speakers, evaluators, Ah Counter, Grammarian, Timer, Word Master, Table Topics Master (impromptu speaking, and General Evaluator), and I had to send two people (including our current President) more than one message (one of them still hasn’t responded). It also means creating the agenda, talking about the theme (mine is boredom), and running the meeting. I’m ready to go, but it’s been a challenge this time around. I’m also the current elected Sergeant at Arms, who opens each meeting, introduces guests, and gives a mini-speech. This week I’m talking about doomscrolling, which is driving me crazy, taking too much time, and making me less productive.
The highlight of the week, though, was a luncheon at Bacchus House, which decorates for Halloween like crazy. I sat at a table for six, and the other five were friends from card games and the walking group. My favorite part was introducing my friend who sat next to me and has a 45-year-old tortoise for a pe, to a woman I had mt when she sat next to me at the last luncheon–she also has a tortoise pet! They had a lively conversation, which was fun to hear. And the food was excellent.
I finally managed to (barely) finish three books this week. I so wanted to start The Correspondent, about which I had heard such great things, but I couldn’t concentrate on it with everything else going on and will have to return it to the library and put it on hold again.
In CHRISTMAS WISHES AND IRISH KISSES by Debbie Johnson, Ellie has ditched a bad husband, then a series of disastrous dates and unsatisfying relationships. Now, in her late thirties, she has been with the wonderful Tyler for a solid six months, and he is talking about moving in together. But Ellie reluctantly admits to herself that she’s not sure he is “the one.” To give herself time to think, she travels from her home in New York to her hometown of tiny St. Kilda in England to help her innkeeper father navigate the Christmas holidays while recuperating from a mild stroke. Ellie has never understood why her father didn’t fight to keep his only child in St. Kilda after he and her mother divorced, or even to visit her, so although they still have a lot of love for each other, their relationship is a bit shaky. Ellie is also shocked when she learns that her childhood best friend, Liam, is also in town for the holidays with his young twins and 16-year-old stepdaughter, and still grieving the death of his wife four years ago. Ellie and Liam had lost all contact when, at age 16, Liam brutally dismissed Ellie’s sudden desire to take their relationship to the next level. Liam and his children live in Ireland, while the rest of his large family still live in St. Kilda. This is a romance, so readers won’t be able to resist shipping Ellie and Liam, but there are some significant roadblocks in their way. What I enjoyed most about this book was not the slow-moving romance but the Christmas festivities. the descriptions of scenic St. Kilda (but not Ireland, despite the title), and Ellie’s interactions with Liam’s family. I wanted more from some subplots and characters that weren’t resolved or fleshed out, as well as more information on both Ellie’s and LIam’s career choices and desires. But I found it a pleasant story that fit in well with my holiday reading. And I did appreciate the epilogue, which ends with a wedding (but not necessarily the one you might have expected).
In John Grisham’s THE WIDOW, fortyish lawyer Simon Latch has a lot of problems. He is a gambler, his marriage is on the rocks, and he doesn’t make enough money dealing with mundane bankruptcies and wills to satisfy him. But he’s a dedicated dad of three, so his kids are his main concern when he ends up being arrested for first-degree murder. He didn’t kill Netty, the elderly widow who had come to him for a new will, but the circumstantial evidence is damning. Sure, he wrote the new will to benefit himself when Netty dies, and he has treated her to many lunches and driven her places she needed to go. But, of course, he wanted to provide the best service to a sweet lady who claimed she had $16 million dollars. It’s the first Grisham book where there is more emphasis on the whodunit than the courtroom scenes, which are still compelling. There are a few potential suspects who emerge, but I found the resolution, and the less-than-legal tactics used to solve the case, a little difficult to swallow. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the convoluted plot and Grisham’s expertise in creating a layered central character and a compelling story, especially in the last half of the book.
Having enjoyed Ellie Alexander’s Sloan Krause (brewery) mystery series, I picked up her holiday romance and I wasn’t disappointed. CLUED IN TO LOVE is an entertaining story surrounding a holiday scavenger hunt that is the center of a town’s annual Christmas festival. This year the prize is $50,000 ,attracting even more interest and participation than usual. Marissa wants to win the money to expand her fledgling catering company–Yes, Cheese–but she finds herself paired with a member of a local wealthy family who doesn’t seem to be taking it as seriously as she would have liked. Olivia is a brilliant high school senior who has put together a team to win money for a worthy cause. And Hilary is the City Council member in charge of the scavenger hunt who is facing interference by the mayor that threatens to shut it down, not to mention depression after her twins left for college. In the process, her relationship with her husband has been sorely tested. And Darby, a beloved teacher, still mourning the death of her husband, is disturbed by the sudden appearance of a long-ago suitor. I enjoyed all the details of the scavenger hunt, along with other events such as a Starlight Parade and a ball in this small-town venue. We know that everything will turn out well at the end, and that there might be some romance involved, but getting there is fun, fraught, and often emotional. (October 20)
Oh, you got me, Margie, with Clued in to Love. I ordered it. I like that brewery series. I have a librarian friend who loves the bakery one, but I never cared for the characters in that one.
Sounds as if you’ve already had a messy day, with a busy one ahead. Good luck, Margie!
Your Toastmaster duties sound extremely time-consuming Margie! Not to mention complicated; so many things to keep track of. You said before that you enjoy it, so I suppose that’s something anyway. Although this particular session just sounds gruelling to me.
Lindy, I do enjoy Toastmasters very much, and October 1 was my 15th anniversary in this club. It sounds more difficult than it is to be the TMOD (Toastmaster of the Day), at least until you’ve done it a few times (we rotate). It’s just that this week it put me in a bad mood because I couldn’t get responses from two people about whether they could fill their their assigned role (I sent two emails each). One finally responded, and I asked her to check with the other one (whom she is mentoring). She said something to the effect that it was no big deal–someone could cover for her at the last minute. True (we’re all very flexible), but her not responding is inconsiderate and puts more pressure on the TMOD. I totally own the fact that I can be an old curmudgeon, and I certainly don’t want to give any member cause to leave the club, but it bothers me when people are inconsiderate, and especially when their mentor (this one is President), doesn’t have any regard for the procedure. I’m also dealing with a company from whom I ordered a beautiful quilted laundry basket, as it turns out that it collapses on the floor if it has nothing in it, even when their online marketing says it stands up on its own with no support. Fortunately, their customer service has been responsive, and they’re make suggestions as to how to make it stand up on its own (stuff it with towels, pillows, etc. for a few days), plus they’ve given me 30% off on my next order. We’ll see what happens. Combining those two things with all the horrible things I read about the country these days, it hasn’t been the easiest week. I’m planning to treat myself to an egg and gouda cheese sandwich and a frappuccino from Starbucks after the Toastmasters meeting ends at 1:00 p.m. today!
Your post-Toastmasters treat sounds like an excellent idea Margie; it will be well-deserved today.
It’s so annoying when more than one irritating thing at a time happens. Good luck with the basket! And with the inconsiderate people.
Margie, You had me with the Starbuck’s frappuccino. omg i love ’em. You and I are of an age when Customer Service actually meant something; these days it’s just irritating ( like inconsiderate people!).
From a fellow curmudgeon, for the very same reasons.
I want to go to Asterisk!!! What a delightful spot.
it’s been one of those times when not a single book seems to tick any of my boxes.
So I am rereading THE CORRESPONDENT which I jusvan’t.praisr highly enough.
The following was created by AI:
“The Correspondent” is a poignant novel by Virginia Evans that explores the life of Sybil Van Antwerp, a retired lawyer who uses letters to navigate her past and present relationships.
Overview of the Novel
The story centers around Sybil Van Antwerp, a 73-year-old woman living alone in Baltimore. Throughout her life, Sybil has relied on writing letters to make sense of her experiences and emotions. The novel unfolds through her correspondence with various individuals, including family, friends, and notable authors, revealing her joys, regrets, and the complexities of her relationships.
Amazon
Themes and Character Development
Power of Letters: The act of writing letters serves as a therapeutic outlet for Sybil, allowing her to confront her past, including the loss of her son and the emotional distance from her family. The letters she writes—some sent, others left unsent—reflect her inner struggles and desires for connection.
Aging and Reflection: The novel delves into themes of aging, memory, and the bittersweet nature of life. As Sybil reflects on her life through her letters, she grapples with feelings of regret and the need for forgiveness, both from herself and others.
Emotional Intimacy: The narrative captures the delicate balance between longing for connection and the fear of vulnerability. Sybil’s journey is marked by her attempts to reconcile her past with her present, ultimately leading to personal growth and healing.
Reception
“The Correspondent” has been well-received for its introspective storytelling and rich character development. Readers appreciate the depth of Sybil’s character and the emotional resonance of her journey, making it a compelling read for those interested in themes of self-reflection and the impact of written communication.
This novel is a thoughtful exploration of how letters can shape our understanding of ourselves and our relationships, making it a significant addition to contemporary literature.
Oh, we’d have fun at Asterisk together, Kaye! And, they have designer cocktails!
I’m sorry you can’t find the right book at the moment. I hope one shows up soon.
Wishi could join you at the bookstore 😊. Despite my lists of about 25 books at the library, non are available to me now. Am reading books from friends. Enjoyed Sister sister and just started Camino Island, which is not pleasing me yet…
I wish you could, too, Carol Jeanne. You’re waiting for books, and mine are flooding in at the library four at a time. I can’t keep up! And, it’s not because I’m the first on lists. I’m reading some older titles, and they’re readily available.
This week I finished The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman. Lesa already reviewed it earlier in the week. Like her, this one wasn’t my favorite. I loved catching up with the Thursday Murder Club characters but found this rather slow going. I wish the storyline with Ron’s daughter had been the more prominent one as I didn’t really care much about the one about Bitcoin.
I had a hard time deciding how much I enjoyed So Far Gone by Jess Walter where a reclusive journalist tries to rescue his kidnapped grandchildren. The events that surrounded a Christian Nationalist Militia were a little too close to today’s current events. I found it horrifying reading that this is actually happening in my country. Considering his opinion on our current president and his minions, I won’t be surprised if it ends up on a banned book list somewhere.
A rainy Tuesday led to a cooler Wednesday in my neck of the woods. Off to see my grandson march in his high school marching band next week.
Happy Reading!
Sharon, Do you know that until I saw the movie, I didn’t even remember that Ron had children? Then, I vaguely remembered his son, but that’s it. You’re right. The bitcoin really slowed down this one.
Jess Walter’s book does sound too close to home.
It was only 42 degrees when I got up this morning! This is not the first time I’ve complained on here about that today.
I remembered Ron’s son, but did not even remember that he had a daughter. I thought Kendrick was Jason’s kid.