It’s been a fun week with family. And, I’ll be in and out today since my cousin and aunt are coming to visit, and we’ll all go out to lunch. Yesterday, my nephew and his wife stopped to visit with their six-day-old baby son, Mom’s fifth great-grandchild. Tuesday evening, we went to Christie’s for homemade vegetable soup and then a seasonal program at a historical village. Christie invited us to go with her to an Edgar Allan Poe program. The performer played cello to set the mood, then read “The Tell-Tale Heart”, “The Masque of the Red Death” (one of my favorites), and “The Raven”.
I know I’ve been iffy while visiting Mom. I’ll be home Sunday afternoon, so I’ll be on track again next week. Thanks for your patience.
I’m reading and enjoying Jenn McKinlay’s new book, Witches of Dubious Origin. It’s called a cozy mystery, but it’s different from any of Jenn’s other books. A librarian inherits a grimoire from her mother, and learns she’s from a powerful family of witches. However, she promised her mother she would never practice magic. Extenuating circumstances lead Zoe to the Museum of Literature, where she reluctantly delves into the history of the book and searches for a spell to help someone. Complex, terrific book.
Of course, being away from home also means I haven’t started Louise Penny’s The Black Wolf. I know Kaye Barley’s reading it, so she’ll have to let us know if she likes it.
What about you? What have you been doing? What are you reading? I might have been hit-or-miss this week, but I’m interested, and I’ll catch up.
What a great week you’re having Lesa; it sounds perfect. Maybe especially the homemade vegetable soup!
I only finished one book this week (and bought myself a new one – the very book you’re currently reading Lesa; when I eventually get to it, it will be the first ever book I’ve read by Jenn McKinlay).
It’s been a week of errands for me. Although on Sunday our son and daughter-in-law and 8 year old Evelyn invited themselves over. While they and David went to look at the spawning salmon in the river just near us, I made lunch for all of us. Afterwards Evelyn snuggled in beside me and had fun trying her hand at the NYT games (Tiles, Spelling Bee, and Strands), our son and David and I just talked, and our daughter-in-law (who always feels relaxed when she comes over) wrapped herself up in a throw blanket and fell asleep in a chair in the living room listening to Evelyn’s constant chatter. Such a soothing, peaceful afternoon!
The book I read:
THE LIBRARY OF BORROWED HEARTS by Lucy Gilmore
In storylines alternating between present-day and 1960, this is a book about found family, love, and hard choices.
In the present-day, Chloe, a young woman in her late twenties, is working in a library while trying her best to make ends meet. Four years ago her mother walked out of her life because things were just ‘too much’, which meant Chloe had to quit college and find a job so she could look after and support her three younger siblings. She loves them dearly and she doesn’t complain, but life isn’t easy for her.
Her latest assigned task at the library is to get rid of all the old books that have been in the basement storage room for years and which are getting dustier and moldier every day. She comes across an old and rare copy of a controversial book that, if she sold it, even in the terrible condition it’s in, would fetch enough money to solve several of her immediate financial difficulties. Then she discovers handwritten notes in the margins throughout the book. What looks like a conversation in fact.
Enter Jasper – Chloe’s extremely grouchy, downright mean next door neighbour. Jasper sees the book and offers to buy it from her. For a lot of money. Why is he so determined to have this book? Chloe becomes thoroughly invested in her search to uncover the circumstances behind the ‘conversation’ that took place in the margins of a book. Her search will take her back to 1960, where she will uncover some answers.
This is the second book I’ve ready by Lucy Gilmore and I have to say I enjoyed the other one (The Lonely Hearts Book Club) more. Although I loved the premise of this one, and quite enjoyed the first and last 100 or so pages, the book didn’t quite hold my interest in the middle. The more I got to know a certain character the more annoyed I got, and never could understand the decisions and choices and the reasons for them that this character made. I’m sure it’s not a good thing to be angry at a character in a book. And strangely for a book that contains quite a bit of emotional turmoil, a number of characters felt a little flat. Whatever the reason, I wasn’t as engaged with most of them as I’d thought I would be. And to me the book felt sad overall, although it did have a bit of lightness here and there.
Lindy, that sounds like a love day with your son and his family.
I enjoyed The Lonely Hearts Book Club very much, and The Library of Borrowed Hearts does sound like it could be very sad. But I may give it a try someday.
A “lovely day” I meant to say.
Lindy, Aren’t some of those family days just the best? I love the way you described it with Evelyn’s chatter and your daughter-in-law falling asleep. That’s beautiful that your home is a place they all feel so comfortable.
I started that book at one time, and I think I dropped it because I just couldn’t like the characters. I agree with you.
I loved the visual that you painted of your family visit – good memories that! My husband’s brothers and son are coming this weekend to watch football and hockey. I don’t think it will be quite as peaceful as your visit, but I know that it will make him happy!
I am glad you have having a good visit with your mother, and so many things have happened while you were there. We will be going out early tomorrow for errands so I am putting this up early.
Glen is now reading two very different books. A SUNNY PLACE FOR SHADY PEOPLE by Marian Enriquez is a short story book, with ghost stories and strange stories. Fits the season. There was one story he found very terrifying, and two others were good to very good. He started reading DEATH ON THE CHEAP: THE LOST B MOVIES OF FILM NOIR by Arthur Lyons to give him breaks between scary stories. He has always been interested in noir films.
I am reading AT THE TABLE OF WOLVES by Kay Kenyon. It is in the alternate history genre but also leans towards fantasy with characters with paranormal powers. I like the time period it is set in particularly, 1936 in England and Germany.
Good morning, Tracy. I’m so glad you found time to slip in and discuss books before running your errands. Glen’s book sounds a little too scary for me, if he found it scary. Yours sounds like a possibility though.
My parents were in town last weekend, so I got to play lots of games with them, which was fun. Month end close starts Thursday at work, already. And I have some other things I’m trying to wrap up. I don’t feel like I’m ready for it to start, but here it is.
Reading wise, I should be finishing up PLAYER ELIMINATION by Shelly Jones today. It’s the first in a series about the owner of a board game store. I wanted to like it, but the characters aren’t quite developed and the plot is a little thin. I should be finishing it up on Thursday. At least I hope so. Got plans Thursday after work, so I’ve got to make sure I finish on my breaks and lunch.
Good morning, Mark. You’re more devoted than I am, although I understand. Sometimes, you feel an obligation to finish a book. I’m sorry this new one isn’t quite up to expectations.
I love playing games. At Mom’s, it’s jigsaw puzzles, not games.
Good morning, everyone! This week I finished up the Luna sisters series by Liana de la Rosa with Gabriela and His Grace, which I thoroughly enjoyed. In these historical romances the protagonists are three smart, politically connected heiresses from Mexico who have to flee to England when France invades Mexico around the time of the US Civil War. Each sister is her own person and is the focus of one of the books. We see them, and their relationship, grow, which is nice since it isn’t all about love from men. Gabriela, the youngest, is a sassy beauty trying to find her place in the world, maybe in England, maybe back in Mexico. She has sparks with a blue-eyed duke who is a well-known rake. The plot is fairly plausible, which is saying something for a historical romance!
Besides that I read The Library of Lost and Found from 2019 by Phaedra Patrick. I wasn’t crazy about it but I enjoyed seeing Martha tune into her own needs, not other people’s, something I can always use pointers on.
Good morning, Trisha! You are so right that historical romances don’t always seem plausible. I still like them, though, and that one sounds good.
You and me both, Trisha. I can always use pointers on the same issue. It’s hard!
Well, we’re finally getting much needed rain today. It’s been at least five degrees cooler than normal this week (it’s warmer today), but mostly sunny, if very windy.
I mentioned our Anniversary last week, and we are going to New Orleans on Saturday to celebrate, back next Thursday. One thing: we ditched the free flight on American (Jackie got the points back) because it’s bad enough flying in the current situation without having to deal with connecting flights too, especially when they changed us to where we had a HALF HOUR layover between flights in Charlotte. Instead, we got tickets for a direct flight on JetBlue (American doesn’t do direct flights) for the same dates, though now we have an early morning flight on Saturday (8:15 am), which I don’t love. Oh well, keep your fingers crossed that the flight goes and we take off on time (or reasonably thereafter). We are seeing friends on Sunday, which should be fun.
To reading, then. As mentioned last time, Jackie is reading THE DEEPEST CUT, the latest Monkeewrench book by P. J. Tracy. She better read faster as she now has three library books backed up.
My reading has been spread all over the place. When I have time in late afternoon (if I remember), I’ve been reading a chapter of the Teddy Roosevelt biography. In 1902 he was dealing with a coal strike and poor people freezing in winter because they were unable to hear their homes, so not so different from what is going on now, although unlike the current administration, he cared about helping poor people.
I’ve read a lot of books of letters written by over the years, though none in recent years. Henry James and Ernest Hemingway were big letter writers. When I saw they’d published a 1000+ page collection of John Updike’s letters – SELECTED LETTERS OF JOHN UPDIKE – I got a library copy on the Cloud and have been dipping into it from time to time. I don’t know how much I’ll get read before I have to return it. Currently reading mostly his letters home to his mother (also a writer) in 1950, when the 18 year old had started at Harvard.
Short stories always start the day in my reading, and the latest is Send Me by Patrick Ryan, his first book. This is a series of interlocking stories featuring the same family who appeared in his other collection that I read this year (THE DREAM LIFE OF ASTRONAUTS), Teresa, her two husbands and her four children (two with each husband). Each is told from a different character’s perspective at a different moment in time. Good, but I prefer the other collection. I’m also reading the second Library of America collection of AMERICAN FANTASTIC TALES, edited by Peter Straub, this one covering years from 1940 to the present.
Also finished this week was Lessons In Crime, the Martin Edwards-edited book of stories mentioned last week.
I’m also currently reading two books, one a dystopian post-Apocalyptic book classified as science fiction, the other a straight mystery. The first is WOOL, the first in Hugh Howey’s SILO trilogy. At some point there seems to have been a catastrophic event (or something, we won’t find out until book two, apparently) that has left survivors and their descendants (again, we don’t know how long this has been going on) living in a huge silo, 144 levels deep under ground. I won’t say more until I finish it or at least read enough to see better where it is going. There is a streaming series based on the novel on Apple+, which we don’t have.
Yesterday I started (and raced through a quarter of) the new Lincoln Lawyer book by Michael Connelly, The Proving Ground, which I will finish before going back to the Hovey book. Mickey Haller has given up criminal law in a previous book. Here, in a “torn from the headlines” case, he is suing an AI firm on behalf of a client whose daughter was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, apparently at the prompting of an AI chatbot. Haller is being helped by journalist Jack McEvoy (from THE POET and a couple of other Connelly books). I might prefer the criminal to the civil work, but Connelly is probably my favorite current mystery writer and he is always worth reading, and this is no exception.
Have a good week. I doubt I’ll get a lot of reading done while we’re away.
Jeff, I hope you and Jackie have a great trip to New Orleans, and that all the travel goes smoothly
I have The Deepest Cut waiting for me at the library when I get back, so I’ll run in to pick it up on Monday after a dentist appointment. That’s the only problem with two week trip is my holds expire at the library while I’m gone. I wrote them down, though, so I’ll get them again.
I’m always interested in Martin Edwards’ collections, although some are better than others.
Have a great trip and visit!
We have our dental appointments today, so fingers crossed.
Jeff, Glen saw your comment and told me that he has both of the Library of America collections of AMERICAN FANTASTIC TALES, edited by Peter Straub. He purchased them over ten years ago, but hasn’t read any of them yet. I am thinking I will be reading some stories from both of the collections sometime soon.
I can never get over how much reading you get done in a week Jeff! And always an interesting assortment of things too.
Enjoy New Orleans!
Thanks. Lindy. And I always feel like a failure because I’m not finishing a lot of books, since I always seem to have 4 or 5 things going at once, rather than just reading one book at a time.
But then I started making sure I was reading at least one short story a day 30 years ago, and that does add up.
Lesa, I’m glad you’re enjoying your visit. We had a busy weekend. There’s a Stickley Museum in NJ and they had an open house on Saturday so we did that. Sunday we saw Sweeney Todd and then had dinner out for my birthday. Today we have a contractor coming to re-caulk our walk in shower. It was installed in August but part of the caulk turned yellow so they are redoing it.
This week I read a Japanese translation, IF CATS DISAPPEARED FROM THE WORLD by Genki Kawamura. A man finds out he has cancer and only has a few days to live. The Devil offers to give him an extra day of life for each thing he agrees to remove from the world.
NEWLYWEDS CAN BE KNOCKED OFF by Amanda Flower. It’s the latest in her Amish Matchmaker series. Seventy something Millie and her non-Amish friend Lois take the winter bus trip bus from Holmes County, OH to Pinecraft, FL on the trip down Millie befriends a young Amish woman traveling alone. During their first walk on the beach Millie and Lois find a body and it’s the girl from the bus.
I don’t usually like it when authors move the story to a different location but in this case the author found a logical way to bring a batch of the secondary characters into the story so I didn’t mind the change in venue.
Sandy, Do you like Sweeney Todd? I’ve seen it, and I have mixed feelings. I do like some of the songs, but the story itself is depressing.
I agree with you. I don’t usually enjoy it when an author moves the story to another location. I’m happy to hear Amanda’s story worked. I know her, not well, but she’s always so nice. One of the first authors I met when I went to my first Bouchercon. And, I love how she and her husband rescue cats. So, it’s nice to hear her story worked.
Lesa, I actually enjoyed Sweeney Todd. The cast did a really good job with the show. But I think you have to take the fact that Sweeney originated in a Penny Dreadful and those stories were intentionally sensational.
Thank you, Sandy. I didn’t realize that, and it makes more sense that way. I appreciate it!
Lesa, we’re big Sondheim fans and have seen SWEENEY TODD 4 or 5 times, back to the original Broadway production.
Jeff, Are you going to see the new version with Will Swenson?
It has been such beautiful weather this past week. My husband made it home and he was not hurt at all from the accident – so thankful. Craft shows have started up for the holidays, so I have been enjoying going to those on the weekends. My kitchen countertops were installed yesterday and they look fabulous. All in all, a great week!
I read “The Impossible Fortune”, the 5th in the Thursday Murder Club series. Since seeing the movie, I couldn’t unsee Pierce Brosnan as Ron when I was reading it! I actually enjoyed the side stories more than the main story – specifically the fun of Connie mentoring Tia, not quite in the spirit of what Ibraham meant about “giving back”, and Ron’s daughter’s split with her husband and the chaos that ensued from that. I think the main story suffered a bit from lack of ‘place’. I think other stories featured Coopers Chase a bit more than this one. It was still an enjoyable read.
Mary. So glad your husband is home and in good condition. Craft shows are starting here, too, and I’m going to my mother to one of the big local ones on Saturday morning. I’ve never been to this one, but she says it’s great.
Oh, you’re so right about The Impossible Fortune. I enjoyed the side stories, after I remembered some of the minor characters. I had to remember who Connie was. And, I didn’t even remember Ron had children. Then, I finally remembered his son, and not just from the movie. I’m a Pierce Brosnan fan, so I’m happy to remember him as Ron.
I’m excited for you to have your kitchen countertops Mary. It must feel like the whole job is nearing the finish line now that those are in.
Good morning! It was a busy week, mostly trying to put the November issue of The Stiletta, the Sisters in Crime NorCal newsletter, to bed. It should be posted on the website and the link sent out to our 150 members later today, or tomorrow at the latest. That means I can take a break for the month of November, but I will probably start early soliciting articles for the February 2026 issue because it will be like pulling teeth to get anyone to commit during the holiday season. It’s a lengthy quarterly newsletter–about 25 pages–so it takes a lot of time and coordination, but I love doing it (10 years and counting!). Also this week, I took my car into the dealership for servicing, and today I have a doctor’s appointment and a dental appointment, in addition to Toastmasters. This weekend should be fun, though. Of course, tomorrow is Halloween, and we’ll be spending it with the rest of the family tomorrow evening. The next day is grandson Henry’s 9th birthday, and I’m not sure his parents will survive it. We’ll take him out to lunch, and then he has the flag football championship for two hours and a boys’ party which will include driving some sort of cars on a track and going to a drive-in movie, before having a sleepover! And by the way, why didn’t I know that Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday morning? An extra hour of sleep, hopefully. At any rate, I only finished two books this week.
THE SNOW LIES DEEP by Paula Munier, book #7 in the Mercy Carr mystery series, feels different from previous series entries for one very important reason. Spouses Mercy and Troy, both military veterans, have a new focus–their darling 8-month-old daughter, Felicity. They still participate in search-and-rescue activities with their amazing dogs Elvis and Susie Bear and consult with law enforcement on special cases, and Troy works as a forest ranger. But keeping Felicity happy and safe and preparing for her first Christmas are at the top of their priorities. That’s not to say there aren’t crimes to help solve–three murders, in fact, the first taking the life of the local mayor and acting Santa Claus. And one of the victims has been dead for years, with the bones just being discovered in the snow. At the same time, Troy is dealing with dangerous poachers, and there is a shadowy church whose actions–and some of their parishioners–seem suspicious. It is an interesting and complex mystery, as always in this engrossing series, but I also enjoyed the depiction of the town’s Solstice Soiree activities, complete with druids, along with the spouses’ mothers competing to see who can decorate their house more lavishly and the locals performing in A Christmas Carol. The small town of Northshire, Vermont, is a picture postcard combination of sparkling snow, (mostly) congenial residents, and engaging events, invoking holiday spirit in this reader. I enjoyed reading a mystery that is lighter than others in the series and look forward to more books by this talented author.(December)
Laura Jensen Walker’s THE ALPHABET SLEUTHS feels like the start of a new series, building on the popularity of books about seniors who solve crimes. Atsuko, Barbara, Claire, and Daphne, each living in a separate home in a retirement complex, have become fast friends, although their backgrounds are quite different. Atsuko was a journalist, Barbara an actress, Claire a paralegal and medical office worker, and Daphne a cop. Their ages range from 62 to “not telling,” but they are still full of life and savoring new experiences. One night, Claire enters Daphne’s house to find a man trying to strangle her friend, and she reacts quickly, hitting the man from behind with such force that he dies instantly. He was a criminal apprehended by Daphne years earlier and just released from prison, having threatened revenge on her. The ladies put their heads together to figure out how to dispose of the body where it will never be found. But the story is just taking off at that point. There are also some thefts among the residents, some loud arguments and petty disagreements, and then another murder, thickening the plot further. Each one of the Alphabet Sleuths is clearly portrayed, with details about her history, her family, spouses and romances, and what she wants from her retirement, making them easy to root for. Was what they did legal or advisable? Of course not, but was it understandable? Definitely. A couple of the male residents are portrayed as slimy, but at least one man may be true romantic partner material. It’s a quick read, but a lot of fun. I hope there are further adventures for the Alphabet sleuths. (February)
Oh, I can’t wait to read The Snow Lies Deep. One of my favorite series. Thank you for the reminder, Margie. I think I forgot to put it on my December Treasures post.
It sounds as if you have a busy weekend ahead of you. Enjoy every minute with your family. You’re right. It sounds a little iffy whether Henry’s parents will survive.
Thanks for mentioning The Alphabet Sleuths Margie. Pretty sure I’ll enjoy that one but will have to wait till February for it to be released here.
So glad that you are having wonderful times with your family.
I am immersed in Skylark, by Paula McLain. She has two timeline going set in Paris, one in 1664, and 1939. So far the gripping part of the story of is the underground tunnels of Paris. Back in 1664, Paris was siting on a web of underground limestone quarries. War is coming to Paris. The tunnels can be used for survival. I found a non-fiction film on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBBdgZSRdYw
Carol, Isn’t it great when your interests collide, that you can find a film to go along with your book? I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
Happy Thursday, everyone!
Lesa, i plan on reading Jenn’s book next – I’m happy to hear you’re enjoying it.
I am reading THE BLACK WOLF. Here’s a reason I adore Louise Penny’s writing:
“The dogs, Henri and Fred, were asleep at the foot of the queen bed, while Gracie, who might or might not be a chipmunk, or a ferret, had made a nest
of their clothes and now lay buried in them.”
I finished and enjoyed Sacred Light by Kathryn Lasky, part of the Georgia O’Keeffe series.
Description from NetGalley
Tragedy, deception, and peril await painter and amateur sleuth Georgia O’Keeffe in this enthralling historical mystery set in 1930s New Mexico, from multi-award-winning author Kathryn Lasky.
“Step aside Miss Marple, Eugenia Potter, and Kinsey Millhone—Georgia O’Keeffe is the new sleuth in town!” Award-winning author Katherine Hall Page
Under the spellbinding stars of the New Mexico desert, a bloodied axe carves through the night—its story buried in silence and sand . . .
New Mexico, 1937. Painter Georgia O’Keeffe is excited for her trip to the intriguing wilderness of the Bisti Badlands—a common site for archaeological excavations, it’s a historical place with enchanting desertscapes but also perilous natural structures.
Her trip is overshadowed by the sad news of her friend and native Juan Nez going missing. No one knows where he is, and it’s unlikely he’s gotten lost. He knows these lands like the back of his hand. Has something happened to him and, if so, was it an accident, or has a horrible crime taken place?
Trying to make sense of the situation, Georgia seeks solace in her art, but soon comes face-to-face with a dangerous reality and an even deadlier disaster . . .
For fans of Stephanie Barron, Nicola Upson, and Bella Ellis. “A compelling mystery” (Booklist on A Slant of Light) featuring real-life painter Georgia O’Keeffe, one of the most significant artists of the twentieth century.
You’re right, Kaye. Louise Penny’s writing is beautiful, and so different from other writings.
I learned so much about Georgia O’Keeffe and the time period from these books.
Thank you for letting me know there is a fourth book coming.
I will now read book three, which I have hoarded waiting for the next one.
I loved books one and two!
This weekend will be my first one on my own without any events to go to, but as of now I’m feeling okay about that. I am happy to report that I am able to enjoy books again, I just have to be careful about my choices.
I did not like THE GIRL FROM DEVIL’S LAKE by JA Jance. One of my favorite authors (Dana Stabenow) once said that she refused to read mysteries which included a serial killer’s viewpoint, and I agree. I skipped the chapters from the killer’s viewpoint and did not really enjoy the rest of it. Sometimes I think Jance has taken this series as it can go.
Seems to me I was not a fan of Hannah Langdon’s last book, but I really liked her new one, CHRISTMAS WITH THE PRINCES. It is a very delightful Christmas book. It gave me all sorts of ideas for redoing my holiday decorating this year. Plus it was a happy story!
I am sorry to see some negative reviews for Julia Spencer Fleming’s new book, but that is what I am looking forward to reading next.
Just because others weren’t crazy about Julia Spencer-Fleming’s book doesn’t mean you won’t like it, Cindy. I hope you love it.
Thank you for the comments about Christmas with the Princes. I really enjoyed Christmas with the Lords. I wouldn’t have known about this one, except for you. Thank you!
Good morning from Casa Tipple and Home Eatery Library in the plains of NE Dallas where we dodged the severe weather as storm systems came through and finally cooled things off to normal temperatures.
I have not been reading much as I am not doing well and had a dental appointment that made things worse the other day. So, we have been doing tv and movies. Saw Nobody 2 via the library and was disappointed. The first movie was good, but they changed directors for this one.
Watched the latest season of THE DIPLOMAT via Netflix. It was good, but not as good as earlier ones. And our main character was amazingly stupid, repeatedly, which rather annoyed. Then there is the sudden pivot in the last episode that made no sense. As Scott pointed out, they were headed one way and must have gotten word they will be renewed.
We finished off Tony & Ziva. How can you banner headline that it is part of NCIS and not have a single person from that series show up? They also, over several episodes, played with every stupid trope from a B action movie. I swear to god, give me five minutes, and free reign, and I could have come up with a better storyline.
So, the current read remains Innocence Road by Laura Griffin. I am close to half way of this police procedural read set in far SW Texas outside of Big Bend. Am enjoying it a lot. Reminds me quite a bit of the Chief Josie Gray series by Tricia Fields. There has not been a new one in that series in three years which does not bode well.
Same situation with the Joe Gunther series by Archer Mayor as well.
I leave you with the thought that Lesa stated that she had been “…iffy while visiting Mom.” I would point out that, by definition, all women are “iffy.”
(ducking for cover while laughing which totally gives away the tactical position.)
Kevin, as long time fans of the original (and the pair on the original), we were very disappointed with the first Tony & Ziva episode. But my wife said, give it another chance. Sadly, it was no better. In fact, I fell asleep watching it. We may slog through the rest, but if my wife didn’t want to watch it, I’d drop it today.
We ground through the whole thing and it got progressively stupider. So very disappointed, Jeff. My son and I were so looking forward to it.
Kevin, I’m going to get around to Innocence Road when I’m not feeling so “iffy”. Ha!
See, you’re laughing even when you don’t feel good.
I’m glad you avoided the worst of the weather, though.
Sounds good, Lesa. lol
I’ve been going to a steady stream of Halloween parties. I feel like I’ve seen almost every costume in existence. Also getting ready for the special election coming up on Tuesday. What a waste of time and money.
This week I read:
Pearl River Junction by Robert Randisi; A lawman and his two surviving sons from the last book are trying to settle down as farmers when they get a letter from a woman claiming she is the mother of the son of the deceased. They immediately saddle up and find themselves in gun trouble. So much for peaceful country living,
Shaken Up by Alex Morgan; For the book club. There’s an earthquake, and our soccer star protagonist is the one that crumbles. Almost funny to a lifelong Californian.
Bleeding Maize and Blue by Susan Holtzer; A ’90’s cozy about a computer consultant who investigates when an NCAA investigator is impaled with a Michigan flag in the football stadium. Everything about the book is completely out of date from the NCAA recruiting to the computer stuff. For most of the book, the slueth is mostly worried about whether to fire her maid. Strangely enough, when I was in school, nobody really thought of Michigan as being an elite school, as we all wanted to go to Stanford, USC, UCLA, Berkeley, Davis, or Pepperdine, among others.
Once Bitten by Lauren Berenson; Our dog handler sleuth’s friend is getting married, and an old friend is hired to plan the wedding. She’s from old money. She disappears, then a guest cottage is burned and a body is found. It becomes an episode of Jerry Springer.
The Diva Paints the Town by Krista Davis; The local hermit dies, leaving his fortune to his dog. His vacant house is to be redecorated for a contest, so the local busybody has everyone pitching in. By this point in the series, I was thinking the busybody HAD to be the next victim, but such was not to be. Instead they find a bunch of bones in the wall, and before you can drink your amontillado, other bodies begin piling up.
Well, Glen, here in Ohio, many of us still don’t think of Michigan as an elite “football” school. I read that Susan Holzer series years ago, and remember liking them at the time.
I know. It’s hard to believe one Domestic Diva could be involved in so many mysteries. I still like the series because I like the details about Old Town Alexandria. But, there has been very little mystery in the last couple books.
Good late afternoon from rainy and cold Cincinnati.
My husband had knee replacement surgery this morning, so I am late to the party.
I enjoyed both of my books this week.
Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles is based on a true story. This is a compelling story of Jessie Kit Carson. She is a librarian at the New York Public Library in 1918. Jessie is recruited by Ann Morgan, daughter of JP Morgan, to join The American Committee For devastated France known as Card. She is to travel to France to establish a library. After the war she disappears. Seventy years later, an aspiring writer who also works at NYPL comes across the card files and tries to uncover her story. My daughter recommended this book to me and said how can you go wrong with a book that quotes Anne of Green Gables? I found this an outstanding read.
My second book was Murder in Matrimony. Amelia Amesbury’s sister is getting married only to have the vicar turn up dead. It is up to Amelia and her friends to solve it This is the fourth of the Lady Agony series. I think it may be the last with the resolution but I hope not.
We felt the same way you did about this season of The Diplomat, Kevin. But we are enjoying Maigret on PBS.
Happy Rearing!
Sharon, I hope your husband has a good recovery from his surgery.
I heard Janet Skeslien Charles talk about Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade. Fascinating topic.
Stay safe and warm. Nasty weather out there.
Good luck to your husband with his recovery. My wife had her right knee done 13 years ago. Still no pain, but she really wants to avoid having to do the other one.
Thank you. It went well. He put it off as long as he could.
Safe travels to New Orleans.
I’m sure it is great to spend time with your family. Cousins are always extra special.
I just finished Second Chance Cinema. Loved it.
Did you forget Wallace when you said 4 greats the other day?
Hmm. I should have said 5 greats, Carol Jeanne. I don’t know who I forgot!