I hope everyone survived last week’s weather. I finally moved back home on Sunday after spending a week at Linda and Kevin’s. As much as I love them, and all the company and good food, it was good to be home. Kevin even came over and cleaned my driveway before I came back. I really appreciate them, and I’m glad I moved home to be with family. Linda, her son and I went to see “Come From Away” on Saturday. It was just as wonderful on a slightly smaller stage, but I have no complaints. Columbus has wonderful theater people.
Speaking of theater, tomorrow Margie Bunting takes over with her version of Favorites Read During 2025. If Margie and I were closer, we’d be theater buddies. It’s a passion for both of us.
So, it’s appropriate that I’m reading Theater Kid: A Broadway Memoir by Jeffrey Seller. I’ve only read the first chapter, but I like his voice. That also means I have to use the summary of the book since I haven’t read enough to discuss it.
A coming-of-age tale from one of the most successful American producers of our time, Jeffrey Seller, who is the only producer to have mounted two Pulitzer Prize–winning musicals—Hamilton and Rent.
Before he was producing the musical hits of our generation, Jeffrey was just a kid coming to terms with his adoption, trying to understand his sexuality, and determined to escape his dysfunctional household in a poor neighborhood just outside Detroit. We see him find his voice through musical theater and move to New York, where he is determined to shed his past and make a name for himself on Broadway.
But moving to the big city is never easy—especially not at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis—and Jeffrey learns to survive and thrive in the colorful and cutthroat world of commercial theatre. From his early days as an office assistant, to meeting Jonathan Larson and experiencing the triumph and tragedy of Rent, to working with Lin-Manuel Miranda on In the Heights and Hamilton, Jeffrey completely pulls back the curtain on the joyous and gut-wrenching process of making new musicals, finding new audiences, and winning a Tony Award—all the while finding himself.
Told with Jeffrey’s candid and captivating voice, Theater Kid is a gripping memoir about fighting through a hardscrabble childhood to make art on one’s own terms, chasing a dream against many odds, and finding acceptance and community.
What about you? What did you do in the past week? What have you read?
There is nothing exciting or interesting that I can tell you about my week. The days are centered around David’s radiation sessions and all that they entail. I had an appointment with the eye doctor because of blurry vision in one eye; no specific cause was found but at least I know it’s none of the things I was fearing – no glaucoma, no tears in the retina, no macular degeneration, so I’m OK with that. I’m feeling cheated of a proper winter; the high today was 15C (59F). That’s warmer than Florida for goodness sake! All the bushes are in full bud already. Summer’s coming, my most dreaded season. And my friend tells me the outlook is for the hottest summer yet in my area.
On to a cheerier topic then. Books. I honestly don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have books to read. I need them like I need to breathe.
FUNNY FARM – My Unexpected Life With 600 Rescue Animals by Laurie Zaleski
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this memoir. Published five years ago, I recently came across it on my shelves at home. Most of my books get their turn eventually.
This was an affecting memoir of Laurie’s life, harrowing to read at times, beginning when she was five years old and taking us up to the present day.
When Laurie was five years old her mother packed up the three children and fled from an abusive marriage. Reading about the family’s subsequent fifteen or so years living in what was little more than a rundown shack was at once heartbreaking and hopeful and I’m left with so much admiration for Annie, Laurie’s mom. She went through so much personal hardship and trauma and yet always found the strength to do her very best for her children under extremely trying conditions. Along the way the family collected a little menagerie of animals, including a beloved horse, that needed a home for various reasons. Laurie and her siblings learned to develop a strong work ethic and strength of character. She always told her mom that ‘someday’ she would buy her mother a real farm and have more animals for her mother to look after and love. This was the dream.
Eventually Laurie did buy just such a farm, although it came along two short weeks too late for her mother. The dilemma then was, did she sell the farm and keep working at her own graphic arts company or keep the farm as a legacy to her mother? Short answer is she kept the farm and she’s still running it today – the Funny Farm Rescue and Sanctuary in New Jersey is thriving and still saving animals.
The memoir alone was well worth reading in its own right and it was interspersed with fascinating anecdotes about some of the rescue animals such as a blind kitten and its seeing eye duck; and a grumpy disabled goose which was unable to fly and had to be kept in a coop for her safety but was saved from a life of loneliness by the random arrival of a Canada goose who became her friend. There are also a few pages of wonderful photos of some of the animals. I’m so glad I read this book.
THE FROZEN PEOPLE by Elly Griffiths
I think it was Margie who reviewed this book last week, and I was happy to have it already waiting for me in my to-read pile.
Ali works for the London Police as part of small team of five people in the Department of Logistics, working on cold cases – ‘so cold, they’re frozen’, hence the title of the book. This team benefits from a secret new technology to help them solve these cold cases – they can go back in time as unseen observers; eye witnesses in fact, and can therefore gather evidence and see for themselves whether a crime is being committed.
In this particular case, Member of Parliament Isaac Templeton would like to discover whether or not his great-great grandfather belonged to a secret club that existed in Victorian times that was responsible for killing women – so, knowing they have a reputation of solving cold cases, he turns to the Department of Logistics for assistance. Very worryingly however, the case ends up involving Ali’s son Finn, and special advisor to Isaac.
The story toggles back and forth between 1850 and 2023, and each time as I just had to know what was going to happen next, I was left on a cliffhanger, saying to myself ‘No! Don’t leave me here!’ But then I was sucked right into the next time period and got completely invested in that one too. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but this was an entertaining story for sure, and far more suspenseful than I thought it would be. I desperately wanted to know ‘who did it’ but the author made me wait for it one skillful, tantalizing chapter at a time. I am definitely looking forward to reading the second book in the series whenever it comes out.
So happy for you! Glaucoma is very scary, retinal tears are super scary.
OK, Lindy, you sold me. I haven’t had much luck with earlier Elly Griffiths books, but I’ve had this on my radar for the resemblance to the time travel books of Connie Willis. Thanks for the review.
You’re right about Florida. This was probably the coldest spell we’ve had in 20 years of coming down here in the winter.
Jeff, I’m not sure anything can compare to the time travel books by Connie Willis. I love those books! The Frozen People is shorter and ‘cozier’ but it’s a fun read.
Lindy, thank you for the recommendation of Funny Farm. I just put it on hold at the library. Also, I’m glad you enjoyed The Frozen People!
Lindy, I’m so glad you didn’t have any of the suspected causes for your blurry vision. I’d take those temperatures any day. It’s 8 degrees here.
Both of your books sound good. Like Jeff, I haven’t had luck with Ella Griffiths’s books, but I’ll try that one.
See, I liked her main series and The Frozen People and other things she has done since, I don’t care for at all. DNFs.
More fog, with some sun in the afternoons. We usually get this weather a little later in the year. I went to the Colusa Equipment Fair, like I do every year. It seems like it is getting smaller, unfortunately. Still, got a new cap out of it.
I went and saw Shelter, Jason Statham’s new movie. I’ve seen every movie of his since the 1990’s. It’s a step backward for him. Basically a remake of a movie he made in 2012.
This week I read:
Tau by James Walker; Second book in a series. A German and a Ghanan leave Ancient Rome to go to Ghana, where, of course, the main character is a prince. They travel across the sea and the desert and find themselves in a war. They spend most of their time not knowng what is going on, but it all sorts itself out when the hacking and slashing is done.
Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by Henry Edwards; Everybody thought this movie would be a big hit in the 1970’s, the writer of Jesus Christ Superstar, Peter Frampton, The BeeGees, Aerosmith, Earth Wind and Fire, Beatles songs. I thought maybe as sometimes happens with movie adaptations, there would be some explanation of what the movie was supposed to be, but this book is as big a mess as the movie. Peter Frampton’s career never really recovered.
Tokyo Zangyo by Michael Pronko; Zangyo is a Japanese term for the unpaid overtime they all do. Being the country’s been in a recession for years, one has to wonder if they’re doing something wrong. Anyway, a big businessman is found dead, maybe suicide, or maybe not. He was responsible for a suicide of a young girl some years before. The cops investigate, and find a web of corruption so vast that it encompasses the whole country. Maybe that has something to do with the recession?
The Dark Goddess by Marvin H. Albert; Alberts started out writing hard boiled mysteries and westerns, then segued to other genres. This is basically a takeoff of a Robert Ludlum novel, with relics and cold war espionage, but it is also the introduction of Peter Sawyer, a character that had his own series when hard boiled fiction came back into vogue in the 1980’s. It’s pretty good, but the series books are mostly better.
It’s a shame about the programs and stores that have shrunk or disappeared in recent years, Glen.
Nothing pops out with your reviews this week, but I always enjoy your comments. I enjoy it when you put books in historical context.
We won’t discuss my weather in So Cal. Everyone will hate me if I do. But let’s just say that I was hot in shorts at Disneyland this weekend. I had a friend in from out of state to run the half marathon, and so I spent all weekend there. I hadn’t been for several years, so it was a blast.
Earlier on Wednesday, I finished an ARC of BURIED IN SHAMROCKS, the second Irish Bed and Breakfast Mystery from Lisa Q. Matthews. The series is set in a town in Massachusetts that celebrates all things Irish all the time. I enjoyed it. The book will be out later in February, so I need to get my review written.
Up next will be LOCKED IN PURSUIT, the fourth Electra McDonnell book. Electra is a safe cracker who has wound up using her skills for the British government during World War II. I’m looking forward to getting the next part of her story even though I know I’m not going to like how the romantic subplot in the series is going to wind up.
Mark, you didn’t name the author of those Electra books. I looked them up: Ashley Weaver.
I’m so sorry I missed that. Thanks for filling in the gap.
Actually, Mark, I’m happy to see that someone is having good weather.
I have Buried in Shamrocks on my TBR pile. Glad you hear you liked it.
Mark, I enjoyed the Electra McDonnell books. I liked the romantic subplot resolution but felt that the tying up of loose ends was a little rushed and off.
Hi everyone!
Really just marking my place here, as I haven’t managed to finish a single book over the past fortnight. We seem to have had so much to do after my mother’s death – everything from completely clearing her rooms at the sheltered housing in just 7 days, to organising her funeral and writing to all our relatives.
One good thing that has come out of this is that one of my cousins called me – I had not spoken with John for maybe 30 years, for no real reason, apart from the fact that he and his family live in Brighton, right at the other end of the UK, and it was my mother who kept in touch with them (as he was her nephew.) We had such a lovely catch up, I really enjoyed reconnecting with him – and he passed my number on to his brother’s wife, who then called me herself. Unfortunately her husband, John’s brother, has dementia, but Evelyn and I had a great chat too. So I will try to keep up the contact, and am even contemplating a trip to the south later in the year to see them.
Here in Aberdeenshire it’s been either raining or snowing non stop since 1st January. No-one can remember this much continuous rain; the skies have been permanently grey, it really is quite depressing. Everyone I know who records their steps is lamenting their low scores – some of us have gone from a good 10,000 a day to, sometimes, less than 1,000. Of course we could go out and walk in the rain, but it’s just so dull – and many of the fields and paths are underwater. I have just looked at a long range forecast, and it seems this will last till at least the end of February – another 23 days!!
David and I went up to Cullen, one of our favourite places on the north coast, last Friday, just for a one night stay at the lovely Seafield Arms hotel (we had a voucher!) Despite the weather it was still good to get away; we had a great room (as none of the hotels are busy at the moment) and a huge bathroom with a roll-top bath. Dinner was absolutely wonderful.
On our way home the next day we stopped off at various villages along the coast. Portsoy, another favourite, which has a boat festival every summer, now has a very good commerical art gallery. I loved the huge ceramic vases decorated with pictures of mackerel – but even if I had a spare £500 I’d be far too worried about breaking one of those as soon as I got it home. It was nice to chat with the owner.
We also visited Spey Bay, which is famous for dolphin spotting – though we have never seen a single one in all our many times there – and Findhorn, known for its very alternative eco community. I hadn’t realised that the eco stuff only forms a part of Findhorn – the original village is also very pretty.
Finally we went to Nairn, and found a really good cafe and craft shop in a restored old steading just outside the town. We had excellent tea and cakes, and there were plenty of people enjoying full lunches too; the food lookedvery good. I found Househill Cafe on Trip Advisor, and was amused to find that one visitor, who gave it a well deserved 5*, commented that it was ‘amazing to find such a good place in the middle of nowhere’ – it was a 2 minute drive from the town!! You can spot the city dwellers – they seem to think good eating places are only found in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow – well, we actually have quite a few ourselves.
Which reminds me that we also went to the Tarlair Pools at Macduff. I know I have mentioned these before, so I won’t go into detail – they are a group of man made swimming pools in a natural cove just outside the village. The amazing Art Deco building has been restored by volunteers, who now run a cafe there. We’d been down before but only when the cafe was closed – this time we were lucky, and had coffee and scones, which were very good. The views out across the pools to the sea are spectacular, and the building itself is so atmospheric.
Back we came to yet more rain, but I have at least managed to catch up with various friends, which has been lovely. In particular I had a coffee with a sculptor I know – she is American/Dutch (grew up in Flagstaff) and has a very different perspective on life (and has had a very different life experience), from me. I think it’s really good for me to engage with people of other generations and ideas; it’s so easy to slide into seeing only people who share our own views and have similar backgrounds, and I don’t think it’s always a good thing.
On TV we have finished THE NIGHT MANAGER – which turned out to have another HUGE twist in the final espisode. Jeff, are you watching it yet? We’ve also almost finished the second series of BLUE LIGHTS, the police drama set in Northern Ireland (but in the present day, not during the so-called Troubles – though these still very much affect life in the province; sectarianism is just as rife as it ever was in certain areas.) I am also re-watching SMILEY’S PEOPLE, the 1979 TV adaptation of the last of John Le Carre’s Smiley novels. It may be old but the acting is so good that I’m still gripped by it. Alec Guiness really was the perfect Smiley, just as I had imagined him when I first read the books.
I have got tickets for two upcoming plays, THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY and DEATH ON THE NILE, so I’m looking forward to those. I’ve never read Mr Ripley – perhaps I should try to do so before I see the show?
And one book to mention – I had a voucher for Waterstones so I pre-ordered the paperback of Annie B Jones’ ORDINARY TIME. I’d have liked the hardback but it seems that was only released in the US. I very much enjoy Annie’s podcast: FROM THE FRONT PORCH, which she describes as ‘a weekly conversational podcast on books, small business, and life in the South.’ Annie is the owner of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia. I believe the book is a collection of her writings on the joys of staying put – apart from her college years, Annie has always lived in Thomasville. The older I get the more I too appreciate staying in one place and feeling part of a community.
Have a good week all!
Rosemary, yes. We rewatched the first series of NIGHT MANAGER before the second, and the third episode of the second series had a pretty big twist too! Still waiting for Olivia Colman in this series.
We have one episode to go on RIOT WOMEN, which is pretty good stuff, though just about every man in it is awful. Sally Wainwright knows how to keep you watching.
No wonder you didn’t have time to read anything this week Rosemary, you were so busy. The places you went to and the things you saw and did sounded just perfect, especially right now. Just low-key and lovely, and as you say I can imagine it was good to get away. (And I well remember the rush to clear out my mother’s room at the care home when she died. We had five days and it was three full days before I could even bring myself to go in.)
Rosemary, You always have a place here, even if you haven’t finished a book. I always enjoy your stories of trips and cafes, galleries and shops. Thank you for sharing with us.
I’ll have to look for Annie B. Jones’ book. It sounds fun.
I’m sorry for everything you had to do following your mother’s death. It’s good, though, that you connected with family.
I am reading one of the best historical fiction books in my life. Coal River by Ellen Marie Wiseman. It is the story of the struggle of coal miners, unsafe working conditions, child labor laws being broken, company store swindles, and a woman who wants to fight it but doesn’t have much to fight except her compassion and her strong will. Please read it, everyone!!! I bought myself. It has tiny print, but the story is worth it.
Having a bad week, my eye pain attack continues. After my gastroenterologist appointment, I took the rest of the day off. Today I am listing the problems that need to be tackled.
Carol, that’s quite a persuasive recommendation–I’ll look for COAL RIVER!
I agree with Kim, Caro. Quite a review for Coal River.
I’m sorry for all your health issues, Carol. I hope you find Thursdays provide a little relief from your problems.
Our weather is finally getting closer to normal, and Jackie stopped wearing her winter coat in the house. (OK, she only did that once, but still…) Unfortunately, our car that we bought down here two years ago has a major problem with the air conditioning, like a $5,000 problem. Fortunately, however (you can breathe again), the extended warranty covers it and we only have to pay the $100 deductible. So, yes to extended warranties. We dropped the car off in Delray Beach yesterday and got a loaner from Subaru. One takeaway: nice car, but no way would I ever quit the Forester for the smaller, lighter Crosstrek.
Glad you’re home at last, and nice of Kevin to do the driveway.
To books, then. Jackie is still reading the Paula Munier THE SNOW LIES DEEP. I think the problem for her is, she likes the family and dog stuff, but too much extraneous Christmas material otherwise.
This week I finished:
Antonya Nelson, Nothing Right. A collection of her short stories. Good one.
Fredric Brown, The Wench Is Dead. Another “drunk afraid of being framed for a murder he didn’t commit” tale, though a little different than most. This is short, was set in L.A. in the down & out area, with our protagonist being from a good family in Chicago, on “hiatus” of a sort from his respectable job, working as a dishwasher to get enough money every day to buy enough rotgut to keep him drunk. As I said, short and fast, and as always with Brown, worth reading, but not one of his finest. I am still reading his collected short stories.
Judith Viorst, Making The Best Of What’s Left: When We’re Too Old To Get The Chair Reupholstered. The well known children’s book author and long-time poet turned 95 a couple of days ago, and this book is a (short) nice summing up of what’s she’s learned in the Final Fifth (80+) of her life. Worth a fast read.
Besides the Brown short stories, I’m halfway through what seems to be Don Winslow’s final book, THE FINAL SCORE. Stephen King has called this “the best crime fiction I’ve read in twenty years,” for what that’s worth. It is six longish short stories, though they call it “Six Short Novels” inside. I’d call them novelettes or novellas. Will discuss this next week when I finish it.
I’m sure attentive readers will notice another week without any mystery novels, but I am either in a lull or just can’t find something I really want to read, other than short stories and non-fiction. Maybe this week.
Stay safe out there.
I get it, Jeff. Sometimes I’m in the mood for something different, not necessarily a mystery. Sometimes, I don’t even feel like reading. I know, shocking!
I’ll have to look for the Judith Viorst book. It’s been a few years since I read any of her books.
I can feel for Jackie. I hate being cold. One Christmas I wore my winter coat all through dinner at my in-laws.
Jeff, I loved – and still have my copy of – Judith Viorst’s ‘It’s Hard to be Hip Over Thirty (and other tragedies of married life). ‘
A male book blogger I know and (usually!) like recently gave it a very lukewarm review and said he couldn’t see the point of it. I was scandalised! He’s clearly not the right demographic for these brilliantly well observed poems.
We have tickets for a show Saturday afternoon but I’m not sure we’ll make it. It’s supposed to snow tomorrow night and Saturday’s high is supposed to be 17. At least I can switch the tickets to a show later in the season if I pay the change fee.
I’m still enjoying reading Japanese translations. This week I read THE HEALING HIPPO OF HINODE PARK by Michiko Ayoama. There’s an old concrete ride on hippo in a small park and neighborhood lore has it that if you’re in pain and you touch that part of the hippo it’ll cure you.
THE DESSERT CORPSE by Tracey Quinn. A funny cozy with a corpse that keeps disappearing.
Snow is not supposed to interfere with our theater experiences, Sandy. Boo, snow. I’m sure you had enough the last time to last all winter. Stay safe!
I enjoy Japanese translations, too. I like the way they have magical elements.
Good morning Lesa and Friends! So glad that you are comfortably back home, Lesa. I’m happy to report that I am too. I enjoyed my trip to AZ, but did not enjoy the flying experience. My flights were delayed on both ends of the trip, causing those who came to pick me up to drive at night and, on my return, to drive in a wicked snowstorm. With that said, I am still in awe of what man has accomplished with flight, airports and getting your luggage where it is supposed to be! It is a marvel, but one that causes me great angst when traveling!
I was able to finish “Blood Relations” on the trip – the 2nd in the DS Ryan McBride series by J. Woolcott. This was written in 2023 and I don’t see any more books in this series, which is very sad. I highly recommend both books. In this book, DS Ryan McBride is back with his usual sidekicks at the station. They are tasked with finding out who killed a retired colleague from the force. Dinger Bell, a felon who has been in jail, is released and he tries to blackmail a known mafia type kingpin. Soon Dinger, and his best friend, are found dead. The kingpin and his sidekick Rupert are responsible, but it will be impossible for Ryan to prove it. The plot thickens when the retired cop is discovered to have multiple enemies – the kingpin and Rupert, Dinger’s ex-wife Gracie, and his own daughter and son – so there are numerous suspects and the story unfolds in such a way that it could be any one of them. It’s a fun read, and you can’t help hoping Ryan figures out whodunnit, while simultaneously hoping that the majority of the suspects are not guilty/caught.
Oops I forgot to add this book to my review – “How to Cheat Your Own Death (Castle Knolls File #3” by Kristen Perrin. An ARC from NetGalley (due out in April). I devoured this 3rd book in the series. Once again we are bounced between the back story of Frances Adams in the 1960’s, ’s and her niece’s story in present day time. Annie Adams inherited Aunt France’s house and money, and ever since murders continue to occupy her time as she solves them with Detective Rowan Crane. This time it’s her mother’s house guest Felicity that is the victim. Using France’s diary, Annie discovers the brutal similarity between Felicity’s murder and that of a friend of her Aunt’s, named Vera, that took place years ago. The art world, specifically paintings done by her mother and Vera, are intricately tied together into the motives for the murders. Annie’s dad makes an appearance in this book and she gets to understand where he’s been and why he never attempted to keep in touch with her. Annie also takes a step toward trying to advance her relationship with Detective Crane. Peony Lane’s fortunes figure prominently into the story again as well. And thankfully the ending indicates that there will be another sequel to look forward to!
Mary! Another book and a series to add to my TBR list! I don’t know if I should thank you or not!
I’m glad you’re home safely. It sounds as if you had a worse time traveling than I did since my brother-in-law only drove me across town. I hope you’re safe and comfortable now, maybe not as warm as Arizona, though!
Glad you are back home, Lesa. The weather here has been sunny and close to 60 degrees. As much as I hate to say it, we might actually see rain this weekend and yes, we’re excited!
My grandson’s robotics competition on Saturday was fun. They placed 13th and were bummed. But the team won the innovation award and my son won for outstanding coach/mentor. We wandered over to see the high school teams compete and those are some pretty impressive robots. They are mostly made out of erector sets and the teams come in with very full toolboxes.
Books read this week:
Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven. It’s 1964 and the Newmans are a TV family similar to Harriet and Ozzie Nelson. Mother, father and two boys. But the show is dated and on its last legs with no hope of being renewed. The mother is totally oblivious to what is happening in the world. When Guy (the father) is in a car accident and ends up in a coma, she gets a dose of reality. It was interesting to read how she felt about the upcoming feminist movement and the changes in society. A lot of remembrance and a fun read.
Call Me a Cab by Donald E. Westlake. My book club meets next week, and the theme is romantic suspense. It’s a genre that I’m not a big fan of. When I found this book, I was excited. It is the final unpublished book by Westlake and is put out by Hard Case. It’s gotta be good, right? Tom is a New York City cab driver who drives Katherine to Los Angeles. During the ride, she must decide if she’s going to marry the guy who is waiting for her there. She figures the ride will help her decide. Lots of adventures happen but no crime. I actually loved the book but now I have to find another book to fit the theme.
60 and sunny sounds great to me, Bev!
How about a classic for your book group? Two of my favorites from years ago – Airs Above the Ground by Mary Stewart or Hunter’s Green by Phyllis A. Whitney. They’re classic romantic suspense for a reason.
I remember Airs above the Ground, which I read as a teenager and have re-read since. My very favorite Mary Stewart was NINE COACHES WAITING. Probably dated now but still exciting.
Good morning, all! I am delighted to have gotten through last week, culminating in the completion and distribution of my Sisters in Crime newsletter. This is the first time we’ve provided the issue in a flipbook “magazine” format, and although I was initially reluctant when it was proposed by our chapter president, I found that I really like it (all I have to do is send a PDF of the issue to our website manager, who “drops” it into the software), and there were many positive comments about it and about the content of the issue. Three=times-a-day visits to look in on son Zach’s dog went well, but were exhausting, simply because Margaux is so needy. I’m glad I was able to do it for the family, though, and they are back safely from their New ORleans trip. This week I’ve been kind to myself, relaxing and playing cards. My only real exertion was Monday, when I spent much of the day poaching chicken breasts, using my stand mixer to shred them, dividing them into 2-cup packets, and vacuum sealing them for recipes. That will pay off today, when I make Chinese chicken salad for dinner–one of son Nick’s favorites. I finished two books this week, and here are the reviews, plus a review of the book I didn’t have time to review last week.
By the way, so far today I have added two books to my library hold list since I started reading the blog –recommendations from Lesa and Lindy. Thank you?? The question marks are only because I am trying to limit my library holds list so I can balance it efficiently with my NetGalley “shelf.”
David Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter legal mysteries are comfort reads for me. The cases Andy accepts are always intriguing and seemingly impossible to win. And I know I can always count on the presence of the elements of the series that mean the most to me. Andy himself is a defense attorney unlike any I’ve read. He prefers not to work, as he is independently wealthy, but when someone he loves and respects asks him to take a case, he is (reluctantly) all in. In this book, DEAD MEN DON’T PLAY FETCH, it’s Andy’s old friend and former client who runs a rehab center. Lou recommends his patient, who is homeless after his young son died, and he is now a recovering drug addict who is being framed as a murderer. Andy is also self-deprecating and full of snark, both in his personal life and in his job, which doesn’t endear him to judges and prosecutors. He has built a team that is almost as quirky as Andy himself, including his former-police officer wife, a super-hacker who would prefer to carry a gun and work in the field, an office manager who eschews any kind of work, an impressively large investigator/bodyguard of few words who is called in when Andy has to enter dangerous territory (as he often does), and more.The courtroom scenes are electric, the hunt for the real villains is suspenseful, and then there are Andy’s three dogs, all with their own personalities, who ground him. This is book number 33 in the series, and I’ve enjoyed them all tremendously. As long as David Rosenfelt stays invested in this series and keeps the quality high, I’ll continue to be a devoted reader. (July)
Book #2 of the Parasol Academy romantasy series, THE GOVERNESS’S GUIDE TO SPELLS AND MISFIT MARQUESSES by Amy Rose Bennett, is a worthy successor to the first in the series, set in the Victorian era. This time the governess trained by the Parasol Academy is the intrepid Mina. Her charge is 7-year-old Lord Fitzwilliam (Christopher), an orphan whose new guardian is motivated by the large amount of money he will receive by taking on the task, allowing him to finance his explorations. But when he fires Mina and boards a boat to the Arctic with Christopher on board, Mina can’t bear the thought of the dangers the young lad will encounter. So she uses the magical skills she has acquired through her training to spirit Christopher off the boat and–unexpectedly–onto another boat. This one is owned by an appealing Irishman who has inherited an aristocratic title and all of the riches that come with it. But if he is to successfully use his new role as a Member of Parliament to make changes that will help the Irish people, he needs to tone down his Irish brogue and somehow conquer a stammer that has plagued him all of his life. How Finn is able to secure Mina’s services as a governess and speech therapist without having a child and to protect her and Christopher at the same time makes for a fun read. Of course there is romance, although the Victorian culture doesn’t allow too many intimate scenes. And Mina must deal with her fear of being accused of kidnapping and the disapproval of the head of the Parasol Academy, whom she worships. There is also bad Queen Mab, who is apparently helping the explorer find his ward for nefarious purposes. This is a charming book, not to be taken seriously but enjoyed for what it is. (March)
AN ORDINARY SORT OF EVIL is the fifth of Kelley Armstrong’s fantastic A Rip Through Time novels. In this series, Mallory is a thirtyish Canadian homicide detective who finds herself waking up–after being attacked in an alley in Edinburgh–in the body of a much younger housemaid in Victorian Scotland. Her employer, Dr.Duncan Grey, is a disgraced physician who works as an undertaker in the family business amd whose talent for forensics makes him a useful resource for the local Scottish police. It is almost impossible to talk about this book without spoilers for readers new to the series, but here’s what you need to know. Cleverly portrayed by this seasoned author, Mallory struggles to break out of her housemaid persona and help Duncan by applying her expertise in law enforcement and current-day technology without giving away her real identity. Little by little, she becomes a valued part of the household, which also includes Duncan’s chemist sister Isla. At the same time, Victorian customs must be accommodated, and there are many who don’t think Duncan, who is adopted and biracial, and Mallory, whose language and demeanor are definitely not that of a housemaid, should be helping Detective McCreadie solve crimes, not to mention being seen together in public. Of course, there is always the question of whether Mallory will be able to return to her life in Canada, or even want to do so. And whether her relationship with Duncan will turn out to be more than a professional one. This book begins with a seance where the ghost of an aristocratic couple’s maid who has recently disappeared professes she has been murdered and wants Dr. Grey to find out who killed her. It’s a tale involving the medium and her family, a local schoolteacher whose teaching of a particular poem may have led some of his students to tragic ends, and, even Queen Victoria herself, in one highly entertaining scene. The characters are beautifully portrayed and developed throughout the series, and they are easy to root for. The mysteries are intriguing and suspenseful. I recommend starting with book #1, A Rip Through Time, if you haven’t already done so (and why haven’t you?), and I’m hoping there will be many more books in my favorite time travel series. (May)
I wish I could read one of your Sisters in Crime newsletters Margie. They sound wonderful, except that they’re so much work for you.
Thank you, Lindy. Try this link: https://publuu.com/flip-book/975929/2337038
Two of your three books are on my TBR list, Margie, not the Andy Carpenter. I liked the previous books in both of the other series. Just needed to add the Kelley Armstrong. I already have the other one. I’m looking forward to them! Thank you!
And, the Chinese chicken salad sounds wonderful! I may have to try that. I can’t remember what restaurant I used to go to that had a good one.
Happy Thursday at Lesa’s, everyone!
Unlike all of you, I love winter, dislike summer, and a snowy day makes me a happy girl. Right now I am sitting in my bed surrounded by pillows, a fluffy Corgi named Annabelle curled up beside me, a cup of coffee on my nightstand, and a view of snow covered trees and mountains out our window. We live about 15 miles from the town of Boone, NC, are on the edge of the wilderness on a country road and I would not trade places with anyone. We are both retired, but very luckily quite healthy. If the snow keeps us in because of dangerous road conditions, we are fine with that. Since you’re not fans of snow you may not be interested, but I have posted many snow pictures at my blog over the years. https://www.kayebarleymeanderingsandmuses.com/
Books. I have started many and set them aside. I’m having a very tough time lately finding a book that holds my interest. i am way behind past years’ numbers of books read. So, today I am re-reading an old favorite, Anne Rivers Siddons’ PEACHTREE ROAD. I fall in love with it every time I read it, and miss having a new Siddons book to look forward to every year.
I’m with you Kaye. Love winter, dread summer. I look forward to browsing your snow pictures!
Kaye, Kaye. You know I hate winter, but I love your snow pictures (not there to deal with it!). And, I adore pictures of Annabelle. Every time I see a corgi in a dog show or commercial, I think of you and Annabelle.
So, bring on the pictures. I love the thought of you all tucked up in your mountain retreat. I just don’t want to deal with it. Enjoy!
(See, I don’t yuck on someone else’s yum!)
Hello! While so much of the US and so many of you have been enduring terrible weather, here in Bern it has been winter. Between 20 degrees and 40 degrees, some snow, some sun, mainly grey skies and fog. In other words, nothing we don’t have every year. Peter and I have been to several good contemporary dance performances in Bern and nearby Fribourg (we always have season tickets), I’ve had coffees or walks along the river with a couple of friends, and I saw HAMNET, which is beautifully filmed and acted. I’m very glad I saw it. Prepare to cry, though.
I’ve seen great reviews for A CASE OF MICE AND MURDER, by Sally Smith, which I also read and enjoyed. A British historical mystery with an odd but likeable detective, interesting secondary characters, and a clever plot. I liked it, truly, but I’m not sure why itis being showered with praise in the press. Maybe I’m just jealous!
I also read a 125-page fantasy novella by Naomi Novik. I’m a fan of her standalone fantasies, UPROOTED and SPINNING SILVER, and her series, the Scholomance, about a boarding school where magical teens learn to fight monsters. But this new book, THE SUMMER WAR, has too complicated a plot for so few pages. A good fairy tale, yes, but too short for character development, descriptions, or any details. It reads like a long synopsis of what could have been a very good 400-page novel!
This week, I also finally finished SMALL GREAT THINGS, by Jodi Picoult. I don’t spoil it if I tell you that it is about a white supremacist couple who refuse to have their baby boy looked after or even touched by the Black Labor and Delivery nurse who happens to be on shift after their baby is born. When the baby dies within 24 hours of his birth, and the parents discover that the nurse administered CPR to him before he died, they accuse her of murdering him. Instead of standing behind her, the hospital suspends her. She is forced to hire a lawyer, and the book follows her through her trial, offering not only her point of view but also those of her lawyer and the baby’s father. I was gripped by it as I was reading it, although I still had to put it down for periods because I found both the blatant and the subtle racism so disturbing. In retrospect, upsetting as it was, it may end on too comforting a note.
At the same time I was reading about racism in the US, I was listening to THE TIME OF OUR SINGING, by Richard Powers (“The Overstory”), published in 2004 and set between the 1930s and the 1980s. It is about a white German Jewish refugee, a young physicist at Columbia University who specializes in theories about time and loves classical music and an even-younger middle-class Black woman studying to be a professional singer who fall in love and get married in the early 1940s. Although this was legal in New York, where they lived, it was still hugely disapproved of. They have two sons and a daughter, whom they raise to sing and play classical music and try to keep sheltered from all prejudice. The story, all 640 pages of it (36 hours of listening!), is told mainly by the younger of the two sons, who tries to reconcile his attachment to both the Black and white worlds. The book is densely but beautifully written, the characters are fascinating, the hero is deeply sympathetic, but it’s still at times a difficult read/listen. Nevertheless, I was very glad I kept going to the end—it’s full of insights into racism and its destructiveness, what music means in our lives, and how we experience time, and it’s very moving.
Currently, I’m listening to an odd fantasy that I think is officially written for adults, although it seems naive and one-dimensional. Its children speak like adults, and its main adult thinks and speaks oversimply in clichés. THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by TJ Klune is too saccharine and repetitive for me, but I have kept listening because my niece gave it to me and because I got caught up in wanting to know how it will end. Clearly, I can’t dislike it too much. But its message about tolerance for those who are different is so omnipresent that it’s like being hammered on the head!
Now reading another book by Natasha Pulley. The previous two books I’ve read by her were in the top ten for 2024 and 2025. I hope I like this one. I’ll let you know.
My top ten, I mean!
Kim, I admire you for your tough reading choices. Fantasy would be a nice break if you find one you’re enjoying.
If we had 20 to 40 degrees, and could still get around, ti would be nice. But, it was 9 degrees when I left home this morning. Fortunately, the parking lots where I needed to be were clear of snow. Kevin says some piles of snow won’t melt until March. Looking forward to March! And, yes, maybe I am wishing time away.
I am looking forward to seeing Come From Away in September, Lesa when we visit my daughter in the Chicago area. I haven’t seen a bad production at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort yet.
Our snow seems to be over for now except for the occasional flurry. But they are saying near 50 degrees next week. I am really looking forward to that.
I read two books this week. Where the Heart Meets the Sea by Kimbra Drake was a sweet romance. Ella Nielsen is 29 and raised by her grandmother in Boulder, Colorado not ever knowing her parents. When her grandmother dies and she is left her cottage Lyngor, Norway she heads there to sell it and try to find out about her mother. I really enjoyed the Norway setting in this one.
My second book was my favorite of the week. In Life & Death & Giants, Gabriel Fisher is orphaned at birth weighing eighteen pounds and measuring 27 inches long. He lives in the small Wisconsin town of Lakota and is raised by his Amish grandparents after his non-Amish 17-year-old brother dies. He loves animals and discovers baseball and football. The English world becomes too much of a temptation, and he leaves the Amish way of life for one of fame and fortune. I laughed and cried reading this one and learned a lot about the Amish. I must say the scene at the very end with all the animals was the most beautiful piece of writing I’ve ever read. It was a very very good read.
Happy Reading!
Sharon, Take tissues! Even my sister, Linda, who doesn’t cry as easily as I do, cried at “Come From Away.” And, it was the third time she’s seen it. I think that was my fifth time. Our tour guide in NYC, who went to school with one of Linda’s sons, said it was his feel good play. He’s right. Even though I cry, it leaves me feeling good. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Funny you mention Life & Death & Giants. I just read about it yesterday, and hadn’t heard of it before. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Nothing different here in Santa Barbara / Goleta. The weather is mild and we haven’t had rain for a while. I am well over the bronchitis, except for the fatigue, which goes up and down.
This week Glen read DR. JOHNSON’S APPLE ORCHARD: THE STORY OF AMERICA’S FIRST PET CEMETERY by Edward C. Martin. It was a 120-page, coffee-table size book published in 1997, and it features over 200 photographs of the historic Hartsdale Pet Cemetery, established in 1896 by a New York veterinarian. The pictures are lovely and it was a quick read.
Now he is reading METROPOLIS by Philip Kerr. It is the 14th book in the Bernie Gunther series, and the last one in the series, since Philip Kerr died in 2018 before this book was published. The book is a prequel that takes Gunther back to the beginning of his career as a policeman, in 1928 in Weimar Germany. Glen has not read any other books in the series, but he likes reading about that time period. He is enjoying it.
This week I read Anthony Bidulka’s GOING TO BEAUTIFUL. It was the 2023 winner of the Crime Writers of Canada Award for Best Crime Novel. It is a mystery but I found the overall story about a man working through his grief after his husband of thirty years dies very compelling. For me, the mystery was secondary. The story starts out in Toronto, but it is set mostly in Saskatchewan. It was a lovely read. I have only read one of the books in Bidulka’s Russell Quant private detective series, but now I am going to go back and read more in that series.
Now I am reading a book by one of my favorite authors, Len Deighton. He is mostly known as an author of spy fiction, and I have read just about all of his spy novels. The book I am reading now is VIOLENT WARD, published in 1993. At least so far as I can tell at this point, is not set in the world of espionage. The main character is a lawyer who has gotten involved in some shady dealings and finds himself in serious trouble. The setting is Los Angeles, around the time of the Rodney King trial. I love Len Deighton’s writing, so I am having a good time reading it.
Thank heavens, Trisha, that Glen didn’t read anything I have to read. Last week, I added both of his books to my TBR list. I picked up Mailman from a shelf at the library. I’m not sure if I should thank him or not, but I appreciate the nonfiction additions to my lists. I need some variety!
Enjoy that beautiful weather, especially since you’re almost over the bronchitis.