Should we try again this week? I’m going to talk about the Captiva Library tomorrow, and, if there’s anything you’d like to add about libraries or bookmobiles, feel free to jump in . Last Friday was a mess on my blog, and I know some of you couldn’t read it, and some couldn’t get in at all. I was in that second group, although I did get in long enough in the afternoon to respond to some of you. I’m sorry if I missed any posts. What a mess! I understand the company had server issues, and I’m not the only one who was affected. In fact, a friend told me another blogger in Spain was complaining, too. None of us are going to be able to top Lindy’s cricket story, though!
Other than the blog problems last week, I had an enjoyable week. Linda and I went to see the movie, “The Sheep Detectives”. What a fun movie! This is no children’s movie, with the murder and serious discussions of death. It’s been compared to “Knives Out” with sheep. Oh, it’s so much better than “Knives Out.” It’s based on the mystery, “Three Bags Full”, which I didn’t read, but I put the second book on hold at the library.
So, tell us about your week, pleaase. Weather, what you did, what you’re reading.
I’m reading the most recent release in the DS Cross series, The Teacher. This one shakes up George Cross’ world a little. His partner, DS Josie Ottey, is out of the office because she’s moving. He has to deal with a Detective Inspector who doesn’t understand him at all, and is known for the speed in which he closes cases, not the accuracy, the speed. Fortunately, in a surprising turn, George’s boss stands up for him.
The murder case is about a retired teacher who is murdered. He’s in his 80s. And, as in all these cases, I haven’t read enough to find the true reason for the man’s death, other than few people in the village where he lived liked the man. We’ll see. I’ve settled in with another good book from Tim Sullivan.
What about you? What are you reading?
I read Three Bags Full & the sequel Big Bad Wool last year mainly because I’d read two previous books by Leonie Swann. Those featured a “senior” character Agnes Sharp. The previews to The Sheep Detectives looked delightful, I’m glad you enjoyed the movie.
While it might not have widespread appeal, FIELD NOTES FROM AN EXTICTION by Eoghan Walls just might be the best book I’ve read this year. The novel is told through the journal of a 19th-century English ornithologist, Ignatius Green, studying the Great Auk on a remote Irish island during the famine. His scientific world is upended when a feral, mute child is left among his supplies, forcing him to confront the human crisis unfolding around him as he documents the birds’ impending extinction. The story blends scientific observation with dark humor, suspense, and themes of colonialism, survival, and humanity.
What an interesting sounding book MM! I’ll keep an eye out for it.
Oh, I remember when the Agnes Sharp books came out, MM. I didn’t associate the two series. Thank you.
You’re right. Not exactly my kind of book, but isn’t it wonderful when you find an outstanding book?
David and I had a quiet week, with some nice things and some frustrating things. We went out for breakfast one morning where it was so peaceful and we were seated in a lovely large booth by a window with plenty of room for both of us to read our respective books while drinking delicious tea (coffee for David) and eating a leisurely breakfast. And we spent part of a couple of days exploring some shops we don’t normally go to. David isn’t eating anything with sugar since we heard that cancer feeds on sugar, so he was happy to find a brand of jam that is sweetened with only apple juice. And in another store I bought three little plants (verbena I think they’re called) that I repotted into a larger container. Hopefully they’ll do well and be a little bright spot on our apartment balcony.
One of the frustrating things was applying (as we must every year) online for renewal of our federal dental plans. The plan itself is great because it pays a portion of the costs for dental checkups, etc. if you meet the financial criteria. But I filled out all the pages of questions, and I could tell I was nearing the end of them, when a message popped up to say that particular page wasn’t available because of a server issue. So all that work was for nothing. The only other option was to painstakingly input all the information into the automated phone system. Mine worked but David’s required that he speak to an agent, which of course resulted in an hour-long wait on hold till one became available. Still, it’s done now for another year.
The weather here on Canada’s west coast is decidedly odd. Yesterday it was 29C (84F) and tomorrow they’re calling for a high of only 11C (52F). The thunderstorm last night was exciting though; we don’t get many here.
Books! I’m meant to be talking about books. Two this week:
TO HAVE AND TO HOAX by Martha Waters
A regency rom-com romp.
Lady Violet Grey, eighteen years of age, is just a few weeks into her first Season. She finds herself in a compromising situation at a dance and Lord James Audley, second son of a duke happens to pass by and extract her. The two have only ‘known’ each other for a minute or two but they fall for each other instantly and within a very short time they are married. For one year they are deliriously happy but then one evening they get into an almighty row, for what reason we don’t know. Hurtful things are said by both of them; so much so that for the next four years(!) they sleep in separate rooms and they barely speak to each other. Both of them are miserable but neither knows how to get back to loving each other.
Then one day Violet receives a note that James has been thrown from a horse at their country house and is unconscious. Despite everything, Violet immediately heads there in a panic. She is none too pleased to come across James alive and well in a tavern with a friend. Angry that he didn’t have the decency to let her know he was not seriously injured, she resolves to give him a taste of his own medicine and prepares an elaborate ruse wherein James will be told she has a grave illness and may die. And so begins a series of ever more outlandish ways to prank the other person, each plan more elaborate than the one before. Will these two ever find their way back to each other and the love match they had before that fateful argument?
Neither James nor Violet behave as maturely as they ought to. And it isn’t until just over half way into the book that we finally find out what happened four years ago. And if they’d only had an honest conversation way back when, it’s likely all this drama could have been avoided. Indeed, all their friends urged them to just talk to each other, but they are too proud or distrustful or something, so they limp along and don’t get anywhere for far too long.
On the other hand, the book is chock full of delightfully witty banter; there’s something to smile at or laugh at on almost every page. That and the many superb supporting characters make the book worth reading.
THE CAT WHO CAUGHT A KILLER by L T Shearer
I thought this was an OK cozy mystery; liked some things about it, other things not so much.
It had an interesting premise – Lulu Lewis, a retired police detective is still coming to terms with the recent hit and run death of her husband. On a whim she buys a canal boat to live on. Her plan is to have a quiet life on the boat, with regular visits to her much-loved mother-in-law Emily who is currently in a care home suffering from Alzheimer’s but in excellent health otherwise.
The book opens with the unexpected arrival of a calico cat at her boat. Once she gets over the surprise of him being a talking cat who introduces himself as Conrad, and that he seems to have adopted her, the two of them set off for a visit to Emily. It’s not one of Emily’s more lucid days but they have a nice visit anyway, and Emily is much taken with Conrad. Lulu is extremely upset the next day to learn that Emily died the night of her visit, and she is highly suspicious even though the doctor has signed the death certificate stating the cause of death as Alzheimer’s. She sets out to find out what really happened to Emily.
It’s neither Lulu nor Conrad who figure out who killed Emily – although Lulu does get the ball rolling by asking questions, but the work itself is mostly done by her former colleagues and contacts. And Conrad seemed to be more of a sounding board/psychologist for Lulu than anything else.
I found the book almost too cozy if that makes sense. There would be a dramatic scene but by the next page it was almost glossed over; everything was surface level – whether it was characters or descriptions; there was a lot of repetition; and the writing was pretty basic. I was interested enough to read to the end to see how it all came together, but not enough to seek out others in the series.
Sometimes, we just need those quiet times to recharge, Lindy. It sounds as if that week was one for you, other than the frustration with the dental plan.
I get that a book can be too cozy. The premise did sound good.
And, the other one. I love witty banter, but that lack of communication is one of my sister’s pet peeves. We all know there would be no book if they communicated, but she says if they’d just talk to each other, they could have avoided all the trouble.
I didn’t know there was a sequel to THREE BAGS FULL. I read it years ago, and I wasn’t super impressed. But I’m hearing enough good about the movie version I might give it a shot.
We had heat during the weekend, but it cooled right off. Hardly hit 80 the last two days.
Reading wise, I’m working on HOLLYWOOD KILLS, a short story anthology. I keep saying I am going to read the ones I’ve bought, and I decided I should actually follow through. I just got this one, which was designed as a fund raiser to help after the fires here in So Cal last year. I’m enjoying it, although a few of the stories haven’t been to my taste. But that’s always the case with a short story anthology.
I think you should see the movie, Mark. As you said, at least give it a shot. Every review of it that I read praised it.
You’re right. There are always a couple books in any anthology that just don’t work for me.
It’s been a pretty quiet week here. We’ve been taking up a paver patio one row at a time to clean out the weeds that are growing between the blocks. I figure we’ll finish by the end of the summer since we are only doing a couple of rows a day.
This week I read an ARC of A Body in the Garden by P. F. Ford. The eighth and it seems the last book in his series of police procedurals set in Wales. The discovery of a body wrapped in chains and a missing delivery man leads to the reopening of a case from a previous book. I’m sad to see the series ending.
I read something odd in a mystery yesterday, Sandy, that makes me think of your pavers. The owner of the house planted thyme between the stones in the sidewalk, so when someone walked on it, they had the scent of the herb.
I hate that when a favorite series ends. It’s why a long series is so wonderful, so many books coming out!
What a painstaking job Sandy! It will be a thing of beauty when you’ve finished though. Is this something you have to do every year?!
Lindy, we only do it every few years. Last year we did the walk in the front of the house which is easier because those blocks are small.
It’s been hot here and then yesterday we had a big storm come through and it cooled down to 70 degrees and windy. I love the temperature but can do without the wind. I only got one book read this week. I’m trying to finish the book for my book club on Sunday, and I started reading James Comey’s new thriller – Red Verdict. This is the 4th book in the series. I read the first one and liked it but the acronyms in this one are killing me. There are so many of them that I can’t keep them straight.
The one book that I finished was The Harvey Girls by Dana Stabenow. Lesa reviewed this book back in March. This is the first book I’ve ever read by Dana Stabenow and I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to her next book in the series.
This weekend the plan is to do yardwork. The weeds in the garden beds are beginning to look like trees. My grandsons were over last Sunday and I told them I would pay them to pull weeds. They are 7 and 9 years old and they worked on clearing out the garden path. They got about half of it done before they got distracted by the resident garter snake back there.
I’m glad you enjoyed The Harvey Girl, Bev. I thought it was well-written, and a little different. Like you, I’m eager to read the next one.
That’s funny that your grandsons were distracted. When we get together, my sisters talk about Mom paying us a nickel for every quart of strawberries we picked. Needless to say, they complain about what they were paid compared to the work.
Bev, when I was a kid my dad would pay me a penny a dandelion. Of course back then a handful of pennies would get me a bag of candy at the corner store.
Good morning – I’m glad that your IT issues with the blog seem to be ironed out this week. What a pain for you, Lesa. Better days ahead! This past weekend we drove 4 hours to attend a retirement dinner for my SIL, and spent the night and drove back home the next day. The day after that was my inaugural program with our library’s neighboring school’s second graders to introduce them to local history. I had three different rooms set up with mini program in each and every ten minutes groups of six rotated through the rooms. It went so great! The teacher said let’s do the exact same thing next year! What a relief!
On to books:
– “Murder at the Spirit Lounge (Nora Breen Investigates #2)” by Jess Kidd. Publication date of June 15, I was delighted to get an ARC of this book from NetGalley. I loved the first book in this series and this second book did not disappoint. Nora Breen, ex-nun and unintentional amateur sleuth, is once again caught up in solving a murder mystery. A local medium assembles a gathering of six customers to attend a seance at her home. Those assembled, at first glance, do not seem to have anything in common. But after the medium dies during the seance, determined later to have been accomplished by a clever electrocution, the rest of the attendees are also murdered, one-by-one, in gruesome fashion. Unfortunately, Inspector Rideout was one of the invited guests. As he and Nora investigate, a common thread is revealed – everyone at the table knew a deceased, courtmartialed, mentally disturbed ex-military man named Evelyn Leyton. Full of twists, turns and suspense, Rideout and Nora try to identify and apprehend the murderer before Rideout becomes the final victim. Very entertaining.
-I was really happy to read another installment in Spencer Quinn’s Chet and Bernie series, “Cat on a Hot Tin Woof”. I don’t know how the author continues to write such quality material but this was just a really great fun book. Chet and Bernie are tasked with finding a missing cat, named Miss Kitty. Her owners are social media influencers and Miss Kitty is the star. It appears that somebody kidnapped the cat and Chet and Bernie run into their usual scrapes with trying to bring the perp to justice and return the cat to its rightful owner.
Mary, That sounds like a fun way for second graders to learn local history. I would have loved it as a kid. In fact, I might enjoy it as an adult.
Both of your books sound good. I can just imagine Chet dealing with a cat. Like you, I have a NetGalley copy, but haven’t read it yet. I may have to try it soon to see Chet’s latest adventures. I think he’s so funny.
Thanjs Mary, I’ve read five Jess Kidd books and look forward to reading the newest.
testing
Good Morning, everyone. Happy Thursday at Lesa’s!
it’s been a good week in the beautiful NC mountains.
Donald and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. He still makes me laugh every single day. ❤
We have a favorite little cafe we like to visit for coffee and pastries, so we did that one afternoon, and this weekend we’re planning on dinner out at a favorite restaurant.
And I’ve read some good books recently.
i am a huge Liza Minnelli fan and have been lucky enough to see her on stage twice. Her new memoir was one I’ve been looking forward to and it did not disappoint.
Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! Kindle Edition
by Liza Minnelli
Global icon Liza Minnelli shares her inspiring story: stepping out from the long shadow of a mega-star mother and legendary film director father, fighting a lifetime battle with addiction, and emerging from it all to become a once-in-a-lifetime artist.
Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! is the autobiography of EGOT icon Liza Minnelli. This fascinating, untold story reveals the intimate truth of the only child born to Hollywood legends Vincente Minnelli and Judy Garland. For the first time, here is Liza up close: Raw, strong, sexy, hilarious and heartbreaking.
Liza decided at the age of 16 that “sympathy is my mother’s business. I give people joy.” That veil of joy, however, masks a lifelong struggle with Substance Use Disorder (“SUD,” which Liza inherited from her mother’s branch of her family), boundless love to give and an equal need to receive it, broken marriages, multiple miscarriages, and hospitalizations—the highs and lows of unparalleled artistic success and lifelong friendships, as well as chronic anxiety and the threat of financial ruin.
Despite every challenge, Liza’s is a life wrapped in laughter and her tremendous capacity to give and receive love. Today at nearly 80, she opens her heart, mind and memories, sharing secrets we never knew. Liza’s book celebrates supreme artistry and, more importantly, her human rights activism.
I love Debbie Johnson’s Starshine Cove stories. For me, they’re the perfect antidote to today’s world.
A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson
Description from NetGalley
The perfect feel-good summer read from the million-copy bestselling author. Get ready to laugh, cry, and fall head over heels in love with Starshine Cove! ❤️
Suzie has always been the wild one. While her siblings settled happily into village life, she roamed the world – chasing adventures, collecting stories and running from that horrible day, sixteen years ago. But when it’s finally time to return to the tiny Dorset village of Starshine Cove, Suzie must face everything – and everyone – she left behind.
There’s her dad George, still the beloved heart of the village at almost ninety. Her sister-in-law Connie, who runs the irresistible Cove Café, where the scent of sugar and vanilla drifts on the sea breeze and the red velvet cake is to die for. And then there’s Guy, a brooding stranger with secrets of his own who arrives in the village on the very same day…
As the summer unfolds and old wounds begin to heal, Suzie discovers that sometimes the bravest adventure isn’t running away – it’s finally coming home.
And now I’m reading, and loving, The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Melissa Fung.
Kaye, It sounds like a wonderful week! The little cafe, dinner at a favorite restaurant. Linda always says she married Kevin because he made her laugh, and forty-three years later, he still does.
I had that Liza Minelli book home and didn’t get a chance to read it. I’ll have to pick it up again.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying The Last Mandarin! It was so much better than I expected!
OK, I did that because I can’t post on the laptop for some reason.
*sigh*
This is what I wrote:
Good morning, all. We’re supposed to get a touch of summer this weekend, possibly near 80 on Sunday and even hotter next Tuesday. Can’t we just settle down at a normal 71 , the average for mid-May? It’s cooler with rain today, so we’re staying in. At least everything is green and blooming.
I think I mentioned JUST IN TIME, the Bobby Darin jukebox musical, which we saw on Sunday. The Circle in the Square theater is intimate, and they turned it into a nightclub set, as Darin was obsessed with the Copa. Jeremy Jordan, who has done a dozen musicals in the last 10-15 years, and earned two Tony nominations, does a nice job with the juicy lead role. Our seats were close in at the side of the stage.
Let me make sure this posts, then do the books.
This is so frustrating about my blog, Jeff. I’m so sorry.
I know you and Jackie have seen so many Broadway shows, so I was happy to hear you enjoyed JUST IN TIME.
I agree! I love 80s, but it’s way to soon for that. We should be having 70s now, too.
I hope they can get their act together at the company that hosts my blog.
Jackie read and really liked the latest J. D. Robb book (#62?) about Lt. Eve Dallas, STOLEN IN DEATH. She said it was a serious one, so no room for the humor present in much of the series. Roarke is deeply involved, partly because of the appearance of a former “associate” of his they’d had a run-in with before. Jackie, who has read them all, had ne download the previous book (#24, I believe) the woman appeared in, INNOCENT IN DEATH, so she could revisit it. Meanwhile, she has three other books from the library and is reading Carley Fortune’s THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT. The others are by Kelley Armstrong and Christine Feehan.
I read Tom Perrotta’s second short story collection, NINE INCHES, since I liked BAD HAIRCUT so much. For me this was not as good, though it improved as the book went along.
Also reading (while waiting for his novel) Jordan Harper’s collection, LOVE AND OTHER WOUNDS. It’s pretty dark, nourish stuff. And I’m two-thirds of the way through Jill Lepore’s 600 page book of essays, THE DEADLINE.
Sometimes, for whatever reason, you are just not in the mood for a certain book. This week I returned two books I’d started, when day after day, after reading the short story and essay books, I just couldn’t bring myself to get interested in them. The problem is me, and I will get back to one of them, for sure.
Jackie has been nagging me to read the J. D. Robb series since it started in 1995. For whatever reason, I didn’t, but now I started the “origin story,” NAKED IN DEATH, set in 2058 (I think) New York. Lt. Dallas has to solve the murder of a high priced, registered sex worker, the granddaughter of a powerful Senator, and fast, as the killer plans further murders. She also comes across Roarke, the richest man in the world (and, we know, her future husband), a possible suspect. I think he had her at the real coffee. Good so far.
This makes me laugh, Jeff, that Jackie finally convinced you to try J.D. Robb. If you like the books, you have 61 (or 62 by the time you get there) more books to read. It can be done, but it’ll take a while.
I get it. I check books out of the library, and by the time I get around to them, I’m thinking, why would I check out this book? Sometimes, I’m just not in the mood.
Good morning, everyone! My Mother’s Day wasn’t really planned in advance, since two weeks over we had celebrated Zach’s and my birthdays, but which somehow made it the perfect day. It started at 9:00 a.m. with granddaughter Autumn’s flag football game and was followed by a trip to Michael’s in three cars for some fabric for a piano topper my DIL is making me and some floss for my new cross-stitch project (all paid for by a gift card), plus materials for a shoebox “float” featuring a black panther that is a school assignment for Autumn. Then we went home, and son Zach soon appeared to install the light over my piano. Later, after Nick and I went grocery shopping, we went to Zach’s house for some poolside fun (they were actually in their pool for the first time this year), and later we all went out for dinner at a Mexican restaurant. The day was topped off by two games of Rummikub that I didn’t even have to initiate. I took home some beautiful flowers and cards by 9:00 p.m.. Other than that, I had two card games this week, and I won both snagging a whole six dollars at one of them, when I had only paid one dollar to play! And somehow I managed to finish two books–here are my reviews.
Unlike her siblings, Suzy was a restless child in the charming town of Starshine Cove in Dorset. Her mother was the only one who understood her wanderlust and her need for new adventures. After nursing her mother through her last days, Suzy abruptly left home to travel the world and took a series of jobs, including a job she especially loved teaching children in India. She didn’t even return home for a family funeral, although she hadn’t told anyone why. Sixteen years later, at age 43, Suzy wants to return to her home for a special reason, but she can’t help worrying about the reactions of her family, especially her almost-90-year-old father, George. On the way, she meets another troubled traveler who is returning to Starshine Cove after a long absence from his daughter, who now has a toddler son. Suzy and Guy are alike in many ways, but with personal issues of their own. They are drawn to each other, but neither initially wants to turn their friendship into something more, based on their previous experiences. A PERFECT SUMMER IN STARSHINE COVE has a different feel from the others in Debbie Johnson’s series, but it still qualifies for me as a comfort read. We encounter characters who have starred in the previous four books, but the focus is on these two people who are trying to figure out what the future holds for them, and where, and what they really want to do with the rest of their lives. My favorite scenes are those surrounding George’s 90th birthday celebration, which is full of love, communion, and wonderful food, beautifully described in great detail by the author. The relationship between Suzy and Guy is lovely and largely free of the usual miscommunication trope that always frustrates me. I understand this may be the last in the Starshine Cove series, but the author has previous series I am exploring, a delightful new one, and satisfying standalones. I will keep reading Debbie Johnson’s book as long as she keeps writing them. (June)
RETRO is the ambitious debut novel of Jessica M. Goldstein about a 30-year-old former actress who is trying to find herself as an “agent” in a time travel tour company. Ash’s acting career was disappointing, and her recent administrative job has disappeared, along with most of her money. So when she sees the help-wanted ad from Retro, she hopes it’s an opportunity to use her acting skills to replenish her bank account. What follows is an extremely detailed description of this unique company and everything that is involved in it, and I have to admit that I was fascinated for the first half of the book. We learn all about the employees of Retro, including the charismatic CEO who came up with the idea and the right people to make the concept work and who has taken a particular shine to Ash. We are treated to a look at the luxuriant apartments where the employees are housed and the perks they receive (e.g., quick, personal pleasure trips into history), but also some of the aspects of time travel that are briefly , that seem troubling to Ash, but don’t seem to be of concern to her coworkers. What is missing, however, is a plot. Yes, we follow Ash as she co-hosts a couple of groups in their selected trips into such sites as the Old West, with more than a hint of danger, but these are given short shrift. And there is a bit of romance with a couple of the men Ash meets and references to her friendship with a former fellow student whose acting career is much more successful than hers. There are also endless musings about time travel and life in general and interest by the employees in when Retro can offer trips to the future as well. And the story really comes off the rails at the end, seemingly out of nowhere. It felt a bit self-indulgent to me and made for a longer book than necessary, but author Goldstein has a displayed a talent for storytelling that will hopefully be developed and edited in future fiction offerings to make them less arduous reads. (June )
Sorry for the typos in the second review. I actually wrote most of it last night when I was only halfway through the book because I wanted it to end, and quickly added to it this morning after I had skimmed through the rest of it. Also, I forgot to mention that I will be going to see The Sheep Detectives on Tuesday with a group. I listened to the review on the NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast and was thrilled that all three commentators loved it (for some reason I didn’t expect that).
I know, Margie! Every review I’ve read for The Sheep Detectives praised it. I’m looking forward to your comments about it next week. I hope you have as much fun with it as I did.
It sounds as if you had a wonderful family Mother’s Day. I’m sure you’re happy you moved to be close to family. It sounds as if you enjoy them as much as my Mom enjoys family time.
Don’t you hate it when you just have to move quickly through the second half of a book in order to fnish one that just hasn’t worked as well as you’d hoped?
I am ashamed to say that I haven’t written about my reading since mid-April. As a result, I have too many books to discuss, so I’ll keep the descriptions brief. First, I’ll mention that today is a religious holiday in very secular (but traditional) Switzerland: Ascension, which falls 40 days after Easter Sunday and celebrates the day Christ rose to heaven. Since it’s always on a Thursday, over the past 40 years the Friday after it has become a day most people take off work. Therefore, it’s a four-day weekend for many Swiss. Often, Ascension is gorgeous weather–this year, it’s chilly, rainy, and windy with short periods of sunshine. Oh well, it’s still spring, and I just planted 75 annuals on my balcony over the past few days. The plants are small now, but by July, everything should look beautiful!
The best book I read this week was one that some of you have probably also reviewed, because it has gotten so much attention: THE CORRESPONDENT, by Virginia Evans. The novel covers about 10 years, beginning when the heroine and main letter writer, Sybil, is in her early 70s. The first letters show how judgmental, difficult, distant, and picky she can be, but also how full of integrity. Eventually, as I learned more about her character and life experiences from her letters, I came to care about her despite her faults. This novel gets sadder, more serious, and more complex as it goes along–and it is excellent. I highly recommend it (like just about everyone else who has read it does!)
I also recommend ATMOSPHERE, by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I have liked many of her books, and this one not only created a heroine I cared very deeply about, but also taught me how astronauts are chosen and trained (or, at least, how they were prepared for space in the late seventies and early eighties, when the book takes place). I found all the information about NASA fascinating, and the story is very moving. It’s not just about astronauts — there are a number of important side plots.
I also read another Tim Sullivan, THE PATIENT (#3), and found it the best George Cross novel so far. George’s quirks and unintentional rudeness are bothering me less, and the story moved swiftly. THE LEVEE, by WK Krueger, turned out not to be a short Cork O’Connor mystery but a novella about four men trying to rescue a stubborn patriarch and his family from a massive flood when he is unwilling to leave his family’s stately home. It is based on the worst ever flooding of the Mississippi in 1927, and also on a Faulkner novella. It moves at a nice, fast pace.
I finished LEO, which I mentioned a few weeks ago. The author, Deon Meyer, is South African, and this was the first book of his that I have ever read. It’s probably not the last. Lots of violence and many dead people, but the pair of police solving the crime are smart, likable, and funny. I read this book because George Easter, the editor of Deadly Pleasures, considered it the best crime novel of 2025. It took me until almost the end of the book to learn that it’s called Leo after the constellation.
Now I’m listening to the fifth Will Trent mystery by Karen Slaughter, THE FALLEN. There are 12 of these Will Trent books, and so far they are all good, so I turn to one of them when I need something to read that I can be almost sure will be exciting and entertaining. Sometimes, as a reader, I don’t feel like taking another risk–I imagine you all know what I mean.
Finally, I’m reading a fantasy called AN EMBER IN THE ASHES that has gotten a huge amount of praise (the first in a series, of course), and I’m sorry to say that it’s such a mishmash of every fantasy series from Harry Potter to The Hunger Games to The Empyrean Series (Yarros) to Red Rising (Pierce Brown) that I’m disappointed. It’s not badly written, but it’s very predictable. But I’m not finished yet, so I’ll see if the book is redeemed by its last 40%!
The book didn’t interest me – I don’t read books were sentient cats solve murders either – but SHEEP DETECTIVES sounds like fun and I will definitely watch it.
PS – Despite trying the Einstein method ( turn it off and turn it on again), I still can’t post on the laptop.
Just a suggestion – have you tried clearing your browser’s cache? Sometimes that helps!
I know exactly what you mean, Kim, when you say sometimes you don’t want to take a risk as a reader. Sometimes, I just want something I’m comfortable with, a character I already know. I get it.
That’s so interesting about Ascension in Switzerland. I always think of it as a Holy Day, not a secular holiday. Interesting.
I know I’d like the Will Trent books if I just started at the beginning. I have so many series I already read. Sometimes, it’s just hard to add one more.
I hadn’t realized it had been so long since you reviewed a book because I always enjoy your comments.
I can recommend Deon Meyer’s The Woman in the Blue Cloak (Benny Griessel Mysteries Book 6). Fascinating!
I enjoyed both of the books I read this week.
Unlikely Story by Ali Rosen was a You’ve Got Mail storyline about a relationship therapist who also writes an advice column that runs in a London newspaper and her copy editor known as J. As soon as her downstairs neighbor’s grandson moves into his deceased grandmother’s New York apartment it wasn’t much of a stretch to figure out that he was J. Despite that, it was a fun read with great secondary characters.
I got the title of my second book from the blog, pineconesandacorns.com. The Long Walk Home by Will North was a middle age romance that takes place in Wales. Fiona Edwards is unhappily married to sheep hill farmer David. She runs the bed and breakfast at their farmhouse. When Alec Hudson shows up after walking from Heathrow to North Wales to bury his ex-wife’s ashes, there is an immediate attraction. This was a quiet little book that I just took too. I am not sure if it was the descriptions of the walks and climbing or the meal preparations made by Alec or ewe season on the farm, but I was captivated. It definitely was the right book at the right time and I devoured it.
Colder weather today-only in the 60’s but record highs coming tomorrow through the weekend into the upper 80’s. I am not ready for that. Battle for Ohio in baseball between the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds starts Friday. I am looking forward to that.
Happy Reading!
I like You’ve Got Mail storylines, Sharon. or The Shop Around the Corner. As you said, you know where it’s going, but that’s okay.
Even I’m not ready for upper 80s. Enjoy the Battle for Ohio!
I’m very busy today. I’ll try to chime in tomorrow.
Understood, Glen Thanks for letting us know!
Good evening all, from a wet cold Deeside – so much for May, it was even hailing earlier today.
I am still reading the same three books (Maeve Binchy’s CIRCLE OF FRIENDS, Jenny Eclair’s THE WRITING ON THE WALL , and Alexander McCall Smith’s THE PRIVATE SIDE OF FRIENDSHIP) – slow progress at the moment, what with all the house sorting-out and other things to do.
I’m also being hampered by whatever I have done to my back, as it’s not comfortable to sit for too long. I’ve invested in a kneeling chair for my desk, which I’m finding helpful so far. I had an appointment with the nurse practitioner at our surgery earlier this week and she has made a physio appointment for me for next week – I was surprised to get this so quickly. Our surgery, and the NHS is general, are both fantastic, despite all the complainers!
I did, however, go to an excellent library event last weekend. Shanti Graheli, a researcher from Glasgow University, invited people to come along and chat about books as objects, and to bring any book that has particular significance for them. She is studying the relationship we have, as individuals and as families or other groups, with books – perhaps a book reminds us of a particular time or event in our lives, or maybe it has been handed down through the generations.
She’s also very interested in the notes people write in their books, and encourages people to do just this. I – along with most of my generation, I imagine – was brought up NEVER to write in a book, but Shanti says we should, because this is what makes a book special to other people.
The library staff had dug out some books from their Special Collection. These included an Aberdeen Cookbook, which looked like a contemporary of Mrs Beeton’s, and also a beautiful children’s book about animals. My favourite was a book privately printed by the artist James McBey. He came from a fairly poor family in a small town north of Aberdeen, worked in a bank, but taught himself etching and engraving. He studied these in Aberdeen central library, as he could not afford to buy the books. In later life he became very famous – our Art Gallery has an entire library of his work – he travelled widely, was at one point a war artist, and finally settled in North Africa with his very beautiful, and equally talented, American wife.
The book is a collection of some of his etchings and drawings, along with a memoir of his travels in Europe. He sent this copy to the then Head Librarian to thank him for the access he had been given to so many art books. Inside the book the librarians found a handwritten letter to the librarian, and also a perfectly preserved letter from a wealthy industrialist who had supported McBey financially.
It was such a treat to look at these books, but the best part of my visit was chatting to Shanti. We had so much in common – she is another person who just likes to stand in front of her shelves and enjoy looking at them. She is also one of the few people I have met who could understand the excitement I feel at the prospect of re-shelving my books according to personal whim; she said she re-orders hers on a regular basis.
We also talked about children’s books – I had taken in MARY PLAIN ON HOLIDAY by Gwynedd Rae, a series that reminds me of the children’s library, and how that was such a place of peace for me. Need I tell you that my second book was Barbara Pym’s EXCELLENT WOMEN? But we also talked about Lucy Mangan’s books, Dodie Smith’s I CAPTURE THE CASTLE (a book apparently handed down from mother to daughter, although I have to say my mother failed on that one!) and so many more.
I’m sure many people reading this would wonder how on earth I could find so much enjoyment in such a bookish afternoon, but I think you will all understand!
At the end of last week I had a lovely morning at Finzean, a very pretty village on South Deeside with some beautiful walks and – most importantly – an excellent farm shop and cafe. It’s very much a ‘country ladies’ place, and the shop is expensive, but they do have some delicious-looking cheeses, hors d’oeuvres and pies, plus, of course, fabulous scones and cakes. Although most of the customers are quite affluent, it’s a real centre for the local community – gamekeepers and ghillies are as likely to be in for their takeaway lunches or ‘fine pieces’ (cakes and buns for their mid morning snack) as estate owners.
Tomorrow we have a preview for Friends of the Art Gallery; this is for a new exhibition about automata. I myself find all these slightly gimmicky things mildly irritating, but they seem to appeal to the ticket-buying public, so what do I know?
On Sunday I am heading down to Edinburgh to see GoGo Penguin, a high energy jazz/electronic fusion band from Manchester, at the Queen’s Hall. We have seen them once before in Glasgow and they were fantastic, so exciting. Jazz takes so many different forms, from ultra modern stuff to traditional big band music – I think tit’s a shame when people dismiss it on the basis of one band they didn’t like. The concert in Edinburgh is the first in a long tour; GoGo Penguin (who’ve been around since 2012) will then be in England, Germany, China, France and Monaco.
I’ve chosen my ten books for the 20 Books of Summer challenge (it’s very flexible, you can choose 20, 10 or even 5.) I plan to read:
THE CAT WHO PLAYED BRAHMS by Lilian Jackson Braun (as this will also work for Reading the Meow week)
BONJOUR TRISTESSE by Francoise Sagan (as this will fit for Paris in July) – I read this book as a young teenager, probably because I knew it was controversial. I can’t recall a thing about it, so it will be as new to me.
MURDER IN THE MUSEUM by Simon Brett – the seventh Fethering Mystery. I’ve never read a Simon Brett book I haven’t enjoyed, so this should be fun.
THE GIRLS’ BOOK OF PRIESTHOOD by Louise Rowland; a novel about a woman working as a curate in a North London parish.
AN EXCELLENT MYSTERY by Ellis Peters. This is the eleventh Cadfael book; my interest in the series, which I remember so well from the TV shows in which Derek Jacobi played Cadfael, has been rekindled by BBC Sounds’ replaying of the old radio adaptations.
DEBTS OF DISHONOUR by Jill Paton Walsh – another Imogen Quy Cambridge mystery; I enjoy these as much for the settings as the stories.
A VINTAGE SUMMER by Cathy Bramley – Lottie Allbright has her heart broken in London, so retreats to Derbyshire, where she finds work managing the local vineyard (which is of course perfectly normal for someone who knows absolutely zero about wine…) When the business is threatened with closure, Lottie is – surprise! – determined to save it.
I’ll do my best to reign in my cynicism on this one. I’ll almost certainly fail…
ODD GIRL OUT by Elizabeth Jane Howard. Howard’s CAZELET CHRONICLES are some of my favourite books. I found this standalone novel on my shelves; I don’t know a thing about it, so I’ll give it a go.
THE MILLSTONE by Margaret Drabble. I have very much enjoyed re=reading Drabble’s other novels about young women living in 1960s London. I think I may have read The Millstone as a teenager, again probably because it was slightly controversial at the time, but again I’ve forgotten everything about it, so time for a re-read I think.
THE SENTENCE IS DEATH by Anthony Horowitz. This is book two in Horowitz’s Daniel Hawthorne series, and I don’t have book one, so I am hoping that won’t matter. Horowitz is such a brilliant writer (he is the author of the MAGPIE MURDERS and many other series. He was chosen by Ian Fleming’s estate to complete that author’s unfinished James Bond novels, and he has written extensively for TV – Foyle’s War, Midsomer Murders, Poirot, etc, He also writes the Alex Rider spy series for children.) I’m sure I’ll enjoy anything he’s written.
The challenge begins on 1st June, so I’d better get on with the books I’m reading now and stop wasting time on Instagram!
Have a good week everyone.
Rosemary, you seem to do so much more than the rest of us! It’s good to keep busy.
FOYLE’S WAR was my favorite of Horowitz’s creations, by far, a brilliant show. We’ve watched the series twice.
We’re finishing the first series of LINE OF DUTY (again) and the fourth of SLOW HORSES.
Oh but Jeff, that’s why I get so few.books read! I’m always in awe at how much you and Jackie manage to read each week. I’m forever borrowing interesting-looking books from the library then not finding time to read them – though I suppose that does at least help the authors get their tiny royalties, and keep the library’s statistics a tiny bit healthier.
I agree with Jeff. You seem to do so much more than the rest of us, Rosemary. You have such interesting talks and cafes and shows. It’s fun to read about them.
Out of curiosity, with 10 books to read, why did you pick 2 that you don’t think you’ll like?
Only one, Lesa? The Cathy Bramley?
The author gets very good reviews, and very occasionally I *do.* read a book like this and really enjoy it.
Eg I have liked some of Veronica Henry’s romances, also Catherine Alliot’s, and I *loved* Laura Kemp’s BRING ME SUNSHINE (in which the heroine was gauche and terrified and the hero was overweight and in some ways a walking disaster!) – so I keep trying.
Also I thought I needed a bit of variety. Time will tell (and so will I..,!)
You’re right, Rosemary, sorry. The Bramley was the one I was thinking of.
Rosemary, I like your 10 books of Summer list. I haven’t read any of the books, but I have read books by several of the authors. I haven’t read any books in the Fethering series, but I have read several of Simon Brett’s other mysteries. I have read three or four books in the Cadfael series, and have many more on my shelves. I may put THE SENTENCE IS DEATH on my list. I read book one and have the next four on my shelves somewhere.
I haven’t done my list yet. I can’t decide what to include.
This week we had a couple of medical appointments and a visit to Costco for prescriptions (and fruit). Kept us busy not not much fun. On the other hand, Mother’s Day weekend was great. My husband and son cooked for me on Saturday and Sunday (and cleaned up) and we watched movies of my choice (BEST IN SHOW with Christopher Guest and TOMORROW NEVER DIES, the second Bond movie with Pierce Brosnan). As usual, it was a lovely.
Glen is very close to finishing THE SIEGE by Ben Macintyre (about the 1980 hostage crisis at the Iranian embassy in London). The last chapter he is reading is about the last 11 minutes of the siege. It is still confusing because of the large number of characters, and very granular.
This week I read AN ORDINARY DECENT CRIMINAL by a Canadian author, Michael Van Rooy. I will say first that I liked it a lot and could hardly put it down. But, it was the most shocking, violent mystery I have read in a long time. The first two chapters were so violent I nearly quit reading it. Has anybody else read this?
I am now reading PEOPLE WHO WALK IN DARKNESS by Stuart M. Kaminsky, the 15th and next to last book in the Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov mystery series. In this book the Inspector is sent to Siberia to investigate the death of a Canadian man, who was killed while inspecting a diamond mine. This is one of my favorite series, and I am enjoying it.
I love BEST IN SHOW, Tracy – also A MIGHTY WIND. Catherine O’Hara is such a great loss.
Rosemary, I thought we had discs for all of Christopher Guests films but the only other one we have is Waiting for Guffman. Catherine O’Hara was especially good in Best in Show.
It sounds as if you had a nice Mother’s Day day, Tracy. Congratulations!
I hosted Stuart Kaminsky once at a reading festival. His wife was very demanding on his behalf, and very protective.
It’s been very hot, in the 90’s recently. Trying to stay hydrated.
This week I read:
Helle And Death by Oskar Jensen: Sort of an amateur sleuth Nordic crime deal, where a Dane attends a reunion in an old dark house. I don’t think it really worked.
Nice Guys Finish Dead by WIlliam W. Johnstone: A pair of outlaws that disguise themselves as old men have Butch and Sundance type misadventures as an inept sheriff tries to catch them. They’re also supporting the whole region where they live with their ill-gotten gains. I think I like these types of westerns better than Johnstone’s serious efforts.
To Save The Realm by TB Crattie; I guess this is a fantasy, but I never got past the Ken Burns documentary that takes up the first third of the book. DNF.
Achak of the Sequoia Tribe: There was a time that stories about Native Americans were really popular, but they fell by the wayside for a while. This coming of age story is actually pretty good, if a bit too into the whole Noble Savage thing.
The Overnights by Ian K. Smith; An egotistical Chicago PI is hired to protect a news anchor. She’s pursuing a story about a murder, and that makes dangerous people nervous. The solution is a trope I don’t care for.
Selling Saturday Morning by Davis Boles; all about how the advertising industry used Saturday morning cartoons to sell their wares to the little kids watching. A lot of unnecessary hyperbole, for sure.
I used to buy so many of Johnstone’s books for the library, Glen. They were so popular. I’ve never read one of his, although I have read some Westerns. I think I’d like Nice Guys Finish Dead.