Welcome to our Thursday book salon, where we all talk about what we’ve been reading or listening to for the past week. “Book salon”. Makes it sound impressive, doesn’t it? Actually, it’s just my favorite place to hang out and talk with you about books. I hope you find a book or two to add to your TBR pile this week.
Thanks to a friend, Aubrey Hamilton, I’m reading Michael Gilbert’s Game Without Rules. She sent copies of Gilbert’s two Calder and Behrens collections. I only read the first story last night. As much as I enjoyed it, I’ll probably go through it with a story an evening. Here’s a synopsis that summarizes it better than I can. “Mr. Calder lived with a golden deerhound named Rasselas in a cottage in Kent. Mr. Behrens lives with his aunt and keeps bees. No one would in the least suspect that the pair are in fact agents for the British Joint Services Standing Committee and they are often tasked with jobs that no one else can take on – simply because of the extreme nature of the action needed. They are dangerous – and they are watched. Their adventures in this series of thrillers show the author to have a clear grasp of counterintelligence operations. Written with Gilbert’s usual dry wit, panache and style, the suspense is at times killing!” The first story, “The Road to Damascus” was intriguing and fun.
What about you? What are you reading this week?
Have a surgical procedure three hours and can’t sleep. I am reading a children’r book, Not Your All-American Girl by Madelyn Rosenberg and Wendy Wan-Long-Shang. About a Jewish-Chinese-American girl who has trouble getting parts in school plays. Lots of good humor as the girl tries to find a role that fits her.
Also enjoyed a large print version of The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annue Lyons, Love reading in a comfortable print size. I am always attracted to books that have Honey i in part of the last name. My grandmother’s cousin was a Honeywelll, the one who started the big Honeywell Corporation, and he was an interesting oddball, have lots of family stories about him. Like he would sit on a fence with a fishing pole to get ideas (no wrerater nearby!). And more and more I love to read about people older than me. The main character is 85 and has decided that she wants to give up on life-all she does is eat, sleep and go to doctor appointments. But a little neighbor girl opens up her life and not she wants to experience more! I love it! The Eudora has some great observations about getting older
I want to get out and have more life experiences too and do not like being under lockdown all the time. Catching up on my doctor appointments, and getting up the gumption to get through another surgery. A hiatal hernia repair. Liquid diet, soft diet and pain to look forward to but it might mean an end to my iron deficiency anemia and hope that I can stop taking pills for GERD. After that big obstacle is past, I hope the pandemic is over and I can add more adventure to my life!
Oh, Carolee. I hope everything goes well with your surgery today. Sending lots of good thoughts and some prayers your way. I hope you get your wish for the pandemic to end so we can all add more adventures!
Your grandmother’s cousin sounds like quite a character.
I’ve been to the gorgeous Honeywell Center in Wabash, Indiana a couple times. Great sound!
Take care of yourself. Rest up afterwards.
Back from surgery procedure, It went fine. Taking easy today. I saw when I was and now do not remember it!
I’m glad everything went okay, Carolee. You should take it easy, and take care of yourself, for the next day or so.
Good choice! Michael Gilbert was a terrific writer and the Calder & Behrens stories are among his best. For those who don’t know, he was a lawyer (one of his clients was Raymond Chandler!) who would write in the train on his commute to and from London.
carolee, good luck with your procedure! I inherited my mother’s Barrett’s esophagus condition and have had to have it checked via endoscopy several times to make sure it is under control, and have to be careful what I eat.
The weather is getting warmer, more people we know (including a niece and nephew in their early 20s – he works at a grocery) have been able to get vaccinated, things are slowly getting better. If only people would still be careful instead of running off to party in Florida without masks.
But I digress. Books. Jackie loved the J.D. Robb (FAITHLESS IN DEATH) once Roarke came into it. She’s reading a Christine Feehan – a woman has half a dozen series going at once – now.
I did finish HOWDUNIT, the Crime Writers Association book of writers on writing, edited by Martin Edwards, and I’m nearly done with the Mystery Writers of America anthology DEADLY ANNIVERSARIES, edited by Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini. A lot of good stories around the general “anniversary” theme, but nothing fabulous. I also read FAMILY TERRORISTS: Seven Stories and a Novella by Antonya Nelson, a book that started badly (at least to my taste) but improved. The title novella was good. (This is not a mystery, if there was a question.)
Walter Tevis’s THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT was, of course, made into the recent hit mini-series on Netflix, and the 1983 book showed me what a wonderfully faithful adaptation it was. Yes, it helps to know at least the basics of chess to get a fuller appreciation of the book, but it isn’t necessary.
I have a couple of other library books on the shelf (by Jane Harper and Lee Goldberg) waiting to get to, and have three (including, after a long wait, John M. Barry’s book on the 1918 Pandemic, plus the new Peter Robinson) on the way to the library, so I went back to the previously started THE OLD MAN by Thomas Perry, a non-series (at least so far) back with some things in common with recent Butcher’s Boy books. He is an older (60 here) guy with skills who people from his past have tracked down and are trying to kill. Perry is a very good writer.
I’m really enjoying the book, Jeff. Read a lengthy story last night, and I really like his way of telling a story, and his wit. So happy Aubrey told me about these books.
I’m also reading John Sandford’s Ocean Prey. Don’t really care much about the scenario, but I love the banter in his books.
I’m glad Jackie liked Faithless in Death once Roark showed up. (grin)
I totally agree. Darn those people who think they can party and nothing will happen.
Delighted you think you will like the books. Michael Gilbert is an excellent author to follow. Smallbone Deceased is supposed to be his masterpiece but I have enjoyed everything I’ve read of his.
I may have to pass the books on to Kathy Boone Reel when I finish, Aubrey. I don’t think they’re easy to find.
Good morning. Our county is doing a pop up vaccination site for seniors next week so I was finally able to schedule my mom to get her shot. She’s not that mobile so we had to wait for the J&J shot to be available somewhere that she wouldn’t have to walk that far or stand on line.
This week I read
THE WINDSOR KNOT by SJ Bennett. The mystery was interesting but I never really got that into the book.
THE SCORPION’S TAIL by Preston & Child. The discovery of a mummified body in a New Mexico ghost town leads to an action packed hunt for hidden Spanish treasure.
BOBBINS AND BODIES by ACF Bookens. A salvager and her demo crew find a skeleton in a house that’s ready to be torn down. It seems that a local religious cult may be involved. This is the second book in the series and while I like the characters, the book felt too dark for a cozy mystery.
I’m currently reading UNDERCOVER KITTY by Sofie Ryan. I always enjoy the senior sleuths in this series.
There’s almost a sigh of relief when someone in the family gets the vaccine, isn’t there, Sandy? Especially when it’s someone vulnerable. In our family, my mother was the first to get it, and I was so relieved. My sisters and brothers-in-law have all had their first ones. A niece and nephew have had them. I hope everyone has the chance.
Yes, religious cult seems a little dark for a cozy mystery. I’m glad you’re enjoying Sofie Ryan’s book.
Sandy – I’ve read quite a few Preston & Child books, find the two recent Swanson/Kelly outings less dark than some of the others. Quite entertaining.
Good morning, everyone, and happy spring! I only read two books this week, as my grandchildren had a sleepover at my house, I competed in a Toastmasters evaluation contest, and had some other projects to finish.
In WHAT COULD BE SAVED by Liese O’Halloran Schwartz, Laura and her sister Bea don’t see eye-to-eye on much. So when Laura is contacted by a woman in Thailand who tells her she needs to do something about her older brother, Philip, she is more than willing to pack up and make the trip. Philip went missing almost 50 years earlier, when he was 8 years old and the whole family was living in Bangkok for their father’s work. Bea thinks it might be a scam–not Philip at all and an attempt to extort money. But Laura insists on traveling to Thailand and manages to bring Philip, who has no identifying papers, back to Washington, DC. He has a mysterious injury and illness, is wearing clothes reminiscent of a cult, and is not forthcoming about what happened to him. The story flashes back and forth between the family’s time in Thailand and the present day, and we learn the story of each family member, including the father, now deceased, and the mother, dealing with dementia, in addition to the story of one particular servant who accompanied the family to the United States. For me, it all came together beautifully. It wasn’t the happiest story, but it wasn’t altogether bleak either. I give the author a lot of credit for a compelling plot and writing style that kept me reading until the end..
The other book I read was MURDER IN OLD BOMBAY by Nev March. In 1892 in colonial India, Captain Jim Agnihotri is recovering from injuries he sustained in the military, intrigued by his rereading of Sherlock Holmes mysteries and of current events in the newspaper. He becomes obsessed with the recent death of two young women who fell from a university clock tower within minutes of each other, and whose case has not been solved. He approaches the newspaper staff about becoming an investigative journalist and finds himself assigned to this very case. Soon he is working directly with the bereaved husband of one of the women–the other was his adopted sister. What ensues is a lively story which leaves the Eurasian Captain Jim battered and beaten more often than I would have liked. It could have used some better editing–I felt it was too long–but it shows promise for this debut author.
Happy Spring, Margie! I’m sure it is for you, being right there with your grandchildren.
I wondered about Murder in Old Bombay. I think it’s been up for several awards. Too long, and a battered and beaten hero. I think I’m going to pass on this one.
I finished THE LOST MANUSCRIPT by Cathy Bonidan. I really enjoyed reading about the travels of the book.
Now I am knee deep in THE ROSE CODE by Kate Quinn. It is so very good that I am having a hard time putting it down. All about The Bletchley Park codebreakers.
Good luck today with your procedure Carolee.
Happy reading!
I’m glad to hear you liked The Lost Manuscript, Sharon. It came up in my ebook queue at one of my libraries, and I had to delay it, but I hope to get it again soon.
I have The Rose Code at home. I need to get to it as soon as I finish the book I’m reading. I’m glad it’s one of those books you can’t put down, Sharon.
Loved The Lost Manuscript, now I’m excited about The Rose Code!
My daughter and I are reading it together. The text messages between Chicago and Columbus have been flying fast and furious. We both think it really is that good.
I just ordered The Rose Code from Amazon, thanks to your recommendation, Sharon, and so many 5-star reviews. Since it’s over 600 pages, I thought it would be better to buy it than get it from the library!
It is a doorstop Margie! I hope I didn’t oversell it and you like it. I wished I had gotten it as an ebook so it would be easier to hold. Both Lesa and Kaye recommended The Lost Manuscript. I almost read it on one sitting. Hope you enjoy both!
I finished The Rose code last week and absolutely loved it! In my opinion, you definitely did not oversell it
I really should start it this weekend. Thanks, Kathleen!
Hello Lesa and everyone,
I’ve never heard about Michael Gilbert before, thanks for the heads-up.
We have sun here in Aberdeenshire, but it’s still not that warm. This morning Nancy and I took a new route for our walk, beginning at her house and climbing up to the top of Westhill. ‘Westhill Heights’ is where all the most expensive houses and the golf course are – I would not like to live there, it’s terribly aspirational, but it does have excellent views across the countryside.
This past weekend I did another new walk, this time along another old railway line, now called the Formartine Way. It begins beside the Don at Dyce (north of the city) and heads straight out into open countryside. The landscape is quite different up there – huge fields, no hills, and some much more ramshackle farms (which reminded me of the Larkins in The Darling Buds of May.) I enjoyed it. At one point the path goes under a road bridge, and we saw that bat boxes had been installed under the bridge strutts. The path can take you all the way to Peterhead and Fraserburgh, but that would certainly take you more than a day on foot – however it’s also a path for cyclists, so of course they can go further. As we retraced our steps we saw four herons beside the water.
And speaking of wildlife, on Sunday evening I went down to our own river here, saw something, at first unidentifiable, swimming down the middle of the Dee – then it approached the bank where I was standing, and out popped a little otter cub. It was so sweet, very black and fluffy, with such an inquisitive little face – it darted about along the bank, and seemed very happy with life. I just hope the ghillie doesn’t find it.
Books – !
I have just read A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl, which is a collection of interviews with nine Irish women writers. Each one was originally interviewed on RTE radio in the summer of 1985. The journalist, John Quinn, who presented and produced the interviews, said that he felt that every time writers were interviewed hardly any time was spent on their childhoods, even though these had almost certainly had a big influence on their work. The interviews are recorded as they were spoken, with the result that they are perhaps more open and relaxed than if each woman had simply written a piece of memoir, and they’re all very interesting.
The authors are Maeve Binchy, Edna O’Brien, Dervla Murphy, Polly Devlin, Mary Lanvin, Joan Lingard (who was born in Edinburgh but lived in Belfast from a very young age), Clare Boylan, Jennifer Johnston and Molly Keane. I found Keane the most interesting – she grew up in one of the old Anglo-irish families about which she writes in her novels. They were wealthy, but she rarely saw her parents (her father was obsessed with horses and hunting, her mother a recluse) and was brought up by servants. Their house was eventually burnt to the ground after the 1916 Uprising.
This is my final book for Reading Ireland Month, the others being Maeve Binchy’s Chestnut Street, Marian Keyes’ Watermelon and William Trevor’s The News From Ireland.
I also read a young adult book, Divided City, by Theresa Breslin. It’s about two young boys in Glasgow, each one obsessed with football. Joe comes from a large working class Catholic family, Graham from a more middle class Protestant one. Although I have always been aware of the sectarianism in parts of Glasgow, this book told me a lot more. Football plays a very big part in all of this – the two main teams in the city are Rangers (Protestant) and Celtic (Catholic), and ‘Old Firm’ games are notorious for trouble, and heavily policed.
Breslin is good at showing the good and bad in both sides. In each family, the boys’ parents have tried to move away from extremism, but the grandparents and other family members have firmly entrenched positions – and Breslin shows us where these have originated. From our vantage point on the east side of the country (where none of this has any traction) we tend to see the Catholic community as 100% good and oppressed, and the Protestant one as bad and oppressive, but of course it isn’t that simple.
When Graham comes upon an illegal Kosovan immigrant who has been stabbed in a racist attack, he and Joe become involved in his story too. When the annual (and extremely incendiary) Orange Walks begin in the city, Graham must decide whether to walk with his granddad and upset his new friend, or turn his back on his heritage and destroy his granddad’s hopes.
I chose this book as I needed something set in Glasgow for my contribution to Six Degrees of Separation next weekend – the ‘starter’ book next month is Shuggie Bain, which has just won the Booker, but which sounds so unrelentingly miserable that I simply cannot face reading it. The only link that really worked for me was Glasgow itself, but finding a book set there that wasn’t also miserable/violent/depressing was a real challenge! I don’t know why Glasgow is always portrayed like this, as although it certainly has a rougher image than Edinburgh, it has cleaned up its act a lot of recent years, and has a very rich cultural life, with great galleries, music, films, etc. There’s an opening there for someone!
Re vaccination, the only young people who have had it here are those with underlying illnesses/conditions and those who work on the ‘front line’ – the rest are having to wait until everyone older has been offered the vaccine. They are currently doing people in their 50s. The discussion now is about how people will be able to prove they have been vaccinated, and whether pubs, restaurants, concert venues, etc will be required to insist on seeing proof. The Westminster government being as it is, though, they are making their usual wishy-washy comments (there will be a huge amount of lobbying by the hospitality industry to avoid any compulsory checking of status, and these people have many friends in government.) Some of the airlines are already being quite unequivocal about their approach, which will be no vaccine, no fly.
I hope everyone has a good weekend. And Carolee, the very best of luck with your surgery. Take care, rest up, read books 🙂
Rosemary
Rosemary, I put my vaccine card in my passport. If I ever get to fly again, I have my proof! a niece and nephew in their 30s have their vaccines. Here in Indiana, they’re just starting 16 and up.
I love the sound of your new walk, the Formartine Way. Of course, my favorite parts were the herons and the little otter. (I had to look up a ghillie to see what it was.) I hope the little otter is okay.
Hmmm. I really should look up some mysteries set in Glasgow. You know me. I tend to read Irish crime fiction.
I find your different challenges to be fascinating. If I wasn’t always reading and reviewing for magazines, I’d try one or two. I just never seem to have time.
Rosemary, Railway walks. That would be so much more exciting than my 2 mile route around my neighborhood. My husband and I watched Julia Bradbury’s Railway Walks on Acorn TV.
Sharon: Yes, they can be very good, though at the moment we are supposed to ‘stay local’ so there are only 2 or 3 available to us. Still, that’s a big improvement on none! The reason there are so many is that (as Julia perhaps explained) Dr Beeching famously closed huge numbers of branch lines and smaller routes in the 1960s. It was a very short-sighted policy, as many would be used today if they were still there, keeping a lot of cars off the roads.
Anyway, eventually the rolling stock was sold off – as a result you can still see old railway carriages in the fields of many farms around here. The sleepers were torn up, and here they have been upended and used for fencing. Most of the old platforms and halts were left intact, so when you walk the paths you can see where the stops would have been. Some of the little station houses also survive, and are now private residences.The old lines are at least a haven for wildlife; I see so many birds in the woods and fields alongside them.
At one station near here some enthusiasts have restored a small part of the line and some trains, and hope to run little excursions one day. I have a friend whose husband is obsessively into trains, and he helps at another restored steam line outside Edinburgh. He does not drive, so she nobly chauffeurs him all over the country to take photos of any unusual trains that are coming up here. If the Royal Scot, for example, comes through, they are all out there with their very fancy cameras, and even ladders, sometimes at unearthly hours of the morning, just to get some shots. I suppose there are worse hobbies!
I must admit I do quite like model railways – another obsession for some, and they do make them very interesting.
Rosemary, Thank you so much for your response. I had no idea. I shared this with my husband. We both found it very interesting!
Not at all Sharon, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Are model railways (ie the ones people build in their garages or attics) a thing in the US, or is it just here?
I am going to say yes. My local conservatory, Franklin Park, has a model railway year round on display that changes themes with the holidays and the Paul Busse Garden railway will be outdoors for a second season there https://www.fpconservatory.org/exhibitions/paul-busse-garden-railway/. The Columbus (Ohio) Metropolitan Library does a big display at Christmas (pre Covid) that is wildly popular. We have also taken our grandsons when they were younger to see the local model train club had their exhibitions.
Yesterday, I finished THE CHOSEN ONE by James Riley. It’s the final in his Revenge of Magic middle grade fantasy series. I’ve struggled with this series. Overall, I’ve enjoyed it, but he drags things out longer than they need to be.
Today, I’ll be starting GRAND THEFT RETRO by Diane Vallere. Looking forward to it.
You’re a better person than I am, Mark. I would have quit a series by now if I was struggling with it.
I hope work is going a little better this week.
I’ve enjoyed it overall. But it’s more apocalyptical than I normally read.
Good morning from the Pacific Time Zone! The wind is gusting with the possibility of a few snow showers, but 70 by the weekend.
Lesa, I’m just finishing the latest Inspector Ian Rutledge entry that you reviewed recently, A FATAL LIE (Charles Todd). Rather enjoying the convoluted story as he travels about the towns. Especially like the descriptive language, can picture “…the glazing reflected the light, and the white plaster with its dark hatchwork…”
Read the second entry in Anne Cleeland’s Doyle and Acton series, 2014 MURDER IN RETRIBUTION. Actually liked this better than the first. Unfortunately the local library only has the first three as ebooks, so I’ll have to hunt the others if it holds my attention.
And a 2020 “must read” Lisa Wingate’s THE BOOK OF LOST FRIENDS. Inspired by the Lost Friends advertisements in the SW Christian Advocate in the 1870s. It tells the story in alternating chapters of two women who believe they can change their world. One set in 1875, the other on 1987. I appreciate the subset of historical fiction that takes a real object and creates a story, but this particular execution failed for me. The two story lines never created a coherent whole, only meeting at the very end. I’m glad I read it though, makes one think about so many modern conveniences.
Our winds are building up here, today, MM. They’re expecting tornadoes south of us tonight. It’s starting to be that time of year here in the Midwest.
That’s what I love about fellow readers. Everyone enjoys different books. I think you liked A Fatal Lie more than I did. And, that’s great.
I finished the advance copy of James Lee Burke’s upcoming release, Another Kind of Eden, in record time. It’s a dark novel with excellent characters, a deep dive into the world of evil, and the wonderful writing we’re used to in Burke novels. Now I’m reading Walter Mosley’s Down the River Unto the Sea. There’s a big list of books by both authors I’ve never read. If I add them to my TBR list, I’ll have a list that will carry me through the rest of my life. 😀
Patricia, I haven’t read a James Lee Burke book in years, but I do remember his wonderful writing. Just beautiful. That’s what I always said about Ed McBain, saving the books for retirement. They would probably take me the rest of my life. I think I’ll do Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb instead.
One of the most fun things I ever did, and it was totally unplanned. was pick up the first J.D Robb and read until I was all caught up. I think that’s why I have such respect and high regard for how well she is able to write character growth; slowly, deliberately, seamlessly. She is a master.
I’ve been thinking about doing that with Craig Johnson and C.J. Box because I’m so far behind in their series. And Lee Child, too. And Louise Penny. So many good books!!!
SO many! I plan on re-reading all the Louise Penny books if for no other reason to experience the phrasing and flow of her words.
Trying one more time to comment….. I am halfway through Winter Counts, the highly rated debut from David Heska Wanbli Weiden. I like it but perhaps reading all the reviews has spoiled it somewhat for me. Over the weekend I raced through The Hallows by Victor Methos, a well-done legal thriller. I enjoy the methodical unfolding of the solution in legal thrillers. A visit to the library earlier in the week yielded the latest Spenser from Ace Atkins, Get Carter by Ted Lewis, the subject of Hull Noir last weekend, and a debut from Stephen Spotswood that looks interesting. I have a long list waiting for me on my Kindle but I am not sure which will be next, as well as a couple of ARCs, one from J.D. Allen and one from Annette Dashofy.
I know what you mean, Aubrey. After a review of an early Louise Penny gave everything away, I don’t read reviews of her books anymore. And, too many reviews do tend to spoil a book. I’m excited about the forthcoming S.A. Cosby book, Razorblade Tears. I like the sound of that one.
And, I’m loving this Michael Gilbert book. Thank you for introducing me to the books.
Happy Thursday, everyone.
I’m not familiar with Michael Gilbert, but after that terrific review, Lesa, I will have to look into his work.
NetGalley has been particularly kind to me this past week resulting in me doing a lot of reading while ignoring everything else. Today is a drizzly rainy day, so he helps with the guilt factor. 😉
Write My Name Across the Sky by Barbara O’Neal (ARC). I am a huge Barbara O’Neal/Barbara Samuels fan and this one did not disappoint. Strong creative women, art, music and lovely writing all made for a comforting experience.
The Girl I Used to Be by Heidi Hostetter (ARC) . This is a “you go, girl!” Kinda book set in a small tight knit beach town we’d all love.
The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe (ARC) . Knowing nothing about Madeline Astor, this book was interesting and informative. All the best things about good historical fiction.
Fly the Nest by Lise McClendon. More from The Bennett sistets. Fun, but not my fave.
The Purple Shadow by Christopher Bowden. An old-fashioned spooky story. I liked it lots even with a couple of stumbles.I
What Doesn’t Kill Us by David Housewright (ARC) . I’m a huge David Housewright fan. I wasn’t sure about this one early on but very happy I stuck with it.
The Summer I Found Myself by Colleen French (ARC). A feel good beach read, my kinda book.
Happy reading, everyone!
Kaye, I love your list of reading! I’m looking forward to Write My Name Across the Sky when I get a chance. I’m reading Ocean Prey right now on NetGalley. I’m afraid something is going to happen to one of the characters I really like, though. It will give Lucas Davenport a chance to bring Virgil Flowers in. I can’t say for sure, so I’m not spoiling the book for anyone. But, it just feels that way. You didn’t need to know all that. Just what I’m reading on NetGalley.
I’m jealous that I’m at work and you’re at home reading on this dreary day. Happy reading, Kaye!
I have not read a Prey book in a long time. I need to do that!
Since several people have said they are not familiar with Michael Gilbert… he was a lawyer and writer who lived from 1912 to 2006. His first book was published in 1947, his last in 1999. He wrote spy stories, courtroom novels, police procedurals, thrillers, excellent short stories, etc. He was a prisoner of war in Italy during WWII and escaped after the Italian surrender, and made his way 500 miles south to the Allied lines. One of his fine early mysteries had a murder in a POW camp (Death in Captivity aka The Danger Within). He had several series characters – Insp. Hazlerigg in his early books, Insp. (started out as a Constable) Patrick Petrella (in short stories and novels), and spies Calder & Behrens. One book (Smallbone Deceased) had murder in a law office. He wrote 185 short stories, and every one that I’ve read has been very good or better.
Thanks for this, Jeff. Always fun to discover new/old authors previously unknown to me.
Jeff, thanks for that information – I had not connected him with Smallbone Deceased, which has been republished in the British Library Crime Classics series. I haven’t read it yet, but everyone I know who has thinks it’s one of the best ones they’ve done to date.
Thank you, Jeff. I’d known his name before reading this book, but I had never read anything. I appreciate the background.
It’s fairly warm here, but breezy. There’s a lot more geese than usual about, and if one is not careful, they’ll eat all the grass off a lawn.
I know I’ve read some Michael Gilbert, but I don’t remember what all off the top of my head.
This week I read:
Vanished into Plein Air by Paula Darnell; A cozy set in an artists’ colony in Northern Arizona. A woman disappears at a charity event where artists have 4 hours to complete a painting auctioned off for charity. It seems the husband had another wife disappear there 30 years ago. The woman is found, but then there’s kidnapping, ransom and murder. The sleuth was so busy with her day to day stuff, it seemed like not much happened, until you got to the end of the book, and all kinds of event occurred, it just wasn’t so much the main focus. A rather different technique.
Billy Boyle by James R. Benn; First of a series really popular a couple of years ago. A Boston cop is assigned to his Uncle Ike’s staff, and tries to uncover a spy and a murderer. Not bad, but definitely answers the question as to how Joe Kennedy got away with rum running all those years.
Dr. Kildare’s Trial; Kildare is minding his own business, and there’s a terrible car accident. He operates on a woman in the street, saving her life, but gets sued. Medicine, and the perception of the medical field has changed a lot.
Skelgill: Murder Unseen; Actually focuses on DS Jones, Skelgill’s assistant. I don’t usually like that kind of thing. If the author wants to write about Jones, start a series with her. This one included enough Skelgill to satisfy.
Terry Flynn: I Owe You One; An Australian loser with a temper problem is going to lose his house, and embarks on a wild scheme to save it. Not very likely.
False Light; A journalist is in trouble with his newsroom, when the daughter of one of his more glamorous friends is raped…or is she? It’s never really clear. The journalist, with his NSA buddy tries to clear things up, while he wallows in guilt. It’s a beltway novel, that made me think maybe instead of a beltway, we need a big wall to keep those people in, and leave the rest of us alone.
You must have our geese. We have them, but fewer this year. I just love your last sentence in the review of False Light, Glen. Ha!
I’ve read BILLY BOYLE and several more in that series, though I have fallen several books behind now. The Eisenhower connection is fun and does pop up in each book, as I recall.
I also love Michael Gilbert’s books. The first one I read was the one Jeff mentioned set in a POW camp (Death in Captivity). Game without Rules and the second book of Calder and Behrens stories (Mr Calder And Mr Behrens) are my favorites, but I have read more of his mystery novels and enjoyed them all. Actually Smallbone Deceased was my least favorite that I have read so far, but I am in the minority in that opinion.
Last night I finished reading The Rubber Band by Rex Stout for at least the 4th time, and loved it again. I have read every mystery by Rex Stout and all the Nero Wolfe books more than once.
Today I am going to start another Hercule Poirot book before I get back to reading all the books scheduled for March – April. Right now I am in vintage mystery reading mode.
Sometimes, Tracy, it’s just so good to read those vintage mysteries. They’re just the right length. They are seldom as graphic as today’s crime fiction, although they can be violent. But, they just fit a mood.
Nonfiction Razzle Dazzle the Battle for Broadway by Michael Riedel. This is his first book on Broadway. I read the second one, Singular Sensation first not realizing it was the second one. I liked that one but am enjoying this one more.
Oh, that’s good to know, Caryn. I really enjoyed Singular Sensation, and went back and bought Razzle Dazzle, but haven’t read it yet.
It’s just been a wonderful day here with all the talk of authors and books, with a little bit of life sprinkled in. Thank you, everyone.
I too love all of Michael Gilbert’s books…Mr. Calder and Mr. Behrens are favorites followed by Jonas Pickett – the lawyer. I’m in vintage mode too. Dorothy L., Ngaio Marsh, Dell Shannon, etc.
So many of you read and enjoyed the Calder and Behrens books. That’s great to know, Gram. Vintage seems to be working right now. Enjoy your books!
Just finished “Rose Code”. Now reading “Enigma Code”
Oh, you finished The Rose Code! I’m planning to start it today, Carol.
I stayed up late last night to finish THE ROSE CODE. It was a terrific read.
This one sounds like a winner, Sharon.