Check in, please. How are you doing this week? I hope everyone is okay, but let us know if you need a word of encouragement or a virtual hug. I can handle both of those, and I think others would step up, too.
I’m reading S.C. Perkins’ second Ancestry Detective mystery, Lineage Most Lethal. Lucy Lancaster is a genealogist. Her latest client is a hotel heiress, and Lucy’s staying at one of the hotels in Austin, Texas, as she finishes up the project. That’s where a man dies at her feet, dropping a Montblanc pen as he gasps out a message. I won’t say anything more about the plot, but I will say I love Lucy’s grandfather, a major player in this book. He’s in his nineties.
So, what are you reading this week? I’m hoping it’s something that keeps your mind occupied. Take care of yourself!
Good morning Lesa. I have Lineage Most Lethal on hold at the library. Other than the hot weather we’re doing OK. I took my mom to get her hair done yesterday and the person who was doing her hair was wearing a mask but the owner of the shop was at the front desk making phone calls without one and her elderly mother was sitting in the next chair without a mask or divider. Masks and social distancing in salons are required here in NJ. I’m going to talk to my stylist when I’m there on Sunday since the owner won’t be there but if things don’t improve I may have to find someplace else to take my mom.
This week I read an ARC of TO COACH A KILLER by Victoria Laurie. It was a bit odd at first since the two main characters Cat and Gilley were spun off from two different mystery series and put together in this one. But once I got used to that I wound up liking the book.
An ARC of THE NIDDERDALE MURDERS by J.R. Ellis. A British police procedural set in Yorkshire that’s part of a series but it worked well as a stand alone.
THE KILLINGS AT BADGER’S DRIFT by Caroline Graham. I’ve seen most of the episodes of Midsomer Murders but had never read any of the books that the show is based on.
I'm good. Had my followup at the doctor yesterday and everything is OK. Unfortunately, Jackie had to have a tooth extracted yesterday.
This week I returned two library books unfinished. I got through half of the first one before giving it up as going nowhere believable. Then (surprisingly), I disliked the new Michael Connelly book so much that I returned it after reading 20%. I love Harry Bosch and have enjoyed all the books with him and Renee Ballard and Mickey Haller, but I do not like Jack McEvoy (this is the third McEvoy book), find his behavior unethical and generally sleazy (a woman he had a one night stand with a year earlier is murdered; he doesn't mention his personal relationship to her friends and mother when he decides to investigate). Plus, I do not care for serial killer books in general. It left a bad taste.
I did read: THE PACT, the latest Kate Burkholder short story by Linda Castillo. Still waiting on the new novel.
Otto Penzler's latest huge (1200 pages!) anthology, THE BIG BOOK OF REEL MURDERS, a collection of stories that were adapted into crime films, like WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION. I particularly enjoyed the Cornell Woolrich stories, as unlikely as their plots often are.
Lawrence Block's college-set anthology, THE DARKLING HALLS OF IVY, has authors like Joe Lansdale, David Morrell, and Reed Farrel Coleman, so you know it is worth reading. A couple of week stories, but overall pretty good.
Wendy Lesser, SCANDINAVIAN NOIR. She is a big fan of Nordic crime novels (set in Norway, Sweden, or Denmark) and discusses some of her favorite authors and series, then spends the second half of the book visiting the three countries (mainly Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen) and seeing the actual spots where some of the books were set. She has an annotated list of authors and favorite titles, and even some of the recent Scandinavian television shows that turn up here (mostly on Netflix).
Oh, Sandy. I would have felt uncomfortable at the salon as well. I just don't understand businesses and business owners that don't respect their customers. I read a few Caroline Graham books years and years ago, but I've never read Ellis.
Heck to get older, isn't it, Jeff, but the alternative is not pleasant. I'm glad you're feeling better. Hope Jackie is, too.
I'm not a big fan of serial killer books, either. I really don't like the ones with the killer's point of view.
I'm glad you had something other than the latest Michael Connelly to read.
Jackie said her nail and hair places are much more conscientious than the one Sandy mentioned. They have dividers, etc. and everyone has masks and gloves.
So far, so good.
Be careful out there!
Hi all,
I am reading Sara Sheridan's 'London Calling', which is set in the post war period, and features Mirabelle Bevan, ex Secret-Service and now running her own debt-collecting agency in Brighton. She is now up in London investigating the shady world of jazz clubs, as a debutante has disappeared after visiting one, and a saxophonist who is a friend of Mirabelle's assistant Vesta has been framed for the crime. Or has he? There is a series of these books but this is the first one I have read.
Sandy, I too find it very disconcerting when people are not following rules. I was in our tiny Co-Op this week and a guy came in with no mask on and charged up to the cooler to buy his sandwiches. To be honest he did not look at all aggressive and I think maybe he just forgot. The staff do not challenge people, but I don't blame them, they are low-paid frontline workers taking enough risks as it is. I'm not sure what the answer is – after all I didn't challenge him either. My daughter's friend travelled from Edinburgh to London on the train recently and said very few people were wearing masks (this is a legal requirement in Scotland but at that time was not in England). She is only 22 but was fully kitted out with a mask and gloves – I am so fed up with all the blame being thrown at young people, the ones I know are behaving better than a lot of older folk.
I have not yet braved the hairdresser but I had better face it soon or I won't be able to go out at all, I'll look like a Yeti.
'Scandinavian Noir' and 'The Book of Reel Murders' that Jeff mentioned both sound very interesting.
I too can't cope with serial killers, I think that is why I have only read one of Val McDermid's books, and never watched Wire in the Blood, even though Val is a very good writer, an Edinburgh resident and a wonderful person who does masses for charity. Just too gorey.
Best wishes,
Rosemary
My hair salon was very careful, too. They require masks, and won't even let you in the door if you don't have an appointment. And, the place was spotless. They really do clean it well.
London Calling sounds good, Rosemary.
I agree with you. I don't think young people are always the problem. Some of our younger people here at work are more conscientious than some of the men who work maintenance. I'm not being sexist. We have men on staff who vocally objected, until our mayor made them mandatory, and yesterday, our governor made them mandatory for the entire state. About time, if you ask me.
I am happy to hear that Val McDermid is as nice and caring as she seems, Rosemary.
This week I finished THE SUMMER HOUSE by Lauren K. Denton. Lily wakes up one morning to a note and divorce papers from her husband of one year. At loose ends she ends up working as a hairdresser at retirement village on the coast of Alabama. This was a gentle Southern comfort read. I loved all the characters and the setting. It was my favorite book of the week.
I also enjoyed SUGAR AND VICE BY Eve Calder. It is the second in the Cookie House mysteries set in Coral Cay, Florida. Although the ex-boyfriend shows up in this one, I appreciated there wasn't a love triangle. I also liked that Kate and Maxie do not try to supersede the police nor are their lives in danger by the end of the book. The story takes place during Pirate Week where Oliver unburies the body of skeleton presumed to be Gentleman George the pirate. I thought it was clever how the author linked the George's history with the culprits.
Last night I finished I'D GIVE ANYTHING by Marisa de los Santos. It was a quick engrossing read but it is not my favorite of her books. Ginny's husband becomes embroiled in a scandal and while Ginny's life crumbles she uncovers a secret from her high school years that influences her future.
Today I am going to start WILLA'S GROVE by Laura Munson.
Thanks also to Jeff for recommending UNORTHODOX to stream on Netflix. My husband and I finally got around to watching it over two nights this week and were just riveted.
Happy Reading!
I had a setback this week with my physical therapy for an injury. The non-injury side started experiencing back spasms. Not fun at all. It's been over a month now since the injury, and I am definitely an "impatient patient."
I also watched "Unorthodox" and enjoyed it. This week I discovered "Indian Matchmaking" on Netflix and devoured it in 2 days (8 episodes, I think). A 2-hour call with a childhood friend yesterday also did a lot to keep my mind off my problems.
Fortunately, all three books I read this week were outstanding.
Rob Lowe's STORIES I ONLY TELL MY FRIENDS is everything I want from a show biz autobiography–lots of details about the actor's childhood, friends who became well known in the industry, early show business career, first movies and TV, iconic movies, and TV's West Wing. Not a lot of philosophizing or emphasis on substance abuse. Thank you, Rob! This was written (entirely by him) and published in 2011, so it's not new, but I heard about it when he was a podcast guest. Now he has his own podcast.
Finally caught up with William Kent Krueger's THIS TENDER LAND.Brothers Odie (12) and Albert (16) are the only non-Native Americans living at the Lincoln Training School in the 1930s, but they were accepted because of their orphan status. Some of the teachers and staff are kind to the children, but not the married couple who runs the place and one of their henchmen. The boys have to hit the river in a canoe with two other outcasts from the school after the abovementioned henchman is killed, and their story as they make their way across the miles to find the boys' aunt in St. Louis is the heart of the book. Along the way they are pursued by the evil couple but they find refuge in various places and among diverse people, including a faith healing troupe led by an enigmatic woman who really does seem to have special powers. And young Emmy, who is part of their traveling family, may have developing powers of her own. A terrific story about family, beautifully written.
THE LOST AND FOUND BOOKSHOP is the latest from Susan Wiggs. When Natalie loses both her boyfriend and her mother at the same time, she decides to leave her cushy but unfulfilling job in the city and take over her mother's small-town bookshop, where she spent her childhood years. She finds it's leaking money, and the building is leaking in other ways. Enter Peach (Peter), the father of one of the bookshop's most enthusiastic young patrons, who is able to help repair the building and enjoys spending time with Natalie and her grandfather, who is in the early stage of dementia and suffering other mysterious physical ailments as well. He doesn't want to sell the building and the shop, even though it looks like the only option. But a popular local (San Francisco) author has book signing event at the shop that boosts sales and takes a shine to Natalie herself. With two admirers and a failing business, Natalie struggles to do the right thing. A superior example of women's contemporary lit.
This has been a good week for reading except for one book I was looking forward to and gave up on it after investing more time with it than I should have. The new Susan Wiggs. Not for me.
But I did read:
Deep Into the Dark by P. J. Tracy (ARC) – Not a Monkeewrench book which was disappointing at first, but I was quickly drawn in and liked it lots. Already looking forward to the next in the series.
The Silence by Don DeLillo (ARC) – Weird, just as you would expect anything written by Don DeLillo to be. Set in the not too distant future and features exactly the sort of thing we're all scared might happen.
The Daughters of Foxcote Manor by Eve Chase (ARC) – I love Eve Chase's work. And I'm a huge Gothic fan. This was a very good read.
Margreete's Harbor by Eleanor Morse (ARC) – Set around a family in their home on the Maine coast – Loved it!!
Flowers of Darkness by Tatiana de Rosnay (ARC) – This was another very weird book. Not what I expected from de Rosnay. Again, set in the not too distant future and the fact that these things could happen make for a frightening scenario.
Sending out good thoughts to everyone!
Sharon, I see you mentioned how grateful you are that there wasn't a love triangle in SUGAR AND VICE. One of my pet peeves, and I know I ranted here before about that. I've quit books because of a love triangle. In fact, I just gave up on a series that a fellow librarian loves because the amateur sleuth dithers too much about her husband who she left, when there's a perfectly fine local cop waiting. Nope. I don't like love triangles.
Interesting, Margie. You liked The Lost and Found Bookshop while Kaye gave up on it. And, I wasn't as crazy about Krueger's This Tender Land as other people were. We all have different tastes.
I am sorry to hear that you had a setback this week. Take care of yourself, you impatient patient!
Oh, I can't wait to read Deep Into the Dark, Kaye. I'm glad to know you liked it. Loved de Rosnay's The Rain Watcher, but I think it was the Paris connection.
Sending hugs! Take care of yourself!
Work is. My job is way too stressful, and I don't see that changing for months to come.
Last week, I finished up FROM BEER TO ETERNITY by Sherry Harris. I thought it had some pacing issues, but overall, I really enjoyed it. After that, I read A CHORUS LINEUP by Joelle Charbonneau, which I enjoyed.
Now I'm reading THE LAST MRS. SUMMERS by Rhys Bowen. I think the plot is about to kick in, and I can't wait to see where the book goes.
I'm sorry about the job, Mark. Really sorry.
I like that comment – I think the plot is about to kick in. Interesting!
First of all, Lesa, thanks for the reminder that I really need to read the Perkins series. After all, it's set in my area, though I don't really go into Austin anymore and probably won't for a while or ever. Ha! Since my library volunteering is not happening (and gosh, don't I miss it), I just do what I need to do closer to home.
As to hairdressers, I've been lucky that my stylist is in one of those 'one-stylist-one-room' situations. There are several stylists, but they each have their own shop. Mine is meticulous about cleaning her area and she and I both wear masks and I haven't even had her wash my hair. I had my 3rd haircut yesterday and I'm so happy I can do that. Maybe some might check and see if their area has some of these individual salons around. You can't even get in the front door until you call your stylist and they come open it for you. I feel quite safe there.
I finished Outsider, the new Linda Castillo book the other day. Had lots of thoughts on that one, but was glad to get some additional insights into Kate's background when she was younger and decided to become a cop. Our mystery book group will be having our 3rd meeting virtually in a couple of weeks. It's working pretty well, though not all our 'regulars' can or want to join us in that format. It's what we have though. No telling when the Austin Public Library will be having programs again – probably 2021 or maybe not even then. We'll manage. We're discussing David Baldacci's Long Road To Mercy for August and then will move on to Ruth Ware's The Turn of the Key for September.
Take care everyone and stay safe! Wear your masks! Oh, do you think we're learning to 'read' eyes behind the masks? I think I'm beginning to be able to tell if someone is smiling…
You do need to read that series, Kay. And, the second is even better than the first. I finished it on my lunch hour. Love Lucy's 92-year-old grandfather. This one involves WWII and spies. Really good.
I had a few thoughts about Outsider, too, and Kate's actions, but don't want to say too much because I know Jeff hasn't read it yet.
Yes, wear your masks! My friend, David, just stopped at my Mom's on his way to Buffalo. He didn't go in. She was on the far side of his car, both wearing masks. But, I can see the smile in her eyes!
I read some physical books this week.
The Knife Slipped by Erle Stanley Gardner; Won this from Lesa! The lost second novel in the Cool and Lam series. Hard boiled without being sordid.
A Dangerous Breed by Glen Erik Hamilton; Van Shaw gets blackmailed into a robbery he really shouldn't pull, and he finds clues to his father. I found the ending a little too happy, really.
Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman; Repellent.
My Faith is not for Sale by Jeff Tregarowan; Inspirational conspiracy thriller without any bite.
Handwriting Heroes; How to write with your non-dominant hand. Really for wounded vets, I'm trying it out.
Thank you all. I just put a bunch of books on my library list. Have a freat week and stay safe. We still have a mask order in place for now and the Governor says for the future.
Well, I like that description, Glen – "hard boiled without being sordid." I'm not into the sordid part. Interesting comment about Glen Erik Hamilton's book, the ending was too happy. My copy is on the way to me from Poisoned Pen Bookstore. Other than the Laura Lippman book, it doesn't sound like a bad week of reading.
It may be a long time before we see anyone without masks, Gram.
I'm finally getting around to reading American Dirt. I'm about 35 pages in and totally hooked.
On audiobook I am listening to What You Wish For by Katherine Center. In print, I am reading Cajun Justice by James Patterson and Interlibrary Loan by Gene Wolfe.
You're ahead of us, katstev. We just received Cajun Justice today at the library.
Good, Patricia! No matter what we're reading, it's wonderful to be hooked!