First, how are you doing this week? I had a rough week, but, in the grand scheme of things, that’s minor. I’m not sick, and no one in my family is right now. It just hit me hard that I might not get to go back to live theater, and might not get to Europe again. Let’s face it, First World problems. But, theater and travel are two of my greatest joys. And, that hurts.
So, my book is taking me to Europe. I’m reading Pancakes in Paris by Craig Carlson, an American from tough beginnings who ended up opening first one restaurant, and now owns the Breakfast in America restaurant chain in Paris. I’m not far in the book, but I like his voice.
What about you? How are you doing? And, what are you reading this week?
Good morning Lesa. I’m doing OK this week. We released three Monarch butterflies that we raised this week. We have three more Monarchs and thirteen Black Swallowtails in various stages of growth. Releasing them sends a bit of beauty out into the world. And it gave us a chance to talk to our new neighbors ( from the safe distance of across the street).
This week I read 3 cozy mysteries.
DEAD IN THE DOORWAY by Diane Kelly features two cousins who renovate and flip houses. I enjoyed this one.
A CALL FOR KELP by Bree Baker, the latest in her NC tea shop mystery series. I’m on the fence about this series. I just don’t feel like the characters are growing enough between books.
SUGAR AND VICE by Eve Calder. I enjoyed the pirate theme.
I also read two books set in New Jersey. PALISADES PARK by Alan Brennert. Although I never went there, the book brought back childhood memories of amusement parks and carnivals that I did go to.
My last book went to the opposite end of the state. ABANDONED SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY A BOUNTY OF ODDITIES by Cindy Vasco. It covered everything from an abandoned factory to a train station and a motel. But I was annoyed that a large section of the book covered items in two salvage yards, neither of which was abandoned. And one obvious factual error I spotted makes me wonder how accurate the rest of the book is.
I'm OK, but Jackie feels like you do. No concerts this year, obviously, no Broadway or off-Broadway shows, no travel (our 50th Anniversary is three months away, believe it or not!) to London or New Orleans or even Las Vegas, and, it is looking more and more like winter in Florida is fading away. Hey, look on the bright side is what I say. I finally had my surgery and have recovered, we have our health for the most part, we live in one of the few places in the country that has done a good job against the Coronavirus, and there is always next year, right?
Books. After finishing the Block collection (THE DARKLING HALLS OF IVY), I had to decide what short stories to read next, and since I had nothing new I went back to where I was (about a third of the way through) in THE COMPLETE SHORT STORIES OF F. SCOTT FITZGERALD. That should take a while, as he wrote a lot more stories than I had realized. This collection has almost 150 stories.
Thanks for recommending Lee Smith's BLUE MARLIN, which I enjoyed very much. I still remember the first time we drove down to Key West and how amazing that drive is, and I particularly enjoyed the fact that she based it on what really happened to her in 1959.
I wasn't sure what I wanted to read next, so pulled the next Hennessey and Yellich book by Peter Turnbull off my shelves, THE DANCE MASTER, and raced through it. It was a particularly nasty, yet compelling story. A man finds a bad of human bones, including a skull, and it turns out they are from a dozen different victims. We also get the perspective of the killer (with multiple personalities), who sincerely wants the police to catch him and gives them clues to do so, though he won't turn himself in. Let's just say it was a very fast read.
I'm just finishing PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS: Mystery Writers on the Secrets, Riddles, and Wonders in Their Lives, edited by Victoria Zackheim. Some are about their writing, some are about their lives, including two about dealing with mentally ill mothers, one a compassionate one by William Kent Krueger, the other an incredibly harrowing tale of evil by Connie May Fowler. There are good pieces by Martin Limon, Cara Black, Jeffery Deaver, and Rhys Bowen, among others.
Thanks to for reviewing the latest Alaska book by Heather Lende. I am reading her first, IF YOU LIVED HERE, I'D KNOW YOUR NAME. As I said, I don't want to live in Alaska, but I am enjoying reading about someone who does.
I'm not positive about what to read next, but I downloaded Val McDermid's fourth Karen Pirie book, OUT OF BOUNDS, so will give that first choice. I also got in Joe Nesbo's THE REDBREAST (bought used for $4), since I couldn't get a library ebook. And then this morning I got an email saying the first of my library holds is in at last – Lee Goldberg, LOST HILLS. So when I get to pick that up, I will read that next.
Sandy, That's such a nice thought – releasing beauty into the world. I'll have to mention it to one of my staff members who raises butterflies to release.
What an interesting thought, that the characters aren't growing enough between books. I like that. I hadn't ever thought of that.
Gosh, Jeff, I hope there's next year. I hope 2021 isn't a repeat of this. I'm right there with Jackie. Not much to look forward to, except for books. Thank heavens I like to read. What do people do who don't read?
You're welcome! That drive to Key West, and then Key West itself. Sort of magic. I enjoyed my time there.
I'm glad you're enjoying a couple of my suggestions!
Since I don't have enough books, I just downloaded (at a friend's suggestion) Richard Ford's memoir about his parents from the library.
I understand your sadness over travel and going to plays, Lesa. We have yet to visit our grandsons. We haven't eaten in a restaurant. This was to be our summer of short trips deciding where we might like to retire. But we have our home, my husband is still working. And blessed be us that this damn panic (that is what Susan Branch calls it) has not darkened our door nor that of our daughters (knock on wood). On to books.
I had an up and down week of reading this week.
I gave up on WILLA'S GROVE by Laura Munson as well as THE SINGLE LADIES OF JACARANDA RETIREMENT VILLAGE by Joanna Nell.
I did finish I WAS TOLD IT WOULD GET EASIER by Abbi Waxman. I nearly gave up on this one too. It is about a mother and her daughter on an Excelsior Education Excursion (I am guessing something like this is really a thing) visiting prestigious colleges on the East Coast. The characters grew on me and I ended up enjoying the story but it is my least favorite of the Abbi Waxman books.
I also read MATCHMAKING FOR BEGINNERS by Maddie Dawson. This was my pick of the week. Marnie enters an ill advised marriage and is listed as the heir to her exes great aunt's brownstone in Brooklyn after having making a connection at the engagement party. The stipulation is she has to live there for 3 months to inherit. It was quirky with some magical realism and a fun read.
Now I am reading THE SECOND CHANGE BOUTIQUE by Louisa Leaman. It is a about a bridal shop in England where the proprietor matches brides with their perfect vintage dress. It is light and fluffy and perfect for right now.
Stay Safe and Happy Reading!
I'm having a good week overall, having moved past the gray funk I experienced when I saw the positive COVID-19 numbers going up in our county after we'd done so well early in the pandemic. But gray funks must never be allowed to stay around too long lest they tighten their grip and squeeze out all the good things we can be thankful for.
My current read is American Dirt. My backlog of books and ebooks is growing so I may have to draw straws to see what to read next.
Yesterday I dared to think that my physical therapy might actually be working again, although I'm still far from 100%. It's tough to keep a positive thought, isn't it? I totally relate to how you are thinking, Lesa. As much as I am thrilled to be able to spend time with my grandchildren, there's always something keeping me from total joy, regardless of what I'm doing. I look forward to getting rid of that feeling for good! Here's what I read:
Beth O'Leary's debut novel, THE FLATSHARE, was a lovely surprise. I greatly enjoyed the two main characters–"larger than life" Tiffy, a lowly assistant book editor, and quiet Leon, a palliative care nurse. Tiffy, who can no longer live in her ex's flat, agrees to "share" an apartment (and bed–not at the same time!) with Leon, who could use the extra money. She has it every evening and all weekend, and he has it during the day while she is at work. He spends the rest of his time at his girlfriend's digs. For the longest time, the two never meet in person but get to know each other through Post-it notes left around the flat for each other. Leon is also trying to help his brother, who has been imprisoned for an armed robbery he didn't commit, as well as a couple of the very ill patients in his care–an 8-year-old girl with leukemia and a terminal old man who would love to see someone he knew and loved in the military, one last time. Tiffy is doing everything she can to promote a client's seemingly dull crochet how-to book while suffering conflicting feelings about her (reappearing) ex. I was all-in on this story–interesting characters and an affecting story–and will be looking for her next.
I agree with Lesa that Kristen Lepionka's protagonist, PI Roxane Weary, is an original. I have enjoyed her voice, and the twisty story, in all four books in the series. In ONCE YOU GO THIS FAR, Roxane's personal life continues to be a mess, as she has an off-again, on-again (now off-again) relationship with the unreliable Catherine. But now she's involved with Tom, who feels he's "all-in" while Roxane is not committed. The case involves Rebecca, who is experienced at hiking but somehow falls off a cliff to her death while walking her dog. Her daughter, Maggie, wants Roxane to find out what really happened and there are a plethora of persons of interest, including a female politician, the leader of a religious cult, and Rebecca's ex-husbands.
HOW THE PENGUINS SAVED VERONICA is quite a bit different from the author's Ellie and the Harpmaker, which was more quietly and subtly told. Octogenarian Veronica has no friends except, perhaps, for her housekeeper and caregiver. But something leads her to find her grandson, Patrick, while both had been unaware of each other's existence. And she takes pleasure from reading about penguins, particularly those featured in a blog by a scientist studying a community of penguins in Antarctica. Left a millionaire by her husband, Veronica is convinced she can help save that community, where penguins are disappearing at an alarming rate. So she insists on visiting the Antarctica team of three scientists, although they do everything they can to discourage her visit to their very basic living environment and the harsh weather. In the process of her visit, which extends longer than anyone expected, she becomes closer to her newly found grandson by remotely allowing him access to her diaries as a teenager, and the reason for her prickliness unfolds. And, as the title implies, Veronica receives as much benefit from the penguins–and her new scientist friends, and her "new" grandson–as she brings to the project. Thanks to those of you who recommended this book–I wasn't aware of its existence.
Jeff, I love your comment that you don't have enough books. (ahem)
Short trips to decide where to retire, Sharon? So, still in the relative area?
I like the sound of Matchmaking for Beginners. I'll add that to my list. Thank you!
You are so right about gray funks, Patricia. It helped that I now have a good book, and a great mask. It's all Broadway shows. Made me feel better. And, I saved the information about an upcoming virtual tour of Broadway theaters. I think I'm going to do that.
So, I see you don't need my copy of Lepionka's new book, Margie. And, Beth O'Leary has a new book, The Switch, due out Aug. 18. Looks really good. Somewhere in my place I have a copy of The Flatshare. I need to read that.
And, you're right. True joy. That's what missing.
Sending hugs, virtual, of course.
Sending hugs, Lesa. I'm spending way too much money on books about Paris and France in general. Spending time planning our "dream trip" that we may not ever be able to take unless we win the lottery, but refusing to believe that we'll never see Paris again. The virtual tour of Broadway theaters sounds perfect!!
xxoo
I know, Kaye. Actually, I'm finding it easier to believe that I'll get back to Ireland or Paris than Broadway theaters. But, I do have faith that all those people who have been working so hard on virtual events will make it work. Andrew Lloyd Webber and other stepped up immediately & starting making plans. Keeping my fingers crossed.
I meant to mention: I never heard of Kristen Lepionka before your review. She was one of the authors who wrote in PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS.
I read Private Investigations, Jeff, but I really couldn't tell you who wrote in it. But, you're right. William Kent Krueger's piece was beautiful and loving.
I'm currently working my way through THE KEY LIME CRIME, the new Key West Food Critic Mystery from Lucy Burdette. I'm enjoying it. Wish I didn't have to work today so I could just indulge.
The biggest problem is I am craving Key Lime pie!
I just finished "Eight Perfect Murders" by Peter Swanson. This is such a great homage to classic mysteries and independent book stores. Has a bit of an Alfred Hitchcock tone to it. Highly recommend. Like others, my TBR pile is toppling.
And, real Key Lime pie with real Key Limes, Mark!
Gloria, I haven't read that one, but did hear good things about it. I should find my copy, though. So many books…!
I went through the gray a couple of months ago. Every single thing I wanted to do the whole year was cancelled in March.
I read one physical book:
Near Dark by Brad Thor; Someone puts a price on Scot Harvath's head. Not as fast paced as some books in the series.
e-books:
Patience of a Dead Man; Old fashioned ghost story set in 1971 New Hampshire. Anachronisms abound. The author even gets one of his character's age wrong.
Rag and Bone; A loser feuds with powerful people, drinks and smokes too much, makes bad decisions, and "wins" in the end. Meet Pyrrhus, guy.
Bump Time; a time travel novel that isn't as confusing as some.
Final Reckoning; a serial killer/hit man targets the attorney who put in jail. Skippable.
Murder in Park Lane; What passes for a policeman in 1812 England finds a locked room mystery. The how is easily solved. The who takes the rest of the book.
Don't you hate the gray, Glen? I don't know if that review of Murder in Park Lane is a good one, or not.
Lesa, I had mixed feelings about Murder in Park Lane. Depending on my mood, the rating could shift radically.
OK, Glen. That's why I wasn't so sure when I read the comment. Thanks!
Europe is over rated. It is all old and dirty. Nothing good happens at the theater. Just ask Lincoln.
Current read…. SOONER THAN GOLD by JR Lindermuth in eBook format.
And, that leaves me with just books in my life, Kevin. You're a buzz killer.
lol….cue the music…..I got skills, and I know how to use them…..
Kevin
(who is willing to be a robot for cool tech and hot babes)