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Read any good books lately? We want to know about them.
How about real stinkers? We want to know about those too!

Enter your reading list and/or reviews here. Did you like it? Hate it? Feel lukewarm?

Share your thoughts with us.

Happy reading!


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"Change Your Brain Change Your Grade" was an excellent book to read. Written by Daniel Amen, it tells the reader a variety of ways to succeed in school. He listed several tips and tricks such as sleeping 7-8 hours a day, eating the right foods, exercising, eliminating automated negative thoughts (ANTs), interacting with faculty and classmates, and having a persistent study routine. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and learned more about taking care of myself during school. I recommend this book to anyone in school and want to find ways to be more successful than you are now. You will learn newfound information that you can implement in your education!

This book was a memoir written by Tara Westover. In it reveals her account of growing up as a daughter to a bipolar, conspiracist father. Her father did not believe in public school education, government support, or medicine. Growing up, Westover talks about her hardships working with her father, picking up scraps, and doing dangerous labor. Not only she suffered from her father, but she also had to endure her brother, Shawn. Shawn physically and emotionally abused her for many years. Westover was able to escape this trauma by taking her ACT (with the help of her other brother Tyler) and then attending school at Brigham Young University. Her family, particularly her father, disapproved of this, and she turned to be an outcast of the family. This resonated with her all through her journey to get her Ph.D. at Cambridge. There was a moment during her Ph.D. journey when her parents offered forgiveness if she succumbed to her "education," but she refused. Ultimately, their relationship was not the same after this confrontation. This was a superficial summary of what the book is about. Overall, this was a fantastic book to read. I recommend this to anyone interested in reading memoirs or looking for a good read in general.

Ashfall – Mike Millens – 3.5***
As post-apocalyptic novels go, I found this one is pretty interesting, engaging and compelling. I was quickly drawn in by Alex and his situation. But the book really came alive when he meets up with Darla. I want to read more about HER!
My full review HERE

The Secret History of Witches, Louisa Morgan

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ♥

Wow my first read of the year & a Five (5) Star review:

It took me Four (4) 3 week renewals to finally read this because I didn't like this book at first, however, once I began to read it I found it so compelling it took me only 3 nights to finish it.

It is the history of the five Romani generations of Orchiére women, all gifted with the power of crafting. The history of Grandmére Ursule: her daughters: Isabelle, Louisette, Florence, Fleurette, Anne-Marie, & Nanette (the one to inherit their mother's gift).

Then continuing with Nanette's daughter Ursule, grand-daughter Irène, great-granddaughter Morwen, and her great-great granddaughter Veronica who is called to work w/ the Queen during WWII.

From Brittany to Cornwall to Wales to London an intense, well-written & book of powerful/gifted & spirited women, which I found to be a compelling read...

Green-Eyed Lady Chuck Greaves

★ ★ ★

Modern day hard-boiled detective/attorney w/ 2 women aiding & abetting him.

A set-up sex-scandal w/ a candidate for senate, a stolen Morisot painting, a murdered former prostitute turned art dealer & her partner dead as well...

Both candidates are assholes, one more than the other, dirty politic, nutcase wives & relatives...

The book held my interest, even if the political aspect bored me.

A Snapshot of Murder Frances Brody

★ ★ ★

Kate Shackleton is a member of a local photography club; seven of whose members go on a weekend shoot to the opening of the Bronte Museum at the setting of Wuthering Heights.

When Carine's husband, the much loathed Tobias, is stabbed while amidst the crowd of those attending the museum's opening ceremony; Kate steps in to help Carine.

Tobias had many enemies, including those in the town where the opening is being held.

A quick and interesting read.

The Unfortunate Importance of Beauty, Amanda Filipacchi

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I can not explain this book except I found it to be a most compelling read (4 hours). It was lyrical, disconcerting, profound, intense & mystifying all at once.

The majority of the characters were not shallow, all were too human yet their kinship to each other and support was steadfast and admirable.

Whispers in the Reading Room, Shelley Gray

- ★

Well, that was certainly a waste of time: I couldn't even tell it was a mystery, except some arsehole who happens to be the one of the main character's abusive former fiancée gets himself deservedly murdered... Who writes this insipid crap?

The book doesn't focus on the murder nor the solving of it, it revolves the relationships of the four main characters, all whom have a love/hate relationship with each other and are arrogant, prideful, & stubborn flakes.

I hated the characters, I found no redeeming qualities and I hated the writing.... Almost every-single chapter was nothing but: "I hate you", "I love you", "He hates me", "she hates me", "I never want to see you again", "I can't live without you", "Marry me", "I'm leaving you because I'm not good enough" Just incessant whining and individual pity parties. Better shelved in "Romance" not "Mystery"

I have no idea who purchased this for the collection, but I know it wasn't me!

The Indian Bride, Karin Fossum

★ ★

I found this to be a very strange book & even stranger characters. The book was long & drawn out, difficult to hold my interest and with the exception of Poona, The Indian Bride, I wasn't invested in the characters, I didn't really like them.

A man goes to India to find a wife. He meets a woman waiting tables in a Tandoori restaurant & marries her. The day his wife is arriving from India, his sister is in a car accident and so he sends the local taxi to pick her up...

The taxi man can not find her, but a local woman picking mushrooms does; she finds Poona dead in a filed her face bashed in....

A young woman witnesses someone chasing Poona through the field and at first thinks it is a mutual sex game... From this point everything is confusing and when the book ends there are too many loose ends for my liking.

I won't be reading another in this series.

The Magician's Assistant, Ann Patchett

★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2

Although I found this to be a most compelling read, I often had to set it down and it was emotionally weighty and difficult to digest all at once.

Sabine was Parsifal's assistant, now she is his widow. He has left her very well off but with a surprise: after 20+ years of thinking his family is dead, their attorney presents her with a letter stating otherwise.

Parsifal's mother & youngest sister come out to visit... and then Sabine goes back to small town Nebraska to visit them & for his youngest sister's wedding.

A tragic childhood turned into a golden life filled with love and loss... Especially poignant were Sabine's dreams of Phan, Parsifal's lover and their loving conversations/revelations of the past, which were healing & lyrically written.

Delicious, Ruth Reichl

★ ★ ★ ★

A current day editorial assistant comes a cross a hidden room in the long closed editorial library and discovers the WWII letters between a young girl who loves to cook and James Beard.

First, I've never read anything by this author; I've never really been interested. Then I came across the book in a huge box of donations my former manager's office, which I'm always invited to go through and take as I please: and I came across this. I was intrigued by the title & the cover (I love good food) and the blurb on the inside flap held my interest.

I really liked the story, I read it all the way through, but I wasn't charmed by the characters (minus 1 star). The fictional historical letters between a little girl & James Beard were fascinating as was the all the food, both WWII & current day...

The ending seemed rushed & the main character was rather rude and clueless...

Otherwise, an enjoyable read.

The Woman in the Camphor Trunk, Jennifer Kincheloe

★ ★ ★ 1/2

Los Angeles 1908:

The book is about: a young woman's murder in Chinatown; her planned elopement with a Chinse man; the local missionary women who converted the Chinese men; & Anna a former debutant from Bunker Hill who has not only been disowned by her father, but is now working for the LAPD solving crimes instead of working her assignment.

I found the story compelling, funny, kind of nutty & the determined Anna to be exasperatingly obtuse which too often put herself & others in danger, which is why - 1.5 stars. I was also pretty much able to figure it out.

Many of the subjects in the book were historically accurate but not as one interconnected event.

His Magical Pet: Benefit M/M Story Collection

Mostly romantic comedy meet cute stories with animals playing matchmaker.

My favorites:
4****
Chitter-Chatter by Riley Rivers. Delphy the squirrel acquires human speech when next door neighbors throw spells that accidentally hit her. She plays matchmaker to get them together.
Cat-astrophe by Liv Rider. Mathew, a mage, accidentally enables Josie the cat to teleport. She repeatedly goes to new neighbor lion shifter Ethan so Matthew has to come get her or Ethan has to bring her back.
Throw Me a Bone by Elva Birch. Lucas is suddenly able to turn into a wolf. He retains his human intelligence, loves going for runs with his dog Hally and has problems with HOA. New nearby neighbor Shaun helps him defeat HOA.

Most others 3*** or close to that.
I liked most of the others enough to read again though two seemed to be parts of series but even those I'd re-read if reading the series.

One story was just not my thing as what was keeping couple apart was drunken miscommunication.

I'd describe most sex-scenes in the anthology as romantic rather than how-to which is part of why I rated it as high as I did. To me sex scenes that read like step by step instructions from reference book are just page fillers to increase word count.

Daisy Jones And the Six – Taylor Jenkins Reid – 3***
A book within a book, that purportedly tells the story of a famous rock band of the 1970s, told as an “oral history.” It’s a love story, a history of the 1970s rock scene, a coming of age story, and a story of how addiction steals the best parts of our lives. I didn’t like the main characters. And as for plot – it just didn’t seem to be going anywhere, or at least not anywhere I wanted to go. And then I got to the ending and my breath was taken away. Those last twenty pages made me bump the rating up from 2 to 3 stars.
My full review HERE

Flash And Bones – Kathy Reichs – 3***
Book # 14 in the very popular Temperance Brennan mystery series, featuring the forensic anthropologist who splits her time between Quebec and North Carolina. Reichs is great at plotting intricate mysteries and this is no exception. There are plenty of twists and turns, old and new murders to consider, red herrings and suspects galore. My main problem with the series is that Tempe manages to get herself into serious trouble, but is always rescued by a conveniently handy big, strong man.
My full review HERE

The Woman in Blue, Elly Griffiths

★

I'm not really thrilled w/ the narration of this book: It seems as if there is a 3rd person commentator, while the characters speak for themselves, and I do not see the point of that. I do not like the writing either.... I was quite bored

I do remember reading something else from this series and not liking it or the characters, so I'm thinking the same with this book. Ah, the cop who had an affair & the woman got pregnant & kept the baby is now is angry at his wife as she isn't having an affair, but does love her husband's colleague. Shallow selfish male characters with no redeeming qualities.

A woman is killed in the graveyard after cleaning a particular grave; the cop's wife who looks exactly like the dead woman is also attacked, but survives; then a 3rd woman looking like the other two is also found murdered in the graveyard....

I skipped most of the book to the interesting parts & to find out who killed the women & why.

Book Concierge wrote: "

Flash And Bones
– Kathy Reichs – 3***
Book # 14 in the very popular Temperance Brennan mystery series, featuring the forensic anthropologist who splits her ..."

I remember avidly reading the first several in the series when it was first published, then it became more graphically violent so I stopped

bookcover:Murder is in the Air|53685468]

Murder is in the Air, Frances Brody

★ ★

Problems at a Brewery: a secretary murdered, a drayman dead, a kidnapping... Kate Shackleton & Mr Sykes have their hands full, and not just with one guilty party.

This was an easy read, although I did skim several places that held no relevant information. I was disappointed that the first murder was not connected to the other or any other malfeasance; it happened and then it was over and no mention of it or the perpetrator again, but on to the next death which was totally unrelated.

So, I didn't not like the book, but then again I didn't really like it either.

Under the Mercy Trees – Heather Newton – 3.5***
Oh, what a tangled web we weave… There are so many things going on, so many secrets, so many betrayals. We have people consumed by alcohol (and/or drugs), mean-spirited control freaks, unfaithful spouses, guilty consciences, mental (and physical) illness and abject loneliness that comes with keeping all that bottled up. I’m exhausted by the effort required by these characters to hide so much and still co-exist in such tight quarters. This is Newton’s only novel; I wish there were more for me to read.
My full review HERE

Kimberly wrote: "Book Concierge wrote: "
Flash And Bones
– Kathy Reichs – 3***
Book # 14 in the very popular Temperance Brennan mystery series, featuring the forensic anthropo...

I remember avidly reading the first several in the series when it was first published, then it became more graphically violent so I stopped "

Yes I also stopped because of the violence ... but this fit a specific challenge to read a book involving auto racing, so I went with it.

Elevation – Stephen King – 4****
This was a delightful novella with an unusual plot device, but that focuses on human kindness and respect. King gives us a lesson on what it means to be a good neighbor, and how to support one another despite our differences. I like the way that they slowly come to know one another and resolve their conflicts. My edition also included a bonus short story, ”Laurie,” about a widower and his new puppy, which was a nice break from King’s well-known horror genre.
My full review HERE

Into the Light
authors David Weber and Chris Kennedy
narrator Ralph Lister
25hours 38minutes
Book 5*****
Narration 3***

Narration wasn't bad but I preferred the narration of first one by Charles Keating. I want to listen to this again when I have a print copy available. It can be difficult to follow who is speaking in discussions and occasionally terms were not understandable.

This sequel to Out of the Dark has 3 parts and an epilogue. Reviews seem to indicate that reading the first book may not be necessary but it is very helpful. Like the first book there is foreshadowing of what's to come but from what some reviews say the foreshadowing is often missed.

Year 1 of the Terran Empire picks up where Out of the Dark left off. Post apocalyptic SF with tech and military. Picking up the pieces and working on not only surviving but progressing toward a unified civilization that has a chance against the Galactic Hegemony when next encountered.

Renaissance, Sol System, Year 15 of the Terran Empire. Techno and military Science Fiction. Lots of tech as Earthians work to further improve the alien devices and ships. I don't think it's specifically mentioned but they follow Arthur C. Clarke's 2nd Law "The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.” or in the words of one character, I don't know whether their motto is "Hey y'all watch this!" or "Somebody hold my beer!"

Age of Exploration, Year 26 of the Terran Empire. Earth reaches out. First contact with nearest planet to Earth that the Hegemony has plans to attack. Foreshadowing (view spoiler)[With "Klaatu Barrada Nikto" and "we come in peace" in the first chapter the reader is warned this attempt at peaceful outreach is going to go to $#!+ before things are resolved. Loved seeing the fully functional Heinlein Armor Suits from Year 15 in action. (hide spoiler)]

Epilogue Year 41 of the Terran Empire. Hope this indicates there is going to be another book but it could be it is wrap up of story arc (view spoiler)[as allies from Out of the Dark are reunited. (hide spoiler)]

Dance Hall Of the Dead – Tony Hillerman – 3***
Book two in Hillerman’s Joe Leaphorn series, set on the Navajo nation of southwest United States. I love Joe Leaphorn as a character, and the way he deliberates before taking action. I also appreciate learning a bit of Native-American culture with each mystery. Definitely a series I’ll continue reading.
My full review HERE

The Secret Life of Anna Blanc, Jennifer Kincheloe

★ ★ 1/2

I liked the storyline, I did not really like the main character she is fickle. |

Anna Blanc is rich and priviliged, except she want to be free of her father, so she elopes. While at the hotel with her new husband, at the behest of her father, she is captured by the police, brought home & her marriage annulled. Also at the hotel, where she eloped she meets a stranger, who later becomes her fiancé.

As the story progresses, Anna ditches her chaperone and is given a job at the LAPD as Police matron, where she learns that prostitutes are being murdered, but the officers are refusing to investigate by labeling them all suicides.

Anna is drawn into investigating the murders as well as helping to capture a rapist stalking couples in Boyle Heights.

My Problem with the series is: Anna is a moron when it comes to men, and the men are not much better when it comes to Anna. Her relationships are on again/off again, "I love you", "I hate you", "I can't live without you", "I never want to see you again".... and after the second time it gets pathetic, boring, tiresome, and very irksome; so much so that I just want to stop reading. The author needs to drop the wishy-washy romance crap & just get her with her lover.

I do, however, like reading about downtown Los Angeles, as I was raised there & many of the areas are still there, although now somewhat to vastly different.

Book Concierge wrote: "

Dance Hall Of the Dead
– Tony Hillerman – 3***
Book two in Hillerman’s Joe Leaphorn series, set on the Navajo nation of southwest United States. I lo..."

I read these so very long ago, but I liked them: His daughter has taken up where he left off, and I can't tell the difference...

Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem, Manda Collins

★ ★ ★

I found the book interesting, the characters likable, the sex scene erotic, and I read it all the way through. I did however, figure out who done it.

London 1865 a killer using the 10 Commandants as clues is at large. The cop assigned to investigate missed the most important witness. When Lady Katherine (owner/editor/publisher of a London newspaper) & her friend, Lady Caroline, find & interview the overlooked witness and publish the witness's account of what she saw, all Hell Breaks Loose at Scotland Yard.

After the article causes a tremendous stir, DI Eversham who is in charge of the case is reassigned, an uncaring uncouth clod is given the assignment, and without investigation Scotland Yard arrests an innocent man.

When Lady Katherine & Lady Caroline leave London for their friend Valentine Thorne's estate, the murderer follows as does DI Eversham.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland -and- Through the Looking Glass – Lewis Carroll – 3***
Believe or not, I had never read this classic of children’s literature before. Oh, I knew the basics of the story. I certainly understand why this story is so beloved by so many legions of children. There is absurdity, fun word play, unusual situations, talking animals, and a slew of outlandish characters. Still, I think I just may be too old to really appreciate it. I just couldn’t let my imagination run wild and enjoy it
My full review HERE

The Body on the Train Frances Brody

★ ★

I found the story to be lacking clarity and a bit too convoluted for my liking. Normally her work is easier to follow, and I found the attitude of the chap who called her for the assignment definitely off-putting and dodgy... there was really no clarification why he was such an arse or why he was withholding information from Kate Shackleton.

A man's body is found on a farm train, no clothing, 2 George III coins, & a bullet in his gut. The government thinks it has to do with the Russians & the Miners strike, but that is all hearsay w ithout any proof or reason.

Kate is called in to investigate.... In the hamlet (their word not mine) where the rhubarb is grown, the origin of the trains, where most likely the body was place on the train; a local shop woman is found dead & her adopted son is railroaded (no pun).

Kate puts up at the country home of an old school friend, who happens to own the local cloth mill & coal mine.... things are not right there.


Blah, blah, blah, blah..... With the help of Mr Sykes, Mrs Sudgen, Harriet & the dog the crimes are solved.

Beyond Absolution, Cora Harrison

★ ★

A well liked priest is murdered during confession, Reverend Mother becomes involved.... A young boy is murdered, as is another man... and the local policeman is run down by a car!

Antiques that were once a part of local Grand Homes , now burnt down, are showing up in a local antique shop and both the Reverend Mother & the dead priest remember one of the items in the shop from their childhood.

I pretty much figured out a good portion of this. I found the storyline to be of interest, but the writing dry and the characters flat.

The Odds – Stewart O’Nan – 4****
Subtitle: A Love Story Art and Marian Fowler travel to Niagara Falls for a sort of second honeymoon. Their thirty-year marriage is in shambles, and they’re facing financial ruin, so, of course, they cash in their life’s savings and decide to bet it all at roulette. Oh, I love O’Nan’s writing! He gives two wonderful characters, warts and all. At the end I’m betting on THEM.
My full review HERE

Shifter Protection Agency: Complete Series Boxset
Brittany White
2**

There are 4 books in this set. Interesting concept and writing is decent but these were decidedly not my thing due to MCs unprofessional behavior and unprotected sex.

I kept reading because I hoped they'd get better but all four books landed on my too-stupid-to-live / so-stupid-it's-not-funny shelf and my too-stupid-to-live-sex shelf.

I think others may enjoy these but I was disappointed.

No Comfort for the Lost, Nancy Herriman

★ ★ ★

San Francisco 1867: Strong anti-Chinese atmosphere

Celia Davies, a young English woman whose husband abandoned her is now living in her uncle's house taking care of her much younger 1/2-Chinese cousin and running a free clinic for women.

When a pregnant young Chinese woman is found at the wharf in the water battered & cut open above the waist,, there are few who mourn and fewer who care. But as the young woman turns out to be, Li Sha, a former prostitute who has bought her freedom, now working at a local apothecary, and friend of Celia & her cousin, Celia begins to investigate Li Sha's murder.

Assigned to the murder is Detective Nicholas Greaves, who is interested in justice for Li Sha, no matter that the murderer might turn out to be from the upper society friends of the mayor...

A book that held my interest, with mostly likeable characters and a historical background that I really never knew about.

No Pity for the Dead, Nancy Herriman

★ ★ ★

San Francisco 1867:

The body of a scurrilous businessman is accidentally dug up in the basement of a company that he was in a major disagreement with; one of the partners being a foe from the past of Detective Nicholas Greaves but a friend of Celia Davies & her young cousin, Barbara.

I found this to be a compelling read with an interesting look at the history of San Francisco. Again I like most of the characters with the exception of Celia's young cousin and their housemaid.

Sex and Vanity, Kevin Kwan

-★

I really liked Kwan's other 3 books: Rich Asian Series, but this was a huge disappointment.

Isabel, a Über-rich young Chinese (of course) woman is getting married on the Isle of Capri and has invited, Lucie, a younger 1/2 Chinese (also rich) girl she once babysat to the wedding. Lucie brings along a nasty-rude braggart chaperone, who misses no opportunity to complain, make snide remarks about Lucie's heritage, and is totally into one-upmanship.

Lucie meets George, whom she detests (he's another rich Chinese)...

So it's all about name dropping, excess, pedigree and who's doing who.

I did not like the characters, not even Lucie, she was flat & colorless. I also did not like the footnotes, which distracted me (and I can't imagine the point) nor did I like that upon introduction of each character Kwan listed everyone's pedigree next to their names in parenthesis; that would have been better suited at the begging of the book as a preface, as in biographies. This all made for a insipid & annoying read.

So very unimpressed and Über disappointed. I most likely will not read another.

The Body in Griffith Park, Jennifer Kincheloe

★ ★

Assistant Police matron, Anna Blanc, is out in Griffith Park with her fiancée, Officer Joe Singer and about to finally get shagged when they find the body of a man who has been shot in the forehead.

Next, Anna is put in-charge of a young girl who was sent away from home by her step-mother and met at the train station by a much older woman. The woman takes the young girl in and to her establishments; the Jonquil Café & Jonquil Residence Apartments for Professional Women, where she is given food & shelter in exchange for bodily services.

Later while Anna & Joe are lunching (investigating) at the Jonquil Café, they notice two older men with two underage girls, and thus begins an investigation.... they later find that the dead man in Griffith Park once worked at the Jonquil Café.

Meanwhile someone (who turns out to be Anna's illegitimate half-brother) is anonymously sending Anna huge bouquets of exotic flowers. When they eventually reunite, there is a confrontation w/ Anna's father (who disowned her) and a tie-in to the investigation

I'm so very torn by this series: while I do like the plot & story line, I sincerely hate that somewhere after the middle of every book the main character, Anna Blanc, Always Turns Into an Obnoxious Emotional Idiot: What the hell is with that.... It is most annoying and makes me want to put the book down as the trait really discredits Anna's ability as a competent detective. It also proves the point of the Victorians that women naturally are hysterical and given to bouts of insanity.

Also turning me against Anna, is her continual harassing of her fiancée, police office Joe Singer.. whom she desperately want to shag, but is always harassing him, doing things to hurt him, and continually breaking up with him.

I'm tired of all of immaturity & emotional b.s.: it is insipid and does nothing to make for a likeable/believable character.

I'm knocking off 2 stars because of the unmitigated & unending arrogance and idiocy of the main character, it really is pathetic and leaves one without sympathy for her when she gets a comeuppance.

What I did like, aside from the basic story line, was the introduction to historical Chutes & Luna Park - Los Angeles - 1900 - 1912 bordered by Broadway, Main, Washington & Vernon.

Stories I Only Tell My Friends – Rob Lowe – 3.5***
In general, I’m not a great fan of celebrity memoirs, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. From summer stock as a teen in Dayton, Ohio, to starring roles in the Brat-Pack films of the ‘80s, and on to The West Wing, I found his story engaging and interesting.
My full review HERE

From the Grave, David Housewright

★ ★ ★ ★

This is the first time I've read anything by this author, and I chose it for the title.

Twenty+ years ago, former cop, McKenzie blew the head off of a bank robber who was shooting at the police at a road block. The bank-robber had forced his 17 year old son to go with him and the kid was caught and given the prison sentence his father would have gotten had he been prosecuted.

McKenzie's former partner's wife goes to a psychic demonstration, that a bank robber's son also attends the medium supposedly calls forth the dead bank robber who tells his son that he'll tell him where the money is hidden if he'll kill McKenzie.

When McKenzie is told of this, he begins to investigate the medium, the bank robber's son, and another psychic medium who has had a similar experience with the dead bank robber & his son.

Meanwhile, McKenzie's former partner meets the second medium in his home and she reveals information on his current case, that leads to the discovery of the body of a missing woman and helps him solve the case.

I found the book very interesting with rather accurate descriptions of psychics & phenomenon.

I liked the characters and the author's honesty when explaining the accuracy& abilities of psychics, mediums & other para-normal practitioners.

Treacherous Is the Night, Anna Lee Huber

★ ★ ★ ★

Verity worked in Belgium as a courier in WWI for British Intelligence while her husband, Sidney (whom was reported dead), was working to unmask traitors in his unit... Now they are reunited and working to save their marriage.

Verity is persuaded by a friend to attend a séance, where she is told by the medium that she is in danger and needs to find her Belgium contact, Emilie, with whom she worked as a mid-wife's assistant & under-cover courier.

Verity is convinced that the Medium has been fed state secrets and goes to confront her, but when she arrives at the Medium's home, the Medium's assistant is standing out on the sidewalk while the house is consumed in flames.... the Medium dead inside.

Verity visits British Intelligence, where she is dismissed and told to leave... so verity does the only thing she can; she & Sidney travel to Belgium to locate Emilie and put an end to the danger.


Some of the paragraphs I skimmed, because I just wasn't interested in all the extraneous explanations, but mostly I liked the story.

I found the book interesting and read it through in one day. I'm not sure about the characters; although verity is doing her best to come to terms with her marriage, Sidney is jealous of Verity's male friends and keeps forgetting that he was dead to the world for most of the war and that Verity had a most dangerous job w/ British Intelligence, so there is a double standard and hopefully it will not drag on into the other books in the series.

Penny for Your Secrets, Anna Lee Huber

★ ★

Verity & Sidney Kent are once again embroiled in murder & government secrecy.

An odious man is shot after a dinner party, his former mistress-now wife is the main suspect. Verity is asked by her to investigate who murdered her husband.

While investigating, Verity is also aske to investigate another murder, that of a woman who also worked in government services during WW I; the police assume it was a burglary gone wrong, but the only thing missing are the woman's letters from her aunts in France....

Which of course leads Verity & Sydney to another murder and the suspicious war-time grounding of a supply boat, entire crew gone missing, owned by the dead man.

All this was very convoluted and rather boring as there wasn't much of a conclusion and the fate of the perpetrator was left hanging...

Fortunately, the Milk – Neil Gaiman – 4****
This is a delightful fantastical romp of a story. There’s so much in this book it would almost be easier to list what is NOT in the book (no broccoli … that I recall). We have pirates, spaceship abduction, a stegosaurus in a balloon, sharks, piranhas, a volcano, unpredictable time travel, vampires, and, fortunately, the milk.
My full review HERE

A Pretty Deceit, Anna Lee Huber

★ ★

This is a continuation of "Penny for Your Secrets" where the wild goose chase was left unfinished. verity, Sidney (her husband), Max, & Alec are on the trail of the suspicious grounding of a cargo boat, its missing cargo, the reason, & the people involved.

Still there was no definite conclusion... and how serendipitous that a most important clue is in the home of Verity's aunt who has harangued Verity & Sidney into a visit to help her file a claim for reparations from the British government for damages done to her estate by convalescing officers from WWI.

Max's father, the previous Lord Ryde, was involved with the grounding of the cargo boat & the missing cargo and has left Max a series of cryptic clues (written in code) as to the whereabouts of some of the missing cargo... which leads everyone back to Verity's aunt's home.

The major problem I had with this installment was ***SPOILER*** when Verity was being attacked in her room & her assailant went to grab the papers she had tossed into the fireplace; instead of shooting him she shot into the ashes of the burning papers, thus allowing him to escape, knowing that he wanted to kill her. There was also a second opportunity to shoot him & his accomplice but that was passed up as well.

There is also the fact that I am beginning to really dislike Sidney: who supposedly died while chasing traitors, reappeared and returned to Verity while she was investigating a case.... Not only is Sidney is extremely jealous and nasty about the fact that after he was reported dead, Verity had a bit with Alec & later a serious romantic a interest in Max; he can't seem to comprehend that Verity was working for British Intelligence during the war in Belgium and has her own form of PTSD as well.

They mystery of Lord Ardmore has still not been brought to a close... and I am tired of this part of the plot and would seriously like to move on.

Cherry Cheesecake Murder – Joanne Fluke – 1.5*
Book Number Eight in the Hannah Swenson cozy mystery series, featuring the Cookie Shop proprietor, her two sisters, and their mother, along with a regular cast of town residents. This is bad on so many levels. I am completely over Hannah’s dithering over her two suitors, her mother’s constant interference, her sister Andrea’s histrionics, and Hannah’s penchant for correcting everyone’s grammar. On the other hand, the cookie recipes are very good. Fluke should write a cookie cookbook and leave the tortured plots behind.
My full review HERE

The Dark Angel, Elly Griffiths

★ ★

I liked the plot: an archaeologist prepares to dig up the skeleton of "Toni", but Toni has a cell and he gets a call from the skeleton while filming the t.v. episode on the explanation of Toni's history.

An earthquake unearths the skeleton of a man who was murdered during WWII and as the local priest knows the confession of the murderer, he is then murdered by someone, trying to keep the secret in the grave.

What I abhor is the main male character is is a right-out rotting wanker: DCI Nelson is married to (pregnant) Michelle and they have two daughters. DCI Nelson also has an on/off affair going with archeologist Ruth as well as a 6 year old daughter with her, whom he insists on having a relationship with.

Ruth walked away from Nelson, but they recently came back together; so, Michelle began an affair with Tim, a younger police office (whom they all know) and is most likely the father of Michelle's baby (stay tuned for up-coming revelations).

Without informing Nelson, Ruth & her daughter go to Italy in order to help with the excavation and evaluation of Toni. When Nelson finds out Ruth has gone he pitches a fit, because you know he is entitled to have two women under his thumb.

While in Italy, there is an earthquake; and DCI Nelson, without being asked jumps on a plane with the "Druid", Cathbad (another jerky-boy) and runs to Ruth's side using his "worry" about his daughter's safety as an excuse.

Meanwhile, DCI Nelson's family is being watched by the guy who threatened Nelson after being arrested for burning down his own house, thus murdering his wife & 3 children in it.... Nelson knows this guy is dangerous & confronts the guy, but he still leaves Michelle behind.

All of Nelson's doings took attention & possible good story line away from the mystery in Italy & Ruth's involvement. Nelson was a major unnecessary distraction, so a lot of the possible Italian plot detail was lost.

The entire group: Ruth, Michelle, Nelson, Cathbad, Phil, Shona, & Cathbad's wife are just one big group of unhappy dysfunctional adults enabling each other's double-standards.

So this is it for me. In fact had I known it was a Nelson book before I'd gotten interested in Ruth's adventures in Italy, I'd have put it down

The Blood Card, Elly Griffiths

★

Well this bored me to tears.... Max Mephisto is a magician, his former assistant & daughter Ruby is now preforming magic on her own.

A gypsy is murdered as is someone from Max's former MI6 regiment the Magic Men... Wild Bill Hickock is involved...

Too much narrative with too little action & dialogue. Even skimming through I found the conclusion confusing.

Small As an Elephant – Jennifer Richard Jacobson – 3.5***
This children’s book deals with mental illness. Jack Martel emerges from his pup tent to find that his mother is missing. Eleven-year-old Jack must find his mom before the authorities intervene and separate them forever. I loved Jack; he’s resilient, intelligent, resourceful and brave. He’s also scared. But he’s determined to find his Mom and hopes he can forgive her for leaving him alone.
My full review HERE

To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee – 5*****
My all-time favorite novel, which I re-read every few years. This is a singularly powerful novel that had a great impact on me when I first read it at age 13, and has never failed to move and inspire me as I’ve re-read it over the years. It’s a well-paced novel, a fast read with elements of suspense, family drama, humor and moral lessons.
My full review HERE

The Spoilt Kill, Mary Kelly

★

I found this book to be dull and boring: the characters were flat and I felt nothing for them.

A detective is called in by a pottery company to find out who is selling their designs to an outside source before they can be produced and put into shops.

But then there is a murder and the detective gets sidetracked, he also falls in love with the person he believes is the spy.

Even skimming & getting to the ending was boring.

If you want to know all about the workings of a pottery manufacturer, this book gives you that information.

Unidentified Woman # 15, David Housewright

★ ★ ★ ★

McKenzie & Nina are driving on a snowy road when a Dodge Ram pick-up truck passes him; the man in the back of the truck, lowers the tailgate and rolls a woman (bound and wrapped in a blanket) off the back of the bed directly in front of McKenzie. McKenzie swerves to miss her, goes off the side of the road & crashes. He gets out to tend to the woman & Nina calls 911.

The young woman is taken to ER, after she stabilizes, McKenzie & Nina take her back to their home as she can no longer remember who she is, where she is from, or what happened.... But then, she sneaks into McKenzie's hidden room, takes several firearms, & $5,000 in cash and disappears.

Then young men turn up dead: one stabbed with one of McKenzie's guns in his car, others shot as if by sniper. Add into this, McKenzie's & Nina's surveillance of garage sales at homes for sale of high end stolen goods....

I liked the story, the book was fast paced, it held my attention; I read it in one day. I like McKenzie, Nina & Dunston (McKenzie's former co-worker & cop). Nice thing about McKenzie is he's not a tough, he's a caring human being with warmth.

Stealing the Countess, David Housewright

★ ★ ★ ★

The Maestro Duclos, an acquaintance of McKenzie, has had The Countess (the Stradivarius) he plays stolen after playing a public concert in his home town.

Both the Foundation that owns the violin and the Insurance company have stated that they will not pay the criminals for its return and they will prosecute anyone who tries to claim a reward for theft and possession of stolen property.

McKenzie is given $250,000 in reward by the Maestro with instructions to buy back the violin.

The people in the Maestro's hometown are all suspects, as the violin case w/ GPS attached was found empty in front of the home of the Maestro's H.S. girlfriend. Affairs come to light as does dirty dealings.

Once again, I like McKenzie; he's a good guy with honor & scruples. I liked the story, although I was able to figure much of it out.