This is the 4th outing with the Thursday Murder Club and according to the author while it won't be the last...he will be making us wait awhile, as he is starting a new series of books about a father-in-law/daughter-in-law detective duo. I will no doubt read these as well.
A very enjoyable read and yet also a very sad this go around. It is to be expected given that these books are set in a retirement village--still and all. Very good author and as per usual reading time very well spent.
As a woman in my sixties who has started over many a time I was initially excited to find this book and its blurb: What does it mean to start again at sixty? This however turned out to be a jumbled mess of a book. If you are looking for a spot on review of this book that perfectly echoes my own thoughts--please take yourself to Goodreads and the review by Sandysbookaday. I like her expected way more than I got from this title. I will not not be spending any more valueable reading time with this author.
Subtitle: The Journal of a Japanese Physician, August 6 - September 30, 1945
In America, one typically thinks of nuclear weapons in the terms of "Oppenheimer" and how their beneficial use brought a swift end to WWII (Japan). This diary looks at the immediate aftermath of the explosion in Hiroshima through Japanese civilian eyes.
From the back cover: The late Dr. Michihiko Hachiya was director of the Hiroshima Communications Hospital when the atomic bomb was dropped on the city. Though his responsibilities in the appalling chaos of a devastated city were awesome, he found time to record the story daily, with compassion and tenderness. His compelling diary was originally published to worldwide acclaim in 1955.
I think the author Pearl Buck sums up my sentiments exactly: "A book that we all ought to read in order that we may know what we have done and what will happen in the future if the atomic weapons continue to be used."
Slough House #5
Thank you, Mick Herron, for another epic outing with the Horses. This series is well worth the reading time. One of those rare times where the TV show is as almost as good as the book. Shows can never be the same but this one comes close. Rodney Ho gets his moment to "shine" although Shirley comes a close second. Emma Flynt seems to be steps away from exile to Slough House. Can't wait to read the next. Joe Country
Subtitle: How Neuropsychology is Catching up to Buddhism
If reading about how the brain actually functions is something you are drawn to--then I highly recommend this book. As the back blurb says: Read this book and you will never view "self help" the same way again. I agree as "self help" usually gives me the "ick" and it's go to cure all: diet and exercise.
Looking at the concept of Anatta "no self" through Buddhist eyes only, I never fully understood how this could be a truth. However, adding in recent findings from neuropsychology that also suggest that our sense of self is an illusion--one that is created by the left side of the brain--a mirage in the desert. I find having learned the science of Anatta has made a real difference in my level of understanding. There are helpful exercises at the end of each chapter.
This one goes on my forever shelf and I will definitely be reading it again in 2025, there is a lot to absorb.
Cormoran Strike #6
No secret to anyone anymore, this is actually J. K. Rowling, an author so famous that each book she writes is guaranteed to sell millions of copies--no matter what. I imagine this why she was allowed a such a rambling book--a book that is at the minimum 700 pages too long.
In addition of being too long, it is overly complicated, has way to many characters (who each have at the minimum 3 different identies), long streams of private online chatter, with often at least 3 separate channels, and on different social media platforms. A gazillion mentions of Corm's sore leg (by now it is a separate story line), his self destructive behavior which is still written as if it is something that makes him a sympathetic character--including his passive agressive behavior towards yet another GF and another go round with Charlotte. All women must want him "ick"...I will keep reading the series but it is looking doubtful I will make it to the end.
To me--this seemed a 1,000 more pages of the same old same old dressed out around a very big mess of a case--and oh yes, Corm and Robin almost kiss, again.
At an inn in the Berkshire Mountains, seven former schoolmates gather to celebrate a wedding--a reunion that marks some startling revelations and past secrets. So part of the story is about the past (choices made) and part of it takes place in the present (paths not taken) and bizarrely enough the insert of a short story being written by one of the main characters while she is staying at the inn.
The wedding takes place in the December immediately following 9/11 and although it is a topic of conversation at the wedding it has no real relevance to the wedding story. It does however, mesh with the short story, as Agnes's tale involves a young doctor who was a part of the devastating Halifax explosion that took place in Canada during WWI. One would think this wouldn't work but I found myself completely involved in this parallel story line.
After I read the book, I went off to read about Anita Shreve...I had read a couple of her books previously. This is Ms. Shreve's 12th novel. She also wove in a defining personal experience of her own--breast cancer as she explains "you write out your fears".
I look forward to reading all of her books. She passed in 2018 at 71 but left a legacy of excellent novels. She had the gift.
What would you change if you could travel back in time? I'm going to go with "The Sydney Morning Herald" on this one: "This is a sweet, fable-like tale about a magical seat in a cafe where you can, if you wish, go back in time... An odd read, but also a charming one." Even more charming is to realize this is a part of a series of books, with more tales to come...which is good 'cause I'm really curious about that ghost who is always hogging the seat.
I am very much a fan of Mr. Barker and devoured quickly all of the 4MK novels. I plan to continue reading all of his books, as they have proven to be reading time well spent.
This book is Book One of the The Shadow Cove Saga. It is set in parallel time lines. Horror author Thad McAlister is writing a new novel, the tale rooted in the witch trials of Massachusetts, the words are flowing freely...supernaturely freely. Turns out his wife had picked up and gifted him a blank notebook at Leland Gaunt's shop "Needful Things" in Castle Rock, Maine. A nod to and permission from master horror writer Stephen King. Thad is writing about the past, he thinks it is fiction but it is actually a true tale, meanwhile his family is just trying to stay alive at home. Off to hunt for Book 2. The Rise of the Witch.
Once upon a time I stumbled across a shelf of Green Penguin Books and couldn't resist buying several titles.
This book was first published in 1931 and was reprinted multiple times by Penguin Books starting in 1950. Ms. Allingham was a prolific author and started writing mysteries as a teenager. A subtle complicated mystery with a very unusual plot, and features her go to detective Albert Campion. I will definitely be hunting down more of her books and look forward to reading more from this author. Hopefully they will all be green Penguins.
Books with the signs of the Zodiac in their titles are proving to be a bit elusive after Martha C. Lawrence stopped writing her pyschic private investigator series mid way through the astrological signs--really really really miss those books. Especially as it turns out that the majority of the remaining book options are sex, romance, S&M, and/or serial killer related. I persevere. And yes, fufilling this category is the only reason I picked up this book.
Part fact, part fictional speculation on the assassination of John F. Kennedy by a reknowned critically acclaimed author that was controversial when it was first published. The writing style is very choppy and the author quickly flicks from character to character, from past to the present, and from fact to speculation. I finished it but found it difficult to read and put it down multiple times.
I was only a couple of years old when JFK was assassignated so mostly I don't know enough to distinguish between fact and mere speculation--nor do I care too. However, I caught mysel several times fact checking and looking up non-fictional accounts of that fateful day in Dallas.
I will not be reading anymore of this author--and blame him for sparking an interest in reading more about the known vs. the conspiracy theories.
If you want great fiction regarding this infamous assassignation I recommend reading 11/22/63 by Stephen King.
The conspiracy theory "further reading" title that most intrigued me: The Man Who Killed Kennedy: The Case against LBJ by Roger Stone and Mike Colapietro
I adored her first book, "The Ten Thousand Doors of January" and hope she writes a sequel (maybe she already has)... but this book just wasn't what I hoped it would be and I'm sad about that result. I wanted to like it more than I really did. It was just too much- in attempt to be all inclusive it just became instead-- complicated and preachy. Big surprise--the enemies are all old white men. I will give this author one more shot (based on TTTDOJ--but this book was mostly a waste of valuable reading time.
Ms. Kingsolver is a very popular writer with legions of fans, but unfortunately this book did not turn me into a fan girl. It is split into two separate stories. One in the past and somewhat based in the actual history of Vineland, NJ--post Civil War, and one set in 2016, on the cusp of the first Trump presidency. Both of these parallel stories revolve around time spent in the same rundown house on the corner of Plum and Vine. I feel sorry for the house.
I found the portions set in the past slightly more enjoyable but the portion set in 2016 featured a WHINY miserable woman surrounded by a bunch of cliche characters. The book spans the length of time each family spent living in this house.
If I didn't already have Demon Copperhead sitting in a TBR stack--truth be told--I wouldn't be wasting anymore of my precious reading time with Ms. Kingsolver. I'm sure she won't miss me.
As a woman sitting on the cusp of the 2nd Trump presidency-- I'm not really in the mood to read allegorical laments about the "American Dream". I imagine it will be enough to simply live through it...
A savage novel about a nineteenth century Arctic whaling expedition undertaken for some nefarious means. It is a fast paced gripping story full of violence and perversity. As one reviewer commented: "It is a great white shark of a book--swift, terrifying, relentless, and unstoppable.
A very dark book but immensely readable and definitely reading time well spent.
2024
A Larry Macklin Mystery #16
To say I am enjoying this series is an understatement. The usual cast of characters all make a return in this installment, including the menagerie of pets. As always reading time well spent.
This is a fairly complicated tale as Larry's dad the Sheriff Ted Macklin is attacked and left for dead by the side of the road. Pete and Julio are assigned to the case, leaving Larry on the side lines. In between hospital visits he begins to look into a series of high end auto thefts. The department is further rocked by a discovery that seems to close a five year old missing person case--and oh yes there is a winter storm brewing in Northern Florida.
DI Wilkins Novel #1
DI Ryan Wilkins (a new hire) and DI Ray Wilkins (a seasoned detective) both work for the same department. The case was supposed to be handed to Ray but was mistakenly handed to Ryan on his first day on the job. They are like chalk and cheese, but forced to work together to solve a case involving a young woman found strangled at Barnabas Hall, Oxford University.
A swift paced lovely start to what I hope is going to be a long series of cases. Reading time well spent.
DI Declan Walsh Novel #6
Thirty years ago a group of five child detectives and their dog Dexter made the national press with their ongoing series of crime solving activities. Nicknamed the Magpies their adventures were written up as novels by Reginald Troughton. But now, someone is targeting the Magpies, with Reginald brutally murdered while writing a last "lost" adventure. DI Declan Waish (a childhood fan of the series) and the team of the Last Chance Saloon crime unit are on the case.
At least this outing takes place a month out from the last book and involves a new separate case, the previous couple of books all concerned a single plot line and were best served as reading them as one long novel. I am really enjoying this series. Mr. Gatland is a talented prolific writer and I look forward to reading all of his books. Highly recommended.
Archer Novel #2
I first met Archer in the book "One Good Deed" and I really liked the plot and the character...but to me... this second outing with Archer left me a little flat...still on the fence about continuing on with this series. I will continue to read David Baldacci as he is a very good writer and has written a gazillion other books and series.
Manny Rivera Mystery #5
One the most ambitious outings with Manny Rivera to date with a storyline that has roots both in Washington DC as well as Moab, Utah. While the writing remains clear and precise--this story is a little more complicated. I highly recommend this series -- it is reading time well spent.
Chief Inspector Woodend Mysteries #1
Earlier this year (2024) I read a book that was deep into this series and really enjoyed it--so I decided to start back at the beginning and glad that I did.
When the strangled body of a teenage girl is found buried in the salt store in store in village in Cheshire, Chief Inspector Woodend is drafted in from London to investigate, who discovers a second very similar death--is there a serial killer on the loose, and if so, where and at whom will he strike next...
Rabbi Small Mystery #1
Rabbi David Small, the new leader of Barnard's Crossing's Jewish community, can't even enjoy his Sabbath without things getting stirred up in a most unorthodox manner...When a young woman is found dead in the temple parking lot, the Rabbi finds himself a suspect in the murder.
Harry Kemelman's unassuming hero has been hit with both fans and critics alike, ever since its first publication in 1964, . I couldn't agree more and look forward to reading my way through this delightful series. Not to mention it is a perfect fit for my day of the week category.
Detective Inspector Declan Walsh #4
This series streams as if it is one extra long novel and each new book is the "next chapter". I have learned my lesson--I read them closer together so I don't lose the many threads of the plot. All the books have been reading time well spent and rest assured I have the next "chapter" already on my bedside table.
The author's second novel and second George Smiley. Truth be told I wanted to enjoy it more than I did...
I am really glad that the next book will take Smiley back into the world of spies and espionage. And that it is one of his famous books "The Spy Who Came Out Of The Cold"--a book I have always wanted to read--but things must be done in order.
A Simon Grave Mystery #1 (I think)
A locked room mystery, a missing trophy, life like robots, and plenty of suspects--although they are the ones locked in the room. Yes robots. It is a very quirky read and I enjoyed reading this (as it says on the cover) "A whodunit of comedic proportions," Alread have the 2nd (maybe) on my bedside table.
Manny Rivera Mystery #4
I am really enjoying this series of books. Intriguing mysteries, clean plain prose, beautiful setting, and an admirable Deputy Sheriff, Manny Rivera. Manny Rivera #5 here I come...
Larry Macklin Mystery #15
This book is pulling a double shift--as it is serving as my read for two categories: October as well as Autumn. While I had "October" selections sitting in my TBR stack--I just couldn't get motivated to read any of them--so they are waiting for next year. I feel as this outing with Larry and the gang takes place entirely in the month of October--this double shift is totally justified.
Furthermore this murder mystery revolves around a haunted house, a ghost from a previous unsolved murder, and a locked house murder--all the makings for a perfect Halloween read. As always neither Mr. Howe nor Deputy Macklin dissappoints. Looking forward to some "Winter Chills".
A well paced thriller set in upstate New York, apparently this is to be the start of a book series set in The Hollows. Might be the reason for the over abundance of characters--fully fleshed out whether it was needed or not to advance the plot. I will give this author another shot and see whether or not her stories are worth my reading time. Good chance as "escapism reading" might very well categorize my reading life for the next four years.
Part of a series of memoirs by Helen Forrester that detail the poignant story of her proverty stricken childhood in Liverpool during the 1930's. Very well written and well worth the reading time and I definitely will be reading the rest of her books (if I can find them) the good news is that I have the rest of this triology.
A complicated twisty story told by multilpe characters--both past and present. Completely different from the other LJ book I recently read "Ralph's Party" (which is more of a romantic comedy). The author switched to writing suspenseful thrillers and this definitely falls in this category. I will definitely be reading more from this author especially as I have a couple lingering in various TBR stack"s".
A book that moves from the past to the present in back and forth chapters through a multitude of characters culminating in a fast paced thriller when the past collides with the present. Twent years ago, Rachel Gaston accidently shot her half brother, but is that what actually happened....Bringing to life that old "saw" it is really paranoia if someone is actually out to get you?
Working through my category dedicated to reading books with "Single Word" titles, my goal is to make it through the entire alphabet. I accidently ended up reading to "P" so a pee pee year. Could'nt resist.
A missing toddler, a mother who hasn't slept in nearly a year, a suspicious husband, his new girlfriend, and a true crime podcaster, etc., all combine into a swirl of a story. It is written in a style that makes it seem as if the author, herself, never slept while writing the story. It was a quick read and I would like to give her first book "A Flicker in the Dark" a read.
What a weird and funny gem of a book. To really appreciate its genius it must be read, the story follows Keiko, a woman who has never fit in, that is until she begins work at a convenience store. Like I said weird and wonderful, especially if you have ever felt strange in the "normal" world.
#4 Slough House Series
If you haven't read Mick Herron--my advice is to drop everything and start now. I randomly stumbled across this author in a deep browse through Half Priced Books and quickly became a complusive reader. This book does not disappoint. As most will already realize The Slough House novels are the basis for the hit Apple TV series -Slow Horses. It is not often that a book adaptation can match the actual book--this series comes damn close.
I zoomed right through this book which was a must as the 4th season action revolves around the happenings in this book. Can't wait to watch and read the next.
I find it very hard to believe that I haven't read any books by Mr. Baldacci- so I went back to my pen and paper archives--and yes I read several of his books back in the late '90's and early '00"s. I am glad I stumbled back across him. I will definitely be reading more of his books.
This book marks the beginning of his Aloysius Archer series, just one of his very many series of books. It is 1949 and Archer is a straight talking former WWII soldier fresh out of prison for a crime that he did not commit. Great read start to finish--can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Ms. Foly has become both a prolific and popular writer over the years--I first came across her as a novelist during my very brief pre-pandemic sojourn on Bookish Twitter. I am glad to have let all that go. However, it is just now in 2024, that I am finally reading her very first book. A book that travels back in forth in time through multiple characters, a trope that I always seem to enjoy, and I am very glad that I finally got around to reading one of her books. This is very much reading time well spent and I will definitely be reading more of her books.
I'm not really sure to say about this book. The book cover employs words such as triumph, hope over despair, redemption, love, beautiful and thoughtful. "A lyrical story of homelessness, human strength, and endurance." It is the self-written memoir of Raynor Winn.
Basically, an older couple, with two children off at university, who through a series of bad financial decisions and even worse legal decisions lose both their business and their home. And "oh yes" the husband is diagnosed with an incurable disease and has maybe 2 years left of life.
So of course, they decide that since they are homeless and don't want to burden the children with all their troubles, to walk the 630 mile South West Coast Path from Somerset to Devon around the bottom portion of England. Just now I just read the news that there is a movie adaptation of the book coming out this fall (2024) Meryl Streep will star as the wife.
Don't read this post any further if you plan to read the book and don't want spoilers. It just well may be that Ms. Streep will save the day.
The vast majority of this book consists of the author whining and grousing through a pity party of massive proportions, the shame and indignity of being homeless, the nerve of her beloved husband to contract a disease that will leave her all alone. And don't even get me started on her rambling about the weather, the poor food, no money, and how demeaning it was to accept help from others. And yet, they always managed to find necessary shelter, food, assistance, funds, etc. exactly when needed--also walking this 630 mile path turns out to be a cure for the husband's "incurable" disease and they miraculously find a new home right as they finish the Path. Just saying.
This is the very first novel by the prolic author, Lisa Jewel, who began by writing rom com style books. As I have grown older, I am less entranced by reading about the romantic mishaps of the twenty-some crowd, comedic or otherwise. I will say however that Ms. Jewel gave her story enough depth and character that the book kept me engaged all the way through. I will definitely read more from this author.
I am a quiet person and enjoy my solitude, even as I live in an increasingly louder world, so I thought this would be a perfect choice for a book. I had high hopes. This is a very readable selections of essays on the virtues of silence, but other than reading (chapter after chapter) that noise is bad and silence is good, I didn't really gain any new insights.
In a bit of a coincidence my son and I bought this book at the same time, myself because I needed a book for my August category and he at the recommendation of a friend. We both really enjoyed the book and would read more from this author. A rather clever take on time travel with a shade to Schrodinger's cat of quantum physics fame. Once I stopped trying to figure out the math and physics I enjoyed it even more. The author does tie the ending up in neat little bow, but for myself I would have enjoyed traveling with Harry into his next fifteen lives.
This book is part of series revolving around Detective Kat Ballantyne. I don't want to spoil this for other readers as I may just be getting overly picky about my reading preferences.
I did not relate to the main character --at all. Very hypocritical both at work and in her personal life--which seems to be quite the "go to" writing trope in detective writing these days. Actions of others = very black or white, depending on whether she agrees with you or NOT. Her actions = justifiable and a very light shade of gray, if you don't agree then, of course, you are wrong.
I did not get the plotting. I won't say more as I don't want to potentially spoil another readers reading time with spoilers. In my own opinion, it didn't make a lot of sense. It was a quick read for all that-- but I won't be spending any more of my precious reserve of reading time with this author.
A book gifted to me by a friend--we often exchange books. This is a title deep into Ms. Spencer's Chief Inspector Woodend Mystery series but still very readable even while mentioning happenings in other books in the series. I liked the writing and the characters enough that I am going back and starting at the beginning. Ms. Spencer seems to be a hidden gem and I look forward to a lot of very well spent reading time.
Full Title includes: "And Other Wisdoms From Life as a Forest Monk"
I randomly stumbled across this book and am very glad to have done so and yes it is going on my forever shelf as I plan to read it again and maybe yet again. It is like the author says on the back of the book cover:
"Let me tell you what this book is not. It's not about religion. It's not about telling you how to live your life. It's not about taking on a new set of beliefs.
Plain and simple, it's about how to relate to your own thoughts and emotions in a way that makes your life more enjoyable, more free, brighter, clearer and wiser."
Very relatable to my life.
Always a delight to spend some time with Larry and the gang. This one was a little "out there" but apparently greed can make people more than a little murderous.
My only regret is not realizing that the action in this book started immediately following the events in the previous book--I wouldn't have left so much time in between books, otherwise. Won't make the same mistake again. I am really enjoying this series--reading time very well spent.
This makes the 4th book I have read from this author. I guess it evens up the score. I really enjoyed both "In the Woods" and "The Likeness" and found the "The Wych Elm" so-so. Frank Mackey, a second player in those books (esp The Likeness), is front and center in this outing and really hooked my interest, as he is a pivotal character, and sure to have a deeper back story. But much like the "Wych Elm" this is more of an indulgent character back story, less an involving murder mystery. As many have said, quite simple to figure out the culprit, and the mystery was more of an after thought any how. It was mostly over-used tropes and stereo-typically Irish class divides, I will admit that I did a bit of skimming at the end. Yes, I got it, Francis loved Rosie, and some-how Ms. French believes that he is a redeemable enough character to get a second chance with Olivia. And while yes--it doesn't excuse homicide--I did find myself a bit sympathetic with the culprit. Apparently Frank only sees black and white when it comes to the behavior of others--it is only his life that should be viewed as a lighter shade of gray.
That said I will keep reading her books, in hopes that she will switch back to the police procedural mode.
Last year for Vignovic Book Club, my son and I read The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman (winner of a Pulitzer Prize). Her book briefly covers the events of July 1914 but is mostly concerned with the first month (August 1914) of battle. Just saying I finished GOA but my son got bogged down and "stuck in the trenches". Both books take a top down look at the beginning months of World War I, and as I said last year--what a mess. I don't want to start ranting about the ineptitude of old white men in government--especially not now as America is ramping up for true chaos--sorry I mean the 2024 presidental election that is looming ever closer this November.
Mr. McMeekin does an admireable job narrating the genesis of World War I and his book draws on troves of archives and new evidence across Europe to show how a single month--and a handful of men (old, white)--changed the course of the twentieth century. (paraphased from blurb on the back cover)
Lew Archer #6
This is the first and most likely the only book I have (or will) read by this author. This book has been in a random TBR stack for many many years. It was published in 1956 and is a product of its time. If you like your detectives "hard boiled" then Lew is the PI for you--but not really for me. If Lew is not getting beat up--he is beating up somebody else, in between rounds of heavy drinking. That said Mr. MacDonald is a master at his craft.
I have always wanted to read John Le Carre--and no time like the present. This the first George Smiley book. Clever clear writing and I appreciated that the author gave a synopsis of the case as Smiley wrote up his report at the end of the novel. Definitely reading time well spent. I have already ordered George Smiley #2.
Really glad I stumbled across this book while I was searching for "healing through gardening" reads. A French novel about redemption, grief, and new beginnings. Told through several perspectives and all revolve around Violette who after a tragedy becomes a caretaker for a small rural cemetary. If I can find more of Ms. Perrin's novels translated from French I will definitely continue to read her novels. Most definitely reading time well spent.
This book was interesting enough to keep me reading although by the end it was fairly convoluted. I don't really want to give any spoilers but sometimes I just don't get the length that writer's imagine people will go to--all to remain in a relationship, and normally with person I can't see has any real appeal. Don't think I will read anymore from this author.
