The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion

Finished: - 4.5*

Wow! This book turned out to be an emotionally packed story about DI Kim as well as the murders she is trying to solve.

Initially, the two murders that occurred seemed to be tangential to each other...and then they weren't. Both had been staff at a children's home, where abused, neglected kids were placed. And, then it came about that two other staff had died. All were working at this facility at the same time. Coincidence?

DI Kim did not buy it. But, then she had a connection to abandoned, abused children.

I will most definitely follow up on this DI Kim Stone series. It is gripping, gritty, and downright grabbing of the reader.

Starting soon:
Black Rose - Library
The Long Goodbye - Library

Taking both of these on a camping trip. Expecting a day or so of storms. Hope to at least start both.

Finished: - 5*

A well done story of slavery and the underground railroads. It is told from the viewpoint of one young man who was the product of a slave mother and the master of the plantation. It tells of his growing yearning to be recognized by his father, then realizing that he will never be the inheritor of the property, and then desiring his freedom.

It is the story of his growing up and into his own manhood, of his learning the truth of slavery and freedom, and of his activities in the various underground railroads as he comes into his own. Hard to listen to, but important to do so. Hard to accept, but again important to do so. It does not sugarcoat the history that it tells.

Started: A Dog's Perfect Christmas - Audiobook

Stones For Ibarra – Harriet Doerr – 3.5***
An American couple arrive in the remote mountain village of Ibarra, Mexico to reopen the copper mine his grandfather abandoned some fifty years previously. Clash of cultures. Very atmospheric. I loved the depictions of festivals and traditions. Several subplots involve the residents of the town, their lives, loves, disappointments and joys.
My full review HERE

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Out Stealing Horses – Per Petterson – 3.5***
Petterson has crafted an atmospheric, character-driven story of one man’s looking back on his coming-of-age summer when he was almost 15 and living with his father in a remote cabin on a river in eastern Norway, just on the border with Sweden. The story moves back and forth between the present day and the summer of 1948. As Trond matures he comes to realize that adventure isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be, and there can be a very real human toll to giving in to desire and youthful exuberance.
My full review HERE

Finished: - 4*

This is definitely a psychological thriller with a bit of horror thrown in. As a result, it is not quite my cup of tea. Yet, I kept reading it because (1) I enjoy stories of persistent women detectives, and (2) because this woman detective shared my name.

So, of course, I had to find out if she survived and whether it ended well for her. There is no romance but just a hint of one maybe to develop in the series with her partner.

The bad news is that, of the 4 books in the series, no others seem to have been translated into English. I can only hope that situation gets rectified.

Rachel To the Rescue – Elinor Lipman – 3.5**** (rounded up)
Rachel Klein, unceremoniously fired from her job in the White House Office of Records Management (WHORM), as a result of a drunken tweet voicing her frustrations, gets hit by a speeding SUV on her way out of the Executive Office Building. Turns out the driver is a “close friend of the President” … let the fun begin! A delightfully fast read, a joy of a rom-com.
My full review HERE

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Stowaway – Karen Hesse – 4****
In the summer of 1768 Captain James Cook set sail on H.M.S. Endeavor for a major expedition to explore the possibility of a new continent. One of the people aboard was Nicholas Young, age 11. Hesse uses the imagined journal kept by Nick to tell the story of this voyage. It's a great adventure, and a believable coming-of-age story. Nick is bright, enthusiastic, hard-working and observant.
My full review HERE

Finished: - 3*

An old fashioned PI mystery written by one of the giants of the literature about a hard-bitten private eye by the name of Philip Marlowe. Most of this story left me wondering how Mr. Marlowe ever stayed in business and that wonder made the whole story feel like a bit of a dark fantasy rather than a real story.

Still reading:
Black Rose - Library
Trent's Last Case - Ebook
A Dog's Perfect Christmas - Audiobook

Finished: A Dog's Perfect Christmas - 3.5*

Enjoyable story. A bit slow to get started and sections within chapters changed who the main character was for that section without notice, but I got used to it and found I could anticipate it when the reader took a pause. As the story and characters developed, though, it became very interesting.

Oh, and it is not really a story about the dog. The story does include the old dog's point of view at times as a device to show what has changed in the life of his master, but overall, it was not his point of view that drove the story.

The Wedding Date – Jasmine Guillory – 3.5***
What a fun, fast romantic read. I loved that Alexa and Drew are professionals with time-consuming careers. Their path to Happily Ever After is complicated by their geographic distance, their own personal issues, and a few missteps common to many new relationships. But they approach all these obstacles as adults, which I found very refreshing!
My full review HERE

Reading:
Trent's Last Case - Ebook
Black Rose - Library
Fall From Grace - Library
Finders Keepers: A Tale of Archaeological Plunder and Obsession - Library
Sleep No More: Six Murderous Tales - Library

Finished: - 4*

Highly recommend this series/trilogy. Only 3 books so far. I have noticed that Nora Roberts tends to do good stories in the form of trilogies. Sure do wish she would expand some of them, this one among them.

This is set in Memphis TN. It is full of Southern culture and values, history of the Harper family, characters who are well developed and full of warps and beauty, as well as a ghost. There are chuckles to be had at some of the things said or done. There is love of land and family. There is healing of hurts with accepting love...and romance.

Finished: - 4*

This book of 6 short stories did not fail to entice and amaze. I have enjoyed the book length mysteries of PD James in the past, yet these small stories did not need a full length book to develop the characters, surprise the reader or hold one's attention. Well done! And that is from a reader who usually disdains short stories!

Finished: - 4*

I had mixed feelings during the reading of this book. On the one hand, the author argues for leaving antiquities in situ and on the other he is stealing or accepting those same type of antiquities from those he would disdain the practices of. I guess that makes him human...and the struggle to remain true to his own ethical standards are just that...a struggle. Still it is hard to hear him speak against an act and then have him vacillate because he likes the person doing just that that he speaks against.

Still very human. Oh, dear. I did say that I have mixed feelings, didn't I?

He does make several good points and thoroughly discusses the many ethical questions in the field of archeology. I tend to agree that things left in situ is best, yet I love history and looking at the finds in a museum is very interesting. Still it does feel a bit sterile and not connected with the land. Oh, well...even I struggle.

Started and finished: - 3*

Although this was an enjoyable Audible performance, it was the humor of children. Some of it was funny, some of it was tongue in cheek.

Reading:
Trent's Last Case - Ebook
Fall From Grace - Library
Day Shift - Library
The City of Ember - Library
Chomp - Library
The Saint and the Sorcerer - Kindle
Certain Woman of an Age - Audiobook

It looks like a lot as usual, but 3 are only read at certain times: Audiobook while driving, Ebook early AM on computer, and Kindle at night when lights are out.

Save Me the Plums – Ruth Reichl – 4****
Subtitle: My Gourmet Memoir. Reichl has written before about her time as a food critic and about her mother, here she tackles the years she spent as editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine. I love her writing. It is nothing short of delicious. She is open, honest and insightful. She writes about not just what happened but how she felt about what was happening. And, as usual, she really excels when writing about food. I may have gained 10 pounds just reading it!
My full review HERE

Reading Gwenhwyfar: The White Spirit

Once Upon a Time in Rio – Francisco Azevedo – 4****
This is a delightful multi-generational saga of love, adventure, joy, disappointment, fear, prosperity and all those ingredients that make up the delicious dish we know as family. It begins when Jose Custodio and Maria Romana marry in Lisbon in 1908 and follows the Custodios, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren through the decades and into the 21st century. It reminded me at times of the Spanish telenovelas my grandmother loved to listen to on the radio. Weddings, births, funerals, fights and making up. Such drama! Such love! I was engaged and interested from beginning to end.
My full review HERE

Finished: - 4*

This book is a cute tongue in cheek tale of a reality TV show host, a father and son who are wildlife wranglers, and a runaway girl from an abusive father. It is full of twists and turns and lots of animal info. The wranglers are more than they seem, while the TV host is less than his ego will admit. Delightful romp through the Everglades. Carl Hiaasen at his best.

Finished: - 3.5*

This play was a marvelous look into a celebrity's life who suffered through bipolar disease before diagnosis and found her way to health.

Finished: - 4*

I thought this would be a fast read as its top genre was Young Adult, and it was. But, more than that, it is a well-written post-apocolyptic story that, unlike most, ends with hope for a new world.

The old world is dying. And, it is frightening to all. Some hoard supplies, some are corrupt, and some, despite the fear, are kind. Two youngsters (12 years old) yearn for a new world, a better world. They, among the population, see that their world is dying. And they seek to find a way out...and they do.

This is book one of the series. Do they find a way to rescue the rest of their city? Do any of their friends and family find the escape and take it? What is their new life like?

The author has written a book of hope, a book of survival into a new world. I wonder how she envisions that new world.

Reading:
Trent's Last Case - Ebook
Fall From Grace - Library
Day Shift - Library
The Saint and the Sorcerer - Kindle
A Stab in the Dark: A Novel of Suspense - Library

Writers & Lovers – Lily King – 3.5*** rounded up
Casey Peabody is a struggling writer, reeling over the sudden death of her mother some six month before the novel begins, burdened by crushing student debt and maxed-out credit cards, and recently having broken up with her boyfriend; she is adrift and somewhat depressed. I really liked this book. I loved how Casey looked at the people and events in her life, and that, despite all her difficulties, she has a strong sense of her own self, and stands up for herself against bullying co-workers. The supporting cast, was just that, supporting. And I was happy to cheer for her at the end.
My full review HERE

Finished: - 3.5*

I enjoyed this mystery which had many additional developments right up to the end. It began with a newspaper man, who was well-known for solving some difficult crimes investigating a death. Midway in the story, it seems that he has deduced the killer, but the stickler is that he is suddenly in love with the person he suspects. And, from there we have the development, from different points of view, of additional facts...each seemingly exonerates that particular suspect...until just right before the end. At which point I guessed the killer. Nicely done. No red herrings per se...just undeveloped leads.

Finished: - 4*

A complex story of murder and the complicated relationships of a family.

An estranged son is made executor of his deceased father's estate...one in which the will disowns his brother and mother in favor of a mistress and the estranged son's previous girlfriend. The story's protagonist is the estranged son, who sets out believing his father was murdered and finds himself thinking it was his brother or mother.

This story was intriguing from the start. It is all about the truth, family ties, and lies. I did not quite see the ending until close to it. The twists and turns include a fatal summer day of the past and the involved lies with which all have unknowingly lived.

Finished: - 4*

This is the story of a an ex-cop who does investigations occasionally as a way to pick up money. He is a drinker...no, make that an unrecognized (by himself) alcoholic. He is asked by the father of a murdered woman to find the killer, since the supposed killer has been arrested but does not admit to this murder among his others.

This is the story of his investigation between bouts of drinking in every bar he passes. And, he solves the case. There are few clues as it is 9 years post the murder and it is only because he figures out the lies he has been told that he identifies the murderer.

This tale has a similarity to British detective shows in that the detective does not carry a gun and frequently talks the murderer into turning himself in.

An interesting book originally published in 1981 and one of the hard-boiled detective genre.

Reading:
Day Shift - Library
The Saint and the Sorcerer - Kindle
The Cottingley Secret - Ebook
Devil's Trill - Library
Halloween Hijinks - Library

Reading Caramel Pecan Roll Murder

Finished: - 4*

What a wonderfully created universe for this story. I shouldn't have been surprised since the writer created the Sookie series also. And, there is even a nod to that series in this story.

It is full of individuals with various paranormal abilities and with lots of past secrets, a few of which are peeked at in the events related in this book. So much more potential for more books!

The last of this series/trilogy was published in 2016, so it is possible that we will never know the full back stories of this small community of folks. Still, I can hope. Definitely going to pursue Book #3 next.

Finished: - 4*

I enjoyed this cozy mystery romp about small town doings. Zoe and Charley are quite the pair!

There is a death, a friend is accused on little evidence, but also the issues of love and friendship and family. And, once the death is solved there is an additional story to read. And, recipes! However, I must admit that this is not a cooking cozy. The recipes, although mentioned, when Zoe goes to the cafe, do not figure in the story other than the brief mention.

Reading:
The Saint and the Sorcerer - Kindle
The Cottingley Secret - Ebook
Devil's Trill - Library
The Dark Place - Library
One Bad Apple - Library

Finished: - 4.5*

If you like music, particularly classical music, and history, I predict that you will enjoy this story of an old violin and the musicians that surround it.

First there is the blind violin teacher, who is old and disenchanted with the musical world of today as well as the competitions that encourage children to be taught to play without learning the heart of the music. Then there are the supporting characters, the members of MAP, the insurance investigator, the children of past competitions, and the new Japanese student. Thrown into this mix is classical history.

http://collections.nmmusd.org/Violins...

Of course, the reader has to realize that Historical Fiction is fiction. The dwarf violinist, Matteo Cherubino, is one example.

Still this story covers much that is important and should be known, including the music. A wonderful example of a truly well-written and imagined debut. I will gladly look for the next book in this series.

Finished: - 4*

This book is set in Jamaica...and is a wonderful story of a woman confronted with her own sexuality.

Too much said and the story is given away. Suffice it to say, the story involves a naked man, a woman whose husband died years ago, an island, and a hurricane. It is told from the woman's perspective and is quiet a powerful look into the heart of another, who just happens to be a strong woman.

Kwame Dawes does a good job with the setting and with the interior places of a woman.

Finished: - 3.5*

I have not read this series in order, having started with some of the later books. Thus, I was already familiar with some of the back story, which is told in later books.

This is book #2. It has the feel of being an old book (1983) and is an early development of the character of Gideon Oliver, which shows in contrast with the fuller development of the man in later books. That is not to disparage the writing of this shorter story. It is just a note to say that the writer grows the maturity of the character over time.

I liked this early story. I liked the idea of a forgotten people staying forgotten. I liked the puzzle of who did it...and the growth of the romance.

Reading:
The Saint and the Sorcerer - Kindle
The Cottingley Secret - Ebook
One Bad Apple - Library
Dance Hall of the Dead - Library
Death by Dumpling - Library
A Deadly Row - Library

Finished: - 4*

This was a cute cozy read set in New England ~ actually western Massachusetts.

It seems that Meg is at loose ends. Her relationship with her boyfriend has ended and her job has been made redundant by a merger. It made sense to her to prep a house her mother owns for sale now that the last renters have left. So she emerges on the scene of a country town only to find out that the house, built in the 1700s, needs more than a bit of renovation.

There is the plumber, a hot, competent, male...his sister, the local sheriff, the historical society lady, the orchard manager...and, of course, a murder...her old boyfriend.

And the scene is set...ready to go? A fun, enticing read.

Started: The Golden Orchard - Audiobook

I've kinda found a joy in listening to books while running my errands. This one is 6 hours long, so it might take a bit to complete it as errands do not often take long. However, I am driving across the state next week, so definitely will get some audiobook time in there!

Malice In the Highlands – Graham Thomas – 3***
This is a police-procedural mystery with a likeable lead character. There are plenty of suspects, and a mishmash of clues and subplots to keep things interesting. I did not solve the case ahead of Powell and was happy to be surprised by how things turned out. A thoroughly satisfying mystery, and I would read more of this series.
My full review HERE

Finished: - 4*

OK...I'll admit to finding a new cozy mystery series.

Savannah is a puzzle maker...the crossword type but with numbers. And, because I love Sudoku and other logic puzzles, I was hooked.

Then her partner is a retired chief of police who was shot, which injury resulted in his retirement. Now he consults with police departments on hard cases.

The two of them have moved to the mountains to live, but a case calls them back to Charlotte...and friends.

I loved the romance and interaction between Savannah and her spouse, the relationships with friends and family and her saucy attitude.

This most definitely is a series to continue.

Finished: - 3.5*

I thought I had read all of the Tony Hillerman books, but I did not remember this one at all.

In this book told from Leaphorn's perspective, we learn something about his character, his methods, and Indian ways ~ Navajo and Zuñi. I was interested in the authenticity of his ethics and the struggle to be true to himself.

Definitely a writer to re-visit.

Reading:
The Saint and the Sorcerer - Kindle
The Cottingley Secret - Ebook
Death by Dumpling - Library
Naked Heat - Library
Liar's Moon - Library
The Golden Orchard - Audiobook

Finished: - 4*

OK, I admit to a lack of knowledge about the Chinese culture, but it is not needed to follow this delightful tale of a young woman, who becomes a suspect in a murder and whose family restaurant and friends are also caught up in the net. Of course, she has to get to the bottom of who killed Mr. Feng...and then there is the detective.

Classic cozy mystery with a Chinese flavor. Most definitely a series to follow.

Finished:
- 3*

I usually stay away from books based on TV shows, especially those I have watched or are watching. There is too much cross-over for me from what I have seen to fully get into the book as the writer intended. It is always marred by what I remember.

That said, it has been a long while since I have seen a Castle TV show...so I thought I would try a book. Apparently it has not been long enough (a reason I do not re-read). Yet, the cross-over between the TV characters and the book did not spoil the story. It just annoyed me when it popped up.

In this story, Nikki Heat had to contend with being made famous by a journalist and the issues of trying to do her job while being well-known in print. Most of this was very believable. What wasn't so believable was the mix of her anger at the journalist and falling into his arms.

I read it. I enjoyed most of it. And, I had to suspend belief a time or two.

- 4*

Well, I jumped into book #2 for a challenge and now find I really want to read more. So back to finding book #1.

I did realize that book #3 has not yet been published and so I did some research. Nope...not yet. Sent a message to the writer as she is still writing. This is too good a series to just drop, and it has been 11 years since the publishing of book #2!

Anyway, you want to know about this story.

It involves a city (Gerse) under seige during war, several groups of men who patrol the city (Royals, Greenmen, Inquisitors men). There are family relations that are strained (a daughter and son of a slain woman, her husband and his father, the Inquisitor and his sister)...and there is intrigue. Who killed the woman? What is going on?

There are spies...and magical folk who are being persecuted. And there is a bit of romance.

This book does end on a cliff hanger...in that one presumed killed shows up on the last page. Now you see why I need to find book #3?

Reading:
The Saint and the Sorcerer - Kindle
The Cottingley Secret - Ebook
The Golden Orchard - Audiobook
The Carpet Makers - Library
Mighty Old Bones - Library
Lending a Paw - Library

Finished: - 4*

Loved this story of Jane, a retired government worker who sees paranormal things. She has recently inherited a house and a forested land of ancient origins. And, she feels about the land in a way that I can identify with easily.

She has a friend, Phoebe, who would drive me up a tree personally, but who is a counterfoil for Jane in a delightful, wish I could slap her, sense.

Oh, what fun this cozy read was! Looking forward to the next book.

Send For Me – Lauren Fox – 3***
This is an historical fiction work set both in 1930s Germany and in contemporary Wisconsin, that tells the one family’s story. There were parts of the novel I really liked, when I was completely engaged and caught up in the story. But there were other parts that just fell flat for me. I think this is my fault; I am just so over the dual timeline in historical fiction.
My full review HERE

Finished Between Sisters and starting Acorna: The Unicorn Girl

Reading:
The Saint and the Sorcerer - Kindle
The Cottingley Secret - Ebook
The Golden Orchard - Audiobook
The Carpet Makers - Library
Lending a Paw - Library

Finished: - 4*

I enjoyed this new cat cozy mystery. Although Eddie, the cat, is the star of the series, the protagonist is the librarian, Minnie, who is a small woman that is not afraid to take on some intimidating people. She makes friends with a rich man, who no one seems to like and who has the reputation of being hard to approach. When he is murdered and the police seem to focus on the wrong person...and also seem to take little notice of her information, Minnie gets caught up in trying to figure out who the culprit could be. As in most cozy mysteries, she focuses on all the wrong people but eventually gets it right. I did not figure it out ahead of her, which made this one fun!

- 4.5*

Actually, this book gets a 4.5* rating from me. It is fantastic!

I do not read many Science Fiction genre books, but the introduction was written by a science fiction writer that I do enjoy ~ Orson Scott Card. And, it was as good as his recommendation led to be hope it would be.

It should also be noted that I do not often rate a novel higher than 4*. If GR allowed this would be 4.5*...and it is a translation!

This is a futuristic story of power, life dedication to an ideal, failure of a society to accept a challenge to that ideal, and, ultimately being true to self in a way that is as individual as it is fatalistic in some cases. It has horror and sadness and unbelievable truths about human nature. It sees a world beyond the small one we live upon with the stamp of our beliefs and frailties exposed.

If I have a chance to read more of this amazing author, I will leap at it. Too bad I do not read his language. This book deserves the many awards it has won!

Reading:
The Saint and the Sorcerer - Kindle
The Cottingley Secret - Ebook
The Golden Orchard - Audiobook
A Drop of the Hard Stuff - Library
Gods of Jade and Shadow - Library

Finished: - 4*

Wow! What a different time travel story!

Time travel for the sake of time travel does not interest me much. However, when the story includes it as a part of the story rather than for its own sake, well...it is an enriching experience. And, I did not see this one happening as it did.

Mia ends of taking a trip to a previous memory of her grandmother's...or so she thinks. Mia is a teen with the issues of school and friendships and a mother who works a lot. She is suddenly thrown into being her grandmother's babysitter when her mother is gone. This is not easy as her grandmother has Alzheimer's Disease. So visiting old memories of her grandmother seems a way of helping her grandmother...but all is not as it seems.

A delightful story of family and relationships...and the value of time and memories.

Finished: - 3*

I enjoyed the fact that the under story of this mystery was about sobriety, and that Matt won...one day at a time. Perhaps this is because my husband was an alcoholic and won or perhaps it is because I could so easily have been one. Still that was the story line that kept me going.

The mystery in this book was OK...it was a standard who-dun-it with the added issue of who-is-still-doing-it and why. And the epilogue did its job and tied up all the loose ends, making the reader feel that the outcome was justified.

Still a good book by a good writer of mysteries.

Finished Acorna: The Unicorn Girl Starting Before We Were Yours