Your Midweek Music Medley

 A headline from the Lincoln (Nebraska) Journal - Star this morning pretty well sums up the Trump presidency. "Hundreds of people waited hours in the cold for buses after Trump rally at Eppley" Here is a link to the article. And now, without further ado, on to bigger and better things, here is your midweek medley for Wed 28 Oct 2020. (Now that I look at the titles, they seem appropriate for those poor people he abandoned.. Just the titles)

Your  Midweek Medley

 

1. London band Horse Meat Disco - Jump into the Night (2020)

2. American R&B group Mary Jane Girls - All Night Long (1983) 

3. American R&B band Jade - Don't Walk Away (1992) 

Enjoy the rest of your week. Stay safe, stay warm. 

A New Book and My Ongoing Look at My Favorite Authors

 I'm progressing nicely with the five books I'm currently reading. I just started Shards of Honor by Louis McMaster Bujold and I've got to say I'm enjoying it immediately. I'm glad I discovered the series (Vorkosigan Saga) and decided to give it a try. Bram Stoker's The Mystery of the Sea is a bit of a slow read so far; the main reason being the Scottish dialect that makes it somewhat difficult for me to understand.. the reading aspect. Anyway, I'm enjoying all of them and hope to finish a couple more before the end of October.

I was downtown Courtenay yesterday picking up food for our lunch from Cappuccinos and decided to check out 2nd Page Books because I haven't been there since February or so. It was a quick visit but I did find one book. I had recently written down some SciFi books listed in the back of one I'd just finished as they looked interesting. This was one of those books. So I'll provide the synopsis of that book. I'll also continue with my look at my favorite authors, this being an excellent mystery writer.

New Book

1. Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang by Kate Wilhelm (1976).

"Before becoming one of today's most intriguing and innovative mystery writers, Kate Wilhelm was a leading writer of science fiction, acclaimed for classics like The Infinity Box and The Clewiston Test.

Now one of her most famous novels returns to print, the spellbinding story of an isolated post-holocaust community determined to preserve itself, through a perilous experiment in cloning. Sweeping, dramatic, rich with humanity, and rigorous in its science, Where Later the Sweet Birds Sang is widely regarded as a high point of both humanistic and "hard" SF, and won SF's Hugo Award and Locus Award on its first publication. It is as compelling today as it was then."

My Favorite Authors - Jane Haddam

Jane Haddam

Orania Papazoglu, who wrote under the name Jane Haddam, was born in Connecticut in 1951. I don't think I realized this but she died in 2019. She has written a favorite mystery series of mine, one featuring Armenian - American detective / ex FBI - profiler Gregor Demarkian. Since 1990, she wrote 30 books in this series and I've read 12. I'll look at the 5 most recent books that I've completed.

1. Precious Blood (#2 / 1991). 

"An enjoyable mystery. I liked being introduced to Gregor Demarkian, the 'Armenian - American Hercule Poirot' again. It's unfortunate that his two side-kicks, Father Tibor and Bennis Hannaford, didn't' accompany him on this trip to Chesterfield, NY as they do add something to the Demarkian mysteries. Having said that, it was still an excellent mystery, well-paced and interesting. The resolving of the mystery was somewhat pat, but didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. It was well-written, well-paced and had interesting characters (3 stars)"

Synopsis - "In high school, Cheryl was an outcast, tolerated only because the boys considered her easy. But one night at Black Rock Park, the popular kids were strangely kind, and for the first time in her life, Cheryl’s future seemed bright. Twenty heartbreaking years later, Cheryl is dying of cancer, and wants to return to the one place where she ever knew true happiness. But there is something she doesn’t know about that night in Black Rock Park—and the classmates who once pretended to befriend her will kill to keep the secret buried.

After Cheryl is found poisoned, the case falls to Gregor Demarkian, a former FBI agent with a knack for solving small-town murders. To discover who killed this terminally ill woman, Demarkian will have to peer into the mysteries of the local Catholic church—and find the killer who is hiding behind a pious facade."

2. Dear Old Dead (#9 / 1994).

"A tale of malicious mayhem--and a most heartwarming Father's Day present--from Jane Haddam's acclaimed series of holiday mysteries. Rumors of a change in Charles van Straadt's will only widen the circle of suspects who would have liked to see the media mogul six feet under. Now former FBI agent Gregor Demarkian is tangled in a messy investigation." (3 stars)

3. A Feast of Murder (#6 / 1992). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Another enjoyable Gregor Demarkian mystery, this one set on the high seas. Gregor brings along his friend Bennis Hannaford with him as he tries to solve the murder of one of the passengers and to relate it to a previous murder. High finances also involved, this is an entertaining mystery. I do enjoy the development of the friendship between Gregor and Bennis.. will they or won't they and I like his intuitive ability to solve the crime. It's not the most complex mystery but enjoyable. (3 stars)"

4. Fountain of Death (#12 / 1995). 

"Fountain of Death by Jane Haddam is the 12th book in the Gregor Demarkian mystery series. It's a nice series because you don't really have to read them in order. I'm sure that there are personal incidents, such as Demarkian's burgeoning relationship with Bennis Hannaford, that probably would be easier to track if you did read them in order, but it's definitely not critical to do so. With that preamble, Fountain of Death was, as all the others in the series I've read, an enjoyable, well-paced, interesting mystery. Demarkian, an ex-FBI profiler, goes to New Haven, Ct, at the behest of a police investigator there, to help work on the murder of a weight training instructor at a local health spa. His body is found naked, poisoned under a hedge at the spa. From the beginning, Demarkian feels that the police officer is ignoring him and just using him to show that all avenues are being explored in solving the murder. Demarkian basically goes off on his own, working with the local pathologist and getting assistance in travelling around from a friendly lady cabbie. There are other incidents and deaths that move the plot along nicely and the story also gets into the lives of those people who might be possible suspects or victims. It's an enjoyable story, Demarkian is fun to follow around and his instincts are always impressive. Most enjoyable. (4 stars)." 

5. Baptism in Blood (#14 / 1996).

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Baptism in Blood is the 14th book in the Gregor Demarkian mystery series by Jane Haddam. I haven't followed this series in any particular order and for some of the character development it might have been a somewhat better idea (I refer to the development of the relationship between Gregor and Bennis Hannaford), but the books for the most part stand well on their own.

In this story, the Armenian - American, ex-FBI profiler, now consultant, Gregor Demarkian is asked by an old friend to come to North Carolina to help investigate the murder of a baby. Gregor is having some personal issues; he also thinks his friend Tibor, the priest is having troubles coping. But he still is persuaded to go to North Carolina to assist the local sheriff.

Gregor finds himself in the Bible belt, a small community that is just recovering from a hurricane, and a community that is also dealing with another community living on the grounds of a local mansion, a group of women, escaping from their own issues. They are accused of Satanic worship, they are lesbians. It's a fascinating dichotomy, especially in light of the daily issues I'm reading these days; anti-abortion, LGBTQ rights at risk, etc. Trump even makes his presence in this story, albeit only as a brief mention. (You can't escape the man!!) (Just kidding)

A young woman is accused of murdering her baby and is in jail. She accuses members of the lesbian community of practicing Satanic rituals and killing her baby. This is the situation wherein Gregor finds himself. Gregor is also somewhat adrift at sea; dealing with issues of his own past. He is having difficulties coping with the death of his wife, even thought it happened quite a long time in his past. And he is coping with is feelings for Bennis, the fantasy writer who lives back in his Armenian community in Philadelphia.

So that is the scenario. As Gregor and the local sheriff gather information, there are other murders which add to the urgency. Protests from the religious community against the lesbians, etc. The story is peopled with many fascinating characters, all with their own unique personalities and issues. It's a most enjoyable story, more than a mystery. The Demarkian series is a favorite of mine and the stories never disappoint. And Gregor is an interesting 'detective', his description as the Armenian - American Hercule Poirot is very apt. Excellent as always (4 stars)"

I have another 6 books on my bookshelves waiting to be read. It's a great series to try. The complete listing of Haddam's books can be found at this link.

A Sunday Reading Update and My Ongoing Look at My Favorite Authors

 It's a lovely Sunday, kind of cool but still a nice day. I finished an excellent thriller this morning. I'll provide my review and also the synopsis of the next book in line. I also got two books in the mail on Thursday, a new author for me. I'll provide the synopses for those as well. And I'll also continue with my ongoing look at my favorite authors.

Just Finished

1. All the Pretty Girls by J.T. Ellison (Taylor Jackson #1)

"All The Pretty Girls is the first book in American author J.T. Ellison's Taylor Jackson mystery / thriller series. I had previously enjoyed the first book in her Samantha Owen mystery series. It's been awhile between books but I think I preferred this one. Homicide Lt Taylor Jackson, of the Nashville homicide squad is involved in a couple of cases. She has an excellent team of detectives and also is dating FBI profiler Dr John Baldwin and one of the cases she is helping with heavily involves him. (There is a teaser case that floats through the story and I think it might come up in later books. My guess only)

One of the cases involves the Southern Strangler, someone traveling around the South, abducting young women. They are killed brutally, left on the highway somewhere else and another taken. The killer is leading Baldwin and another FBI agent, Grimes, on a wild chase. Taylor is involved because one of the bodies turns up in Nashville. Reporter Whitney Grimes also becomes involved as the killer communicates with her via email.

Taylor is also asked to assist on a rape case, the Rainman, as the Lt investigating has been attacked and they want to keep it all quiet. The story moves between the two cases, between Taylor's investigations, Whitney's attempts to find out who the killer is and also with Baldwin's work. It's a fascinating, tensely woven story. Lots of action, great characters (I really like my intro to Taylor and Baldwin, but her team is also peopled with good, solid investigators and I look forward to exploring them more)

Overall, the whole story was very satisfactory. I had my suspicions who might be the Strangler and the Rainman; partially right in one case and totally wrong in the other. Ellison writes comfortably, the story moves along quickly and smoothly. All in all, an excellent thriller (4 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold (Vorkosigan Saga #1).

 

"When Cordelia Naismith and her survey crew are attacked by a renegade group from Barrayar, she is taken prisoner by Aral Vorkosigan, commander of the Barrayan ship that has been taken over by an ambitious and ruthless crew member. Aral and Cordelia survive countless mishaps while their mutual admiration and even stronger feelings emerge."

New Books

1. Slow Burner by William Haggard.

 

"Slow Burner was the first spy thriller by a writer who has managed, in one successful novel after another, to fuse the excitement of Ian Fleming with C.P. Snow's acute knowledge of the Whitehall country. Here he introduces that suave, likeable Security chief, Colonel Charles Russell. A vital atomic secret has leaked out. Russell prefers to play fair, but, surrounded by intrigue and treachery, he knows very well how to play rough books."

2. Venetian Blind by William Haggard.

"Secrets of a revolutionary new invention are leaking out to a foreign power ... and Richard Wakeley, an eminent, an eminent lawyer, is called in to plug the gap...

Gervas Leat is the ruthless industrialist with his vast financial resources in the new invention, Professor Wasserman is the brain behind it, Margaret Leat, as an outsider, probably knows more of the jealously guarded secret than anyone else, and Lowe-Anderson, Leat's secretary, has a private grudge against life.

Out of this tangle of human emotions and conflicting loyalties Richard Wakeley has to expose the one responsible for the fatal leak...

His mission takes him from the roof-top Ministry offices in London to the banks of the Grand Canal in Venice... where mayhem lies in wait for the unsuspecting traveller - here death is the reward of the traitor!"

My Favorite Authors - Martha Grimes

Martha Grimes

Martha Grimes is an American author. She was born in Pittsburgh in 1931. Oddly enough, she is best known for her British mystery series featuring Scotland Yard Inspector Richard Jury. I've enjoyed exploring this series of 25 books so far. Grimes has also written other series and standalones. I'll highlight the books I've enjoyed so far.

1. Help the Poor Struggler (Richard Jury #6). NB. The titles of the Jury mysteries all relate to a pub somewhere in Britain.

"Around bleak Dartmoor, where the Hound of the Baskervilles once bayed, three children have been brutally murdered.  Now Richard Jury of Scotland Yard joins forces with a hot-tempered local constable named Brian Macalvie to track down the killer.

The trail begins at a desolate pub, Help the Poor Struggler.  It leads straight to the estate of Lady Jessica, a ten-year-old orphaned heiress who lives with her mysterious uncle and an ever-changing series of governesses.  And as suspense spreads across the forbidding landscape, an old injustice returns to haunt Macalvie...with clues that link a murder in the distant pass with a killing yet to come." (3 stars)

2. The Lamorna Wink (Richard Jury #16).

"Detective Richard Jury is back in the 16th novel in Martha Grimes' extraordinary New York Times bestselling series--now enmeshed in a series of strange crimes and disappearances, and an age-old tragedy that consumes his sidekick Melrose Plant...." (3 stars)

3. The Five Bells and Bladebone (Richard Jury #9).

 

"When a dismembered corpse is found in the compartments of an antique secretaire a abattant, Marshall Trueblood, recipient of the precious piece of furniture, is the first to protest: "I bought the desk, not the body, send it back." Who would want to kill Simon Lean, the greedy nephew of the wealthy Lady Summerston? Leave it to Superintendent Richard Jury of Scotland Yard to suggest a connection to the murder of brassy Limehouse lady named Sadie Driver, found dead near Wapping Old Stairs...if that stone-cold body on the slipway is really Sadie. Not even her brother, Tommy, on a visit from Gravesend, can swear to it." (3 stars)

4. I Am the Only Running Footman (Richard Jury #8).

"New Scotland Yard superintendent Richard Jury is convinced it's more than coincidence when two beautiful young women are found strangled to death with their own scarves -- one in Devon, the second outside a fashionable Mayfair pub. Both women were as strikingly similar in life as they were in death. Neither had enemies that Jury can find. Now, somewhere in the night, a killer is biding his time, beckoning Jury and Devon's local divisional commander, Brian Macalvie, down an elusive trail of tragic family secrets and even more fatal lies...." (4 stars)

5. The Old Contemptibles (Richard Jury #11).

"A very entertaining mystery. I've enjoyed every Inspector Jury mystery I've read and this was no exception. The focus at the beginning was on Jury's friend Melrose Plant who goes to the Lake District to help Jury with an investigation. He is a likable, interesting character and a very good investigator. The story was interesting, flowed very nicely and I liked all the main characters, especially Adam and Lady Cray. Very entertaining and enjoyable." (3 stars)

6. The Old Fox Deceiv'd (Richard Jury #2).

"The Old Fox Deceiv'd is the 2nd book in the Inspector Richard Jury mystery series by American author Martha Grimes. I have read 3 or 4 others in the series already but had decided in the past couple of years to start the series in order, hence now finishing #2.

Points about the series - Inspector Jury works for the Murder Squad in Scotland Yard and finds himself sent around the UK to work on cases; his boss Superintendent Racer is a bit of a flash and doesn't like Jury; Jury regularly gets assistance from his friend, Lord Melrose Plant which adds a nice twist; and the story titles all are based on a pub in the locale of the mystery.

So there you go. A young woman is murdered in the town of Rackmoor on the North Sea coast. Jury is sent to assist the local constabulary, in the person of Detective Inspector Harkins who is somewhat upset by having London assist. Jury is assigned Sgt Wiggins, a hypochondriac but who actually is quite helpful to Jury. Melrose Plant happens to be visiting the local Lord and instigates himself into the investigation.

The woman is purported to be a long lost ward of the Crails (the Lord) and showed up maybe to claim an inheritance. This puts Lord Crails' son in the frame as a suspect. Gemma (the victim) was dressed in costume for the annual party of the Crails, a costume loaned her by Lucy Siddon, who thinks that she might have been the intended victim.

Into this scenario arrives Jury and Wiggins. They find themselves in an interesting town peopled with fascinating characters; Lucy Siddon for one, young 12-year old Bertie and his dog Arnold, who lives on his own, seemingly abandoned by his mother and others who might have an involvement in the murder. (Grimes does have a way with child characters; they are intelligent, independent and interact fantastically with Jury).

The case is a slow burn, with Jury, Wiggins, Harkins and Plant interviewing witnesses and suspects. The case brings Jury back to London to find out more about Gemma Plant and also to find out more about young Bertie. It moves along nicely and then finishes with a splash of well-crafted excitement as the story reaches its climax. All in all, I love the humor, the relationships, the characters and the overall story. Grimes is a great story-teller and mystery crafter. (4 stars)"

7. The Man with a Load of Mischief (Richard Jury #1).

"The Man With a Load of Mischief by Martha Grimes is the first book in the Inspector Richard Jury mystery series. I've previously read 5 other books in the series but that was 3 or 4 years ago. I was glad to finally read the first book, especially glad as it introduced the core of characters who appear in many of the other books in the series (at least those that I've read)

Chief Inspector Jury of Scotland Yard has been assigned to a case in the town of Long Piddleton, where  two murders are being investigated. Both bodies have been discovered in local pubs, The Man with a Load of Mischief and The Jack and Hammer. During the course of his investigation, Jury is accompanied by his hypondriac Sgt. Wiggins, more bodies are discovered. Jury's investigation introduces an intriguing cast of witnesses / suspects; from wealthy Melrose Plant, his precocious aunt Lady Agatha, antique dealer Marshall Trueblood, lovely poetess Vivian Rivington, and many others. I particularly enjoyed Jury's interactions with the Double children; they added a nice gentle touch to this murder mystery.

Set during the Xmas period, we get a nice feel for Jury's nature, personality and his manner of investigation. The case was intriguing and we continue to be fed new clues and information. Was the murder perpetrated by a stranger or someone local? The journey makes the solution even more enjoyable and satisfying. Having read some of the other books previously, but still many years ago, it was nice to meet those characters who appear in future books and often assist Jury with his investigations. Excellent story and mystery. Now to find book 2, The Old Fox Deceiv'd. (As an aside, if you are not aware of this, the titles of each book refer to pubs in the area of the particular mystery.) (4 stars)"

8. The Anodyne Necklace (Richard Jury #3).

"I've enjoyed the Richard Jury mystery series by Martha Grimes very much. The first three or four books were read out of sequence but I've recently begun to read them in order. The Anodyne Necklace is the third book in the series and definitely one of my favorites. While it might not be overly deep and provocative, there is something about the story that draws you in and emotionally attaches you to the characters, whether Jury, his ever-present Sgt Wiggins and best friend Lord Ardry, AKA Melrose Plant, or the suspects and people involved in the case.

Jury is just setting out for a weekend vacation time with his friend Melrose when he receives a call from his boss and bane of Jury's existence, DCI Racer. Jury has been tasked to assist a local police force investigate a murdered body found in the woods near the tiny village of Littlebourne, a town near London. Bringing Wiggins along and asking Plant to come as well, to do some 'undercover' investigating, Jury heads to the town. What an interesting place and such interesting people. We soon discover that a crime, possibly related to the murder, has also taken place in London. Katie O'Brien, a young lady from Littlebourne, who traveled to London for violin lessons, had been struck on the head and is in hospital in a coma. (This is how the story opens). As well, there have been other incidents that make for both a fascinating town and that might also be related.

Thus begins Jury's investigation. And it will involve so many fascinating characters, Polly Praed, the local mystery writer, the Bodenheims (Sir Miles and family) who are the subject of Praed's murder plots, the Ashe family in London, a more rascally but lovable bunch you will never meet, the local Bobby, Peter Gere, but especially young Emily Louise Perk, an independent, stubborn, wonderful girl who will so influence both Melrose and Jury in this story.

The mystery is the crux of the story but it's the interrelationships and the characters that make it such a joy to read. I found myself becoming invested in so many of them and turning pages to find out how they would further develop. The story was such a pleasure to read, bringing out many emotions, sadness, happiness, anger... I so enjoyed the story, a lovely little gem. Oh and a nicely satisfying mystery as well, with an excellent ending. (5 stars)"

So there you go. It's a series worth trying. The complete list of Grimes' novels can be found at this link.

Have a great week. Stay safe.

Book News & MY Ongoing Look at My Favorite Authors

It's only 5 degrees C outside today, but still bright and fresh. Jo and I might go for a drive this afternoon. In book news, I received a book in the mail yesterday. I also finished a book. I'll do the normal things; synopses for new book and next book I'm reading and then my review. Then I'll continue with my ongoing look at my favorite authors.

New Book

1. Sharpe's Skirmish by Bernard Cornwell (Sharpe #19). This is actually a novella.

"Richard Sharpe and the defence of the Tormes, August 1812

It is the summer of 1812 and Richard Sharpe, newly recovered from the wound he received in the fighting at Salamanca, is given an easy duty; to guard a Commissary Officer posted to an obscure Spanish fort where there are some captured French muskets to repair. But unknown to the British, the French are planning a lightning raid across the River Tormes, and they reckon the obscure Spanish fort, which guards an ancient bridge across the river, will be lightly guarded. Sharpe is in for a fight."

Just Finished

1. Bone House by Betsy Tobin.

"I enjoyed Bone House, author Betsy Tobin's first book very much. It's a fascinating Gothic work of fiction.

The story is set in England during Elizabethan England. It starts with the death of local prostitute, larger than life Dora. She leaves behind a large, slow-witted son, Long Boy, whose care is assumed by by the narrator, a young chambermaid at the local manor (I don't know that she's ever named) and her mother, the village midwife. When Dora's body is stolen from her grave, it starts an investigation by the magistrate, with suspicions of witchcraft and even devil worship. 

It's a fascinating story where we see the growth of the chambermaid's character as she tries to find out happened to Dora and also to protect her mother. What are her ties to the Great House? Who is this portrait artist who has arrived from the Continent and what is his interest in Dora? The story moves along at a nice pace and gradually and effectively ties the various characters and actions together. The ending is ultimately quite satisfying with a couple of surprising twists and turns. I enjoyed it very much, an excellent debut. (4 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Dear Life by Alice Munro.

"The fourteen stories in this brilliant collection show Alice Munro coming home to southwestern Ontario, with Toronto looming on the horizon. Even “To Reach Japan,” where a Vancouver mother takes her young daughter across the country by train, ends in Toronto. On that journey, different kinds of passion produce surprises, both on the journey and at its end.

The range of storytellers is astonishing, as we hear the young voices of women recalling their teenage years and the equally convincing voice of an old woman fighting Alzheimer’s. Margaret Atwood once shrewdly noted that “pushing the sexual boundaries is distinctly thrilling for many a Munro woman,” and very few of these stories deal with men and women in sedate, conventional domestic settings.

Munro admirers will see that these stories are shorter than many in her recent collections, but they have all the sharpness, accessibility, and power of her earlier work, and they are—as always—full of “real” people. The final four works (“not quite stories”) bring the author home, literally. She writes: “I believe they are the first and last—and the closest—things I have to say about my own life.”"

Graham Greene

My Favorite Authors - Graham Greene

Henry Graham Greene was an English author. He was born in Hertfordshire in 1904 and spent his final years in Switzerland, dying there in 1991. Back in the day, my university years and later on, I read a few of his books. A personal favorite was Our Man in Havana. After awhile I stopped checking out his books, but since I moved to the Valley in 2001, I've begun exploring his works again, especially his earliest books and I do like his writing style and story telling. I've read 11 of his works since then. I'll highlight the most recent 6 in this look.

1. The Lawless Roads (1939).

"I've been exploring more of Graham Greene's work the past few years and I enjoy his writing very much. This book is the second of his non-fiction works that I've read. Written originally in 1939, the story follows Greene as he explores Mexico, especially the Chiapas and Tabasco regions, in the wake of the destruction of the Catholic churches and teachings by the Mexican rulers. At the time of this visit, the Mexican government is also in the process of nationalizing the petroleum industry, making life uncomfortable for gringos. Greene travels through a primitive, backward region by plane and donkey. I enjoy his observations of the people and life and admire his spirit. I found the memoir kind of lost its way as he came to the end and headed back to England, but overall found the story quite interesting. (3.5 stars)"

2. The Man Within (1929).

"The Man Within was Graham Greene's first published work, published in 1929 when he was 25 years old. Over the past couple of years, I've begun to explore his writing more and more; both his fiction and non-fiction. It was interesting to finally get a copy of his first book and see how it all started.

 

The story revolves around an English smuggler, who wanting to get out of the 'business', turns in his crewmates with an anonymous letter to the police. In the struggle to arrest the smugglers, one of the police is killed. Andrews, who was the person who turned in the smugglers, goes on the run to escape from the others. He is a self-professed coward, who in his escape, comes across a hut on the Sussex moors and meets a woman who will change his life. He is encouraged to give evidence against his comrades, an act that might have disastrous consequences.

I quite liked this story. It took a few pages to get into the flow, but it became a story I couldn't put down. Unlike Greene's later work, which acquired a finesse in his writing style, this story was very raw, emotional. Andrews is an introspective person, filled with self-loathing for his life style, his cowardice, but who falls in love deeply with Elizabeth, and who wants to change for her. The story moves quickly, building in tension; it's definitely difficult to put down as you get into the flow. Excellent first story. I've got a number of Greene's other books still on my bookshelves and look forward to continuing my exploration with his writing. (4 stars)"

3. A Gun for Sale (1936).

"A Gun for Sale was Graham Greene's 7th novel, published originally in 1936. I've been slowly going through his books, especially his earlier works and he's become a favorite of mine. I can see inspirations for books like Brighton Rock in this book. In fact, it was his next published work.

The story is about Raven, a gun for hire, is sent to kill a foreign war minister. He is paid with stolen money, which makes him the subject of a police investigation by Scotland Yard (who don't know about his assassination). The officer in charge, Inspector Mather, is engaged to Anne, an aspiring actress about to go to Nottwich for a job in a panto show. Coincidentally, the man, Davis / Cholomondeley (he does go by various names) who paid Raven is on the train and being followed by Raven who wants to exact revenge for how he was tricked.

An undercurrent throughout the story is the ominous threat of war, partly due to the assassination, which is causing stress and mistrust within Europe.

The story is a string of coincidences; Anne is kidnapped by Raven as he tries to avoid the police; Anne goes to dinner with Davis and has her life threatened; Mather is assigned the case of trying to track down Raven; etc. It sounds convoluted but the story is presented in a straight-forward manner, tying up many aspects of the coincidences and making for an entertaining, interesting, tense story. The characters are well-crafted and you do get a good sense of who they are and why they are. All in all, a most enjoyable story. (4 stars)"

4. Loser Takes All (1955).

"I've read a number of Graham Greene's novels the past few years and have enjoyed exploring his unique brand of story-telling. He's become one of my favorite authors. Loser Takes All, published originally in 1955, was a neat little gem. It would have been perfect as one of those movies you watch on TCM. In fact, checking it out I noticed that it was turned into a movie in 1956.

Basically, Bertram, an accountant at a firm in London and is about to marry for the 2nd time. He and fiancé, Cary, will be married and then plan to celebrate their honeymoon in Bournemouth. This is turned topsy - turvy when his boss, nicknamed gom - the Grand Old Man, calls Bertram (or Bertrand as he mistakenly calls him) up to his office. Bertram sorts out a minor accounting problem and during their follow-on conversation, he offers instead to have Bertram and Cary a trip to Monte Carlo, a wedding with the Mayor and then a trip on his yacht.

GOM, in reality Mr. Dreuther, doesn't show up on time, the wedding takes place, and Bertram discovers the joy of gambling at the casino, winning with his system. The effect on his marriage is the crux of the story. I won't get into any more of the plot but suffice it to say that it moves along nicely, and resolves very satisfactorily. Greene shows his skill at weaving an interesting, fun story that ultimately leaves you totally satisfied. He really can write about anything, dramatic or humorous or heavy or light. Check out his work (4 stars)"

5. It's a Battlefield (1934).

"I've been enjoying the books of English author Graham Greene. It's a Battlefield, originally published in 1934, was Greene's 3rd published novel. The story centers a number of characters trying to get Jim Drover, a Communist bus-driver's, sentence commuted from the death penalty to imprisonment for 18 years. Drover killed a police officer who was attempting to strike Drover's wife during a Communist demonstration. Drover has been found guilty and been sentenced to death.

The story follows the police Assistant commissioner, new to his job, who is exploring his recommendation about whether to suggest the commutation to the Home Secretary. There is also Mr. Surrogate a Communist economist trying to persuade a wealthy friend to do her best to get the sentence commuted. Surrogate also had personal relations with Kay, Drover's sister-in-law, who wants to help but also just wants to enjoy herself. There is Conrad Drover, Jim Drover's brother, who loves his brothers wife and is filled with self-rage. There is Drover's wife, Milly, lost without her husband, trying to do anything to save her husband. 

These are the main characters and the story jumps from one to another, their interactions and their own personal lives and issues. It's an interesting, well-written story. In some ways it leaves as many questions unanswered as answered and the final incident is quite unique. I enjoy Greene's stories and each is different in its own right. (4 stars)"

6. England Made Me (1935). (The photo is at the top with the first book highlighted)

"England Made Me was the 4th novel by Graham Greene, originally published in 1935. Anthony Farrant comes back from lying and cheating his way through the Far East and Middle East, returning to meet his twin sister, Kate, who works for a Swedish businessman, Eric Krogh. 

Anthony has grifted through his life, living from hand to mouth. His sister wants him to settle in Sweden, promising him a job with Krogh. Krogh is a crook himself, wheeling and dealing in stocks as he tries to advance his empire in the US. Anthony takes a job as a sort of body guard, but doesn't really want it. 

He meets an English girl on holiday with her parents and is torn between staying with his sister and going back to England to be closer to Lou.. Also in the mix is an English reporter, an expat living in Sweden, trying to make a living getting stories about Krogh. 

It's an interesting wandering type story, moving from one character to another. As Anthony begins to discover more and more the type of person Krogh is, he has to decide on a course of action. This will lead to the climatic ending. Greene isn't necessarily an easy author to read but his stories are always unique and different. I've been enjoying my exploration of his works (4 stars)"

So there you go. The complete listing of Greene's novels can be found at this link. 

Now I've an impatient doggie scratching my leg telling me he wants to go for a walk. So see you later. Read a good book!

Your Midweek Music Medley

 It's Wed 21 October and the missus and I are in bed enjoying toast and tea (for her) or coffee (for me). The pups are sprawled around us. A perfect morning. We both woke up a bit early today so I finished a book. I'll post about that in a later post. Today here is your Midweek Music Medley to help get you over the hump. If you're American, take it with you if your voting today. 

Your Midweek Music Medley

1. American music group Debarge - A Dream (1983). Personally, my dream is that America votes the Trump crime family out of the White House in a bigly way.

2. British acid jazz band Incognito - Giving it Up (1993).

3. British soul group The Real Thing - Can't Get By Without You (1976).

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Let's See... A New Book, A Reading Update and My Ongoing Look at My Favorite Authors. Exciting, eh?

 It's a wonderful sunny, fresh day in the Valley today. Bonnie went to the vet this morning for her jibby jab (allergies). Clyde and I wandered about and then stayed at the car. They have a new process. They provided me with a beeper so they could call me when Bonnie was ready. The first time I've ever been beeped. Then we drove over to Cappuccinos and I picked up some home made soup, two croissant sandwiches, three vanilla pastries and 4 little raspberry donut holes. Of course some of this will be saved for later. The sandwiches are always great; Jo had roast turkey and I had roast chicken. 👌

So yesterday I finished one book. I also received one in the mail. I'll update those and also provide the synopsis of the next book I'm starting. Then I'll continue with my ongoing look at my favorite authors.

New Book

1. Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy by Arthur La Bern (1966). Jo and I watched the movie last week and it made me search for the book. It arrived yesterday.

"The cards seem stacked against Dick Blamey. He meets his ex-wife for lunch - she's found murdered the same afternoon. A bar waitress befriends him, and she winds up dead. Both women are the victims of a sex maniac. And now the hunt is on for Blamey."

Just Finished

1. The Survivor by James Herbert (1976).

"I've previously enjoyed 3 other books by horror master, James Herbert; The Secret of Crickley Hall, The Fog and Nobody True. He offers a differing kind horror novel. The Survivor was Herbert's 3rd novel and like the others it started off with a bang and just kept going. The plot style was similar to Herbert's 2nd novel The Fog in that, while the story does follow a main character, it also branches off to visit other impacted characters.

A Boeing 747 crashes outside the village of Eton. Miraculously one person, the co-pilot, Keller, walks out of the crashed unscathed. He remembers nothing of the events and begins to try and find out. It also turns out that something 'evil' has been released in the crash and Keller may be impacted by it. A powerful psychic also is involved and communicates with the dead.

The town of Eton is greatly impacted by these dead spirits, some with very bad intentions. Throughout this tense, creepy story, people are stalked by and terrified and even killed by spirits. It's an excellent horror story, moves along quickly and has an exciting, interesting ending. I will continue to enjoy Herbert's books, always entertaining. (4 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. The Mystery of the Sea by Bram Stoker (1902).

"When Archibald Hunter comes to Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire for his annual holiday he is looking forward to a tranquil few days by the sea, but he is disturbed by strange visions and portents of doom. Where are these terrible visions taking him? And what is the significance of the pages of cipher?"

My Favorite Authors - Caroline Graham

Caroline Graham

Caroline Graham is an English author and playwright born in Nuneaton, England in 1931. I discovered her after enjoying the Midsomer Murder TV series, based on her Inspector Barnaby mysteries. Strangely enough, there are only 7 books in the series, whereas the TV series has run for years. Graham has also written 3 standalone mysteries. My summary below will reflect both.

1. A Place of Safety (Inspector Barnaby #6 / 1999).

"Charlie Leathers was not the most popular man in the charming English village of Ferne Basset, but few people seemed to hate him enough to murder him. Still, that was his fate one night, and it brings Inspector Barnaby to the scene to investigate. What Barnaby doesn't know is that before his death, Charlie witnessed what might have been the suicide--or murder--of a young woman whose troubles with the law have landed her in the home of a local retired minister and his none-too-pleased wife. Now a man is dead, a girl is missing, and a town is in chaos as long-kept secrets begin to unravel, with deadly repercussions." (3 stars)

2. The Envy of the Stranger (Standalone / 1984).

"Caroline Graham is noted for the Midsomer Murders mystery series. The Envy of the Stranger is one of here standalone books. The story follows Roz Gilmour an English radio presenter, happily married with two children. It also follows Fenn, a scary individual, who is basically a stalker. He feels that to get his big break in life, he just needs a push from someone well-connected. From the pictures of stars and starlet that he has posted on his wall, he picks Roz. When he is rejected, he begins a campaign of stalking and threatening phone calls and letters. Roz' life is turned upside down as the pressure mounts. It is the interaction between the two and between Roz and her family and co-workers and also between Fenn and other people, as he slides into her life that makes this an interesting story. You'll read this and suddenly find that you've come to the end and think, wow, now that was interesting. (4 stars)"

3. The Killings at Badger's Drift (Inspector Barnaby #1 / 1987).

"I've previously read another of the Midsomer Mystery books, but this is the first in the series, introducing Inspector Barnaby and, in this case, Sgt Troy. Barnaby seems a bit crustier and angry in this story than I picture him from the TV series. But having said that, the mystery was most enjoyable, many twists and turns, with a suitable ending. Excellent. I still wouldn't want to live anywhere in the area covered by the Causton Police department, no matter how lovely it looks. :0) (4 stars)"

4. Murder at Madingley Grange (Standalone / 1990).

"Caroline Graham is best known as the creator of the Midsomer Murders / Inspector Barnaby books. She also has written 3 standalone books, of which Murder At Madingley Grange was one.

Simon Hannaford and sister, Laurie are asked by their aunt to look after Madingley Grange during her annual month long vacation cruise. Simon, always looking to make money, has the great idea of using the estate to host a murder mystery weekend and persuades Laurie to help him organize and run it. An eclectic group of people show up for the weekend. He as well hires a brother and 'sister', Gaunt and Bennett, as butler and maid. They also have an interesting back story.

Adding spice to the story, a dead body is discovered the next morning and all are suspects. So there you go, the basic story. I like the way the story is laid out; 4 chapters, Simon Says Do This, The Set-up, Fun and Games and Murder. Each person plays a role and each chapter deals with each person's actions and story. 

It's hard not to get involved in each character's story. They are quirky and interesting. There is romance, jealousy, suspense, everything you like. The story moves along nicely, then there is a twist to the left, then another twist to the right, then another little jig and a satisfying ending. I thought I had an idea of what was going on, but then there was a nice surprise and a final satisfying ending. 

The setting is lovely and I found myself very engaged with both the story and characters. It's a  an excellent story and will keep me reading Graham's other books. It's unfortunate that she has a relatively small catalogue as she is an excellent story-teller. (4 stars)"

5. Death in Disguise (Inspector Barnaby #3 / 1992).

"I enjoyed this as much as I enjoy the Midsomer Murder TV series. Graham's writing style reminds me somewhat of PD James. The story was thoughtful and intelligent. It's more about the characters than the mystery; Inspector Barnaby and Sgt Troy don't come into until about one-third of the way through. In the meantime, we learn about the main characters, their lives and ultimately, the crime. The characters belong to a commune and are quirky and interesting. Throw into their midst, the abrasive, rich father of one, plus the drugged up mother as well and you get a more interesting mix, until there is a murder. At this point, Barnaby arrives and the story progresses nicely until a very satisfying ending. I recommend most heartily. (4 stars)"

I have three more of the Inspector Barnaby mysteries on my shelves. I only need a copy of the 2nd now so I can finish the series in order. The complete list of Caroline Graham's books can be found at this link. Check it out.

Enjoy the rest of your week.