A Reading Update & My Favorite Authors

We had another snowfall yesterday but it's pretty well gone now. It's been a nice day today, even a bit sunny. 😏

I received a book in the mail yesterday and the day before I dropped off a few books in some local Free Libraries and found one book on my travels. I also finished a book this morning, my 4th Simon Brett book this month. I'll provide a review of that book and synopses of the new books and the next book in line to be read. I'll also continue with my ongoing look at favorite authors.

Just Finished

1. Star Trap by Simon Brett (Charles Paris #3).

"I think Star Trap (Charles Paris #3) by Simon Brett is my favorite book in this mystery series so far. It's an excellent mix of mystery and stage craft that keeps you interested from beginning to end.

Aging, struggling actor Charles Paris is asked by his friend, lawyer Gerald Venables, to take a job with an upcoming play. Venables is working for investors in the play / musical and has been guaranteed a job in the play. Venables is worried that someone might be trying to ruin the play due to a couple of recent accidents to cast members; one having been fired at by a BB gun, the other having fallen down a flight of stairs. Paris accepts, partly because he likes the idea of a regular salary, partly because previous investigations has piqued his interest.

The play stars a comic TV actor, one Christopher Milton, trying to become an even bigger success on the stage. The play is a reworking of an Oliver Goldsmith work from 1771, She Stoops to Conquer. It has been rewritten as Liberty Bell. Paris joins the cast in London where they are beginning rehearsals and will follow the show on the road to Leeds, Bristol and Brighton where the plan is to finalize the play for its ultimate premiere back in London.

It's a fascinating story, especially the process of working through rehearsals and play development, but the mystery is also quite well presented. Further accidents occur and Paris hesitantly begins investigating and trying to see who might be a suspect. The main characters are Paris, himself and Milton, an overpowering, domineering personality but also a talented, comic genius. The story moves along nicely and keeps your interest. Paris is a fascinating character, intelligent, well-read, frustrated with his life, both romantic and professional.

All in all an excellent mystery and overall story. The more I read this series, the more I enjoy it. (4.5 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death by M.C. Beaton (Agatha Raisin #7). My February focus author will be M.C. Beaton, author of the Agatha Raisin and Hamish MacBeth mystery series. I'll read books from both series.

"Agatha Raisin's neighboring village of Ancombe is usually the epitome of quiet rural charm, but the arrival of a new mineral-water company - which intends to tap into the village spring - sends tempers flaring and divides the parish council into two stubborn camps.

When Agatha, who just happens to be handling the PR for the water company, finds the council chairman murdered at the basin of the spring, tongues start wagging. Could one of the council members have polished off the chairman before he could cast the deciding vote?

Poor Agatha, still nursing a bruised heart from one of her unsuccessful romantic encounters, must get cracking, investigate the councilors and solve the crime."

New Books

1. The Romanov Prophecy by Steve Berry (2004). Berry is an author who sounds interesting and I'd like to explore his standalone books and series as well.

"Ekaterinburg, Russia: July 16, 1918. Ten months have passed since Nicholas II’s reign was cut short by revolutionaries. Tonight, the White Army advances on the town where the Tsar and his family are being held captive by the Bolsheviks. Nicholas dares to hope for salvation. Instead, the Romanovs are coldly and methodically executed.

Moscow: Present Day. Atlanta lawyer Miles Lord, fluent in Russian and well versed in the country’s history, is thrilled to be in Moscow on the eve of such a momentous event. After the fall of Communism and a succession of weak governments, the Russian people have voted to bring back the monarchy. The new Tsar will be chosen from the distant relatives of Nicholas II by a specially appointed commission, and Miles’ job is to perform a background check on the Tsarist candidate favored by a powerful group of Western businessmen. But research quickly becomes the least of Miles’ concerns when he is nearly killed by gunmen on a city plaza.

Suddenly Miles is racing across continents, shadowed by nefarious henchmen. At first, his only question is why people are pursuing him. But after a strange conversation with a mysterious Russian, who steers Miles toward the writings of Rasputin, he becomes desperate to know more–most important, what really happened to the family of Russia’s last Tsar?

His only companion is Akilina Petrov, a Russian circus performer sympathetic to his struggle, and his only guide is a cryptic message from Rasputin that implies that the bloody night of so long ago is not the last chapter in the Romanovs’ story . . . and that someone might even have survived the massacre. The prophecy’s implications are earth-shattering–not only for the future of the Tsar and mother Russia, but also for Miles himself."

2. Young Doctor Kildare by Max Brand (1941). I came to this book in sort of a roundabout method. Jo and I had been watching It's a Wonderful Life and I was checking on the actors in the movie. When I got to Lionel Barrymore, I discovered he'd played Dr. Gillespie in a number of Dr. Kildare and Dr. Gillespie movies. Searching a bit more I discovered they were based on books by Max brand. A jump to the left here; when I was a youngster, our family used to watch the Dr. Kildare TV series starring Richard Chamberlin as Dr. Kildare. So I thought it might be interesting to see what the books were like.

"Almost from his first hour in the big city hospital malicious bad luck stalks the brilliant young intern, Doctor Jimmy Kildare."

My Favorite Authors - David Rotenberg

David Rotenberg

Canadian author David Charles Rotenberg was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. He studied at York University and directed the first Canadian play staged in the People's Republic of China. This history is somewhat reflected in one of my favorite mystery series, that featuring Chinese police inspector Zhong Fong. There were five books in the series, each excellent. Rotenberg has written a new series, the Junction Chronicles that I'm going to explore. Let's look at the Fong series.

1. The Shanghai Murders (Zhang Fong #1).

"This is the first book in the Inspector Zhong Fong series. I've read out of order, this being the first book and I've now finished the series. Excellent and probably better to have read in sequence as it would have been fuller and more complete. But having said that, each story on its own is a fascinating read. You get a perspective of the Chinese culture as China moves from a closed Communist society to one trying to open its doors to trade and foreign money. Shanghai is a very interesting city. Do I want to visit? I'm not sure, but it's fun reading about it.

In this mix, Inspector Fong, lead of Special Investigations in Shanghai must try to work within severe constraints to try and solve two gruesome murders. He faces severe constrictions from his superiors, who plot to oust him, work with the American wife of the first victim and also fight the ghosts of his wife and the tragedy that befell her. It's a page turner and a fast - paced story. Fong is an very sympathetic character and a superb detective. 

I also enjoyed his cast of supporters, especially his forensic specialist, Lily. Amanda Pitman, the American, is also an interesting character and I enjoyed the developing relationship between her and Fong. The Canadian in the mix, Geoffrey Hyland, the lover of Fong's dead wife, is brought in to provide ammunition for Fong's arrest for the possible murder of his wife. And let's not forget the killer himself, trained in Taipei to be a killing machine. 

There are plots and sub-plots and all the while Fong works to solve these murders and find out who is pulling the strings and why? It's unfortunate that Rotenberg only wrote five books in this series. All are excellent and entertaining. One of my favourite series. (4 stars)"

2. The Lake Ching Murders (#2)

"Detective Fong, former head of Special Investigations, has been exiled to Northwestern China. Two men come and whisk him away in the middle of the night to investigate the brutal murder of seventeen men." (4 stars)

3. The Hua Shan Hospital Murders (#3).

"Detective Fong has regained his position as head of Special Investigations in Shanghai. All seems under control until one of Shanghai's state run abortion clinics explodes in a ball of fire. A note is left in English, then a second clinic is attacked." (4 stars)

4. The Hamlet Murders (#4).

"In the latest installment in the Zhong Fong series. The city's 18 million residents are hurtling toward modernization, and hits home when Fong rooms at the Shanghai Theatre are being condo-ized and he can buy them at a special price four years worth of his salary. The night watchman summons Fong to the theatre where finds his old rival Geoffrey Highland swinging from a rope at centre stage." (4 stars)

5. The Golden Mountain Murders (#5).

"As Shanghai surpasses Hong Kong as Asia’s most important city, Zhong Fong’s Office of Special Investigations faces an increasingly sophisticated, and increasingly global, breed of criminal.

When Fong follows a disturbing lead, he finds himself in the rural backwater of Anhui Province. Here, he is shocked to discover a blood-trafficking racket and a massive outbreak of AIDS. In pursuit of the blood traffickers, Fong embarks on what proves to be the longest journey of his life. It will eventually take him to the streets of Vancouver – and a meeting with a man who holds an old, and potentially lethal, grudge." (4 stars)

It's a fascinating series. I can't recommend it more. The complete list of Rotenberg's books can be found at this link.

Take care. I hope you enjoy your upcoming weekend. Stay safe 😷

Your Midweek Music Medley

A bit more snow fell last night, more than we received in our first snowfall of 2021. Luckily the back yard didn't get much so the puppies did their morning workout there rather than going for a walk on snowy sidewalks. I don't think I'll shovel because it should melt pretty quickly. We'll see.

With that brief weather - related preamble, here is your midweek music medley for Wednesday 27 January 2021. It's hard to believe the first month of 2021 is almost over.

Your Midweek Music Medley

1. British soul / R&B band Another Level - Bomb Diggy (1999).

2. American R&B / soul group Shalamar - Over and Over (1983).

3. New York House music project The Original - I Luv You Baby (1994).

Enjoy! Stay safe. 😷

A Reading Update and My Ongoing Look at Favorite Authors

We had our first snowfall of 2021 yesterday. It wasn't a large amount. The roads are clear today and it's mostly melted on the lawns. Just cold enough to keep it from melting too quickly.

I finished a book yesterday so I'll provide my review for you. I'll also add the synopsis of the next book in line. Finally I'll continue with my look at my favorite authors.

Just Finished

1. So Much Blood by Simon Brett (Charles Paris #2). My focus author for January has been English writer Simon Brett, creator of crime series such as the Fethering Mysteries, Mrs. Pargeter and Charles Paris.

"So Much Blood is the 2nd book in Simon Brett mystery series featuring struggling actor Charles Paris. I've enjoyed a few of the books in this series already but have determined to work through them in order from now on.

Paris takes a job at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival when an opening comes up. He decides to perform his one man show featuring the works of English poet / humorist Thomas Hood. He is staying with the Derby University Dramatic Society (yup, DUDS) who are also performing in the same theater.

While practicing their play Mary Queen of Sots, one of the actors is killed when one of the fake knives turns out to be a real knife. Paris thinks that, in fact, it might not have been an accident and for some reason that Willy Mariello was murdered. Thus begins a somewhat half-hearted investigation by Paris, trying to determine if Mariello was murdered, by whom and for what reason. Along the way he is assisted by the owner of the building where the DUDS are residing, one Laird James Milne and also his lawyer friend Gerald Venables (a crime enthusiast). James also has an affair with beautiful young actress, Anna. (Let it be known that Charles is still married to France but in an on again / off again relationship)

The story follows Paris's investigation. He has a couple of suspects but can find nothing specific to solve the case. Even Anna comes under his scrutiny. What is also interesting is Paris's preparation and performance of his one man play. It adds a nice quality to the story, making it more than just a murder mystery.

Paris is an interesting character; middle-aged, disappointed in his acting career, a bit of a drunk and womanizer, but thoughtful and creative. It's a wandering story and mild, but still entertaining and a well-crafted mystery. Most enjoyable. Brett has created 3 excellent mystery series; Charles Paris, Fethering Mysteries and Mrs. Pargeter, each different and unique. He's well worth checking out (3.5 stars)"

Currently Reading

1.  Star Trap by Simon Brett (Charles Paris #3). Probably my last book by Brett for January. As a matter of interest my Focus author for February will be M.C. Beaton, author of the Agatha Raisin and the Hamish MacBeth mystery series.

"The star is Christopher Milton in the lead part of a new musical.The trap is a door through which Charles Paris falls accidentally. Or was it an accident?

 The plot thickens when the rehearsal pianist is shot in the hand by an air gun pellet. Then one of the actors tumbles down some stairs and breaks his leg. Or was he pushed?

The finale comes when Charles Paris, actor/amateur detective, saves the show and reveals the saboteur with a mixture of luck, experience and sheer talent."

My Favorite Authors - Kathy Reichs

Kathy Reichs

Kathleen Joan Toelle Reichs is an American crime writer, forensic analyst and academic born in 1948 in Chicago Illinois. Back in the early 2000's when I first moved to the Valley and was exploring local book stores, I started to explore various forensic mystery writers; Patricia Cornwell, Karin Slaughter and also Kathy Reichs. I seem to recall that I was first attracted to her books by the book covers. But once I started reading them, I was quickly hooked on her stories. They are gritty and interesting and I also like how they wander from the US to Canada and other locations where her main character, Temperance Brennan goes as part of her forensic work. The books were turned into a TV series, Bones that was also very successful. Since 1997, she has written 21 books in the series. I've completed 9 so far, not in any particular order. I'll highlight the last 5 books I read to give you a feel for the series.

1. Deja Dead (Brennan #1 / 1997).

"Her life is devoted to justice; for those she never even knew. In the year since Temperance Brennan left behind a shaky marriage in North Carolina, work has often preempted her weekend plans to explore Quebec. When a female corpse is discovered meticulously dismembered and stashed in trash bags, Temperance detects an alarming pattern and she plunges into a harrowing search for a killer. But her investigation is about to place those closest to her, her best friend and her own daughter, in mortal danger..." (5 stars)

2. Devil Bones (#13 / 2010).

 

 

 

 

 

 

"In a house under renovation, a plumber uncovers a cellar no one knew about, and makes a rather grisly discovery — a decapitated chicken, animal bones, and cauldrons containing beads, feathers, and other relics of religious ceremonies. In the center of the shrine is the skull of a teenage girl. Meanwhile, on a nearby lake-shore, the headless body of a teenage boy is found by a man walking his dog.

Led by a preacher turned politician, citizen vigilantes blame devil worshipers and Wiccans and begin a witch hunt, intent on seeking revenge. Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan — “five-five, feisty, and forty-plus” — is called in to investigate, and a complex and gripping tale unfolds in this deadly mix of voodoo, Santería, and devil worship." (3 stars)

3. Break No Bones (#9 / 2006).

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It's been 5 years or so since I visited the forensic world of Temperance Brennan by Kathy Reichs. I thought she'd been kind of going through the motions with the book I read at that time. I just finished Break No Bones, the 9th book in the series, and I'm sorry that I've been neglecting the series. This was quite excellent.

Temperance is leading a class of archaeology students at a Native American dig on an island near Charleston, SC to ascertain whether there are archives of any sort there. A developer plans to build homes on the site and the dig is necessary to ensure no historical relics are being disturbed. While there, her students find a body, a recent one. This is the start of an interesting mystery.

Tempe is asked to help the local coroner, a friend of hers, Emma Rousseau, as Emma is dealing with the effects of treatment for lymphoma. She asks Tempe to help with the case and as more bodies begin to crop up, Tempe becomes the lead for the coroner's office. This is a complex, entertaining story. Tempe's ex-hubby, Pete, a lawyer, arrives in town to investigate the financials of a local religious group. Ryan, Tempe's current boyfriend, also shows up and while there is steady friction between the two men, he helps Tempe with the investigation. Throw into the mix, local sheriff Gullet, who is somewhat distrustful of her involvement and you've got an all-round entertaining story.

There are many twists and turns in this story; there are threats to Tempe. There is the involvement of a missing PI who seems to be checking out a local medical clinic as part of an investigation into the missing daughter of a local well-to-do. As more bodies show up, Tempe and the others investigate whether there are links between them. Tempe also tries to deal with her feelings for her two beaus and also with her concern for Emma's health.

I enjoyed this story very much. I liked all of the characters. I have always liked Tempe, she's spunky, irritable, hard - working, funny, just one of the great characters. As always, the forensic aspects of the add to the interest. It's a tensely developed story and the intensity grows as the story moves to the climax. Most enjoyable. (4 stars)" 

4. Fatal Voyage (#4 / 2001).

"Kathy Reichs's Temperance Brennan forensic mystery series is always entertaining. I have felt at times that she is dialing in her story. This was not the case with Fatal Voyage, the fourth book in the series. I think this was one of my favorites so far, of the 9 that I've read.

Temperance is part of North Carolina's DMORT, a disaster response team, and is called to the hills of North Carolina to help in the investigation of a plane crash. This is a major effort, of course, involving local, state and federal investigators. Temperance is surprised to even find her partner from the Montreal police force, Detective Ryan, involved. His partner had been on the flight, escorting a criminal back to Montreal and Ryan is now part of the investigation.

At the outset, something strange occurs. Tempe discovers a foot that she must take from a coyote (with Ryan's assistance). The foot doesn't seem to be part of the crash remnants. Quite suddenly, Tempe is accused of disrupting the air crash investigation, especially by the lieutenant-governor and as the story moves along, she is removed from that investigation.

Some people don't believe what has taken place and continue to help Tempe with her efforts to prove that she didn't commit any wrongs. These include Ryan, an FBI agent, McMahon and a local police chief, Lucy Crowe. As well, Tempe is baby-sitting a dog for her ex-husband, Pete. Boyd is a great character. Anyway, the efforts to investigate this foot, and also to get into a hidden cabin located near the crash site, are stymied consistently, even to the point of a friend of Tempe's being murdered.

It's a tense, rich story. The people are well-crafted (I particularly liked Sheriff Crowe, smart, independent, down-to-earth) and the story moves along very nicely, especially considering its length. There are frustrations, but they are minor and don't take away from the overall enjoyment of the story. I like her relationships and her stubbornness, even though it does get her into  trouble. But she is an intelligent, passionate, relentless investigator. There is some development of her relationships with her ex and with Ryan but this part of her life doesn't play too much of a role in this story. More to follow in the others. All in all, an excellent, enjoyable mystery / thriller with a pretty darn satisfying ending. (4.5 stars)" 

5. Cross Bones (#8 / 2005). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Cross Bones is the 8th book in Kathy Reichs's Temperance Brennan forensic mystery series. I found it to be one of the more interesting ones so far.

Temperance is working at her 2nd job as forensic anthropologist assisting the Montreal coroner. (For those not familiar with the books, Temperance works in South Carolina most of the time, but spends time also in Montreal as part of an arrangement.) This story starts off with Temperance assisting with two bodies, one who is found in a chimney and another who may have committed suicide. His autopsy is witnessed by members of the Jewish community as well. During this autopsy, Tempe is given a photo of a skeleton and is advised that is the reason for the victim's 'murder'.

Thus starts an adventure that will take Tempe and her lover, police detective Andrew Ryan to Israel in search of further evidence and also to discover if the bones might be those of Jesus Christ. It's an intriguing story; a murder mystery and an investigation into the history of Jesus' family. The story moves along very nicely and provides an interesting history of the archeological digs in Israel as well as a nice glimpse of the country itself.

I did find some of it confusing, especially the story (which is based on a true one) of the discoveries in Masada. As well, the possible implications of discovering the body of JC, if it turns out to be the case in this story, and its impact on Christianity, Judaism and even Islam are examined, sometimes a bit too much. There is lots of action and the interactions between Tempe and Ryan are excellent. All in all it was a fascinating mystery and a joy to read. I have found that sometimes Kathy Reichs seems to be going through the motions, but not in this story. (4 stars)"

So there you go. The complete listing of Reichs' novels can be found at this link. Enjoy your week. Stay safe. 😷

New Books and My Favorite Authors

It's been a nice quiet day and sunny and fresh outside. We're enjoying The Chase right now but it's kind of irritating how difficult the questions are. It might ruin the show for us, but we'll see.

I received one new book in the mail two days ago (a new author for me) and yesterday I picked up a book at a local store, Books4Brains. I'll provide the synopses for both books and also continue with my ongoing look at my favorite authors.

New Books

1. The Second Man by Edward Grierson (1956).

"The evidence was... damning. John Maudsley had had both motive and opportunity to strangle the elderly, wealthy aunt with whom he'd had a falling out. Around this defense of what seemed like a heartbreakingly hopeless case, Edward Grierson has constructed a novel that is taut, persuasive and appealing... The climactic events of the trial's closing hours and the maddening wait for the verdict of the jurors... are conveyed in pages of inexorably mounting tension."

2. Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks (1971).  This book which is supposedly based on a young girl's diary about her descent in drug addiction was turned into a movie back in the '70s. The reason I remember it was that one of the songs played was White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane (at least I think so) which is one of my all-time favorite songs.

"It all started when she was served a soft drink laced with LSD in a dangerous party game. Within months, she was hooked, trapped in a downward spiral that took her from her comfortable home and loving family to the mean streets of an unforgiving city.

This powerful, first-person account of a teenage girl's struggle with the seductive--and often fatal--world of drugs and addiction has sold more than five million copies. Tough and uncompromising, honest and disturbing, Go Ask Alice remains the definitive book on the horrors of addiction."

My Favorite Authors - Ian Rankin

Ian Rankin

Scottish crime writer Ian James Rankin is author of one of my favorite gritty crime series, the Inspector Rebus books. Rankin was born in Fife, Scotland in 1960. He has also written under the pen name John Harvey. Besides his Rebus books, he's also written a series about The Complaints, the equivalent of Internal Affairs. I have a few books in this series. The Rebus books was turned into two TV series, one starring John Hannah as Rebus and the other starring Ken Stott in the role. I preferred Stott as I think he fit the grizzled, hard drinking image much better. I've read 15 of the Rebus books and one of his standalones. I'll highlight the last 6 books I've enjoyed.

1. Dead Souls (Rebus #10 / 1999).

"It's been awhile since I read a Rebus mystery and it was a welcome return to his world. Gritty, interesting mystery peopled with an varied, excellent cast, headed by cynical, war weary Detective Inspector John Rebus of Edinburgh's crime squad. A variety of issues/ possible crimes featured in this story, but while there were twists and turns, the stories seemed believable. I enjoy Rebus very much; a character perfect in his imperfections, questioning whether being a police officer remains viable, and whether he can deal with the types of crimes with which he must be involved. Tests to his relationship with Patience as well, which you will have to read about to see if it is resolved satisfactorily. Add in a nasty, crafty villain, playing games with Rebus and his family and associates and you've got an excellent story. Can't wait to read Rebus # 11 next. (4 stars)"

2. The Falls (#12 / 2001).

"It's been about a year since I read my last Rebus mystery and I'm sorry it's taken me so long to read the next, The Falls. I can't recall when I've more enjoyed a mystery. Rebus and the gang are involved trying to solve the disappearance of a young woman, the gang including Siobhan Clark, Ellen Wylie, and new boss, Gill Templer. Rebus is looking at his life, as always, trying to sell his flat, see a potential new lady friend, fend off Templer's attempts to make him see a doctor, while investigating the disappearance. He finds similarities to old cases and heads down past byways, while Siobhan is investigating a computer - based role-playing game that the missing girl was involved with, meaning involvement with a cryptic online 'Quizmaster'. The story was so well-crafted and presented and I just enjoyed getting involved with Rebus, his life and his friends. It's nice about these stories that Ian Ranking takes the time to develop the characters of those around Rebus and to get them deeply involved in the cases as well. Excellent and most enjoyable read. (5 stars)"

3. Resurrection Men (Rebus #13 / 2002).

"Another excellent Rebus story. This book finds DI Rebus sent back to refinishing school (in a way) after an incident at his local police station. He throws a mug of tea at boss, Gill Templar, and finds himself sent for retraining with a group of other reprobates from other districts. But there is more to this assignment than meets the eye and I'll let you read the book to see what. In the meantime, DS Siobhan Clark, Rebus' protégé, is deeply involved with a team trying to solve the murder of an art dealer. This brings her into contact with an old adversary of Rebus, Big Ger McCaffrey. I have enjoyed the Rebus stories so much over the past two or three stories. Ian Rankin has really hit his stride over the past couple of stories. I do like how the other characters, especially Siobhan have come into their own and are well-developed personalities. Rebus is still Rebus, although he now has a lady friend (I hope it lasts). This story moved along very nicely, had some very suspenseful moments and was entertaining from beginning to end. If you haven't tried the Rebus series, you really need to do so. (4 stars)"

4. Watchman (1988).

"I've enjoyed reading Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus books very much. I'm well in to that series. Watchman was Rankin's 3rd novel, written after the first of his Rebus books. It's quite different from the Rebus books; in fact, it's more in line with early John le Carre than what you expect from Rankin.
Miles Flint (from the intro, Rankin borrowed the name from the In Like Flint movie series starring James Coburn) is a Watchman, working for the British Secret Service. Having issues with his marriage, he decides one night to assist in the monitoring of an Arab spy instead of going home. Unfortunately, the spy gives the group the slip and the Arab ends up killing an Israeli arms dealer.

This starts a somewhat convoluted series of events as the story follows a variety of people; Flint, his wife Sheila, a news reporter trying to get a big scoop, other members of the spy agency, a politician, etc. At times it's a bit hard to follow who is who and what is going on, but like the best of le Carre, slowly and then more quickly, the various stories begin to tie themselves together with an ultimately satisfying ending.

There is a great deal of political and in-office intrigue. Who is phoning the reporter with clues? Who is threatening the politician? Who can Flint trust in his department? Why is he suddenly sent to Northern Ireland? The story is set during the period when the IRA is bombing regularly in London and other English cities, which adds a very interesting atmosphere to the story. I wasn't sure I'd like it, at the beginning, but as the story moved along, it got more and more interesting. Well worth trying if you want to see a different side to Rankin's writing. (3.5 stars)"

5. A Question of Blood (#14 / 2003).

"It's been five years since I last visited with Edinburgh police inspector, John Rebus and his partner, Detective Sergeant Siobhan Clarke. Much too long a time. A Question of Blood by Ian Rankin is the 14th book in this excellent series and it was as engrossing and enjoyable as the other 13.

In Question, we find Rebus once again treading in thin waters (hmm, not sure but I might be mixing metaphors). DS Clarke has been harassed and stalked by a petty criminal. This man has been found burned to death in a house fire in his home. Unfortunately, Rebus has been seen with him the night of the fire and for some reason, Rebus is suffering from burns to his hands (re Mr. Rebus, he scalded them in hot water). An investigation is being launched into the incident by his boss, DCI Gill Templar and the Complaints Division.

While this is going on, old friend DI Bobby Hogan has asked for Rebus's assistance in another case. An ex-SAS man has entered a local school and killed two students, wounded another and then shot himself. Since Rebus was in the military and almost passed the tests to become an SAS man himself, Hogan feels he might be able to provide assistance in determining the motive for this shooting. Two SAS personnel, Whiteread and Simms show up to stir things up and as well, a local politician, whose son was wounded, sticks in his oar, trying to grandstand the issue.

Already sounds neat, eh? Well it is. Rebus is one of my favorite crusty, irascible, effective cops and I have a bit of a crush on his partner. We get to see both of them in equal amounts and that's just fine. They are a fascinating team and work well together; one playing off the other. There is genuine affection between them, even though Rebus quite regularly tests the bounds of their friendship. The cases are both interesting and often events and suspects and characters are intertwined. I like Bobby Hogan and long suffering Gill Templar both as well. It's an entertaining mystery, with enough action to keep you satisfied and Rankin is skilled at establishing the mood and in describing the Edinburgh scene. Satisfying mystery and excellent story. (4 stars)"

6. Fleshmarket Close (#15 / 2004).

"Fleshmarket Close is the 15th book in Ian Rankin's Inspector John Rebus mystery series set in Edinburgh. It's the second Rebus book I've read this month, this one even more enjoyable than the previous.

DI Rebus and DS Siobhan Clark, Rebus's partner have been moved to the Gayfield Police sub-station as part of a reallocation of resources in the Edinburgh PD. The story starts with Rebus assisting with a murder of an immigrant in the Knoxland housing development, not technically within Rebus's area of responsibility. In the meantime, Siobhan is meeting with the Jardine family. There oldest girl had been raped by one Donald Cruickshank and afterword committed suicide. He is now out of prison and their other daughter, Ishbel, has disappeared. As well both Rebus and Siobhan are called to the discovery  of the bones of a woman and a baby buried in the cement in the basement of an Edinburgh pub.

This is a very rich story and also quite topical to today, dealing with immigrants and refugees and their treatment. We also get to meet Rebus's nemesis, Edinburgh gangster Cafferty. There are tensions between Rebus and Siobhan after events from the previous story and they find themselves working differing cases for the most part. There is also a bit of a frisson between Rebus and a woman he meets when he visits the refugee holding facility at Whitemire.

The story wanders from Rebus to Siobhan and back and flows very nicely. We meet some old characters, especially DS Ellen Wylie who spends time with Rebus. I quite like her, even if her part isn't extensive. Big Ger Cafferty of course plays a role. But there are new interesting characters who play varying roles in the story, refugee lawyer Dirwan, DI Les Young, AKA Captain Underpants, Siobhan's partner for the most part, Caro Quinn, who monitors Whitemire and develops a tentative relationship with Rebus.

This is one of my favorite Rebus stories. I really like his portrayal of the immigrant situation, the differing points of view, the difficulty of even coming to terms with it. He also presents the different cases and how they ultimately tie together in the end in a flowing, easy manner. It was a pleasure to read. (4.5 stars)"

So there you go. Rankin is well worth trying. The complete listing of Rankin's books can be found at this link.

Your Midweek Music Medley - Happy Inauguration Day to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris

Congratulations to Joe and Kamala!

For some strange reason, the day seems peaceful and optimistic. Maybe the fact that Joe and Kamala have taken over the mantle of the Presidency and Vice Presidency has something to do with it. Ya think!! 

I had a nice walk this morning but am feeling it somewhat now. So as I relax and watch the inauguration in Washington, here is your midweek music medley. I picked them awhile ago not realizing today was such a special day, but hope you enjoy them anyway.

Your Midweek Music Medley - Wed 20 Jan 2021

1. Swedish singer / songwriter John Martin - Anywhere For You (2014).

2. American singer / songwriter Matt Simons - Open Up (2019).

3. Declan J. Donavan - Perfectly Imperfect (2020).

Have a great day and enjoy the rest of your week. Stay safe. 😷

Starting off the Week with a Reading Update and my Look at my Favorite Authors

Well, we're into the final days / hours of Donald J. T***p's presidency. Let's hope the inauguration on Wednesday goes safely. Too bad the Covid pandemic has spoiled the opportunity for a big party.

I finished my 5th book of 2021 last night, a nice cozy mystery. I'll provide my review of that book and the synopsis of the next book I'm starting. I'll also continue with my look at my favorite authors, this one an excellent historical mystery series.

Just Finished

1. A Nice Class of Corpse by Simon Brett (Mrs. Pargeter #1). I had previously read the 3rd book in the series and enjoyed.

"Simon Brett is an expert at cozy, entertaining mysteries. I'd previously read the 3rd book in his Melita Pargeter mystery series and was glad to finally get a chance to read the first, A Nice Class of Corpse.  This was a great intro to a wonderful character. Mrs Pargeter is a widow whose husband seemed to live on the edge of the law. (he remains an enigmatic character, with only clues to what he was like when he lived.)

This first story finds Mrs. Pargeter moving to the coastal town of Littlehampton to a small hotel whose residents also live a retired life under the care of house manager Mrs. Naismith. Mrs. Pargeter immediately rubs Mrs. Naismith the wrong way as she seems to be a bit of a 'live wire', who might disturb Naismith's sedate hotel style.

Things pick up almost immediately with the death ('murder') of one of the residents, Mrs. Selby is found dead the next morning. Mrs. Pargeter's interest is piqued immediately as she thinks something suspicious is going on. Using tools and techniques taught her by her dead husband (well, taught while he was still alive, of course), Melita brings her lock picks, gloves, etc to her investigation and will also eventually request the assistance of old associates of her husband.

It's an entertaining mystery. There will be other deaths. We'll be introduced to the murderer... indirectly.  Mrs. Pargeter is a fascinating character; down to earth, with an inquisitive mind and a blunt approach to investigating. The hotel is peopled with interesting characters (read 'suspects') and the mystery is well-developed and presented. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending, it took a little unsuspected twist that I didn't see. Looking forward to finding the 2nd story now (3.5 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. So Much Blood by Simon Brett (Charles Paris #2).

"Actor Charles Paris features in a fringe show at the Edinburgh Festival, with a murder to challenge him in So Much Blood. Edinburgh and the Festival are background and foreground with Charles, flitting between a re-visualized Midsummer Night's Dream, a mixed-media satire, a late-night revue, and his own one-man show on Thomas Hood. Charles copes splendidly with the Festival, the girl with the navy eyes, and with a complex murder investigation."

My Favorite Authors - Ellis Peters

Ellis Peters

Edith Mary Pargeter was born in England in 1913 and died in 1995. She was a prolific writer and wrote historical fiction, mysteries, etc under various names; Edith Pargeter, Ellis Peters, John Redfern & Jolyon Carr, etc. I'm focused on her excellent historical mystery series featuring a monk by the name of Cadfael. She wrote 21 novels in the series and it was also turned into an excellent TV series starring Derek Jacobi as the erstwhile monk. I've read 12 of the books so far and hope to make more progress on the series this year. I'll highlight the six books I've read most recently. (Ed. Note: I was briefly confused when I started writing about Peters because I suddenly thought I had the wrong author. Note that my review book this morning featured Simon Brett's sleuth, Mrs. Pargeter. Then I look up Ellis Peters and find her real name is Edith Pargeter... Well, you can see my confusion... RIGHT!)

1. Monk's Hood (#3 / 1980).

 

"Another excellent Cadfael mystery, this finds one of Cadfael's potions used by someone else to poison Gervase Bonel, a wealthy man who is in the process of leaving his manor to the Abbey in Shrewsbury; that abbey which Cadfael calls home. Cadfael and his novice assistant, Brother Mark, must try to solve the murder. Added to the story-line, the wife of the dead man was once betrothed to Cadfael many years ago, during a time before Cadfael became a Benedictine monk. As well, the old Prior of the Shrewsbury monastery has been called to London by King Stephen to review whether he is still capable to run the monastery. Interesting times and an interesting story. (3 stars)"

2. The Sanctuary Sparrow (#7 / 1983)

"Another readable, interesting book (7th) in the Cadfael series. I've read 8 now and have enjoyed every one. There isn't necessarily a lot of detail about the time the books are set in, more like general references - at least in this one). It's more about the 3. people and the mystery. Cadfael works with Hugh Berenger, the Deputy Provost, to solve the robbery of the goldsmith and the follow-on murder of his tenant. Cadfael becomes involved because the suspect is chased to the Abbey by a crowd and throws himself on the mercy of the Abbot. Suspecting the young man might be innocent, Cadfael becomes involved. The story moved along very nicely, develops the people involved and associated with the crimes just enough to make them interesting and resolves the story nicely. Most enjoyable. Moving back to Book # 6 for my next Cadfael, The Virgin in the Ice. I don't know how I missed that I hadn't read it yet.. I recommend this series to anyone who likes historical mysteries. (3 stars)"

3. The Virgin in the Ice (#6 / 1982).

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Definitely my favourite Cadfael so far, mind you that could just be because it's the freshest in my mind. A different sort of Cadfael which finds our intrepid monk heading off to Ludlow to assist the Prior there. While there he becomes involved with a beaten monk, Elyas who has come to the priory injured from an attack. He also finds himself trying to help a young prince and his sister and also to assist Hugh Beringar, the constable find and catch up with a group of raiders who are laying waste to the local area. There is also the murder of a nun to try and sort out. Ellis Peters moves the story along very quickly and nicely, the mysteries are interesting and draw you in. Excellent story with a very nice little twist at the end involving Cadfael's past as a soldier in the Middle East. I enjoyed this story very much; Ellis Peters never lets you down with her telling of Cadfael's adventures. (4 stars)" 

4. The Pilgrim of Hate (#10 / 1984).

"The Pilgrim Of Hate is the 10th book in the Cadfael historical / mystery series by Ellis Peters. If you've not ever tried one, it was also a very successful, popular TV series starring Derek Jacoby. (Excellent books and TV series)

Cadfael is a Benedictine monk, ex soldier in the Crusades who came back to find a new life in the Abbey in Shrewsbury during the wars of succession between Empress Maud and King Stephen. Cadfael is responsible for growing and making medicines for the monks and for people visiting the Abbey.

In this story, the Abbey is preparing for the anniversary of the translation of the bones of Saint Winifred (the recovery of her bones from Wales is part of a previous story) from her place of rest to the Abbey. Pilgrims from all over England are coming for the celebration in the hope of a miracle.
Coincident with this celebration, is the murder of a knight in Winchester, during meetings there to try and stop the civil war.

As always, the story is interesting, giving an excellent picture of life during the 12th Century. Cadfael is a very sympathetic, interesting character and the mystery of the murder is developed very nicely in the context of the story of the celebration. While I had an idea of of who was who and how the mystery might resolve itself, there were still some surprises (especially the last sentence) and it's just a gentle, fun read. I always enjoy entering this series and wandering around in the 12th Century. (3.5 stars)"

5. An Excellent Mystery (#11 / 1985).

"Having now read An Excellent Mystery by Ellis Peters, I've completed 12 books in the Cadfael historical mystery series and as always, have found the story to be entertaining and engrossing. Cadfael is an ex-Crusader, now a Benedictine monk who acts as herbalist / sometimes medical assistant at the Benedictine monastery at Shrewsbury. This 11th book in the Cadfael takes place in 1141, during the continuing struggles for the English throne between Empress Maud and King Stephen.

The battles themselves take place a distance from Shrewsbury in this story but one of the results is to bring two monks seeking refuge from the battles around Winchester. Brothers Humilis and Fidelus arrive and are given sanctuary at the monastery. Humilis is another old Crusader, who was injured seriously in the Crusades. Fidelus is a mute who has attached himself to Humilis as his care taker. Humilis's injuries are aggravated by the journey to Shrewsbury and it's evident to Cadfael and the Edmund who is basically the monastery doctor, that Humilis has not long to live and they want only to keep him in comfort.

Arriving also at the Monastery is Nicholas, a knight who has been participating in the battles, and was previously Humilis's squire. Due to his injuries, Humilis had called off an arranged marriage 3 years previously. Nicholas wishes Humilis's permission to ask for the lady's hand in marriage and it is granted.

This is the crux of the story, with Nicholas's journey first to ask her hand in marriage and then when it's evident she has disappeared, purportedly to become a nun, to find her. It's an interesting story all-around. Cadfael plays a relatively minor role through the first part as it involves Nicholas's quest, but as the story builds, he plays a more important role, especially when it actually comes down to solving the mystery. There is a side-story involving some other brothers, which could have been left out, I think, but it doesn't hurt the story to have it there.

The final twist, although I sort of had it figured out, was very interesting and different. One of my favorite Cadfael books so far and I'm glad I still have a few left on my book shelf to enjoy. (4 stars)"

6. The Rose Rent (#13 / 1986).

"I've always enjoyed Ellis Peters's Cadfael mystery series. The 13th book in the series, The Rose Rent was no exception. Cadfael is one of a few historical mystery series that I have particularly enjoyed; e.g. The Mistress of the Art of Death and also the Matthew Shardlake books. Cadfael is set the earliest I think. This story takes place in May 1142 in the town of Shrewsbury mainly at the Abbey where Cadfael works as a monk. The story is set during the battles between King Stephen and Queen Maud for overall rule of England. While some of the other stories use these wars as key aspects to the stories, it plays relatively no role in this particularly story.

A wealthy widow, Judith Perle, has rented her manor to the Abbey. With the deaths of her husband and child she no longer needs the house and instead lives in the home attached to her factory. In the garden of the manor is a rose bush. On the day of St Winifred's holiday, the abbey were to give Judith one rose from the bush as the annual rent. Currently living in the manor is a widower, a craftsman.

The rose is normally given by a young trainee monk who finds himself attracted to Judith. He asks to be taken off the duty. After this preamble to introduce the plot, the young monk is found dead at the base of the rose bush, which has been chopped but not destroyed. Various reasons are provided for this action. If the rose bush is destroyed, the arrangement Judith has with the monastery would become nul and void. A number of wealthy merchants in the town want to marry her to gain access to her properties.

Cadfael and Hugh (the sheriff of Shrewsbury) begin to investigate the murder. Other events take place that will add to the tension and the urgency of solving the crime(s). It's an interesting story. You will be lead down paths to various possible solutions and then (I hope) to a nice surprise and ultimately satisfying ending. Cadfael is always an interesting, a down-to-earth ex-soldier who found the monk hood late in life. He is always thoughtful and has a nice knack for working through the clues to solve crimes (probably pretty useful when it comes to crime solving, eh?) The stories never disappoint (3.5 stars)"

So there you go, a taste of the Cadfael adventures. The complete listing of Ellis Peters' books can be found at this link. Enjoy your week. Stay safe. 😷

A Midweek Reading Update & My Ongoing Look at my Favorite Authors

It's been a lovely mild sunny day in the Valley. Our poor little Clyde somehow tweaked his foot and isn't as playful as he is normally. Good news today, the US House of Congress has voted to impeach Donald J. Trump for the 2nd time during his only term. It was a bi-partisan vote, supposedly the most bi-partisan vote for impeachment of any previous vote.

I finished my 4th book of 2021, one by my January Focus Author - Simon Brett. I'll provide my review of it and also the synopsis of the next Brett book. Then I'll continue with my look at favorite authors.

Just Finished

1. The Torso in the Town by Simon Brett (Fethering #3).

"The Torso in the Town is the 3rd book English author, Simon Brett's Fethering cozy mystery series. I've also enjoyed books in his Mrs. Pargeter and Charles Paris series. The Fethering series features two neighbors, Carole Seddon & Jude, from the south coast town of Fethering (near Brighton) who get involved solving mysteries in the surrounding communities.

Jude is invited to dinner by a couple, she met previously in Spain, living in a nearby town, Fedborough. During the dinner, the Roxby's teenage son discovers a loose panel in the cellar and behind that panel the dismembered torso of a woman's body. It appears that the body has been there for a number of years.

Carole has withdrawn from her friend and Fethering due to a failed romance with neighborhood bar owner Ted Crisp. Carole is embarrassed and can't bring herself to face Ted. Jude thinks that investigating the appearance of the body and how it ended up in the Roxby's basement might distract Carole from her issues.

So the two friends begin to spend time in Fedborough, taking part in the communities Art Festival, meeting and chatting with locals, trying to gather clues on the body and the 'murder'? It's an entertaining story and is filled with interesting characters. Jude and Carole make an excellent team and it's fun getting to know them again. I find it interesting that Carole still doesn't even know her neighbor's last name or much else about her private life. It's due to a combination of Carole's insecurities and Jude's enigmatic attitude towards providing info about her life.

It's a nice, entertaining cozy mystery with lots of clues and suspects. The process of trying to gather information is as interesting as the mystery itself. I liked discovering more about the community of Fedborough, how everyone in a small community seems to know everything about everyone else; or tries to portray that they do and also the power of the gossip chain of communication. All in all a light, entertaining mystery. (3.5 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. A Nice Class of Corpse by Simon Brett (Mrs. Pargeter #1).

"Simon Brett introduces Melita Pargeter, his newest detective. Melita is a rich and vivacious lady, whose mystery-solving talents come in handy when a murderer strikes a hotel for retirees. Simon's talents come in handy for writing hilariously."

My Favorite Authors - Peter O'Donnell

Peter O'Donnell

Peter O'Donnell was an English author of mysteries, comic books and was best known for his Modesty Blaise thriller / adventure series. He was born in Lewisham in 1920 and died in Brighton in 2010. O'Donnell wrote 13 books in the Blaise series and I have every book on my shelf and have finished 5 so far. 

1. I, Lucifer (#3 / 1967).

My review - "Very good adventure. I've now read two of the Modesty Blaise series and enjoy the series. Modesty and Willie Garvin, her partner in crime, have given up the Network, a crime organization and live in retirement but come out when the need arises, now to help stop crime. I like their relationship, their skill and the stories are interesting. Not much else to say. :) (3 stars)"

Synopsis - "This installment of the Modesty Blaise adventures finds Modesty and faithful friend Willie Garvin trying to get to the bottom of another of Seff's evil plots. When it is discovered that a disturbed young man named Lucifer has the ability to foresee the death of those around him, Seff recruits the boy into his gang and uses his powers of premonition to evil ends, extracting ransom from rich victims who have been told of their impending death. During the course of her investigation Modesty's cover is blown, and she finds herself trapped on Seff's island stronghold and must use all of her guile and brains to escape."

2. Sabre-Tooth (#2 / 1966).

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Review - "Exactly what I expected and I wasn't disappointed. An interesting adventure/ thriller. Modesty Blaise and her partner Willie take on mercenaries to help out MI-6. Modesty is larger than life, competent, skilled, imaginative and able to think out of any problem. Willie is the perfect partner, what Modesty can't do, he can. Their lives are at risk, but they find ways to even the odd. A perfect Saturday afternoon serial type movie. I enjoyed very much. (3 stars)"

Synopsis - "Exactly what I expected and I wasn't disappointed. An interesting adventure/ thriller. Modesty Blaise and her partner Willie take on mercenaries to help out MI-6. Modesty is larger than life, competent, skilled, imaginative and able to think out of any problem. Willie is the perfect partner, what Modesty can't do, he can. Their lives are at risk, but they find ways to even the odd. A perfect Saturday afternoon serial type movie. I enjoyed very much."

3. Modesty Blaise (#1 / 1965).

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I've read two other books in this series but finally managed to snag a copy of the first book. It's an entertaining series. Modesty Blaise was an war-orphan who moved about and eventually, relying on strength of character and other factors, ended up running The Network, a successful 'crime' organization that operated in Europe and other locations. In this story, she has been retired and is living in London, when the secret service asks her to come out retirement to help them stop a major robbery and prevent an international incident. She accepts and bringing along her friend and partner, Willie Garvin, begins an adventure that will take her through the Mediterranean, Egypt and other locations as she tracks down Gabriel and his gang who want to rob a ship of millions in diamonds. It's kind of James Bondish, Doc Savage, but with a heroine who is confident, successful and talented. Lots of fun and a good entertaining adventure. (3 stars)"

4. A Taste for Death (#4 / 1969).

"A Taste for Death is the 4th book in the Modesty Blaise adventure / thriller series by Peter O'Donnell. I enjoyed this as much as the first three. Modesty is a strong, independent woman (think Lara Croft) who finds herself in many sticky situations and is helped to deal with them by her partner / best friend Willie Garvin. Both started out in the criminal world and have retired. Living in England and enjoying life they regularly help British spymaster, Tarrant, with various situations that need an independent, non-governmental hand.

In this story, Willie Garvin is on vacation in Panama, diving for pearls, when he comes across an attack on two women and saves one, her sister being murdered.
The enemies involved include Gabriel and McWhirter, who Modesty and Willie have battled previously. A new foe also is involved, one from Willie's past. The two, along with Modesty's beau, Stephen Collier, must travel to Algeria, to try and save blind Dinah Pilgrim and a group of archeologists, from Gabriel and Delicata (one of the more vicious villains I've met yet), risking their lives in the process.

Like the others, this is an entertaining, page turner, with strong likeable characters who you find yourself rooting for. Most enjoyable (3.5 stars)"

5. Pieces of Modesty (#6 / 1972).

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Modesty Blaise series is a fun, entertaining, action-packed thrill ride. Modesty is a larger than life heroine, a one-time master criminal who lead the Network, ably assisted by her right-hand man and best friend, Willie Garvin. Now retired, she still helps British Intelligence when requested by her friend, Sir Gerald Tarrant, as she does in the 2nd story, The Giggle Wrecker. But more often than not, she just gets caught up in situations, finding herself and Willie rescuing friends from unfortunate situations. She is matter of fact, a marksman, physically talented in hand-to-hand combat and at the same time, a lady and with a strong moral compass about what is right and wrong. I enjoyed this series of short stories, all entertaining and finding Modesty in Britain, Finland and the Mediterranean. Best story for me was I Had a Date with Lady Janet, where we saw Willie in the major role, forced to save Modesty from an old enemy. Lots of fun and an enjoyable read. (3 stars)

My focus author for September is O'Donnell so I hope to make more progress on this series. The complete list of O'Donnell's works are available in this link.