Yesterday I provided my first 2021 Monthly Reading Update. Due to that I didn't provide reviews of the last two books I completed in January. I'll do that plus also the review of the 1st book completed in February and the synopsis of the next book in line. I also received a book in the mail at the end of January so I'll also provide the synopsis of that book.
New Book
"It has a dark past – one
in which a number of humans were killed. A past that caused it to
christen itself “Murderbot”. But it has only vague memories of the
massacre that spawned that title, and it wants to know more.
Teaming
up with a Research Transport vessel named ART (you don’t want to know
what the “A” stands for), Murderbot heads to the mining facility where
it went rogue.
What it discovers will forever change the way it thinks…"
Just Finished
"An Expert in Murder is the first book in the Josephine Tey mystery series by Nicola Upson. I've previously read the 3rd book in the series and enjoyed it. This series is loosely based on real-life author Elizabeth Mackintosh, who published under various pseudonyms; e.g. Gordon Daviot and Josephine Tey. She wrote mysteries under Josephine Tey, a series featuring Scotland Yard inspector Grant. Nicola Upson uses these aspects of Tey's life to develop this interesting series.
Tey's play Richard of Bordeaux is going through a successful run in London. As it comes to an end, there are plans to send the play out on the road and also plans to turn it into a movie. This has caused friction between the theater owner, Bernard Aubrey, and his lead actor. Aubrey wants him to go on the road and the actor wants out of his contract so he can work on the movie (more money). Josephine is on her way from Scotland, returning to London for the final days of the play and to discuss her latest venture, a play based on Mary, Queen of Scots. On her train ride to London she meets a young lady, also heading to London who is a huge fan of the play. She will be attending with her uncle. Tragedy ensues at the train station, where the young lady is murdered.
This starts an investigation by Tey's friend, Scotland Yard inspector Archie Penrose and his capable Sgt Fallowfield. The story becomes a fascinating exploration of theater life, an interesting mystery and a cast of quirky characters; from the acting and local communities. The story also explores issues of PTSD from the trench warfare of WWI. There are secrets on all sides and the unraveling of these secrets makes for an excellent tale. Penrose is a skilled, competent, imaginative investigator the story is more about his investigation, than Tey's. However Tey plays an important sounding board to Archie; he was a close friend of Tey's fiance who died during WWI.
At times it may seem somewhat convoluted but things are tied together neatly and resolved nicely. Tey is a thoughtful, intelligent woman and her relationship with Penrose is slowly explained. They are surrounded with an excellent supporting cast, all of which makes for a rich, intelligent story. An excellent first story, will make you want to continue the series. (4 stars)"
"The Education of an Idealist: A Memoir is an excellent memoir by ex-Obama Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power. While a large portion of the story deals with her time working on President Obama's first campaign and his 8 years in office, it also tells the story of her family, her initial years in Ireland, her move to America and her young adult years as a reporter in war-torn countries, especially in Yugoslavia (on its break-up).
It's a fascinating story and Samantha Power is such an interesting person. I've traveled in my life but not to the extent she has. We learn about her family, the split up of her parent's marriage (mother went to the US with new husband and two kids) while father remained in Ireland. Every event in her life shaped her beliefs, her desire to improve peoples' lives in the world. The book is a search for the best way to help; as a teacher, a reporter, or public servant.
We see the Obama WH from her perspective; agreements / disagreements on policy. It's neat seeing people I've become accustomed to watching on news shows and now in President Biden's new government crop up in this book. It's interesting watching a government in action, the crises that have to be dealt with (Syria, Ebola, ISIS, etc) and how both the national government under Obama and also the international government, i.e. the UN work or don't work in dealing with them.
I especially enjoyed the seeing how Power worked with the international community as Ambassador to the UN, the friction with the Russian ambassador but also the coalitions she was able to craft to achieve positive results. Of course, she recognizes there were failures, especially the situation in Syria but she offers a broad perspective on many issues. And through the whole book is the importance of family, her parents, her marriage and her children. The book is so well-written and well-presented, a most enjoyable, interesting read. President Biden has nominated Samantha Power to head the US Agency for International Development (US Aid) organization. She will provide great benefit to the US government, I'm sure. (4.5 stars)"
"Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death is the 7th book in the Agatha Raisin mystery series set in the Cotswolds by M.C. Beaton. I have tried to read the stories in sequence but there are some gaps in the books I own so it's not always possible. It's useful to try to do so, I guess, just to keep track of Agatha's on and off again relationship with neighbor James. (Not critical though)
This story finds Agatha angry and upset because of her failed wedding with James in an earlier book. Agatha is finding it difficult to enjoy her life in the village of Carsley and is just basically angry with everyone and with herself. She craves James (who is off on some sort of vacation) but at the same time questions whether they will ever have a relationship. Her ex-business 'partner' Roy, from London, tries to goad Agatha to take a PR job in a nearby town of Ancombe. A business venture, bottling water from a local spring, is starting up and wants to promote it. Reluctantly, Agatha agrees but immediately, she discovers a body at the wellspring.
This starts a new mystery in her life, even though she even seems to be finding difficulty motivating herself to get involved. Without her partner James helping her, she is frustrated and irritable. There are many suspects, all of the Ancombe town council in fact, and Agatha goes through the motions of questioning them, on her own, with some help from the newly returned James (James begins to investigate on his own), and even Roy.
Agatha continues to work on promoting the bottling company, organizing events. Her interactions with the locals of Ancombe introduce many irritating, unlikeable characters. Agatha begins a relationship with one of the owners of the bottling company, a man years her junior, to James' chagrin and also to Agatha's embarrassment.
It's not a cheerful story in any way, unfortunately, although there are moments where Agatha manages to smile. Most of it, she is inconsolable and angry. Will her relationship with James resolve? Will Bill Wong, her friend and the local cop, solve the crime with Agatha's assistance? It's an interesting, if dark, wobbly tale. My favorite character is Agatha's best friend, Mrs. Bloxby, the vicar's wife; kind, level-headed, comforting. It was an interesting mystery, not perfect but still a nice, easy read. (3 stars)"
Currently Reading
"When it comes to murder, Constable Hamish Macbeth can't see the joke. Rich, old practical joker Andrew Trent summons his kin to remote Arrat House in the dead of winter for a deathbed farewell. But when they arrive, the old coot is in perfect health, cackling at his joke and ready to torment them with others.
But it turns out the joke's on Trent. As the saying goes, he who laughs last, kills first! And when Trent is murdered, Constable Macbeth must step in and solve the crime before the punchline of the next killing joke knocks him right into an early grave!"
I'll continue with my look at favorite authors in my next post. Enjoy the rest of your week.
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