It's Been Awhile.

I didn't realize that my last post here was two weeks ago. I can't say I've been overly busy, just that life moves along sometimes at a faster pace than you realize. So let's get down to business and provide a reading and new book update.

Finished

Since my update on May 9th, I've finished six books. Some were fairly short so it's not all that impressive. 😀

1. Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story by David A. Robertson (2011). I've read a couple of graphics by Robertson and also have a trilogy on my bookshelf that I need to get to. This was powerful.

"Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story by David Alexander Robertson is a simple, short story in comic format but it's also a story that needs to be told if Canada is to deal with the residential school nightmare. 

This is the story. A teacher wants his students to write about the residential school past and asks his students to interview an elder. He wants these questions answered -

- How did it affect First Nations people and how does it affect them today?

- How does your understanding the system change your view of First Nations people? Should it? Why or why not?

Daniel asks his friend April, a Cree, for help. She takes him to meet her Kokom, her grandmother. Kokom tells the story of her experience with the Residential school system. It's a story she has kept to herself until this time.

The residential school system was devised by the Canadian government and run by the Catholic Church. First Nation children were taken from their families, I guess for some reason, but from what has actually turned up, these children were abused, both physically and sexually in many many cases. It was a horror that has not yet been completed. The Canadian government established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate.

The story told in this short comic is based on the true life story of Elder Betty Ross of the Cross Lake Indian Residential School. It's a terrifying story. How these poor children could have their childhood's stolen from them. Many died in the schools, many suffered trauma that carried into their adult lives. It's a story that needs to be told, to be read, to be understood. Difficult story, sensitively told, beautifully drawn. (4.0 stars)"

2. Robodog by David Walliams (2023). This is the 2nd book I've read by Walliams, entertaining middle grade story.

"Robodog is the 2nd middle grade / YA book I've read by English author David Walliams. Like Spaceboy, it's an excellent, fun read for youngsters who are getting into reading.

Robodog is set in Bedlam, a town over run by super villains. The Chief of Police, a short woman, has set up a police dog academy to help combat the crime wave. Her wife, the Professor, has invented washing machines. After a disaster at the academy, caused in large part by the Lost Patrol (3 shiftless, lazy dogs) the Chief asks her to invent a super robot dog to help combat crime.

Hence the arrival of Robodog! He can do everything, fly, swim underwater, blow up bombs with his laser eye, etc. Unfortunately. the Professor and Chief's cat, Velma, is jealous and steals a part from Robodogs workings. When he is turned on, he goes berserk. 

But this is fixed, and Robo is introduced to the academy where he becomes a subject of jealousy of all the other dogs. He's just too good. Meanwhile, Velma, the cat, is plotting to get her revenge on Robo and Robo is put in with the Lost Patrol. 

Let's say it's a mixed up, crazy, wild adventure and Robodog will need the help of all of the other dogs, including the Lost Patrol and also Ratty, a new friend, if he is to recover stolen billions, defeat a gang of master villains and also a nasty group of cats. And he'll also discover something very important.... feelings.

It's a fun romp, lots of neat characters, great illustrations by Adam Sower, just a fun read. Check out David Walliams. He's prolific. (4.0 stars)"

3. Minky Woodcock: The Girl Who Electrified Tesla by Cynthia von Buhler (Minky Woodcock #2 / 2023). Not my favorite in the Hard Crime graphic novel series but still entertaining.

"The Girl Who Electrified Tesla is the 2nd Minky Woodcock mystery in the Hard Case Crime books by Cynthia von Buhler. It's probably my least favorite in this book / graphic novel series published in Titan Comics but it's still a fast paced, entertaining thriller.

Minky Woodcock has basically taken over her father's detective agency as he is being treated for lung cancer. (Interesting tidbit here - one of her doctors is a John Trump, an uncle of the ex-president, who had invented an X-ray to defeat cancer) 

Minky is hired by businessman J.P. Morgan to investigate Nikola Tesla, to find his plans for a secret weapon, a beam of some sort. The federal government wants it, the Nazis want it. Minky befriends Tesla and also meets Josephine Baker, a performer who also works for the French Resistance. (Many of these facts are true; the story elaborates and fleshes out this. 

Minky rushes from place to place, fighting and escaping Nazis and aggressive Morgan sons. With the help of Baker, they try to find Tesla's documentation. It's action - packed, fun-filled, sometimes sexy and also provides a back story on Minky's father and mother. I don't know if there will be anymore of Minky's adventures, but the two have been interesting to say the least. (3.0 stars)"

4. Monstress, Vol. 3 - Haven by Marjorie M. Liu (Monstress #3 / 2018). Confusing series but I love the art work and the characters.

"Monstress, Vol. 3: Haven by Marjorie M. Liu is, of course, the 3rd graphic in the Monstress series. It contains issues 13 - 18 of the comic series. Like the other two, it's a confusing but fantastic, entertaining, well-drawn adventure story. We continue to follow the Half-wolf, Maika and her friends, Kippa, the fox and Renn the cat wizard. As well, Maika must learn to work with the spirit / being that inhabits her, Zenn.

The group have now arrived at the island state of Pontus where they seek refuge from those chasing them. The rulers of Pontus have a 'wall' that keeps out Arcanics and humans, but they need Maika's magic to activate it. Zenn and Maika work to do this, while Kippa tries to find relatives in the refugee city, which is filled with foxes who have fled their for safety. Renn is being blackmailed by  other cat 'gods'? who want Kippa for something.

So you've got various ongoing story lines, as well, we jump to those chasing the group, and this is where it gets confusing. There is the threat of war between Arcanics and humans. The different Queens of the wizardry worlds battle each other and also try to unite in their efforts to find Maika, her portion of the 'mask'... Pontus is at threat, the refugees are trying to escape... So much going on but it's all exciting and fast-paced. Beautiful, dramatic artwork and wonderfully drawn characters. I love Kippa and also Rinn, but there is a wonderful variety of peoples and beings.

Oh, yes. Each chapter ends with an excerpt from the lectures of Professor Tam Tam, an elderly cat who tries to explain the world of Monstress. It sometimes helps. 😁 Anyway, it's so fascinating and I can't wait to read #4, The Chosen. (It's on order) (4.0 stars)"

5. Searoad by Ursula K. Le Guin (1991). This is the 9th Le Guin story I've enjoyed this year as I try to focus on her work and one of my favorites. Such variety.

"Sometimes it's difficult to describe a book and why you like it. At least that is the case for me. But I have to say that I thought Searoad by Ursula K. Le Guin was excellent. Over the past year, especially, I've been exploring the variety of Le Guin's works; her Sci Fi (the Hainish cycle), fantasy (Earthsea) and various of her fiction efforts; Orsinia, etc. Searoad is a collection of short stories and one novella set in the fictional Oregon town of Klatsand.

Each story focuses on one character, either a resident or a visitor to the town. The novella focuses on 4 woman; Fanny Crane Shaw Ozer, Jane Shaw Herne, Lily Francis Herne & Virginia Herne, the matriarch and her kin; daughter / granddaughter and great granddaughter. 

So is there excitement in these stories? Not particularly. Does anything strange or wonderful happen to the people represented? No, not particularly. It's mainly about their thoughts, their feelings and Klatsand is the hub, where we get to meet them. Each story is well - written, often poignant, thoughtful. For some reason, probably Le Guin's ability to write a story, whether a short story or novel, to get to the crux of a situation, to draw you in. 

As I look through the book again, some of the stories don't really end.. after all, I guess, they are a minute or a segment of the person's life. But it doesn't really matter. Le Guin's description makes you feel you are there, becoming part of the person's life, walking along Searoad, watching the breakers crash on the beach, watching the elk wander from the forest, looking you in the eye.... checking out the books in the used book store... The more I got into the book, the more I enjoyed. In one of my comments as I updated how many pages I had read, I mentioned a Munro like quality to the stories. I meant that as a compliment. Two great story tellers with the ability to write a great short story. (5.0 stars)"

6. The Death Miser by John Creasey (Department Z #1 / 1933). My May focus author is Creasey and I hope to finish 3 books. But I have so many others on my shelf I may do a 12 + 4 challenge starting in July. Such a prolific writer. Not all great but always entertaining.

"The Death Miser is the 1st book in English thriller / mystery writer John Creasey's Department Z series. I've been checking out the many series by Creasey over the past few years; enjoying Superintendent Gideon of Scotland Yard, the Toff, Dr. Palfrey and the Baron, to name a few. Creasey was prolific, writing over 600 novels during his lifetime. Yup... quite a few.

I won't say that The Death Miser was perfect. It reminded me of many book series I enjoyed as a youngster... heck, even as an adult; Doc Savage, Fu Manchu, James Bond. It's kind of a combination of them all... without the super-heroish aspects of Doc Savage and the mystical aspects of Fu Manchu. It also reminded me of those serials you used to get when you were a kid, at the Saturday matinee, the 15 minute short, ongoing adventure that would precede the main feature. Each episode would end with a cliff hanger. Ah, the things I enjoyed as a youngster that kids of today never get to experience. 😎

Anyway, I digress. So, a certain James Quinion, who is mostly referred to throughout this story as the Honorable James, also works for a mysterious organization within the British government, called Department Z. It's run by Gordon Craigie. He's considered a ne'er-do-well by his uncle, Colonel Dann, as a shiftless, wealthy gadabout who smokes, drinks and chases after women with his rich buddies. But in reality he takes on dangerous missions for Department Z, described by Craigie as 'a home for bachelors with a suicidal turn of mind'. 

While visiting with his Aunt Gloria and Uncle Dann in the country, he gets a message from Craigie to 'Watch Thomas Loder Cross Farm near Runsey report daily and give names of visitors." With the help of some of his buddies and a stranger from Canada, the Man named Smith, a strange adventure begins. Quinion will be forced to battle an international organization bent on destroying the world, lead by a mysterious individual named the Death Miser. He will also fall for a beautiful, mysterious girl who may or may not be part of the organization and work to save her from the Miser. 

It's all very confusing as the group works to stay alive and also battle this group. They are all jolly and energetic and quite invincible, both in spirit and body, even though they do suffer many bumps and bruises. It's a fantastic adventure, not without flaws, a bit out there  but all in good fun. Mindless, somewhat, but entertaining. I've ordered #2 just to see how the stories improve, or not. My next effort will be to introduce myself to Creasey's Inspector West series. Woo hoo! (2.5 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Inspector West Takes Charge by John Creasey (Inspector West #1 / 1942).

"Extortion is the name of the game and the method is to murder anyone who might get in the way. The Dreem factory and much else is at stake. Inspector West has to unravel it all at gun point, but not without difficulty and surprise . ."

2. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin (Hainish Cycle #4 / 1969). I've read this book at least twice, the first time in university as part of my Sci Fi Novel course, and want to see if I enjoy it as much as I did the first time. As well, it keeps my in synch with the Hainish Cycle books. There might be some reference to the previous 3.

"A groundbreaking work of science fiction, The Left Hand of Darkness tells the story of a lone human emissary to Winter, an alien world whose inhabitants can change their gender. His goal is to facilitate Winter's inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the completely dissimilar culture that he encounters. Embracing the aspects of psychology, society, and human emotion on an alien world, The Left Hand of Darkness stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of intellectual science fiction."

New Books

1. Tank Girl: The Odyssey by Peter Milligan (Tank Girl #4 / 2003). I love this series.

"A demented take on Homer’s classical Greek epic, The Odyssey, brought to you by the twisted genius of Peter Milligan (X-Statix) and Tank Girl co-creator and artist, Jamie Hewlett (Gorillaz).

Booga, Tank Girl’s husband, is being wooed by Hollywood agents but Tank Girl is missing and his resolve is crumbling, fast! Tele, their TV-headed son, sets out on a mercy dash to find his mother... in the process triggering a chain of events that will see Tank Girl, not only, face death itself, the siren call of Goth rock and a cyclopean hotel proprietor, but also a host of other scenes and characters based on The Odyssey... give or take the odd — ahem — “idiosyncratic” Tank Girl twist. With a new introduction from Alan Martin."

2. The Red Mass by Rosemary Aubert (Ellis Portal #5 / 2005). For some reason I stopped reading this mystery series, set in Toronto, after #4. I look forward to checking it out again.

"The fifth and final episode in Aubert's prize-winning series finds once-disgraced Toronto attorney Ellis Portal readmitted to the practice of law. Within moments, a superior court justice is charged with murder, and Ellis is tricked into defending him. Then Ellis faces his own daughter who's prosecuting the case."

(Ed. Note. I believe, in fact, there was one more book.)

2. Feersum Endjinn by Iain M. Banks (1994). I have enjoyed all of Banks' Sci Fi books. This is one of his standalone, separate from the Culture series. I found a couple of books when I went to the local charity thrift shop with Jo last weekend.

"Count Sessine is about to die for the very last time ...Chief Scientist Gadfium is about to receive the mysterious message she has been waiting for from the Plain of Sliding Stones ...And Bascule the Teller, in search of an ant, is about to enter the chaos of the crypt ...And everything is about to change ...For this is the time of the encroachment and, although the dimming sun still shines on the vast, towering walls of Serehfa Fastness, the end is close at hand. The King knows it, his closest advisers know it, yet sill they prosecute the war against the clan Engineers with increasing savagery. The crypt knows it too; so an emissary has been sent, an emissary who holds the key to all their futures."

2. Unwind by Neal Shusterman (Unwind #1 / 2007). I just read a graphic novel by Shusterman and have Scythe on my bookshelf. This looked interesting too.

"In America after the Second Civil War, the Pro-Choice and Pro-Life armies came to an agreement: The Bill of Life states that human life may not be touched from the moment of conception until a child reaches the age of thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, a parent may choose to retroactively get rid of a child through a process called "unwinding." Unwinding ensures that the child's life doesn’t “technically” end by transplanting all the organs in the child's body to various recipients. Now a common and accepted practice in society, troublesome or unwanted teens are able to easily be unwound."

3. Verses for the Dead by Douglas Preston (Max Pendergast #18 / 2018).

"FBI Agent Pendergast reluctantly teams up with a new partner to investigate a rash of Miami Beach murders . . . only to uncover a deadly conspiracy that spans decades.

After an overhaul of leadership at the FBI's New York field office, A. X. L. Pendergast is abruptly forced to accept an unthinkable condition of continued the famously rogue agent must now work with a partner.

Pendergast and his new colleague, junior agent Coldmoon, are assigned to investigate a rash of killings in Miami Beach, where a bloodthirsty psychopath is cutting out the hearts of his victims and leaving them with cryptic handwritten letters at local gravestones. The graves are unconnected save in one bizarre all belong to women who committed suicide.

But the seeming lack of connection between the old suicides and the new murders is soon the least of Pendergast's worries. Because as he digs deeper, he realizes the brutal new crimes may be just the tip of the a conspiracy of death that reaches back decades."

4. Traitor's Doom by John Creasey (Doctor Palfrey #1 / 1942).

"Nazi Agents are at work in the neutral countries of Europe - attempting to subvert so as to provide further easy victims for the Third Reich. Dr. Palfrey and the 'Rescue Squad' are faced with the challenge and danger of meeting this treachery and overcoming the full might of the German state in its quest for power. There is much standing against them, and they are likely to be uncovered and caught at any moment, but they must succeed as the fate of the allies may depend upon it."

5. Booked by Kwame Alexander (2022). I enjoyed the first graphic novel by Alexander.

"In this electric and heartfelt follow-up to Newbery Medal–winner The Crossover, soccer, family, love, and friendship take center stage as twelve-year-old Nick learns the power of words as he wrestles with problems at home, stands up to a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams.  From the dynamic team behind the graphic novel edition of The Crossover.

Twelve-year-old Nick is a soccer-loving boy who absolutely hates books. In this graphic novel version of Booked, the follow-up to the Newbery Medal–winning novel The Crossover, soccer, family, love, and friendship take center stage as Nick tries to figure out how to navigate his parents’ divorce, stand up to a bully, and impress the girl of his dreams. These challenges—which seem even harder than scoring a tie-breaking, game-winning goal—change his life, as well as his best friend’s."

There you go folks. I hope there are some reading ideas for you in this post.

A Sunday Rainy Morning Reading Update

It's rainy out this morning. Jo is in bed sort of listening and watching the Grand Prix. The puppies are downstairs with me as I write (type) this and listen to the Blue Jays spring training game in the background. While I do that, I'll provide a brief update on new books (not too many), books completed and what books I've started to replace those completed.

New Books

Two books arrived at the end of the week.

1. To Journey in the Year of the Tiger (Upper Kingdom #1) by H. Leighton Dixon. Dixon liked a tweet of mine on Twitter and I saw she was a Fantasy writer. Thought I should check out this series. It looks interesting.

"TO JOURNEY IN THE YEAR OF THE TIGER is the first in a Ground-Breaking Original Series by H. Leighton Dickson. This is a powerful, post-apocalyptic story of lions and tigers, wolves and dragons, embracing and blending the cultures of Dynastic China, Ancient India and Feudal Japan. Half feline, half human, this genetically altered world has evolved in the wake of the fall of human civilization. Fans of Tolkien, Game of Thrones, Redwall or Japanese anime will be entertained in these intelligent and beautifully written pages in a blend of science, fantasy and zoological speculation. Kirin Wynegarde-Grey is a young lion with a big job - Captain of the Guard in a Kingdom that spans from the mountains of western China to the deserts of the Middle East. When an ancient threat awakens in the West and threatens to overthrow the Empire, he must lead a team that includes his enigmatic brother, a lethal swordswoman and three radically different and mysterious specialists through a world where humans are legend and animals walk like men. This is the journey of six individuals as they travel beyond the edges of the known Empire, into lands uncharted and wild. It is a journey of magic and mystery, science and swords, romance and intrigue. It is a journey of different perspectives and unexpected kharma and love found in surprising places. It is a journey that takes place five thousand years or so in the future, naturally in the Year of the Tiger."

2. The Religious Body by Catherine Aird (Inspector Sloane #1). I'm always on the lookout for a new mystery series (in the respect that it is new for me, not necessarily a current series)

""Sister Anne," said the Mother Superior unperturbed, "died on Wednesday evening sometime after supper, probably in the corridor leading from the Great Hall to the kitchens. Her body was put into the broom cupboard and later thrown down the cellar steps. "Who would want to kill a cloistered nun? But, astonishingly, someone had. It was as much of a surprise to the sisters of the Convent of St. Anselm as it was to Inspector C. D. Sloan, Criminal Investigation Department. But now it was up to the Inspector to find the motive and the murderer."

Just Finished

Three books finished since my last update, one short graphic novel, one psychological mystery and one noirish mystery.

1. Northwest Resistance by Katherena Vermette (A Girl Called Echo #3).

"Northwest Resistance is the 3rd book in the YA / graphic novel series by Katherena Vermette. It comes under the A Girl Called Echo series of 4 graphic novels. 

Echo is a Métis girl living in Winnipeg Manitoba, adjusting to her mother being in rehab, to a new school and also to jumping back and forth in time to see events that take place in the 1800's in Canada. She follows the Métis people trying to fight for their rights against a recalcitrant Canadian government that is flexing its powers as it tries to expand to the West.

In this story, we see Louis Riel again as he tries to unite the Métis and nearby Indian tribes as they try to establish their communities against incoming English settlers. It's a tragic story and ends with Riel being surrendering to the Canadian authorities to stop the warfare and protect his people. Echo views these tragic events and we see the effect it has on her. At the same time her mother is soon to be out of rehab, another event that will affect her life.

The artwork is clear and beautifully colored and the story is interesting and also provides a perspective on a portion of Canada's history that I knew little about. One more book in this short but interesting series. (3.5 stars)"

2. The Diamond Bikini by Charles Williams (1956).

"The Diamond Bikini by Charles Williams was basically just silly. But a quick check revealed it was silly enough to be turned into a movie in France; Fantasia chez le ploucs (1971).

Seven - year old Billy and his dad, Sam Noonan, live in a trailer, and follow the race track circuit until Dad is forced to hit the road. They end up in Louisiana where Sam's brother, Sagamore Noonan, resides. (Now this story is told from the perspective of Billy and is colored by his childish vision. But, the gist is that Sagamore is a shifty fella, and the local sheriff has been trying to catch him at his illegal activities for years. 

Also showing up at the farm is 'Dr.' Severance and his 'charge' Caroline Harrington. Thinking they can make some money off them, Billy's pop rents out some space for the duo's trailer. It becomes apparent (not to Billy necessarily) that the two are on the run from someone. Caroline seems a very nice lady. She takes a shine to Billy, teaching him to swim in the lake. (Much is made about her skimpy bikini and her tattoo.... 

Things start to pick up. Men armed with tommy guns show up trying to remove Caroline. The police try to arrest Sagamore and Pop for an illegal still. Both events have dire consequences. When another attempt is made on Caroline's life and she disappears, Sagamore and Pop see it as a great money - making opportunity and it degenerates from there.

It's a silly story but an entertaining read. Does it fit in the noir genre? That's why I tried it. It doesn't seem noir to me, but maybe the French are the best arbiters of that style of mystery. Try it and see what you think. (3 stars)"

3. The Players and the Game by Julian Symons (1972).

"My first and only previous exposure to Julian Symons was The Blackheath Poisonings: A Victorian Murder Mystery. I enjoyed it very much and now that I've finally tried a second, The Players and The Game, I think I may have to explore a bit more of his work. Luckily I have a couple of more books by him on my shelf.

At its most basic, The Players and The Game is a police procedural, as we follow Inspector Hazelton and his fellow coppers, Paterson, Brill and Plender as the investigate first the disappearances of a French au-pair and another young woman, then as they discover a possible serial killer, a deeper, more comprehensive investigation begins. But as I got into this story, I discovered there was much more to it and thought that it had sensibilities to others I've enjoyed, by authors Hillary Waugh and Michael Gilbert.

The story follows the police investigation but it also explores the lives of various suspects, especially Paul Vane, a newcomer to Rawley, a man who has his own issues; both with his family and his work. We also get to read the diary of one Dracula, who is discovering his own personality, quoting Nietzsche as he explores his 'criminal' activities with partner Bonnie. I don't want to ruin this story by getting into much more detail about the plot, suffice it say that the mystery is well-crafted, the characters are all fascinating; from the police themselves to the victims / suspects as well, and that the story moves along nicely as everything begins to tie together in such a satisfying fashion.

It's a pretty darn perfect psychological thriller and even though the murderous act(s) seem to have been perverse and shocking, they are left for the most part to your imagination... that can be shocking enough. I enjoyed the story so very much. The deeper I got into it, the more I had to keep reading it. The solution was satisfying and believable. The police aren't perfect but they are hard working and imaginative enough to work through the clues to come to the final result. But as you will see, their work can have unintended tragic consequences as well. Excellent mystery. (5 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Landed Gently by Alan Hunter (Inspector George Gently #4). I've enjoyed the first three books and it's been too long since I've visited with this series.

"Having been invited to spend Christmas in the country, fishing for pike, Gently finds himself hunting a completely different predator when a guest at Merely Hall, a nearby stately home, is found dead at the foot of the grand staircase on Christmas morning.

At first the tragedy is assumed to be a simple accident, but Gently is not one to jump to conclusions and is soon in no doubt whatsoever that this was murder.

Merely produces the finest tapestries in England but the threads that Gently must unravel in his investigation are more complex than any weaver's design, with everyone from the lord of the manor to his most lowly servant falling under suspicion."

2. Rhode Island Red by Charlotte Carter (Nanette Hayes #1 / 1997). This will be the last of my March Focus books - Mystery Noir).

"Nanette is doing OK playing her saxophone out on the street. Sure her boyfriend Walter doesn't think it's any way for a black woman with a Masters degree in French to carry on, but she's happy. Then things start happening. An undercover cop dies in her apartment. A strange man wants her to explain the mystery of Charlie Parker. Walter wants to get married. And who or what is Rhode Island Red? Fast, sweet and funny, Rhode Island Red is a classic New York thriller, the story of a Spike Lee heroine in a Woody Allen world."

3. The Child Garden by Geoff Ryman (1989). I've lined this up for my April Focus Challenge - Sci-Fi.

"In a semi-tropical London, surrounded by paddy-fields, the people feed off the sun, like plants, the young are raised in Child Gardens and educated by viruses, And the Consensus oversees the country, 'treating' non-conformism. Information, culture, law and politics are biological functions. But Milena is different: she is resistant to viruses and an incredible musician, one of the most extraordinary women of her age. This is her story and that of her friends, like Lucy the immortal tumor and Joseph the Postman whose mind is an information storehouse for others, and Rolfa, genetically engineered as a Polar Bear, whose beautiful singing voice first awakens Milena to the power of music."

I think it's a nice variety. Check them out and have a great week.

A Friday Reading / New Book Update

Not a lot to say as a preamble today. It's a gloomy damp Friday. And on that cheerful note, let's update some new books and my latest reviews / and book synopses.

Just Finished

(I've finished 4 books so far in March)

1. A Girl Called Echo: Vol 2 - Northwest Resistance by Katherena Vermette (Graphic Novel).

"Book 2 of the YA / historical fiction / graphic novel series, A Girl Called Echo. The series features Métis girl, Echo, who is adjusting to a new school in Winnipeg Manitoba, making friends, and as she learns the history of Manitoba (& hence Canada), she time travels back to the period being discussed.

In this episode, she travels back to 1869, when the Hudson Bay Company has sold a considerable acreage along the Assiniboine River, including Winnipeg, to the new Government of Canada. The citizens already living there, a mix of English, French, Métis (mix of Indian and French) and Native Canadians, want to form their own government and negotiate with the Canadian government.

But there is a group of Canada Firsters (does that sound familiar in today's world?) who want the Canadian government to take over from the Métis-led local government, led by one Louis Riel. In a period not a very proud one in Canada's history, we have 'friction' between the Canadian government and the Northwest one, with the Canadians sending an army to route the locals.

Echo gets a front row seat in this battle, making for an interesting perspective. She also continues with her normal life back in the present. All in all it's a unique way of passing along Canadian history. The story is interesting, Echo is an interesting character (I look forward to more character development in the final two stories). The drawings and artwork are also quite excellent, bright and vibrant. Well worth trying out (3.5 stars)"

2. Fifty Four Pigs: A Dr Bannerman Vet Mystery by Philipp Schott (2022).

"(Full Disclosure: A publishing company recently asked if I'd be interested in reading and reviewing a book they will soon be publishing. I said yes. This is the book). Author Philipp Schott is a Canadian veterinarian who lives and works in Winnipeg Manitoba. He has previously published two other books. Fifty-Four Pigs: A Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery is the 'first' book in his Doctor Peter Bannerman mystery series.

Peter is a veterinarian who works out of New Selfoss Manitoba, a small town on the edge of Lake Winnipeg. The town was established by Icelandic settlers to Canada. Bannerman lives there with his wife Laura (she has a successful mail order business providing interesting knitted garments featuring characters and creatures from fantasy novels), dog Pippin and cat Merriweather. (As you can see both love the fantasy genre, another reason to like them)

Peter is a curious character, curious because of his character traits and just plain curious. He finds himself trying to help solve mysteries, the size doesn't matter. His faithful companion, Pippin, is an excellent sniffer and Peter uses this skill in trying to solve mysteries.

Peter's neighbour Tom has his barn burned to the ground. Along with the 54 pigs inside, who are all killed, the RCMP also find a human jawbone. Tom is an immediate suspect, even though he was away from his home, having breakfast in town. Peter's interest is piqued and he wants to assist RCMP constable, and brother-in-law, Kevin with his investigation.

Other interesting things are happening in the area, besides a frigid winter chill. Another neighbour, Elton has his greenhouse broken into and he asks for Peter's assistance. At the same time Peter's home is burgled and he finds that the only item stolen was meat from his freezer. Well, there were other items, but they turn up very quickly.

Along with his daily routine at his veterinary practice, Peter also has daily runs to farms in the area. This normality adds a very nice quality to the story. Time spent with Pippin, either doing his own private investigation (much to Kevin's annoyance) or just continuing with nose training, also is an interesting feature. The winter weather, the rugged surroundings all bring back fond memories to me as I spent a year in Winnipeg at one time. WEATHER!!! They don't call it Windypeg or Winterpeg for nothing. Well maybe that was just me.

The mystery becomes somewhat convoluted but that is a normal aspect of mysteries, eh? There is an escalation of violence as Peter delves deeper, an increase in tension and a nicely climactic resolution to the story. All in all it's an interesting introduction to what I hope will become a successful mystery series. Well worth trying out. (4 stars)"

3. Stray Cat Waltz by Karen Kijewski (Kat Colorado #9).

"OK, I've kind of jumped around with this series; Stray Kat Waltz by Karen Kijewski is the last book in the Kat Colorado mystery series. I've not been following in any particular order and there is an ongoing story line that probably should have been followed in order. Having provided that qualifier, it didn't take too much to know what that story line was and how it affected Kat's present life.

Without getting into specifics, Kat is dealing with a personal tragedy and has basically withdrawn from life and her PI business. A lawyer friend, Jenny, tries to get her involved in a stalking case but Kat has no motivation to do so. The woman, Sara shows up at Kat's office, and begs her to help her. Her estranged husband, Jed, a police officer, is harassing and threatening her. Kat doesn't want to get involved, feeling it's a job for the police (Sara doesn't trust them) and basically she doesn't really like Sara.

Kat is attacked in her back lane and Sara is almost drowned (blaming Jed) and a friend is killed in the same incident. Kat is dragged into the situation. She begins following Jed, tracking his movements, stopping him from following Sara, etc. There is a lot of friction between Sara and Kat; Sara won't listen to Kat, refuses to take her advice / suggestions. None of Jed's friends believe he is capable of being a stalker or of hurting a woman; he's involved in charities, is a church goer, is a WONDERFUL guy and he's great in bed (well, that's Sara's thoughts)

It's a fascinating story, probably the best in the series so far for me. It's told from a first person perspective; but not just from Kat's, also from Sara's and Jed's. This an be somewhat confusing at times but it does really help you to get to know the characters. It's also great, during the course of the story, seeing Kat reclaiming her life, her emotional stability, her ability to act promptly and decisively. Her pal, Charity, plays a nice little role, an shoulder to cry on, a source of strength and companionship. The story takes a neat little jump to the left as you get into it and takes an unexpected path to resolution. Kijewski writes easily and the story moves along very nicely and comes to a very satisfying resolution. This is the last book in the series it seems. That's too bad, but at least I have some of the earlier ones still to enjoy. (4 stars)"

4. Meet Me At The Morgue by Ross Macdonald (1953).

"I've said this before and I'll say it again. Before I discovered the mysteries of Ross Macdonald, I had been enjoying the works of his wife, Canadian mystery writer Margaret Millar. In the last few years I've tried MacDonald's Lew Archer books, excellent noir mysteries. Meet Me at the Morgue, written originally in 1953, was a non-series novel, featuring Parole Officer Howard Cross. I'll start off by saying it was quite excellent.

One of Cross's parolees is suspected of orchestrating the kidnapping of a young boy, the child of the wealthy family for whom he is chauffeur. Ex-Navy vet Fred Miner disappears and his wife gets Cross to begin investigating this. It all becomes a fascinating, entertaining mystery, as Cross delves into the people who might be involved in the case. Linking with the 'kidnapping' is an accident involving Miner, in which he killed a man (hit-and-run) while driving under the influence. This is why he is out on parole. The body has been unidentified and Cross wonders if there is a link between this accident and the kidnapping.

Macdonald creates a fascinating story. His writing is clear and concise and draws you in. There are suspects enough to keep you wondering and enough action as well to hold your interest. His story - telling is excellent. His description of people and settings creates pictures in your mind. I felt myself liking so many characters, especially Cross. He's a sympathetic but tough individual and has an ability to draw information from those people he comes across. Even minor characters, like aging cop Sam Dressen and FBI man Forest are intelligent and basically good cops.

The mystery twists and turns as Cross investigates. It's all very intriguing and the final resolution is eminently satisfying. So glad to have finally discovered Macdonald's work. (4.5 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Gideon's Risk by J.J. Marric (Gideon #6). This is the 2nd book in this series I've read in 2022. Great police procedural series).

"A British baron's passionate sidelines are a deadly business. A gang of ingenious car thieves uses a most provocative bait to lure young men into crime. A teenager becomes a killer's target when she witnesses the murder of one of the Yard's chief informers."

2. Terminal Café by Ian McDonald (1994). A new author for me.

"It is a few decades after a revolutionary technology has given humans the ability to resurrect the dead. The ever-increasing population of the risen dead is segregated into areas called necrovilles. Here they have created a wild culture, untouched by the restrictions of the law - except that the dead cannot stray into the realm of the living, nor the living into the teeming necrovilles, after nightfall. It is November 1, the Day of the Dead. Virtual artist Santiago Columbar, creator of drugs and 'ware that melt and reconfigure reality for his many disciples, has grown bored with the realities at his command. There is one reality he has yet to try, the culmination of his life as an artist: He will venture into the forbidden streets of the Saint John dead town, and there walk willingly into the open arms of death. At Santiago's invitation, four of his friends will meet in Saint John to record his death and resurrection. On their way to witness Santiago's transformation, as the necroville erupts into the first volley of a revolution against the living, each will face danger and adventure in the wild streets of the dead...and find that life has changed forever."

3. 13 West Street (also published as The Tiger Among Us) by Leigh Brackett (1953). (It was turned into a movie under the 13 West Street title in 1962, starring Alan Ladd and Rod Steiger). 

"Walter Sherris, a successful, happy, good husband and father, made just one mistake: he took a walk along a dark road one night. Without warning, a car raced towards him and screeched to a stop; out piled five young men intent on violence. To the accompaniment of wild brainless laughter, Walter Sherris was beaten to the ground. He awoke in a hospital nine days later. And from that moment his pleasant life became a nightmare, more horrible than those he had wrestled with in those nine days of unconsciousness. Walter Sherris wanted revenge: for the broken leg and the pain; for the doubts he now had about his pretty young wife; and for the countless and nameless others who had been mauled by the thrill seekers, the sadists, the compulsive slayers . . . the tigers loose in a tame suburban world. The police were evasive, almost disinterested. There were no witnesses. So Walter Sherris set out alone to trap the tiger. The Tiger Among Us was filmed as 13 West Street (starring Alan Ladd)."

New Books

1. Road Allowance Era: A Girl Called Echo Vol 4 by Katherena Vermette.

"Echo's story pick sup again when she travels back in time to 1885. The Manitoba Act's promise of land for the Metis has gone unfulfilled and many flee to the Northwest."

2. The Last Tycoon by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1941). I found this in my Little Free Library and it was in excellent condition and is an author I've not really read before.

"The Last Tycoon, edited by the renowned literary critic Edmund Wilson, was first published a year after Fitzgerald's death and includes the author's notes and outline for his unfinished literary masterpiece. It is the story of the young Hollywood mogul Monroe Stahr, a character inspired by the life of boy-genius Irving Thalberg, and is an exposé of the studio system in its heyday."

3. The Case of the Mythical Monkeys by Erle Stanley Gardner (Perry Mason #59). One of my local used book stores had two Perry Mason mysteries in pretty pristine condition.

"Gladys Doyle's luxurious ski weekend, courtesy of her employer, takes a sharp turn for the worse when she heads home on Sunday. Heavy storms force her to seek shelter with a surly stranger in a lonely mountain cabin. Next morning there's a dead man in the bedroom, the mysterious host has disappeared, and poor Gladys's fingerprints are all over the murder weapon.

Her desperate plight sends Perry Mason ice-fishing in dangerous waters--for a catch that includes a silk scarf curiously decorated with monkeys, a pristine tea kettle, a bodyguard who takes care of his clients permanently, and a vicious bottom feeder hungry for prey . . . ."

4. The Case of the Deadly Toy by Erle Stanley Gardner (Perry Mason #60).

"Toddler Robert, heir to Selkirk fortune, plays with his mother Lorraine's real gun outside, vanishes after his father Mervin is found shot. His accused ex-girlfriend Norda Allison, harassed by anonymous letters, finds address printing press in basement of Mervin's ex-wife and hires California lawyer Perry Mason to save her."

5. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (Shades of Magic #1). I keep seeing Schwab's name as I scroll through Goodreads' reviews and saw the first book in a trilogy at my local. (Well, all three actually but I thought I should just try the first to see if I even like Schwab's writing.)

"Kell is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black.

Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see.

Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.

After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive."

6. A Carnival of Snackery: Diaries 2003 - 2020 by David Sedaris (2021). Jo told me about David Sedaris and has one of his books of essays. I saw this while I was looking around The Laughing Oyster bookshop.

"If it’s navel-gazing you’re after, you’ve come to the wrong place; ditto treacly self-examination. Rather, his observations turn outward: a fight between two men on a bus, a fight between two men on the street, pedestrians being whacked over the head or gathering to watch as a man considers leap­ing to his death. There’s a dirty joke shared at a book signing, then a dirtier one told at a dinner party—lots of jokes here. Plenty of laughs.

 
These diaries remind you that you once really hated George W. Bush, and that not too long ago, Donald Trump was just a harm­less laughingstock, at least on French TV. Time marches on, and Sedaris, at his desk or on planes, in hotel dining rooms and odd Japanese inns, records it. The entries here reflect an ever-changing background—new administrations, new restrictions on speech and conduct. What you can say at the start of the book, you can’t by the end. At its best, A Carnival of Snackery is a sort of sampler: the bitter and the sweet. Some entries are just what you wanted. Others you might want to spit discreetly into a napkin."

So there you go, a complete update. I know in a previous entry I said I'd get back to my look at my ongoing thread on Women Authors Whose Works I've Been Enjoying. I will do that but not today as I've got a puppy who is aggressively signaling to me that it's time for his lunchtime walk and then his dinner. LOL!

Have a great weekend. Stay safe and read a good book or two.