New Books

On Sunday I went to the Comox Valley Rotary Club's Book Sale. There used to be one or two a year, usually for a week each time. They seem to have more a year now and just hold them over a weekend. Either way, there are good deals and I can usually find a few books. This time a small bag of books (I picked about 16) cost me $10.00. You can't go wrong with that, even if I picked up a couple I already had. So for your entertainment and book ideas, here are a few that I picked out. Oh and I'll also include one that arrived at Books4Brains for me this morning and a couple of others that arrived at the end of January. Are you ready?

Some New Books

1.  Violent Stars by Phyllis Gotlieb (Lyhhrt Trilogy #2 / 1999). One of my favorite Sci Fi authors.

"An interstellar alien corporation run by aliens was thwarted in its plans to exploit genetically altered slaves. Now, in an attempt to keep it's case from ever coming to court, a judge is murdered on Khagodis--the planet where the amphibious human slaves were first bred--and the man who first broke the slave ring must find a way to bring these villains to justice."

2. The Boy on the Bridge by M.R. Carey (Girl with the Goods #2 / 2017). I've been enjoying Carey's Felix Castor supernatural series. This one sounded good. I have the first book on order.

"Once upon a time, in a land blighted by terror, there was a very clever boy.

The people thought the boy could save them, so they opened their gates and sent him out into the world.

To where the monsters lived."

3. If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin (Fic / 1974). I've never read any of James Baldwin's books but this was turned into a successful movie so it's a good starting point, maybe.

"In this honest and stunning novel, James Baldwin has given America a moving story of love in the face of injustice. Told through the eyes of Tish, a nineteen-year-old girl in love with Fonny, a young sculptor who is the father of her child, Baldwin's story mixes the sweet and the sad. Tish and Fonny have pledged to get married, but Fonny is falsely accused of a terrible crime and imprisoned. Their families set out to clear his name, and as they face an uncertain future, the young lovers experience a kaleidoscope of emotions — affection, despair, and hope. In a love story that evokes the blues, where passion and sadness are inevitably intertwined, Baldwin has created two characters so alive and profoundly realized that they are unforgettably ingrained in the American psyche."

4. The Jagged Orbit by John Brunner (1969). I've enjoyed a few of Brunner's Sci Fi stories. This one sounded interesting.

"Matthew Flamen, last of the networks' spoolpigeons, is desperate for a big story. He needs it to keep his audience & his job. There's no shortage of possibilities: the Gottschalk cartel is fomenting trouble among the knees in order to sell their latest armaments to the blanks; which ties in nicely with the fact that something big is brewing with the X Patriots. It looks as if the inconceivable is about to happen & that one of Britain's most dangerous revolutionaries is going to be given a visa to enter America. Then there's the story that just falls into his lap. The one that suggests that the respected Director of the NY State Mental Hospital is a charlatan."

5. A Prince for Inspector West by John Creasey (Inspector West #20 / 1956). I've enjoyed quite a few of Creasey's books, whether he's writing as JJ Marric, Creasey, Gordon Dawlish. I've not yet tried this series.

"An assassination in Milan, caught on camera. Then the cameraman too is murdered ..."

6. The Song Dog by James McClure (Kramer & Zondi #8 / 1991). I've read one of this crime series set in South Africa and quite enjoyed.

"The year is 1962. Young Lieutenant Tromp Kramer of the Trekkersburg Murder and Robbery Squad has been ordered up to Jafini, a small, dusty town in northern Zululand, to investigate the "hero's death" of the town's chief detective, Maaties Kritzinger—another Afrikaner maverick, and one with many secrets. Kramer finds himself increasingly identifying with the victim as the investigation proceeds.

And then his path crosses that of Bantu Detective Sergeant Mickey Zondi, who is trying to locate a multiple killer whose summary execution will quiet the spirits of his ancestors. Despite the racial differences, the two men sense a kinship ... one that might prove dangerous in rural South Africa in the year of Nelson Mandela's imprisonment."

7. Murder in the Blue Room by Elliot Roosevelt (Eleanor Roosevelt #8 / 1990). It always happens this way. I read a new author and then order the next book and all of a sudden other books in the series crop up locally. 

"When a pretty, young Press Office secretary is bludgeoned to death in the Blue Room of the White House, Eleanor Roosevelt begins to investigate, questioning a house full of visiting Russian diplomats."

(Ed. Note. #2 arrived in the mail today.)

8. Fall of Angels by Barbara Cleverly (Inspector Redfyre #1 / 2018). I've previously been enjoying Cleverly's Joe Sandiland mysteries; starting in India, then moving back to Scotland Yard. I've since discovered she's started two other series, an archeological mystery series featuring Leatitia Talbot and this series of two books thus far, Fall of Angels and Invitation to Die. I found both books at the Rotary Club sale and they were like new.

"England 1923: Detective Inspector John Redfyre is a godsend to the Cambridge CID. The ancient university city is at war with town versus gown, male versus female, press versus the police force and everyone versus the undergraduates. Redfyre, young, handsome and capable, is a survivor of the Great War. Born and raised among the city’s colleges, he has access to the educated élite who run these institutions, a society previously deemed impenetrable by local law enforcement.

 
When Redfyre’s Aunt Hetty hands him a front-row ticket to the year’s St. Barnabas College Christmas concert, he is looking forward to a right merrie yuletide noyse from a trumpet soloist, accompanied by the organ. He is intrigued to find that the trumpet player is—scandalously—a young woman. And Juno Proudfoot is a beautiful and talented one at that. Such choice of a performer is unacceptable in conservative academic circles.
 
Redfyre finds himself anxious throughout a performance in which Juno charms and captivates her audience, and his unease proves well founded when she tumbles headlong down a staircase after curtain fall. He finds evidence that someone carefully planned her death. Has her showing provoked a dangerous, vengeful woman-hater to take action?
 
When more Cambridge women are murdered, Redfyre realizes that some of his dearest friends and his family may become targets, and—equally alarmingly—that the killer might be within his own close circle."

9. Whispering Death by Garry Disher (Peninsular Crimes #6 / 2011). I've enjoyed the first two books in this series, a police procedural set in Australia, very much. I really look forward to continuing with the series.

"Hal Challis is in trouble at home and dressed down by the boss for speaking out about police budget cuts; missing his lover, Ellen Destry, who is overseas on a study tour. But there's plenty to keep his mind off his problems. A rapist in a police uniform stalks Challis's Peninsula beat, there is a serial armed robber headed in his direction and a home invasion that's a little too close to home. Not to mention a very clever, very mysterious female cat burglar who may or may not be planning something on Challis's patch. Meanwhile, at the Waterloo Police Station, Challis finds his officers have their own issues. Scobie Sutton, still struggling with his wife's depression, seems to be headed for a career crisis; and something very interesting is going on between Constable Pam Murphy and Jeanne Schiff, the feisty young sergeant on assignment from the Sex Crimes Unit."

10. The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide by Tony Terlizzi & Holly Black (Spiderwick #1 / 2003). I've enjoyed some of the fantasy I've read by Holly Black and this YA series sounded interesting.

"After finding a mysterious, handmade field guide in the attic of the ramshackle old mansion they’ve just moved into, Jared, his twin brother Simon, and their older sister, Mallory, discover that there’s a magical and maybe dangerous world existing parallel to our own—the world of Faerie.

The Grace children want to share their story, but the faeries will do everything possible to stop them. . . ."

There you go. See any books that interest you?

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

Yesterday around 5 p.m. there was a knock on the door. Clyde started barking and Bonnie decided to take up the song. When I opened the door, much to my surprise there was a postal driver at the door with a bunch of books for me. I had ordered a few in December and lo and behold, six arrived at the same time. Too much for the super mailbox that services us so they were delivered personally.

So today, I'm going to just focus on the new books. I've not completed any since my last reading update so it's all new books babee!

New Books

1. Travel Light by Naomi Mitchison (Fantasy / 1952). I'm not sure where I heard about this book, it might have been listed at the back of another I had read. At any rate, Mitchison is a new author for me.

"From the dark ages to modern times, from the dragons of medieval forests to Constantinople, this is a fantastic and philosophical fairy-tale journey that will appeal to fans of Harry Potter, Diana Wynne Jones, and T. H. White’s The Sword in the Stone."

2. The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown (Horror / Sci Fi / 2023). Another new author.

"Ness Brown's The Scourge Between Stars is a tense, claustrophobic sci-fi/horror blend set aboard a doomed generation ship harboring something terrible within its walls.

As acting captain of the starship Calypso, Jacklyn Albright is responsible for keeping the last of humanity alive as they limp back to Earth from their forebears’ failed colony on a distant planet.

Faced with constant threats of starvation and destruction in the treacherous minefield of interstellar space, Jacklyn's crew has reached their breaking point. As unrest begins to spread throughout the ship’s Wards, a new threat emerges, picking off crew members in grim, bloody fashion.

Jacklyn and her team must hunt down the ship’s unknown intruder if they have any hope of making it back to their solar system alive." (Sounds a bit like Alien, eh?)

3. Natural Causes by James Oswald (Inspector McLean #1 / 2012). A friend on Goodreads provided an excellent review of the book so I thought I should check it out.

"A young girl's mutilated body is discovered in a room that has lain sealed for the last sixty years. Her remains are carefully arranged in what seems to have been a macabre ritual.

For newly appointed Edinburgh Detective Inspector Tony McLean, this baffling cold case ought to be a low priority, but he is haunted by the young victim and her grisly death. Meanwhile, the city is horrified by a series of bloody killings -- deaths for which there appears to be neither rhyme nor reason, and which leave Edinburgh's police at a loss.

McLean is convinced that these deaths are somehow connected to the terrible ceremonial killing of the girl, all those years ago. It is an irrational theory. And one that will lead McLean closer to the heart of a terrifying and ancient evil . . ."

4. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson (Todd Family #1 / 2013). I have yet to be disappointed by Atkinson. She is a fine story teller.

"What if you could live again and again, until you got it right?

On a cold and snowy night in 1910, Ursula Todd is born to an English banker and his wife. She dies before she can draw her first breath. On that same cold and snowy night, Ursula Todd is born, lets out a lusty wail, and embarks upon a life that will be, to say the least, unusual. For as she grows, she also dies, repeatedly, in a variety of ways, while the young century marches on towards its second cataclysmic world war.

Does Ursula's apparently infinite number of lives give her the power to save the world from its inevitable destiny? And if she can — will she?"

5. The Boggart Fights Back by Susan Cooper (The Boggart #3 / 2018). I've been enjoying Cooper's young adult fantasy series, The Dark is Rising. I've yet to try the Boggart trilogy but I'm looking forward to it. It seems like a fun read.

"The Boggart is back for a new adventure of magic and mayhem from Newbery winner Susan Cooper.

Magic is in the air when Allie and Jay Cameron visit their ancestors’ ancient Castle Keep in Scotland, tucked in its unspoiled loch. The twins wake the mischievous shape-shifting Boggart and his infamous cousin Nessie, of Loch Ness fame. But a summer of fun-loving trickery with the Old Things is invaded by a dangerous real estate developer called William Trout.

Trout has big plans for a luxury resort on the loch, and little care for its people or the law. Bulldozers get to work. The future of the loch, its seals, and all its beauty are threatened. The twins and Angus Cameron, their grandfather, mobilize to save his shop and the loch, but it’s soon clear they will need help of a different sort…

In a race against time, the Boggarts recruit help from other Old Things of Scotland: hair-raising creatures of the Wild Magic. But are the Blue Men of the Minch and the Nuckelavee too terrifying for humans to handle? How can they drive out the invader? What’s certain is that Mr. Trout is in for a wild ride in this comical, page-turning adventure from Newbery Medalist Susan Cooper."

6. Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney (Non Fiction / 2023). This will be the next book in my non-series challenge.

"A gripping first-hand account from inside the halls of Congress as Donald Trump and his enablers betrayed the American people and the Constitution--leading to the violent attack on our Capitol on January 6th, 2021—by the House Republican leader who dared to stand up to it.

 
In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump and many around him, including certain other elected Republican officials, intentionally breached their oath to the they ignored the rulings of dozens of courts, plotted to overturn a lawful election, and provoked a violent attack on our Capitol.   Liz Cheney, one of the few Republican officials to take a stand against these efforts, witnessed the attack first-hand, and then helped lead the Congressional Select Committee investigation into how it happened. In Oath and Honor , she tells the story of this perilous moment in our history, those who helped Trump spread the stolen election lie, those whose actions preserved our constitutional framework, and the risks we still face."

There you go. Anything look interesting to you?

New Books and My Continuing Look at My Favorite Authors

 A busy day yesterday. The puppies went to the groomer for the first time this year. They look great. Jo had been working on them over the course of the last six to 8 months, clipping them with scissors in the evening while they lied on the sofa with us. So they weren't too bad when they were delivered to the groomer, just shaggy and scruffy. They definitely feel a lot better today.

I got a couple of new books this week. I'll provide the synopsis for both. I'll also continue with my look at favorite authors.

New Books

1. The Glass-Blowers by Daphne du Maurier (1963).

"'Perhaps we shall not see each other again. I will write to you, though, and tell you, as best I can, the story of your family. A glass-blower, remember, breathes life into a vessel, giving it shape and form and sometimes beauty; but he can with that same breath, shatter and destroy it' Faithful to her word, Sophie Duval reveals to her long-lost nephew the tragic story of a family of master craftsmen in eighteenth-century France. The world of the glass-blowers has its own traditions, it's own language - and its own rules. 'If you marry into glass' Pierre Labbe warns his daughter, 'you will say goodbye to everything familiar, and enter a closed world'. But crashing into this world comes the violence and terror of the French Revolution against which, the family struggles to survive. The Glass Blowers is a remarkable achievement - an imaginative and exciting reworking of du Maurier's own family history."

2. Re-Enter Fu-Manchu by Sax Rohmer (Fu-Manchu #12). I've enjoyed this series. I think next year I'll make it one of my monthly challenges. 

"The 1950s—the era of the Cold War. The USSR is poised to begin the space race by launching the Sputnik satellite, Mao Zedong rules Communist China, and the greatest global fear is of the atomic bomb.

Missing for nearly a decade, Fu-Manchu re-emerges in an attempt to wrest control of China from the accursed Communists. Nayland Smith pursues his enemy from London to Cairo to New York, determined to end his reign of terror. But there’s something amiss with Smith—something his allies need to uncover before it’s too late."

My Favorite Authors - Bernard Cornwell

Bernard Cornwell is an English author, born in London in 1944. He specializes in historical fiction.He has written books in six different series so far. I became aware of his Sharpe series, mainly set during the Napoleonic wars, when I watched the TV series starring Sean Bean as the anti-hero, Richard Sharpe. He has written 24 books in the series and so far I've read 14. I won't highlight all 14 in this but will look at my reviews of the last six that I've enjoyed to give you a feel for the stories.

1. Sharpe's Gold (#9 / 1981).

 

"From the back of the book: Richard Sharpe is delighted when, after long months of patrolling duties, he and his regiment are summoned north by Wellington. But his new mission is desperate and dangerous: to go behind enemy lines to recover gold vital to the success of the war. The treasure is in the possession of a powerful guerrilla leader, feared by ally and enemy alike. And he has a particular reason not to co-operate with Sharpe - the man who has stolen his woman." (3 stars)

2. Sharpe's Escape (#10 / 2004).

"I've enjoyed every Sharpe adventure I've read so far. This was one of the more interesting one, Sharpe once again in action in Portugal. The history very interesting, dealing with Wellington's building of a fortress-like wall along the coast to keep the French from Lisbon and also destroying crops, foodstuff, etc on the French side of the wall to starve them into submission. In the midst of this, Sharpe is involved with traitorous Portuguese, saving a lovely English girl and trying to find his way, along with his perpetual companion, faithful Sgt Harper to the wall and his regiment. Excellent stuff.! (4 stars)"

3. Sharpe's Fury (#11 / 2006).

"As always the Sharpe books are an entertaining and exciting adventure series. This is the 11th book in the series and I enjoyed it very much. I like the historical aspects of the story, the British battle at Barraso in 1811 and how Cornwell fits Capt Sharpe and his riflemen into the action. There were excellent supporting characters, including Sir Thomas Graham, who I liked very much. There is always a slight romantic interest but not quite so prevalent in this story. Sharpe has to contend with a plotting, vicious Spanish priest and a French Colonel, Vandal, who doesn't play according to the rules of war. If you like a page turner and well-crafted historical adventure, try the Sharpe books. (4 stars)"

4. Sharpe's Battle (#12 / 1995).

"Sharpe's Battle is the 12th book by Bernard Cornwell featuring British soldier / adventurer Lt Richard Sharpe. As always, this is a book filled with adventure, battles and strife for Sharpe, a soldier who was given a commission by Lord Wellington in the first book as he saved Wellington's life.

Sharpe lead a group of soldiers, not your typical Red coats but Green Jacket skirmishers. This story is set during the Portuguese / Spanish wars as the British and their allies battle the French troops of Napoleon. This story is set in May 1811 and features the battle of Fuentes de Onoro.
 

In this setting, Sharpe and his men contact a French brigade led by General Loup, the grey wolves, who are terrorizing the countryside, raping and pillaging. Sharpe earns Loup's eternal enmity for executing two of Loup's men who were caught raping a young woman.
 

That is the basis of this story. Sharpe must redeem himself in Wellington's eyes, avoid a court martial and also help the British fight their battle against invading French soldiers. Action, action, action, well-described, quite bloody, but exciting. Always a page turner. (3.5 stars)"

5. Sharpe's Company (#13 / 1982).

"It's been a couple of years since I last enjoyed following Capt Sharpe's adventures. Sharpe's Company is the 13th story in the life of Richard Sharpe by Bernard Cornwell. As per most of the other books I've enjoyed so far, it is filled with action, intrigue and full-blown battles.

In Sharpe's Company, General Wellington needs to destroy the two major fortresses on the Spanish / Portuguese border, Ciudad Rodrigo and Ciudad Badajoz. He needs this if he is to be able to invade Spain finally and throw out Napoleon's armies. Capt Sharpe still commands his loyal band of Rifles along with capable Sgt Harper. His rank stands in jeopardy as he has failed to procure the rank while back in England.

After helping break the siege at Ciudad Rodrigo, there are many losses in the ranks of the South Essex. This means a new Colonel who brings his own officers and Sharpe now finds himself reverted in rank to Lieutenant and no longer in command of his rifles. To make matters even worth, arch enemy Sgt Hakeswill is back and sowing discord in the regiment as he tries to destroy both Sharpe and Harper. Compounding this, Sharpe's lady, Teresa, is in Ciudad Badajoz and Hakeswill has evil plans on her as well.

These stories take place within Wellington's plan to break through the walls of the fortress at Badajoz and to throw out the French. As always, Cornwell presents these events in great detail and with much intensity and excitement. The last half of the story dealing with the siege and attempts to break in to the fortress are exciting and breath-taking and gruesome. Hold your breath as your in for action - plus. Highly entertaining story from a historical perspective and from a dramatic perspective. What will happen with Sharpe and his men, with the evil Hakeswill and with Sharpe's love, Teresa? You have to read. (3.5 stars)"

6. Sharpe's Sword (#14 / 1983).

"Sharpe's Sword is the 14th book in the Sharpe's adventure / historical series by Bernard Cornwell. This story is set during the period June / July 1812 during Wellington's Salamanca Campaign in Spain. Sharpe is attached to Wellington's spy master Maj Hogan to try and find a master French spy, Colonel Leroux. Leroux is a nasty man and is set on finding El Mirador, one of Hogan's most effective contacts.

Leroux has been captured but disguised himself as another officer and escapes into a French fort near Salamanca, even though having given his parole. He kills Sharpe's company commander and a young lieutenant while making his escape. Sharpe and his men, especially his faithful Sgt Harper, because they can recognize Leroux are assigned the task of finding him when Wellington attacks to take over the three forts held by the French.

There is also a spy within Wellington's camp who warns the French of the attack, with disastrous results. There are many suspects including a Spanish contessa with designs on Sharpe, Lord Spears, one of Hogan's spies who is recovering from an injury and spending much time with the Contessa and Sharpe, and Father Curtis, an Irish priest who seems to show up everywhere.

It all makes for a great action-filled adventure, with battles, intrigue and romance. Sharpe wants Leroux's sword and to capture the French spy. Sharpe's life is threatened many times (it is an adventure, eh?   :0)). All in all, one of the better Sharpe adventures, filled with excellent characters and an interesting plot. I do like how Cornwell ties the actual historical events into Sharpe's storyline and highlights the actual history in the afterword. I've enjoyed this series very much and look forward to getting the next book in the series. (3.5 stars)"

So another ten to read. I've still got to find a few. I think this series will be a monthly challenge next year. We'll see. If you want to check out Cornwell's complete catalogue, click on this link.

Starting Off the Week with a Reading Update and a New Book!!

Just a quickie this afternoon as I've a bit of a headache. It's a beautiful day with a nice little breeze. We've got CSI re-runs on. I finished my 9th book of August this morning. I'll provide my review of the book. I also received a book in the mail today from a small book seller in Manitoba. I'll provide the synopsis of that as well. That'll be it for today. Next post I should get back to my look at my Favorite Authors. I hope you're enjoying that.

Just Finished

1. Feed by M.T. Anderson (YA / Sci-Fi).

"Feed by M.T. Anderson is a unique, disturbing YA Sci-Fi story. In this new future, the majority of people have 'feeds' implanted in their brains at a young age. The feed is a combination Twitter / Facebook / You Tube / Amazon., etc. The companies that own the feeds track your every movement, conversation and desire. You think you might like a pair of jeans and you'll get ads and promos for jeans. Your feeds will start fashion trends based on your thoughts. 

A group of teenagers decide to celebrate Spring Break on the moon. Titus meets Violet there. She isn't quite the same as the rest of the gang. (It turns out her feed wasn't installed until she was somewhat older. While at a party, the group and Violet are touched by a 'terrorist' who turns off their feeds. They do recover except Violet whose feed is damaged and begins to suffer physical effects. 

The story follows Titus and Violet, their interactions with each other and the rest of Titus's friends; Linc, Marty, Quendy, Loga and Calista. Their life styles are completely commercial; the world (not totally described) seems to be dying. It's a very depressing outlook but when you see the power of the internet companies and watch the current presidency, it doesn't seem all that far - fetched. 

The deterioration of Violet's body and her relationship with Titus and friends is covered in a fascinating way. The story moves along briskly and smoothly. It's a fascinating story, disturbing and even depressing but maybe should be read, I think. Well-written (4 stars)"

New Book

1. Executive Suite by Cameron Hawley (Fic). Jo and I have watched this movie many, many times on TCM. The most recent time I finally discovered that it was based on a book by Cameron Hawley, originally published in 1952. I thought it might be worth finally comparing the book to the movie.

"Fifty-six-year-old Tredway Corporation president Avery Bullard is getting into a taxi after a business lunch in Manhattan when he collapses from a cerebral hemorrhage. Although his body isn’t immediately identified, the reverberations of his death will soon be felt in the boardrooms of every branch of his company. In the minutes before he died, Bullard had finally decided on whom to appoint as his executive vice president—but he never got the chance to announce his selection. Now, with no successor in place, five corporate VPs—comptroller Loren P. Shaw, treasurer Frederick W. Alderson, design and development director Don Walling, manufacturing chief Jesse Grimm, and head of sales J. Walter Dudley—compete for the top position.

 Who will ascend to the executive suite?"

There you go folks. I said it would be a short one. More tomorrow or the next day. Enjoy your week and avoid watching the RNC Convention. I think it will be quite depressing.

A New Book and My Favorite Authors Continued

It was a good morning, weather - wise cool and wet. And when I turned on the computer I discovered that ex-Trump campaign manager Steve Bannon had been arrested and charged with wire fraud and other things. Made me very happy. Acting US Attorney Audrey Strauss is my new hero. She also was the one who arrested Guylaine Maxwell. And a judge also told Trump's lawyers that they need to shut up and turn over his tax records to NY DA Cyrus Vance. Of course, he's already appealed but it's nice to see him getting things thrown at him. The man is insane and dangerous for America and the world.

Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was a highlight

Last night's Democratic Convention was another excellent show, so many strong women and President Barack Obama and future VP Kamala Harris. Two moments really hit me (Jo too for that matter). Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was very powerful. Almost 10 years ago she was severely injured in an assassination attempt in which six other people, including a 9-year old child, were killed. Gabby suffered severe brain damage and has been working hard on her recovery, still struggling with speech. Jo said she heard that Gabby has been working on this speech for the past 8 months and it was the most she's spoken since she was shot. So brave.

Estella

The other part that struck me was from eleven-year old Estella Juarez, a Florida girl, whose mother was an immigrant who joined the US Marines and then was deported by Trump's racist administration. After serving in Iraq. She read the letter she had written to Trump. So powerful as well. (A link to the article)

So anyway, as I said I do feel great. Today anyway. So about books. I received one book in the mail today. I'll provide the synopsis of the book. I'll also continue with my look at my favorite authors, today one of the Grand Dames of mystery.

New Books

1. Situation Tragedy by Simon Brett (Charles Paris #7). I highlighted Brett in one of my first posts on my Favorite Authors (See this link if you want to check him out)

"'Is everything all right?' the producer kept asking, and for a while everything was. The Strutters was destined to be the situation comedy hit of the year, with just the right mix of stars and schmaltz - along with none other than hard-drinking Charles Paris in the role of (irony of ironies!) the barman. But before Charles could get used to being in a megahit, things began going wrong."

Favorite Authors - Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie

I've highlighted Dame Agatha Christie previously. Back in the day, when I was in high school I tried a couple of her stories and remember enjoying them. I also remember being frustrated by the endings; you know how it is... You are merrily reading along and think you might have it figured out and then it turns out it was the milk man who you met absolutely once in the story. (exaggeration there, but you get the gist). Anyway, when I began exploring the mystery novel again, I thought I'd try a few of her mysteries. Well, there you go, I'm hooked. Such an excellent author. So since I've begun getting into her stories again I've read 12 of her books, some Miss Marple, some Hercule Poirot and some others. 

1. The Seven Dials Mystery (1929).

"I enjoyed this Agatha Christie mystery very much. It had quite a different feel to it from the Miss Marple and Poirot mysteries. Dare I say, it was almost an adult Nancy Drew (ish) style mystery; mainly due to the fact that the protagonists were young people, rather than the more mature sleuths that Christie peopled her stories with. You find wealthy, carefree, Lady Eileen (aka Bundle) Brent and Jimmy Thesiger and their acquaintances trying to solve the murders of two of their friends. What it the Seven Dials group? Who are the mysterious members? I thought it was a pretty standard thriller/ mystery, but in the last section, there were many twists and turns and any guesses I had about the culprit and the mysterious group were turned on their heads. Excellent story. (4 stars)"

2. N of M? (1941).

"Loved it. My first Tommy and Tuppence book and I enjoyed so very much. Intrepid spies from the First World War, sort of put out to pasture at the start of the 2nd. But they manage to get an assignment with the government trying to find out who are the German Fifth columnists at a resort hotel on the coast. Interesting, well-paced story, Tommy and Tuppence are a lovely couple, the guests are all suspicious. Excellent! (4 stars)"

3. The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948).

"Over the past few years, I've been exploring Agatha Christie's mysteries and enjoying them once again. I've enjoyed getting back into the old reliables, Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. But I've also enjoyed discovering the Tuppence and Tommy Beresford books and I've also Colonel Race. I've just completed one of her short story collections (I have read others before), The Witness for the Prosecution: And Other Stories, which has two Poirot short stories, but the rest are standalones. I purchased it mainly for The Witness for the Prosecution as I've enjoyed the original movie based on the story very much. The most recent adaptation wasn't quite so enjoyable.

Short stories can definitely be hit or miss. I think it takes a special ability to crowd as much information as possible into a short story and make it cohesive and interesting. Saki and PG Wodehouse are excellent short story writers, as is Canadian Alice Munro, to name a few. Agatha Christie is also an excellent short story writer. This might put her in somewhat unique company as she is also a great novelist.

This collection consists of 12 stories. Some of the early ones were decidedly edgier than I'm used to from Christie; I include Witness for the Prosecution, Accident (especially, very creepy) and The Fourth Man. There were a couple that left me somewhat confused; especially SOS. For the most part, every story entertained me and often surprised me, even when I thought I'd figured out the basics. The two Poirot's, The Second Gong and Poirot and the Regatta Mystery were each gems in their own right, quick mystery and solutions.

All in all, it was a most enjoyable read with each short story having something unique to offer. I look forward to continuing my exploration of Christie's world of mystery. My wife is enjoying a collection of Miss Marple stories, i.e., Marple is listening to stories or telling them and solving them, but not necessarily participating in the actual mystery. Sounds neat, eh? (4 stars)"

4. The Body in the Library (1942).

"The Body In The Library is the 2nd Jane Marple mystery by Agatha Christie, originally published in 1941. A body is discovered at the estate of the Bantry's, a couple who are friends of Miss Marple. both Mr. and Mrs. Bantry do not recognize the young lady when interrogated by the local police. Mrs. Bantry asks Jane Marple to help as she knows that Jane has a knack for solving crimes.

When the girl is identified, it turns out she was a dancer at a hotel down the road from St Mary Mead. While the police investigate, Mrs. Bantry takes Jane to the hotel to conduct their own investigations. As well Sir Henry Clithering, a retired police commissioner is asked to help out by Conway Jefferson, resident at the hotel and a friend of the victim. 

Christie writes in a clear, concise, eminently readable tale. Miss Marple plays more of a role in this story than I remember from her first appearance. She's an excellent character and I find it interesting that in the books, so far at least, that the police seem to respect her input more than they seem to do so in the TV movies. I may be wrong there.

As always there are many suspects and they are all viable. Miss Marple seems to grasp the case with very little information and moves along at a nice pace. There are nice little touches in the story. I especially liked the reference to autographs a young boy has from Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie. She's the Alfred Hitchcock of novels, making appearances when you least expect it. 

Everything about the story was entertaining, the writing, the characters, the mystery itself and the solution, which just sort of happens but is still satisfying. The story stands the test of time and was an excellent cozy mystery. (4 stars)"

5. The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1921). This is Christie's first novel and the intro do Hercule Poirot.

"The first Agatha Christie novel, it introduces her famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. It's been many years since I've read an Agatha Christie mystery, although I've seen many Christie mysteries on TV and at the movies. It was extremely enjoyable to reintroduce myself to her stories. There was humor and an interesting story. As per normal, there many twists and turns, many suspects and an ultimately satisfying conclusion. I will definitely be reading more of her mysteries. (4 stars)"

6. The Clocks (1963).

"I am so glad that I started exploring Agatha Christie a few years ago. She is such a great writer. The Clocks is #37 in her Hercule Poirot series. I enjoyed this mystery very much.

Poirot basically plays a very small role in this particular story. The story focuses on Colin Lamb, a British spy, and son of a friend of Poirot (indications are it might be Superintendent Battle) and Detective Inspector Hardcastle, Lamb's friend and the main investigator. Poirot is invited to assist by Lamb, as he feels Poirot is bored with his life. Poirot for the most part provides questions and information but from the comfort of his apartment.

Sheila Webb works for a typing agency and she is sent (after being asked for by name) to provide typing services for Miss Pebmarsh, a blind woman. What she finds when she arrives at Miss Pebmarsh's house instead is the dead body of a man. Miss Pebmarsh arrives shortly after and Sheila runs from the home screaming, crashing into Colin Lamb, who is wandering up and down the street looking for a specific house. This brings along DI Hardcastle. 

It turns out that the body is unidentifiable and that Miss Pebmarsh didn't ask for secretarial assistance. Lamb and Hardcastle investigate. Lamb also is looking for an enemy spy and his investigation might cross into the murder investigation. Lamb continues to provide information to Poirot and also travels to the continent as part of his spy investigation. There are many interesting aspects to the investigation, especially the 4 additional clocks that sit on the mantlepiece in Miss Pebmarsh's house. 

It's a nice, light, interesting mystery. The characters are all well created, especially Lamb and Hardcastle and the possible suspects are all entertaining. For some reason, I found this story particularly clear and logically formatted. It moves along smoothly step by step to the end, when Monsieur Poirot comes in to provide the links for the solution. I also enjoyed the portion where Poirot, who has taken up reading mysteries to ease his boredom, provides an analysis of various other mysteries, especially some that I've read. One of the most enjoyable I've read so far. (4.5 stars)"

7. The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding, and a Selection of Entrées (1960).

"An entertaining collection of short stories, with all but one featuring Hercule Poirot. The final story, Greenshaw's Folly is a Miss Marple story. I recognized the basic plots of some from the TV series but the stories and results were for the most part nice and fresh. Every story was enjoyable. I liked the investigations and the solutions. It's been so nice to get into Christie's works and mysteries. I don't know why I didn't sooner. If you want a nice quick, enjoyable selection of mysteries, this is the book for you. (3 stars)"

8. Peril at End House (1932).

"Finishing off 2014 with a couple of Agatha Christie mysteries. Peril at End House was originally published in 1931 and features super sleuth Hercule Poirot. In this story, Poirot is living a retired life, spending some time on the coast with his friend Hastings who has returned from Argentina. He becomes involved in a case of attempted murder of a young woman, Miss Nick Buckley, and is frustrated trying to solve the case and keep her alive. All of the suspects seem innocent and Poirot even begins to doubt his own abilities. Has retirement made him rusty? Is he getting too old? An interesting story and an interesting case. I've enjoyed getting back into Agatha Christie's writing in 2014. (4 stars)"

9. The Secret Adversary (1922). This was the first book in the Tommy and Tuppence series.

"The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie is the first book utilizing the wonderful detective skills of Tommy and Tuppence, who eventually appeared in 4 of Christie's novels. In The Secret Adversary Tommy and Tuppence meet by chance, both looking for work and struggling to make ends meet. They decide to form up an agency, The Young Adventurers and put an ad in the newspaper. Surprisingly they get a job, trying to find a young American woman. This woman survived the sinking of the Lusitania and was supposedly carrying important documents, which if they fell into the hands of the enemy, might destroy the fabric of society of Britain. The woman is also being hunted by the mysterious, super spy, Mr. Brown. The story is a race against time, with many suspects as Tommy and Tuppence must use their wits to solve the mystery and fine the woman and the document. I've seen the TV series starring Jessica Raine and David Walliams as the intrepid duo. There are differences between the book and the series but both were enjoyable, entertaining mysteries/ adventures. Agatha Christie never disappoints. (3 stars)"

10.  The Man in the Brown Suit (1924).

"The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie is one of those without either of Christie's famous sleuths, Marple or Poirot. Instead the hero is one Anne Bedingfield. She spent her early life with her father, basically a secretary helping him with his anthropological work.

Anne, during a visit to London after the death of her father, is on hand to observe the death of a man in the subway. Was it murder, suicide, an accident? She discovers a piece of paper in his pocket, which leads her to what she thinks might be a related death at a house near London.

These events begin to involve Anne in a series of events, attempts on her life, etc and a journey to South Africa. Intrepid and seeking adventure, she searches for the mysterious Colonel, finds herself in the company of Colonel Race (Is he Secret Service?) Suzanne, wife of a British civil servant, Sir Eustace, a somewhat lazy rich Englishman on his way to deliver secret documents to the South African government, and the Man in the Brown Suit (is he a murderer or a spy or can she trust him?)

There is romance, adventure, fun and games, stolen diamonds, intrigue and a darn good mystery with, for me at least, a nicely satisfying and surprising ending. I really liked Anne Bedingfield and Suzanne, strong, spunky, independent women and I liked the story a lot. I keep discovering that Agatha Christie does not disappoint. (4 stars)"

11. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (1926). If I recall, this was the book that made me stop reading Agatha Christie's stories originally, but I might be wrong. Having read it for a second time, I admit it... I was wrong!

"I don't want to say too much about this story as I don't want to ruin a surprising, excellent ending. Suffice it to say that Hercule Poirot is once again, superb. He leads you on an excellent journey as he gathers facts, drops clues and ultimately satisfyingly solves a very interesting mystery. I liked the characters, the story (comfort food for the mind) and the resolution. Nice to read a story that pleasantly surprised me.. (4 stars)"

and finally.....

12. The Murder at the Vicarage (1930). This is the first Miss Marple mystery.

"A most enjoyable introduction to the Miss Marple series of mysteries. I particularly enjoyed how the story was presented, with the Vicar being the story teller. Miss Marple is almost in the shadows, as the Vicar wanders around town on his own or with the police inspector, chatting with people, hearing the ideas and thoughts. Miss Marple is a watcher, a wise lady, who observes and figures things out. The Vicar meets with her regularly, discussing ideas, clues and gaining her insight. I loved the story, loved trying to figure things out (for the most part, unsuccessfully) and I loved the main characters, the Vicar and his lovely young wife, Griselda and Miss Marple especially. The story was fun and a pleasure to read. I was even happy with the ending, more than satisfied as Miss Marple presented her findings and solution. Loved it! (5 stars)"

There you go. As you can see from that sampling, Agatha Christie's stories are wide and varied and excellent. The complete listing of her works can be found at this link.

Take care!