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 Weekend Reading Update and My Ongoing Look at My Favorite Authors

 It's a quiet day here in the old homestead. I went out and got some bread and a few other items this morning. I finished my 8th book of August; I'll provide my review shortly. I won't start another yet as I've got a couple of extras on the go. I'll continue with my look at my favorite authors as well, this time one of the more successful thriller writers.

Just Finished

1. Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump.

"I've read a few books on Donald J. Trump since he assumed power in 2016. Since then I have avoided any others as I tend to get depressed or angry when I read them. However, I decided to try his niece, Mary L. Trump's first book, Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man. So did I enjoy it? Did I learn anything new about Mr. Trump? Two qualified yes's.

Everything I read about Trump is depressing. Let's get that fact out of the way immediately. So the book was depressing but also very well-written. Mary Trump has a way with words and logically present her story. In many ways it's more about her father, Fred Trump Jr, and how he couldn't cope with the pressures of his father and his family. So, before I continue, did I learn anything new? Well, Trump is in the news constantly and there are new revelations daily. While I personally think Trump plays a somewhat secondary role in this story (even though it's about him... does that make sense?), we do get a look at maybe why he is the way he is. Why he is a bully, why he prefer to attack and demean and show any empathy or emotion.

Fred Jr, the 2nd child and oldest son of Fred and Mary (Gam) Trump, was to inherit his father's successful real estate business. Fred had difficulties living up to his father's image of him. He was ridiculed for his perceived weakness. That was his father's way. The other children; Maryanne, Elizabeth, Donald and Robert saw this and knew they would get the same if they showed weakness. In fact, the girls weren't important in Fred Sr's perceptions, just Fred Jr and the other boys. 

Mary Trump portrays this family dynamic excellently, the ridicule and ultimate demise of her father, due to drink and how Don became a bully and liar and cheat to win his father's approval. It's an excellent portrait of two men, one trying to prove to his father that he could be successful on his own, as a commercial pilot, but instead only gaining his father's mockery and disapproval, the other, loud and brash, living off of his father's money and work ethic to make himself appear a self-mad success story.

In many ways, I think Mary glosses over events. They are often little portraits of scenes of a family's life and how each person reacted. It is definitely a dysfunctional family, every one, even divorces spouses seeming to be forced to attend family function, all wandering off to their own corners. It's not a perfect book (how many are?) but it provides a portrait of an unqualified, childish, petty, bully of a man who is unfit to hole the highest office in America. I believe it should be read by as many Americans as possible before Nov 2020 (3.5 stars)"

Now do I want to read Michael Cohen's book, Disloyal? Yes, I think I do. Will have to hint to the missus. She bought me Mary Trump's book. Thanks for that, Jo.

My Favorite Authors - Lee Child

Lee Child

James Dover Grant (aka Lee Child) has written one of the most popular thriller series of the late '90s and 2000's. Child was born in 1954 in Coventry, England. The fact that he's one year older than I am and has been more successful (in a writing sense and monetary sense of course) than I am has nothing to do with the fact that it took me so long to try one of his successful Jack Reacher series. Since I broke down and decided to try the series in 2012, I've read six books so far. All entertaining and exciting. I'm now venturing into other thriller authors; Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, etc. So let's look at Lee Child.

1. 61 Hours (#14 / 2010).

"A bus crashes in a savage snowstorm and lands Jack Reacher in the middle of a deadly confrontation. In nearby Bolton, South Dakota, one brave woman is standing up for justice in a small town threatened by sinister forces. If she’s going to live long enough to testify, she’ll need help. Because a killer is coming to Bolton, a coldly proficient assassin who never misses.

Reacher’s original plan was to keep on moving. But the next 61 hours will change everything. The secrets are deadlier and his enemies are stronger than he could have guessed—but so is the woman he’ll risk his life to save." (3 stars)

2. Killing Floor (#1 / 1997).

"A solid 3 and a half star thriller, an excellent introduction to Jack Reacher's world. Very entertaining, action-packed and interesting plot involving counterfeiters and a small town in Georgia. Reacher has come through on a whim during his travels to find out the story of a long-time dead blues singer. Instead he finds himself thrown into a complex at times scary situation that also involves his brother. Who to trust, how to resolve the situation and how to stay alive. Excellent stuff! (3.5 stars)"

3. Running Blind (#4 / 2000).

"Running Blind is the 4th Jack Reacher thriller by Lee Child. Like the other Reacher stories I've read, it's definitely long, but like the others, as well, it is eminently readable, moving along at a nice pace.

 

There were things that irritated me about the story; how the FBI coerces Reacher into helping them, Reacher's negative attitude to helping them (both somewhat related of course). But it was an interesting case and I really liked Harper, his FBI partner; intelligent, attractive and a strong character. 

A number of women, ex of the Army, have been murdered in strange circumstances (very strange). They were all involved in sexual harassment cases while in the military. FBI profilers feel it's someone 'like Reacher' and force him (almost blackmail) into helping them. 

The killer leaves no clues and there are no signs of violence. The murders take place in all parts of the country. Reacher and Harper work as a team to try and find clues and try to catch the killer before anymore women die. Complicating the case is that Reacher knows one of the women as he investigated her rape case while he was an MP and he wants to keep her safe. Reacher must also decide if the wants to live a more settled life with his girl friend Jodie, introduced in the previous story. 

It's a fast-paced story with a fair bit of action; nothing excessive mind you. I had an idea about the killer about half way through the story. I wasn't totally correct but had the gist of the solution. I can't say I was totally satisfied with the ending; it was a bit pat and seemed a bit of a throw away, but all in all it was still an entertaining story. Echo Burning is the next Reacher story. (3.5 stars)"

4. Without Fail (#6 / 2002).

"I've read 4 or 5 of the Jack Reacher thriller series now and Without Fail (Reacher #6) by Lee Child is one of the better ones so far. The story starts with Reacher in New Jersey, helping an old couple, both jazz musicians, get out of the clutches of an unscrupulous (mob-associated) club owner. He is approached by M.E. Froelich, a Secret Service agent and ex-girlfriend of Jack's older brother. Joe, also a Secret Service agent, was murdered years ago. Froelich is the head security chief for the new, incoming VP and she has received threats against him. She wants Reacher to test the Secret Service coverage and find weaknesses.

This begins a very tense, fast-paced thriller as the threats become more concrete, not just correspondence but displays the enemies capabilities. Reacher brings in an acquaintance from his military days, Neagley, to help him with both the tests and the follow-on investigation. She is a fantastic character, strong, smart and with issues of her own. (Maybe deserves her own series).

It's a long story but seems to flow quickly. We learn about Reacher's brother, their similarities and differences. The case is interesting as they try to ascertain who would want to assassinate the VP and also keep him safe. Reacher is a great character and I also liked Froelich.

It has an exciting climax with sufficient action to satisfy readers who like that and a satisfying ending. I've been enjoying the Reacher series very much and this has kept my interest up in continuing to follow his adventures. (4 stars)"

5. Tripwire (#3 / 1999).

"A fast-paced, action-packed thriller featuring Jack Reacher. I thought it would be too long, but even at 500+ pages, it was an easy, exciting read. Suspend disbelief somewhat and you'll enjoy thoroughly. Follow Reacher from his part-time job digging pools in the Florida Keys, to New York as he searches for the truth about a helicopter pilot who may or may not have died in the Vietnam War and at the same time follow the villain of the story as he tries to rush through various deals so he can escape the hunt that is on for him. Interesting characters and lots of excitement. 3.5 stars."

6. Die Trying (#2 / 1998).

"A tense, fast-paced, at times threatening thriller. While it can be far-fetched at times, it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. The second Jack Reacher thriller, it continues Reacher's adventures very nicely. This time we find Reacher in Chicago, accidentally caught up in the kidnapping of a female FBI agent, Holly Johnson. They are taken to Montana and find themselves being held prisoner/ hostage by right wing extremists. While a small group of FBI and military try to find out where they are and how to save them, Reacher and Johnson try to survive amidst this group, who have other plots in mind. There were times when I felt a cold chill run down my spine as Jack found himself in some very tight tense situations. All in all, just what you want from a thriller. (3 stars)"

So there you go. I started off trying this series out of sequence, but I've been working my way in sequential order since. The complete list of Child's books can be found at this link.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. We're treating ourselves to fast food tonight, so I'm heading out to pick it up. Take care and wear your MASK!

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!

A Mid-week Reading Update and My Favorite Authors

 

Borrowed from Hameedullah

Ah.. So much more comfortable today. Cooler with a hint of rain. Jo actually said it is too cool. Perfect for me. I am totally frustrated with Twitter. Finally decide to get an account and then they suspend me (see a previous post). The problem is that to get back into it, I need a mobile number (being a luddite I have not felt a need to have one. So I'm in a Catch - 22 sit. I either have to wait for Twitter to review the case or delete a post, which I'm willing to do, but can't because I DON'T HAVE A MOBILE PHONE! 

OK, rant over.. *mutter mumble*

Yesterday I got a book in the mail that my lovely wife ordered for me. While I currently have six books on the go, I've started it anyway. That way I'll finish sooner and Jo can send it to a friend of hers. I'll provide synopsis of it and then I'll continue with my ongoing look at my favorite authors.

New Book / Currently Reading

1. Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump. (2020) I've started reading and it's not cheerful but is interesting.

"In this revelatory, authoritative portrait of Donald J. Trump and the toxic family that made him, Mary L. Trump, a trained clinical psychologist and Donald’s only niece, shines a bright light on the dark history of their family in order to explain how her uncle became the man who now threatens the world’s health, economic security, and social fabric.

Mary Trump spent much of her childhood in her grandparents’ large, imposing house in the heart of Queens, where Donald and his four siblings grew up. She describes a nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse. She explains how specific events and general family patterns created the damaged man who currently occupies the Oval Office, including the strange and harmful relationship between Fred Trump and his two oldest sons, Fred Jr. and Donald.

A first-hand witness to countless holiday meals and family interactions, Mary brings an incisive wit and unexpected humor to sometimes grim, often confounding family events. She recounts in unsparing detail everything from her uncle Donald’s place in the family spotlight and Ivana’s penchant for re-gifting to her grandmother’s frequent injuries and illnesses and the appalling way Donald, Fred Trump’s favorite son, dismissed and derided him when he began to succumb to Alzheimer’s.

Numerous pundits, armchair psychologists, and journalists have sought to parse Donald J. Trump’s lethal flaws. Mary L. Trump has the education, insight, and intimate familiarity needed to reveal what makes Donald, and the rest of her clan, tick. She alone can recount this fascinating, unnerving saga, not just because of her insider’s perspective but also because she is the only Trump willing to tell the truth about one of the world’s most powerful and dysfunctional families."

My Favorite Authors - W.J. Burley

William John Burley

In my last post on this topic, where I discussed the books of Jan Burke, I mentioned that I discovered her books at a used book store, ABC Books, in Courtenay, that has since closed down. I used to by comics there and order them as well. I kept up with my Sci-Fi reading. But I used to wander up and down the rows of mysteries a lot and during that period discovered many new series, that I've enjoyed ever since.

William John (W.J.) Burley was born and died in Cornwall, UK, living from 1914 - 2002. Over the course of his life, while he did write some other books, his focus was on police detective Charles Wycliffe. From 1968 thru 2003, he wrote 23 books in the series. I've not seen it but the books were the basis for a popular British TV series in the 90's. Since I discovered the series I've read 8 books, not in any particular order at first. But of late I've enjoyed the first book and will continue in sequence until I finish the series. Let's take a look at those I've read.

1. Wycliffe & How To Kill A Cat (#2 / 1970)

"I've read a few of the Superintendent Wycliffe mysteries and enjoyed. This is the second in the series and finds Wycliffe on vacation with his wife, Helen at the coast. While there he gets involved in investigating a murder in a hotel by the waterfront. He's an interesting character, is Superintendent Wycliffe, likes to use his instincts more than criminal analyses of the CSI vein. As we delve into the story and find out more about the woman who was murdered and what she's been involved in and the people around her, the story becomes a nicely complex puzzle. I enjoyed it very much and am glad that I refreshed my acquaintance with Wycliffe. Nice ending too. (4 stars)"

2. Wycliffe and the Scapegoat (#8 / 1978).

"Every year, at Halloween, high on the Cornish cliffs, a life-sized effigy of a man is strapped to a blazing wheel and run into the sea - a re-enactment of a hideous old legend where the figure had been a living sacrifice. And now Jonathan Riddle, well-known and respected local builder and undertaker, has disappeared - and it seems all too likely that his corpse has gone the way of the historic 'scapegoat'. As Chief Superintendent Wycliffe begins to investigate, more and more unpleasant facts emerge until he is left with an incredible, and seemingly impossible, solution . . " (3 stars)

3. Wycliffe and the Guild of Nine (#22 / 2000).

"Wycliffe and the Guild of Nine is the last Wycliffe mystery published from W.J. Burley's work. He died without completing his last work. As all of the books in this series I've read so far, this last one was excellent.

Wycliffe is assigned to investigate the murder of Francine Lemarque, one of a group of artisans who make up the Guild of Nine. Francine appeared originally in The Quiet Virgin, one of Burley's earlier Wycliffe mysteries. In that story, Francine murdered her father. She has obviously served her sentence and now lives in the family home and works with her brother for Frances Bacon Archer, the creator of the Guild. Francine has inherited a large amount of money and wants to buy into the Guild and become one of the directors. She is in the process of arranging this with Archer's wife, Dutch born Lina, when she is found dead.

Returning to Mulfra (west of St Ives) with his investigation team will bring back many memories for Wycliffe. At the same time, he is considering retiring as he has just received a new supervisor and in his crusty way isn't sure he wants to work for her.

I do love the process followed in these mysteries. While Wycliffe often relies on his wits in solving the crimes he investigates, we do also get to see how his team works; from the Forensics to the Coroner, to his investigators, even down to the administrative process. I liked his DS Lucy Lane, who is his sounding board in this story, but even the smallest of his team can play a role. 

As Wycliffe investigates, he must deal with further deaths in the colony and adds a sense of urgency to the investigation. Is there one murderer? Or more? Are the deaths related to Francine's investigation into the dealings of the colony or maybe into her 'love' life, such as it is or isn't or maybe even into her past life and murder of her father.

The story moves along nicely and thoughtfully. There are a few red herrings along the way but the story is enjoyable and a pleasure to read. It's unfortunate that this is the last Wycliffe mystery but I'm lucky that I haven't been reading in order so I still get to enjoy this series. (4 stars)"

4. Wycliffe and the Three-Toed Pussy (#1 / 1968).

"I've read and enjoyed five or six of W.J. Burley's Inspector Wycliffe mysteries and finally got a copy of the 1st book, Wycliffe and the Three-Toed Pussy. Once again, I enjoyed the story and mystery. Wycliffe is working a case in Kergwyns, on the Cornish coast, having been sent from his home base of Essex. A woman, Pussy Welles is dead, murdered by a gunshot to the chest. One of her stockings has been torn off, revealing that her left foot has only three toes (hence the title).

Wycliffe is not your typical police inspector. He lets the forensics crew and other experts do their work, but tends to eschew their results. He prefers to wander about, talking to people, even that seems somewhat grudging, and let his intuition solve the crime. He even finds himself grumpy when forced to listen to theories from his investigators.

Kergwyns is a small coastal town and Pussy held court with a small group of acquaintances. She had relations with all of the men, married or not, and used the power to gain advantage. Basically, she wasn't necessarily a popular person, especially so to the wives of the men affected. Most were not sad to see her gone.

Wycliffe investigates, thinks, talks to suspects and thinks some more. There have been other deaths and close calls related to Pussy's past. Were these related to her murder? 

The story isn't so much about figuring out the crime; the ultimate solution seems somewhat to come of left field (there are clues of course). It's more about Wycliffe's interactions and feelings. I do like the Wycliffe stories. They move along nicely and offer a good perspective on Wycliffe's personality. This was an excellent introduction. (3.5 stars)"

5. Wycliffe and the Quiet Virgin (#13 / 1986).

"Chief Superintendent Wycliffe doubted whether he would enjoy his Christmas. With his wife away, he rashly accepted an invitation to stay with a Penzance lawyer and his family, but when he arrives the weather is awful, the house miles from anywhere, and the family less than welcoming.

Then a young girl goes missing. Wycliffe had seen her playing the part of the Virgin in the local nativity play, but when he asks around he discovers the girl was difficult and unpopular in the neighborhood. Even her parents seem indifferent to their daughter's disappearance. So Wycliffe instigates a search - and soon finds himself caught up in a major criminal investigation" (3 stars)

6. Wycliffe and Death in Stanley Street (#5 / 1974).

"Wycliffe and Death in Stanley Street by W.J. Burley is the 5th book in the Chief Superintendent Wycliffe mystery series. Wycliffe works for CID in a West County town. It's a few days from Xmas and a prostitute is murdered on Stanley Street.

As Wycliffe and his team investigate, the murder is not as simple as it seems; is the prostitute blackmailing people, are drugs involved, is it a spurned lover? Wycliffe is a grumpy fella, adjusting to a new appointment and new location. He has an excellent team, from his assistant, WPC Saxton to crusty Inspector Gill.

The story moves along matter-of-factly. We do get so spend a brief time with wife, Helen and the family. But it's all about the case for Wycliffe and he just seems to fall into the solution. The story is a pleasure to read, almost cozy, with a slight edge. (3 stars)"

7. Wycliffe and Death in a Salubrious Place (#4 / 1973).

"There was no doubt at all that the girl was dead. The front of her skull and her facial bones had been splintered like the cracked shell of an egg. What made it even more shocking was the setting of the murder - an idyllic corner of the Scilly Isles where violent crime was almost unknown.

Angry and distressed, the villagers instinctively turn against the only stranger in their midst, the famous pop star and teenage idol Vince Peters. But Superintendent Wycliffe is not so sure. Slowly, methodically, he begins to dig beneath the calm surface of the community - and soon uncovers a violent undercurrent of fear and guilt..." (3 stars)

8. Wycliffe and the Guilt-Edged Alibi (#3 / 1971).

"Caroline Bryce came from the top of the social register in the tranquil town of Treen. So it was quite a scandal when her body was dragged from the bottom of the river. As Superintendent Wycliffe investigates, he’s faced with a number of questions: Who would want to kill the beautiful Mrs. Bryce? Was it a lover’s quarrel? Or a long-held resentment that had suddenly exploded in a moment of madness? As Wycliffe begins to unravel an intricate tangle of love and hate, he finds himself on the trail of a psychotic killer who feels no remorse." (4 stars)

It's been an enjoyable series and I look forward to continuing it. The complete listing of Burley's books can be found at this link.

Enjoy the rest of your week and enjoy a good book.