Monday Is Here Already!

It feels like Sunday today; probably because it's the Victoria Day holiday and it's a bit quieter outside. Having said that the CF-18 fighter just flew over the house, practicing for his air demonstrations this summer. It was out flying last night at 9 p.m. Talk about loud. We're relaxing, watching Mercury Rising at the moment. Entertaining movie.

I didn't manage to finish any books since my last entry but I got a few new books so I'll provide the synopses for them. I'll also continue with my look at Women authors I've been enjoying, one of the classics this time.

New Books

1. The Puppeteer by Timothy Williams (Commissario Trotti #2).

"Italian police detective Commissario Trotti returns to investigate the murder of the man breakfasting at the table next to his, during a holiday on a northern Italian lake, and Trotti discovers that he may have been the intended target."

2. Murder and the First Lady by Elliot Roosevelt (Mrs. Roosevelt #1).

"A young woman who is in Mrs. Roosevelt's employ is suspected in the murder of her boyfriend. Mrs. Roosevelt is certain that the young woman (Pamela) is innocent and with the help of a few officials, sets out to prove it. This is not an easy task, since the murdered boyfriend is the son of a Congressman who doesn't take too kindly to Mrs. Roosevelt's involvement, especially since her investigations reveal a few not-so-nice details about the young man's personal life and hobbies.

The plot involves a jewel theft and false identities. You'll get to meet a few seedy characters from the gambling world. Mrs. Roosevelt mingles with these people in an effort to get information, and it's rather amusing."

3. Last Rituals by Yrsa Sigurdardottir (Thora Gudmondsdottir #1).

"At a university in Reykjavik, the body of a young German student is discovered, his eyes cut out and strange symbols carved into his chest. Police waste no time in making an arrest, but the victim's family isn't convinced that the right man is in custody. They ask Thóra Gudmundsdóttir, an attorney and single mother of two, to investigate. It isn't long before Thóra and her associate, Matthew Reich, uncover the deceased student's obsession with Iceland's grisly history of torture, execution, and witch hunts. But there are very contemporary horrors hidden in the long, cold shadow of dark traditions. And for two suddenly endangered investigators, nothing is quite what it seems . . . and no one can be trusted."

Women Authors I'm Enjoying - Anne Bronte

Anne Bronte

Anne Bronte lived from 1820 to 1849, dying of pulmonary tuberculosis.  She was the youngest of the Bronte sisters and had two novels published. I have previously discussed the works of her sister Charlotte, whose books I enjoyed very much. I've read one of Anne's novels and enjoyed that just as much.

1. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848).

"The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë was originally published under the pseudonym Acton Bell, basically required during the time it was written, 1848, as it was difficult for women to publish under their own name. It's the 2nd Bronte novel I've read in the last couple of years, the first being The Professor, by sister Charlotte Bronte. I think I preferred The Professor, but both were fine stories.

We find Helen Graham and her son recently installed in Wildfell Hall, a mysterious woman with little back story. She gradually becomes acquainted with the residents of the area. Gilbert Markham, a land owner who lives with his mother, brother and sister becomes infatuated with Helen and while she seems to reciprocate, she also pushes him away, frustrating him greatly. Helen's reputation becomes suspect to the locals due to the time she spends with her landlord, Mr. Lawrence. 

When challenged by Halford, Helen gives him her diary to read in order to explain everything. This story tells of her life with her husband, Mr. Huntingdon and the reason she has come to Wildfell Hall, quite a disturbing, tragic tale. Of course there is much more to the story, especially the ending which I won't tell. 

It's a long tale, told in various formats, diaries, letters and basic story telling which I found quite interesting. Men aren't for the most part portrayed very sympathetically, especially Huntingdon and his friends. Halford is good-hearted but also head strong and emotional. Helen is a strong character, dealing with many hardships and trying to raise her son away from the influences of his father. It's often a depressing story but also an excellent one. As I got into it, I found myself spending more and more time with it, wanting to see how it resolved. (4 stars)"

Anne Bronte's other novel was Agnes Grey, published in 1846. I may have to find a copy.

A Friday Reading Update, a New Book and Women Authors

It's a beautiful Friday and Jo and I are relaxing after an excellent lunch, roast beef sandwiches and her yummy cole slaw. It's a bit noisy right now because the Snowbirds, Canada's aeronautical demonstration team are currently doing the afternoon training performance. It's always an excellent sign of Spring in the Valley. 

This morning I finished a Sci-Fi novel by a new author for me. Thought it was fantastic. I'll provide my review and the synopsis of the next book I'm starting. I also received a book yesterday so I'll provide the synopsis of that one as well. Then I'll continue with my ongoing look at Women authors I'm enjoying.

Just Finished

1. Shadow's End by Sheri S. Tepper (1994).

"Sheri S. Tepper is a new author for me. Shadow's End is one of her standalone Sci-Fi novels, published originally in 1994. How to describe this intricate, fascinating story? Well, let's see.

(Ed. Note - apologies in advance for any misspelling of characters' names. It is Sci-Fi after all) The story for the most part is narrated by Saluez, a woman on the planet of Dinadh. She fleshes out many of the gaps in the story. The story also follows to other women; Lutha Tallstaff, sent to Dinadh along with her strange son, Leely, to try to discover more about a threat to mankind, the Ularians, who seem to be destroying human life on other planets in the Hermes sector; and Snark, a Shadow, who is sent as part of a team of Shadows to the planet of Perdur Alas, also in the Hermes sector, where the human science group have disappeared, presumably by the self-same Ularians.

Confused? Well, like so many rich, detailed Sci-Fi novels, it takes time to get into this story, the characters, the life on the various planets, everything. But as you try to understand what is going on, you find a fascinating story with characters who you will find yourself drawn to and feeling for, and with themes that strike home. Mankind ruled by the Fastigats and Firsters, has spread out into space, inhabiting planets, covering them in domes, removing all other animal life (basically creating a gene pool for later use) and establishing primacy of human life. On some planets there are still some animals. Dinadh has a form of oxen, beasts of burden and some wild life.

There are other forms of life on Dinadh, a threatening life called the Kachis, winged beings that come out at night. Women are offered as some form of sacrifice which comes clearer as the story progresses. Saluez has been scarred by them and is now one of the masked women, who lives in the shadows of her hive, with other such women. She is assigned to help Lutha and her group, find out about the Ularians. The small group undertake a journey across Dinadh to the meeting place and must attempt to survive in the open. In the meantime, a pair of assassins have been sent to remove the threat they seem to present. As well, Snark tries to survive on her planet, hiding from the 'big Rottens', observing, remembering... OK, I see. It's so difficult to describe this story, suffice it to say, you need to read it and experience it for yourself.

So many themes explored, theological (creationism), man's abuse of his environment (supremacy over any other creatures), genetic manipulation, women as subordinates (this really struck a chord with me). It was such an excellent story, getting better and better as I got deeper into it. Sci-Fi permits the creation of such wonderful worlds and allows us to look at what we're doing with our own lives and world from an external viewpoint. Well worth reading. I have two more of Tepper's books in my shelf to try. So glad I discovered her writing. (4.5 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Three Days of the Condor by James Grady (1974). I've seen the movie before and enjoyed it very much.

"CIA operative Malcolm, code-named Condor, discovers his colleagues butchered in a blood-spattered office, he realizes that only an oversight by the assassins has saved his life. He contacts CIA headquarters for help but when an attempted rendezvous goes wrong, it quickly becomes clear that no one can be trusted. Malcolm disappears into the streets of Washington, hoping to evade the killers long enough to unravel the conspiracy— but will that be enough to save his life?"

New Books

Oddly enough, the new book is from the author whose book I completed this morning.

1. A Plague of Angels by Sheri S. Tepper (Plague of Angels #1).

 

"Atop a twisting,  canyon-climbing road, a witch lurks in a fortress  built strong to keep out dragons and ogres. In  another part of the countryside, a young orphan is  maturing into a beautiful woman in the enchanted  village that is her home. Somewhere nearby, a young man  is seeking adventure after running away from his  family's small farm. Suddenly a strange and  terrible prophecy sets off a chain of events that will  bring these three together in the heroic, romantic,  and thrilling tale of an age-old battle."

Women Authors I'm Enjoying - Lisa Brackmann

Lisa Brackmann is an award winning author of thrillers. She has written 3 books in her Ellie McEnroe series and 2 books in her Michelle Mason series. I've enjoyed the first book in the Ellie McEnroe series so far and look forward to getting the other books.

"Rock Paper Tiger by Lisa Brackmann is the first of 3 books featuring Ellie Cooper, a young American, an Iraqi War vet and now a woman struggling with post traumatic stress issues and pain from a war bombing, now living in China. I have to say this story grabbed me right from the get-go, drew me in and held my interest until the very end. Excellent first book.

The story starts in China. Ellie lives there, now separated from her cheating husband, Trey, struggling with her issues and surviving on her medical benefits and working part time at a bar. She is in a semi-relationship with a Chinese artist Lao Zhang, spending time with him and also sharing a flat with another Chinese computer geek, Chuckie. The story moves from events in China to her time in Iraq as an Army medic and the development of a relationship with Trey (Military Intelligence) and traumatic events she sees and in some ways participates in.

Back in China, Ellie finds herself involved in 'something'. It all revolves around an Uighur man who is staying with Lao Zhang. American security personnel are interested and also Chinese security officials follow and interrogate Ellie. The whole story is fascinating and action packed, some quite disturbing. Ellie is something of an anti-hero; suffering constant pain, finding it difficult to trust anyone and having her own dark secrets. The story moves around China as Ellie both tries to evade her 'enemies' and tries to communicate with Lao Zhang. Very interesting concept as they move also through an internet game world, using avatars to communicate.

Ellie is definitely an interesting, multi-dimensional character, a person unsure of what she must do and often just reacting to situations. Her friends are all interesting and the story and situations all just grab your attention. I don't want to ruin the story but suffice it to say that you will find it difficult to put down and will find some satisfaction with an excellent ending. (5 stars)"

The complete listing of Lisa Brackmann's  books can be found at this link. Have a great weekend. 😷

A Reading Update, New Books and Women Authors

It's a lawn mowing day today. I think I'll relax a bit more and do a reading update before I head out. I finished one book since my last update. I'll provide my review and also the synopsis of the next book in line. I also received a few books this week so I'll provide the synopses of them as well. Then I'll continue with my look at women authors I'm enjoying reading.

Just Finished

1. Pale Gray for Guilt by John D. MacDonald (Travis McGee #9).

"Pale Gray for Guilt is the 9th book in the Travis McGee mystery series by American author John D. MacDonald. It was originally published in 1968. This was one of the more straight-forward of the McGee books I've enjoyed so far.

McGee is living the good life (in between jobs) on his houseboat in Florida, partying, celebrating the upcoming Xmas season. He meets an old friend, struggling to run a holiday resort (cabins, houseboats) further up the coast. Investors want to by Tush Bannon out and are making his life difficult; using the local authorities to cause difficulties. On a 2nd visit to Tush's place, McGee discovers the place is closed and Tush is dead, a supposed suicide. His wife has moved up the coast to stay with an old friend. McGee wants to avenge the death and comes up with a plan to get at those who were involved in ruining Tush.

It's a fascinating financial scam. McGee gets the assistance of his best buddy Meyer, a hippyish sort but also a financial wiz. Also along for the ride is Puss, a tall redhead, the latest of McGee's girlfriends, but a cut above; independent, funny, intelligent, just a great lady. They all work as a great team, trying to find out who killed Tush and trying to help Tush's wife recover some of the financial losses.

McGee is an interesting character and he has many fantastic, loyal friends. His houseboat life is one I remember dreaming of when I was in university, well, not necessarily McGee's specific life, but a similar living arrangement. While MacDonald does have a tendency to wander off philosophically, I found this particular story fairly straight forward and maybe more enjoyable because of it. There is enough action to satisfy you if you like that and the setting is well described and easy to picture. All in all, it's a great mystery and a more than satisfactory resolution (beware of the heart breaking moment, I will warn you). (4.0 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper by John D. MacDonald (Travis McGee #10). MacDonald is my focus author for May. This will be my 3rd book and probably final of the month.

"He had done a big favor for her husband, then for the lady herself. Now she’s dead, and Travis McGee finds that Helena Pearson Trescott had one last request of him: to find out why her beautiful daughter Maureen keeps trying to kill herself. But what can a devil-may-care beach bum do for a young troubled mind?

McGee makes his way to the prosperous town of Fort Courtney, Florida, where he realizes pretty quickly that something’s just not right. Not only has Maureen’s doctor killed herself, but a string of murders and suicides are piling up—and no one seems to have any answers."

New Books

Six new books. Mostly new authors and a mix of Sci Fi and Mystery.

1. The Gap into Conflict: The Real Story by Stephen R. Donaldson. I've read two of Donaldson's other series and enjoyed. This is the 1st book in his Gap series.

 

 

 

 

  

"Author of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, one of the most acclaimed fantasy series of all time, master storyteller Stephen R. Donaldson returns with this exciting and long-awaited new series that takes us into a stunningly imagined future to tell a timeless story of adventure and the implacable conflict of good and evil within each of us."

2. The Cabal by Philip Dunn (Cabal #1). 

"THE YEAR IS 2420.EARTH,UNDERPOPULATED AND PROSPEROUS,HAS BECOME THE TARGET FOR THE PLANET CALM.10 MILLION ALIENS UNDER THEIR RUTHLESS GRAND MARSHALL FARRAGO,ARE APPROACHING IN SPACE SHIPS.THEIR INVASION WILL COINCIDE WITH THE WORLD GOVERNMENT CARNIVAL ON JULY 4TH.ONLY ONE PERSON ON EARTH KNOWS OF THE HOLOCAUST TO COME,AND HE BELONGS TO THE ONLY ORGANIZATION WITH THE RESOURCES TO OUTWIT THE ALIENS THE CABAL."

3. Kind of Cruel by Sophie Hannah (Spilling CID #7).

 

 

 

 

 

 

"When Amber Hewerdine consults a hypnotherapist as a last resort, she doesn't expect that anything much will change. She doesn't expect it to help with her chronic insomnia ... or to hear herself, under hypnosis, saying words that mean nothing to her: "Kind, cruel, kind of cruel". Words she has seen somewhere before, if only she could remember where ...
She also doesn't expect to be arrested two hours later in connection with the brutal murder of Katharine Allen, a woman she's never heard of ..."

4. Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb (In Death #35).

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It was just another after-work happy-hour bar downtown, where business professionals unwound with a few drinks . . .until something went terribly wrong. And after twelve minutes of chaos and violence, eighty people lay dead.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas is trying to sort out the inexplicable events. Surviving witnesses talk about seeing things--monsters and swarms of bees. They describe sudden, overwhelming feelings of fear and rage and paranoia. When forensics gives its report, the mass delusions make more sense: It appears the
bar patrons were exposed to a cocktail of chemicals and illegal drugs that could drive anyone to temporary insanity--if not kill them outright. 

But that doesn't explain who would unleash such horror--or why. And if Eve can't figure it out fast, it could happen again, anytime, anywhere. Because it's airborne. . . ." 

5. Let the Fire Fall by Kate Wilhem (1969). I've bought a couple of Wilhem's books and look forward to trying her SciFi.

"THE ALIEN STAR SHIP LANDED IN A CORNFIELD,ITS CREW DIED RAPIDLY,LEAVING ONLY ONE SURVIVOR-A BABY,CONCEIVED ON AN UNKNOWN WORLD,CARRIED IN IT'S MOTHER'S WOMB ACROSS SPACE AND DELIVERED EVEN AS THE MOTHER DIED ON A HOSTILE EARTH.BUT THE ALIEN WOMAN HAD GIVEN BIRTH TO MORE THAN A CHILD.WITH HER LAST ACT SHE HAD BEQUEATHED TO THE EARTH THAT HATED HER AND HER KIND DECADES OF TURMOIL AND STRIFE THAT WOULD COME CLOSE TO TEARING THE WHOLE PLANET APART."

6. The Bishop Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine (Philo Vance #4).

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Of all the criminal cases in which Philo Vance participated as an unofficial investigator, the most sinister, the most bizarre, the seemingly most incomprehensible, and certainly the most terrifying, was the one that followed the famous Greene murders. The orgy of horror at the old Greene mansion had been brought to its astounding close in December; and after the Christmas holidays Vance had gone to Switzerland for the winter sports. Returning to New York at the end of February he had thrown himself into some literary work he had long had in mind-the uniform translation of the principal fragments of Menander found in the Egyptian papyri during the early years of the present century; and for over a month he had devoted himself sedulously to this thankless task."

Women Authors I'm Enjoying

Catherine Bush

Catherine Bush, born in Toronto, is a Canadian fiction writer of 5 novels. I first heard of her from a book on Canadian fiction I received for Xmas a few years back. I've tried two of her novels since then and enjoyed them both very much.

1. Rules of Engagement (2000). 

"In its simplest form, Arcadia Hearne has run away from home and past events and relationships and settled in London where she works for the Center for the Contemporary War Studies, studying war and intervention. Catherine Bush spins this story in such a manner that it's very difficult to put the book down. She interweaves present events with Arcadia's past in Toronto, slowly winding these two stories together to provide a clear picture of Arcadia and the reasons for her running off to London. While Arcadia studies war, she does so only theoretically, never actually visiting the places where these wars are taking place. She has relationships, most recently with an Iranian immigrant who also has a secret life trying to help refugees. Arcadia, while she likes the relationship, avoids the messier side of life. Discovering more about Amir, she runs away again, back to Toronto, where she tries to confront her past events and also deal with her parents. Catherine Bush is a wonderful writer, her prose is intelligent and thoughtful and her story telling skills superb. I enjoyed reading this book so very much and loved how Bush tried to resolve the various story lines, but also leaving enough unsaid that you can come to your own conclusions. Excellent! (4 stars)"

2. Minus Time (1993).

 

 

 

 

"Minus Time: A Novel is the second book I've read by Canadian author Catherine Bush. I enjoyed this as much as Rules of Engagement. Minus Time is an interesting portrait of a nuclear family (to the extreme somewhat). 

The story centers around Helen, daughter of Barbara, a Canadian astronaut currently circling the Earth in the space station, trying to break the time away record. Her father David, travels the world trying to help people escape and cope with the destruction caused by earthquakes and other disasters. 

Completing the family is Paul, her brother, who is working on an architecture degree in Montreal.
Helen and Paul travel to Florida to view her mother's launch into space. Interestingly, they don't go to Cape Canaveral but watch it from a distance. They see on the news that a replacement family has been installed in the bleachers to observe the launch.

Helen returns to Toronto, decides to stop attending her university course, takes a job at a health food restaurant and gets involved with a group of activists who are trying to make the world aware of the sufferings of animals (testing by cosmetic companies, cruel treatment by fast food companies, etc). She keeps her family secret from the friends she makes in the activist group, United Species - kind of a neat name, I think)

The story follows Helen as she tries to cope with her family life; it wanders from the past with Helen and Paul as youngsters and Barbara just starting her training as an astronaut and the stresses it places on the family; and moves back to the present.

All in all it's a very interesting story, well-written and if you're part of the nuclear family generation, there are things that are relatable. It made me look again at my family, with me on the West Coast, one brother on the East Coast, another in the center, and my sister with my father. It makes for a different family dynamic, neither good nor bad, just one that requires differing perspectives. All in all, a very interesting, entertaining, thoughtful story. (4 stars)" 

Bush's other books are -

1. Claire's Head (2004)

2. Accusation (2013)

3. Blaze Island (2020).

Catherine Bush is definitely worth checking out. Enjoy your upcoming weekend. Stay safe. 😷

Your Midweek Music Medley - Wed 19 May 2021

It's been a strange week to say the least. Yesterday the car wouldn't start and I had to boost the battery, so had to cancel Bonnie's vet appointment. Took the car to the garage this morning and now have a new battery. While I'm gone my daughter called from back east very upset due to a wasp problem outside her new apartment. Frustrating not being able to help her. And other things as well that I won't mention. I'm off to a doctor's appointment this afternoon, somewhat nervous about that. Ah well, it's midweek and hoping it's all down hill from here.

Here is your midweek medley to help get through the rest of the week.

Midweek Music Medley - Wed 18 May 21

1. English DJ Joel Corry X MNEK - Head and Heart (2020).

2. English DJ Tim Deluxe (Ft Sam Obernik) - It Just Won't Do (2002).

3. English DJ Digital Farm Animals Ft Karen Harding - Undo My Heart (2020).

Enjoy the rest of your week. Stay safe.

Monday May 17 Reading Update and Women Authors

Hey there. For reasons I'm not going to get into it's a quiet day here around the old homestead. I've got Jo's French onion soup heating up in the oven and so while that's going on, let's do a bit of a reading update. I'll also continue with my latest theme, women authors I'm enjoying.

Just Finished

1. Every Dead Thing by John Connolly (Charlie Parker #1).

"If you want a gritty thriller, this book is for you. Every Dead Thing is the 1st book in the Charlie Parker series by John Connolly. It's an action - packed, chill - causing story about a serial killer that definitely gives you the creeps.

Charlie Parker is an ex - cop whose wife and daughter were murdered by a killer known as the Travellin' Man. Charlie is still coping with their deaths and trying to find the killer. He works part time trying to find people. The story is somewhat confusing at the beginning (moving from Charlie's past to the present without really telling you it's doing it..). Charlie is hired to find a young woman and ends up traveling to the sticks where he discovers evidence of another serial killer. In the meantime, Travellin' Man is contacting and goading Charlie.

There is a spiritual, ghostly element to the story as well as Charlie visits New Orleans and meets with a 'spiritualist' who can sense the Travellin' Man. There is action galore in this thriller, with Charlie and friends, Louie and Angel (homosexual boyfriends and also hit-men?) taking on the mob in New York and New Orleans as they track the serial killer). It takes awhile for the story to start making sense but there is always something going on and Charlie is an excellent character, hero or anti-hero. There are many other excellent characters, psychologist and possible relationship, Rachel and New Orlean's cop Morphy, as well as Parker's friend, FBI agent Woolrich, an enigmatic personage. Is he helping Charlie or not?

There are tenuous threads that gradually all begin to come together and everything starts making sense as we rush to an exciting conclusion. I think I finally figured out who Travellin' Man was but it didn't matter as ultimately you need to discover how everything will be resolved and how will it impact on Charlie and his partners. There is a constant ominous feeling as you enjoy this story. Travellin' Man is always ahead of them and seems to know what they are doing and you keep holding your breath to find out if he will beat them to the punch. Tension is steady throughout and once you get into the flow of the story, it'll keep you turning pages. Excellent first novel and now I'm looking forward to getting #2. For those of the faint of heart, be forewarned that it is a violent story and there are racial elements as well. But it is important to the story development. (4 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths (Ruth Galloway #1). I've wanted to start this series for awhile now.

"Forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway is called upon to date a child's bones found in the Norfolk marshes, thought to be the bones of a missing girl about whom the police having been getting strange letters. Then another girl goes missing and Ruth is in danger."

Women Authors I'm Enjoying - Jan Burke

Jan Burke

Jan Burke is an American author born in Houston in 1953. She has lived in California most of her life and her Irene Kelly mystery series is set in California. I discovered Burke early 2000's and have enjoyed 7 of her books since then. I have one other Kelly mystery sitting on my bookshelf awaiting my attention. Since 1993, Burke has written 14 books. I'll look at the last book I enjoyed and my one unread novel.

1. Bloodlines (Irene Kelly #9).

"It's been a few years since I delved into Jan Burke Irene Kelly mysteries. Bloodlines, published in 2005 is the 9th book in the series and I think I can safely say it is Burke's Magnum Opus of the series.

The story covers decades, running from the 1950's to Irene Kelly's present life. It covers a variety of reporters at Las Piernas' Express newspaper, all reporting on an old story, a wealthy purportedly family lost at sea and a baby (same family) kidnapped and her nanny murdered. As well, local reporter, Jack Corrigan is brutally attacked and left for dead in a farmer's field, thinking that he has seen a car buried on the property.

We run through Jack Corrigan, his protege Conn O'Connor and then are introduced to new reporter, Irene Kelly. It's a long drawn out story with a cast of characters, all interesting and unique. I did find it difficult at times keeping track of the varied family and social relationships so it might be worthwhile, if you read this to maybe make a couple of family trees. :0)

Conn O'Connor is a paper boy as the story is introduced and idolizes reporter Jack Corrigan and his reporting friend / partner Helen Swan. Corrigan takes Conn under his wing and helps him become a reporter as well. Corrigan is a fighter and his often times opponent are the Yeager family, booze smugglers, criminals, violent when the need to be. They are the focus of the disappearances but nothing can be proven until many years later; no bodies, no witnesses, etc.

The story is tracked over the decades and the flame is passed from reporter to reporter. We meet Irene Kelly in the middle chapters as she has moved from Bakersfield back to Las Piernas for a variety of reasons; to care for her ailing father, to try her hand at working at the newspaper and to escape from a relationship.

It's a very complex story and too difficult to describe in a few words. Suffice it to say that the mystery is fascinating the research conducted by the various reporters is well-crafted. There is sufficient action and intrigue to keep you turning the pages and the development of the various characters is excellent. The ending is somewhat pat but still filled with tension and action. All in all an enjoyable history and mystery and introduction to Irene's past. Read the earlier stories first to prepare for this one but you will enjoy. (3.5 stars)"

2. Kidnapped (Irene Kelly #10).

"Reporter Irene Kelly and her husband, Detective Frank Harriman, are back in this New York Times bestseller, in which they work to untangle the threads of a past crime and a haunting disappearance while trying to survive the present."

The complete list of Burke's books can be found at this link.

Your Midweek Music Medley - 12 May 2021

Heading out to get some groceries in a little bit. So without further ado, here is your midweek music medley.

Midweek Music Medley - 12 May 2021

1. American singer / songwriter Bebe Rexha - Meant To Be (2017). Performed with Florida Georgia Line.

2. American country pop singer Kelsey Ballerini - Bragger (2020).

3. Canadian country singer Tenille Townes - Come As You Are (2020)

Enjoy the rest of the week. Stay safe. 😷

A Reading Update, New Books and Women Authors I Enjoy

I've finished two books in the past couple of days and received 3 in the mail. I'll provide my book reviews and the synopses of the next books I'm reading plus those of my newest books. I'll also continue with my latest theme, women authors I'm enjoying reading.

Just Finished

1. One Fearful Yellow Eye by John D. MacDonald (Travis McGee #8).

"One Fearful Yellow Eye is the 8th book in Travis McGee mystery series by John D. MacDonald. Travis McGee is a beach bum in Florida who gets involved in cases, trying to help people get out of some sort of trouble. He's not technically an official PI, but somewhat more like The Equalizer, but one who works more by the seat of his pants and his intuition in helping these individuals.

McGee gets a phone call from an old friend, Glory, who is now living in Chicago. The two had a past, when Glory got into serious trouble back in Florida and McGee helped her out and helped her find herself again. He also introduced her to her husband and stood in at their wedding. Her husband Dr. Foster Geis has passed away and she has now discovered that his estate has somehow disappeared and that Foster's children from a previous marriage believe that Glory has hidden it someplace. McGee agrees to go to Chicago to help.

Glory is the good Dr's 2nd wife. While his first wife was dying, he had a relationship with his house-keeper's daughter and she got pregnant by him. She was married off and he helped fund the child's life. He also had a relationship with his scrub nurse which had been broken off. Money he had set aside for Glory and his two adult children (50 / 25 / 25) has disappeared. Foster had removed it from trust funds and converted to cash. His financial adviser provides as much info as possible to McGee and McGee begins to check out the children, the cook, the nurse and others in his investigation.

McGee struggles trying to find out what happened but thinks Foster may have been black mailed about something in his past. I'll leave the plot at that. I always like Travis McGee. He's a straight shooter and a trust worthy ally. I found the middle of this story got sort of muddy, almost too much description and time spent with McGee speculating on life, his past and his surroundings. But it still moves along and when McGee begins to grasp the  plot, it moves at a high speed pace with sufficient action and tension to satisfy anyone. There is a mysterious sub-plot that comes to fruition at the end of the story, a fascinating unforeseen (by me anyway) conclusion.

The description of wintry Chicago even gave me chills. The characters are all well-defined and three dimensional. The story is all in all satisfying and an entertaining read. I had some doubts initially but thought the last chapters brought the story to new heights and made it worth starting and working through. (4.5 stars)"

2. Madam President by Nicolle Wallace (Eighteen Acres #3).

"Madam President is the 3rd and final book in the Eighteen Acres political trilogy by Nicolle Wallace. As in the other books the focus is on the 3 women who are the main characters; President Charlotte (now in her 2nd term), Melanie (previously Charlotte's Chief of Staff, now her Defense Secretary) and Dale (a WH reporter previously, who had had a relationship with Charlotte's husband, now her Press Secretary)

Madam President basically takes place over one day when America is hit by terrorist actions in cities across the US, bombings in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami and Washington DC. Charlotte is in the midst of giving a speech about Planned Parenthood when the first bombs explode. Dale is working out of the White House, coordinating a Day in the Life of the President and WH with a CBS crew lead by anchors, Lucy and Richard. Melanie has been in Iraq visiting troops and heading back to try and help Charlotte.

The story alternates between the 3, each chapter dealing with one or the other as they work on the crisis. It's a fascinating look at how a crisis is dealt with by the WH, the people involved, the relationships between the 3 main characters, their loved ones and the press. Of the characters, I continue to prefer Melanie, a level - headed, smart, quick decision maker. Melanie is now pregnant and trying to maintain contact with her husband, a WH reporter. Charlotte is still dealing with her tense relationship with her husband Peter and her children, plus with a possible leaker in the White House. Dale still reviews her feelings for Peter and a budding relationship with a WH adviser, Warren.

The story is an excellent mix between personalities, crisis management and relationships. The story flows along at an excellent pace and keeps the tension ratcheted up throughout. Personally I find the relationship aspect tiresome at times, but that's just a personal preference, but they are critical to the way each of the main characters react to the crisis. All in all, it was an enjoyable trilogy and an excellent final book with a satisfying conclusion. (4 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Pale Gray for Guilt by John D. MacDonald (Travis McGee #9).

"Tush Bannon was in the wrong spot at the wrong time. His measly plot of land just so happened to sit right in the middle of a rich parcel of five hundred riverfront acres that big-money real estate interests decided they simply must have.

It didn’t matter that Tush was a nice guy with a family, or that he never knew he was dealing with a criminal element. They squashed him like a bug and walked away, counting their change. But one thing they never counted on: the gentle giant had a not-so-gentle friend in Travis McGee. And now he’s going to make them pay."

2. The Scar by China Mieville (Bas - Lag #2).

"The second Bas-Lag novel from the author of Perdido Street Station, an epic and breathtaking fantasy of extraordinary imagination.

A human cargo bound for servitude in exile.

A pirate city hauled across the ocean.

A hidden miracle about be revealed.

This is the story of a prisoner's journey. The search for the island of a forgotten people, for the most astonishing beast in the seas, and ultimately for a fabled place - a massive wound in reality, a source of unthinkable power and danger...

The Scar."

New Books

1. Satan's World by Poul Anderson (1968).

"Most men called it the Devil Planet. Only David Falkayn saw it as a world where he could make the greatest fortune of his career - if an entire alien armada could be kept at bay! In his magnificent Future History of mankind's second great age, Poul Anderson has conjured up a universe too immense for even the human race to despoil. Across this grand expanse of space roams the Polesotechnic League, a band of merchant princes from every inhabited planet, in search of adventure and riches beyond the wildest dreams of our earthbound time!"

2. New Hope for the Dead by Charles Willeford (Hoke Mosely #2).

"Miami homicide detective Hoke Moseley is called to a posh Miami neighborhood to investigate a lethal overdose. There he meets the alluring stepmother of the decedent, and begins to wonder about dating a witness. Meanwhile, he has been threatened with suspension by his ambitious new chief unless he leaves his beloved, if squalid, suite at the El Dorado Hotel, and moves downtown. With free housing hard to come by, Hoke is desperate to find a new place to live. His difficulties are only amplified by an assignment to re-investigate fifty unsolved murders, the unexpected arrival of his two teenage daughters, and a partner struggling with an unwanted pregnancy. With few options and even fewer dollars, he decides that the suspicious and beautiful stepmother of the dead junkie might be a compromised solution to all of his problems."

3. Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers (Lord Peter Wimsey #8).

"When ad man Victor Dean falls down the stairs in the offices of Pym's Publicity, a respectable London advertising agency, it looks like an accident. Then Lord Peter Wimsey is called in, and he soon discovers there's more to copy-writing than meets the eye. A bit of cocaine, a hint of blackmail, and some wanton women can be read between the lines. And then there is the brutal succession of murders -- 5 of them -- each one a fixed fee for advertising a deadly secret."

Women Authors I'm Enjoying - Lois McMaster Bujold

Lois McMaster Bujold, an American author of speculative fiction, is a relatively new author for me. She was born in 1949 in Columbus Ohio. Over her writing career, she's been awarded a number of Hugo, Nebula, Locus and other awards. I have begun to explore her Vorkosigan saga. I have read one book and have another awaiting my attention.

1. The Warrior's Apprentice (Vorkosigan Saga #2).

"Discharged from the Barrarayan academy after flunking the physical, a discouraged Miles Vorkosigan takes possession of a jumpship and becomes the leader of a mercenary force that expands to a fleet of treasonous proportions."

2. Shards of Honor (Vorkosigan Saga #1).

"A couple of years back, in my BLog, I was daily listing various songs and books that won awards each year from 1955 - the present. There were many new authors for me in those lists and I've purchased a few that sounded interesting. Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold won the Hugo Award for best Sci-Fi novel in 1992. The Vorkosigan saga, of which Barrayar was one the books, also won as beat Sci-Fi series in 2017. Shards of Honor is the 1st book in this series. And it was excellent.

Commander Cordelia Naismith, of the Beta world, leads a scientific exploration to a new world. Her expedition is attacked by soldiers from the Barrayar word, led by Lord Aral Vorkosigan. Due to intrigue within his crew, one of Cordelia's men is killed and another severely injured and Vorkosigan is abandoned, left for dead by his political officer, who takes over his crew.

The story now follows Cordelia and Aral as they struggle across the planet in an attempt to find safety, then to Vorkosigan's ship, where Cordelia is held prisoner and involved in both an escape and an attempt to prevent Aral's ship from being taken over by mutineers. There is more of course; a war between Barrayar and Escobar (assisted by Beta) and other activities. The story is about the relationship between Cordelia and Aral, their growing affection and love. It's about political intrigue, both on Beta and Barrayar. For a relatively short story, it's packed with action, great characters, intrigue, romance, everything you might like in a great story.

Bujold has an excellent way with developing characters (Cordelia and Aral are strong, intelligent and not without flaws) and the surrounding cast is also excellent. She presents the story concisely, neatly and draws you in to the events taking place. I especially enjoyed the to and fro of the main character's relationship. I also liked the intrigue and how it's resolved (or not). It was an excellent introduction to this series and I will read more. Loved it. (4.5 stars)"

The complete listing of Lois McMaster Bujold's works can be found at this link. Take care and enjoy the rest of your week. 😷