As the Month Winds Down...

This will probably be a quick update; the normal stuff - books read, books started and any new books. (I've actually been pretty darn good lately about that... although I'm picking up one new one when I go out today.. Don't tell Jo)

So...

Completed since last update

(3 completed, one that I gave up reading)

1. The Bone Thief by Jefferson Bass (Body Farm #5 / 2010). 

"This year I've been trying to catch up on some series that I've neglected for the past few years. A case in point is the Body Farm forensic series. The Bone Thief by a duo who write under their combined names as Jefferson Bass is the 5th book in the series. I've had it on my bookshelf since 2013 (definitely a dusty book, eh) and it's been since 2016 that I read number 4! Now this neglect isn't because I didn't enjoy the series, it's more that I keep picking up new series and forgetting about the older ones. 

But, of course, I digress. As always when I pick up one of my neglected series, it was so very easy to get back into the flow of the Body Farm books. Dr. Bill Brockton heads up the University of Tennessee's Anthropology Dept and part of that job is running the Bone Yard, an area set aside where donated bodies are laid in various soils, environments, etc. so that Ben and his team can learn about how the decompose. His main assistant is Miranda Lovelady, a PhD student. Brockton also uses the corpses as part of his curriculum on forensic science. He also, and this is the crux of the books, assists police in investigating murders by providing his expertise in identifying bodies, etc.

There is carry - over from the last book in this story. Brockton helped in a case that had carry-overs to WWII and the Oak Ridge institutes studies on nuclear radiation in the construction of the atom bombs that were used on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Brockton had a relationship with a Japanese / American woman who turned out to be the murderer. She used radioactive materiel in her murder and it caused damage to the hands of Brockton's friend, the universities coroner. Touching the material, when conducting an autopsy, his hands were severely burned and almost killing him. The plight to try and save Dr. Garcia's hands is an ongoing thread in this story. As is the fact that it seems that Bill Brockton, when having sex with Isabel, got her pregnant, something he's also trying to deal with.

But the main stories here are two fold. Bill is assisting a local lawyer in the exhumation of a body to help in a paternity suit. Oddly enough the body seems to be missing its arms and legs. This starts an another investigation into the practices of the funeral home that embalmed the body; with more parts missing and an extra dead body is discovered in ensuing exhumations... Enough yet?? Well.....

Bill is having an ongoing battle with the university administration over his budget shortfalls and especially trying to get enough money to keep Miranda on his staff. A possible outside source of funding might be a company that specializes in artificial limbs, who are interested in using Bill's work on bodies and bones to give them some insight into their work.. Enough yet?? Well.....

The FBI approach Bill to help them with an investigation into a Tissue company who they believe is obtaining body parts illegally. They want Bill to help them prove it as part of a sting operation. 

So,  as you can see, there is a lot going on. But Bass is an excellent story - teller and he intertwines all of these threads quite nicely to make a rich, entertaining mystery novel. Bill Brockton is a great character and I have always liked his independent, mouthy assistant Miranda. The concepts being discussed on organ transplants, and especially hand transplants make an additional item of interest. All in all, I'm glad that I got back into the series. It's easy to forget sometimes how much you enjoy reading until you delve back into your bookshelf a bit more deeply. (4.0 stars)"

2. The White Russian by Tom Bradby (2002). This the book I gave up on.

"I will not be providing a rating for The White Russian by Tom Bradby as it has been added to my DNF file unfortunately. I can't say it was badly written or not interesting, a mystery set during 1917 in St Petersburg. I can only say that I just found it too easy to put down. Maybe if I'd read it when I first got it, I would have finished it off.

It's an interesting setting and time period and if I were you, I wouldn't go by this Non rating. Check it out and judge for yourself. Back when I first bought this, 2016, I also bought Bradby's Master of the Rain and quite enjoyed. I should have read this then. Anyway, you don't want to hear my rationalizations for not reading it. Just check for yourself if you like historical mysteries. (DNF) (NR)"

3. Warriors Graphic Novel, Volume 2 by Erin Hunter (2025).

"Warriors Graphic Novel: The Prophecies Begin #2 by Erin Hunter is the 2nd volume of Hunter's Warriors series. It's the story of groups of wild cats living in Clans in the forest. There are 4 clans, the featured Thunder Clan and 3 others, Wind Clan, River Clan and Shadow Clan. Volume 2 focuses more on Thunder Clan and River Clan.

The 4 clans live in uneasy peace but there are ongoing threats from rogue cats and an ex-leader, who try to destroy Thunder Clan. Also there is a threat within Thunder Clan itself, where the deputy chief, Thunder Claw, wants to take over the Clan from Blue Star. The main character, Fire Heart, a cat who came to Thunder Clan from being a house cat, knows about Thunder Claw but isn't trusted enough yet to be believed.

The volume features a number of different stories. We have Blue Stars disagreements with the other clan leaders, especially when she protects Broken Star, a traitor to the clans. She has her reasons. There is Gray Stripe, Fire Heart's best friend, who is involved in a Romeo / Juliet type relationship with a River Clan cat,  which is against Clan rules. Fire Star meets his sister Princess, who still lives with humans, and takes his nephew under his wing, to teach him to be a warrior in the Clan. There is the threat from Thunder Claw.. There is a forest fire to threaten Thunder Clan's home. 

All in all, there is a lot going on. At times I do have difficulty telling one cat from another, but as you get into the story, they begin to come together and it doesn't affect the gist of the overall story. It's a great adventure, lots of intrigue, friendship, great artwork and just an entertaining story. Volume 3 is supposed to be out in the fall 2025. I look forward to reading it. (3.5 stars)"

4. Gideon's Power by J.J. Marric (Gideon #15 / 1969).

"Of all the mystery / spy / thriller series written by English author, J.J. Marric (John Creasey), who wrote under many pseudonyms, such as The Baron series, the Toff, Dr. Palfrey, Inspector West, etc., so far, the Commander Gideon police procedural series is by far my favorite. Gideon's Power is the 15th book in the series, which consists of 22 books, so I've still got a few left to read.

As per normal, Commander Gideon is dealing with a number of ongoing cases in Gideon's Power. The Power in the title refers to power outages that have been occurring throughout London. Are they sabotage or accidents? As well, a number of manufacturing businesses have been targeted with fire bombs. One of his Superintendents is investigating a child's murder and rape and another young girl goes missing in another district. Is it the same perpetrator? Hmmm... Gideon's 2nd in command is on vacation in Scotland and his temporary replacement isn't working to Gideon's satisfaction. A new lady has appeared in the secretarial pool and has somewhat distracted Gideon. 

So lots going on and Gideon handles it all with his normal aplomb, grumpy and taciturn but just an excellent police officer. And the team at his disposal, even though some can be difficult at times, especially Inspector Lemaitre who is investigating the bombing at a furniture manufacturer. But Gideon doesn't want yes men. He wants smart, dedicated, hard working men and that's the type of personalities he engenders with his own work ethic and with his straight - forward way of going about things.

It's all very interesting, nicely complex, neatly resolved (for the most part) and all in all, an entertaining story from beginning to end. It has definitely become one of my favorite series and I always enjoy coming back to it. (4.0 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Broken by Karin Slaughter (Will Trent #4 / 2010).

"When Special Agent Will Trent arrives in Grant County, he finds a police department determined to protect its own. Officer Lena Adams is hiding secrets from him, and while her role in the death of the county’s popular police chief is unclear, that man’s widow, Dr. Sara Linton, desperately needs Trent’s help to crack the case of a prisoner’s death. While the police force investigates the murder of a young woman pulled from a frigid lake, Trent investigates the police force. Caught between two complicated and determined women, trying to understand the facts surrounding Chief Tolliver’s death, Trent will uncover explosive secrets—and confront a thin blue line that could be murderous if crossed."

2. The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed (2024).

"A world-weary woman races against the clock to rescue the children of a wrathful tyrant from a dangerous, otherworldly forest.

At the northern edge of a land ruled by a monstrous, foreign tyrant lies the wild forest known as the Elmever. The villagers know better than to let their children go near—once someone goes in, they never come back out.

No one knows the strange and terrifying traps of the Elmever better than Veris Thorn, the only person to ever rescue a child from the forest many years ago. When the Tyrant’s two young children go missing, Veris is commanded to enter the forest once more and bring them home safe. If Veris fails, the Tyrant will kill her; if she remains in the forest for longer than a day, she will be trapped forevermore.

So Veris will travel deep into the Elmever to face traps, riddles, and monsters at the behest of another monster. One misstep will cost everything."

3. Photo Finish by Ngaio Marsh (Inspector Roderick Alleyn #31 / 1980).

"MURDER IN HIGH C...

A persistent paparazzo has hounded operatic soprano Isabella Sommita until her nerves are at the breaking point. Now her millionaire boyfriend has whisked her to a New Zealand island to recover. There she plans a performance of an aria written just for her-- by her secret young lover, who, along with a bevy of envious celebrities, is also on the island. It's the perfect set-up for grand opera-- wild passions...and bloody murder. And when the great singer is found dead, a photo on her bosom, Superintendent Roderick Alleyn must find out who did the diva in..."

New Books

Well, I did say I've been pretty good. No new books to report about at this time. 

Get a move on old man!

Now I've got a puppy looking at me very intently telling me to get off my butt and take him for a walk.. See you soon and read a great book.

Half way through May Already!

Industry Minister Melanie Joly. Future Canadian PM, maybe?

A quickie here. Firstly, I'm quite pleased with our new PM's cabinet. I'm glad that Melanie Joly has been kept in the Cabinet and given an important portfolio, Industry. I'd like to see her as PM some day. It seems like an excellent mix anyway. Time will tell.

So books, eh? 

Just Completed

1. A Question of Proof by Nicholas Blake (Nigel Strangeways #1 / 1935).

"I have read a few other of Anglo / Irish author, Nicholas Blake ( Cecil Day Lewis )'s Nigel Strangeways mysteries. I've finally gotten around to the first book in the series, A Question of Proof, originally published in 1935. It was a most enjoyable introduction to this mystery series of 16 books. 

The story is set at a public school for boys, Sudeley Hall, where old school chum of Nigel, Michael Evans is a teacher (master). Michael is having an affair with the Head master, Percival Vale's wife, Hero. They meet in various places on the grounds to conduct this illicit relationship. 

The mystery begins the day of the annual sporting event where the parents of the students show up for an afternoon of sporting activities. At the end of the day, one student appears to be missing, one Algernon Wyvern-Wemys, the Head master's nephew. The next day a group of fieldmen, working on hay stacks discovers his body inside a haystack, strangled with a piece of rope. Unfortunately for Michael Evans, this is the hay stack where he and Hero had their midday lunch and smooching.

Inspector Armstrong comes to the school to investigate the murder, with Evans and Hero being suspects. Michael asks his friend Nigel Strangeways to come help with the investigation. Strangeways has worked with Scotland Yard previously, it seems, or knows someone there. Inspector Armstrong accepts his presence willingly.

It's a fascinating story, peopled with interesting, sympathetic characters, even down to the various young students who Strangeways asks for assistance. Even though it is a murder mystery, it's got a nice light feel to it. Strangeways is interesting and intelligent. The school masters are all well-presented and even Inspector Armstrong, who is a diligent, thoughtful police officer.

As the story progresses, Strangeways, of course develops his own theories, that he keeps to himself for the most part. He and the Inspector agree to share information but to keep their theories to themselves until they can offer proof. Blake is a great writer, probably not surprising as he was also an accomplished poet (even reached the position of Poet Laureate of the UK in 1968). He has a nice engaging style, descriptive and well-written. There were many highlights, especially the car chase, which you could quite feel. 

There will be another murder and the story moves along quickly at that point to an excellent conclusion. All in all an excellent mystery with a main character sort of in the image of similar 'detectives' like Albert Campion, Peter Wimsey and Philip Trent. Most enjoyable and I have #2 on my book shelf. (3.5 stars)".

2. The Naming of the Dead by Ian Rankin (Inspector Rebus #16 / 2006).

"It's been six years since I read a DI Rebus mystery, although to be fair, I did try one of Ian Rankin's next series, Malcolm Fox of the Complaints (aka Internal Affairs) division of the Glasgow police force. The Naming of the Dead is the 16th book in the Rebus series. The next book was the last until Rankin did the Malcolm Fox book, then Rebus was in a combined one and now there are 9 books... Will I ever finish it???

The Naming of the Dead was an excellent story, an enjoyable mystery with Rebus, his wonderful DS, Siobhan Clarke and his arch enemy, criminal Cafferty. The story takes place during the G8 conference in Edinburgh. Police from all over the UK arrive to deal with the expected crowds of demonstrators. Even Siobhan's parents arrive to take part and Siobhan plans to spend time with them.

While preparations are beginning, one of the conference participants, an English civil servant is found dead at the base of Edinburgh Castle, after a dinner. Was he pushed or did he commit suicide? Rebus and Siobhan find their investigation slowed by Steelforth, an MI5?? officer who is providing security for the conference. 

At the same time, a series of bodies start turning up... or parts of bodies. The Chief Constable wants the investigation halted until after the G8, but Rebus and Siobhan continue to investigate. The bodies belong to a bunch of sexual predators listed on a website, Beastmasters. Is it someone from the website committing the murders? 

The story is fascinating and the setting of the G8 summit makes it even more interesting. Siobhan is thrown for a loop when her mother is hit in the head during a demonstration. She desperately wants to discover who did it; the police? or someone else? Besides Rebus and Siobhan, the story has a number of other interesting characters; Mairie, a reporter who had previously written a biography of Cafferty and now is investigating the sales of arms to 3rd World nations and also helps Rebus with his investigation. There is Ellen Wylie, a fellow cop who has posted on Beastmaster, whose sister was sexually assaulted at some time and who also ends up helping Rebus and Siobhan with the investigation. Who else, oh yes, the local  politician, Corbyn, who seems to find himself at the center of everything. What is his motive besides maybe trying to get rid of Cafferty? And of course, Cafferty himself. What an ominous, threatening character, even in his elder years. He and Rebus have a great relationship, if you can call it that.

It's a long story but it moves along nicely and is always interesting. I've enjoyed every single Rebus story and it's always 'fun' to enter his gritty world; the somewhat jaded cop who needs his work to justify his life. Loved it. (3.5 stars)"

3. Saga, Volume 8 by Brian K. Vaughan (#8 / 2017).

"The Saga fantasy / Sci-Fi graphic novel series by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples is a favorite of mine. Saga, Volume 8 was as enjoyable as all of the others. The artwork is crisp, bright and beautifully colored and the story is always interesting.

Hazel, the narrator, daughter of two warring races, the Wreaths (magical beings) and the Wings (winged beings) are on a new planet trying to save her mother. Along for the ride is the robot prince and transgender Wreath Petrichor (Only Hazel knows). Mother and robot have gone to Abortion Town to help her mother. Pregnant in the last volume, the baby has died and to save mom, it has to be removed. Unfortunately, because she is late into her pregnancy, she has to go to an abortionist in the Badlands. (So two issues covered in this volume that I don't normally see in graphic novels)

There are side stories, Robot Prince's son is still back on the planet with his companions waiting the return of Hazel and friends. The bounty-hunter The Will is being tortured to gain knowledge of his family and friends so that the 'torturer' can wreak vengeance on them. Oh... mom's dead baby has transferred his powers to mom, so not only is she a Wing, but she's got some magical powers and the baby has appeared to Hazel as her ghost brother.

So now that I consider it, there is a lot packed into this volume. I love the characters. I love the stories. I love the characters. Always fascinating and entertaining. (3.5 stars) Vol 9 is on order."

4. Something is Killing the Children, Volume 4 by James Tynion IV (#4 / 2022).

"I've been enjoying the Something is Killing the Children graphic novel horror series by James Tynion IV. Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 4 was just as interesting. This volume provides the back story about how Erica Slaughter became a member of the Order of St. George, the secret order set up to destroy dragons and monsters.

Erica is saved from being destroyed by a monster that had already killed her best friend and her best friends by Jessica, a member of the Order. In fact, Jessica arrives just after Erica has killed the demon herself. Jessica provides an interesting means of disposal of the demon, once again explaining I wondered about in the first Volumes.

Normally, the Order destroys the demon and also destroys any evidence of the demon.... even survivors. But Jessica instead plans to bring Erica back to Chicago and enlist her in the Order. The remainder of the Volume explains the process, the friction between Erica and other members of the order and also, interestingly, the hierarchy within the Order and the meaning of the various colored kerchiefs that they wear.

I especially enjoyed this Volume. I liked the back story, the explanation of Erica's original trauma, how she got to where she is in the previous volumes and also being introduced to more members of the Order of St. George. The story was excellent, the drawing and artwork was also excellent. Every volume, I get more and more drawn into the story and its characters. Looking forward to Volume 5 now. (4.0 stars)"

5. Chicken with Plums by Marjane Satrapi (2006).

"I've been exploring the graphic novels of Iranian / French author Marjane Satrapi since I read her Woman, Life, Freedom. I next check the Complete Persepolis. Both were excellent looks at life in Iran. So I decided to check out Chicken with Plums, published in English in 2006.

Chicken with Plums is a non-fiction novella / graphic novel about Marjane's uncle Nassar Ali Khan, a celebrated Iranian musician. of the 1950's. While having an argument with his wife, she grabs his cherished tar (a 4-stringed long necked instrument of the lute family) and breaks it in two. Nassar is heart - broken and while he tries to replace the instrument, he can't find one that sounds the same. He even takes his young son (well, is forced to do so by his wife) on a two day trip up north in Iran to buy one. But it doesn't sound the way he wants and Nassar decides to die.

And that is the crux of the story, the 8 day period where he resigns himself to death and the things that happen during that time while he stays in bed in his room. Nassar is visited by family members, his younger brother, his wife, his children. He dreams of a lost love whose father had rejected his offer of marriage because Nassar was only a 'musician'.

It's a grim, depressing story but at the same time, a fascinating look at Nassar and his life and relationships. As portrayed by Marjane (who makes a brief appearance with her mother), he's not a very likable man, but his character is just another aspect of the story. As always, the artwork, basically black & white drawings, is stark and well - presented and the story is quite different and fascinating. I have to say that I'm glad that I've explored Marjane Satrapi's work. I'll continue to check her out. (3.0 stars)."

Currently Reading

1. Cloud Warrior by Patrick Tilley (Amtrak Wars #1 / 1983).

"Ten centuries ago the Old Time ended when Earth's cities melted in the War of a Thousand Suns. Now the lethal high technology of the Amtrak Federation's underground stronghold is unleashed on Earth's other survivors - the surface-dwelling Mutes."

New Books

1. Solitaire by Alice Oseman (2014). I've previously enjoyed Oseman's Heartstopper series.

"In case you’re wondering, this is not a love story.

My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog. Last year – before all that stuff with Charlie and before I had to face the harsh realities of A-Levels and university applications and the fact that one day I really will have to start talking to people – I had friends. Things were very different, I guess, but that’s all over now.

Now there’s Solitaire. And Michael Holden.

I don’t know what Solitaire are trying to do, and I don’t care about Michael Holden.
I really don’t.

This incredible debut novel by outstanding young author Alice Oseman is perfect for fans of John Green, Rainbow Rowell and all unflinchingly honest writers."

2. Skin by Catherine Bush (2025). I've previously read and enjoyed Minus Time and The Rules of Engagement by Bush.

"Now, for the first time, a blistering book of short fiction from one of Canada’s most loved novelists.

In Skin, Catherine Bush plunges into the vortex of all that shapes us. Summoning relationships between the human and more-than-human, she explores a world where touch and intimacy are both desirable and fraught.

Ranging from the realistic to the speculative, Bush’s stories tackle the condition of our restless, unruly world amidst the tumult of viruses, climate change, and ecological crises. Here, she brings to life unusual and perplexing a man falls in love with the wind; a substitute teacher’s behaviour with a student brings unforeseen risks; a woman becomes fixated on offering foot washes to strangers.

Bold, vital, and unmistakably of the moment, Skin gives a charged and animating voice to the question of how we face the world and how, in the process, we discover tenderness and allow ourselves to be transformed."

3. Warriors, Graphic Novel; The Prophecies Begin, #2 by Erin Hunter (2025). I liked Vol 1 very much. If you like cats, this is  your thing. 

"Allegiances are shifting among the Clans of warrior cats that roam the forest. With tensions so delicately balanced, friends can become enemies overnight, and some cats are willing to kill to get what they want. Fireheart is determined to find out the truth about the mysterious death of the former Thunder Clan deputy Redtail. But as he searches for answers, he uncovers secrets that might be better left hidden. In the heat of a blazing summer, Fireheart struggles to handle sinister omens, an apprentice with a shocking secret, and a devastated Clan leader who is a shell of her former self. And as the forest gets hotter and hotter, every cat braces for the coming storm...."

So there you go, a few reading ideas for you. Enjoy and read a good book!

A May Quickie

Congrats to our PM! Give Trumpy what for! #ElbowsUp

My first post in a little while, let me take this opportunity before I get to books to congratulate Prime Minister Mark Carney on his recent victory, giving the Canadian Liberal Party a minority government! 

Jo and I, well, mainly Jo, are entering a new phase as she started her chemo therapy yesterday. The nurses at the hospital were all lovely and Jo was brave as all get up. I love her dearly. 

Spring has finally sprung here in the valley, the sun is up earlier and earlier and we're enjoying having the patio door open all day. Now to finish getting my yard work done and cleaning off the deck.. I could be doing that instead of sitting here, but there is always manana, right?

This is my first reading update of May 2025, so let's get to it.

Books Completed

3 books completed since my last update.

1. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline (2017)

"The Marrow Thieves is the first of two books (so far anyway) in this new series by Canadian / Metis author Cherie Dimaline. In some ways it reminds me of The Road by Cormac McCarthy (the journey towards a hopeful future) but more so of Waubgeshig Rice's Moon books, with its indigenous group struggling to survive a dystopic future in northern Ontario. Having said that, it's also a unique interesting story in its own right.

The story follows a group of indigenous people who are heading into northern Canada to escape from what is going on in the cities. It's told from the perspective of Frenchie (Francis) a Cree teenager, who keeps track of the events and also tells us more about the other members of the party, which is led by Miigwans, a native elder. There has been a natural disaster caused by over-population, destruction of the environment. The waters have risen, the climate is fighting back. One of the interesting things that's taken place is that white folks can no longer dream whereas the indigenous can.

So, because of this, the whites have resurrected the residential schools in a new manner. Captured indigenous peoples have become scientific experiments to help the whites get back the ability to dream. The indigenous are hunted down and taken to these 'schools', where they seem be changed... well, it's not perfectly explained and I'll let you discover it. The group is heading north to find more of their people, to find safety.

So the story is the journey and as well, it's the stories of the individual members of the party, their interactions and the budding relationships between them. It's an interesting story, that needs to be continued to how it all wraps up. The individuals are all interesting and well-developed and the story definitely holds your attention. I've got # 2, Hunting By Stars awaiting my attention. Excellent novel. (3.5 stars)"

2. The Word for World is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin (Hainish Cycle #5 / 1972). It's such a great Sci-Fi series.

"The Word for World is Forest is the 5th book in Ursula K. Le Guin's Hainish Cycle Sci-Fi series. An excellent story it is also a surprisingly violent and stark story. 

The planet New Tahiti, as named by the human colonists, has been colonized by Earthmen because of its forests. They are there to chop down trees and send the lumber back to Earth. The planet is peopled by a peaceful race, the Athsheans, small and furry beings who have been turned into indentured slaves by the yumens. They are made to help chop their forests, work as servants and generally to be abused, especially by some of the 'yumens'. 

Enter Capt. Davidson, a heartless individual who treats the indigenous people as bugs. He is in charge of Smith Camp and seems to do whatever he pleases. He's far away from the main camp that nobody really controls him. He's had run-ins with 0ne of the Science officers, Capt. Lyubov, who in fact interjected when Davidson was about to kill the other main actor in this novel, Selver, a friend of Lyubov. Davidson had raped and in so doing, had murdered Selver's wife. Selver, now bereft, had attacked Davidson, an unheard of action by an Athshean.

Things now escalate rapidly. Davidson is away, with Lyubov at Centralville. Davidson was there to greet a shipload of Earth females, there basically to provide sex for the men on the planet. While they are away, Smith Camp is attacked and destroyed by an army of Athsheans led by Selver. And things continue to get worse... I'll stop there.

It's an interesting story with all sorts of references to Earth's history and the treatment of indigenous peoples by colonists. There is a strong spiritual element to the story. The Athsheans are dreamers; their dreamworld co-existing with their real world. The story basically follows one of the main 3 characters in each chapter; either Selver, Lyubov or Davidson and each is presented quite differently. 

It's beautifully written and crafted and moves along at a steady pace. How it is resolved between the Athseans and the colonists and their home world is fascinating. Another excellent book in the Hainish series. But beware. For a Le Guin story it is quite gritty (4.5 stars)"

3. The Complete Persepolis: 20th Anniversary Edition by Marjane Satrapi (2007).

"I had read Woman, Life, Freedom by Marjane Satrapi last year, an excellent graphic novel about the history of Iran and the fight for women's rights. After that I decided to check out another work, The Complete Persepolis: 20th Anniversary Edition. This 20th anniversary edition combines Vols 1 & 2 from 2003 / 2004. 

This story is basically a graphical novel autobiography of Marjane Satrapi's life as she grew up in Iran during the fundamentalist regime and also her life in Austria, where her parents sent her to get an education. It's a surprising story which always has the background of the Iranian regime's war against human rights and freedom of expression. It covers the period of the war with Saddam Hussein's Iraq as well. 

In many ways it's a terrifying story. I can't imagine how people kept going, from the 'relative freedom' of the Shah's regime... and I use that term loosely because his regime also had its secret police that disappeared people who expressed opposing opinions. Marjane's family were relatively wealthy during this period but things did change with the mullahs took over. Life for them and for everybody changed drastically.. well, it changed from a different perspective. The freedom to wear what you wanted, to read what you wanted, to watch what you wanted, to go to night clubs, all disappeared and the veil became prevalent again.

Marjane is a typical kid, really, considering the conditions under which she lived. She and her friends rebel at school, especially against wearing the veil. As she gets older, her parents decide she needs to leave Iran for her own safety. They stay behind while Marjane goes to school in Austria, to continue her French education. Life there isn't very easy for Marjane, a struggle to make friends, to adjust to the life style of this country. She spends time moving from residence to residence, using drugs, developing relationships, having sex (usually alluded to, not actually shown) Back in Iran, things are much more difficult.

After the break-up of a relationship, Marjane heads home to be with her family. She finds the return, after 4 years, very difficult; how to communicate about her life in Austria when it seems trivial to what her parents had been experiencing in Iran. The story, after many trials, descents into despair, does end on a positive note, with Marjane leaving once again, to continue her education in France.

It's a fascinating story, a mix of cultures, conflict between secular Iran and fundamentalist Iran, war, growing up replete with more struggles than just your average teenager. The artwork is beautiful but stark,  the story rich but bleak at times. I may have to check out more of her work. (4.0 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Barking! by Liz Evans (PI Grace Smith #4 / 2001). I love this detective series.

"Stuart Roberts is a mild-mannered, shy accountant suffering from nightmares in which he remembers committing a violent murder, and he wants to know if they really happened. Grace doesn't want to take the case on the grounds that murders tend to mean there's someone who is prepared to kill around, and she'd rather pass, thanks very much. However, these are killings with a difference—they took place nearly 30 years before Stuart was born. During his dreams, Stuart becomes "Joe," and has vivid recollections of life as a hop farmer's son, a world Stuart swears he knows absolutely nothing about. Despite her skepticism, Grace has never been able to resist the lure of an unlimited expense account, so she takes the job. And then discovers that her client isn't quite what he appears to be."

2. Novels & Stories by Joanna Russ. I've wanted to read Russ's The Female Man for awhile and when I saw this compendium of her works, thought it was worth a try. I'm well into The Female Man.

"Rediscover one of America’s best SF writers in a definitive hardcover edition gathering all her finest work together for the first time

A LGBTQIA+ pioneer joins the Library of America series

An incandescent stylist with a dark sense of humor and a provocative feminist edge, Joanna Russ upended every genre in which she worked. The essential novels and stories gathered in this definitive Library of America edition make a case for Russ not only as an astonishing writer of speculative fiction, but, in the words of Samuel Delany, “one of the finest––and most necessary––writers of American fiction” period.

Here is her now-classic novel The Female Man (1975), in which four remarkable women––Jeannine, Janet, Joanna, and Jael––traverse alternate histories and parallel worlds (including the brilliantly imagined all-female utopia, Whileaway) in a multi-voiced, multidimensional voyage that continues to alter readers’ sense of gender and reality.

We Who Are About To … (1977), recounting the fate of a misfit band of space-tourists stranded on an alien world, challenges “golden age” expectations about civilization, in what becomes an allegorical thriller.

In On Strike Against God (1980), her incisive, darkly comic, and ultimately joyous final novel, Russ returns to Earth to explore LGBTQIA+ and feminist themes and the unfamiliar territory of “coming out” and lesbian romance.

Russ’s “Complete Alyx Stories” ––which feature her inimitably sly, resilient, and stone-cold heroine Alyx, who is plucked from a life of petty crime in ancient Phoenicia to serve as adventurer-for-hire for the Trans-Temporal Authority, and which reinvent the sword and sorcery genre for a postmodern era––are presented in their entirety here for the first time, and newly restored to print.

Also included are her unforgettable tales “When It Changed” and “Souls,” the former a 1973 Nebula Award winner and the latter the recipient of the 1983 Hugo and Locus Awards."

3. The Wintermen by Brit Griffin (Wintermen #1 / 2014). The Wild West meets the dystopic Wild North!

"The Wintermen is a near-future, climate-changed western, with snow machines riding into town and a showdown in the snow. Johnny Slaught and his Algonquin buddy Chumboy Commando didn't set out to lead one of the most notorious bands of rebels in recent history. But after the world descends into climate change chaos, the government does some serious triage, forcing wide-scale evacuations and abandoning rural areas to the non-stop snow. Soon enough, Slaught is forced by circumstance to stand up to the muscle of TALOS Security Corporation, setting in motion a rebellion of average folks fighting to rebuild their lives in the abandoned snow-scape of the northland. As TALOS sees it, Slaught and his Wintermen are a dangerous bunch of resistant fighters threatening control over the resource-rich hinterlands. TALOS, protecting their control and financial bottom line, are taking the Wintermen resistance very seriously. And so the hunt is on, with souped-up snow machines and heavy-duty firepower. To face off against TALOS? ruthless mercenary contractors, Slaught deploys a mixture of scrap snow-machines, gasoline and the military wisdom of Subcommander Marcos, backed-up by a ragtag community of bible-thumping seniors, a hippy midwife, a couple of gay stoners and Chumboy's mystical Auntie. Forget the western. Welcome to the Northern!"

New Books

(4 new books since my last update)

1. I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones (2024). A new author for me.

"It’s the summer before senior year for best friends Tolly Driver and Amber Dennison. They’re not in the marching band, they’re not in the FFA – they don’t really count. Amber’s the only Native student in town, and Tolly’s only on the radar due to his father’s recent death.

This is all about to change.

Bodies are going to be dropping fast in this small West Texas town. For a few unbearably hot days that will resonate through the decades and even get made into a TV movie, Tolly and Amber will be famous. Notorious even. Finally, everyone will know their names.

This is Stephen Graham Jones x-raying the slasher genre, interrogating its motivations over the shoulder and in the voice of the killer itself – from a town he did some growing up in, in a year he was also seventeen.

The kills will be poignant, the jokes will hurt, and the violence will be endearing. Everything’s turned around for Tolly, for Amber – for all of Lamesa, Texas.

Be happy you weren’t there.

Be happy you’re only reading about it."

2. The Gum Thief by Douglas Coupland (2007).

"One day, Bethany discovers Roger's notebook in the staff room. When she opens it up, she finds that this old guy who she's never considered to be quite human is writing mock diary entries pretending to be her - and spookily, he is getting her right."

3. The Accidental Soldier by Owain Mulligan (2025).

"Owain Mulligan was never what you'd call a career soldier. Nor even a particularly good one. At weekends he trained with the Territorial Army and dreamt of swapping the mayhem of teaching in a tough school for the adventure of service in Iraq. At least they'd let him wear a helmet in Iraq.

But when the job in headquarters he's been expecting doesn't materialize, he finds himself on the streets of Basra during one of the most violent periods of the conflict. Between homicidal militias, a chain of command who seem determined to get him killed, and equipment which might well do it for them, he and his men have their work cut out. It certainly puts double geography with 9E into perspective.

The Accidental Soldier is a searingly honest and darkly funny account of what it was really like being in the British Army in Iraq (including all the bits they probably hoped you'd never find out). We share all the hardships, fears, and occasional lunacy of military life as Owain and his men try to navigate a war gone badly wrong. One thing's for sure; you'll never look at the phrase 'military precision' in quite the same way again..."

4. Down World by Rebecca Phelps (Down World #1 / 2021).

"As the site of a former military base, there have always been rumors that East Township High School was the site of experiments with space and time. For years, students have whispered in the hallways of a doorway created within the school, one that can access multiple timelines and realities, a place known as the Down World.

As the new kid in school and still reeling from the unexplained death of her brother Robbie, Marina O'Connell is only interested in one thing: leaving the past behind. But a chance encounter with handsome Brady Picelli changes everything. He will lead Marina to a startling discovery. The Down World is real and the past, present, and future are falling out of balance.

Brady is determined to help Marina discover what really happened to her brother. However, what is taken from one world, must be repaid by another. And Marina is about to discover that even a realm of infinite possibilities has rules that must be obeyed."

Well, folks, there you go. See any books that might interest you? I hope so. Enjoy the rest of the week and your May reading.