A Quick Reading Update

Clyde looks a bit shaggier today

Lovely sunny morning today. Clyde and I went for a bit of a car ride; to get him an insulin refill (canine, of course) and then checked out a couple of shops; while he rested in the back seat. Not much to report on the reading front. 

Most of my graphics are stored here

I grabbed a graphic novel out of my upstairs bookshelf to try and jump start my reading and finished it this morning. So two books completed thus far in 2025, slow but steady.

Just Finished

1. Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 2 by James Tynion IV (Chaps 6 - 10 / 2020).

"Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 2 by James Tynion IV contains Chaps 6 - 10 in this horror graphic novel series. And the title tells it all, basically. Something is killing the children in the small town of Archer's Peak, Wisconsin. In these chapters we find out more about Erica Slaughter, the young woman trying to put an end to the horror and to the organization at Slaughter House in Chicago for which she works. We also find out more about the creatures that are 'killing' the children.

It's a terrifying, beautifully drawn story, skillfully depicting the town's reactions to what is going on, even though they, for the most part, can't see the creatures. Erica is trying to destroy the creatures while Slaughter House is sending her minder to cover up what is going on. I don't want to go into too much detail because it is a short graphic novel but a great deal is going on that you don't want to miss.

The police are helping the families try to identify the bodies and are themselves suffering from a kind of PTSD. Erica is trying both to keep the children safe while using them as bait... sort of. It's a scary, scary story, but so well done. The art work is stark filled with purples and reds and blacks. The characters are all wonderfully presented. The story moves either traditionally within a page and then jumps across to the next page before returning to the left page (did I describe that correctly? Once you start the story, it's difficult to put down. It flows quickly and intensely. Great horror if you are a fan. Vol 3 has been ordered. (3.5 stars)"

Women Authors Whose Work I've Been Enjoying - Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo was born in Jerusalem in 1975 (Sigh.... 20 years younger than me... It was bound to happen, eh? I am now a vintage book reader. 😏). Anyway, she is a fantasy writer that I checked out in 2022 and loved my first look at her story telling so very much. Since then I've also enjoyed the graphic novelization of her Grishaverse, a prequel to the main body of stories. Her stories are broken down somewhat differently depending on which website you check out. I guess hers would be the definitive one, eh? Her main story line is set in the Grishaverse, which is peopled with 'magic users' the Grisha. The Grishaverse collection is further broken down into various series' trilogies, duologies, etc. Leigh has written about 12 full length novels. So far I've read one of the novels and the graphic novel. I have another 4 sitting on my bookshelf to start. I'm looking forward to them very much.

1. Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1 / 2015).

"Six of Crows is my first experience with the fantasy of Leigh Bardugo. It is the first book of (2 so far) in the Six of Crows duology and a continuation of the Grishaverse. The Grisha are magical people, accused by many other races of being witches and sorcerers, as I understand it so far. 

Six of Crows is a perfect gang story and heist story. It's only weakness is that there is a second book following up on the adventure. But even that does not take away from the excellence of this story.

The story takes place on the merchant island of Kerch. Kaz is hired by one of the merchant society to find a Shu scientist, Bo Yul-Bayur, who has made a chemical drug that enhances the capabilities of Grisha. It also hooks them on the drug and drives them insane. The Merchants want to get the scientist so they can control the drug and stop enemies from using it.

Kaz is a lieutenant of one of the gangs of Kerch and he takes along members of his gang to the Ice prison at Dierholm where Yul-Bayur is being held by the Fierdan, enemies of the Grisha, so they can use the drug to defeat their enemies. The prison is supposed to be impregnable, hence the great heist story. It's a great, fascinating adventure with a great team of crooks; Kaz, the leader, his right hand man (woman) Inej, aka The Wraith, Nina, a Grisha Healer (the various levels of Grisha and their talents are outlined at the beginning of this story), Jesper, a jack of all trades and weapons expert, Matthias, a Fierdan soldier with a relationship (if you can call it that.. a love / hate relationship) who knows the workings of the Ice Prison, and Wylan, the son of the main trader and somewhat of an expert with bombs, a great story and wonderful dialogue.

The story is told from the perspectives of the main characters, jumping from one to the other as we learn about them, their personalities, their past, the connections with each other. There are twists and turns a-plenty as other gangs try to break into the prison and foil Kaz's team. It's a rich world that Bardugo has created, with fascinating peoples and just a wonderfully complex story. I have to say it grabbed me so quickly. The story is dark and gritty, but there is humor at the same time. Everything about it was amazing. I can't say enough positive about it. Ocean's Eleven meets Game of Thrones. I need to explore this world more. (5 stars)"

2. Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2 / 2016).

"Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets—a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world."

3. Shadow and Bone (Shadow & Bone #1 / 2012).

"'I've been waiting for you a long time, Alina,' he said.

'You and I are going to change the world.'

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the world of the kingdom's magical elite — the Grisha. Could she be the key setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a man of seductive charm and terrifying power. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina's childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can't she ever quite forget him?"

4. Ninth House (Alex Stern #1 / 2019) A new series by Bardugo.

"Galaxy "Alex" Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale's freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug-dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. In fact, by age twenty, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she's thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world's most prestigious universities on a full ride. What's the catch, and why her?

Still searching for answers, Alex arrives in New Haven tasked by her mysterious benefactors with monitoring the activities of Yale's secret societies. Their eight windowless "tombs" are the well-known haunts of the rich and powerful, from high-ranking politicos to Wall Street's biggest players. But their occult activities are more sinister and more extraordinary than any paranoid imagination might conceive. They tamper with forbidden magic. They raise the dead. And, sometimes, they prey on the living."

So there you go. A taste of Leigh Bardugo's writing to see if it piques your interest. Find out more about her by checking her own website or that of Wikipedia. Enjoy your weekend. Read a good book.

For Janice - Books Part 20 (The Final Post and then we get back to regularly scheduled posting)

The bottom left shelves to finish off

It's a rainy Saturday so while Jo watches episodes of Chicago PD, it's the perfect time to finish off this thread. For the final post, I'll check out the shelves at the bottom left, just behind the desk drawers. 

Close up of the very bottom shelf

Working alphabetically from bottom to top.

1. Left side, bottom row, back. Mostly mysteries here. Starting with a bit of classical fiction from Somerset Maugham. I have liked his story telling in other books. Then one by Archer Mayor (a crime series set in Vermont). Then 4 or 5 by Ed McBain. I like his police procedurals, featuring the 87th Precinct in a fictional city. I have read Robert McCammon's A Boy's Life, an excellent coming of age kind of horror story. Mine looked interesting. Val McDermid writes the Tony Hill psychological crime series and also a few others. Always good value for money. Julie McElwain is a new author for me. This is the first book in a time travel mystery series. James Melville is another new author, who writes the Inspector Otani mystery series. I've talked about Margaret Millar before, a Canadian mystery writer who has to be one of my all time favorite author in the genre. I keep finding more of her books. I eventually hope to read all of her books. I have read one of Magdalen Nabb's Inspector Guarnaccia's mystery series. It was ok. I hope to explore the series more. I thought I'd read one of Lillian O'Donnell's Norah Mulcahaney mystery series, but I guessed wrong. She is another new author for me. I bought the first two Emily Kenyon books by Gregg Olsen but have yet to try them. One day I'll either do so or just give up. Baroness Orczy wrote the Scarlet Pimpernel books. I've read one so far and also her Man in the Corner mystery series. Most enjoyable. Robert B. Parker wrote both the Spencer books and the Jesse Stone series. I've enjoyed a couple of the Spenser books very much, but still have to try Jesse Stone. I have watched the TV series starring Tom Selleck. Both Jo and I enjoyed that very much. The final two books in this row are a new author, Barbara Paul, author of both series and standalones. Kill Fee is one of her standalones. Finally there is Matthew Pearl, with historical mysteries. I've read The Dante Club and now have The Poe Shadow to try.

2. Left side, bottom row, front. Once again, mostly mysteries with a few Sci Fi thrown in. Starting with a few of Thomas Perry's Jane Whitefield thrillers. Jane helps people in trouble disappear. Very interesting. I've read two of Jean Potts' spy mysteries and enjoyed very much. She wrote mainly in the 50's and 60's. Next is Preston & Child who write the Agent Prendergast horror thriller series, e.g. Relic. I've not read any of the Ellery Queen mysteries but saw this book and thought it might worth a try. I discovered Kathy Reichs after reading some of Patricia Cornwell's Scarpetta and Karin Slaughter's Grant County forensic mysteries. Reichs created the Temperance Brennan series, set in South Carolina and Montreal. Very good series. Ruth Rendell writes the Inspector Wexford English mysteries and I'm just beginning to explore it. Now on to some Sci Fi with Mack Reynolds, a new author for me. Time Gladiator is part of his Joe Mauser series. Another new series next with J.D. Robb's (aka Norah Roberts) in Death series, a crime series set in the future. Sci Fi once again with one by Keith Roberts (new) and Kim Stanley Robinson (also new, but I will be reading another book by Robinson in my Tome challenge). Peter Robinson writes the DCI Banks mystery series, another excellent British series that was turned into a TV show. And then you've got to Holly Roth spy stories (just as good as Helen MacInnes and who I plan to continue to explore) and a fantasy by Patrick Rothfuss. I liked the first book in the Kingkiller series, even though I began it being somewhat intimidated by the number of pages.

3. Left side, 2nd bottom. There is more Sci Fi / Fantasy in this grouping, starting with a new author Brandon Sanderson and his Mistborn series. After that, back to mystery / thrillers with John Sanford's Prey series. I've enjoyed them so far and have a few on my shelf as you can see. After that with more Sci Fi and another new author, John Scalzi and the Old Man's War (I've heard great things about the series). Dell Shannon writes the Lt Mendoza police procedural. I've read one and it was so good. Somewhat like the 87th Precinct books. Next is another of my favorite all - time authors, Nevil Shute. He was such a wonderful story teller putting normal people in settings that make them shine. Pied Piper, The Far Country, On the Beach. I hope to read all of his books some day. Sci Fi next with Robert Silverberg (I'm not all that familiar with him) and Clifford Simak (I like him, although some of his books have been silly). My Simenon books are scattered throughout the house, depending on which publisher. The Maigret series is always excellent. Another new Sci fi author in Dan Simmons with the first book in his Hyperion series. A Martin Beck mystery by Maj Sjowall and the previously mentioned Karin Slaughter with some of her thrillers are next. Julie Smith writes two series that I've enjoyed, the Skip Langdon mysteries set in New Orleans and the Rebecca Schwartz series set in California. I didn't warm to her Talba Wallis series. The row finishes with another new Sci Fi author, Neal Stephenson. 

4. Left side, 3rd bottom, back. (The 2nd last row of books!) As I look at this 2nd last row, I think all but two books are mysteries. We'll see if I'm correct. The first ten are by Rex Stout, author of the Nero Wolfe mysteries. I think he is one of my focus authors in 2024 so I can make a dent in my collection. After that is John Straley with a PI series set in Alaska. I've read one and it's sort of mystical. Julian Symons wrote mystery series and standalones. I've enjoyed a couple of his books thus far. I've mentioned Peter Temple before. He is author of the Jack Irish, Australian mystery series, as well as standalone thrillers. Sheri S. Tepper is my one Sci Fi entry on this shelf. I found her Shadow's End to be such a unique story and I'm looking forward to exploring her work more. I've read a few of Josephine Tey's Inspector Grant mysteries. She wasn't prolific but they were interesting. Victoria Thompson writes the Gaslight mysteries set in early 1900's New York featuring mid-wife, Sarah Brandt. I'm working my way through the series and enjoying very much. Charles Todd writes the historical mystery series featuring Inspector Rutledge. I've enjoyed the first two so far. They are set after WWI. Arthur Upfield wrote his mystery series in Australia, featuring Aborigine Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte. I enjoyed my first exposure to the series and look forward to reading a few more. Janwillem van de Wetering writes a series with the Amsterdam cops, Grijpstra and de Gier that I've started. And finally is a new author for me, S.S. van Dine, a screenwriter and author of the Philo Vance murder mysteries, which you can regularly watch on TCM.

5. Left side, 3rd bottom, front. After I took this photo, I filed the last three books correctly. LOL. So let's see. Joan D, Vinge and Vernor Vinge are both Sci Fi authors, both new to me. In case you were wondering how I pick some books, quite often they are listed in the back of other books I'm enjoying. If they sound interesting as well, I'll try to find the books. Some favorite mystery writers next with Martin Walker, creator of the Bruno series set in France, Ruth Ware, who I'm just starting to get into (not sure how much I like her yet) and Minette Walters, whose standalones have always been unique. I hope to read all of her work some day as well. I've read two mysteries by Hillary Waugh, Last Seen Wearing and A Death in Town and they were both excellent, super character studies of people coping in crisis and during a police investigation. I'm looking forward to reading more of his work. I've only read one Charles Willeford mystery so far and it was kind of different. I'm looking forward to trying his Hoke Moseley series. Timothy Williams is another author whose work were listed in the back of a book, from the Soho Crime publications. He writes the Inspector Trotti series. I've been exploring Jack Williamson's Sci Fi books. He was one of the early writers in the genre. I've read some Sci Fi by Colin Wilson, The Space Vampires and The Mind Parasites and am looking forward to seeing what kind of mysteries he writes. Connie Willis writes the Oxford Time Travel series and I enjoyed the first book. Gene Wolfe is kind of different. I didn't enjoy his Shadow & Claw series but I liked a book of his short stories so I'm going to give him another try with Castleview. Cornel Woolrich was one of the first 'noir' mystery writers. He wrote the short story on which Alfred Hitchcock presented Rear Window. I like his style of writing. Two final books / authors. John Wyndham wrote so many of my favorite Sci Fi stories (I mentioned in an earlier post.). This collection of short stories might be interesting. And finally I've read one of Qiu Xiaolong's Inspector Chen mysteries. Number 2 awaits.

So there you go. I hope you didn't mind my self - indulgence too much? Back to normal posts for the next while. Enjoy your weekend.

For Janice - Books Part 19 (The Penultimate Post on this Subject.... until I do it next time)

So here we go with the 2nd last look at my book shelves. Today I look at the books on the left side of the cabinet, behind the closed doors.

1. Left side, bottom shelf, back row. (Once again, these books are stored alphabetically, with this row starting with the letter 'g'). It starts with 4 books by Erle Stanley Gardner of Perry Mason fame, I'm just getting into the series after enjoying rewatching the original TV series starring Raymond Burr. After that are 5 books by Jonathan Gash, mysteries featuring somewhat shady antique dealer Lovejoy. (Another TV series both Jo and I enjoyed immensely. Maybe Vision TV will start showing those shows). Next are 4 books by Michael Gilbert who wrote both mysteries, featuring Inspectors Hazelrigg and Petrella) and war stories. I've enjoyed both. After that, there is one Sci Fi story from Phyllis Gotlieb (Blue Apes) and 3 books by Caroline Graham, author of the Midsomer Murder books. After that are my continuation of the Poldark books by Winston Graham. I really enjoyed #1. The row finishes with a number of Inspector Jury mysteries by American author Martha Grimes. It's another excellent series, all centered around pubs.

2. Left side, bottom shelf, front row. About 3/4 of the books in this row were written by 2 authors, Jane Haddam (who writes the Gregor Demarkian mysteries - Demarkian is an ex - FBI profiler who now does detective work) and Adam Hall (author of the Quiller spy series. I'm focused on this series for my February Focus challenge). The row is finished off by a number of Steve Hamilton mysteries featuring Alex McKnight, a new series for me and one by John Harvey, author of the Charles Resnick and Frank Elder mysteries.

3. Left side, middle shelf, back row. Other than some horror / fantasy from James Herbert the remaining of the books in this row are mystery / thrillers. The first is the 1st book in the Dr. Fenimore series by Robin Hathaway. This is followed by 3 Jack Caffery thrillers by Mo Hayder and 4 books by James Herbert (fast becoming one of my favorite horror authors) including the final book in the Rats trilogy, Domain. You've got three classic mysteries by Georgette Heyer, 2 Sonora Blair mysteries by Lynn Hightower (I haven't been disappointed by any of the mysteries I've read by her so far), 2 Inspector Serrailler mysteries by Susan Hill, also author of a number of gothic horrors. The remaining 7 books in this row contain the excellent Navaho mysteries by Tony Hillerman.

4. Left side, middle shelf, front row. This row contains all mystery series. Alan Hunter wrote the Inspector George Gently series. The TV show is quite different from the books so far. Joe Ide is a new author for me, author of the IQ mystery series. Arnaldur Indridason writes the Inspector Erlendur mysteries set in Iceland. Hammond Innes wrote spy thrillers and Michael Innes is a new author for me, featuring Inspector Appleby with Death at the President's Lodgings as the first book in that series. The next 10 books are by P.D. James, of the Inspector Dalgleish books and also two featuring PI Cordelia Gray. I think James is another of my upcoming focus authors. The last book in this row is an Inspector Roy Grace mystery, set in Jo's old stomping grounds around Brighton, by Peter James and I think he will continue on the top shelf. We'll see, eh?

5. Left side, top shelf, back row. I've been proven wrong. The first book is a horror story by Jack Ketchum. I previously read his The Girl Next Door and it was unsettling. I've enjoyed the next series very much, the Kat Colorado mystery series by Karen Kijewski. (Kat is much like Kinsey Milhone. It's unfortunate that Kijewski just stopped writing the series after only nine books. Jonathan King has written 7 Max Freeman thrillers and 3 standalones. I did enjoy the 1st Freeman book. Hans Hellmut Kirst wrote anti war stories, many featuring Gunner Asch. He also wrote Night of the Generals which became a feature movie. The sequel, The Affairs of the Generals, is on my shelf. Janice Law writes the Anna Peters industrial spy series and the historical mystery series featuring painter Francis Bacon. Cross Check is the latest in the Anna Peters series. John Lawton writes the Inspector Troy mystery series and Elizabeth Lemarchand the Pollard and Troy mysteries, a new series for me. Next are two books by one of my favorite mystery writers, Donna Leon, Her Inspector Brunetti mystery series set in Venice has a bit of everything, neat mysteries, great food and wonderful characters. I have yet to try John Lescroart's Dismas Hardy legal series but I have heard good things about it. It may slip off the bookshelf if I don't get to it soon though. The next three books are by horror / Sci Fi author Ira Levin. The three books includes The Stepford Wives. Martin Limon writes a mystery series set in South Korea and featuring two US MP's. I really liked the setting and the 1st two stories. Peter Lovesey writes both the Inspector Diamond and the Sgt Cribb mystery series. Jonathan Maberry writes a couple of horror series, both gritty and high paced. John D. MacDonald writes the Travis McGee hard boiled mystery books and Ross Macdonald features PI Lew Archer.

6. Left side, top shelf, front row. I see I've got the first almost half of this row a bit mixed up, with a mixture of John D. MacDonald Travis McGee books mixed in with Ross Macdonald Lew Archer books and also Helen MacInnes cold war spy thrillers. You get the picture, eh? The next book by Charlotte MacLeod features another new author, creator of the Sarah Kelling & Max Bittersohn mysteries. The next six books are all Commander Gideon police procedurals by JJ Marric and the remainder are from another favorite mystery series of mine, the Inspector Roderick Alleyn mysteries by Ngaio Marsh. Lots to keep my happy.

So, just one more set of shelves to show you, maybe tomorrow. Hope you've gotten some reading ideas from this ongoing thread?

For Janice - Books Part 18

Not so sunny today, kind of a gloomy Wednesday. Jo is at work and I'm in the den with the dogs, listening to an FA Cup match on TV as I type this. 

Looking at the bottom shelves behind the doors

Continuing with my ongoing look at our book shelves and the books on them, I'm still in the Den and looking at the books. Today I'm focused on the very bottom, center right side behind the doors. There are 3 shelves and two rows of books on each shelf. The shelves go from A - Z from this right side to the far left. It's a pain when I have to reorganize. 😕😖😃

1. Right side, first shelf, back row (I've not read any of these books). The first eight books are women mystery writers; Catherine Aird with the first two books in her Inspector Sloane mysteries; one book by Susan Wittig Albert, the first book in her China Bayles mystery series and then 5 of Margery Allingham's Albert Campion mysteries (I'm currently reading her Look to the Lady. Next are two Sci Fi stories by Poul Anderson and one from Piers Anthony, both usually good value for money. A variety of mysteries follow; one by Charlotte Armstrong, a standalone, one filed incorrectly by Christa Faust (LOL), two of Isaac Asimov's short stories featuring the intrepid Black Widowers and the 3rd book in the Mr. Chip's mysteries. Two Sci Fi stories from J.G. Ballard follow (one strange dude sometimes and then for the most part you've mysteries; Robert Barnard is a new author for me (this is the first book in his Idwal Meredith series; two books by Nevada Barr from her Anna Pigeon mystery series (a favorite of mine), then 3 from Jefferson Bass's Boneyard mystery series (I need to get back to it as I enjoyed the first books); Peter S. Beagle's A Fine and Private Place, a love story between 2 ghosts (I've enjoyed others by Beagle); the rest are by M.C. Beaton, either from her Hamish MacBeth or her Agatha Raison mystery series, both enjoyable. I think I prefer Hamish.

2. Right side, first shelf, front row. For the most part you've got more mysteries, with just a couple of exceptions. It starts with more MC Beaton mysteries (she will be one of my monthly focus authors this year so I can make a dent in the overflow); Anthony Berkeley wrote the Roger Sheringham mysteries but also many standalones, including some under other names, Trial and Error is a standalone; Max Brand wrote westerns as far as I know but also the Dr. Kildare books. I remember watching Dr. Kildare (starring Richard Chamberlin) as a kid so thought I'd like to try one of the books. Lilian Jackson Braun writes the Cat Who mysteries. I've been enjoying that series quite a bit. I have to try Frenzy because it's an Alfred Hitchcock movie I've enjoyed many times. Nicholas Blake wrote the Nigel Strangeways mysteries and might be better known as the dad of Daniel Day - Lewis. Winterkill is the 3rd book in the Joe Pickett mystery series by C.J. Box. Tom Bradby writes interesting mysteries. I enjoyed The Master of Rain very much. the Desert Spear is the 2nd book in Peter V. Brett's Demon Cycle. The first book was excellent. The remaining books are from 3 mystery series by another of my 2024 Focus authors, Simon Brett. I've enjoyed every one of the series so far; Charles Paris (part time actor / part time sleuth), Mrs. Pargeter (kind of Miss Marple) and the Fethering mysteries. All are entertaining and different in their own way.

3. Right side, 2nd shelf, back row. More Sci Fi and Fantasy in this row. The row starts with the remaining Simon Brett mysteries, then one by Ken Bruen (Jack Taylor / Ireland). After that you've got John Brunner (another Sci Fi author I'm enjoying), Lois McMaster Bujold (#4 in her Vorkosigan saga) and William Burnett, a new Sci Fi author for me. The next few books are Tarzan books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, with one from his People that Time Forgot trilogy). Andrea Camilleri writes the Inspector Montalbano mysteries, one I'm not overwhelmed by, but will continue to see if I enjoy it more.) After that are Sci Fi short stories by John W. Campbell, a Felix Castor horror / fantasy mystery by Mike Carey and a mixture of mysteries by John Dickson Carr (both series and standalones). Peter Chambers is another new author for me; Murder is for Keeps is the 1st book in his Mark Preston series. Finally on this row, you've got 4 Sci Fi stories by C.J. Cherryh (a newly discovered and enjoyed Sci Fi author) and 2 spy stories by John le Carré.

4. Right side, 2nd shelf, front row. Once again, for the most part this shelf has mysteries and / or thrillers. My January focus author starts the row, that being the wonderful Agatha Christie, always entertaining. John Christopher does write Sci Fi and I've enjoyed a few of his efforts. Then some reliables in Ann Cleeves (a George and Molly Jones), Michael Connelly (Bosch), John Connolly (the very gritty Charlie Parker - I'm currently reading one of his); and K.C. Constantine (Rocksburg mysteries). The remainder of that row feature various works by John Creasey (another of my monthly focus authors for 2024), the Toff & the Baron, 

5. Right side, bottom shelf, back row. This row mostly contains mysteries, with a few Sci Fi thrown in. There is an Isaac Bell adventure from Clive Cussler (the only one I've really enjoyed so far), a Henry Gamadge mystery by Elizabeth Daly, The Judas Cat from Dorothy Salisbury Davis and a few of Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse mysteries. Follow that up with 2 Sci Fi stories by Philip K. Dick (he's definitely unique and I've read and possess quite a few of his books). There is a mystery from Doris Miles Disney (I enjoyed the first one I read), then Sci Fi adventures from Stephen Donaldson (Gap) (I have previously enjoyed his Thomas Covenant and Mirror of her Dreams fantasy series) and Saul Dunn (the Cabal). Kate Ellis crafts interesting Archeological mysteries and J.T. Ellison writes high paced thrillers. P.N. Elrod has created a vampire series that combines a vampire story with a hard - boiled mystery. It's kind of neat. Loren D. Estleman writes thrillers featuring retired hit man Peter Macklin (amongst other series). Finally the row ends with Janet Evanovich's sexy, funny mystery series starring bond agent Stephani Plum.

6. Right side, bottom shelf, front row. Once again, for the most part, this shelf consists of mysteries. At the far left is a Liz Evans mystery featuring sometimes hapless PI Grace Smith. I've enjoyed the first books very much. Raymond Feist writes fantasy. I read the first book in his Riftwar series and #2 awaits. After that are a couple of Horatio Hornblower adventures (I'm winding down that series). And in quick succession... a minute passed (sorry had to slip in that Monty Python reference). Some Scandinavian mysteries from Karin Fossum (featuring Inspector Sejer), an Australian mystery by Candice Fox (Crimson Lake #3), a few by Frances Fyfield (her Helen West & Sarah Fortune mysteries) and a Neil Gaiman fantasy. Finishing off with the 3rd Cormoran Strike mystery by Robert Galbraith and the a variety of thrillers from Meg Gardiner (featuring either Evan Delaney, Jo Beckett or Unsub). 

Well, there you go. Two more rows of shelves to go. I hope you enjoy checking out the books. I've always wanted to own a book store, I guess this is as close as I'll come. Enjoy the rest of your week.

For Janice - Books Part 17

It's a beautiful, sunny, brisk day today. Just lovely. Not sure what Jo and I will be doing today, maybe some grocery shopping. She'd normally be at work but the mall is doing roof repairs which means the store will have to be closed for the day.

Den right side of shelves

While I wait to see what we're going to do and when, let's continue with my look at our book shelves and books. Continuing with the Den, the last room, I'll look at the right side of the book shelves today, starting at the top.

1. Right side, Top left corner. A mixture of genres here. Starting from the left you've got Alphabet House, a Department Q mystery set in Copenhagen by Jussi Adler-Olsen. Then there are two books Jo bought me for Xmas many moons ago. Both are non-fiction by Simon Winchester and deal with the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, one was turned into a movie, The Professor and the Madman. Fascinating books. Then a collection of mysteries; an Inspector Maigret, then two by Charlotte Carter, set in New York. Vera Caspary might be best known for her noir mystery, Laura, which was turned into a movie as well, both excellent. I've got Bedelia now awaiting my attention. Next is The Toff, a thriller from John Creasey; this being the intro to the character. Finally, there is another book from Evelyn Piper, who also wrote Bunny Lake is Missing (great book and tense movie) and a police procedural by Dell Shannon, I enjoyed the first book I read by him. I do like me a well-written cop story.

2. Right side, Top right corner. Mostly mysteries / thrillers with a couple of exceptions. Walter Miller is a Sci Fi author. I read his A Canticle for Liebowitz a couple of times so thought it might be a good time to try something else by him. The Lodger was written in 1912 by Marie Belloc Lowndes and was turned into a movie I believe. I'm looking forward to finally reading it. Cara Black writes a detective thriller series featuring Aimee Leduc, set in Paris. I've read the first couple so far. Back in high school, I read a couple of books by Leo Rosten about a night school teacher trying to teach English as a 2nd Language. His most troublesome student was his most enthusiastic, one Hyman Kaplan. I found a copy of the first book a few years back. So funny. John Dickson Carr is a new author for me, although I did read his first Dr. Gideon Fell mystery. James Herbert is an excellent horror author. The Rats is the first book in his 'rats' trilogy. I have them all, just waiting to finish the final book. Erle Stanley Gardner wrote the Perry Mason books but also a series featuring The DA. The DA holds a Candle is one of that collection. Finally a couple of classic mystery writers, Arthur Conan Doyle and, once again, Georges Simenon.

3. Right side, 2nd from top. A fair bit of non-fiction on this shelf; Winston Churchill's The Gathering Storm, a book about the Yangtze river by Simon Winchester, 2 by Bill Bryson and at the far end, one about Elizabeth 1st & a book about spending money (I think it was picked up in one of our auction lots at the Cumberland auction. So what else? Oh, Glinda of Oz from my collection of L. Frank Baum books (lots still to read), an Anthony Berkeley mystery, Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie and Lost Horizon by James Hilton.

4. Right side, 3rd from top, left side. Mostly collectibles here, some from A Gentler Time. Just out of sight on the left is an England / Wales 'Never Get Lost' NGL road guide from 1927. After that, a 1957 edition of Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott, a great edition of The Pickwick Papers by Dickens (I remember reading in high school). Then a book I bought for Jo one Christmas, a 1925 book, The Ross Guide of Home Furnishing and Decoration. Finally  you've got early editions of Dombey and Sons (Dickens) and Vanity Fair (Thackeray).

5. Right side, 3rd from top, far right. Between these two collections of books are more of Jo's perfume bottles. They really are quite lovely. The first book is one I found... I'm not sure where, maybe Russell Books in Victoria. It's by A. Conan Doyle when he worked as a reporter covering the Boer War. It was published in 1901 and was a fascinating story, filled with fantastic maps. The next four are my mother's high school English books, plays by Shakespeare and Kim by Rudyard Kipling. Then there is a leather bound copy of Nicholas Nickleby by Dickens (another book I've enjoyed) and finally The Life of Alfred the Great. Indications are it was published circa 1850, so it's a mite old.

6. Right side, radio shelf. On this shelf, if you check the first picture, there is an old tube radio that Jo and I bought... I just asked her and we're not sure where, but I think it might have been at a now-closed antique store in Courtney called Second Wind. It still works, at least the last time I turned it on. It could pick up some talk radio stations in Vancouver. Anyway, the books beside it were selected by Jo because they all had red spines. It's an odd collection. You've got my daughter, Jennifer's published Master's thesis, some books on furnishings and movie stars and movies, an old Pears Encyclopedia, my Canadian Cub book from 1963 and finally a zipped bridge set. So as I say, some odd books. I'm sure Jennifer might take exception to calling her thesis an odd book, but it's all meant as a term of affection, 😀👌

7. Bottom shelf. I don't know why I didn't take a photo of the shelf 2nd from the bottom. It contains a variety of books and magazines for the most part dealing with one of Jo's favorite past times, house design. She needs to go through it and maybe vet a bit. The bottom shelf contains some favorites. I vet periodically. It contains a mix of mysteries, Sci Fi and even some horror. Authors like Poul Anderson (Sci Fi), Isaac Asimov (his Casebook of the Black Widowers series, mysteries), Leigh Brackett (who writes both mystery and Sci Fi), Mike Carey (his Felix Castor horror / fantasy series; in the same vein as the Dresden files), DJ Cherryh (Sci Fi, I'm a late comer to her writing.), John Creasey (as prolific as they come; this is his Baron series), Liz Evans (British mystery writer, a la Sue Grafton), Jonathan Gash (he wrote the Lovejoy books. Have you ever seen the series?), Michael Gilbert (excellent mysteries), O Master Caliban by Phyllis Gotlieb (a Canadian writer of excellent Sci Fi), Edward Grierson (mysteries), James Herbert's The Fog and The Lair (great gruesome horror), China Mieville (Sci Fi, a new discovery and a great writer), Peter Temple who writes the Australian Jack Irish books (great TV series and I'm enjoying the books so far), Hilary Waugh (American mystery writer, in a similar vein to one of my favorites Margaret Millar) and finally, John Wyndham's The Chrysalids (one of my first and favorite Sci Fi authors).

So that's the right side of the shelves done for your entertainment. I'll finish off with the bottom shelves in the next couple of posts, lots of hidden enjoyment. Have a great week!.

For Janice - Books Part 16

The study, middle shelves

Happy February 2nd and the beginning of a new weekend. The puppies have had their mid morning walk and are now looking forward to 11sies (aka lunch). They can wait a bit. I'll continue with my look at the bookshelves in the Den / Study. Today I'll  do the middle group of shelves as they aren't overloaded with books. Let's start from the left top and work down to the right bottom.

1. Left side middle, top. These are mostly interior design books that Jo brought with her from England, along with a couple she found here. You've got a Laura Ashley - Home Decoration and Weekend Projects from House and Home. The book partly hidden on the left is a table top book on Leading Men. The rest of the shelf has some of Jo's perfume bottles (she has a really lovely collection) and some vases.

2. Left side middle right. This shelf has more of Jo's perfume bottle collection and a lovely glass dish. I think she may have brought that with her, but I'm not sure. There are a variety of books; Michael Chabon - The Final Solution, Dr Bonnie Henry - Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe, a Ken Bruen mystery, Amanda Gorman's poetry, a lovely collection and a Joseph Kanon spy story.

3. Left side, bottom left. Besides a few perfume bottles in the middle, this side has mostly Jo's design books, one by Joanna Gaines (we used to watch their design show, Fixer Upper. The remainder are a few of her Country Homes & Interiors magazines. We have a number located throughout the house.

4. Left side, bottom right. You can see one of Jo's lovely perfume bottles there, holding up one of my Xmas presents to her; The Wombles books. If you're not familiar with it, The Wombles was a kid's TV show in Britain. The bottom book is one of Bill Bryson's travel books. Jo really liked his writing and I bought that as a Xmas present for her. I read him more now I think. The blue book is a character study of the Prince of Wales, one of the earlier ones I think. We bought it in an antiquey shop I believe. The final book is an Australian mystery featuring Aboriginal police inspector, Napoleon Bonaparte. I've enjoyed one of the books so far.

5. Right side, top. Jo organized this shelf for the colors of the books and the various sizes. Over the years, it might have been adjusted somewhat but it's been pretty well established. From left to right - an autobiography from English comic Dawn French (of French & Saunders fame), the thin book is a mystery from Baroness Orczy, The Old Man in the Corner, Gregory Maguire's Wicked, a design book, Judi Dench's autobiography, TCM's Leading Men, White Hot (design book), the 1st book in one of my favorite mystery series, Bruno Chief of Police (bought in Munro's Books in Victoria), another autobiography, this one of Martha Stewart and two more design books.

6. Right side, middle left. There used to be a store on 5th street in Courtenay called A Gentler Time, right next to another of my favorite book stores, ABC Books (both long since closed down). Anyway, A Gentler Time had lovely collectibles, tea cups, paintings, and some neat books. Most of the books on this shelf came from there. The three George Eliot books marbled covers and inside at least one, it says it was given as a give in 1894. The John Dryden poetical works were thought to have been published in 1893. The small book on the right is one of my mothers school books published in 1936; Words, Their Spelling Pronunciation Definition and Application. There is one book you can't see on the left as it's fairly thin; A Collection of Player's tobacco cards of Military Uniforms of the British Empire Overseas (I'm not sure what year but it's very nicely done and cost 3 pence. The final book is an Atlas of the World from 1931. 

7. Right side, middle right. Firstly, I bought that cricket ball in Dubai when I was stationed there. 🏏 Now more collectible books, some bought at A Gentler Time and other places and some I got from my parents. The top book is our family Bible. It's definitely seen better days but it's my folks had it for as long as I can remember and I'm sure longer that that. The bottom book is my mother's family Lutheran Bible that they brought with them from Germany.. and yes, it's in German (published 1911). Working my way up from the bottom book, the next is The Poems of Elizabeth Browning (from A Gentler Time) given as a gift to someone in 1899. Then a lovely leather bound collection of Shakespeare's works from at least 1914 that Jo and I bought at a craft / antique fair in Chemainus. Then 14 Great Detective Stories from Poe, Doyle, Chesterton, etc that Jo and I found in our wanderings (1928), Then a leather bound book of Cranford by Mrs. Gaskell (once again, A Gentler Time) published in the late 1800s). Finally another of my mother's books, an Evangelical Lutheran Hymn Book from 1927. I have to say I do like old books. They have a texture and smell to them.

8. Right side, bottom. There are three collections of poetry on this shelf from Dorothy Parker. I discovered her ... not sure how actually but I like the humor in her poetry' Sunset Gun (1939), Not Much Fun (1999) and Enough Rope (1940). French Alley was a collectible book (1954) that I bought in a used book store that used to be in Victoria on Fort Street. I liked to go there when I was stationed down in Victoria. It was just up the road from the apartment Jo and I lived in. Then you've got another collection of poetry from Ursula K. Le Guin, Final Poems 2014 - 2018), Walkabout from James Vance Marshall. I remember watching the movie as a kid and had to try the book. Finally one of Jo's books. She really likes the stories of Cathy Kelly and I used to try and get her one for Xmas.

So there you go. A variety of books, ages, genres for you to check out. Enjoy and also enjoy your weekend.

For Janice - Books Part 15

That's pretty personal you know, old man!

It's been a rainy sort of week. Low cloud, mizzy, that sort of thing. But the snow we had is pretty well all gone. Nothing exciting really to mention. Bonnie had a check up yesterday; heart and lungs good, weight good. The doc wants to put her on a glucose monitor again as her reading was a bit high. I mentioned that Clyde has been licking a fair bit (don't tell him I said this because he'll probably be embarrassed.) So the vet asked me to get a sample of his pee so they could check if he might have an infection. What a little bugger. I'm trying get him to pee in a little container this morning as we went for our walk. Every time he cocked his leg, I'd place it under him and he'd stop... Grrrr! Long story short (yes, I know, too late), I managed finally to get a sample and dropped it at the vet and celebrated with a quick trip to Big Foot Donuts to get Jo and I a treat.

The Study bookshelves (see the doors...)

Anyway, back to looking at our book shelve and the books therein. Into my final room now but it might take a few posts as the den has quite a few shelves and books behind doors. 

Floating shelves

But I'll start with the collection at the opposite room first. Jo put up the floating shelves to store our cd's, as you can see. But she also said I could have the top shelf for some books.

Cadfael by Ellis Peters

1. Top Shelf. Ellis Peters wrote the Cadfael books, a historical mystery series featuring an English monk, Cadfael. Jo and I had enjoyed the TV series featuring Derek Jacobi as the crime - solving monk. There are 21 books in the series and I've enjoyed 16 thus far. It's always fun to pull one down to read.

The other side of the room consists of three sets of shelves we bought from Home Depot many years ago. The two shelves we have in the Family room come from the same set. As you can see from the first photo, they fit into the space pretty snugly. Today I'll start on the left side (as you look at the shelves) and work down from the top. I'll save the bottom rows for my last posts as they are pretty extensive.

Sci Fi & Fantasy

1. Top left (left side). This is one of my Sci Fi corners. Working from the left are some of the Fu Manchu books by Sax Rohmer. In a previous post, when I was showing off the lounge, there were the remainder of this collection, just different editions. I bought these books at Russell Books in Victoria, a special printing. The next four are Phillip K. Dick stories. I've read quite a few of his books. He's always unique. Next is a Fantasy from Patrick Rothfuss. I've read the first book in this series and thought it was great. I've read one Stanislaw Lem story, Return from the Stars. I'm not sure whether I like him or not but I'll give Eden a shot. The remaining authors are all new for me and were published in this Masterworks collection. I'm looking forward to trying them. There are Joanna Russ (one of my newest additions), M.J. Engh, Nicola Griffith, Ward Moore, William Tenn & Walter Tevis. Check them out and let me know if you like them. (Ed Note. I readily admit that I buy some of these books because I like the covers.)

2. Top left (right side). Just 3 books squeezed into this slot. I've read The Best of Saki, a short story writer (HH Munro is his name) who influenced people like P.G. Wodehouse. I bought the book in Kingston when Jo and I went there to visit Jenn one summer. He's got a strange sense of humor. China Mieville is one of a modern group of Sci Fi authors who I'm really enjoying exploring. And The Testaments is Margaret Atwood's sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, a book I've read two or three times.

Book covers again

3. Left side (2nd shelf). Iain M. Banks is another of the more modern authors of Sci Fi that I enjoy. His Culture series is fascinating. He also wrote fiction / mysteries. I think I prefer his Sci Fi, although you might like to check out The Wasp Factory. It's kind of strange; in the same vein as Lord of the Flies I think. Another Philip K. Dick, this time a collection of short stories, including The Minority Report (made into a movie). The remaining books are graphic novels. Alan Moore's V for Vendetta, one of Moore's selections I've not yet read and then another of my favorite graphic novel series, Tank Girl by Alan Martin. It's always enjoyable and I read somewhere that it's being made into another movie.

4. Left side (middle shelf, left side). From left to right, a book on Germany that I received as a going away gift when I was stationed there. The Scrabble 'book' contains a scrabble game. I don't remember where Jo and I found this but it sure looks nice. The Virgin 9th Film Guide is a list of movies and then there is one book based on a Canadian TV series that my folks used to enjoy when we were stationed in Bagotville PQ, the Plouffe family. 

5. Left side (middle shelf, right side). As I have mentioned a few times, Jo and I often find vintage books in our travels, hence the Blackie's Standard Dictionary. the other books are shelf fillers. They add a certain texture to the shelf.

6. Left side (bottom shelf... not including the two lowest shelves which will be dealt with later on). A mish mash of books here. We have a couple of Shakespeare collections. I think we found this one at a local thrift store. I don't think it was much more than $10. The next is a reference book of some sort.. LOL. Then a couple of dictionaries. I think the Webster's was one my folks had and it's been around the world a couple of times, hence the new cover. The King's dictionary was purchased in another local vintage store and is from the early 1900's. The next book is a Treasury of Use and Beauty from 1885 that I found when Jo and I were down at a Vintage shop in Nanaimo. Not sure it's there any more. I did post some excerpts from it at one time. If you scroll through my 2017 posts, you might find more excerpts... What else.... Just a variety of books. Some of the Harry Potter books that I used to buy at Superstore as they came out. A few more of Jo's movie and TV reference books. She either brought them with her or we found them locally..... We did buy some boxes of books at the Cumberland auction, just to flesh out our shelves back in the day.

So, for today, some more books and series for you to check out. More in my next post. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and the upcoming week. It's almost FEBRUARY!