New Books and My Continuing Look at My Favorite Authors

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

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

New Books

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

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

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

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

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

My Favorite Authors - Bernard Cornwell

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Mid-week Reading Update and My Favorite Authors

 

Borrowed from Hameedullah

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

OK, rant over.. *mutter mumble*

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

New Book / Currently Reading

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

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

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

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

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

My Favorite Authors - W.J. Burley

William John Burley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Sunday Reading Update and My Ongoing Look at my Favorite Authors

It's been a very hot Sunday here. 31 - 34 degrees C. It'll start cooling down over the next week, we might even get a bit of rain by mid week. Tomorrow I go to the dentist for the first part of getting a new crown on one of my teeth. Feeling a bit of trepidation but it will be my 2nd trip to the dentist in the last month or so. 

I finished one book this morning, my 5th of August. I'll provide my review for you as well as the synopsis of the next book I'm starting. I'll also continue with my look at my favorite authors. For anybody coming into the Favorite Author thread for the first time, my rationale for the list can be found at my first post on the topic. Go to this link if you're interested. And, on that note, away we go.

Just Finished

1. The Woman Who Married A Bear by John Straley (Cecil Younger #1).

"The Woman Who Married A Bear is the first Cecil Younger mystery by John Straley. It's an excellent introduction to this series. Cecil Younger is a Private Eye working out of Sitka Alaska. He is a bit of a drunk, shares his accommodations with Toby, a man he feels a responsibility towards. Younger is hired by Mrs. Victor, an elderly woman residing in an old folks home in Sitka. 5 years before he son was murdered at Prophet Cove. A man is in prison for the murder but she wants the whole story. She believes there is more to the murder than the police discovered.

Younger starts his investigation on a sour note as an attempt is made to murder him but instead Todd is the victim of the assassination attempt. As Todd fights for his life in hospital, Younger begins a journey that will take him to around Alaska as he tries interview everyone involved in the event and tries to sort out the case and discover a solution that will satisfy Mrs. Victor. There will be threats to his life, someone is trying to get him to stop his investigation.

The story is well - paced and Younger is an interesting character, dealing with issues from his past, with his father, the Judge and also his ex-girlfriend, Hannah. There are so many excellent characters that also people this story, from suspects to people that Younger meets on his journey. We see details from Younger's past that also flesh out his character. All in all, it's a well-crafted story, well-paces and descriptive. It draws you in and you will enjoy the journey with Cecil until a very satisfying ending (5 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. Rock Paper Tiger by Lisa Brackman (Ellie McEnroe #1)

"American Iraq War veteran Ellie Cooper is living in Beijing when a chance encounter with a Uighur—a member of a Chinese Muslim minority—at the home of her sort-of boyfriend Lao Zhang turns her life upside down. Lao Zhang disappears, and suddenly multiple security organizations are hounding Ellie for information. They say the Uighur is a terrorist. Ellie doesn’t know what’s going on, but she must decide whom to trust among the artists, dealers, collectors, and operatives claiming to be on her side—in particular, a mysterious organization operating within a popular online role-playing game. As she tries to elude her pursuers, she’s haunted by memories of Iraq. Is what she did and saw there at the root of the mess she’s in now?"

Favorite Authors - Jan Burke

Jan Burke

Jan Burke was born in Houston Texas in 1953 but has lived most of her life in southern California. Burke was one of the authors I discovered when I first came to the Comox Valley back in 2001. I used to frequent a used book store, ABC Books, in Courtenay (I've mentioned many times throughout this BLog), since closed down. I used to order comics (graphic novels for those who refuse the proper designation) and at least once a week would wander up and down the aisles checking out authors I'd not tried before. It rekindled my interest in the mystery novel to say the least. 

Jan Burke's writing career basically ran from 1993 - 2011 and most of her mysteries are set in southern California and for the most part feature her erstwhile crime reporter / detective Irene Kelly and often as well, Kelly's boyfriend / husband, police detective Frank Harriman. The stories are all gritty and excellent. I've read seven of her novels thus far.

1. Bones (Irene Kelly #7 / 1999).

"Killer Nick Parrish says he'll lead authorities to the body of Judith Sayre--they will not demand the death sentence for his heinous crimes. But the criminal has no intention of spending his life behind bars--and he plans some deadly surprises." (4 stars)

2. Goodnight, Irene (Irene Kelly #1 / 1993).

"Goodnight, Irene is the debut novel in an exciting new mystery series featuring Irene Kelly - reporter, intrepid amateur sleuth, and woman of today - who tracks a murderer obsessed with keeping the past from interfering with the future. In Las Piernas, California, a beach community off the coast of Los Angeles, veteran reporter O'Connor is blown to bits by a bomb; his son is buried alive in the sand; and his best friend and former colleague, Irene Kelly, is nearly killed when a stream of bullets whizzes through the window of her home. 

Unwilling to be the next victim in a frightening series of events, and determined to discover who murdered O'Connor, Irene takes it upon herself to track down the killer. She begins investigating by digging through O'Connor's files and deciphering his highly secretive, coded notes. Irene soon discovers that her friend was on the verge of solving a thirty-five-year-old mystery involving a pregnant woman who was brutally murdered and mutilated beyond recognition. And, this old murder mystery is somehow connected with a current political cover-up concocted by a group of local politicians involved in a greedy - and deadly - money-laundering scheme. 

Irene follows a lead that takes her from her California beach community to a desert Arizona town and back, determined to find out who silenced O'Connor before he could reveal the connection between the old murder mystery and the current money-laundering scheme. Ignoring deadly threats, Irene expertly gathers clues, and narrows down a long list of unlikely suspects. There's a money-hungry-politician with more to lose than the local race if the truth is revealed; a high society babe who will do anything to protect her "impeccable" reputation; a manipulative gigolo whose bedside secrets prove lethal; a high-ranking bank official who conveniently disappears when Irene starts nosing around; and many other memorable characters, all of whom had a personal motive for wanting O'Connor dead. " (3 stars)

3. Bloodlines (Irene Kelly #9 / 2005).

"It's been a few years since I delved into Jan Burke's 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 protégé 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)"

4. Flight (Irene Kelly #8 / Frank Harriman #1 / 2001).

"Hot off the publication of "Bones," the winner of the Edgar Award for Best Novel, Jan Burke explodes onto the suspense scene with "Flight," featuring the hard-edged Detective Frank Harriman, husband of Jan's beloved series heroine Irene Kelly. A family is found murdered. In a cruel twist, one of the Las Piernas Police Department's own, Philip Lefebvre, is suspected of killing the only witness. When that detective disappears, a crime boss goes free. And the LPPD is forever changed.

Called in to investigate the wreckage of the missing detective's plane, Frank Harriman is given a set of cold cases that have suddenly become white hot. Detective Harriman's conviction that the LPPD tagged the wrong murder suspect is wildly unpopular. Alone, his instincts and integrity questioned at every turn, Harriman must stop the killer before hundreds of lives, including Harriman's own, are lost." (4 stars)

5. Liar (Irene Kelly #6 / 1998). I wasn't writing reviews back them but I did note that this was probably my favorite Kelly mystery.

"Investigative reporting has its hazards, but trouble hits home for Irene Kelly when her estranged aunt is murdered--and Irene becomes the leading suspect. With the police hot on her trail, Irene sets out to find cousin Travis, her dead aunt's son, convinced he's the next target. But when Irene finds Travis, a camper-driving children's storyteller with suspiciously deep pockets, things blow up--literally. It takes several brushes with death, staying one step ahead of the law, and a few not-so-sweet reunions for Irene to untangle a complex web of family secrets and long-held grudges, and discover just who is killing off the Kelly clan--and why." (5 stars)

6. Hocus (Irene Kelly #5 / 1997).

"For reporter Irene Kelly it's a terrifying investigation - because it's so personal. Her husband, Detective Frank Harriman, has been kidnapped by terrorists who call themselves Hocus - deadly manipulators who give Irene three days to meet their demands before killing their hostage.

But Irene's biggest shock is yet to come - as she uncovers her husband's history, and learns of a horrific crime committed a decade earlier. As seconds slip away, Irene willingly steps into a trap set by two madmen with a score to settle. And when she does, someone is going to pay for the sins of the past." (4 stars)

7. Sweet Dreams, Irene (Irene Kelly #2 / 1994).

"Irene Kelly is a reporter with a fierce integrity. Detective Frank Harriman is her lover and friend. Now they're both about to be plunged into political hellfire when a ruthless politician rocks a race for district attorney with a stunning allegation: his opponent's son is in the clutches of a satanic cult.

The charge takes a fatal turn when a local woman is brutally murdered, and the grisly crime scene bears unholy implications. Tracking the clues takes Irene behind the closed doors of an isolated home for troubled youths, where obscuring the truth is only part of a stranger's diabolic game. To win it, Irene will have the devil to pay." (3 stars)

As you can see, I've not read these books in any particular order. It didn't hurt my enjoyment but if you do read them in order, there are characters and events that make more sense, especially her relationship with Frank Harriman. I'd always recommend reading a series from #1 on. I do have one more of the series on my bookshelf but I need to get the earlier ones before I read it. The complete listing of Jan Burke's books can be found at this link.

Enjoy your upcoming week.

Another Late Night Post - My Favorite Authors

A warm day today; 29 degrees C at the moment and it's already 8 p.m. It's been a lazy Saturday; Jo had a nice lie-in and I had an afternoon nap. At the moment we're watching Season 10, Episode 2 of Vera. Nice to have new episodes to watch.

So while we're watching Vera, I'll continue with my look at my favorite authors.

My Favorite Authors - Lord Tweedsmuir (John Buchan)

John Buchan

John Buchan was born in Scotland in 1895 and died in Canada in 1940. He was one of Canada's favorite Governors - General. I've enjoyed reading his books, especially his John Hannay adventure - thrillers, with the first one, The 39 Steps, a persona favorite. I've enjoyed the book a few times and also the movie by Alfred Hitchcock. I've currently read six of his books and have one on the go. I'll provide updates on all of them.

1. The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915).

"This is a classic, an interesting, exciting story. It's similar but at the same time a fair bit different from Alfred Hitchcock's movie. Interesting story of a man caught up in extraordinary events which have the potential to dramatically change the outcome of the impending war, who uses his ingenuity and basic smarts to avoid his enemies. I'll leave it there as I don't want to spoil for anyone who hasn't read before. Excellent story.

Reread - I enjoyed this reread even more than the other times I've read. As it was for a book group I took a bit more time. Hitchcock's movie was basically quite similar except for the addition of the young lady. It's a fast-paced adventure and Buchan wastes no time getting to the crux.

Hannay, bored with London, has decided to return to South Africa where he has worked as an engineer. He decides on a night out on the town and when he returns home, his upstairs neighbour, Scudder asks for his help. Scudder is aware of a plot to destroy the British fleet but fears he is being followed and he hides out in Hannay's flat. After a few days, Hannay finds Scudder stabbed to death  and this begins Hannay's journey to Scotland to avoid the Black Stone and bide his time until he can advise the British government of the plot. To do so precipitously will cause the enemy to change their plans.

The black book of Scudder is in code but Hannay figures out the gist of it, including a reference to 39 Steps. Hannay must evade both the police (as he is a suspect for Scudder's murder) and also the Black Stone (German spies) as he races through the Scottish highlands. He meets many interesting helpful people who help him on his way. Eventually Hannay will get with the government and there will be another race to try and capture the enemy.

Action-packed story. Hannay is a common-sense individual who relies on his instincts, a strong, enjoyable character and an exciting story. Hannay appeared in at least 4 other Buchan adventures. Worth reading them all. (4 stars)"

2. Greenmantle (1916).

"A perfectly admirable sequel to The Thirty-Nine Steps. Richard Hannay appears again, now a Major in the British Army during WWI. He and three companions are asked to go behind German lines and to follow a route to Turkey to find out what the Germans are plotting there. It's a well-paced, well-written adventure thriller. Most enjoyable, entertaining story. I look forward to reading the other stories in the series. (4 stars)"

3. Mr. Standfast (1918).

"Mr Standfast is the third book in the John Hannay thriller/ spy series written by John Buchan. The first two, The 39 Steps and Greenmantle, were both excellent and this third story follows easily with another excellent, well-paced, thriller. In this story, John Hannay, now a General in the British Army is called back from the front (WWI) to help find an old adversary. The Germans are infiltrating pacifist factions and using these people to help their ends, as a conduit for passing information, and other activities. Hannay follows a trail to northern Scotland and back to the front in this wartime adventure. There are excellent characters in this story, Buchan writes thoughtfully and the story, especially the ending is all excellent. An excellent follow-up to the first two books. Next in this series will be The Three Hostages. (4 stars)"

4. The Three Hostages (1924).

"The Three Hostages is the 4th book in the Richard Hannay adventure / thriller series by John Buchan. It was originally published in 1924. I've read the complete series now and, maybe because it's the freshest in my mind, I think it was the best book in the series.

Hannay is living on his estate in the country in western Britain with his wife Mary and his young son Peter John. He is now trying to move on from his WWI experiences, to enjoy a retirement, but he is brought back to reality when he is advised of three kidnappings. He doesn't think he is appropriate to be involved in finding them but when he finds out that one is a young boy of similar age to Peter John, he changes his mind with encouragement from Mary.

Hannay agrees to assist. He returns to London and gets info; there are two related aspects. The three kidnaps; a young man, a young lady and the young boy. As well the intelligence services with his old friend, MacGillivary in charge, are trying to break up a criminal enterprise of major proportions. The timing of trying to rescue the kidnapped and breaking up the organization is critical as if they are too quick with one the other will be lost.

Hannay begins to investigate and along the way meets old friends from other books, especially Sandy Arbuthnot, who will play a major role in the resolution of the story. Hannay meets Medina, an English politician and attends a dinner along with Arbuthnot. Medina is popular with all except Arbuthnot who is suspicious. After the dinner, Hannay is drugged and an attempt by Medina is made to hypnotize and gain control of Hannay. This fails but Hannay now uses this action to continue investigating further into Medina and his organization.

The story moves along at a nice pace and finds Hannay moving throughout London and even to Norway as he searches for the kidnapped. He keeps MacGillivary somewhat out of the picture but with help from Arbuthnot (who even though keeping himself out of the picture as much as possible, plays a quite important role), Mary, and other old friends, he begins to gather more and more info.

It's a fascinating story, with hypnotism, black arts (somewhat) and a good old adventure. There is considerable tension and sufficient action, especially in the closing chapters, which are excellent. I'm almost glad that I saved this middle book until the end as it was excellent. There is another story, The Courts of the Morning, which features Hannay in a minor role, which I will also read. (4.5 stars)"

5. The Island of Sheep (1936).

"The Island of Sheep is the fifth of five books by John Buchan featuring intrepid Richard Hannay. The most well-known book is the first, The 39 Steps, which was also made into at least two movies. I've read the first three and jumped book 4, The Three Hostages, for one of my reading challenges. I will get back to the 4th book in the near future. 

With all that preamble, The Island of Sheep brings a retired Hannay and some friends back into adventure to follow up on a promise they made to an old friend many years ago. That promise was to help this man's son should he ever be endangered by the friend's enemies. Hannay is enjoying retirement, living at Fosse with wife and son but still feels that he's getting rusty. Brief meetings with other old friends, Lombard, and Sandy, lord of Clanroyden, bring back the events in Africa that lead to the promise to help their old friend, Haraldsen, a Norlander and adventurer. A group of old and new enemies are threatening the son of Haraldsen to get his wealth. Hannay and his friends decide to help him against them.

The adventure moves to Scotland, home of Sandy and then to the Island of Sheep, somewhere near Denmark / Norway, the home of Haraldsen and his clan, for the final confrontation. The story moves along nicely, with sufficient action to keep you involved and also develops the characters in a manner where you can see them shaking off the rust of their retirements and inactivity to become more resolute in their efforts to help their friend. Buchan has an excellent descriptive writing style and you can see and feel the land he describes and his characters. In many ways it's probably a man's story, the women, wives of Hannay and his friends, are strong and resolute and supportive of the men but also play minor roles. I also liked Hannay's son, Peter John, who plays a nicely major role in the events.

All in all, an excellent ending to the Hannay adventures, enjoyable to read and a satisfying ending. (3.5 stars)"

6. The King's Grace (1910 - 1935).

"I've read a few books by John Buchan, but they've been fiction; the John Hannay adventures. It was interesting to find one of his non-fiction books. The King's Grace 1910-1935 covers British history from 1910 - 1935, with a focus on the impact of the King. There was less focus this that I believed. It dealt more with the period before WWI, the war itself and the aftermath and how England was impacted. It especially talked about the various governments and at times talked about how the King impacted on the battlefield and also on the lives of his peoples. It was an interesting historical perspective; I've read a few books about this time and enjoyed seeing how an individual who lived through it, perceived things. Buchan has a unique perspective. Besides being a well-known writer, shortly after this book was published, he became the King's representative, the Governor - General of Canada. Interesting book. (3 stars)"

Currently Reading

1. The Courts of the Morning (1929).

"Begins in the pleasant atmosphere of a country house in the Scottish borders, where Richard Hannay is the guest of his old friend, Sandy Arbuthnot. The drama shifts to a small South American republic in the grip of a dictator. John Buchan is the author of The 39 Steps and Greenmantle."I'm enjoying so far.

So there you go. I do have two more of Buchan's novels. I'm looking forward to continuing my looks at his works. You can find a complete listing his novels at this link.

Enjoy your Sunday.