A Reading Update

It's been raining all day, quite depressing. I hooked up the new TV in our bedroom. It's better for our poor eyes, slightly bigger. Our big Christmas present. Monday we'll get our microwave.

I've finished two books since my last reading update and have started one. I'll update that and finish my ongoing look at the Mystery genre - American Cops.

Just Finished

1. A Firework for Oliver by John Sanders (Nicholas Pym #1).












"A Firework for Oliver by John Sanders is my first exposure to Sanders' writing. Firework was originally published in 1964 and is the first of five books featuring spy, Nicholas Pym. The series is a historical adventure series set during the rule of Oliver Cromwell. Pym works for Cromwell's spy master Mr. Thurloe.

This adventure takes Nicholas Pym from England to France and onward to Switzerland as he hunts Guy Fawkes's son, who is trying to manufacture weapons that will destroy Cromwell's hold on Europe. It's non-stop action as Pym gets into scrape after scrape and somehow manages to escape and continue his hunt for Gustav van Fawk and the mysterious woman with him. He doesn't know who he can trust as Europe is filled with spies, those loyal to the dethroned King Charles, also the French king and many, many sub-species of enemies to Cromwell.

It takes a bit to get used to the dialogue and the characters but once things warm up, you just kind of go with the flow and enjoy the ride. Suspend disbelief and enjoy as Pym uses his luck and wits to track and maybe defeat van Fawk to save England. It's always fun to read a good adventure peopled with interesting characters and filled with action and maybe somewhat historically accurate information. The period of the Roundheads is basically unfamiliar to me so I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books. (4 stars)"

2. They Shoot Horses, Don't They? by Horace McCoy.

"When I heard They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? was a book (I'd seen the movie many years ago and found it a strange, disturbing movie), I thought I should check it out. Horace McCoy lived from 1897 - 1955 and wrote 5 novels and one that wasn't finished, plus numerous short stories for a magazine called Black Mask. He had an interesting, somewhat checkered life, from the information on Wikipedia.

One of his jobs when he was struggling was as a bouncer at a marathon dance contest. He tried to turn it into a movie script called Marathon Dancers but it was rejected. Instead it became the subject of his first novel, The Shoot Horses, Don't They? Oddly enough, in 1969, the book was turned into a movie, starring Jane Fonda, Michael Sarrazin and Susannah York.

It's a short, succinct novel, but it still manages to get across its point effectively. The story is set during the Great Depression. Gloria is a frustrated actress who can't find work. She meets Robert as he leaves from a disappointing attempt to get a job in a movie as well. She persuades him to join with her to enter a dance marathon. The rules of these marathons are simple; you dance for an hour and fifty minutes, then you had a ten-minute rest period. In this rest period, you tried to eat, sleep, shave, get physical treatment, etc. They don't really dance, basically you just have to keep moving or swaying. But at the end of each break, the organizers tend to make them move around the track at a faster pace. And as the audience increases over the days, yes days, they have a daily derby, where the couple who makes the fewest laps is ejected from the competition.

It's a fascinating look at life, gritty and covering many taboo subjects. The pressures on these people is tremendous. By the end of the story, the competition has reduced from 140 couples to 20 and they've been on the move for 879 hours. Interspersed with the story is the final results of a trial of Robert. Even though you know right at the beginning why Robert is on trial, I won't mention it here.

The story is an easy, quick read, but it will draw you in immediately. The tension will build steadily. And yet, for everything that happens, there are no really evil people, I don't think, it's just a dark story and a small portrait of what the period must have been like. Fascinating. Now to find McCoy's Kiss Tomorrow Good-bye. (4 stars)"

Just Started

1. The Lady Vanishes by Ethel Lina White.











"Iris Carr is a beautiful, young socialite on her way back home to England after vacationing in Europe. Feeling terribly alone and afraid, she finds comfort in the company of a strange woman she knows only as "Miss Froy." But comfort soon turns to horror when Miss Froy mysteriously vanishes without a trace. Fearing madness, risking death, Iris desperately tries to solve the sudden disappearance of her traveling companion-a woman no one else on the journey remembers seeing at all!"

My Ongoing Look at the Mystery Genre - American Cops

Julie Smitn

1. Julie Smith - Skip Langdon.

I've highlighted Julie Smith previously, when I was looking at American detectives. I've tried two of her other series; Rebecca Schwartz and Talba Wallis. There are nine books in Smith's Skip Langdon series. Skip is a police detective in New Orleans. I've read 3 so far and they have been somewhat hit or miss. 

a. New Orleans Mourning (1990).












"It's Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and civic leader and socialite Chauncy St. Amant has been crowned Rex, King of Carnival. But his day of glory comes to an abrupt and bloody end when a parade-goer dressed as Dolly Parton guns him down. Is the killer his aimless, promiscuous daughter Marcelle? Homosexual, mistreated son Henry? Helpless, alcoholic wife Bitty? Or some unknown player? Turns out the king had enemies...

Enter resourceful heroine Skip Langdon, a rookie police officer and former debutante turned cynic of the Uptown crowd. Scouring the streets for clues, interviewing revelers and street people with names like Jo Jo, Hinky, and Cookie, and using her white glove contacts, the post-deb rebel cop encounters a tangled web of brooding clues and ancient secrets that could mean danger for her—and doom for the St. Amants." (3 stars)

b. The Axeman's Jazz (1991).

"This is my second Julie Smith mystery, also conveniently the 2nd in the Police Inspector Skip Langdon mysteries, set in New Orleans. It's been awhile between my enjoyment of the 1st book and this one. I'm glad I decided to read her again as it was most enjoyable. Julie Smith has a different style, not sure exactly how to describe it. Skip Langdon seems to almost float through the investigation into the murders of two different people, seemingly linked to the various 12-Step Self help organizations that permeate the city. It seems as thought the murderer, one who seems to be using similar methods to a much earlier serial killer, The Axeman, might be linked somehow to the groups, either choosing victims from the groups or as a member himself/ herself. Skip inserts herself into the groups to investigate the members and follows various members around. The basics are there to make the story flow; murders, an investigation, a resolution, but this seems to be almost peripheral to just being with Skip as she wanders through her story. I liked it and want to read more of Skip Langdon's stories as I find it an interesting style and I like the location." (3 stars)

c. Jazz Funeral (1993).












"I readily admit that I struggled with Jazz Funeral by Julie Smith. This is the 3rd book in the Skip Langdon mystery series set in New Orleans. The basic gist of the story is that jazz impresario, Ham Brocato, is found murdered in his home, just before the big party at his home to open the annual Jazz and Heritage Festival. At the same time, Ham's younger sister Melody disappears; a suspect or maybe a witness? Other suspects include Ti-Belle, a singer discovered by Ham and his live-in lover, or maybe his father, Gregory or even his mother Patty.

It's a rambling sort of story with all sorts of main characters; Skip, of course, but also Ti-Belle, Melody and the fore-mentioned Gregory and Patty. Skip is looking for Melody, trying to find her in case she is in danger. Melody has run away from home (for what reason?) and hiding out in New Orlean's center. It's just a disconnected story and there is no real investigation of the murder... other than Skip showing up at peoples' homes and asking a few questions.

The more I got into the story, the better it got, but it was still frustrating. No real police work, just wandering from character to character. Unfortunately, I didn't find any of them particularly sympathetic and some (Melody) were down right irritating. Maybe I just can't relate to teenagers anymore. Even the ending was sort of a throw-in. I do have the next book on my shelf and will read it, but I don't know if I'll be in a particular hurry to grab it. (2.5 stars)"

The remaining books are (I've asterisked those I have on my shelf)
- New Orleans Beat (1994)
- House of Blues (1995)
- The Kindness of Strangers (1996)
- Crescent City Kill (1997)
- 82 Desire (1998)
- Mean Women Blues (2003)

This is my last author in the American Cops segment of my look at the American mystery genre. I have a few authors still to look at, in the legal area. More to follow. :0)

Time to feed my puppies now. Enjoy the rest of your week!

A Friday Reading Update

Well, the dogs are currently at the cleaners. It's always fun when we arrive at the front door. As we drive up the road, Clyde starts whining and whining. They both are very excited as we exit the car and when we go into the groomers, they whine and bark and then indicate they are now ready to return to the car...  Oh yes, lots of fun.

So while the dogs are being groomed, I'll update the latest book I finished reading. I received one book in the mail the day before so I'll also update that. Then I'll continue with my ongoing look at the Mystery genre - American cops.

Just Finished

1. The Passage by Justin Cronin (Passage #1). I got this book as a Christmas gift from my daughter back in 2013. I'm glad I finally read it. Now do I dare buy #2 and see what happens next?

"The Passage by Justin Cronin is the first book in his 'Passage' fantasy / horror series. It came out in 2012 and I've had it on my bookshelf for 5+ years. I readily admit to being intimidated by its size, almost 900 pages. But I'm glad to have finally taken it off of my shelf and dusted it off. It's not a perfect story but in its scope and content, it is still an excellent story. In many ways it reminded me of Stephen King's The Stand.

So how to provide a 'brief' outline of the story, which encompasses 100 years or so... OK, here goes.

Current day - Two ex FBI agents travel to various maximum control penitentiaries throughout the US picking up prisoners on death row and having them sent to a secretive military compound in the mountains of Colorado. Some types of experiments are being conducted. There is a maximum number of these prisoners. The same to agents are also sent to a nunnery in the Eastern US to pick up a young girl, Amy (6 years old). It seems this girl has some 'powers'. A nun from Africa recognizes something in the girl but the two still catch her. One of the agents, Wolgast, comes to some sort of revelation and tries to save the girl, but she is still brought to Colorado. Something happens and the prisoners escape, a virus is let loose and America is on the road to destruction. Wolgast escapes and takes Amy to the mountains of Oregon to hide out from what is happening.

The Future (100ish years later) - The US is basically destroyed, overrun by Smokes (AKA vampires). A community survives in California, behind a walled fortress. They live under strict rules. Their power is supplied by an old power station miles away. The walls are guarded constantly, at night, powerful lights shine out keeping the Smokes away. Events begin to happen that will disrupt their lives. There is a critical evening when a young girl, a Walker (someone who hasn't succumbed to the virus) shows up at the gate to the town and at the same time it is attacked by vampires. Can you guess who this young girl might be?

These events will disrupt everything that has been built in the community, resulting in a journey by a small group of the community and the young girl, trying to get to the source of everything that has occurred. It's a journey of often terrifying events that will try all of them.

So there you go, The Passage. It's a fascinating story. It takes a long while to develop but in the long run, your efforts to work through it will be worth it. I will warn you, however, that this is the first book of a trilogy, so everything might not be resolved quite to your satisfaction. And in the same vein of George RR Martin's Game of Thrones series, you might be careful about getting to invested in some characters. Because there are some really well - developed personalities in this story and because the story is so long you will get to know and like them. I 'enjoyed' The Passage very much. Now to find the next book.. Dare I? (4 stars)"

I haven't started any new books. I currently am finishing (almost 1/3 of the way through), Anne of Avonlea by Lucy Maud Montgomery and A Firework for Oliver by John Sanders. I will probably finish them over this weekend. I have one more sitting waiting to start but I'll update that when I finish the two others. I'll limit myself to one at a time until we get to 2020.

New Book

1. The Tomb of Zeus by Barbara Cleverly (Laetitia Talbot #1). I've enjoyed Cleverly's Inspector Joe Sandiland mystery series very much. This is a new start for Cleverly, a historical, archeological mystery series. It sounds interesting.









"Born into a background of British privilege, Laetitia Talbot has been raised to believe there is no field in which she may not excel. She has chosen a career in the male-dominated world of archaeology, but she approaches her first assignment in Crete the only way she knows how–with dash and enthusiasm. Until she enters the Villa Europa, where something is clearly utterly amiss…

Her host, a charismatic archaeologist, is racing to dig up the fabled island’s next great treasure–even, perhaps, the tomb of the King of the Gods, himself. But then a beautiful young woman is found hanged and a golden youth drives his Bugatti over a cliff. From out of the shadows come whispers of past loves, past jealousies, and ancient myths that sound an eerie discord with present events. Letty will need all her determination and knowledge to unravel the secrets beneath the Villa Europa’s roof–and they will lead her into the darkest, most terrifying place of all…."

That should pretty well wrap my book purchases for 2019, except for gifts, unless I see something interesting at one of my locals. I've purchased more than enough this past year.

My Ongoing Look at the Mystery Genre - American Cops
In my last entry, I looked at John Sandford's Lucas Davenport 'Prey' series. As a note, Sandford also has written a series featuring Virgil Flowers, but I have yet to look into that series. 

Karin Slaughter

Karin Slaughter - Grant County (forensic mysteries). Karin Slaughter is an American crime writer. She was born in Georgia and continues to live there. She has written two major crime series, the Grant County forensic mysteries and the Will Trent (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) series. I'll feature the 2nd series in my next reading update. I discovered the Grant County series, which features Grant County coroner Sara Linton, back in early 2000, when I was also just starting Patricia Cornwell's forensic mystery series, featuring Kay Scarpetta. I also discovered Kathy Reichs' Temperance Brennan forensic series as well. Each was excellent in its own right. Between 2001 and 2007, Slaughter wrote 6 books in this series. They are gritty, tension-filled stories. I think I prefer them to the Will Trent series but it's pretty good as well. I read all of the books in the Grant County series; kind of disappointed that there will be no more. Sara does move to Atlanta and has featured in one of the Will Trent books so that was also OK.

a. Blindsighted (2001).












"The sleepy town of Heartsdale, Georgia, is jolted into panic when Sara Linton, pediatrician and medical examiner, finds Sibyl Adams dead in the local diner. As well as being viciously raped, Sibyl has been cut: two deep knife wounds form a lethal cross over her stomach.

When a second victim is found, crucified, only a few days later, it becomes clear that Sibyl's brutal murder wasn't a one-off attack. What Sara and police chief Jeffrey Tolliver are dealing with is a seasonal sexual predator. A violent serial killer..." (4 stars)

b. Kisscut (2002).

"Saturday night dates at the skating rink have been a tradition in the small southern town of Heartsdale for as long as anyone can remember, but when a teenage quarrel explodes into a deadly shoot-out, Sara Linton--the town's pediatrician and medical examiner--finds herself entangled in a terrible tragedy.

What seemed at first to be a horrific but individual catastrophe proves to have wider implications. The autopsy reveals evidence of long-term abuse, of ritualistic self -mutilation, but when Sara and police chief Jeffrey Tolliver start to investigate, they are frustrated at every turn.

The children surrounding the victim close ranks. The families turn their backs. Then a young girl is abducted, and it becomes clear that the first death is linked to an even more brutal crime, one far more shocking than anyone could have imagined. Meanwhile, detective Lena Adams, still recovering from her sister's death and her own brutal attack, finds herself drawn to a young man who might hold the answers. But unless Lena, Sara, and Jeffrey can uncover the deadly secrets the children hide, it's going to happen again . . ." (5 stars)

c. A Faint Cold Fear (2003).













"Sara Linton, medical examiner in the small town of Heartsdale, Georgia, is called out to an apparent suicide on the local college campus. The mutilated body provides little in the way of clues -- and the college authorities are eager to avoid a scandal -- but for Sara and police chief Jeffrey Tolliver, things don't add up.

Two more suspicious suicides follow, and a young woman is brutally attacked. For Sara, the violence strikes far too close to home. And as Jeffrey pursues the sadistic killer, he discovers that ex-police detective Lena Adams, now a security guard on campus, may be in possession of crucial information. But, bruised and angered by her expulsion from the force, Lena seems to be barely capable of protecting herself, let alone saving the next victim..." (4 stars)

d. Indelible (2004).












"An officer is shot point-blank in the Grant County police station and police chief Jeffrey Tolliver is wounded, setting off a terrifying hostage situation with medical examiner Sara Linton at the center. Working outside the station, Lena Adams, newly reinstated to the force, and Frank Wallace, Jeffrey's second in command, must try to piece together who the shooter is and how to rescue their friends before Jeffrey dies. For the sins of the past have caught up with Sara and Jeffrey -- with a vengeance ..." (4 stars)

e. Faithless (2005).

"The victim was buried alive in the Georgia woods–then killed in a horrifying fashion. When Sara Linton and Jeffrey Tolliver stumble upon the body, both become consumed with finding out who killed the pretty young woman. For them, a harrowing journey begins, one that will test their own turbulent relationship and draw dozens of life into the case.

For as Jeffrey and Sara move further down a trail of shocking surprises and hidden passions, neither is prepared for the most stunning discovery of all: the identity of a killer who is more evil and dangerous than anyone could have guessed." (4 stars)

f. Beyond Reach (2007).












"Sara Linton--resident medical examiner/pediatrician in Grant County, Georgia, --has plenty of hardship to deal with, including defending herself in a heartbreaking malpractice suit. So when her husband, Police chief Jeffery Tolliver, learns that his friend and coworker detective Lena Adams has been arrested for murder and needs Sara's help, she is not sure she can handle the pressure of it all.

But soon Sara and Jeffery are sitting through evidence, peeling back the layers of a mystery that grows darker by the day--until an intricate web of betrayal and vengeance begins to unravel. And suddenly the lives of Sara, Lena, and Jeffery are hanging by the slenderest of threads." (4 stars)

So there you go. I highly recommend this series. Give it a try.
 

A Weekend Reading Update

Sunday continues. Brighton managed to draw 2-2 with Wolves. It keeps them in 12th place in the league. Crystal Palace beckons next weekend.

I finished another book this weekend. I'm down to 3 books left for December so I might try a couple more. But I'll wait until I finish The Passage as it's a long book. I dropped some books off at my used book store and also at a couple of the other Little Free Libraries in the area. I did buy one book also.

I'll update both books and also continue with my look at the Mystery Genre - American Cops.

Just Finished

1. Gently By the Shore by Alan Hunter (Chief Inspector George Gently #2).











"Gently By the Shore is the 2nd book in the Chief Inspector George Gently mystery series by Alan Hunter. It's the 3rd book I've read. And like the others, this was an excellent mystery.

I find myself comparing the books to the TV series which is unfair. The TV series is set much later in Gently's career (at least I assume it is, as in the TV series, you find Gently working out of Newcastle, instead of as a Scotland Yard inspector). But having said that, it's neither here nor there as both are excellent.

In Gently by the Shore, we find Inspector Gently on vacation near Norfolk. A murder takes place at a lumberyard and Gently hears about and offers his assistance to the local constabulary. His presence is resented by the local inspector, Hansom. The owner of the local lumberyard, a Dutchman, Peter Huysmann, is murdered in his office (stabbed in the back) and his safe emptied. Suspects are his estranged son (now working in a travelling fair as a motorcycle rider in the Wall of Death), his daughter, the manager of the lumber yard and the chauffeur.

As Alan Hunter says in his preamble, the story isn't so much a 'whodunit' as a police investigation. Gently comes with no preconceived notions, except his feeling that the son is not the killer, but instead, investigates and gathers clues. to find out who the suspect actually is. The locals have their sights set on the son, who has disappeared, but Gently is very sure he isn't the one.

There is an excellent cast of characters, even down to the little boy who Gently meets in the ruins. Those are lovely scenes. Gently is a wonderful character, older, smart, intuitive and I need to get me some peppermint creams. He's methodical with his investigation and is able to dig out clues that the other cops don't even think about. Excellent story and series so far. (4.5 stars)"

New Books
It always happens. I order a book because I haven't seen a certain book in the store. When I get it, the very next day it and any other books from the same author all show up in the store.

1. The Fourth Bear by Jasper Fforde (Nursery Crimes #2).

"The Gingerbreadman - psychopath, genius, convicted murderer and biscuit - is loose on the streets of Reading.

But it isn't Jack Spratt's case. Enforced non-involvement looks to be frustrating, until a chance encounter at the oddly familiar Deja Vu Club leads them into the hunt for missing journalist Henriette 'Goldy' Hatchett, star reporter for The Daily Toad.

The last witnesses to see her alive were the Three Bears, comfortably living a life of rural solitude in Andersen's wood. But all is not what it seems. Are the unexplained explosions around the world related to a missing nuclear scientist? How dangerous can cucumber-growing be?

And most important of all: how could the bears' porridge be at such disparate temperatures when they were poured at the same time?"

My Ongoing Look at the Mystery Genre - American Cops
In my last entry I looked at Kathy Reichs's Temperance Brennan forensic mystery series.

John Sandford

1. John Sandford - Lucas Davenport 'Prey'.

John Roswell Camp (AKA John Sandford) was born in Cedar Rapids Iowa in 1944. He is a New York Times best selling author and also has received a Pulitzer Prize. He has written a number of series but I've been focused on his Prey series, featuring Chicago Minneapolis cop, Lucas Davenport. Since 1989, he has written 19 29 books in this series. I've read the first two so far and have a few others sitting on my bookshelf. (Ed Note. I made a couple of errors above, as pointed out by my older brother Rick. There are 29 books in the series, not 19 and Lucas Davenport is a Minneapolis cop. Thanks, Rick)

a. Rules of Prey (1989).











"This is my first experience with John Sandford's Prey series. I quite enjoyed it. It's an easy read and Lucas Davenport is an interesting character. He isn't a super-human like many thriller protagonists. He definitely has many strengths, his love of firearms, his way with women, his game playing skills, but at the same time he has many doubts and flaws that make him a more rounded character. This first story was an excellent introduction to the series; the 'villain', a serial killer dubbed maddog, was unique as well, not perfect but scary. The story moved along quite nicely and I liked the process of the investigation itself. Overall, it was a tense, well-crafted thriller/ mystery and definitely makes you want to continue with the series to see how much Davenport's character and those of his acquaintances are further developed. (4 stars)"

b. Shadow Prey (1990).

"Shadow Prey is the 2nd book in the Prey (Lucas Davenport) mystery / cop series by John Sandford. Davenport is a cop in Minneapolis; he's a computer game creator, a hard-nosed cop and a bit of a lady's man. In this story, a group of native Americans begin a guerrilla war against various powerful people, aiming for a certain man who has harmed them in the past.

The murders take place across America and bring a female NY police officer to Minneapolis as part of the investigation. Davenport finds her very attractive and there is an ongoing story of their budding relationship as they also investigate the murders and try to find out who is the perp.

The story has lots of action but regularly veers off on a tangent to explore the relationship between Davenport and Lily. I liked the investigation even though there were a couple of what I perceived clues that were missed that I thought were kind of obvious. It's an easy, fast-paced read and an entertaining story. I will continue reading the series. It's one of those series that you can enjoy when you want a break from heavier reading. (3 stars)"

c. Eyes of Prey (1991).









"Lieutenant Davenport's sanity was nearly shattered by two murder investigations. Now he faces something worse...two killers. One hideously scarred. The other strikingly handsome, a master manipulator fascinated with all aspects of death. The dark mirror of Davenport's soul...This is the case that will bring Davenport back to life. Or push him over the edge."

d. Silent Prey (1992).












"He was right. His guards slain, the brilliant, insane pathologist of Eyes of Prey flees to New York, there to continue his research into aspects of death. Carefully, he conducts his experiments, searching the eyes of his dying victims for what they can reveal, the mounting body count causing an uproar in the city.

In desperation, the police reach out for the man who knew Bekker best, but when Lucas arrives, he finds unexpected danger as well. For Lily Rothenburg, the policewoman whose intense affair with Lucas has never completely faded, is there too. Now, consumed with her own investigation of a group of rogue killers within the police department, she draws Lucas into her orbit again, until their hunts merge, their twin obsessions driving them ever closer to the edge . . . and then over."

e. Winter Prey (1993).

"The Iceman is Lucas Davenport's most determined foe - a serial killer driven to cover his brutal tracks with blood.  Sandford again creates almost unbearable suspense as we wait for the Ice Man's razor-sharp corn knife to strike.

Winter Prey unfolds in the cold and driving snow of the north country, the perfect setting for the chilling terror caused by the Ice Man, a killer who knows Lucas' every move - a coldly brilliant madman who can't be stopped.  Turn up the heat and listen as Lucas Davenport faces his most dangerous challenge."

Enough to tease you? The complete list of Prey books can be found at this link.

A Friday Reading Update

My second post of today. I finished a book this morning. I also had a book left in my Little Free Library and two of my last ordered books of the year. I'll update these and will also continue with my ongoing look at the Mystery Genre - American Cops.

Just Finished

Death in Captivity by Michael Gilbert. I started Gilbert's books a few years back. I like his writing style very much. He is known for his Inspector Hazelrigg and Petrella series. I've enjoyed books in each. Death in Captivity was also excellent. My review is below.









"I've read 4 other books by author Michael Gilbert, those being from his Inspectors Hazelrigg and Petrella mystery series. Death in Captivity is a unique mystery, set in a prisoner of war camp in Italy. The camp is filled with British soldiers. As most POW stories, they are digging tunnels and trying their best to escape. Into the midst of this scenario is thrust a murder mystery. A British officer, suspected by many of the other POWs of being an Italian spy, is found murdered under a fall of dirt in the main tunnel.

The British prisoners must find a way of letting the Italians discover the body without giving up the tunnel. They come up with the idea of moving the body to a disused tunnel. The Italians determine that Coutoules has been murdered. The senior British officer, Col Laverly, asks one of his officers, Captain Goyle, to conduct an investigation into the death and see if he can come up with a solution.

So you have a murder investigation, which may somehow implicate the Italians. You have a possible spy in the midst of the British prisoners, for some reason. As well, the Allied troops have invaded Sicily and the invasion of mainland Italy may soon come about. And, of course, the British troops continue their efforts to escape. This effort is increased as the thought of an Allied invasion of Italy comes closer and also a possible change of leadership in Italy.

So, as you see, it's a very rich story, with many varied plot lines. Consider also the ongoing plans for a play by some of the British prisoners, a remaking of The Barrets of Wimpole Street. Gilbert writes in an easy flowing style. He develops great characters. I particularly enjoyed Goyle, but there were many others as well. The story moves along nicely, the mystery is developed perfectly and the actions within the prison are interesting, both from a historical perspective and from a mystery perspective.

I enjoyed this story immensely. It was unique and refreshing. I just wished their had been a summing up on the final activities. Gilbert continues to impress me with his story telling. Excellent mystery and war story. (4.5 stars)"

New Books

1. Sparkling Cyanide (AKA Remembered Death) by Agatha Christie (Colonel Race #4).

"Six people reunite to remember beautiful Rosemary Barton, who died nearly a year before. The loving sister, the long-suffering husband, the devoted secretary, the lovers, the betrayed wife - none of them can forget Rosemary.

But did one of them murder her"

2. A Nice Class of Corpse by Simon Brett (Mrs. Pargeter #1). I've enjoyed all of Brett's mystery series; Charles Paris, the Fettering mysteries and also a later book in the Mrs. Pargeter series.










"Simon Brett introduces Melita Pargeter, his newest detective. Melita is a rich and vivacious lady, whose mystery-solving talents come in handy when a murderer strikes a hotel for retirees. Simon's talents come in handy for writing hilariously."

3. The Big Over Easy by Jasper Fforde (Nursery Crime #1).  Fforde's Thursday Next fantasy mystery series is excellent. I thought I should try the first book in his other series.










"It's Easter in Reading—a bad time for eggs—and no one can remember the last sunny day. Ovoid D-class nursery celebrity Humpty Stuyvesant Van Dumpty III, minor baronet, ex-convict, and former millionaire philanthropist, is found shattered to death beneath a wall in a shabby area of town. All the evidence points to his ex-wife, who has conveniently shot herself.

But Detective Inspector Jack Spratt and his assistant Mary Mary remain unconvinced, a sentiment not shared with their superiors at the Reading Police Department, who are still smarting over their failure to convict the Three Pigs of murdering Mr. Wolff. Before long Jack and Mary find themselves grappling with a sinister plot involving cross-border money laundering, bullion smuggling, problems with beanstalks, titans seeking asylum, and the cut and thrust world of international chiropody.

And on top of all that, the Jelly-Man is coming to town . . ."

My Ongoing Look at the Mystery Genre - American Cops
In my last entry I looked at Kathy Reichs's Temperance Brennan series.

Eric Rickstad

1. Eric Rickstad - Canaan Crime. Eric Rickstad is an American crime writer was the New York Times best - selling author of The Silent Girls, the second book in his Canaan Crime series, set in Vermont, his home state. He has written 3 books in this series. I've read the first and have the second on my bookshelf. 

OK, this is strange. In one list of his Canaan Crime books, The Silent Girls is listed as #1 and Lie in Wait is #2. In my Goodreads list, Lie in Wait is listed as #1, even though it was published before Silent Girls. I've read Lie in Wait, at any rate.

a. Lie in Wait (2015).

"The first book in the Canaan crime series by Eric Rickstad, Lie In Wait is also my first exposure to his writing. Based on this story, I look forward to reading more. There are three books in the Canaan crime series and he has also written two standalone novels.

The town of Canaan is located Vermont. The story starts with the violent murder of a young girl, baby-sitting for a local lawyer and his wife. The lawyer, Jon Merryfield, is assisting two gay men in their case against the state. This is not popular with a certain group in the community and this is one possible story line for investigation. Local detective, Sonja Test, is involved in the murder investigation, but in a subsidiary role to the State police investigator, Detective North. There is friction between the two, although they also make a reasonable team.

Other suspects begin to come to the surface as the two investigate. Could it be the star football player, who may have been having a relationship with 'underage' Jessica Cumber. Could it be his father, trying to protect his son? Could it be the lawyer himself? What about Jed King, the local trouble maker, who may have been trying to implicate the lawyer? It's an interesting group of suspects, each with seeming secrets to hide and the investigation moves along nicely.

While Sonja is the main character, the story does move between the various main characters, adding to the texture of the story. There are enough incidents throughout the story and an ongoing feeling of menace which adds to the tension that Rickstad develops. It's not a perfect story by any means but it is well-written, flows along very nicely and all in all, it's a satisfying mystery. (4 stars)"

2. Silent Girls (2014).

"With the dead of a bitter Vermont winter closing in, evil is alive and well . . .

Frank Rath thought he was done with murder when he turned in his detective's badge to become a private investigator and raise a daughter alone. Then the police in his remote rural community of Canaan find an '89 Monte Carlo abandoned by the side of the road, and the beautiful teenage girl who owned the car seems to have disappeared without a trace.

Soon Rath's investigation brings him face-to-face with the darkest abominations of the human soul.

With the consequences of his violent and painful past plaguing him, and young women with secrets vanishing one by one, he discovers once again that even in the smallest towns on the map, evil lurks everywhere--and no one is safe."

The last book, so far, in the series is The Names of the Dead Girls, published in 2017.

 So there you go. I hope you find one or more of these books interesting.

My First December Reading Update

Well, it's the first week of December. Egads! I've put up the outside lights so far, although I was going to try and add a few more. Now for the inside. Not feeling much like it, mind you. Ah well, once we get started, everything will swing into place.

So, let's see, where to now? I've finished my first book of December. It was a bit of a long 'un, so took me over a month to read it. Well worth it though. I'll update that book and also add a book that was left in my Little Free Library outside the front door, last week. Then I'll continue my winding down of my look at the Mystery genre - American Cops.

Just Finished

1. Middlemarch by George Eliot. I'd previously read 3 of Eliot's other books; Adam Bede, Daniel Deronda and The Mill on the Floss. Middlemarch was just as good. (My copy of the book, which is from the same publisher, isn't in quite such good shape. As Jo said, I should have purchased another edition and just kept this one on the shelf)








"I've previously read and enjoyed 3 of George Eliot's 7 novels. Middlemarch, Eliot's 6th novel, originally published in 1871-2, was my 4th of her novels. It's supposed to be her best work. I enjoyed it very much, especially once I got into the flow, but I do think I preferred others.

Middlemarch is set for the most part in a fictitious Midlands town of Middlemarch. It focuses on a number of characters, all involved in 'romantic; relationships. You have Dorotea Brooke, courted by both Sir James Chettam, a wealthy land owner, and Rev Edward Casaubon, who she prefers as she wants to help him write his great novel. You have Mary Garth, my favorite character, who works for an elderly rich crank, Peter Featherstone, who is courted by a ne'er - do - well, a good looking young man with many financial issues, Fred Vincy. As well, there is Rosamond Vincy, Fred's sister, who has set her oar for the new doctor in town, Dr. Tertius Lydgate.

Of course, those are the main character and we are surrounded, richly by a great supporting cast. The book, made up of 4 mini-novels, moves from the various main characters as their relationships develop and grow. I have to say that there were a number of characters who I didn't like at all, but they were nicely counteracted by those I did like. And like all of Eliot's books, all of the characters are beautifully crafted and the story is thoughtfully told. I won't get into the plot any more. Suffice it to say, if you try this story, you will enjoy it immensely. This story was made into a BBC mini-series in 1994 with a cast of fantastic actors. I will have to try it out as well. (4 stars)"

New Books

1. The Fly on the Wall by Tony Hillerman. I've enjoyed Hillerman's Navajo Police series so far. I found this book (a Hillerman standalone) had been left in my library (see above) out in front of the house, so thought I should try it myself. I sounds interesting.








"Ace reporter John Cotton is a fly on the wall -- seeing all, hearing all, and keeping out of sight. But the game changes when he finds his best friend's corpse sprawled on the marble floor of the central rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. Suddenly Cotton knows too much about a scandal centered around a senatorial candidate, a million-dollar scam, and a murder. And he hears the pursuing footsteps of powerful people who have something to hide ... and a willingness to kill to keep their secrets hidden."

My Ongoing Look at the Mystery Genre - American Cops
In my last entry, I looked at James Patterson's Women's Murder Club mystery series. 

Kathy Reichs

1. Kathy Reichs - Temperance Brennan. When I first moved to Comox and was on my own, I spent lots of time frequenting a local used book store, ABC Books, which is no longer in business. At that time I did lots of exploring of the mystery genre. I found a couple of excellent forensic mystery series by women authors, Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series and Kathy Reichs's Temperance Brennan series. People who haven't read the books might recognize Temperance Brennan from TV's long running series, Bones. Reichs was born in Chicago in 1948 and is a crime writer, forensic anthropologist and academic. She used her expertise in these areas to create Temperance Brennan who works both in the US and Montreal Canada with the police as a forensic analyst. Since 1997 she has written 19 books in the series and has one more due out in 2020. I have read 9 of the series, in no particular order and have another 3 on my bookshelf. I'll look at two that I've read and two of the others.

a. Cross Bones (#8 / 2005).












"Cross Bones is the 8th book in Kathy Reichs's Temperance Brennan forensic mystery series. I found it to be one of the more interesting ones so far.

Temperance is working at her 2nd job as forensic anthropologist assisting the Montreal coroner. (For those not familiar with the books, Temperance works in South Carolina most of the time, but spends time also in Montreal as part of an arrangement.) This story starts off with Temperance assisting with two bodies, one who is found in a chimney and another who may have committed suicide. His autopsy is witnessed by members of the Jewish community as well. During this autopsy, Tempe is given a photo of a skeleton and is advised that is the reason for the victim's 'murder'.

Thus starts an adventure that will take Tempe and her lover, police detective Andrew Ryan to Israel in search of further evidence and also to discover if the bones might be those of Jesus Christ. It's an intriguing story; a murder mystery and an investigation into the history of Jesus' family. The story moves along very nicely and provides an interesting history of the archeological digs in Israel as well as a nice glimpse of the country itself.

I did find some of it confusing, especially the story (which is based on a true one) of the discoveries in Masada. As well, the possible implications of discovering the body of JC, if it turns out to be the case in this story, and its impact on Christianity, Judaism and even Islam are examined, sometimes a bit too much. There is lots of action and the interactions between Tempe and Ryan are excellent. All in all it was a fascinating mystery and a joy to read. I have found that sometimes Kathy Reichs seems to be going through the motions, but not in this story. (4 stars)"

b. Break No Bones (#9 / 2006)

"It's been 5 years or so since I visited the forensic world of Temperance Brennan by Kathy Reichs. I thought she'd been kind of going through the motions with the book I read at that time. I just finished Break No Bones, the 9th book in the series, and I'm sorry that I've been neglecting the series. This was quite excellent.

Temperance is leading a class of archaeology students at a Native American dig on an island near Charleston, SC to ascertain whether there are archives of any sort there. A developer plans to build homes on the site and the dig is necessary to ensure no historical relics are being disturbed. While there, her students find a body, a recent one. This is the start of an interesting mystery.

Tempe is asked to help the local coroner, a friend of hers, Emma Rousseau, as Emma is dealing with the effects of treatment for lymphoma. She asks Tempe to help with the case and as more bodies begin to crop up, Tempe becomes the lead for the coroner's office. This is a complex, entertaining story. Tempe's ex-hubby, Pete, a lawyer, arrives in town to investigate the financials of a local religious group. Ryan, Tempe's current boyfriend, also shows up and while there is steady friction between the two men, he helps Tempe with the investigation. Throw into the mix, local sheriff Gullet, who is somewhat distrustful of her involvement and you've got an all-round entertaining story.

There are many twists and turns in this story; there are threats to Tempe. There is the involvement of a missing PI who seems to be checking out a local medical clinic as part of an investigation into the missing daughter of a local well-to-do. As more bodies show up, Tempe and the others investigate whether there are links between them. Tempe also tries to deal with her feelings for her two beaus and also with her concern for Emma's health.

I enjoyed this story very much. I liked all of the characters. I have always liked Tempe, she's spunky, irritable, hard - working, funny, just one of the great characters. As always, the forensic aspects of the add to the interest. It's a tensely developed story and the intensity grows as the story moves to the climax. Most enjoyable. (4 stars)"

c. Bone to Ashes (#10 / 2007)












"Temperance Brennan, like her creator Kathy Reichs, is a brilliant, sexy forensic anthropologist called on to solve the toughest cases. But for Tempe, the discovery of a young girl's skeleton in Acadia, Canada, is more than just another assignment. Évangéline, Tempe's childhood best friend, was also from Acadia. Named for the character in the Longfellow poem, Évangéline was the most exotic person in Tempe's eight-year-old world. When Évangéline disappeared, Tempe was warned not to search for her, that the girl was "dangerous."

Thirty years later, flooded with memories, Tempe cannot help wondering if this skeleton could be the friend she lost so many years ago. And what is the meaning of the strange skeletal lesions found on the bones of the young girl?

Meanwhile, Tempe's beau, Ryan, investigates a series of cold cases. Three girls dead. Four missing. Could the New Brunswick skeleton be part of the pattern? As Tempe draws on the latest advances in forensic anthropology to penetrate the past, Ryan hunts down a serial predator."

d. 206 Bones (#12 / 2009).

"There are 206 bones in the human body. Forensic anthropologists know them intimately, can use them to reconstruct every kind of violent end. When Tempe finds herself regaining consciousness in some kind of very small, very dark, very cold enclosed space—bound, hands to feet—Tempe begins slowly to reconstruct...

Tempe and Lieutenant Ryan had accompanied the recently discovered remains of a missing heiress from Montreal to the Chicago morgue. Suddenly, Tempe was accused of mishandling the autopsy—and the case. Back in Montreal, the corpse of a second elderly woman was found in the woods, and then a third. Seamlessly weaving between Tempe’s present-tense terror as she’s held captive and her memory of the cases of these murdered women, Reichs reveals the incredible devastation that would occur if a forensic colleague sabotaged work in the lab. The chemistry between Tempe and Ryan intensifies as this complex, riveting tale unfolds, proving once again, that Reichs is the dominant talent in forensic mystery writing"

The remaining books in the series are listed below. I've provided ratings if I've read them and put an asterisk if I have an unread copy.

1. Deja Dead (#1 / 1997) (5 stars)
2. Death du Jour (#2 / 1999) (4 stars)
3. Deadly Decisions (#3 / 2000) (4 stars)
4. Fatal Voyage (#4 / 2001) (4 stars)
5. Grave Secrets (#5 / 2002)
6. Bare Bones (#6 / 2003) (4 stars)
7. Monday Mourning (#7 / 2004) (4 stars)
8. Devil Bones (#11 / 2008) (3 stars)
9. Spider Bones (#13 / 2010) *
10. Flash and Bones (#14 / 2011)
11. Bones are Forever (#15 / 2012)
12. Bones of the Lost (#16 / 2013)
13. Bones Never Lie (#17 / 2014)
14. Speaking in Bones (#18 / 2015)
15. The Bone Collection (#19 / 2016)
16. A Conspiracy of Bones (#20 / 2020)

Well, there you go folks. More to follow in a couple of days. Have a great week!