2020 was a pretty darn awful year— I won’t recount the ways as many of us suffered loss.
First, my sincere thanks to a dear GR friend who mentioned Ca2020 was a pretty darn awful year— I won’t recount the ways as many of us suffered loss.
First, my sincere thanks to a dear GR friend who mentioned Capote’s timeless story, A Christmas Memory.
The tears are still gently running down my face, but that’s okay. This was just the story I needed to read a few days before Christmas.
I’m crying for Buddy, Queenie, and their beloved friend. But most of all I’m crying for two wonderful women who aren’t here to share this Christmas with me. My memories of them shall last a lifetime too.
Merry Christmas to you and yours! And a heartfelt thank you to my fellow bookworms for all the books that I would have never read without your reviews!❤️...more
Heyer was clearly an Agatha Christie devotee (or contemporary) as this is a classic drawing room-style mystery set in an upper crust manor home in 3.5
Heyer was clearly an Agatha Christie devotee (or contemporary) as this is a classic drawing room-style mystery set in an upper crust manor home in the country. Bad tempered rich uncle put upon at Christmas by all the thankless relatives and business partner(s).
Family squabbles lead to a locked room murder. In steps a slightly egotistical Inspector and his Watson-like Sergeant. Slightly funny but way too bogged down with details, there are some nice red herrings and interesting characters sprinkled throughout.
As much as I say I love a good classic who-dun-it, I must admit this was a tad too slow for me until the last few chapters. But if you want a real classic of an English mystery of yesteryear, Heyer delivers....more
This is a fine historical fiction novel bringing an unknown to me historical character to life, yet the story surrounds her with fictional characters This is a fine historical fiction novel bringing an unknown to me historical character to life, yet the story surrounds her with fictional characters and conflicts.
The premise of passing for white is not unknown to me— I’ve always been both fascinated and saddened by the character in Broadway’s Showboat (which I believe was based on a novel). By the late 1890’s a very, very small number of Ivy League schools were publicly admitting African-American women, but only a handful graduated over the next generation of students. African-American men fared better but still faced a number of challenges even once admitted.
I was fascinated with Anita Hemmings from start to finish— I just felt that the ending was a bit rushed. Or maybe because I just wanted to learn more. Rather the author chose to skip 30 years ahead as the book concludes.
Anita was real and some facets of this book happened— I can’t imagine the pressure she must have been under. She is alternately seen as brave and cowardly for her choices. It is not for me to judge— but I agree that despite the aftermath of the Civil War, this country and Society in general was still ugly (is still ugly) when it came to skin color. Let’s face it- this country has been taking steps forward and backward equally for more than 160 years.
I especially appreciated the notes provided by the author at the end of the book. The real story is equally complicated and I see why she “filled in the blanks and took some creative license” as she shared Anita’s experiences.
Overall, a solid historical fiction book that will stick with me! I appreciated learning about Anita Hemmings and life at a “seven sisters” school at the turn of the 20th century....more
It was nice to read about another English princess for a change— I’ve definitely had my fill of Elizabeth I’s reign so when this book crossed my path,It was nice to read about another English princess for a change— I’ve definitely had my fill of Elizabeth I’s reign so when this book crossed my path, I was eager to learn about England’s second formidable Queen— Victoria.
Engrossing, peppered with details and villainy, and easy to read. This book was both fascinating and shocking. I’d learned of the Kensington System from the first year of the popular PBS series about Victoria’s ascension to the throne but here in this book, Conroy, Victoria’s conniving mother, and her German ladies-in-waiting really come to life.
But as the novel progressed— I got that “spidey” sense which had me guessing where the author was taking this novel— let’s just say, heavy on the fiction and whisper thin on the history. (Google got a real workout when I finished the book.)
Regardless of the silly ending, it was a great introduction to young Princess Victoria. I totally want to learn more...
I’ve always loved the wallflower catches the attention of the handsome Lord (or Duke, etc) trope and this book did not disappoint. If you need a few sI’ve always loved the wallflower catches the attention of the handsome Lord (or Duke, etc) trope and this book did not disappoint. If you need a few sighs, a spicy scene or two, Regency ambience and a happy ending, look no further....more
Sooooo much agonizing from both our Duke and young heroine. Well-written but slightly boring.
No real Calgon take me away moments. I actually liked2.5
Sooooo much agonizing from both our Duke and young heroine. Well-written but slightly boring.
No real Calgon take me away moments. I actually liked the older spinster sister of the Duke best— I may try the next book. Only to see if Charlotte can get through a few chapters without too much whining.
Maybe I spent too much agonizing over whether I should quit the book— by the time I’d made up my mind, the book was almost at its required happy ending. Hence the half-star for managing to keep me just interested enough to finish. ...more
If you’ve read more than one Charlie Parker novel, then you know the creep factor alternates with the violence factor— in the case of this installmentIf you’ve read more than one Charlie Parker novel, then you know the creep factor alternates with the violence factor— in the case of this installment, it was one of the creepiest of the series.
As always, heinous villains, dark forces, and ghosts from the past haunt our story. Unlike other installments that dive into the back stories of Parker and friends, this book spends more time with the antagonists which makes for a creepier read.
Highly recommend and always looking forward to the next!...more
Thanks to the Goodreads friend who posted such a great review that I managed to get a copy of this book on Overdrive before the masses signed up for iThanks to the Goodreads friend who posted such a great review that I managed to get a copy of this book on Overdrive before the masses signed up for it.
What started out as rather one-note story (I really didn’t like our main character at first but that changed as I learned more) was surprisingly layered by the end. I love to be surprised and this book delivered !!
This book reiterated a few truths: 1. Who you are today is often colored by who you were as a kid.
2. Revenge, when done right, really is a dish best served cold.
3. Money helps... the more money you have, the more problems you can solve, however, don’t think that someone’s “golden cage” will make them happy.
As I’m about to delve into the next installment of this clever mystery series which continues to delight (and occasionally confound) this reader, I fiAs I’m about to delve into the next installment of this clever mystery series which continues to delight (and occasionally confound) this reader, I figured I should review book four.
I remain a fan of the cast of characters in this non-traditional and occasionally quirky Holmes-inspired series. The plot does thicken as does our knowledge of the beloved Mrs Watson. Her storyline shines and serves as the main mystery.
Maybe because it was too long of a rest between books but there are some complicated relationships clashing while at the same time there are loads of references (both true and rumored) to Moriarty and his criminal friends. By the end I think it felt like a transition was taking taking place, otherwise this would have been rated three stars for too many potential plot holes.
That said, I’m really looking forward to the next book which is cued up and ready to read on my cherished kindle. I remain hopeful that a certain sister will finally find a way to break free. Though I’m not holding my breath!!...more
A modern twist on the classic drawing room murder— or in this case, murders. The first half had my attention but alas as soon as the dead bodies st3.5
A modern twist on the classic drawing room murder— or in this case, murders. The first half had my attention but alas as soon as the dead bodies started turning up, it actually lost a point or two. Too obvious, too silly, and the last few chapters just didn’t work for me.
Not a bad book but not my fave Ruth Ware either....more
It’s adorably romantic, but not much really happens. However, a few swoon-worthy scenes make up for little conflict other than an insecure shy girl trIt’s adorably romantic, but not much really happens. However, a few swoon-worthy scenes make up for little conflict other than an insecure shy girl trying to let a nerdy Duke know she’s not right for him. When, of course she is!
What I love about Tana French, even when I don’t always 5-star love each book, is that no two books of hers are alike.
There are a lot of adjective4.5
What I love about Tana French, even when I don’t always 5-star love each book, is that no two books of hers are alike.
There are a lot of adjectives to describe The Searcher but suspenseful, action-oriented, page turning and surprising aren’t on the list. Because of that, some French fans may be disappointed in her latest.
Me? I loved this book and how it both savored the “place” and was a thoroughly lovely, yet dark and human, character study- of both Cal, the American main character, and the town in Ireland that is his adopted home after retiring from the Chicago Police Force.
This is a dissection of life in a small town where everyone knows everyone. Cal quickly becomes involved with a local mystery that no one really cares to solve. From there the book begins to darken and Cal faces judgement from his neighbors, his conscience and new friends.
Again, this proves that French is just becoming a stronger writer with every book. Highly recommend this stand-alone mystery.
3.5– added that last half star because Ms James always makes me chuckle out loud!
Lovely HF novel featuring the eldest Wilde daughter, Betsy (and all o3.5– added that last half star because Ms James always makes me chuckle out loud!
Lovely HF novel featuring the eldest Wilde daughter, Betsy (and all of the other names she is called) and her choice between two eligible bachelors. Well, to be fair only one considers himself eligible.
As most (maybe all) romance readers will admit— a bad boy is so much easier to love. Our slightly broken bachelor, Jeremy, is all charm despite his caustic wit. Totally fell for him. I just wish the conflict involving a maniacal family member had happened sooner— it was almost an after thought and really didn’t change much at all.
The older I get, the more waves I like in my literary journey. The waters were just too calm in this rather un-Wilde entry.
Despite the fact that the YA crowd would consider me to be in the “crypt keeper” age group, I do love a well-written YA fantasy. Imagine my shock at fDespite the fact that the YA crowd would consider me to be in the “crypt keeper” age group, I do love a well-written YA fantasy. Imagine my shock at finding a second 5-star YA read in less than a year.
Of course, all it took for a three-star rating was to use the Sword in the Stone and Arthurian legends as inspiration. Add a fourth star for some excellent world building and a fifth star because it was simply an excellent book— suspense, surprises, treachery, hope and the promise of more to come.
Looking forward to watching the Netflix series, but it has a lot to live up to!!...more
It’s rare for me to struggle with a review unless I finish a book in the middle of the night. But I can’t use that excuse here.
I adored the premise aIt’s rare for me to struggle with a review unless I finish a book in the middle of the night. But I can’t use that excuse here.
I adored the premise and had seen other highly rated reviews and therein lay (lies?) the problem. My expectations as a bookworm and lover of this historic and glamorous building of books in my favorite metropolis did me in.
I enjoyed the historical facts and some of the fictional threads but I was disappointed by the modern mystery. And sadly it was all too easy to connect the dots, even if they were wrapped in some drama and family disfunction that I could relate to. (The older I get, the less tolerance I have for a male-dominated domestic situation.)
Unfortunately, I wanted to like the characters more than I did. It’s really not a bad book, it’s just not what I wanted it to be—a great book!
A summer vacation wouldn’t be complete without a slightly steamy HF romance... at least mine can’t.
Intelligent Lady naturalist is friends with bes3.5
A summer vacation wouldn’t be complete without a slightly steamy HF romance... at least mine can’t.
Intelligent Lady naturalist is friends with bespectacled and slightly disheveled anthropologist. With the help of a real rake, nerdy (but handsome) dude begins to resemble a sophisticated gentleman. Confusion, chemistry and complications ensue.
I just love me some romance between early 19th century nerds....more
Some may be bothered by a book that uses social media threads more than regular text— but it totally worked for me in a book that was all about the coSome may be bothered by a book that uses social media threads more than regular text— but it totally worked for me in a book that was all about the contrived and surprisingly honest reality show format— and in some ways those ancillary characters made the book more charming!
Kudos to breaking some cliches and for keeping it real (most of the time). I’ll admit I’ve never been a fan of the bachelor/bachelorette series— way too many white Barbie and Ken dolls for me. This book emulated that type of show— with all its fangs and warts. Totally added to the “who can you trust is telling the truth” question that is forever on our heroine’s mind.
I loved Bea— and a lot of the book was relatable if you’re thicker in the middle than a size 4 or are someone who has spent way too much time finding the perfect outfit to appear thinner than you are. When you are overweight, society has trained you to look smaller, act smaller and sound smaller. Know what? That’s total bullshit— and I love a book that wrestles with all aspects of body positivity.
Despite the body positive/shaming themes or maybe because of it, the book doesn’t pull any punches. For the most part, it stays away from unbelievable scenes and certainly reminds both the heroine and the reader— just how cruel humans can be to other humans. And for that it earned a fourth star from this middle-aged chubby reader.
No spoilers but I would have high-fived Bea for her choice in the end too!!...more
I don’t know why I’m slightly disappointed with this one as compared to the rest.
Davenport’s in New York lending help to the NYPD’s search for a f3.5
I don’t know why I’m slightly disappointed with this one as compared to the rest.
Davenport’s in New York lending help to the NYPD’s search for a familiar twisted (so twisted) bad guy but complications and politics intervene.
There are all sorts of traps here as well as some twists and turns but it doesn’t have the same suspense level as I was expecting. But I do love me some NYC so the locale was a plus.
Like Michael Connolly, John Sandford is a solid writer so I’m looking forward to what he has in store for his MN detective!...more
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