How to Find Your Way in the Dark - Derek B. Miller

 How to Find Your Way in the Dark -Derek B. Miller

He and she read

I did not read Norwegian by Night, for which this novel is a prequel.  

A tender historical fiction, coming of age novel, this is well written, character driven, and introspective.  There are a few different story lines, but they are woven together well.  I was a bit surprised by the emphasis on the gangster side of life and felt in a way it took something from what was the more important aspect of the story…the world wide anti Semitism and horror it brought prior to and during World War II.  

There were a few misses in this novel but, overall, a recommended read.

BTW - he really liked it.

****

Woman in Shadow - Carrie Stuart Parks

 Woman in Shadow - Carrie Stuart Parks

She read

The first chapter of this book did not hook me; by chapter five I was all in.  However, it then turned a bit too preposterous for me.  I knew nothing about this author prior to reading Woman in Shadow, so I looked at her website which describes her writing as “ hyper-realistic”.  If you define that term as distorting or exaggerating reality, then it is an apt term.

The main character, Darby, is a forensic linguist and I did enjoy that unique perspective, as well as some of her humor.  

This was a fast, but not particularly satisfying read.   

***

The Clockmaker's Wife - Daisy Wood

 The Clockmaker's Wife  - Daisy Wood

She read

Publication Date: July 27, 2021

It seems I have read quite a few books in the past year or so about the World War II era.  This one had a slightly different perspective as it focused on the destruction of London as well as a fifth column operating within Britain.  Utilizing two timelines in the unspooling of the story was an effective device and the author’s descriptions of London both in the 1940s and today were particularly evocative.

The book did drag at times with overlong descriptions, even when those descriptions involved action and aspects of the story were unrealistic.  

Readers who enjoy historical fiction (with the emphasis on fiction) or tales  of the courage of strong women in troubling times or those who have investigated their ancestral stories, should give this book a try.

****

The Good Lie - A.R. Torre

 The Good Lie - A. R. Torre

She read

Hmmm….Still trying to figure out how I feel about this book.

For the first 80%, I really liked it and didn’t want to put it down  Then it took a twist that I’m still not sure how I feel about. Additionally, I had  problems with some of the professionally ethical questions and behaviors, particularly on Gwen’s part.  That is why I down rated it from 5 to 4 stars.  So, 5 stars for style and engaging the reader, 4 for plot.  

****

21st Birthday - James Patterson and Maxine Paedro

 21st Birthday - James Patterson and Maxine Paedro

She read

This is the only James Patterson series I have read in its entirety and, in fact, the only of Patterson’s works that I continue to read. His writing is prolific and a bit light weight. Although the plot of this one was a bit of a stretch, I do enjoy these characters and visiting with them periodically. If you like this series, or are interested in a quick easy read for relaxation, then you  may enjoy this latest addition.  

****

Oh William! - Elizabeth Strout

 Oh William! - Elizabeth Strout

She read and he is reading

Publication Date:  Oct. 19, 2021

Strout is a gifted writer whose characters are beautifully drawn and her poignant observations of life are dead on.  

Focusing on Lucy Barton’s first husband, William, we also learn a little more about Lucy, who is now in her sixties.  Fans of Strout will find some familiar characters mentioned here including the Burgess Boys.

It is a quick, engaging book, although I’m not sure it even went anywhere.  I liked it, however, didn’t find it an equal of the Olive Kitteridge books or even the earlier Lucy Bartons.

This book can be enjoyed on its own, but it may be more meaningful if one has read My Name is Lucy Barton and Anything is Possible.  

*****

Intimacies - Katie Kitamura

 Intimacies - Katie Kitamura

She read; he will read

Publication Date: July 20, 2021

This is well written and introspective, although initially I wasn’t sure if I liked the writing style.  It is almost like stream of consciousness and instead of dialog, the unnamed narrator recounts conversations. The reader is made to privy to various intimacies she has with friends, acquaintances, a lover, a war criminal.  Finally, she speaks indirectly to the craziness that has been our political world these last few years. 

The book is short, which of course makes it a very fast read. It can easily be completed in an afternoon.  Don’t read it too quickly, though,  as you will want to think about and savor many of the perceptive observations.  After all, this is a book about, among other things,  language.

******

The Burning - Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman

 The Burning - Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman

She read

Publication Date: Sept. 21, 2021

I’ve read all three of the Kellermans’  Clay Edison series. I enjoyed the first three and looked forward to The Burning.  I was disappointed.   

This one has the authors’ characteristic vivid detailed descriptions that paint a good sense of scene.  However, I didn’t like this one as much as the prior books.  In the beginning,  there was a lot of time spent on Clay’s ruminations about all the possible scenarios concerning his brother. The plot was just meh.  What I objected to the most, though, was Clay’s dangerous behavior.  (Note: slight spoiler alerts ahead).  I can understand his concern for and bond with his brother, but to risk his career (and the domino effect it would have on his family) with reckless behavior was bothersome.

I will stretch my rating to four stars, only because I am such a fan of Jonathan Kellerman and I did find this a fast read (even if I did some skimming).  Clay’s daughter, Charlotte, did have some amusing lines!

****

Gone for Good - Joanna Schaffhausen

 Gone for Good - Joanna Schaffhausen

She read

Publication Date: Aug. 10, 2021

I really like Joanna Schaffhausen’s writing.  I’ve read two of her Markham/Hathaway series and think she is an undiscovered gem.

While this story may be a bit of a stretch, it was a great read.   I even gave up my evening/night television viewing to finish it….I think that says it all. It has an intriguing plot and strong character development. I don’t give five stars easily, but all three of my Schaufhauseen reads have earned that rating.

I am glad to see that Schaffhausen is starting a new series; I like the main characters in this one and look forward to the next installment.

*****

The Hollows - Mark Edwards

 British author Mark Edwards has written a number of psychological thrillers self described as where “scary things happen to ordinary people.”  This is the first one I have read.

Written from some different POVs, this was a quick, engrossing read.   I was hesitant at first to read it as the description  alluded to the paranormal, which I do not enjoy.  However, although perhaps a bit mystical, it was not totally over the top. The setting will be somewhat familiar to horror fans and, taking place in Maine, how could it not reference Stephen King? Edwards creates a good sense of place and atmosphere.

I do find it annoying when people who know they or loved ones are in danger  continue to do dumb things..but then again, without that happening, there wouldn’t be a story.

She read

Publication Date: July 8, 2021

****

Morningside Heights - Joshua Henkin

Morningside Heights - Joshua Henkin

She read

Although about a weighty subject, this is written in a rather breezy style which made it a very fast read. It is well crafted and realistic.  Pru’s devotion to  Spence is both admirable and painful.

For me this is also a book of reminiscence…not only of Pru and Spence’s lives but also of a lost New York City….so many memorable places gone. 

Don’t let the topic put you off; it is a worthwhile read. In the vicissitudes of life, there is resilience.   

***** 

The Girl Behind the Wall - Mandy Robotham

 The Girl Behind the Wall - Mandy Robotham

She read

Publication Date: July 6, 2021

This is the second novel I have read by Mandy Robotham and have found both of them rewarding.  While some elements in the story may strain credulity, it is factually accurate  and the emotions do reflect that time in history. 

Robotham weaves such an engrossing story, it was difficult to put the book down. There has been much written recently about wartime Berlin; it was refreshing to read about the post WWII Cold War era.  As a reader who always wants to know “what happened next?”, I was appreciative of the Epilogue which took place in 1993….it answered that question as well as at least one that arose while reading about the 1960s. 

****