A Long Petal of the Sea - Isabel Allende
She read
Publication Date: Jan. 21, 2020
The life story of Victor and Roser reflects the history of the Spanish Civil War, emigration of Spanish refugees to Chile, and the fraught political history of that country.
I enjoy Isabel Allende’s non magical writing, and this saga is no exception. The atrocities man inflicts upon man are told in a matter of fact manner, but this does not take away from their horrors. Each chapter begins with a quote from poet Pablo Neruda, an important actor in the history and culture of Chile whose life is interwoven into this narrative.
Written in third person gives the reader the feeling of being an observer not only of the lives of Victor and Roser, but also monumental historical events. Some of those events gives one pause in reflecting on our current political climate as well.
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Lady Clementine - Marie Benedict
Lady Clementine - Marie Benedict
She read
Publication date: Jan. 7, 2020
This is the story of Clementine Churchill from the time she meets Winston through World War II, with additional insight into her childhood and family background as well. Lady Clementine presents as an admirable woman, not only for what she did for Britain, but also her ability to negotiate around her larger than life husband without cowering before him.
I am always hesitant to read fictionalized accounts of real people; I have concern about what is real and what is made up as authors put words into the mouths of historical figures. This does seem to be well researched. I learned a bit of history of Britain; and just hope that it reflects reality and not a fictionalized account.
This is a fast read as it jumps through a historical time line, highlighting important events and reactions to them. Although I thought it a bit saccharine, it was an enjoyable read.
****
She read
Publication date: Jan. 7, 2020
This is the story of Clementine Churchill from the time she meets Winston through World War II, with additional insight into her childhood and family background as well. Lady Clementine presents as an admirable woman, not only for what she did for Britain, but also her ability to negotiate around her larger than life husband without cowering before him.
I am always hesitant to read fictionalized accounts of real people; I have concern about what is real and what is made up as authors put words into the mouths of historical figures. This does seem to be well researched. I learned a bit of history of Britain; and just hope that it reflects reality and not a fictionalized account.
This is a fast read as it jumps through a historical time line, highlighting important events and reactions to them. Although I thought it a bit saccharine, it was an enjoyable read.
****
Thursday, November 28, 2019
When You See Me - Lisa Gardner
When You See Me - Lisa Gardner
She read
Publication Date:Jan. 28, 2020
his is the eleventh in the Detective D.D. Warren series and it brings together players from past novels including former victim Flora Dane, FBI agent Kimberly Quincy, and computer savant Keith as they travel to Georgia to investigate the discovery of human bones deep in the woods. As they delve into this mystery, all is not what it seems in this bucolic small town and more gruesome revelations are uncovered.
Told from different viewpoints, the plot moves along quickly as does the evil.
This is my second in a row of this series and once again I found it engrossing. It is well written with strong continuing character development. Some of the twists and turns were an easy guess, but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. This books works well as a standalone, but for more background on the primary actors, go back to the introduction of Flora Dane in Find Me followed by subsequent books featuring her.
**** 1/2
She read
Publication Date:Jan. 28, 2020
his is the eleventh in the Detective D.D. Warren series and it brings together players from past novels including former victim Flora Dane, FBI agent Kimberly Quincy, and computer savant Keith as they travel to Georgia to investigate the discovery of human bones deep in the woods. As they delve into this mystery, all is not what it seems in this bucolic small town and more gruesome revelations are uncovered.
Told from different viewpoints, the plot moves along quickly as does the evil.
This is my second in a row of this series and once again I found it engrossing. It is well written with strong continuing character development. Some of the twists and turns were an easy guess, but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. This books works well as a standalone, but for more background on the primary actors, go back to the introduction of Flora Dane in Find Me followed by subsequent books featuring her.
**** 1/2
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Twisted Twenty-Six - Janet Evanovich
Twisted Twenty Six - Janet Evanovich
she read
Yes, the Stephanie Plum novels are silly, but I really enjoy them. The ridiculous situations and the colorful characters are all very entertaining. Maybe it's the Jersey setting/jokes/lifestyle that gets to me. This series is just plain fun. Yes, the characters are predictable, but I expect them to be. Yes, the relationships don't progress, but, really, they are living in Trenton!!!! These books are always good for a quick, amusing read. I almost don't care about the plot...its the characters I enjoy….although this plot finds Grandma Mazur in danger.
For the first time I remember in this series, the ending is somewhat open ended and clearly leads to a sequel….. the 27th Stephanie Plum book!
she read
Yes, the Stephanie Plum novels are silly, but I really enjoy them. The ridiculous situations and the colorful characters are all very entertaining. Maybe it's the Jersey setting/jokes/lifestyle that gets to me. This series is just plain fun. Yes, the characters are predictable, but I expect them to be. Yes, the relationships don't progress, but, really, they are living in Trenton!!!! These books are always good for a quick, amusing read. I almost don't care about the plot...its the characters I enjoy….although this plot finds Grandma Mazur in danger.
For the first time I remember in this series, the ending is somewhat open ended and clearly leads to a sequel….. the 27th Stephanie Plum book!
The Museum of Desire - Jonathan Kellerman
The Museum of Desire - Jonathan Kellerman
He and she read
Publication Date: Feb. 4, 2020
This is the 35th Alex Delaware novel, and I have read them all. Obviously I am a fan of these police procedurals from a psychologist’s point of view. The usual cast is here with an interesting plot and colorful characters.
Yes, these novels tend to be formulaic, but why mess with success? Alex and Milo chase down leads, generate and discuss different theories, interview persons of interest, enjoy a few good meals, with Delaware as a no nonsense narrator. Kellerman’s descriptions are particularly picturesque and entertaining and he always seems to put a fresh spin on cases.
You can certainly read this as a standalone, but if you are unfamiliar with this series, do yourself a favor and read some of the earlier ones as well.
#netgalley #museumofdesire
He and she read
Publication Date: Feb. 4, 2020
This is the 35th Alex Delaware novel, and I have read them all. Obviously I am a fan of these police procedurals from a psychologist’s point of view. The usual cast is here with an interesting plot and colorful characters.
Yes, these novels tend to be formulaic, but why mess with success? Alex and Milo chase down leads, generate and discuss different theories, interview persons of interest, enjoy a few good meals, with Delaware as a no nonsense narrator. Kellerman’s descriptions are particularly picturesque and entertaining and he always seems to put a fresh spin on cases.
You can certainly read this as a standalone, but if you are unfamiliar with this series, do yourself a favor and read some of the earlier ones as well.
#netgalley #museumofdesire
Monday, November 11, 2019
Under Occupation - Alan Furst
Under Occupation - Alan Furst
She read; he gave it up
Publication date: Nov. 26, 2019
I have enjoyed some of Furst’s prior novels. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for this one.
The writing is very simplistic, with not much depth to the characters, plot, setting, or action. The Resistance fighters featured perform quite a few jobs for the cause, but Furst just skims over them. He notes what they were and that the were carried out, but we get no details, no drama, no action. I also thought the story could have been written without all the salaciousness and gratuitous sex spread throughout it.
She read; he gave it up
Publication date: Nov. 26, 2019
I have enjoyed some of Furst’s prior novels. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for this one.
The writing is very simplistic, with not much depth to the characters, plot, setting, or action. The Resistance fighters featured perform quite a few jobs for the cause, but Furst just skims over them. He notes what they were and that the were carried out, but we get no details, no drama, no action. I also thought the story could have been written without all the salaciousness and gratuitous sex spread throughout it.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
The Perfect Widow - A.M. Castle
The Perfect Widow - A.M. Castle
She read
Publication Date: Nov. 15, 2019
Louise’s husband has been killed in a fire at work. One of the police officers, Becca, who delivers the news to her thinks something is “off” about this wife’s reaction and, despite her own emotional issues, pursues the case. Told from the perspectives of these two characters, much is revealed about both of their backgrounds and what has brought them to this time and place.
I really liked this psychological thriller; I couldn’t put it down. I think it is one of the best of this genre that I have read. The writing is excellent, with vivid descriptions, a painfully good understanding of human nature, and a sharp sense of humor.
She read
Publication Date: Nov. 15, 2019
Louise’s husband has been killed in a fire at work. One of the police officers, Becca, who delivers the news to her thinks something is “off” about this wife’s reaction and, despite her own emotional issues, pursues the case. Told from the perspectives of these two characters, much is revealed about both of their backgrounds and what has brought them to this time and place.
I really liked this psychological thriller; I couldn’t put it down. I think it is one of the best of this genre that I have read. The writing is excellent, with vivid descriptions, a painfully good understanding of human nature, and a sharp sense of humor.
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