Where There's a Will by Rex Stout - Nero Wolfe is low on money so he reluctantly takes a contested will case. A multimillionaire has left the bulk of his money to his mistress and his heirs don't want the will contested in court because of their high status. Of course there's also a murder, multiple suspects and many, many clues before Wolfe prevails again.
3 star
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The Pier Falls: And Other Stories by Mark Haddon - a collection of short stories by the author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Some have fantasy and myth woven in, The Pier Falls reads almost like a newspaper account. Most are told in present tense. Only a couple have what I consider satisfactory ends. I did like the writing.
3 stars
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The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way by Bill Bryson - a sometimes amusing study of the English language. Written in 1990, so it's a little dated. I gave it three stars on Goodreads but actually it's
2.5 stars
Friday, December 30, 2016
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Dec 18 - 24, 2016
Stiletto by Daniel O'Malley - the Checquy and the Grafters have hated each other for centuries, taught to do so from a very early age. Now the two sides are suddenly in negotiations to join forces. And two young women on opposite sides learn about themselves and each other. This is the second in a series about monster hunters in Great Britain. And the monster hunters are monsters themselves. Quite a bit of monster related violence.
3.5 stars
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In Sunlight or In Shadow: Stories Inspired by the Paintings of Edward Hopper edited by Lawrence Block - several authors, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, Stephen King to name a few, were asked to pick a painting by Edward Hopper and then write a story about it. I found it interesting that so many set their stories in the same time period as the painting. Many of them were in the hard-boiled genre. And some were just strange. Each story was accompanied by a print of the painting that inspired them. I liked probably half.
3 stars
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The Woman on the Orient Express by Lindsay Jayne Ashford - part fact, mostly fiction, this is the story of Agatha Christie's trip to the Middle East after her divorce from her husband. Tired of being in the news, she is traveling under an assumed name. With her on the train are two other women, both with secrets of their own. As the women become friends, the secrets are gradually revealed.
4 stars
3.5 stars
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In Sunlight or In Shadow: Stories Inspired by the Paintings of Edward Hopper edited by Lawrence Block - several authors, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, Stephen King to name a few, were asked to pick a painting by Edward Hopper and then write a story about it. I found it interesting that so many set their stories in the same time period as the painting. Many of them were in the hard-boiled genre. And some were just strange. Each story was accompanied by a print of the painting that inspired them. I liked probably half.
3 stars
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The Woman on the Orient Express by Lindsay Jayne Ashford - part fact, mostly fiction, this is the story of Agatha Christie's trip to the Middle East after her divorce from her husband. Tired of being in the news, she is traveling under an assumed name. With her on the train are two other women, both with secrets of their own. As the women become friends, the secrets are gradually revealed.
4 stars
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Dec 11 - 17, 2016
A Chihuahua in Every Stocking by Waverly Curtis - a short ebook in a new to me series featuring P.I. Geri Sullivan and her talking(!) chihuahua, Pepe. When Pepe sees that a little girl's dog has been stolen on Christmas Eve, he convinces Geri to investigate. They find more than a missing dog. I might read more in this series when I want fluff.
3 stars
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Bruno and the Carol Singers by Martin Walker - Chief of Police Bruno is busy with Christmas duties - organizing carolers and playing Father Christmas. When there's a theft of charity money, he steps in with some kindness and mercy. Very short book with lots of food talk, it will make you want to go St. Denis in France.
3 stars
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The Wrong Side of Goodby by Michael Connelly - in the 21st Harry Bosch book, Harry is now a licensed pi and also working as an unpaid volunteer at the San Fernando police department. In his private capacity he's hired by a multi billionaire to see if the man has an heir. And in his police capacity he's tracking down a serial rapist. No, the two cases don't intertwine, and time spent on one is to the detriment of the other. We also learn a little bit more about Harry's time in Vietnam.
4 stars
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The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood - Ava joins a book club mostly for companionship after her marriage falls apart. Their theme for the year is the book that matters most and Ava chooses a book from her past that helped her get through a very difficult time. But she can't find a copy of the book or anything about the author. In the meantime, her daughter Maggie is making bad decisions in Paris. Told from several different viewpoints.
4.5 stars
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In the Pulps - 26 Short Stories by Rex Stout - published between 1912 and 1917, these short stories were written before Stout came up with his famous detective, Nero Wolfe. Most of these are not mysteries but more like quick character studies. My favorite was Pamfret and Peace, written in 1913. The main character comes back to life in 1970 and finds that the Peace Committee has taken over. No differences of opinion, no cheering for one side or the other, no comparisons, and even no talking in your sleep! At least no one can be offended.
3 stars
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As Dark as Christmas Gets by Lawrence Block - a short ebook. Chip Harrison and his Nero Wolfe wannabe employer are called to a bookstore on Christmas day to find out who stole a valuable manuscript. The author gets in a lot in these 33 pages - his opinion of deceased writers books being continued, collectors, and his fun with Nero Wolfe. But the big fun for me was when Mr. Block replied to my comment on his facebook page.
3 stars
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The Dreams of John Weaver by Josh Hanagarne - John wakes up from a coma and can see other people's dreams. I didn't really care for this book and yet had to keep reading to see what it was about. And then was sorry I did. I think it's a YA horror book.
1.5 stars
3 stars
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Bruno and the Carol Singers by Martin Walker - Chief of Police Bruno is busy with Christmas duties - organizing carolers and playing Father Christmas. When there's a theft of charity money, he steps in with some kindness and mercy. Very short book with lots of food talk, it will make you want to go St. Denis in France.
3 stars
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The Wrong Side of Goodby by Michael Connelly - in the 21st Harry Bosch book, Harry is now a licensed pi and also working as an unpaid volunteer at the San Fernando police department. In his private capacity he's hired by a multi billionaire to see if the man has an heir. And in his police capacity he's tracking down a serial rapist. No, the two cases don't intertwine, and time spent on one is to the detriment of the other. We also learn a little bit more about Harry's time in Vietnam.
4 stars
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The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood - Ava joins a book club mostly for companionship after her marriage falls apart. Their theme for the year is the book that matters most and Ava chooses a book from her past that helped her get through a very difficult time. But she can't find a copy of the book or anything about the author. In the meantime, her daughter Maggie is making bad decisions in Paris. Told from several different viewpoints.
4.5 stars
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In the Pulps - 26 Short Stories by Rex Stout - published between 1912 and 1917, these short stories were written before Stout came up with his famous detective, Nero Wolfe. Most of these are not mysteries but more like quick character studies. My favorite was Pamfret and Peace, written in 1913. The main character comes back to life in 1970 and finds that the Peace Committee has taken over. No differences of opinion, no cheering for one side or the other, no comparisons, and even no talking in your sleep! At least no one can be offended.
3 stars
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As Dark as Christmas Gets by Lawrence Block - a short ebook. Chip Harrison and his Nero Wolfe wannabe employer are called to a bookstore on Christmas day to find out who stole a valuable manuscript. The author gets in a lot in these 33 pages - his opinion of deceased writers books being continued, collectors, and his fun with Nero Wolfe. But the big fun for me was when Mr. Block replied to my comment on his facebook page.
3 stars
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The Dreams of John Weaver by Josh Hanagarne - John wakes up from a coma and can see other people's dreams. I didn't really care for this book and yet had to keep reading to see what it was about. And then was sorry I did. I think it's a YA horror book.
1.5 stars
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Dec 4 - 10, 2016
Dog Run Moon by Callan Wink - a collection of short stories about sad, pathetic people. Some of the stories started out good and I liked the writing but then they just....petered out. Is this the new way to write? The story actually has no ending? Doesn't work for me.
1 star
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When All the Girls Have Gone by Jayne Ann Krentz - Charlotte can't contact her step-sister. Then she learns one of Jocelyn's friends has died, supposedly a suicide. She teams up with Max Cutler, a P.I., and their investigation leads to an investment club. But there are clues that lead to a dark event in the past, too. This is billed as a romance and it is somewhat Harelquin-y, with the obligatory sex scene. But it was much more of a mystery to me.
3 stars
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Kissing Christmas Goodby by M.C. Beaton - Agatha Raisin is bored with the mundane cases her detective agency is handling. So when she gets a letter from a woman claiming someone in her family is going to kill her she's intrigued. What follows is a rather boring mystery that is only solved with luck. Much of the book deals with Agatha's wish for a perfect Christmas dinner and the efforts she puts into that. I've read some of this series before, Agatha is not my favorite character.
2 stars
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A Most Novel Revenge by Ashley Weaver - Amory and Milo Ames are asked by her cousin to come to the estate of her friend, a place where there was a mysterious death several years ago. When they arrive, they learn everyone from that time is there, including the woman who wrote a scandalous account of the death. An atmospheric house, bad weather, and unlikeable people are a recipe for disaster. Written very much in the style of British mysteries of the '30's, where wealthy, sophisticated people weekend at strangers homes and talk wittily among themselves.
3.5 stars
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The Body in the Sleigh by Katherine Hall Page - this is the 18th Faith Fairchild book, wife of a minister and stumbler upon of bodies. I've read a few others many years ago. The family is spending the Christmas holidays on Sanpere Island in Maine while Tom Fairchild recovers from surgery. Faith finds a body in the sleigh of a holiday display. In the meantime, a baby has been left at a goat farmer's house. Somehow these intertwine. Almost more recipes than mystery. These books are good for a cozy read if you're looking for something to veg out on.
2.5 stars
1 star
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When All the Girls Have Gone by Jayne Ann Krentz - Charlotte can't contact her step-sister. Then she learns one of Jocelyn's friends has died, supposedly a suicide. She teams up with Max Cutler, a P.I., and their investigation leads to an investment club. But there are clues that lead to a dark event in the past, too. This is billed as a romance and it is somewhat Harelquin-y, with the obligatory sex scene. But it was much more of a mystery to me.
3 stars
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Kissing Christmas Goodby by M.C. Beaton - Agatha Raisin is bored with the mundane cases her detective agency is handling. So when she gets a letter from a woman claiming someone in her family is going to kill her she's intrigued. What follows is a rather boring mystery that is only solved with luck. Much of the book deals with Agatha's wish for a perfect Christmas dinner and the efforts she puts into that. I've read some of this series before, Agatha is not my favorite character.
2 stars
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A Most Novel Revenge by Ashley Weaver - Amory and Milo Ames are asked by her cousin to come to the estate of her friend, a place where there was a mysterious death several years ago. When they arrive, they learn everyone from that time is there, including the woman who wrote a scandalous account of the death. An atmospheric house, bad weather, and unlikeable people are a recipe for disaster. Written very much in the style of British mysteries of the '30's, where wealthy, sophisticated people weekend at strangers homes and talk wittily among themselves.
3.5 stars
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The Body in the Sleigh by Katherine Hall Page - this is the 18th Faith Fairchild book, wife of a minister and stumbler upon of bodies. I've read a few others many years ago. The family is spending the Christmas holidays on Sanpere Island in Maine while Tom Fairchild recovers from surgery. Faith finds a body in the sleigh of a holiday display. In the meantime, a baby has been left at a goat farmer's house. Somehow these intertwine. Almost more recipes than mystery. These books are good for a cozy read if you're looking for something to veg out on.
2.5 stars
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Nov 27 - Dec 3, 2016
Triple Jeopardy by Rex Stout - in this trio of short stories, Nero Wolfe deals with communism, a couple on the run, and a monkey.
3 stars
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The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis - Rose Lewin is going through a tough time personally and professionally when she stumbles on a story from the '50's that took place in the very building where she lives. The Barbizon was an exclusive hotel for women at the time, a safe place for aspiring models and secretaries. For most it was a stepping stone to nabbing a wealthy husband. Told in alternating chapters set in 1952 and 2016. Not billed as a mystery, but there is one.
4 stars
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A Last Goodbye by J.A. Jance - a novella in the Ali Reynolds series. Ali and B. Simpson are finally getting married in Las Vegas on Christmas Eve. While shopping, B. and Ali's grandkids rescue a dog thrown from a car. So now they have to search for the dog's owner while also getting ready for the wedding. This series is my least favorite by this author but this was a cute story.
3 stars
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The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines with Mark Dagostino - told mostly by Joanna with Chip chipping in, this is the story of their courtship and how they started doing the tv show Fixer Upper. They had many ups and downs and were at the lowest when they got the show offer. A very quick read.
3 stars
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The Mistletoe Murder: And Other by P.D. James - four short stories, all of them with a twist.
3 stars
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The Lighthouse by P.D. James - an island off the coast of England is used as a retreat by the rich and powerful. When a suspicious death occurs, Adam Dalgliesh and two of his team are sent to investigate. It would seem a small suspect pool would make it easy but everyone seems to have secrets. I've read a few in this series, not in order.
3.5 stars
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Crime for Christmas edited by Richard Dalby - a collection of short stories by suthors such as Agatha Christie, Ellis Peters, and others. Some of them were old even at the time of publication, 1991. I have to admit I couldn't read the story by Wilkie Collins, published in 1852, too much flowery language. I picked this up at the library, where they had a collection of Christmas mysteries.
2 stars
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Sorrow Road by Julia Keller - this is the 5th book about Bell Elkins, prosecuting attorney of a small county in West Virginia. A little different in that she's not prosecuting a crime but investigating to see if there has been a crime. An old friend contacts her with suspicions about the death of her father in a facility for Alzheimer's patients. There are chapters from her daughter Carla's viewpoint. And the story of three friends from before WWII.
4 stars
3 stars
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The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis - Rose Lewin is going through a tough time personally and professionally when she stumbles on a story from the '50's that took place in the very building where she lives. The Barbizon was an exclusive hotel for women at the time, a safe place for aspiring models and secretaries. For most it was a stepping stone to nabbing a wealthy husband. Told in alternating chapters set in 1952 and 2016. Not billed as a mystery, but there is one.
4 stars
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A Last Goodbye by J.A. Jance - a novella in the Ali Reynolds series. Ali and B. Simpson are finally getting married in Las Vegas on Christmas Eve. While shopping, B. and Ali's grandkids rescue a dog thrown from a car. So now they have to search for the dog's owner while also getting ready for the wedding. This series is my least favorite by this author but this was a cute story.
3 stars
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The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines with Mark Dagostino - told mostly by Joanna with Chip chipping in, this is the story of their courtship and how they started doing the tv show Fixer Upper. They had many ups and downs and were at the lowest when they got the show offer. A very quick read.
3 stars
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The Mistletoe Murder: And Other by P.D. James - four short stories, all of them with a twist.
3 stars
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Lighthouse by P.D. James - an island off the coast of England is used as a retreat by the rich and powerful. When a suspicious death occurs, Adam Dalgliesh and two of his team are sent to investigate. It would seem a small suspect pool would make it easy but everyone seems to have secrets. I've read a few in this series, not in order.
3.5 stars
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crime for Christmas edited by Richard Dalby - a collection of short stories by suthors such as Agatha Christie, Ellis Peters, and others. Some of them were old even at the time of publication, 1991. I have to admit I couldn't read the story by Wilkie Collins, published in 1852, too much flowery language. I picked this up at the library, where they had a collection of Christmas mysteries.
2 stars
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Sorrow Road by Julia Keller - this is the 5th book about Bell Elkins, prosecuting attorney of a small county in West Virginia. A little different in that she's not prosecuting a crime but investigating to see if there has been a crime. An old friend contacts her with suspicions about the death of her father in a facility for Alzheimer's patients. There are chapters from her daughter Carla's viewpoint. And the story of three friends from before WWII.
4 stars
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