DeltaQueen's Fourteen Steps to Guide Her 2014 Reading - Part 3

Welcome to the continuation of my 2014 Reading Challenge.

Having some extra time on this long weekend, I decided to set up my next thread. I have been having a very good reading year and haven't had any problem fitting my reading into the categories (of course having a catch-all category really helps).

Since I am about to shortly pick up a book that is set in the 15th century, I thought it would be nice to use these pictures of women's clothing from that era as my opening picture:

There is a reason why The Count on Sesame Street was one of my favorite characters, I like to count and keep track of things:

2014 Books Read




2014 Pages Read




2014 Books Read From My Shelves

I am also a big sucker for challenges of any kind and therefore I am working on this Bingo Challenge and for every line I complete I will reward myself with a book purchase:



* B1 - A Book with More than 500 pages = One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson (541 pages)
* I1 - A Forgotten Classic = One of Ours by Willa Cather
* N1 - A Book Made Into A Movie = The Tall Men by Will Henry
* G1 - A Book Published This Year = Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen
* O1 - A Book With A Number in the Title = The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

*B2 - A Book Written By Someone Under Thirty - Cinder by Marissa Meyer
* I2 - A Book With Non-Human Characters = A Cat In The Window by Derek Tangye
* N2 - A Funny Book = My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse
* G2 - A Book With A Female Author = The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman
* O2 - A Book With a Mystery = The League of Frightened Men by Rex Stout

* B3 - A Book with a One Word Title = Ru by Kim Thuy
* I3 - A Book of Short Stories = Zombies vs. Unicorns by Justine Larbalestier & Holly Black
* N3 - FREE SPACE
* G3 - A Book Set On A Different Continent = Sand Daughter by Sarah Bryant
* O3 - A Book of Non-Fiction = Haven: The Dramatic Story Of 1,000 World War II Refugees And How Tney Came To America by Ruth Gruber

* B4 - The First Book By A Favorite Author = The Overloaded Ark by Gerald Durrell
* I4 - A Book You Heard About Online = Beaufort by Ron Leshem
* N4 - A Best Selling Book = Dreams of Joy by Lisa See
* G4 - A Book Based on a True Story = The Ransom of Mercy Carter by Caroline Cooney
* O4 - A Book at the Bottom of Your TBR = Hart of Empire by Saul David

* B5 -A Book Your Friend Loves = Layer Cake by J. J. Connolly
* I5 - A Book That Scares You = The Passage by Justin Cronin
* N5 - A Book That Is Older Than 10 Years - Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie
* G5 - The Second Book In A Series = The Absent One by Jussi Adler-Olsen
* O5 - A Book With a Blue Cover = The Short Life & Long Times of Mrs. Beeton by Kathryn Hughes



* B1 - A Book With A Female Heroine = Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold (Cordelia)
* I1 - A Book Set In High School = Citrus County by John Brandon
* N1 - The Last Book of a Trilogy = The Death Cure by James Dashner
* G1 - A Book With a Color In The Title = Lovely Green Eyes by Arnost Lustig
* O1 - The First Book In a Series = Never Somewhere Else by Alex Gray

* B2 - A Book Set In The Future = A World Made By Hand by James Kunstler
* I2 - A Book With A Breakup = The Food of Love by Anthony Capella
* N2 - A Book Without a Love Triangle = Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid
* G2 - A Book That Became a Movie = Wild: From Lost to Found by Cheryl Strayed
* O2 - A Book Set In Paris = The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan

* B3 - A Book Set in the Past = The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy by Elizabeth Aston
* I3 - A Book With Magic = The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
* N3 - FREE SPACE
* G3 - A Book Set In Summer = Wanderlove by Kristen Hubbard
* O3 - A Book With a Dragon = A Wizard of Earthsea By Ursula Le Guin

* B4 - A Book That Made You Cry = Mornings In Jenin by Susan Abulhawa
* I4 - A Graphic Novel = The Walking Dead: Vol. 17 by Robert Kirkland
* N4 - A Book Based on a Myth = Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
* G4 - A Classic "YA" Book = Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
* O4 - A Book With A Lion, A Witch or A Wardrobe = A Curse As Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce

* B5 - A Book With an Incredible Fight Scene = Flesh & Bone by Jonathan Maberry
* I5 - A Book You Heard About On-line = The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
* N5 - A Book Set In Another World = Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold
* G5 - A Book With an Epic Love Story = Midnight Pearls by Debbie Viguie
* O5 - A Book With Music = The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

How I Rate Books:

2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!

2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another.

3.0 ★: Average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember

3.5 ★: Above Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.

4.0 ★: A very good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story

4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book I will remember and recommend

5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me

2014 Challenge Categories

A. N is the Fourteenth Letter of the alphabet: Books with words beginning with N either in the Title or Author’s Name

B. Age 14 is the earliest that the Emancipation of Minors can occur in the United States: YA and/or Children’s Literature will be listed here.

C. Fourteen is the atomic number of silicon & there are 14 possible Bravais lattices that can fill three dimensional space: Say what?? I don’t have a scientific bone in my body, so this category will be for Science Fiction and Dystopia.

D There are 14 days in a British Fortnight: I will read British Crime here.

E. The House of Fourteen Cats was once a popular counting book for children. I will use the title of this book to create a space for my 2014 Cat entries.

F. President Woodrow Wilson outlined 14 Points for Reconstruction after World War I: Books about war or it’s effects will be read for this category.

G. 14 is the common designation for the 13th floor due to superstition and fear: So, what could be behind those sliding doors - Magical wonders or Horrors? Fantasies both light and dark will be read in this category.

H. 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue: This category will be where I brush up on my history, reading books as outlined by the Reading Through Time Challenge and other sources.

I. Newsworthy Facts from years ending in 14: : In 1714 - Queen Anne of England dies, George I become King, in 1814:- British Burn Washington, in 1914 - Assassination of Heir to the Austrian throne. This will be the place for my non-fiction reading.

J. 14 Days of Vacation - Canadian Employment Standards say that one is entitled to 2 weeks paid vacation after one year of employment. Add in the weekend days and vacation equals 14 days. This category will be for my arm chair travel, books set in far away places.

K. Fourteen Hands: The hardy wild mustangs of the western plains of America were measured to be an average of fourteen hands. Books set in the American West, both past and present will find a home here.

L. Clayton’s Choice: Fourteen is the age of my grandson. I will read books picked from my shelves by him.

M. There are fourteen letters in the name Agatha Christie: Books by Agatha Christie and other classic crime writers.

N. Final Fourteen - Fourteen Random Books read for whatever reason I choose.

I will count my challenge successfully completed when I have read 10 books for each category but will probably read more than 10 in some categories.

A. The Letter N In Title or Author's Name



Completed

1. The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman - 4.2 ★
2. Never Somewhere Else by Alex Gray - 3.8 ★
3. Saving Cascadia by John J. Nance - 3.0 ★
4. The Bat by Jo Nesbo - 3.7 ★
5. Not Yet Drown'd by Peg Kingman - 3.8 ★
6. The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer - 4.5 ★

B. Emmancipation of Minors At Age 14



Completed

1. Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott - 4.0 ★
2. The Ransom of Mercy Carter by Caroline B. Cooney - 4.3 ★
3. Flesh & Bone by Jonathan Maberry - 3.7 ★
4. The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd - 4.0 ★
5. The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour - 4.1 ★
6. Bloody Jack; Being an Account of the Curious Adventure of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy by L.A. Meyer - 4.5 ★
7. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan - 4.1 ★
8. A Curse As Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce - 4.0 ★

C. Atomic Number of Silicon = 14 - Say What??



Completed

1. Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.2 ★
2. Cinder by Marissa Meyer - 5.0 ★
3. The Warrior's Apprentice by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.3 ★
4. World Made By Hand by James Kunstler - 4.0 ★
5. The Mountains of Mourning by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.2 ★
6. The Vor Game by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.0 ★
7. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer - 4.1 ★

D. British Fortnight - British Mysteries



Completed

1. One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson - 4.5 ★
2. Mourn Not Your Dead by Deborah Crombie - 4.0 ★
3. Layer Cake by J.J. Conolly - 4.2 ★
4. Hurting Distance by Sophie Hannah - 4.5 ★
5. Truth, Dare, Kill by Gordon Ferris - 3.3 ★
6. The Burning Girl by Mark Billingham - 3.6 ★

E. House of Fourteen Cats - 2014 CATS Reading



Completed

1. Ru by Kim Thuy - 4.2 ★
2. Sand Daughter by Sarah Bryant - 2.4 ★
3. Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid - 3.6 ★
4. Citrus County by John Brandon - 2.0 ★
5. The Boy In A Suitcase by Lene Kaaberbol - 3.2 ★
6. The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain - 5.0 ★
7. The Picasso Scam by Stuart Pawson - 4.0 ★
8. The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott - 3.6 ★

F. 14 Points For Reconstruction After War



Completed

1. One of Ours by Willa Cather - 4.1 ★
2. Beaufort by Ron Leshem - 4.2 ★
3. The Remains of Company D by James Carl Nelson - 4.1 ★
4. Lovely Green Eyes by Arnost Lustig - 4.0 ★
5. The Siege by Helen Dunmore - 4.2 ★
6. Sand Queen by Helen Benedict - 4.2 ★

G. 14th/13th Floor



Completed

1. The Passage by Justin Cronin - 5.0 ★
2. Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold - 5.0 ★
3. The Death Cure by James Dashner - 3.0 ★
4. The Sacrifice by Charlie Higson - 4.2 ★
5. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
6. Zombies vs. Unicorns by Justine Larbalestier & Holly Black - 4.2 ★
7. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin - 4.1 ★
8. Midnight Pearls by Debbie Viguie - 2.7 ★

H. In 1492 Colombus Sailed the Ocean Blue



Completed

1. The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy by Elizabeth Aston - 2.8 ★
2. Hart of Empire by Saul David - 3.1 ★
3. The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas - 4.8 ★
4. The Jewel In the Crown by Paul Scott - 4.2 ★
5. The King's Grey Mare by Rosemary Hawley Jarman - 4.1 ★
6. The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan - 3.4 ★
7. The Day of the Scorpion by Paul Scott - 4.0 ★
8. The Deserter by Paul Almond - 4.0 ★
9. Beauvallet by Georgette Heyer - 3.3 #9733;

I. Newsworthy Facts From Years Ending in 14



Completed

1. Haven: The Dramatic Story of 1,000 World War II Refugees And How They Came to America by Ruth Gruber - 4.1 ★
2. The Short Life & Long Times of Mrs. Beeton by Kathryn Hughes - 2.8 ★
3. Wild: From Lost to Found by Cheryl Strayed - 4.2 ★
4. The Overloaded Ark by Gerald Durrell
5. Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang - 3.8 ★
6. The Lost Girls: Three Friends, Four Continents by Jennifer Baggett, Holly Corbett & Amanda Pressner - 3.7 ★
7. Elizabeth, The Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith - 3.3 ★

J. Fourteen Days of Vacation



Completed

1. The Food of Love by Anthony Capella (Italy) - 3.3 ★
2. Mornings In Jenin by Susan Abulhawa (Palestine/Israel) - 4.7 ★
3. Wanderlove by Kristen Hubbard (Guatemala & Belize) - 4.0 ★
4. The Absent One by Jussi Adler-Olsen (Denmark) - 4.2 ★
5. Amelia's Navigator by James Knepton (Kiribati) - 3.0 ★
6. Voices by Arnaldur Indridason (Iceland) - 3.4 ★
7. In Praise of Hatred by Khaled Khalifa (Syria) - 2.0 ★

K. Fourteen Hands



Completed

1. The Tall Men by Will Henry - 4.0 ★
2. Another Man's Moccasins by Craig Johnson - 4.2 ★
3. Railroad Schemes by Cecelia Holland - 4.0 ★
4. Cowgirl Poetry Compiled by Virginia Bennett - 3.8 ★
5. Lily Nevada by Cecelia Holland - 2.7 ★
6. Summer of the Drums by T.V. Olsen - 2.8 ★

L. Clayton's Choice



We had so much fun with this that I had him pick a full 14 books, of which I may read 10 or go for the full 14.

Completed

1. A Cat In The Window by Derek Tangye - 3.5 ★
2. Victory by Susan Cooper - 3.3 ★
3. Dear Enemy by Jean Webster - 4.0 ★
4. Me & The Boys by Ellen Recknor - 4.3 ★
5. We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver - 5.0 ★
6. Remains of the Dead by Iain McKinnon - 3.5 ★

Absolutes

- Boiling A Frog by Christopher Brookmyre - picked because he liked the cover
- Mistress of the Revolution by Catherine Delors - picked because, like him, the author's name starts with C
- The Great Karoo by Fred Stenson - picked because, like him, the author's last name starts with S
- Ride the Pink Horse by Dorothy B. Hughes - picked because he knows I like crime stories
- City of Dreams by Beverly Swerling - picked because he thought it sounded different
- The Mushroom Man by Stuart Pawson - Picked because the title sounded intriguing
- The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters - picked because the story sounded interesting
- The Chameleon's Shadow by Minette Walters - picked because he likes lizards

M. 14 Letters in Agatha Christie's name



Completed

1. The League of Frightened Men by Rex Stout - 3.4 ★
2. Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie - 3.7 ★
3. The Fallen Sparrow by Dorothy B. Hughes - 3.7 ★
4. To Love and Be Wise by Josephine Tey - 4.3 ★
5. Mystery Mile by Margery Allingham - 4.1 ★
6. Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers - 4.1 ★

N. Final Fourteen



Completed

1. The Death of Sweet Mister by Daniel Woodrell - 5.0 ★
2. My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse - 3.9 ★
3. Dreams of Joy by Lisa See - 4.5 ★
4. Daughter of Kura by Debra Austin - 3.4 ★
5. Battles At Thrush Green by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
6. Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen - 4.1 ★
7. Poetry By Heart Compiled by Liz Attenborough - 3.4 ★
8. Room by Emma Donoghue - 5.0 ★

2014 Group Reads & Other Reading Plans



Yearly

Lois Bujold McMaster - Vorkosigan series

Quarterly

1st Quarter: The Short Life and Long Times of Mrs. Beeton by Kathryn Hughes

2nd Quarter: Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang


Monthly

February: P.G. Wodehouse

March: The Jewel In the Crown by Paul Scott, Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

May: The Day of the Scorpion by Paul Scott

June: Georgette Heyer
Hosting RandomCat
Female Sci-Fi/Fantasy Authors

July: The Towers of Silence by Paul Scott

August: Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen

September: A Division of the Spoils by Paul Scott
Hosting GeoCat: East Asia

November: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

59. Me and the Boys by Ellen Recknor - 4.3 ★
Category: Clayton's Choice - picked because he knows I like Westerns
TIOLI #5: Title Consists of Four Words



Me and the Boys by Ellen Recknor was another fun read set in and around the historic town of Tombstone in 1879-80. The story is told by Gini Kincaid, the fifteen year old fiery redhead as she undergoes a series of adventures while hooking up with some disreputable characters. Along the way she comes into contact with the Earp Brothers, Doc Holliday and a host of other interesting individuals that were drifting around the Arizona Territory at that time. Whether searing for a treasure of gold or fighting off Apaches, Gini lives life to the fullest.

In her own words: “I have strutted the stage in notorious haunts and sought the company of outlaws. I have held in my hands a fortune in stolen gold, loved a gambler and fought for my life against villains.” Gini is a firecracker and her story is irresistible, with plenty of action, humor and adventure.

This is the first book I have read by Ellen Recknor, but her witty writing of the wild adventures of Gini Kincaid certainly encourages me to try and hunt up another one of this author’s books.

First to visit new thread! *Looks around appreciatively*
Nice. Very nice.

Thanks, Mamzel. I always like to visit new threads and get reminded of what the categories are and see how everyone is doing in thier challenge. I am pleased at my progress so far and at how I am including every category in my reading.

Wow you are doing so well with many categories already completed! And your adult Bingo almost done as well!

I like the 15th century women you chose for this thread :)

Nice new digs! I also like the women's dress in your thread topper. Very elegant!

Happy new thread and happy Easter!

Happy new tread and Happy Easter, Judy! I see you have just one book left and you will have completed your Reading bingo!

Off to a good (or bad) start with this thread. The first book out - Me and the Boys is a must read for me! Looks a bit like the Maude March series that I love PLUS it has Doc Holliday in it.

Just stopping by the new thread. Lovely pictures in your opening post!

Happy Easter, everyone! I hope the Easter Bunny brought you all a nice treat.

>24 leslie.98: Leslie, so far the Bingos have just been falling in place. I will soon have to actually plan my reads in order to complete all the lines.

>25 cbl_tn: I found quite a few pictures of 15th Century clothing to choose from, both male and female, but I really liked the white dress and thought the other one gave a good example of everyday wear for the lady of the castle.

>26 rabbitprincess: Happy Easter to you as well, RP.

>27 lkernagh: Lori, I am now in the position of having to plan a "Funny" book, either that or shift my Jeeves book to that square and read a book of short stories.

>28 mysterymax: I should warn you that Me and the Boys was published in 1995 so is not a new book. I picked it up in a second hand store so you may have to hunt around for it.

>29 mathgirl40: Thanks for stopping by Paulina.

Have you read The Man Who Was Magic by Paul Gallico???

Happy Easter and Happy New Thread, Judy. I too like a new thread to look through what someone has read and look at the pictures. I need to take some time to set up my second thread soon.

Nice thread Judy. Happy Monday.

Although my eldest daughter cooked Easter Dinner on Saturday, I am cooking another one today for my younger daughter (who is a nurse and working on the weekend) and her husband. My two grandchildren have decided that turkey dinner sounds pretty good to them so they are coming up as well. Taking a break right now between making the desserts and getting the turkey ready for the oven.

>31 mysterymax: No, I haven't read The Man Who Was Magic and now I am intrigued but when I searched on-line the only place that I found it wanted over $32.00 for a used paperback copy. I will have to place this on my list of books to keep my eye out for.

>32 dudes22: I'll be looking forward to your new thread, Betty. I am enjoying your quilting progress this year and looking forward to seeing the finished quilt.

>33 luvamystery65: Waves to Roberta. :)

60. Lovely Green Eyes by Arnost Lustig - 4.0 ★
Category: 14 Steps to Reconstruction
April GeoCat: Eastern Europe - Focus: Occupation
Books Bingo: A Book with a Color in the Title
TIOLI #12: A Book Set in an Eastern European Country Other Than Russis



I had to read Lovely Green Eyes by Arnos Lustig in small increments. This is the story of a young girl caught up in the horrors of Auschwitz and then being forced to choose between the gas chamber or to disguise her Jewish origins and become a prostitute servicing 12 or more soldiers every day. At age fifteen she had already seen the deaths of her mother, father and brother, that she still had the will to survive is a testament to her inner strength and human spirit.

This is a book that I will not soon forget, the story felt so very real and personal. The author is himself a survivor of Auschwitz and Buchenwald and so knows of what he writes about. The writing style took a little time to adjust to, as it tended to be choppy and jumped around somewhat, but as the story was meant to be told to the reader as if by a narrator who is giving up his memories so it made the work seem all the more life-like.

“That was what it was like, and she know it could not be otherwise because that otherwise meant the gas chamber, the crematorium and ashes.”

The story is overwhelmingly sad and yet my admiration toward these girls who had to use their bodies in order to survive is unlimited. Lovely Green Eyes was difficult to read at times, but never salacious. This is a story of surviving Nazi war atrocities, but is relevant as the horror of sexual slavery is very prevalent in many countries even today.

>34 DeltaQueen50: Try an interlibrary loan, it's a very good book.

>35 DeltaQueen50: Lovely green eyes sounds like one of those books you'll never get "in the mood" for, but which you are grateful to have read afterwards. Arnost strikes me as an unusual first name, I don't think I've encountered it before. Whereas Lustig is a last name common-ish in Scandinavia (where, mening "Cheerful" it would typically be a name given to a soldier to set him apart from a dozen others named Eriksson or Johansson) and, I think also in Germany. What's his nationality?

>37 GingerbreadMan: Anders, I believe Arnost Lustig was originally from Czechoslovakia and spent time in a number of Nazi war camps. During his life he went to Israel as a journalist, and as he was anti-communist, spent time in the United States but after the fall of communism in Eastern Europe he divided his time between America and the Czech Republic.

Me and the Boys* sounds like a lot of fun, will keep my eyes out for it. I don't think I could bring myself to read Lovely Green Eyes but its a lovely review.

* why is the touchstone for Hunger Games coming up?!?

>3 DeltaQueen50: wow, your reading BINGO challenge is nearly complete! And it looks really good too, from a design perspective I mean :)

>5 DeltaQueen50: still loving those categories!

>35 DeltaQueen50: I really like that cover, it is simple and beautiful. But I am nearly 100% sure that I wont read it, it just sounds too harrowing and it looks like it covers the few things that I fear the most. It is tricky, as I think I/people should read about difficult topics in order to understand the human psyche better, or in this case, the nature of evil. But at the moment I just dont want to subject myself to the horrors. So good on you for reading it :)

I have been conspicuously absent from this group lately, but am trying for a quick catch-up today.

>39 clfisha: Hi Claire, that touchstone thing drives me crazy. Everytime I write about Me and the Boys, the Hunger Games touchstone comes up. I have to click on "others" to find Me and The Boys listed along with many other unrelated books such as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland! But it was a fun read!

>40 LovingLit: It can be trickly keeping up both here and at the 75ers, Megan. I think I am at the point where I will actually have to plan my reads in order to complete the Bingo Cards. Not sure what I am going to do about the YA Bingo card, I don't read a lot of books about dragons so may have to get creative with my book choices. As for Lovely Green Eyes it was a difficult read, but it is never easy reading about these kind of atrocities and I do agree that these are things that we need to keep reminding ourselves of.

61. Hurting Distance by Sophie Hannah - 4.5 ★
Category: British Fortnight
TIOLI #6: A Word In the Title Suggest Something Bad



Hurting Distance by Sophie Hannah is a perfect example of a book that has a very annoying main character yet I was absolutely spellbound by the story. Naomi Jenkins was, on the surface, a total nut case, overly obsessed with her married lover and ready to deliver the most outrageous lies in her desperate need to be with him. But as the story develops and Naomi’s biggest secret is revealed the reader comes to realize this is a seriously twisted, creepy thriller that is both disturbing and gripping.

The second of her Spilling Detective series, this psychological suspense story certainly kept me on the edge of my seat. The author expertly weaves her twists and turns around each character, until all the lies, and coincidences have affected everyone. “Circles within circles, that is what it is”, one character correctly muses. The author is able to develop a real sense of menace as the plots builds momentum and the secrets of both victims and perpetrators are revealed.

Hurting Distance is a stylish, original story dealing with obsessive love, the aftermath of rape, and ultimate betrayal. Excellently crafted, this book kept me riveted to it’s pages, but I offer a slight warning, this is a very dark tale and certainly isn’t for everyone.

Oh, Judy, this is what I've missed by being absent from LT so much lately - Book Bullets! I don't dare go back to your last thread to see what I've missed, because every book you listed here is going on the wishlist.

For your "dragon" book for bingo, try Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C Wrede. There is a whole series of books, this is the first. My daughter loved them and read them over and over. This one is lots of fun. We just recommended it to my niece who is a reading machine and is running out of age-appropriate books. It's about a princess who doesn't want to be princess anymore if it means she has to marry a prince, so she runs away from home and goes to live with a dragon.

Belated Happy "new" thread, Judy! Great reviews, especially of Hurting Distance and Lovely Green Eyes (those two books appeal to me in very different ways.)

I'm seeing your comments about Boy in the Suitcase and thinking I'd react exactly the same way.

>43 sjmccreary: Hi Sandy, it's good to see you back on LT. I have read Dealing With Dragons with my granddaughter, but unfortunately it wasn't this year so I can't count it. I am currently reading a historical novel where one of the main characters is known as the Dragon of Wales, and I might just slip that one into my Book With a Dragon square.

>44 tymfos: Welcome Terri, my last two reads were both excellent books, of course, in very different ways. Hurting Distance had one very annoying character yet I loved that book whereas I just about threw Boy In the Suitcase across the room. I think it isn't how annoying the character is, it's how believeable I find that character.

Stories that revolve around some highly improbably story element -- a character whose behavior is unbelivable, too many coincidences, etc -- rarely work for me.

Hannah loves creating annoying characters and forcing the reader to understand them. And convoluted plots that make no sense until some point mid-way when things start falling into place.

i am mega impressed with your bingo cards Judy.

Also I am interested in the Sophie Hannah book you just read. I like a good psychological thriller every now and then.

>46 tymfos: It is interesting how everyone has a different level for accepting a character or situation. I think I can be stretched pretty far, but obviously there's a line that I can't cross.

>47 RidgewayGirl: It's been quite awhile since I last read Sophie Hannah, I had forgotten just how convoluted her plots can be. Hurting Distance grabbed me pretty much from the start and I loved it.

>48 Roro8: Hi Ro, although Hurting Distance is the second book in the series, I think these books can be read in any order. There is a continuity in the relationship between the two main detectives but it's not a main part of the story. If you did want to start with the first book, it's Little Face.

Happy new thread!

>50 -Eva-: Thanks, Eva. :)

62. The King's Grey Mare by Rosemary Hawley Jarman - 4.1 ★
Category: In 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue
Reading Through Time Monthly Time Period: 15th Century
TIOLI #5: Title Consists of Four Words



The King’s Grey Mare by Rosemary Hawley Jarman tells the story of Elizabeth Woodville who became the wife of Edward the IV and the mother of the two lost princes of the tower. She lived during extremely turbulent times and played a major role in many of the events that have become known as the War of the Roses.

Elizabeth’s capturing of Edward was very good for the Woodville family as they had previously backed the Lancaster side of the dispute, now married to the House of York’s heir, they benefited mightily. Unfortunately some of the House of York’s top players were against this marriage, most prominently was Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, and Edward’s own brother, Richard of Gloucester who went on to become Richard III.

Her life was one of contrasts rising to become the Queen of England, but also sinking to having to beg for sanctuary from the church in order to stay out of grasp of Richard III. She saw her marriage declared unlawful and her children named bastards by Richard, but also saw this act overturned by Henry Tudor and herself and her children declared “Royal” once again. Her daughter married Henry VII and this alliance put an end to the War of the Roses.

I enjoyed this book and found Elizabeth to be a very engaging woman and appreciated all the 15th century details that the author added. I believe the history is accurate and her speculation as to the fate of the two doomed princes was interesting and believable. What I didn’t care for was the hint of witchcraft that I believe was sheer propaganda spread by her enemies and the author used simply to enhance Elizabeth’s mystique. Also the book was broken into long segments with no chapters. Often years would have gone by from one paragraph to another which was disconcerting.

Overall I found The King’s Grey Mare to be a pretty good blend of fiction and history. It is definitely among the books that I would recommend to anyone wanting to read of this time period, with The Sunne in Spendour still holding top spot.

OMG! I can't believe that The King's Grey Mare is still in print! Twenty-plus years ago, I found an old paperback copy that my mother has stashed in the closet and it was old then! I devoured it and still have it! It has a rather dated cover. After I finish my work project this week-end, I'm going to scan it and post it! :-)

>53 Tanya-dogearedcopy: Tanya, the original publishing date of The King's Grey Mare is listed as 1973 so it has been around a good many years. I didn't realize that the book was that old as I read a Kindle version. I'll look forward to seeing your cover.

>52 DeltaQueen50: It's so interesting to read this review when I've just finished The Sunne in Splendour, where Elizabeth Woodville is portrayed less than sympathetically. :) It would be interesting to read a novel about this period from the Lancastrian perspective!

>55 christina_reads: Christina, I think the author was fairly neutral toward Elizabeth Woodville. Like so many women of her time, she was almost a pawn, being used by her family for political gain. Although she herself seemed very ambitious and couldn't seem to resist getting involved in plots. It's hard to sort the manufactured rumors from the truth after all this time but, to me, the whole witchcraft rumors came off as something her enemies would have invented to use against her.

>56 DeltaQueen50: I'm sure you're right about the witchcraft rumors! They seem to have been an easy way to discredit or get rid of inconvenient women.

>57 christina_reads: Exactly!

63. The Sacrifice by Charlie Higson - 4.2 ★
Category: 13/14th Floor
TIOLI #6: A Word in the Title Suggests Something Bad



I always have fun with any of The Enemy series by Charlie Higson, and The Sacrifice was no exception. I guess these books speak to my inner twelve year old. The stories are of children trying to survive in a London where everyone over the age of 14 is diseased and changed into flesh-eating creatures which makes for fascinating reading. The Sacrifice is the fourth book in the series and is both as exhilarating and as yucky as one could wish for.

The books are an on-going story and follows various groups of children. Some have made their headquarters in Buckingham Palace, others in the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral or even an IKEA store. Their many adventures are all based on survival as they must take to the streets to find food and items to improve their lives. Over the course of the last two books, the zombies have been changing from mindless, shambling creatures into something far more crafty and devious. I’m not sure how many more books the author has planned, but it certainly looks as if things are being brought to a head.

Nail-biting action and an abundance of blood and gore drive these books. Certainly not for everyone, but I have become quite addicted to this series and plan to carry on as I am anxious to find out what happens to these kids next.

Despite the modern advice that the best way to inculcate reading children is to create a reading environment, my parents were not particularly bookish people. My father read medical journals and the newspaper and; my mother read Readers' Digest Condensed stories for a couple of years before the demands of being housewife/mother/working nurse demanded all of her time. So when I found The King's Grey Mare in the back of the closet one year, it had an odd mystique in my mind. Of all the kinds of books that I had envisioned my mother reading, I can't say that historical fiction of the Tudor Era is what would come to mind! I've always thought of her as the Erma Bombeck type. Anyway, I found the book, read it and loved it! It has managed to survive the many purges and one cross-country move. It's in terrible condition: foxing, part of the cover has been snipped away, the binding is shot, the pages water are damaged and it looks like there was once a library pocket in the back . And yet, I keep it on a special shelf :-)

>60 Tanya-dogearedcopy: Tanya, that cover definitely brings back bookish memories of the early 1970's. I think it is wonderful that you have kept this book for all these years, both for it's story and for it's special memories.

64. The Bat by Jo Nesbo - 3.9 ★
Category: N is the Fourteenth Letter
April MysteryCat: Nordic Crime
TIOLI #3: Multi-book Backlog



With a story that was not as powerful as The Redbreast, I still thought The Bat by Jo Nesbo was a good introduction to Harry Hole and laid some interesting groundwork in terms of introducing him, giving us some background and a lesson or two on pronouncing his name (Hoo-leh). This is a younger more naïve policeman, we even get to see Harry falling in love. Many of his past secrets are explained and we can see some of the reasons why Harry becomes the damaged, difficult loner that he is in his later books.

This first book has Harry in Sydney, Australia to assist the local police in their investigation into the death of a young Norwegian woman. This is a very different Harry than the one we meet later in the series, he is brash, he makes mistakes, and he falls off the wagon, big time. The case soon appears to be more than they thought, it now looks like they are on the trail of a serial killer.

I actually appreciate that I have met the older, wiser Harry first and now have gone back to fill in the blanks. Although the pacing of this book seemed a little off and I felt that the story didn’t really start to jell until about halfway through, overall I enjoyed The Bat and felt it definitely showed glimpses of the interesting series that it has become.

I read The Bat too this month, Judy. I haven't read any of the others yet as I'm one of those who like to start at the beginning of a series and read in order. I've even been skipping over reviews of some of his other books that people have been reading so I don't find out too much ahead of time. I found his problems with alcohol disturbing and wonder how much that will be in other books (don't tell me), but am going to continue to read as I like the writing and and stories and may even try to fit in Cockroaches later this year.

Aah! I like to read titles in a series in order as well and have been holding off on The Snowman until the other titles came into print in the US. I have The Bat on one of my eReader apps and I'll certainly keep in mind that this is an author who gets better after the first-in-series.

I've been absent for a few days as I got my second cataract procedure done and needed some healing time. Thankfully this one went very smoothly and I was actually reading again very quickly. Today I am back on the computer, but only for short stretches.

>64 Tanya-dogearedcopy: Tanya, I am almost compulsive when it comes to reading series in order, but I did start the Harry Hole series at book 3, The Redbreast which was the first one available in translation. I am glad that I know get to go back and fill in the blanks.

65. Lost Girls: Three Friends, Four Continents by Jennifer Baggett, Holly Corbett & Amanda Pressner - 3.7 ★
Category: 14 Newsworthy Facts
TIOLI #4: A Book About a Group of Women



The Lost Girls: Three Friends, Four Continents, One Unconventional Detour Around the World, is a book about friendship, travel, inspiration, and discovering who you are. Three young women, Jennifer Baggett, Holly C. Corbett and Amanda Pressner, feeling they had all reached a crossroad in life, decided to take this giant leap into the unknown and travel the world together.

Traveling and searching for the solution to their life-alternating questions about career choices and where they wanted to go with their lives, they planned their destinations and set about achieving their dreams. From hiking the Inca Trail, volunteering in Kenya, to road-tripping in Australia the three women alternate telling their stories although I found it difficult to figure which one was doing the writing at any given time as their voices and writing styles were pretty much identical.

By the end of the book, I had really had enough of the inner soul searching and all the inspiration that these girls seems to experience in every chapter. Overall it was enjoyable read, but perhaps not the best book for me. As I am in a place in my life where I don’t really need the inspiration or self discovery, I would have preferred the book to have been shorter and more focused on their actual travels. I do think The Lost Girls would really speak to young women in their twenties with their own life decisions ahead of them.

Glad to hear the second procedure went well and that you were able to return to reading quickly!

And now you have two brand new eyes. Glad things went well.

I'm glad to hear that the procedure was successful and you're back to reading! The King's Grey Mare sounds like a good read. I'll have to keep that one in mind. I'd read many of Jean Plaidy's books on the Plantagenets when I was younger and had enjoyed them very much.

Oh! So glad to know you're cataracts surgery went well!Welcome back! :-)

Good news about the eye surgery!

Good to hear your second surgery went well!

Judy I'm so thrilled your second procedure went well. I'll pass on the three girls soul searching.

>67 rabbitprincess: Thanks RP, I'm sure you can imagine how thrilled I was when I could actually pick up a book the evening after the procedure. I did listen to an audio book when I went to bed as I had to tape a proctector over my eye for sleeping.

>68 dudes22: Thanks, Betty. I'm glad it's all over and done with, and I am very pleased with the results.

>69 mathgirl40: I also used to devour Jean Plaidy's books. I think if you enjoy historical fiction, then you would find The King's Grey Mare a good read.

>70 Tanya-dogearedcopy:, >71 hailelib: & 72 Thanks, Tanya, Tricia and Carrie. It's a relief that it's over and that my eyesight has improved so much.

>73 luvamystery65: Thanks, Roberta. I picked up The Lost Girls because I needed a light read and it certainly filled the bill for that.

And now I am off to start trying to catch up.

66. Not Yet Drown'd by Peg Kingman - 3.8 ★
Category: N is the 14th Letter
May GeoCat: South Asia - Focus on India
TIOLI #10: Book is Divided into Named Chapters



Not Yet Drown’d by Peg Kingman is a mixture of historical fiction, mystery and romance and ultimately my feelings toward this book were quite mixed as well. Young widow Catherine MacDonald has also been grieving the loss of her twin brother who was said to have drowned in India during the monsoons of 1821. After a full year passes, she receives a package from him. Among the assorted contents is a cryptic message sent as a retitled musical piece. Not Yet Drown’d, the message says. She is then forced to flee from an over-bearing relative of her step-daughter Grace, who wishes to take the child to America to be raised. She and Grace join her older brother on a trip to India which gives her the chance to search for some answers.

The author has done meticulous research, but so much detail really slowed the book down and interrupted the flow of the narrative. Although some of this information was very tedious, other parts were quite interesting . The storyline I felt, was overly predictable but I loved the setting and thought that author was excellent at describing these exotic surroundings.

Ultimately, I found plenty to savour in Not Yet Drown’d and I think the story would have been much improved by some very tight editing. As this was the author’s debut novel, I would certainly like to see how her writing develops in future books.

I probably won't read it, but the cover is pretty.

>65 DeltaQueen50: Glad to hear you recovered so quickly from the cataract procedure. It would be a good idea to collect a stash of audiobooks for the occasions when print is not an option.

Good review of The Bat by Nesbo. It's time I tried a Harry Hole book.

The King's Grey Mare does sound interesting, and I loved the vintage cover that was shared! Neither of my local libraries has it so I'll be keeping my eyes open for it when I go to shopping at the book sales and used book stores.

>76 RidgewayGirl: I love that cover, but I am finding out that a pretty cover does not necessarily mean that I am going to love the inside.

>77 VivienneR: Thanks Vivienne. I should have given up on my Georgette Heyer read, I love her stories but this one was ruined for me my the narrator. I think I will try to read this one in an actual book. The Harry Hole series is a good one. :)

>78 sjmccreary: Sandy, I didn't realize when I read it that The King's Grey Mare was from the 1970's. It's a good read and well worth keeping your eye out for it.

67. The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan - 3.4 ★
Category: 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue
Reading Through Time May Theme: Art
Book Bingo: A Book Set in Paris
TIOLI #9: A Trade-sized Paperback



Edgar Degas created a statuette entitled “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen” and in the pages of The Painted Girls, author Cathy Marie Buchanan tells the story of not only the young model, Marie van Goethem but also that of her sisters, Antoinette and Charlotte. Living in the slums of Montmartre with an alcoholic mother the three girls, needing a steady income for survival, plan to be dancers at the Paris Opera. To become a dancer is a way for them to avoid the pitfalls of life on the streets, they start as Petit Rats with long hours of practice, learning to leap with grace and balance en pointe. Doing this they can earn enough to keep from starvation, but always there is the chance that their talent will advance them with the benefits of more money and a much better lifestyle.

As the story starts, 17 year old Antoinette has been dismissed from the Opera for rudeness and being wilful. Marie and Charlotte are just beginning as Petit Rats. Marie works hard and appears to be starting her climb, she catches the eye of the artist Degas and works on the side as his model. Charlotte at 7 is the baby of the family and is much more self-absorbed. A pretty but selfish child, she appears to be the natural dancer of the three.

The story unfolds by alternating the viewpoint between Antoinette and Marie, and there is a lot to take in. This appears to be not only the story of these sisters, but also of Paris in 1878. This is a gritty tale of the ballet, the brothels, the taverns, and the prisons of Paris. These girls have choices but hanging over their heads at all times is the need to survive.

This was a fascinating story, but personally I always felt a step or so removed from the characters. So while I appreciated this tale of fate and destiny and loved the setting, The Painted Girls did not captivate me to the point of becoming totally absorbed. In fact I felt so disengaged that I found myself frequently checking to see how many more pages were left in the book. I love to love or hate my characters, but indifference just leaves me cold.

68. To Love and Be Wise by Josephine Tey - 4.3 ★
Category: Agatha & Friends
May Murder & Mayhem
May MysteryCat: Classic Crime
TIOLI #1: A Tree is Mentioned on Any Page with Double Numbers



I always look forward to reading Josephine Tey with anticipation and To Love and Be Wise fulfilled all my expectations. When an unusually good looking young man steps into the life of best-selling author Lavina Fitch’s household he appears to be focusing his charm on Lavinia’s niece, Liz. He also befriends Liz’s fiancé Walter, a well-known radio broadcaster, and together they conceive of a shared book project. But what really lies behind Leslie Searle’s insinuation into this family? When he suddenly disappears without a trace, Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard must try to solve the mysteries surrounding this disappearance and determine if he is indeed investigating a well-planned murder.

Two words come to mind when I think of Josephine Tey - intelligent and elegant. She never under-estimates her readers, she neither spoon-feeds us nor lead us by the hand into her complex stories. The mysteries are used to this writers’ best advantage, that of exploring characters. Major or minor, her characters are well developed, unique and real. There is a sophistication to her books that never condecends it simply adds to the style.


To Love and Be Wise, with it’s detailed character development and mostly believable plot twists ensures that this book still stands up well even 60 plus years after publication. I enjoy the mysteries of Josephine Tey, but for me it’s the quality of the writing that is the main draw. There is a genuine effortlessness and great style to her writing that makes for very pleasurable reading.

I have both The Painted Girls and To Love and be Wise on my tbr list. After reading your excellent reviews, I think I'll go for Tey first.

Sometimes I wish that Tey had written more books.

I'm planning to read Tey's first book for the mystery cat this month, I think. I'm really looking forward to it. Sounds like she was a great writer.

I'm really conflicted about Tey...I've loved some of her books (Brat Farrar) and been really underwhelmed by others (The Man in the Queue). I certainly haven't given up on her yet, but I'm confused by why I have such strongly opposing opinions on different books by the same author!

>82 VivienneR: Good choice, Vivienne!

>83 hailelib: Oh, I wish that, too.

>84 dudes22: If by first book, Betty, you are meaning The Man in the Queue, I would say that it is the weakest of the Joesphine Tey books that I have read. But rest assured she goes on to produce some great books.

>85 christina_reads: Christina, I agree with you on The Man in the Queue, I found this to be only average. Brat Farrar, Miss Pym Disposes and, in particular The Franchise Affair were all stellar reads. I am looking forward to The Daughter of Time which is up next for me, as it seems to get plenty of excellent reviews.

>84 dudes22: I've read all of Tey's books except The Singing Sands and I have to agree with the others here that The Man in the Queue is the weakest of the lot. I read it ages ago and I don't remember much about it. It didn't stick with me like the rest of her books have done.

I have To Love and Be Wise on the to-borrow list. Will have to borrow it soon!

Actually the one I have in my TBR is Daughter of Time. Not sure why I thought that was the first. I could get it from the library maybe. Even though you all think it's the weakest, I do need to start with book one. Just the way I am. So maybe I'll read a Dorothy Sayers book instead.

Daughter of Time is the only one of Tey's I've read. I think it gets into lists of the best detective novels just because it is such an atypical book. While I'm aware it is in a series,I don't feel I lost anything by not reading the first book first - and that is a dying art, making a series book comprehensible to people who've started mid way. Too many series seem to need you to start at book 1 in order to make any sense of the goings on at all.

>86 DeltaQueen50: Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't Man in the Queue the book that involved a lot of fingerprinting. They even had paper money checked for fingerprints - and had the results within hours! Detective story readers of the early 20th century were a gullible lot! It's been a while since I read it but remember that I didn't think much of it.

>89 dudes22: Daughter of Time is not the weakest, it's probably rated the best, especially by readers interested in history or "true crime". All of the books are so different, not a typical series, that it makes no difference to read them out of order. I can't speak of Dorothy Sayers as I've abandoned most of her books that I started.

>87 cbl_tn: Carrie, I went back and read my review of The Man in the Queue and I still have no real recollection of the story.

>88 rabbitprincess: I hope you enjoy To Love and Be Wise when you get to it, RP.

>89 dudes22: I know how you feel about reading a series in order as I am the very same way although everyone here is right, Josephine Tey's books can be read in any order. Of course, I am also a big fan of Dorothy Sayer's so it's a win-win situation to me.

>90 Helenliz: Daughter of Time seems to be a book that appeals to both mystery fans and historical fiction fans, and since I am both, I am looking forward to it.

>91 VivienneR: Vivienne, for the life of me, I can't remember the storyline of The Man in the Queue. You are probably right about the finger printing, all I remember is that it was a very slow moving book and there was a lot of careless racism that was hard to ignore.

I second Daughter of Time as being Tey's best work. Unfortunately, my Tudor historian best friend ruined it for me.

Glad to hear from this discussion that The Man in the Queue is Tey's weakest book! That gives me hope going forward. I must say, I didn't particularly like The Daughter of Time either, but I think that's because I was expecting something very different from what the book actually is. I think I'd enjoy it more on a re-read.

>93 casvelyn: The solution to the mystery of the princes in the tower of London does have people with very strong opinions wanting to vocalize their particular theory.

>94 christina_reads: I hope you give Josephine Tey another try, Christina.

69. The Vor Game by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.0
Category: The Atomic Number of Silicon is 14
Vorkosigan Group Read
TIOLI #5: Title Contains a Word That Suggest Something Good



The Vor Game follows Miles Vorkosigan as he receives his first assignments after graduation from military college. Miles, who is the most likeable of fellows, seems to have a talent for crossing his superiors and this book is no exception. After trying his hand as a weather officer on a remote arctic base, then as a spy, he finds himself in tremendous hot water and back in charge of the Denarii fleet. His objective this time is to thwart a Cetegandan invasion and rescue the Emperor, Gregor, who has fallen into the clutches of a psychopathic woman who sees herself as the Empress of Barrayar.

With some force and plenty of guile and wits, Miles again proves how capable he is. His superiors are coming to the realization that although Miles always gets results, he does so in his own way and not necessarily by following orders. Nevertheless, he earns his promotion to lieutenant and his next assignment as liaison officer to the Denarii mercenaries should be play right into his strengths.

Another highly enjoyable entry in the Vorkosigan Saga. I felt this book relied less on the character development of Miles and more on establishing his relationship with some of the other main characters. I really liked the scenes with Miles and Gregor and thought the author was well able to portray the affection and respect that these childhood friends hold for one another. The recurring characters in these books are becoming well-known to me and I appreciate the care the author takes to keep them consistent and fresh. I look forward to continuing on with the Saga.

Judy what a great review for The Vor Game. I can't wait for the next installment.

Hi Roberta, I am also looking forward to our July date with Miles with Cetaganda!

70. The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain - 5.0 ★
Category: Fourteen Cats
May MysteryCat: Classic Crime
May Mystery & Mayhem
TIOLI #18: Book Has a Connection to the Number 5



Considered one of the most important crime novels of the 20th century, The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain is a masterpiece of noir. This story had such shock value that it was banned upon publication in some areas of the United States and Canada. And although the title is very well known it has a mystique of it’s own as there are no postmen or doorbells in the book. Apparently Cain heard a screenwriter talk about how gut-wrenchingly anxious he was while waiting for the mail to bring him news on whether or not a script had been accepted. Cain thought this phrase captured the feeling of desperation that he wanted the book to portray.

Although slightly over 100 pages in length, this is a story that is intense and gripping. The inescapable fate of three people caught up in lust, greed and violence is told with such veracity that the author doesn’t need to embellish or extend his story. The reader is drawn into many emotions, including feeling somewhat sympathetic toward Frank and Cora, but underneath it all you know they have been corrupted by their desire and their willingness to take short-cuts to get what they want.

This classic piece of noir more than stands the test of time. Both Cain’s superb writing and the originality of the story ensures this tale of twisted love will continue to enthrall it’s readers. Definitely a 5 star read for me.

>99 DeltaQueen50: Judy I love it! I'm going to put this on the TBR pile. Love when a great story is told straight forward with little fuss and going around the block 5 times. ;-)

I am absolutely sure that you will enjoy The Postman Always Rings Twice, Roberta.

>99 DeltaQueen50: Thank you for the review of The Postman Always Rings Twice. I've seen the movie, but never read the book. Cain wrote a few books that became classic Noir films. Your love of this book makes me think it's time I started reading his novels.

>102 craso: Caroline, I have also overlooked Cain for far too long. I have Double Indemnity on my shelf already so I am looking forward to that one. I will be on the lookout for Mildred Pierce as well.

71. We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver - 5.0 ★
Category: Clayton's Choice
May RandomCat: Motherhood
May Murder & Mayhem
TIOLI #1: A Tree is Mentioned on Any Page With Double Numbers



We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver relates the story of a family whose boy, Kevin, goes on a killing rampage at his high school. This is a book that shook me to the core, I had to read it in short bursts as I needed to take breaks to get away from the darkness. Written beautifully but the subject matter is distressing, shocking and ugly. Told by the mother, Eva, the story of her family unfolds in epistolary form, through letters that Eva writes to her husband, Franklin.

Eva and Franklin are very different from one another but they are deeply in love and the decision to have a child is not one that was taken lightly. Eva never really wanted children but decided to go ahead with it as she knew how much her husband desired parenthood. From the moment she gives birth to Kevin, her life becomes more of a horror story. Unable to bond with or love her child, Eva immediately sees Kevin as an adversary. He is shown to be a sly monster, and as he grows he is only too willing to display his evil nature to his mother. His father on the other hand does not see this side of Kevin and feels that Eva is a disinterested, cold mother. As we work our way through the book the story builds in intensity as Kevin matures and that destructive day in April approaches.

I believe that ultimately We Need To Talk About Kevin raises far more questions than it actually answers. As I read about the imploding of this family I couldn’t help but ask myself whether Eva was a reliable narrator. Can someone be born inherently evil? Can a mother’s coldness build a monster? Do parents get the children they deserve? Was this the truth as Eva saw it or is this her own anguish and guilt that she is writing about. Eva puts herself on trial and the reader must form his own judgement.

I don't think this is a book I want to read, but your review is great.

Good Morning Judy:

I loved both the book and movie version of Postman, although after reading the book I've always imagined Ida Lupino in that role instead of Lana Turner, but then again I'm a big fan of Ms. Lupino's.

I also have quite a few James Cain books saved on my Nook, I was pleasantly surprised when many of his books were offered at a reduced price on Black Friday. For a long time the only books of his that were available were Mildred Pierce, The Postman Always Rings Twice and Double Indemnity.

Nice review of We Need to Talk About Kevin, I'm looking forward to reading it shortly. I started it, but then I felt as though I needed a dictionary or thesaurus on hand to read it, but I'll go back to it this week.

Back to back 5 star reads, excellent!

I've just taken two BBs here. The Postman Always Rings Twice and We Need to Talk About Kevin sound like fantastic reads. I'll have to put them on the wishlist.

I also enjoyed your review of The Vor Game. I had also liked seeing how Miles's relationship with Gregor developed.

>105 dudes22: This is definitely one of the darkest books that I have read, Betty. Definitely not for everyone.

>106 lsh63: Hi Lisa. My brother has the 1946 movie ready for me to watch when I next get over to visit. I have no problem seeing John Garfield in the role but more difficulty with Lana Turner. You are right, I could really see Ida Lupino as Cora, that would have been perfect casting!

>107 mathgirl40: - I think you made two great choices, Paulina. As long as you are aware that Lionel Shriver pulls no punches in We Need To Talk About Kevin. I am loving the Vorkosigan series and now rely on them to give me a fun read when I need one.

72. The Day of the Scorpion by Paul Scott - 4.0 ★
Category: 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue
Group Read of the Raj Quartet
May GeoCat: South Asia - Focus on India
TIOLI #12: Would Fit a Previous May Challenge



The Day of the Scorpion by Paul Scott is the second volume in the Raj Quartet. This book builds upon the incidents that occurred in the first book as we now explore the implications and consequences. This is a intricate, interwoven novel, but with a more straight forward plotting style than the previous book. The author excels in his wide portrayal of characters from each social and political level, from British to Indian, from man to woman, from Christian to Hindu and Muslim. We catch up with many familiar characters from the first book, but also new characters are introduced as well.

Set during the years of 1942 to 1944 in a India where the British are not blind to the fact that they are no longer welcome and the struggle to keep their traditions and political system in place requires constant effort. Yet this is a strategically important country for Britain to control and not just because of the war against Japan.

There is a lot going on in this book and many characters to follow. If it could be said to have a main character, than that character would be Sarah Layton, one of the daughters of an old military family of the Raj. At one point or another throughout the book, Sarah come into contact with just about every character and through their meetings and individual back stories we see the larger picture of an India facing oppression, racism and political harnessing, the results of which were to eventually lead to the downfall of British control in India.

You're making me want to read the Raj Quartet. Maybe next year.

I read The Raj Quartet around the time the TV series Jewel in the Crown was airing, around the late 1980s. As stories and history they were very well done. I hope to re-read them - especially after reading your reviews - but I have so many books still waiting to be read for the first time, I need to be selective about re-reads.

>110 RidgewayGirl: & >111 VivienneR: I was very happy when the Raj Quartet was proposed as a group read this year as it gave me the push to read them. I am learning a lot about India during these years and I like the way the author doesn't really push the facts at you, they are worked into the fabric of the story. There are a number of books that I feel I should reread, but I very rarely pick up books for a second time, simply because there are so many new ones to explore.

73. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan - 4.1 ★
Category: 14 Is the Age of Emancipation
May RandomCat: Motherhood
YA Book Bingo: A Classic YA Book
TIOLI #12: Would Fit Into A Previous May Challenge



This classic Newberry winner is a delightful story and one that reminds us that the key ingredient in any family is that of love. A widower issues an advertisement for a woman to come to their prairie farm, live in isolation and help raise his two children and become his wife. Sarah, Plain and Tall, arrives to stay for a month and see how things go. The children, the father and even the animals on the farm come to love Sarah and all are a little afraid that she won’t stay as she misses her home in Maine and most of all the sea. When Sarah does go off to town for a day on her own, the children are very fearful that she will not return.

The author, Patricia MacLachlan is able to breathe life into this small story that addresses both a child's fear of abandonment and their need to be nurtured and loved. Sarah may be plain and tall, but she is able to find love and acceptance for herself and gives this family the wife and mother that they need.

#113 I love this story - the movie version starring Glenn Close was wonderful. But I don't think I've ever actually read the book. I just placed a hold on it at the library - I hope I can get it for the weekend.

I loved Sarah, Plain and Tall when I read it years ago. I remember Hallmark or PBS doing a movie based on the book at least a couple decades ago. I think I watched it and then read the book.

>114 sjmccreary: >115 thornton37814: I love the movie with Glen Close as well. I had never read this before and was actually surprised at how short it is and that the movie added a lot to the story.

74. Lily Nevada by Cecelia Holland - 2.7 ★
Category: Fourteen Hands
TIOLI #15: Title Contains A "Y"



Lily Nevada by Cecelia Holland is the sequel to Railroad Schemes and continues the story of Lily Viner. Five years have passed since the day on the beach that Lily lost King Callahan to a bullet from Frank Brand. Now, at twenty, she has become an actress and taken the name Lily Nevada. Her troupe has come to San Francisco in order to advance themselves and play for a better class of audience than the ones they have been playing to in the mining camps.

I was disappointed with this sequel. Lily, who as a young girl was headstrong and vibrant, has grown into a selfish and overbearing woman. Frank Brand was reduced to much lesser role, and the plot seemed weak and muddled. Once again Lily has taken up with a bad man, and it is up to Frank to save her. I was at least hoping that Lily and Frank would finally face up to the fact that they were meant to be together, but again Lily makes some wrong choices.

I enjoyed the first book very much and was looking forward to continuing with Lily’s adventures, but overall this book would have been better left on the shelf as there was really no closure to the story which has left me feeling quite disgruntled.

I guess there is bound to be a clunker in each category, and hopefully this was it for my western category.

75. Amelia's Navigator by James Knepton - 3.0 ★
Category: 14 Days Paid Vacation - Kiribati
British Commonwealth Tour - Kiribati
TIOLI #3: The Title Refers to Somebody's Something



Amelia’s Navigator by James Knepton explores the author’s theory that Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Frank Noonan, made a miraculous landing on a coral reef and ended up on a remote and uninhabited island, part of the Kiribati chain of islands in the South Pacific.

Kiribati, formerly known as the Gilbert Islands, is a nation of islands dispersed over 3.5 million square kilometres. The last known reported whereabouts of Amelia Earhart’s’ plane was approximately 200 miles from Howland Island, their designated destination for fuel. In this story, running low on fuel and unable to raise a signal on their radio or find Howland Island, they make the decision to turn south and flying on one engine try to reach one of the many islands that are in that area. They do so, but are still unable to raise anyone on the radio. The story now turns to survival, as the island they are on has no water. With the clock ticking down, Amelia and her navigator face an uncertain end when no rescue comes.

A quick interesting take on a story that has stayed alive in the public imagination since 1937. And while much of this author’s theory is plausible, personally, I think if these two had found land, some evidence would have been turned up by now. It is far more likely that missing their designated landing, they ran out of fuel and ended up in the Pacific Ocean. An ok read but certainly not memorable in any way.

76. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
Category: 13/14th Floor
TIOLI #2: Title Contains At Least Two Embedded Words



The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie is the first book in a epic fantasy trilogy, and it certainly managed to sweep me away. I was totally involved with this saga and I am looking forward to continuing on with the series. Chock full of interesting characters, this first volume was mostly about meeting the characters, getting a little background on them, getting them together and setting up the story for the on-going adventure.

I first met this author through one of his other books, Best Served Cold, and was totally captivated by his storytelling. The Blade Itself is set in the same world and is a page-turner of action, violence, magic and intrigue. The author relies on dark humor, and gritty action scenes to move the story forward. Nor for the faint-of-heart as both scenes of torture and blood-thirsty battles are frequent but overall the story is complex and the characters are well drawn. A couple of favorites are the barbarian Northman, Logen Ninefinger, called The Bloody Nine, a battle-weary veteran, and the very crippled Inquisitor Glokta, who specializes in “questioning” suspects and getting confessions, but knows what it’s like to be on the other end of torture himself.

This is the first book of the First Law trilogy and as such does have the feel of “setting the stage”, but I really appreciated that the author simply tells his story and world details of culture, history, and geography are revealed through the plot. I would add however, that a map would have helped me to visualize this world. While the book does not end with a huge cliff-hanger, which I appreciated, it is nevertheless just the beginning and leaves me eager to continue on with adventure.

>119 DeltaQueen50: Glad you liked it. I read the second book Before They Are Hanged this year and liked it maybe more than the first book. Now I just have to wait for the translation of the third book...

>120 laura_88: Glad to hear the next one is even better, Laura. Luckily,I have the next two in the trilogy sitting on my shelf. I hope they get that translation done soon!

The following is my new motto, as I spent most of the morning attending to some overdue cleaning!

>122 DeltaQueen50: The picture isn't showing for me. :-(

>123 mamzel: Sorry about that. For some reason that picture doesn't seem to want to work so I've change the picture to something similar, and unfortunately I didn't get all my cleaning done yesterday and will have to be back at it today. :-(

I love your motto Judy. I can definitely relate to that.

>125 Roro8: Hi Ro, my plan is to give the house a really good cleaning now, so that I can coast a little through the summer, and spend more time outside on the patio with a book.

77. Truth, Dare, Kill by Gordon Ferris - 3.3 ★
Category: British Fortnight
May Murder & Mayhem
TIOLI #12: Would fit Into a Previous May Challenge



Truth, Dare, Kill by Gordon Ferris is an interesting take on the noir genre. Set in 1946 London, the story moves along at a good pace and kept me involved and wanting to know the outcome. The main character, Danny McRae is a scarred war veteran who had been a SOE Agent during the war, one who had been captured, tortured and spent time in Dachau. Although he suffers from amnesia and recurring blackout spells, he is trying to establish himself as a P.I.

He is approached by a mysterious woman who tells him she may have killed someone and wants him to ascertain if this is indeed what happened. The dead man turns out to be Danny’s ex-commander and one who Danny would like to find to help him fill in some of his blanks. A short investigation reveals that this man is dead, but Danny decides to dig a little deeper as something seems a little off. Meanwhile there is a serial killer at work in the area, targeting prostitutes and suspicion falls on Danny. Danny himself wonders exactly what he is getting up to during his blackouts.

There was one element to the story that set my teeth a little on edge but as it was near the end of the book and there was a half-hearted attempt to explain it away, I decided to just let it slide. In the end this retro-mystery was a little weak but interesting enough that I will read the other Danny McRae story that the author appears to have written before he moved along to another series.

Judy, I have a theory that if I were to get my house perfectly clean, it would then just stay that way forever. Let me know if this is true.

#128 Oh, I agree. It's almost worth the effort to get the entire house perfectly clean just to test the theory.

Glad you're continuing to enjoy the Joe Abercrombie books. I still have a couple of his stand-alone novels to get to yet so thanks for the reminder. Looks like you've had a great reading year so far though I'm not going to delve too deeply just now as I don't want to take 50 BB's in one hit.

>128 RidgewayGirl: & >129 sjmccreary: Oh, how I wish that were so! My biggest peeve about housework is that it just needs to be redone again before you know it.

>130 AHS-Wolfy: Hi Dave, I am a huge fan of Joe Abercrombie and have all his books lined up on my shelves. He is one of the best story-tellers around. It's great to see you, now I have to mosey on over to your Green Dragon thread and check out your reads.

78. The Deserter by Paul Almond - 4.0 ★
Category: In 1492 Columbus Sailed The Ocean Blue
Reading Through Time Quarterly: 18th Century North America
TIOLI #9: Book is a Trade Paperback



The Deserter by Paul Almond is the first volume in a family saga that is loosely based on his own family history. This first book introduces Thomas Manning, a young midshipman, who deserts from the British ship, the HMS Bellerophon, the man-o’war he is serving on. Even the overly severe punishment of 1,000 lashes if caught, cannot put off the lure of a life in this new world and he plunges into the icy waters of the Bay of Chaleur.

The books goes on to outline his first few years struggling to get a foothold in the rugged land of the Gaspé Peninsula. He manages to befriend the local Micmac Indians who teach him how to survive in this new land, and he finds a bride among these indigenous people. From running trap lines in the winter, to logging and boatbuilding for the French, he gradually is able to make some improvements to the land he has chosen and is looking forward to a better future.

I am definitely planning on continuing on with this saga which will cover many years of Canada’s history. The author tells both a very interesting and well-researched story and I enjoy the setting of the Gaspé Peninsula, a place I visited years ago but still remember quite clearly for it’s rugged beauty.

You got me with your review of The Deserter. I am a sucker for family sagas and for some reason naval settings seem to be catching my attention lately. The overlap of Canada's history.... well, that is just a great bonus, IMO!

>133 lkernagh: I'm looking forward to continuing this saga. My Canadian reading has been sparse at best, and this takes place in a very interesting part of Canada, apparently a small English area has thrived in the middle of this very french region.

You got me too with The Deserter. I'll add it to the very long list of books I want to read. ;)

I have to agree, The Deserter does sound like my type of book too.

>135 Samantha_kathy: & >136 Roro8: I hope you enjoy The Deserter, I am now in the process of tracking down the next couple of books in the series.

I had a look on amazon kindle books and it looks like there are about 6 books in the series.

>138 Roro8: My 6th Thingaversary is on June 24th, I will likely include a couple of Paul Almond's books in amongst the ones I get to celebrate.

79. Mystery Mile by Margery Allingham - 4.1 ★
Category: Agatha & Friends
May MysteryCat: Classic Mysteries
May Murder & Mayhem
TIOLI #10: Book is Divided into Named Chapters



Mystery Mile by Margery Allingham has all the essential ingredients of a classic British mystery including a quaint village, a vicarage, afternoon tea parties on the lawn at the manor and, of course, a Victorian maze to complete the picture. Then when action is required there is an expedition across the rooftops of London and an adventurous escape over seaside marshes slipping ahead of dangerous tides and trying to avoid quicksand. The main character, Albert Campion, is one of the most intriguing lead characters that I have run across. A gentleman who is exceeding comfortable with any level of society. Exactly what he does is uncertain, but he is always the man of the hour knowing the right thing to do, guarding the innocent and hunting down the guilty.

In this story an American judge needs to go into hiding to escape the murderous plans of a mob, called the Sinister Gang. The judge has some inside information on who the leader is and needs time to put the pieces together. The gang of course wants the Judge silenced. Even crossing the Atlantic Ocean is no guarantee that he is safe. Scotland Yard recommends Albert and he in turn sequesters the Judge and his family at the manor house of his friends in the remote village of Mystery Mile.

Things immediately start to go wrong and when both the judge and a young woman go missing, Albert Campion finds himself involved in a very nasty and dangerous case. I have now read three Albert Campion books and count myself a fan. Margery Allingham writes with wit and humor and although somewhat dated, this who-dunnit was a fun read.

Mystery Mile sounds like a lot of fun!

>139 DeltaQueen50: I just realized my Thingaversary was a couple of days ago. Time to get some celebratory presents. Woo hoo!

A couple of months ago, I was tempted to buy the first book of Joe Abercrombie's series, when a used copy was offered for 25 cents at my library's book sale. I resisted because I was already partway through too many fantasy series (including A Song of Ice and Fire). Now I'm wishing I had picked it up!

Great review of Allingham's Mystery Mile! Have you watched the TV movie adaptations of her Campion books, starring Peter Davison as Campion and Brian Glover as Lugg? Great shows if you are able to track them down. Our local library has/had the DVDs.

>144 lkernagh: I second Lori's recommendation of the TV series. I have both seasons on DVD, and I believe they're available through Netflix.

Another beautiful day here and I am rushing around trying to get everything done before I leave on Thursday to go visit my Mom. Even with laundry to do and errands to run, I managed to finish Room this morning.

>141 VivienneR: & >142 VivienneR: I know Margery Allingham isn't to everyone's taste, but I really enjoy her writing. There's definitely a touch of satire in her Campion books which appeals to me, plus I am just a big sucker for classic British mysteries. Oh happy belated Thingaversary! Remember one book for every year plus an extra book to grow on. :)

>143 mathgirl40: Paulina, Joe Abercrombie writes great adventure fantasy, of course so does George RR Martin, Scott Lynch and a few others. So when you have a vacanacy in your line up for that type of fantasy, he's an excellent choice.

>144 lkernagh: I haven't seen the TV adaptations and I would like to. I will have to see if I can track them down.

>145 cbl_tn: Carrie, I haven't checked Netflick yet, but our Canadian Netflick doesn't have as great a selection as the American one. I often hear about programs that are available there but not here. I will check the library as well since they often have the older programs.

80. Room by Emma Donoghue - 5.0 ★
Category: Final Fourteen
May RandomCat: Motherhood
TIOLI #6: Title Appears Handwritten



Seeing life through the eyes of a five year old boy is fascinating, but when that little boy has been contained in a single room his whole life with only his mother for company, well, that perspective is singularly unique, disconcerting, at times terrifying and at others darkly humorous. Room by Emma Donoghue is her controversial story of a young woman taken by a stranger and held for seven years. During the course of her captivity she gives birth and she and her son have a isolated existence in a locked garden shed. The book’s focus is on the boy, Jack. Jack knows no other way of living, he doesn’t know much beyond the walls of the room, except for what he has seen on TV. To him Dora the Explorer is as real as Old Nick, the man who visits in the night. His mother tries very hard to keep Jack away from Old Nick and has him sleep in a wardrobe so he is out of sight when Old Nick visits.

When these two finally escape and emerge into the real world, Jack must learn to cope with unlimited boundaries. Everyday things we take for granted need to be explained and learned, Jack needs constant guidance but his Mother is also dealing in her own way with freedom. These two who have been inseparable now find they have different ways of looking at things, and different levels of acceptance. While Jack remembers Room as a place of comfort, the very idea of that place upsets the Mother to the point of nausea.

I found Room is be a very unique read and it told such a compelling story of human resourcefulness and resilience that it was very hard to put down. I was very moved by Jack’s mother, who overcame such difficulties and showed such devotion and care in the raising of her son. This is a book that truly moved me, and one that I will long remember.

Great review of Room! I really loved how the story unfolds gradually..... I still remember how shocked I was when the situation finally hit me.

I've had a copy of Room for a while and I love Emma Donoghue's writing, but I'm still working up the nerve to read this one.

Love your Allingham review. I don't think I've read that one.

>148 lkernagh: I pretty much knew what the situation was before I started, Lori. That's what comes when one waits a few years before reading a popular book. Even so, this was book certainly grabs your attention right from the start, I found it fascinating.

>149 RidgewayGirl: Kay, the situation is harrowing, but not sensationalized in any way. Actually, in the long run I found the book quite uplifting and positive in it's message.

>150 thornton37814: Thanks, Lori. The more Campion books I read the more I like this character. I find Allingham writes with both dash and wit.

81. The Siege by Helen Dunmore - 4.2 ★
Category: 14 Points for Reconstruction
TIOLI #17: A Book Set in An Aniversary War Other than WW I



The German siege over the winter of 1941 on Leningrad that resulted in the death of six hundred thousand people has been personalised and encapsulated by Helen Dunmore in her book, The Siege. Giving her readers an intimate look at the suffering, deprivation and starvation that the citizens of Leningrad endured by telling the smaller story of Anna and her family.

This family struggles to stay alive in their small apartment, mostly being held together by twenty-two year old Anna. Caring for her wounded father, taking in an old family friend and watching over her younger brother as he grows thinner every day, Anna forges for food and fuel under brutal conditions. Such a life could easily wipe the humanity from one, but this poignant, touching story also shows that love is a necessary ingredient to life, as Anna meets and develops a bond with a young doctor.

Truly a touching story that shows the cruelty and horror of war along with the passionate unyielding will to survive that makes Anna a heroine to remember. The Siege is a beautifully written story with vivid descriptions and the knowledge that this is all based on historical fact makes the book all the more compelling.

>152 DeltaQueen50: Avoided the book bullet, but only because that one was already on my wish list.

>153 thornton37814: Lori, The Siege had been sitting on my TBR for a very long time, it would still be there except that the book I was planning on reading for my War Category hasn't come in from the library yet. This turned out to be a great substitution

I'm going to be away for a couple of weeks while I am visiting my Mom and the rest of the family. Will have limited computer access so will catch up with everyone when I get back.

Enjoy your visit Judy.

I hope you have a great visit with your family, Judy!

I'm just about to start my first Abercrombie and am looking forward to it! Have a great trip!!

Just dropping in quickly to post a review.

>156 luvamystery65: >157 tymfos: >158 -Eva-: Thanks Roberta, Terri and Eva. So far the weather is perfect and my visit is going really well.

82. Voices by Arnaldur Indridason - 3.4 ★
Category: 14 Days Paid Vacation - Iceland
June GeoCat: Islands/Bodies of Water
June MysteryCat: Police Procedural
TIOLI #17: A "Don" Word is On Page 17



Voices by Arnaldur Indridason is the third entry in his Reykjavik Murder Mysteries and, personally I found this one a tad mediocre. The mystery was fairly straightforward, but the setting, being entirely in a large hotel during the Christmas period, seemed a waste of the interesting setting of Iceland that figured so prominently in the first two books and at times felt almost claustrophobic.

Just days before Christmas a doorman who occasionally also acted as a Santa was found in a basement room of a hotel, stabbed and in a compromising position. Erlendur and his team get busy investigating everyone in this large downtown Reykjavik hotel, believing the answer to the puzzle lies in uncovering the motive. Erlendur is his usual dour, plodding self who eventually checks himself into the hotel in order to both be close to the case as well as using it as a way of avoiding making any plans for Christmas. During their investigation, it is found that the victim was once a child singing prodigy who fell from fame and disappeared into anonymity. This book does give us more insight into the character of Erlendur as he spends a fair bit of time remembering his own childhood and the tragedy that has marred his life.

The author is working on peeling the layers from Erlendur as well as developing some very interesting backup characters in this series. Although this mystery didn’t envelope me as strongly as his previous ones, this is a series that I will continue to explore.

Sorry that Erlendur book wasn't as good as the first two, as it's next up for me in the series. It still sounds reasonably worthwhile from a story arc perspective.

I've read the first in that series but haven't really come close to picking up the 2nd off the tbr shelves so far. Other series seem to be taking precedence.

Erlendur is one of my favorite characters and I can't wait to get back to the series myself.

>161 tymfos: Hi Terri, as we know, not all books in a series can hit a home run with every reader, but the overall quality of this series will definitely keep me following Erlendur.

>162 AHS-Wolfy: Dave, as the second book in this series has been my favorite so far, I would encourage you to give it a try. Of course, I do understand how difficult it is to get back to a series when we are all following so many!

> 163 Eva, I love the setting and the characters, especially Erlendur, so I will definitely be continuing on with this series.

83. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer - 4.1 ★
Category: The Atomic Number of Silicon
June's Women of Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Book Bingo: A Book Based on a Myth
TIOLI #12: Cover Shows Only a Part of the Body



The second volume of The Lunar Chronicles, Scarlet, picks up the action and the time-line right where the first volume left off. The action now jumps back and forth between Cinder and a new character, Scarlet and as the book unfolds the reader waits for these two to meet and eventually take the fight directly to the evil Queen, Levana.

Once again taking a classic fairy-tale, in this case Red Riding Hood, and giving it a fresh outlook, Marissa Meyer delivers a book that is both spellbinding and enthralling. By introducing new characters such as Wolf and Thorne while still keeping some old favorites like Kai and Iko, the author gives herself plenty of scope for story and romance.

While this second book did not carry the impact of the first, I am enjoying this fair-tale inspired series very much, finding it great escape reading, and look forward to continuing on with the saga.

84. Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers - 4.1 ★
Category: Agatha & Friends
TIOLI #11: Read a Mystery/Thriller Set in the British Isles



Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers is a milestone in her Lord Peter Wimsey series as in this volume he meets Harriet Vane and declares her to be his future wife. The fact that she is currently on trial for murder holds no sway with Lord Peter as he is 100 percent convinced of her innocence. In fact, when the jury is unable to come to a verdict, he steps in and offers to aid her defense team so that she can be cleared of all charges.

Knowing Lord Peter from the previous books, the reader enters the story already knowing the outcome so the fun of this book is learning who the guilty party is, and how the deed was done. Enlisting the help of familiar characters like Bunter, Miss Climson and D.C. Parker, Lord Peter is able to put the pieces of this mystery together, and although the solution proved to be rather straight-forward, this story was still great fun and seeing Lord Peter struck with cupids’ arrow only added to my enjoyment of the book.

I am looking forward to continuing on with the series as I suspect the intelligent and independent Harriet Vane is going to be a great addition to the series and make an excellent foil for Lord Peter.

You liked Scarlet much more than I did, but I'm looking forward to the final book in the trilogy. Meyer has things nicely set up for a good finish.

>166 DeltaQueen50: I read and enjoyed Busman's honeymoon last year, and found the dynamic between Peter and Harriet - both the banter and the darker streaks - to be one of the things that really made the book.

>147 DeltaQueen50: I think your review os the one that finally convinces me to read Room! Thumb!

>167 RidgewayGirl: Kay, I think I was a little generous with my rating as I enjoyed Cinder so much. Now I really have my fingers crossed that the next book, Cress manages to recapture the magic.

>168 GingerbreadMan: Anders, I am really enjoying reading the Dorothy Sayers series. I somehow missed reading her when I was younger and it's been a pleasure meeting all the characters in this well crafted series.

While I hesitate to wholeheartedly tell everyone to read Room (although I sort of do want to do this), I can say that I am pretty positive that this book will be among my top five or so reads of 2014. I thought the author did an excellent job of putting herself in the head of a five year old boy. And thanks for the thumb!

85. Beauvallet by Georgette Heyer - 3.3 ★
Category: In 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue
June Georgette Heyer Read
Reading Through Time Monthly: Elizabethan Period
TIOLI #8: Read A Romance Novel



While there were many things that held my interest in Beauvallet by Georgette Heyer, this Elizabethan tale of a swashbuckling pirate that falls in love with his lovely, young Spanish captive isn’t up to the level of her Regency stories. The difference for me was that I never felt the author’s tongue-in-cheek enjoyment that I do with her Regency romances and while the writing was sprinkled with many phrases that felt authentic, it didn’t flow with the same assurance and joie de vivre that makes her such a delight to read.

I quickly found myself picturing Errol Flynn and Maureen O’Hara in the lead roles and that certainly helped to bring this rather ho-hum adventure to life. As it was obvious from the start that Nick Beauvallet would eventually win the fiery Dona Dominica, I settled in to enjoy the sword-play and romance along with authentic glimpses of some well-known characters of the day such as Elizabeth I of England and Phillip II of Spain.

So while Beauvallet was far from a favorite offering from this author, it was still an enjoyable escapist read that I was able to comfortably curl up with. I have read that Georgette Heyer on a bad day is still better than many other authors and after reading Beauvallet, I agree.

I'm catching up on threads, so I have to go waaay back and say that I'm glad you like The Postman Always Rings Twice so much. Cain is one of my favorite authors and it's too bad that his name isn't more known. My favorite from Cain is Double Indemnity but I also loved Mildred Pierce. And I'd never heard how TPART had gotten that title. Interesting information.
I have his Serenade on TBR pile for this summer.

>171 mstrust: James M. Cain has vaulted to the forefront of favorite authors for me just from this one book. I have Double Indemnity and Jealous Woman and I plan on getting Mildred Pierce as well. While I was away my brother and I watched the 1946 movie with John Garfield and Lana Turner and it was really good!

86. Sand Queen by Helen Benedict - 4.2 ★
Category: 14 Points For Reconstruction
June RandomCat: Rose - Amber Queen
TIOLI #9: A Book Whose Cover Doesn't Have a Person On It



Wanting to learn more about the war in Iraq, I picked up Sand Queen by Helen Benedict. The author based her story on interviews with woman combat soldiers and this paints a far deeper picture that what we were seeing every night on the newscast. I personally found this book grim, painful and eye-opening but at the same time, I also found it a fascinating and compelling story of life on the battlefield.

Thrusting her reader into the mindset of a 20 year old woman serving in the American army in Iraq was jarring, disconcerting and distressing. In one of the last bastions of male dominance, the woman combat soldier seems to be fair game for persecution, bullying and abuse. In conditions that were extremely difficult, this added stress made their lives quite unbearable. From the Arab repugnance to seeing women dressed as soldiers to the debasement they received from their male counterparts, they were in hell.

Bluntly painting a picture of this one small corner or the war, contrasting the stories of two women, one an American soldier who guards prisoners, the other an Iraqi non-combatant whose father and brother have been interred, Sand Queen, is honest in its portrayal of a war-torn country and the two races who have little to no understanding of each other.

This is a well-crafted, in-your-face story that is both shocking and bleak. No excuses are made for the army’s attitude of unrelenting harassment, this is just simply the way it was for most female soldiers. Ultimately, Sand Queen is very effective at showing how demoralizing and dehumanizing war is and as such, is another brick in my anti-war wall.

This book could not be more timely. I will keep my eye out for it.

>174 mamzel: Mamzel, although this book was quite shocking to me, I felt that there was a real story coming across. I sincerely hope that not all women who serve are faced with this kind of treatment, but I also realize from lawsuits that are currently in the news here in Canada about the treatment of women in the RCMP, that this isn't an isolated case either.

My computer has gone into the shop in order to make some repairs and I am using my hubby's laptop for the time being. It's funny how a different keyboard and a few different features can throw one off. I was going to write a review but have decided to wait until I get mine back which, fingers crossed, will be tomorrow.

Got my computer back late this afternoon and now I am trying to catch up with a couple of reviews.

87. The Picasso Scam by Stuart Pawson - 4.0 ★
Category: Fourteen Cats
June MysteryCat: Police Procedural
TIOLI #11: Read a British Mystery



The Picasso Scam by Stuart Pawson is the first in his series about D.I. Charlie Priest and I am ashamed to say it has sat on my shelves since before I joined LT. Set in Yorkshire this mystery starts with a report about a conspiracy to forge famous artworks, but when D.I. Priest comes to the realization that this case is linked to a particularly lethal type of heroin that is making itself known in his area, he finds himself hot on the trail of a local business man who appears to have his fingers in many pies.

Set in the fictional town of Heckley, Yorkshire, Priest and his crew like to complain that they spend most of their time investigating shop lifters and sheep stealers. I liked the fact that this case wasn’t solved in a matter of days, in fact from the beginning to the end, a time span of a couple of years had gone by with the case at times simmering on the back burner and at others being brought to the forefront.

Charlie Priest is an appealing character and we learn just enough about him in this first book to make me want to learn more. Overall a well written police procedural with a darkly humorous undertone that I look forward to continuing on with. Luckily I picked up the first three in the series at the time of purchase so I can enjoy the next one sooner rather than later.

88. Summer of the Drums by T.V. Olsen - 2.8 ★
Category: Fourteen Hands
June RandomCat: Rose - Summer Wine
TIOLI #5: Something Old, New, Borrowed or Blue



A rather humdrum offering, Summer of the Drums by T.V. Olsen is set in 1832 during the Black Hawk War. Telling the story of one pioneer family that becomes involved in the conflict, I found it to be a rather formulaic and predictable story. The father thinks that the Sauk Indians have been mistreated and driven from their lands by greedy whites and wants no part of the war. They are attacked anyway and lose their oldest son in the fight. The youngest son wounds a young brave and they take him into their home and nurse him back to health. He turns out to be Black Hawk’s grandson, and the two young men forge a life-long bond.

Along with the predictable storyline, the characters were not well drawn. The bad guys were almost cartoons in their villainy and the good guys were just too noble and upright to be believable. Summer of the Drums was a quick and easy read but really had nothing to add to my knowledge of the Black Hawk War.

>176 DeltaQueen50: - no need to apologise, I can understand that perfectly. My work and personal laptops have different key spacing and layout and I can type gibberish for ages on one when I start using it after having used the other. At least it's now back in action.

>179 Helenliz: I was so pleased that I got my computer back so quickly. I was quite lost without it!

Happy Father's Day, everyone. We had a lovely surprise this morning. The family is coming here for dinner tonight, but the daughters showed up this morning bearing the complete dinner. They brought stuffed mushrooms for appies, steak and prawns, twice baked potatoes, veggie kabobs for the main course and even a peach pie for dessert. This really gives me a break, all we have to do is fire up the BBQ and warm up the pie.

Now that's a meal! Have fun!

>182 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Mamzel!

89. Zombies vs. Unicorns by Justine Larbalestier & Holly Black - 4.2 ★
Category: 13th/14th Floor
June's Women of Sci-Fi/Fantasy
TIOLI #5: Something Old, New, Borrowed or Blue



Zombies vs. Unicorns is a showdown between two mythical creatures as hosted by Justine Larbalestier and Holly Black and meant to assist the reader in determining whether they are on Team Zombie or Team Unicorn. The stories are by well known writers from the fantasy genre, Libba Bray, Naomi Novik and Garth Nix, just to mention a few. This is a head on battle, alternating creature stories in an all out bid to take top honors. The winner? The reader, of course.

I went into this a firm Team Zombie member as I have an aversion to the sweet, sparkly mythical unicorns that seem to litter little girls dreams, and although overall I probably preferred more of the zombie tales, let me tell you, in most cases the unicorns in this book were far from the sickly sweet, rainbow farting ones that I was expecting. Some of these unicorns were truly ass-kicking monsters!

As in all short story collections, some of the stories appealed to me more than others. My top favorites were Princess Prettypants by Meg Cabot, Bougainvillea by Carrie Ryan, Inoculata by Scott Westerfeld and the hilarious send-up Children of the Revolution by Maureen Johnson.

I had a lot of fun reading this book and the dialogue between Holly and Justine before each story only added to my pleasure. This is a great way to dip your toe into both zombie and unicorn infested waters as well as introducing yourself to some very intriguing authors.

WOW! You've had a great weekend. I desparately need a new laptop but hate the idea of going shopping for one so I've been muddling along with my iPad and occasional use of my husband's Mac. My old laptop was an old Dell that's not being supported with updates any more, so I really need to decide if I want a Mac like my husband or to stay with a Microsoft product.

>184 dudes22: Hi Betty, computer shopping has changed so much since I last bought one. My grandson thinks I should order a Dell and have it built to my specifications, but I don't think I am computer literate enough for that. InsteadI will probably have one assembled for me by the Computer Shop. They charge a flat rate and then charge for each additional add-on that you want to include. They go over the list with you and help you decide what you need. They will also arrange to have everything transferred from my old computer to my new. I just want to look around and see what else is out there before committing to anything.

90. In Praise of Hatred by Khaled Khalifa - 2.0 ★
Category: 14 Days Paid Vacation
ER Program
TIOLI #5: Something Old, New, Borrowed or Blue



Unfortunately I find it very difficult to praise anything about this book. I found it to be so over-written and over-stylized that it was impossible to actually break through to the story itself. Other than the main character’s internal dialogue, there is no conversation in the book at all, I admit I found my eyes glazing over and skipping many of the long descriptive paragraphs. This is a shame because I believe the author has a very interesting story to tell. I know very little about Syria and was looking forward to finding out about this mysterious country that is figuring so prominently in the news but obviously this wasn’t the book to help me.

The unnamed narrator of In Praise of Hatred is a young, deeply ultraconservative Muslim girl and her hatred of others is complete and intense. Ultimately she becomes an extremist. The level of hatred expressed in this book was disturbing, such strong convictions all based on differences between sects, infidels or any opposition is frightening and the willingness to kill or be killed is something I find almost impossible to comprehend.

The book is set in the city of Aleppo during the violent upheavals that took place during the 1980’s . The book has been banned in Syria and I believe the author, Khaled Khalifa, is trying to expose this darkness and show that such a strong hatred will never bring this country to a peaceful resolution. I simply could not get over the flaws of this book, and I found myself often counting pages in a desperate manner, hoping to reach the end. I should mention here that I would have abandoned this book except that I received it though Library Things Early Reading Program.

91. Elizabeth, The Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith - 3.3 ★
Category: Newsworthy Facts
June RandomCat: Rose - Queen Elizabeth
TIOLI #13: Read a Book That is Over 336 Pages in Length



Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch is a very lovingly offered biography from an obviously biased author. Elizabeth the II has been reigning throughout a period of enormous change to the Commonwealth, to Britain and to the world, yet, for the most part this book dwells on the insignificant and trivial details of her life. That these details are well researched is important to note, but there was always a feeling that she was striving for the Queen’s approval in her final product. I suspect a fair and honest account of this woman’s life will only be available after the Queen has passed on.

The slant was the most obvious in her writings about the breakdown of the marriages of Charles and Diana, Andrew and Fergie and even her sister Margaret and Anthony, Lord Snowdon. I suspect the truth of the matter is that all parties are to blame, and that marrying into the Royal Family is not an easy task for anyone.

Told in a light, breezy style, this is not a book to read for any revelations about the Queen or her family, but more of a recap, a gathering of all the press releases and information we already know about this extraordinary woman. A sympathetic picture emerges and as a Queen she has my admiration but I never felt that I was learning about the real woman behind the façade.

>180 DeltaQueen50: - Wonderful meal and wonderful daughters to prepare it!

>185 DeltaQueen50: - We have a Dell laptop that I absolutely love. It is the most trouble free laptop we have owned. We purchased it used, so no custom build by Dell but I am so happy with it that I would consider another Dell if and when we are in the market for a new laptop. My other half is not allowed to 'tinker' with it like he does with the other computers we have. ;-)

I'm finally catching up with your thread and I loved your review of Room. I agree with you, in that it's a book that I'll long remember. The Lunar Chronicles also sounds like a good series. Several people have recommended that to me, so I really should pick it up.

>188 lkernagh: Hi Lori, I was thrilled that the girls decided to bring the dinner on Father's Day. Made for a much more relaxing day for me, and everybody was pleased with the food. Everyone I've talked to about computers has nothing but good things to say about Dells. You are lucky that your other-half is so knowledgable about computers. I know next to nothing about them, but my hubby knows even less.

>189 mathgirl40: Hi Paulina, Room was definitely an excellent read and one that stays with you. Cinder the first book in The Lunar Chronicles was really good, whereas Scarlet was not as good, but serves as a bridge to introduce and connect the characters. I am hoping the third book Cress gets back to the excellence of the first.

92. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin - 4.1 ★
Category: 13th/14th Floor
June Women of Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Book Bingo: A Book with Dragons
TIOLI #4: A YA Potential Favorite That You Missed



A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin is the story of Ged, a young wizard who, through is own reckless behaviour, released an evil being that threatens both himself and the world. His quest and sole purpose in life becomes the conquering of this terrible shadow, and as the story follows his adventures Ged learns many life lessons that eventually lead him to a greater self-knowledge and gives him the necessary tools to face down his nemesis.

Originally published in 1968, I found this book both an interesting read and a lesson in how the fantasy genre has changed over the years. While today’s fantasy is often chock full of sword play and battles of magic, rife with sexual tensions and love stories, this was more of an inward, introspective story. The book reads like a fairy tale with it’s moralistic tone and lyrical language. I listened to the audio version as read by Rob Inglis and found his tone and style perfect for the story.

As the story advances and Ged changes from the hunted to the hunter, we can see him evolving into the great wizard that he has been told he will become. Learning to be comfortable with his dark side allows him to gain the maturity and self-control that he needs. He finally comes to really understand some of the codes he has been taught about knowing the true nature of things, and how dangerous changing his form can be.

Somehow I missed reading Ursula Le Guin in my younger days, but with A Wizard of Earthsea, I have now discovered an author that I can appreciate and I look forward to reading more from her.

Definitely read more Ursula Le Guin! I actually wasn't a huge fan of A Wizard of Earthsea, but I loved The Tombs of Atuan! The Left Hand of Darkness is also a really fascinating read with some interesting things to say about gender.

>192 christina_reads: I'm glad you recommended The Tombs of Atuan, Christina, as I have it and The Farthest Shore loaded on my Kindle. I will have to look into The Left Hand of Darkness. Thanks.

>191 DeltaQueen50:
I read that trilogy for the first time last year and really enjoyed it. Had I read it as a kid, I would have love-love-loved it, but the grown-up appeal was pretty great too.

Going back a while, I read the collection that contains 4 of the stories in the Earthsea cycle and can just about recall that The Tombs of Atuan was the best of them.

>194 -Eva-: I think I would have loved-loved it as well Eva, but I didn't read much or any fantasy/sci-fi in my younger days and so missed out on discovering Ursula Le Guin.

>195 AHS-Wolfy: Dave, now you have me really looking forward to The Tombs of Atuan!

93. Midnight Pearls by Debbie Viguie - 2.7 ★
Category: 13th/14th Floor
June RandomCat: Rose - Pearl Drift
June Women of Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Book Bingo - Epic Romance
TIOLI #1: Authors' First and Last Name Ends With the Same Letter



Midnight Pearls by Debbie Viguie is a “happy ever after” story based on the Little Mermaid fairytale. While it was a quick, light read, I’m afraid I will remember this one more for it’s pretty cover than for it’s story content.

A fisherman pulls a child from the sea, he and his wife call her Pearl and raise her as their own. She never fits in and always wonders where she came from. Meanwhile her best friend is Prince James who sneaks away from the castle to be with the fisherman’s daughter. As they reach marriage age, their parents are urging them to find someone, and just as it looks like they will turn to each other, two more people enter the story and add complications. This along with a murder plot by James’s evil uncle and cousin in their bid to overtake the throne, leads the four young people to eventually discover who they are meant to be with and where they belong.

I enjoy these reworked fairytales, they are a bit of a guilty pleasure for me and I’m always hoping to find one like Cinder that breathes fresh air and originality into these old stories but Midnight Pearls with it’s unsatisfactory conclusion, undeveloped characters and rather bland story didn’t work for me.

94. The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott - 3.6 ★
Category: Fourteen Cats
June GeoCat: Islands/Bodies of Water
TIOLI #5: Something Old, New, Borrowed or Blue



The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott is the story of Tess Collins a young seamstress who agrees to work as Lady Duff-Gordon’s maid while aboard the Titanic in order to realize her dream of going to America to make her fortune. Lucille Duff-Gordon was a major dress designer of the day and seemed to be promising to give Tess a hand when they reached New York. While on board, Tess meets two men, one a rich American businessman and the other a poor young man working as a sailor for his passage.

Of course, we know that the Titanic did not reach New York, but in this book, all the main characters eventually turn up. Still under the wing of Lucille, Tess starts to work for the designer and is provided with a roof over her head. Meanwhile the shock and scandal of the sinking of this enormous passenger liner on her maiden voyage has the American government opening enquiries and investigations into what caused this disaster. As the witness testimonies are gathered, it is pointed out that some lifeboats were barely filled before they were launched. Also many accusations about the lifeboats not returning to search for survivors in the frigid waters came to light. Lord and Lady Duff-Gordon came in for heavy scrutiny as they were in a lifeboat that could have held up to forty people, yet there was only twelve people in it at the time of rescue. A rumour came to light about bribes being offered the sailors not to return to the search, and it was hinted that survivors that tried to cling to the lifeboat were pushed off.

I found this part of the book very interesting as I have read a great deal about the Titanic, but very little about the aftermath. Although there was never any hard evidence against them, the Duff-Gordons never recovered from the gossip nor did they regain their place in society. As to the romance part of the book, I found this rather more predictable and the character of Tess was a little too perfect to be convincing. I would have rather had Lucille Duff-Gordon as the main character as I found her, with all her flaws and arrogance, a much more interesting character.

My final verdict on this book is one of mixed feelings. I thought the details about the Titanic were authentic and interesting. The author scattered enough real people throughout her story to give it a feeling of the times. However, the love story part of the book didn’t enthrall me. Being torn between the rich, older man and the younger, earnest one was a familiar plot and as I felt no chemistry between any of the parties, the romance was sadly lacking.

Interesting review of The Dressmaker. I have borrowed this book from the library three times now but each time it went back unread. Your review still has me sitting on the fence. As I am committed to The Fiery Cross at the moment it will be a couple of weeks before I have to start looking for my next read. You will probably have another few reviews up by then as you seem to be a very prolific reader, which is great as I get to read all your reviews. I am going to head off to my library website now to see if they have an audio copy of Room that I can download.

Hi Ro, I did find The Dressmaker very interesting in regard to the Titanic, I think the author did a fair amount of research and was fairly accurate in her accounting. Romance is really not my thing but I simply never warmed to the main character and found that there wasn't much passion to be found. I do hope you are able to get the audio of Room, I have heard the audio is very good.

Unfortunately my library doesn't have the audio version of Room :-(

95. The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer - 4.5 ★
Category: N is the 14th Letter
June Georgette Heyer Read
TIOLI #8: Read a Romance Novel



After reading a few lacklustre romance stories I have returned to Georgette Heyer who, in The Nonesuch was able to completely steal my heart away. With wonderful characters, a good deal of humor and a romance that evolves through her intriguing story, this was a book that will remain dear to my heart for a long, long time.

Revolving around a small community in Yorkshire, the Nonesuch, Waldo, a well-known man of his class, and his nephew, Julian, arrive to inspect and put in order an estate he has inherited. Becoming involved in the social circle of this rural parish, both Waldo and Julian each find a special someone that they hope to share their futures with. Of course true love never runs smoothly and the bulk of the story keeps us entertained with the ups and downs of their romances and the obstacles, such as a spoiled and silly heiress and a late arriving relative of Waldo’s, that put a few ripples into the course of true love.

With language that trips musically off the tongue, I relished sentences like “That damned resty, rackety, caper-witted cousin of mine - ! Vex me, she’s run off with that man-milliner, Calver!”. The always sparkling dialogue along with her detailed period research makes Georgette Heyer a guaranteed good read. The Nonesuch was a fun, relaxing and, yes, romantically satisfying book that will be listed among my favorites of this author.

Love the 4.5 star rating for The Nonesuch! One of many Heyer reads that I can look forward to!

>203 lkernagh: Lori, The Nonesuch was definitely the right book at the right time for me.

Tomorrow is my 6th Thingaversary! In honor of my stumbling upon this site and finding such a close-knit community of fellow book-lovers, I am gifting myself with the following 7 books:

- Tiger Claw by Shauna Singh Baldwin
- The Orenda by Joseph Boyden
- The Cartographer of No Man's Land by P.S. Duffy
- The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers
- Buried by Mark Billingham
- First Frost by James Henry
- The Way West by A.B. Guthrie Jr.

Happy Thingaversary!

>205 DeltaQueen50: Happy Thingaversary :)

Woo hoo, happy Thingaversary!

Happy Thingaversary Judy!

Happy Thingaversary!

Thanks everyone, I am so grateful that I found Library Thing, don't know what I would do without it!

Another Happy Thingaversary! I think we all share your feeling about this great place.

>212 mysterymax: Thanks. :)

96. Remains of the Dead by Iain McKinnon - 3.5 ★
Category: Clayton's Choice
TIOLI #1: Author's First and Last Names Must End With the Same Letter



Yes folks, these 300 some pages of unrelenting mayhem, gore and violence almost proved too much for me. Remains of the Dead by Iain McKinnon is the sequel to Domain of the Dead which I read last year. I was disappointed when the first book left me hanging but this time around it was the despair and the darkness that was hard to handle. I like zombie stories, but I also like my characters to have even a small amount of hope for the future.

Instead of picking up where the last book left off, this book went all the way back to the beginning when the military helicopter arrived in the city to find a group of survivors. Unable to take all of them to the ship, a couple of soldiers and a civilian volunteered to stay until the helicopter could come back and pick them up. The story follows this group of survivors in their quest to stay alive until rescue can arrive.

I don’t read zombie books because they have literary merit, I read them for the adventure, the thrill and the survival tactics. Remains of the Dead had all of this in spades so really deserves a better rating from me, but this time I found the bleakness a little too much. Now having read the first two books and with the story still completely unresolved, I will probably forge ahead and read the third volume although the title of Demise of the Living doesn’t seem offer much hope.

Happy Thingaversary Judy!

Happy Thingaversary! I love The Nine Tailors, and I hope you do, too!

Happy Thingaversary! I'm eager to find out what you think of the books you picked. What a fine selection -- there are more than one on that pile I wouldn't mind reading!

Happy Thingaversary, Judy! Great haul.

Happy Thingaversary! Glad you celebrated properly!

Happy Thingaversary!

I loved your review of The Nonesuch; Heyer can (almost) always raise my spirits :)

>215 dudes22: Thanks, Betty. I spent the first few months lurking a lot and didn't get around to joining the Category Challenge until 2010, which I happen to think was one of my better decisions. ;)

>216 cbl_tn: When I bought The Nine Tailors, the clerk was quick to tell me it was one of her favorite Dorothy Sayers. I am enjoying reading the Lord Peter series and still have few books to read before I get to The Nine Tailors.

>217 RidgewayGirl: Well, I hope you're not holding your breath with waiting, Kay. It sometimes takes quite some time before a book comes off my shelves and into my hands. I am however seriously thinking of reading The Cartographer of No Man's Land in August when the Reading Through Time Group does WW I. And The Orenda is one I have wanted for some time ...

>218 thornton37814: >219 mstrust: Thanks Lori and Jen. I'm always ready to gift myself with books!

>220 leslie.98: I feel the same way about Georgette Heyer, reading her makes me happy. :)

I actually did the same thing Judy!

Happy Thingaversary!

Happy Thingaversary!

>222 dudes22: I guess we had to work off our shyness!

>223 AHS-Wolfy: >224 lkernagh: Thanks Dave and Lori.

97. The Burning Girl by Mark Billingham - 3.6 ★
Category: British Fortnight
June MysteryCat: Police Procedural
June RandomCat: Rose - The Birthday Girl
TIOLI #11: Read a British Mystery



The Burning Girl by Mark Billingham is the fourth book in his D.I. Tom Thorne series and revolves around a turf war between two rival gangs of organized criminals. Various members and associates of these gangs are being murdered and a police task force has been formed to inquire into and find a way of defusing the situation. When a undercover police detective is killed the investigation escalates. Meanwhile, on the fringe of the investigation, Thorne is looking into a 20 year old case of a young girl set aflame in order to help an old friend, a retired police officer, set her mind to rest. The intended victim was the daughter of a crime boss, but the wrong girl was torched. Now it looks as if the wrong man was convicted of this horrendous act and has been sitting in prison for twenty years. Wanting to set the record straight and see proper justice done, Thorne digs deeper.

I have really enjoyed the books in this series, and although this one I felt was a little weaker than the others, it still advances the series and gives us further glimpses into what makes Thorne tick. Thorne is developing into a likeable but flawed character, and Billingham is certainly able to deliver well written, tense plots. The Burning Girl just seem to lack the suspense and flash that the previous books have had.

I will certainly be continuing on with this series as I enjoy the London setting along with the characters, both main and reoccurring that he has developed. Hopefully book number six will bring back the pizzazz that was missing in this outing.

I think I'll skip the Billingham book. Organized crime is not my cup of tea when it comes to mysteries. I'm not sure I want to read about char-broiled girls either.

>227 thornton37814: As much as I have liked the series, Lori, I can't say you are missing anything by not reading this particular book. Not his best.

I am very happy to report that I have completed the two bingo cards at the top of the thread. I am looking forward to taking them off my next thread as they are looking like all my art projects in school ended up looking - VERY messy!

98. A Curse As Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce - 4.0 ★
Category: 14 is the Age of Emancipation
June RandomCat: Rose - Golden Anniversary
June Women of Sci-Fi/Fantasy
TIOLI #13: Read a Book That is Over 336 Pages in Length



A Curse As Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce is an adaptation of the fairy tale, Rumplestiltskin. The author has taken this folktale and made it her own in this very creative story. As two young woman take over the family business upon their father’s death they find that the business is tottering on the brink of ruin. Rumours of a family curse have been whispered about down through the ages and it appears that this curse is finally going to bring about the ruin of the Miller family. Charlotte and Rosie discover that their father owed the bank a huge amount of money and payment is now being demanded. They conjure up a “Rumplestiltskin” creature and he helps them pay their loans, repair their cloth when they are vandalized and finally make it possible for them to keep the mill. At first he demands simple payments, but finally he demands Charlottes’ first-born child. In order to save her infant son, Charlotte must finally break the curse on Stillwater Mill.

Based on the woollen industries of Britain and America during the late 1700’s, the author includes a lot of historical research and detail in her story which gives it depth and authenticity, this mixed with the magical portions have produced a very readable story. The author builds the tension slowly. What at first appears to be country superstition soon develops into a full blown evil curse. Her characters are well defined, from the girls slimy uncle to Charlottes almost too-good-to-be-true husband. I found Charlotte to be a little abrasive and too prone to doing things herself. I would have liked for her sister Rosie to have had a larger role.

I enjoyed this book but wonder whether I will remember much about it as time goes by. However, during the reading, A Curse As Dark As Gold struck all the right notes and took one of the darker fairytales and produced a complex story full of light, love and magic.

Congratulations on completing both Bingo cards! How do you put the "stamps" on the squares?

Congrats on the bingo cards Judy. I noticed Megan Abbott has written her last few books about teenage girls. Is she moving away from noir or just taking a break?

#177 by @DeltaQueen50> I really liked The Picasso Scam as well, and like you, liked that the real life of detectives, not being able to spend 100 percent of their time on any case, was highlighted and that sometimes it takes awhile to get to the point where a case is solved.

And Charlie is an interesting guy.

>231 VivienneR: Vivienne, I keep a copy of the Bingo Cards at my Photobucket account and then using their editing program I add the stickers. I had a bit of a problem the last month or so as for some reason the stars and hearts disappeared from the sticker selection so I had to use some other stickers.

>232 luvamystery65: Hi Roberta, I don't know if Megan Abbott is going to do any more noir books, but I sure hope so! I haven't read any of her newer books, but I know Mark read Dare Me and he seemed to quite like it. I think her books aimed at the younger market may be more successful than her noir ones were as probably they appeal to a broader market, but her noirs are so good perhaps she'll go back to them eventually.

>233 majkia: Hi Jean, on the one hand I could kick myself that I overlooked the few Charlie Priest books that have been sitting on my shelves for such a long time, but on the other, I am so happy to have found a new British Police Procedural series that really caught my interest with the first book.

Congratulations on completing not one, but both of your Bingo cards!

Judy, Abbott's books may now focus on teenage girls but they are very much not written for that market. They are just as dark and "noir", just with a different focus. Try one of them. So far they have all been excellent.

>236 RidgewayGirl: Kay which of the teenage Abbott books would recommend to start with?

>236 RidgewayGirl: glad to hear that she's still noir as I was wondering if she'd completely changed her genre. She's appearing at our little mystery book shop this week and I'm planning on going.

Dare Me is the one that pushed her onto the bestseller lists. And it's really good. I haven't yet read The Fever, as I'm still waiting for my copy to arrive from The Book Depository.

>235 lkernagh: Thanks Lori, the best part of completing them is the 22 books (two still to go) that I have "gifted" myself for each bingo line. The weather has cleared up this afternoon and it looks like we are in for some warm weather for the holiday.

>236 RidgewayGirl: I'm looking forward to trying one of her newer books, Kay. I have Dare Me on my Kindle so the wait won't be too long.

>238 mstrust: OMG, I am a huge fan of hers. If you get a chance tell her that she has quite the following here on LT! :)

>239 RidgewayGirl: I have noted that The Fever is getting very good reviews, and it looks really good as well.

Hi Judy! I've (obviously) finally found my way to your thread. While reading through it I thought of may things to comment on, but I suspect now that I'm typing I'll forget more than a few!

Happy belated Thingaversary!

I'm almost finished with my reread of The Nonesuch which I adore - I'm so glad it's one of your favorites! I've always intended to read The Postman Always Rings Twice, but never seem to pick it up. I'll definitely get to it sooner. By the way, have you ever read Laura? I'm thinking I may try to fit it in this month for noir....

I haven't tried any of Joe Abercrombie's books, but I'll be looking out for them now. I've got Cress out from the library now. I just hope I remember enough of Scarlet to get by. Cinder I recall clearly enough.

I'm a fan of Margery Allingham, but I prefer Dorothy Sayers and Ngaio Marsh. I suspect you'll enjoy The Nine Tailors, even though there's no Harriet.

My reaction to The Dressmaker was about the same as your - mixed feelings.

Well, I was going to comment on a few more things, but this will have to do for the moment.

Thanks for welcoming me back to LT!

Happy belated Thingaversary from me too! Great haul!

>241 Dejah_Thoris: - Hi Dejah, I read Laura last year and I loved it, I think you will too. And yes, The Postman Always Rings Twice is well worth picking up! I'm hoping to get to Cress in September or October, I quite enjoyed the first two of this trilogy with, Scarlet getting the bigger nod. I haven't read Ngaio Marsh yet although I do have a couple of hers on the shelf. Everytime I reach for her I seem to get sidetracked.

>242 -Eva-: Thanks, Eva. You know how it is, any excuse to buy a book!

I've snuck away from family duties for a bit of me time, and will use it in setting up a new thread.

New thread is up and running, please come join me.