VivienneR in Christie's Footsteps - Part 2

 
Ashfield, Christie's birthplace & Greenway, a later home used in Five Little Pigs, Towards Zero, and Dead Man’s Folly

I've been a fan of Agatha Christie since I was in my pre-teen years and I've always been fascinated by her travels.

Christie never fell into the trap of setting too many murders in one location, thus avoiding potshots from critics about the spot being a very dangerous place to live. Instead, she used her fondness for large country homes and typical English villages, as well as personal travel experiences to provide backdrops for her stories.

No targets, I'll be reading whatever jumps off the shelf - and probably a few shiny new books. I plan to include as many CATs as possible, and Bingo of course.

I can also be found over at the Club Read group

Mysteries inspired by some of the grand homes Christie used

  
Bertram’s Hotel from At Bertram’s Hotel, Gossington Hall from The Body in the Library, and Styles Court from The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Shatter the bones by Stuart MacBride

The Chessmen by Peter May

Pretense by John Di Frances

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Some lie and some die by Ruth Rendell

Aftermath by Peter Robinson

The Breakdown by B.A. Paris

A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths

Cross by Ken Bruen

Golden Age & Cozy Mysteries

  
Chipping Cleghorn in A Murder is Announced, King’s Abbott in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and an artist's idea of Miss Marple's cottage at St Mary Mead

Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie

The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie

A Likely Story by Jenn McKinley

The golden tresses of the dead by Alan Bradley

Fiction

  
Many were set in London, such as Hickory Dickory Dock, Third Girl, Elephants Can Remember

The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller

The Shrimp and the Anemone by L.P. Hartley

Summer of '69 by Todd Strasser

The truth and lies of Ella Black by Emily Barr

The sixth heaven by L.P. Hartley

Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O'Neill

Non-fiction and biography


Iraq and Syria were the settings in Come, Tell Me How You Live

The Professor and the Madman: a tale of murder, insanity, and the making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Mozart's brain and the fighter pilot by Richard M. Restak

Thinking like a mountain by Robert Bateman

In Other Words: How I Fell in Love with Canada One Book at a Time by Anna Porter

Blowing the bloody doors off and other lessons in life by Michael Caine

Operation Mincemeat: the true spy story that changed the course of World War II by Ben Macintyre

Faraway places, Canada, and translations

  
An Orient Express suite from Murder on the Orient Express, the golf links at Deauville from Murder on the Links, and Frankfurt from Passenger to Frankfurt

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

Sidetracked by Henning Mankell

Homes: a refugee story by Abu Bakr al Rabeeah

The Lost Man by Jane Harper

Blood Ties: A Cedric O'Toole Mystery by Barbara Fradkin

History and historical

  
Egypt in Death Comes as the End, Jerusalem & Jordon in Appointment With Death, and Mesopotamia & Baghdad in Murder in Mesopotamia

The Janissary tree by Jason Goodwin

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters

Death of an Effendi by Michael Pearce

Troy by Adèle Geras

Off the beaten track A catch-all for books that don't fit anywhere else.

  
St Honoré from A Caribbean mystery, Smuggler’s Island from Evil Under the Sun, and Soldier Island from And Then There Were None

Never hit a jellyfish with a spade: how to survive life's smaller challenges by Guy Browning

Lost words: a spell book by Robert MacFarlane, illustrated by Jackie Morris

Great job, Mom! by Holman Wang

What are you doing, Benny? by Cary Fagan and Kady Macdonald Denton

Stonehenge: sun moon wandering stars by Michael W. Postins

AlphaKIT

  
Andover, Bexhill-on-Sea, and Churston from The ABC Murders

January: Q & A: Queenpin by Megan Abbott
February: K & O: On writing: a memoir of the craft by Stephen King
March: U & L: Into the beautiful north by Luis A. Urrea
April: B & M: Milkman by Anna Burns
May: H & V: Death of a Valentine by M.C. Beaton
                Hamlet by Shakespeare
June: J & D: Death of an expert witness by P.D. James
July: C & P
August: N & I
September: F & W
October: G & T
November: S & Y
December: E & R
Year-long X & Z

CATs


Meadowbank School for Girls from Cat Among the Pigeons

I may not read in all of the CATegories every month. These titles are included in my categories above.

CalendarCAT
January 26th, Burns Night: The Black Book by Ian Rankin
January 1st, Polar Bear Swim Day: The Healer by Antti Tuomainen
February 5th, Chinese New Year: Flower net by Lisa See
February: 10th & 14th: (Grammy Awards & Valentine's Day): I think I love you by Allison Pearson
March 8, International Women's Day: Best of Women's Short Stories 3
March 17th, St Patrick's Day: The Secret Place by Tana French
March 27th, Joe Day (Joe Sandilands series): The Last Kashmiri Rose by Barbara Cleverly
April: Ordeal by innocence by Agatha Christie
April 26th, Hug an Australian Day: Thirty-three teeth by Colin Cotterill
May 25th, Jazz Day: Solo Hand by Bill Moody
June: The Blackwater lightship by Colm Tóibín

SeriesCAT
January - In translation: Rounding the mark by Andrea Camilleri
March - Favourite author: Cold is the Grave by Peter Robinson
June - Series complete: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

TBR-CAT
January - Last in, first out: Divisadero by Michael Ondaatje
February - Borrowed: A room full of bones by Elly Griffiths
June - Bullet: Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce

RandomCAT
January - Your name in print: Vivienne - Gently Where She Lay by Alan Hunter
February - We need a break: Paris for one and other stories by JoJo Moyes
March - Brexit: This was a Man by Jeffery Archer
April - Tournament of Books: Circe by Madeline Miller
May - I could have danced all night: High Plains Tango by Robert James Waller
June - Pick a card: Priest by Ken Bruen

BingoDOG


Dumb Witness featured Bob, a wire-haired terrier. The book was dedicated to Christie's own dog, Peter, of the same breed.



1. Where Angels Fear to Tread by E.M. Forster
3. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
6. The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
9. The Boy in the suitcase by Lene Kaaberbøl
10. The Children's Homer: the adventures of Odysseus and the tale of Troy by Padraic Colum
11. The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout
13. Something in the water by Catherine Steadman
15. Winter Chill by Jon Cleary
16. Best of Women's Short Stories 2
17. The boy in the striped pyjamas by John Boyne
18. The cat who came in from the cold: a fable by J. Moussaieff Masson
19. Point Blanc: the graphic novel by Anthony Horowitz, Antony Johnston, & illustrations by Kanako & Yusuru
24. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

The new thread is open for business.

Happy new thread! It's nice to revisit the locations...

Happy new thread! I enjoyed revisiting the Christie place photos, particularly the British ones.

Happy new thread!

Happy New Thread!

Happy new thread! So many wonderful pics of Christie locations!

Happy New Thread! Looks like you've had some good reads so far. And what else do you have a miscellaneous category for if not to put a book with a title like that in it!

Happy new thread!

Thank you everyone! It was my second try, the first time I forgot to use the "continued" feature.

Happy new thread, Vivienne! Lovely to revisit your category pictures.

Happy new thread! That picture of Bob is gorgeous!

>21 lkernagh: & >22 Jackie_K: Thank you! This is the earliest I've ever had to continue a thread. It says a lot for Christie - and Bob!

Fiction

The Shrimp and the Anemone by L.P. Hartley (Vol 1, Eustace and Hilda trilogy)

This is the first volume in the trilogy Eustace and Hilda about two Edwardian children living in a southern English town described as a health resort. Written in the 1940s, the setting has the nostalgic air of an earlier time (at one point nurse mentions "that's the fourth motor car I've seen in the last two weeks"). Nine year old Eustace is a gentle boy with health problems who is dominated by his beloved twelve year old sister Hilda. She persuades - or more accurately, orders him to overcome his fright and befriend an elderly neighbour in a wheelchair. It is no surprise that he becomes fond of the old woman and enjoys her company, with surprising results.

I loved the glorious writing that appears simple while offering much to think about. Although a trilogy, the three volumes are usually regarded and published as one book, which mine is. I can't wait to get to the next two parts.

I'm calling it a day (month?) for February reading. I didn't get as much read as I planned, but then, it was a short month.

February Summary:

Mysteries
The Chessmen by Peter May 4.5★

Golden Age & Cozy Mysteries
The secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie 3.5★

Fiction
The Shrimp and the anemone by L.P. Hartley

Non-fiction & Biography
Mozart's brain and the fighter pilot by Richard M. Restak 4★
Thinking like a mountain by Robert Bateman 2★

Faraway places, Canada, translations
Sidetracked by Henning Mankel translated by Stephen T. Murray 4★

History & historical
The Janissary tree by Jason Goodwin 3.5★

Off the beaten track - a catch all
Never hit a jellyfish with a spade: how to survive life's smaller challenges by Guy Browning 3.5★

AlphaKit - K & O
On writing: a memoir of the craft by Stephen King 4★

CalendarCAT
Chinese New Year: Flower Net by Lisa See 3★
Grammy Awards & Valentine's Day: I think I love you by Allison Pearson 3.5★

SeriesCAT - Children's
Nothing here, move along!

TBR-CAT - Borrowed
A room full of bones by Elly Griffiths 4★

RandomCAT - We need a break
Paris for one and other stories by JoJo Moyes 3.5★

BingoDog
Weather in the title: Winter Chill by Jon Cleary 3.5★
Fairy story or Fable: The cat who came in from the cold: a fable by J. Moussaieff Masson 3★

Read in February: 15
Year to date: 29

Happy new thread, Vivienne. After scanning all the opening pictures and info, I had a strong desire to read Agatha Christie!

>26 DeltaQueen50: Thank you, Judy. Since starting this thread I've realized Agatha Christie is much more popular here on LT than I thought.

>27 VivienneR: And a good thing, too, as she is one of the few vintage mystery writers whose books are still readily available. :)

SeriesCAT - Favourite author

This one filled this month's CATegory very well with 4.5 stars!

Cold is the Grave by Peter Robinson

Full of surprises, this page-turner is one to keep the reader up late. It is a complex mystery without being convoluted, enough twists to keep the interest level without getting too bewildering or inconceivable. The outcome was a surprise but it fit completely without being forced. I've enjoyed all Robinson's Inpector Banks books, maybe this one more than the others. Enjoyed Annie Cabbot's presence in this one too, as well as all the references to music that had me checking my own collection.

BingoDog

graphic novel: Point Blanc: the graphic novel by Anthony Horowitz, Antony Johnston, & illustrations by Kanako & Yusuru

Following Stormbreaker, the first in the Alex Rider series, this continues the story of the 14-year-old schoolboy now living a double life. Like a teenage James Bond, he is sent to infiltrate an exclusive school in the French Alps for MI6, the UK's Secret Intelligence Service. The owner of the school has taken control of the boys by cloning them and intends to take over the world. Will Alex be able to get out before Dr Grief clones him too? The Bond-style gizmos provided by Smithers are the most fun. I loved this action-packed spy story from Horowitz (famous for Foyle's War tv series) and Antony Johnston, enhanced by the vivid art of Kanako and Yuzuru, two Japanese sisters who collaborate on every illustration. Terrific read!

>29 VivienneR: I'm not that far into the series, but it sounds like that one is a real winner!

Morning, Vivienne! Just wondering if you've checked out two new Christies. Netflix has added "Agatha Christie and the Truth of Murder" (may have screwed that title up), which I really enjoyed. Also, Amazon added a three part series of The A.B.C. Murders with John Malkovich as Poirot. It's a very, very dark version of the story.

>31 thornton37814: Could be that I'm a real fan! I watched the tv series years ago and delayed reading because I knew the plots. Enough time has passed now that I can catch up. I'm very fond of his sidekick Annie Cabbot. Robinson is a Yorkshire native, living in Canada.

>32 mstrust: And a beautiful morning made better with your visit! Thanks for the Netflix heads up, I'll investigate. I love Malkovitch. Now get back to your gorgeous diamonds before somebody fills their pockets!

I really liked the movie about Christie from Netflix. So did my husband.

>32 mstrust: Thanks again. I'm going to put a note in the suggestion box at the library for the Malkovich series. They usually buy suggestions.

>34 hailelib: We watched and enjoyed it too. Thanks to >32 mstrust: or I may have missed it.

Golden Age & Cozy Mysteries

A Likely Story by Jenn McKinley

I've had this cozy mystery on the shelf for a while. Not my cup of tea.

>36 VivienneR: Not my favorite series. I've only read the first three though, and at the rate I crawl through that series, it's likely to be awhile before I get to it. I liked the first two better than the third one though.

>37 thornton37814: My copy was an oddball I picked up at a booksale. I just found there wasn't enough of the "mystery" factor.

>35 VivienneR: You're very welcome! I like that there are new Christie versions to explore.

>38 VivienneR: I think a lot of cozies are getting to be that way. I'm reading an ARC of one of the Dorothy Martin series set in the UK. Right now I feel like I'm reading a quaint British village book or maybe a tourist's guide to odd bits of English history and terminology. No corpse, and I'm around a third of the way into it.

>40 thornton37814: I read it mainly to boost my "Golden Age & Cozy" category that was looking pretty sparse. I guess I'll stay mainly with golden age mysteries.

"No corpse, and I'm around a third of the way" - oh, that's disappointing! I hope you find one soon. :)

>41 VivienneR: I've got some that are sparse at the moment, but they'll get there. I didn't set targets for the categories but I want at least 5 in each (except the abandoned one which I want to be as small as possible). I am just shy of halfway through and still no corpse; however, a sword is missing. I guess that's an improvement.

>42 thornton37814: It sounds so bloodthirsty to expect a mystery to be about murder, but theft (even of a sword) doesn't quite cut it in mystery fiction. I hope your corpse shows up soon. :)

>42 thornton37814: - In agreement that the corpse had better show up soon! Hopefully they don't try to cram a whole bunch of dead bodies into the last half.

>43 VivienneR: >44 LittleTaiko: The corpse did finally show up around or a little after the halfway point. I think this one will only have one corpse.

>45 thornton37814: Yay! I hope you are enjoying the story, despite the tardy corpse.

>46 VivienneR: They are all quite pleasant books, but the author needs to decide if she wants to write mysteries or village stories. I think the book would have been far more effective to start with Alan and Dorothy visiting their friend who just discovered the missing dagger. I rated it low because of that. I still enjoyed it.

Fiction

This was my December Early Reviewer snag.

Summer of '69 by Todd Strasser

The sixties are spoken of so often that we think we know, or remember, what life was like. To many they represent the halcyon days of youth but for Lucas Baker and his friends they were not so idyllic or carefree but filled with uncertainty. With his long hair he is regarded as a hippie to be scorned or threatened by more traditional types, and handles things badly if he happens to be tripping on acid, which is often. Just out of high school, he applied to one college to be near his girlfriend but failed to secure a place there, too late to apply to another. That makes him draft material, and Vietnam looms.

Strasser captured the essence of 1969 when a new generation was beginning to evolve and wield their influence. He illustrated the difference between this new crop of kids and their parents, many of whom were WWII veterans, proud of what they accomplished in that war and since. This was a different kind of war, made obvious in the graphic letters from a friend in 'Nam. And when they returned - if they returned - veterans were not revered as the older generation had been in '45. Young men like Lucas were constantly thinking about being drafted and seeking alternatives such as an illegal move to Canada, self-harm, or any weird thing that would make the army turn them down. Lucas often considered cutting off a finger and stopped eating in an attempt to appear too scrawny to fight. His frequent drug use and long hair didn't endear him to anyone - except perhaps the reader. And his straight girlfriend Robin was one of those who were not impressed. When she is away at camp his letters to her are full of undying love and promises to cut his drug use, while hers are what amount to Dear Johns. All the while he is being seriously tempted by Tinsley, a proponent of free love. The culmination of the story was Lucas and Tinsley at Woodstock, related vividly through the author's first hand participation.

Strasser held my interest throughout and I enjoyed this return to 1969, although living in the UK gave me a different experience of life than what Lucas had. Our current teenagers, another generational shift, would probably enjoy this account of an iconic year even more.

RandomCAT - Brexit

This was a Man by Jeffery Archer

This is the 7th and final volume in the Clifton Chronicles - an exceptional culmination to an exceptional series. The story follows the Clifton family from early 20th century to the Thatcher era. Archer's personal life has given him the information necessary to write knowledgeably about politics, aristocracy, and high-powered business. Combined with his remarkable writing talent, the series is nothing less than addictive. It was a nice touch to have Harry Clifton writing his last novel that he titled Heads You Win, actually the title of Archer's latest novel. And I loved Lady Virginia's intricate unprincipled dealings.

It is recommended to read the series in order, the books are not standalones.

>49 VivienneR: I've read them all but this one and it's waiting on my ereader! I, too, thought it was exceptional. I know Archer is a scoundrel, but he knows of what he writes!

>50 Tess_W: Agreed, and he writes about scoundrels so well too! There was a little blip at the end (you will know it when you come to it) that helped keep my rating at 4.5 stars, but it was terrific, as expected.

Non-fiction & Biography

In Other Words: How I Fell in Love with Canada One Book at a Time by Anna Porter

Arriving in Canada in 1968, Anna Porter managed to secure a job with McClelland & Stewart, a publisher aiming to whip up interest in Canadian authors. In this chatty memoir she describes her experiences with writers like Leonard Cohen, Pierre Berton (Poo Bear), Margaret Laurence, Margaret Atwood and countless others. Porter was in at the beginning of many books, helping the authors personally with publicity and encouragement throughout the process. And she has much to say about the flamboyant Jack McClelland who said he published authors, not books. Eventually in 1980 Porter started Key Porter Books. This is a delightful warmhearted memoir celebrating her achievements and that of many memorable Canadian authors. The perfect opportunity to learn more about them.

>52 VivienneR: That's a BB for me!

>53 rabbitprincess: My eagle-eyed husband brought it home from the library for me last week. It had just landed on the "new book" shelf.

(Strange that your post number didn't increase. It might have been because I went back to correct a typo at the same time you posted.)

>

Summer of '69 sounds good but I don't know if I want to relive that year!

>55 hailelib: Sometimes the past is better just left where it is. :)

CalendarCAT

Best of Women's Short Stories 3

Ten excellent stories by Wilkie Collins, Edith Wharton, Louisa May Alcott, Sabine Baring-Gould, Marcel Proust, and Katherine Mansfield. However, not quite as good as volume 2. Outstanding narration by Juliet Stevenson, Harriet Walter, and others.

I was intrigued by Perilous Play by Louisa May Alcott, where a group of socialites get together to enjoy hashish bonbons. Rose (one of the characters said to be based on Alcott) tries the hashish because "I hoped it would make me soft and lovable, like other women. I'm tired of being a lonely statue." It ends with her love interest declaring, "Heaven bless hashish if its dreams end like this!" Her accurate description of the effects suggests Alcott a familiarity with the drug. Alcott scholar Madeline Stern states that at the time it was freely available at six cents a stick.

CalendarCAT - St Patrick's Day

The Secret Place by Tana French

As much of a character study as a mystery, French can really get inside the heads of both detectives and schoolgirls. The silent interpersonal skirmishes between detectives Stephen Moran and Antoinette Conroy are as eloquent as the over-the-top rivalry among attention-seeking teen suspects. Although the investigation takes place at a girls boarding school in a single day, with some flashbacks, it's a doorstop of a book and could have done with some trimming. French has proved herself to be an excellent writer but parts of this book didn't win my heart: I didn't see the point in the supernatural elements and the "teenspeak" was just too prolific. Still, even with those criticisms this was another great novel from Tana French.

CalendarCAT March 27, Joe Day

The Last Kashmiri Rose by Barbara Cleverly

This was Cleverly's first novel and maybe that was the reason I determined who the perpetrator was (or who I wanted it to be) quite early. The reasoning was trickier but she pulled it off with the help of Scotland Yard detective Joe Sandilands. I love the era and setting of the British Raj and Cleverly did a great job of taking the reader to 1920s India.

I've read Cleverly's Laetitia Talbot mysteries, but this was my first Joe Sandilands and I intend to keep reading.

>59 VivienneR: - It's been a couple of years since I read one in this series, which I do enjoy. Thanks for the reminder that I should try to fit the next one into my reading schedule. How was the Talbot series? I have one on my TBR although not the first one.

>60 dudes22: I enjoyed what I read of the Talbot series although I've completely forgotten titles and they were read out of order (no LT to guide me then). I liked this series better. Joe Sandilands as a character isn't perfect but I have a feeling he'll get better. I thought she captured the era well.

>59 VivienneR: I enjoyed that one! Glad to see you liked it too. I've read several in the series, but I didn't realize there were more than 4 so I guess I have a few more to read!

>62 thornton37814: Lori, it was a refreshing change of plot, not one I've come across before. I loved the setting. It reminded me of that series Indian Summers that was broadcast on PBS a couple of years ago.

A five-star read for:

Off the beaten track - a catch all

Lost words: a spell book by Robert MacFarlane, illustrated by Jackie Morris

This oversize book is simply gorgeous. In a recent edition of the Oxford Junior Dictionary, some words related to nature were dropped in favour of words like blog, attachment, broadband, and bullet-point.

To have words from the natural world lost to the language of children only to be replaced by those of a virtual world is a concern. MacFarlane has taken some of these lost words, spelled them out in poetry to be read aloud and conjured back into memory and the mind.

The illustrations by Jackie Morris are magnificent, a perfect match for MacFarlane's poetry. This is a book that will be appreciated by all ages and will be read over and over again.

As flake is to blizzard, as

Curve is to sphere, as knot is to net, as

One is to many, as coin is to money, as
bird is to flock, as

Rock is to mountain, as drop is to fountain, as
spring is to to river, as glint is to glitter, as

Near is to far, as wind is to weather, as
feather is to flight, as light is to star, as
kindness is to good, so acorn is to wood.

>64 VivienneR: We bought this book for our daughter (well, for all of us really). It really is beautiful. I follow both Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris on twitter, their feeds are a delight.

>64 VivienneR: I bought this after seeing an exhibition of the images. I really must ge around to reading it, not just stroking it...

>65 Jackie_K: I'm pretty sure you put me on to Robert MacFarlane books, and if that is correct you have my thanks. I have another title on hold at the library but it's still "on order". This one was truly fabulous. I loved the poetry that perfectly corresponded with the word as well as the entire message of the book.

>66 Helenliz: It's such a beautiful book, it deserves lots of stroking. I might just have to buy a copy of my own or the library copy will be on permanent loan to me.

AlphaKit - U & L

Into the beautiful north by Luis A. Urrea

A beautiful story of the search for seven "magnificent" men (like the movie) to protect a Mexican village where most of the men have gone to the U.S. leaving it at the mercy of criminals in the drug trade. Nayeli and her friends bravely set off for the U.S. to find and bring the seven back to Mexico. I thought this would be a sad tale but although there are moments of anguish and misery there is much lighthearted humour to lift the spirits. Recommended highly.

>68 VivienneR: - Definitely a book bullet for me. I read The House of Broken Angels earlier in the year and found it quite compelling and have been interested in reading more by him.

>68 VivienneR: Thank you for the reminder that I really do need to read more Urrea, because I loved the two of his I've read.

>69 LittleTaiko: I just checked the library catalogue and found a couple more books by Urrea. I will definitely read more by him.

>70 RidgewayGirl: I've had Into the beautiful North for some time, I'm just sorry I didn't read it sooner. What a great writer!

Hi Vivienne, I just checked and I have Into the Beautiful North on my Kindle so instead of a book bullet, you've given me a little push to bring this one forward. :)

>72 DeltaQueen50: I'm glad to be of help, Judy.

Mysteries

Pretense by John Di Frances

Two European prime ministers have been skillfully executed while the assassins are able to stay one step ahead of an elite international investigation team. It's not that it's a bad story but it's spoiled by the wooden writing that tries, and fails, to suggest action and speed. Given the style there is little in the way of character development. The ending was disappointing because this is only the first book of a trilogy and obviously the story is continued there. I have no intention of reading further. A generous two stars.

BingoDog: Made into a movie

The boy in the striped pyjamas by John Boyne

The book and movie have been around for several years but this was my first experience of the story. Bruno, the camp commandant's son, finds a friend on the other side of the fence. I believe in 9-year-old Bruno's naiveté that is questioned by some, after all, the entire world was just as ignorant. This is a powerful, moving novel, unforgettable right to the tragic end.

>75 VivienneR: I was not convinced by Bruno. Not his unknowing off the fate of the jews, that was entirely believable. It was that he didn't come across as being a consistent age. At times with the language used he sounded a lot younger than his years and at others older. It wasn't the story that didn't convince me, it was the main character. It was good, and probably a very good book for it's target agegroup as an introduction to the issue. But I wasn't convinced it worked entirely for me.

Helen, there were a few times I thought that too, then I remembered my 9-year-old self and it seemed more believable. I loved drawing maps but like Bruno, I doubt that I knew the location of Poland. I knew what a jail was, but the only time I'd ever seen one was in a cowboy movie where the prisoner was guarded by a sheriff.

BingoDog - Children's book

The Children's Homer: the adventures of Odysseus and the tale of Troy by Padraic Colum

An undemanding and entertaining version of Homer.

Non-fiction & Biography

Blowing the bloody doors off and other lessons in life by Michael Caine

Actors' biographies or memoirs don't usually interest me, but Caine's memoir is unpretentious, self-effacing and light-hearted throughout, a pleasure to read. There is no resting on laurels or blowing his horn, he recognizes exactly what he is, a cockney lad who was lucky enough to find his passion. Now in his 85th year, he looks back on his life and shares the lessons he learned. Wise and funny at the same time, his voice is evident on every page.

The title comes from a bit of acting advice for stage actors on a film set. On stage they need to be big and loud, but screen actors must be more restrained: "Don't blow up the whole car. You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off."

>79 VivienneR: It is also one of the most famous lines from the file The Italian Job, which Caine delivers.
I do object to autobiographies written by 30 somethings. I suspect I could forgive Caine writing his at 85.

I'm sure Caine has had a pretty remarkable life off-screen. I had no idea he was 85, even though he was famous before I was born. I guess he's one of those ageless people to me.

>80 Helenliz: I remember that line in The Italian Job! And I agree about the 30 somethings writing autobiographies. Caine has worked with everybody so he has a lot of stories to tell, mostly about how they perform.

>81 mstrust: He said he was approached by someone in a restaurant who exclaimed "I thought you were about a hundred!" A back-handed compliment if ever there was one. I've always thought of him as a really pleasant guy, and that's exactly what he is.

I read What's It All About, a previous autobiography/memoir, and loved it. He was just a kid when he wrote it though, in his fifties iI think.

>83 clue: I remember a time in the UK when a working class kid was unlikely to become a famous movie star. He has accomplished so much more. I didn't know he had written an earlier memoir. I just found this one on the "new books" shelf at the library.

"Just a kid" :)

Mysteries

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

I'm not going to review this psychological thriller because I've no idea where to start without spoiling some part of it. It's a real page-turner and uses a plot that I haven't come across before in all my years of reading mysteries. I love getting a nice surprise like that. 4.5 stars - maybe it should be a 5 but I'll keep that in hand for Michaelides next book, which I hope is soon.

A great end to March.

March Summary
Read in March: 16
Year to Date: 45

Mysteries
Pretense by John Di Frances 2★
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides 4.5★

Golden Age & Cozy Mysteries
A Likely Story by Jenn McKinley 2★

Fiction
Summer of '69 by Todd Strasser 4★

Non-fiction & Biography
In Other Words: How I Fell in Love with Canada One Book at a Time by Anna Porter 4.5★
Blowing the bloody doors off and other lessons in life by Michael Caine 4★

Off the beaten track - a catch all
Lost words: a spell book by Robert MacFarlane, illustrated by Jackie Morris 5★ ❤️

AlphaKit - U & L
Into the beautiful north by Luis A. Urrea 4.5★

CalendarCAT
The Secret Place by Tana French 4★
The Last Kashmiri Rose by Barbara Cleverly 4★
Best of Women's Short Stories 3 3.5★

SeriesCAT - Favourite author
Cold is the Grave by Peter Robinson 4.5★

RandomCAT - Brexit
This was a Man by Jeffery Archer 4.5★

BingoDog
Children's: The Children's Homer: the adventures of Odysseus and the tale of Troy by Padraic Colum 4★
Made into a movie: The boy in the striped pyjamas by John Boyne 4.5★
Graphic novel: Point Blanc: the graphic novel by Anthony Horowitz, Antony Johnston, & illustrations by Kanako & Yusuru 4★

>85 VivienneR: - I've had books like that where I don't know what to say without giving something away. I usually figure if it's on the book flap or back, it's ok. Then I sound like a book flap.

ETA: I went to fantasticfiction to check out what it's about, and, no surprise, I'm taking a BB for this. Just put myself on the hold list at the library. If I get it in time, I could use it for the Alpha Kit this month.

That's a ringing endorsement of The Silent Patient. I'll keep my eye out for a copy.

>87 dudes22: I made a couple of stabs at a review but in each sentence I gave a spoiler of sorts. I wasn't sure if it was noticeable to me because I'd read it, or if someone who was just starting would notice. In the end I didn't have time to choose my words with enough care so gave up. I considered quoting the book flap.

"Then I sound like a book flap" made me smile.

>88 RidgewayGirl: It's Michaelides' debut novel. I hope he's able to keep it up.

BingoDog - Alliterative title

The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout

Strout is able to get right to the nitty gritty of human frailties and in this book she is right on top of her game. It might have been the wrong time to read this, but for some reason it just didn't hold my interest as much as other books by Strout.

>75 VivienneR: This is indeed a powerful book. Our parent/child book club read this book years ago, and I still remember the effect it had on my daughter and myself.

>91 mathgirl40: I can imagine the impact, Paulina. We know so much more about the horrors of the camps than what Boyne described yet he said it all.

>85 VivienneR: Love psychological thrillers, so this is a BB for me!

>93 Tess_W: I have to admit psychological thrillers are not my first choice but this book might be the one to change that. I hope you enjoy it.

Faraway places, Canada, translations

Homes: a refugee story by Abu Bakr al Rabeeah

Abu Bakr is an appealing boy whose family moved to Syria in 2010 when life became too dangerous for Sunnis in Shi'a dominated Iraq. When civil war erupts in Syria, his happy life shared with cousins and filled with the normal activities of a 10 year old is punctuated by gunfire, bombs and incessant danger. Somehow soccer, prayer, happy Friday night rituals mingle with the horrors of war to become part of life.

Eventually the family are delighted to be accepted as refugees by Canada and after a long journey arrive in Edmonton, Alberta. There are many difficulties to be faced in the new country too. He was introduced to a translation app to help communicate the briefest conversation. My heart went out to Abu Bakr and his family. The reader is happy that they found a safe haven, but we are reminded of the many who are still seeking refuge. When he told the story of his past to teacher Winnie Yeung, she offered to write it for him. His young voice comes through clearly in this captivating story about his family and his life.

>95 VivienneR: That's a BB for me. It sounds both hopeful and heartbreaking.

>96 Jackie_K: It describes a lot about the immigrant/refugee experience, Jackie. This is a nice, caring, ordinary family - not the usual story we read in the media. Well worth reading.

CalendarCAT

Ordeal by innocence by Agatha Christie

I read this a long time ago and the solution was just coming back to me as I reached it. One of Agatha's lesser known novels (if such a thing exists), but still enjoyable.

RandomCAT April- Tournament of Books

Circe by Madeline Miller

Before reading this, my knowledge of the Greek myths consisted of bits and pieces that I had to fit together like a jigsaw in my mind. Miller has not only put them all the characters in context for me, but produced a narrative that flows beautifully. The story of Circe, daughter of Helios the sun god, has been retold in a way no one else has ever achieved. Like Miller's Song of Achilles, I can recommend this one heartily.

CalendarCAT - April 26, Hug an Australian Day

Thirty-three teeth by Colin Cotterill

Having thirty three teeth, as Buddha had, indicates being born as a bridge to the spirit world. Turns out, Dr Siri also has the requisite number giving him mystic connections. This is a delightful story about the national coroner of Laos and his comrades. The mystery isn't up to much but that doesn't matter, the story is fun.

Colin Cotterill lived in Australia for a while. I read this to celebrate "Hug an Australian Day" because my Australian friend is coming to visit me next week. She will be staying for a month so my reading will be severely cut back during that time.

>100 VivienneR: I love the Dr Siri books because I really like the characters. I think I have read the first 9 books, and have another 4 to go. I have not read any of his other series (Jimm Jurree) but my sister tells me that they are good.

>101 Zozette: Cotterill certainly knows how to make a story fun! This was only my second, so I have a long way to go.

>99 VivienneR: I need to read a mythology book for May for another group. I'm not a fan of the myth at all, but will take your recommendation for one of these reads.

>100 VivienneR: lol to 33 teeth. My son ended up having 33 and boy the big bucks for dental surgeries and braces!

>99 VivienneR: I've heard nothing but good things about Circe, I'm going to have to get hold of it to see what the fuss is all about!

>103 Tess_W: I have no doubt that you will love Madeline Miller.

Ah, so there are disadvantages to having thirty-three teeth!

>104 Jackie_K: Nothing but good things, that was the reason I read it too. It's a toss-up whether I prefer The Song of Achilles or Circe, they were both excellent.

Faraway places, Canada, translations

The Lost Man by Jane Harper

Another excellent novel from Harper set on a hot, dry, dusty cattle ranch around Christmas. Harper is superb at depicting the surroundings so as to transport the reader.

I'm very grateful for this bullet from @roro8. It might be my favourite Harper novel so far.

Some lie and some die by Ruth Rendell

Wexford is an able investigator but his sidekick, Burden, is such a stuffed shirt it's surprising that he contributes anything. Rendell has a penchant for creating unpleasant suspects and this story is typical of that. 3★

AlphaKit - B & M

Milkman by Anna Burns

There is so much to say about Milkman that it would be easy to write a thesis: a perfect candidate for courageous book clubs and reading groups.

The image Burns has created is chilling when every spoken word, every gesture, quirk or mannerism can be interpreted as being on the "wrong" side. And when an innocent reputation can be sabotaged simply by having an uninvited companion from the "other side" tag along on walks. The previously insignificant woman is now regarded as a threat, with gossip and rumour enlarging the infamy. The potential retribution is frightening, all the more so because it is threatened, imagined. Burns describes a way of life that is real, as it has been for many in communities and countries held in sway or influenced by terrorist groups.

Milkman is not an easy read. It is "middle sister's" stream of consciousness account consisting of long unbroken passages, long sentences and long paragraphs. It also contains local idiom, not exactly dialect, but turns of phrase common in Northern Ireland. There are many occasions when middle sister's soliloquy induces a smile. While certainly not funny, her recovery after poisoning by tablet girl is one of those times. However challenging this innovative book is, the reward is clearly evident after reading the first few pages.

One of the interesting aspects of Burns' novel is that none of the characters are named. It was clever to give the villain the soubriquet of "milkman", a person who is often seen as an anonymous perpetrator, always around and seemingly harmless. It may be limited to Northern Ireland humour, but the child who doesn't resemble the rest of the family is jokingly attributed to the milkman.

Congratulations to Anna Burns for her well-deserved win of the Man Booker Prize with this clever, perceptive, intelligent book.

>108 VivienneR: That one is still sitting beside my couch. I'm about caught up on ARCs and am trying to not visit NetGalley so I'll read a few of these books I pulled to read.

>109 thornton37814: I'll watch out for your opinion, Lori. I'm from Northern Ireland so I understood the local stuff but I wonder how much different that will be for a reader from another country. Maybe not so much. Let me know.

>108 VivienneR: The milkman joke was in England too, Vivienne - it was well known for my generation anyway, when milkmen were still a common sight. I wonder if there's another equivalent now that you almost never see milkmen and milkfloats any more.

There was also a very very funny 'Father Ted' episode which played on the milkman joke. I loved the entire show, but I think that one may be my very favourite episode.

>111 Jackie_K: I think it must be widespread because my ears pricked up when I heard the milkman line mentioned in a movie my husband was watching and I'm pretty sure it was an American movie.

I only saw a few Father Ted episodes and don't remember that one. It was a funny show.

Category - Fiction

This was a recent Early Reviewer snag.

The truth and lies of Ella Black by Emily Barr

I have always believed that authors of YA books like to deal in harrowing topics, the more tear-jerking the better. This one opens with a scene of graphic violence against an animal which was completely unnecessary. It may have set the scene for Ella and her alter ego, Bella (a contraction of Bad Ella) but again, unnecessary to the plot. Instead, it put me off the story and my interest never caught on. I found the characters ranged from boring and silly to obnoxious. Barr scored a "miss" on this one.

BingoDog - Read a CAT

Something in the water by Catherine Steadman

Erin and Mark are enjoying a scuba diving expedition while on a luxurious honeymoon in Bora Bora when they find a bag full of money and diamonds. The decisions they make soon become complicated. They both acted remarkably foolhardy but Erin's actions especially made me want to shake some sense into her. Athough it could have been a tighter story, it was filled with suspense, a real page turner.

Happy Easter, Viv!

Thank you, Jennifer! That reminds me of the Easter treats I got as a kid. The royal icing was so sweet - and hard - that it was almost inedible, but I managed it.

Hi Vivienne. I am taking advantage of a rainy Easter Monday to get caught up with threads.

>58 VivienneR: - Great review. Not my favorite French novel and I agree with you that the story could have done with some trimming.

>85 VivienneR: - Taking a BB for the Michaelides novel.

>108 VivienneR: - I keep encountering great reviews, like this one, for Milkman. I might just have to cave and track down a copy.

>117 lkernagh: Hi Lori, nice to see you dropping by. I won't get caught up on threads until about July. Now that my Australian friend is here on a visit I've been spending very little time reading or LTing. We've been having a lot of fun though.

>112 VivienneR: Yes, the milkman joke was common in the US. Although it was known that my dad's heritage was Irish, I was the only redhead in the family and I heard that joke over and over again while I was growing up.

>111 Jackie_K: >112 VivienneR: Did someone say "Father Ted"?!
>119 clue: My sister had the same experience, as dad's hair faded to strawberry blonde and his skin tanned as he got older, leaving her the only one in the family with bright red hair and freckles. And the friend of a friend came to our house one day and made the milkman joke right in front of Mom. He wasn't invited back. :-D

>119 clue: >120 mstrust: That's hilarious. And well done, Jennifer's Mom!

My in-laws had four fair, curly-headed children, then the fifth had dark, poker straight hair. They often heard the milkman line. When I first met them I was sure that he, or his mother, would take offence, but they both shrugged it off. Tired of hearing it, I expect.

No reading has been done since my friend arrived on a visit from Australia. I'm just taking a few minutes to catch up on some threads and post my summary for April. I'll be back next week to catch up properly and begin reading again.

April Summary
Some lie and some die by Ruth Rendell 3★
The truth and lies of Ella Black by Emily Barr 1★
Homes: a refugee story by Abu Bakr al Rabeeah 4★
The Lost Man by Jane Harper 4★
Milkman by Anna Burns 5★
Thirty-three teeth by Colin Cotterill 3.5★
Ordeal by innocence by Agatha Christie 4★
Circe by Madeline Miller 4.5★
Something in the water by Catherine Steadman 4★
The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout 2.5★

Read in April: 10
Year to Date: 55

Hope you're having a wonderful visit with your friend!

>123 LittleTaiko: We had a lovely time although it was quite exhausting as visits often are. We were on the go all the time with no opportunities to just sit and read.

Golden Age & Cozy Mysteries

The golden tresses of the dead by Alan Bradley

Another excellent adventure with sleuth Flavia de Luce who is now partnering with Dogger to solve the mystery of a severed finger in her sister's wedding cake. This is the tenth in the series and I feel that the magic of the early books has faded just a little. If rumours of this being the final book in the series are true, Bradley may also have the same idea.

I took advantage of the audiobook version and listened while I was doing laundry and putting my house back to normal after my friend's visit. Jayne Entwistle does a remarkable job of portraying Flavia, although this is one series that I prefer in print.

RandomCAT - I could have danced all night

High Plains Tango by Robert James Waller

This is the third in the Bridges of Madison County series. I haven't read the first two so cannot comment on how this one compares. Waller's writing has a dreamy, flowery quality, and like the overly romantic story, it is not to everyone's taste. Carlisle McMillan, the son of of Robert Kincaid (Bridges of Madison County) is a drifter who settles down in a small town and perfectly restores an abandoned house. Carlisle's idealistic life contrasts sharply with the land speculators and developers who plan to ruin his peaceful life.

It's difficult to form an opinion of the story. The characters are either real rotters or they are unbelievably good, or beautiful, or talented, or intelligent. However, this novel has allowed Waller to bang his drum against development and destruction of nature.

In the struggle for domination, one bystander said of the standoff "It was a first-class tango."

>125 VivienneR: It's funny, but I much prefer the audio books in this one because Jayne Entwistle captures Flavia so much better than I do when I read it.

>127 thornton37814: It is odd, isn't it? In my case, the series reminds me of the first mystery books I read when I was a pre-teen. The written word takes me back more so than audio.

I noticed what appeared to be a blooper but haven't noticed anyone else mention it. When the suspiciously large amount of money was being discussed by Dogger and Flavia, she suggested the bank made a mistake by misplacing the decimal. What decimal? That was a couple of decades before pounds, shillings and pence converted to metric.

  

Fiction

The Sixth Heaven by L.P. Hartley

(Is it Hartley or Eustace who is keeping a seventh heaven in reserve?)

In this, the second part of the trilogy Eustace and Hilda, the story resumes with Eustace a languid undergraduate at Oxford and Hilda running a clinic for "crippled" children. They are invited to a weekend visit with the upper-crust Stavely family who awed Eustace, the impressionable child, on the beach of Anchorstone. Hartley conveys the delicate class distinctions that fill the weekend with anxiety. Eustace is willing to see it through if it means a liaison between Hilda and Dick Stavely who go for a distressingly prolonged plane trip. The simple yet subtle story is captivating.

Although a trilogy originally published separately between 1944 and 1947, the three volumes have been published as one book with the title Eustace and Hilda since 1958.

BingoDog - author uses middle initial

Where Angels Fear to Tread by E.M. Forster

Histrionic, arrogant characters. Forster may be forgiven for this dramatic but melancholy first novel.

My March and April Early Reviewer books arrived on the same day.

Both will go in Off the beaten track category.



Great job, Mom! by Holman Wang 5★

Not only is this a beautiful picture book featuring Mom, two children and pets, but the reader will learn the names of some jobs taken care of by Mom: carpenter, general, scientist and more. The unique illustrations are the best feature.

The part I liked best is Behind the Scenes at the end of the book that might inspire young artists. Wang shows how he makes the models, sets the scene and then photographs the results for the book's illustrations. Some are photographed with a short focal length against a real life background in his home or outdoors. The mountains on the cover are those seen from Vancouver. Five stars!



What are you doing, Benny? by Cary Fagan and Kady Macdonald Denton 4★

Benny and his little brother are two beautifully illustrated young foxes. Benny is always doing something interesting but will not let his young sibling join in - until the end of the book. I would like to have seen more positive responses from Benny although this is often how it happens with real life siblings. The colourful detailed illustrations give the characters lots of expression and make up for the lack of encouraging message in the text.

AlphaKit - V

Death of a Valentine by M.C. Beaton 3.5★

According to my catalogue I've read this one before although I hardly remember it. This time I listened to an audiobook and I enjoyed it more because of narrator Graeme Malcolm whose Scottish accent is so entertaining.

AlphaKit - H

Hamlet by Shakespeare 4★

Although not my favourite of Will's plays (that would be Macbeth), it is well worth reading. I believe this was my fourth reading of Hamlet, and I've seen it performed a few times too. Very enjoyable.

Today is my 12th Thingaversary! I'll be celebrating at the FOL booksale next weekend! I'll let you know what I buy.

>134 VivienneR: Happy Thingaversary. That's quite alot of books to bring home...

>133 VivienneR: This might sound like a stupid question but how do you go about reading a play? I've not tried since I was in school, when we used to read it aloud, different people taking different parts. Do you do voices in your head? I've not tried it and I'm not sure I know how I would go about it. Hamlet's one we did at school, still remember odd chunks of it.

>135 Helenliz: Good point! I'm beginning to hit bottom at library booksales and have begun to find a lot of my own donations. However, I ordered one book online this week and bought two kindles, so that will help!

Regarding reading plays, in the past I have just read and sort of heard the voices in my head - well, I've been able to identify the speaker. When I read Hamlet this week, I decided I'd like to hear what it is supposed to sound like while I read. So I got a free copy of Sir John Gielgud's performance (1948, I think) and listened while I simultaneously read the play. I'm not sure it made a difference, but it was worth a try.

Happy thingaversary!

Happy Thingaversary! Hope you find some good books at the FOL.

Happy Thingaversary! Looking forward to hearing of your haul.

>137 MissWatson:, >138 dudes22:, >139 AHS-Wolfy: Thank you all. Hard to believe I've been here for twelve years. It's been so much fun.

CalendarCAT - Jazz Day, May 25th

Solo Hand by Bill Moody

After enjoying one of Moody's mystery series last year I went back to the first in the series. This one takes place as world-class jazz pianist Evan Horne is recovering from an injury to his right hand leaving him unable to play but allowing him plenty of time to investigate a case of blackmail against his friend and fellow jazz musician. There is much name-dropping and casual references to familiar names in the jazz world. It's obvious Moody knows his stuff where the recording business is concerned when a royalties scam is uncovered. Evan Horne, aided by his flight attendant neighbour, Cindy, make a fine pair of investigators.

>130 VivienneR: - Your "flash review" captures Forester's story perfectly!

>142 lkernagh: Thank you, "flash review" sounds so much better than "blurb". :)

I was feeling a bit rushed and anxious to make up for the missed reading time while my friend was visiting. The book reminded me that I'd seen the movie with Helen Mirren a long time ago.

Happy Thingaversary!
>141 VivienneR: I've only read one from Moody, Looking for Chet Baker, and I keep meaning to find more from him. Thanks for the review.

>144 mstrust: Thank you, Jennifer! I think it might have been your mention of Looking for Chet Baker that introduced me to Bill Moody.

BingoDog - Featuring siblings

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

I've had this on my tbr list forever, believing that it was unread. However, as soon as I opened I immediately recognized the words. I stayed with it because a Jane Austen re-read is never a waste of reading time.

Happy Thingaversary, Vivienne. Sense and Sensiblility is the last Jane Austen book for me to read and I have been saving it for some time, I have seen the movie so I already know that I will love the story.

Thank you, Judy! I know you will love Sense and Sensibility. I have saved Mansfield Park - at least I don't think I've read it, you never know I might get another surprise like I did with S & S.

Happy Thingaversary! Glad you liked Austen.

Thank you, Tess! Austen fits so many categories and I really love that old fashioned elegant way of writing.

History & historical

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters

I just longed to get to the end of this one. Two thirds into the book I wanted to abandon it but I felt I had too much time invested in it so kept on going. What a slog!

Set in 1922 the story begins with a mother and daughter in straitened circumstances being forced to open their home to lodgers. The background of genteel poverty opens up many opportunities, after all, it's been a topic for many writers in the history of English literature, but Waters can't pull it off. The characters, are poorly developed, the writing is repetitive and overwrought, there is just too much going on and even then it's boring, especially the graphic sex element. The bloody parts were bloodier than the seriously grisly crime novel I'm reading. Far too long, it could have been cut by half and would have been improved.

What I didn't like about this book would fill pages. However, Juliet Stevenson's flawless narration raised my rating far above what it would have been if I'd read the print version.

>151 VivienneR: I've had mixed experiences with her books. Have decided that, on balance, she's not worth the effort. Which is a shame as there's usually something that makes her books sound like they should be really good.

>152 Helenliz: That's exactly how I feel, Helen! I had another on my list to pick up from the library but decided there are too many I want to read before I try another by Waters.

History & historical

Death of an Effendi by Michael Pearce

A confusing tale that would have been clearer if I was more familiar with the history and politics of 20th century Egypt. However, this political mystery set in 1909 shows that not much has changed in politics when the governments of other countries are involved.

These are the books I acquired to celebrate my 12th Thingaversary on May 23:

bought:
The Go Between by L.P. Hartley
Marcelo in the real world by Francisco X. Stork

downloaded:
The dancing floor by John Buchan

from the FOL booksale:
Catch a falling clown by Stuart Kaminsky
The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English
Fallout by Sadie Jones
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
The Way Through the Woods by Colin Dexter
The Daughters of Cain by Colin Dexter
Harbour Street by Ann Cleeves
From A to X by John Berger
The Rose Rent by Ellis Peters
A Murder of Magpies by Judith Flanders
Half a Life by V.S. Naipaul
Miguel Street by V.S. Naipaul
Saint Thomas Aquinas by G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thingaversary! Looks like some good reads!

Thank you, Tess! I'm happy with what my small haul.

Mysteries

Aftermath by Peter Robinson 2★

Had I known that this novel was inspired by an infamous Canadian crime from the 1990s I would not have read it. It annoys me when authors create stories (and make money) from recent real life crimes where individuals are still suffering. Robinson even mentions that horrific crime on more than one occasion. For this reason I find it difficult to rate this book rationally, and even more irrationally, to think kindly of Banks.

Cheap shot, Robinson.

May Summary

Not a great reading month. :(

Read this month: 13
Year to Date: 68

Aftermath by Peter Robinson 2★
Dud of the month. My review is here

The golden tresses of the dead by Alan Bradley 4★

The Sixth Heaven by L.P. Hartley 4★

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters 2.5★

Death of an Effendi by Michael Pearce 3★

Great job, Mom! by Holman Wang 5★

What are you doing, Benny? by Cary Fagan and Kady Macdonald Denton 4★

Hamlet by Shakespeare 4★

Death of a Valentine by M.C. Beaton 3.5★

Solo Hand by Bill Moody 3.5★

High Plains Tango by Robert James Waller 3★

Where Angels Fear to Tread by E.M. Forster 3★

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen 4★

Looks like a good haul of books. I have V.S. Naipaul on my list of authors I'd like to read, so looking forward to your thoughts when you get to them.

>155 VivienneR: Happy Thingaversary. What a great haul!

>155 VivienneR: Happy Thingaversary! Very excited to see Ellis Peters and G.K. Chesterton in your haul. :)

>160 dudes22:, >161 mathgirl40:, >162 christina_reads: Thank you all. I'm pretty happy with the haul too. I've just had two duds in a row (one still to be posted) and I'm hoping I've made better choices this time.

The Breakdown by B.A. Paris

This was frustrating rather than gripping. Cass worries about her forgetfulness, that she might be showing the first signs of early onset dementia like her mother, and mystery phone calls when no one speaks. After a while I got fed up every time the bloody phone rang and at every "I forgot". Elementary writing skills laced with stilted dialogue made a monotonous read. The denouement, made through the record of hundreds of texts, was a lazy way to wrap up, to say nothing of the crazy story about how the phone (with texts) was found. And who would keep such incriminating texts? All led to a predictable conclusion.

Another dud! And not the way I planned on starting a new month after the dud at the end of May.

>164 VivienneR: I know we are going to get duds now and then, but I really do hate it when there are two duds in a row!

>165 Tess_W: Yes, it felt like I was wasting good reading time! I have always enjoyed Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks series so that one was very disappointing.

ETA The good news is that one of my current books Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce is a real page turner! It kept me up to 4am reading last night.

TBR-CAT - bullet

Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce

Tyce's brilliant debut novel offers Alison, a barrister who drinks too much, has sex with a colleague, and is thrilled when she gets her first murder case. Her husband is a self-righteous psychotherapist and house-husband. The story is twisty and dark and utterly compelling. I can't relate to any of the characters, it's even difficult to find them likeable, yet the story grabbed my attention and held it to the last page. Tyce is herself a former barrister and knows her subject well. I fully expect that she is a writer with a glowing future and I'll be on the lookout for more books from her.

This book sounds great, Vivienne! Would you describe it as a thriller, or more straight fiction?

>168 NinieB: I wondered about that too. Difficult to pin down but I'd say it's a combination of suspense, mystery and thriller.

>168 NinieB: I have placed a hold at my public library! Thanks for the intriguing review!

>170 NinieB: It's difficult to write about this without giving away details. Although the protagonist is a barrister and much of the story involves her cases (one in particular) it's not the typical courtroom drama. There is murder, but again, it's not exactly a murder mystery…

I'll look forward to your opinion.

>167 VivienneR: On my wish list it goes!

It was great catching up on your thread! Your review of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas has convinced me I need to read this; I was concerned with some other reviews, but your explanation makes sense to me - thanks for that!

I also took BB's for Michael Caine's autobiography, The Silent Patient, Circe and Blood Orange (what a BB haul!).

I have also enjoyed catching up here, Vivienne. Blood Orange sounds like a book that I would love so onto the W/L it goes.

>173 LisaMorr: Looks like you hit a gold vein!

>174 DeltaQueen50: Good to see you, Judy. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more books from Harriet Tyce.

SeriesCAT - series complete

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

I read this for the first time many years ago and thought it would be interesting to read it again even though I know the solution to the mystery - it was impossible to forget. I enjoyed it just as much, maybe even more because I was able to get an idea of how Christie's ideas developed. As well, I've seen David Suchet's documentary about the Orient Express which helped visualize it better and I noticed the small, seemingly inconsequential details, like the watch hook, which really does exist, and which the victim did not use. Considering this was written in 1934 it shows considerably more talent, knowledge and style than others of the same vintage. There is no doubt Ms Christie deserves the full five stars.

For my non-fiction category I tried to listen to audiobook Lands of Lost Borders: a journey on the Silk Road by Kate Harris about her cycling trip in Asia. Unfortunately, Amy Landon's sing-song reading style with long drawn out vowels was so distracting that I couldn't follow the story. There are a few holds on the ebook but I will eventually try that instead.

>176 VivienneR: Definitely a favorite, and I enjoyed Suchet's documentary on it too. *Sigh* We'd never get a whole group of people to agree on who to kill nowadays ;-)

>178 mstrust: When my BF and I took the overnight train to Halifax a couple of years ago, I was totally making Murder on the Orient Express jokes the whole time ;)

>179 rabbitprincess: Really, you can take an overnight train to Halifax? From Montreal, or Ottawa, or . . .?

>180 NinieB: Yes, from Montreal :)

>178 mstrust: We can't get a whole group of people to agree on anything nowadays.

>179 rabbitprincess: I hope your sense of humour was appreciated. Wish I'd been there!

>182 VivienneR: Fortunately I was joking only with my BF ;)

>183 rabbitprincess: Understandably an overnight train trip opens up a lot of opportunities for Orient Express quips!

Category - Mysteries

A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths

Both Ruth and Nelson go to Blackpool for separate reasons: Nelson on a nostalgic trip to his old hometown, and to meet up with family; Ruth to find out more about a university pal who has been murdered after a significant and mysterious archaeological finding. Griffiths successfully mixed familiar characters with neo-fascists and King Arthur, set against the backdrop of Blackpool's seaside amusements. Characters continue to develop well and it looks like there may be an addition to the Norfolk crew.

One of my favourite mystery series.

AlphaKit - J & D

Death of an expert witness by P.D. James 3.5★

Although I love James' literate style, I found this one dragged a bit. Maybe I've just read too much Dalgliesh recently.

>186 VivienneR: It will be a bit before I get to that one.

BingoDog - East European author or setting

The Boy in the suitcase by Lene Kaaberbøl 2★

I don't usually read crime books where children are involved but somehow it was the "Red Cross nurse" that attracted me. I would advise her to try another career, nursing isn't something she is good at. The story was more annoying than anything else and I kept wanting to tell her to do something sensible.

I have another book in the series and I'll probably give it a try sometime, but will pearl-rule it if necessary.

>188 VivienneR: I felt the same way about The Boy in the Suitcase, Vivienne, so I didn't continue on with the series. I'll keep an eye out for how the second book strikes you.

>189 DeltaQueen50: Don't hold your breath, Judy! It might be a while before I give it a try.

RandomCAT - Pick a card, any card

Priest by Ken Bruen 4.5★

Although I enjoy the long elegant sentences from the likes of P.D. James, Ken Bruen's spare prose fizzes with spirit and fully conveys his ideas with a minimum of words. Jack Taylor is even more tortured than most fictional detectives, but he is one of my top picks, affirmed by Iain Glenn who played Jack on the tv series. Cody, his self-appointed sidekick, is a fitting partner. Bruen descibes Ireland, particularly Galway, in such a way that shows the old country alongside the prosperity and changes that have come about in recent years, all of which provides a clearer picture of the current state. He never shies away from controversial issues and here Jack's case involves a priest who abused altar boys and has been found beheaded in the confessional.

Bruen's frequent references to language, literature, and music add to Taylor's personality as well as the atmosphere of Galway.

"She raised her eyes to heaven, said, 'Once the races are over, we're in quare street.' The Irish pronounce queer as quare and it's not anything to do with Gay issues, it's purely for the sound of the word, to give it a full and resounding flavour. We love to taste the vocabulary, swill it around the mouth, let it blossom out into full bloom."

>191 VivienneR: Glad you're still enjoying the series. Only another 9 books to go until you're all caught up.

>192 AHS-Wolfy: Hi Dave! I've already put a hold on the next one. It should be in my hands next week - as if I didn't have enough on the go already!

At least they're very quick reads. He does give out plenty of BB's though and has recently started on the TV boxsets too. I might do a JT recommends category for next years challenge.

>194 AHS-Wolfy: I used to keep a notepad handy to keep track of his BBs. Great idea to do a JT category.

BingoDog - Rating of more than 4*

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh 5★

I adore Waugh's sumptuous, gracious writing and all that he expresses. Everything there is to be said about the book has been said many times. This was a re-read for me and I enjoyed it every bit as much as the first time. As an atheist, so much talk about religion and the church would normally put me off, but Waugh can keep me entranced.

>196 VivienneR: So far I've enjoyed all the Evelyn Waugh books that I have read and I recently picked up a copy of Brideshead Revisited so I am looking forward to it.

>197 DeltaQueen50: I know you will enjoy it, Judy! It's my favourite Waugh, but I'm also fond of others, like Scoop, which my journalist son and I have enjoyed a lot.

>192 AHS-Wolfy: My Jack Taylor book arrived at the library but I was shocked to find I've already read it. I'm having difficulty returning it unread! :) I'll have a quick scan just as a refresher and while I'm waiting for the next in the series to arrive.

>199 VivienneR: Last year when I realised I had not got around to reading the latest few (3) in the series and another one due this year I decided to re-read from the beginning. Ordered the new (to me) books which turned out to be a just overa 2-week delivery time so ended up with a week's wait after finishing the last of the already read books.

>200 AHS-Wolfy: An excellent example of "the best laid plans..."

Finished two over the weekend:



Category - Fiction

Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O'Neill 3★
Two children abandoned at birth were raised together in a Montreal orphanage run by nuns who inflicted appalling abuse and saw the children as evidence of sin. The boy, named Pierrot for his pale skin, and the girl Rose for her red cheeks vow to stay together. The names suggest that the story is based on commedia dell'arte a traditional theatrical style, with artistes who performed for rich patrons, like the two children did. O'Neill conveys the style in many ways: masks or hidden identities, the comic opera, the tirades and abuses reminiscent of Punch and Judy. Although this is an even darker concept than any of The Brothers Grimm characters it is in fact a fairy tale love story. Unsettling, unpleasant, yet clever in a dark bleak way. I appreciated O'Neill's talent but can't say I enjoyed this one.



CalendarCAT

The Blackwater lightship by Colm Tóibín 4★
After decades of defiant opposition, three generations of women come together in support of a son for his final days before dying of AIDS. Tóibín seems to intend a message that is more than the story conveys on the surface but with a subtlety that makes it difficult to pinpoint. However, this is a quiet, elegant story of family relationships, beautifully written.

Category - History & historical

Troy by Adèle Geras 3★

A retelling of the Trojan War featuring three young women, Xanthe, Marpessa, and Polyxena in King Priam's household. A light historical novel, appropriate for young readers that might help develop an interest in the era.

Category - Mysteries

Cross by Ken Bruen 4.5★

This was the first Jack Taylor book that I read, the one that got me hooked. After this one I went back to the beginning and started with the first one and read the series in order. When I picked up this one from the library I was disappointed at first when I discovered I had already read it. However, I couldn't return a book to the library without reading it, a good decision because I enjoyed it all over again and understood more of the backstory.

I've already put a hold on the next one in the series.

Category - Off the beaten track

Stonehenge: sun moon wandering stars by Michael W. Postins 4★

Last week's summer solstice (which coincides with my son's birthday) sparked a conversation about Stonehenge and my son lent me this slim book on the topic. The state of knowledge of astronomy at the time it was built is astonishing, although as Postins explains, it was just a matter of observation over hundreds of years. This is a basic book that provides astronomical explanations of the structure referred to by Diororus in 44 B.C. as a "spherical temple".

>205 VivienneR: I've always been very interested in Stonehhenge. I saw it in 1997 as Hale Bopp went over! I've read 2-3 books about it.

>206 Tess_W: What a wonderful experience. It's a fascinating place that I'd love to visit. Most books I've come across have been about how it was formed so this was a nice change.

>206 Tess_W: I think my favorite book was Stonehenge by Bernard Cornwell. It is historical fiction, but riveting. I had to open it again on my ereader but the last page of the book is a comment by the author: " "Yet the temple stands to this day, the names of its gods forgotten and the nature of its rituals a mystery, yet still a shrine for whatever aspirations we cannot answer by technology or human effort. Long may it remain." Since your post I think I want to re-read this book!

>208 Tess_W: Thank you, Tess! That one goes onto my wishlist right away.

>208 Tess_W: I've read that one, and agree, it's a real page turner. I've been to Stonehenge and Avebury ring a few times. I'm always amazed at how big they are close to. Somehow we're used to seeing them in an expanse of landscape and they don't look very big, but stand next to a stone and it towers over you.

I think it also features in the the opening chapter of Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd, but that's a real doorstop.

>210 Helenliz: I have all of Rutherford's books on my TBR, except Ireland and Brooklyn which I've already read. Looking forward to Sarum.

>210 Helenliz: I had Rutherfurd's Sarum on my wishlist until a few days ago when I realized the size was putting me off ever giving it a try. I'm keeping it in mind though!

>212 VivienneR: I'm not sure why he seems to be incapable of writing a short book, they all seem to be chunksters! I read it years ago, it was good at the time, but I've not made a concerted effort to read much more of his output. They're all just a bit too much of a commitement.

>213 Helenliz: There comes a point when reading a chunkster that my eyes start roaming the bookshelves. Then I know it's time to take a break and read something else until I can get my concentration back.

My latest Early Reviewer book:

Faraway places, Canada, translations
Blood Ties: A Cedric O'Toole Mystery by Barbara Fradkin
Cedric (Rick) O'Toole has lived alone since his mother died seventeen years ago. Her family disowned her when she became pregnant at sixteen so Rick has lived a solitary life. One day out of the blue an Afghanistan veteran shows up and claims to be a half-brother. They begin an investigation but no one wants to talk about history that has been kept under wraps and now is threatening to become exposed. Well-written, short and entertaining, just as a novella should be. I'm glad to find out this is part of a series and will be on the lookout for more by Fradkin.

This is a Rapid Read book. "... well-written, well-told books that can be read in one sitting. Rapid Reads are short books for adult readers. They are intended for a diverse audience, including ESL students, reluctant readers, adults who struggle with literacy and anyone who wants a high-interest quick read." -- Orca Books

Category - Non-fiction & Biography

Operation Mincemeat: the true spy story that changed the course of World War II by Ben Macintyre 5★
No time for a review (there are lots of good reviews here on LT). I have to say this is a terrific story and I enjoyed it thoroughly. No one can write war stories like Macintyre.

June Summary
Read in June: 15
Year to Date: 83

This was a great month with no less than three five-star reads!

Category - Mysteries
A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths 4★
The Breakdown by B.A. Paris 2★
Cross by Ken Bruen 4.5★

Category - Fiction
Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O'Neill 3★

Category - Non-fiction & Biography
Operation Mincemeat: the true spy story that changed the course of World War II by Ben Macintyre 5★ ❤️

Faraway places, Canada, translations
Blood Ties: A Cedric O'Toole Mystery by Barbara Fradkin 4★

Category - History & historical
Troy by Adèle Geras 3★

Category - Off the beaten track
Stonehenge: sun moon wandering stars by Michael W. Postins 4★

AlphaKit - J & D
Death of an expert witness by P.D. James 3.5★

CalendarCAT
The Blackwater lightship by Colm Tóibín 4★

RandomCAT - Pick a card, any card
Priest by Ken Bruen 4.5★

SeriesCAT - series complete
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie 5★ ❤️

TBR-CAT - recommended to me
Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce 4.5★

BingoDog
Eastern European: The Boy in the suitcase by Lene Kaaberbøl 2★
LT rating of more than 4: Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh 5★ ❤️

>216 VivienneR: Glad you enjoyed Operation Mincemeat -- I really liked that one too!

More love for Operation Mincemeat! If you haven't read Macintyre's Double Cross, read that one next :)

I bought another book by Macintyre for my husband for Christmas based on your review last year - Agent Zigzag which I will probably read too.

>218 christina_reads: Wasn't it exceptional? Macintyre can hold a reader's attention for the entire book. When he mentioned that Ewen Montagu wrote The Man Who Never Was I immediately checked the library. No book, but a nearby library has the movie on DVD so I put a hold on it.

>219 rabbitprincess: I've read Double Cross already, another great story. A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the great betrayal will be next. I'll be on the lookout for Rogue Heroes although I've already read a terrific book about them, borrowed from my son.

Hope you had a good Canada Day!

>220 dudes22: Your husband will enjoy it. You should get him Operation Mincemeat this Christmas! My son phoned me a few days ago to tell me about an excellent book he was reading, which turned out to be Mincemeat. By coincidence I was reading the same book! We had a long chat about it.

When I was checking him out, I thought that a number of his books sounded interesting. I did put it on my list of ideas for this year.

Not sure how I've missed hearing about Ben Macintyre, but I'll definitely be on the lookout for one of his books based on all the love here.

>222 dudes22: You are well ahead of my advice!

>223 LittleTaiko: Glad to hear it, he is well worth investigating.

Come join me at the continuation of my thread here