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2HorusE
Just joined on April 15th. Listed is what I have read in 2008. Most of these books I reviewed elsewhere in LT. My goal is 50 books in 2008.
1. The hungry goblin: A Victorian detective novel… by John Dickson Carr
2. The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl… by Timothy Egan
3. Pelagia and the Black Monk (Sister Pelagia Mystery)… by Boris Akunin
4. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir… by Bill Bryson
5. Oscar Wilde and a Death of No Importance: A Mystery… by Gyles Brandreth
6. The Wind Blows Death by Cyril Hare
7. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
8. A Season for the Dead by David Hewson
9. The Secret of Lost Things: A Novel by Sheridan Hay
10. The Graving Dock (Detective Jack Leightner) by Gabriel Cohen
11. Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch… by Neil Gaiman
12. The Lost Luggage Porter: A Jim Stringer Mystery… by Andrew Martin
13. Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love, and Betrayal… by Ben Macintyre
14. The Interpretation of Murder... by Jed Rubenfeld
1. The hungry goblin: A Victorian detective novel… by John Dickson Carr
2. The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl… by Timothy Egan
3. Pelagia and the Black Monk (Sister Pelagia Mystery)… by Boris Akunin
4. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir… by Bill Bryson
5. Oscar Wilde and a Death of No Importance: A Mystery… by Gyles Brandreth
6. The Wind Blows Death by Cyril Hare
7. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
8. A Season for the Dead by David Hewson
9. The Secret of Lost Things: A Novel by Sheridan Hay
10. The Graving Dock (Detective Jack Leightner) by Gabriel Cohen
11. Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch… by Neil Gaiman
12. The Lost Luggage Porter: A Jim Stringer Mystery… by Andrew Martin
13. Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love, and Betrayal… by Ben Macintyre
14. The Interpretation of Murder... by Jed Rubenfeld
3HorusE
15. The Death of Ivan Ilych and Other Stories by Leo Tolstoy
4HorusE
16. Just a Corpse at Twilight: A Grijpstra and De Gier Mystery by Janwillem Van De Wetering
6HorusE
19. The Bayeux Tapestry: The Life Story of a Masterpiece... by Carola Hicks
7HorusE
20. Christine Falls ... by Benjamin Black
8HorusE
21. My Family and Other Animals ... by Gerald Durrell
10HorusE
23. From Doon with Death ...by Ruth Rendell
The first of the Inspector Wexford series with an interesting discussion of Ruth Rendell novels by Daniel Mallory
24. The Blood Doctor ...by Barbara Vine
(This should have been listed in message 2--I just remembered reading it, since Ruth Rendell is involved)
The first of the Inspector Wexford series with an interesting discussion of Ruth Rendell novels by Daniel Mallory
24. The Blood Doctor ...by Barbara Vine
(This should have been listed in message 2--I just remembered reading it, since Ruth Rendell is involved)
11HorusE
25. How Doctors Think ... by Jerome Groopman
12HorusE
26. Death of a Red Heroine ,,,by Qiu Xiaolong
Maureen Corrigan (NPR) describes it as a matchless pearl. This is the first book of this mystery series.
It is very descriptive of the country, particularly Shanghai, where the protagonist, chief inspector Chen Cao, becomes involved in a very political murder. The story provides a very illuminating view of the changing economy in China. The case itself is quite convoluted and the author is quite imaginative in working out the means by which the murder is brought about as well as the motivation.
Maureen Corrigan (NPR) describes it as a matchless pearl. This is the first book of this mystery series.
It is very descriptive of the country, particularly Shanghai, where the protagonist, chief inspector Chen Cao, becomes involved in a very political murder. The story provides a very illuminating view of the changing economy in China. The case itself is quite convoluted and the author is quite imaginative in working out the means by which the murder is brought about as well as the motivation.
13HorusE
27. Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned ... by Walter Mosley
One I had read earlier in the year and left out of my first list. It provided a great inner-city (post Watts)story about an ex-convict (murdered his wife) who is trying to make up for his mistakes by helping a young kid in trouble.
One I had read earlier in the year and left out of my first list. It provided a great inner-city (post Watts)story about an ex-convict (murdered his wife) who is trying to make up for his mistakes by helping a young kid in trouble.
14HorusE
28. Child 44 ... by Tom Rob Smith
It appears the story starts during World War II in the Soviet Union in an area where the population were starving to death. The search for a cat as a source of food starts the story and introduces two brothers. The story quickly advances to the last years of Stalin and the investigation of an apparent murder of a child. However, murder is a crime and crime cannot exist in the Soviet Union--unless it is a crime against the state--so the child was a victim of an accident. Many more identical accidents occur and the protagonist concludes the existence of a serial killer. There is considerable insight into the use of terrorism in a dictatorship.
It appears the story starts during World War II in the Soviet Union in an area where the population were starving to death. The search for a cat as a source of food starts the story and introduces two brothers. The story quickly advances to the last years of Stalin and the investigation of an apparent murder of a child. However, murder is a crime and crime cannot exist in the Soviet Union--unless it is a crime against the state--so the child was a victim of an accident. Many more identical accidents occur and the protagonist concludes the existence of a serial killer. There is considerable insight into the use of terrorism in a dictatorship.
15HorusE
29. In a Sunburned Country ... by Bill Bryson
A great travel story relating Bryson's sojourn in Australia. It was very humorous and Bryson tells amazing stories about innumerable mysteries in that country. Not the least of these mysteries concerns the politics of Australia. There are great vignettes describing the ecology in various areas of the country.
A great travel story relating Bryson's sojourn in Australia. It was very humorous and Bryson tells amazing stories about innumerable mysteries in that country. Not the least of these mysteries concerns the politics of Australia. There are great vignettes describing the ecology in various areas of the country.
16HorusE
30. The Careful Use of Compliments: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel ... by Alexander McCall Smith
In an ongoing saga, Isabel is raising Charlie and defers the question of marriage. Her editorship is challenged and Isabel rises to the challenge. The primary mystery is concerned with whether a painting is a forgery. Easy reading and thoughtful.
In an ongoing saga, Isabel is raising Charlie and defers the question of marriage. Her editorship is challenged and Isabel rises to the challenge. The primary mystery is concerned with whether a painting is a forgery. Easy reading and thoughtful.
17HorusE
31. The Reapers ... by John Connolly
A black boy grows up in a "sundown town" and must deal with some very unsavory characters--one he kills by embedding the explosive nitrogen triodide in the victims whistle--quite ingenious for a teenage kid. This boy becomes part of a group of killers called the reapers. A great thriller.
A black boy grows up in a "sundown town" and must deal with some very unsavory characters--one he kills by embedding the explosive nitrogen triodide in the victims whistle--quite ingenious for a teenage kid. This boy becomes part of a group of killers called the reapers. A great thriller.
18HorusE
32. The invention of Hugo Cabret ... by Brian Selznick
A neat children's story involving an orphan who is mechanically inclined and who discovers and repairs an automaton. Very nice graphics which give a movie-life affect.
A neat children's story involving an orphan who is mechanically inclined and who discovers and repairs an automaton. Very nice graphics which give a movie-life affect.
19HorusE
33. The Cipher Garden ... by Martin Edwards
The second book in the Lake District Series, which I have been reading in reverse order. DCI Hannah Scarlett works on a cold case involving a gruesome murder of a gardener by a hooded character with a scythe in a little village where everybody is intimately involved with each other. Hannah is assisted in her investigation by the book seller, Daniel Kind, the son of a detective. It took a while to get into the story as there are an awful lot of characters interacting with each other on a rather intense level, very nice folding of the Lake District environs into the story.
The second book in the Lake District Series, which I have been reading in reverse order. DCI Hannah Scarlett works on a cold case involving a gruesome murder of a gardener by a hooded character with a scythe in a little village where everybody is intimately involved with each other. Hannah is assisted in her investigation by the book seller, Daniel Kind, the son of a detective. It took a while to get into the story as there are an awful lot of characters interacting with each other on a rather intense level, very nice folding of the Lake District environs into the story.
20HorusE
34. Newton ... by Peter Ackroyd
This member of the "Brief Lives" series is an excellent overview of Issac Newton's life. It reads very smoothly and brings up such inseresting incidents as Newton defiance of James II.
This member of the "Brief Lives" series is an excellent overview of Issac Newton's life. It reads very smoothly and brings up such inseresting incidents as Newton defiance of James II.
21HorusE
35. The Pale Horseman ... by Bernard Cornwell
This is the second book in the Alfred the Great series. King Alfred hides from the Danes in a sea swamp and emerges to fight the Danes in Wessex. It is enjoyable historical fiction with great battle scenes.
This is the second book in the Alfred the Great series. King Alfred hides from the Danes in a sea swamp and emerges to fight the Danes in Wessex. It is enjoyable historical fiction with great battle scenes.
22HorusE
36. Blond Faith ... by Walter Mosley
The is the apparent end of the Easy Rawlins series. It has string character development and a strong plot. It presents an intense picture of Los Angeles shortly after the Watts riots and indicates how slowly the whites were changing their racial attitudes. The story also presents a rather ugly picture of the kinds of fallout that could very well have occurred from the Vietnam War.
The is the apparent end of the Easy Rawlins series. It has string character development and a strong plot. It presents an intense picture of Los Angeles shortly after the Watts riots and indicates how slowly the whites were changing their racial attitudes. The story also presents a rather ugly picture of the kinds of fallout that could very well have occurred from the Vietnam War.
23HorusE
37. The Devil in Velvet ... By John Dickson Carr
A different twist on a murder story. The protagonist , a don of Paracelsus College, makes a deal with the devil in order to go back in time and attempt to prevent a murder in the time of Charles II. The author has the don well versed in the dialect of the time and quite familiar with sword play. A good swashbuckling plot with some interesting history and interesting characters. Considering the period,I was hoping that Issac Newton would make an appearance and he did, with a minor role. The don's birthdate, December 25, plays a useful role.
A different twist on a murder story. The protagonist , a don of Paracelsus College, makes a deal with the devil in order to go back in time and attempt to prevent a murder in the time of Charles II. The author has the don well versed in the dialect of the time and quite familiar with sword play. A good swashbuckling plot with some interesting history and interesting characters. Considering the period,I was hoping that Issac Newton would make an appearance and he did, with a minor role. The don's birthdate, December 25, plays a useful role.
24HorusE
38. How to Read a Novel ... by Caroline Gordon
"The best way to read a novel is to follow in the footsteps of its creator."
The author spends considerable time in examining the works of Henry James in illustrating this recommendation. Included is an interesting study of "Oedipus Rex" and compares its construction to Potter's 'Jemima Puddle-Duck". A wide variety of authors are discussed.
"The best way to read a novel is to follow in the footsteps of its creator."
The author spends considerable time in examining the works of Henry James in illustrating this recommendation. Included is an interesting study of "Oedipus Rex" and compares its construction to Potter's 'Jemima Puddle-Duck". A wide variety of authors are discussed.
25HorusE
39. Lords of the North ... by Bernard Cornwell
Alfred sends his party North to York and Durham the give support to the Christian king there. A great adventure story.
Alfred sends his party North to York and Durham the give support to the Christian king there. A great adventure story.
27HorusE
41. Notes from a Small Island ... by Bill Bryson
A great tour of Wales, Scotland, and England, with a nice glossary at the end.
A great tour of Wales, Scotland, and England, with a nice glossary at the end.
28HorusE
42. Every Dead Thing ... by John Connolly
A serial killer with a twist. Most characters well drawn although a name or two seemed superfluous and a great plot. Interesting locations from Scarborough, Maine to New Orleans.
A serial killer with a twist. Most characters well drawn although a name or two seemed superfluous and a great plot. Interesting locations from Scarborough, Maine to New Orleans.
29HorusE
43. Smilla's Sense of Snow ... by Peter Hoeg
A great thriller. The very clever and resourcessful protagonist, Smilla, is a Greenlander in Copenhagen trying to understand the death of a young friend. With her great sense of snow and ice she begins her search for clues. The story covers a vast world of greed and related crimes and provides an interesting view of the relationship between the Danes and the Greendanders.
A great thriller. The very clever and resourcessful protagonist, Smilla, is a Greenlander in Copenhagen trying to understand the death of a young friend. With her great sense of snow and ice she begins her search for clues. The story covers a vast world of greed and related crimes and provides an interesting view of the relationship between the Danes and the Greendanders.
30HorusE
44. One Minute to Midnight... by Michael Dobbs
Although this is pure history involving the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, it read like a thriller. Thanks to just "plain dumb luck", a nuclear holocaust was averted. A lot went wrong, but fortunately none of the many nuclear warheads went off. Shows how close Curtis Lemay was to Dr. Strangelove. The Soviet soldiers certainly had to endure a lot dealing with the tropical weather of the area.
Although this is pure history involving the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, it read like a thriller. Thanks to just "plain dumb luck", a nuclear holocaust was averted. A lot went wrong, but fortunately none of the many nuclear warheads went off. Shows how close Curtis Lemay was to Dr. Strangelove. The Soviet soldiers certainly had to endure a lot dealing with the tropical weather of the area.
31HorusE
45. The Indian Bride ... by Karin Fossum
A village gets involved in the murder of the Indian Bride. The last chapter lets the reader solve the crime, but lets you wondering a bit.
A village gets involved in the murder of the Indian Bride. The last chapter lets the reader solve the crime, but lets you wondering a bit.
32HorusE
46. A Paragon of Virtue ... by Christian Von Ditfurth
A thriller in involving a triple murder in Hamburg, Germany of a wealthy philanthroper. A history professor at the University of Hamburg who is involved in the study of the Finance Department in the Third Reich gets involved in the murder investigation through a former classmate in the police. Some interesting history is brought into the story, which adds to the excitement.
A thriller in involving a triple murder in Hamburg, Germany of a wealthy philanthroper. A history professor at the University of Hamburg who is involved in the study of the Finance Department in the Third Reich gets involved in the murder investigation through a former classmate in the police. Some interesting history is brought into the story, which adds to the excitement.
33HorusE
47Buckingham Palace Gardens ... by Anne Perry
A nicely constructed tale of a murder in Queen Victoria's bedroom. The Prince of Wales comes off rather badly as a group tries to gets his support in constructing a railrad from Cape Town to Cairo.
A nicely constructed tale of a murder in Queen Victoria's bedroom. The Prince of Wales comes off rather badly as a group tries to gets his support in constructing a railrad from Cape Town to Cairo.
34HorusE
48. Regeneration ... by Pat Barker
A novel regarding a psychiatrist in a hospital dedicated to shell-shocked soldiers recovering from the trench warfare in France, during World War I.
A novel regarding a psychiatrist in a hospital dedicated to shell-shocked soldiers recovering from the trench warfare in France, during World War I.
35HorusE
49. Zoo Station ... by David Downing
An English journalist, Russell, is stationed in Berlin in 1938. He was married to a German and has a son and a girlfriend who is an actress. An American acquaintance of his who has been researching the Nazi eugenics program is murdered. A Jewish doctor, who helped a friend of the journalist, needs help to get his family out of Germany. The Russians enlist Russell to write articles for Pravda. MI6 gets interested. The characters are interesting and the atmosphere is great.
An English journalist, Russell, is stationed in Berlin in 1938. He was married to a German and has a son and a girlfriend who is an actress. An American acquaintance of his who has been researching the Nazi eugenics program is murdered. A Jewish doctor, who helped a friend of the journalist, needs help to get his family out of Germany. The Russians enlist Russell to write articles for Pravda. MI6 gets interested. The characters are interesting and the atmosphere is great.
36HorusE
50. Life in the Balance A Physician's Memoir of Life, Love, and Loss with Parkinson's Disease and Dementia ... by Thomas Graboys, MD, with Peter Zheutlin
This is the story of Dr. Graboys, an eminent cardiologist in the Boston area, who was confronted a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, with the additional complication of the associated degenerative disease known as Lewy body dementia. Parkinson’s affects about 2% of the population of 70 and has a terrible progressive affect on the patient’s physical as well as cognitive functions.
Dr. Graboys describes in a beautiful and inspiring fashion how he has been confronting this illness; how he has been managing his relationships with his friends, wife, daughters, and grandchildren. As a former teacher, Dr. Lowen, states: “This books is brimming with unflinching honest insights on how to confront a devastating illness.”
He describes how, with difficulty, he manages social situations and simple tasks as eating, dressing, and even driving a car in the immediate neighborhood. A tough read indeed.
This is the story of Dr. Graboys, an eminent cardiologist in the Boston area, who was confronted a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, with the additional complication of the associated degenerative disease known as Lewy body dementia. Parkinson’s affects about 2% of the population of 70 and has a terrible progressive affect on the patient’s physical as well as cognitive functions.
Dr. Graboys describes in a beautiful and inspiring fashion how he has been confronting this illness; how he has been managing his relationships with his friends, wife, daughters, and grandchildren. As a former teacher, Dr. Lowen, states: “This books is brimming with unflinching honest insights on how to confront a devastating illness.”
He describes how, with difficulty, he manages social situations and simple tasks as eating, dressing, and even driving a car in the immediate neighborhood. A tough read indeed.
37HorusE
51. Dark Hollow ... by John Connolly
The story has a great sense of place, particularly if you have lived in Maine close to the great northern woods. There are a large number of characters to keep track of; a rather large number of villains who are rather dangerous to each other. The series has been quite enjoyable .
The story has a great sense of place, particularly if you have lived in Maine close to the great northern woods. There are a large number of characters to keep track of; a rather large number of villains who are rather dangerous to each other. The series has been quite enjoyable .
38HorusE
52. The Skeleton in the Grass ... by Robert Barnard
Set in 1936 in the manor of a small town in Oxfordshire. The protagonist is a nanny who is the daughter of a mean-spirited pastor in Devon. The head of the manor is subject to taunts of cowardice by local juveniles, inspired by a Nazi-leaning colonel. One of the local juveniles is found murdered near a skeleton, the backbone of which has been painted to look missing. The civil war in Spain plays a part. A well-written mystery with a surprise at the ending.
Set in 1936 in the manor of a small town in Oxfordshire. The protagonist is a nanny who is the daughter of a mean-spirited pastor in Devon. The head of the manor is subject to taunts of cowardice by local juveniles, inspired by a Nazi-leaning colonel. One of the local juveniles is found murdered near a skeleton, the backbone of which has been painted to look missing. The civil war in Spain plays a part. A well-written mystery with a surprise at the ending.
39HorusE
53. An Expert in Murder ... by Nicola Upson
A fine tale of murder with Josephone Tey in her role as author of the play Richard of Bordeaux. Her good friend Detective Inspector Archie Penrose investigates the murder, on a train, of a young girl, one of the devotees of this play. A good desription of the theater mileu of the period is incorporated. It is set in 1934 and like the previous story by Robert Barnard reveals some of the misery left from WWI.
A fine tale of murder with Josephone Tey in her role as author of the play Richard of Bordeaux. Her good friend Detective Inspector Archie Penrose investigates the murder, on a train, of a young girl, one of the devotees of this play. A good desription of the theater mileu of the period is incorporated. It is set in 1934 and like the previous story by Robert Barnard reveals some of the misery left from WWI.
40HorusE
54. Motherless Brooklyn ... by Jonathan Lethem
Four ophans are "adopted" by a small-time gangster who starts off with a running a car service in Brooklyn. The protagonist, Lionel Essrog, is one of the four and has Tourettic symptoms. Lionel ends up trying to solve a couple of murders and avoiding his own. There are encounters with Buddhists and Japanese after urchin eggs off the coast of Maine.
Four ophans are "adopted" by a small-time gangster who starts off with a running a car service in Brooklyn. The protagonist, Lionel Essrog, is one of the four and has Tourettic symptoms. Lionel ends up trying to solve a couple of murders and avoiding his own. There are encounters with Buddhists and Japanese after urchin eggs off the coast of Maine.
41HorusE
55. The Widow's Tale ... by Margaret Frazer
Dame Frevisse of St. Fridesvide's nunnery investigates a series of murders around a widow defrauded of her freedom by a cousin. The Duke of Suffolk and the Duke of York in the time of Henry VI are historical figures involved at the end of the hundred years war. It involves some interesting history
Dame Frevisse of St. Fridesvide's nunnery investigates a series of murders around a widow defrauded of her freedom by a cousin. The Duke of Suffolk and the Duke of York in the time of Henry VI are historical figures involved at the end of the hundred years war. It involves some interesting history
42HorusE
56. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo ... by Stieg Larsson
This is the first of a trilogy and due to be published in the US in September.
The protagonist is a financial journalist who has just lost a libel case and is due to serve some prison time. He gets an offer to take a year of from his journal to solve the case of a girl missing for about 40 years. He become initimately involved in the search for a serial killer. He has some serious help from a young computer hacker.
This is the first of a trilogy and due to be published in the US in September.
The protagonist is a financial journalist who has just lost a libel case and is due to serve some prison time. He gets an offer to take a year of from his journal to solve the case of a girl missing for about 40 years. He become initimately involved in the search for a serial killer. He has some serious help from a young computer hacker.
43HorusE
57. Gorky Park ... By Martin Cruz Smith
Quite fascinating and complicated, involving the militia, the KGB, the NYPD, sable, and the FBI.
Quite fascinating and complicated, involving the militia, the KGB, the NYPD, sable, and the FBI.
44HorusE
58. The Flight of the Monarch and other Reflections ... By Michel Braudeau
A delightful set of studies of the migratory patterns of the Monarch butterfly as well as stories involving flea circuses, the births (and deaths) of gnus, the flight of the swift, the problem of toads crossing the road, and the survival of leatherback turtle eggs. The author is a French journalist.
A delightful set of studies of the migratory patterns of the Monarch butterfly as well as stories involving flea circuses, the births (and deaths) of gnus, the flight of the swift, the problem of toads crossing the road, and the survival of leatherback turtle eggs. The author is a French journalist.
45HorusE
59. Knots and Crosses ... by Ian Rankin
"Knots and Crosses" refers to the game of tic tac toe. This is the first book in Rankin's Rebus series. Involves a multiple killer of young girls with clues in mind. A short but intense story.
"Knots and Crosses" refers to the game of tic tac toe. This is the first book in Rankin's Rebus series. Involves a multiple killer of young girls with clues in mind. A short but intense story.
47HorusE
61. 1776 ... by David McCullough
An excellent history of the Continental Army under George Washington during 1776.
An excellent history of the Continental Army under George Washington during 1776.
48HorusE
62. Stiff News ... by Catherine Aird
A bit of a farce about a nursing home, particularly for survivors (and spouse) of a particular regiment. Is it really murder? Not recommended.
A bit of a farce about a nursing home, particularly for survivors (and spouse) of a particular regiment. Is it really murder? Not recommended.
49HorusE
63. Maine Massacre by Janwillem Van de Wetering
The commissaris and his sergeant De Gier travel to Jameson, Maine to help the commissaris' sister settle her affairs there and end up helping the local sheriff solve a number of murders. Great sense of place and a great plot with interesting characters.
The commissaris and his sergeant De Gier travel to Jameson, Maine to help the commissaris' sister settle her affairs there and end up helping the local sheriff solve a number of murders. Great sense of place and a great plot with interesting characters.
50HorusE
65. The Glass of Time: A Novel ... by Michael Cox
A sequel to the "The Meaning of Night: A Confession". A Victorian mystery with many interesting characters and obsessions.
A sequel to the "The Meaning of Night: A Confession". A Victorian mystery with many interesting characters and obsessions.
52HorusE
66. The Meaning of Night ... by Michael Cox
A good Victorian mystery with love and betrayal with some interesting history of the Victorian times embedded...such as the early stages of photography.
A good Victorian mystery with love and betrayal with some interesting history of the Victorian times embedded...such as the early stages of photography.
53HorusE
67. Tenant for Death ... by Cyril Hare
Some interesting legal stuff, such as the fact that the inspector can not interrogate a prisoner and therefore refuses to arrest a suspect. A rich corrupt financier rents a small run down flat and is found dead, soon after a former banker, who has sworn to kill the financier, has been released from prison.
Some interesting legal stuff, such as the fact that the inspector can not interrogate a prisoner and therefore refuses to arrest a suspect. A rich corrupt financier rents a small run down flat and is found dead, soon after a former banker, who has sworn to kill the financier, has been released from prison.
54HorusE
68. Riddley Walker ... by Russell Hoban
A post-apocalyptic story in a "new" English. Some words combined with numbers and some words split. Helps to know the chemistry of gunpowder.
A post-apocalyptic story in a "new" English. Some words combined with numbers and some words split. Helps to know the chemistry of gunpowder.
55HorusE
69. The Serpent's Tale ... by Ariana Franklin
Death by Death Cap (a mushroom) for a mistress of King Henry II. Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine is implicated and another civil war is threatened. There is another murdere and murderer afoot for Adelia to catch. There are a few references to St. Thomas a Becket.
Death by Death Cap (a mushroom) for a mistress of King Henry II. Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine is implicated and another civil war is threatened. There is another murdere and murderer afoot for Adelia to catch. There are a few references to St. Thomas a Becket.
56HorusE
70. Dover One ... by Joyce Porter
Scotland Yard's worst and his long suffering sergeant investigate a missing maid. Murder seems likely, but the body is too large to hide easily. A letter indicates a kidnapping.
Scotland Yard's worst and his long suffering sergeant investigate a missing maid. Murder seems likely, but the body is too large to hide easily. A letter indicates a kidnapping.
57HorusE
72. Killing Orders ... by Sara Paretsky
It is described as the third in the series and the one most personal to the author. Someone at a priory has stolen $10 million dollars worth of securities and substituted counterfeits. V. I. Warshawski, a P. I. tackles the local police, an archbishop, the FBI, and the Chicago mafia while trying to solve the crime. One friend is murdered and the uncle of another barely survives the attack.
It is described as the third in the series and the one most personal to the author. Someone at a priory has stolen $10 million dollars worth of securities and substituted counterfeits. V. I. Warshawski, a P. I. tackles the local police, an archbishop, the FBI, and the Chicago mafia while trying to solve the crime. One friend is murdered and the uncle of another barely survives the attack.
59HorusE
73. Lonely Hearts ... by John Harvey
Two women have been found brutally murdered. A coming factor is their involvement with "lonley hearts" ads in the Nottingham paper. This book is the first in the Charlies Resnick series.
74, Brain and Behavior /coping with Parkinson's Disease ... by Joseph H. Friedman, MD
At the title indicates, this provides a description of some of the behavior brought about by PD, and some ways of dealing with that behavior
Two women have been found brutally murdered. A coming factor is their involvement with "lonley hearts" ads in the Nottingham paper. This book is the first in the Charlies Resnick series.
74, Brain and Behavior /coping with Parkinson's Disease ... by Joseph H. Friedman, MD
At the title indicates, this provides a description of some of the behavior brought about by PD, and some ways of dealing with that behavior
60HorusE
75. The English Spy ... by Donald Smith
Historical fiction presented in the form of letters concerning the passage of the legislation allowind the union of Scotland and England. Daniel Defoe plays the part of a "spy" promoting the union.
Historical fiction presented in the form of letters concerning the passage of the legislation allowind the union of Scotland and England. Daniel Defoe plays the part of a "spy" promoting the union.
61HorusE
76. The Bookshop ... by Penelope Fitzgerald
A widow decides to set up a bookshop in a seaside town and initially does well--too well for the rather mean community which drives her out of business. The only really kind fellow, apparently a Fellow of the Royal Society, dies after leaving the home of the champion of meaness.
A widow decides to set up a bookshop in a seaside town and initially does well--too well for the rather mean community which drives her out of business. The only really kind fellow, apparently a Fellow of the Royal Society, dies after leaving the home of the champion of meaness.
62HorusE
77. When the Air Hits Your Brain ... by Frank T. Vertosick, MD
This neurosurgeon describes his entry in to medical school and provides tales from his residency. He also discusses some of the history of neurosurgery through to the present. A very personal presentation.
This neurosurgeon describes his entry in to medical school and provides tales from his residency. He also discusses some of the history of neurosurgery through to the present. A very personal presentation.
63HorusE
78. Dover Two ... by \Joyce Porter
A young lady is shot twice in the head and spends almost "a year and a day" in a coma before she is murdered, by suffocation. Dover blusters his way as usual and amazingly solves case.
A young lady is shot twice in the head and spends almost "a year and a day" in a coma before she is murdered, by suffocation. Dover blusters his way as usual and amazingly solves case.
64HorusE
79. Fear Round About ... by George Bellairs
Chief Superintendent Littlejohn of Scotland Yard has retired and has received a letter from a retired coroner with whom he had contact in the past. He arranged a meeting to discuss a proposal with the ex-coroner. Upon arriving at the meeting site, Littlejohn finds the coroner murdered. The story involves more deviltry than murder, delving into the murky past of the coroner.
Chief Superintendent Littlejohn of Scotland Yard has retired and has received a letter from a retired coroner with whom he had contact in the past. He arranged a meeting to discuss a proposal with the ex-coroner. Upon arriving at the meeting site, Littlejohn finds the coroner murdered. The story involves more deviltry than murder, delving into the murky past of the coroner.
65HorusE
80. The Night They Killed Joss Varran ... by George Bellairs
Chief Superintendent Littlejohn of Scotland Yard gets a call to investigate a murder on the Isle of Man. The victim sister finds him "dead" in a ditch outside her cottage shortly after he has been released from prison. She goes to a neighbor to report the murder and the neighbor finds the dead man but now inside the house. There are strange things buried in the nearby marshes or Curraghs. There are a number of strange neighbors as well, including another that ends up murdered. The author was a banker who retired on the Isle of Man so the reader gets a great sense of the place as well as an interesting bit of bank robbery.
Chief Superintendent Littlejohn of Scotland Yard gets a call to investigate a murder on the Isle of Man. The victim sister finds him "dead" in a ditch outside her cottage shortly after he has been released from prison. She goes to a neighbor to report the murder and the neighbor finds the dead man but now inside the house. There are strange things buried in the nearby marshes or Curraghs. There are a number of strange neighbors as well, including another that ends up murdered. The author was a banker who retired on the Isle of Man so the reader gets a great sense of the place as well as an interesting bit of bank robbery.
66HorusE
81. The Silver Swan ... by Benjamin Black
Quirke returns to encounter an old acquaintance from medical school who requests a favor regarding the postmortem of his wife. His daughter becomes involved in some very murky and murderous business. There is quite a twist at the end.
Quirke returns to encounter an old acquaintance from medical school who requests a favor regarding the postmortem of his wife. His daughter becomes involved in some very murky and murderous business. There is quite a twist at the end.
67HorusE
82. The Vault ... by Peter Lovesey
A Peter Diamond mystery which take place in Bath. A body part is found in a vault under the Roman Baths.
An American professor of English comes searching for the address in Bath, where Mary Shelley wrote most of Frankenstein. The house not longer exists but its location appears to be about where the body part is found. The professor has already obtained a copy of The Poetical Works of John Milton with the inscription in front , "MWG, 5,Abbey Road, Bath", MWG being the initials of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin (Shelley). He had just picked up the book at that bookstore town of Hay-on-Wye. In trying to trace the provenance of that book, the professor comes across some some watercolours in the style of William Blake. Needless to say, murder is afoot.
A Peter Diamond mystery which take place in Bath. A body part is found in a vault under the Roman Baths.
An American professor of English comes searching for the address in Bath, where Mary Shelley wrote most of Frankenstein. The house not longer exists but its location appears to be about where the body part is found. The professor has already obtained a copy of The Poetical Works of John Milton with the inscription in front , "MWG, 5,Abbey Road, Bath", MWG being the initials of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin (Shelley). He had just picked up the book at that bookstore town of Hay-on-Wye. In trying to trace the provenance of that book, the professor comes across some some watercolours in the style of William Blake. Needless to say, murder is afoot.
68HorusE
83. The Mournful Demeanour of Lieutenant Boruvka ... by Josef Skvorecky
A series of short interrelated stories including a locked room mystery and a poisoning by tetraethyl lead.
A series of short interrelated stories including a locked room mystery and a poisoning by tetraethyl lead.
69HorusE
84. Carnage of the Realm ... by Charles A. Goodrum
The head of a committee of numismatics (carnage/coinage) is murdered. Soon after, another member of the committee is disposed of in a similar matter. The story, written in 1979, includes a discussion of methods of counterfeiting coins as well as thoughts about the future of our civilization--particularly negative (although predictive with respect to the future of Africa).
The head of a committee of numismatics (carnage/coinage) is murdered. Soon after, another member of the committee is disposed of in a similar matter. The story, written in 1979, includes a discussion of methods of counterfeiting coins as well as thoughts about the future of our civilization--particularly negative (although predictive with respect to the future of Africa).
70HorusE
85. An Air That Kills ... by Andrew Taylor
November is the month of the dead, the month of the Day of Remembrance.
The story starts out with the discovery of the remains of an infant. There is some very dark history that yields more death. This mystery is the first of the Lydmouth series.
November is the month of the dead, the month of the Day of Remembrance.
The story starts out with the discovery of the remains of an infant. There is some very dark history that yields more death. This mystery is the first of the Lydmouth series.
71HorusE
86. DeKok and the Sorrowing Tomcat ... by A. C. Baantjer
An old criminal acquaintance of Detective-Inspector DeKok is found murdered just before a armored car robbery in Amsterdam. It happens that the armored car has an unusually large amount of cash and it seems rather strange that the robbery just happened on such an extraordinary loot. Is a bank employee in on it and how does the murder tie in?
An old criminal acquaintance of Detective-Inspector DeKok is found murdered just before a armored car robbery in Amsterdam. It happens that the armored car has an unusually large amount of cash and it seems rather strange that the robbery just happened on such an extraordinary loot. Is a bank employee in on it and how does the murder tie in?
72HorusE
87. Second Violin ... by John Lawton
Inspector Troy's brother Rod gets rounded up as an enemy alien for internment on the Isle of Man along with man other non-citizens. Troy experiences the bombing of London along with with suspicious deaths of a number of rabbis. He is also being harassed by a member of Special Branch. There is an interesting episode when Rod, who was born in Vienna, returns to that city just as the brownshirters destroy the Jewish community.
Inspector Troy's brother Rod gets rounded up as an enemy alien for internment on the Isle of Man along with man other non-citizens. Troy experiences the bombing of London along with with suspicious deaths of a number of rabbis. He is also being harassed by a member of Special Branch. There is an interesting episode when Rod, who was born in Vienna, returns to that city just as the brownshirters destroy the Jewish community.
73HorusE
88. The Circle ... by Peter Lovesey
An invited speaker to a circle of writers in Chichester is murdered. The leader of the circle is the chief suspect. Others are murdered by the same MO, their house is set of fire with a gasoline soaked rag inserted in the mail box slot. In addition to the police, there are several others within the circle investigating the crimes.
An invited speaker to a circle of writers in Chichester is murdered. The leader of the circle is the chief suspect. Others are murdered by the same MO, their house is set of fire with a gasoline soaked rag inserted in the mail box slot. In addition to the police, there are several others within the circle investigating the crimes.
74HorusE
89. The Secret Servant ... by Daniel Silva
Gabriel is sent to Amsterdam to help clean up the files of a murdered agent. He encounters a terrorist bomb plot in London and of course he swiftly departs for London. The bombs go off anyway and the US ambassador's daughter is kidnapped; the American president just happens to be her godfather. A great deal of mayhem follows in this page-turning thriller.
Gabriel is sent to Amsterdam to help clean up the files of a murdered agent. He encounters a terrorist bomb plot in London and of course he swiftly departs for London. The bombs go off anyway and the US ambassador's daughter is kidnapped; the American president just happens to be her godfather. A great deal of mayhem follows in this page-turning thriller.
75HorusE
90. The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher ... by Kate Summerscale
A history of a true crime involving a talented detective of the Victorian age. Includes the etymology of many terms used in the detective genre. The author shows how the murder may have inspired novels by Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins.
A history of a true crime involving a talented detective of the Victorian age. Includes the etymology of many terms used in the detective genre. The author shows how the murder may have inspired novels by Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins.
76HorusE
91. Old Bones ... by AAron Elkins
Gideon Oliver, a anthropologist with forensic leanings goes to France to deliver lectures on bones. He visits the mansion of an old acquaintance near the isle of Mont St. Michel where some renovations are underway that lead to the discovery of some old bones. Gideon assists a local detective in identifying the skeleton. A couple of murders and attempted murders suggest that the investigation is rather dangerous. Some old WWII french resistance activities come to light. A good page turner and lots of fun. Watch those tides if you wander about the sands at low tide around Mont St. Michel.
Gideon Oliver, a anthropologist with forensic leanings goes to France to deliver lectures on bones. He visits the mansion of an old acquaintance near the isle of Mont St. Michel where some renovations are underway that lead to the discovery of some old bones. Gideon assists a local detective in identifying the skeleton. A couple of murders and attempted murders suggest that the investigation is rather dangerous. Some old WWII french resistance activities come to light. A good page turner and lots of fun. Watch those tides if you wander about the sands at low tide around Mont St. Michel.
77HorusE
92. The Awdrey-Gore Legacy ... by Edward Gorey
Described as a Mobius Strip. Design your own mystery. Lots of characters, with variable characteristics, sample locations, sample murder devices, mistakaes, and possible ways to finish of the culprit.
Described as a Mobius Strip. Design your own mystery. Lots of characters, with variable characteristics, sample locations, sample murder devices, mistakaes, and possible ways to finish of the culprit.
78HorusE
93. Red Hook ... by Reggie Nadelson
An interesting view of Brooklyn and Red Hook in particular, along with the Russian immigrant community. A good sense of place and a great story involving a destructive relationship between two journalists.
An interesting view of Brooklyn and Red Hook in particular, along with the Russian immigrant community. A good sense of place and a great story involving a destructive relationship between two journalists.
79bonniebooks
Hi HorusE! I just joined the 50-Book challenge and I want to do it basically the way you did--make a comment about most books, but I want to ask you a perhaps impolitic question. I noticed that many posters in this group list their books and comments month after month with basically no comments by others. How do you feel about that? You read so many interesting books. Were you disappointed that you didn't get to discuss them with someone else, or were you satisfied with just having your list? Bonnie
P.S. Have you read The Brain That Changes Itself?
P.S. Have you read The Brain That Changes Itself?
80HorusE
Hi Bonniebooks,
I started off with a simple list, since I was starting late in the year and wanted to add books I had already read this year. Then I noticed a comment in this group that recommended adding comments. Even though I don't discuss them with someone else in this group the comments do show up elsewhere as "conversations'. This lets me put out some information on the books read without writing a more formal review. I sometimes discuss a book or authors within the "friends'. Although I have The Brain That Changes Itself I have not read it yet and it appears that one of my sons has borrowed it. Will have to get to it soon (after it comes back). If find this group a very convenient way of keeping track of what I have read.
I started off with a simple list, since I was starting late in the year and wanted to add books I had already read this year. Then I noticed a comment in this group that recommended adding comments. Even though I don't discuss them with someone else in this group the comments do show up elsewhere as "conversations'. This lets me put out some information on the books read without writing a more formal review. I sometimes discuss a book or authors within the "friends'. Although I have The Brain That Changes Itself I have not read it yet and it appears that one of my sons has borrowed it. Will have to get to it soon (after it comes back). If find this group a very convenient way of keeping track of what I have read.
81bonniebooks
Yeah! I'm having trouble keeping up with all the new (to me) threads just since last Saturday, so probably will use my thread the same way. Glad I got the chance to catch your postings. Happy Reading!
82HorusE
92. Have Mercy on Us All ... by Fred Vargas
A former ship captain takes up the role of a town crier in an area of Paris. For a few he reads out messages and adds that he judges acceptable. On a regular basis he gets some weird messages, well paid for, that get increasingly worrisome. After a while he decides to report them to the head of a murder squad, who in turns becomes concerned about a mysterious icon that has been painted on innumerable doors around the city. Since the messages have a ring of the middle ages, the detective consults with a middle-ages expert and finds that some are quotes from the physician Avicenna, along with references to the black plague. it becomes obvious that specific individuals are being selected to die from the plague--although it develops that they are being strangled. Great characterization and plot. Who is spreading fleas, why those victims, and whence the strangulation?
A former ship captain takes up the role of a town crier in an area of Paris. For a few he reads out messages and adds that he judges acceptable. On a regular basis he gets some weird messages, well paid for, that get increasingly worrisome. After a while he decides to report them to the head of a murder squad, who in turns becomes concerned about a mysterious icon that has been painted on innumerable doors around the city. Since the messages have a ring of the middle ages, the detective consults with a middle-ages expert and finds that some are quotes from the physician Avicenna, along with references to the black plague. it becomes obvious that specific individuals are being selected to die from the plague--although it develops that they are being strangled. Great characterization and plot. Who is spreading fleas, why those victims, and whence the strangulation?
86HorusE
95. Question of Proof ... by Nicholas Blake
Nigel Strangeways by a school master friend is invted to come to a school to investigate the murder of a student that his friend is implicated in. The head master quickly joins the student as a victim.
Nigel Strangeways by a school master friend is invted to come to a school to investigate the murder of a student that his friend is implicated in. The head master quickly joins the student as a victim.
87HorusE
96. Maimonides ... by Sherwin B. Nuland
Nuland, a physician, presents a brief life of Maimonides and includes a brief discussion of the three major theological works of Maimonides as well as a discussion of his career as a physician.
Nuland, a physician, presents a brief life of Maimonides and includes a brief discussion of the three major theological works of Maimonides as well as a discussion of his career as a physician.
88HorusE
97. A Comedy of Terrors
John Appleby, in his younger days, arrives a dinner just as a man is shot. Lots of fun about mists and snow and who shot someone in the wrong spot. The scence is a big family gathering in an ancient priory.
John Appleby, in his younger days, arrives a dinner just as a man is shot. Lots of fun about mists and snow and who shot someone in the wrong spot. The scence is a big family gathering in an ancient priory.
89HorusE
98. The Chinese Lake Murders ... by Robert Hans van Gulik
Judge Dee, a district magistrate, is judge, jury, prosecutor, and detective. He attends a wedding celebration and is immersed immediately in a murder and a conspiracy involving the White Lotus and a mystery involving a game of Go or chinese chess.
Judge Dee, a district magistrate, is judge, jury, prosecutor, and detective. He attends a wedding celebration and is immersed immediately in a murder and a conspiracy involving the White Lotus and a mystery involving a game of Go or chinese chess.
90HorusE
99. The Assignment ... by Friedrich Durrenmatt
A psychiatrist hears that his wife had been murdered in some north-African country and asks a journalist to investigate. The extended title, "or on the Observing of the Observer of the Observers", hints at the somewhat existentialist nature of the novel. The journalist becomes submerged in a complex conspiracy involving the secret service, police, and the army and a bit more.
A psychiatrist hears that his wife had been murdered in some north-African country and asks a journalist to investigate. The extended title, "or on the Observing of the Observer of the Observers", hints at the somewhat existentialist nature of the novel. The journalist becomes submerged in a complex conspiracy involving the secret service, police, and the army and a bit more.
