jonesli's 75 Challenge for 2009

I see that quite a few members of the 999 have also joined this group ,and I am going to join as well.

I have no idea if I will be successful with the 999 or 75, I think I will, but if not it's just so much fun trying!

This is the first year that I really kept track of what I read, which keeps me from buying duplicate books (oops) and trying to remember if I read something as I get sidetracked with new acquisitions.

Now I am off to bookcloseouts....

1. The Apple Started and finished this today. It's a collection of short stories featuring characters from the Crimson Petal. I loved the Crimson Petal, and I like many others thought a sequel or prequel would be in order. Unless something changes, the author has emphatically stated that he has no intention of doing so. Nevertheless, this was good quick read, and I would like to read other stories featuring these colorful characters.

Thanks, jonesli. I hadn't heard of these but they sound like good ones!

Bookcloseouts - one of the banes of my existence, lol. I keep getting the books in, but I can never seem to get them read. Anyhow, welcome to the group!

Thank you for the welcome alcottacre, we'll see how long I can stay away from Bookcloseouts in 2009!

2. The Glass Castle Started this yesterday and finished this morning. What a great book! I think this is definitely going to remain one of my top 5 reads for the year.

I loved The Glass Castle too. It was one of my favorite reads in 2007. When you find yourself wanting another memoir with a similar tone (yet different story) try Little Heathens if you haven't already read that one. It was one of my favorites from 2008.

3.The Heretic's Daughter , this was a well written book that took place during the period of the Salem Witch Trials. It was more a story of the strained relationship between a mother and daughter complicated by Puritan community views, plagues, and the threat of Indian raids.

If you are at all interested in nonfiction about the Salem Witch Trials, I recommend In the Devil's Snare by Mary Beth Norton. It makes for some interesting reading.

Thanks for the recommendation, this looks pretty good.

One of the members of the 75 books challenge in 2008 recommended it to me, so I am just passing it along. I read the book myself last year and thought it very good. I hope you get a chance to read it.

4. The Big Sea an excellent glimpse at the early life of Langston Hughes.

Review:http://the999challenge.blogspot.com/2009/01/big-sea-481.html

I read W.E.B. DuBois book The Souls of Black Folk last year and was very interested in this book of essays that were primarily written in the early 20th century. The Big Sea looks to be another one I would enjoy. Thanks for the review.

5. The Tsarina's Daughter a historical fiction/ love story about Tatiana Romanov, the daughter of Tsar Nicholas and Tsarina Alexandra.

Review:
http://www.librarything.com/work/7466405/reviews/37139320

6. Alice Adams a pretty good read about a selfish young girl in the 1920's attempting to climb the social ladder and causing problems for her family along the way.

Review:
http://the999challenge.blogspot.com/2009/01/alice-adams-by-booth-tarkington-681....

7. The Golden Girls of MGM

Review:

http://the999challenge.blogspot.com/2009/01/golden-girls-of-mgm-by-jane-ellen-wa...

8. The Whore's Child a great collection of short stories by Richard Russo. I decided to try this book because I read Empire Falls last year and loved it. The short stories are great, they are realistic life situations combined with wry humor featuring among others, an elderly nun born to a prostitute and the thoughts of a 10 year old boy as his parents marriage undergoes a rough patch. Now I think I will look for Nobody's Fool by this author also.

9. Agatha Christie's The Pale Horse

Review:
http://www.librarything.com/review/40307297

10. Going Wrong good suspenseful novel by Ruth Rendell

review:http://www.librarything.com/review/39853101

11. The Undertaker's Widow a legal thriller/mystery by Philip Margolin. I used to read his books faithfully as they came out, but I missed this one and two others I think. Good read, easy to follow and not an obvious ending.

Review:
http://www.librarything.com/work/56619/reviews/37851124

12.The Chimney Sweeper's Boy This is my second Barbara Vine book, and so far so good. It is the story of novelist Gerald Candless, his wife Ursula, and his horrible daughters Sarah and Hope. Gerald dies unexpectedly and his daughter Sarah decides to write a biography of her father. We soon learn that he was not who he appeared to be and learn shocking secrets of his past. This was a very good book and I did not see the ending coming at all.

13. The Lady In the Lake Raymond Chandler's fourth novel, I believe. I think The Big Sleep is my favorite book of his and I enjoyed this one as well. I thought that there were a few too many characters for me to keep track of, but it could just be me.

It is the story of Derace Kingsley who has hired Philip Marlowe to find his wife Crystal who seems to have disappeared with a boyfriend Chris Lavery. A woman's body is found in the lake by Mr. Kingsley's mountain cabin which may be his wife or his neighbor's wife Muriel Chess. Also involved in the story is a strange doctor who lives on the same block as Mr. Lavery and who's wife also is deceased. Lots of twists in this story and a lot of characters. You can't beat Raymond Chandler's style of classic noir

#21: I brought home The Chimney Sweeper's Boy from the library yesterday, but my oldest daughter (jade605) has absconded with it. Last I heard, she was already up to chapter 11. I may eventually get to read it so I can review it as well.

Oohhh, I hope you get to read it, I will be curious to see what you think. Especially when you get to the very end!

14. Keys To The Street another great book by Ruth Rendell. So far I haven't run across anything of hers that would cause me to throw the book across the room:)

Review
http://www.librarything.com/review/39149682

15. Twisted Jeffery Deaver

I greatly enjoyed this collection of short stories featuring twisted people in stories with excellent plot twists. Everytime I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was wrong. This was my first time reading anything by this author, although I had heard of him before. Some of the highlights for me were:

*A beautiful woman goes to extreme lengths to rid herself of a stalker.* A former nerd, now an adult, gets revenge on his former tormentors. *A father's fishing trip turns deadly and the absolute best story features detective Lincoln Rhyme in a Christmas themed disappearance.

I am looking forward to reading the Bone Collector and I will be reading the rest of the Lincoln Rhyme series in the near future.

>15 lsh63: Twisted is definitely high on my list of favorites, but I didn't like More Twisted at all. It just didn't quite have the same spark as the first one. If you decide to read it, I'd be very interested in what you thought of it. Maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind. The Bone Collector was great, and The Stone Monkey is another of my Deaver faves!

16. The Crocodile Bird

I loved this book! Liza and her mother Eve live on the isolated British estate Shrove House. Although Eve is more than slightly unbalanced, with an unnatural attachment to the estate, one senses that she loves her daughter.

Liza is not allowed to go to school to interact with other children, watch television, or develop any other relationships besides the one with her mother. After committing several murders over Liza's lifetime, Eve's luck has finally run out and she is wanted by the police for her crimes. Liza is now sixteen and runs away with the garden hand and also her boyfriend Sean.

In the manner of Scherazade, Liza recounts her life story to Sean and comes to realize she may be more like her mother than she thinks.

Great psychological thriller.

#28: Sounds like an interesting premise. I will have to give it a shot. On to the Continent it goes!

17. A Demon In My View

I enjoyed this great read about several tenants sharing a run down house,one of whom is a serial killer. The reader learns the reasons behind the serial killer's actions early on.

The main characters ,Arthur and Anthony Johnson invevitably get their mail mixed up, which in turn leads to a case of mistaken identity and an unexpected showdown.

This book features the usual psychological suspense and plot twists, but is never boring.

Sounds like another good book. Thanks for the review.

18. Finished March today. There have been so many great reviews of this book, I don't feel as though I can add anything else that would be insightful. However, I find this book to be a wonderfully written story about the brutality of slavery, war, and the courage of one's convictions. Wonderful attention to detail also.

Reading this book has made me nostalgic for the time when I was a young girl and read Little Women for the first time.

19. The Secret House of Death I am just a tad bit obsessed with Ruth Rendell right now, so you will see quite a few posts with her books. I think there are almost 80 of them, maybe more if I count short story collections, uh oh...... I will get around to the other books I planned to read at some point I hope.

Anyway, this book was one of her earlier ones, published in 1968, and is the story of Susan Townsend, living with her son Paul, recently divorced from her husband. Susan has the misfortune of finding the bodies of her neighbor Louise and her alleged lover.in Louise's house. Louise's husband Bob, begins spending a lot of time with Susan, who start to realize that all is not quite right with Bob. Very good book, although the early style is much different from some of the later books that I have read.

20. The Little Sleep, Paul Tremblay an ER book

A great book about a South Boston PI who suffers from hallucinations, insomnia, and narcolepsy.

Review:
http://www.librarything.com/work/6211778/reviews/41162408

A great book about a South Boston PI who suffers from hallucinations, insomnia, and narcolepsy.

I would read the book just to find out how he has time to be a PI with all that going on!

Gah. I want to read this one, and the library doesn't have it! Hmmm. Time to go to shopping!

Hi jonesli. Just found your thread. The Little Sleep and Twisted sound great, I have a crime genre hole in my TBR so thanks!

#37 I'm glad clfisha, I think you will enjoy them both.

21. Make Death Love Me

review:
http://www.librarything.com/work/171045/reviews/40771565

You are definitely on a Rendell kick, aren't you jonesli? I've not read that much of her stuff, but I will be reading Anna's Book written under her other pen name, Barbara Vine, this coming week or so.

I still have not gotten The Chimney Sweeper's Boy back yet from my oldest daughter. Once I do, I will be reading that one, too!

#40 Yep, I can't stop myself! You are going to love Anna's Book!

22. The Mysterious Affair at Styles

I read this book through Daily Lit (my first time doing so) and it worked out well for me. I did not realize that this was the intro book of Ms. Christie's and that it also was the introduction of the wonderful Hercule Poirot.

I enjoyed this book very much, and of course I became so wrapped up in the various twists in the story, I forgot that my lunch period was over at work! lol

23. A Summons to Memphis

This was a random pick from the list of Pulitzer Fiction winners. I think this book won in 1986 or 1987. I was not familiar with this author and I was glad to have read this book.

It is a story of aging, family relationships, resentment, lost love, and Southern traditions. The basic premise of this story is that the patriarch of a Nashville family (originally from Memphis is seeking a second wife after his first wife of many years passes away. His two daughters are vehemently opposed to such an idea, and summon their younger brother to Memphis to stop the foolishness of an old man. As the son reflects on his childhood, the reader learns why none of the children have married and how the father's machinations played a part in shaping the lives of his children led to resentment, but will hopefully heal old wounds.

24. The House of Stairs

Early on in this book it is established that a murder has taken place., as well as the identity of the murderer. The actual act and the victim's identity are not revealed until the very, very end.

Elizabeth moves in with her widowed aunt Cosette to escape her home life. The house that she eventually moves into is known as "The House of Stairs" complete with a long winding staircase and upstairs windows that reach to the floor, only there are no balconies.
Cosette's generous nature leads to her being taken advantage and surrounded my a variety of freeloaders. She is oblivious to this of course, as she tries to recapture her youth and find true love at last.

That sounds like an awesome mystery - we know the murderer, but not who the victim is and how they actually died. Hmmm... I'm adding it to the list!

25.Your Heart Belongs to Me I have been a fan of Mr. Koontz for many years. This book is a little bit different, not quite enough chilling thrills for me, but a good read all in all.
It is the story of Ryan Perry, a brilliant Internet entrepreneur who has become a millionaire, found a great girlfriend, and has a lot to look forward to until he is diagnosed with incurable cariomyopathy. I don't want to spoil anything, but you can probably guess some of what happens from the title.

26. A Kiss Before Dying, I was happy to find this in the library the other day. I enjoyed the movie with Robert Wagner, Joanne Woodward and Jeffrey Hunter. The movie was good, the book is great.

It's the story of a young college man from a poor family who will do anything to obtain the "rich" life. This book was creepy enough to hold my interest even though I had an idea what happens because I saw the movie. I was not aware that this was the author's first book, published when he was 23!

27. Death of a Gentle Lady I substituted this book for an Agatha Christie that I wasn't able to get a hold of.

This was my first time reading a Hamish Macbeth and it was a vey quick and enjoyable read. I will definitely read the rest of the series soon, of course as I usually do, I think I started with the last of the series. I think there is a new one that just came out.

Anyway, this is the story of the murder of Mrs. Gentle, who on the surface appears to be a sweet older lady loved by everyone except Hamish. He proposes to her maid supposedly to help her out with her visa problem, and to help him keep his police station also. From there the fun begins...

The Hamish Macbeth is a very nice cozy mystery series. I hope you enjoy them!

28. I Married a Dead Man I really enjoyed this book!

Review:
http://www.librarything.com/work/145386/edit/41856291

29. In Cold Blood Excellent book

Review:
http://www.librarything.com/work/3514/reviews/38147992

I Married a Dead Man sounds very good. I will look for that one. Thanks for the recommendation.

30. The Secret Life of Bees This was an Xmas gift, and I decided to read it before seeing the movie.

This was a good a book; set in 1964 South Carolina where there is plenty of racial conflict, but also hope for the future. It is the story of young Lily Owens, who decides to find out the secret of her mother's past and escape from her father. Her "stand in" mother Rosaleen, who is black, accompanies Lily on her journey and they meet up with three slightly eccentric sisters who are aware of Lily's mother's past and try to help Lily heal.

31.The Lake of Darkness yet another Ruth Rendell book. I can't seem to get enough. Great book featuring the author's trademark of dark irony and people with emotional issues.

Martin Urban wins quite a bit of money in a lottery and attempts to do the right thing and give half of it away to people in need. He then falls in love and plans to marry, all the while not quite sure if he is attracted to another man, but a case of miscommunication alters his plans...

32. The Brothers Karamazov

This book is listed just about everywhere as a "must read". I have had the book on my shelves for a few years and grew bored with it easily. I am now a big fan of the group read as I think this finally gave me the encouragement to finish this lengthy novel.

I am glad that I have read it, and this book is a great tool for discussions of socialism, philosophy, and religion. Parts of it are torture to read, and others are riveting.

The story is that of the tumultuous relationship of Fydoor Karamazov and his sons, Dmitri, Ivan, and Alexy. Complete with drunken debauchery, greed, and treatises on heaven versus hell and good versus evil, the Brothers Karamazov is best read in small segments.

33. Playback

Playback is Raymond Chandler's last novel. Although I was glad to have read this one, there was something missing for me with the way the book flowed.

Philip Marlowe, wisecracking detective, is hired to follow a rehead who goes by the name of Betty Mayfield as she is leaving a train but isn't told the whole story why.

There are a few dead bodies, a couple of love scenes and not much more. I felt as though maybe Mr. Chandler had written or meant to write more to be added to this book. But even a mediocre Chandler is still worth the read. I suppose I just love the Big Sleep so much it's hard not to compare. I still plan on reading the rest of his works ; High Window, and his short story collections.

34. Heartshaped Box This was an impulse pick up at the library. There have been many reviews of this book so I will just say this is a great thriller/ghost story that was difficult to put down.

It's the story of an aging rock star Jude and his girlfriend Georgia. Jude likes to collect eerie/disturbing items and can't resist the purchase of a dead man's suit that is supposedly haunted by the owner's spirit. Oh, and the suit was delivered in a heart shaped box.

I enjoyed Heartshaped Box very much. Have you tried his 20th Century Ghosts? It's a collection of shorts. Very good.

#58 No, I haven't read 20th Century Ghosts but it looks really good and I hope to get it very soon.

35. The Concrete Blonde Number 3 in the Harry Bosch series.

Harry is being sued by the wife of the alleged Dollmaker serial killer that he shot and killed four years ago. When new corpses are found with the killer's signature everyone seems to think that Harry may have killed the wrong man. Great story which brings up Harry's childhood, and the problems in his realtionship with his girlfriend Sylvia.

The Harry Bosch series is one of my favorite.

36. Not the Girl Next Door

A wonderful biography about one of my favorite actresses , Joan Crawford. Everyone is probably familiar with the Mommie Dearest movie starring Faye Dunaway with the infamous wire hanger scene. This book however, offers a different side of the relationship between Joan and her daughter Cristina as well as her infamous feuding with Bette Davis. Filled with intimate details of her family life, loves, and experiences, Not The Girl Next Door offers a refreshing perspective of one of the great actresses of Old Hollywood.

37. The Moving Target

This is my first book by this author featuring his detective Lew Archer; it was an impulse pick up at my last library visit. I realized midway through the book that I had seen a movie that this book is based on Harper which stars Paul Newman. Someone on LT has also informed me that there is another movie The Drowning Pool which is based on the book which also stars Paul Newman. (good choice)

Lew Archer is hired to find a Southern California millionaire, Ralph Sampson, who has been reported missing by his wife. After meeting Mr. Sampson’s daughter Miranda, and some of his associates, which include a holy man to whom Sampson has given his own mountain sanctuary and an actress who follows astrology. Included in the cast of characters are Mr. Sampson’s personal pilot and lawyer who are both in love with his daughter Miranda. It’s not too long before Archer begins to think that maybe Mr. Sampson has been kidnapped by someone he knows.

This was a good, quick moving, crime novel much in the same vain as Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. It contained just the right amount of detail and not an overly obvious conclusion. I enjoyed it very much. I definitely plan to read more books by the author featuring both his Lew Archer series and his stand alones as well.

38. The Uncommon Reader
An impulse pick up from my last library visit. A good, very funny book about what happens when the Queen of England discovers the love of reading and is not interested in much else (I can certainly relate). I love the surprise ending.

39. Death of a Witch
I started reading this series with Death of a Gentle Lady and I am enjoying them very much.

This is a very good mystery about Lochdubh resident Catronia Beldame who is suspected of being a witch and who has been supplying most of the male residents of Lochdubh with some sort of potion. Combined with the ever complicated love life of Hamish who at point has three women vying for his affection. This book had a very surprising end.

40. Death of a Maid Hamish has won the maid services of Mrs. Gillespie in a church raffle. Before long Mrs. Gillespie is found dead, and Hamish soon finds out that she was busy doing much more than cleaning homes, primarily blackmail. Also distracting Hamish is the presence of Elspeth with a new man in her life.

41. Death of a Poison Pen
Hamish is trying to solve the mystery of a hateful letter writer speading gossip and fear in Lochdubh. Meanwhile, Priscilla's good friend Jenny comes to town hoping to snag Hamish for herself. At the heart of this mystery is the secret of the town postmistress.

42. Breathing Lessons

Maggie Moran is a well meaning wife and mother with a big heart who seems to cause chaos at every turn. She loves her husband Ira, son Jesse and daughter Daisy, but Ira seems indifferent, Jesse has problems of his own, and Daisy, who is about to begin college, is so independent that Maggie thinks she doesn’t need her any more. Jesse is father of Leroy and husband of Fiona, who Maggie is desperately trying to get back together for their daughter’s sake, but sometimes things are just not meant to be, which doesn’t stop her from trying to push them together every chance she gets.

The entire book takes place in a one day time frame as Maggie and Ira are driving to her high school friend’s husband’s funeral. Maggie and Ira get on each other’s nerves during the road trip and each reminisces about life events that brought them to the place they are today. This book is a delightfully funny and honest portrayal of how people, especially those with grown children look back on their lives and imagine various what if scenarios, for example, what if Ira had pursued his dream of becoming a doctor, and what if Maggie had married her first serious boyfriend. Although, sometimes it is fun to look back on your life and imagine what could have been it can also make you thankful for what you do have, even if may seem ordinary to others. This is a realistic portrayal of how spouses can get on each others nerves, children can drive us crazy, etc. but we do love and appreciate them.

I enjoyed reading this book and there were parts that honestly did make me laugh out loud.

43. 20th Century Ghosts
I thought Heart Shaped Box was really good, but 20th Century Ghosts is great. While some of the stories have a sweet or perhaps sad undertone, all our good in their own way. My three favorites from this collection are 20th Century Ghost, Last Breath and Abraham's Boys.

Without giving too much away, 20th Century Ghost manages to tie in a love of movies with a ghost, Last Breath is a creepy story about a musuem owner who manages to extract the last breaths of the dying, and Abraham's Boys is a tribute to Dracula. Also good were Voluntary Comittal and The Cape.

44. Trouble Is My Business

A collection of short stories by Raymond Chandler featuring the title story Trouble Is My Business -Marlowe is hired to thwart a romance between a wealthy heir and a showgirl.

Also featured are 2. Fingerman-the story of a crooked politician seeking revenge on Marlowe for his testimony. 3.Goldfish-Marlowe is hired to find missing pearls. 4.Red Wind-mayhem ensues while Marlowe is out one night drinking.

All were good stories and I enjoyed reading them. My favorite was the title story Trouble Is My Business.

45. Ruth Rendell Collected Stories

An omnibus of delightfully dark short stories by Ruth Rendell. All were very good. My favorites were:

The Fallent Curtain, A Needle for the Devil, May and June, and Achilles Heel.

46. The New Girlfriend Yep, it's safe to say all of Ruth Rendell and Barbara Vine will be read this year.
This book features eleven stories of "murder, madness, and the macabre". My favorites were The New Girlfriend, Hare's House and The Whistler.

47 The Magnificent Ambersons

A very good read which take place at the turn of the century, published in 1918. George Amberson Minafer is spoiled, arrogant, condescending to both family and others around him. Everyone is hoping for the day when George gets what's coming to him.

Changes in the American landscape, automation, and bad investments dwindle the Amberson fortune considerably forcing George to (gasp), get a job in order to support himself and his aunt.

There is a beautiful ending to this story when someone who George treated miserably extends an act of kindness to him even after all he had done.

I am now looking forward to seeing this movie.

>67 lsh63:: I love Booth Tarkington. Most are a bit more humorous than The Magnificent Ambersons but all are enjoyable. Have you read anything else by him? If not, you might like Alice Adams, Penrod or Rumbin Galleries.

Hi TadAD: I did read Alice Adams, I think I remember Penrod from some time ago, but I think I will check out the other one you suggested Rumbin Galleries.

Thanks!

48. The Birthday Present, Vine

http://www.librarything.com/review/43425936

49. Heartsick
http://www.librarything.com/review/43425801

50. Sweetheart

51. Rebecca

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this classic, which surprisingly I had never thought to read before. I have seen the movie countless times and while I was reading the book I kept picturing Laurence Olivier and thinking how perfect he was for the role.

I found it interesting, even a little annoying that Mrs. Du Maurier opted not to give the female protagonist a name, I can’t think of any other book that I’ve read where that was the case. At any rate, the nameless protagonist meets Mr. Maxim de Winter in Monte Carlo and instantly becomes smitten with the older, distinguished gentleman, owner of the magnificent estate Manderley.

Upon settling into newlywed life at Manderley, the nameless protagonist quickly learns that the housekeeper Mrs. Danvers is out to make her life miserable any way she can. A series of events take place, misunderstandings are supposedly cleared up and then, when I got to the ending, I was left wondering if there was supposed to be more or if poetic license was taken by Hitchcock when the movie was made. All in all, Rebecca is a great book and I am happy to have finally read it.

52. Death of a Glutton I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying the Hamish Macbeth series, even though I am reading them out of order. I can think of other series where I have done that (i.e. the Stephanie Plum and Stone Barrington series) and I was able to put all of the pieces together.

In this story Hamish tries to solve the murder of a very greedy woman who is found with an apple stuffed in her mouth (ouch) The victim is co-owner of a match making company who is repulsive to her partner and prospective clients with her appetite and eating habits.

As always, the Hamish Macbeth series is a quick enjoyable read.

53 Bleeding Heart Square

This book is supposed to be my February Early Review snag, but it has not yet arrived and it was calling my name when I was at the library.

Hopefully, I won’t spoil anything for those who are still waiting and I tried really hard not to include too much detail.

Lydia Langstone flees her abusive husband, and winds up at Bleeding Heart Square, a cul-de-sac where her father, who she hasn’t seen for years, is currently residing. The book starts very, very slowly, where many characters are introduced, who seemingly do not have a relationship with each other. The book then gains momentum in the middle and the end, where the various characters’ relationships are explained. When it picked up the pace, I literally couldn’t put it down. At the heart of the story is the mysterious disappearance of Mrs. Penhow, a middle aged spinster who has seemingly vanished into thin air. This was a great book!

54. The Street, Petry

I read about this book during Black History Month, and made a note to see if it was available. It is the fascinating story of Lutie Jackson’s attempt to raise her son Bub as a single parent in 1940’s Harlem.

Every attempt that she makes to better her life for herself and her son, something or someone manages to get in her way. The story is rife with unemployment, racism, and poverty, and the strength of a woman through all types of adversity.This is a story that certainly can also be told in 2009.

55 Garnethill is an excellent psychological suspenseful thriller that takes place in Glasgow. It is The story of Maureen O’Donnell an incest survivor, who wakes up after a drunken night to find her therapist boyfriend Douglas dead in her living room. Maureen and her brother Liam initially find themselves temporary suspects which makes Maureen determined to find out the truth. Her investigation leads her to uncover a series of unbelievable events that took place at a psychiatric hospital. Maureen is broken, surrounded by a severely dysfunctional family, yet finds the courage to save those she cares deeply about. This is a very dark book but so wonderfully written. I look forward to reading the two sequels in this trilogy.

#71: I was supposed to get Bleeding Heart Square, too, but I am still waiting. My library does not have it yet, you lucky dog, you :)

56.The Optimist's Daughter a very quick, but very good book by Eudora Welty. What I like so much about her is that she can say a lot without hitting you over the head with it.

It's the story of Laurel McKelva returning to her childhood home for her father Judge McKelva's eye operation and the collision course that results when she has to put up with her self involved, slightly younger than herself stepmother, Fay. This is a great book in the tradition of other Southern novels, without a great deal of character development.

57.Ragtime
http://www.librarything.com/review/37139313

58.It's Only a Movie
http://www.librarything.com/review/37263514

59. The Stone Diaries

This is a wonderful story of the life of Daisy Goodwill, her birth, her years spent as a wife and mother, widowhood, and the deterioration that comes with age. It took a while for me to get used to the author's writing style, but then I quickly got caught up in what was happening in the "diaries".

After finishing this book, I thought of : how it takes forever for time to pass when we are young, and how we would like for it to slow down as we age. Also the perceptions that the young have of the "older' generation and vice versa. A very interesting book.

jonesli, The Stone Diaries has been on my tbr list for a while. Did you feel that this was very pro-woman? That's what I've been looking for lately. But very interesting review and I think I will check this out at my public library the next time I go. thank you!

#76 Hi Katie: Yes, I did find The Stone Diaries was very pro-woman. I think you will enjoy it.

60. Shoot the Piano Player- my first book by this author, recommended to me by a fellow LTer who loves Noir as well. It's the story of Eddie the piano player, his brothers, and why he is playing piano in a bar instead of at Carnegie Hall. I will be looking for more books by this author, although I suspect they will be hard to find.

61.To Love and Be Wise- this is my first Josephine Tey, I went to the library during lunch break, read some of it on my lunch break, and finished it on the way home. Excellent! Great story about a handsome mysterious stranger who shows up and then promptly disappears.

62.Whose Body- this is also my first Dorothy Sayers. Very good. I believe this is the first book featuring Lord Peter where he solves the mystery of a corpse in the bath.

#78: Shoot the Piano Player looks very good and I will definitely be looking for it.

I am glad you liked both the Tey and Sayers books. I do not think you can go wrong with either author.

I've just started Whose Body as well - also my first Sayers. Good to know it's "very good" ;)

63.

Poodle Springs

I am a big fan of Raymond Chandler and have read most of his work. Poodle Springs was left unfinished with about four chapters finished at the time of Mr. Chandler’s death in 1959. Approximately 40 years after his death, Robert Parker was chosen to finish Poodle Springs as a tribute to Mr. Chandler in honor of what would have been his 100th birthday. Although I am not at all familiar with Mr. Parker’s work, I think he did a great job completing Poodle Springs and I think it is a fitting honor to Mr. Chandler’s creation. I have learned that Mr. Parker has also written a sequel to the Big Sleep titled Perchance to Dream, which I may also read.

Poodle Springs begins with Philip Marlowe living in Poodle Springs California married to a wealthy heiress and living in luxury. The conflict begins early on as Marlowe’s wife Linda wants him to stay at home with her, lunch at the club, and attend numerous social functions. Of course this is not Marlowe’s style; he has to be his own man and remain true to himself and sets out to open up an office in Poodle Springs, where of course no one expects anything criminal to take place. In short order, Marlowe lands his first case in Poodle Springs; he is hired by Manny Lipschultz to track down Les Valentine who left a $100,000 marker and left Manny in big trouble with his boss, Mr. Blackstone. What seems like a simple case soon evolves into a confusing case of double identity with a charming rogue, and undying love.

I found Mr. Chandler’s other novels perhaps contained a few more plot twists and character development, this book was pretty straight forward, and not to difficult to figure out who the murderer was. However, I think it would be impossible for one person to write exactly like another and no one should be expected to. Mr. Parker captured the essence of Philip Marlow using his own style and did a first-rate job. The snappy dialogue, tough guy demeanor, humor and Marlowe’s propensity in being the first on the scene of finding dead bodies are still present and very entertaining. It’s Philip Marlowe with a new romantic side to him and it works.

I absolutely love this part near the end (Possible Spoiler)

“It had been a long time since I’d sat in this bar and had a gimlet with Terry Lennox, a long time since I’d first met Linda Loring, Harlan Potter’s daughter, gold and diamond and silk, and perfume that cost more than my weekly wage. A long time and I was still ………… drinking alone” Perfect, I can just picture Bogie saying these words.

64. The Nothing Man this is my first time reading anything by Jim Thompson. I found this book to be a little odd, but all in all a good hard-boiled noir read.

Clinton Brown is a re-write man on a newspaper staff, who drinks too much, and may or may not be a murderer. The story is told in first person, is hard edged, and has a little surprise at the end of each chapter. As dark as this novel is, it also has some bits of humor, there is a part involving a minor character and mayonnaise that made me laugh out loud.

Paraphrasing from the Washington Post, "If Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, and Cornell Woolrich had joined together in some ungodly union and produced a literary offspring, Jim Thompson would be it." I can't tell if that is an accurate statement based on reading just one book, but I do plan on reading other books by this author.

oo you are braver than me reading Poodle Springs. I was never sure if I could cope with swap (Chandler is one of my favourite writers) but I am now tempted to at least try it.

The only Jim Thompson book I have tried is the the Killer Inside me, which I would recommend (I keep meaning to try more as well!) It's an odd quote you mention, not sure if I agree with the Chandler comparison.. maybe Hammett though.

Anyway thanks for the reviews!

edited for mis-spelling Hammett!

65. Best Man To Die another Ruth Rendell, this is not one of her best, and I wonder if maybe I like her stand alones rather than those with Inspector Wexford. I do plan to finish all of her works some time this year.

66.Dreams From My Father I don't know if I can add anything insightful to the many reviews of this book, but I enjoyed it immensely.

67. A Man Lay Dead this was my first Ngaio Marsh and I loved it! I am in the process of collecting the rest of her books so that I can read them in order.

68. Absent in the Spring and other Stories an omnibus of Absent in the Spring Giant's Bread and The Rose and The Yew Tree.

Ms. Christie's writing as Mary Wetmacott are typically categorized as romance novels, but in my opinion, there's more to these stories. My favorite of the three was Absent in the Spring, all I kept thinking is she really this clueless? I also plan to read the other omnibus featuring A Daughter's a Daughter, Westmacott The Burden and An Unfinished Portrait within the next week so that it can go back to the library.

#84: I am a fan of Ngaio Marsh as well. I hope you enjoy the remainder of the series!

I just read the Mary Westmacott novels too! Absent in the Spring was my favorite of the 6. I agree with you. After you read An Unfinished Portrait - I recommend reading Christie's Autobiography. You will be surprised! Those two books have a lot in common but I don't want to give too much away...

I didn't like Giant's Bread but I liked all the others. In Giant's Bread the main character frightened and irritated me - I didn't like him. But it was compelling writing!

Happy reading,
Angela

69. Enter a Murderer my second Ngaio Marsh. I am in the process of happily collecting the rest of her books. Some are a bit harder to find than others. Roderick Alleyn solves the mystery at the Unicorn Theatre which involves a gun which was supposed to contain blanks.

70.Plum Lovin- I can always count on Stephanie to make me laugh. I don't usually read the between the numbers books, but I found this at the Dollar Store and couldn't help myself. Stephanie is up to her usual antics with another sidekick Diesel.

71.A Daughter's a Daughter and other Novels- these stories are so so sad. Just in time for Mother's Day though, A Daughter's a Daughter shows what happens when a daughter tries to ruin her mother's love interest and happiness. Unfinished Portrait was pretty good Celia has to come to terms with the ghosts of her past. And The Burden shows what happens when our love for others gets in the way of our own happiness.

Getting close to 75! Congratulations.

I haven't been reading much lately. Now that it's almost June, I hope to pick up the pace a bit.

72. Bloodlines a great collection of Ruth Rendell short stories, some very short, but all good.

73.A Shilling for Candles this is my second Josephine Tey. I love her writing style and I think I will be a little sad when I read the last book. I am trying not to devour them all at once. Allan Grant solves the mystery of an actress's death while tracking down a man's overcoat and following leads that seem to go nowhere.

74. Shake Hands Forever- I have been reading a lot of Ruth Rendell lately, and for some reason I have been avoiding the Inspector Wexford series. This one was good, about a husband, his strangled wife, impossible mother and an immaculately kept home where the body was found. Good twist at the end.

75.Loitering With Intent - ok this is bad, I checked this out of the library at lunch and finished this evening. I love the Stone Barrington series, although I enjoy them more with the Arrington dynamic. But this was still a fun read. Stone and Dino travel to KeyWest for what appears to be a simple assignment: to obtain the signature on an agreement of sale for a multi million dollar company. Complete with drugs, plot twists, and a new girl for Stone, I kind of saw the end coming, but it was was still an enjoyable read.

#90: I love Josephine Tey. My favorite of hers will always be The Daughter of Time even though it is by no means a traditional mystery.

76. Pieces of My Heart I have been trying to obtain this book for months now and somehow it has never become available until last week. I love classic movies as much as reading, and I like reading Hollywood biographies.

Robert Wagner's book, while holding my interest, seemed to be a litany of every actor and director that he ever came in contact with. He was very careful not to give too much detail as to destroy any reputations which I find admirable.

It is evident that the love he shared with Natalie Wood was a once in a lifetime thing, even though he was married to others at times. I had no idea that the first woman he ever loved, was Barbara Stanwyck, one of my favorite actresses of all time.

I liked, not loved this book, but it is a quick and entertaining read if one enjoys reading about Hollywood.

77. 1st to Die- I found this book staring at me on the bookshelf, and from the look of it, it has been there a while. I enjoy the Alex Cross series by James Patterson very much, even though I have not yet read Cross Country but I intend to.

I wasn't sure if I would want to read another series by this author, but this book was very good! The story of four women: a homicide detective, a medical examiner, a reporter and an assistant DA attempt to stop a killer who has been murdering newlyweds in San Francisco. I plan on reading the rest of the series at some point.

78. The Nursing Home Murder- I am trying to read all of these books in order and this is my third one. Inspector Alleyn solves the mystery of the Home Secretary's death in the hospital after surgery. His wife, mistress, doctor, sister and anarchists all appear to have a motive. This was a delightful read!

Oh and #91, I gave in and started the Daughter of Time!

#92: You will have to let me know how you like it! (if you hate it, do not tell me, though)

Hi jonesli, Just wanted to say that I really enjoyed The Little Sleep. Thanks for the review!

79. The Daughter of Time there have been many posts about this book and I was mesmerized while reading it. There is something about Tey's writing style that is unique and does not remind me of anything else. What a shame she wrote so few books. Imagine what other delights there would be!

Alan Grant, bed-ridden with a leg injury, is bored and decides to research the facts about Richard III and the death of his nephew. There was a lot going on here, but this was superb!

80. The Man in the Queue I was on a Tey roll and read this also. Who else could write a story about a stabbing death in the midt of a group of people waiting for tickets to see the last performance of a famous actress who is leaving for America. I thought the confession came out of nowhere, but I still could not put this book down!

81.Death of a Hussy Hamish solves the case of the death of Maggie Beard, killed in a fiery car crash. The suspects are her niece Alison who is recovering from lung cancer, and four former beaus who Maggie hopes to lure into marriage by dangling her money around. This series is always fun to read, even though I have started reading them out of order.

#94, Thanks for your comment about The Little Sleep, it also reminded me that I need to get it back from my mother so I can pass it on to someone else:) It was different wasn't it?

It's so funny - I've just been discussing Josephine Tey on my thread! I read my first Tey this week, The Man in the Queue and I loved her writing too. I asked if anyone knew of any writers that are similar to her, but she seems to be unique. I kind of wish he would have figured out the murderer by himself without the confession, but it makes him seem more 'human' this way, which is always good.

I'm going to read her little collection of books in order, and I can't wait until I read The Daughter of Time. I ordered book #2 from bookmooch but it's been delayed for a month...hope I can wait that long. :D

#95: Glad to see you enjoyed Daughter of Time. All of Tey's books are good, IMHO, but I enjoy that one the most.

#96 It was indeed! Amazing how adding the er "twist" of narcolepsy makes everything wonderfully much more complex. I was really impressed the never made the main character too self pitying, a fine line to walk. Will definitely get the next one (if there is one!).

These are out of order:

84.The Body In the Library

One of my goals is to read all of Agatha Christie. Some of her books will be re-reads for me, as I started reading her many years ago at about the age of 12 and have no idea which ones I read. Pre LT, I have no idea what I read or when I finished a book at all.

Here, the body of a young blonde is found in the library at Gossington Hall, the home of Colonel and Mrs. Bantry. None of the inhabitants of the house seem to have any idea who she is or where she came from. As the reader learns more about the young woman, there are more suspects there are. This book features Miss Marple doing what she does best, watching and waiting, and taking note of everything around her. Even the smallest clues are overlooked by everyone else except for Miss Marple.

83.A Highland Christmas- This was a cute short story about the miracle of Christmas and Hamish Macbeth restoring Yuletide cheer in Lochdubh for several of its residents.

82.Death of a Travelling Man-Hamish Macbeth has been promoted much to his dismay, and drifters have parked their van in the village causing all kinds of trouble for the resident. Soon money and drugs are missing, and the citizens of Lochdubh are all acting strangely. Hamish comes through and saves the day.

85. Kaffir Boy- author Mark Mathabane's compelling true story of growing up in apartheid South Africa. The poverty, violence, and humiliation that he suffered made him extremely determined to escape to a better life in America. He was finally rewarded for his scholastic efforts with a full tennis scholarship to Limestone College. This is where the book ended, and I am now curious about what happened afterward. I will have to track down the author's other books. Reading this book really made me apprecative of what I have and the true struggles of others.

#100: I am adding Kaffir Boy to Planet TBR. It looks very good. Thanks for the recommendation!

Reading all of Agatha Christie's works - that's exciting!! I set that goal for myself a few years ago and I just finished earlier this year. Well, I did not read her plays and poems. But I did read her mysteries, her autobiography and also her 6 Mary Westmacott novels. Have fun - happy reading!

86. Suite Francaise A good friend recommended this book to me and I am glad that she did, it was difficult for me to put this down at times.

First, the fact that this author's manuscript remained unknown for more than sixty years is incredible. Additionally, the author never had a chance to complete her novel as planned as she was arrested and sent to Auschwitz, where she died in 1942. This is an excellent book which is divided into two unique parts. The first, tells the story of the Nazi occupation in 1940, the plight of those seeking food and shelter and the mayhem that took place.

The second half of the book takes place in a village which is now occupied by German soldiers and the forced coexistence that takes place with the enemy, while forced to open their homes and fight for their very survival.

I am glad to have read this book and I will be looking for the author's other book Fire in the Blood

87.The Franchise Affair I happened upon To Love and Be Wise a few months ago at the library, and I have been intrigued with Josephine Tey ever since. Her writing and style are so unique, that so far none of her books have reminded me of anything else as they are all so different. Daughter of Time, A Schilling for Candles, The Man in the Queue were all good and I look forward to reading the three I have left: Brat Farrar, The Singing Sands and Miss Pym Disposes.

The Franchise Affair is the story of Marion Sharpe and her mother being accused of kidnapping and beating a teenage girl, Betty Kane, a seemingly innocent schoolgirl. Robert Blair, a county solicitor makes it his mission to prove the Sharpes innocence. In this one, Inspector Grant does not solve the case. Excellent!

88. In The Still of the Night is the second in the Grace and Favor mystery series. I think I enjoy this series more than the other one I tried. (the name escapes me right now

Anyway, Lily and her brother Robert invite a famous author to their mansion in order to lure other paying guests. One guest is murdered, one is missing and some people are not who they seem to be. I enjoy this series and I will eventually read the rest of them.

#103: Lisa, Nemirovsky also has a short story collection published as well - David Golder and several other stories are included. I read it earlier this year and enjoyed it. You can see her progression as a writer through the stories. You might want to check it out!

89. Cross Country

I have faithfully read every Alex Cross novel that James Patterson has written and usuallyi enjoy them.

Alex pursues a group of young killers from the DC area to Africa after his latest case becomes a bit too personal for him, as it involves an old friend of his. I'm not sure what it is about this book that made it a little less thrilling than the others for me. I found it to be good, but not great.

90. A Sight for Sore Eyes-

I have been enjoying Ruth Rendell for a little while now. She is truly gifted in writing psychological suspense.

This book is one that I would place in the group of her best, so much so that I read it in one day. I love how this story slowly unfolded and weaved all three of these troubled characters together.

Teddy, a child who was virtually ignored growing up, and isn’t quite sure how to display emotion or feel anything for others. He has, however learned to kill in order to make his life easier when others complicate his life.

Francine: a child who witnessed the murder of her mother after she was sent to her room for misbehaving. Her father remarries, ironically a mentally unbalanced psychotherapist, who tries to keep Francine from experiencing life.

Harriet bored with her marriage to an older man, and in constant need of affection and attention from younger strangers to make her feel young again.

There was a good ending to this book, and the only thing that bothered me a little bit at is if one of the characters realized something about one of the other characters, or I suppose it may be implied. Creepy good!

91.The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
One of my goals is to read all of Agatha Christie in the near future. This was excellent! The story is narrated by Dr. Sheppard, who lives with his sister Caroline, an incredible gossip. A woman named Mrs. Ferrars dies, supposedly of suicide because she had poisoned her husband, then not long after Dr. Sheppard is summoned to the home of Roger Ackroyd, who is found stabbed to death and who had knowledge of Mrs. Ferrars crime. A lot of suspects, all with secrets, and the ending was spectacular!

A sight for sore eyes is my favourite Ruth Rendell book, I read most of her work years ago and i just loved this one.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd was the first Christie book that I read - and it was such a good choice!

It's impressive that you're working on reading all of Christie's books! I've recently discovered Tommy and Tuppence and love them!

I have read a couple of Rendell's books this year, but have not yet read A Sight for Sore Eyes. I will give it a try. Thanks for the recommendation.

92.Looking for Alaska
http://www.librarything.com/review/43729738

93.Ironweed:
http://www.librarything.com/review/46234211

94.The Crime at Black Dudley
http://www.librarything.com/review/46234283

95. Death of a Dreamer Hamish attempts to solve the murder of the eccentric, delusional dreamer Effie Garrard, while also juggling the attention of ex-girlfriends and new interests, which almost distract him from the case.

96.A Dark Adapted Eye another goodie by Ruth Rendell/Barbara Vine. I was reminded of Asta's Book when I was reading this which I loved. This book was the winner of the 1986 Edgar Award.

Faith Severn is contacted by a journalist who wants to dig into the past of Faith's aunt, Vera Hillyard who was hung for murder thirty years ago. Early on, we know that Vera committed murder, but we do not know who was killed or why.

There are a great many characters introduced, which was a little maddening for me at times. I realize now that this was necessary to set the generational theme for the story. The murder victim is revealed at the end, but teasingly we do not find out who Faith's cousin Jamie's parents are. which is central to the story. Good stuff! I highly recommend this one.

97. Brat Farrar I am really enjoying reading Josephine Tey's works and I will be a little sad when I am finished them. I have enjoyed them all so far, but right now A Franchise Affair is my favorite.

Brat Farrar is the story of tan imposter pretending to be the presumed dead Patrick Ashby, twin of Simon Ashby, who is returning to the family fold just in time to claim his inheritance. Simon does not seem to be happy about his twin's return. The imposter has been coached on most of the mannerisms and the details of Patrick's early life, however he does not fool everyone.

Supposedly Patrick committed suicide eight years ago at the age of thirteen. Why does the impostor bear such a strong resemblance to the family? All is revealed at the end in a volatile conclusion. A great book!

98. The Beautiful and Damned
This book may be one of Fitzgerald's lesser known works, such as The Great Gatsby and Tender is the Night.

This book was wonderfully written, howwever I found it to be a bit rambling at times. It is nonetheless an excellent portrayal of what happens to us when we are greedy, self indulgent and expect others to solve our problems.

Set in the wonderful Jazz Age in New York, The Beautiful and Damned is the story of Anthony Patch, a Havard educated aspiring writer, and loafer and his wife Gloria,a petulant party girl's downward spiral after their brief courtship and marriage. Basically Anthony and Gloria are waiting patiently for his grandfather Adam Patch to die, so that they will inherit his multimillion dollar estate. Neither one feels as though they should work and instead live on a small trust income and sell bonds to pay their bills and afford liquor, cigarettes, and domestic help.

What happens next is an important lesson about reality, becoming a responsible adult and what brings true happiness. A great read although it is perhaps a little lenghty.

99. The Lost Stories of Dashiell Hammett

This book is an interesting compilation of some of Dashiell Hammett's lesser known works, some of which had not been published for many years. If one is looking for an anthology of simply short stories, then you would probably be disappointed with this book. There is a great deal of biographical and historical detail included along with each story which may either frustrate or interest some readers. I found the background information to be a useful tool while I was reading.

While I was reading this book, a conversation ensued about the differences between Hammett and Chandler, and how some people preferred one to the other. I would never be able to choose between the two authors for they both have their own unique styles and are true "hardboiled" masters.

Dashiell Hammett turned to writing mainly because he was afflicted with TB and was not expected to survive. Writing short stories and then eventually novels was not physically strenuous. I found the details in the book fascinating background information and told me a lot more than I previously knew about this great author of The Dain Curse, Maltese Falcon, and The Thin Man.

100. The Killing Doll

A deeply disturbing psychological thriller, which I usually love, but this book didn't do too much for me, it was mediocre in my opinion.

Pup Yearman sold his soul to the devil when he was sixteen. His sister Dolly thinks that her brother has special powers and can perform magic. She makes dolls for her brother to cast spells with. A woman is found bleeding to death, a man is pushed in front of a subway and at the end I just didn't care anymore. I wouldn't say this is the eeriest or best book that she has written.

I think I will give that one a pass!

101. The Heir I usually enjoy Barbara Taylor Bradford's books but this one I could have skipped. The Heir is a sequel to The Ravenscar Dynasty which I enjoyed when I read it. It's the story of Edward Devranel, his wife Elizabeth his mistress Jane, and his brothers George and Richard. I suppose nothing will live up to the fantastic Emma Harte series beginning with A Woman of Substance. Not too much happens that is worth mentioning.

102. Age of Innocence A beautiful love story set in 1870's New York. Newland Archer is engaged to marry the lovely May Welland until her scandalous cousin Ellen Olenska comes to town and Newland falls in love with her. This book is filled with emotional infidelity, social standards and the lives of the privileged class. I love how Newland was stunned that his wife knew more than he thought she did!

103.Death of a Snob I just cannot get enough of the Hamish Macbeth series, even if I am reading them out of order. Hamish goes to an island health farm at the request of Priscilla's acquaintance Jane Wetherby who thinks somone is trying to kill her. Hamish, one to never turn down free room and board, realizes very quickly that something is about to go wrong as everyone begins fighting with each other.

104. Fer de Lance my very first Nero Wolfe mystery and I greatly enjoyed it. All of the characters were interesting, and I was never bored while reading. You would never guess that this is a first book of the series with Archie and Mr. Wolfe because there are allusions to other cases and past events. I enjoyed this one.

105. Sleeping Murder Miss Marple helps Gwenda and Giles Reed solve the mystery of her stepmother's death for which Gwenda's father may or may not have been responsible. Very Good.

>117 lsh63:: You have endless hours of enjoyment ahead of you with Nero and Archie—I envy you just coming to them. I still pick them up from time to time for a little fun.

#117: I read Fer de Lance earlier this year - it was also the first Nero Wolfe mystery I had ever read. Glad to see he has yet another fan.

Ditto what Stasia said!

106. Forever Amber It's very easy to see why this book was banned in 1944 and caused such a ruckus. It's the story of the beautiful, willful, selfish Amber St. Clare who uses her feminine wiles to claw her way into high society in 17th century England. Think of a British Scarlett O'Hara when reading this, but with mention of unplanned pregnancies, abortions, and spur of the moment marriages. I loved this book, although it was a bit long, it definitely held my interest.

107.The Singing Sands
Taking a rest from being overworked at Scotland Yard, Inspector Alan Grant plans a quiet vacation with an old school friend. On the night train to Scotland, he comes across a dead body (we're not sure if it is in fact a murder) and the scribblings "stones that walk" and "singing sand". Curious not only about the death but also about the phrases, it becomes impossible for Grant to get the rest that he needs. He does not stop until he figures out both mysteries. This is a delightful puzzle which is unveiled in a perfect manner. Unfortunately this is Ms. Tey's last book.

108.From Doon With Death
This is the first Inspector Wexford novel where he tries to solve the case of a supposedly happily married proper woman who is found murdered in the woods. Near her body is a tube of lipstick that did not belong to the victim. Also found are several love letters written long ago from the mysterious Doon, who no one seems to know. The ending was first rate!

I can see that between you and Angela, I am going to have to break out all my Josephine Tey books. It has been a while since I read any of them, excepting Brat Farrar which I read not too long ago.

I am going to have to look for From Doon With Death, too. It looks very good.

Lol, Josephine Tey is contagious!

Yes she is, I hid Miss Pym Disposes from myself because it's my last one of hers!

109. A Sleeping Life another Ruth Rendell Inspector Wexford novel.

The murder of Rhoda Comfrey is not nearly as complicated as her secret life. A wallet is found in her handbag which belongs to a Mr. Grenville West, who noone can seem to locate. Is he dead also? Inspector Wexford is puzzled, when a second Grenville West comes to light along with many suspects and various scenarios of the murder. A nice surprising twist at the end!

110. The Tea Rose This is the first book in a trilogy which includes The Winter Rose and The Wild Rose.

This hefty novel tells the beautiful story of Fiona Finnegan, and the struggles of her family in 19th Centry East London. There are so many tragic things that happen to Fiona in such a short time, that one would think she just couldn't endure any more, but she does.

She is a fighter and is determined not to stay "in a woman's place' as she overcomes her impoverished life to become an owner of several successful tea shops.

This book reminds me so much of the successful Emma Harte series written by Barbara Taylor Bradford, beginning with A Woman of Substance, one of my favorite books ever. I thought that this book was a very well written piece of historical fiction and I am looking forward to reading the other two books in the series.

111. Atonement There has been so much written about this book, this was also my first time reading this author. The flow was a little strange for me, a scene was set, then another perspective about the same scene was then written. Once I got used to the style, it became easier for me to read.

The brief synopis:
Bratty Briony witnesses an intimate moment between her sister Cecilia and Robbie Turner, the servant's son. Her childish lie forever changes everyone's lives and she suffers the consequences of her actions over a span of about sixty years ago. This was a very sad, but very good book. Now I think I will watch the movie.

112. A Song Flung Up To Heaven This is the last of Maya Angelou's six autobiographies, set in early 1965 as she is leaving Ghana to return to America which is in the middle of The Civil Rights Movement. She is leaving a man she loves because she wants to be her own woman and not have to change to suit his needs and to be in control of her own life.

The book discusses her planned work with both Malcolm X and later Martin Luther King, who both were killed before she was able to experience working with them. She becomes great friends with James Baldwin and eventually finds her way to writing her first autobiography, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. I find her life to be fascinating and her writing excellent.

#126: I read Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings several years ago. Looks like I need to read A Song Flung Up to Heaven as well. Thanks for the recommendation.

I do wonder why she needs 6 autobiographies, though . . .seems a bit many.

113. The Winter Rose I loved this 700 plus page continuation of The Tea Rose. What I liked about this book was that the major characters in The Tea Rose were still present, but other characters became more developed. Set in 1906 London, India Jones, a young doctor falls in love with Sid Malone, who happens to be the brother of Fiona Finnegan Bristow. The reader travels back and forth between London and Africa and is a beautiful story. I can't wait to read the next installment in the trilogy!

114.Blueberry Muffin Murder I resisted many times when my mother tried to get me to read this, I thought it wasn't my taste. I was pleasantly surprised and I will read the other books in the series. This is the third in the series, which I didn't know at the time. Hannah is all set to bake cookies for the annual winter carnival. A murder is committed in her shop, the Cookie Jar. The police have declared her place a crime scene so in order to get back to her baking in peace, Hannah takes it upon herself to solve the crime partnered with her sister Andrea. Very good read, and I enjoyed the recipes as well!

115.Executive Suite I cannot remember why I have this book, but I think it has something to do with the movie of the same name starring the fabulous Barbara Stanwyck, Fredric March and William Holden. The movie is much better! It's the story of the sudden death of the president of Treadway Corporation, Avery Bullard, who for a year has neglected to name an executive vice president among five possible contenders. His sudden death means that a president needs to be elected as well as an executive VP. The story takes place during the early 1950's when men ruled the boardroom and women poured the coffee. Not a bad read, but kind of ho hum.

116.Paul Newman A very good biography of one of my favorite actors who I loved best when playing the oh so bad boy in Hud, The Hustler and Cool Hand Luke are also favorites. He took a chance not going into his family's rather successful sporting goods store, and decided to make acting his life's work. He was a very private person, and the fact that he fell in love with Joanne Woodward while he was still married to his first wife Jackie, didn't seem to hurt either of their careers. He suffered the loss of his son Scott, and had a hard time connecting with his other five children. He was also a great humanitarian, spoke his mind about civil rights issues, took up racing at an advanced age, and decided to manufacture his own salad dressing, popcorn and pasta sauce. What a life!

117.Grifter's Game This is my first Lawrence Block. It's the story of con man Joe Marlin who has met his match when he picked up suitcasess filled with heroin that belonged to a drug dealer. In short order he falls for the drug dealer's wife who may or may not have set him up. Typical noir style and very good. I will be reading more books by this author.

118.Champagne for One I have a feeling I will be devouring the Nero Wolfe series very soon. Archie is invited to an annual gala for unwed mothers (you can tell this is from the 50's) where one of the guests is carrying around poison in her purse and has been overheard saying that she wanted to kill herself. Archie suspects that she has been murdered and sets out to prove it. You can kind of see where this is going, but still fun to read.

119.The Bone Collector this is my first Lincoln Rhyme series and I will be collecting the rest of the series very soon. Lincoln Rhyme, ex NYPD criminalist, forensic expert is now a quadriplegic and wants to die. Confined to his home, his brilliant mind can still work a crime scene like no one else. He temporarily abandons his suicide plans to catch the Bone Collector, along with his new partner Amelia. I loved this book, the two great plot twists at the end were fantastic. It was a real page turner for me and sets up things nicely for the next installment.

I think I am going to have to get The Bone Collector. It sounds very interesting, and we seem to like similar types of mysteries.

I like the Lincoln Rhyme series too, although I have not read the past couple. I need to get copies of them so I can get back on track.

120.Cover Her Face- my first P.D. James and I am hooked! Inspector Dagleish solves the murder of pretty Sally Jupp, the maid who was strangled after announcing her engagement to her employer's son. Really good!

121.Montgomery Clift: A Biography
Montgomery Clift was a tortured soul who never quite found his way in the world. With an extremely pushy mother and surrounded by people to used and abused him he died at the young age of 45 in 1966. His life and looks were forever changed by the car accident he suffered in 1956 while driving down a hill after leaving Elizabeth Taylor’s house. He was never quite the same after this and proceeded to consume even more pills and alcohol to cope with his pain and what people were saying about his badly reconstructed face. While perhaps not a “great” actor, he nonetheless has memorable performances, IMO with Red River, From Here to Eternity, Judgment at Nuremburg and one of my favorites, The Heiress with Olivia de Havilland. (based on the Henry James novel Washington Square)

122.East of Eden It took me a little while to read this book, not because I didn’t like it, because there was so much to savor, it should not be read quickly. At approximately 600 pages or so, one must read this book in sections in order to enjoy it. Once I got used to Steinbeck's style, I started to enjoy it more. It's the classic story of the good brother and the bad brother. In this case, the story begins with Adam and Charles Trask, and the unequal love of their father. When Adam becomes a father to Cal and Aron, history seems to repeat itself as Cal tries to win his father's love. At the background of the brother's story is their mother Cathy Trask, who shot their father and went on to run a brothel. Very good read.

123.The Spire Thank goodness Mr. Patterson has returned to the psychological suspense novel. This genre, I believe is his specialty. I found myself captivated from the first few pages. The Spire refers to the daunting bell tower located on the campus of Caldwell College. It is the story of 17 year old Mark Darrow, star high school athlete but mediocre student, who is befriended and mentored by Dr. Lionel Farr, a philosophy professor at Caldwell. Dr Farr arranges for both Mark and his best friend Steve Tillman to obtain athletic scholarships to Caldwell. Unfortunately Steve suffers a knee injury which ends his college football career. One night in November, after throwing four touchdown passes; Mark becomes the hero of the night and as part of his celebration Mark was allowed to ring the bell in the Spire.

His celebration of his big night is forever changed the next morning by his discovery of the murdered body of Angela Hall, a black female student near the Spire. The night of the celebration, Mark’s friend Steve and another friend Joe Betts are involved in a fight, are both seen with the victim, are both drunk, and Steve doesn’t seem to remember what happened. All evidence points to Steve; he is tried, and convicted to life in prison. Steve seemed o have genuinely liked Angela, unfortunately prior racial statements he made helped to seal his fate, in addition he may also have had inadequate counsel. Her murder sparks racial tensions and tarnishes the integrity of the college. Mark knows something about that night that does not share with the police or with his friend Steve thinking that what he knows might somehow make things worse for his friend. He consequently does not attend the trial and moves on with his life, going on to law school and becoming a successful criminal attorney.

Sixteen years after graduation, Mark is asked by his mentor Dr. Farr, now the college provost, to become the college’s new president and to help solve the mystery of $900,000 in missing endowment money. The investment committee’s chairman just happens to be Joe Betts, Mark’s old friend. Even with the demands of his new position Mark continues to have nagging doubts about his friend Steve’s guilt and begins to probe into the case. He is also falling in love with Dr. Farr’s daughter Taylor, who is troubled by events in her past. There was good character development throughout the entire book and even though I began to guess the conclusion toward the end, it did not make it any less thrilling by the time I reached the riveting conclusion.

124.Etta James: A Rage to Survive
A very candid and honest story of one the greats in American music.
Born in 1938 to a 14 year old mother, Etta James began her life looking for love, first from her mother, then from men and spent most of her life addicted to heroin and many other drugs. Her mother never confirmed exactly who her father was, although many friends and acquaintances indicated that it was Minnesota Fats, who she eventually got to meet. He could neither confirm nor deny allegations that he was in fact her biological father, because no one could be sure, but he agreed to meet with her and provided her with mementos to remember him by.

Signed to Chess Records at the young age of 16, where her best known hit “At Last” was recorded. The book chronicles her contact with many great performers such as Miles Davis, Sam Cooke, Billie Holliday, and The Rolling Stones.

Her story is not one that evokes self-pity, at no point upon reading her sad story does one get the sense that she is saying” feel sorry for me” rather, she paints a realistic portrait of what can happen when talent is combined with all the temptations that performing on the road offers and how she came back fighting for her survival.

#133: Your thread is a dangerous place for me to be! I am also a fan of the Dalgliesh series. I have added The Spire and Rage to Survive to Planet TBR.

Loved "Rage to Survive". Just finished it myself, and my thoughts are similar to yours.

I see I haven't posted in a while. #133- I am enjoying Ms. James and I have been happily collecting the rest of the series. #135- Rage to Survive was very good, it was so real and you could feel her pain.

#125The Audacity of Hope President Obama's second book offers his views on bipartisanship, race relations, and family challenges. He was very honest about how Michelle was a little resentful of being by herself with the kids. It doesn't matter whether you agree with him or not, the book makes for very interesting reading.

#126Some Rain Must Fall- I greatly enjoyed both The Crimson Petal and the White and The Apple Michel Faber so I decided to try this books of short stories by the author. Some of the stories were a little odd but I enjoyed the title story in which a teacher encourages her student to express their feelings after a tragedy. Overall the stories were good, there were only two I think that were kind of out there.

127. Innocent Blood a standalone PD James with no Dalgleish or the other detective whose names escapes me. This is the story of Phillipa Palfrey is determined to find out the truth about her biological parents when she has her adoption records unsealed. I enjoyed this book but I was a little perplexed about the ending.

#128 When the Women Come Out to Dance a book of short stories. All were good, I particularly enjoyed the title story where Mrs. Mahmood meets her match when she conspires with her maid to get rid of her husband.

#129Lady Chatterly's Lover- Constance Chatterly is a lonely woman trapped in a loveless marriage looking for outside comfort. Lots of description here, which might make some uncomfortable, hence the banning and labeling it "pornography". Beyond the sexual content, is also the so called "class system" and men's attitudes toward women. I'm glad I read it.

#130Someone to Watch Over Me- the third installment of the Grace and Favor Series, which I enjoy a lot, maybe because the setting is in the 1930’s. A lot of the background content is applicable today, especially the discussions about failed banks, and the many people out of work. For those not familiar with this series, Lily and her brother Robert Brewster live in their uncle’s estate after losing their family fortune in the crash of 1929. The terms of the uncle’s estate mandate that Lily and Robert This time Lily and her brother Robert stumble on a human corpse in an old ice house on their property. While trying to solve the identity of the mummified corpse, another body pops up leaving the amateur brother and sister sleuths with yet another murder to solve. I find these very light reading and hope to finish the rest of the series this week.

#137, I've gotten really tired of Jill Churchill's Jane Jeffry series and I don't read those anymore but I absolutely love her Grace & Favor series.

I keep hearing that a new one is due out but, so far, nothing yet.

131 and 132 Love for Sale and It Had to Be You

Love for Sale begins in November 1932. Franklin Roosevelt is about to be the new President. Robert and Lily rent a few rooms to mystery guests, one of whom is murdered in the bathtub. A teacher goes missing and a little boy gets kidnapped. Once again Lily and Robert help Chief Walker solve the crime.

It Had to Be You begins in March 1933. Roosevelt is inaugurated as President. Lily and Robert are asked to help out at the local nursing home. On their first day of work, a mean old man. Sean Connor was found murdered. Who would murder someone who doesn't have that long to live? I love these stories. I have one more left!

I see I haven't posted in a while:

133.Who's Sorry Now the sixth installment in the Grace and Favor series. This one begins in April of 1933. Robert finds that some old snoops are going through the mail at the town train station and decides to take action against the invasion of privacy. He decides to hire the train porter to sort the mail in a private location, but the porter is soon found dead. Sure enough, an old skeleton is found in Lily and Robert's front yard. It appears as though the two events might be related. These are good, fun reads and I am looking forward to the next one.

134. Pride and Prejudice

I must admit that I have avoided reading this great classic for many years. I am glad that I finally read it and I enjoyed it tremendously. It has everything romance, a happy ending, humor and a good background of the social customs of the 19th Century.

The matriarch of the Bennett family, makes it her life's mission to see that all five of her daughters are "suitably" married to the "proper gentlemen". She is looking out for their future as well as her own. Elizabeth, the second oldest of the Bennett family, meets Mr. Darcy, dismisses him as an arrogant snob. You just know they are destined to fall in love.

Now that I have taken the plunge, I will be reading more of Ms. Austen.

135. Agatha Christie: An Autobiography What a great life of a great writer! This book was a bit rambling at times, but she's so good she can get away with it. Of course I was hoping to read something about her mysterious 1926 disappearance, which was not mentioned in this book. Reading this autobiography also gave me tremendous insigh into the novels written under "Mary Westmacott". A great book that I was glad to have read. I think I will also read the new "unauthorized biography", The Duchess of Death.

136. Vanity Dies Hard Not one of Ruth Rendell's best efforts. Alice Fielding, married to a much younger man, is trying very hard to find her friend Nesta, and no one seems to want to help her. Alice begins to feel sick, maybe it's a virus, or maybe she's being poisoned. I guess by the end, I was waiting for something to happen and it never did.....

137.Wuthering Heights I have resisted this book for many years, I don't know why because I enjoy the movie so much. Once I got the various Cathys and the various relationships straight, this book was impossible for me to put down.

138. Death of A Doxy I am delighted when I run across a Nero Wolfe mystery because, for me, they have been a little difficult to find. Isable Kerr had the best of both worlds; a rich man paying for her lavish lifestyle and a handsome lover on the side. The handsome lover just happens to be a PI, Orrie, who is an acquaintance of Nero Wolfe. Nero and Archie set out to clear Orrie's name and find themselves facing a lounge singer, the victim's indifferent sister and a mysterious blackmailer. Loved it!

>142 lsh63:: I had the same problem finding Nero Wolfe books. I ended up haunting a second-hand bookstore with a request in to the owner to save them for me. I eventually got all but one or two.

139 Death of a Charming Man I never get tired of the Hamish Macbeth series. Hamish is having trouble with his fiancee Priscilla and in the town of Drim, the charming Peter Hynd has the women of acting like lovesick teenagers, angering their husbands, and causing trouble. Hamish is not a bit surprised when the charming Peter is missing.....

140.Evil at Heart
Third in the series, as just as I did when I read the first two, I found it difficult to put the book down. Gretchen and Archie are at it again, and I love it! Two months after their last encounter, Archie has voluntarily checked himself into a psych war where he is getting therapy for his substance abuse and mental state. He is content and sees no reason to leave the facility. However, when new bodies start popping up with Gretchen's "heart" designs, he decides to check out of the hospital and settle thingw with her once and for all. After all, when they last met she promised not to kill anyone else as long as he didn't try to kill himself. But are these bodies Gretchen's work or are her legions of fans re-creating her work to idolize her? This was a page turner. I also am becoming a bigger fan of Susan; her death facts made me laugh out loud. Now I have to wait for the next installment.....

141. Black Coffee
It's obvious that this book is in fact based on a play. Perhaps it should have been left that way. I found this book to be a very quick effortless read, mainly to get it over with and that one did not have to pay too much attention to the detail.

142. Tree of Hands This is one of Ruth Rendell's better works. I love how characters are introduced who seemingly have no relationship to other characters then all plotlines are brought together seamlessly and effortlessly. What do a daughter's grief, her mother's madness, an unfit mother and a kidnapping all have in common? Benet has suffered though her mother's mania all her life and just when she finally is at peace her mother turns her world upside down again.
Great read!

143. A Mind to Murder I am becoming a bigger fan of Ms. James. This is the second in the Adam Dalgleish series and takes place at a psychiatric clinic where the administrative head is found dead with a chisel in her heart. Not a surprising ending, but wonderfully written.

144. Life is Short But Wide I discovered J. California Cooper last year, who is probably better known for her short stories, but all of her work is good. All of her work pretty much centers on "life lesson" i.e. beauty is only skin deep, money isn't everything, etc. In this one I felt like I was back in my grandmother's kitchen while she told me a long story but, it was great! Basically the book centers on how people can find love at any age, and that what you are looking for in life may be right in front of you.

145. Gallows View my first book by this author and the first in the series. I loved it! I saw that he was compared to Ruth Rendel and PD James, which of course intrigued me. This is a wonderfully written story of Chief Inspector Banks and his attempt to solve both a murder case and peeping tom instances, which may or may not be related. I was delighted to find that there are many more books in this series!

146. Face of Trespass this is one of the better early books by Ruth Rendell. Drusilla loved to taunt her lover Gray with the thought of killing her rich, fat husband. He, of course, wanted no part of her scheme and watched his life unravel before his eyes......

I didn't care much for Black Coffee either. I absolutely could not believe that the murderer was given away in the beginning of the book because the novelization left in the 'stage directions' showing the actions of the murderer. I kept thinking it couldn't be, that I must have been reading it wrong, but at the end of the book I realized it actually did happen that way. At least I think it was Black Coffee. I read I enjoyed the other novelizations of Christie plays, however. There are 3 of them by the same author, right?

#148, Hey Angela, I haven;t gotten around to the other novelizations of Christie's plays, but I think you are right, there are three of them.

I haven't posted in a while, here goes:

147.A Great Deliverance my first book by this author and I enjoyed it tremendously. I loved the constrast between Sgt. Havers and Inspector Lynley's lifestyles. I can't wait to read the rest!

148-152 Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, Strawberry Shortcake Murder, Fudge Cupcake Murder, Sugar Cookie Murder, and Peach Cobbler Murder- I have become a big fan of the Hannah Swenson series. These books are not "plot rich" but they are very funny (at least to me) reads and I did not get tired of them. Hannah is an owner of a shop called the Cookie Jar, who has a propensity for finding dead bodies near or sometimes eating one of her baked goods. She plays part time sleuth along with her business partner Lisa, and her sister Andrea. She also has attracted the attention of Norm and Miker, her sometimes boyfriends. I find these very entertaining for lunchtime and commuting reading. Oh and yes, I have copied down quite a few of the included recipes to try!

153. Purple Hibiscus a wonderfully written story about the effects a religious fanatic actions have on his family told from his fifteen year old daughter's perspective.

Books 148-152 are making me hungry!!! :D