I know, there's still two days left in the month but I'm not going to try to squeeze another book in. Well... I'm not planning on it, anyway.
Here's a list for what turned out to be a very good month, reading-wise:
26. Mercy Falls by William Kent Krueger 434
25. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Kenigsburg 162
24. Valley of Silence by Nora Roberts 318
23. Dance of the Gods by Nora Roberts 316
22. Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts 321
21. Driving Force by Dick Francis 318
20. Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs 294
19. Under Orders by Dick Francis 369
18. Decider by Dick Francis 318
17. Winter Study by Nevada Barr 370
16. As Shadows Fade by Colleen Gleason 342
15. Come To Grief by Dick Francis 308
14. Widow's Walk by Robert B. Parker 294
That would be a total of 13 books! I don't think I've ever done quite so well since I started keeping track. If I've added correctly, which I'm never completely sure about, that's a total of 4,164 pages in 29 days, or a total of 144 pages a day! How in the world did I get anything else done?
This month saw me returning to some old favorites that I haven't visited in awhile - Dick Francis, Robert B. Parker, and Nevada Barr specifically. It was like visiting friends I hadn't seen in forever and it was such fun! I was also able to find a new author - Nora Roberts - that I will be investigating further. My sister says she's got every book Roberts has written. Why do I think that's not the best thing she could've told me?
And finally, the hardest part of the month: saying good by to some much loved characters. Colleen Gleason has taken us all for a wonderful ride and the parting from her characters will always remain bittersweet. Again, thanks for the wonderful trip, Colleen. I'm glad I didn't miss it.
Next up will be Copper River by William Kent Krueger mainly because the bastard ended Mercy Falls with such a cliff hanger that I can't resist! Good thing it's in my TBR stack...
So, how was your March, reading-wise?
3.30.2009
3.29.2009
So, how well does that snowman thing work?
Here's the latest from The Weather Channel:
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 11 PM EDT SUNDAY...
A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 11 PM EDT SUNDAY.
SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE AREA AFTER MIDNIGHT... BECOMING HEAVY AT TIMES INTO SUNDAY MORNING AND AFTERNOON... BEFORE TAPERING OFF LATE SUNDAY EVENING. SNOW MAY OCCASIONALLY MIX WITH OR CHANGE TO SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN... MAINLY ALONG AND EAST OF I-75. A TOTAL ACCUMULATION OF 6 TO 8 INCHES OF HEAVY WET SNOW IS EXPECTED ACROSS THE WARNING AREA... THOUGH ANY MIX WITH SLEET OR FREEZING RAIN WILL RESULT IN LOWER TOTALS. NORTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO BETWEEN 15 AND 25 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS INTO SUNDAY AFTERNOON... WHICH MAY PRODUCE AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW.
A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL... USE EXTREME CAUTION.
Gotta love it...
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 11 PM EDT SUNDAY...
A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 11 PM EDT SUNDAY.
SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE AREA AFTER MIDNIGHT... BECOMING HEAVY AT TIMES INTO SUNDAY MORNING AND AFTERNOON... BEFORE TAPERING OFF LATE SUNDAY EVENING. SNOW MAY OCCASIONALLY MIX WITH OR CHANGE TO SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN... MAINLY ALONG AND EAST OF I-75. A TOTAL ACCUMULATION OF 6 TO 8 INCHES OF HEAVY WET SNOW IS EXPECTED ACROSS THE WARNING AREA... THOUGH ANY MIX WITH SLEET OR FREEZING RAIN WILL RESULT IN LOWER TOTALS. NORTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO BETWEEN 15 AND 25 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS INTO SUNDAY AFTERNOON... WHICH MAY PRODUCE AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW.
A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL... USE EXTREME CAUTION.
Gotta love it...
3.28.2009
She's at it again...
Little Miss Houdini that is.
But, this time she's moved on to something a little different. I guess she's tired of showing up inside the house after I know I've left her outside...
Today, I went into the kitchen to get something to eat. I was standing at the fridge when I heard her quiet little 'meow'. I glanced around but didn't see her anywhere. I thought she must be in the bathroom, so I called her again. I received another answering 'meow' but no cat.
Then movement above me drew my eye to the ceiling. I have a suspended ceiling and it is, at the moment, missing a couple of tiles do to leaky pipes. Peering down at me from on top of one of the tiles was Little Miss Houdini.
Meow, she said.
How did you get up there, I said.
I'll show you, she said.
From the ceiling, she went to the top of the cupboards. Once there, she stretched down as far as she could toward the lower counter and then down she came, counter to floor.
I'm a little afraid to find out what's next.
Book Review: From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Kongisburg
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Kongisburg
Aladdin Paperbacks
162 Pages
Copyright 1967 (this edition, 2002)
Claudia Kincaid is 12. She is a straight A student but she chafes under the rules imposed at home. She doesn’t like the chores she has to do. Nor does she like the fact that she must share TV time with her brothers and oversee the youngest one at various times. So, Claudia does what many 12-year-old, put-upon children do – she plans to run away. Claudia, however, is not content simply to run away, she decides she has to run away to somewhere special. She devises a plan to escape the outrage of her life by hiding away in the New York Metropolitan Museum of the Arts and she decides to take her younger brother, Jamie, with her. Once there, the children find themselves involved in a mystery concerning the statue of an angel. Was it really sculpted by Michelangelo? Can they help the museum determine its authenticity? And who, exactly, is Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and what does she have to do with it all?
The story is told in a letter from Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler to her attorney and, as such, includes several parenthetical remarks aimed at the attorney that I felt detracted from the overall story. Beyond that, however, it was an enjoyable story.
Recommendation: It’s been awhile since I’ve read a YA book. I’ll admit that I’ve read better ones but it’s a cute story that weaves a bit of learning into the mix. The recommended ages are 9 – 12 and that seems about right. Twelve-year-olds these days, however, might not be as thrilled with it as the younger ones.
Aladdin Paperbacks
162 Pages
Copyright 1967 (this edition, 2002)
Claudia Kincaid is 12. She is a straight A student but she chafes under the rules imposed at home. She doesn’t like the chores she has to do. Nor does she like the fact that she must share TV time with her brothers and oversee the youngest one at various times. So, Claudia does what many 12-year-old, put-upon children do – she plans to run away. Claudia, however, is not content simply to run away, she decides she has to run away to somewhere special. She devises a plan to escape the outrage of her life by hiding away in the New York Metropolitan Museum of the Arts and she decides to take her younger brother, Jamie, with her. Once there, the children find themselves involved in a mystery concerning the statue of an angel. Was it really sculpted by Michelangelo? Can they help the museum determine its authenticity? And who, exactly, is Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and what does she have to do with it all?
The story is told in a letter from Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler to her attorney and, as such, includes several parenthetical remarks aimed at the attorney that I felt detracted from the overall story. Beyond that, however, it was an enjoyable story.
Recommendation: It’s been awhile since I’ve read a YA book. I’ll admit that I’ve read better ones but it’s a cute story that weaves a bit of learning into the mix. The recommended ages are 9 – 12 and that seems about right. Twelve-year-olds these days, however, might not be as thrilled with it as the younger ones.
Book Review: Valley of Silence by Nora Roberts
Valley of Silence by Nora Roberts
The Berkley Publishing Group
318 Pages
Copyright 2006
The third book of the Circle Trilogy is the story of the scholar, Moira, and the one who was lost, Cian.
Cian is a man who has lived a long life. He’s seen everything and done everything and has grown bored with his life. He agrees to help Hoyt and Glenna but has no idea what it will end up costing him to do so. Moira has lost her mother to Lilith and is perhaps destined to take her place in Geall, the legendary land that split from Ireland and exists in a different time and place. Lilith threatens Geall as well as all other worlds and the quiet, innocent Moira is as dedicated to defeating Lilith as the others are. Cian and she are, to say the least, an intriguing match.
Roberts also explores Lilith and her lovers, Lora and Davey, in this book. They are all more than a little insane, to be sure, but they aren’t cardboard, cut-out bad guys. Davey’s story is particularly sad and almost makes you feel sorry for him.
The book culminates in the final battle between Lilith and her hordes and the people of Geall, led by the Circle of Six. Since this is a romance series, I don’t think I’ll be giving a lot away by saying that the bad guys are vanquished in the end.
Recommendation: Here’s my suggestion – since Colleen Gleason has wrapped her series up, you may find yourself looking for a replacement. This is one you might want to check out. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Berkley Publishing Group
318 Pages
Copyright 2006
The third book of the Circle Trilogy is the story of the scholar, Moira, and the one who was lost, Cian.
Cian is a man who has lived a long life. He’s seen everything and done everything and has grown bored with his life. He agrees to help Hoyt and Glenna but has no idea what it will end up costing him to do so. Moira has lost her mother to Lilith and is perhaps destined to take her place in Geall, the legendary land that split from Ireland and exists in a different time and place. Lilith threatens Geall as well as all other worlds and the quiet, innocent Moira is as dedicated to defeating Lilith as the others are. Cian and she are, to say the least, an intriguing match.
Roberts also explores Lilith and her lovers, Lora and Davey, in this book. They are all more than a little insane, to be sure, but they aren’t cardboard, cut-out bad guys. Davey’s story is particularly sad and almost makes you feel sorry for him.
The book culminates in the final battle between Lilith and her hordes and the people of Geall, led by the Circle of Six. Since this is a romance series, I don’t think I’ll be giving a lot away by saying that the bad guys are vanquished in the end.
Recommendation: Here’s my suggestion – since Colleen Gleason has wrapped her series up, you may find yourself looking for a replacement. This is one you might want to check out. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Book Review: Dance of the Gods by Nora Roberts
Dance of the Gods by Nora Roberts
The Berkley Publishing Group
316 Pages
Copyright 2006
Dance of the Gods is the second in the Circle Trilogy. As I said in my review of the first book, Morrigan’s Cross, it’s the story of six individuals who have been tasked by the goddess Morrigan to save the world from the vampire, Lilith. It’s also a story about a group of heroes thrown together to fight an unbeatable foe, after they fight themselves, of course.
Morrigan’s Cross was the story of the sorcerer, Hoyt, and the witch, Glenna. Dance of the Gods is the story of the warrior, Blair, and the man of many shapes, Larkin. It’s the story of two vastly different individuals, their dedication to fighting Lilith and saving their worlds, love, and what a person would be willing to do in the name of love. Standard romance stuff but with a strong, enjoyable paranormal twist.
I found an amazing thing happening while reading this story. There is an Irish flavor to the book and I found myself reading Larkin’s dialogue with an Irish accent. It wasn’t intentional – I don’t particularly do accents well – but the voice I ‘heard’ definitely talked with an Irish brogue. I’d say that’s a tribute to Nora Roberts and the vivid way she crafts her words.
Recommendation: As I said after the first book, it’s another good mix of genres – paranormal, romance, and fantasy. Roberts is an excellent writer and crafts characters and worlds vividly. How can you not enjoy a world of sorcerers, witches, warriors, shape shifters, and even dragons?
The Berkley Publishing Group
316 Pages
Copyright 2006
Dance of the Gods is the second in the Circle Trilogy. As I said in my review of the first book, Morrigan’s Cross, it’s the story of six individuals who have been tasked by the goddess Morrigan to save the world from the vampire, Lilith. It’s also a story about a group of heroes thrown together to fight an unbeatable foe, after they fight themselves, of course.
Morrigan’s Cross was the story of the sorcerer, Hoyt, and the witch, Glenna. Dance of the Gods is the story of the warrior, Blair, and the man of many shapes, Larkin. It’s the story of two vastly different individuals, their dedication to fighting Lilith and saving their worlds, love, and what a person would be willing to do in the name of love. Standard romance stuff but with a strong, enjoyable paranormal twist.
I found an amazing thing happening while reading this story. There is an Irish flavor to the book and I found myself reading Larkin’s dialogue with an Irish accent. It wasn’t intentional – I don’t particularly do accents well – but the voice I ‘heard’ definitely talked with an Irish brogue. I’d say that’s a tribute to Nora Roberts and the vivid way she crafts her words.
Recommendation: As I said after the first book, it’s another good mix of genres – paranormal, romance, and fantasy. Roberts is an excellent writer and crafts characters and worlds vividly. How can you not enjoy a world of sorcerers, witches, warriors, shape shifters, and even dragons?
3.26.2009
Question...
Not about books this time.
How do you pin a post to the top of your blog so that all the new posts go in beneath it?
I know it has something to do with putting a future date on it, like June 3, 2009, but where exactly do you go to do that?
I'd appreciate any pointers!
How do you pin a post to the top of your blog so that all the new posts go in beneath it?
I know it has something to do with putting a future date on it, like June 3, 2009, but where exactly do you go to do that?
I'd appreciate any pointers!
3.24.2009
Sifting Thoughts Tuesday
It's been awhile again. Winter seems to limit what I have to say, beyond complaining about the weather, that is.
With that said - it seems like this winter has been 110 months long. It's been colder and snowier than it has in some time, which makes it worse. It's only 32 today, with a windchill in the low 20's but tomorrow is supposed to be in the 40's again. Typical spring here-abouts.
I swore I wasn't going to mention this. But, after thinking about it, I figured I'd go ahead and do it anyway.
I know I said I wasn't going to buy any more books until my TBR pile was cut in half. But... I was given a box of books yesterday and I really couldn't say no, could I? A friend lost her aunt recently and was cleaning out the house. She asked me if I wanted to stop in and go through her books to see if there was anything I'd like. What could I say? I mean, they were books in need of a good home, after all. I couldn't just let them go...
So, in no particular order (beyond how they come out of the box) here are the newest additions to my TBR pile:
1. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
2. Jesus: Who is He? by Tim Lahaye
3. As The Crow Flies by Jeffrey Archer
4. Revolutionary Fires: A Tale of Indian Eve by Moir Z. Wilson
5. B.J. Hoff: The Daybreak Mysteries (Storm at Daybreak, The Captive Voice, The Tangled Web
6. I Think I Don't Remember by Art Buchwald
7. A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks
8. The Tender Years by Janette Oke
9. Roots in the Rock by Charles Child
10. Great Lakes Stories: Ashore After 50 Years by Captain Ray I. McGrath
11. A New Song by Jan Karon
12. Where Shadows Go by Eugenia Price
13. Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
14. Nora Roberts: Table for Two (Summer Desserts and Lessons Learned)
15. All Things Wise and Wonderful by James Herriot
16. Cat Stories by James Herriot
17. Favorite Dog Stories by James Herriot
18. Dear Mr. President: Letters to the Oval Office by Dwight Young
So, there we have it. I eliminate 11 and add 18. *sigh* I am, however, strangely comfortable with that. Of course, I'm not really adding them to my count. I'm sticking with my original count for the purposes of diminishing my mountain.
In reading notes, I've just finished The Circle Trilogy by Nora Roberts and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm glad I took the plunge instead of holding on to my absurd idea that I wouldn't enjoy her because she writes romance stories. This was a good mix of several genres, well-written, and fun to read. Gotta thank my sister.
For those who read my post about the snowman burning, here's a little background:
One final note: several years ago a VP at the University decided to bow to the complaint of ONE person who declared the burning hazardous to the environment. That summer, the area had no summer. My sister and I took my nieces to the fireworks on the 4th of July and they wore winter coats. When we got home, I turned on the Weathe Channel and they were reporting a wind chill factor. In July.
So, that's about it for now. I hope y'all have a great rest of the week.
With that said - it seems like this winter has been 110 months long. It's been colder and snowier than it has in some time, which makes it worse. It's only 32 today, with a windchill in the low 20's but tomorrow is supposed to be in the 40's again. Typical spring here-abouts.
I swore I wasn't going to mention this. But, after thinking about it, I figured I'd go ahead and do it anyway.
I know I said I wasn't going to buy any more books until my TBR pile was cut in half. But... I was given a box of books yesterday and I really couldn't say no, could I? A friend lost her aunt recently and was cleaning out the house. She asked me if I wanted to stop in and go through her books to see if there was anything I'd like. What could I say? I mean, they were books in need of a good home, after all. I couldn't just let them go...
So, in no particular order (beyond how they come out of the box) here are the newest additions to my TBR pile:
1. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
2. Jesus: Who is He? by Tim Lahaye
3. As The Crow Flies by Jeffrey Archer
4. Revolutionary Fires: A Tale of Indian Eve by Moir Z. Wilson
5. B.J. Hoff: The Daybreak Mysteries (Storm at Daybreak, The Captive Voice, The Tangled Web
6. I Think I Don't Remember by Art Buchwald
7. A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks
8. The Tender Years by Janette Oke
9. Roots in the Rock by Charles Child
10. Great Lakes Stories: Ashore After 50 Years by Captain Ray I. McGrath
11. A New Song by Jan Karon
12. Where Shadows Go by Eugenia Price
13. Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
14. Nora Roberts: Table for Two (Summer Desserts and Lessons Learned)
15. All Things Wise and Wonderful by James Herriot
16. Cat Stories by James Herriot
17. Favorite Dog Stories by James Herriot
18. Dear Mr. President: Letters to the Oval Office by Dwight Young
So, there we have it. I eliminate 11 and add 18. *sigh* I am, however, strangely comfortable with that. Of course, I'm not really adding them to my count. I'm sticking with my original count for the purposes of diminishing my mountain.
In reading notes, I've just finished The Circle Trilogy by Nora Roberts and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm glad I took the plunge instead of holding on to my absurd idea that I wouldn't enjoy her because she writes romance stories. This was a good mix of several genres, well-written, and fun to read. Gotta thank my sister.
For those who read my post about the snowman burning, here's a little background:
The first spring snowman burning was held in March 1971 by the Unicorn Hunters, a former campus club. Traditionally it has been held on the first day of spring to bid good-bye to winter and welcome spring.
The burning takes its inspiration from the Rose Sunday Festival in Weinheim-an-der-Bergstrasse, Germany. In the festival, a parade passes through town to a central location, where the mayor makes a proposal to the town's children. If the children are good, study, obey their parents and work hard, he will order the (straw) snowman to be burned, and spring will officially arrive. After the children yell their approval and make their promise, the snowman is burned.
Some people hold that rising smoke rising from the fire is supposed to ward off blizzards and usher in spring-like weather. The Unicorn Hunters capitalized on this theory during the second or third year of the event. At that time, after the snowman was burned, a blizzard passed through the eastern Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula but missed the campus.
One final note: several years ago a VP at the University decided to bow to the complaint of ONE person who declared the burning hazardous to the environment. That summer, the area had no summer. My sister and I took my nieces to the fireworks on the 4th of July and they wore winter coats. When we got home, I turned on the Weathe Channel and they were reporting a wind chill factor. In July.
So, that's about it for now. I hope y'all have a great rest of the week.
3.21.2009
Sisterhood Award
Kelly, one of the new bloggers I've recently been lucky enough to find, has given me the Sisterhood Award, with what I consider one of the best compliments I've ever been given:
6. My Years of Reading Seriously because CJ always challenges me to think, with both her blogs!
Seriously, Kelly. Thank you very much.
So, here's the scoop on the award:
1. Put the logo on your blog or on a post.
2. Nominate up to 10 other bloggers which show great attitude and or gratitude.
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.
And here is my list of those I want to share this with:
1. Bonnie of Bonnie's Books - she's been AWOL for awhile because of health issues but her post explaining things is the absolute embodiment of gratitude and attitude! I hope you're continuing to mend, Bonnie, and will be back full-tilt soon.
2. Bookfool, of Bookfoolery and Babble - anyone who knows Nancy knows she's also the embodiment of attitude and gratitude! She's also the reason I'm here and her reviews are works of art at times. Thanks for everything, doll!
3. Bellezza at Dolce Bellezza - she's a mother and a teacher . . . and one of the women I would choose as my sister if the choice was up to me. Besides, I wish I'd had a teacher like her!
4. DesLily of Here, There, and Everywhere - Pat is priceless. It's that simple. She's had a rough time lately but has continued to keep putting one foot in front of the other. And it's nice to have someone around here who seems to remember the same things I do!
5. Kelly of The Written World - here reviews are amazing and the girl's read 89 books already this year! I mean, talk about spirit!
6. Laura from Reading Reflections - I've always enjoyed Laura's reviews and her up-beat attitude, which is a wonderful pick-me-up when I'm grumpy or having a bad day. Plus, she shares my mother's name which is pretty cool.
7. Megan from Leafing Through Life - she writes great reviews and has a sense of humor that I totally get and love. She's another one that gives me a lift when I need it and I feel like we could sit down and have a cup of coffee (or something) and discuss just about anything without any difficulty whatsoever!
8. Wendy, of Musings of a Bookish Kitty - books, cats, and incredible insights. What more do I need to say? She's also one of my favorite sources for something new to read.
9. Nymeth from Things Mean a Lot - talk about a source for books and a willingness to share excellent reviews! She's truly amazing, especially if you have a question about folklore and mythology!
10. Trish of Trish's Reading Nook - She's another one of the women here that has made me feel we could sit down and discuss just about anything and be the happier for the exchange. I enjoy her reviews but I'm jealous of her recent trip to Hawaii!
I want to sincerely thank all of those that I nominated for this award. You've all made me feel like we could sit down and discuss books, or anything else, within minutes of meeting each other face-to-face, with none of that awkwardness you get when trying to get to know someone.
Man, I hope I said that well enough...
Anyway, Kelly, thanks again for the award and thanks to all of you for your spirit and your gratitude. You all bring sunshine into my life!
It's Spring!
At least officially...
And once again, my university has celebrated by doing the sane thing.
We burned a snowman.
Here's an official picture or two...
I guess this year's theme was 'corporate greed'
And once again, my university has celebrated by doing the sane thing.
We burned a snowman.
Here's an official picture or two...
I guess this year's theme was 'corporate greed'
3.20.2009
Opinion Poll
When you count pages in a book do you:
- go with the total number of pages in the book, even if that includes appendices and first chapters from other books
or
- go with the number of pages that actually make up the story?
I'm curious, so please, let me know.
- go with the total number of pages in the book, even if that includes appendices and first chapters from other books
or
- go with the number of pages that actually make up the story?
I'm curious, so please, let me know.
Book Review: Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts
Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts
The Berkley Publishing Group
321 Pages
Copyright 2006
Hoyt Mac Cionaoith is a sorcerer of great power. His life, his world, is 12th century Ireland where he has seen his twin brother Cian turned by the vampire Lilith. Hoyt tries to destroy Lilith to avenge his brother but fails. He then finds himself meeting with the goddess Morrigan who tasks him with one task: draw together a circle of six to fight Lilith and her horde and to save not just Hoyt’s world but all worlds and all times from the chaos and destruction Lilith plans to unleash.
The Circle of Six, according to Morrigan must consist of the sorcerer, the witch, the warrior, the scholar, the one of many forms and the one who was lost. At Morrigan’s command, Hoyt finds himself traveling to modern day New York City where he meets the witch, the warrior and the one who was lost. He also finds that he has only three months, until Samhain, to gather together the remaining members of the Circle and an army to do battle with Lilith’s hordes . . . and to save the worlds.
My sister is a huge Nora Roberts fan and she gave me this one to read. I’ll have to admit that my first thought was “Nora Roberts? Doesn’t she write romance novels?” Please, no brickbats from the romance fans out there. I don’t dislike romance stories; they’re just not my favorites. But, given how well Colleen Gleason pulled of the mix of romance and vampire, I decided to give this one a go.
It’s the first book of the Circle Trilogy, by the way, and I’ll admit that I’m glad I read it. It’s an intrigue tale and Roberts pulls of the mix of 12th Century sorcerer, modern day witch, and vampires very well. The style and the language was a little too romance for me at times but not horribly so. Basically, it’s a good, solid story about a group of heroes thrown together to fight an unbeatable foe, after they fight themselves, of course.
Recommendation: It’s good mix of genres – paranormal, romance, and fantasy. I can easily see why Roberts has the following she has. I’ll be reading the rest of the trilogy because I care enough about the characters to want to know what happens to them and their quest.
The Berkley Publishing Group
321 Pages
Copyright 2006
Hoyt Mac Cionaoith is a sorcerer of great power. His life, his world, is 12th century Ireland where he has seen his twin brother Cian turned by the vampire Lilith. Hoyt tries to destroy Lilith to avenge his brother but fails. He then finds himself meeting with the goddess Morrigan who tasks him with one task: draw together a circle of six to fight Lilith and her horde and to save not just Hoyt’s world but all worlds and all times from the chaos and destruction Lilith plans to unleash.
The Circle of Six, according to Morrigan must consist of the sorcerer, the witch, the warrior, the scholar, the one of many forms and the one who was lost. At Morrigan’s command, Hoyt finds himself traveling to modern day New York City where he meets the witch, the warrior and the one who was lost. He also finds that he has only three months, until Samhain, to gather together the remaining members of the Circle and an army to do battle with Lilith’s hordes . . . and to save the worlds.
My sister is a huge Nora Roberts fan and she gave me this one to read. I’ll have to admit that my first thought was “Nora Roberts? Doesn’t she write romance novels?” Please, no brickbats from the romance fans out there. I don’t dislike romance stories; they’re just not my favorites. But, given how well Colleen Gleason pulled of the mix of romance and vampire, I decided to give this one a go.
It’s the first book of the Circle Trilogy, by the way, and I’ll admit that I’m glad I read it. It’s an intrigue tale and Roberts pulls of the mix of 12th Century sorcerer, modern day witch, and vampires very well. The style and the language was a little too romance for me at times but not horribly so. Basically, it’s a good, solid story about a group of heroes thrown together to fight an unbeatable foe, after they fight themselves, of course.
Recommendation: It’s good mix of genres – paranormal, romance, and fantasy. I can easily see why Roberts has the following she has. I’ll be reading the rest of the trilogy because I care enough about the characters to want to know what happens to them and their quest.
Book Review: Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
Ace Fantasy
294 Pages
Copyright 2008
Anna Latham is a werewolf. She belonged to a pack with a sadistic leader who encouraged the males in the pack to abuse her. That’s because she’s not a normal werewolf. She’s what’s known as an Omega wolf. Powerful, magical, able to resist the will of the pack leader, she is both feared and prized.
Charles Cornick is the son of Bran, the Marrick – the leader of all werewolves in North America. He is also an Alpha wolf and Bran’s enforcer. As the enforcer, he has kept himself separate from the pack to a certain degree. Other werewolves, even those of his own pack, fear him.
Then, Charles meets Anna and, much to his surprise, finds his one true mate. She, of course, needs some convincing. After Charles kills the sadistic leader of the Chicago werewolves, Bran orders Anna to return to Montana, to a new life as the pack's Omega... and Charles’ mate.
Once there, she finds herself joining Charles in the hunt for a rogue werewolf killing humans in the snow-covered mountains of Montana. It is a harsh, unforgiving environment, one fraught with danger unlike anything either Charles or Anna has ever dealt with before. An ancient evil is alive in the mountains and it is seeking revenge, against Bran and the entire pack.
Cry Wolf is an intriguing look into another part of the wonderful world that Patricia Briggs has created. She has crafted a world that is easy to slip into and to believe. The characters are not one dimensional – the good guys, while good, have flaws and foibles. The bad guys, while bad, have their good side, too. You find yourself wishing they could be different, that they could be helped. Briggs also makes magic seem real and natural and, in my opinion, is the best at relating what pack behavior would really be like. It’s never cartoon-ish and is always solidly believable.
Recommendation: This book has cemented Patricia Briggs as one of my favorite authors. I’ve been in love with her Mercy Thompson series since the first book and now I have Charles and Anna to add to that list. Cry Wolf is the first of a series and I’m eagerly awaiting the second. If you're a fan of paranormal, werewolf, urban fiction, give this one a try. It's worth your time.
Ace Fantasy
294 Pages
Copyright 2008
Anna Latham is a werewolf. She belonged to a pack with a sadistic leader who encouraged the males in the pack to abuse her. That’s because she’s not a normal werewolf. She’s what’s known as an Omega wolf. Powerful, magical, able to resist the will of the pack leader, she is both feared and prized.
Charles Cornick is the son of Bran, the Marrick – the leader of all werewolves in North America. He is also an Alpha wolf and Bran’s enforcer. As the enforcer, he has kept himself separate from the pack to a certain degree. Other werewolves, even those of his own pack, fear him.
Then, Charles meets Anna and, much to his surprise, finds his one true mate. She, of course, needs some convincing. After Charles kills the sadistic leader of the Chicago werewolves, Bran orders Anna to return to Montana, to a new life as the pack's Omega... and Charles’ mate.
Once there, she finds herself joining Charles in the hunt for a rogue werewolf killing humans in the snow-covered mountains of Montana. It is a harsh, unforgiving environment, one fraught with danger unlike anything either Charles or Anna has ever dealt with before. An ancient evil is alive in the mountains and it is seeking revenge, against Bran and the entire pack.
Cry Wolf is an intriguing look into another part of the wonderful world that Patricia Briggs has created. She has crafted a world that is easy to slip into and to believe. The characters are not one dimensional – the good guys, while good, have flaws and foibles. The bad guys, while bad, have their good side, too. You find yourself wishing they could be different, that they could be helped. Briggs also makes magic seem real and natural and, in my opinion, is the best at relating what pack behavior would really be like. It’s never cartoon-ish and is always solidly believable.
Recommendation: This book has cemented Patricia Briggs as one of my favorite authors. I’ve been in love with her Mercy Thompson series since the first book and now I have Charles and Anna to add to that list. Cry Wolf is the first of a series and I’m eagerly awaiting the second. If you're a fan of paranormal, werewolf, urban fiction, give this one a try. It's worth your time.
Friday Fill - In 43
And...here we go!
1. Why do we have to spend so much time working?
2. Checking my favorite blogs and news sources online are now habits.
3. I have so much I want to do but lack the motivation, time, and money to do most of it.
4. I had never heard the phrase "It got my back up" and it still doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
5. I filled out my brackets the way I always do.
6. How was I to know that things would end up the way they have.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to March Madness, tomorrow my plans include more March Madness and Sunday, I want to watch even more March Madness!
3.19.2009
Booking Through Thursday 37
I haven't done one of these in ages but I can't resist this one:
Twilight.
Hands down.
I keep reading reviews trying to figure out what almost everyone else saw in this book that I just did not.
Here's my review if you want to see my thoughts on it.
Worst Best Book You’ve Ever Read March 19, 2009
Filed under: Wordpress — --Deb @ 1:34 am
Suggested by Janet:
How about, “What’s the worst ‘best’ book you’ve ever read — the one everyone says is so great, but you can’t figure out why?”
Twilight.
Hands down.
I keep reading reviews trying to figure out what almost everyone else saw in this book that I just did not.
Here's my review if you want to see my thoughts on it.
3.17.2009
Book Review: Under Orders by Dick Francis
Under Orders by Dick Francis
The Berkley Publishing Group
369 Pages
Copyright 2006
It’s confession time for the recent Dick Francis books I’ve read. I don’t remember when I bought them or how long they’ve been sitting around waiting to be read. In fact, it may very well be that I’ve already read them. The plot of Come to Grief seemed very familiar but the re-read didn’t hurt the adventure one little bit.
Under Orders, however, is new, so new in fact that I wasn’t even aware that Francis was still publishing. But, I’m glad I saw this one at the bookstore and picked it up. I know it was months ago, probably on my last visit to a big bookstore, which was more than months ago. So, onto the book itself.
Sid Halley is back. After the horrendous events of Come to Grief, Halley has settled back into his life and things are decidedly looking up. Especially in love department, in the person of Marina van der Meer, a Dutch born chemist working for the Cancer Research UK laboratories. He spends his time mainly doing background investigations for trainers and the Jockey Club, and ‘black ops’ department of the government.
Then, on Cheltenham Gold Cup day, three things happen that will have far-reaching consequences for Halley and van der Meer. Lord Enstone asks Halley to investigate why his horses don’t seem to be winning as much as they should. The lord has heard rumors that the trainer, Bill Burton, is deliberately keeping the horses from running well. Halley is then contacted by Burton’s jockey, Huw Walker. Walker desperately wants to talk to Halley about the fact that his life may be in danger. And finally, his contact from the government employs him to investigate online gambling, to see if it’s legitimate or not, and what sort of effect it might have on the racing industry.
Before Halley can talk to him, however, Walker is found dead in the parking lot, having been shot three times. Burton is immediately the prime suspect because he’d been seen arguing with Walker shortly after Walker had won a race. Halley doesn’t believe Burton is guilty and sets out to find out who is. As usual, those who want the truth to remain buried object and Halley finds the things he finds most precious, including van de Meer, in danger.
It’s another finely crafted story by Francis, involving characters that you can’t help but like. The mystery isn’t necessarily that hard to figure out, but putting the pieces together so they make sense takes an excellent story-teller, which Francis definitely is. I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Halley once again.
Recommendation: It’s another interesting look into the racing industry and human nature.
The Berkley Publishing Group
369 Pages
Copyright 2006
It’s confession time for the recent Dick Francis books I’ve read. I don’t remember when I bought them or how long they’ve been sitting around waiting to be read. In fact, it may very well be that I’ve already read them. The plot of Come to Grief seemed very familiar but the re-read didn’t hurt the adventure one little bit.
Under Orders, however, is new, so new in fact that I wasn’t even aware that Francis was still publishing. But, I’m glad I saw this one at the bookstore and picked it up. I know it was months ago, probably on my last visit to a big bookstore, which was more than months ago. So, onto the book itself.
Sid Halley is back. After the horrendous events of Come to Grief, Halley has settled back into his life and things are decidedly looking up. Especially in love department, in the person of Marina van der Meer, a Dutch born chemist working for the Cancer Research UK laboratories. He spends his time mainly doing background investigations for trainers and the Jockey Club, and ‘black ops’ department of the government.
Then, on Cheltenham Gold Cup day, three things happen that will have far-reaching consequences for Halley and van der Meer. Lord Enstone asks Halley to investigate why his horses don’t seem to be winning as much as they should. The lord has heard rumors that the trainer, Bill Burton, is deliberately keeping the horses from running well. Halley is then contacted by Burton’s jockey, Huw Walker. Walker desperately wants to talk to Halley about the fact that his life may be in danger. And finally, his contact from the government employs him to investigate online gambling, to see if it’s legitimate or not, and what sort of effect it might have on the racing industry.
Before Halley can talk to him, however, Walker is found dead in the parking lot, having been shot three times. Burton is immediately the prime suspect because he’d been seen arguing with Walker shortly after Walker had won a race. Halley doesn’t believe Burton is guilty and sets out to find out who is. As usual, those who want the truth to remain buried object and Halley finds the things he finds most precious, including van de Meer, in danger.
It’s another finely crafted story by Francis, involving characters that you can’t help but like. The mystery isn’t necessarily that hard to figure out, but putting the pieces together so they make sense takes an excellent story-teller, which Francis definitely is. I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Halley once again.
Recommendation: It’s another interesting look into the racing industry and human nature.
3.16.2009
Book Review: Decider by Dick Francis
Decider by Dick Francis
GP Putnam’s Sons
318 Pages
Copyright 1993
Lee Morris is a man who is comfortable in his life. He has six children, all boys, and a wife whom he loved passionately once upon a time. They now live apart, yet together, sharing home and bed with little intimacy, for the children. Stratton is an architect but instead of building new, he travels the country side looking for ruins that can be rebuilt.
His quiet life, however, is disrupted when two men representing Stratton Park racecourse arrive on his doorstep with an offer that will change his life. Lord Stratton has died and left the racecourse to his heirs: sister, sons, daughters, grandchildren and others. The gentlemen, who actually run the racecourse day-to-day, are literally at their wit’s end due to the in-fighting between the various factions. The racecourse is in dire need of modernizing. The various Stratton heirs are divided; the sister wants to leave things exactly as they are. The new lord and others want to modernize, including building new stands. And one son wants to sell the place immediately.
None of this, however, would be Lee’s problem, except for one thing – his mother was once married to Keith Stratton, the son that wishes to sell the place immediately. She divorced him, abandoning her infant daughter in the process, because of his violence and abuse. As a result of the divorce, however, she was given shares of the racecourse, which now belong to Lee. The men hope to persuade Lee to use his shares to help stop the in-fighting and keep the racecourse running.
Lee quickly finds himself embroiled in a simmering family feud that really isn’t much of his business. The Strattons are less than thrilled to have him mucking about but he persists, at the risk of his own life and the lives of his children, to uncover the well hidden lies that will change everything for both the Strattons and himself, forever.
As much as I like the previous Francis character, Sid Halley, I’ll admit that I think this is my favorite book by Francis, at least to date. It’s a fascinating tale of human nature; greed, loyalty, vengeance, and survival. The characters are all well drawn and realistic. And the ending is one of those page-turning, keep you reading until it’s over events that makes a book so worthwhile.
So, I suppose I should mention the one drawback I’ve found in Francis’s books. Most, except for the ones featuring Sid Halley, are stand-alone. You find yourself meeting fascinating characters, dropping into their lives for a brief visit, and then leaving them behind never to visit them again. It’s a pity, because I really wouldn’t mind being able to drop in on the Morris clan again to see how they’re fairing.
Recommendation: It’s a well-written mystery that could be placed in any setting, not just the world of horses and racing. Francis, as always, brings the horse world alive and takes you along for an interesting ride.
GP Putnam’s Sons
318 Pages
Copyright 1993
Lee Morris is a man who is comfortable in his life. He has six children, all boys, and a wife whom he loved passionately once upon a time. They now live apart, yet together, sharing home and bed with little intimacy, for the children. Stratton is an architect but instead of building new, he travels the country side looking for ruins that can be rebuilt.
His quiet life, however, is disrupted when two men representing Stratton Park racecourse arrive on his doorstep with an offer that will change his life. Lord Stratton has died and left the racecourse to his heirs: sister, sons, daughters, grandchildren and others. The gentlemen, who actually run the racecourse day-to-day, are literally at their wit’s end due to the in-fighting between the various factions. The racecourse is in dire need of modernizing. The various Stratton heirs are divided; the sister wants to leave things exactly as they are. The new lord and others want to modernize, including building new stands. And one son wants to sell the place immediately.
None of this, however, would be Lee’s problem, except for one thing – his mother was once married to Keith Stratton, the son that wishes to sell the place immediately. She divorced him, abandoning her infant daughter in the process, because of his violence and abuse. As a result of the divorce, however, she was given shares of the racecourse, which now belong to Lee. The men hope to persuade Lee to use his shares to help stop the in-fighting and keep the racecourse running.
Lee quickly finds himself embroiled in a simmering family feud that really isn’t much of his business. The Strattons are less than thrilled to have him mucking about but he persists, at the risk of his own life and the lives of his children, to uncover the well hidden lies that will change everything for both the Strattons and himself, forever.
As much as I like the previous Francis character, Sid Halley, I’ll admit that I think this is my favorite book by Francis, at least to date. It’s a fascinating tale of human nature; greed, loyalty, vengeance, and survival. The characters are all well drawn and realistic. And the ending is one of those page-turning, keep you reading until it’s over events that makes a book so worthwhile.
So, I suppose I should mention the one drawback I’ve found in Francis’s books. Most, except for the ones featuring Sid Halley, are stand-alone. You find yourself meeting fascinating characters, dropping into their lives for a brief visit, and then leaving them behind never to visit them again. It’s a pity, because I really wouldn’t mind being able to drop in on the Morris clan again to see how they’re fairing.
Recommendation: It’s a well-written mystery that could be placed in any setting, not just the world of horses and racing. Francis, as always, brings the horse world alive and takes you along for an interesting ride.
Suddenly...
It feels like Spring!
Last week (at least I think it was last week) we had winter storm warnings with wind advisories. Wind gusts up to 50 mph dropped the temperature into the -20F range. It was as miserable as winter can get.
And now...
Today...
It's Spring!
It was almost 50F here.
The snow is vanishing so fast you can almost see it go. The birds have come back and their music is a much welcomed sound in the morings.
And, best of all...
The seagulls are back.
I heard my first ones today and they took my heart soaring with them up against the cloudless blue sky.
As I mentioned last year 'round this time, I have three undeniable signs of Spring: the beginning of spring training for baseball (2/14), the return of the seagulls (3/16) and when the first boat locks through after a season of inactivity. That one's still a ways away but hope is on the rise. Spring is in the air.
Photo by Andreas Trepte
3.08.2009
Book Review: Winter Study by Nevada Barr
Winter Study by Nevada Barr
GP Putnam’s Sons
370 Pages
Copyright 2008
Anna Pigeon, District Park Ranger for the Rocky Mountain National Park finds herself being ‘loaned’ to Isle Royale National Park, in the dead of winter. The 50 year old wolf study is in danger. Homeland Security is exploring the possibility of opening the park year round to help with border security. Anna has been sent to assist the Wolf Study in order to learn about wolves, which may one day soon be back in the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Once on the island, the southern girl finds herself at the mercy of the cold and snow. She also finds herself being drawn into a complex mystery that includes the possibility of a hybrid wolf/dog having somehow ended up on the island, a prospect that could be a disaster of unknown proportions. She and the research team also have to deal with the presence of Bob Menechinn, the DHS representative who may very well have the ability to shut the study down. Then Menechinn’s research assistant disappears in the middle of a blizzard. Her body is found, savaged by wolves, which is not their normal behavior. Another member of the Wolf Study team vanishes while intoxicated, disappearing through a window wearing nothing and carrying a sleeping bag. It is left to Anna to piece the puzzle together and figure out exactly what is going on in the frozen isolation and beauty of Isle Royale.
Nevada Barr is an amazing writer. She brings the many splendid settings of the various parks alive with her words. This is her second book set on Isle Royale and she clearly has fallen as deeply under the island’s spell as many of those fortunate enough to visit:
And there’s this:
And one more, probably my favorite of all the passages I could quote:
I've experienced that complete, awe-inspiring silence. I’ve got to admit, however, that Anna’s constant complaining about the cold got tiresome and I had to remind myself that she is a southern girl. Single digits and 0F would seem unbearably cold to her, while to those of us who live in ‘the frozen north’, it’s just another part of winter.
Recommendation: It’s an excellent story, set in an almost magical location. Anna is a flawed but strong heroine who does what she has to do, no matter what. Be advised, however, that there are graphic accounts of wolves killing a moose and the final confrontation with the bad guy is harrowing. Also, his language will probably offend a good many people.
GP Putnam’s Sons
370 Pages
Copyright 2008
Anna Pigeon, District Park Ranger for the Rocky Mountain National Park finds herself being ‘loaned’ to Isle Royale National Park, in the dead of winter. The 50 year old wolf study is in danger. Homeland Security is exploring the possibility of opening the park year round to help with border security. Anna has been sent to assist the Wolf Study in order to learn about wolves, which may one day soon be back in the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Once on the island, the southern girl finds herself at the mercy of the cold and snow. She also finds herself being drawn into a complex mystery that includes the possibility of a hybrid wolf/dog having somehow ended up on the island, a prospect that could be a disaster of unknown proportions. She and the research team also have to deal with the presence of Bob Menechinn, the DHS representative who may very well have the ability to shut the study down. Then Menechinn’s research assistant disappears in the middle of a blizzard. Her body is found, savaged by wolves, which is not their normal behavior. Another member of the Wolf Study team vanishes while intoxicated, disappearing through a window wearing nothing and carrying a sleeping bag. It is left to Anna to piece the puzzle together and figure out exactly what is going on in the frozen isolation and beauty of Isle Royale.
Nevada Barr is an amazing writer. She brings the many splendid settings of the various parks alive with her words. This is her second book set on Isle Royale and she clearly has fallen as deeply under the island’s spell as many of those fortunate enough to visit:
The day was painfully bright and clear as it can only be in the north, where every particle of moisture is frozen from the air and the sun moves low in the south, feigning evening even at noon. Crystalline amber light honed the edges of the world till shadows of pines, long on the shores of snow-covered lakes, were as sharp and black as fangs drawn by children.
And there’s this:
“The ice is singing,” Robin said. “It’s always moving, shifting. Sometimes it cracks like a gunshot. All kinds of sounds.”
Anna blocked out the fact that Jack Frost was gnawing her bones and opened to the song: far off, underfoot, a murmur of instruments not yet invented, hollow lutes and soft drums, the warble of birds without throats just beyond the threshold of hearing, as if it came into the mind on some other wavelength. In Texas, the wind sang in that same way when the rock formations were just right. Anna felt if she could listen long enough and hard enough, she would learn a great truth.
And one more, probably my favorite of all the passages I could quote:
Here, in the thick fall of snow, the silence was absolute. In an indefinable way, even silence was muffled by the slow white flakes.
I've experienced that complete, awe-inspiring silence. I’ve got to admit, however, that Anna’s constant complaining about the cold got tiresome and I had to remind myself that she is a southern girl. Single digits and 0F would seem unbearably cold to her, while to those of us who live in ‘the frozen north’, it’s just another part of winter.
Recommendation: It’s an excellent story, set in an almost magical location. Anna is a flawed but strong heroine who does what she has to do, no matter what. Be advised, however, that there are graphic accounts of wolves killing a moose and the final confrontation with the bad guy is harrowing. Also, his language will probably offend a good many people.
Book Review: Come to Grief by Dick Francis
Come to Grief by Dick Francis
GP Putnam’s Sons
308 Pages
Copyright 1995
The hero of Come to Grief is former jockey, Sid Halley. There is nothing unusual in the fact that he is a former jockey. All of Francis’s characters are connected to horse racing in one way or other. What’s unusual is the fact that Halley is the only character in 42 books that has been featured in more than one. He’s been the star of: Books: Odds Against, Whip Hand, Come to Grief, and Under Orders.
I know why that is. Halley is a likable character. He is strong and decent. He fights the good fight and triumphs over the bad guys. He is flawed, in both body and character, but he struggles on, whether it’s against the bad guys or against himself. Due to a tragic accident suffered during a race, Halley’s hand was badly damaged when, after he fell, a following horse stepped on his hand. Further trauma resulted in the hand being amputated. His career had already cost him his marriage and then his hand.
In Come to Grief, Halley finds himself on the wrong side of public opinion. He is now an investigator, often working for those involved in the racing industry. He was hired by the mother of a young girl who is suffering from leukemia. The girl’s beloved pony, Silverboy, along with several other ponies and horses, has been the victim of a vicious attack. The pony’s foot has been hacked off, leaving little to be done, besides euthanizing the horse. The girl has been suffering from horrible nightmares and her mother thinks that perhaps, if Halley can find out who would do such a horrible thing, the girl’s nightmares will end.
Halley takes the case only to find himself inside a nightmare. The evidence leads him to a fellow former jockey and friend; a superstar in the television world. Accusing him leads to Halley’s being vilified in the press. Former friends turn against him. Doors that were once opened are now closed. Not even his client, the girl’s mother, believes him. And, due to British law, Halley is unable to discuss the case and the evidence, which is overwhelming, with anyone.
The start of the trial is put off by a tragedy and the girl suffers a relapse and wants Halley by her side in the hospital. Halley, continues to struggle with the case, the press, and the one question he cannot answer: why. The answers eventually come, of course, but perhaps at a price that is far too dear.
Dick Francis has had a remarkable life. He grew up connected to horses and then, during WWII served Britain as a RAF pilot. Once out of the military, he returned to racing and won 350 races as a National Hunt jockey. He was also Champion Jockey in 1953/1954 and was retained as jockey to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for four seasons. The pedigree shows in his stories; he knows racing and he knows and loves horses:
I love Francis’s stories. I love the peek he gives his readers into the racing world. It is a tough, brutal place and Francis doesn’t sugarcoat it. But, his respect and love for the horses and those who tend and ride them always comes through.
Recommendation: If you like good mysteries, strong characters, and action, pick up any one of Francis’s books. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
GP Putnam’s Sons
308 Pages
Copyright 1995
The hero of Come to Grief is former jockey, Sid Halley. There is nothing unusual in the fact that he is a former jockey. All of Francis’s characters are connected to horse racing in one way or other. What’s unusual is the fact that Halley is the only character in 42 books that has been featured in more than one. He’s been the star of: Books: Odds Against, Whip Hand, Come to Grief, and Under Orders.
I know why that is. Halley is a likable character. He is strong and decent. He fights the good fight and triumphs over the bad guys. He is flawed, in both body and character, but he struggles on, whether it’s against the bad guys or against himself. Due to a tragic accident suffered during a race, Halley’s hand was badly damaged when, after he fell, a following horse stepped on his hand. Further trauma resulted in the hand being amputated. His career had already cost him his marriage and then his hand.
In Come to Grief, Halley finds himself on the wrong side of public opinion. He is now an investigator, often working for those involved in the racing industry. He was hired by the mother of a young girl who is suffering from leukemia. The girl’s beloved pony, Silverboy, along with several other ponies and horses, has been the victim of a vicious attack. The pony’s foot has been hacked off, leaving little to be done, besides euthanizing the horse. The girl has been suffering from horrible nightmares and her mother thinks that perhaps, if Halley can find out who would do such a horrible thing, the girl’s nightmares will end.
Halley takes the case only to find himself inside a nightmare. The evidence leads him to a fellow former jockey and friend; a superstar in the television world. Accusing him leads to Halley’s being vilified in the press. Former friends turn against him. Doors that were once opened are now closed. Not even his client, the girl’s mother, believes him. And, due to British law, Halley is unable to discuss the case and the evidence, which is overwhelming, with anyone.
The start of the trial is put off by a tragedy and the girl suffers a relapse and wants Halley by her side in the hospital. Halley, continues to struggle with the case, the press, and the one question he cannot answer: why. The answers eventually come, of course, but perhaps at a price that is far too dear.
Dick Francis has had a remarkable life. He grew up connected to horses and then, during WWII served Britain as a RAF pilot. Once out of the military, he returned to racing and won 350 races as a National Hunt jockey. He was also Champion Jockey in 1953/1954 and was retained as jockey to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for four seasons. The pedigree shows in his stories; he knows racing and he knows and loves horses:
I’d loved horse always: it was hard to explain the intimacy that grew between horses and those who tended or rode them. Horses lived in a parallel world, spoke a parallel language, were a mass of instincts, lacked human perceptions of kindness or guilt, and allowed a merging on an untamed, untamable mysterious level of spirit. The Great God Pan lived in racehorses.
I love Francis’s stories. I love the peek he gives his readers into the racing world. It is a tough, brutal place and Francis doesn’t sugarcoat it. But, his respect and love for the horses and those who tend and ride them always comes through.
Recommendation: If you like good mysteries, strong characters, and action, pick up any one of Francis’s books. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Book Review: Widow's Walk by Robert B. Parker
Widow’s Walk by Robert B. Parker
GP Putnam’s Sons
294 Pages
Copyright 2002
Robert B. Parker is the author of 37 Spenser novels. They were the basis of the ABC TV series Spenser: For Hire starring Robert Urich, which is where I first became familiar with the characters and I’ve been enjoying them ever since.
Widow’s Walk is number 29 on the list. Spenser has been hired by attorney Rita Fiore to assist with the defense of her client, Mary Smith. Smith’s older, very rich husband has been found shot to death in his bed. Mary’s defense is that she was downstairs watching TV and didn’t hear the gunshot. The police are doubtful. Spenser is doubtful. Even Fiore is doubtful, especially since the gun can’t be found. And, husband and wife were seen arguing at a party the night before.
Spenser agrees to take the case and quickly finds himself drawn into a mystery where all he uncovers are more questions and no answers. Mary isn’t the brightest woman Spenser has met and she has few friends, relying on employees to see to everything. She also has a lover and doesn’t understand the seriousness of what she is facing. Her husband, on the other hand, has his own secrets and it is those secrets that put Spenser and his friend/bodyguard Hawk in danger. As Spenser tries to sort things out, he suddenly finds himself having to comfort the love of his life, Susan, who has lost one of her patients to suicide.
Robert B. Parker is a master of dialogue. He uses it to keep his stories tightly written and moving at a fast pace. There are few wasted words in any of his Spenser novels:
It’s simple, direct, and, at times, humorous. You know what you’re getting when you sit down with a Spenser novel. A who-dun-it with action and strong characters. The good guys are a bit rough around the edges but they are good guys. The bad guys usually wind up paying for their sins. Hawk will always be there for Spenser and Spenser will always be faithful to Susan. It’s a formula that has worked well since 1973, with few sour notes to be found.
Recommendation: The Spenser novels are all fast-paced, engrossing, easy-to-read gems. They are the perfect get-away from it all book and this one is no different. I would, however, suggest that if you are new to the series, you try to start with the first novel. It’s not a must, but the character development is interesting and it’s fun to watch Spenser evolve along the way.
GP Putnam’s Sons
294 Pages
Copyright 2002
Robert B. Parker is the author of 37 Spenser novels. They were the basis of the ABC TV series Spenser: For Hire starring Robert Urich, which is where I first became familiar with the characters and I’ve been enjoying them ever since.
Widow’s Walk is number 29 on the list. Spenser has been hired by attorney Rita Fiore to assist with the defense of her client, Mary Smith. Smith’s older, very rich husband has been found shot to death in his bed. Mary’s defense is that she was downstairs watching TV and didn’t hear the gunshot. The police are doubtful. Spenser is doubtful. Even Fiore is doubtful, especially since the gun can’t be found. And, husband and wife were seen arguing at a party the night before.
Spenser agrees to take the case and quickly finds himself drawn into a mystery where all he uncovers are more questions and no answers. Mary isn’t the brightest woman Spenser has met and she has few friends, relying on employees to see to everything. She also has a lover and doesn’t understand the seriousness of what she is facing. Her husband, on the other hand, has his own secrets and it is those secrets that put Spenser and his friend/bodyguard Hawk in danger. As Spenser tries to sort things out, he suddenly finds himself having to comfort the love of his life, Susan, who has lost one of her patients to suicide.
Robert B. Parker is a master of dialogue. He uses it to keep his stories tightly written and moving at a fast pace. There are few wasted words in any of his Spenser novels:
“Last time I worked for you,” I said, “I almost got killed.”
“I know,” Rita said. “We could give you hazardous-duty pay.”
“It’s all hazardous duty,” I said. “Tell me about your client.”
“Mary Smith.”
“Mary Smith?”
“Honest to God,” Rita said. “It’s her real name. She was married to the victim, Nathan Smith. Her maiden name was Toricelli.”
“She have oodles of money before she married him?” I said.
“No.”
“Ah ha!”
“Ah ha?”
“It’s an investigational term,” I said. “That where the oodles come from?”
“Yes.”
It’s simple, direct, and, at times, humorous. You know what you’re getting when you sit down with a Spenser novel. A who-dun-it with action and strong characters. The good guys are a bit rough around the edges but they are good guys. The bad guys usually wind up paying for their sins. Hawk will always be there for Spenser and Spenser will always be faithful to Susan. It’s a formula that has worked well since 1973, with few sour notes to be found.
Recommendation: The Spenser novels are all fast-paced, engrossing, easy-to-read gems. They are the perfect get-away from it all book and this one is no different. I would, however, suggest that if you are new to the series, you try to start with the first novel. It’s not a must, but the character development is interesting and it’s fun to watch Spenser evolve along the way.
3.07.2009
Bookkeeping...
Since I've already publicly declared my intentions to not buy any new books (except for those that are part of an on-going series) until I've whittled my TBR pile down to something a little bit more sane, I've decided to keep track of how I'm doing.
I started another list on the side bar. You'll see six books on that list. Six out of 17 I've read since January. I'm not crazy about that total, but to be fair, the Kathy Reichs books were pretty much bought before I'd made my decision or counted the 140 or so books in my TBR pile.
So, that leaves, without the Temperance Brennan novels, a total of eleven titles read, six of which have come from my TBR pile.
I like those numbers.
Here's another thing:
During this week, I've read the following books:
17. Winter Study by Nevada Barr
16. As Shadows Fade by Colleen Gleason
15. Come To Grief by Dick Francis
14. Widow's Walk by Robert B. Parker
13. Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn
Carrie Vaughn and Colleen Gleason are, of course new but they are a part of a series.
Nevada Barr, Dick Francis, and Robert B. Parker are all very old and dear friends.
I'm pretty typical in the fact that I had a best friend in high school. We were inseparable and we did a lot of stupid things together. We also went through some pretty tough times together. After college, she moved away and we drifted apart. We wrote a few times. Called a few more and then, for awhile... nothing. Then she came home to visit. We got together again and it was like we hadn't been apart. The years didn't matter. We simply picked up from where we left off. It was an amazing experience, let me tell you.
That's what going back to these favorite authors was like. It was like reconnecting with my oldest and dearest friends. I'd forgotten how amazing they are, how well they tell their stories. But, once I picked them up again, it was like I'd never put them down.
Robert B. Parker is still a genius when it comes to crafting a tight story. He wastes few words and uses dialogue better than anyone else I can name. Pages and pages go by and that's all there is - dialogue but you never miss the other stuff.
Dick Francis tells stories about horses and people connected to horses. They are mysteries and he, too, sucks me in so completely that when I've finished one of his books, I need time to re-adjust to my life here. The ghost of Francis's England sticks with me for awhile.
And Nevada Barr can creep the hell out of me better than almost any other writer I know. Her stories are set in our national parks and I always feel like I've been there after reading one of her stories. Her bad guys are crazy bad, her heroine a tad bit crazy but a strong-willed and amazing woman.
I cannot believe I've let these people go. I'm thrilled I've reconnected with them. And I don't ever want to leave them behind again. And I owe it all to my TBR pile. Who'dve thunk it?
I started another list on the side bar. You'll see six books on that list. Six out of 17 I've read since January. I'm not crazy about that total, but to be fair, the Kathy Reichs books were pretty much bought before I'd made my decision or counted the 140 or so books in my TBR pile.
So, that leaves, without the Temperance Brennan novels, a total of eleven titles read, six of which have come from my TBR pile.
I like those numbers.
Here's another thing:
During this week, I've read the following books:
17. Winter Study by Nevada Barr
16. As Shadows Fade by Colleen Gleason
15. Come To Grief by Dick Francis
14. Widow's Walk by Robert B. Parker
13. Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn
Carrie Vaughn and Colleen Gleason are, of course new but they are a part of a series.
Nevada Barr, Dick Francis, and Robert B. Parker are all very old and dear friends.
I'm pretty typical in the fact that I had a best friend in high school. We were inseparable and we did a lot of stupid things together. We also went through some pretty tough times together. After college, she moved away and we drifted apart. We wrote a few times. Called a few more and then, for awhile... nothing. Then she came home to visit. We got together again and it was like we hadn't been apart. The years didn't matter. We simply picked up from where we left off. It was an amazing experience, let me tell you.
That's what going back to these favorite authors was like. It was like reconnecting with my oldest and dearest friends. I'd forgotten how amazing they are, how well they tell their stories. But, once I picked them up again, it was like I'd never put them down.
Robert B. Parker is still a genius when it comes to crafting a tight story. He wastes few words and uses dialogue better than anyone else I can name. Pages and pages go by and that's all there is - dialogue but you never miss the other stuff.
Dick Francis tells stories about horses and people connected to horses. They are mysteries and he, too, sucks me in so completely that when I've finished one of his books, I need time to re-adjust to my life here. The ghost of Francis's England sticks with me for awhile.
And Nevada Barr can creep the hell out of me better than almost any other writer I know. Her stories are set in our national parks and I always feel like I've been there after reading one of her stories. Her bad guys are crazy bad, her heroine a tad bit crazy but a strong-willed and amazing woman.
I cannot believe I've let these people go. I'm thrilled I've reconnected with them. And I don't ever want to leave them behind again. And I owe it all to my TBR pile. Who'dve thunk it?
3.06.2009
Friday Fill - Ins 42
Finally, it's Friday and I actually realize that!
1. I'm not sure what was my last random act of kindness. (Isn't that embarrassing to admit?)
2. Another place, another time.
3. I give too much in matters of the heart.
4. Coffee, tea or iced tea.
5. Life often follows separate paths.
6. Our current weather reminds me that there is always hope for spring.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Dollhouse, tomorrow my plans include relaxing and laundry and Sunday, I want to watch Duke beat UNC! (Please, please, please...)
1. I'm not sure what was my last random act of kindness. (Isn't that embarrassing to admit?)
2. Another place, another time.
3. I give too much in matters of the heart.
4. Coffee, tea or iced tea.
5. Life often follows separate paths.
6. Our current weather reminds me that there is always hope for spring.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Dollhouse, tomorrow my plans include relaxing and laundry and Sunday, I want to watch Duke beat UNC! (Please, please, please...)
3.05.2009
And So It Ends...
The Victoria Gardella series, that is.
All I can say, at the moment, is it was another excellent ride. Exciting, humorous, page-turning, erotic, and in the end, satisfying.
Good job, Colleen.
Thanks for the ride. It's been fun.
3.02.2009
February Wrap Up... and a Question
So, in February I only read four books. That's due in part to all the drama going on in my life that has left me, at times, too exhausted to do anything, even reading, and it's also do to the fact that I've been writing, a lot, which I love.
Anyway, here are the statistics:
13. Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn
12. Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs
11. Play Dead by David Rosenfelt
10. Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand by Carrie Vaughn
It's a rather anemic total of 1,210 pages, but I'm okay with that.
Now, for the question:
Have you ever had a favorite author inject personal opinions into his/her writing to the point that you find it insulting and mildly offensive? If you do, what do you do? Do you keep reading and hope it stops?
Also, and I'm truly curious about this, has anyone every read a book where 'tree-hugging liberals' are insulted and vilified?
Okay, so vilified is a little strong, but what else do I call 'warmongering Republicans'?
For the record, Republicans don't like war anymore than anyone else. We do, however, understand that there are some things worth fighting for. And no, I do not think all liberals are 'tree-huggers'. Now, why can't Vaughn acknowledge that simple truth about Republicans?
Anyway, if you've come across a book that you found insulting to your beliefs, whether they're political or something else, I'd like to hear about it.
Anyway, here are the statistics:
13. Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn
12. Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs
11. Play Dead by David Rosenfelt
10. Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand by Carrie Vaughn
It's a rather anemic total of 1,210 pages, but I'm okay with that.
Now, for the question:
Have you ever had a favorite author inject personal opinions into his/her writing to the point that you find it insulting and mildly offensive? If you do, what do you do? Do you keep reading and hope it stops?
Also, and I'm truly curious about this, has anyone every read a book where 'tree-hugging liberals' are insulted and vilified?
Okay, so vilified is a little strong, but what else do I call 'warmongering Republicans'?
For the record, Republicans don't like war anymore than anyone else. We do, however, understand that there are some things worth fighting for. And no, I do not think all liberals are 'tree-huggers'. Now, why can't Vaughn acknowledge that simple truth about Republicans?
Anyway, if you've come across a book that you found insulting to your beliefs, whether they're political or something else, I'd like to hear about it.
Book Review: Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn
Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn
Grand Central Publishing
311 Pages
Copyright 2009
Book six of the Kitty Norvell series follows a little more than a month after the release of book five. Ben and Kitty return from Las Vegas, newly married only to find that the problems they’d encountered in Vegas hadn’t stayed in Vegas. The Band of Tiamat has followed them in the form of an unknown threat that attacks Kitty and the pack under the full moon.
Kitty quickly finds herself looking for answers anywhere and everywhere as she frantically tries to protect the pack. She teams up with the crew of a paranormal investigation television show and discovers that they aren’t exactly what they seem to be. When a strange vampire arrives in town to offer his help in breaking the curse, Kitty is hesitant but willing to accept his help. Rick, the Master Vampire of Denver, however, is unwilling to allow the unknown free passage in his town. His decision leaves Kitty to fend for herself and strains her relationship with Rick.
I was looking forward to this book and I really wanted to like it. The previous book, Kitty and The Dead Man’s Hand, was something of a disappointment so I was hoping this one would make up for that. I’m sad to say it didn’t, at least not for me.
The story was a good one, the bad guy an interesting twist. The inclusion of the “Ghost Hunters” like team called Paradox PI, was another interesting additon. The execution of the story, however, was uneven and choppy. Vaughn seems to have suddenly fallen in love with choppy sentences to the point of being annoying. Kitty seems to be backtracking and spends a great deal of time wanting to panic and run away. There’s also far too much whining and smirking going on. Kitty whines. A lot. She also smirks but then again, everyone smirks. A lot.
And then there’s this:
And this, Kitty’s response to a caller on her radio show:
So, let’s see. In the last book, people with an interest in guns were ‘gun-toting maniacs’ and now Vaughn has declared all Republicans to be warmongers and too dense to detect sarcasm. As both a gun-toter and a Republican, it was almost enough to make me put the book down, unfinished.
Like I said – I wanted to like this book but I can’t say I was crazy about it. I could’ve loved it with a few less incomplete sentences, a lot less smirking, and without the gratuitous shots at Republicans. I’ve enjoyed this series but I’m close to abandoning it and that will make me very sad.
Recommendation: In spite of what I just said, I’ll still recommend this one. There is a good story going on.
Grand Central Publishing
311 Pages
Copyright 2009
Book six of the Kitty Norvell series follows a little more than a month after the release of book five. Ben and Kitty return from Las Vegas, newly married only to find that the problems they’d encountered in Vegas hadn’t stayed in Vegas. The Band of Tiamat has followed them in the form of an unknown threat that attacks Kitty and the pack under the full moon.
Kitty quickly finds herself looking for answers anywhere and everywhere as she frantically tries to protect the pack. She teams up with the crew of a paranormal investigation television show and discovers that they aren’t exactly what they seem to be. When a strange vampire arrives in town to offer his help in breaking the curse, Kitty is hesitant but willing to accept his help. Rick, the Master Vampire of Denver, however, is unwilling to allow the unknown free passage in his town. His decision leaves Kitty to fend for herself and strains her relationship with Rick.
I was looking forward to this book and I really wanted to like it. The previous book, Kitty and The Dead Man’s Hand, was something of a disappointment so I was hoping this one would make up for that. I’m sad to say it didn’t, at least not for me.
The story was a good one, the bad guy an interesting twist. The inclusion of the “Ghost Hunters” like team called Paradox PI, was another interesting additon. The execution of the story, however, was uneven and choppy. Vaughn seems to have suddenly fallen in love with choppy sentences to the point of being annoying. Kitty seems to be backtracking and spends a great deal of time wanting to panic and run away. There’s also far too much whining and smirking going on. Kitty whines. A lot. She also smirks but then again, everyone smirks. A lot.
And then there’s this:
“Arabic?” Jules asked.
“That’s only a demonic language you’re a warmongering Republican” I said, flippant. It was either laugh or cry in a situation like this.
And this, Kitty’s response to a caller on her radio show:
“Let’s say for a minute you’re right,” I said, in the space where the caller paused to take a breath. “And this is a terrorist campaign waged by Islamic extremists. . . (Sentence deleted to avoid a spoiler) What would you do to counteract the attack? How would you stop it? Should I try throwing Republicans at it?”
He didn’t get the sarcasm. They never get the sarcasm.
So, let’s see. In the last book, people with an interest in guns were ‘gun-toting maniacs’ and now Vaughn has declared all Republicans to be warmongers and too dense to detect sarcasm. As both a gun-toter and a Republican, it was almost enough to make me put the book down, unfinished.
Like I said – I wanted to like this book but I can’t say I was crazy about it. I could’ve loved it with a few less incomplete sentences, a lot less smirking, and without the gratuitous shots at Republicans. I’ve enjoyed this series but I’m close to abandoning it and that will make me very sad.
Recommendation: In spite of what I just said, I’ll still recommend this one. There is a good story going on.
Book Review: Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs
Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs
The Penguin Group
309 Pages
Copyright 2009
Mercy Thompson is a mechanic. She’s a dirt under her nails, tough as they come woman who also happens to be a skin walker. She has the ability to change into a coyote whenever she wants. She is also a woman recovering from a horrific experience that has left her shaken and suffering from panic attacks. Lucky for Mercy she has the help of her friends, lone wolf Samuel, vampire Stefan, and Adam, alpha of the local werewolf pack and the love of Mercy’s life.
Life is complicated enough as Mercy tries to sort things out but they become immensely more complicated with the arrival of a tortured and starved Stefan, who falls from mid-air onto the floor, the arrival of her mother, and the totally unexpected arrival of an old college acquaintance, Amber. Stefan is there to warn Mercy that the Master Vampire of the city, Marsilia is out to get her. Her mother is there to make sure her daughter is okay after recent events. And the college friend is there to ask for Mercy’s help with a pesky little ghost problem she has.
After reassuring her mother and turning the vampire problem over to Adam, Mercy heads out of town thinking a little distance from home at the moment will be a good thing. Once at Amber’s, Mercy discovers the pesky little ghost problem is something far more menacing and something that will have far-reaching effects for her and all those she loves.
Bone Crossed is the fourth book in the Mercy Thompson series. I’ve grown fonder of Mercy and her crew with each book. Mercy is, as I’ve said, a strong, independent woman but she is also a woman who isn’t afraid to ask for help when she needs it. I find it makes her human and extremely likable. It doesn’t hurt that her friends are also likable, either. The best part of this journey has also been the fact that they change, they grow, they struggle with little questions and big ones just like real people.
Recommendation: Briggs’ paranormal world is an excellent place to visit. You never know who may show up or what twists may come your way. It is, however, a series you should read in order.
The Penguin Group
309 Pages
Copyright 2009
Mercy Thompson is a mechanic. She’s a dirt under her nails, tough as they come woman who also happens to be a skin walker. She has the ability to change into a coyote whenever she wants. She is also a woman recovering from a horrific experience that has left her shaken and suffering from panic attacks. Lucky for Mercy she has the help of her friends, lone wolf Samuel, vampire Stefan, and Adam, alpha of the local werewolf pack and the love of Mercy’s life.
Life is complicated enough as Mercy tries to sort things out but they become immensely more complicated with the arrival of a tortured and starved Stefan, who falls from mid-air onto the floor, the arrival of her mother, and the totally unexpected arrival of an old college acquaintance, Amber. Stefan is there to warn Mercy that the Master Vampire of the city, Marsilia is out to get her. Her mother is there to make sure her daughter is okay after recent events. And the college friend is there to ask for Mercy’s help with a pesky little ghost problem she has.
After reassuring her mother and turning the vampire problem over to Adam, Mercy heads out of town thinking a little distance from home at the moment will be a good thing. Once at Amber’s, Mercy discovers the pesky little ghost problem is something far more menacing and something that will have far-reaching effects for her and all those she loves.
Bone Crossed is the fourth book in the Mercy Thompson series. I’ve grown fonder of Mercy and her crew with each book. Mercy is, as I’ve said, a strong, independent woman but she is also a woman who isn’t afraid to ask for help when she needs it. I find it makes her human and extremely likable. It doesn’t hurt that her friends are also likable, either. The best part of this journey has also been the fact that they change, they grow, they struggle with little questions and big ones just like real people.
Recommendation: Briggs’ paranormal world is an excellent place to visit. You never know who may show up or what twists may come your way. It is, however, a series you should read in order.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)