I was at my weekly local library visit, and in the mood for finding first in the series mysteries. This one stood out, so I thought I would give it a I was at my weekly local library visit, and in the mood for finding first in the series mysteries. This one stood out, so I thought I would give it a try.
This isn’t a typical mystery that I would find myself in, as it is historical fiction, set after WWI. (I am mostly attracted to contemporary mysteries. Although, being a fan of Agatha Christie opens me up to this time period!)
Interestingly enough, Charles Todd, the ‘author’ is actually a pen name for the American mother-son writing team of Carolyn Todd and David Watjen. Carolyn used the pen name Caroline Todd, but was born Carolyn Watjen. She passed away in August, 2021. This book was originally published in 1996 and is, as mentioned, the first in the series, I was looking to read.
Readers meet deeply flawed, battle-scarred Inspector Ian Rutledge who is still recovering from his war-time traumatic experiences. This has left him with a ‘ghost’ in the name of Hamish who speaks to him throughout.
The case involves the brutal shooting of a Captain Harris, and concerns that it may involve other persons of high rank. Thus, Scotland Yard is quite happy to have a ‘scapegoat’ investigate, should any embarrassment come from having to ‘arrest’ persons of interest in ‘high positions.’
But Inspector Rutledge, their ‘scapegoat’ is only concerned at finding the truth.
The story is well-plotted with good character development. The author does an incredible job of infusing the landscape and post-war England into the storyline.
As readers are led toward the end reveal, it may feel a bit confusing with the many psychological twists that lead to the final conclusion. Still, it was an interesting premise that highlighted the devastation that war places on its veterans, which made the story fairly compelling....more
Years ago, my husband and I enjoyed watching the Swedish crime drama series titled, “Beck.” It was based on books by these married authors who took tuYears ago, my husband and I enjoyed watching the Swedish crime drama series titled, “Beck.” It was based on books by these married authors who took turns writing every other chapter. Their stories were also adapted into films between 1967 and 1994.
So, when it came time for my weekly local library visit, it seemed only right that when I saw this on the shelf, that I should finally take the opportunity to read this translated book, featuring one of my favorite television characters. Yes, I know, it was going to be another one of those seeing the television series/movies before reading the book experiences. But it was so long ago, maybe it would be like reminiscing with an old friend?
This is the first book in the series, in which we meet Martin Beck, our protagonist. The story takes place in the 1960’s, so it is clear that it will not utilize all those modern technologies we have grown accustomed too in helping to solve crimes. Regardless, it is still well-conceived for its exceptional attention as a police procedural.
At first, the story is very slow moving even as it starts off with a dead body of an unidentifiable woman. Martin Beck, a seasoned detective, married with two children, travels to another district to help in solving the case. But he finds himself unsuccessful in the beginning.
And, even as he is heading back home after a period of time on the still unsolved case, he finds he can’t walk away from the case that easily. Nor can readers.
The authors do a wonderful job of showing the meticulous attention to detail applied by the police through their investigation. Including highlighting moments of intense boredom that may overcome the characters because of the time invested in solving a case. Will boredom also occur to readers in spots?
Still, the authors work hard to build the story through their character development. Readers get a strong sense of Beck, his quirks, as well as his attitude towards his marriage. And, readers can also appreciate the cast of characters that add depth to the story.
Readers might find the twists and turns, some references to sex and violence, and an imperfect ending frustrating. Especially as a slow burn story. But it can also be considered, a satisfying page-turner. And, for its time (1965), it feels like a true classic mystery. And yes, for me, being with Beck after all these years, was like visiting an old friend....more
“You should respect the past. You should never forget the past. But you can’t live there.”
This quote is this story, because this is what happens when “You should respect the past. You should never forget the past. But you can’t live there.”
This quote is this story, because this is what happens when grief takes over. The question being, how does one overcome it all to move forward with life?
So here is something different for me. I am watching this movie on my Hallmark streaming channel, and as I am looking at the credits, I discover that this movie is based on a book written by Baldacci. What?
Well, now it motivates me to get the book, and that is where you find me. A bit backwards, I realize, (seeing the movie before reading the book backwards). But I honestly didn’t know about either.
So, what was my reaction?
The movie was a good escape, and predictable, in a typical dramatic way, where the widowed carpenter father, Jack spends time fixing the lighthouse. And then, the lighthouse has its moment. (No spoilers from me.)
Of course, readers will expect that the lighthouse will play an important role, because it covets a place on the book cover. So, plan on finding out what the role is, in both the movie and the book. Because it does illicit the drama and climatic substance that readers and/or moviegoers would expect.
Now, on to the book.
The book opens with a dying Jack and his wife Lizzie heading out to get his medication only to be met with tragedy. What is going to happen to the children now? As extended family figure out how to manage, Jack rallies and lives.
Which allows Jack to take his children to his wife’s old beach house and lighthouse in hopes that everyone can heal.
Both the movie and the book were both heart-warming and heart-wrenching if not a bit overly dramatic, predictable and contrived. And, even if it brought on the tears, it also brought on the eye rolls, too. Still, both were a fun little escape. Kleenex will be encouraged.
Added note: The book was published on June 14, 2011. The television movie premiered on Sunday, October 3, 2021 and starred Sam Page, Sarah Drew and Amanda Schull. Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLGa0... ...more
I was on a mission. I wanted some ‘fun’ books with a bookstore or library theme attached to it. So, I did an online library search and this one came uI was on a mission. I wanted some ‘fun’ books with a bookstore or library theme attached to it. So, I did an online library search and this one came up. This book is apparently the first in the ‘Scottish Bookshop Mystery series.’
This is one of those stories, that readers will not only be engaged in because of the setting of a bookstore, but the scenic beauty of Edinburgh, Scotland.
We find Delaney leaving Kansas and taking a job at a bookstore in Scotland. It doesn’t take her long to find friends, a mysterious mystery room, missing items, murder and, herself in the midst of amateur sleuthing. Oh my! What a beginning, right?
For those who enjoy easy-to-read cozies centered around bookstores, this one is a nice introduction to the series. But there will be literal dialect conversations that may be hard to follow at times.
"My four golden principles are more important now than ever: take it one step at a time; approach the matter dispassionately; avoid a rush to judgment"My four golden principles are more important now than ever: take it one step at a time; approach the matter dispassionately; avoid a rush to judgment; confide in nobody until there is hard evidence.”
Harris is undoubtedly a phenomenally talented author when it comes to writing historical fiction. He obviously is well-researched and a master storyteller.
Yet, I wouldn’t have considered reading this one, hadn’t it been for the comments left under my review of his most recent book, “Precipice” by Goodreads friend, Terence M. I recommend you read his review of this book, as well: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It starts with an eerie setting that shows a passionate view of people’s hatefulness towards Jews. During those times, they didn’t see being Jewish as a religion, they saw it as a race to mock. And, in this particular case, Alfred Dreyfus, a Jew, was labeled a traitor towards his country, even when lacking evidence. 20,000 people came to view the moment of his humiliation even as he cried out his innocence.
“…that the human impulse to watch another’s humiliation will always prove sufficient insulation against even the bitterest cold.”
This is the fictionalized account of the true story of ‘The Dreyfus Affair’ which would certainly affect French Society. It started on October 15, 1894 with the arrest for high treason of Captain Alfred Dreyfus.
This is a complicated story. And, his narrator, Lt. Col. Georges Picquart, who believes at first in his guilt, soon becomes the investigator to unravel the truth, before becoming his eventual savior.
Harris takes readers through the various aspects of the affair: the court-martial trial, the investigation, the perjured testimony, the forged documents, the secret files, the mobs of people. While reading, it feels as if we are present amongst history.
When Georges is reading the love letters between Alfred and his wife Lucie, that he is written while he is imprisoned on Devil’s Island, we can’t help but be touched by their passion towards each other.
So, who is the real traitor? What will tip Georges off to save Dreyfus? Will he be saved in time? And, will Georges be rewarded for his investigative work?
This is truly a gripping and thrilling story. And, as a true story, for those who didn’t know the history, we can’t wait to find out what happens in the end. For those who did know the history, I have to believe you can’t wait to find out what happens in the end, too. Because, Harris has a way of keeping readers riveted. Thank you, Terrence....more
I wouldn’t have even noticed this book, hadn’t I been waiting for her latest one, “Heartwood” which is on the hot waitlist at my local library. So, I I wouldn’t have even noticed this book, hadn’t I been waiting for her latest one, “Heartwood” which is on the hot waitlist at my local library. So, I thought I would check-it out on one of my recent local library visits since it mentioned it was a psychological suspense thriller.
So, what did I think?
Something is terribly wrong. Why is Juliet hanging out in her closet? And, that is how readers first meet Juliet, the ‘sea wife’ who has retreated from her family. It will take a while before readers understand exactly what is going on or what has happened.
In Juliet’s present-day narrative, she regains family life with her two children and begins to recount the experience of living with her family on a 44-foot sailboat. Thus, giving readers a sense of what constitutes a sea wife. (Hence: the title of the book.)
We also get Michael’s point of view from his ship’s logs. And, sometimes we hear from Sybil’s young voice, their 7-year-old.
Readers learn that it is Michael’s desired bliss to have a year-long odyssey sail to Panama before returning home to Connecticut.
It becomes clear to readers that this is clearly not Juliet’s dream, but she wants to support her husband. Their children, Sybil (7) and George (2) thrive on this adventure, but there is no escaping whatever ailed Juliet and Michael’s marriage.
The author gives readers a strong sense of the scenic challenges of life at sea.
Clearly, this isn’t the trip that this couple had hoped for, and readers will feel dread almost immediately through a series of unfortunate events. And, as the family found themselves adrift, it was easy to be adrift as a reader without quotation marks around the author’s characters’ dialogue.
Whatever eventually happened to the characters, (no spoilers from me) it was hard to know how to feel about it. The story is definitely, tense, awkward, compelling, multi-layered and unsettling. But to be honest, I am still shaking my head wondering about what I just read. I may be an outlier, so please read other reviews.
If you read my profile page, you will learn that I was a college instructor and director at Cuesta College, in San Luis Obispo, California; and, the FIf you read my profile page, you will learn that I was a college instructor and director at Cuesta College, in San Luis Obispo, California; and, the Facilitator and Program Director of the Book Discussion Group & Local Authors Program for my local Library, in my ‘past life.’
Why am I telling you this?
Because this book was selected as Cuesta College’s Book of the Year for 2025 which means that it was also carried as the book to read by all the local library book groups in our county, as well.
When any book is hosted as a ‘Book of the Year,’ several programs are also created around the theme of the book and then the author will come and speak, typically to a sold-out crowd. I didn’t have the opportunity to hear the author speak, or read the book at the time the book was being discussed, because so few books were available for check-out in the library. It wasn’t until this was donated to my Little Free Library Shed that I finally got to experience reading it.
And, as a Californian, I appreciated that this was a book that addressed wildfires and climate change. The author sensitively communicated through his writing what anyone would most likely feel and experience during these difficult seasons.
Premise: This is a story of a family. Ben grows grapes in the central California valley. His wife, Ada is a commercially successful author, and their son, Yoel works for a production company in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, Ben and Yoel have a strained relationship because of Yoel’s 18-month prison sentence for growing cannabis years earlier, that Ben has had a difficult time getting over.
And now, a new tragedy is on the horizon. Something that Californians are all too familiar with, which the title of the book alludes to, as well…fire in the canyon. How will the family be able to overcome it? If at all?
This is the story of what happens to a family and a community, before, during and after the devastation of fire. Will this be the beginning of healing? Or will the stress affect them further?
This book is scenic, sad, encompassing, thoughtful and thought-provoking. It is a statement of the beauty and destruction of nature, and the reality of what is occurring from the changing climate. The author does a stellar job in addressing the reality of this without attempting to be political.
Also, he remains true to family and community by showcasing the importance of what is happening to each character. So, it is truly a heart-touching story of family, and the harsh realities of what a fire can do to a community.
My biggest concern with the book might be that readers might feel the author is too technical in his climate details, or will leave them with too abrupt an ending. (Even if it feels realistic.)
Otherwise, it was a very compelling read. Which I can see why it was selected as a countywide discussion book. Kleenex may be needed.
Have you ever wondered what you would do if you knew you only had days to live? Where would you go? Who would you spend time with? What would you say?Have you ever wondered what you would do if you knew you only had days to live? Where would you go? Who would you spend time with? What would you say?
When I was in the midst of cancer treatments just a few months ago, even though I didn’t want to project my thoughts into an unknown future, I still couldn’t help but wonder if there was a ticking time clock I needed to be aware of so that I could take advantage of what time I had. Left. Still have. Left. Not knowing what one day to the next would bring while cancer loomed within. (Gratefully, I am currently considered a watch and monitor patient. Which means I get tested every few months to make sure that the cancer is still in remission and benign.) This morning, I see my Oncologist to hear his opinion of those test results. Fingers crossed. ...more
This is the first book in the Mitford series. A couple of months ago a Little Free Library steward from the state of Washington came by and dropped ofThis is the first book in the Mitford series. A couple of months ago a Little Free Library steward from the state of Washington came by and dropped off a copy of all the books currently published in this series. I was completely overwhelmed with gratitude with her generous donation. But I never took the time to put this in my currently reading pile on Goodreads because I wasn’t sure if I would read the books or review them, until now.
I had the pleasure of watching the cute made-for-television Hallmark Hall of Fame movie starring Andie McDowell recently when I opted in on the Hallmark streaming service.
This first book in the series was published in 1994, with this paperback version coming out in 1996.
For anyone who is looking for saccharine sweet faith based small town storytelling this is the book to read.
The story follows Father Tim and his many parishioners in the fictional town of Mitford, North Carolina. He is a long-time minister at Lord’s Chapel. He also finds himself adopted by Barnabas a huge black dog and a young boy named Dooley that is in need of a home. How will this affect his bachelorhood?
And, then there is his neighbor, Cynthia Coppersmith. What emotions will this bring out in Father Tim?
So, which did I prefer the book or the movie?
It was easier for me to fall in love with the movie, as the characters were more believable at 40-something, as opposed to the more mature age given to the Father Tim described in the book. (In the book, he was 60.)
Not that I am not opposed to older people having romances. I have after all been quite charmed by stories with older protagonists lately. But this one didn’t ring as true for me in the book. Still, the author does her best to provide a sense of realism and warmth to her characters.
As a classic book series, this may be more appealing to those who are attracted to books that are faith based.
There is definitely more to these bestselling author’s than writing children’s books. They incorporate within their story their own personal and profeThere is definitely more to these bestselling author’s than writing children’s books. They incorporate within their story their own personal and professional experiences which allows for the story not only to be told from the heart of those experiences, but in a way that helps to educate readers.
Which makes this a compelling, fascinating and realistic reading adventure for kids. As well as an excellent educational tool for parents and teachers. Readers will also find this story, captivating, meaningful, and inspiring.
The authors are also to be commended for their upbeat opening message…
“To all the brave kids who have faced the storms of life – Your resilience, courage, and strength are nothing short of heroic. You remind us all that even in the darkest skies, There’s light and hope within each of us. This story is for you. You are a hero.”
Along with the message of the book, the beautiful illustrations are visually appealing, quite expressive and enhance the story.
For any reader needing to learn about the importance of being prepared for hurricanes, as well as the value of community, they will appreciate the author’s attention to detail.
This book should be a must-read for anyone living in hurricane territory.
Please also note the Certificate of Strength, and a ‘help your family get ready’ checklist at the back of the book.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review....more
To be honest, I am terribly out-of-order with this series. I am caught up with the very latest, “The Grey Wolf” which I read and reviewed last year whTo be honest, I am terribly out-of-order with this series. I am caught up with the very latest, “The Grey Wolf” which I read and reviewed last year when it first came out. But I am finding that when books are donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I realize there are some I still have not read. Like this one.
This one starts off in a somewhat familiar way, when we find Armand Gamache, the retired homicide chief of the Surete du Quebec and his wife, Reine-Marie, wintering in Three Pines. The snow brings everyone to their favorite local bistro, (also under renovation), for good discussion, great food and a look at the past when newspapers, magazines and catalogs are found in the walls of the bistro that were once used as insolation.
In reviewing this lost history, Penny finds a way to tell stories of forgotten people while keeping readers in the present with a newly discovered police academy instructor’s murder.
As grisly as her subject is, there is still a sweet cozy feeling amongst the characters Penny has created to keep readers coming back to Three Pines book after book. ...more
“A mystery that is easy to solve, after all, is not worthy of the name.”
Imagine the main protagonist Cath having these thoughts:
‘Oh Mom, you weren’t “A mystery that is easy to solve, after all, is not worthy of the name.”
Imagine the main protagonist Cath having these thoughts:
‘Oh Mom, you weren’t there while I was growing up. And, now I find that you had this paid-in-full trip we were supposed to go on together. But you are now dead. Should I go anyway?’
Well, as it so happens, everyone who cares about Cath agrees that she should do this special ‘Murder Week’ trip to England. So, off she goes. What will she discover about herself, and maybe about her elusive dearly departed mother?
Upon arrival, she finds connection with her fellow American roommates, Wyatt who is travelling sans husband, and Amity, a mystery writer who is looking for inspiration.
So, how many of us mystery readers have actually dreamed of the experience of being a true amateur sleuth? We’ve read all the stories, right? Is it safer to just be a ‘reading’ bystander or actually being a participant in a ‘fake’ murder production expected to figure out the ‘whodunit,’ the ‘howdunit’ and/or the ‘whydunit?’
You don’t have to answer that question. It just was an interesting observation for me to consider as I found myself reading along about the characters little murder week adventure.
Was Cath up for the challenge?
Were we as readers?
And, as Cath and her roommates, and all the other players get into ‘murder week’ by following the clues, taking in the scenery, the town, and meeting the townspeople, there is something that is touching Cath deeply. Why does she feel as if her mother has been here? Why is everything feeling familiar to her?
And we as readers are left wondering, what mystery are we really solving here? A Murder Week murder or something more?
I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up this book. But I believe I got something more. It felt like a story of discovery. Self-discovery. Finding oneself through heart-ache and grief. Learning to live. Second chances. Maybe even finding love and friendship and home in unexpected places.
In this thoughtful and heart-felt story, some readers may grow annoyed over the many details of “fake” characters set up to confuse those playing the murder week game. Which may make readers frustrated by the time the solution to the ‘fake mystery’ is finally explained.
“Fake mysteries are like roller coasters at an amusement park, thrills and relief without pain.”
Still, I think there is something to be said about this unique premise. There is a cuteness to what the town was willing to do to create atmosphere and fun for the participants. Thus, providing an easy-to-read, page-turning ease to the reading experience.
But do we get our happy ending? (No spoilers from me.) ...more
For those of you who follow me, I get the majority of my books from my local library. But I do have to wait for them, a long time sometimes, especiallFor those of you who follow me, I get the majority of my books from my local library. But I do have to wait for them, a long time sometimes, especially when they are by bestselling authors, like this one. I ordered this book on May 14, 2025, and according to the library I was still #16 on the list as of June 15th.This meant I most likely would not see this book for check-out until sometime in 2026, if I was lucky!
How did I come up with that conclusion?
As it so happens, new library books are allowed to be checked out for 3 weeks at a time by library patrons. Which means that if each library patron checked out this book for the allotted 3 weeks each, I may not see this book until June of 2026. Of course, if the library had multiple copies of the book, I may be able to read it sooner. But budgets this year are tight because cutbacks at the federal level. So, word on down is that less library books were being purchased for the system. ...more
“Maybe the point isn’t always to make things last. Maybe it’s just to make them count.”
I wouldn’t have known about this book, hadn’t I seen it listed “Maybe the point isn’t always to make things last. Maybe it’s just to make them count.”
I wouldn’t have known about this book, hadn’t I seen it listed in the recent Goodreads newsletter. And, even then I wasn’t certain I was interested until I recognized the author’s name.
For those who may be unfamiliar, Smith wrote “The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.” And, to be honest, I wouldn’t have known about that book hadn’t I first seen the movie version (“Love at First Sight”) of it on Netflix. So, when I saw that this was her book, I knew I wanted to read it. As a side note, I recommend both the book, ‘The Statistical…’ and the movie. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This story is measured and told in days. The days that Greta James, a successful singer/musician has decided, by her brother Asher’s prodding, to go on the Alaskan cruise with her dad, Conrad. The cruise that was meant for her dad and mom. Unfortunately, their mom passed, and her brother felt that her dad shouldn’t be left alone with his friends as the awkward tag-along. So, guilted into going, Greta reluctantly books a cabin.
“The name of the ship is painted across the broad white side. It’s called the Escape, which is the only thing so far today that’s made her want to laugh.”
It doesn’t help that her dad thinks less of Greta and her career choices. But both are mourning the loss of their beloved wife/mother, and this might be a way to bring them closer.
“Please try not to get kicked off the ship, okay?” “What could they even do?” she asks, “Send me off on a dinghy?”
But as each struggle with their emotions, memories and loss, what will happen for these two during these measured days?
And then there is Ben Wilder a single recently separated father who is serving as a historian lecturer on the ship. What is his story? Is there something here for Greta and Ben to find in these days to help them through this time? What will happen after the cruise has ended?
“I mean, look around. How many people really live? Like, really and truly do something big with their lives?”
And then there is the scenic Alaskan waters and countryside. Who can’t appreciate the value of setting within the story?
“…how beautiful it is, all of it – the dreamlike mountains and cerulean sky, the clouds reflected in the bay…”
Told through past ‘memories,’ and present time, readers will have the opportunity to connect to the well-drawn characters to better appreciate their journey. Although at times the break between a memory shared and present time conversation may at times feel a bit confusing, the emotional connection to both will most likely be felt by readers.
Also, there is something about this story that readers might connect to as it touches on grief, loss, familial relationships, true connections and dealing with change.
“I trust you with important things.”
And, this will not be a typical rom-com with a predictable HEA ending. Something different happens for all these characters, that is discovered in the short time they all spend together at sea.
Imagine a beautiful island surrounded by pristine crystal blue ocean somewhere in Japan. Now imagine that there is a special unique library/museum on Imagine a beautiful island surrounded by pristine crystal blue ocean somewhere in Japan. Now imagine that there is a special unique library/museum on this island. Not of books or artifacts, but heartbeats.
“A handover: one heart letting another speak.”
What does this all mean?
“This island is a heart. It contracts with the irregular beat of the waves. The tides prolong its pulse, a beat or two is sometimes skipped. But it always begins again.”
There is a gentleness to the storytelling here even if it is not told in a linear way. Where readers are introduced to the past and present life of Shuichi. His experiences. His heart. (Its own unique character.) His thoughts. His grief. And, the grief of others who find solace on this island for their heartbeats.
The heartbeats are based on a true to life art installation created by artist Christian Boltanski, known as the Library of Heartbeats on Teshima Island. Its intention is to capture and record the heartbeats of the people who come to visit.
“If you live a good life, your heart will complete a journey of three billion beats.”
Because it is not a linear story, it feels abstract, making it a bit confusing to follow at times. The story is told through memories, present time and trips past and present to the island. Still, even if it is hard to follow or keep up at times, there is something unique and special about its thought-provoking, heartwarming and heart-felt message.
Although grief is not always an easy subject to read, the author has created characters who learn and grow, show resilience and persevere despite and because of it. Thus, allowing readers to experience the full emotions that take any of us towards healing.
At the back of the book, readers will be provided with ‘the sounds of the heart in Japanese’ and ‘an important note’ by the author. The author also offers a glossary of Japanese terms, including definitions.
The author in her important note at the end shares…
“…if we renounce pain, joy disappears with it!”
The expectation is for us to feel it all, especially the pain caused by our grief, in order to appreciate joy. In many ways, as we read along, we are being taken on a self-reflective journey.
If you are looking for a quirky, off-beat, doesn’t follow the rules kind of story, this is it. It is translated from Polish, and was first published iIf you are looking for a quirky, off-beat, doesn’t follow the rules kind of story, this is it. It is translated from Polish, and was first published in 2009. But even if the story is 16 years old, that doesn’t seem to date it. There is still a contemporary feel to it when we consider the subject of nature and how humans impact it through hunting and their innate cruelty to animals. (Some things don’t change.) Also, consider the cruelty, a trigger warning.
I picked this one up at my local library on one of my outings, and forgot to list it on my currently reading list. I am now providing my review for Goodreads.
This book is also written by a controversial feminist writer who was the Polish winner of the 2018 International Man Booker prize for her novel, “Flights.” She also won in the same year the Nobel Prize in Literature for “a narrative imagination that with encyclopedic passion represents the crossing of boundaries as a form of life.” The award was postponed due to controversy within the Swedish Academy.
This story follows an older woman named Janina, who lives in a secluded Polish village near the Czech-Polish border. There is a mystery that surrounds her as dead bodies of men start to show up. And, it appears that it could have to do with acts of revenge by animals on the local hunters. But are the animals able to commit these acts? Or, do they have someone doing this on their behalf?
These questions will be the mystery for readers to ponder. Thus, this becomes the murder mystery that doesn’t seem to follow the general rules of typical storytelling.
For anyone willing to go with the flow, this story proves intriguing and somewhat compelling. And, since it is a short book, it doesn’t take long for the ending to wrap it’s story up to help readers understand what was really happening all along. Or does it?
So, is there a moral lesson being demonstrated here? Or, is it a political statement? Do we need to consider how we as humans behave towards animals? Or, towards nature? Are we as humans, forgetting how to respect the innocence of the natural world? Or, women? Perhaps there is something to also be said of our dismissal of the invisible Janina, too? Are we being reminded of how we treat the elderly, too? i.e., - once they age out, we forget them, and don’t listen to them any longer?
Which makes this book a rather fascinating book discussion selection. ...more
This author first captured my attention with his book, “The Life We Bury.” That was the beginning of a wonderful series. If you haven’t read it, I encThis author first captured my attention with his book, “The Life We Bury.” That was the beginning of a wonderful series. If you haven’t read it, I encourage you to try it. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So, when this one came out, especially with a librarian as a main character I was ready to read it.
Eskens will take readers on an emotional roller coaster ride as we traverse the past and present through the Bosnian war and present-time crime drama. As readers we first meet quiet, preferably invisible librarian Hana. (Hence: the title of the book!)
We learn that there is more to this unassuming immigrant now settled in Minnesota, when Hana is confronted within the stacks of her beloved library by Detective David Claypool about the murder of her best friend Amina.
What past is Hana hiding from, and what danger does this past put her and Amina’s grandson, Dylan in the path of? Even so, why is the ‘enemy’ coming in present time?
Although, it may be difficult for this reader to understand why the ‘enemy’ from Bosnia may be tracking down someone 30 years later, the story still was compelling. It was relatively well-paced, heart-wrenching, and in many ways felt like a true-to-life thriller, giving readers a front seat view of the strength and resilience of individuals during the cruelties of war. (Which might also be a trigger for some.) ...more
This 1997 former library book was donated to my Little Free Library Shed. Since I have seen the documentary on Netflix, “My Octopus Teacher,” I have bThis 1997 former library book was donated to my Little Free Library Shed. Since I have seen the documentary on Netflix, “My Octopus Teacher,” I have been fascinated to learn about them. And of course, there have been many lovely fiction stories also written about them, too. One of my favorite being, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt.
I have also enjoyed the stories by Sy Montgomery, “Secrets of the Octopus” and “The Soul of an Octopus.”
So, when this was dropped off, I was interested in reading and reviewing it, as well.
The photographs by Jeffrey L. Rottman are stunning, and provide young readers an opportunity to appreciate what is being said about this amazing sea creature. The author also provides a glossary and a bibliography at the back of the book for further information.
The book is informative and thoughtful in providing great background on the brilliance of octopi. This would make a great teaching book for young readers.
What will it take to heal the past that is filled with secrets, lies and misunderstandings?
With a story told between past and present and back and forWhat will it take to heal the past that is filled with secrets, lies and misunderstandings?
With a story told between past and present and back and forth again, readers will find a mystery to solve, hearts to hope for, and a sad darkness that needs to find its light again.
What really happened in that storm that had the power to change these lives?
How will these dramatic characters be able to look beyond the past in order to find their happily-ever-after?
This is a scenic, easy-to-read, slow-paced narrative that will take readers to early Kauai and the beaches of southern California; and, eventually answers questions with a made-for-TV ending.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review. ...more
