Wednesday, April 8, 2015

A Baker's Dozen Minus One

Hello, It's me!  Here's what I've been reading...

                                                

Seven for a Secret by Lyndsay Faye

I LOVED The Gods of Gotham so I had to give Lyndsay Faye's next Timothy Wilde Novel a try. I was not disappointed. Love Timothy and Lyndsay. But before she wrote about New York City in the 1840's, she wrote:


Dust and Shadow, An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson and Lyndsay Faye 

Are you an honorary member of the Baker Street Irregulars, at least in your own imagination? Then read this retelling of the mystery of Jack the Ripper as investigated by Sherlock Holmes and his trusty partner-in-crime, Dr. John Watson. It's delightfully creepy.


The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

It's about a girl on a train who sees something out the window. That's about all I can say without ruining this one. Warning: be sure to take care of important obligations before starting this book as you won't be able to stop reading once you start. This is a best seller that completely lives up to its hype! Move this to the top of your reading list.


Bertie's Guide to Life and Mothers by Alexander McCall Smith

It's business as usual with the quirky characters of 44 Scotland Street. Catch up with all of their antics and celebrate when Bertie turns seven and gets a great gift. (Hint: it has to do with his awful mother!)


A Murder of Magpies by Judith Flanders

What could be better than a book about books? Nothing, I say, and that's exactly what A Murder of Magpies is about! Samantha Clair is an experienced London book editor dealing with testy colleagues and excitable authors, but nothing in her past prepares her for murder. I loved Samantha, her hard-to-live-up-to lawyer mother, and the highly attractive Scotland Yard inspector assigned to the case. I'm looking forward to installment number two, please. 


Grantchester, Sydney Chambers and the Shadow of Death by James Runcie

I first saw this on PBS' Masterpiece Mystery and was thrilled to see the book! Sydney Chambers is an unlikely vicar with his good looks and Cambridge education, and he always seems to find himself in the middle of a mystery.  His priestly duties expose him to situations where a policeman isn't welcome, making him a terrific amateur detective. (Sort of a handsome, Church of England Father Brown) If you've seen the show you'll notice that the stories are a little different, but it's still a great read.  (Yes, I know the photo is sideways, but I can't figure out how to change it on the blog:( )


A Dangerous Place by Jacqueline Winspear

Maisie Dobbs returns from India, stops off in Gibraltar, stumbles over a dead body, gets involved in the Spanish Civil War and finds meaning in her life.  I don't want to tell you more, just read it.  So glad Maisie is back!!


As You Wish by Cary Elwes

The Princess Bride is one of my family's favorite movies. We quote it all of the time, (Anybody want a peanut?), and watch it at least once a year. This is such a fun book for a fan, with loads of anecdotes, photos and back stories put together and written by the Dread Pirate Roberts himself. So retire to the Fire Swamp where you won't be disturbed, (except by the R.O.U.S.'s), and enjoy a great read. Oh, and have fun storming the castle!


The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop

Three classic children's books that I somehow missed. If you did also, read them now.  The Phantom Tollbooth is one of the most clever books ever written, definitely not just for kids. Caddie Woodlawn is Laura Ingalls Wilder on steroids and also the Newbery Medal winner from 1935. Anyone who loves the Indian in the Cupboard will adore The Castle in the Attic. Get them all for you and/or your kids.


A Study in Sherlock edited by Laurie R. King and Leslie S. Klinger

A Study in Sherlock is a collection of stories written by contemporary authors inspired by the Sherlock Holmes Canon.  Are you a Sherlockian?  If so, buy it, read it, love it.

That's all for now...TBC