Sunday, April 29, 2018

Look at Me Not Procrastinating



The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn

Fans of Alfred Hitchcock will love this one, especially fans of Rear Window. 
Whether suffering from a broken leg or agoraphobia, what would you do if you think 
you've witnessed a murder but can't leave your house to prove it?  
What if no one believes you, especially because of the surplus of pharmaceuticals 
and empty wine bottles in your kitchen? I certainly wouldn't want to be the woman in this window.
This is a terrific psychological thriller and will make a great movie...already in the works!


The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Finally got to this one and was glad. A revealing look at late 1800's Chicago/America and the planning of the 1893 World's Fair. Oh, and a serial killer going about his business right under everyone's noses.  Fascinating and terrifying at the same time, I loved it!  


The Little French Bistro by Nina George

German Marianne is stuck and unhappy, and decides to take matters into her own hands.  
Through a quirk of fate she ends up in Brittany, that magical part of France where all things seem possible and life can begin anew at "the end of the world."
Like The Little Paris Bookshop
this is a story about new beginnings growing from the mistakes of the past.
Je me suis vraiment bien amuse.
(I looked up how to say that!)


In the Balance by Patricia Wentworth

A Miss Silver Mystery...who knew?!  Amazon did, and I have to thank the all-seeing-powers-that-watch -over-our-on-line-purchases for the recommendation. Apparently a contemporary of Agatha Christie, Patricia Wentworth has created her answer to Miss Marple in Miss Silver, a clever and no-nonsense retired governess.  If you've read everything Agatha ever published, try Ms. Wentworth.  
I think you'll be glad you did!   


The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck

The story of the German officers who opposed Hitler and what happened to them and the families they left behind. A revealing look at Berlin and Germany in defeat, where bravery, determination and luck would determine the fates of the survivors.  


To Die But Once by Jacqueline Winspear

Another WWII novel by one of my favs!  
Maisie Dobbs is back in the days surrounding Dunkirk. 
Love Maisie and Jacqueline Winspear...no need to say more:)


The Good Pilot Peter Woodhouse by Alexander McCall Smith

And finally, another of my very favorites with another winner!

A lovely stand-alone by McCall Smith, this is a WWII story of an English land girl, an American reconnaissance flier and the good pilot Peter Woodhouse, who just happens to be a dog.  
Perfection, per usual:)

Until next time...TBC


Monday, April 2, 2018

Two Quick Reviews



The Heirs by Susan Rieger

My friend lent me this book, so I thought I'd better write about it quickly so as to return it in a timely fashion.  Perhaps the key to overcoming procrastination is borrowing and not buying!
Anyway...I LOVED The Heirs!  It's a terrific story about a family and their secrets, exploring the question of just how much we really need to know about those closest to us. Susan Rieger is a superb writer, jumping back and forth in time seamlessly, all the while creating characters that jumped off the page and into my heart.  I finished the book wanting more.
Thank you, Karen!!



The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

Karen, when I bring back The Heirs I'm bringing this for you.
Just be sure to start it on a day when you have nothing else planned.
OMG...this is a winner.  Agatha Christie on steroids, clever and suspenseful,
with a lot of creepy in the mix.  I think atmosphere is Ruth Ware's special skill.
One more thing:  DO NOT read this on a cruise ship.
You've been warned!