Readwine
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Has anyone read the Kathryn Dance series? I had a long car journey this weekend and decide to try this series as I am intrigued by reading body language.
Dance makes her first appearance in The Cold Moon. From the blurb "An unlikely ally appears on the scene (to help Rhyme) in the form of California Bureau of Investigation special agent Kathryn Dance, one of the nation's leading experts in interrogation and kinesics—body language."
So far it is excellent. I have not read any of the Rhyme series but they are on my TBR list.
The other Dance books are:
The Sleeping Doll (2007) and
Roadside Crosses (2009)
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Finished The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. Hefty tome, but well worth the exercise to your wrists.
Brief summary from Amazon:
In 1913, a little girl arrives in Brisbane, Australia, and is taken in by a dock master and his wife. She doesn’t know her name, and the only clue to her identity is a book of fairy tales tucked inside a white suitcase. When the girl, called Nell, grows up, she starts to piece together bits of her story, but just as she’s on the verge of going to England to trace the mystery to its source, her granddaughter, Cassandra, is left in her care. When Nell dies, Cassandra finds herself the owner of a cottage in Cornwall, and makes the journey to England to finally solve the puzzle of Nell’s origins. Shifting back and forth over a span of nearly 100 years (primarily 1913, 1976 and 2005), this is a sprawling, old-fashioned novel, as well-cushioned as a Victorian country house, replete with family secrets, stories-within-stories, even a maze and a Dickensian rag-and-bone shop and a witch of a mother.
I really enjoyed this book. Most of the characters are crisp, funny, flawed and well-developed. For some reason, however, one of the main characters (Cas) I thought lacked substance, a little bit of a back-bone (and brain), but you still like her. Morton’s description of places and landscape are also very good. I love Cornwall, so Morton’s portrayal of its rawness and brilliance was a treat. The mystery of Nell beginnings develops with some twists and turns which keep you curious and expectant. I figured it out, but then I did not, but then I think I did? The story flips back and forth among the time periods, and although a bit disruptive, I think it really works towards the denouement of the novel. The story is also interspersed with several fairy tales which in the end you learn how important they are. Unique technique.
I give it a 9 of 10 and recommend it.
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Finished The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. Hefty tome, but well worth the exercise to your wrists.
Brief summary from Amazon:
In 1913, a little girl arrives in Brisbane, Australia, and is taken in by a dock master and his wife. She doesn
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There is a whole thread on The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher under the Crime/Thriller/Mystery subforum with many opinions from members. You may find it helpful.
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When I read mysteries/crime novels, I stop whenever I run across the words Schadenfreude or nemesis. They dig down deep into the psychology of the character. Good words.
Also on the lookout how an author uses frisson:lurker:
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I usually read the back blurbs, then the review snippets (if any) in the front. But always open a page at random, read a little as to the written style and check out the print. If it is too small or not easy on the eyes, I opt to leave it behind or if it sounds too good, I check out audible or different editions.
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I am a granddaughter, in Brisbane, Australia, about to discover the family secrets and hidden history of my grandmother whose death I just experienced. Something wicked or fantastic this way comes I surmise
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I think the murder at Road Hill House was the beginning of the British "cosy" mystery.
At the time the murder takes place (1860), a detective is a newly formed profession and detectives stories are a brand new form of literature. As a consequence, the author goes into minute detail into contemporary detection methods, court proceedings, press coverage and social commentary and gives a primer on detective fiction. The Book is beautifully written in the language of the 19th century (I wish I could speak as eloquently), but with the amount of detail the book can be heavy to wade through at times. I give it a 7 out of 10
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I finished The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher
Brief Summary from Amazon:
A true life account of a murder of a 3-year-old boy in a manor house in the country. The outside doors, windows, and gates are all locked. Suspicion perforce falls upon the family and servants. The local constabulary in this west England area is inadequate to the task in what very quickly becomes a sensationalist case, and so a detective from Scotland Yard is called to investigate.
I think this was the beginning of the British "cosy" mystery.
At the time the murder takes place (1860), a detective is a newly formed profession and detectives stories are a brand new form of literature. As a consequence, the author goes into minute detail into contemporary detection methods, court proceedings, press coverage and social commentary and gives a primer on detective fiction. The Book is beautifully written in the language of the 19th century (I wish I could speak as eloquently), but with the amount of detail the book can be heavy to wade through at times. If you are interested in the history of the detective novel, you can get a tremendous amount of information from this book.I give it a 7 out of 10 -
DD, I have not read Year of Wonders as it is a period of history that really does not interest me at the moment, so I cannot judge if it is better or not. But as I said, if you enjoyed Labyrinth, I really think you will enjoy People.
You cannot edit the post as you have to have at least 10 posts on the board before you get the privilege. This is to discourage spammers I believe.
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I will admit that Brown's novels are not the wittiest or best written books, and that his characters are not truly believable. I will also admit, however, that reading The Code and A&D was great fun, especially in those cold, wintry days when you have the flu, want to be alone and be taken away by a good read.
I will definitely get The Last Symbol (in paperback however). I love these kind of books when I am in the mood. For transatlantic flights they make the time fly by (unless there is turbulence - I am chicken)
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Chesil, saw that you bought The Elegance of the Hedgehog. I finished it last week so I woould be interested in hearing what you thought about it.
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Finished People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks.
Here is a brief summary from Amazon:
One of the earliest Jewish religious volumes to be illuminated with images, the Sarajevo Haggadah, survived centuries of purges and wars thanks to people of all faiths who risked their lives to safeguard it. Geraldine Brooks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of March, has turned the intriguing but sparely detailed history of this precious volume into an emotionally rich, thrilling fictionalization that retraces its turbulent journey. In the hands of Hanna Heath, an impassioned rare-book expert restoring the manuscript in 1996 Sarajevo, it yields clues to its guardians and whereabouts: an insect wing, a wine stain, salt crystals, and a white hair. While readers experience crucial moments in the book's history through a series of fascinating, fleshed-out short stories, Hanna pursues its secrets scientifically, and finds that some interests will still risk everything in the name of protecting this treasure.
If you enjoyed Labyrinth by Kate Moss, you will certainly enjoy this book; perhaps even more. The Sarajevo Haggadah is an actual illuminated manuscript (possibly made in 1480). Its history is unknown save a few snippets. In this book, Brooks imagines the Haggadah’s trials and tribulations, and is very successful. Her characters are bright, sensitive and exceptional. I wish she could have given them a little bit longer to live in her pages.
As in Kate Moss’ story, People of the Book switches from present day to various eras (Spain 1480 and 1492, Venice 1609, Vienna 1894, Sarajevo 1940 and 1996), and the stories presented through the centuries are connected not only by the Haggadah but also by the forensic Bibliologist, Hanna Heath, whose personal life we enter and share in its disfunctionality.
The historical chapters end abruptly which really only serves to spur the imagination of the reader even more. The technique works.
I highly recommend it. I give it a 9 out of 10
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Janet, here is a brief review of People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. I think you will enjoy it.
Brief summary from Amazon:
One of the earliest Jewish religious volumes to be illuminated with images, the Sarajevo Haggadah, survived centuries of purges and wars thanks to people of all faiths who risked their lives to safeguard it. Geraldine Brooks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of March, has turned the intriguing but sparely detailed history of this precious volume into an emotionally rich, thrilling fictionalization that retraces its turbulent journey. In the hands of Hanna Heath, an impassioned rare-book expert restoring the manuscript in 1996 Sarajevo, it yields clues to its guardians and whereabouts: an insect wing, a wine stain, salt crystals, and a white hair. While readers experience crucial moments in the book's history through a series of fascinating, fleshed-out short stories, Hanna pursues its secrets scientifically, and finds that some interests will still risk everything in the name of protecting this treasure.
If you enjoyed Labyrinth by Kate Moss, you will certainly enjoy this book; perhaps even more. The Sarajevo Haggadah is an actual illuminated manuscript (possibly crafted in 1480). Its history is unknown save a few snippets. In this book, Brooks imagines the Haggadah
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I just finished The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (translated from the French by Alison Anderson).
A quick plot summary from Amazon:
Ren
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It has been ages since I've read two books in a week.
What a treat! I finished The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (translated from French by Alison Anderson).
A quick plot summary from Amazon:
Ren
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I finished The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and absolutely loved it.
A quick plot summary from Amazon:
Death himself narrates the World War II-era story of Liesel Meminger from the time she is taken, at age nine, to live in Molching, Germany, with a foster family in a working-class neighborhood of tough kids, acid-tongued mothers, and loving fathers who earn their living by the work of their hands. The little girl arrives having just stolen her first book–although she has not yet learned how to read–and her foster father uses it to lull her to sleep after her nightly nightmares. As the story develops, Liesel collects more stolen books as well as a peculiar set of friends: the boy Rudy, the Jewish refugee Max, the mayor’s reclusive wife, and especially her foster parents.
I really enjoyed this book; quite a page turner in its own right. I found myself continuously wanting to find out how the little adventures of the little girl would turn out. But within the denouement, the character of Liesel and her best friend, Rudy, is charming, real, funny and very sad. I am not sure why the book is targeted to young readers. The subject is very powerful and a little overwhelming; alas, it is history. Markus also presents Death as a charming, take-me-like-I-am character which gives this book an original touch. The remainder of the characters are strongly developed and stay with you, which makes the storyline even more powerful and personal.
When I first started it, I was taken aback by the writing style. “What is he talking about?” was my first impression – it turns out to be unique. Please don’t let this put you off.
In a few words: gripping, sweet, funny, devastating, surprising, sad.
I give it a 10 out of 10
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I finally was able to finish The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff. Briefly, the storyline is set in two different time periods: 2005 (or thereabouts), and 1870-1908 (or thereabouts). The modern day storyline involves a young man who grew up in a compound of a renegade sect of the Mormon Church, which defiantly still practices polygamy (or the art of plural wives). As he reaches his teens, he is promptly excommunicated for being gay and expelled from the compound. Several years later, his mother, one of at least 20 wives, is accused of murdering her husband (the young man’s father) and placed in jail to await trial. Her son returns to Utah to help his mother prove her innocence (?).
The second storyline presents the biography of Ann Eliza Young, the 19th wife of Brigham Young (the leader of the Mormon Church during its establishment in Utah). According to the research presented in the book, Ann Eliza could actually have been the 52nd wife. Regardless, Ann Eliza seeks to divorce her husband (unheard of at that time) and launches into a fervent nationwide crusade to abolish polygamy.
Prior to reading this book, I must confess my knowledge of the Mormon religion was naught, so I can only assume that the biographical data in the book is true. It is very interesting, though its presentation in the book is quite dry and repetitive. I am glad, however, to have read the book.
I found the modern storyline a little more gripping, but not very satisfying as a murder mystery. It shown a bright light, however, on the destructiveness of polygamy. All in all, though I struggled to get through the book at times (pretty hefty tome), I am glad I read it; it presents a very interesting topic. On a scale of 1-10, I give it a 7.
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Frankie, good eye - thank you so much. In fact, it is excellent as just yesterday I was at a bookstore (can't help it) and bought The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.
I hope I will not spoil the two books for you. It's funny - many times someone's opinion is no compatible with your own. Reading, I believe, depends heavily on one's mood and expectations. So you may find th above books really good. Well, I am sure your know exactly what I mean. Thanks, again
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"There's a connection between the attack here in Savja and John's murder," Fredriksson continued. "The attacker went to school with this woman and John Jonsson."
"Has he been apprehended?"
The Princess of Burundi by Kjell Eriksson (in my briefcase TBR next)
So eerie that the quote actually mentions the murder in that precise page and paragraph.
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Frankie, that was soo funny. I'm still struggling with The 19th Wife. It is getting better, but so slow. I've been very busy with work and have not really had a chance to have a long read. Perhaps that is it. The Book Thief may be next on my list so thanks for your view on it. Yeahhhh!
I guess The White Tiger was a little disappointing as I had just finished A Fine Balance which I enjoyed very much though it was emotionally exhausting. Had I read them in opposite order perhaps I would not had such high expectations and thus been a little disappointed. Nonetheless, it is a decent story.
Again, Reading Lotita in Tehran did not reach my expectations. I felt the author was more into showing how she interprets literature (like taking a mini novel class at university) rather than developing her characters. A bit cardboardy (if there is such a word)
Kylie, your reading list is amazing. Good, good luck.
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I absolutely loved it; very much in the vein of 84 Charing Cross Road. So far this year, it has been my most favorite book. Funny, gentle, sad, lovely. It takes place during a time in history of which I was not familiar, so very informative as well.
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What a great idea! Writing down my reading goals will really help me get my mojo back. At the beginning of 2009, I challenged myself to read 52 books during the year. I wanted to do one per week. I am falling a little behind.
So far, these are the ones read:
1. The Private Patient by PD James
2. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer
3. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
4. The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher by Kate Summerscale
5. When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson
6. The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
7. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
8. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
9. Blood River by Tim Butcher
10. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
11. People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
12. Cesar’s Way by Cesar Millan
13. The Ghost of Munich by Georges Bernamou
14. A Quiet Belief in Angels by R.J. Ellory
15. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
16. Notes from an Exhibition by Patrick Gale
17. The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
18. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
19. Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
20. A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
21. The White Tiger by Avarind Adiga
22. Such a Long Journey by Rohinton Mistry
23. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Adichie
24. Reading Lotita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
25. Dexter Dreaming Darkly by Jeff Lindsay
26. The Cold Moon by Jeffrey Deaver
27. The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
28. The Sleeping Doll by Jeffrey Deaver
29. The Doomsday Key by James Rollins
30. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
31. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
32. Don't Know Much About American History by Kenneth C. Davis
33. The Devil's Stone by Marie Reindorp
34. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
35. How Dogs Learn by Mary R. Burch & Jon S. Bailey
36. Wild Steps of Heaven by Victor Villasenor
37. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
38. Fatal Last Words by Quintin Jardine
39. What is the What by Dave Eggers
40. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
41. Firmin by Sam Savage
42. The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver
43. The Coroner by M. R. Hall
44. The Disappeared by M. R. Hall
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Chesil Beach is certainly a beautiful part of England. It is on my To Visit List. The best McEwan novel for me has been Atonement - not his usual dark material.
I absolutely love your Marx's quote. I have 6 adoptees
What kind of series do you prefer to read? Any recommends?
Darling, Delectable, Delicious Dexter
in Crime / Mystery / Thriller
Posted
This thread intrigued me and now I am a fan of Dex
During a long car journey, I read the first in the series (Dexter Dreaming Darkly) and actually fell for the serial killer.
Thanks for the heads up on Dexter.