A Karen Pirie Novel
One of the peak experiences in my life was attending the Edinburgh Arts Festival. As a result of my days in Edinburgh, a train ride to London, and my family's ancestry I have become very interested in Scotland. Val McDermid's novels continue to tease me into commitment to a much longer sojourn to the country. I had to pull out my Lonely Planet guide to locate the spots that narrative include. As I have some free time I'm going to get busy Googling images from the area.
McDermid is one of the best crime writers working today. If you haven't read her various series and are a fan of crime fiction you have a very joyous year (or more) ahead of you. I am not going to spoil anything about the Karen Pirie series here. I will tell you how much I love the character and supporting cast. One of McDermid's writing tools is to create well-rounded characters with plenty of personal flaws. Karen is particularly compelling to me. She has many of the same character defects that plagued me throughout my working life. (If you're interested---a commitment to finding the truth, impatience with bureaucracy, and disrespect of superiors who do the politically expedient thing or are flat out dishonest.)
Back to my travel plans. It looks like I'll need to travel most of Scotland to cover the territory of this book. Honestly, I'm a bit hesitant. The roads sound horrible to drive and in other books (not this one) the weather sounds quite unpleasant. I'll let you know when I go there.
Showing posts with label detective. Show all posts
Showing posts with label detective. Show all posts
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Saturday, April 25, 2015
The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny
I want to rush right out and buy this for my my friends, a couple--one a musician and the other a poet. It inspired and moved me. Louise Penny has quickly become one of my favorite authors. In fact, I keep telling folks that my first retirement trip is going to include a literary tour of Quebec following the Inspector Gamache books. I just hope I can find Three Pines (or something like it!).
Finally Three Pines is spared a murder! This mystery takes place at monastery of Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups. A monastery hidden from view for centuries and recently come to public attention through the making of a CD of Gregorian Chants. But, success breeds dissent and hence Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir go together to investigate the murder of one of the monks.
The secondary plots of the series are nicely developed as well.
Take a day or two to savor this one (and maybe put some Gregorian Chants on as you read)!
Finally Three Pines is spared a murder! This mystery takes place at monastery of Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups. A monastery hidden from view for centuries and recently come to public attention through the making of a CD of Gregorian Chants. But, success breeds dissent and hence Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir go together to investigate the murder of one of the monks.
The secondary plots of the series are nicely developed as well.
Take a day or two to savor this one (and maybe put some Gregorian Chants on as you read)!
Friday, April 17, 2015
Deadline and Field of Prey by John Sandford
Yes--a two-for! I enjoy John Sandford's books. I'm a midwestern gal--born and raised in Iowa, just a bit south of the settings of his books. It may be that I "get" some of the regional quirks and references that others might miss. Every book takes me back to what is wonderful, and odd about Iowa/Minnesota.These two books particularly appeal to me. They unfold in a concurrent time frame. Lucas (Field of Prey) and Virgil (Deadline) are talking with each other throughout both books. Sandford does a masterful job of flirting with the reader without creating any road-blocks to understanding or appreciating both books.
Of the two I probably enjoyed Deadline a bit more, but I read it most recently so it may just be a matter of immediate recall. Virgil is called by his friends in southeastern Minnesota (close to my last location in Iowa!). He gets pulled into a triple--dognapping, meth manufacturing/distribution, and school board malfeasance. It is this last that really got me. As I near the end of my career in education I am more and more aware of the roll of greed and opportunism in our schools. I don't know if it has always been this way--but I am very aware that public education is at the center of some very unpleasant financial dealings. Hopefully Sandford has created a fiction way beyond the realities of any real situation.
Meanwhile, I get a laugh out of the characters and relish the appreciation Sandford has for the finer qualities of many small town midwesterners. With a few exceptions they are wonderful people who really should be the "heart" of our American values. Sandford's characters are as flawed and as wonderful as my neighbors and friends.
If you're looking for great entertainment spend some wonderful hours with Virgil and his collection of interesting characters in Deadline.
Field of Prey is the stronger thrilling sort of read on which Sandford originally built his writing career. It is a well crafted detective story continuing the tale of Lucas Davenport, his family, and team. In the last several books in this series he has also been adding a bit about politics. I appreciate his perspectives and insight on the political process. He does a good job of avoiding flat characters and helps me think about the effects that politics is having on our national life.
Both are good reads and compliment each other quite nicely.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
The October List, Jeffery Deaver (2013)
I apologize for being so quiet. I have been reading! Some haven't been worth the blog space. (I actually quit reading a book--good heavens! I don't think I'll share the title, it was a great disappointment from a favorite author. Just a hint--watch out for successful authors who begin to write co-authored books in which they are the second author!)
Back to The October List
I began composing (in my mind) a negative review of the book. I thought Deaver had jumped into a writing experiment that spun out of control. If you pick up the book--be warned. At first you'll think Deaver has gone over the edge. About one third of the way in you'll get hooked. By the end you'll be breathless.
I got this as an audio book. (Old age is not kind. If you want to live to read all the books on your list you have to start walking while reading so that you can live long!) For a bit of time I thought it was the audio format that was diminishing my enjoyment. That turned out not to be true--but be warned. There are photographs that accompany the book. I could have looked at PDF files that were included in the audio book, but my library loan period expired before I got to opening that file. A great reason to visit my local bookseller!
I can't say much about the book--it would spoil it. The story starts and the end and then works backward. Deaver will keep you reading! I recommend planning to lose track of time (or walk a few extra miles like I did!) The plot begins with a single mom whose daughter is kidnapped. It sounds predictable--but is far from it.
I'd love to use this as a cross-over adult/YA book. There are a couple of topics introduced that might make some students uncomfortable. Make certain you read it first. If you want to explore issues of narrative structure and text complexity this book is a great example of how limited CCSS and most "curriculum" is. Authors are endlessly inventive!
Kudos Mr Deaver!
Back to The October List
I began composing (in my mind) a negative review of the book. I thought Deaver had jumped into a writing experiment that spun out of control. If you pick up the book--be warned. At first you'll think Deaver has gone over the edge. About one third of the way in you'll get hooked. By the end you'll be breathless.
I got this as an audio book. (Old age is not kind. If you want to live to read all the books on your list you have to start walking while reading so that you can live long!) For a bit of time I thought it was the audio format that was diminishing my enjoyment. That turned out not to be true--but be warned. There are photographs that accompany the book. I could have looked at PDF files that were included in the audio book, but my library loan period expired before I got to opening that file. A great reason to visit my local bookseller!
I can't say much about the book--it would spoil it. The story starts and the end and then works backward. Deaver will keep you reading! I recommend planning to lose track of time (or walk a few extra miles like I did!) The plot begins with a single mom whose daughter is kidnapped. It sounds predictable--but is far from it.
I'd love to use this as a cross-over adult/YA book. There are a couple of topics introduced that might make some students uncomfortable. Make certain you read it first. If you want to explore issues of narrative structure and text complexity this book is a great example of how limited CCSS and most "curriculum" is. Authors are endlessly inventive!
Kudos Mr Deaver!
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Gray Matter by Nick Pirog
I've been buying some inexpensive books recommended by a service called Book Bub--it sends me a daily list of "bargins." Some of these have been really good reads, others I abandon. This particular title is somewhere in between. There were many flaws in the book, which made me a little agitated as I read, but overall I think Pirog is a promising author. I finished the book in spite of the occasional lapses. This is a "detective fiction" book with murder investigation as the primary plot. It is set primarily in the Northwest United States.
Pirog needs a good (and ruthless) editor. The main character should be a relatively mature adult, certainly the life experiences that he has had would season someone of his intelligence and background. However, he consistently behaves and thinks as a "semi-adult"--more like someone in their early twenties that the more early 40s that would be suggested by the book. There are numerous technical errors in the book which should have been resolved through better research and editing. One research lapse that I found particularly offensive was the extremely casual research about the wolf reintroduction programs in the Northwest and the habits of wolf packs. I have a middle stand on wolf reintroduction, however this hot topic is not aided by inaccurate representations of the dangers of wolves. Other irrelevant sub-plots should have been eliminated including the girl-friend at the beginning of the book and "Harold's story."
Still, the book shows that Pirog is a promising young author. I have plenty of other options and still I was willing to keep reading. I see from Internet searches that he has several other books out. I think perhaps I'll give another one a try and see if he has worked on his author's craft since his first book.
Pirog needs a good (and ruthless) editor. The main character should be a relatively mature adult, certainly the life experiences that he has had would season someone of his intelligence and background. However, he consistently behaves and thinks as a "semi-adult"--more like someone in their early twenties that the more early 40s that would be suggested by the book. There are numerous technical errors in the book which should have been resolved through better research and editing. One research lapse that I found particularly offensive was the extremely casual research about the wolf reintroduction programs in the Northwest and the habits of wolf packs. I have a middle stand on wolf reintroduction, however this hot topic is not aided by inaccurate representations of the dangers of wolves. Other irrelevant sub-plots should have been eliminated including the girl-friend at the beginning of the book and "Harold's story."
Still, the book shows that Pirog is a promising young author. I have plenty of other options and still I was willing to keep reading. I see from Internet searches that he has several other books out. I think perhaps I'll give another one a try and see if he has worked on his author's craft since his first book.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Plugged, by Eoin Colfer
I've done a mini Colfer institute with myself this last few days. I've read both a YA and adult book by Colfer. This is the book for the adult market.
I'm liking the character and voice in this one a lot. The main character and narrative voice is Daniel McEvoy who is a former serviceman with the NATO peacekeeping forces in the Middle East. He is also originally from Ireland but now lives in New Jersey. He ends up sort of falling into detective work because his girlfriend at the seedy nightclub/casino where he is working as a bouncer is killed. Of course, being New Jersey--the mob is involved!
Daniel is haunted by voices--those of people who are dead, but also some who may or may not be alive. He is also plagued by masculine insecurities. I'm really drawn to this character/voice. In some ways it reminds me of Janet Evonovich's early works. There is also the gritty sort of atmosphere/settings that make detective work a bit more realistic than some of the more affluent detectives/clients.
I'll be reading more of this series!
I'm liking the character and voice in this one a lot. The main character and narrative voice is Daniel McEvoy who is a former serviceman with the NATO peacekeeping forces in the Middle East. He is also originally from Ireland but now lives in New Jersey. He ends up sort of falling into detective work because his girlfriend at the seedy nightclub/casino where he is working as a bouncer is killed. Of course, being New Jersey--the mob is involved!
Daniel is haunted by voices--those of people who are dead, but also some who may or may not be alive. He is also plagued by masculine insecurities. I'm really drawn to this character/voice. In some ways it reminds me of Janet Evonovich's early works. There is also the gritty sort of atmosphere/settings that make detective work a bit more realistic than some of the more affluent detectives/clients.
I'll be reading more of this series!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Bone Bed, by Patricia Cornwell
2012
I am a devoted Cornwell reader, but was concerned by early reviews of her book. Consequently I used my Nook "read for free" option for this book. I'm afraid that I agree with the early reviews.
This began as a typical (and enjoyable) Scarpetta book. I was enjoying exploring her new offices and catching up with the other characters' lives in this repertoire series. Unfortunately the ending of the book was very unsatisfying. I think all the pieces were in place to have a typical race-to-the-finish ending, but it wasn't delivered. Cornwell finished the book most abruptly. It almost feels as if she had hit her publisher's deadline and tied it all up as quickly as possible.
I hope that the next Scarpetta book is finished a little more carefully. I will look for early reviews before I decide whether or not to purchase it.
Have you read this? I'd love to hear from my followers to see if I was alone in my disappointment. Leave a comment!
I am a devoted Cornwell reader, but was concerned by early reviews of her book. Consequently I used my Nook "read for free" option for this book. I'm afraid that I agree with the early reviews.
This began as a typical (and enjoyable) Scarpetta book. I was enjoying exploring her new offices and catching up with the other characters' lives in this repertoire series. Unfortunately the ending of the book was very unsatisfying. I think all the pieces were in place to have a typical race-to-the-finish ending, but it wasn't delivered. Cornwell finished the book most abruptly. It almost feels as if she had hit her publisher's deadline and tied it all up as quickly as possible.
I hope that the next Scarpetta book is finished a little more carefully. I will look for early reviews before I decide whether or not to purchase it.
Have you read this? I'd love to hear from my followers to see if I was alone in my disappointment. Leave a comment!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Cold Days: A Novel of the Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher
2012, ROC
My son and I read the Dresden Files books as they arrive. I saved this one for his Christmas present. He finished it in 3 days as did I (even while I was leveling up in WOW).
My son perhaps said it best "Everything you'd want in a Dresden book."
It is filled with magic and feats of daring combined with thoughtful explorations of motivations and politics. It is also infused with humor. Butcher is one of the few authors who continues to surprise me. My son agreed--we were both caught off-guard by the ending. I won't spoil it, but if you are able to anticipate what is to happen I will award you a badge of foresight.
This is a book I would easily recommend to adolescents. It particularly will fit students who are drawn to fantasy/adventure and quest literature. It could easily be used in coordination with game-based learning. There had been a video game (RPG) version as well as a one season television series. He also had a series of comic books based on the Dresden characters. For you graphic novel/comics students this would be a leveling up.
Why am I such a fan? First, Butcher himself has a great take on becoming a writer and the work ethic necessary to reach goals. Anyone who needs "inspiration" should look at what Butcher says about these topics. Secondly, Butcher has extremely complex characters. Although good and evil are at constant war, most of his developed characters have a mix. It is excellent character development and can help adolescents and young adults explore roles and decisions. Finally there is Harry Dresden himself. He's funny, in a way that will appeal to many readers, especially adolescent and young adult males. But, as a mature woman I can also appreciate the humor.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Butcher suggests that he's hoping for 23 books in the series. Cold Days is #14. I'll try and be patient while waiting. Maybe I'll try one of the comics to tide me over. But, I have a reading assignment--look for A Confederacy of Dunces in my next review. (My book club's choice.)
My son and I read the Dresden Files books as they arrive. I saved this one for his Christmas present. He finished it in 3 days as did I (even while I was leveling up in WOW).
My son perhaps said it best "Everything you'd want in a Dresden book."
It is filled with magic and feats of daring combined with thoughtful explorations of motivations and politics. It is also infused with humor. Butcher is one of the few authors who continues to surprise me. My son agreed--we were both caught off-guard by the ending. I won't spoil it, but if you are able to anticipate what is to happen I will award you a badge of foresight.
This is a book I would easily recommend to adolescents. It particularly will fit students who are drawn to fantasy/adventure and quest literature. It could easily be used in coordination with game-based learning. There had been a video game (RPG) version as well as a one season television series. He also had a series of comic books based on the Dresden characters. For you graphic novel/comics students this would be a leveling up.
Why am I such a fan? First, Butcher himself has a great take on becoming a writer and the work ethic necessary to reach goals. Anyone who needs "inspiration" should look at what Butcher says about these topics. Secondly, Butcher has extremely complex characters. Although good and evil are at constant war, most of his developed characters have a mix. It is excellent character development and can help adolescents and young adults explore roles and decisions. Finally there is Harry Dresden himself. He's funny, in a way that will appeal to many readers, especially adolescent and young adult males. But, as a mature woman I can also appreciate the humor.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Butcher suggests that he's hoping for 23 books in the series. Cold Days is #14. I'll try and be patient while waiting. Maybe I'll try one of the comics to tide me over. But, I have a reading assignment--look for A Confederacy of Dunces in my next review. (My book club's choice.)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Dark of the Moon, John Sanford
I read every Sanford book as it comes out. Having grown up 3 hours south of Minneapolis this is regional fiction for me. These are adult books--I would let HS students know that I read them, but probably not use them in class or recommend them. I read this sort of popular fiction to relieve stress. As my stress level rises the quality of my reading declines. The way I'm feeling this week (still with vertigo and conference and newsletter deadlines looming) I'm probably going to have to try some romance (just kidding!!). I'm hoping the libarary with call me with my hold for the next Stephanie Myers book. That would be a good read for me right now.
Chill of Fear, Kay Hooper
Author: Lee Dubert
Posted Date: December 4, 2007 9:54 AMLast Modified Date: December 8, 2007 9:38 PMStatus: Published
I listened to this while traveling. My new smart phone lets me down load audio books from the public library site. Cool!!! Hooper is sort of a Iris Johansen "knock off." I don't know if this is part of a series. The main character is part of an FBI unit that uses detectives with extrasensory abilities to research crimes. I'll listen to another when I can't find something better, but Johansen does it better!
Posted Date: December 4, 2007 9:54 AMLast Modified Date: December 8, 2007 9:38 PMStatus: Published
I listened to this while traveling. My new smart phone lets me down load audio books from the public library site. Cool!!! Hooper is sort of a Iris Johansen "knock off." I don't know if this is part of a series. The main character is part of an FBI unit that uses detectives with extrasensory abilities to research crimes. I'll listen to another when I can't find something better, but Johansen does it better!
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