Fall Reading 2018 Hero Dogs: How a Pack of Rescues, Rejects, and Strays Became America's Greatest Disaster-Search Partners

If you enjoy stories about dogs or about search and rescue, this is a book you must read. I warn you though - you may cry through large sections of it - but it will be worth it. The book traces the beginnings of the Search Dog Foundation from Wilma Melville's time helping after the Oklahoma City Bombing and her realization that many more SAR dogs were necessary. The author describes how the program came to use dogs from animal shelters, the training program, and matching the dogs with their human partners. 

The text also describes how the teams worked in various disasters, including 9-11, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, and the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Readers will find details about what conditions were like, the lengths that dogs and handlers went through to find victims, and how the dogs also served as unofficial therapy dogs for rescue workers.

Between the tales of the difficulties some of the dogs had before they were chosen by the SDF, and then reading about the horrors rescuers had to endure to search the disaster sites, some of the passages were very grim. Not that this book is a downer, but it is accurate and some sad facts are inescapable. The overall benefits of the foundation and the work of the canine SAR teams are the silver lining and make persevering through the more heart-wrenching parts well worth the effort.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Fall Reading 2018 Past Due for Murder (Blue Ridge Library Mysteries #3)

One would think that hosting a bonfire and storytelling session would be fun, even if you were in charge of refreshments. And it seems that having a professor of folklore in town as part of a grant could only be a positive thing for the library. But as readers learn, nothing is ever that simple. For Amy Webber, the director of the public library, there is plenty of trouble involved when one of the professor's students goes missing.

Then, while everyone in town is looking for the missing young woman, a dead body is discovered. Are there connections between the two incidents? Has the young woman also suffered foul play? Who could have killed the victim and why? As usual Amy and her research skills come in handy for the investigators, but that will also put her at risk if the murderer decides that she knows too much.

The plot keeps revealing new details and possible connections between the characters, making it hard to decide which of them could be the guilty party. In Amy's case, she is distracted by odd behavior from her boyfriend, the presence of a former boyfriend in town, and dealing with a research team that is looking into local history.

The description of small town life with all its complicated relationships and traditions is very believable. The characters are distinct and entertaining,  and readers will return for further visits in Taylorsford feeling as though they are reuniting with old friends.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Giveaway: Bluecrowne by Kate Milford

I have an ARC of Bluecrowne: A Greenglass House Story for someone to enjoy. Good luck!

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Fall Reading 2018 Blacklisted: Hollywood, the Cold War, and the First Amendment

Looking for a book that ties in censorship, government oversight, and playing to the fears of the general public? The latest by Larry Dane Brimner has all of that and lots more. He traces the hearings held by the House Un-American Activities Committee as they confronted screenwriters, directors, and producers that they felt posed a threat. This perceived threat was based on involvement in Communist groups or what was seen as promoting Communist values through the movies they created.

Brimner walks readers through the hearings and how the Hollywood Ten, as the first "hostile witnesses" were called, denied the Committee's authority under the Constitution to question an individual's "political views and personal associations." That denial led to prison terms and heavy fines, the loss of their jobs and livelihoods, and widespread fallout in their personal lives, too. The book also includes photos of the HUAC members, the witnesses, as well as copies of political cartoons, telegrams, and other documents related to the hearings.

The incredible thing is that the committee members didn't seem to realize they were acting like Russian investigators during Stalin's purges rather than like elected representatives of a society that values the right to free speech and free association. The plentiful quotes from the men involved show their thought processes as they weigh the few options they have - admit they are a Communist and throw others under the bus (to use a colloquialism), or deny their affiliation and go to jail. It's a devil or the deep blue sea choice.

For middle school and older grades this is a helpful text to use when studying the Cold War. It also has the possibility of opening conversation about similarities to today's political climate.

I read a review copy provided by the publisher.

Fall Reading 2018 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List

As if I didn't have enough trouble keeping my TBR pile under control as it is, now this book comes along and recommends even more titles?! It's not that I haven't read any of the books the author discusses, it is the sheer number of others that he offers like a bibliophile's buffet. Mustich has covered a wide range of genres, age and reading levels, time periods, and cultures. Entries range from Aristotle to Vonnegut, bedtime stories such as Goodnight Moon to horror like Dracula, and adventures like Homer's Iliad or Ender's Game. 

The entry for a book might include a synopsis, a brief description of the authors' life, the social climate at the time of publication, or other relevant facts. Endnotes also point out other titles by the same author, books for further information about each subject, adaptations of the work, any awards it won, and read-alikes by other authors. It's like having an "if you like that, then try this" feature on steroids.

Quotes from critics or other authors underscore the sort of reactions a book inspires in its readers, although Mustich does a wonderful job of expressing his own opinions. He says this about Roald Dahl, for instance, "Standing out among his storytelling treats is Matilda, whose superheroine is heroic - and triumphant - first and foremost because she reads." Along with the written entries there are also images of authors, book covers, teaser posters for movie adaptations, historical photos, and reproductions of iconic illustrations. 

Booknote sidebars cover related titles, while More to Explore sections group books with similar themes (even other books about books). Back matter includes a general index of the books and authors mentioned, and "A Miscellany of Special Lists" has curated groupings of titles based on subject, style, or audience. The explanation of the book's organization explains all these features as well as letting readers know that over 3,000 authors and 6,000 additional books are mentioned besides the main entries. (So does that make it 7,000 books to read before you die?) The companion website has books indexed by chronology and genre. 

No matter what sort of reader you are - constant, binge, persnickety, omnivorous - you will find more useful information than you are likely to have the time to implement. I suggest investing in some highlighters or sticky tabs if you purchase a print version, or be prepared to bookmark your e-book edition like crazy. You won't want to forget any of the entries or other details that catch your interest.

Highly recommended for YA and up - or as a reference for school librarians and teachers to help steer students to titles that suit their tastes. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Giveaway Midnight Without a Moon

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About the book: It’s Mississippi in the summer of 1955, and thirteen-year-old Rose Lee Carter can’t wait to move north, following in the footsteps of her mama and her aunt. But for now, she’s living with Ma Pearl and Papa, her grandparents, who are sharecroppers on a cotton plantation.

A few towns over, a fourteen-year-old African American boy, Emmett Till, is killed for allegedly whistling at a white woman. When the killers are unjustly acquitted, Rose realizes that the South needs a change . . . and that she should be part of the movement. 

Linda William Jackson’s moving debut seamlessly blends a fictional portrait of an African American family and factual events from a famous trial that provoked change in race relations in the U.S.

(from the back cover)

- - - I have an advanced copy that needs a good home, so please enter.  :-)

Fall Reading 2018 Dragon's Code

For those of us who have been waiting to get more Piemur, specifically the details of what he was doing on the Southern continent under the Master Harper's orders, he is here. This book follows the events in Dragon Drums and interweaves with those of The White Dragon to flesh out what the harpers were doing to help with the tense situation of the Oldtimers deciding to withdraw from the Weyrs and the theft of the queen egg from Benden. It also lets us get a glimpse of Piemur's home in  Crom and his kin there. We see Toric of Southern Hold, observe some of the interactions between the Oldtimers, and spend time with dragonriders N'ton and J'hon. Of course, any story with Piemur couldn't be told without his friends Menolly and Sebell, as well as his fire-lizard Farli and his runnerbeast Stupid. 

This story fills a gap within the awesome Chronicles of Pern, bridging the continents, the Harper Hall and Weyrs, and even the Holds. It does an excellent job of underscoring what Master Robinton is always telling his proteges - that they are all dependent on each other and what affects one, affects them all. It is rewarding to see Piemur work to rise above his disappointment over losing his beautiful young singing voice and use the other skills he has to help those he cares about. 

While fans will recognize the characters and what is at stake in the conflicts, newcomers may be a bit frustrated by their lack of prior knowledge. The action begins in medias res and takes off from there, so they will have to do some reading between the lines to make sense of things. The characters are compelling enough that it probably won't put off many new readers, but they may want to go back to the original series and then revisit this again later to enjoy it even more. 

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Fall Reading 2018 History vs. Women: The Defiant Lives that They Don't Want You to Know

Tired of damsels in distress? Ready for some rebels, artists, scholars, amazons, and even villains? Then this is the book for you. Some of the women profiled within these pages may be familiar - Margaret Thatcher, Annie Easley - but others you have probably never heard of. How about Wang Zhenyi, a poet from the Qing Dynasty? She was born in 1768 and studied everything from astronomy to martial arts. In 1994 a crater on the planet Venus was named for her. "When you look into the night sky, seek out Venus and be dazzled by the celestial body and the woman who saw the stars and felt the wonder of the universe."

If stargazing isn't your style, perhaps you prefer the arts? Maria Tallchief and her brilliant performance as Ballanchine's Firebird may be more to your tastes. The first Native American prima ballerina explained her achievements by saying, "You do what you have to do, and when you must, then you do a little more." Or there is Murasaki Shikibu, who wrote The Tale of Genji around the year 1000, and it is considered the first modern novel. She "filled her novel with multifaceted female characters who provided a rare glimpse into how it felt to be a woman in her world."

After something more aggressive? What about Khutulun of Mongolia (born around 1260), who was even mentioned in the journals of Marco Polo? He was impressed with the way she would ride into battle with her father's troops and could capture an enemy "as deftly as a hawk pounces on a bird." She was also a champion wrestler and  refused to marry anyone who could not defeat her. There are also tales of a female pirate who commanded an entire fleet, women who were directors and producers in the early days of Hollywood, and those who stood against the practices of lynching during Jim Crow.

Recommended for anyone with an interest in women's history or feminism. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley. (Quotes are from that advance copy.)

Fall Reading 2018 Be a Changemaker: How to Start Something that Matters

"So what can young people do? Anything they set their minds to. And if they can do it, so can you."

This is a great book for young adults who are looking for a way to make a difference in their community or the larger world. Each chapter covers different aspects of putting together a program or group to make a change. Steps are covered such as figuring out your skills, your passion, and how to put that together into a plan of action. Within every chapter there is also a profile of a group or individual that has successfully accomplished their plan. Chapters also include an "In My Experience"section that shares insights from the author's own life with tidbits about launching a startup business, serving as a volunteer with different organizations, and becoming a group leader.

For adults working with youth in student government or other clubs, or for teens/tweens looking for guidance because they do not have an adult mentor (yet), this is a very useful guide with practical advice for each stage of the process. Back matter includes numerous resources such as websites, books, and even movies and television shows.

I usually share very recently released books or those pending release, but this book is so helpful that I had to spread the word. It was published in 2014.

Summer Reading 2018 Mecha Samurai Empire

In this complex story of alternate history in which Japan and Germany have conquered the world, teens in the United States of Japan are studying hard for their exams, hoping to finish high school and become mecha pilots. Being accepted as a crew member for one of the enormous combat robots is an incredible honor and highly competitive. Makoto Fujimoto is an orphan whose parents both served on mechas and died in combat. He and his friends spend their time playing video games on their porticals (a wireless device) when they aren't doing homework. In class they learn about things like "Abraham Lincoln, an old American warlord who savagely crushed a rebellion started by the southern half of the United States." What they don't seem to realize is how political the appointments to the military academy are, or how very slim their chances of earning a spot. 

As readers follow the fates of Mac (Makoto), Hideki, Griselda, Nori, and the others, the events that led to this alternate version of the U.S. are slowly revealed. There are rebels like the "George Washingtons" who want to free the states from Japanese rule, and there are tensions between the Japanese and German forces who divided North America after WWII. The Nazis have their own combat devices known as biomechs, which operate differently from the mecha warriors of the USJ. Not as much is disclosed about the biomechs since the story is told from a USJ citizen's point of view.

Between the historical changes, the resulting cultural changes (Vegas with a Japanese makeover for instance), and watching the struggles of an orphan without connections trying to compete with students who come from prominent families - there is plenty to hold the reader's attention. It may also cause some questioning and wondering what our world would look like today if WWII had ended differently.

Anyone who enjoys stories with a military setting, alternate history, or robot battles (major robot smackdowns), should give this a try. Recommended for ages 12 and up. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Summer Reading 2018 Medallion of Murder

Senior year is supposed to be the best part of high school, but Terry is still recovering from the crazy summer at an archaeological dig where she nearly died. Her friends Maude and Fraser are supportive, but her boyfriend is off at college and the occasional weekend visits aren't enough. There is school and decisions about where to go to college or whether to take a break and work. Strange dreams are disturbing Terry's sleep and they also hear that Tanya, a fellow student, is being treated at the local hospital. A homeless man shows up in several locations, even in the lobby of Terry's building. Another man is found dead in the neighborhood. Weird graffiti appears and includes some of the images from Terry's dreams. And how does it all tie in with strange comments from Tanya about "the power of three"? Terry has the mark of the asp, and she encountered the diadem at the dig. What is this third artifact?

With a mix of teenage romance, Egyptian mythology, mystery and some action scenes, this is a book that will pull readers in and keep them quickly turning the pages to see what happens next. Whether readers enjoy the mystique of ancient artifacts, the suspense of coded messages, the dynamics of teenage dating, or just the real drama of navigating the move from high school on to college and career - there is plenty to hold their attention.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Giveaway - Autographed Copy of Furyborn

I was lucky enough to win a copy of  Furyborn from the JLG booth at ALA. Since I have already read the book, I am sharing my good fortune. Please enter to win. Good luck!

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Summer Reading 2018 Whatever's Been Going on at Mumblesby?

Sadly, this is the last of the Flaxborough Chronicles. In this final appearance, Inspector Purbright attends a funeral service as Chief Constable Chubb's representative only to find that the widow has been locked in her house. Going to the rescue leads to a mess of unanswered questions that stretch back several years. Why did the deceased have valuable antiques that he had not purchased, items that had previously been owned by others in the village? As Sgt. Love and the Inspector begin to speak to the residents of Mumblesby and those from Flaxborough with long memories, Purbright begins to feel something is going on beyond outraged family members. Inconsistencies in interviews from a previous inquest, possible arson, and an attack on a house with large machinery are just some of the oddities that crop up. All the traditions and prejudices of rural English life are present and influence the outcome of the investigation. 

For those who have followed the career of Inspector Purbright from the beginning of the Flaxborough mysteries, this book will be a fond farewell to beloved characters. Purbright, Love, Chubb, Malley, Teatime and the others are all part of finding the answer to what's been going on. If you haven't yet tried this series, but enjoy British mysteries that are not too political or inordinately long in length, then you should pick up one of the titles.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Summer Reading 2018 Foundryside

This book starts off a new series with some very interesting characters and a lot of room to add others. The world is built on the ruins of a former civilization and the founders are using the scraps of what they have learned to create some amazing and some awful things. The protagonist, Sancia, is a thief - but readers will be very sympathetic to her as they learn more of her backstory and come to see why she is isolated, loath to touch anyone, and desperate to escape from her current location. She is not one of the fortunate who work directly for the Founders, and definitely not a member of one of the Founder families. So she has little hope of survival in their world of mechanical marvels that seem to run on magical inscriptions built into the mechanisms. But as we follow her path into an increasingly complicated situation, we can see how the traditions and customs of the Founders have created a strict class system, and how tightly controlled the power is within their world. The more hopeless the plight of those like Sancia seems, the more we root for her to succeed. As she weighs everyone she encounters to determine if they are ally or enemy, we look through her eyes and make those same judgments. We won't know if we are right, if she is right, until the very end. And even that is unsure, since it is only the first book in this new tale.

For those who like heroines who persist, even though they have been deeply wronged or hurt; for those who savor complicated plots and detailed settings; for those who have enjoyed stories such as The Court of Fives, or existing fans of Robert Jackson Bennett - give this book a try. 

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Summer Reading 2018 Fly Girls: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History

In a time when most women were expected to stay at home and take care of the kids, some women defied expectations and set out to conquer the skies. Fighting societal expectations, pressure from family and strangers, and overwhelming odds, they struggled to find sponsors and planes in order to compete with the men. It was no easy thing to be a successful flyer even if you were male; many popular pilots were injured or killed by accidents and mechanical failures. And the women were often banned from even entering the competitions, or else they were made into a sideshow or segregated into a Powder Puff Derby situation.

Despite all the obstacles and odds against them, the women featured in this book did not give up. They managed to set records, beat men, and find their way into history. The name most people will recognize is Amelia Earhart, but she was not the only aviatrix of her day, or even the most skilled. Read Fly Girls and find out about the others, and how they all competed with each other and the men, but also formed friendships that lasted throughout their lives. This is a great piece of nonfiction writing, full of quotes from the women and details about their lives, hopes, and dreams.

If you enjoy history, learning about strong women who go after what they believe in, or aviation in general - you need to read this book. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Summer Reading 2018 #Murdertrending

Are you familiar with the way the movie "Death Race" starring Jason Statham updated the original? Well, this book reminds me of an update of the movie "Running Man." There are the thematic executioners, the well publicized deaths of those convicted and sent by the Justice Department to serve their sentence within the reality show, and the betting on the outcome of each match-up. There is even the rigging of a trial to send someone into the show that does not belong there.

But the updates make the show seem so much more possible, which makes the whole story frightening on an entirely different level. It's bad enough that those sent to Alcatraz 2.0 are killed off by government sanctioned psychos like Prince Slycer who dresses his victims as Disney princesses before stabbing them, or by Gassy Al in his poison chamber. Now add the modern habit of posting everything to social media, creating memes of it, tagging it and watching it trend, all the while discussing whether the video feed is real or not. (#FakeNews) 

The characters themselves are varied and interesting. A teen accused of murdering her stepsister. A fitness nut convicted of killing a client. A premed student who supposedly poisoned his own parents. Everyone has a backstory, as well as the role that has been chosen for them within Alcatraz 2.0 - the moody Brit, the hottie, the young princess, etc.

If you enjoy stories that are uncomfortably close to real life in some ways, while being incredibly imaginative in others - then pick up a copy of #Murdertrending as soon as possible. Highly recommended for YA and older readers. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Summer Reading 2018 Blue Murder (Flaxborough Chronicles #12)

Investigative journalists from London have arrived in Flaxborough hot on the trail of a juicy story. Could residents really have been making and distributing pornographic films? How did the films wind up in foreign markets? Who tipped the reporters off to the story? And which familiar faces will be seen when the copy of the film is played?

The reporters don't get off to a very good start, running into a constable while driving along a blocked lane on market day. The constable would love to see the driver brought up on charges for attempted homicide, but the team finally settles into a rented farmhouse to begin their work. The journalists tap into local sources for information, bring in a translator (since the film has been dubbed in another language for the foreign viewers), and even have the legal advice of  a lawyer sent from the newspaper's head office.

Why do things start going wrong? Did the informant that first broke the story have ulterior motives? Is the film what it is purported to be? And who is responsible for kidnapping the chief journalist? Can one small village really be the source of this much trouble?

These mysteries are carefully constructed so that everything dovetails neatly in the end, but readers must be patient with the slower speed of investigations set in a time before internet, CCTV, and other modern conveniences. Recommended for lovers of cozy mysteries in historical settings. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Summer Reading 2018 Plaster Sinners (Flaxborough Chronicles #11)

Sid Love, faithful constable, is perusing items at a local auction when he is hit from behind and no one sees his assailant. While poor Sid is rushed to the hospital, the auction goes on without him and the lot he was interested in sells for an incredible amount. What is it about the last few belongings of a recently deceased resident of the local retirement home that can cause such interest and violence?

Inspector Purbright must delve into the affairs of some of the local gentry, which always makes his Chief a bit anxious. Chief Constable Chubb has a great respect for tradition and treating the landed folk of the area with kid gloves, which makes it more difficult for Purbright and the rest of the force to investigate. 

It seems that the plaster scene painted during therapy at the retirement home holds some sort of secret. Why are the folks up at the hall hiding the fact of a break-in? How did a stranger who was at the auction wind up dead in the lock? And how could a retiree, the local gentry, and a petty thief have anything in common? Purbright will have to delve back into Flaxborough history to find the roots of this mystery and the identity of the mysterious thief.

As usual, the characters of Flaxborough all play various parts in solving the mystery. Sergeant Malley's knowledge of the local residents and village history is very helpful. Miss Teatime shows up briefly at the auction. And loyal retainer Benton, up at the hall, provides a few tidbits, too.

These mysteries are carefully constructed so that everything dovetails neatly in the end, but readers must be patient with the slower speed of investigations set in a time before internet, CCTV, and other modern conveniences. Recommended for lovers of cozy mysteries in historical settings. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Summer Reading 2018 Kill the Farm Boy

Do you enjoy fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously? Then you must try Dawson and Hearne's Kill the Farm Boy. As they share in the acknowledgements, "it was time to make fun of white male power fantasies, the formula for which almost always involves some kid in a rural area rising to power in the empire after he loses his parents, usually because somebody comes along and tells him not to worry, he's special." And so we have a tale that involves a farm boy named Worstley (he had an older brother named Bestley); a pixie named Staph, the Dark Lord Toby, the Dread Necromancer Steve, a female warrior in a chain mail bikini named Fia (I pictured her resembling Lucy Lawless), a bard named Argabella, a talking goat named Gustave, Grinda the Sand Witch, and other amusing characters. Our brave band encounters such fearsome obstacles as hungry giants, healers who use tentacled creatures in their cures, bejeweled crabs, an alcoholic monarch, and elves with a taste for cheese. Throughout the story there are attempts at bardic magic, several swashbuckling fights, leeches (but no shrieking eels), and quite a few leather boots are consumed.

If you are looking for epic fantasy and noble destinies, this is not the book for you. But you should come back when you feel the need for laughter, eye rolling, and poking fun at just about every fantasy trope there is. This is also the perfect book for anyone having a bad day who needs some cheering up. What could be more uplifting than a rogue who is convinced chickens are plotting against her, or a magician with a taste for artisanal crackers?

Highly recommended for YA and adult readers. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Summer Reading 2018 Conan Doyle for the Defense

Mystery and true crime readers, this is a double treat. A complicated story of police malfeasance, perjury, witness tampering, wrongful prosecution, conviction and imprisonment - and it's all true! Author Margalit Fox has crafted a narrative that explains the crime, the actions of the law enforcement and judicial persons involved in the arrest and trial, and how Conan Doyle came to be involved. But the book also grounds the entire case in the social milieu of the times, explaining the prevailing attitudes and prejudices that fed into the situation and resulting injustice. 

Examples from various Sherlock Holmes stories are interwoven, along with quotes from other researchers and writers who have traced the threads of the story, remembrances of Adrian Conan Doyle and even copies of letters from the convicted man to his family and friends. Taken together, it paints a picture of a time when it was common for "the conflation of foreignness with criminality, a contrivance used to justify identifying, marginalizing, and punishing the convenient Other." Perhaps readers might even notice some similarities between the climate 100 years ago and that of today.

Highly recommended for those interested in legal history, murder mysteries, and all things Conan Doyle. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Summer Reading 2018 Ruthless Magic

Take the competition of The Hunger Games, mix in the magic of Harry Potter, and then go ahead and add some Divergent while you are at it. That will give you a feel for the vibe of this book, and the series it begins. In this version of our world, magic users have always existed, but they have finally come out to the public. The Confederation (like a Ministry of Magic), has all those with magical potential tested and then they choose the best to receive further training, notifying them with a magical letter. The testing and choosing also assigns where the Chosen will serve and what training they will receive (a bit like being in a faction). Those who don't make the cutoff may have their powers Dampered, or they may elect to face the Exam - a lovechild of the Triwizard Tournament and the Hunger Games.

This year's exam begins with 57 candidates hoping to earn a place as a Champion with a mentor to help them improve their skills to better serve society. Failure will leave them with their magic burned out of them, completely cut off from access to the power they have grown up with, or even dead. Among those gathered at Riker's Island to vie for one of the coveted spots are a mix of Old and New Magic. Some of the Old Magic families are like the Pure Bloods at Hogwarts who hold the Mud Bloods in contempt, treating those from New Magic families as upstarts and even dangerous.

The characters are intriguing. Finn comes from a powerful Old Magic family, but his skills are erratic and not as strong as expected. His friend Prisha was always in the top half of their classes, but she was not Chosen. From the New Magic side comes Rocio, whose brother died during the Exam three years ago. She has a Hermione-like affinity for magic, when she enchants something the magic rushes to her and through her, yet she was not Chosen either. Her mother speculates that it was because of prejudice against New Magic.

The Exam begins as soon as the candidates arrive and takes all their skills into account - even things like paying attention to details in their surroundings and following the rules. They are tested on creativity, offensive and defensive abilities, and much more. Some are cut very quickly, while others hang in even when it is clear they are not very powerful and have no qualms about ruining the chances of better-qualified candidates. What exactly is the Confederation looking for and why do they go about it in such a brutal way? As the five days of testing whittle away at the number of hopefuls, we as readers begin to have some suspicions of our own. Are we correct?

Highly recommended for readers of the series I have mentioned, or fans of other urban fantasy stories with strong characterization, some possible romantic vibes, and a perplexing mystery at the center of it all. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Spring Reading 2018 One Man's Meat (A Flaxborough Mystery)

You would think that there is not a lot of intrigue or danger in the field of pet food production, and you might also believe that a small carnival is just a bit of fun, or that they have nothing to do with local boarding kennels. Imagine how surprised you will be to learn how they all connect. Between the death of a young man who falls from a carnival ride, the wife of a local executive who goes missing, and the arrival of another of Miss Teatime's old friends, Flaxborough is in for more drama. Coroner's inquests, doctored photographs, extra-marital affairs, and a busy rumor mill will keep everyone busy as the constable's try to piece it all together.

As usual, Purbright plugs away at the investigation until he finally makes sense of it all. With the help of Sid and the other constables, and even some assistance from the ever busy Mrs. Teatime, he does find out what it all means and amuses readers along the way with his humor and his gentle teasing of his supervisor. The various personalities in the town are stereotypical while still having some individuality to keep things interesting.

This is not the "little grey cells" approach of Poirot, but police procedure mixed with small town society and foibles. Perfect for mystery lovers who are looking for a more leisurely pace to reaching the solution and enjoying the journey.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Spring Reading 2018 The Naked Nuns (A Flaxborough Mystery)

Things are heating up in the quiet town of Flaxborough. Arnold Hatch, owner of the Floradora Club, and his wife Sophie have a "friendly" competition going on with Harry Crispin and his housekeeper, Millicent Spain. Crispin puts in a large swimming pool, so the Hatch household extends their own pool to keep up. Mr. and Mrs. Hatch put in a light sensitive remote control to close their bedroom drapes at night, so Crispin flashes his car's high beams at the windows to open the drapes after bedtime. Small town life can be like that, right? 

But when authorities in America contact the constable's office with a warning that a hitman may be on his way to take out an unknown target, it seems the rivalry may be heating up. Inspector Purbright and his staff make inquiries, but no one seems to know who the target might be. When a strange American arrives, it seems he may have some answers, but he's not sharing. And what in the world are the telegrams about naked nuns referring to? Nothing is adding up and someone could soon be dead.

As usual, Purbright plugs away at the investigation until he finally makes sense of it all. With the help of Sid and the other constables, and even some assistance from the ever busy Mrs. Teatime, he does find out what it all means and amuses readers along the way with his humor and his gentle teasing of his supervisor. The various personalities in the town are stereotypical while still having some individuality to keep things interesting. 

This is not the "little grey cells" approach of Poirot, but police procedure mixed with small town society and foibles. Perfect for mystery lovers who are looking for a more leisurely pace to reaching the solution and enjoying the journey.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Spring Reading 2018 Furyborn

There isn't much to add that hasn't already been said about this book. The two strong female protagonists will appeal to readers who enjoy female-centric stories, while the alternating timelines will keep you guessing about how it all ties together. The story of Eliana reminds me of Kate Elliott's Court of Fives with an empire building by conquest over another civilization, the ruins and traditions buried beneath them. The world building in Rielle's story is interesting- the humans, the angels, the marques (a mix of both), and the way they all interact will hook you in during the brief interlude before Chapter 1 even begins. 

If you enjoy fantasy, strong female characters, plots and mysteries, supernatural or superhuman abilities, and some swords and sorcery action - then give Furyborn a try. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Spring Reading 2018 A u 7 9

Like fast-paced investigative thrillers? Enjoy the ins and outs of working a case full of false leads and dead ends? You should try A u 7 9. This case has everything an adrenaline junkie or police procedural fan could want. There is a missing ATF agent, a homicide detective bending all the rules, a couple of local gangs that might be involved, the theft of explosives, and a nosy cub reporter making allegations. In come members of the FBI's Tracker unit, a new group that has already solved a crucial case to the satisfaction of the agency and the President. But can they find the right clues and resolve this situation in time?

The characters are interesting and the scenes are full of action. Each member of the Trackers has special skills that all work together - investigation, computer analysis, bomb disposal, sharp shooting, etc. And the plot keeps readers guessing about just who the bad guy is, or if there could be more than one. The trust that the unit members have for each other throws the doubts about the other characters into sharp relief as signs point to a possible leak inside one of the Texas law enforcement branches.

Fans of shows featuring federal and police detectives, or books like the FBI novels by Catherine Coulter, should give the Trackers a try. The author's former career in law enforcement and her familiarity with all the details of that profession give the book a strong sense of realism.

Spring Reading 2018 Broomsticks Over Flaxborough

A local folklore society turns out to be the cover for a coven of witches. After a recent celebration at the home of a coven member, an empty car is found and the owner is missing. Where has the driver gone? And where is the owner of a local store, who also hasn't been seen since that night? As the missing person investigations begin, police discover that members of the coven are not willing to discuss any helpful details of the celebration and even act as if being questioned is a persecution rather than an investigation.

The missing woman was a coven member, but the store owner was part of a local philanthropic group. Could there possible be any connection between the two disappearances? Everyone tries to help - the local pastor, the energetic Miss Teatime, and all the constables. But the town has also been overrun by a group of young ladies in white costumes doing a door-to-door campaign for a detergent and there will even be some commercials filmed with local folks participating. Could any of the people working on the add campaign have something to do with one or both of the missing persons? As usual, Purbright keeps working the case from all angles until he finally sees how the pieces fit together.

Those familiar with Flaxborough from previous installments in the series will recognize Purbright and other recurring characters, including Miss Lucy Teatime. Set in an English village in the mid-twentieth century, the novels all deal with crimes investigated by Purbright and the rest of the Flaxborough constabulary in a methodical and respectful way. There are no computers or rogue agents picking locks to find evidence, just a patient gathering of facts and fitting them together.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Spring Reading 2018 The Flaxborough Crab

Inspector Purbright is hard at work again as a rash of odd assaults plague Flaxborough. Women of all ages and descriptions are being grabbed, peeped at through windows, and even having their undergarments stolen off the clothesline! And every time the suspect runs off in a strange sideways scuttle like a crab. But can there be more than one culprit? And what is causing the behavior? After a suspect accidentally drowns while pursuing a woman, the autopsy reveals some abnormalities. The inquest also finds that the man had been taking medication prescribed by his doctor as well as herbal remedies he obtained by mail order. Could any of those have caused the strange attacks?

The number of reported assaults mount, patrols are stepped up, vigilante groups begin to form, and still there are no answers. Purbright and his faithful constables follow up on leads concerning the medication and herbal remedies, learning that the herbs come from a nearby farm that has recently changed hands. The deceased suspect's doctor is known to participate in drug trials, but maintains that he has never prescribed anything dangerous. When will it all end?

Those familiar with Flaxborough from previous installments in the series will recognize Purbright and other recurring characters, including Miss Lucy Teatime. Set in an English village in the mid-twentieth century, the novels all deal with crimes investigated by Purbright and the rest of the Flaxborough constabulary in a methodical and respectful way. There are no computers or rogue agents picking locks to find evidence, just a patient gathering of facts and fitting them together.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Spring Reading 2018 How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation

Full of stories that try to shed light in a world that some feel is slipping into a dark period, How I Resist will make readers laugh, or cry, or stop and think. All of those are good things. But if these stories, songs, poems, and essays do their jobs - then readers will do more than think and feel. They will Get Woke. Stand Up. Represent. and Change the World!

Whether it is a quick to-do list from Rosie O'Donnell, a poem from Daniel J.  Watts, or an interview with Jason Reynolds, each entry shares pieces of the creator's past, their struggles with discrimination and lack of acceptance today, and their hopes for a better tomorrow. Malinda Lo shares how she felt as she watched the news after the election. "I was digging myself deeper and deeper into a hole of political despair," she writes. Lauren Duca points out that "Angry energy without purpose will only turn into despair. Pick something and then do something." And Rebecca Roanhorse reminds readers that, "you being you is the most powerful kind of resistance of all."

Young people looking for others who have articulated their sadness and discouragement with the recent political climate will find them in this volume. In a variety of formats and from diverse individuals, there are pointers on participating in politics, standing your ground, and speaking out for the truth. This could be something read privately to explore how others are reacting to current events, or read together with other who are looking for pointers on how to get involved. Classes seeking short pieces to read and discuss, or debate, would find this a very handy title.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.

About the book:

"An all-star collection of essays about activism and hope, edited by bestselling YA author Maureen Johnson.

Now, more than ever, young people are motivated to make a difference in a world they're bound to inherit. They're ready to stand up and be heard - but with much to shout about, where they do they begin? What can I do? How can I help?

How I Resist is the response, and a way to start the conversation. To show readers that they are not helpless, and that anyone can be the change. A collection of essays, songs, illustrations, and interviews about activism and hope, How I Resist features an all-star group of contributors, including, John Paul Brammer, Libba Bray, Lauren Duca, Modern Family's Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his husband Justin Mikita, Alex Gino, Hebh Jamal, Malinda Lo, Dylan Marron, Hamilton star Javier Muñoz, Rosie O'Donnell, Junauda Petrus, Jodi Picoult, Jason Reynolds, Karuna Riazi, Maya Rupert, Dana Schwartz, Dan Sinker, Ali Stroker, Jonny Sun (aka @jonnysun), Sabaa Tahir, Shaina Taub, Daniel Watts, Jennifer Weiner, Jacqueline Woodson, and more, all edited and compiled by New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson." (from Amazon.com description)

Giveaway: Girl with a Camera

This story of the amazing life of photographer Margaret Bourke-White is a great read for those who enjoy biographies and the adventures of women pursuing their dreams. Please enter to win and good luck!

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Spring Reading 2018 Bulwark

Can you imagine werewolves, vampires, trolls, witches, and gingerbread houses in small town Georgia? Neither can Sheriff Clay Finnes, even when people around town start reporting such things. A seeming domestic dispute with a wife stabbing her husband in the neck with a fork turns out to be rather perplexing when the M.E. says that all the blood had been drained from the body. A deputy is sent out to look into reports of a pack of wolves in the woods, although there are no wolves in the area. A couple from out of town maroon their car in an unlikely puddle and hysterically babble about a gingerbread house and a witch that has stolen their children.

The sheriff has his own problems to deal with. He and his wife are in the process of a divorce following the unexplained disappearance of their infant daughter last year. A local reporter is trying to pursue him, while a handsome doctor working at the hospital with Mrs. Finnes is trying to make their relationship more than professional. But Clay doggedly pursues all the reports and even tracks down some town history in an effort to find out what is causing all the disturbances.

Can a small town peace officer with only a few deputies track down a supernatural disturbance that seems intent on touching everyone in the area? The suspense of the investigation is counterbalanced by the prickly push & pull between Clay and Jenna Finnes. The addition of the other possible love interests - the reporter and the doctor - ratchets up the tension on the personal level. 

And to put the icing on the cake, at the end of all the nerve-wracking experiences personal and professional, the author offers two possible endings. How can readers go to bed feeling that all is well with the world when they do not have a definite finale? The suspense will most likely continue to keep them awake for quite a while.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher for review purposes.

Spring Reading 2018 London Rules (Slough House #5)

Readers of spy and intrigue stories will enjoy the antics of the agents assigned to Slough House. Sent there as the result of mishaps in their careers and personal problems (alcoholism, drug use, etc.), these agents are given tasks that would drive anyone to recreational substances to ease the boredom. Combing through the records of the public library system to see which patrons have checked out books that might signal terrorist intent, searching through tax and utility records to find houses that might be used as terrorist safe houses, and similar jobs are sure to drain whatever ambition the agents might have left to put their careers back on track. These poor souls are known as the "slow horses" and work under the rather lax guidance of Jackson Lamb, who is as lovable as the common cold. 

When one of these agents, Roderick Ho, is nearly run down while he is pursuing a bulbasaur in a game of Pokemon GO, the others are unsure whether they should be relieved at his survival. He's one of them, but he is also an irritating prat. Can this attempted hit and run be part of a larger plot? There is an attack on a remote village, then a bomb at a zoo, another bomb is discovered. Who is carrying out these attacks and who is planning them? With a prime minister worried about his political career, a chief of intelligence services worried about protecting the PM as well as taking a close look at other prominent figures, and others in the service out to advance their own careers, does anyone have time for the "slow horses"? Could they pull it together long enough to neutralize the threat and possible redeem their careers? Or perhaps they should simply try to survive the latest upsetting of the apple cart when it inevitably happens.

If you enjoy intrigue, political plotting, irascible characters, and the setting of London, then you will find this book right up your alley. I received an advance copy from the publisher for review purposes.

Giveaway - Bubonic Panic: When Plague Invaded America

I am coming closer to the surface of my desk with every giveaway, and here is another find plucked from the stacks. I have a softcover ARC of Bubonic Panic for some lucky winner. Good luck!!

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Spring Reading 2018 Charity Ends at Home (A Flaxborough Mystery)

The Flaxborough Chronicles feature Inspector Purbright in the quiet town of Flaxborough. The fifth investigation for D.I. Purbright deals with the alarming murder of a local woman active in charity work. There are several possible suspects. She was heard arguing with her husband the night she died. Earlier that afternoon she had written a very threatening letter to another charity organizer. And there has been a strange man skulking around town who claims to be a private detective. What or whom is he investigating? Letters begging for help were received by the Chief Constable, the editor of the newspaper, and the coroner on the day of the murder - but were they from the deceased? And, if so, why were they unsigned?

Readers familiar with Purbright's fellows on the force and some of the townsfolk of Flaxborough will be glad to meet up with these characters again. It is like seeing the faces of neighbors as one walks down the street. A newer acquaintance is Lucy Teatime, who appeared in the fourth book and seems to have set up residence in town. And the odd character of the "private detective" is certainly entertaining. How many investigators actually have too much to drink before a stakeout and then climb into the car of their surveillance subject and take a nap? Yes, it may be a small town, but Flaxborough has plenty to keep readers interested.

Readers who enjoy Miss Marple and mysteries set in small English towns full of eccentric residents will welcome having this series drawn to their attention.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Spring Reading 2018 Lonely-Heart 4112 (A Flaxborough Mystery)

The Flaxborough Chronicles feature Inspector Purbright in the quiet town of Flaxborough. This fourth investigation for D.I. Purbright has the Inspector looking into the mysterious disappearances of two local ladies. They both have not been seen for some time and friends and family are concerned. A common thread is that they both used the services of a dating service called the Handclasp House. Surely one of their possible suitors is not responsible for their disappearances? When a lady newly arrived in town signs up for the service, Purbright assigns D.S. Love to tail her and make sure she is safe, as well as keeping an eye out for the possible villain. The lady in question, Miss Lucy Teatime, has some plans of her own that complicate the surveillance, and readers are left to turn the pages as quickly as possible to reach the climax and see if the police win or if Miss Teatime becomes victim number 3.    

Readers have already met a few of Purbright's fellows on the force: Chief Constable Chubb, Detective Sergeant Love, Sergeant Malley the coroner's officer, along with some of the town's other inhabitants. Now the cast expands yet again as more of the townsfolk are introduced - Mr. Maddox, manager of the Roebuck Hotel; Leonard Leaper, a former newspaper reporter who has become a minister; Detective Constable Pook, who becomes flustered when he accidentally wanders into the ladies undergarments section of a store; and Mrs. Staunch, the proprietress of the dating service.

Although there are many online dating services available now, the quaintness of the system in use 60 years ago when the books were first written is one of the enticements of the story. Imagine having to send your lonely heart letters to a service, having them forward the letters on, and then the whole thing happening in reverse for the replies. One could only hope that the service was trustworthy and did not take a peek at the notes passing through their hands. 

Readers who enjoy Miss Marple and mysteries set in small English towns full of eccentric residents will welcome having this series drawn to their attention.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Giveaway - GFFs: My Heart Lies in the 90s

Please enter to win a copy of the first in the Ghost Friends Forever series from Papercutz. Good luck!

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Winter Reading 2018 Shelved Under Murder

While running the sale table for the Friends of the Library might cause a headache, or possibly a twinge in the back muscles, no one would expect it to end in murder. Yet that is what Amy Webber and her friends discover when they stop by to pick up donations for the sale. Local artist Rachel LeBlanc has been stabbed with her own palette knife and left in her studio, but there are no witnesses. Her husband was out of town on a business trip and her daughter was in the main house, so the police have little to go on...other than a cache of forged artwork.

Amy has a background in art history, which makes her ongoing involvement in the investigation reasonable. And her Aunt Lydia is housing the art expert that the authorities have called in, so there is yet another tie. No matter where she goes, Amy can't seem to escape the gossip and speculation. It also makes her jumpy and unsure of her reactions to people. There seem to be plenty of people to suspect - the socialite and her son who show an intense interest in paintings by Amy's uncle, an art dealer who is rumored to have shady dealings, mysterious men dressed in business suits and obviously not in town for the local festival, and the druggie boyfriend of the dead woman's daughter.

The plot keeps readers guessing along with the protagonist. In Amy's case, she is distracted by her relationship with the handsome dancer next door. She also doubts her own impressions of people, knowing that her aunt's biases and her own reactions to the murder are coloring her perceptions. Readers can only view events through Amy's eyes, wondering if she is a reliable narrator when she questions her own judgment.

The description of small town life with all its complicated relationships and traditions is very believable. The fall festival, the overworked police force, the longstanding rivalry in county fair baking contests, and other details all create a town that is easily recognizable. The characters are distinct and entertaining,  and readers will return for further visits in Taylorsford feeling as though they are reuniting with old friends.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Winter Reading 2018 In All Things: A Nine-Week Devotional Bible Study on Unshakable Joy

A thorough study of the book of Philippians over the course of nine weeks. Each week follows the same schedule. Day 1 - Observation, read the next and note what you see. Days 2 & 3 - Interpretation, what does the text say as you look at it more closely and refer to other scriptures for clarification? Day 4 - Application, how will you apply what you have read and learned to your own life? Day 5 - Devotional thoughts and reading. 

The author uses other texts from Paul as well as other books of the Bible to help readers understand what is meant by particular terms and to offer additional examples of what the writer is referring to. She also quotes from her favorite pastors and devotional writers, especially Martyn Lloyd-Jones. For those who plan to use the study in a group setting, there is a guide at the back of the book to help the study leader.

Clearly written with frequent scriptural references and additional examples from the author's own life. As a women's ministry coordinator, the author speaks to groups of women and her writing is geared toward female readers.

Please visit the publisher's website for more information about the book or the author.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Winter Reading 2018 The Sixth Day (A Brit in the FBI, #5)

What a fascinating combination of elements went into this latest case for the Covert Eyes group...a rare manuscript, a major malware attack, an army of drones, smuggled weapons, high profile murders, a presidential visit to London, trained falcons, and legends about Dracula! Luckily, half the team is already in London when things start to go sideways. Nicholas and Mike are visiting his family, and Ben is vacationing with Melinda St. Germaine, the beautiful member of Parliament he met during the last investigation. The FBI teams up with MI5, MI6, and Scotland Yard to track down the person or group responsible for the malware, while also trying to find the killer who is targeting important industrialists and government figures. 

Each of the team members show their strengths: Nicholas and Adam work on the software, Mike investigates and does amazing things with her Glock, and Ben works with Harry Drummond and the Security Services to keep the efforts coordinated. Readers can see Adam maturing as an agent and as part of the team, and watch the personal relationship continue to deepen between Nicholas and Mike. There are high speed chases, old legends, synchronized drone bombardments, and elaborate double-crosses. The more the team uncovers, the less sense any of it makes - and the president refuses to postpone his visit. How can they ever untangle all the leads in time?

This series continues to deliver fast-paced action, humor to break the tension, intricate plots, and the sizzling attraction between the team's leaders. Highly recommended for fans of suspense thrillers.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Winter Reading 2018 Hopjoy Was Here (Flaxborough Chronicles #3)

First published 60 years ago in England, the Flaxborough Chronicles feature Inspector Purbright in the quiet town of Flaxborough. This third outing of Purbright has the Inspector looking into the mysterious disappearance of a boarder in a local household. An anonymous letter arrives at the police station tells of a loud altercation in the house, and when constables go to check on the inhabitants, no one can be found. But there are plenty of forensic clues - blood stains, acid burns, odd substances in the drains, something buried in the garden... Whatever happened, the police hope some of these traces will lead to answers. The government has even sent two agents in to assist with the investigation, so it seems the locals will get some help. 

Readers have already met some of Purbright's fellows on the force: Chief Constable Chubb, Detective Sergeant Love, Sergeant Malley the coroner's officer, among others. But now there is an addition to the cast of characters, Mr. Warlock from the forensic science lab. Remember, this is no modern CSI or NCIS installation, but their ancestor of 60 years ago. Drain contents can give rough answers, but not clear enough to solve things. But Purbright continues as he always does, with quiet persistence and an understanding of the inhabitants that serves him just as well as all the skills the government agents have at their disposal. After all, what do they know about busybody neighbors, odd pilferage, pool sharks, and betting parlors? Their forte lies in eastern European interrogation techniques and Cold War intelligence gathering.

Readers who enjoy Miss Marple and mysteries set in small English towns full of eccentric residents will welcome having this series drawn to their attention.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Winter Reading 2018 Bump in the Night (Flaxborough Chronicles #2)

First published 60 years ago in England, the Flaxborough Chronicles feature Inspector Purbright in the quiet town of Flaxborough. In his second adventure, Purbright is sent to the nearby town of Chalmsbury to look into a series of bombings. First a memorial water fountain was demolished in an explosion, then the head was removed from a statue with another bomb, and an antique optometrist's sign was blown to smithereens. Who could be doing this and what are their motives? The local police chief doesn't seem too motivated to solve the crimes, but a delegation from the town council has him request help - and Purbright comes to town.

The characters are almost caricatures of small town life. There are adulterous wives, odd political alliances, local gossips, and even a young reporter with dreams of breaking a big story. The Inspector walks a carefully balanced path through all the secrets, innuendoes, and finger-pointing among the town's residents. As an outsider, it is hard for him to know which details might prove important to the case and which will send him off down a rabbit hole. Is it relevant that the police chief is the son-in-law of a council member? Do the ridiculous practical jokes of the trucking company's owner play into the explosions? It seems that the more the police uncover, the less hope there is that any of it will tie together and help them close the case.

Readers who enjoy Miss Marple and mysteries set in small English towns full of eccentric residents will welcome having this series drawn to their attention.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Winter Reading 2018 Coffin, Scarcely Used (Flaxborough Chronicles #1)

First published 60 years ago in England, the Flaxborough Chronicles feature Inspector Purbright and the inhabitants of the town Flaxborough. In this first book of the series, Purbright is looking into the mysterious death of man who seems to have left his house in the middle of the night and been electrocuted. Could he have actually been climbing the pylon for the electrical lines in his slippers? It doesn't make sense, and the longer the investigation goes on, the stranger things become. What do a newspaper editor, a doctor, an undertaker, a lawyer, and a broker have in common? With conflicting accounts from those closest to the deceased, interviews with the housekeeper that show she believes in ghosts and supernatural beings, and pressure from the Chief Constable and the Coroner's Court to wrap things up, it seems that Purbright may never find out what really happened and why. With smiles and apologies for the inconvenience, he still manages to question everyone involved and slowly put together a picture that is not what anyone would have suspected.

There are death and suspicions to deal with, but there are also many humorous points in the book. Sometimes it is the words or actions of the characters, but at others it is simply the writing. For instance, the newspaper's owner is described as a man who "spoke only one-sidedly, as though half his lips had been sewn up to prevent waste of words and body heat." And readers learn that the doctor's "head was perched on the great promontory of his chest as though it had separate existence and might tumble off if it strained forward any further." Descriptions like that create a vivid mental image and a sense of the farcical. Which of these individuals should readers take seriously as suspects and which are simply there for comic relief? Perhaps they are both.

Readers who enjoy Miss Marple and mysteries set in small English towns full of eccentric residents will welcome having this series drawn to their attention.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Winter Reading 2018 Nimona

I read this as part of the 2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge, a "book about a villain or antihero." It also works in Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge, a "comic written and illustrated by the same person" and "comic that isn't published by Marvel, DC, or Image." I found the character of Nimona wonderfully snarky, at times vulnerable, and quite often an ordinary teenager in spite of her incredible powers. The book makes readers look at seemingly stock characters such as Sir Golden Loin and his arch-nemesis, Ballister Blackheart and notice that the villain has more scruples than the hero does (remind anyone else of Dr. Horrible's story?). There are plenty of sword fights, explosions, mad science gadgets, fiendish plots, etc. to keep any action comics or superhero readers happy, but there are deeper issues explored for those who care to pay attention to them.

Out of curiosity I also checked out the full cast audio version of the book. The casting for Nimona and Blackheart was perfect. Don't stick with the audio version alone, because you wouldn't want to miss out on Stevenson's great illustrations, but do listen if you get the chance.