The Book of Speculation
by Erika Swyler
Book of Speculation (5/19/2015)
I enjoyed this book very much. Ms Swyler did a wonderful job of moving the story between past and present times. The world of the traveling carnival in the 1700s was very vivid and interesting. The characters in both time periods were colorful and engaging. The book at the center of the story is as much a character as the people portrayed.
Whispering Shadows
by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Whispering Shadows (2/14/2015)
I enjoyed this book from the very beginning. The narratives of the sights, sounds, and history of Hong Kong, Lamma Island, Shenzhen,China and the surrounding areas were as important as the main characters and their individual stories. The food written about throughout the story was especially enticing! The main character, Paul,has struggled through life after a loss and finds himself involved with people and events that force him to open up to the world again. The novel is about loss, relationships, not just romantic ones, redemption and the solving of a crime. Very interesting and informative story.
All the Old Knives
by Olen Steinhauer
ALL THE OLD KNIVES (1/9/2015)
I enjoyed this book very much. I have read two other books by Olen Steinhauer and liked them very much. All the Old Knives takes place in one small setting with two main characters, but it has all the suspense and intrigue that Mr Steinhauer's other books generate. Although the premise of the two main characters getting together seems uneventful it is anything but as the story and the mystery unfolds. The story is told in both characters voices and thoughts as they relive a certain event. As the story goes back and forth between the two, the reader is unsure of their motives and the eventual outcome. A very good read.
The Paris Winter
by Imogen Robertson
The Paris Winter (8/13/2014)
I very much enjoyed the start of The Paris Winter. The story of Paris in the early 1900's and the art world was very descriptive. Strong characters, especially female, were introduced. Then I started to feel that the story was not going anywhere. I'm glad I continued with it because very soon the story line was able to draw me in again and I found it hard to put down.
The Cairo Affair
by Olen Steinhauer
The Cairo Affair (12/26/2013)
I had heard of Olin Steinhauer, but had never read any of his books. After reading The Cairo Affair I will be reading more of his works. The main characters stories are told in separate narratives as they relate to the events in the story and the other characters. The stories also go back and forth in time. This can be confusing at times. Just as one is engrossed in one characters story, it stops and we continues with another character's story. It did make me want to keep reading as each story line added to the intrigue and suspense. There are violent themes in the story which might not appeal to some.
The Disenchanted Widow
by Christina McKenna
The Disenchanted Widow (8/27/2013)
In the summer of 1981 a young widow is forced to flee Belfast with her son to start a new life. She finds herself in a small rural community with a mixture of interesting individuals, which she will have to interact with regardless of how she feels about them. The reader comes to know these characters as their stories are also unfolding as we read. The stories of these other characters become involved with her story, some of them being dangerous. The turbulence taking place in Belfast that summer reaches the small community. I enjoyed this book very much. The characters were unique. Her journey's twists and turns made for suspenseful reading.
The Lion in the Lei Shop
by Kaye Starbird
The Lion in the Lei Shop (5/15/2013)
The novel chronicles the bombing of Pearl Harbor as seen by both a child and her mother. The story gives a heartfelt and engaging perspective of how that day impacted them and their lives as a military wife and child on the island that day, and the years that follow. The author was able to bring the events and emotions to life with her narrative. I found it hard to put down and very emotional.
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate: A Lucy Campion Mystery
by Susanna Calkins
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate (3/20/2013)
I enjoyed this book The story takes place in mid 1600's London. I liked the historical information woven into the story. Events of the time were part of the plot line--the plague, religious prejudice, class and gender divisions. The main character Lucy, is written as a very strong independent minded woman which I liked.
Ghostman
by Roger Hobbs
Ghostman (1/21/2013)
As I read the first few pages of GHOSTMAN I didn't think I was going to enjoy the book, but it did not take long for me to change my mind. Two stories are unraveled as Hobbs goes back and forth in time leaving the reader in suspense as he goes back to other story. The transition from one story to another can sometimes be confusing but that is not the case for GHOSTMAN. The author's descriptions of places and people are very good. The story is about criminals and criminal activity and the violence that goes along with it, so GHOSTMAN is not for someone who is looking for a "light read".
The Woman at the Light: A Novel
by Joanna Brady
The Woman at the Light (7/16/2012)
I enjoyed this book because it captured an era and setting not that familiar to me. Very strong female character added much to story. The first person narrative was well done. Going back and forth in time also made it very interesting. Details of people, feelings, weather and location seemed very real. I feel I learned much about a time and place I had not read about in other novels.
A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns
A Simple Murder (4/11/2012)
The story is very interesting with the events taking place in 1796. A variety of characters add to the sense of mystery. I would like to see several of the central characters continue their adventures!
Until the Next Time: A Novel
by Kevin Fox
Until Next Time (3/4/2012)
Like one of the central characters in the book I had a lot of questions that took awhile to get answered. The story takes place in two time frames and I found the transition from one time period to another confusing. It was a very interesting story despite my confusion. The story does not gloss over the violence of the 1970's in Northern Ireland. I did finish the book and I am glad I did.
Tides of War: A Novel
by Stella Tillyard
Tides of War (11/29/2011)
I enjoy reading historical fiction and I liked this book very much. For me, it was not the type of book to read cover to cover in one sitting, but one that I could read over a period of time and savor. There were interesting characters both real and fictional and good interwoven stories. I enjoyed the strong female characters.
The Sisters: A Novel
by Nancy Jensen
Sisters (9/10/2011)
The story begins in the 1920's and follows the lives of two sisters and their families throughout the years. It touches on families and family secrets and the heartbreak and joy involved in both. I enjoyed the book very much. Each generation had their own story to tell, often painful, but also hopeful . It would make a great bookclub read.
The Daughter of Siena: A Novel
by Marina Fiorato
Daughter of Siena (5/23/2011)
With the historical background and details of life in Siena in the 1700's, I enjoyed this book very much. Story line of event that still takes place makes it even more interesting. Plot involves several characters with parallel story lines that make you want to keep reading to find out what is going to happen. I look forward to reading more books by Marina Fiorato.
The Beauty of Humanity Movement: A Novel
by Camilla Gibb
The Beauty of Humanity Movement (12/9/2010)
This was a very moving book. The story touches on the effects of war, political upheaval, repression and poverty, which might be difficult for some to read. It also touches on love and survival. It was both haunting and hopeful. I would highly recommend the book.
The Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai: A Novel
by Ruiyan Xu
Lost ad Forgotten Languages (10/26/2010)
I enjoyed the book very much. The characters came to life through the narrative. Ms Xu' writing is very descriptive and involving. One can feel the rain and humidity as she writes about it. One can feel the emotions the characters are experiencing. I was sorry when the book ended as I wanted to know what else would be happening to the characters, as they had become people I cared about. On a side note, the jacket cover is beautiful!
Valeria's Last Stand
by Marc Fitten
Valerie's Last Stand (3/13/2009)
I enjoyed this book very much. It was especially fun to have main characters be strong, colorful, and over sixty! Some of the events in the story become a little bizarre, but it all seems to fit together. The jacket of the book talks about this story being a fairy tale, so I knew it would be fanciful. The people and the setting - a small Hungarian village make for a wonderful story with lots of action, warmth and humor. I look forward to Marc Fitten's next book.
Green Monster: A Sam Skarda Mystery
by Rick Shefchik
Green Monster (7/9/2008)
I enjoyed this book very much. I am a baseball fan, but I think even someone who doesn't follow baseball would enjoy the book.
The mystery has interesting characters, several different locations, humor, and baseball facts and lore mixed in, all of which keep the story moving and hard to put down. This was a great read, especially during baseball season.
