Blackout by Simon Scarrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great book. This is not a traditional crime novel. It has all the trappings of a murder mystery but it is cloaked in an interesting character. I'm reminded of Bernie Gunther.
The story is somewhat complex and frankly, I didn't figure it out. So well spooled out to the reader with just enough suspense to keep you reading.
The author paints a picture of Germany slipping farther down the Nazi rathole and taking the whole German society with them.
Like historical mysteries, this is for you.

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Across Seward Park: A Novel by Gail Lehrman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok, so you need to know that I am a first generation American. I was steeped in stories and anecdotes about those early years in this country. I was born a birthrite citizen and haver always been proud of this country, warts and all. I served in the USAF, not to prove my patriatism, but to suppoert my country in times of strife.
That being said, this story held a warm place in my heart from page one until the end. (I was actually sorry that there was no more to read.) I'd request a sequel but I would hate to stifle Gail's creative juices. Please get started on another book.
The plot, characters and writing style was perfect for me. I was able to see beyond mere descriptions to understand some of the emotions that they were feeling. The plot, though simple family saga, never felt trivial or elxpected.
A masterlpiece, imagine what her third book will be like....
Start writing.

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Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From another goodreads review:
Oh my gosh, how I loved this book. The five-hundred-plus pages practically turned themselves. The premise was so unique and I devoured every word from the banging prologue to the surprising epilogue.
I expect little from book club books. When I started this one I noticed it was dissappointingly long. When I got to the end I wished there was more.
I will give away none of the book. The author has created a true masterpiece of interwoven storytelling. The characters instantly develop in a way the makes the reader panting for more. She leaves us with just enough to want more and more.
It is a frantic page turner.
Have you ever loved someone so much it hurts? There are parts of this book that truly reminded me of that experience.
Read this book, if nothing else, read chapter 101.


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Books Read in February

Shadows of Tokyo by Matthew Legare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an exciting book. First of all, you will learn more about Japan in te 1920-30's than you everr imagined. Japan was a fascinating society that was poised to to attack Pearl Harbor. We should have known more about their society so we could have mitigated their displeasure.
This is a book about the interaction between the police and army. The main character is a police inspector. He is highly moral and remarkably skillful. His sidekick is a Geisha/modern girl who becomes an informant and eventually a spy. The story unwinds slowly while teaching the reader more and more about Japan.
It seems that the characters are quite believable. The ending is also believable. I am looking forward the second of the trilogy.


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Books Read January, 2025

Night Train to Paris by Fliss Chester
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book has a lot to say for it. When there is action it is wonderful. I just felt there was a lot of walking around and talking that did not enhance the really excellent murder mystery. I worked it out well before the end but the details were clever. Will I give Fen a third chance? Possible but not for a while.

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A Duty to the Dead by Charles Todd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not sure about this one. I really fell for the main character, a feisty WW1 nurse. The opening of the book is a gripping tale and then the story seems to meander a bit before it gets going as a full blown murder mystery.
A few times I thought there was a bit too much dialogue but as the story progressed, I realized how completely complex and devious the story and plot were. Bravo Mr. Todd for keeping it all together and keeping me interested until the screeching end. The final action was explosive and I could not put it down. This is our first experience with Bess Crawford, I might try another.


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After Oz by Gordon McAlpine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I did not want to like this book.... I was sure it was just another "Wicked" spin off and I wanted a little more. This book is for my book club and I look forward to the book discussion.
For me this turned out to be a first-class murder mystery. The author has the benefit of having the reader know a lot of the backstory. The story of Dorothy and her little dog, Toto, is baked into American psyche. The author was able to use this to bind a pretty good story together.
Had enough “Wicked” hype? This book might be fun. In the end I liked it a lot.


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Books Read in 2024

The Translator by Harriet Crawley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great book. So current and the opposite of fanciful, positively scary. The book is essentially about two non- spys who find themselves in a world of secrets and secret tellers. The action is first rate and the characters are very believable. Good stories like this come from the news around us today. This is no exception. News of the Russians cutting cables near Finland surfaced the week I read this.

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A Dangerous Goodbye by Fliss Chester
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good story. The characters were interesting and easy to follow. The plot did seem a bit obtuse but Fliss Chester brought it all together in a wonderful ending. All the red herrings were resolved and I was not asking any questions at the end. This is listed as #1 in the Fen Churche series and I think I will read number two to see where this fascinating lady is going.
The plot is a puzzle and she helps the reader solve it. Fun!

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