Friday, March 15, 2024

I love Veronic Speedwell books. They are fun and interesting with beautiful prose that often cause me to look up a word or two. Thankfully I read on a Kindle. This book, much like the others, starts with something benign and ends up in a full-fledged mystery with red herrings galore. I kept telling myself I knew the answer only to change my mind. Deanna Raybourn is a master storyteller and uses the same kind of language that Veronica might use. Makes for an interesting and very pleasant reading experience. You should read these in order.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

The Phoenix CrownThe Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great book. Great characters, interesting plot and set in an interesting historical period. I loved it. The interplay and final connection of the characters was fascinating and so well thought out. I hate books where coincidence plays a large part in the plot. This story seemed to naturally occurr.
I did have some trouble with the flow. The time was hard to follow.
I would read as many books as this pair, or either of them write. Really worth the time.


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Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Books Read in February

A Murderous Relation (Veronica Speedwell, #5)A Murderous Relation by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think I'm in love with Veronica Speedwell! At least stories about her and her adventures. She exists in a fascinating world of science and adventure with a wonderful sidekick who would be angry at me for calling him that.
This, the 5th in the series, finds our characters maturing nicely and their relationships becoming more and more complex. It all seems so natural and realistic while there adventures are often beyond imagination. No spoilers so...... hard to say much about the plot.
Suffice it to say that the story moves quickly with more than one plot twist that is surprising and revealing.
Giver her a try.... these books are fun to read.

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Monday, February 19, 2024

The WomenThe Women by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Put the book you are reading aside and read this book! Kristen Hannah has written a book about war that is so well done as to give one a new perspective on the Vietnam war. This was a war that tore the country apart and forever changed the way we look at our government.
I don't want to spoil the story for anyone so..... Let me just say that the characters are incredibly full size and feel real. The pain and anguish that the war brought to families and yes, the whole nation, is beautifully remembered here.
This is a masterpiece.

Many of my friends and family only know this war from history books or some vague recollections or stories that have been handed down in families. It is important that young people (You all look young to me) read this to understand the roots of today's political situation.

Thank you Kristin Hannah for this bright light on history.

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Monday, February 12, 2024

The Violin ConspiracyThe Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent book. This is book that held my interest from page one. The plot unfolds quickly and the story unwinds in ways that you might not expect. More about classical music than I ever wanted to know but an the same time, interesting. Learned a lot about being a black musician in the classical world. Was reminded what it is like to be a black man in this country.
The horrible behavior of police when dealing with a black man was highlighted twice. My guess is it happens more than that.
Read this book. Its a great story with a great message. This is based on some real events.

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Wednesday, February 7, 2024

A Dangerous Collaboration (Veronica Speedwell, #4)A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have not decided what it is I love about this series. The rich characters, the convoluted plot or the odd setting. Whatever it is Deanna Raybourn is a great author. She paints pictures in my mind and leaves me wondering what is on the next page.
If I prompt you to read these Speedwell stories, please start with number one.
The characters change, as real people do, from book to book. I look forward to the next....

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Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Books Read in January, 2024

The War PianistThe War Pianist by Mandy Robotham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book for several reasons. First, I never read about the Dutch resistance. Second, I have fond memories of visiting Amersterdam, and this brought them back.
The plot has enough twists to keep my interest, and enough action to keep from getting bored. Not sure if some of the events might really have been able to happen but, I enjoyed the book anyway.
The main characters were well developed and grew on me through the story.
I wish Mandy would write another right away. I'd like to hear more of this story.

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Tuesday, January 30, 2024

The German WifeThe German Wife by Kelly Rimmer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Very interesting book. I was troubled through the whole book about the moral and ethical dilemma faced by the characters. To support Hitler or perish. It was clearly the question they delt with and their reaction to this conundrum helped to move the plot and give the reader bigger questions to ponder. The ending was a little pat but I guess such a broad story needs to have ends tied.
I have no more compassion for the NAZI scientists but I do have a little more understanding of what it might have been like and the price they might have paid.

As Tom Lehrer said of Werner Von Braun:
Don't say that he's hypocritical,
Say rather that he's apolitical.
"Once the rockets are up,
Who cares where they come down?
That's not my department,"
Says Wernher von Braun.

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Monday, January 22, 2024

The Paris AgentThe Paris Agent by Kelly Rimmer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A brilliant book. No spoilers here. I just want to say the Kelly Rimmer, with the help of great research and a wonderful imagination, has constructed a book worth reading. A story of courage and emotion that will stay with the reader. It is amazing that young women with almost no training could accomplish so much. The other amazing thing is that these stories are not well known. I found this book well worth the time. In addition, it is a great read.

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Wednesday, January 17, 2024

The Paris AssignmentThe Paris Assignment by Rhys Bowen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like stories that don't rely on coincidence. This story does but it is still a very interesting, if predictable plot. I found the characters believable and interesting. Just like most of these book, i.e. WWII spy novels about lady spies. The fact that these ordinary women did extraordinary things amazes me. They helped win the war.

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