Books Read In March

Hotel Moscow by Talia Carner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lots of confusing action and characters that I could not keep track of. By the time I figured out what was going on I still wondered essentially who was who.
Now I'm pretty good at figuring things out but this was an obtuse story about things that probably could never have happened. Just hard to believe the story.
The good part is that this is a well written book. I think it’s just the way the author wanted it. I was never surprised but I was astonished at the way the fall of communism and then failure of democracy was portrayed. It may be the saving grace, and for sure it’s why I finished the book. I lived during that period of history and I was amazed.


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The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great book, and what a masterful author. I was mesmerized from page one. I was sorry when it was over. Marie Benedict seems to be Hedy Lamarr. It feels like it is Hedy telling me her story. It feels so personal and real. Of course, it is a real story of real people in a time of unbelievable upheaval.
Facing personal and state sponsored discrimination. Amazing that one would be able to persevere. She must have been a remarkable person. BTW, I'm going back and watching a few of her first movies.

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An Unexpected Peril by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

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The 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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