May Books Read

A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another wonderful tale about my favorite dectective characters. I kind of worried that they did not have enough to solve this one but I was wrong. In addition the author has added at least one new character that seems to fit in with the existing cast.
Great action in this one. I could almost see the action if I closed my eyes. (that does make it hard to read)
I so hope that there is another Veronica story on someone's computer some where. I want to read it.

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Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a book club selection that I read in 2 days. It is the definition of can't put it down. In retrospect this seems odd because the style was smooth did not seem rushed or hurried. I could not put it down. The plot, though a little convoluted, held up for the whole book. My confusion over what was exactly going on was, I'm sure, due to Mr. Swanson's fine writing.
Even if you don't usually read murder mysteries, read this one. If for no other reason than to enjoy the work of a master storyteller.

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City of Laughter by Temim Fruchter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quite an ambitious book for a first novel. The prose is beautiful and the story concept is fascinating. The idea of Jewish folklore messaging us in the modern world is fanciful to me but the execution is convincing, and at least interesting.
I often found myself confused between the time and space of the stories unfolding but in the end the author seems to have brought it together.
I seldom seek out reviews for books I am interested in reading or have read. In this case I went to the New York Times. The reviewer brought my feelings into focus:
"Like desire and secrets, “laughter is no controlled substance,” Temim Fruchter writes in “City of Laughter,” her brainy and richly textured debut novel. “It goes where it wants to go.” Grief, too, is hard to contain. In the wake of both her father’s death and a difficult breakup, Fruchter’s 32-year-old heroine, Shiva Margolin, attempts to unravel 100 years of tangled generational trauma in order to find inner peace. The more complicated fate she ultimately embraces makes this unabashedly queer Jewish family story a new take on our uncertain age."

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The Measure by Nikki Erlick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An interesting concept. I'm not sure where it could have gone but I found the plot tedious and thin. There was a lot to think about but I have personally little interest in the all over the place philosophical ideas that this story offers.
This book is read for my book club and they will probably convince me I was wrong.
In the end, for me at least, love and devotion has no sell by date. I live each day as if it might be my last and I make sure to let those who I love, respect and am grateful to are told as often as I can. Those I dislike or treat me with disrespect are not worth the time. Life is always too short.

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April, 2024 Books Read

 

A Sinister Revenge by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok, I figured out what I like about Deanna Raybourn. She is a master storyteller and a genius in the use of era appropriate language. Complex or not she makes the story/plot easy to follow. I'm pretty sure she does this by having Veronica explain things to Stoker, kind of womansplaining. Sometimes he is dense as rock and other times seems to get everything. Veronica on the other hand is seldom confused and often way ahead of Stoker, and me!
Whatever it is I am soon on to #9 and then we all need to pray or beg for a #10.

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