Thursday, December 21, 2023

A Treacherous Curse (Veronica Speedwell, #3)A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A totally engaging story. We learn more about Veronica and her sidekick in this third episode. The swtory is somewhat compact and the character list pleasantly small. I had a bit of trouble at first understanding what was happening but I later realized that that confusion was probably part of the plot. I love the characters and the writing style.

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Sunday, December 10, 2023

The Collected Regrets of CloverThe Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a book club selection. I started it thinking I would hate it but good writing and an interesting story won me over. It is a story of growth and change growing out of a somewat odd, maybe tragic, childhood. Although the main character had a remarkable ability to look at herself, something most of us seldom do.
Can't wait for the discussion at my book club, they often convince me that I loved a book I thought I didn't.

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The Golem of BrooklynThe Golem of Brooklyn by Adam Mansbach
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Satire? Comedy? Frightening depiction of the real world? All these and more. I could not put it down because I was never sure where it was going. It is brilliant, I think.... I loved it. It is frightening, I'm sure. Am I glad I read it? You bet. I can't wait to get my friends to read it and see what they think. In addition it was laugh out loud funny...

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Tuesday, November 21, 2023

The Secret (Jack Reacher, #28)The Secret by Lee Child
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Glad Jack is back in his army days. I find this more realistic than a guy going around with just a toothbrush in his pocket. Still, a good story with an interesting plot. Wonderful good guys and awful bad guys, that's why I read it.

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Wednesday, November 8, 2023

JuliaJulia by Sandra Newman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is quite a book. Before I say a thing, I must tell you that you do not have to reread 1984 to get this book. If you have the vaguest notion of that amazing book then this will be a fine read. I believe that even with no knowledge of 1984 you will still find this book intriguing.
I had trouble with the graphic nature of some the chapters. The images are hard to get out of your mind. She is such a good author that as a reader I felt some of the horror.
That being said, I believe the modern, feminine update on the classic is probably worth the read if you are not to squeamish.


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Saturday, November 4, 2023

The Heaven & Earth Grocery StoreThe Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Quite an interesting story with interesting characters. I loved the story but mostly the perspective of living in that era both as Jewish and as Black. What a clever and well written story. This is an author to cherish because of his insight into humanity. He seems to see from every perspective.

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Monday, October 30, 2023

The Thursday Murder Club (Thursday Murder Club, #1)The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A somewhat intriguing mystery. A bit complex but kind of fun to read. The characters are all oldsters living in a retirement community. What they lack in health and youth they make up for in cleverness.
I liked it but I occasionally found myself a little lost in the plot and the characters.

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Saturday, October 21, 2023

A Perilous Undertaking (Veronica Speedwell, #2)A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second in the series and it was as much fun as the first. If a tale of muder and mayhem can be fun. The charachters and thier relationships are growing as the story progresses. Honestly I can't wait to see what adventure is next. I just love books that are set in England. This has mystery, feminism and a lot of slick adventure.

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Tuesday, October 3, 2023

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell, #1)A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A bit of everything. Great characters, a wonderful plot and lots of weird adventures. I loved it. I want more. And I think there are many more adventures for the strange duo. Reading this book is a treat.

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Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Citizen K-9 (K Team #3)Citizen K-9 by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was fun, uncomplicated yet at the same time hard to put down. The action seemed a bit forced and I'm not a fan of first person narratives but for a book club read this was pretty painless. I like my dectective stories a little grittier.

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Monday, September 4, 2023

Hotel CubaHotel Cuba by Aaron Hamburger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wish I could give this brilliant book more stars. It is a wonderful story with strong vibrant characters who grow into real three dimensional people.
The scope of the story and the vivid descriptions just made the story even better. How the characters learned to adapt to their situations was a story in itself. The strength of their character and the way they brought their values and childhood teaching with them.
I loved it.....

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Near Miss (Stone Barrington #64)Near Miss by Stuart Woods
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stone Barrington never fails to give me an enjoyable read. This one, though not complicated, had a more exensive plot line. I enjoyed it a lot. I wonder if Stuart Woods left the outline or it was new. Either way, I'll keep reading these books.

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