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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Books Read in February

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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The 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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The 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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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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Books Read in January, 2024

The 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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