Whiskey Beach

Title: Whiskey Beach

Author: Nora Roberts

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

ISBN: 9780399159893

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It's the newest Nora Roberts.  And that's that.

Comments:

Despite the suspense, etc. of the book, the characters always seem to make these books feel warm.  This would have been PERFECT reading with a storm - rain or snow.  You know?

Eli is trying to get back to being himself - or as he says it (or thinks it?), his best self.   Abra seems to be mostly there already despite a rough past.  But things aren't so easy for Eli as trouble - and murder - follow him.

As usual I enjoyed this.  I hope to catch up on some of the NR books I missed somewhat soon.  (Did I say that last time?)

Side note:

While I read this I couldn't help but think about how Nora's characters always turn out to have such happy lives, despite flaws and imperfections.  How the HEA of these books feel more contented even than most.  And how I just don't see that in my life - or real life.  This seems obvious - I mean, Hello.  Fiction.  But my dream future throughout high school etc. was kinda based on NR's books.  I was going to turn 28 (that was the usual age in he past full novels) and my life was going to settle.  I was going to be in my chosen career and relatively successful at it.  My family life would be pretty settled.  Etc.  Makes me kinda jealous of fictional characters. 'Cuz I'm 28 now, soon to be 29.  And my life is nothing special.  Ah, to have my dreams fade away.  But I've always been aware of reality too, I I live with what I've got and where I am in reality.

A Sample of the audio version (even though I read the print):

Mythos Academy series: First Frost ; Touch of Frost ; Halloween Frost ; Kiss of Frost ; Dark Frost

"First Frost" (Mythos Academy, Bk 0.5) by Jennifer Estep (ebook short)

Obtained: I checked this Kindle book out through OverDrive from the library. 

Comments:

This short is actually about the events leading up to Gwen's enrollment at Mythos Academy.  These events are referred to throughout the other books, but are given in more detail and one streaming storyline if you read this first.  I, unfortunately, had already read Touch of Frost and Kiss of Frost before I read this. 

Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy, Bk 1) by Jennifer Estep (ebook)

Obtained: I checked this Kindle book out through OverDrive from the library.

Comments:

Apparently I enjoy Jennifer Estep's writing no matter what age level she's writing for.  Gwen is a great character.  More upstanding by far than the assassin Gin, but still.  She's cool, has a nifty power with perks and quirks.  It happens to be a power that appeals to my nosiness.  It doesn't matter that this is another series set in a school, partially because it works for the story.  Partially because Gwen is super close to home and can still go home to visit most days.  I zipped through this book.

"Halloween Frost" (Mythos Academy, Bk 1.5) by Jennifer Estep (ebook short)

Obtained: I purchased this from Amazon as I couldn't get it through overdrive.  Nor could I obtain a copy of the print anthology Entangled through the library or ILL.

Comments:

Very brief.  Just a quick interaction with the characters on a Halloween night of trick-or-treating.  This does not come into the books, so you can read or skip it without any problems.

Kiss of Frost (Mysthos Academy, Bk 2) by Jennifer Estep (ebook)

Obtained: I checked this Kindle book out through OverDrive from the library.

Comments:

Oh the romantic tension in this.  I had to start this immediately after reading Touch of Frost.  There's some repetition, but I get that.  Most people aren't reading these back to back.  And I thought Gwen could have clued in to a couple factors a bit sooner.  But then, I wasn't in the same tortured angst and whatnot that she was, so I can make allowances.  Otherwise, Gwen is exploring her powers and her newfound role and what all that means for her.  I enjoyed this.

Dark Frost (Mythos Academy, Bk 3) by Jennifer Estep (ebook)

Obtained: I checked this Kindle book out through OverDrive from the library.

Comments:

Things are progressing.  Gwen's been talked into going on the school trip.  She's using her powers more in the new ways she's been learning.  She's meeting new creatures that are supposed to be bad, but not taking things at face value.  She's still mired in emotional turmoil and she needed to snap out of it because she was missing things I found obvious.  Oh, and she's being stalked by a Reaper... bad news. 

I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Crimson Frost, once it becomes available (com'on, return it already! Or I might have to try the print copy.).

Along Came a Duke

Title: Along Came a Duke

Author: Elizabeth Boyle

Publisher: AVON Historical Romance

Series: Rhymes with Love, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780062089069

Pages: 362

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I saw it, read the blurb, and it appealed.

Comments: 

Sometimes I'm just in the mood for a historical romance.  As this was one of those times, this one suited well.

It was a little silly, in what I know was supposed to be funny but felt a little forced.  But other than that, I enjoyed the characters including the hero, Preston, the heroine, Tabitha, and others.  Plus the overall story was light and fun (if silly).

I look forward to reading the second book in the series, And the Miss Ran Away With the Rake which tells the story of Preston's uncle (only 6 months older).  After that, hopefully I'll read more of Elizabeth Boyle's work.  I can't believe I haven't already.

Murder for the Halibut

Title: Murder for the Halibut

Author: Liz Lipperman aka Elizabeth R. Lipperman aka Lizbeth Lipperman 

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: Clueless Cook Mystery, Bk 3

ISBN: 9780425251829

Pages: 278 + Recipes

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It was the next in the series.

Comments:

This time around Jordan is judging fancy cuisine on a cruise.  She's worried she can't pull it off, but that doesn't seem to be such a big concern considering the deaths that start happening from the very first round.  And of course Jordan must figure out what's going on around her.

I enjoy this series, and this was a nice development in Jordan's career and life.  But I did find an aspect that was awkward and, to me, gave away the murderer.  I hesitate to say outright - I don't want to give the mystery away for anyone else - but it was a repeated phrasing that I assume was there to deflect suspicion.

According to the author's website, it appears the next book in the series is Chicken Caccia-Killer.  I intend to keep up with this series as well as starting Lizbeth Lipperman's Dead Sister Talking Mystery series.

The Art Forger

Title: The Art Forger

Author: B. A. Shapiro aka Barbara Shapiro; Read by Xe Sands

Publisher: HighBridge

ISBN: 9781611749274

Length: 8 discs; 10 hours

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I'd seen it and heard about it for awhile.  But then I saw on someone's blog (for the life of me I can't remember whose) about how great the audio was, and... the time was right.



Comments:

When I first started listening to this I recognized the voice.  I hadn't payed attention to who the narrator was before I started, but I recognized Xe Sands voice immediately from Objects of My Affection by Jill Smolinski.  This meant at first it was difficult for me to separate Claire Roth in this story from Lucy Bloom in Objects of My Affection.  But soon Claire's character came through (helped, no doubt, by Xe Sands wonderful reading), the story went its own unique way, and I was immersed.

The story is told from three alternating points.  I'd be listening to one, hanging on, if you will.  And then the story would change to the next.  And while I found each perspective interesting and wanted it to continue on, I became frustrated with each switch.  The same frustration you might feel when a commercial comes on right at that point of a favorite television show or movie.

Anyway, Claire and her happenings bring about such a conflict.  Morals - for she most certainly is not acting legally.  Plus you just know she's going to be caught.  And yet.  You (or at least I) want things to go well for her.  Surely she's due for something to go right?

Beyond the conflict of Claire's situation (her Faustian bargain as the blurb on the cover says), there is the mystery of just what is going on with the Degas painting.  What did happen all those years ago with Isabelle Gardner?  And I have to say this part I partially guessed.  But still, I had to listen on.

And speaking of mystery.  This apparently is one, even though I wouldn't have classified it as such on my own.  Hmmm.

I would definitely listen to more of Xe Sands - in fact I just did listen to some of her #GoingPublic reading.  And I'm interested in reading some of more by Barbara Shapiro - whose name is naggingly familiar, though I didn't recognize any of her previous works. 

Blood Lance

Title: Blood Lance

Author: Jeri Westerson

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Series: Crispin Guest Medieval Noir, Bk 5

ISBN: 9781250000187

Pages: 311 + Author's Note and Glossary

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

This is the next book in the series.

Comments:

As usual, I enjoyed this book.  Every once and awhile the description would get to be a bit much about the relic and that sort of thing, and I zoned out a little.  But overall it was interesting.  

I found the idea of a knight with PTSD interesting.  I understand why it was handled the way it was in the book - to reflect what likely would have happened in history - but it was a little sad, too.  

Crispin is so lucky that even in his "misfortune," he has so many people willing to help him.  And of course he made some of that luck for himself, such as when he managed to snag Jack who is a great character.

As for the mystery side of things - Crispin had quite a few connected mysteries to solve this time around, which made things interesting.

I look forward to reading the next book, Shadow of the Alchemist.

Fonduing Fathers

Title: Fonduing Fathers

Author: Julie Hyzy

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: White House Chef Mystery, Bk 6

ISBN: 9780425251812

Pages: 277 + Recipes

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

This is the most recent book in the series.  It was appropriate for the time of year - White House / the 4th... Plus, the book launch for Julie Hyzy's most recent book (part of the Manor House Mystery series) is coming up, and I need to be caught up for that.

Comments:

I was happy with how Ollie's romantic life is going.  I'm not going to say anymore on that point.

I'm also pleased with how things are going for her professionally.  Her role in the White House seems to be more settled.  Josh (the President's son) is a great character.  And Sargeant is shaping up to be a character I appreciate as well. 

And was glad to see some of her family history questions would be answered.  It's about time.

I can only wonder what all this wrapping up means for the rest of this series, though.  Can't wait to read Home of the Braised due out in January 2014.

Steadfast

Title: Steadfast

Author: Mercedes Lackey

Publisher: Daw Books

Series: Elemental Masters, Bk 9

ISBN: 9780756408015

Pages: 298

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I'm a Mercedes Lackey fan.  And I enjoy the Elemental Masters series.

Comments:

So there are certain subjects (such as abuse and rape) which are incredibly hard for me to read.  That is, I have a very weak stomach when it comes to reading that kind of scene.  If that's the majority of a book, I simply can't read it.  Fortunately, while this book does have some of those subjects, the rest was as enjoyable as I find many (not all) Mercedes Lackey books to be.

I did like Katie, Jack, Lionel, and the rest of the music hall group/performers.  I was surprised, but not disappointed, in how mellow the Fire elemental mages were in this.  But perhaps that is because most of the others seen throughout the series have been masters.  Or maybe because characters, like people, are different and unique.

The setting/background was also interesting - working at a circus and music hall with illusions and special dances, etc.  Particularly the illusions, as those are always fun and interesting to watch, and while hearing them described can't be as good, it comes in closer than I would have imagined.  The story is apparently based on The Steadfast Tin Soldier, a tale I'm not familiar with.

So something I noticed while reading this book... I'd be into the story and reading relatively quickly then I'd get to a point and have to pull back, because I'm suddenly remembering this is a Mercedes Lackey book.  I'm not sure quite how to explain this, except that sometimes I felt like the characters were "channeling" (a term I've seen writers use - hope I'm using it correctly) ML instead of the other way around.  It was that same voice that goes from book to book, but it came off somewhat strongly.  I don't know if that makes any sense.  And I don't mean it to sound so negative either.

In general, I appreciate ML's voice.  Why else would I be a fan of her books?  I mean I can't wait to read the next book in this series or in the Valdemar world.  Which brings my to my overall - I enjoyed this.  I zipped through it actually - always a positive.

Monument to the Dead

Title: Monument to the Dead

Author: Sheila Connolly aka Sarah Atwell

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: Museum Mystery, Bk 4

ISBN: 9780425257128

Pages: 309

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It's the next in the Museum Mystery series I've been enjoying.

Comments: 

So things have settled down at the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society.  But then Nell reads the obituary of a former board member.  Nothing unusual there - she was in her 80s and the death seemed to be of natural causes.  But then Nell's new romantic interest, FBI agent James Morrison (they are finally dating - about time), says he suspects it may be something more.  Unfortunately, he has no evidence.  Now they're tracking a serial killer with no physical evidence and no official backup.  Good thing Nell and her crew are resourceful and have an insiders knowledge of the local cultural set.

There is just something about Nell, her career, and her professional skills and talents that gives me a twinge of jealousy.  When introduced to anyone new (and for awhile after that) I'm inclined to be shy, and I'm positively terrible at small talk.  But if I only had that gift of gab like some family members (I can think of one cousin in particular that is outgoing and persuasive), I think I'd enjoy the fundraising, etc. of the world that Nell is immersed in.  The fact of the matter is I don't have that gift, but I can ignore that twinge and pretend.

Anyway, as usual I enjoyed the book.  And with how things ended I'm definitely interested in reading the next book.

Doll Bones

Title: Doll Bones

Author: Holly Black; Illustrations by Eliza Wheeler

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

ISBN: 9781416963981

Pages: 244

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I saw it reviewed in Baker and Taylor's FC Forecast and was intrigued.

Comments:

I wish I had listened to this as an audio.  As I was reading I would remember how The Spiderwick Chronicles worked as audio and regretted not reading this that way.  But I didn't want to wait to get it, and the story was still good in print. (It just would have been better.)  

Parts of it were creepy... (Check out my Tuesday Teaser.  That and the rest of that paragraph were probably my favorite lines.) ... I don't like evil children and evil dolls come pretty close to that.  The doll in this book came perilously close to that line for me.  But it is a children's book, so it didn't go too far.

There was one part with a librarian.  (I'm going to try to be careful and not give too much away here, but it's rough.)  She tells them (for reasons I can't share) that their choice is to call their parents or the police.  I can tell you that in her place, I would have called the police.  Plain and simple.  I was baffled that options were given.

Anyway, it was a quick interesting read with the perfect touch of creepy, and I enjoyed it.  And now that I've read this, I'm remembering that I wanted to read Holly Black's Curse Workers trilogy.

The Mystery Woman

Title: The Mystery Woman

Author: Amanda Quick aka Jayne Ann Krentz aka Jayne Castle

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

Series: Ladies of Lantern Street, Bk 2

ISBN: 9780399159091

Pages: 357

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I'm a long-time fan of JAK/AQ/JC - And I just read the first Ladies of Lantern Street book, Crystal Gardens.

Comments:

Beatrice and Joshua end up in a race to discover a blackmailer, a murderer, a madman... all while escaping danger to themselves and becoming romantically attached.

The thing about JAK books that I love are the aspects (the so-called "formulaic elements") that I can depend on.  That the heroine will be a strong, independent, and positive woman even if she has faced hardship.  That the hero will be dark, a bit jaded or a loner, but quick to see the strength in the heroine and a balance of protective and understanding her strengths.  (BTW, these are things that I don't feel are all there in her oldest books from the 80s and somewhat the early 90s.)  The hero and heroine will face danger together.  The heroine will believe in or see beneath the exterior of the hero even when others do not.  And often there will be younger secondary characters that the hero, heroine, or both mentor.  And of course, in the end there will be a HEA.

This had that, though the connections, etc. didn't feel quite as strong or stand out quite so much.  Overall, I enjoyed this as usual.

A sample of the audio version (I read the print):

Mr. Churchill's Secretary

Title: Mr. Churchill's Secretary

Author: Susan Elia MacNeal

Publisher: Bantam / Random House Digital, Inc.

Series: Maggie Hope Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780553907568

Size: 1968 KB ; 384 pages

Obtained: Library / Kindle copy

Why this book?:

I was looking at historical mysteries on NoveList and this came up.  It finishes the Historical Mystery Reading Challenge 2013 for me.

Comments: 

It's May 1940.  Churchill is in need of a new secretary and Maggie's drafted to fill in the position.  She's in the unique position of having been born in Britain, but raised in America.  She's a graduate of Wellesley and was about to go on for a doctoral degree in mathematics from M.I.T. when she had to go to London to attend the sale of her deceased grandmother's house.  Of course things didn't go as planned and here she is, still here, being passed for the private secretary position she applied to and taking on the role of secretary/typist.

The history: England is now joining the war (WWII).  The mystery: Plots and threats and terrorism during war time and involving politics.

There were several speeches by Churchill that are apparently fiction? (what's the point?), but I suppose they set the scene.  Speaking of which, sometimes I found myself drifting when the description became too much at once.

My knowledge of history is sadly lacking.  Partially because I don't retain much of what I learn and partially because I like to tune out current events and sometimes that means I tune out historical events as well.  I'm sure that makes me sound horrible, but there it is.  The point is, anytime I read a book like this, it offers new and interesting perspective that I may not have appreciated otherwise.  For example:

Just think, this is just over a decade before Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce books.  This is the war Flavia's father fought in.  While this is London and Flavia's story is set in the country, this is what England had gone through.  From one fictional work to another, but still... interesting.

As far as the characters are concerned... I liked Maggie, but she could really get on her high horse.  Guess it was supposed to be that fiery red-headed temper.  The surrounding cast all contributed the the story and what was happening well.  I guessed who the bad guy was once I realized the connection, but that didn't detract from watching everything unravel after that.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and will probably read the next book, Princess Elizabeth's Spy.

Crystal Gardens

Title: Crystal Gardens

Author: Amanda Quick aka Jayne Ann Krentz aka Jayne Castle

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

Series: Ladies of Lantern Street, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780399159084

Pages: 320

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Huge fan of this author and I read all her new releases sooner or later.

Comments:

As usual I enjoyed this book.  The characters follow a similar  type to all Jayne Ann Krentz's characters, and that's part of what I love.  I do have to say, while Evangeline connects with Lucas right away based on, apparently, instinct, the reader isn't given the background to connect so well until later in the book.  And there might have been too many things going on at once.  But like I said, still enjoyable.

I look forward to reading the next in the Ladies of Lantern Street novels, The Mystery Woman (I already have it checked out and ready to go).

Furious

Title: Furious

Author: Jill Wolfson

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Series: Furious, Bk 1 ?  Maybe?

ISBN: 9780805082838

Pages: 326

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

First, I was it on Wowbrary.  Second, check out that cover.  Third, I've been enjoying the Greek Mythology lately (Percy Jackson, etc.).

Comments:

I started the book interested and intrigued.  I started liking the characters, getting into the story, and then... the book changes.  Meg has a floaty romantic time (All well and good, even if I was nervous waiting for the other foot to drop).  Then, suddenly, I can't believe these characters are being so narrow minded and short sighted (Well maybe I can - they're teenagers.  But that didn't make it any less frustrating.)  And I'm becoming angry.  With them and the story.

And I guess the ending was okay, but it didn't satisfy me.  And apparently there will be more books and this is a series since the author writes in her FAQs (on her website), "And I know the furies are definitely not done with me yet."  So maybe that's what is up with the ending.  But wouldn't it have been nice if the ending had rocked and this had stayed a stand alone?  Huh? Wouldn't that have been fabulous?

So I might read a book two (assuming there is one) to see how things happen after time.  But I'm kinda sorry that this book that I was all set to love (I don't read YA all that often anymore, you know) got me all ramped up and then fell.  But you know, maybe this ending was right and shows consequences last.  Maybe I just wanted to much happy, happy.

Bel Canto

Title: Bel Canto

Author: Ann Patchett

Publisher: Harper Perennial Modern Classics

ISBN: 9780061565311

Pages: 318

Obtained: Library "book club kit" copy

Why this book?:

It was for a book club discussion I was observing (because I'll be leading a different discussion soon).

Comments:

Going into this I knew absolutely nothing about it except that I knew it had some opera element.  I was not expecting a terrorist/hostage situation.  While this isn't a book I normally would have chosen for myself, it was interesting.  The beginning was a little slow, as the situation is being set up, but it was fine once I stuck with it.

Here's the thing.  I didn't finish this by the time the book club came around.  So I knew about things, including the end, before I read them.  (Though there's mention of how it will end in the first chapter, so I kinda already knew.  But I didn't have details until the book club.)

I finished the book anyway.  The opera wasn't what I thought it would be in the story, but I found it interesting.  I liked the characters (even though someone in the book club said she couldn't empathize with them).  I accepted the story, the writing style, and the inevitable ending.  But I had to agree with the other people in the discussion - the epilogue was jarring.  I would have preferred it had been cut before the book was published.  It was, I guess, supposed to tie up loose ends.  But they would have been better left for the reader to imagine.

So that's it.  I guess it is the type of book you need to decide for yourself.

The Battle of the Labyrinth

Title: The Battle of the Labyrinth

Author: Rick Riordan; Read by Jesse Bernstein

Publisher: Listening Library

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Bk 4

ISBN: 9780739364765

Length: 9 discs ; 10 hours; 33 minutes

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It was the next in the series I've been listening to.

Comments:

I don't know that I have anything new to say about this one that I haven't said about the previous 3 in the series (The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, and The Titan's Curse). 

Percy and friends set out on a quest (or a couple quests) to:
1. Find Daedalus and stop the bad guys from finding the entrance of the Labyrinth that leads to the camp.
2. Find Pan, the god of the Wild.
3. Ultimately, to stop the rising up and destruction of Olympus.

Some ongoing themes:

Bravery
Family
Good vs. Evil
Immortality vs. Mortality
Truth vs. Deception
Save the environment/nature

I'm sure I missed some, but these are some of the more obvious smack you in the face ones.

I'll be beginning the 5th and last in this series, The Last Olympian, soon.  The spin-off series,  Heroes of Olympus, is supposed to be even better, so I'm looking forward to starting that once this one is finished.