The Lost Books: The Scroll of Kings

Title: The Lost Books: The Scroll of Kings

Author: Sarah Prineas

Publisher: Harper

Series: ? It's hard to say if this is a series or standalone.

ISBN: 9780062665584

Length: 295 pages

Obtained: Library hardcover copy

Comments:

I haven't read anything by Sarah Prineas previously, so I don't know how this story compares, but I love finding books with book and/or librarian related themes, and this has both.

Among my first impressions is that Alex may be a "librarian" and love books, but he certainly isn't an archivist, genealogist, or historian, as he seemingly found no interest or use of documents that I know would have been useful for such purposes. 

But I'm getting off track.  Alex has run from home after arguing with his family.  He is certain, after having read all the books in his father's locked up library, that he is a librarian, not a warrior s trained.  This is in a world/time when all libraries have been locked up - Alex believes because books are dangerous - and all librarians are old.  This last part is quite troublesome for Alex who is looking to be trained, but cannot find any librarians willing to share their secrets.

He has managed, by chance and some trickery, to talk his way into the Royal Library, where he must figure out what is happening with the books, save them (the books) and himself, and convince the young queen of his task because he cannot do this alone.

I enjoyed the story.  If this is a series, I would be happy to read more.  If it is a standalone, it ended well enough.  I hope to read more of this author's work (particularly the thief series I've heard about) at some point in the future.

Better Off Read

Title: Better Off Read

Author: Nora Page

Series: Bookmobile Mystery, Bk 1

Publisher: Crooked Lane

ISBN: 9781683316435

Length: 320 + Recipes

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

I had some trouble really getting into this.  Something about the way the story was introduced didn't quite gel with me.  I'm not sure what, though.  I've read and enjoyed books with senior detectives (such as the Gladdy Gold Mysteries by Rita Lakin), bookmobiles (Bookmobile Cat Mysteries by Laurie Cass), librarians (I can't even start this list), cats/dogs (again, too long to list)...  Whatever the issue, by the time I was midway through I settled in and breezed through the remainder of the story.

I've said this in comments and on Goodreads, but... Rhett Butler the Persian cat, and Mr. Chaucer the pug are lovely characters.  I love the cover.  Cleo's relationship with Henry was great.  I will try the next book whenever it comes out.

Elementary, She Read

Title: Elementary, She Read

Author: Vicki Delaney [Website][Facebook][Twitter] aka Eva Gates [Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Series: Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9781683310969

Obtained: NetGalley

Why this book?:

I loved the cover, the Shelock Holmes Bookstore idea was appealing, and I've read and enjoyed Vicki Delany's books before.

Comments:

I enjoyed this book.  I liked Gemma, despite that manner that likens her to Sherlock.  The setting was fun (I've always liked the idea of owning a bookstore, and the Sherlock bit was particularly interesting to contemplate).  And while I did not have good feelings about the bad guy, I also didn't guess that he/she was the bad guy; I thought he/she was just not a likable character.

I look forward to reading more in this series.

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend

Despite some false starts, this flowed for me.  By flowed, I mean read it until the moment I had to work (including at a red light), read it on my dinner break (including while standing in line at the grocery store purchasing snacks for the adult coloring event), and finally finished it when I got home from work.

Author: Katarina Bivald [Website][Facebook][Twitter]; Translated by Alice Menzies
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
ISBN: 9781492623441
Length: 384 pages
Obtained: Library copy

I found it to be a quirky, light book about books, small towns, and people. Many of the reviews on Goodreads seem to point to average and predictable, but while I avoid official ratings, I personally would place this higher than that.  Maybe it is a matter of perspective. ::shrug::  I don't need to be shocked and awed with every book I read.  And I generally love books about books (with an exception for The End of Your Life Book Club which dragged on horribly for me).

I suspect part of what appealed was that Sara managed to find just the right book for some of the towns non-readers.  And of course I'm a fan of romance (which I didn't even expect) and happy endings.  I do admit that I was skimming over Amy's letters through the second half of the book in an attempt to get to the living characters stories.

Something I found interesting: Sara mentions the Swedish title of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and what it means, reaffirming that I don't really want to read that series.

The Book of Speculation

Title: The Book of Speculation

Author: Erika Swyler [Website/Blog][Twitter]

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

ISBN: 9871250054807

Length: 339 Pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

This book caught my interest from the first moment I read the synopsis, and I had already started it when I received a recommendation from a coworker about it.

Comments:

I read this in September 2015 or prior (the above was last update 9/17/2015).  It was interesting, though perhaps not quite what I expected.

The protagonist, a librarian (though I've blanked on his name), is rather depressing.  But that seems to go along with his depressing family history.  The portrayal of librarianship was pretty gloomy too.  It left me rather pleased that things are not so desperate where I work, and that my day to day is generally decent.

The circus part of things gave that same surreal yet nostalgic feel that I dimly recall feeling after reading Water for Elephants.   I'm struggling to come up with a good comparison for the mysticism (tarot cards, an origin story, flashy storms at points of change, curses, etc.).  Probably the coolest part was the underwater breathing - scary as all get out, but pretty cool.

I know most of this is feeling and emotional impressions, but I'm actually pretty impressed that I remember that much.  It was one of those books that kind of lingers after you read it, so maybe that accounts for my memory of the story (if not character names).

Anyway, I'm glad I read it, but it isn't the type of book I could read regularly.

Ink and Bone

Title: Ink and Bone

Author: Rachel Caine [Website][Twitter][Facebook]

Publisher: New American Library

Series: Great Library, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780451472397

Length: 351 pages + "Soundtrack"

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

As soon as I saw a brief description of the new series I knew I had to try it.

Comments:

I was so excited about this book.  It wasn't quite what I expected, but I definitely found myself caught up in the story nonetheless.  The beginning reminded me of Harry Potter, the boarding school thing, train ride there, etc..  It also had some of the Big Brother touches from 1984, and the book censorship issues from Fahrenheit 451.  But it was ultimately its own book, and I enjoyed it.  I look forward to book 2, Paper and Fire.

Trailer:

The Little Paris Bookshop

Title: The Little Paris Bookshop

Author: Nina George

Publisher: Crown Publishers

ISBN: 9780553418774

Length: 370 pages + "Recipes" + "Jean Perdu's Emergency Literary Pharmacy: From Adams to Von Arnim"

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

The book aspect appealed to me.

Comments:

In some ways this book really bothered me.  Morally, for instance.  (We are going to ignore the fact that I apparently have no problem reading books with assassins and thieves for protagonists.)  Or the fact that Jean Perdu has become so withdrawn and depressed and gloomy like.  (How is it that he can bring comfort and company to others?  Maybe because he doesn't go on about the gloom and doom thoughts, but keeps them to himself.)

In other ways (primarily the book related ways), I found it enchanting.  A book store on the water, a cat in residence, prices adjusted to the need of the person... sounds lovely.  I am not as sure about the title choices, but oh well.  The ability to just pick up and go.  To have an adventure and just let whatever is going to happen, happen.

Perhaps my mixed feelings come from this being one of those general fiction/literature type deals.  But I suppose it is good to venture out on occasion.  And it brought me to consider books in a different light.

Murder in the Mystery Suite

Title: Murder in the Mystery Suite

Author: Ellery Adams [Website][Facebook] aka J.B. Stanley aka Jennifer Stanley

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: Book Retreat Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780425265598

Length: 277 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I requested the library purchase it and decided to read it because 1) it's a cozy mystery, 2) it's a book about books, 3) it's about a book retreat (and how awesome does that sound?), 4) it focuses mystery books.

Note: I read the print and ebook editions of this book. 

Comments:

I had a LOT of trouble finishing this.  It was going along well enough, but once I stopped reading (I had to return my copy for a hold) it was incredibly difficult to get back into it.  Then there was another interruption, and the problem repeated.  This means it was hard to judge if the story was too slow or what.

I do know that some of the characters that I'm sure were intended to be charming (namely Jane's aunt and uncle), rubbed me the wrong way.  And the potential romantic interest felt like he was just stuck in there.  He certainly did not play much of a role in the book.

On the other hand, Storyton Hall and the village of Storyton both sounded wonderful.  I would love to visit.

Anyway, I wish I could give a glowing review, but whatever the reason, this book didn't do it for me.  I'll definitely try the 2nd book.  Hopefully, it was just poor timing this time around.  I know I enjoyed the Collectible Mysteries under the name J.B. Stanley.

Trailer:

The Accidental Keyhand

Title: The Accidental Keyhand

Author: Jen Swann Downey [Website][Twitter][Facebook]

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Series: Ninja Librarians, Bk 1

ISBN: 9781402287701

Length: 358 pages + "Master Phillipus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus Von Hohenheim's Guide to Petrarch's Library"

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?: Um, ninja librarians? Of course I wanted to read it!

Comments:

I loved the idea of this going in. The very beginning introduction went fine.  But then things spun out of control.  If I'm being honest, I had trouble following the story for a bit (my own fault I'm sure).  

Anyway, about 2/5 of the way through things are explained a little more, and I finally started getting what was going on.  That was when I was able to begin really enjoying the story.

Dorrie and her (Star Wars obsessed) brother have been transported through time and space to a special hub of Lybrarians who protect the written word and spread of ideas from censorship throughout history.  

The Lybrarians decide to let them stay until a major conference while they determine what to do about these unusual circumstances.  But Dorrie and Marcus can't seem to keep out of trouble along the way.

Once I got into the story and setting, I found this to be a fun book. I enjoyed watching Dorrie and her brother during their adventures and look forward to reading more about them in the second book, Sword in the Stacks.

Note:

This is the first post I have done entirely on my phone, so I ask that you forgive any typos or formatting issues.

The End of Your Life Book Club

Title: The End of Your Life Book Club

Author: Will Schwalbe [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Knopf

ISBN: 9780307961112

Length: 326 pages

Obtained: Library book club kit copy AND library Kindle ebook version

Why this book?:

I already had the ARC and planned to read this someday.  But then it was a book club selection, so I actually started it for that.  I also checked it out on ebook and have been slowly (very) been working my way on with it since then.

Comments:

My feelings for the book are very mixed.  I was sure I would love it, but it wasn't what I expected at all.  I highlighted tons of lines and sections to note but I don't know that I can intelligibly speak about all of them, especially without this post becoming a book of it's own. But here are some quotes that caught my attention (All quotes were taken from the ebook version):

I found this line interesting and was a little amused at the imagery.

I often seek electronic books, but they never come after me.  They may make me feel, but I can't feel them.  They are all soul with no flesh, no texture, and no weight.  They can get in your head but can't whack you upside it. 

This would never have happened in my house, or I would never have had any chores.

There was one sure way to avoid being assigned an impromptu chore in our house - be it taking out the trash or cleaning your room - and that was to have your face buried in a book. 

I would totally have agreed with this quote... before I read this book.

Also, how could anyone who loves books not love a book that is itself so in love with books?

So now we move on to some of the quotes that bothered me.   If she was only referring to truly absurd books it might be okay.  But no, based on the tastes shown throughout the book not to mention the context of the quote, I couldn't help but suspect she would apply this to the majority of the books I read...those "genre" books.

I think it's much harder for me now to read very silly things when there are so many wonderful things to read and reread.  And if the book is too silly, I find that it's often because the writer doesn't really have anything to say - or because there are no values.  Or because the whole book is just a lead-up to a trick at the end.  If you read the ends first, you have much less patience for wasting time with that kind of book.  Even a well-written book can be silly and a waste of time.

But wait! There is more!

I'm talking about those novels where the characters aren't really interesting and you don't care about them or anything they care about.  It's those I won't read anymore.  There's too much else to read - books about people and things that matter, books about life and death.

Why I should be reading the books that make me feel sick to my stomach and give me no enjoyment...

"So you don't mind if we read depressing books?" I asked.

"No- not at all.  It's cruelty that gets to me.  Still, it is important to read about cruelty."

"Why is it important?"

"Because when you read about it, it's easier to recognize.  That was always the hardest thing in the refugee camps - to hear stories of the people who had been raped or mutilated or forced to watch a parent or a sister or a child be raped or killed.  It's very hard to come face-to-face with such cruelty.  But the people can be cruel in lots of ways, some very subtle.   I think that's why we all need to read about it. [...]"

Anyway, there were many more, but it all amounts to...

I read the book.  But in trying to show how wonderful his mother was, he put her on a pedestal.  She became this high and mighty figure, so much better than the average Joe (or Jo as the case may be), that I felt much in the way of resentment rather than inspiration.  And the same happened with the book/reading aspect.

I wanted so badly to love this book.  It just didn't happen.  That's me personally.  For you, well, it could be (or might already have been) a different story.

The Accidental Book Club

Title: The Accidental Book Club

Author: Jennifer Scott [Website][Facebook][Twitter] aka Jennifer Brown [Website]

Publisher: NAL Accent

ISBN: 9780451418821

Length: 342 pages + "Conversation Guide" (Includes "A Conversation with Jennifer Scott" and "Questions for Discussion"

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I saw this (I can't remember where.  In a professional magazine maybe?), thought it sounded interesting, and put in a purchase request for it.  It's due tomorrow, so I started reading...

Comments:

I read this straight through in one sitting.  Yes, I found myself skimming here and there.  In those instances I had to backtrack a bit to see what I missed.  I noticed the skimming mostly happened when some past event was being remembered (like a flashback).  But outside of those parts I found myself caught up.

Jean's part of a monthly book club.   They take their monthly meetings as opportunity to enjoy "good" food (though it sounded positively disgusting to me) and the books they love (though I COULD NOT have read some of the books they discussed).

The book club that was formed when Jean found out her husband was ill is there as a support, a comfort, humor when life needs it... all that.  All the members have issues that need worked on and have problems in life, but they find, with each other, they can continue and grow.

Anyway, when Jean finds out her daughter's life is a mess and her grandaughter Baily is a troubled teen, it is her book club that helps her work through everything.  It isn't that they are involved in every step.  Jean doesn't tell them everything.  But they are there for Jean when she needs them, and support her throughout.

I felt so bad for Baily.  And when Jean first re-encounters her grandaughter and fumbles so, I couldn't help but feel frustration rise.  But even then she was head over heels better than Baily's parents.

Anyway, their relationship is a process and the ending was satisfactory.  I left the book feeling an appreciation for the human connection and the spirit of women who stand up for each other.  The other thing I came out of this book with?   A reminder of how books can come to the rescue. =)  

The Outsmarting of Criminals

Title: The Outsmarting of Criminals

Author: Steven Rigolosi [Website] [Twitter] [Amazon]

Publisher: Ransom Note Press

Series: Miss Felicity Prim Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780977378791

Length: 303 pages + "Junusakey Lemonade" Recipe

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I saw it on Wowbrary, and it caught my attention.  The cover's nice and eye-catching too.

Comments:

Miss Felicity Prim might call it "coincidence."  Her sister Miss Celia Prim might call it "cosmic alignment."  I would call it corny beyond belief but also vastly amusing.

Miss Prim is a great reader of books, most especially mysteries.  She has decided to completely uproot her life and begin a career (of sorts) as an amateur sleuth.  She certainly understands the way of things (courtesy of her reading experience).  And asking questions and reasoning is certainly the best way to solve a crime.  People do so overly rely on technology these days.

I'm sure you're beginning to see that this book is written with a very old fashioned feel.   Throughout, Miss Prim goes back and forth between believing herself a "modern woman" while holding to her mother's ideals and scoffing at the technology of the world around her.  In some ways I was put in mind of the Jane Austen era.  Or one of Kasey Michaels quirky historical romances only in cozy mystery fashion rather than romance.

The library copy I've been reading is overdue, and the next person in line is the mother of a co-worker.  So I'm describing the book to said co-worker.  I declared it (while only half way through) to be funny and weird (though that may not be the best of descriptions).  I found the story to be utterly charming, even as I was alternately rolling my eyes at Miss Prim and snickering over some line or another.

And the ending!  You could maybe guess part, but I challenge you to figure out everything.  It's so convoluted!  One 'eh part of note - I did not like the Epilogue.  But it was only one page.

Anyway, according to the author's blog/website this is the first in a series, though I've seen nothing about book two.  I'm sure it will be equally charming.

A Tale of Two Biddies

Title: A Tale of Two Biddies

Author: Kylie Logan [Website][Facebook][Twitter] aka Casey Daniels [Website][Facebook][Twitter] aka Miranda Bliss aka Zoe Daniels aka Constance Laux aka Connie Deka aka Connie Lane aka Connie Laux

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: League of Literary Ladies, Bk 2

ISBN: 9780425257760

Length: 276 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I enjoyed the first book in the series and was interested in reading more.  Plus books and book discussions and cozy mystery and a cover with a cute cat...

Comments:

The League of Literary Ladies have been reading A Tale of Two Cities.  Like the first book in this series, I have not read this classic (yet).  That did not detract from my enjoyment of the story, (though I know even less about Dickens's book and needed all the details provided throughout).  The town is even more immersed in literature than usual because they are having a special Bastille festival, complete with a Dickens impersonator competition.

Between the various Charles Dickens, the re-named formerly big rock boy band members, and the locals there are plenty of suspects when the chaos-causing and much-hated handyman Richie is murdered.

So you can rather guess who the culprit is (although there is actually more than one mystery) due to some pretty large hints.  But plenty of twists - and suspects - keep you from being too sure, so that was okay.

Bea Cartwright is settling in.  Her B&B is doing well.  She is keeping a truce with her neighbors and book discussion group (dare I say she has even become friends with them?).  She and Levi have more potential for developing a relationship.  The fly in the ointment is that Bea is STILL not sharing anything from her past life with anybody.  And can all these budding friendships survive on secrets?

Anyway, I look forward to reading the third book in the series.  And maybe by then I'll have read some of these classics.

Mayhem at the Orient Express

Title: Mayhem at the Orient Express

Author: Kylie Logan [Website][Facebook][Twitter] aka Casey Daniels [Website][Facebook][Twitter] aka Miranda Bliss aka Zoe Daniels aka Constance Laux aka Connie Deka aka Connie Lane aka Connie Laux

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: League of Literary Ladies, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780425257753

Length: 282 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

A cozy mystery featuring "literary ladies," at title referencing a classic cozy mystery, and a cat on the cover.  How could I resist?

Comments:

I enjoy pretty much any book that involves books, but those that parallel a classic work seem to have an extra touch of fun.  I haven't read Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express (yet), but I know enough of the story that I could see those parallels.  And if you aren't familiar with the story, teh relevant parts are discussed.  But this is more than just an "inspired by" book.  It also has book discussion.  And I love that part as well.

Now the part that annoyed me is the secrecy of the main character, Bea.  I understand she's getting away and doesn't want her business leaked all over town.  She certainly doesn't want it to be spread beyond that.  She's been the victim of a stalker before, and she has a secret, apparently high-profile identity (and while the reader is not specifically told what that identity is, you are given abundant and obvious clues).  But despite all the validity of her wanting privacy and normalcy, she needs to learn to trust.  I am a nosy (I want to know what is going on) and open (I will talk about my life to friends and family.  I don't hold back because of the stigma of the situation.) person, both.  I can keep your secrets, but I dislike ones kept from me.  And I feel strongly that family and/or friends (if you aren't close to your family) should be kept in the loop.

Anyway, that's a personal quirk that nagged throughout the book, but it didn't detract from me enjoying the story or characters.  I look forward to reading more of the series and have, in fact, already read book 2, A Tale of Two Biddies.

The Cherry Cola Book Club

Title: The Cherry Cola Book Club

Author: Ashton Lee

Publisher: Kensington Fiction

Series: Cherry Cola Book Club, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780758273413

Length: 243 + "Recipes for Loyal, Hungry Readers" + A Reading Group Guide (Discussion Questions)

Why this book?:

It featured a book club.  It has a bright, cheery, cozy, attractive cover.  (I really love the cover.)  I was in the right mood to pick it up (I put in a purchase request for it back when it was first coming out but never read it until now).

Comments:

The librarian and library in trouble theme interested me.  Oh, and the library programming aspect was especially interesting.  The library will be shut down (crossed off the town's budget) if Beth can't show that the library is an integral part of the community and important to the voters.  And the solution she decides on is a new book club.

In some ways the friendships built in this book reminded me of Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek books (or at least the 1 I've read).  On the other hand, I hesitate to call this women's fiction because it makes such a point of bringing up how men can read and participate in book discussions, etc.  But mostly that's how it felt.

Anyway, I look forward to reading the next book, The Reading Circle.

Embedding was disabled (how stupid is that?), but if you'd like you can find a YouTube trailer about The Cherry Cola Book Club here [Trailer].

The Good Thief's Guide to Amsterdam

Title: The Good Thief's Guide to Amsterdam


Author: Chris Ewan [Website][Facebook][Twitter]
Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur

Series: The Good Thief's Guide to..., Bk 1

ISBN: 9780312376338

Length: 238 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?: 

It's a thief book.  And a book about an author who writes thief books.  And a mystery.  I was intrigued.

Comments: 

I'll be brief.  Charlie is an author of thief books.  He's also a thief.  The book starts with a man offering him a job - steal some cheap little evil see, do, speak figurines from two locations while the man has dinner with the occupants of those homes.  And Charlie does, but things go awry from there (or maybe even before that).  Now Charlie's figuring out just what is so special about these figurines and who the murderer is, all while looking for a fix for a major plot hole in his current work-in-progress.

I enjoyed the book.  I wished I had paid more attention to the descriptions of Amsterdam when I realized I'd be there for about 24-hrs.  As it is, all I can say is WOW.  I knew there'd be a lot of bike travel.  I remembered that much.  But there are bikes EVERYWHERE.  I didn't get as far around as Charlie did.  But I did get to see the Van Gogh museum (briefly - I had a plane to catch).

Anyway, I do intend to read more of the series, the next being The Good Thief's Guide to Paris.

Trailer:

 

Lending a Paw

Title: Lending a Paw

Author: Laurie Cass [Website][Facebook]  aka Laura Alden [Website][Facebook] aka Janet Koch [Smashwords] [Facebook]

Publisher: Obsidian Mystery

Series: Bookmobile Cat Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780451415462

Length: 344 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Um. Cats. Books. Cozy Mystery. Need I go on?

Comments:

I was into Lending a Paw right from the start.  I liked Minnie and her job.  I loved her bookmobile.  (I've never been in one, but I love the idea.  Wish the local library had one.)  Her cat, Eddie, is great.  I liked and/or appreciated most of the secondary characters.  And because of Minnie, I was invested in figuring out who murdered the victim.  I did guess who the murderer was (though not why until certain details are revealed).  But that certainly didn't detract from the book for me.

Basically, though my thoughts apparently aren't lengthy, I really enjoyed this book and am definitely looking forward to reading the next in the series, Tailing a Tabby (due out in July 2014).

The Sayers Swindle

Title: The Sayers Swindle

Author: Victoria Abbott [Website] aka mother/daughter team Mary Jane Maffini [Website] AND Victoria Maffini [Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: Book Collector Mystery, Bk 2

ISBN: 9780425255292

Length: 292 pages + Recipes

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I just finished the first book, The Christie Curse.  And this is written by Canadian authors qualifying it for The 7th annual Canadian Book Challenge.

Comments:

I felt Jordan was a bit naïve regarding some characters and situations in this book, but otherwise I enjoyed it.  This time Jordan is trying to recover some books that were stolen from her employer's collection and subsequently sold.  Sayers is an author that I've heard of but never read.  But after hearing so much about her characters and books throughout this book, I feel that I'm sorely lacking.

I haven't that much to say about this one.  I do intend to read the next book, though.

Trailer:

The Christie Curse

Title: The Christie Curse

Author: Victoria Abbott [Website] aka mother/daughter team Mary Jane Maffini [Website] AND Victoria Maffini [Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: Book Collector Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780425255285

Length: 291 pages + "Recipes"

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I'd been interested in it since I first heard of it.  I've heard great things since.  And I knew the 2nd book had just come out.

Comments:

Jordan has gotten a new job for a reclusive working with her rare book collection.  First task, track down an elusive play written by Agatha Christie - if it actually exists.  But thats not such an easy thing to do.  There's a lot about Agatha Christie discussed throughout the book that I never knew.

Anyway, I was interested with the book collector aspect of this.  I enjoyed the characters, particularly Jordan.  And I was met with two pleasant surprises.  One, Jordan comes from a thief family.  I love stories with good-guy thieves.  And two, the authors, Mary Jane and Victoria Maffini are Canadian!  Which means this book goes toward The 7th annual Canadian Book Challenge.

I've already read book 2, The Sayers Swindle.

Open This Little Book (Children's Book)

Title: Open This Little Book

Author: Jesse Klausmeier; Illustrated by Suzy Lee

Publisher: Chronicle Books

ISBN: 9780811867832

Obtained: Library book

Why this book?:

I don't remember if I saw it on a shelf or on Wowbrary, but it was about books so...

Comments:

This is a very fun book.  It has so much going for it.

Colors and animals.  An encouraging reading/book theme.  And it's a great interactive read.

The kiddos can turn the pages and help with the reading (one assumes - my nephews and niece didn't really see it before I had to return it).

Each character is emphasized in a different font and there's a nice use of repetition.  The illustrations are cute and vivid.

I'm planning on recommending it at work.  And I'd be happy to "open another" book by this author or with this illustrator.