White Sand Blues

Title: White Sand Blues

Author: Vicki Delany

Publisher: Rapid Reads (Orca)

Series: Ashley Grant Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9781459815353

Length: 138 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

This is the first book I've read for the 12th annual Canadian Book Challenge.  This book is set in the Victoria and Albert Islands (which apparently fall under Britain), but the author Vicki Delany is Canadian, as are the primary and several secondary characters.

This is a Rapid Reads book, which means it is short and fast paced - meant for those who need help with adult literacy or reluctant readers.  Vicki has also written a standalone, A Winter Kill, and the Ray Robertson series (book 1 is Juba Good) for this line.

While I preferred the Ray Robertson series to this book, it was a quick and enjoyable mystery.  Ahsleyhas just gotten in and hasn't even been to her hotel when she is called in to help on her first case as a medic for the Grand Victoria Island; a Canadian has been found dead in the water.  Her intriductionto this new job is even more startling when it turns out she knows the victim's daughter from her school days back in Canada.

I look forward to reading book 2 in this series, Blue Water Hues.

Just Gone

Title: Just Gone

Author: William Kowalski [Website][Twitter][Facebook]

Publisher: Rapid Reads

ISBN: 9781459803275

Length: 107 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Sounded interesting and I like the Rapid Reads line in general.

Comments:

Strange.  It actually reminded me of the Lovecraft inspired books, only without the monsters.  Though now that I say that, you could say it is a matter of perspective and there are monsters in this book.  Whatever the case, it had a surreal feel. 

Anqelique, better known as Mother, runs a shelter for homeless/endangered women and children.  She's seen many come and go, but finds two children that arrive, Chantay and Jamal particularly memorable.  Particularly due to the story Jamal brings with him of Jacky Wacky who protects children from the abusive and neglectful adults in their lives.  Angelique parts way with the children, but they (and the story) make a lasting impact all the way into her last years.

Search and Rescue

Title: Search and Rescue

Author: Gail Anderson-Dargatz [Website][Twitter]

Publisher: Raven Books Rapid Reads

Series: Clair Abbott Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9781459805767

Length: 102 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

This is one of the Rapid Reads books I asked the library to read.  It is also another book that counts toward the 8th annual Canadian Book Challenge held by The Book Mine Set since Gail Anderson-Dargatz lives in British Columbia.

Comments: 

Hmmm.  Claire seems like an interesting character.  But her mom seems a bit of a ditz and Claire has indications of following in her footsteps - and I'm not referring to the psychic abilities.  This is one of the Rapid Reads which means it is supposed to promote adult literacy.  It takes place all in one night, with dangerous conditions and scenario to help keep the blood pumping and the reader involved.  

In general, I enjoyed it, and I probably would/will read more of the series.  

But that isn't to say I didn't recognize problems and they do exist.  The rest of this has SPOILERS... beware...


- Claire stands up her date - again.  And despite repeated reminders, never calls to tell him or explain.
- Claire, once knowing she's going to trek around in dangerous winter conditions in search of a missing girl, does not take the time to stop and change her entirely inappropriate clothes or pick up the mobile phone she left at home.
- Claire's mom, instead of getting help in a hostage situation, sticks around so they all are in danger with no possibility of backup.  This leaves them dependent on sheer luck. !!! This is the only point I mention about Claire's mom, but it is such a big one I just couldn't BELIEVE it.
- After everyone, including Mike, believes in Claire, he takes her out.  Claire STILL hasn't contacted her planned date.  She thinks it's over, and has decided she's not really into him.  But she hasn't even told him yet.  Seemed kinda tacky and in poor manners.  On both her and Mike's parts (he's aware of the situation).

Juba Good

Title: Juba Good

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

Publisher: Raven Books Rapid Reads

Series: Ray Robertson Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9781459804906

Length: 119 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I was checking out some of the Rapid Reads titles.  When I saw Vicki Delany had a new one I had to request the library get it.  Plus it counts toward the 8th annual Canadian Book Challenge held by The Book Mine Set since Vicki Delany lives in Ontario.

Comments:

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Ray Robertson is approaching the end of his year in Juba, South Sudan as a UN mentor.  But there has been a string of murders and piecing together clues as to who the killer may be isn't easy under the conditions.

Like all Rapid Reads the book is a quick read, with short sentences and simple wording while remaining engaging and fast paced (though not as much so as some I've read)... Perfect for reluctant readers, etc. who still want adult material.

The book also provided an interesting (if sometimes difficult) view of this newly (2011) independent state.  I'm very interested in reading more about Ray Robertson in future stories.

The Thirteenth Rose

Title: The Thirteenth Rose

Author: Gail Bowen [Website][Regina Public Library]

Publisher: Rapid Reads

Series:  The World According to Charlie D, Bk 4

ISBN: 9781459802254

Length: 85 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I've been reading this series since One Fine Day You're Gonna Die (the 2nd in the series - I had to backtrack to read the first, Love You to Death.)  And of course I read the 3rd book, The Shadow Killer.  And of course, the series has the added benefit of being by a Canadian Author and qualifying for the 7th annual Canadian Book Challenge.

Comments:

It's quick and easy, yes - it's intended to help with adult literacy.  But the quality is there.  This time the book takes place on Valentine's Day.

On his way to work, Charlie D stops long enough to give a rose to a tired prostitute along the way.  It's then that he hears about a new cult-like extremist group targeting those in that line of work.  He goes on his way, feel deeply troubled.  But the nights romantic show turns scary when the group starts turning threat into action... and murdering said prostitutes in multiple cities.  Charlie D must keep his cool and run the show even while trying to save more lives from being needlessly taken.

I do like Charlie D.  I wish I could listen to the actual radio show it's based on, but I haven't found a way to do that yet.  Anyone know if you can get the CBC production of The World According to Charlie D?  Maybe on CD?  Or even downloadable?

A Winter Kill

Title: A Winter Kill

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

Publisher: Rapid Reads (Raven Books)

ISBN: 9781554699568

Pages: 111

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

I had to read this book for a number of reasons.  It's another Canadian book (set in Ontario).  It's by the same author that writes the Klondike Mysteries I've been reading.  And it's a Rapid Read.  I know I've gone on about Rapid Reads before, but I'm going to do so again.  I just love the idea of a line of books for adults with literacy issues and reluctant readers.  I admire the line and the authors who write for it.  You can imagine how excited I was when I discovered one of the Canadian authors I've been trying out recently had written a book for this line.   So I requested the library purchase it.

This was actually a little different than some of the Rapid Reads I've tried so far.  Instead of being a story that takes place in a shorter amount of time, the story does take place over days.  I suppose this actually makes the investigation more realistic.  It was also different from the Vicki Delany books I've read so far as it's a contemporary mystery.

The primary character, Nicole Patterson, is likable enough.  I did like her more before her primary interest/motivation in the case was revealed.  Said interest was relevant to the times and showed a fallibility that made for more realism in what seemed to be unrealistic investigation by someone so low ranking in law enforcement.  But it was one of those things that, once discovered, you want to distance yourself from.

Overall, the story was a quick read.  This was especially convenient as I've found it incredibly difficult to concentrate on reading recently.

A pinch of this, a dash of that...

The Shadow Killer (3rd story featuring late-night radio host Charlie D) by Gail Bowen (library copy) -

I've talked about how much I enjoy this series (both Rapid Reads and Charlie D) before.  This particular story was just as intense as the others before it.  It centered on Father's Day, and while Charlie D's take on fathers is vastly different than my own, I found the numerous father quotes (and the way certain songs were mixed in) interesting.  The only problem was how abrupt the ending was.  You go on this scary ride that stops just at the edge of a cliff.  Then calmly walk back home (or wherever) as if nothing happened.  Nevertheless, I remain a Charlie D fan and hope to read more about him in the future.

Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly (library copy) -

When I heard there was going to be a new Janet Evanovich romance (not a reprint) and it was a first in series (not one I have to catch up to read) I was excited.  Here's the thing... It was nice, but it lacked that special something that usually draws me to Evanovich's books.  I don't regret reading it, but I won't be getting a personal copy (i.e. Explosive Eighteen was a library copy, but I've kept it on my PaperBackSwap Wish List so I'll get a keeper copy eventually).

The Demon's Parchment (Crispin Guest Medieval Noir, Bk 3) by Jeri Westerson (library HB copy) -

This passage through Crispin's life had some interesting turns.  Certain attitudes during that time (like those towards Jews) are one thing to recognize as history.  But when the character you like and are following agrees with those attitudes... it's realistic but frustrating.  I did like that Crispin eventually uses his head more than mindlessly following what he's been told, but even then, prejudice is a hard thing to break.  The case he's working on is horrifying (stomach-turning).  The most fascinating (and still horrible) part is in the afterword when the author tells you it's based on a true medieval serial killer, in addition to a lot of other interesting bits of information relating to happenings in the story.  Anyway, the trailer I saw with a review of the 4th book in this series, Troubled Bones, is what got me started on this series so I certainly look forward to reading that.

Grave Witch (Alex Craft, Bk 1) by Kalayna Price (ILL copy) -

I decided to try this after reading a review at Babbling Book Reviews.  I enjoyed it.  I like Alex.  I also like Falin, and Death, and Roy... it's always a good sign for me when I like not only the protag but also multiple supporting characters.  I found the different types of magic, and especially Alex's grave magic, interesting.  I look forward to reading book 2, Grave Dance.  At the least it should be another ILL.  Or maybe my library will decide to purchase it.  We'll see...

Beware of the Frog by William Bee (library copy) -

I read this awhile ago, and my nephews and niece (especially my niece) loved it. So I had to mention it before I returned it (I've had it out for 6 weeks).  It's seems like it's just going to be a nice read, and surprise!... it turns funny.  But the end is the REAL surprise... Hilarious.  Plus it has literary pluses... descriptive words, and other things about fonts and patterns that I don't really remember from my early literacy class.

A little on the darker side ...

Veil of Lies by Jeri Westerson (Crispin Guest Medieval Noir, Bk 1) (library copy) -

I read this after seeing a review (including an intriguing trailer) of the 4th book of the series, Troubled Bones on the Mysteries and My Musings blog. I was worried because I'm not usually fond of books set during the medieval period, but I decided to give it a try anyway.  Aspects of the story reminded me of Robin Hood (in particular I picture the BBC America television show), such as Crispin's fall from knighthood and rocky relationship with the Sheriff.  Other aspects were intriguing in their own right.  Crispin has resorted to all he has left since his fall in status.  He must walk a line socially between his former and current peers.  I wasn't fond of his derision toward the lower classes, but it does make him more human.  He's flawed, and he needs to work around it.  Overall, I'm glad I tried it and I look forward to reading book 2, Serpent in the Thorns.

Child of Fire (library copy) and Game of Cages (personal copy)
by Harry Connolly (Twenty Palaces, Bks 1 & 2) -

I liked the protagonist, Ray Lilly. He's had an interesting past as a criminal, but despite that he has a moral standard that allows the reader to connect with him. Child of Fire had some gruesome stomach turning aspects that I can't describe fully but make for a very intense story. I wasn't as into Game of Cages because his boss, Annalise Powliss, isn't part of the story from the beginning of the story, but I still found it very interesting. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the third book in the series, Circle of Enemies. In addition to wanting to know what happens to Ray after the events of book 2, it sounds like book 3 gives some answers to things in his past that haven't been fully explained in books 1 and 2. And on that note...

the trailer...

Full Twenty Palaces Trailer from Harry Connolly on Vimeo.

Orchestrated Murder by Rick Blechta -

This is the 3rd of the Rapid Reads line that I've read.  While I didn't enjoy this as much as Gail Bowen's Chalie D books, I still appreciated the fast-paced movement of the story characteristic of this line.  I particularly found it interesting how the author balanced the detective solving the case within a short time period while trying to be realistic with things like how long it would take to get lab results.

Love You to Death

Title: Love You To Death

Author: Gail Bowen

Publisher: Raven Books Rapid Reads

Copyright Date: 2010

Print Date: April 2010

ISBN: 9781554692620

Pages: 94

Series: 1st story featuring late-night radio host Charlie D (connected to Joanne Kilbourn series)

Book Description (from dust jacket):

Charlie D is the host of a successful late-night radio call-in show that offers supportive advice to troubled listeners. Love You To Death takes place during one installment of "The World According to Charlie D" — two hours during which Charlie must discover who is killing some of the most vulnerable members of his audience.

The Author Speaks:


McNally Robinson presents Gail Bowen from Mcnally Robinson Booksellers on Vimeo.

And for more details behind what inspired this series and format, you can visit Gail Bowen's blog post.

Comments:

I enjoyed the book, though I wish I read it before One Day You're Gonna Die. I'm still not sure if I'm drawn by the author, format, or story time frame. And Charlie D was as likable as I remembered. I especially like how inspiring he is to others. In any case, I can certainly see how this would be a good book for reluctant readers, etc. I look forward to reading the third in this series, The Shadow Killer, due out in September.

One Fine Day You're Gonna Die

Title: One Fine Day You're Gonna Die

Author: Gail Bowen

Publisher: Raven Books Rapid Reads

Copyright Date: 2010

ISBN: 9781554693375

Pages: 93

Series: 2nd story featuring late-night radio host Charlie D.

Book Description (from back cover):

It will take all of Chalie D's skills to keep this Halloween from being another "Day of the Dead."

Charlie D is back doing his late-night radio call-in show. It's Halloween — The Day of the Dead. His studio guest this evening is Dr. Robin Harris, an arrogant and ambitious "expert in the arts of dying and grieving." Charlie and Dr. Harris do not hit it off. Things go from bad to worse when the doctor's ex-lover goes on air to announce that he's about to end his life.

Comments:

I was told to take a break and walk around at work. So I did, right past the new fiction. Where my attention was drawn to this book. I grabbed it, thinking to read a line or two and see if it might be interested. Next thing I know, I'm checking it out, reading it throughout my lunch break, and getting right back to it as soon as I'm home.

It was quick and engaging. I was immediately caught up by the characters and the story. I don't know if it was the author, Gail Bowen, the short format consistent with Rapid Reads (from what I gather, these books are intended for reluctant readers or those with literacy issues), or the fact that the whole story took place within a two hour timeframe. Whatever the case, I enjoyed reading One Fine Day You're Gonna Die. I made a point of looking for (and reading) the first Charlie D story, Love You To Death, and look forward to reading more.