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.

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.

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.

Gold Fever

Title: Gold Fever

Author: Vicki Delany

Publisher: RendezVous Crime

Series: Klondike Mystery, Bk 2

ISBN: 9781926607023

Pages: 290

Obtained: ILL library copy


Comments:

I put off reading this until the day it was due (don't ask why... I enjoyed the first one).  Once I finally read it, I was quickly re-immersed in late 19th century Klondike gold rush period with Fiona and her friends and family.  The one thing that I find a little irritating is how Fiona goes on (often) about being the most beautiful woman in Dawson and how she isn't bragging.  Beyond that I like her.  I enjoyed the mystery aspect as well.  There was a lot going on that managed to confuse things.  Anyway, while I'm still hesitant about apparently going backwards in Fiona's timeline (I'm hoping I'm wrong), I will still be reading Gold Mountain.  And I have a Rapid Read by Vicki Delany waiting as well.

Gold Digger

Title: Gold Digger

Author: Vicki Delany

Publisher: RendezVous Crime

Series: Klondike Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9781894917803

Pages: 317

Obtained: Library ILL copy

Comments:

I really enjoyed this.  I liked Fiona, though at times she could be a bit arrogant.  She was very certain that she was the most beautiful woman in town and that, of course men would look at her, adore her, etc.  But beyond that, she's a strong woman, a good, loving mother, and a successful businesswoman.  So when a man who made a lot of enemies quickly in the town, in her dance hall, with her employees and customers alike is murdered and left in her place of business, well, of course she's going to look into it.  I liked some of the other characters as well.  Fiona's son Angus, the Constable Richard Sterling (of the North-West Mounted Police), and various other characters in town (like Mouse) made a charming lot.

In addition to the characters, I was intrigued by the setting and time period.  Can you imagine what it would be like during the Klondike Gold Rush?  Oh, there would be all the negative aspects, the impact on families, the way the men got caught in the gamble, the poor living conditions, etc.  And this story lets the reader see those points.  But it also displayed the adventure, and the hope for change and betterment.

The book has an alternating person view.  Written in first-person from Fiona's perspective and third-person from anyone else (mostly Angus, sometimes Constable Sterling, etc).  The transition took me by surprise the first time or two, but once I adjusted I actually appreciated this.  It allows the reader to connect with and better understand Fiona.  But you also get an idea of what is happening in her absence.  There's my never-ending curiosity peeking through.

Anyway, I've requested the second book, Gold Fever, through ILL as well.  The library has the third, Gold Mountain, on order already (that's actually what drew my attention to the series).  It looks like the 3rd book actually goes back to a time prior to the 1st, which is frustrating.  But I still hope to read both soon.