TITLE: IN THE WOODS
AUTHOR: TANA FRENCH
Pages: 485
Date: 26/06/2007
Grade: 4
Library
When he was twelve, Adam Ryan went into the woods behind his housing estate with his friends. When he was found by a search party he was alone, with blood in his shoes and no memory of what had happened. His friends were never found.
Now twenty years later he goes by the name Rob Ryan, and work's in Dublin's murder squad. Rob, and his partner, Cassie, catch the case of a twelve year old girl from the same estate, who is found murdered and left close to the same woods.
Rob should refuse to work on the case because of a possible link with his past, but he doesn't.
As the case unfolds, Ryan slowly unravels as he becomes obsessed with both the present and the past case and puts both his job and his personal relationships at risk.
Well written story, but not a book for anyone who likes their mysteries neatly solved and all questions answered.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
BURNING BRIGHT
TITLE: BURNING BRIGHT
AUTHOR: TRACY CHEVALIER
Pages: 386
Date: 22/06/2007
Grade: 4+
Library
After suffering a tragic loss in their native Dorset, the Kellaway family move to London, where they are like fish out of water.
Jem, the youngest of the Kellaways, soon befriends Maggie Butterfield, a streetwise London girl with a secret.
The Kellaway family move into a house next to where William Blake lives with his wife, and a friendship develops between Jem, Maggie and Blake.
But these are restless and dangerous times in London, where the French revolution causes fear and suspicion and demands for loyalty to the crown develop into terror and violence.
As Jem and Maggie discover life, each other and the responsibilities that live brings, they grow up and influence the lives of those around them.
A good read, but I felt the book didn't tell me enough. The blur on the book sleeve promises: "Their journey influences one of Blake's most entrancing works." But after finishing the book I still don't know what that work of Blake's is supposed to be. Did I miss something? Should I have known more about Blake before starting the book in order to identify that work of his? I don't know, but I would have preferred it if the book had delivered better on this promise.
Still, Chevalier writes a compelling story that does stand on it's own.
AUTHOR: TRACY CHEVALIER
Pages: 386
Date: 22/06/2007
Grade: 4+
Library
After suffering a tragic loss in their native Dorset, the Kellaway family move to London, where they are like fish out of water.
Jem, the youngest of the Kellaways, soon befriends Maggie Butterfield, a streetwise London girl with a secret.
The Kellaway family move into a house next to where William Blake lives with his wife, and a friendship develops between Jem, Maggie and Blake.
But these are restless and dangerous times in London, where the French revolution causes fear and suspicion and demands for loyalty to the crown develop into terror and violence.
As Jem and Maggie discover life, each other and the responsibilities that live brings, they grow up and influence the lives of those around them.
A good read, but I felt the book didn't tell me enough. The blur on the book sleeve promises: "Their journey influences one of Blake's most entrancing works." But after finishing the book I still don't know what that work of Blake's is supposed to be. Did I miss something? Should I have known more about Blake before starting the book in order to identify that work of his? I don't know, but I would have preferred it if the book had delivered better on this promise.
Still, Chevalier writes a compelling story that does stand on it's own.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
INNOCENT IN DEATH
TITLE: INNOCENT IN DEATH
AUTHOR: JD ROBB
Pages: 385
Date: 19/06/2007
Grade: 5
Details: nr. 24 Eve Dallas & Roarke Mystery
Library.
When a popular teacher dies in the private school where he works there appears to be no motive and no suspect for Eve Dallas to work with.
And events in her private life make concentrating on this case even harder, when a beautiful woman from Roarke's past turns up in their present and Roarke appears blind to her manipulations.
But when a second teacher dies, Eve has to get her head together and solve the mystery before others die.
And when Eve does figure it all out, the solution is so shocking that no one is willing to believe her. But sometimes there are real monsters living with us, and they have to be stopped.
Gripping, thrilling and sexy, as expected.
AUTHOR: JD ROBB
Pages: 385
Date: 19/06/2007
Grade: 5
Details: nr. 24 Eve Dallas & Roarke Mystery
Library.
When a popular teacher dies in the private school where he works there appears to be no motive and no suspect for Eve Dallas to work with.
And events in her private life make concentrating on this case even harder, when a beautiful woman from Roarke's past turns up in their present and Roarke appears blind to her manipulations.
But when a second teacher dies, Eve has to get her head together and solve the mystery before others die.
And when Eve does figure it all out, the solution is so shocking that no one is willing to believe her. But sometimes there are real monsters living with us, and they have to be stopped.
Gripping, thrilling and sexy, as expected.
CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO HEAVEN
TITLE: CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO HEAVEN
AUTHOR: FANNIE FLAGG
Pages: 359
Date: 16/06/2007
Grade: 5
Library
In this wonderful, feel good, book Fannie Flagg takes us back to Elmwood Springs, Missouri, where 90-something Mrs. Elner Shimfissle, against the expressed wishes of her niece Norma, climbs up a ladder into a fig tree one morning, only to upset a nest of wasps and fall out of the tree. When she arrives in hospital she's pronounced dead, much to the distress of her family, neighbours and friends.
Elner travels up to heaven, a place filled with people she knows and loves, but also a place she can't stay right now.
After five hours of being death, Elner wakes up in hospital, much to every one's consternation and not every body's happiness.
Over time, it turns out that Elner's death and return to life has had a profound effect on those around her, bringing positive changes to almost every body's lives.
Took some very nice quotes from this book.
AUTHOR: FANNIE FLAGG
Pages: 359
Date: 16/06/2007
Grade: 5
Library
In this wonderful, feel good, book Fannie Flagg takes us back to Elmwood Springs, Missouri, where 90-something Mrs. Elner Shimfissle, against the expressed wishes of her niece Norma, climbs up a ladder into a fig tree one morning, only to upset a nest of wasps and fall out of the tree. When she arrives in hospital she's pronounced dead, much to the distress of her family, neighbours and friends.
Elner travels up to heaven, a place filled with people she knows and loves, but also a place she can't stay right now.
After five hours of being death, Elner wakes up in hospital, much to every one's consternation and not every body's happiness.
Over time, it turns out that Elner's death and return to life has had a profound effect on those around her, bringing positive changes to almost every body's lives.
Took some very nice quotes from this book.
BLIND TO THE BONES
TITLE: BLIND TO THE BONES
AUTHOR: STEPHEN BOOTH
Pages: 632
Date: 14/06/2007
Grade: 5
Details: nr. 4 Diane Fry & Ben Cooper Mystery
Library
Withens is a dark and dismal village in the Peak District. Ben Cooper is her to investigate the Oxley family, alleged cause of much anti-social behaviour.
Meanwhile, Diane Cooper is looking into the disappearance of a young girl, also from Withens, two years ago.
Then a young man, a member of the extended Oxley family, is murdered and suddenly three case are connected.
Meanwhile Ben is approached by Diane's long lost sister, who has a very unusual request.
This is a great series. Good mysteries with an even better eye for detail and an author who describes things and places in such a way that I can actually see them.
AUTHOR: STEPHEN BOOTH
Pages: 632
Date: 14/06/2007
Grade: 5
Details: nr. 4 Diane Fry & Ben Cooper Mystery
Library
Withens is a dark and dismal village in the Peak District. Ben Cooper is her to investigate the Oxley family, alleged cause of much anti-social behaviour.
Meanwhile, Diane Cooper is looking into the disappearance of a young girl, also from Withens, two years ago.
Then a young man, a member of the extended Oxley family, is murdered and suddenly three case are connected.
Meanwhile Ben is approached by Diane's long lost sister, who has a very unusual request.
This is a great series. Good mysteries with an even better eye for detail and an author who describes things and places in such a way that I can actually see them.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
THE FOUR COURTS MURDER
TITLE: THE FOUR COURTS MURDER
AUTHOR: ANDREW NUGENT
Pages: 341
Date: 13/06/2007
Grade: 4
Own
The High Court Judge found dead in his rooms in the Four Courts was not liked by many, if any. But the investigation into his death is anything but straight forward.
Who was the beautiful young man seen in the gallery of the Judge's court that day?
How does a stolen painting being smuggled to France fit in?
Is there any connection to the priest who died in Port Laoise?
Inspector Dennis Lennon and Sergeant Molly Power investigate a lot of avenues, and a lot of dead ends, only for Justice to elude them when the do figure out the truth.
But sometimes, punishment is delivered by others than the law enforcers.
Fun to read a mystery set in Dublin. The writing seemed a bit disjointed and took some getting used to. But definitely not a bad first work of fiction by this author.
AUTHOR: ANDREW NUGENT
Pages: 341
Date: 13/06/2007
Grade: 4
Own
The High Court Judge found dead in his rooms in the Four Courts was not liked by many, if any. But the investigation into his death is anything but straight forward.
Who was the beautiful young man seen in the gallery of the Judge's court that day?
How does a stolen painting being smuggled to France fit in?
Is there any connection to the priest who died in Port Laoise?
Inspector Dennis Lennon and Sergeant Molly Power investigate a lot of avenues, and a lot of dead ends, only for Justice to elude them when the do figure out the truth.
But sometimes, punishment is delivered by others than the law enforcers.
Fun to read a mystery set in Dublin. The writing seemed a bit disjointed and took some getting used to. But definitely not a bad first work of fiction by this author.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
HET LIJK IN DE HAARLEMMER HOUTTUINEN
TITLE: HET LIJK IN DE HAARLEMMERHOUTTUINEN
AUTHOR: JANWILLEM VAN DE WETERING
Pages: 223
Date: 09/06/2007
Grade: 4
Details: nr.1 Grijpstra en De Gier Mystery
English Title: Outsider in Amsterdam
Re-read
Own
I'm not actually sure that this is the correct English title for this book, but the publishing years are the same.
Brigadier De Gier and Adjudant Grijpstra are called to the Haarlemmerhouttuinen in Amsterdam, where a man is dead, hanging from a ceiling beam.
The man is Piet Verboom, director of the Hindistish Institute which is located in that building. And although the death looks like suicide, Grijpstra and De Gier have their doubts. There's money missing and two known drug dealers where on teh premisses when the death occurred. And there's the mysterious papoa from New Guinea called Van Meeteren, who reported the death, appears very friendly and helpful, but tells them very little.
Good mystery and fun to read again after so many years. A bit dated, as it's set in the 1970's, but being led around Amsterdam more than made up for that.
And I enjoyed reading in my mother tongue again for a change.
AUTHOR: JANWILLEM VAN DE WETERING
Pages: 223
Date: 09/06/2007
Grade: 4
Details: nr.1 Grijpstra en De Gier Mystery
English Title: Outsider in Amsterdam
Re-read
Own
I'm not actually sure that this is the correct English title for this book, but the publishing years are the same.
Brigadier De Gier and Adjudant Grijpstra are called to the Haarlemmerhouttuinen in Amsterdam, where a man is dead, hanging from a ceiling beam.
The man is Piet Verboom, director of the Hindistish Institute which is located in that building. And although the death looks like suicide, Grijpstra and De Gier have their doubts. There's money missing and two known drug dealers where on teh premisses when the death occurred. And there's the mysterious papoa from New Guinea called Van Meeteren, who reported the death, appears very friendly and helpful, but tells them very little.
Good mystery and fun to read again after so many years. A bit dated, as it's set in the 1970's, but being led around Amsterdam more than made up for that.
And I enjoyed reading in my mother tongue again for a change.
ANGEL CAFE
TITLE: ANGEL CAFE
AUTHOR: JILL MORROW
Pages: 375
Date: 06/06/2007
Grade: 4-
Details: nr. 1
Library
Two years ago, Kate Valenti's fiance, Peter, died, with his death ruled a suicide, a verdict that Kate has never believed.
Angel cafe offers psychic readings as well as food, but Kate is highly skeptical of the readings, Tia, the resident psychic is giving, and Tia's supposed Angel-Guide, Valentine. Until, that is a reading tells her that she's right doubting Peter's suicide. And when her secretary falls under Tia and Valentine's spell and appears to be in danger, Kate, together with her aunt, Francesco. Stephen, the owner of Angel Cafe and Chris, Dana's husband, jumps into action. They investigate Tia, who Peter was also investigating at the time of his death, and Valentine.
But Valentine is dangerous, and not at all the guiding angels he presents himself as.
Good story, but not a smooth read, although I couldn't say what, if anything was wrong with the writing.
There's supposed to be a sequel, and I will read that.
AUTHOR: JILL MORROW
Pages: 375
Date: 06/06/2007
Grade: 4-
Details: nr. 1
Library
Two years ago, Kate Valenti's fiance, Peter, died, with his death ruled a suicide, a verdict that Kate has never believed.
She's now a work-aholic attorney finding herself in Angel Cafe with her secretary, Dana.
Angel cafe offers psychic readings as well as food, but Kate is highly skeptical of the readings, Tia, the resident psychic is giving, and Tia's supposed Angel-Guide, Valentine. Until, that is a reading tells her that she's right doubting Peter's suicide. And when her secretary falls under Tia and Valentine's spell and appears to be in danger, Kate, together with her aunt, Francesco. Stephen, the owner of Angel Cafe and Chris, Dana's husband, jumps into action. They investigate Tia, who Peter was also investigating at the time of his death, and Valentine.
But Valentine is dangerous, and not at all the guiding angels he presents himself as.
Good story, but not a smooth read, although I couldn't say what, if anything was wrong with the writing.
There's supposed to be a sequel, and I will read that.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
KEPT
TITLE: KEPT a Victorian Mystery
AUTHOR: D.J. TAYLOR
Pages: 422
Date: 03/06/2007
Grade: 5-
Library
A very different sort of mystery.
It all starts with the death of Mr. Henry Ireland in an apparent horse riding accident. And then his mentally disturbed wife disappears.
But there's a lot more going on; poaching, fraudulent debt collecting, and other crimes, smaller and larger, climaxing in a robbery on the railway.
In fact, the first three quarters of the book describe what's going on in the lives and the circumstances of the characters involved, without connecting too many dots. It's clear that almost everything that's happening is in some way wrong, but exactly how or why, and who is responsible, remains unclear.
Most of the mysteries are solved and most of the questions answered once Captain McTurk of Scotland Yard starts investigating the death of Henry Ireland, the subsequent disappearance of his unfortunate wife as well as the train robbery. But don't expect the resolution to be clear cut or justice to be done all around.
A Victorian mystery, very much written in a Victorian style. Not always easy to read, but thoroughly fascinating.
AUTHOR: D.J. TAYLOR
Pages: 422
Date: 03/06/2007
Grade: 5-
Library
A very different sort of mystery.
It all starts with the death of Mr. Henry Ireland in an apparent horse riding accident. And then his mentally disturbed wife disappears.
But there's a lot more going on; poaching, fraudulent debt collecting, and other crimes, smaller and larger, climaxing in a robbery on the railway.
In fact, the first three quarters of the book describe what's going on in the lives and the circumstances of the characters involved, without connecting too many dots. It's clear that almost everything that's happening is in some way wrong, but exactly how or why, and who is responsible, remains unclear.
Most of the mysteries are solved and most of the questions answered once Captain McTurk of Scotland Yard starts investigating the death of Henry Ireland, the subsequent disappearance of his unfortunate wife as well as the train robbery. But don't expect the resolution to be clear cut or justice to be done all around.
A Victorian mystery, very much written in a Victorian style. Not always easy to read, but thoroughly fascinating.
ALPHABET WEEKENDS
TITLE: ALPHABET WEEKENDS
AUTHOR: ELIZABETH NOBLE
Pages: 425
Date: 31/05/2007
Grade: 4+
Library
Nathalie has been dumped by Simon, the man she had been together with for years, the man she thought would propose to her, the man her family and friends don't think was right for her.
Tom has been Nathalie's friend since childhood and is determined to cheer her up. So, he introduces a game called Alphabet Weekends. Taking turns, and following the letters of the alphabet, they take each other on activities while taking each other out of their comfort zones.
Tom's feelings for Nathalie have changed from friendship to more, but will Nathalie be able to see him in a new light?
Meanwhile, Nathalie's mother, Anna, feels like her life is over, and Lucy, Tom's sister in law is risking her marriage for a man who may not be there for her.
In many ways a predictable story, with a predictable outcome. But it does go deeper than a traditional romance, and in Lucy gave me a character I couldn't really understand or sympathize with.
At times laugh out loud funny, this was an enjoyable read.
AUTHOR: ELIZABETH NOBLE
Pages: 425
Date: 31/05/2007
Grade: 4+
Library
Nathalie has been dumped by Simon, the man she had been together with for years, the man she thought would propose to her, the man her family and friends don't think was right for her.
Tom has been Nathalie's friend since childhood and is determined to cheer her up. So, he introduces a game called Alphabet Weekends. Taking turns, and following the letters of the alphabet, they take each other on activities while taking each other out of their comfort zones.
Tom's feelings for Nathalie have changed from friendship to more, but will Nathalie be able to see him in a new light?
Meanwhile, Nathalie's mother, Anna, feels like her life is over, and Lucy, Tom's sister in law is risking her marriage for a man who may not be there for her.
In many ways a predictable story, with a predictable outcome. But it does go deeper than a traditional romance, and in Lucy gave me a character I couldn't really understand or sympathize with.
At times laugh out loud funny, this was an enjoyable read.
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