TITLE: UP CLOSE AND DANGEROUS
AUTHOR: LINDA HOWARD
Pages: 325
Date: 30/03/2008
Grade: 4+
Library
Bailey Wingate is a widow, left in charge of her useless, adult step-children's trust funds by their father. Something for which both of them hate her.
She's on her way to meet her brother and sister in law for a rafting holiday when the private plane she's travelling in crashes high in the mountains, leaving the pilot, Cam Justice, wounded and unconscious.
Bailey has to use all of her ingenuity to get herself and Cam off the plane and into enough shelter to prevent them from freezing to death.
Bailey and Cam had not liked each other before the disaster, but having to work together just to stay alive, leads to a whole new appreciation of each other. And the knowledge that the crash was not an accident makes them more determined to make it back to civilisation.
Fun, thrilling and sexy and therefore highly enjoyable.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
THE BOLEYN INHERITANCE
TITLE: THE BOLEYN INHERITANCE
AUTHOR: PHILLIPA GREGORY
Pages: 726
Date: 28/03/2008
Grade: 4+
Details: Large Print
Library
This book is the sequel to "THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL".
The story is told in turns by Jane Boleyn, Anne of Cleves, and Katherine Howard.
The story of Anne's marriage to Henry, doomed before it even took place, and his infatuation with Katherine Howard, younger then his daughter Mary, and his subsequent marriage to her, is well known. As is Katherine's fate, once she falls in love with young Thomas.
And this time, Jane Boleyn, who once again plays a central role in the lives of her queens, doesn't escape with her life. Only Anne is lucky enough to outlive Henry.
Whereas Julia Fox in her non-fiction book on Jane Boleyn paints her as a woman, trapped in a world ruled by power hungry men, ruled by a ruthless, spoiled and selfish king (if he wasn't plain mad), Gregory refers back to the verdict of her as established through the centuries. One that paints her as a bad and mad woman, out only to look after her own interests.
I've no idea where the truth lies, and don't think that anybody can be sure now. But I suspect that it lies probably somewhere between the two versions.
AUTHOR: PHILLIPA GREGORY
Pages: 726
Date: 28/03/2008
Grade: 4+
Details: Large Print
Library
This book is the sequel to "THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL".
The story is told in turns by Jane Boleyn, Anne of Cleves, and Katherine Howard.
The story of Anne's marriage to Henry, doomed before it even took place, and his infatuation with Katherine Howard, younger then his daughter Mary, and his subsequent marriage to her, is well known. As is Katherine's fate, once she falls in love with young Thomas.
And this time, Jane Boleyn, who once again plays a central role in the lives of her queens, doesn't escape with her life. Only Anne is lucky enough to outlive Henry.
Whereas Julia Fox in her non-fiction book on Jane Boleyn paints her as a woman, trapped in a world ruled by power hungry men, ruled by a ruthless, spoiled and selfish king (if he wasn't plain mad), Gregory refers back to the verdict of her as established through the centuries. One that paints her as a bad and mad woman, out only to look after her own interests.
I've no idea where the truth lies, and don't think that anybody can be sure now. But I suspect that it lies probably somewhere between the two versions.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
NO TIME FOR GOODBYE
TITLE: NO TIME FOR GOODBYE
AUTHOR: LINWOOD BARCLAY
Pages: 339
Date: 24/03/2008
Grade: 4+
Own
One night, 14 year old Cynthia goes to bed, drunk and after having a huge fight with her parents. When she wakes up the next morning her parents and her brother have disappeared without a trace and without leaving any messages or clues as to what happened.
25 years later, Cynthia is married herself, with an eight year old daughter, and still without a clue as to what happened to her family.
Then she does a TV-show about her case, and suddenly things start happening. Messages start arriving and vague clues turn up while people around her start dying.
Still in the dark about what happened, Cynthia and her new family are under threat, and unless they uncover the truth, they won't survive.
A good thriller, but not as great as I was led to believe. Or maybe it is a case of me expecting to much after all the hype.
AUTHOR: LINWOOD BARCLAY
Pages: 339
Date: 24/03/2008
Grade: 4+
Own
One night, 14 year old Cynthia goes to bed, drunk and after having a huge fight with her parents. When she wakes up the next morning her parents and her brother have disappeared without a trace and without leaving any messages or clues as to what happened.
25 years later, Cynthia is married herself, with an eight year old daughter, and still without a clue as to what happened to her family.
Then she does a TV-show about her case, and suddenly things start happening. Messages start arriving and vague clues turn up while people around her start dying.
Still in the dark about what happened, Cynthia and her new family are under threat, and unless they uncover the truth, they won't survive.
A good thriller, but not as great as I was led to believe. Or maybe it is a case of me expecting to much after all the hype.
OSCAR WILDE AND THE CANDLELIGHT MURDERS
TITLE: OSCAR WILDE AND THE CANDLELIGHT MURDERS
AUTHOR: GYLES BRANDRETH
Pages: 328
Date: 24/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 1 Oscar Wilde Murder Mystery
Library
I'm glad I found this book, and I'm delighted that it has turned out to be the first book in a series. I'm looking forward to spending more time with Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Robert Sherard.
Robert Sherard, the narrator of this book, was a real person; a real friend of Oscar Wilde and his biographer. So once again we're dealing with a work of fact based fiction.
Going to work with a pupil but running late, Oscar Wilde walks into a room, not to find the pupil he expects, but the body of Billy Wood, a beautiful young man and other pupil of Oscar's, murdered and surrounded by candles.
Oscar leaves the place distressed and does nothing until 24 hours later when he brings Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Sheridan to the scene, only to find no trace of either the body or the crime.
That's when Oscar decides to solve the mystery in the style of Conan Doyle's hero, Sherlock Holmes. But although Oscar is quite good at deductions, he still can't prevent more deaths.
The only slight drawback to this book was the fact that I had the guilty party picked very early on. Other then that, it was fabulous entertainment.
The following are 4 quotes, either real or fictional, from Oscar Wilde:
* "Life is the nightmare that prevents one from sleeping."
* "Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative"
* "I am the prince of procrastination. I never put off till tomorrow what I can possibly do - the day after."
* " Actors are so fortunate. They can choose whether they appear in tragedy or in comedy, whether they will suffer or make merry, laugh or shed tears. But in real life it is different. There are no choices. All the world's a stage, but we must play as we are cast."
AUTHOR: GYLES BRANDRETH
Pages: 328
Date: 24/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 1 Oscar Wilde Murder Mystery
Library
I'm glad I found this book, and I'm delighted that it has turned out to be the first book in a series. I'm looking forward to spending more time with Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Robert Sherard.
Robert Sherard, the narrator of this book, was a real person; a real friend of Oscar Wilde and his biographer. So once again we're dealing with a work of fact based fiction.
Going to work with a pupil but running late, Oscar Wilde walks into a room, not to find the pupil he expects, but the body of Billy Wood, a beautiful young man and other pupil of Oscar's, murdered and surrounded by candles.
Oscar leaves the place distressed and does nothing until 24 hours later when he brings Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Sheridan to the scene, only to find no trace of either the body or the crime.
That's when Oscar decides to solve the mystery in the style of Conan Doyle's hero, Sherlock Holmes. But although Oscar is quite good at deductions, he still can't prevent more deaths.
The only slight drawback to this book was the fact that I had the guilty party picked very early on. Other then that, it was fabulous entertainment.
The following are 4 quotes, either real or fictional, from Oscar Wilde:
* "Life is the nightmare that prevents one from sleeping."
* "Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative"
* "I am the prince of procrastination. I never put off till tomorrow what I can possibly do - the day after."
* " Actors are so fortunate. They can choose whether they appear in tragedy or in comedy, whether they will suffer or make merry, laugh or shed tears. But in real life it is different. There are no choices. All the world's a stage, but we must play as we are cast."
Sunday, March 23, 2008
GONE WITH THE WINDSORS
TITLE: GONE WITH THE WINDSORS
AUTHOR: LAURIE GRAHAM
Pages: 613
Date: 23/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: Large Print edition
Library
Laurie Graham is very good at this, her chosen genre; fiction based on historical fact.
In this instalment we take a look at the meeting, courting and relationship between Wallis Simpson and the man who should have been King Edward VIII. We see events unfold on the journal pages of Maybell Brumby, a fictional childhood friend of Wallis' from Boston.
Maybell moves from Boston to London soon after her husband's death and quickly falls in with Wallis Simpson and her husband Ernest. They have ambitions of moving up in society, and getting close to the future king of England seems a good way to reach their goal, with Wallis more then happy to rely on Maybell's money to achieve her aim. The result of the plotting is now part of history, and doesn't need expanding on.
Maybell is a wonderful character to be telling this story. She is a naive American, like a fish out of water when it comes to English society in between the two world wars, (world) politics and financial affairs, yet fully convinced that she knows it all better then others and that her views are the only right ones.
Yet, at the same time, underneath her arrogance and small-mindedness, she has a heart of gold and great loyalty.
What made this book exceptional is that I had to keep on reminding herself that the whole Maybell part of the book was fiction rather then fact. I call that quite an accomplishment.
AUTHOR: LAURIE GRAHAM
Pages: 613
Date: 23/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: Large Print edition
Library
Laurie Graham is very good at this, her chosen genre; fiction based on historical fact.
In this instalment we take a look at the meeting, courting and relationship between Wallis Simpson and the man who should have been King Edward VIII. We see events unfold on the journal pages of Maybell Brumby, a fictional childhood friend of Wallis' from Boston.
Maybell moves from Boston to London soon after her husband's death and quickly falls in with Wallis Simpson and her husband Ernest. They have ambitions of moving up in society, and getting close to the future king of England seems a good way to reach their goal, with Wallis more then happy to rely on Maybell's money to achieve her aim. The result of the plotting is now part of history, and doesn't need expanding on.
Maybell is a wonderful character to be telling this story. She is a naive American, like a fish out of water when it comes to English society in between the two world wars, (world) politics and financial affairs, yet fully convinced that she knows it all better then others and that her views are the only right ones.
Yet, at the same time, underneath her arrogance and small-mindedness, she has a heart of gold and great loyalty.
What made this book exceptional is that I had to keep on reminding herself that the whole Maybell part of the book was fiction rather then fact. I call that quite an accomplishment.
Friday, March 21, 2008
LORD JOHN AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE
TITLE: LORD JOHN AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE
AUTHOR: DIANE GABALDON
Pages: 490
Date: 21/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 2 Lord John Grey Mystery
Library
Seventeen years after his father's death just days before he was to be accused of being a traitor, history is revived when Lord John's mother decides to remarry.
Someone is determined that the mystery surrounding the death, and the details of the scandals surrounding it, should stay obscured.
But two attacks on him and the re-appearance of pages from his father's lost last journal only make Lord John more determined to discover the truth.
At the same time, John starts an affair with his soon to be step-brother, only to have it end in betrayal.
Through war in Prussia and betrayal, Lord John's main purpose remains his families honour, and it's up to Jamie Fraser to provide important clues as to this end.
I enjoyed this book, although I found the story a bit obscure at times; only hinting at things said and done, where my understanding would have been greatly helped by more description.
Having said that, this book did reawaken my interest in Jamie Fraser's story. And with two books in that series sitting on my un-read shelves, I can see myself picking them up soon, despite their size.
AUTHOR: DIANE GABALDON
Pages: 490
Date: 21/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 2 Lord John Grey Mystery
Library
Seventeen years after his father's death just days before he was to be accused of being a traitor, history is revived when Lord John's mother decides to remarry.
Someone is determined that the mystery surrounding the death, and the details of the scandals surrounding it, should stay obscured.
But two attacks on him and the re-appearance of pages from his father's lost last journal only make Lord John more determined to discover the truth.
At the same time, John starts an affair with his soon to be step-brother, only to have it end in betrayal.
Through war in Prussia and betrayal, Lord John's main purpose remains his families honour, and it's up to Jamie Fraser to provide important clues as to this end.
I enjoyed this book, although I found the story a bit obscure at times; only hinting at things said and done, where my understanding would have been greatly helped by more description.
Having said that, this book did reawaken my interest in Jamie Fraser's story. And with two books in that series sitting on my un-read shelves, I can see myself picking them up soon, despite their size.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
CARVED IN BONE
TITLE: CARVED IN BONE
AUTHOR: JEFFERSON BASS
Pages:
Date: 17/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 1 Dr. Bill Broxton Mystery
Library
Jefferson Bass is actually a writing duo consisting of Dr. Bill Bass (forensic anthropologist and founder of "the body farm) and Jon Jefferson (journalist, writer and documentary film maker).
Their hero, Dr. Bill Broxton is a forensic anthropologist working at the Body Farm, when he's called out to Cooke County, East Tennessee to a cave where the thirty year old remains of a young woman have been found, transformed into an almost perfect mummy by the conditions in the cave.
Cooke County has always been a law unto itself, and from the moment the corpse is found, Broxton finds the local law enforcers making his life harder. He comes face to face with illegal practices, generation old resentments and conflicting loyalties.
Meanwhile he's also struggling with the guilt he feels over his wife's death, two years earlier.
This was a fascinating read and a good mystery, although all the technical forensic detail did interrupt the smooth reading for me every now and again.
AUTHOR: JEFFERSON BASS
Pages:
Date: 17/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 1 Dr. Bill Broxton Mystery
Library
Jefferson Bass is actually a writing duo consisting of Dr. Bill Bass (forensic anthropologist and founder of "the body farm) and Jon Jefferson (journalist, writer and documentary film maker).
Their hero, Dr. Bill Broxton is a forensic anthropologist working at the Body Farm, when he's called out to Cooke County, East Tennessee to a cave where the thirty year old remains of a young woman have been found, transformed into an almost perfect mummy by the conditions in the cave.
Cooke County has always been a law unto itself, and from the moment the corpse is found, Broxton finds the local law enforcers making his life harder. He comes face to face with illegal practices, generation old resentments and conflicting loyalties.
Meanwhile he's also struggling with the guilt he feels over his wife's death, two years earlier.
This was a fascinating read and a good mystery, although all the technical forensic detail did interrupt the smooth reading for me every now and again.
BLACK AS HE'S PAINTED
TITLE: BLACK AS HE'S PAINTED
AUTHOR: NGAIO MARSH
Date: 15/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: A Roderick Alleyn Mystery
Audio book; 8 cd's; 8 hours & 24 mins.
Library
The President of Ng'ombwana is to visit London, and despite previous attempts on his life, he doesn't want to submit to the proposed security measures.
Because Alleyn went to boarding school with the President, he's roped in, in an effort to get him to fall in line.
Despite everybody's best efforts, a murder does take place during a reception in the Ng'ambwana embassy.
And with suspects galore, both inside and outside the embassy, Alleyn and his colleagues have quite a job investigating.
And it appears that a little black cat has the crime solved long before the humans get even close.
AUTHOR: NGAIO MARSH
Date: 15/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: A Roderick Alleyn Mystery
Audio book; 8 cd's; 8 hours & 24 mins.
Library
The President of Ng'ombwana is to visit London, and despite previous attempts on his life, he doesn't want to submit to the proposed security measures.
Because Alleyn went to boarding school with the President, he's roped in, in an effort to get him to fall in line.
Despite everybody's best efforts, a murder does take place during a reception in the Ng'ambwana embassy.
And with suspects galore, both inside and outside the embassy, Alleyn and his colleagues have quite a job investigating.
And it appears that a little black cat has the crime solved long before the humans get even close.
BLOOD BROTHERS
TITLE: BLOOD BROTHERS
AUTHOR: NORA ROBERTS
Pages: 314
Date: 15/03/2008
Grade: 5
Details: no. 1 The Sign of Four Trilogy
Own
On the night of their 10th birthday, Cal, Fox and Gage sneak to the Pagan Stone and become blood brothers. As their blood hits the ground, all hell breaks lose for a while and when that stops the boys have been changed, as has the future, for them and for their town; Hawkins Hollow.
Every seven years evil descends on the town, changing perfectly normal people into vicious madmen, with only the three boys able to fight the evil, which is getting stronger with every occurrence.
Now, 21 years later, Quinn Black, reporter and author, travels to Hawkins Hollow hoping to write a book about the occurrences. Little does she know she's there to do a lot more, as it soon turns out that somehow she's connected to the events, and she also appears to have a connection with Cal.
As Quinn is joined by Layla and Cybil, who are also connected, the group has doubled in size.
And they will need the extra "men" power, since the evil is stronger then ever.
Nora Roberts at her best. A thrilling story filled with magic, mystery, love and lust.
I can't wait for the next two.
AUTHOR: NORA ROBERTS
Pages: 314
Date: 15/03/2008
Grade: 5
Details: no. 1 The Sign of Four Trilogy
Own
On the night of their 10th birthday, Cal, Fox and Gage sneak to the Pagan Stone and become blood brothers. As their blood hits the ground, all hell breaks lose for a while and when that stops the boys have been changed, as has the future, for them and for their town; Hawkins Hollow.
Every seven years evil descends on the town, changing perfectly normal people into vicious madmen, with only the three boys able to fight the evil, which is getting stronger with every occurrence.
Now, 21 years later, Quinn Black, reporter and author, travels to Hawkins Hollow hoping to write a book about the occurrences. Little does she know she's there to do a lot more, as it soon turns out that somehow she's connected to the events, and she also appears to have a connection with Cal.
As Quinn is joined by Layla and Cybil, who are also connected, the group has doubled in size.
And they will need the extra "men" power, since the evil is stronger then ever.
Nora Roberts at her best. A thrilling story filled with magic, mystery, love and lust.
I can't wait for the next two.
DEATH AT DAWN
TITLE: DEATH AT DAWN
AUTHOR: CARO PEACOCK
Pages: 426
Date: 13/03/2008
Grade: 4+
Library
it is 1837 and Princess Victoria is about to become queen.
For Liberty Lane times are about to get very hard.
Expecting to meet her father, who has been travelling on the continent, Liberty travels to Dover, only to be notified that her father died in Calais, during a duel.
Alone she travels to Calais to bury her father and to find out what really happened, because Liberty is sure of one thing; her father would never participate in a duel.
What follows is a series of adventures, starting with an attempted abduction and leading to more murder and attempted treason.
Interesting read. Not a great story, but intriguing enough to keep me turning the pages.
AUTHOR: CARO PEACOCK
Pages: 426
Date: 13/03/2008
Grade: 4+
Library
it is 1837 and Princess Victoria is about to become queen.
For Liberty Lane times are about to get very hard.
Expecting to meet her father, who has been travelling on the continent, Liberty travels to Dover, only to be notified that her father died in Calais, during a duel.
Alone she travels to Calais to bury her father and to find out what really happened, because Liberty is sure of one thing; her father would never participate in a duel.
What follows is a series of adventures, starting with an attempted abduction and leading to more murder and attempted treason.
Interesting read. Not a great story, but intriguing enough to keep me turning the pages.
SIZE 14 IS NOT FAT EITHER
TITLE: SIZE 14 IS NOT FAT EITHER
AUTHOR: MEG CABOT
Pages: 344
Date: 11/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 2 Heather Wells Mystery
Own
The first day of the winter semester at New York College, and a shocking discovery is made; the head of a college cheerleader in a pot, cooking away on a cafeteria stove. And there's no sign of the rest of the girl.
After her near deadly adventures in the first book, Heather promises Cooper, the police, and others that this time she won't try to solve the mystery. But next thing she knows, that's exactly what she's doing. And once again with near fatal effects.
To complicate her life more, Jordan, her ex-fiance, is marrying her former rival; She's still got a huge crush on Cooper who doesn't appear to feel the same, and after 20 years, her father is released from prison and determined to make up for lost time.
I think Heather is growing on me as I'm really starting to enjoy these books.
AUTHOR: MEG CABOT
Pages: 344
Date: 11/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 2 Heather Wells Mystery
Own
The first day of the winter semester at New York College, and a shocking discovery is made; the head of a college cheerleader in a pot, cooking away on a cafeteria stove. And there's no sign of the rest of the girl.
After her near deadly adventures in the first book, Heather promises Cooper, the police, and others that this time she won't try to solve the mystery. But next thing she knows, that's exactly what she's doing. And once again with near fatal effects.
To complicate her life more, Jordan, her ex-fiance, is marrying her former rival; She's still got a huge crush on Cooper who doesn't appear to feel the same, and after 20 years, her father is released from prison and determined to make up for lost time.
I think Heather is growing on me as I'm really starting to enjoy these books.
SIZE 12 IS NOT FAT
TITLE: SIZE 12 IS NOT FAT
AUTHOR: MEG CABOT
Pages: 345
Date: 11/03/2008
Grade: 4
Details: no. 1 Heather Wells Mystery
Own
Heather Wells used to be a teen pop star, but that world collapsed when her record company dropped her, her boy band fiance cheated on her, and her mother ran off with her money.
Now Heather is working in a New York dorm, while living with her ex-fiance's gorgeous brother on whom she has a huge crush and who is a P.I. named Cooper.
When two girls living in her dorm die in quick succession, Heather is the only one who doesn't think the deaths were accidental, so she feels obliged to investigate.
It's only when two attempts are made on her life, that Cooper and the police take her theories seriously. But even with them onside, Heather is still in grave danger.
Fun mystery that made me smile a lot and LOL at least once. I did spot the murderer early on, but that didn't put me off, and neither did the chick-lit style of the book.
AUTHOR: MEG CABOT
Pages: 345
Date: 11/03/2008
Grade: 4
Details: no. 1 Heather Wells Mystery
Own
Heather Wells used to be a teen pop star, but that world collapsed when her record company dropped her, her boy band fiance cheated on her, and her mother ran off with her money.
Now Heather is working in a New York dorm, while living with her ex-fiance's gorgeous brother on whom she has a huge crush and who is a P.I. named Cooper.
When two girls living in her dorm die in quick succession, Heather is the only one who doesn't think the deaths were accidental, so she feels obliged to investigate.
It's only when two attempts are made on her life, that Cooper and the police take her theories seriously. But even with them onside, Heather is still in grave danger.
Fun mystery that made me smile a lot and LOL at least once. I did spot the murderer early on, but that didn't put me off, and neither did the chick-lit style of the book.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
DYING TO SIN
TITLE: DYING TO SIN
AUTHOR: STEPHEN BOOTH
Pages: 408
Date: 09/03/2008
Grade: 5-
Details: no. 8 Ben Cooper and Diane Fry Mystery
Library
A group of builders, undertaking renovating work on Pity Wood Farm, stumble upon a human hand, perserved in the clay, and attached to a body.
When the police start investigating the farm land, they soon find a second body, this one missing its head.
Neither of the burials are resent, and for a long time the identities of the victims remain unknown, as is the manner in which they died and why.
With changes underway in the force, and Diane still like a fish out of water when it comes to rural communities, times are very stressful for her.
And Ben can't help feeling that there should be a third body somewhere, one that might provide the answers.
Stephen Booth is a master at what he does; leading the reader through the investigation, compelling them to keep turning the pages.
AUTHOR: STEPHEN BOOTH
Pages: 408
Date: 09/03/2008
Grade: 5-
Details: no. 8 Ben Cooper and Diane Fry Mystery
Library
A group of builders, undertaking renovating work on Pity Wood Farm, stumble upon a human hand, perserved in the clay, and attached to a body.
When the police start investigating the farm land, they soon find a second body, this one missing its head.
Neither of the burials are resent, and for a long time the identities of the victims remain unknown, as is the manner in which they died and why.
With changes underway in the force, and Diane still like a fish out of water when it comes to rural communities, times are very stressful for her.
And Ben can't help feeling that there should be a third body somewhere, one that might provide the answers.
Stephen Booth is a master at what he does; leading the reader through the investigation, compelling them to keep turning the pages.
FIVE LITTLE PIGS
TITLE: FIVE LITTLE PIGS
AUTHOR: AGATHA CHRISTIE
CD's: 2
Date: 07/03/2008
Grade 5-
Details: BBC Audio Play
Library
16 years after the fact, Clara Lemarchant asks Hercule Poirot to prove that her mother was innocent of killing her father.
And although the facts seem to confirm the woman's guilt, and all the witnesses at the time couldn't come up with a plausible alternative murderer, Poirot and his little grey cells come up trumps once again.
I really liked the end of this story, when Poirot looks forward to a well earned and restful holiday, in the form of a cruise on the Nile...
AUTHOR: AGATHA CHRISTIE
CD's: 2
Date: 07/03/2008
Grade 5-
Details: BBC Audio Play
Library
16 years after the fact, Clara Lemarchant asks Hercule Poirot to prove that her mother was innocent of killing her father.
And although the facts seem to confirm the woman's guilt, and all the witnesses at the time couldn't come up with a plausible alternative murderer, Poirot and his little grey cells come up trumps once again.
I really liked the end of this story, when Poirot looks forward to a well earned and restful holiday, in the form of a cruise on the Nile...
JANE BOLEYN
TITLE: JANE BOLEYN; THE INFAMOUS LADY ROCHFORD
AUTHOR: JULIA FOX
Pages: 329
Date: 07/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: Non Fiction
Library
Jane Boleyn was the sister in law of Anne Boleyn, through her marriage to Anne's brother, George.
She was present for the rise of the Boleyn's in the court of Henry VIII, as she was for their fall, which cost her sister in law and husband their lives.
And although those who have written about these events made her a scapegoat in that fall, Julia Fox sets out to disprove that assertion.
My historical knowledge of this time is insufficient to determine whether or not she's right, but she does write a compelling and convincing story.
After her husband's death, Jane managed to survive in Henry's court, only to be beheaded when she was implicated together with Catherine Howard.
This non fiction book read like fiction, especially since the author had little documentary evidence to fall back on.
And that was the only drawback to this story, the fact that Fox could only assume that Jane had been present at certain occasions.
On the other hand, that fact may also help to prove her point.
Had Jane really played as big a part in Anne and George's fall as many have claimed, surely there would be more written documents proving that.
AUTHOR: JULIA FOX
Pages: 329
Date: 07/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: Non Fiction
Library
Jane Boleyn was the sister in law of Anne Boleyn, through her marriage to Anne's brother, George.
She was present for the rise of the Boleyn's in the court of Henry VIII, as she was for their fall, which cost her sister in law and husband their lives.
And although those who have written about these events made her a scapegoat in that fall, Julia Fox sets out to disprove that assertion.
My historical knowledge of this time is insufficient to determine whether or not she's right, but she does write a compelling and convincing story.
After her husband's death, Jane managed to survive in Henry's court, only to be beheaded when she was implicated together with Catherine Howard.
This non fiction book read like fiction, especially since the author had little documentary evidence to fall back on.
And that was the only drawback to this story, the fact that Fox could only assume that Jane had been present at certain occasions.
On the other hand, that fact may also help to prove her point.
Had Jane really played as big a part in Anne and George's fall as many have claimed, surely there would be more written documents proving that.
SLEEPING MURDER
TITLE: SLEEPING MURDER
AUTHOR: AGATHA CHRISTIE
CD's: 2
Date: 06/08/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: BBC Radio Play
Library
Young Gwenda Reed arrives in England from New Zealand to settle and buys a house for herself and her husband, Giles.
But, although the house feels very right to her, strange things soon start happening.
Gwenda is convinced a young woman was murdered in the house, and when she starts renovations on the house, it turns out that the changes she's planning are in fact returning the house to the way it has been in the past.
Is Gwenda going crazy, or did she have a previous link to the house? And if she isn't crazy, then who is the dead woman.
It takes Miss Marple to help Gwen and Giles to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Again, great fun to listen to and a good mystery, although for once I did pick the murderer correctly. Not something I've been able to do a lot in Christie's mysteries.
AUTHOR: AGATHA CHRISTIE
CD's: 2
Date: 06/08/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: BBC Radio Play
Library
Young Gwenda Reed arrives in England from New Zealand to settle and buys a house for herself and her husband, Giles.
But, although the house feels very right to her, strange things soon start happening.
Gwenda is convinced a young woman was murdered in the house, and when she starts renovations on the house, it turns out that the changes she's planning are in fact returning the house to the way it has been in the past.
Is Gwenda going crazy, or did she have a previous link to the house? And if she isn't crazy, then who is the dead woman.
It takes Miss Marple to help Gwen and Giles to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Again, great fun to listen to and a good mystery, although for once I did pick the murderer correctly. Not something I've been able to do a lot in Christie's mysteries.
F IS FOR FUGITIVE
TITLE: F IS FOR FUGITIVE
AUTHOR: SUE GRAFTON
Pages: 261
Date: 04/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 6 Kinsey Millhone Mystery
Own
Kinsey has been asked to re-investigate a 17 year old murder.
At the time, jean Timberlake's body was found on the beach, Bailey Fowler confessed to the murder, was convicted and send to prison, from which he escaped.
Now that he has be re-arrested, he claims not to have committed the murder in the first place and his dying father asks Kinsey to find out the truth.
Things get more complicated soon after the investigation starts, when Bailey escapes again, which costs his boyhood friend his life.
As Kinsey starts to learn more about Jean and her life, 17 years before, she soon finds there's no shortage of suspects. And with Bailey on the run, and new murders soon added to the old one, she needs to find the answers soon.
Once again a good story and mystery.
AUTHOR: SUE GRAFTON
Pages: 261
Date: 04/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 6 Kinsey Millhone Mystery
Own
Kinsey has been asked to re-investigate a 17 year old murder.
At the time, jean Timberlake's body was found on the beach, Bailey Fowler confessed to the murder, was convicted and send to prison, from which he escaped.
Now that he has be re-arrested, he claims not to have committed the murder in the first place and his dying father asks Kinsey to find out the truth.
Things get more complicated soon after the investigation starts, when Bailey escapes again, which costs his boyhood friend his life.
As Kinsey starts to learn more about Jean and her life, 17 years before, she soon finds there's no shortage of suspects. And with Bailey on the run, and new murders soon added to the old one, she needs to find the answers soon.
Once again a good story and mystery.
APPOINTMENT WITH DEATH
TITLE: APPOINTMENT WITH DEATH
AUTHOR: AGATHA CHRISTIE
CD's: 2
Date: 06/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: BBC Radio Play
Library
This was fun. It was not the story, as written by Christie, read out by one narrator, but rather the story presented as a play, with various actors speaking the parts. This means that the recording is shorter then a narration of the novel would be, but I think it's more interesting to listen to this way. I will definitely be getting other radio plays out of the library.
The story:
Hercule Poirot is in a hotel in Jerusalem when he overhears a male voice saying: "You do see, don't you, that she's got to be killed? It's the only solution."
When shortly afterwards a rather nasty American woman dies, and it turns out she has been murdered, Poirot is of course asked to investigate.
And although there's no shortage of suspects, the little grey cells once again don't let him down.
AUTHOR: AGATHA CHRISTIE
CD's: 2
Date: 06/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: BBC Radio Play
Library
This was fun. It was not the story, as written by Christie, read out by one narrator, but rather the story presented as a play, with various actors speaking the parts. This means that the recording is shorter then a narration of the novel would be, but I think it's more interesting to listen to this way. I will definitely be getting other radio plays out of the library.
The story:
Hercule Poirot is in a hotel in Jerusalem when he overhears a male voice saying: "You do see, don't you, that she's got to be killed? It's the only solution."
When shortly afterwards a rather nasty American woman dies, and it turns out she has been murdered, Poirot is of course asked to investigate.
And although there's no shortage of suspects, the little grey cells once again don't let him down.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
DEATH ON THE DOWNS
TITLE: DEATH ON THE DOWNS
AUTHOR: SIMON BRETT
Pages: 324
Date: 02/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: nr. 2 Fethering Mystery
Library
Carole Seddon is talking a walk on the West Sussex Downs when a sudden downpour forces her to take shelter in a dilapidated barn. Here she finds human bones in two blue bags.
When she reports her findings to the police, the responding officer is sympathetic and friendly, a nice change after her experiences in book one. He's also a local to the village where the bones were found.
Of course her and her neighbour Jude's curiosities are awakened and they set out to solve this "case".
The soon discover that there are quite a few missing women the bones might belong to, which means there are even more possible suspects.
Once they get close to the truth, Carole finds herself in grave danger.
Throughout this book Carole loosens up a bit and although she remains frustrated about knowing so little about her neighbour and friend, Jude, there seems to be a love interest developing for her.
Interesting read, nice characters and a good mystery. I'm enjoying this series a lot.
AUTHOR: SIMON BRETT
Pages: 324
Date: 02/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: nr. 2 Fethering Mystery
Library
Carole Seddon is talking a walk on the West Sussex Downs when a sudden downpour forces her to take shelter in a dilapidated barn. Here she finds human bones in two blue bags.
When she reports her findings to the police, the responding officer is sympathetic and friendly, a nice change after her experiences in book one. He's also a local to the village where the bones were found.
Of course her and her neighbour Jude's curiosities are awakened and they set out to solve this "case".
The soon discover that there are quite a few missing women the bones might belong to, which means there are even more possible suspects.
Once they get close to the truth, Carole finds herself in grave danger.
Throughout this book Carole loosens up a bit and although she remains frustrated about knowing so little about her neighbour and friend, Jude, there seems to be a love interest developing for her.
Interesting read, nice characters and a good mystery. I'm enjoying this series a lot.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND
TITLE: NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND
AUTHOR: BILL BRYSON
Audio: 10 Cd's/playing time 10 hours and 32 minutes
Date: o1/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: Narrator: William Roberts
Library
After having lived in Britain for almost 20 years, Bill Bryson decided to move his family to the USA for a while. Before leaving his adopted home, he travelled the lenght and breadth of Britain, and this book is the story of that journey.
It's a fun, at times laugh out loud, tears running down my cheeks, portrait of Great Britain and all its idiosyncrasies. Ultimately though it has to be described as a declaration of love.
Roberts, the narrator, had me spellbound.
AUTHOR: BILL BRYSON
Audio: 10 Cd's/playing time 10 hours and 32 minutes
Date: o1/03/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: Narrator: William Roberts
Library
After having lived in Britain for almost 20 years, Bill Bryson decided to move his family to the USA for a while. Before leaving his adopted home, he travelled the lenght and breadth of Britain, and this book is the story of that journey.
It's a fun, at times laugh out loud, tears running down my cheeks, portrait of Great Britain and all its idiosyncrasies. Ultimately though it has to be described as a declaration of love.
Roberts, the narrator, had me spellbound.
JUDGMENT CALLS
TITLE: JUDGMENT CALLS
AUTHOR: ALAFAIR BURKE
Pages: 375
Date: 29/02/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: nr. 1 Samantha Kincaid Mystery/Large Print
Library
Deputy District Attorney Samantha Kincaid is asked by a group of police officers to prosecute a case that has been rejected by a senior colleague of hers.
The case involves the rape of and attack on a 13 year old girl, who was left for dead.
The case horrifies Samantha and she's determined to try the suspect for attempted murder. And initially she appears to be on an easy road to conviction.
But then a connection to a previous murder case is uncovered, Sam is being followed, her house burglared, and she finds her private life in the newspaper. Insinuations even make her doubt her long term friend and on-off lover, Chuck, one of the police officers involved in the earlier case.
When the truth finally surfaces, it may well be just before Samantha herself is murdered.
A very good mystery with interesting characters and so well plotted that I didn't see the solution coming at all.
AUTHOR: ALAFAIR BURKE
Pages: 375
Date: 29/02/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: nr. 1 Samantha Kincaid Mystery/Large Print
Library
Deputy District Attorney Samantha Kincaid is asked by a group of police officers to prosecute a case that has been rejected by a senior colleague of hers.
The case involves the rape of and attack on a 13 year old girl, who was left for dead.
The case horrifies Samantha and she's determined to try the suspect for attempted murder. And initially she appears to be on an easy road to conviction.
But then a connection to a previous murder case is uncovered, Sam is being followed, her house burglared, and she finds her private life in the newspaper. Insinuations even make her doubt her long term friend and on-off lover, Chuck, one of the police officers involved in the earlier case.
When the truth finally surfaces, it may well be just before Samantha herself is murdered.
A very good mystery with interesting characters and so well plotted that I didn't see the solution coming at all.
SEASON OF THE WITCH
TITLE: SEASON OF THE WITCH
AUTHOR: NATASHA MOSTERT
Pages: 423
Date: 26/02/2008
Grade: 5-
Library
Gabriel Blackstone has a remarkable talent; he is a remote viewer. And because of this ability he's asked to look into the disappearance of the stepson of a former lover of his.
Remote viewing shows him the young man is dead, but in order to find out more, Gabriel has to get close to the two sisters the young man spend his last days with.
Minnaloushe and Morrighan Monk are beautiful, captivating and dangerous. And when they find out what Gabriel is up to, he becomes fully aware of their danger, to himself and those around him.
In order to stop the sister who is also a murderer, Gabriel has to delve into alchemy and witchcraft, as well as test his remote viewing powers in a contest he might not survive.
Fascinating book, filled with wonderful concepts as well as a good and thrilling story.
AUTHOR: NATASHA MOSTERT
Pages: 423
Date: 26/02/2008
Grade: 5-
Library
Gabriel Blackstone has a remarkable talent; he is a remote viewer. And because of this ability he's asked to look into the disappearance of the stepson of a former lover of his.
Remote viewing shows him the young man is dead, but in order to find out more, Gabriel has to get close to the two sisters the young man spend his last days with.
Minnaloushe and Morrighan Monk are beautiful, captivating and dangerous. And when they find out what Gabriel is up to, he becomes fully aware of their danger, to himself and those around him.
In order to stop the sister who is also a murderer, Gabriel has to delve into alchemy and witchcraft, as well as test his remote viewing powers in a contest he might not survive.
Fascinating book, filled with wonderful concepts as well as a good and thrilling story.
WRITTEN IN BONE
TITLE: WRITTEN IN BONE
AUTHOR: SIMON BECKETT
Pages: 346
Date: 24/02/2008
Grade: 5
Detail: nr. 2 Dr. David Hunter Mystery
Own
David Hunter is on his way home to London when he's asked to travel to Runa, an Island in the outer Hebrides to look at the scene of an unexplained death.
Although the police officer travelling with him wants this to be a case of accidental death or suicide, David soon determines that they're dealing with a murder victim.
This should be the end of David's involvement, but just before police reinforcements can be brought in from mainland Scotland, a vicious storm front isolates Runa, leaving David stranded.
And then, on the small island, cut off from even communication with the main land, more people die, and it's up to David, and alcoholic and incompetent policeman, and an ex policeman to try and solve the mystery and stop the carnage.
But evil lingers, and even when the case appears to be solved, new revelations surface and danger reappears.
Again a great read, although I do wonder if it's always going to center on small communities. That is of course, provided there is more to come, after the cliffhanger ending.
AUTHOR: SIMON BECKETT
Pages: 346
Date: 24/02/2008
Grade: 5
Detail: nr. 2 Dr. David Hunter Mystery
Own
David Hunter is on his way home to London when he's asked to travel to Runa, an Island in the outer Hebrides to look at the scene of an unexplained death.
Although the police officer travelling with him wants this to be a case of accidental death or suicide, David soon determines that they're dealing with a murder victim.
This should be the end of David's involvement, but just before police reinforcements can be brought in from mainland Scotland, a vicious storm front isolates Runa, leaving David stranded.
And then, on the small island, cut off from even communication with the main land, more people die, and it's up to David, and alcoholic and incompetent policeman, and an ex policeman to try and solve the mystery and stop the carnage.
But evil lingers, and even when the case appears to be solved, new revelations surface and danger reappears.
Again a great read, although I do wonder if it's always going to center on small communities. That is of course, provided there is more to come, after the cliffhanger ending.
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