TITLE: KILLER HEAT
AUTHOR: LINDA FAIRSTEIN
Pages: 404
Date: 27/04/2008
Grade: 5
Details: no. 10 Alexandra Cooper Mystery
Library
Another good one by Fairstein.
Alex Cooper is in the final stages of a court case that will bring justice, at last, to a woman who was raped 35 years ago, when the tortured remains of a young woman are found in a very isolated location. Identification of the body doesn't bring any answers as to the who or why of the murder, and another young woman is missing, soon to be found under similar circumstances.
Alex, Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace investigate and soon find themselves in a desperate race again time to save another young woman. A race that soon turns into one where their own lives are at stake.
As always, a good mystery and a thrilling read.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
HET DODE KIND
TITLE: HET DODE KIND (The Dead Child)
AUTHOR: JANWILLEM VAN DE WETERING
Pages: 224
Date: 25/04/2008
Grade: 4
Details: A Grijpstra & De Gier Mystery
Own
This was not the original as written by Van de Wetering, but rather an adaption to accompany a tv series based on the books.
However, this was not immediately obvious, since it has been at least 20 years since I read the originals. The introduction of mobile phones and computers gave the game away though, and I can't remember the two "heroes" being quite so belligerent with each other. That last point may just be my memory, or lack thereof, though.
As for the story; One morning in Amsterdam a contract killing goes horribly wrong. Instead of a small time criminal, the intended target, a young boy is killed and the killer escapes.
The case very soon frustrates the two investigators as they dive into Amsterdam's underworld trying to find a motive for the killing.
It's only when another young boy is kidnapped that it even looks as if the case might be solved.
Not as good a mystery as I thought I remembered. But whether that is due to the rewriting or to the passage of time, I don't know.
AUTHOR: JANWILLEM VAN DE WETERING
Pages: 224
Date: 25/04/2008
Grade: 4
Details: A Grijpstra & De Gier Mystery
Own
This was not the original as written by Van de Wetering, but rather an adaption to accompany a tv series based on the books.
However, this was not immediately obvious, since it has been at least 20 years since I read the originals. The introduction of mobile phones and computers gave the game away though, and I can't remember the two "heroes" being quite so belligerent with each other. That last point may just be my memory, or lack thereof, though.
As for the story; One morning in Amsterdam a contract killing goes horribly wrong. Instead of a small time criminal, the intended target, a young boy is killed and the killer escapes.
The case very soon frustrates the two investigators as they dive into Amsterdam's underworld trying to find a motive for the killing.
It's only when another young boy is kidnapped that it even looks as if the case might be solved.
Not as good a mystery as I thought I remembered. But whether that is due to the rewriting or to the passage of time, I don't know.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
MILK GLASS MOON
TITLE: MILK GLASS MOON
AUTHOR: ADRIANA TRIGIANI
Date: 24/04/2008
Grade: 5-
Details: no. 3 Big Stone Gap series
Audio/8 Cd's/9.25 hours
Narrated by: Kate Forbes
Library
With Etta now entering her teenage years, Ave Maria and Jack face a whole new set of challenges. And Ave isn't always sure that she is equipped to deal with those.
Life in Big Stone Gap is changing as well, with people facing challenges, moving away and dying.
And, when Ella moves out aged 18 it is an event that was expected although the circumstances take her parents by surprise. Ave and Jack find that they now have to re-dream their lives, just as the fortune teller told Ave.
Good story and very well told. The only minor down point being that Ave's emotions and reactions are so very far removed from mine.
AUTHOR: ADRIANA TRIGIANI
Date: 24/04/2008
Grade: 5-
Details: no. 3 Big Stone Gap series
Audio/8 Cd's/9.25 hours
Narrated by: Kate Forbes
Library
With Etta now entering her teenage years, Ave Maria and Jack face a whole new set of challenges. And Ave isn't always sure that she is equipped to deal with those.
Life in Big Stone Gap is changing as well, with people facing challenges, moving away and dying.
And, when Ella moves out aged 18 it is an event that was expected although the circumstances take her parents by surprise. Ave and Jack find that they now have to re-dream their lives, just as the fortune teller told Ave.
Good story and very well told. The only minor down point being that Ave's emotions and reactions are so very far removed from mine.
WATER LIKE A STONE
TITLE: WATER LIKE A STONE
AUTHOR: DEBORAH CROMBIE
Pages: 510
Date: 23/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 11 Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James Mystery/Large Print
Library
Duncan and Gemma and their two sons are visiting with Duncan's family in Nantwich for Christmas when Duncan's sister finds the remains of a baby girl in the wall of the house she is renovating.
The police officer in charge is a childhood friend of Duncan's and although they officially aren't part of the investigation, Duncan and Gemma do partake unofficially.
And the same is true when a local narrow boat owner is murdered.
Meanwhile, tensions in Duncan's family reach crisis point and it turns out that the mysteries surrounding them threaten the happiness of many and the safety of Duncan's loved ones.
I did identify the murderer fairly early on, but that didn't stop me from really enjoying this book.
AUTHOR: DEBORAH CROMBIE
Pages: 510
Date: 23/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 11 Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James Mystery/Large Print
Library
Duncan and Gemma and their two sons are visiting with Duncan's family in Nantwich for Christmas when Duncan's sister finds the remains of a baby girl in the wall of the house she is renovating.
The police officer in charge is a childhood friend of Duncan's and although they officially aren't part of the investigation, Duncan and Gemma do partake unofficially.
And the same is true when a local narrow boat owner is murdered.
Meanwhile, tensions in Duncan's family reach crisis point and it turns out that the mysteries surrounding them threaten the happiness of many and the safety of Duncan's loved ones.
I did identify the murderer fairly early on, but that didn't stop me from really enjoying this book.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
DRAGONWELL DEAD
TITLE: DRAGONWELL DEAD
AUTHOR: LAURA CHILDS
Pages: 372
Date: 20/04/2008
Grade: 4+
Details: no. 8 Tea Shop Mystery
Large Print edition
Library
Theodosia Browning is serving tea at a flower show in Charleston when she and others witness the very sudden and violent death of Mark Congdon, shortly after he bought a very rare and expensive orchid in an auction.
When it turns out that the death was not a heart attack but in fact suspicious, Theo of course has to investigate.
And when shortly afterwards the B & B Mark and his wife owned goes up in flames, the investigation acquires a new urgency.
With no shortage of suspects, Theo has her work cut out for her and only barely escapes this investigation with her life.
Very enjoyable mystery and an easy read.
AUTHOR: LAURA CHILDS
Pages: 372
Date: 20/04/2008
Grade: 4+
Details: no. 8 Tea Shop Mystery
Large Print edition
Library
Theodosia Browning is serving tea at a flower show in Charleston when she and others witness the very sudden and violent death of Mark Congdon, shortly after he bought a very rare and expensive orchid in an auction.
When it turns out that the death was not a heart attack but in fact suspicious, Theo of course has to investigate.
And when shortly afterwards the B & B Mark and his wife owned goes up in flames, the investigation acquires a new urgency.
With no shortage of suspects, Theo has her work cut out for her and only barely escapes this investigation with her life.
Very enjoyable mystery and an easy read.
THE BOOKCLUB
TITLE: THE BOOKCLUB
AUTHOR: kATE McCABE
Pages: 371
Date: 19/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Library
Feeling alone and slightly depressed, Marion Hunt decides to start a bookclub, one dreary January day, and despite a slow start, she finds enough people interested to get started.
All the members have their own reasons for joining, with a love of reading not always being the main motivator.
As their individual lives continue and intermingle, the bookclub turns out to be a huge success, in more ways then one, for all but one of the members. But then again, like the others, this one exception only gets what he deserves.
A fun book. McCabe has dedicated the book to Maeve Binchy and her husband, and there are definite signs that Binchy was a huge inspiration to this author. And although she doesn't quite equals Binchy's magic, she's not too far off.
AUTHOR: kATE McCABE
Pages: 371
Date: 19/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Library
Feeling alone and slightly depressed, Marion Hunt decides to start a bookclub, one dreary January day, and despite a slow start, she finds enough people interested to get started.
All the members have their own reasons for joining, with a love of reading not always being the main motivator.
As their individual lives continue and intermingle, the bookclub turns out to be a huge success, in more ways then one, for all but one of the members. But then again, like the others, this one exception only gets what he deserves.
A fun book. McCabe has dedicated the book to Maeve Binchy and her husband, and there are definite signs that Binchy was a huge inspiration to this author. And although she doesn't quite equals Binchy's magic, she's not too far off.
THE TEMPLAR LEGACY
TITLE: THE TEMPLAR LEGACY
AUTHOR: STEVE BERRY
Pages: 554
Date: 17/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Own
Cotton Malone is a bookseller in Copenhagen, having retired from undercover work for the US justice department after one fatal shooting too many.
Then he witnesses how his former boss, Stephanie Nelle, is robbed of her bag, only for the thief to kill himself when Malone corners him.
Next thing he knows, Malone has joined Stephanie Nelle on a quest to prove or disprove her diseased husband's theories concerning the lost treasures of the Knights Templar.
But they are not the only ones looking, and others will do anything to get there first, and betrayals and double crossings are always present.
Fun and interesting thriller with good characters and a story plausible enough to keep my interest.
AUTHOR: STEVE BERRY
Pages: 554
Date: 17/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Own
Cotton Malone is a bookseller in Copenhagen, having retired from undercover work for the US justice department after one fatal shooting too many.
Then he witnesses how his former boss, Stephanie Nelle, is robbed of her bag, only for the thief to kill himself when Malone corners him.
Next thing he knows, Malone has joined Stephanie Nelle on a quest to prove or disprove her diseased husband's theories concerning the lost treasures of the Knights Templar.
But they are not the only ones looking, and others will do anything to get there first, and betrayals and double crossings are always present.
Fun and interesting thriller with good characters and a story plausible enough to keep my interest.
REDEMPTION FALLS
TITLE: REDEMPTION FALLS
AUTHOR: JOSEPH O'CONNOR
Date: 15/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: Audio/16 Cd's/19 hours
Narrator: Peter Marinker
Library
This story is set in 1865-66, the end of the American Civil War, when Eliza Duane Mooney, daughter of two passengers from the STAR OF THE SEA, sets out from Baton Rouge to look for her younger brother who she hasn't seen since he joined the war as a young child.
Her journey will be filled with danger, fear and humiliation, but determination sees her through.
In Redemption Falls former General now acting Governor James O'Keefe takes in a young, apparently mute boy, something his beautiful but independent wife resents.
As the story unfolds and the various parties get closer together, yet another will orchestrate a dramatic and violent ending.
This story was told like a documentary, which made it fragmented and at times meandering. For me this was both intriguing and infuriating.Intriguing won out though, and it was not a hardship to listen to the 19 hours it took to tell the story, mainly thanks to a fabulous narrator.
AUTHOR: JOSEPH O'CONNOR
Date: 15/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: Audio/16 Cd's/19 hours
Narrator: Peter Marinker
Library
This story is set in 1865-66, the end of the American Civil War, when Eliza Duane Mooney, daughter of two passengers from the STAR OF THE SEA, sets out from Baton Rouge to look for her younger brother who she hasn't seen since he joined the war as a young child.
Her journey will be filled with danger, fear and humiliation, but determination sees her through.
In Redemption Falls former General now acting Governor James O'Keefe takes in a young, apparently mute boy, something his beautiful but independent wife resents.
As the story unfolds and the various parties get closer together, yet another will orchestrate a dramatic and violent ending.
This story was told like a documentary, which made it fragmented and at times meandering. For me this was both intriguing and infuriating.Intriguing won out though, and it was not a hardship to listen to the 19 hours it took to tell the story, mainly thanks to a fabulous narrator.
Monday, April 14, 2008
ZADELPIJN EN ANDER DAMESLEED
TITLE: ZADELPIJN EN ANDER DAMESLEED
AUTHOR: LISA VAN SAMBEEK
Pages: 302
Date: 14/04/2008
Grade: 4+
Own
Obviously a Dutch book, this time by a Dutch author, or rather two authors working together, whose names are not provided. And I'm not sure as to how to translate this title. The closest I can get is "Saddle Soreness and other Female Distress".
The story is about 7 women, all aged around 50, who have known each other since university. Once a year they travel to the Loire valley in France for a week long bicycle holiday.
This year is the fifth time they make the trip and it will turn out to be a memorable and for some traumatic one.
With one of the "Tites" (the group's name) suffering terminal cancer, another still getting over the death of her husband a year ago and a third trying but not succeeding to have and do it all and still be happy, things would be hard enough. However, that's only the start of it. A fourth member experiences a holiday romance, while the fifth discovers that the sixth has an affair with her husband . The final member of the group looks at the front page of a Dutch paper to discover that her secret lover of five years has died in a car crash. Never a dull moment therefore in this book, but for me there was just too much happening in the space of six days for this to be a story I could believe in.
And although every chapter was told by another member of the group, I never found the voices to be individual enough. And I also had a problem with the women themselves, I couldn't really warm to any of them, or them as a group. And much as it shames me to say it, I don't much like the Dutch language. Compared to English is seems so very coarse, completely lacking in sublity.
Still, I'm not sorry I read this book since it did hold my interest and me turning the pages.
AUTHOR: LISA VAN SAMBEEK
Pages: 302
Date: 14/04/2008
Grade: 4+
Own
Obviously a Dutch book, this time by a Dutch author, or rather two authors working together, whose names are not provided. And I'm not sure as to how to translate this title. The closest I can get is "Saddle Soreness and other Female Distress".
The story is about 7 women, all aged around 50, who have known each other since university. Once a year they travel to the Loire valley in France for a week long bicycle holiday.
This year is the fifth time they make the trip and it will turn out to be a memorable and for some traumatic one.
With one of the "Tites" (the group's name) suffering terminal cancer, another still getting over the death of her husband a year ago and a third trying but not succeeding to have and do it all and still be happy, things would be hard enough. However, that's only the start of it. A fourth member experiences a holiday romance, while the fifth discovers that the sixth has an affair with her husband . The final member of the group looks at the front page of a Dutch paper to discover that her secret lover of five years has died in a car crash. Never a dull moment therefore in this book, but for me there was just too much happening in the space of six days for this to be a story I could believe in.
And although every chapter was told by another member of the group, I never found the voices to be individual enough. And I also had a problem with the women themselves, I couldn't really warm to any of them, or them as a group. And much as it shames me to say it, I don't much like the Dutch language. Compared to English is seems so very coarse, completely lacking in sublity.
Still, I'm not sorry I read this book since it did hold my interest and me turning the pages.
THE TENDERNESS OF WOLVES
TITLE: THE TENDERNESS OF WOLVES
AUTHOR: STEF PENNEY
Pages: 584
Date: 12/04/2008
Grade: 5
Details: Large Print
Library
It is the winter of 1667 in Canada when a local fur trader is brutally murdered and a 17 year old boy disappears.
In the local town the murder leads to excitement and investigations, and soon there appear to be two suspects; one a stranger, found in the murdered man's house a few days later, the other the 17 year old boy.
Desperate for her son's safety, his mother joins with the stranger to travel north, into the wilderness to find both the boy and the truth.
As they and others travel north, both the mystery in the present and a few from the past get solved, but not without a high price for some.
A fascinating story, very atmospheric and original in it's execution.
AUTHOR: STEF PENNEY
Pages: 584
Date: 12/04/2008
Grade: 5
Details: Large Print
Library
It is the winter of 1667 in Canada when a local fur trader is brutally murdered and a 17 year old boy disappears.
In the local town the murder leads to excitement and investigations, and soon there appear to be two suspects; one a stranger, found in the murdered man's house a few days later, the other the 17 year old boy.
Desperate for her son's safety, his mother joins with the stranger to travel north, into the wilderness to find both the boy and the truth.
As they and others travel north, both the mystery in the present and a few from the past get solved, but not without a high price for some.
A fascinating story, very atmospheric and original in it's execution.
SIZE DOESN'T MATTER
TITLE: SIZE DOESN'T MATTER
AUTHOR: MEG CABOT
Pages: 280
Date: 09/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 3 Heather Wells Mystery
Also published as: Big Boned
Library
Heather's life is once again in turmoil. Her relationship with Tad, her maths tutor is getting serious very quickly, and he has a question he wants to ask her, although Heather isn't sure at all how she feels about the whole thing.
Her dad is moving out, but not before giving her a business proposal. And of course there's Cooper, who still gets her all flustered, despite Tad's presence in her life.
On the work front the graduate students are threatening to strike, and to top it all off, Heather's boss gets shot in the head, although he is so boring it's hard to imagine why anyone would bother.
The usual mayhem provides quite a few Laugh Out Loud moments and a fun, quick read.
AUTHOR: MEG CABOT
Pages: 280
Date: 09/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 3 Heather Wells Mystery
Also published as: Big Boned
Library
Heather's life is once again in turmoil. Her relationship with Tad, her maths tutor is getting serious very quickly, and he has a question he wants to ask her, although Heather isn't sure at all how she feels about the whole thing.
Her dad is moving out, but not before giving her a business proposal. And of course there's Cooper, who still gets her all flustered, despite Tad's presence in her life.
On the work front the graduate students are threatening to strike, and to top it all off, Heather's boss gets shot in the head, although he is so boring it's hard to imagine why anyone would bother.
The usual mayhem provides quite a few Laugh Out Loud moments and a fun, quick read.
DE VLIEGERAAR
TITLE: DE VLIEGERAAR
AUTHOR: KHALED HOSSEINI
Pages: 346
Date: 08/04/2008
Grade: 5
Details: Dutch translation of THE KITE RUNNER
Own
I usually don't like reading translations if I can help it, but this book was a present, and so it seemed rude not to read it. And, as translations go, this wasn't a bad one; it read away quite naturally, which is an accomplishment on the translators part. Although the translation of the title was not right.
A "Vliegeraar" is the person keeping the kite in the air, the person who flies it while it's attached to the rope. The "Kite Runner" of the title on the other hand, appears to be the person who chaces and catches the kite once it has been cut loose. Having said that, I wouldn't be able to come up with a better translation myself. I don't think there is a Dutch word that captures what's meant here.
And so, to the story.
Amin and Hassan grow up together in Kabul, but always aware that one is "the master" and the other will never be more then a servant.
Jealousy causes Amin to be quite mean to Hassan at times, even though he is the one in the privileged position.
One day Hassan falls victim to a vicious attack, one in which Amin chooses not to interfere. This day changes their relationship forever.
It is not until years later, when Amin has been living in the US for some time that he is told a family secret. One that makes him return to a very dangerous Kabul, and provides him with an opportunity to make up for past mistakes.
A heartbreaking, shocking, yet very beautiful story.
My next book by this author will be read in the original English, though, and I'll be curious to see how that compares.
AUTHOR: KHALED HOSSEINI
Pages: 346
Date: 08/04/2008
Grade: 5
Details: Dutch translation of THE KITE RUNNER
Own
I usually don't like reading translations if I can help it, but this book was a present, and so it seemed rude not to read it. And, as translations go, this wasn't a bad one; it read away quite naturally, which is an accomplishment on the translators part. Although the translation of the title was not right.
A "Vliegeraar" is the person keeping the kite in the air, the person who flies it while it's attached to the rope. The "Kite Runner" of the title on the other hand, appears to be the person who chaces and catches the kite once it has been cut loose. Having said that, I wouldn't be able to come up with a better translation myself. I don't think there is a Dutch word that captures what's meant here.
And so, to the story.
Amin and Hassan grow up together in Kabul, but always aware that one is "the master" and the other will never be more then a servant.
Jealousy causes Amin to be quite mean to Hassan at times, even though he is the one in the privileged position.
One day Hassan falls victim to a vicious attack, one in which Amin chooses not to interfere. This day changes their relationship forever.
It is not until years later, when Amin has been living in the US for some time that he is told a family secret. One that makes him return to a very dangerous Kabul, and provides him with an opportunity to make up for past mistakes.
A heartbreaking, shocking, yet very beautiful story.
My next book by this author will be read in the original English, though, and I'll be curious to see how that compares.
Monday, April 7, 2008
UNDEAD AND UNEASY
TITLE: UNDEAD AND UNEASY
AUTHOR: MARYJANICE DAVIDSON
Pages: 272
Date: 06/04/2008
Grade: 4
Details: no. 6 Undead mystery
Library
Vampire Queen Betsy Tailor is still getting ready for her wedding to Sinclair when strange things start happening.
Her usually full life and house are suddenly empty after her father and stepmother die and Sinclair and other housemates just disappear without saying a word.
After spending some time sulking, feeling sorry for herself and getting angry, as well as getting used to looking after a baby, Betsy eventually figures out that something strange is going on. And in order to get her life back to normal and her wedding to go ahead as planned, Betsy has to dive head first into danger to safe those she loves.
Vampire chick-lit, who would have thought it. Not a great story, but good fun to read.
AUTHOR: MARYJANICE DAVIDSON
Pages: 272
Date: 06/04/2008
Grade: 4
Details: no. 6 Undead mystery
Library
Vampire Queen Betsy Tailor is still getting ready for her wedding to Sinclair when strange things start happening.
Her usually full life and house are suddenly empty after her father and stepmother die and Sinclair and other housemates just disappear without saying a word.
After spending some time sulking, feeling sorry for herself and getting angry, as well as getting used to looking after a baby, Betsy eventually figures out that something strange is going on. And in order to get her life back to normal and her wedding to go ahead as planned, Betsy has to dive head first into danger to safe those she loves.
Vampire chick-lit, who would have thought it. Not a great story, but good fun to read.
THE ALIENIST
TITLE: THE ALIENIST
AUTHOR: CALEB CARR
Pages: 612
Date: 05/04/2008
Grade: 5
Details: 1st book featuring John Schuyler Moore
Own
New York, 1896, and Theodore Roosevelt is Police Commissioner when someone sets out on a gruesome killing spree aimed at young male prostitutes who dress up as women.
With the newspapers even refusing to report the murders, city officials determined to shove the crimes under the carpet and the old and corrupt police officers still a dangerous force and threat to deal with, Roosevelt appears stuck between a rock and a hard place.
In an attempt to have the case investigated and solved, he asks two friends of his, journalist John Schuyler Moore and psychiatrist (alienist) Lazlo Kreizler to assemble a team to do just that.
Using unproven, unorthodox and unaccepted methods like fingerprints and more importantly profiling, the team creates an impression of the murderer that eventually allows them to identify and stop him, all the while facing opposition from all directions.
Great mystery and fascinating read with all the historical detail and a look at the emergence of modern policing techniques.
I will be trying very hard to find the sequel to this book.
AUTHOR: CALEB CARR
Pages: 612
Date: 05/04/2008
Grade: 5
Details: 1st book featuring John Schuyler Moore
Own
New York, 1896, and Theodore Roosevelt is Police Commissioner when someone sets out on a gruesome killing spree aimed at young male prostitutes who dress up as women.
With the newspapers even refusing to report the murders, city officials determined to shove the crimes under the carpet and the old and corrupt police officers still a dangerous force and threat to deal with, Roosevelt appears stuck between a rock and a hard place.
In an attempt to have the case investigated and solved, he asks two friends of his, journalist John Schuyler Moore and psychiatrist (alienist) Lazlo Kreizler to assemble a team to do just that.
Using unproven, unorthodox and unaccepted methods like fingerprints and more importantly profiling, the team creates an impression of the murderer that eventually allows them to identify and stop him, all the while facing opposition from all directions.
Great mystery and fascinating read with all the historical detail and a look at the emergence of modern policing techniques.
I will be trying very hard to find the sequel to this book.
THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD
TITLE: THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD
AUTHOR: AGATHA CHRISTIE
Date: 01/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: 1st Hercule Poirot Mystery
Audio/BBC Radio Play/2 cd's.
Library
It all starts with the apparent suicide of Mrs Farrors, an event that sends the residents of King's Abbot into flurries of gossip.
The next day, Roger Ackroyd is found murdered in his study, with everyone in the house at the time being a suspect, although the main suspect is Ackroyd's stepson, who has disappeared.
Hercule Poirot, having retired from his private detective work, has moved to Kings Abbot and is soon convinced to come back from retirement to investigate the murder.
He does this in his own unique manner, and soon discovers what really happened. Much to the shock and surprise of the murderer who was convinced that this was a case even Poirot wouldn't be able to solve.
AUTHOR: AGATHA CHRISTIE
Date: 01/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: 1st Hercule Poirot Mystery
Audio/BBC Radio Play/2 cd's.
Library
It all starts with the apparent suicide of Mrs Farrors, an event that sends the residents of King's Abbot into flurries of gossip.
The next day, Roger Ackroyd is found murdered in his study, with everyone in the house at the time being a suspect, although the main suspect is Ackroyd's stepson, who has disappeared.
Hercule Poirot, having retired from his private detective work, has moved to Kings Abbot and is soon convinced to come back from retirement to investigate the murder.
He does this in his own unique manner, and soon discovers what really happened. Much to the shock and surprise of the murderer who was convinced that this was a case even Poirot wouldn't be able to solve.
BIG CHERRY HOLLER
TITLE: BIG CHERRY HOLLER
AUTHOR: ADRIANA TRIGIANI
Date: 01/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 2 in the Big Stone Gap series
Audio/9 cd's/10 hours/Narrator: Kate Forbes
Library
Ave Maria has been married to Jack for 8 years when this story starts. During that time they got two children, the older, Etta is now 8, but the younger, a boy named Joe, died from leukemia a few years back.
Although Ave is not aware of it, or doesn't allow herself to be aware of it, her marriage is under huge pressure and at risk of falling apart.
It takes a summer apart from each other and flirtations with others from both her and Jack to make Ave realise what she has, how close to losing it she has come, and what to do to fix it.
A book written like life is lived; intimate, deep, sad, funny and exasperating in turn. It made for a fascinating listening experience with a good narrator.
AUTHOR: ADRIANA TRIGIANI
Date: 01/04/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 2 in the Big Stone Gap series
Audio/9 cd's/10 hours/Narrator: Kate Forbes
Library
Ave Maria has been married to Jack for 8 years when this story starts. During that time they got two children, the older, Etta is now 8, but the younger, a boy named Joe, died from leukemia a few years back.
Although Ave is not aware of it, or doesn't allow herself to be aware of it, her marriage is under huge pressure and at risk of falling apart.
It takes a summer apart from each other and flirtations with others from both her and Jack to make Ave realise what she has, how close to losing it she has come, and what to do to fix it.
A book written like life is lived; intimate, deep, sad, funny and exasperating in turn. It made for a fascinating listening experience with a good narrator.
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