KENNEDY'S BRAIN

TITLE: KENNEDY'S BRAIN
AUTHOR: HENNING MANKELL
Date: 31/10/2008
Grade: 4-
Details: Audio: 11 Cd's / 11 hours and 10 minutes
Narrator: Anna Bentinck
Library

When archaeologist Louise Cantor returns to Sweden from Greece, it is to find her son, Henrik, dead in his bed. The official verdict is that Henrik committed suicide, but Louise, knowing her son, refuses to belief this.
As Louise starts looking into her son's life, she soon finds that there is a lot she didn't know about him; like his interest in the conspiracy theory concerning President Kennedy's brain which went missing after his autopsy, and the fact that Henrik had been HIV positive.
As she follows in her son's footsteps she finds herself travelling first to Spain and then to Africa. She also finds herself dealing with people disappearing and dying.
But even when she finds out what is behind the fear and the deaths, it remains unclear what she can do to stop it or prove it.
This was not a bad story, even if it was more a political thriller than a mystery. But to me it was frustrating that the issues involved are so great that the story realistically couldn't provide a solution or resolution. Which made for a more or less realistic ending, even if it wasn't a very satisfying one.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE NORTH

TITLE: ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE NORTH
AUTHOR: PHILLIP PULLMAN
Pages: 94
Date: 31/10/2008
Grade: 4+
Details: A Story from the world of "The Golden Compass)
Library

This book is more a novella than a novel, but no less enjoyable for it. It is the story of the first meeting between Lee Scoresby, the Texan balloonist, and Iorek Byrnison, the armoured bear. When they join forces to oppose injustice on the island of Novy Odense, it is the start of a life long friendship.
This is a beautifully made book; a small sized hardcover with a dark blue cloth cover, and comes with a ballooning board game. I haven't played the game yet, but it looks like it will be fun when we do. I think this book will make a perfect stocking filler for anyone who enjoyed "His Dark Materials".

THE LINCOLN LAWYER

TITLE: THE LINCOLN LAWYER
AUTHOR: MICHAEL CONNELLY
Pages: 448
Date: 30/10/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: Stand-alone
Own

Michael Haller is a criminal defence lawyer working from the backseat of his Lincoln (hence the title). When Louis Roulet is arrested for brutally beating up a woman in an attempt to rape and kill her, he hires Haller for his defence. At first Haller thinks that he might have found something very rare, an innocent client. However, it soon turns out that things are far more complicated then that and soon Haller finds himself playing a very dangerous game of cat and mouse with the lay, a dangerous murderer and the lives of himself and those he loves.
This was not a bad mystery at all, just not up to Harry Bosch standard. (Which makes my wonder what the next book in that series, The Brass Verdict, will be like, since that book will bring the two characters together).
I'm still not a fan of court room mysteries though. I can't quite say why not, but they never seem to do it for me. Could have something to do with the fact that they appear to have little to do with justice, and more with technicalities. The same reason I never wanted to pursue a career in law.

BOOK LAUNCH "THE POISON THRONE"

On Saturday October 25th 2008 The Poison Throne by Celine Kiernan was launched in Crannog Bookshop in Cavan Town, co. Cavan, Ireland.

The Poison Throne is the first book by Celine Kiernan to be published and is also the first instalment in the Moorhawke trilogy. Since I reviewed this book in this blog on the 11th of September, I won't get into that again, except to say that it is a wonderful book, aimed at young adults but very much to be enjoyed by adults too.

The launch itself was a huge success. Crannog isn't a very big bookshop but it was filled to capacity and then some. For those who did not arrive early it was a case of standing room only.

After a welcome and introduction by the owner of the bookshop, the floor was given to Michael O'Brien, of O'Brien publishing who praised the author for an exceptional book. He told the audience that after he had bought the rights to the book he took the first three chapters to the Bologna Book Fair only a few weeks later. On the basis of those three chapters he managed to sell the rights to several different countries (if I remember correctly 13) which is a terrific achievement and says a lot about the quality of the writing and the power of the story.

The second speaker was author Catherine Dunne. Years ago, she was Celine's teacher in secondary school, and she told us how even then Celine showed huge talent and imagination.

Finally it was time for Celine herself to address her. She told us how overwhelmed she is by the positive reactions she has been getting to her book. She also said that there had been several times when she was ready to just forget about the whole project, but had been encouraged by her husband and children to keep on going. And how right they were.

She read pages from the story and picked a point in the narrative that was sure to entice those who had not read the book yet to pick it up immediately and get the full story.

When it was time for the book signing I had my opportunity to have a quick word with Celine. Much to my surprise she told me that she had read my review in this blog, and thanked me for it. Apparently, mine was the very first review of this book to be published anywhere. And since I loved the book, that was not a bad thing. She was kind enough to allow me to keep the ARC copy I had read and signed it for me, with a thank you for that review. The copy of the book I bought while in Crannog she signed for Tara, at which point I took the photo you see above.

This was my very first book launch and I enjoyed it thoroughly. From now on I'll be making a point of going to as many launches as is feasible.

THE SECRET SCRIPTURE

TITLE: THE SECRET SCRIPTURE
AUTHOR: SEBASTIAN BARRY
Pages: 300
Date: 26/10/2008
Grade: 5
Details: First read for the Bailieborough Library Reading Group
Own.

This was neither a fast nor an easy read, and I can understand why somebody might give up on it and decide not to finish it.
Yet, anybody deciding not to read or finish this book would be doing themselves a great disservice. This was, for me, a very beautiful and moving book. Based on the content of the book, reading the story should have been heartbreaking, but that is not the emotion I was left with. I was left with a feeling of serenity and beauty, which surely must be down to the author's writing; simple and slightly detached, the way we do tend to look at memories from long ago, no matter how painful the events we are remembering.
The story:
In Roscommon Regional Mental Hospital Roseanne McNulty (or should that be Clear) is about 100 years old (nobody knows her exact age) when she decides to write down the story of her early life. A life that was difficult from the start since she was born a protestant in a Catholic country in times of great turmoil. A life filled with tragedy and a life that lead her to spend most of her adult years in mental institutions.
At the same time, her psychiatrist, faced with the imminent closure of the mental hospital starts looking into Roseanne's history, and the reasons for her having been committed, in order to decide about her future.
Both stories are told in the form of journals, and it soon emerges that Roseanne's narrative doesn't always agree with the documents Dr. Grene can get his hands on.
The question is, what is the true account? Or even, is there such a thing as a true account? Or does the truth, like beauty, depend on the eyes of the beholder, and on the tricks the passage of time plays on memories?

THE BLOOD DETECTIVE

TITLE: THE BLOOD DETECTIVE
AUTHOR: DAN WADDELL
Pages: 398
Date: 23/10/2008
Grade: 5
Details: no.1 Nigel Barnes Mystery
Own

Nigel Barnes is an expert at tracing and compiling family trees. He is asked by the police, represented by DCI Grant Foster, to assist in an inquiry.
A mutilated body has been found in a London grave yard, with a clue carved in his chest. The clue leads the investigators to a string of brutal murders committed in 1879, murders that appear to be in the process of being recommitted in the present.
It soon turns into a race against time as murder follows murder and the bloodline of everyone of the victims needs to be checked if the investigators are to have any hope of stopping the killings before the murderer reaches his ultimate tally of five. And the urgency increases as it turns out that one of those on the investigative team is destined to be the final victim.
This was a very well written and well plotted mystery. Written by the author of "Who Do You Think You Are", the book accompanying the BBC TV series.
I'm delighted this is the first book in a series, with the next one due out next year.

THE SKIN GODS

TITLE: THE SKIN GODS
AUTHOR: RICHARD MONTANARI
Pages: 395
Date: 21/10/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 2 Kevin Byrne & Jessica Balzano mystery
Library

The case begins when somebody hands in a video of Psycho to the police. The shower scene in the movie has been replaced with real footage of a similar murder. The tape gives no clues as to the who or why, and soon a second tape turns up. A different movie, but again a real murder taped over the fictional one. As more tapes and more murders turn up, clues are few and far between, and with the murderer apparently heading for a big finale, Kevin and Jessica are up against it as the case is about to turn personal.
I'm liking this series, the mysteries are good and original, the characters interesting and multi-dimensional, and the thrills are fascinating.

THE DANGEROUS SPORTS EUTHANASIA SOCIETY

TITLE: THE DANGEROUS SPORT EUTHANASIA SOCIETY
AUTHOR: CHRISTINE COLEMAN
Pages: 308
Date: 19/10/2008
Grade: 4.5
Library

Agnes Borrowdale is a week away from her 75th birthday when she climbs out of the window of her room in the old-people's home she hates. Worried about her grandchildren she hasn't seen in ages she's decided to go and find them to see if they're safe.
Her journey is far from straightforward, but along the road she meets some very nice and helpful people.
When she prevents Felix from killing himself, she invents the "Dangerous Sports Euthanasia Society" in the hope it will stop him from trying again. But soon the invented society has taken on a life of it's own, and Agnes finds that at 75 life is filled with surprises, adventures and discoveries; like the secret meaning of life: "the beautiful simplicity of letting go of fear".
This was a fun and delightful story, not like anything I can remember reading before. And original and uplifting read.
"If I can't be a shining example, at least I can be a dreadful warning."

THE MURDER BIRD

TITLE: THE MURDER BIRD
AUTHOR: JOANNA HINES
Pages: 374
Date: 18/10/2008
Grade: 4+
Library

When Kirsten Waller is found dead in a bath tub in a Cornish Cottage, her daughter Sam is the only one not prepared to accept the official verdict of suicide. And her conviction that her mother was murdered is strenghtened by the fact that her mother's notebook as well as a poem have gone missing.
For a long time Sam has to look for prove of her suspicions alone. But even when others start sharing her suspicions and supporting her, it may not be enough to safe her. The Murder Bird is getting ready to strike again.
Interesting story, and a decent read, but nothing spectacular. I never really felt like I was reading a thriller.

HEART AND SOUL

TITLE: HEART AND SOUL
AUTHOR: MAEVE BINCHY
Pages: 452
Date: 16/10/2008
Grade: 4+
Library

Well, in many aspects this was a typical Binchy book, cosy, likable and recognizable characters in an uplifting story.
But... she continues to bring back characters from previous books, and as much as I enjoy finding out how these characters develop after their original story is over, I can't help feeling it's the author taking the easy way out, or suffering a lack of imagination.
With characters popping up that featured in at least 5 previous novels, this was once again (like Whitethorn Wood) more like a collection of short stories than a novel, although the heart centre at the centre of it all does tie all the stories together fairly well.
And as much as this was not Binchy at the height of her powers, it was a pleasure to read.

THE SUSPICIONS OF MR. WHICHER

TITLE: THE SUSPICIONS OF MR. WHICHER OR, THE MURDER AT ROAD HILL HOUSE
AUTHOR: KATE SUMMERSCALE
Pages: 302
Date: 13/10/2008
Grade: 4
Details: Non Fiction
Library

One summer's night in 1860 a young boy is taken from his bed, murdered and left in the servant's toilet outside the house, where he is found the following day.
After the murder had been investigated unsatisfactory for two weeks by the local police, Jack Whicher of Scotland Yard is send down to investigate.
Up to that point Whicher was a successful and popular investigator, but traditional class distinctions, opposition from the local police and partial interference from the press mean that he has to leave the case unsolved.
Although years later, after he has resigned his job disillusioned, the person he had accused of the crime does confess, this come too late to resurrect his career.
The murder and it's investigation caused a sensation at the time and captured the public's imagination, especially because it was clear that the murderer had to have been a member of the household.
This murder, and the way it was written about in the press gave rise to the birth of the modern detective novel, and that made this book an intriguing read for a huge fan of that genre, like me.
Although the book didn't and couldn't answer any remaining questions, it did paint a good picture of the times and the circumstances of the investigation.

HOLDING THE DREAM

TITLE: HOLDING THE DREAM
AUTHOR: NORA ROBERTS
Pages: 345
Date: 11/10/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 2 The Dream Trilogy
Own

After her parents died, Kate Powell was taken in by her aunt and uncle who raised her like one of their own children. This hasn't stopped Kate from needing to prove herself to them time and again. Now in her 20's and a successful accountant, she feels she's on the brink of achieving her goals, when her world collapses.
First she discovers that her father was about to be convicted for fraud when he died, and then she's accused of embezzling money herself and suspended from her job.
Confused and lost, the usually independent Kate turns in on herself, refusing to face or fight the charges, she allows herself to become ill.
Help comes from an unexpected corner in the form of Byron De Witt, a man she was sure she couldn't like who turns out to be all she needs to get her life back on track and her priorities straightened out.
Easy to read, fun and sexy, this was vintage Roberts. Reading her books is almost like coming home to a roaring fire on a winter's evening, and this one didn't disappoint.

SUNSET EXPRESS

TITLE: SUNSET EXPRESS
AUTHOR: ROBERT CRAIS
Date: 10/10/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 6 Elvis Cole Mystery
Audio: 8 Cd's / 9 hours & 25 minutes
Narrator: William Roberts
Library

When the body of the wife of a wealthy Los Angeles restaurateur is found, it's only a little while later that detective Angela Rossi finds the murder weapon, which leads to the husband being arrested.
Elvis Cole is hired by the restaurateur's high profile defence lawyer to find prove that not only did detective Rossi plant the evidence, but also that she has done so before.
But just when it seems that Cole has proven the exact opposite, the defence team announces that Cole did prove the plant, and Rossi gets suspended.
Now very suspicious, Elvis switches sides to prove Rossi's innocence and help get a murderer in court and convicted.
However, sometimes justice can't be got the conventional way.
As always a humorous, fast and thrilling story, read by a great narrator. Elvis' love interest adds a nice extra dimension to the story.

THE ROSARY GIRLS

TITLE: THE ROSARY GIRLS
AUTHOR: RICHARD MONTANARI
Pages: 497
Date: 09/10/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 1 Kevin Byrne & Jessica Balzano Mystery
Library

Jessica Balzano is new to Philadelphia's murder squat when she's partnered with Kevin Byrne, a veteran and a troubled man.
Almost immediately they catch a horrific case. Somebody is abducting teenage girls and mutilating and killing them in what appears to be religiously motivated murders.
Without any clues, motives or real suspects, it appears the killings might just continue. That is, until they come to a violent and horrific finale, much too close to home to the two detectives for comfort.
Good mystery, with a solid story line, interesting characters and enough red herrings to keep me guessing and turning the pages.

THE WITNESS AT THE WEDDING

TITLE: THE WITNESS AT THE WEDDING
AUTHOR: SIMON BRETT
Pages: 372
Date: 05/10/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 6 The Fethering Mysteries
Own

Carole Seddon's son Stephen will be marrying his Gaby in a few months time and Carole is about to meet the bride's parents. Marie and Harold turn out to be very quiet and shy people who appear to be determined to keep the wedding as low key as possible. But then Harold is murdered ad the wedding plans have to take a back seat to another investigation for Carole and her neighbour, Jude.
It soon appears Gaby's family has some secrets it's trying very hard to keep hidden. But the 30 year old secret will have to be examined if Harold's murder is to be solved, Gaby is to be kept safe and the wedding is to proceed.
I had the mystery solved fairly early on in the story, but that didn't diminish my reading pleasure at all.

PROMISE ME

TITLE: PROMISE ME
AUTHOR: HARLAN COBEN
Pages: 370
Date: 03/10/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 8 Myron Bolitar Mystery
Own

For six years, Myron has avoided investigations and has concentrated on his business, but that is about to change.
It all starts very innocently when he makes two teenage girls promise to call him if they ever need help. But then Aimee Briel does call him in the middle of the night. He picks her up from a street corner and drops her at what she says is the house of a friend. He watches her disappear around the corner of a house, and that's the last anyone sees of her.
Because Aimee is 18 the police won't investigate. But driven by guilt, the desperation of Aimee's family and the feeling that something isn't right, Myron breaks his rule of six years and starts an investigation.
After a somewhat slow start, this was a thrilling book with many twists.

ECHO BURNING

TITLE: ECHO BURNING
AUTHOR: LEE CHILD
Pages: 572
Date: 30/09/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 5 Jack Reacher Mystery
Library

Reacher is in Texas, trying to hitch a ride but not really expecting anyone to stop for him when a Cadillac does. He's offered a ride by Carmen, a beautiful young woman. It soon appears that Carmen has her own reasons for picking Reacher up. She's looking for someone to kill her husband for her. The husband, who has abused her for nearly as long as they have been married, is in prison right now but is due to be released soon. The husband who will abuse her again, unless he kills her first.
Refusing to do the killing, Reacher does stay with Carmen and goes to Echo County where it soon appears that there is a lot more going on then the abuse. And Reacher is the only one who can and/or wants to safe Carmen and her young daughter.
As usual, a thrilling read.

A DILLY OF A DEATH

TITLE: A DILLY OF A DEATH
AUTHOR: SUSAN WITTIG ALBERT
Pages: 314
Date: 29/09/2008
Grade: 4.5
Details: no. 13 China Bayles Mystery
Own

China's husband, McQuaid, is bored with teaching and decides to set up as a private investigator. His first client is Phoebe, the Pickle Queen, who suspects her plant manager of embezzling money. But almost as soon as she hires McQuaid, Phoebe goes missing, leaving China, Ruby and others on the planning commission for the annual Pickle Fest, in a huge pickle.
An extra complication in China's life is Amy, Ruby's daughter who is pregnant and refusing to reveal the father, and asks to move in with China.
When Phoebe turns up as a pickle herself a murder investigation with lots of suspects takes off. And although China is reluctant to investigate the matter herself, it will be down to her to safe the day.
A nice, cozy mystery with likable and realistic characters, always a pleasure to read.