Historical Fiction and a little more.

A few historical fiction and one that crosses genres for you today along with contemporary fiction.

From Geraldine:

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“The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman

"This compelling, true story of the holocaust in WWII Czechoslovakia goes beyond concentration camp torture to celebrate enduring love and family loyalty.

There are several surprising twists as the author weaves plots together with accounts of bravery and artistic triumph.”

From Bridgette:

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The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt

“The Sisters Brothers fell flat for me. The best thing about it was the cover.”

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Love Over Scotland by Alexander McCall Smith

“Finally!!! I keep giving the Scotland series a chance in hopes that it will grab my attention and make me fall in love with it. The first two in this series were iffy for me but I saw something in them. This is the third installment and I am finally hooked. Bertie is a brilliant character and I cannot wait to follow his life as he grows up with his insufferable mother.”

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The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff

“The Monsters of Templeton was yet another novel about the dysfunctional family yet I did not think it trite. I found it to be very refreshing and unique. I loved that Templeton was based on a real town, had a real monster, and featured many flashbacks by founders of the town to put the mystery together.”

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Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

“I loved the concept and thought this story to be highly-creative.  However, I had trouble with truly suspending my disbelief. I could not give myself to the story effectively and I think it has more to do with the writing than me.”

From Margaret:

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How To Make An American Quilt by Whitney Otto

“This book gives one information on making quilts and the life stories of the ladies who made the quilts.”

From Lynsey

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Little Bee by Chris Cleave

“This is an excellent story and a great summer read.  You feel for the characters immediately…this was a hard book to put down once you get started.”

Mysteries anyone?

Some of the latest Mystery and Suspense book reviews:

From Peggy

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11th Hour by James Patterson

“Another murder mystery with the Women's Murder Club.  Fast moving--love the short chapters.”

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Dead Last by James W Hall

“Main character Thorn helps solve murder and discovers family.”

From Bridgette:

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The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection by Alexander McCall Smith

“I just love all of the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series. I feel as if I have been transported from my living room to the warm and colorful country of Botswana where the people are insightful, friendly, and interesting.”

From Margaret:

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Now You See Her by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

“Nina was nineteen and a change of events caused her to change her identity. Things were going fine as a mother and lawyer.  Then her past catches up with her and she must risk everything to set it right.” 

From Joseph:

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Locked On by Tom Clancy

“Another doorstop of a page-turner, but if you're reading this review, you've read all the other Clancy novels. This next episode of Junior's work with the NGO spy network group is as satisfying as the others, but the extreme portrayals of the three "liberal" characters was a bit of a turn-off.”

From Doris:

The Golden One by Elizabeth Peters

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“Archaeologists from Britain working in Egypt, contending with WW1, spies, tomb raiders stabbings, shootings but always maintaining that stiff upper lip - go dig it.”

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Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John LeCarre

“Double dealing spies, murder, an enigma within a puzzle Warning: Attention must be paid-the Devil is in the details”

From JoAnn:

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The Art of Detection by Laurie King

“Enjoyable story about a homicide in current day San Francisco that revolves around the discovery of an unpublished Arthur Conan Doyle manuscript. I liked the way King had a light touch on the violence and a light touch when describing gay relationships.  I learned a little about antiques and the need to have items appraised.  King gave enough reality to the main characters to help you see them and care about them.  There was enough action to keep me interested.  The only thing lacking was a stronger involvement of Kate's significant other, who seemed to be frequently ignored by Kate.”

A couple from Bonnie:

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The Suspect by John Lescroart

“Stuart Gorman soon learns that you can talk too much to the police after
your wife is found dead.  He hires a lawyer who has never tried a murder case.  All through the book you keep saying "Shut up Stuart". His faith in the judicial system is "blind", especially when he keeps saying he is innocent and that should be enough. You will enjoy this book and this author.”



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The Cat Who Brought Down the House by Lilian Jackson Braun

“"The Cat Who....." is a series of 26 books. The stars are Jim Quillerin, crime reporter that has moved 400 miles north of everywhere and his Siamese Cat KoKo. KoKo has the uncanny habit of knowing when mysterious things are about to happen. KoKo has an adorable house mate Yum Yum, also a Siamese. This story is about an aging celebrity who moves home, buys an old opera house, her twin brother is murdered, who did it? KoKo knows. These books are "Soft Mysteries".