Canadian Reader left behind a set of dvds for a show I'd never heard of: Last of the Summer Wine. Kiwi and I gave it a try a few weeks ago. It follows the antics of three men (almost retirement age) wandering around Yorkshire looking for something to do. It took about four episodes to get us hooked. It is silly and whimsical and charming! I had to learn more ... and ... I discovered there's a book! Last of the Summer Wine: the Story of the World's Longest-Running Comedy Series, by Andrew Vine is a wonderful history of this quirky show. It aired for 37 years! The Christmas episode drew more viewers than the long awaited, much anticipated, first time ever release to the TV screen of Gone With the Wind! The book is a delightful read, but except for the prologue (which is beautiful) probably would make more sense if you've seen the show.

Also from Canadian Reader came a recommendation for Brighton Belle: a Mirabelle Bevan Mystery, by Sara Sheridan. Set in post WWII England, Mirabelle is working at a debt collection agency. It is quiet and steady, just what she likes after the chaos of the war years. Then she is sent on the hunt for a pregnant Hungarian woman and that all changes. Lots of twists here! People are not what (or who) they seem. And where are all the gold coins coming from? What is happening at the race track? Just a thrill of a read, kept me up far into the night.

Reading Hermit With Dog