Where did the year go? Here is the last post for 2019, wow!

Here is the last in A Markham Sisters Collection: MNOP, the short stories by Diana Xarissa: The Patrone Case. William Chalmers (owns an antique store) is interviewing for an assistant and one of the sisters is helping out. The applicants seem, well, less than qualified and he puts them off with ‘I’ll be making my selection this week’. Then a brick is tossed through the window at the front of the store. Is there a connection? And what about the two couples staying at the B&B? What’s going on with them? As I’ve said before, these are charming little mysteries that are just fun to read.

No More Dead Dogs, by Gordon Korman, comes from a recommendation by Constant Reader. It’s a juvie read, so won’t take you long. There are great characters here, the main one being a student who wrote a scathing review of a teacher’s favorite book (it won an award). One argument being that any time a dog book had an award sticker on the cover, you know the dog will die. He was given detention when he refused to change his review, which lead to him being assigned to help out with the drama club’s presentation of (you guessed it) that very book! The changes he makes should make you chuckle. :-)

Happy New Year everyone!

Reading Hermit With Dog

What’s it like to be married to an equine practitioner? One who can be called out at all hours, in all kinds of weather, weekdays, weekends, holidays? Justin B. Long found out, and wrote about it in Adventures of the Horse Doctor’s Husband. Yes, he keeps the books for the business, but also drives the truck (often pulling a trailer), shuffles the equipment over muddy pastures, holds IV lines and so on. There are other animals from time to time, but it’s mostly horses here. Do note: these are sick and/or injured animals so there’s not always a happy ending. (I promised no spoilers, but I don’t want any sad surprises, either). All in all, a good read. :-)

Do you remember the kitchen from your childhood? If you are (ahem) of a certain age, you will enjoy The Midcentury Kitchen: America’s Favorite Room: From Workspace to Dreamscape 1940s - 1970s, by Sarah Archer. A nice look at appliances and workspaces designed to make things easier for the cook. Loved the pictures of the kitchens of the various eras, the pamphlets used to promote them and so on. Some friends of my folks had the big pink refrigerator with the foot pedal to open the door. It didn’t take their dog long to figure that out! Worth a look!

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We’ve all seen Santas in a department store, or mall, perhaps even took children to see him. Yes, pets go see Santa, too, but this book is about kids. ;-) The first time the author played Santa he was surprised he got the job … he was 19 … and skinny! He would continue it for the next 25 years (needing less padding as time went on). Santa Clause Confidential: 150 Laugh-Out-Loud Stories From a Professional Kris Kringle, by Kevin Neary was a most enjoyable holiday read about what just does happen when a child reaches Santa’s lap. What questions do they ask (and how might Santa answer)?

A reunion of college housemates from forty years ago seemed like such a good idea, after all, they had all kept in touch over the years. It’d be fun, yes? Turned out to be a horrible idea what with all the bickering, innuendos, and eventually (of course) a body. Silent Night, Deadly Night is another Year Round Christmas Mystery by Vicki Delany. Add to this the preparation for the annual Christmas parade, and a smarmy new resident who is determined to ‘upgrade’ the floats to bring in more business and corporate sponsors. (I’ve been taken to task for this, but not everything is a business that needs to make money!)

And, for something to read on Christmas Eve, try Sherlock’s Night Before Christmas: a Mystery, by Julie Petersen and illustrated by Sheryl Dickert. It won’t take long, it’s about as long as the poem that inspired this delightful spinoff! Watson keeps saying he has spotted Santa, but Holmes never does … is Watson lying? (That’s not like him, after all). Clever and fun!

Happy Holidays!

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I’m glad Canadian Reader will be here for a visit soon as Kittens and Killers, by Diana Xarissa is the last Isle of Man Ghostly Cozy books on my shelf! When a dog starts barking at an old shed, Fenella (given her history) is fearful of finding another body. She calls Inspector Robinson to come check, but it’s just an injured mother cat and her kittens. She takes over their care, and with helping the Inspector with a cold case he’s working on. Since it happened some fifty years ago the few possible witnesses are elderly, some with memory issues. Following along as they try and solve the mystery makes for a great read.

This time of year I frequently read mysteries of a seasonal theme, but Hark the Herald Angels Slay is actually a summer mystery! It’s one of the Year-Round Christmas Mystery books by Vicki Delany and features Santa arriving for some beach time. The small businesses are expecting lots of customers but instead there is a murder (naturally), and it’s someone with connections to one of them. Add an obnoxious magazine diva and the entourage that comes with her and you have a ‘warm read’ for a chilly winter day. :-)

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Here’s a book that is full of nostalgic pictures, party ideas, and quirky recipes for all the major holidays: Holiday Jubilee: Classic & Kitschy Festivities and Fun Party Recipes, by Charles Phoenix with Kathy Kikkert. The author loves to do odd things with meatloaf, and Moms who’ve raised boys tell me the rat would have gone over big time! Don’t miss the lamb, either, with mashed potatoes for fleece, or the gelatin Christmas tree, complete with lights. This was a hoot!

This all started when Constant Reader told me about Jolabokaflod, or Yule book flood. Seems it is a tradition to give books as gifts in Iceland this time of year, in fact, publishers time their schedules around it! I love it! To learn more, I found The Little Book of the Icelanders at Christmas, by Alda Sigmundsdottir. It explains what, why, and how various traditions got started, including jolabokaflod. They sound like a lot of fun!

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For a quick read on a rainy autumn afternoon, go for The Osborne Case, one of the stories in A Markham Sisters Collection - MNOP, by Diana Xarissa. Aunt Bessie and Doona (from the Isle of Mann mystery series) are visiting and are eager to help the sisters track down someone who can tell them more about the B&B they own and run. Turns out, that person is missing … but for how long? The somewhat confused and bewildered flat mate is of little help, but can she tell them enough to find Gretchen Falkirk?

Owl be Home for Christmas, by Donna Andrews is a fun twist on the ‘snowbound’ mystery. There has been a murder at an owl convention. No one can leave, but no one (such as CSI folks, etc.) can arrive, either. Cell phones are down, there is no internet connection. The victim was not well liked, which seems to be a theme in the mysteries I’ve read recently … or is it just me? Anyway, there are lots of possible suspects and an abundance of motives. And what about that black widow spider found in the bathroom? The Meg Langslow Mystery series is a lot of fun, don’t miss this one!

The Flaw in All Magic, by Ben S. Dobson was a recommendation from Seattle Reader. Just how does one survive with no magical capabilities in a world of magic? At one point, by sleight of hand, and misdirection … until he is caught out and expelled from school that is. Tane Carver, however, has excellent powers of observation and can recognize clues and so on when others cannot. When a student is murdered at the university, he is (reluctantly) called in to help. It’s the first in the Magebreakers Series, and I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of book #2!

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Dogs can search for the missing, find buried remains, sniff out drugs and bombs, and offer comfort after traumatic events. Read about many of them in Extraordinary Dogs: Stories from Search and Rescue Dogs, Comfort Dogs, and Other Canine Heroes, with photographs by Liz Stavrinides and essays by John Schlimm.

Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come: One Introvert’s Year of Saying Yes, by Jessica Pan was a strange read, at least to me. I was interested because I too, an am introvert, but it seems, one very different from the author. She started this project, of saying yes to getting out and about, because she felt like she was missing something. I have never felt this way! She does not like talking to strangers, or public speaking and yet, she challenged herself (took some classes, too) to do both … and much more. And while I seem to feel differently about these things, I do admire her courage. :-)

I never had Lego bricks when I was young, but I will admit, it’s been fun watching them evolve, and all the amazing things can be done with them. For some wonderful winter time ideas, take a look at Holiday Ideas, by Elizabeth Dowsett. There are instructions for animals, and elves, santa (of course) and even the family dinner! My favorite might be the chapter on ‘cozy holiday sweaters’ … all from Lego bricks!

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Finally! Another of the Kopp Sister novels! Thanks to County Reader for telling me that Lady Cop Makes Trouble, by Amy Stewart was available. It’s 1915, New York City, and lady cops are not common, in fact, they are often not even wanted other than serving as matrons on the women’s floor of a prison. Constance Kopp is good, though, and has been appointed as one of the first female detectives. Will she be able to hold on to that position? Based on real sisters, this is a grand historical mystery.

Here is the second in a new series I mentioned not too long ago: Lord James Harrington and the Spring Mystery, by Lynn Florkiewicz. It’s time for the spring fair and Lord James and his wife, Beth, have a lot planned for the celebration. To their surprise, an elderly recluse has asked if she can come, and then ends up dead. What is the connection with the rest of the villagers? And who is the young man with amnesia? This series is off to a great start!

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English can be a hard language to learn. Part of this is due to our use of idioms. I was thinking Watch Your Tongue: What Our Everyday Sayings and Idioms Literally Figuratively Mean, by Mark Abley was going to be fun … and it was, but it was also a rich and detailed read and I found reading it in chapters in-between other books the best way to go. The author explains the origins of an idiom, how it might have changed over time, and those that are now obsolete. What was fun was that it was written with idioms! There were many chuckles here.

We all age, there’s no getting around it, but, how do you know when you are actually, well, old? Romney S. Humphrey takes on that challenge in her book for Baby Boomers titled How I Learned I’m Old. Some I laughed at, others not so much since they involved shopping or parties, neither of which I do much, but it’s worth a look to see what you will find funny. :-)

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It’s been a while since I read one of the Daisy Dalrymple Mystery books by Carola Dunn so I was happy to come across Corpse at the Crystal Palace. Family is visiting (think kids) and Daisy has planned what should be some fun family outings. All seems to go well until a body is found in a restroom, nannies (yes, more than one) are seen fleeing the scene, and the twins are the best eye witnesses. A grand romp of a read!

Tall Reader often brings me wonderful teen or tween reads, most recently one called First Test, by Tamora Pierce, the first in the series The Protector of the Small Quartet. Until recently, girls have not been permitted to train to be a knight. That has changed and Keladry is the first to rise to the challenge. And a challenge it is as many of the instructors (one in particular) and other students are sure a girl cannot succeed. Follow her as she deals with her first year in training.

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The Norman Case is one of those included in the MNOP Markham Sisters Collection of short mysteries, by Diana Xarissa. I love these stories … mysteries, yes indeed, but without a body or murder. :-) The B&B run by the sisters always has interesting guests, some welcome, others that will not be allowed back. This time things are missing from local retailers, nothing of much value ever, but still, it’s worrisome to the store owners. Who is the thief?

Bells and Smells is Book Twelve in the Falconer Files Murder Mystery series, by Andrea Frazier. The Reverend Florrie Feldman has been sent to the small town of Ford Hollow, which looks to be a nice, small, sleepy little town. Now, rivalries are to be expected, neighbors not getting along, and so forth, but why is someone killing off the members of the choir? It will be up to Detective Inspector Harry Falconer and trusty (if often oddly dressed) Detective Sergeant Carmichael to find out. Wonderful character descriptions, one in particular that is most unpleasant.

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Women really do belong in the kitchen, and here is a book that proves just what they can do there! A Woman’s Place: the Inventors, Rumrunners, Lawbreakers, Scientists & Single Moms Who Changed the World With Food, by Deepi Ahluwalia & Stef Ferrari, and illustrated by Jessica Olah is a wonderful collection of short biographies of these amazing women. Some introduced new foods to the world, some used food to support protests (and the suffragettes), some taught us how to prepare foods from other countries properly. They brewed beer, made ice cream (cheaply enough so everyone could enjoy it). They advocated for lunches in schools so students could learn better, one invented the automatic dishwasher!

I have now read a fair number of books about books, book stores, and so forth. They have been most enjoyable and The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop: a Memoir, a History, by Lewis Buzbee was no exception. Just what is so appealing about a book, or reading, or spending time in a book shop? (See if you agree). This was one of those books where I found myself nodding in agreement on a regular basis.

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I’m not quite sure how I stumbled upon Just One Damned Thing After Another, by Jodi Taylor, but what a wild read it was! (It could also have been called ‘something WILL go wrong, and at the worst possible moment’)! It’s science fiction, and fantasy, and history, and adventure, and romance … are you getting the picture? ;-) Think dinosaurs, friendships, betrayals, and so much more. It is Book One of The Chronicles of St. Mary’s.

Ginger and Basil are on the case again in Murder on Eaton Square, the 10^th in the Ginger Gold Mystery series by Lee Strauss. A wealthy man has died. He was sick, but was his death hurried along? And who inherits? Then there is a second death … and the prime suspect is … well, that I can’t tell you because I promised no spoilers, but wow, what a twist! Love how Ginger keeps going against convention.

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Recently Canadian Reader, Constant Reader and I have all been talking about hummingbirds. They both keep feeders out year ‘round for the local hummers. I had no idea they stayed around year long which made me think I needed to do some reading. Constant Reader recommended The Complete Book of Hummingbirds, by Tony Tilford. It proved to be an excellent read. Lots of information but never too ‘sciency’, making it perfect for this novice, and with incredible photographs. The colors on these wee birds are amazing, and there’s even one photo with the hummer sticking his/her tongue out!

I have mixed feelings about The History of the World in Fifty Dogs, by Mackenzi Lee (with illustrations by Petra Eriksson). On the one hand, some of the word use was strange to me (showing my age here) as if written for those current with modern slang, etc. That was a bit off putting, but probably only to me. On the other hand, I applaud the idea using dogs as a journey through history, and the time and the effort the author put in to her book. I did read it from cover to cover, after all. :-)

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I may have discovered a wonderful new series! At least it started out well and I have ordered book #2! Set in 1957, in the small town of Cavendish, Lord Harrington and his wife love their lives. The huge family house is a hotel (they live in a smaller house elsewhere on the grounds), they give parties for local holidays or celebrations, and listen to mysteries on the radio. In the days leading up to Halloween, Lord Harrington finds a body, of someone no one liked, and, on Guy Fawkes Night the body on the bonfire was not a manniken. Just what is going on? And let’s not forget the odd symbols under the floor mat, or the strange bits of pottery. You can get started on this series with Lord James Harrington and the Winter Mystery, by Lynn Florkiewicz.

The setting is Paris, just before the Nazi invasion and Estella Bissette is on her way (reluctantly) to the U.S. She was actually born here and therefore is able to easily get on a ship headed this way. And so begins an amazing story. How she finds her way, learns about her past and discovers … well … you’ll have to read the book because I promised no spoilers! The Paris Seamstress, by Natasha Lester was a great read, covering several generations, and with some wonderful characters and descriptions of time and place. There is some bad stuff, too, so be warned (and be sure to read the author’s note in the back).

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Canadian Reader and I got to talking, well, emailing, about (of all things) place mats one evening. The comment was made that some were too small for the silverware to go along side … but wait, aren’t they a standard size? There was not much on the ‘net so I looked for a book and found one that looked hopeful: The Vintage Table: Personal Treasures and Standout Settings, by Jacqueline de Montravel. There was nothing, nothing at all about place mats! Still, it was a most pleasing read about what goes into a nice place setting, how to arrange plates, chargers, soup bowls, silverware and so forth. See if you recognize any of the vintage pieces!

I’ve read other books on the Lipizzan horses, but Ghost Riders: When US and German Soldiers Fought Together to Save the World’s Most Beautiful Horses in the Last Days of World War II, by Mark Felton, is by far the most ‘military.’ The amount of research that must have been done boggles the mind! In a POW camp are a thousand horses, or more, including not only the Lipizzans, but many prize Arabians and other breeds, all stolen to create an equine ‘master race’ (from the front flap). If the Red Army gets to them first, they will all be destroyed. And so ‘Operation Cowboy’ is formed to save them all. Imagine moving that many animals … over country filled with land mines, damaged by bombs, and filled with refugees as well. Lots of detail on how all this was done makes for an interesting if somewhat ‘textbook’ sort of read.

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Georgiana Rannoch (23^rd in line for the throne) is on her honeymoon. Her husband has planned it, and promises something wonderful, but she does not expect it to take them to Africa! Naturally, not all goes as planned when, after a wild party, one of those who was there (and was among the wildest) is found dead on the road home. Turns out, both Georgiana and her husband are there for other reasons. She has been asked (by the Queen) to keep an eye on her son and ‘that American woman’, and he, well, we don’t know exactly why he’s there! Love and Death Among the Cheetahs is one of the Royal Spyness Mystery books by Rhys Bowen. Wonderful descriptions, but I’m glad to live here and not there!

I was pleased to discover that the next Markham Sister’s Collection (MNOP) was out in print form. It didn’t take long to read the first story: The Moody Case. The B&B is full (it’s really just two rooms), this time, unusually, with two single men. They don’t know each other. Or do they? There are some strange things going on in the small town of Derbyshire and the Markham sisters are determined to find out the what, why, and who. These are fun little mysteries by Diana Xarissa.

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Small town librarian Ann Beckett has had an interesting day. It starts with rescuing two cats trapped in a flooding culvert and ends with a blind date … who is dead. Checked Out is the first in The Village Library Mysteries series by Elizabeth Spann Craig. Turns out her blind date was not such a nice guy. All that and more comes out as she and the local police solve his murder. We meet up with some charming local residents, as well as get to know the new library cat.

From library cats we move on to police dogs in Dachshund Through the Snow, one of the Andy Carpenter Mystery books by David Rosenfelt. Andy’s wife loves the Christmas season (she’s sure it’s meant to last three months), and she loves fulfilling the wishes from the local Wish Tree. This year one in particular stands out, a little boy wants his father to come home. And so begins the hunt for the truth of a young woman murdered fourteen years earlier. These are light, easy and fun to read, court-room mysteries. Oh, and one of Andy’s clients this time is a dog!

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Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvelous Materials that Shape Our Man-Made World, by Mark Miodownik was about something called materials science, which I don’t think I’d ever heard of before. Who knew one could ‘study stuff’? ;-) It’s a rather fun, and interesting book about, well, all the stuff that we use and/or see every day: steel, concrete, rubber, graphite and so on. My favorite chapters were on paper (in all sorts of shapes and forms), and chocolate.

For one of those delightful, charming books that is hard to put down, read The Bookshop Book, by Jen Campbell. Full of descriptions and comments about book stores around the world, and proof that the electronic versions are not going to be the end of the printed book. Book stores come in all shapes and sizes. Many have store pets (there’s a bunny in one, named Napoleon Bunnyparte), others have kitchens (to try out recipes), or even beds if someone needs a place to sleep. Some stores travel … by boat, burro, or camel. And, in one, at the bottom of a box of old books, was a WWII poster from England that was never used. The store owner liked it, brushed off the dust, and framed it. It is now found on mugs, t-shirts, book marks, magnets … can you guess what it might be?

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Crafty Reader recommended Reining in Murder, by Leigh Hearon some time ago and I am finally getting around to reading it. (Sorry for the delay). It’s set on the Olympic Peninsula so the descriptions of the weather, etc. are wonderfully familiar. And, it involves horses! The main character is part of the animal rescue brigade and has been called out to help with a horse that has been in an accident. The driver swerved off the road … why? He is dead so cannot be asked, but that leads to all kinds of other complications, including another body. And Lavender, half-sister to the main character. (No comment here, you’ll have to learn about her when you read the book)! A nice start to the Carson Stables Mystery series.

I have Canadian Reader to thank for suggesting A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles to me. What a read it was! It is Moscow, 1922, and Count Alexander Rostov has been sentenced to house arrest (seems he is an “unrepentant aristocrat”) in the hotel Metropol. He is moved from his luxurious suite to a tiny room in the attic. Although he cannot leave the confines of the hotel, he meets up with some most interesting people, one of the first being a young girl. The daughter of an ambassador, her Governess determines the child is safer also not leaving the hotel (and that is the sum of her responsibilities). She is the one to show the Count the areas ‘behind’ (or below) the public areas. Because of that, he will be able to expand his living area (the ‘why’ here is delightful, but you’ll have to read the book to find out the ‘how’). The ensuing years are some of the wildest in Russian history and somehow the Count stays involved. And if all that wasn’t enough, a young child is literally left in his arms, the mother never to return. Full of wonderful characters and engaging descriptions, you should find your self doing the ‘just one more page’ thing far into the night.

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Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why It’s So Hard to Think Straight About Animals, by Hal Herzog was quite the read! The author explores various … interactions … with animals, from those we keep as pets, to those we see as pests, to those that end up on the dinner table. A real eyeopener was the difference in the birds used for cock fighting (now illegal) to those raised for food. Which had a better life? The author is an anthro-zoologist and has combined economics, philosophy, psychology, etc. into a well balanced, thought provoking read. No great tirades here, ‘just the facts’ (to quote an old police show). (Okay, maybe he expresses his opinion ever so often, but never in a pushy way). Warning though … not for the faint of heart, he pulls no punches, either!

Park rangers do many things, I think I’ve mentioned that before from other books I’ve read on this subject. A Park Ranger’s Life: Thirty-two Years Protecting Our National Parks, by Bruce W. Bytnar, is a hands on look at many of them. Dealing with wildlife (both human and actual); tourists who do, well, stupid, things; natural disasters (they can be sent anywhere to help fight a forest fire); or management who don’t seem to truly understand what is needed for the job, it really is an most interesting career choice! There were some grammar and spelling issues, but overall not a bad read.

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Crime & Punctuation is the start of a new series by Kaitlyn Dunnett. It caught my attention because the main character was an English teacher, now retired, but is earning a bit of money as a freelance editor, and can be aggressive when it comes to correcting grammar errors! She recently purchased her childhood home and is repairing and restoring it as she settles back in to her home town. When one of her first clients (the first one she meets face to face, actually) dies, she’s pretty sure it was not an accident. All sorts of interesting and nasty things start to surface, and old friends and classmates are not always what they seem. Are there clues in the mystery novel the dead woman was writing when she died? The Deadly Edits Mystery series could be fun.

Hooray! Another Isle of Man Ghostly Cozy, by Diana Xarissa. Joy and Jealousy is set during the Christmas season, Fenella’s first in her recently inherited flat on the Isle of Man. One big damper, though, her former boyfriend is coming … and not by invitation. Someone he met at a conference offered him the keys to his flat over the holidays. Jack announces he is coming, and when, and then turns off voice mail, refuses to answer Fenella’s calls, texts, emails and so on. Two things happen when he arrives: a bevy of women show up at the flat where he is staying, and, the man who gave him the keys is found dead. Figuring this all out, and dealing with Jack, makes for a rather … interesting holiday. Not to mention Mona’s (the ghost) comments and otherwise ‘helpful’ involvement. Such a fun series! :-)

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Because this past weekend was busy (and tons of fun) I am going with two juvie readers with this post. (Also tons of fun)!

Did you know there is one more Seuss book? The manuscript and ideas for illustrations for a book about art were found when his wife was cleaning out his studio. Seems he never did well in art class (his drawings were rather, um, unconventional for that time), but he loved learning about art. Dr. Seuss’s Horse Museum, with illustrations by Andrew Joyner, is a wonderful, quirky introduction to art and it’s many variations (cave art, impressionism, surrealism, etc.) using the horse as an example.

Mary Lemist Titcomb was often told she couldn’t do something because she was too young, or from a poor family, or a woman. She didn’t listen, but at that time the two professions available to women were nursing (she didn’t like being around blood) and teaching (she felt she lacked the necessary patience). Fortunately just about that time, a school of librarianship opened up and the rest, as they say, is history (just one we didn’t hear about until now). Mary loved getting books to the people. She set up small outposts where people could come and check out a book when they weren’t near a regular library. Then she had the idea of taking books to the people (how radical, yes?) It started with a horse-drawn custom made (her design) carriage. Library on Wheels: Mary Lemist Titcomb and America’s First Bookmobile, by Sharlee Glenn is an amazing biography (with incredible research) of an amazing woman. I read it twice in one sitting!

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A tourist ending up dead is not good! Thus begins A Taste for Vengeance: a Mystery of the French Countryside, by Martin Walker. Who is she, and what is her connection (if any) with the Irishman, also found dead? And will the star of the local rugby team make it to the national team? (She has some big decisions to make). As with the other Inspector Bruno mysteries, there are bits of history, fun food facts, and wonderful descriptions of the country side, as well as a good story.

It might have seemed like a good idea at first … a nice cruise, Meg’s father giving nature lectures, all the family given discounts on their rooms, but this is a mystery so we know things cannot go well. There is a group of writers on board, one of them a diva. The others all blame her for the suicide of a good friend of theirs so when her shoes (ones of an extremely expensive brand), shawl and note are found by the deck, they should become prime suspects, right? The captain seems less than interested in any sort of investigation. Why? Then the ship breaks down taking with it any and all electronic communications. Did I mention this is in the Bermuda Triangle? Terns of Endearment is another fun book in the Meg Langslow Mystery series by Donna Andrews. There’s some great variations on ‘were folk’ too! (More than just werewolves). ;-) And a tern, of course.

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Watson and Sherlock are on the case again … the two Corgi dogs owned by Zack, that is. This time the case is very personal, the death of Zack’s wife. New information has come forth suggesting it was murder and not an automobile accident. If so, how and why? There’s a new character in the sixth Corgi Case Files mystery by J.M. Poole, it’s right there in the title: Case of the Chatty Roadrunner. (Okay, probably just for this one book, but it was a fun character)! There was also some very disturbing information about cars since 2005. I love the team of characters here, and of course, the dogs. :-)

It’s the turn of the century … or is it? When do you celebrate the start of a new century? This is cause for some ‘differing opinions’ and a death. Murder on Trinity Place is part of the Gaslight Mystery series by Victoria Thompson. The body in question is that of a man of great reputation, he has a dairy that sells good milk, safe milk, not the ‘swill’ milk that has cause the deaths of many children. The police are not all that interested so Frank and Sarah take over the investigation. Is there something else going on? Why are the milk wagons going out in the middle of the night? (Much to early, even for delivering milk). Another nice cozy!

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There are a lot of readers in the pacific northwest, must have something to do with the rain! And not only readers, but writers and publishers as well. You can read about them in Seattle: City of Literature, edited by Ryan Boudinot. It is a nice collection about where writers like to write, or how an author got an idea. And, there are some great suggestions for where one might set a murder mystery, or a science fiction novel as well as which book about Seattle to give to a stranger.

For a grand romp all about food and travel try The Food Explorer: the True Adventures of the Globe-trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone. David Fairchild was a young man who longed to travel (which was hard in the 1890’s) and an interest in adding to the foods (and other crops) of the U.S. He looked for things which would grow well in various parts of the country. The result was avocados, various citrus fruits, grapes, peaches (and much more) as well as varieties of cotton and the cherry blossoms so popular in Washington, D.C. As with other travel books I’ve read, I’m glad he did the traveling and I just read about it! ;-)

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Here it is, the last Aunt Bessie until Canadian Reader arrives with more (there might be just one, actually …) in December! Aunt Bessie Provides, one of the Isle of Man Cozy Mystery books, by Diana Xarissa has Constable Hugh Watterson (newly married and looking for a house) working on a cold case. It involves a body that washed up on the beach twenty years back. Naturally, Aunt Bessie steps in to help. Tracking down those who might have been on the island back then is quite a challenge! And will the locals remember much? Or be willing to talk about it?

A healthy dog is brought into a vet to be put down … Andy Carpenter’s vet, to be specific. Why? The microchip information does not match what information was given. Again, why? This is how it all starts in Bark of the Night, the most recent Andy Carpenter Mystery by David Rosenfelt. Andy is reluctant to take on a case, but the young man is innocent and has a rather formidable grandmother who says so. Another clever court room mystery with great characters and really, really bad guys!

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Do you ever have company from ‘away’? What do you recommend they see while they are here? I discovered a rather curious little series of books: Greater Than a Tourist. These are tour books, but done by a local to … wherever … there are books for cities in France, Greece, India … one for the state of New Jersey … and one for Bellingham WA! Greater Than a Tourist: Bellingham, Washington USA: 50 Travel Tips from a Local, by Andrea Chin. Not bad, but a few of my favorite places were left out. Still, it may be a good thing to share with your company.

I think I’ve done this before … listed a book because the subject was fascinating even though the writing was not all that good. (To be fair here, the reviews were mostly good, but I did find one ‘academic’ reviewer that agreed with me). America’s Female Buffalo Soldier: A New Look at the Life of Cathy Williams in History and Memory, by Phillip Thomas Tucker. Born a slave, Cathy Williams went on to serve as a Buffalo Soldier, and then on to a successful life as a free woman. Worth a look!

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The new Louise Penny book, A Better Man, is dark and grim, Canadian Reader called it ‘Nordic Noir’ and that seems to fit. It is also a powerful read dealing with threats on several levels: physical, virtual, and emotional. There’s a young woman who is missing, a distraught father, and a husband that is less than concerned. Gamache has been reassigned (demoted) and has been assigned to the case. There’s lots going on here, some of it hard to read, because of the subject matter, not the writing! As always, Louise Penny’s writing is captivating.

Kiwi recently shared an old favorite (for both of us) when here for a visit: Five O’clock Charlie, by Marguerite Henry and illustrated by Wesley Dennis. Charlie once had a full life … there was plowing, logging, hauling, raking … and trips into town for a wonderful treat. Now he is retired, and life is boring. He finally takes matters into his own hands, er, hooves, and finds something new to occupy his time. The title holds a clue, but you’ll have to read the book to find out what it is. It’s a kid’s book (just a shade up from a picture book) so it won’t take you long. :-)

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What is it about little old women behaving badly that makes for such fun reading? (Maybe the ‘unexpected-ness’ of it all?) This author, who has a popular police procedural series out had the idea to write from the view of the person doing the murders (and why) and An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good was the result! A collection of stories, it’s short, and a quick, fun read! Author is Helene Tursten, and Marlaine DeLargy did the translation.

Lady Gold, make that Mrs. Ginger Reed now, was enjoying the gathering after a boat race on the Thames between rival universities when a young man drops dead. The medical examiner determined it was death by drowning. How can this be? I learned something new in Murder at the Boat Club, by Lee Strauss! Ginger is now married and I love that she and her husband have decided to work together, and how. Turns out, not all the members of the crew team are friends, or even like each other that much, so just what was the motive for murder (there are several options)? Another great addition to the Ginger Gold Mystery Series. :-)

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I have mixed feelings about Women Who Dared to Break All the Rules, by Jeremy Scott. On the one hand, the writing is rather clunky and disjointed, but on the other, the topic is interesting. I did not care for some of the women he included, but they were rule breakers! Some really changed things (or tried to do so), others just seemed out for their own pleasure. See what you think!

How do books get selected for the shelves in a TV show? What do soldiers like to read? What books are most often left behind (in a motel, on a plane)? What books do people buy but never read? This was a fun read: A Book of Book Lists, by Alex Johnson. I smiled, I laughed, I shook my head (think book burning) … I loved that the list of poetry books includes music books (John Denver was an amazing poet). A most entertaining read. :-)

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Here’s another of those wonderful history books by Mark Kurlansky: Milk! A 10,000- Year Fracas. What animal produces the best milk? What animal’s milk is closest to human milk? Milk has ties to religion, politics, business … and so much more! Is there such a thing as buffalo cheese? When did men control breast feeding? (Really, there was a law in Prussia that the husband determined when a child would be weaned)! Not just milk, either, there are chapters on butter, cheese, yogurt and so on. A fascinating global tour from ancient times to present day.

This is a delightful book for the serious cook and reader! I am just one of those, but I have two friends who should thoroughly enjoy The Little Library Cookbook: 100 Recipes From Your Favorite Books, by Kate Young. (She is also both …) I enjoyed reading why the author selected the books she did, and when she read them, but was left a bit clueless on the cooking end of each chapter. ;-) There are what look to be fun ideas for meals, snacks, and holidays. (Note: title is copied exactly as shown, I’m not sure why the italics are there).

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Otto Penzler has gathered together another wonderful collection of short stories: Bibliomysteries: Stories of Crime in the World of Books and Bookstores. There’s much to enjoy here, from a drug lord who loves books, to a deadly bookcase, even a Columbo story! One is based on a true story involving pronghorns and a dirigible.

If Ginger Gold and Inspector Reed’s wedding was a bit out of the ordinary, it was nothing compared to the honeymoon! They were traveling on the Flying Scotsman, a high speed train that also carried the mail. Something … unusual was found in one of the mail bags and the Inspector is called in to figure everything out. Naturally, Ginger has to help! It doesn’t help that those cars that are sidelined are the ones with the first class passengers who are less than amused at being detained. As with other Ginger Gold Mystery books, Murder Aboard the Flying Scotsman, by Lee Strauss, was hard to put down.

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