Death at the Workhouse, the eighth book in the Penny Green Mystery series, by Emily Organ was a rather dark and grim read. Beautifully researched again (be sure to read the notes at the end of the book), and well written, it's about the horrible conditions where the poor are sent to sleep. The 'logic' behind these conditions is that they don't want folks to get too comfortable so they'll want to stay. (If you think that sounds 'political', you'd be correct). It also involved the selling of corpses to anatomy schools. Grave robbing and body snatching have been outlawed, but there are ways to get around those laws. Another excellent read in this fine series, but maybe not for a dark winter's day!

Here's a more happy read: Mrs. Entwhistle Minds Her Own Business, by Doris Reidy. This is an absolutely fun and charming series! We meet up with some characters from past books, most importantly the young women Mrs. Entwhistle discovered in labor, and ended up delivering the baby! There are lots of changes for lots of folks here, all done without the interference of Mrs. Entwhistle. (You believe that, right?)

Happy New Year!

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Every one of the Meg Langslow Mystery books by Donna Andrews has a bird in the title as does this one, The Gift of the Magpies. Christmas is just a few days away and the Caerphilly Helping Hands for the Holidays volunteers are busy helping out anyone who needs, well, pretty much anything done. In one case it's convincing a hoarder to let them clean out his house, and repair it so it is livable again. It's actually going quite well until he is found dead in his garage. There are relatives (estranged, distant relatives) who want the house and the 'treasure' they are sure is hidden there. There are others, still alive, (or their children) who remember the father, who ran a bank decades ago and they are sure he kept money from it when everything crashed. It must be hidden in the house, right? And then there's a strange women he met on-line who claims she has a Will. Can they get this all figured out before Christmas? This is a fun series. :-)

The war is over and each of the Kopp sisters has plans for what they will be doing next. Those plans all come to a screeching halt when their brother dies suddenly and they return home to help their (pregnant) sister-in-law. How are they going to get by? One of the sisters happens upon a job, a rather odd job ... I don't want to say too much here ... let's just say it involves photography. And THAT leads her to several women she believes are being swindled. Miss Kopp Investigates, by Amy Stewart (one of the Kopp Sisters novels) is how she does so. Based on a real family, don't miss the notes at the back!

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Two of those fun little seasonal 'feel good' books today. I always enjoy the displays at the bookstore with books like this, old and new. :-)

A grandfather visits a small bookstore in a small town. His is looking for a book about the Christmas Truce of WWI to share with his grandson, who is ill. He's not had any luck finding the book yet, but it's here ... not only that, but it has been on the shelf since Nora and Simon opened their store thirty years ago. He leaves feeling much better than when he came in. This gives the store owners an idea ... to send out books to those who might be feeling down. They invite viewers of their web site to nominate someone for this, from which they will select six. They pick out and wrap six books and include an invitation to their annual Christmas party (which may be the last, as their small, independent book store is struggling to stay open). Christmas by the Book, by Anne Marie Ryan, is the story of the impact these books made. Just the right book for these times!

In The Christmas Bookshop, by Jenny Colgan, Carmen has been laid off. She has little choice but to move in with her all too perfect sister. (The sister is not all that pleased, either). Since Carmen’s background is in retail, her sister sends her out to a little bookstore that needs help, if only to make it more appealing to a buyer. It's a struggle, for sure. (The first time she tries a story reading, she picks The Little Match Girl and all the children go home in tears. The mothers are not pleased). Slowly the bookstore comes to life and becomes part of the 'community' of other stores on the block. Interesting, sometimes quirky characters, the focus is more on interpersonal relationships than books (as in the book listed above), but still a good read.

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'Tis the time of year to read holiday, wintry, snowy stories! I found a few new authors, and even a 'first' in a new series! Karen Baugh Menuhin, Yehudi Menuhin's daughter- in-law, decided, at the age of 60, to write a book: Murder at Melrose Court. It is a wonderful start to her series involving Major Lennox, wondering what he might do now that the war is over. All the necessary elements are here: lots of snow, a body on the door step with a name on a slip of paper in a pocket, a gathering in a large mansion ... a very traditional setting ... but with some great twists and red herrings as Major Lennox figures out what he might do next. The second book is already on my shelf!

Another new-to-me author is Benedict Brown. This book: The Mystery of Mistletoe Hall: a 1920's Mystery, is one in his Lord Edginton Investigates mystery series. There some good things here: while it IS part of his series, he wrote it so that you don't have to have read all the earlier ones to enjoy this one. There is a list of characters at the back, which helps establish who they are. He promised (and delivered) there would be no spoilers (there are just vague references to earlier cases) so you can go back and start at the beginning of the series without knowing the endings. And again, lots of traditional elements: an invitation to a Christmas gathering. A large, remote, mansion. Snow. Phones lines are down, or cut. The owner is missing, and a note was found giving the staff (all of them, remember this) the week off. Why were these people all gathered together? Bodies are piling up. This was an excellent mystery, but I was seriously disappointed with one thing .... when you arrive at Mistletoe Hall, you park your car in a large open area. There is a stable nearby with two horses and a sleigh. The first to arrive hitched those horses to the sleigh and headed up to the Hall. The horses have been trained to return to the stable, where they are available for the next group of guests. The story takes place over several days. It is cold. And there was never any mention of anyone taking care of these horses! Now, maybe it's just me, but that really bothered me! I decided to go ahead and include this book here because it otherwise it really was a good mystery, but be warned!

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In 1938 there was a huge hurricane along the eastern coast of the U.S. Among the survivors were two giraffes! They were headed to the San Diego zoo, and the (gasp) woman director! (although she wouldn't be allowed such a title for many years). The journey was insured against blowouts, acts of God, tornadoes, dust storms and floods by Lloyds of London. That much is true, but the actual journey comes from the imagination of Lynda Rutledge in her book West with Giraffes. And what a journey it was! Think the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, Hobos ... a young man in need of a job, and a young, hopeful, determined (female) photographer.

Birdology: Adventures with Hip Hop Parrots, Cantankerous Cassowaries, Crabby Crows, Peripatetic Pigeons, Hens, Hawks, and Hummingbirds is by Sy Montgomery, written before her magical The Soul of an Octopus. It, too, is a wonderful read, especially (for me) the chapter on saving two recently hatched hummingbirds. 'Birdology', not to be confused with Ornithology, discusses what makes birds, well, birds. How they interact with each other, with humans, with other animals. What they eat (some like junk food just as much as we do), how they navigate, how they adapt to a changing world. If you've not read any of Sy Montgomery's book, I suggest you do so, soon!

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A Shot in the Dark, a Constable Twitten Mystery, by Lynne Truss, came as a recommendation from Canadian Reader. It took a while to 'catch on' to the fact that this was a comedy as well as a mystery, but after that, it was a great read! (A comment on the back, from the Daily Mail described it as "More Marx Brothers than Agatha Christie") A theater critic, a well known theater critic has come to a seaside resort to see a brand new (and rather unusual) play. He was part of an unsolved case from a few years back and has decided to tell what he knows to Constable Twitten, who is seated next to him. Alas, the critic is shot and killed, from the stage, before he can do so. And that's where the fun starts!

The cold case unit is doing well, solving mysteries from the past, so well, in fact that Andrew is considering buying a house on the island. Much to everyone's surprise, one of the houses he is taken to see is on fire. Naturally, he and the unit have to figure this out along with the two, yes, two murders they are trying to solve from the past. These murders happened two years apart, and in France, but the police there are sure they are connected. Are they? The Durand File, another in the Aunt Bessie Cold Case Mystery series, by Diana Xarissa, is another great read ... and like the others, won't take too long ... perfect for this busy holiday season!

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Lady Hardcastle and her trusty 'maid' Florence are off for a vacation on the beach. They are looking forward to walks along the seaside, evening concerts, and maybe a donkey ride. They are at a small, but elegant hotel with, mmm, an unusual collection of guests. Most are men, each sitting alone. They have dinner with a somewhat eccentric scientist who is doing 'something' for the government. He goes missing, as does a box he had hidden in his room. There is a murder (of course), but not just one ... who is killing off the guests, and why? Death Beside the Seaside, one of the Lady Hardcastle Mystery books, is another fun romp from author T E Kinsey. One hint: consider where each of the guests are from.

The Corgi dogs Holmes and Watson are back! This time in New Orleans. In Case of the Ragin' Cajun, by J.M. Poole, Zack's recent book has made it to the NY Times Best Sellers List and he has agreed to attend a promotional event ... but only if the dogs, Jillian and Vance and Tori can come, too. (Vance asked Zack to put his wife, Tori, in a book as an anniversary gift ... she became the main character of the book). An attack at the exposition (which includes a voodoo doll with pins) sends the gang off on a hunt to find out the who and the why. This is a new town with new smells, can the dogs work their magic? This is the 13th Corgi Case Files book.

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If you remember Mad Magazine (and enjoyed it) then here's a special treat! Mad Stocking Stuffer by "The Usual Gang of Idiots" and edited by John Ficarra and Charlie Kadau. What a stroll down memory lane! There's Spy vs. Spy, and a delightful spoof on the movie "A Christmas Story." There's a Mad look at Christmas carols, and an alternate version of the popular picture book "The Snowman". There's the politically correct "Frosty the Snowperson" and of course, the expected fold-in (although not on the last page). I took my time with this, reading over several days just to make it last longer. A happy and nostalgic read. (Note: my copy does say it's a reissue of a special edition, so some of you may have seen this already)

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George Bernard Shaw once said that the United States and Britain are "two nations separated by a common language." If you like PBS, or read a lot of English mysteries, or have done some traveling you will know how true this is. There are books that can help (and probably apps, too, but this blog is about books!) and one of them is Put the Kettle On: an American's Guide to British Slang, Telly and Tea, by Trish Taylor. The author mentions regional differences in 'British English' as well as terms that are old, but you might hear in an old movie, which makes this book all the more fun. There are words about food, and holidays, and a chapter that will make you chuckle ... insults!

Here is one of those 'single item' history books I enjoy so much: A Splintered History of Wood: Belt-Sander Races, Blind Woodworkers & Baseball Bats, by Spike Carlsen. Granted, I spent more time reading the chapter on musical instruments than on sports equipment (except for the caber, don't miss that section!), but there was much more here ... the first wooden tool, the connection between Steinway and the Pacific Northwest, and why there are no original Stradivarius violins. There's an interview with former President Jimmy Carter, and a church with an unusual staircase that was the result of some serious praying. A really interesting read. :-)

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Small town newspapers used to include columns of local police activity. These days it's done in some form of social media. The one from Bangor, Maine even has a following!

The author, Timothy Cotton, is a lieutenant there and he does the posts that are included in Got Warrants: Dispatches from the Dooryard. Cleverly written (try reading them out loud!), these are the 'lesser' type crimes ... the drunks, or a bar fight, or, um, relieving oneself in a public place. The more I read the better I liked this book so give it a chance ... soon you'll see what he does with his stories, and that is where the fun begins.

Not all ideas are good and not everything turns out the way it should have. Some fails are expected (or so you'd think), others are a surprise. Adam Douglas has collected many of them in Mega Fails: the Hilariously Funny Book of Humorous Blunders and Misadventures. You'll laugh, you'll shake your head, you'll roll your eyes ... ! :-)

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It's been a while since I've read one of the Royal Spyness Mystery books so it was fun to get caught up with The Last Mrs. Summers, by Rhys Bowen. Lady Georgiana is back from her honeymoon and is on her way to see the cottage her good friend Belinda has inherited. They run into a former childhood friend. Seems she has 'married up' (to another friend from their past) and invites them to come for a visit. It is there that the learn of the death of the former wife ... and things start to get complicated ... Belinda has a 'past' with the husband, and then he is found dead in her bedroom ... it seems so obvious, but Lady Georgiana knows her friend is innocent. A fun read, full of twists and turns, old secrets, childhood memories ... do not start reading this book close to bedtime!

It's coming up on December, which means winter and holiday mysteries. Murder on a Midnight Clear by Sara Rosett is one of the many I hope to read this year. Jasper is off on one of his 'secret' jobs and Olive is worried. She follows him only to be involved in an automobile accident, and ends up at Holly Hill Lodge, where he is working. It's all here ... a large house, snowbound strangers, and, of course a murder. There are codes and encryptions, red herrings and hidden messages ... lots of fun here! An old turn of phrase was 'the butler did it' ... and while in this case, he didn't, he did do something and Jasper and Olive are on the case. This is part of the High Society Lady Detective series.

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Lana's good friend (and fellow tour guide), Randy is getting married. In Italy! Because he has a rather nasty ex-girlfriend (think restraining order) the actual location is a secret, even to those who have been invited. Things are going well as they group tours Rome, at least until that ex shows up, and makes threats. How did she find out where he was? When her body is found in the Trevi Fountain, and Randy is arrested, Lana once again finds herself searching for the real killer. Death By Fountain: a Christmas Murder in Rome, by Jennifer S. Alderson, is part of her Travel Can Be Murder series. This has been a most enjoyable series, with travel just the way I like it ... from my recliner. :-)

The Burning Issue of the Day is the next in the Lady Hardcastle series, by T E Kinsey, and said burning issue is votes for women. A body has been discovered in a building that burned down. It was that of an investigative journalist so the question becomes, what story was he working on? And why does the blame fall on a local group of suffragettes? A young woman has been arrested and is in jail. Things get really interesting when Lady Hardcastle and Florence are asked to investigate. Another hard to put down book in this delightful series.

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For a lovely walk along the waterfront, start down in Fairhaven (near Village Books) and head north. You'll end up at Boulevard Park and Taylor Dock! Boulevard Park & Taylor Dock: on the Old Bellingham Waterfront is a history of the efforts it took to see that this area became the beautiful park it is, and not some high-rise development. This is a well-researched and well written book ... not a surprise since the author is Brian L. Griffin, a local author and historian who has written other excellent books about this area. Great pictures, too. :-)

Some time back now, County Reader shared with me my first look at the magazine Mental Floss. Since then I've read other issues, plus a few of the books from it. The most recent one: The Curious Reader: a Literary Miscellany of Novels & Novelists, edited by Erin McCarthy and the team at Mental Floss just might be my favorite! It is a collection about about famous books with short biographies on the author. There are lists of books that influenced them, what they did about writer's block, or how a book differed from the movie. I loved learning where some of the books were written (parks, trains) and which authors loved cats. A great blend of detailed information and trivia.

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The author of the Lady Hardcastle mysteries I've been enjoying has started a new series and the first book, by T E Kinsey, is The Deadly Mystery of the Missing Diamonds. You'll recognize the new 'lead' characters, you first met them in the Lady Hardcastle books. They are perfectly placed to help solve a decades old mystery involving a deserter, missing gems, a secret hiding place and so on. As musicians they are playing at all the places where 'keeping an ear out' might provide helpful information. It all becomes more serious, and more personal, when one of the members of their band dies on stage.

The Library of Congress is reprinting books from their shelves under the title Library of Congress Crime Classics. This could be a lot of fun! The one I picked up was That Affair Next Door, by Anna Katharine Green (edited and with an introduction and notes, by Leslie S. Klinger). It was first printed in 1897 ... written by a woman .... and the main character was a woman .... all things 'just not done'! Be sure to read the historical notes here, they are fascinating, and, all the 'old' words that were familiar then, but are not now, are explained as you read. This is more, mmm, reflective I guess, than many of the books we read today as you follow along on what the characters are thinking, how they find and decipher any clues, what they think of the testimony of a witness and so on. Interesting, but moves slowly! What I found especially fun was what Amelia saw and considered important that the men did not!

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I am finding, as I age, that I enjoy "comparing notes" with friends as to what we remember for our past, so, how could I resist a book with the title I Remember That! Captivating Stories, Interesting Facts and Fun Trivia for Seniors, by Bill O'Neill? (It's even printed in larger font). Nice little bits of history with a quiz at the end of each chapter (not required!), but with a few errors (and these are just the ones I found), such as Dr. Spock for Star Trek (one of my pet peeves ... it's Mister!) Overall, though, it was a fun and quick read.

We Learnt About Hitler at the Mickey Mouse Club: a Childhood on the Eve of War, by Enid Elliott Linder is just what the title indicates ... what it was like to be a kid in England just prior to World War II. Enid and her sister, the children of a butler and lady's maid spent spent their early years 'below stairs' in some of the best houses in the country. This was unusual as most times the 'help' could not have their children on site. They had to be 'unheard' and 'unseen'. When they could, they moved back to the city ... it may not have been the best idea as the father never did get another job as good as what he left, and that lead to issues with alcohol. Still, it was a loving family and there were some good times, and this is evident in the writing. Eventually the sisters were sent to the country ... that did NOT work out well (and is touched on only briefly) and they were reunited with their parents as soon as possible. A touching and charming read. It was compiled and edited by the author's niece, Elaine Cox.

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Murder in London: a 1950s Historical Mystery is part of the Rosa Reed Mystery series by Lee Strauss & Norm Strauss. Rosa and her 'intended' travel to London to solve a cold case, the one where Rosa's good friend Vivian, was murdered. To complicate things, Rosa was once engaged to Vivian's brother. Interesting twists and turns to the plot here, and a family secret that I did not see coming! One of the fun things about this series is that Rosa meets up with then unknown musicians! Last time it was Elvis, this time it was ... well, see if you can figure it out by the description!

Back in September of 2018 I read a book told from the perspective of the murderer: An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good. It was more comedy noir than one might expect, given the subject, but it was a hoot! Here, in An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed, Maud is back! Not only does she, um, resolve some current problems, but on the long flight to Africa, memories of her life come to the surface. It's great fun to follow her 'logic' as to who she selects to 'hustle off this mortal coil' and how she can put on a confused, feeble old lady persona when necessary. Same author (of course), same translator: Helene Tursten and Marlaine Delargy.

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Any time you watch a CSI type show or hear about a case solved using forensics you need to think of, and thank, Frances Glessner Lee. 18 Tiny Deaths: the Untold Story of the Woman Who Invented Modern Forensics, by Bruce Goldfarb is the story of that remarkable woman. Born into a wealthy family she was well educated, but could not go on to any college as none took women students at that time. What a shame! Although, given what she did, what she really was lacking was that formal acknowledgment ... a diploma, she had all the smarts. She was determined that there needed to be someone with medical training at a death, whether it was natural causes or not. At the time, any man could be appointed as coroner ... the baker, a nephew. Eye witnesses were often paid to say what was wanted, others were bribed to say it was an accidental death, and so on. Ms. Lee recognized a lot could be learned from a scene of death and pushed for classes and standards to be developed. She also created small, to scale, detailed dioramas of death scenes to be used for study. (A technique still used today). This was a wonderful and empowering read, what she managed to do was unbelievable. Sadly, though, the job is not yet done, there are still counties and states without such standards for a medical examiner. (big sigh)(!)

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Years ago I started the Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne novels by Julia Spencer-Fleming with In the Bleak Mid-Winter. It was a wonderful series and I thought I was all caught up ... but I wasn't! After a bit of a break, the author got back to her writing again and I recently came across Through the Evil Days. The main characters are married now, and expecting. The police department were Russ works, may be eliminated, and Clare (a priest) is in trouble because she was, um, expecting at the time of her wedding. These turn out to be small problems compared to murder, arson and kidnapping. Not to mention the worst winter weather in a long time. These are not cozies, folks, so be forewarned. They are tough, gritty reads, but extremely well done. Personally I thought this one was a bit too much of that, and a few of the reviews I read agree, but most don't. If you've not read these books, do start at the beginning!

It seems that when author J.M. Poole started the Corgi Case Files books he didn't plan on more than a few ... but he's up to #12 now with Case of the Shady Shamrock and several more are planned! A mysterious box has arrived on the porch of Zach's house. The labels are torn and smeared so it's not sure who sent it ... and inside is a strange silver box. There are symbols on it, Celtic symbols. Some move a bit when pushed. It's a puzzle box! But again, who sent it and why? Is there something inside? And why is someone after it? This has some fun Irish history as well as the delightful dogs once again helping to solve the crime (as it turns out, one from hundreds of years ago). These ARE cozies, and are just a delightful read!

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To Kingdom Come is the second book by Will Thomas. Much like the first, it's a bit grittier than a traditional cozy, but well written. There's history here too, this time about the bombings by the Irish Republican Brotherhood. It involves some risky undercover work with Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn posing as bomb makers ... which leads to some rather tense moments that will keep you reading and make your heart pound!

Here was another good read for October: The Whitby Murders, one of the Yorkshire Murder Mystery books by J.R. Ellis. Start at the back with the acknowledgments to learn about the connection with this area and Bram Stoker and Dracula. In the days leading up to Halloween the town is hosting a goth festival. A group of friends, including the daughter of DCI Jim Oldroyd (main character) is working their way through an escape room when a violent murder takes place. The murderer flees, and then is found dead. It's a complex and convoluted path to solve this one folks, lots of clues (but I couldn't figure out how they fit) (!) and some red herrings. Quite the satisfying read.

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I often avoid books about rescue animals as they can be sad. I'm not sure what prompted me to try Running With Sherman: How a Rescue Donkey Inspired a Rag-Tag Gang of Runners to Enter the Craziest Race in America, by Christopher McDougall, but I'm glad I did. Poor little Sherman was in bad shape when he was adopted by the author, but with the help of neighbors and a goat, he made an amazing recovery, enough to participate in one of the most unusual races ... man (or woman) and donkey, running side by side, up and down mountains, through creeks .... it's just nuts! Along the way they learn the power of the animal/human bond as they help those dealing with depression, or suicidal thoughts. A positive, heart-warming read.

I've read a lot of books about trivia on various subjects ... I love the little bits of information, they are easy to read during commercials, and, sometimes, it could be on a subject I rarely read (such as sports)! This one, however, was about a subject near and dear to my heart. The Little Book of Lore for Horse Lovers: a Round Up of Equine Facts, Myths and History, by Mary Frances Budzik is a most enjoyable collection of all things 'horse'. There are facts (horses cannot burp). There are chapters on those who write about horses and those writers who own horses. Rita Mae Brown started the Blue Ridge Polo Club, the only all female polo club in the U.S. There's a list of horses in song and those who sang about them. All in all, just a fun read.

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Death in Soho is the first in a new series by Emily Organ, the Augusta Peel Mystery series. It's set during the wild and crazy roaring twenties ... parties and booze, a wild nightlife, police raids ... but Augusta is happy for her quiet life of mending books and taking care of a friend's canary. She sometimes acts as a chaperone for 19 year old Harriet, and this is where the trouble starts. A body is found during a police raid. Augusta convinces her friend in Scotland yard to let her take Harriet home, but he will contact Augusta later for help in the investigation. It's a convoluted search involving actors and actresses, gangsters, gamblers, producers .... not a bad start! :-)

The timing for this read was perfect ... it takes place in October! A Picture of Murder is one of the Lady Hardcastle Mystery books by T E Kinsey. One of those new-fangled moving pictures is coming to town, excitement is high, and, it even has an appropriate theme: The Witch's Downfall! Several of the actors in the film are along to make the event even more exciting. It is well received. And then there is a murder. A murder that mimics the role the victim played in the film. Naturally, this just makes the second show even more popular. And then there is a second murder, again, just like the character played in the film. What is going on? There is a group of protestors, too, rallying against the ungodliness of the subject of the film. Join Lady Hardcastle and her trusty maid, Flo, as they work on the 'who' and 'why' of this spooky case. Just a wonderful series!

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What is the question for 'This young student, who became a popular quiz show host, was almost expelled from Catholic School.' The answer is 'Who is Alex Trebek?' and that is the title of this nice biography by Lisa Rogak. Although he had many jobs growing up, his favorite was when he was hired by the CBC (then radio). He was not married, would work any time, any day, and was eager to take on any job they offered him. And, since he was bi-lingual he could cover the hockey games and the CBC only had to pay for one announcer! He tried various TV jobs in the U.S., too (encouraged to come by good friend Alan Thicke) before Jeopardy! came along. This is the story of how he got there. There were some times of depression, and it seems he could swear the proverbial blue streak, but he also genuinely liked people (his least favorite contestant was the computer, Watson) and supported and set up many charities. He loved interacting with the audience ... wait until you read his response when one woman went 'off book' and asked "Boxers or briefs?" ;-)

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Hannah's Dream, by Diane Hammond proved to be an interesting read. It is set here in Washington, in the town of Bladenham (Blaine, Lynden, Bellingham???) at a small zoo where the main attraction is an aging elephant. Hannah has spent almost her entire life here, standing on concrete most of the time, and without the company of other elephants. Her (also aging) keeper knows there has to be something better for her. How he makes that happen is the story, and a wonderful story it is! A missing document (and you learn why it went missing) and a bit of a spin on what the new (not so nice) director wants to do along with a collection of quirky and loving citizens made for an unexpectedly delightful read, something a bit outside of what I usually read. Thanks go to Riding Reader for this!

I have to admit, I am one of those that thrills to the skirl of the pipes, and hearing and/or seeing a lone piper can move me to tears, so, how could I resist Death by Bagpipes: a Summer Murder in Edinburgh? This is the fourth in the Travel Can Be Murder series by Jennifer S. Alderson. Lana has been tasked with 'helping' out on a tour to Scotland. The lead tour guide this time is new, so new as to have never worked as a tour guide before ... he is, however, the grandson of the man who is paying for the tour that includes his entire family and he's hoping to find something the poor kid can do. He is also an old friend of the woman who owns the tour company. Needless to say, this is not a happy family reunion! Especially after the patriarch announces he is getting married, and his Will has been changed. Enter Lana's ex-husband (also a magician) to really complicate matters. When Presto the Amazing dies at his retirement dinner Lana is the best one to figure out the who and the why. And yes, bagpipes were involved. Sort of. ;-)

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Penny Green has been invited to stay at the rebuilt, soon-to-be-opened Hotel Tempesta. The former hotel burned down, and there is a curse. The owner is looking for good publicity before the grand opening and has invited local journalists for a preview in the hopes of some good publicity. Sadly, he is murdered that night, as is the 'someone' in his room (who, as it turns out, is not who you think she is when a message in code is found). Then there are the stolen paintings, and a Pinkerton agent. The search for the real murderer becomes all the more important when the knife, used in the murders, is found In Miss Green's room. An Unwelcome Guest was written by Emily Organ. It is the seventh in the Penny Green Mystery Series.

Lady Hardcastle and her maid are back again in Death Around the Bend, by T E Kinsey. They have been invited to the then new sport of racing cars ... there's even to be a woman's race! Sadly, that is not to be as one of the (male) drivers is killed in the very first race. The local police think it was an accident, but it isn't, and Lady Hardcastle and Florence are out to prove it. This is book three in the Lady Hardcastle Mystery series, which has become one of my favorites.

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The past weekend was full of guests and visitors (first time since 2019!) and there wasn't as much time for reading, so this will be a one book post again. :-)

"A celebration of the seemingly mundane" is a quote from the back of the book and I'm using it because it is a perfect description of this informative and quirky read by Spike Carlsen. A Walk Around the Block: Stoplight Secrets, Mischievous Squirrels, Manhole Mysteries, & Other Stuff You See Every Day (And Know Nothing About) mentions all those things and more. There are chapters on bike lanes, alleys, pavement (and repairs), city lights ... so many things that make up our everyday life that we may take for granted, or ignore, or just plain don't see them anymore they are just so common.

Reading Hermit With Dog

 

If you enjoy adventure on the high seas, spies, political intrigue, conspiracies, contraband ... and farce, then give The Further Adventures of the 100 Year Old Man, by Jonas Jonasson (translated from the Swedish by Rachel Willson-Broyles) a try. Allan and Julius are running out of money, but before they deal with that, there is a birthday to celebrate. The plan is the celebrate in a hot air balloon. Things go awry when the balloon breaks free with just the two of them aboard. The plot is rather convoluted, and twisted, but it's not to be taken seriously! Think Monty Python here! This is a sequel to The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared (see July 12, 2014 post).

Book Six in the Penny Green Mystery series, The Bermondsey Poisoner, by Emily Organ, might just be my favorite (so far). What starts as a simple story for the newspaper becomes rather more complicated when several photographs are discovered ... of the same woman, but with a different (dead) husband in each. This is the era where such photographs were popular (read the historical note). Is she responsible for their deaths, or merely unlucky? And there's a new editor at the newspaper who is, well, awful (he's the nephew of the owner). There were a few unexpected twists so again, I was reading far into the night. :-)

Reading Hermit With Dog

 

I have a vague memory of a 'challenge' of some sort involving Joshua Bell, the acclaimed violinist, 'busking' for change in a Washington DC subway station. On his Stradivarius! Would anyone stop to listen, or recognize him? (He dressed for the part). Gene Weingarten was the journalist who covered this event, and many other curious and interesting events in The Fiddler in the Subway: the True Story of What Happened When a World-Class Violinist Played for Handouts ... and Other Virtuoso Performances by America's Foremost Feature Writer. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll learn something new (well, I did) (!) in this enjoyable collection of columns from The Washington Post.

Crime has not changed all that much over the years and proof of that may be found in Scoundrels of the Salish Sea: Tales of Crime and Punishment in Washington State's History, by Carol Turner. There's murder, of course, and theft, adultery, scams ... and how the 'bad guy' tried to get away with the crime (and who caught them). There's also the 'law' side here with the lawyers and judges who convicted them. The author scoured newspaper archives, journals and letters to write this glimpse of the seamier side of life here in the Evergreen State in the late 1800's to the mid-1900's.

Reading Hermit With Dog

 

Overall I liked The Bookshop on the Corner, by Jenny Colgan. I liked how the main character started over when the library (a small branch) closed. Her 'talent', it seems, is to match up people and books. She ends up in a small village in Scotland (she is from London) where there is no library and no bookstore. She buys and converts a large van into a mobile bookstore. It goes over very well! The characters are great, the descriptions of the Scottish countryside are delightful (think of those long days of summer). Only (slightly) negative comment (and this is just me, I'm pretty sure) is that it was just too 'romancy' for me. Still, I'm glad I read it.

Here is the second in the Lady Hardcastle Mystery series: In the Market for Murder, by T E Kinsey. As with the first, I was up late reading it, this is just a delightful series! This time, after an 'interesting' trip to the cattle market, a local farmer ends up dead. In the pub. Face down in his dinner. Why? Then there is a theft where nothing is stolen. More and more suspects keep popping up, there's even a ghost (or is there?) We also learn more about Armstrong (the maid) and just what she learned when they were in China. Lots of fun, and a great mystery, too. :-)

Reading Hermit With Dog

 

If you loved the All Creatures Great and Small books, then you should enjoy The Real James Herriot: a Memoir of My Father, by Jim Wight. Here he is, the veterinarian who has inspired generations of folks, either to read several books (!) or to go into veterinary medicine as a profession. Here is the good (the beautiful country side) and the bad (there were some health issues). Gently and affectionately written by his son, this was just a wonderful read. I had a bit of a struggle at first getting used to the real names, but it didn't take too long to 'get them right'. :-)

Some of the most beautiful songs came out of World War II, some are still popular today, others have vanished (into the mists of time, as they say). The Music of World War II: War Songs and Their Stories by Sheldon Winkler is just what it says it is ... stories about the songs popular during that time. A nice read, but it really needed an index!

Reading Hermit With Dog

 

What do the recent deaths have in common? There have been several. Different areas of London, different means of death, victims have nothing in common (or do they?). Penny is sure there is a connection, but no one will listen. It could be dangerous, should she investigate alone? (We all know the answer here, yes?) Curse of the Poppy, one of the Penny Green Mystery series by Emily Organ, kept me reading far into the night. (And if you are wondering if there is a connection between poppy and opium, yes, there is).

Here's another fun entry from the Aunt Bessie Cold Case Mystery series by Diana Xarissa: The Carter File. It's sort of a 'locked room' mystery this time. Fifteen years earlier, six high school graduates were spending the weekend in a 'cottage' owned by one of the families (it has four bedrooms, game room, fancy kitchen). There was a lot of drinking going on, but the idea here was that there would be no driving. In the morning, Julie Carter was found dead. Every one had an alibi, there is no evidence of a break in ... the murder was unsolved. Until now. To keep things really interesting for Aunt Bessie, a good 'friend of a friend' is missing, too. A quick, fun read.

Reading Hermit With Dog

 

I've read other books by Erik Larson so was most interested in The Splendid and the Vile: Churchill, Family and Defiance During the Bombing of London. I waited until the paperback was out to read it ... made it less heavy, but also harder to keep open with hands that are sometimes stiff. ;-) I know, there is the ereader format, but I love actually holding a real book, it's still magical to me. As with his other books, the research is mind-boggling. Be sure to at least scan the notes at the back, there are lots of tidbits that didn't make it into the final edit. This was a most interesting look at what it was like during those early days. What was it like living in a city under attack? How did Churchill encourage the citizens to just 'keep on' with life? Serious events, like the bombings, were interspersed with family events (naming a baby) and accounts of what was going on in Berlin. My favorite chapter, though, was the one on whether or not to ration tea!

Since I enjoyed Free Country, by George Mahood so much, I thought I'd try Not Tonight, Josephine: a Road Trip Through Small Town America. Turned out, this was actually written first. Instead of taking a gap year before college, George and his friend Mark, take one after they graduate. The first thing they need is transportation: enter Josephine ... a battered and used van, that was 'the right price.' Their goal is to drive across country, and back, on the smaller roads, and visit the small towns as well as some of the most familiar landmarks. They are less than impressed with signs (in the middle of nowhere) that say '(name of river, waterfall, building) used to be here', and more than impressed with the Grand Canyon. Mark's visa is only good for 90 days so when he heads home, George convinces his girl friend (now wife) to come for the rest of the journey. A fun arm chair journey of bad weather (wipers don't work), flat tires (turns out, they weren't all the same size), sleeping in the van (it's cold!!) but also of wonderful people and good food.

Reading Hermit With Dog