Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers, by Tessa Arlen, is the second in the A Woman of World War II Mystery series. Poppy has been sent (along with a film crew) to do a story on the Air Transport Auxiliary, known as the Attagirls, female civilians who have been trained to move planes to wherever they are needed. It's an interesting bunch, with differing backgrounds and personalities. On the first day of filming one them is killed (that's not a spoiler, it's on the back cover!), doing a maneuver she's done dozens, if not hundreds of times before. Other 'events' follow ... is there a connection? And if so, who, and why? (And naturally, how). Follow Poppy along on her investigation as she figures things out, sometimes with the help of the fictional character from a book she has written. Don't skip the historical notes at the end. Another great read by Arlen!

Here (big sigh) is the last of the Isle of Man Cozy Mystery* books by Diana Xarissa: Aunt Bessie Zeroes In. While doing a walk through of a very run down house for sale along with prospective buyers Andy and Elizabeth, a body is found. He is recognized as someone who left the island, in shame, and was never expected to return. Why did he? And who knew? Possibly a bit too much talk about business stuff for me, but towards the end, as it was all coming together I found I couldn't put it down! A satisfying end to a wonderful series. *But wait! There is a note from the author! There WILL be more books with Aunt Bessie, this time taking on Cold Case Files (after all, she's found a lot of bodies in just two years). The first in that series is due out in January, 2021, but only in e-book form so for how, I will have to wait.

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There is a beautiful (expensive), tranquil (elite) resort in Temple Regis. The owner is hoping to attract the wealthy, and it's been working. Until Buntorama, a 'holiday camp' (cheap) was built next door. That owner is purposely putting the nosiest rides as close to the dividing fence as possible. It features a rowdy bar ... and that's where the body is found. Female, poor clothes, but fancy jewelry. There's a connection here someplace and Judy Dimont is hot on the trail. A Quarter Past Dead, by TP Fielden is another great read in his Miss Dimont Mystery series.

I have read several books by Spencer Quinn so when I saw Arf: a Bowser and Birdie Novel on the book cart I just had to give it a try! It's for younger readers and was quite the fun read! Told from the perspective of Bowser who often sees (or even more often, smells) things that could be of use to solving the mystery of a break in (at more than one house) there's only so much he can do to get his point across. This is the second in the series, I see on the back cover where the book titled Woof is first.

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I enjoy various CSI type shows, the 'puzzle' of figuring out the how and why (and who, of course) is fascinating. For a look at the real thing go with All That Remains: a Renowned Forensic Scientist on Death, Mortality, and Solving Crimes, by Sue Black. There is technical and medical stuff (but not too much and clearly written) combined with both personal and professional experiences. (Author was working for a butcher at age 12). A warning here though: it can be graphic and detailed in the description of an autopsy, wounds, and so forth, not for the faint of tummy! Still, a most interesting read.

I have to admit here, this title caught my eye: Who Invented Underpants?: the Weird Trivia of Human Invention, from Fire to Fast Food (and Everything in Between), by Stewart Ross. It's a bit of a fast ride, folks, so pay attention, sometimes several inventions are mentioned in one paragraph! Trivia books are a lot of fun, not only can you read them during the ads on TV, but they often lead to reading more about a particular subject. That would be easy to do with this book. :-)

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Tall Reader shared a book she'd discovered and enjoyed with me: Bramton Wick, by Elizabeth Fair. It is a reprint of a book published in 1952 and looks to be her first novel about the small town of Bramton Wick and the folks who live there. Things have changed after the war, the old order is changing. The transition is not a smooth one! Read along as the residents adapt and adjust ... it's quite a nice read. :-)

If you have enjoyed the Peculiar Crimes Unit books by Christopher Fowler, then you should love Bryant & May: London's Glory. It is a collection of short stories! Some are from early in the partnership, some are unsolved cases, one is rather grim (just a wee warning there) but all are good and it was fun to be back with this odd couple of cops again. :-)

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I plucked this book of the shelf because I have a friend who volunteers with the local SAR group. Search and Rescue: Pacific Coast, by Rachel Dresbeck. As the author said, there are lots of books about the rescued, but this is a book about the rescuers. What an amazing read it was ... the history of how it all got started, a bit about some of the legal battles (where and when they fly, for example), and many of the rescues (or recoveries) that have occurred. Although there were some individuals that came up with a better piece of equipment, or a means of rescue (that were then adopted throughout all the search and rescue groups) this is first and foremost a TEAM effort, and what these teams can do is amazing. I suggest you don't read this just before bed time as it will get your heart pounding!

Partner this book with the one above for an amazing reading experience! Mercy Flights, by Ruth Ballweg, Michael E. Burrill Sr., Michael E. Burrill Jr., and Pirkko Terao is from the Images of America series I like so much. Towns were small and remote, roads were few and not always maintained so travel to area hospitals was hard and took a very long time. George Milligan, a pilot, had an idea ... to create an air ambulance service ... and Mercy Flights was born. This is an amazing story of how it all happened ... from small planes (barely enough room for the pilot, patient, and nurse) to bigger planes, and helicopters. Originally everyone was a volunteer, there was no charge if the patient couldn't pay (see how they solved that problem)! There was a legal battle with the FAA (whose regulations would have closed them down). This is a wonderful history of community, heroes, and service.

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The Underwood Case is the last in the Markham Sisters Cozy Mystery series by Diana Xarissa available in print form at this time. As expected, it's another great entry. There are the small town 'regulars' from each novella, and new characters from the visitors staying at the Doveby B&B which keeps the stories both familiar and new. This time the mystery involves a painting. Is it a forgery? And why would it show up where it did? When you want some good stories that don't take too long to read, go for this series!

Mrs. Entwhistle Rides Again! is the second in the series about this feisty senior citizen by Doris Reidy. When Mrs. Entwhistle receives a letter telling her that her late husband's pension will no longer be coming she realizes she will need a job to bring in a bit of money. She gets a job as the 'social' reporter for the local newspaper, but when she discovers, um, discrepancies in the income for the Booster Club, she cannot help but investigate. Shady doings (of course) are going on, it could be dangerous for her to pursue her inquiries, and she should just leave things alone, but we all know that's not going to happen! Another fun read.

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Tonight is the last episode of Jeopardy! hosted by Alex Trebek. I read his book, published last year (it was excellent), and am looking forward to another one I recently found, but I also picked up a commemorative edition of People magazine (not a normal read for me): Alex Trebek: Jeopardy!'s Beloved Host and am including it here. It's a nice synopsis of his life and career along with some good pictures. Worth a look.

There have always been writers in the Pacific Northwest, and Washington (might have something to do with the weather). Many were prolific, many won awards for their writing and all were popular in their day. Peter Donahue feels they should not be lost to history and has gathered them together in Salmon Eaters to Sage-brushers: Washington's Lost Literary Legacy. There is a nice biography for each, plus a sample of their most popular work. Some of them are dated (obviously) but all were good and gave wonderful descriptions of life in the early days of the area. You might recognize a few names, a few of the books are being re-released. A most interesting read.

I used to ride the Greyhound bus to Pullman in my college days. It was not fun. There are dozens of stops in small towns (often to deliver a stack of newspapers) between where I lived and the bus station over there. Many years later, and reading about many of those stops (plus a lot more) from the comfort of my recliner, those same towns became a lot more interesting! Nicole Hardina put a lot of work into Little Washington: a Nostalgic Look at the Evergreen State's Smallest Towns ... she is both author and photographer. She explores 100 towns with populations from 38 - 3500, giving a bit of history and fun facts about each.

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As with all the Bruno books by Martin Walker, The Templars' Last Secret will have you drooling over the amazing meals that are so beautifully described. There is a body, of course, but who is it? And just what is missing from the scene? (And how do they even figure that out to begin with?) The history this time goes back to ancient times (France has a rich history). Seems to me this one was more violent that the earlier books, but still a rich and detailed story.

It's hard to beat Agatha Christie when it comes to a well written mystery and the stories in Midwinter Murder: Fireside Tales From the Queen of Mystery are some of her best. There are familiar characters here such as Poirot and Miss Marple as well as some new (to me) sleuths. There's the snowbound mansion, trains, creepy songs ... all the necessary elements to make for puzzling mysteries! Add a cup of tea and a snuggly dog or cat and enjoy. :-)

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Literary Places is one of the Inspired Traveller's Guide books by Sarah Baxter and illustrated by Amy Grimes. This time all the destinations are from books ... real destinations, not Oz, or Narnia ... places you could really visit. It was fun reading about places from the books I've read but I did skim in a couple of entries where I'd not read the book. A great way to do some arm chair travel in these 'stay at home' days, though. :-)

For a look back at the early days of the movie industry, well, a part of it, any way, try Fall Girl: My Life as a Western Stunt Double, by Martha Crawford Cantarini and Chrystopher J. Spicer. What an amazing career this woman had! Most of her stunts involved horses, that was her expertise, but she was the stand in and double for other things, too. Lots of familiar names here (well, if you are of a certain age), grand adventures, just a great read!

Happy New Year!

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