Tall Reader loaned me A Deadly Education (Lesson One of The Scholomance) by Naomi Novik, wanting to know what I thought. What I thought ... it was dark, and angry, and depressing. It was relentless ... this is a school for the 'magically inclined' and there are things trying to kill the students all the time ... in the halls, in the classrooms, in their rooms, in the shower, in their food ... I never really warmed to any of the characters ... And yet, it was a new spin on a 'school for wizards' story, and had many interesting elements. After all, I did finish it!

Lennox is not exactly happy to be summoned to Damascus, and his trusty retainer, Greggs, even less so. Inspector Swift convinces them it will be a lovely vacation in a warm country. He is only partially correct. Death in Damascus, is the fourth of the Inspector Lennox mysteries by Karen Baugh Menuhin. There are lovely descriptions of gardens and street markets, and the staff is there to meet every need of the visitors, but there is a body, you know! Wonderful old legends and mysteries, an ancient map, and, of all things, a crew from Hollywood making a movie make for a captivating read. Just consider this: everyone is not who they say they are.

Reading Hermit With Dog