There seems to be a new trend of talking animals in mysteries, and this is true with Cats and Other Calamities, the first of the A Case for the Master Sleuths books by Alex Wagner. The twist here is that while the animals can all talk to each other (and we, as the readers 'hear' that), the humans just hear animal sounds. So, how do the animals communicate what they've found? To complicate that, the main character inherited Athos (a Malamute) when her father dies. This is her first pet ever so she is not good at picking up on animal body language. She is at a reunion when a friend and former class mate is killed. This friend came with her cat, who bonds with the dog and they become the master sleuths in the series title! A great start, the second book is already on my TBR pile.

I wasn't sure about this book at first ... The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco, by Michelle Chouinard, but then at least two reviews called it 'quirky' and I decided to give it a try. Capri earns money giving just such tours of the area, taking the curious on tours of where murders happened, or the victims lived and so on. It doesn't hurt that she is the grand-daughter of a serial killer, did I mention that? (She's always thought he was innocent). Then there is a murder ... and a second ... that copy cat her grandfather's methods ... who? and why?

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The Last Word, by Elly Griffiths seems to be a stand alone book (she's written several series). At 84 Edwin is still working ... mostly in surveillance (after all, who notices an old person). His partner, Natalka, is much much younger and the two of them, with the help of Benedict (runs a coffee stand) the solve murders. Edwin likes to read obituaries (and do the puzzles) in several newspapers. He picks up on an odd connection and then, when asked to investigate the death a local priest with a secret (he writes romance fiction, pen name is female)(!) they decide to investigate. Other authors die, there is a connection to a writer's workshop, and the who and why .... all make for a read that kept me up past midnight. :-)

To be honest here, I did not end up liking this book at the end as much as I did when I started, but it has excellent reviews (except for a few) that say otherwise, so I leave you to make up your own mind. :-) The Examiner, by Janice Hallett is one of many books she's written, but the only one I've read. There are six students taking a course that is supposed to combine art and business and prove that art classes are still important (the university does not think so, and they are about to be cut completely). The six are very different in age, gender, race, abilities ... the teacher wanted this to prove there was wide interest in her class. It's told mostly in emails, texts, and written assignments. I never warmed up to any of the characters, but that might be what the author wanted. Things take a curious twist when an old radio is stolen from the business they are supposed to be helping with up to date advertising and so forth. Things then change dramatically in the last third of the book as you learn what really is going on. It is ... unexpected to say the least!

Reading Hermit With Dog

While not exactly a mystery, The Last Chance Library, by Freya Sampson, was still an engaging read. It's about the local, much loved, library in a small town ... such libraries are often marked for closure, because, after all, a book mobile would suffice, yes? This does not go over well as this library (as are many, I am sure) is more than just books. You will meet the many folks who use it on a regular basis, and why, and follow along as they rise up to save their library.

Tall Reader has grandkids. Grandkids who read ... real books as well as other forms, and they share the real books when they come to visit. Here's one that was a most interesting read: Restart, by Gordon Korman. Author has written a lot of teen/tween reads and won awards, and I can see why. Chase wakes up in the hospital, attached to all those wires and so on. Why is he there? And who is the strange woman crying? (It's his mother). Turns out, he fell off a roof and has been in an unconscious state for several days. Folks are relieved when he wakes up, but he remembers nothing of his former life ... nothing. How do you start over? When he goes back to school he learns he played football (was something of a star) and, with others was a bully and not a very nice person. This doesn't seem right to him anymore. Can he change? What would you do if you could start over with your life? There's much food for thought here.

Reading Hermit With Dog

A Guide to Understanding the Biblical Puzzle, by Bob Bernet is the third book in his Spiritual Puzzle series, and his best yet. It is well written and easy to understand. I especially like that he explains many of the lessons from the Bible in a simple, clear way. You don't have to be a church goer, or even all that religious to appreciate them. You can be spiritual without being religious, after all. Give it a try!

Here's one of those fun trivia type books that are good for reading during the ads on tv: History's Most Famous Pets: Tales of Four-Legged, Feathered, and Furry Companions of the Great and the Infamous, by Lenny Lenski. There are pets from the White House, those who lived with Royalty, scientists, pop stars, sports figures, literary folks and so on. Cats, dogs, monkeys, fish ... and wild animals as well. There are some from ancient times as well. I did regret that there is no bibliography, but the author is good at saying when said pet might not have been exactly as represented in legend. :-)

Reading Hermit With Dog