Broken Ground (Inspector Karen Pirie #5), by Val McDermid

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Val McDermid, and Grove Atlantic for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I am always pleased to find a new Val McDermid novel ready to be devoured, particularly because she has a few strong series that I have come to enjoy. After a devastating personal loss, Detective Chief Inspector Karen Pirie is back. Shuffled off within Police Scotland to head-up the new Historic Cases Unit (HCU), Pirie begins work on a rape/murder from three decades ago. With only the description of the assailant’s vehicle, Pirie begins combing through records well before thorough databases were created. Meanwhile, two treasure hunters are combing rural Scotland with a hand-drawn map, seeking the ultimate prize, two motorcycles from around the end of the Second World War. After locating the spot and digging through much peat, they locate not only the crates, but a body that’s suffered numerous gunshots wounds. What adds to the intrigue is that a number of artifacts on and around the victim date it back no earlier than 1995. DCI Pirie is called to the scene and thus begins her meatier case, trying to locate what might have happened. With the peat preserving the victim’s body, an identification is possible, as is some other history about the man left in the bog. With Pirie working this case, she must also juggle all that is going on with her other investigation, turning up many forgetful witnesses and belligerent individuals. However, Pirie is not one to give up easily and she soon creates a document trail that may solve both cases in short order, if only she can get a few key pieces of evidence to line up properly. That will require assistance from higher up the chain of command, always a daunting task. McDermid provides the reader with some excellent insight in this well-established series. Recommended for those who enjoy DCI Karen Pirie in action, as well as readers with a keen interest in cold cases.

It has been a while since I read Val McDermid, but doing so always proves to be a worthy task. She’s able to get to the heart of the matter in a timely fashion, while also building up her setting and characters effectively, thus keeping the reader fully committed. DCI Pirie proves to be a great character who has evolved since the beginning of the series. Still handling the death of her husband, Pirie is only now coming out of the fog. She’s able to keep her mind sharp and wits about her as she tackles some less than simplistic police work within the HCU. Added to that, there is the strain of a less than compassionate superior and Pirie must forge ahead just to stay above the fray. Many of the other characters found within the novel develop effectively over this time and show that their presence is not only essential, but entertaining for the reader. Juggling a few cases can be tough for both the police and the reader, trying to keep facts and witnesses straight, though McDermid writes in such a way that it is reasonable and usually straightforward. The reader is able to digest the larger story with ease, helped sometimes by short chapters that keep the narrative’s momentum. Those familiar with McDermid’s work will know she does well to keep the sarcasm high between intense moments, balancing the reading experience. McDermid’s writing holds out until the final sentence and readers will surely be pining for more in the near future.

Kudos, Madam McDermid, for another winner. I love your writing and ideas, hoping you have a few more pieces to dazzle your fans in the coming months.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Beautiful Mystery (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #8), by Louise Penny

Eight stars

Louise Penny has taken another gamble with this unique novel in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series. When a monk is found at a remote priory in the Quebec woods, Gamache and Inspector Jean Guy Beauvoir make the difficult trek to investigate. Using this whittled down Homicide squad of the Sûreté du Québec, Gamache soon discovers that the priory is well-known for its chanting monks, who were headed by music director Frère Mathieu, the victim of a significant blow to the head that cost him his life. What could have happened at this idyllic priory and who among these monks could hold such disdain as to have killed one of their own? As they investigate, Gamache and Beauvoir also spend time alone, contemplating their lives. The tranquility is broken when Chief Superintendent Francoeur arrives, citing that he has the forensic reports for their perusal. While some might welcome a superior, Gamache has a hard time holding his animosity in check, sure that this is the man responsible for leaking videos of that horrible terror attack to the public, thereby branding Gamache in a light he wished he could avoid. While Gamache discovers personal clashes amongst the monks, he comes to see that many have reason to want Frère Mathieu out of the way. With a killer in their midst and another wolf in sheep’s clothing poking around, Gamache cannot afford to make a mistake. All the while, his second-in-command is tested by holding back a significant secret from Gamache, one that could change the team’s dynamic forever. Penny may have kept Three Pines out of this story, but readers can still count on significant development in this mystery. Highly recommended to series fans who have a great handle on the characters and writing style. At this point, I would strongly suggest new readers begin where the series began and progress accordingly.

Louise Penny has never let the series turn into formulaic writing, always happy to offer up new twists and perspectives to her dedicated readers. Leaving the antics of Three Pines behind, Penny injects a new set of ‘villagers’ into this piece, as she isolated the Chief Inspector from the outside world. Gamache continues to wrestle with personal issues throughout the novel, partially related to the fallout of the aforementioned raid that cost many officers their lives. There is also a degree of introspection when it comes to personal faith and trust, though not of the religious type. Gamache has proven himself to be a well-grounded individual, but even his calm exterior cannot hide the fury and fear that rests below the surface. This contrasts nicely with revelations the reader discovers about Inspector Jean Guy Beauvoir, who struggles not only with his attempts to understand why anyone would want to choose a life in a priory, but also with a deep secret he is keeping from Gamache. Both sentiments eat away at him, creating some interesting character development and backstory for the reader to enjoy, chasing away the statuesque past this man has exhibited throughout the series. The handful of monks fill the gap left by the Three Pines residents, though one cannot completely replace the zany characteristics of the villagers. These men may have dedicated their lives to God and music, but their personal foibles cannot be entirely removed and find their way on the written page. Penny successfully paints them with their own unique attributes and keeps the story flowing well with their inclusion in the narrative. Penny uses strong themes of dedication, loss, and cohesiveness throughout to shape a narrative that keep the story’s momentum. Some bemoan that the series has gone stale or rogue, though I highly appreciate the twists Penny has utilised to keep the stories fresh and evolving. I am pleased to have found this series and continue to feel pleased with my choice to binge through the novels until I am caught up with many who have been praising this collection for a long time.

Kudos, Madam Penny, for another unique piece. I kick myself for waiting this long to join the other fans, but cannot say enough about these pieces.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Street Legal: The Betrayal, by William Deverell

Eight stars

William Deverell is one author who is able to take the nuances of the Canadian legal system and put them into a well-developed piece that anyone can enjoy. I have read some of his stunning works and while this was not as powerful for me, I can see some of his wonderful style seeping from each page. Back in 1980, young lawyers Carrie Barr, Leon Rubinovitch, and Chuck Tchobanian were making names for themselves within Toronto’s legal community. After a man is charged with being the Midnight Strangler—raping and murdering women around the city—Barr is able to get him off on a technicality. While she’s flying high on this moral victory, she must come to terms with her philandering husband, who cannot seem to see what he is tossing away. After removing Ted Barr from their legal enterprise, these three young lawyers seek to make it on their own, armed with significant legal matters that find their way woven into the narrative of the book. Barr takes on defending a man whose ties to the criminal underworld and narcotics leave her wondering if she might have grasped for the first thing that came across her line of sight. She cannot help but hope that she will find something to help the situation before she is left with a bullet in her own head. Tchobanian is trying to push the limits of free speech in a pre-Charter Canada, with a client pushing pornographic novels who’s been threatened with numerous criminal charges. Perhaps most interesting of all is Rubinovitch’s work trying to defend a man who is peddling hate literature and trying to sell the world on the conniving nature of the Jewish population. All this, while more women are being murdered on the streets of Toronto, likely at the hands of the Midnight Strangler. What’s to be done and how will these young lawyers show that they belong in the cutthroat world of criminal law? Deverell does a wonderful job showcasing these young characters in a novel that was written to play the role of prologue to a highly successful legal drama on Canadian television in the 1980s. Recommended for those who like a darker legal novel with all the nuances of the Canadian system.

I stumbled onto Deverell’s writing last spring when I was reading his stellar Arthur Beauchamp series. While it took a while to get acclimated, the series grew on me and by the end I know I would have to try some of the author’s one-off work. Deverell paints his characters in such a way that the reader wants to love them, or at least get to know them before hating them outright. The three core lawyers in this novel all bring unique attributes to the table, but I do not feel as though Deverell sought to focus his attention on any one of them. There is the banter that Carrie has with her husband, while also delicately handling a client who has such strong ties to the underworld that she cannot make a single mistake. Chuck seeks to find that loophole in the Bill of Rights legislation to allow free speech in an era where constitutionally entrenched rights are still two years away. Leon seeks to hold his nose and hope his anti-Semitic client does not ruin things before they can find a way around some of this disturbing hate literature is read in open court. All three provide much entertainment and education for the attentive reader. The secondary characters fill the gaps these three leave, if only to push the narrative along in an interesting fashion. From quirky judges to members of the police community who feel that they are above the law, through to the criminal element demanding not only a day in court, but also that they be allowed to continue their lifestyles, characters fill the pages and Deverell shapes them all to be curious individuals. With a true Canadian flavour throughout the narrative, one can only presume that this novel serves to introduce the reader to the central characters in Street Legal, the television series Deverell wrote for CBC back in the 80s, which I vaguely remember seeing in the television listings as a youth. I did not watch it, but can only imagine how compelling it would have been, based on the intricacies that Deverell puts into his books. Deverell does great work pacing the narrative while educating the reader of the legal and social issues prevalent in Canada at the time. Balancing an interesting legal matter with highly complex characters, Deverell has penned a winner.

Kudos, Mr. Deverell, for a great novel. I am so pleased to get my mind working as I digest these Canadian legal thrillers!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #7), by Louise Penny

Eight stars

After a great deal of self-exploration in the past novel, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is back in another police procedural penned by the fabulous Louise Penny. After a long career as an artist, Three Pines resident Clara Morrow has secured a solo exhibition of her work at a high-end gallery in Montreal. Many of the big names in the local and international art scene have flocked to see what is going on, including Gamache and his second in command, Jean Guy Beauvoir. Eager to see the reviews the following morning, Clara heads out to collect the newspaper, but comes face to face with a body in her garden; someone she knew well from her past. After summoning Gamache and the rest of the Homicide squad of the Sûreté du Québec, all eyes turn to the guests at an exclusive party after the gallery showing. Top of the list would have to be Clara, when it is revealed that the victim, Lillian Dyson, was best friends with the local artist until a falling out decades before. No one can be entirely sure how Lillian made it to the party, or how she might have gone unnoticed. Gamache begins digging into the victim’s background, seeking to discover her ties to both Clara and the art community. However, it is a piece of evidence found near the body that proves most useful in the investigation, taking things on a winding tour into a world that Gamache could not have expected. There, Gamache encounters those he knows, but admits this is a side to them he could not have fathomed. All the while, Inspector Beauvoir comes to his superior with an admission, tied to that bloody shootout months before and how he’s had an epiphany. This revelation could shock not only the Homicide squad, but Gamache to the core. With a killer out there, Gamache must try to focus, without letting Beuavoir’s news derail him at the most inopportune time. Penny does so well to pull the reader in with fresh ideas and new angles to murder, without letting things go stale or rogue. Recommended to series fans who have a great handle on the characters and writing style. At this point, I would strongly suggest new readers begin where the series began and progress accordingly.

Louise Penny has never rested on her laurels when writing novels in this series, as she seeks to find new and exciting ways to entertain her readers. She also has a wonderful way of not only coaxing out the changing seasons as a strong backdrop, but also hones the attention on a Three Pines resident and crafting a mystery around their life. Clara Morrow has never been a wallflower, though pushing the attention squarely on her works well in this novel, as the art world receives much of the attention throughout. From creation of art, distilling what works, and how reviews can make or break a budding artist, Penny pushes Clara to the centre of the spotlight and asks that she guide the reader through her own experiences. Morrow does well to explore her backstory as a young artist without getting too bogged down, though also showing how she and husband, Peter, have had to fight for recognition as individuals and a team. Gamache receives some wonderful attention here, though steps back to allow others their limelight. What is interesting is the ongoing exploration by the series protagonist to tap into who might be trying to bring him down—again—and how he can keep his Sûreté team in tact. Penny has Gamache wrestle with some personal issues throughout, though it does not distract from the story at any point, adding more flavour to the series progression, in my opinion. The handful of other characters continue to impress, adding some of their own nuances, including the somewhat stoic and statuesque Jean Guy Beauvoir. Series fans will likely enjoy what he brings to the table and how his revelations enrich an already complex character interaction. The story was well designed to provide the reader a look not only into the art world, but that of other areas where anonymity is crucial. Once the reader pushes through that barrier, they will discover something that Penny treats with much respect, though she injects humour at times, using Gamache as the test subject. With strong themes throughout and a narrative that keeps the story moving forward, Penny successfully tackles yet another mystery with much detail. I am pleased to have found this series and continue to feel pleased with my choice to binge through the novels until I am caught up with many who have been praising this collection for a long time.

Kudos, Madam Penny, for another stellar piece. I cannot believe I waited this long to join the other fans, but cannot say enough about these pieces.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Running in Circles (Lucy Lewis #1), by Claire Gray

Six stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Claire Gray and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

With this debut novel in the Lucy Lewis series, I had high hopes that Claire Gray would pull me in from the opening pages and not let go. The premise appeared strong and the cover offered some intrigue, paving the way for an interesting reading experience. Lucy Lewis is a journalist working in Thailand for a local paper, with hopes of getting a major scoop to advance her career. When a bomb explodes close to her hostel, Lucy and her editor, Steve, take a moment to shake off the shock before seeking to cover the story. Might this have been an errant explosion or could it have been an act of terror? With dust and debris scattered around the explosion site, Lucy and Steve begin asking questions in order to better understand what’s happened. Lucy finds herself face to face with another foreigner whose money lines the pockets of many, but when she tries to follow-up, he’s disappeared. Working both to understand what’s happened with the bombing and this mysterious disappearance, Lucy finds herself traveling a circuitous route, unable to get the answers she needs. Just as she feels she’s making progress, she falls victim to a conniving individual who wants nothing more than to shut down all Lucy’s sleuthing and keep this mystery buried under all the dead bodies. The truth will come out, though Lucy may not be around to see it. Gray does a decent job in spinning this tale, though I could not find myself completely connection to the story throughout. Perhaps others who enjoy the genre will find more than I did on the written page.

I found the title of the book to be spot-on, for numerous reasons. While I can see Gray has a few great ideas, I could not find myself connected or really ensconced by the style or plot. Lucy Lewis is a young journalist with much to prove, living and working on the other side of the world. She seeks to prove herself and show her editor that she deserves to be taken seriously. It does not help that she finds herself blurring the lines—at least in her mind—with her superior, which can only have dire results. The handful of other characters who grace the pages of the book made only a minor impact on me, though I could see that Gray was trying to develop them at every opportunity. There were supporters of Lucy’s efforts and those who sought to push her down when they could. Overall, it was a mish-mash of narrative circles. The story could have worked well, though it did not grab me. I cannot fault Gray, as I am not the easiest reader to impress, though but there was little within these pages that left me wanting more. I am sure others will laud this work and rush to get their hands on the sequel, but I will stand back and turn my attention elsewhere, at least for the time being.

Thank you, Madam Gray for your effort. While others may be sold, it just did not grab me, as the publishers likely hoped it would.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Th Hangman (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache # 6.5), by Louise Penny

Eight stars

A necessary re-read, now that I have completed the first six novels in Louise Penny’s stunning series. While I used this short story to test the waters, now that I have proper context, I chose to return and properly review the piece. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is back in Three Pines, bringing along with his the Homicide squad of the Sûreté du Québec (or ‘Quebec Provincial Police’, the first time Penny has anglicised the force) to investigate a man found hanging by a tree. The jogger who found him has been quite distant and uncooperative, leaving Gamache to wonder if he might be involved. After discovering the victim’s name, Arthur Ellis, the team finds that he’s been staying at the local bed and breakfast, formerly the Hadley House. Ellis left a fairly clear suicide note in his room, though Gamache is not entirely sold that this was how the act played out. While engaging with some of the locals, Gamache realises that the victim may have additional secrets that are only now coming to the surface. When the medical examiner notices odd ligature marks not attributable to a rope, it becomes apparent that there is a killer in Three Pines, but what motive might they have? Additionally, how could Ellis, a visitor himself, have pushed someone to kill him in such a public manner? Penny pulls the reader in with this stunning short story, easily finished in a single sitting. With nothing really spoiler-related within this piece, I suppose it could be enjoyed as a standalone, as I did the first time around. Fans of police procedurals and Canadian mysteries will also find something worthwhile.

I am happy to have found yet another Canadian author whose work falls within one of the genres I enjoy so much. Set in rural Quebec, the series is sure to have a lovely Canadian flavour, something that will enrich the reading experience and have it stand out in the genre. Penny provides the reader with some interesting exploration of Chief Inspector Gamache, though nothing new for the series reader. Gamache has a curious way about him, highly intelligent but also down to earth as he investigates the crime before him. He does not come across as condescending, but also gets to the root of the matter in short order and does not appear to suffer fools. Penny’s descriptive nature provides an interesting sampling of some other members of the Homicide team, though nothing sensational comes from the pages of this piece. The story moves quickly, as it must with its brevity, and the reader must follow the movements of both the characters and the plot. Penny keeps the reader in the middle of the investigation, dropping hints throughout as she pushes towards the reveal, which ties the entire experience together. With this ‘short case’ done, it is time to return to slower and more thorough plots in full-length novels. With a new novel set to come out later this autumn, I have no time to wait. Back to the binge!

Kudos, Madam Penny, for reminding me how a masterful storyteller hones her craft!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/…

Bury Your Dead (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #6), by Louise Penny

Eight stars

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache must wrestle with the core of his being in this next novel of Louise Penny’s ongoing series. The piece opens with Gamache in Quebec City, ready to enjoy a winter carnival. He’s on leave, as is the rest of his Sûreté du Québec Homicide squad, after a brutal terror attack left many dead. While taking the time to hone his knowledge of Quebec history, the murder of local amateur archeologist, Augustin Renaud, creates quite the buzz. Found at the Literary and Historical Society, Renaud was said to have been trying to unearth the body of Quebec’s founder, Samuel de Champlain. Eager to offer his assistance, Gamache gains access to the investigation and begins to poke around, while also using his mentor and long-time friend to discuss matters of policing and personal politics. Without needing his compatriots, Gamache sends Inspector Beauvoir back to Three Pines to covertly reexamine the case of local resident, Olivier Brulé, whom series readers will know was arrested and convicted of murder at the end of the previous novel. Could it be that Olivier is innocent after all, as his partner, Gabri, has been touting in daily letters to the Chief Inspector? While there, Beauvoir interacts with Three Pines residents, many of whom have nothing but disdain for this man who chose not to support their friend. Beauvoir recounts to the locals some of the happenings related to the aforementioned terror event, explaining the step-by-step process that had Gamache in the middle of trying to save one of his new agents without ceding complete control to a farmer with a mission. In the present case, Gamache is trying to wrestle with the idea of his connection to the Quebecois, something that parallels a nationalism many feel for their country. Penny explores this struggle throughout, pushing her protagonist into the middle as he tries to find not only the killer, but to examine how the Literary and Historical Society—an Anglophone organization in the heart of French Quebec—has survived this long and what take they have had on Champlain and his role in Quebec’s founding. With three criminal investigations on the go within the single narrative, there is much to discover and explore, but nothing will be clear-cut, nor will happy endings be bountiful. Penny has really pushed the reader to their limits with this one, seeking to juggle multiple crimes in a series of time periods. Recommended to series fans who have a great handle on the characters and writing style. At this point, I would suggest new readers begin where the series began and progress accordingly.

Louise Penny has taken a significant gamble at this point in the series and I can see where some might bemoan her decision, though I do not entirely agree with the criticism. This story straddles three cases, all of which reveal themselves in the narrative, though their timelines differ greatly. Additionally, Penny seeks to explore Quebec nationalism and paint her protagonist into a corner as he works in Quebec City. Let us first explore the characters who appear and evolve on the page, then tackle some of the narrative and other parts of this complicated novel. Gamache has grown so much over the past few novels that the series reader might not expect as much development as can be found in this sixth piece. Not only does the reader discover some of Gamache’s deeply held beliefs as a Quebecois, but also what drives him as a leader and a man. Penny does well to explore these most sensitive aspects of her protagonist, without pulling him from the job for which readers have come to love him. The other characters prove to be a mish-mash, receiving some minor development, but Jean Guy Beauvoir deserves a few lines here. His icy demeanour is one that series readers know well, so tossing him into the Three Pines community without the shield of Gamache was sure to prove entertaining. Beauvoir forged into the area, armed with trying to see if his own notions about the guilt of one resident could stand after exploring some evidence. This also forced him to engage with the locals, thereby testing his ability to work independently and stop the incessant judging of all things Anglophone. Penny does a decent job of coaxing out some development with this plot line. The story is actually three, as mentioned before. While I thoroughly enjoyed them all, I felt throughout that the ‘terror cell’ should have been its own story (novel or novella), as it kept things somewhat confusing. While series readers are an intelligent bunch and I am the last person to criticise an bestselling author, I felt things got too clouded throughout. Penny would have done well to explore the terror cell theme in a stand-alone piece (#5.5?) and allow oblique reference to it in this piece, rather than trying to juggle everything. Gamache still ends up in Quebec City for this novel, Beauvoir is still able to return to Three Pines on his own, but the reader has that intense storyline out of the way and free from constant flashbacks. A throughly enriching experience can be found in this novel, which taps not only into Canadiana, but plunges headlong into the depths of Canadian and Quebec politics on a level that is both complicated and much needed. I applaud the political dignity Penny utilises in this hot potato topic and hope she will not shy away from the Quebecois struggles within her protagonist as the series continues.

Kudos, Madam Penny, for keeping me enthralled. And now…your sole short story in the collection. Let’s have a look!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Brutal Telling (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #5), by Louise Penny

Eight stars

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache makes another appearance in Louise Penny’s ongoing Canadian police procedural series. Things continue to get better as I binge my way through the well-developed novels, losing myself in the powerful narrative and peaceful setting. The calm nature of Three Pines is disrupted when a body is found within the town’s bistro. The owner, Olivier Brulé, is fingered as a potential suspect, but the evidence soon points in another direction. There’s no time to waste and the Homicide squad of the Sûreté du Québec is summoned, headed up by Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, familiar with this bucolic community. Surveying the scene, Gamache discovers that the victim is unknown to the locals and appears to be a vagrant, but one who takes care of himself. Unsure where to begin, Gamache and the squad take in the town’s changes since last they spent time there, including the Hadley House, once deemed haunted but now being renovated into a spa and retreat centre. When clues around the body point to it being moved, Gamache looks to some of the newer inhabitants of this community in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. There’s something just not right about them and Gamache is determined to get all the facts before he makes a final judgment. When a cottage is discovered in the woods, full of primitive living accommodations and with a significant amount of blood, all eyes turn to that discrete location as being the crime scene. It’s only then that Olivier begins acting strange again, as though there is more to the story than he is willing to share. While Olivier’s secret past begins to drown out the persona everyone knows, a killer lurks in the shadows, waiting to be found. Gamache cannot let this case slip through his fingers, even if it means alienating himself from some of his friends to turn over ever rock! Penny keeps the intensity high in this fifth novel, sure to shake the reader to the core. Recommended for series fans and those who enjoy Canadian mysteries full of national symbols.

Louise Penny continues to impress me with her writing style and unique plotlines. Chief Inspector Gamache remains a highly interesting character, whose development does not seem to take a break, even when new and exciting characters cross the page. His meticulous nature and attention to the crime scene keeps the reader connected to the protagonist, whose witty repartee offsets a dedication to police work. There is no apparent letting up of his dedication or leadership, even with strong supporting members of the Homicide squad. Said individuals prove great contrasts to their boss, each with their own stories that emerge slowly throughout. After a break from the residents of Three Pines, they are back as key members of this story, including the quirky poet, Ruth, whose duck left me shaking my head throughout this novel. As Penny has done before, we learn more about another of the residents, this time in the form of Olivier, who owns the bistro and is in a relationship with Gabri, the other half of a somewhat confident gay couple. The backstory and hidden traits that Olivier reveals throughout will fuel some interesting storylines into the future, though Penny’s focus here may create degrees of alienation by the other Three Pines folks. That said, if Ruth is still able to lure people for the oddest dinner party ever, surely Olivier will not become too much of a pariah in the short term. I felt that the story lagged at times, the first time I express this sentiment, but Penny did have to focus her attention on a subplot that builds as the novel progresses. It seemed as though much attention was paid to the many new characters, though they did not distract from the serious crime at hand. Penny foists the reader into the middle of the investigation, honing the many layers of the investigation before reaching the core standoff and discovery of the killer. I continue to love all the Canadian references, even if some non-Canadians will miss them in passing. I continue to enjoy this binge and will push onwards, as I have only a few weeks until the newest book lands on booksellers’ shelves.

Kudos, Madam Penny, for keeping me fully committed. I cannot wait to see what else you have in store for Gamache and those who surround him on a regular basis.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Unhappiest Lady in Christendom (Six Tudor Queens #3.6), by Alison Weir

Eight stars

Having long been a fan of Alison Weir’s novels, particularly those related to the Tudors, I was so pleased to hear of the Six Queens series. While Weir is a master at taking fact and fictionalising it on occasion to create novels, I was even more excited to hear that she would add some short stories to bridge the major novels in the collection. I came across this piece and devoured it in a single setting, having recently read the third book in the series, centring around Queen Jane. In this short story, Jane has just died and Princess Mary takes the narrative role. Mary explores her own sentiments about the death of her step-mother who worked so hard to calm sentiments between King Henry VIII and his eldest daughter. With the death of the queen, Mary must wonder if her return to Court will be short lived or if it might be a new and prosperous future for her. With Mary and Elizabeth comes a new child, Edward, who is heir to the throne. However, as a newborn, there is little he can do for the time being. The King has waited just long enough to mourn the death of his wife of seventeen months before realising that he needs another heir and must marry again. Questions arise as to where he might find a new wife, turning to political ties to strengthen the Protestant cause. While Mary worries about how this might dilute her Catholic background, she worries more about how her own life may be seriously harmed. Those around her remain sycophantic to the king, who seeks a wife rather than basking in the love that Jane brought him. When a potential wife is found in Germany, Mary can only hope that this Princess Anna of Cleves will prove a decent step-mother, even if she is only a year older and likely nowhere near as wise as Mary has been while remaining in England. Recommended for those who enjoy Weir’s work and have a soft spot for all things Tudor.

Weir never disappoints, even when she has a limited time to present her work. I found myself able to devour this piece quickly, yet noticed all the information jammed into the story. Offering things up from the perspective of Mary, recently welcomed back to Court, was a genius way of bridging the Jane and Anne marriages to Henry VIII. I had not given as much thought to the change in role that Mary had under Jane’s short reign, though hindsight has provided me many new ideas on the subject. Weir shows that Mary worries about her own future marriage to a worthwhile prince, surely sullied by her father’s ongoing shelving her and giving her a ‘bastard’ moniker. The Court is also going through many transitions, such that the key players close to Henry VIII are forced to shift their mindset to yet another round of irrational thoughts. The story may have been brief, but Weir packs a punch and keeps readers hooked throughout, pining for the release of the next novel, still many months away. I must admit that I am still a little upset that those outside of the United Kingdom cannot readily access these pieces and hope there will soon be progress to offer them to all fans of Alison Weir the world over.

Kudos, Madam Weir, for another wonderful piece of writing. The Tudors come to life under your pen!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Anonymity (DI Gravel #4), by John Nicholl

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to John Nicholl for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Any reader looking for a well-crafted psychological thriller need look no further than John Nicholl, whose two series have always kept me fully engaged and wondering what awaits me at the flip of a page. This novel was no different, though it takes a slightly different approach. Mia Hamilton is a popular author whose book sales continue to climb. When she receives an email from someone calling themselves her ‘number one fan’ she is, for a time, appreciative, but that loses its lustre when the messages do not stop. Just as Mia is able to assertively place this fan in their place, she receives a strongly worded message with threats to herself and her young daughter. Mia cannot help but feel that these are not idle threats and complies, though cuts some corners with the help of her sister. Displeased, the fan makes stronger demands and puts the fear of God into Mia, leading her to turn to a longtime family friend, Detective Inspector Gareth ‘Grav’ Gravel. Grav has been on sick leave and is out of the daily grind, but his passion to uncover this criminal pushes him to his limits. Meanwhile, the fan/stalker is none other than Mia’s sister’s fiancé, who enjoys the torment he can instil on Mia. Adam meticulously plans to stalk her with cameras and mind games, while Mia unwillingly relies on him to help her keep the stalker away. With Grav trying his best to help, he must overcome his own demons and loss of his wife, which push him deeper into an abyss and leave his superiors from allowing him back onto the force. With Mia worried for her safety, she accedes to Adam’s request to accompany her out of Wales in hopes of allowing the authorities to catch the stalker. Little does Mia know, she’s following the breadcrumbs provided to send her into deeper and more sadistic forms of hellish misery. Will Grav be able to locate the killer in time, or will Mia be the latest in a string of stalked and missing Welsh women? In a high-impact novel that shakes the reader to the core, Nicholl proves that he is at the top of his game in his crowded genre. Highly recommended for those who enjoy Nicholl’s work and readers who find pleasure in psych thrillers that cannot be put down.

I have been a fan of John Nicholl since first I read his work, which has strong parallels to my work in Child Protection. Nicholl works to develop both a protagonist and antagonist, such that the reader sees both sides of the coin throughout, in hopes of forecasting the clash that will lead to an eventual solution to the crime. DI Gravel remains a wonderful copper, though his struggles have overtaken him. With his removal from the police, he does not have the same supports, though his team does liaise with him and fill in the gaps whenever possible. He works his way through this piece effectively, though is not as sharp as in past pieces, for obvious reasons. Mia proves to be somewhat of a vapid character, though perhaps Nicholl wanted her to be this vulnerable. She proves to be a stereotypical victim in that she is too scared to stand her ground and tosses herself at others to help. In this case, into the arms of the man who is causing her grief (something revealed early on and therefore I would not call it a spoiler). Adam’s role is interesting, as he plagues his sister-in-law-to-be, turning her life into a living hell. If I can be critical of Nicholl here, the character lays too many clues out intentionally to have him caught. Without spoiling the story, Adam turns his attention on others in too many blatant ways, forcing the reader to question why it took so long to finger him. Still, the thrill of the case takes the reader through many twists and kept me curious until the very end, where Nicholl has a treat for the dedicated reader. The strong story is not hampered by knowing who is the antagonist from the opening pages, as things turn into more of a psychological game of cat and mouse. Readers can appreciate the attention to detail that Nicholl has placed in his novel and series fans can see much progress throughout the four novels. One can only hope Nicholl continues writing at this level, as there is so much to appeal to readers of this genre.

Kudos, Mr. Nicholl, for such a great piece. I am so pleased to have been given an early copy, allowing me to share some of my insights.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

A Rule Against Murder (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #4), by Louise Penny

Eight stars

Louise Penny’s Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series continues to get better as I binge my way through the collection. The detail and bucolic nature of the pieces invite me to keep reading, as though I have developed an addiction for all that is Gamache. Chief Inspector Gamache accompanies his wife, Reine-Marie, to their annual retreat for a chance to recharge. Upon arrival at Manoir Bellechasse, the Gamaches learn that they will not have the solitude to which they are accustomed, as a family reunion brings much excitement and fills the rest of the rooms. It is only with the arrival of Peter and Clara Morrow—residents of Three Pines—that the Gamaches feel a connection to this larger group. The Finneys/Morrows are textbook dysfunctional, from their treatment of one another through to the odd way in which one of the children is kept isolated from others. As part of their reunion festivities, a large sculpture of the long deceased family patriarch is unveiled, which only adds to the tension. After a significant storm, the body of Julia Martin is found under the sculpture, though it is not entirely clear what might have happened. While many would expect Peter and his family to react, none are overly shocked or doubled by the event, soon deemed a murder. Gamache alerts his fellow members of the Homicide squad with the Sûreté du Québec, turning this quiet community into a hive of action. As the squad tries to peel back the layers on this odd family dynamic, they learn some of the core issues that have simmered below the surface for decades. Even Gamache is not immune to being roped in, as his own family has ties to the brood, in the most obscure way. With a killer surely amongst the group, it is not simply trying to find a motive strong enough to murder, but choosing which of many is most likely. Penny keeps the reader highly entertained throughout in yet another Canadian police procedural. Highly recommended for the reader who likes ‘quaint’, yet intense, mysteries full of Canadiana.

Louise Penny makes a reader’s full commitment to the stories and characters quite easy. The Eastern Townships prove an effective setting to promote a unique set of stories that are easily differentiated from much that is on the market at present. There does not seem to be an end to Armand Gamache’s development as the series protagonist, while not trying to do too much in short order. Penny releases some essential backstory again in this piece, balancing his ever-evolving relationship with Reine-Marie against some tidbits about his parents, who were killed when he was just a child. This personalisation by Penny will likely prove highly important, as the series reader will want to know as much as possible in order to fill much of the as yet unknown early years in Gamache’s life. Penny touches on some of the Homicide squad, as they continue to appear in the series. While I have not mentioned him before, Jean Guy Beauvoir, the second in command, continues to show shards of his personality. Closed off and highly judgmental, Beauvoir is the polar opposite to Gamache, though is able to extract needed information to help secure an arrest. With this group log suspects, Beauvoir may need to pull out all the stops, just to make sense of things. Without a full cast of Three Pines residents, it is the Finneys and Morrows who provide much entertainment and the odd cringing moment as the narrative progresses. The story moves at a decent pace, through by no means the best of the series to date. Penny keeps the reader in the middle of the investigation, though there are many layers through which one must penetrate to find how the victim and killer reached their climax. I love all the Canadian references, something that many non-Canadians may not find as alluring. Their placement makes me feel at ease and I hope others will enjoy them—eh?! Bring on more Penny and keep them coming, if you please!

Kudos, Madam Penny, for intriguing me greatly yet again. I cannot stop reading these books, a sure sign of being fully ensconced in the series.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Mercy Killings (Esther and Jack Enright #6), by David Field

Eight stars

David Field presents readers with another novel about the criminal element of Victorian England in the latest Esther and Jack Enright piece. Jack Enright has accepted a Detective Sergeant position in Essex, wanting to get away from the politics of Scotland Yard’s Metropolitan Police Force. While Jack enjoys the new surroundings, he is less than impressed by some less than dedicated fellow officers. A series of babies have been found murdered around Essex, snuffed out soon after birth and placed in a variety of locations. Baffled as to how he might start his investigation, Jack turns to his uncle, Percy, who remains a Detective Inspector with the Met. There has been a rise in unwanted children throughout the urban areas, England’s orphanages are overrun, yet there are too few families seeking to adopt through legal means. This has brought about the rise in baby farming, where women are peddling abandoned children to finicky couples, but the ‘leftovers’ are disposed of in quick order. These women disappear as quickly as they emerge on the scene, leaving the Enrights to chase their tails. Meanwhile, Esther has been biding her time with three children while Jack is away at work, though has been filling her time promoting Church-based adoptions, though the stories she learns leave her highly distressed. As Jack and Percy need to develop a sting operation to catch one suspected baby farmer, they turn to Esther and a new member of the family, hoping that this will quell the number of babies found disposed of like rubbish. It’s surely a matter of dismantling the operation, beginning with the lowest rungs on the ladder. Field provides an excellent plot for this piece, against a controversial backdrop in English history. Fans of the series will likely enjoy this latest piece, as might those readers who love Victorian mysteries that are read in short order.

I make a point of promoting David Field whenever I can, as his writing is not only easy to comprehend, but provides the reader with some context into the goings-on during the Victorian era. London and environs come to life in these pieces, as do some of the political issues of the day, some of which are still matters of contention. I rushed through the first few novels in the series when contacted by the publisher, and knew that I would return as soon as more novels appeared in publication. Field uses the story’s setting effectively, shifting focus to Essex without losing the narrative’s strength. Jack and Esther remain strong characters and some new developments in their familial and character aspects help pull the reader into the middle of this latest story. With an ever-growing family, the topic of baby deaths surely hits home for the Enrights, though they do not allow this to derail their attention to the crimes at hand. Field does well to never leave the reader without some new aspect of this couple, who play off one another well, without becoming too predictable. Percy and some of the other supporting characters do well to ride the wave of the narrative, helping to enrich the criminal investigation and adding unique flavours that permit Field to explore the topic at hand from a variety of vantage points. Field keeps the story fairly straightforward, though can never be accused of diluting or oversimplifying things for the curious reader. While Victorian England was surely not a time of sexual repression, contraceptives were still not readily discussed, pushing abortion into an unspoken realm. This left England with a surplus of babies and no means of handling the situation effectively. Scores of unwanted babies, abandoned for lack of desire or ability to care for them surely became a major issue, though the authorities of the time could not turn a blind eye. Field effectively educates without pushing out a soap box on the issue, permitting the reader to create their own opinion. These short reads can be digested in a single day, as I have done here, without feeling cheated. One can only hope that Field’s collection of ideas does not dry up anytime soon, as these novels are perfect for a reader who enjoys historical fiction.

Kudos, Mr. Field, for another success. I see a few more pieces are coming down the pipeline and I anticipate their arrival!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Turning Points: The Campaigns that Changed Canada (2004 and Before), by Ray Argyle

Nine stars

I have long felt that people of a geographic area can best be described by their political representatives, particularly on a national/federal level. While many would disagree with this sentiment, in democratic countries, where the ballot speaks, representation follows suit. Ray Argyle seems to hold this same sentiment and has put together a collection of essays to describe the political situation, election campaign, and aftermath of a number of elections/referenda in Canada from pre-Confederation through to 2011. Each election discussed pulls on important aspects of political change in Canada and saw significant shift in the mindset of the electorate or political shift in the way Canada would be run. Exploring such elections as John A. MacDonald’s decision to keep Canada from moving into a free trade agreement with the Americans to the dichotomous decision by a later (Progressive) Conservative Prime Minister—Brian Mulroney—to forge ahead into such an agreement, Argyle shows how times change and parties flip on their past beliefs. There were also key election battles between Liberals and (Progressive) Conservatives discussed in this book, the two central parties that vied for power federally for much of the 19th and 20th centuries, with a few smaller parties playing key roles when necessary. There is the constant theme of the Quebec role in elections, a definite issue for parties to bring into the fold without alienating the rest of the country. Argyle goes so far as to discuss the 1995 Secession Referendum that almost saw the province leave the Canadian Union. Of greatest interest to me was some of the provincial election campaigns that saw parts of the country blow new winds into the overall political arena, particularly Tommy Douglas in Saskatchewan and W.A.C. Bennett in British Columbia, both of whom sought to shake things up and pull their respective provinces in opposite directions. Elections, whatever their results, are passion-filled and highly divisive, while also seeking to unite. An excellent primer for those who enjoy all things political in Canada. Argyle knows his stuff and has presented digestible essays packed with wonderful information.

I knew this would be a perfect book to help define who I am, as I am so curious about political history and live for the electoral process. While many outside of Canada may not rush to grab this book (and many within Canada would likely prefer not to read it either), there is much to be learned in this collection of essays. Those wanting to better understand Canada and how it has evolved politically would surely find something within this book to their liking. Argyle does well to lay out the issues of the time, providing key background information, both political and of the actors involved, before pushing into the election campaign and how things went for the major parties. There is surely not enough space for thorough explorations of the campaigns, but the reader will get the gist. From there, it is a push into the electoral returns, broken down by region, to give the full impact of how (at least with the federal campaigns) Canada moved in one direction or another. Some elections were close and others were not, but it is the metamorphosis of this change by an electorate swayed that makes all the difference. Adding provincial elections and two referenda were keys to substantiating the importance of this collection. Newfoundland (Canada’s tenth and final province) chose to enter the Union after many years as part of the United Kingdom, while Quebec (one of Canada’s first provinces) has twice flexed a muscle to leave, with additional rumblings in the making. Argyle effectively shows why and how things went the way they did, perfect for the student of Canadian politics. Elections may not define an individual, but they surely help define a country, sometimes for decades to come. His past as a journalist helps to substantiate much of what Argyle as to say which is masterfully presented in such a way that anyone can enjoy the essays. It is not only elections in the United States that matter, though it is sometimes hard to effectively make that argument. Making Canada Great is what elections are all about. There is no need for ‘again’, for, as Argyle shows, while we may not always agree, we remain confident in our ability to bounce back and learn from our experiences!

Kudos, Mr. Argyle, for such a thorough exploration. I am eager to see what else you have written and to read some of the essays of other elections you may have covered.

This book fulfills Topic #4: Who ARE You in the Equinox #5 Reading Challenge. Thank you particularly to Janice for the recommendation.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Cruelest Month (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #3), by Louise Penny

Nine stars

Louise Penny dazzles with yet another novel in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series. This is one binge-worthy collection that never seems to let up! During the Easter Season, the community of Three Pines—nestled in the Eastern Townships of Quebec—is full of colour and excitement, but there is also an evil presence. Some of its residents have sensed it for a long time and have an interest in pushing the spirts away. Of particular concern is the old Hadley House, where many horrific things have occurred over the years. When a psychic is brought to town to help connect some of the Three Pines residents with the spirit world, the opportunity to banish the Hadley abode of its haunting nature is too alluring to pass up. However, things seem to get a little too intense and Madeleine Favreau ends up scared to death, literally. The news hits the presses and Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is sent with his team to investigate. It would appear that the higher-ups in the Sûreté du Québec do not always respect that Gamache may wish to spend time with family before their departure back to Europe. When Gamache arrives, he learns that Favreau’s death was not the act of a vengeful spirit, but rather a highly potent—and illegal—drug that has been found in diet pills. Who could have slipped this woman something to cause her heart to seize during the aforementioned event? While the Chief Inspector pulls out all the stops with his Homicide squad, there are other issues that begin to create problems for Gamache. It would seem that the Arnot case—a Superintendent within the Sûreté who was sent to jail for sanctioning murder by a group he was set to protect—is coming back to haunt him. Gamache was one of the few men within the Sûreté who wanted justice, crossing the Blue Line and fingering one of his own superiors. Now, with knives sharpened, someone is trying to push Gamache to the edge, using his family and media outlets to smear him. With a killer hiding in Three Pines and Gamache’s own family in some sort of crosshairs, the Chief Inspector will have to choose which is more important, as if there’s even a question! Penny does a masterful job yet again and keeps the reader wanting more in this rollercoaster of a police procedural. Highly recommended for the reader who likes ‘quaint’, yet intense, mysteries full of Canadian references throughout.

Louise Penny’s novels have proven to be wonderful for a binge, as I am fully committed to the stories and characters found therein. Using the peaceful Eastern Townships as her setting, the author is able to inject a less than chaotic nature to the narrative, but still packs a significant punch to the story. Armand Gamache receives a great deal of coverage here, as most protagonists should, tapping not only into his backstory, but also some character development that series fans may have been wanting. When the Arnot case was mentioned in passing during the debut novel, I was curious to see how Penny would bring it up in a more thorough manner. She chose this novel to do so, tossing Chief Inspector Gamache into the centre and using his love of family as an Achilles heel. Penny permits the reader to see where things went wrong for Gamache and how, all these years later, those within the Sûreté are still trying to hunt him. Penny’s ongoing exploration of the Homicide squad continues to evoke interest, especially with Gamache’s future in doubt. Who might take over and how will their current sentiments towards the Chief Inspector shape the way they handle this current case? All this receives decent attention within the narrative, as well as some character development that is top notch. However, as with each novel, it is the collection of Three Pines locals who steal the show! Their acerbic wit and banter with one another cannot be matched and the attentive reader will see many of the wonderful pokes they take at one another. Penny has kept them on their games and by doing this binge, I am able to see if she can keep the intensity high. The story moves well in this piece, with interesting subplots that keep the reader curious and highly entertained. Penny places the reader in the middle of the investigation, watching Gamache’s mind spin and his heart ache as life comes crashing down around him in the middle of an investigation. I love all the Canadian references, something that many outside of this country may not notice. Their placement makes me feel at ease and I hope others will enjoy them—eh?! Bring on more Penny and keep them coming, if you please!

Kudos, Madam Penny, for intriguing me greatly yet again. I have yet to find a ‘rogue’ move, as some readers seem to feel this series takes!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

A Fatal Grace (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #2), by Louise Penny

Eight stars

Louise Penny returns with a second novel in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series, just as riveting and captivating as the debut piece that offered the reader so much! While many of the familiar residents of Three Pines are in Montreal to shop for the holiday season, a newer family has begun to set-up some roots of their own in this bucolic town nestled in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. CC de Poitiers heads this family, a woman who takes no prisoners and seeks to crush those in her way, including a timid husband and emotionally abused daughter. CC is talk of the town, though not for anything she has done, even though she’d be happy to espouse her new-age way of living. During his annual Boxing Day Cold Case review, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache explores those cases the Homicide Division of the Sûreté du Québec might have overlooked. Embedded in the piles is a new case, that of a homeless woman who was found murdered just before Christmas. While not known personally to Gamache or his wife, her presence in Montreal’s downtown core could not be missed. When a call interrupts Gamache’s further exploration of the woman’s murder, it’s all hands on deck and back out to Three Pines, a journey about which the Chief Inspector has mixed feelings. When they arrive in one of the surrounding towns, the body of CC de Poitiers has been found, electrocuted. As Gamache and his Sûreté team begin digging through CC’s life, they cannot help but notice the truly Canadian surroundings, for this wretched woman died at a local curling event, having gripped the end of her chair, one that was seemingly attached to a sizeable generator. As Gamache and the others notice the raw distaste that others had for CC, they cannot help but wonder why much of CC’s life cannot be substantiated. Might she have been hiding something bigger, something even more disgusting than the tidbits she puts on display? And what of this vagrant woman that caught Gamache’s attention earlier in the week? All this and much more as Three Pines envelopes Gamache and the reader for another stunning mystery. Highly recommended for those who want a ‘quieter’ murder mystery with tons of Canadiana embedded in the narrative.

I am enjoying the early stages of my Louise Penny binge, having found something that is not only unique, but captivating in its descriptive power. Penny uses not only the peaceful Eastern Townships as her setting, but continues to provide the reader with some great character development of Armand Gamache, a man whose intellect is balanced with a compassionate side. The reader learns a sliver more about his family life, with a loving wife and an extended family who cannot comprehend his need to work so much. This slow reveal, sandwiched between the current cases, keeps me wanting to learn more, yet take a moment to see the protagonist develop before my eyes. Penny continues to explore the larger Sûreté Homicide team, including some quirks in the hierarchy and some new faces, sure to stir the pot in ways that might not have been expected in such a quaint novel. It is the collection of Three Pines locals who steal the show—as I was told they would by the friend who recommended this series—with their acerbic wit and jabs at one another. This patchwork quilt of personalities keeps the story from getting too dreary, though Penny does offer much in the way of backstory and character development, such that I am going to have to keep things straight to learn all their nuances. The story moves well in this piece, with a few moments of chronological disorder to lay some of the groundwork for the murder and how CC could be so horrid a woman. Penny ensures the reader is in the middle of the investigation, watching Gamache’s mind spin as more information comes to light at key moments in the narrative. I am well on my way to a successful binge, with a new novel set to come out soon. Bring on more Penny and keep them coming!

Kudos, Madam Penny, for intriguing me greatly. I am eager to see what else you have in store for this series.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Still Life (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #1), by Louise Penny

Nine stars

A strong recommendation from a friend helped me decide to embark on a binge of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series, penned by Canadian author Louise Penny. Her writing style and setting this novel in the bucolic community of Three Pines, Quebec, pulled me in early and kept me enthralled until the very end. Local artist and retired teacher, Jane Neal, was loved by many, which made the discovery of her body all the more troubling. With no known enemies, Jane’s death could only have been an accident, though the small pool of blood and no visible weapon open many questions and require some police presence. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, head of Homicide with the Sûreté du Québec, is called to Three Pines to investigate. Alongside his regular team is Agent Yvette Nichol, so new that she has never worked a scene. Gamache is sure to have his hands full trying to teach her while wrapping things up swiftly. With Thanksgiving turkeys cooking in ovens across town, no one wants to spend much time on what looks to be an accidental shooting with an arrow. While this might be the case, Gamache is worried that no arrow was found at the scene—it having been removed from Jane’s body—and no one has come forward to admit to the accident. As Gamache and the rest of the Homicide Squad begin piecing things together, they are confronted with a number of local citizens, all with their own flavourful take on events and tidbits about others in town. Gamache must parse through what he is being told and, at times, sift through the lies that some present to protect the more vulnerable in this community. Still, with Agent Nichol bumbling along and ostracizing herself from her superiors and others pushing for an open and shut case, Chief Inspector Gamache must be thorough and patient, for that is how one catches a killer! Penny pulls the reader in with this stunning debut story, which has me eager to see what else she has in this lengthy series. I will definitely be grabbing Book 2 in short order. Fans of police procedurals and Canadian mysteries will also find something worthwhile.

I am so pleased to have found yet another Canadian author whose work falls within one of the genres I enjoy so much. Set in rural Quebec, the series opens with a lovely Canadian flavour, something that will enrich the reading experience and have it stand out in the genre. With this strong debut novel in the series, Penny provides the reader with some interesting backstory and some character development of Armand Gamache that will likely develop more thoroughly as I delve deeper into the series. Gamache is highly intelligent and down to earth as he investigates the crime before him, but seems to expect much from his team, no matter their time under his tutelage. He does not appear to suffer fools, but can extract information out of an unknowing suspect while enjoying his Tim Horton’s coffee. Penny’s descriptive nature has me highly interested in learning much more about the entire homicide team, all of whom will surely play important roles as the full series develops, but have laid the groundwork for being full of their own nuances. The story moves slowly, but there is no lack of momentum as Three Pines comes alive with each passing segment of the story. Penny keeps the reader in the middle of the investigation, dropping hints throughout as she pushes towards the reveal, which ties the entire experience together. With a new novel set to come out soon, I am happy to commence binge-reading to catch up in time to enjoy the latest release alongside series fans. I cannot wait!

Kudos, Madam Penny, for intriguing me greatly. I am ready to take the challenge and see what Gamache does for me.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Penance, by Kanae Minato

Eight stars

Kanae Minato is back with another bone-chilling psychological thriller that will keep the reader guessing as they process the various angles of a similar event. When four young girls in a town along the Japanese countryside accept a new girl into their group the dynamic changes drastically. Emily brings a Tokyo flavour to their playing and the entire school class turns to her for guidance. While the girls are playing one day, a stranger approaches them and asks Emily to help him. Not sensing any danger, no one raises a red flag and it is only hours later, when Emily’s body is found in the boys’ change room, that these four girls begin to wonder what might have happened. Thus begins the panic, as no one can quite remember how to describe this man. Emily’s distraught mother vows vengeance if the girls do not come forward with information to find Emily’s killer, a pall that seems to hover over these four. As the story unfolds, all four girls are now women, telling their perspective of events and some of the fallout in their own lives since the killing. While each has a similar theme, there are strong differences, as well as the way in which this ‘curse’ works its way into their adult lives. Most haunting of all is that, at the time of the murder, Japan had a fifteen year statute of limitations on the crime, which is now only days away. Chilling in its delivery, Minato offers the reader a glimpse into how the innocence of youth can be negated with one wrong choice. Recommended for those who love something a little eerie and can handle a translated piece.

I discovered Kanae Minato and her debut novel this past summer, which had me highly curious. I could not put my finger on it at the time, but her multi-perspective narrative and quaint way of presenting the Japanese customs left me wanting to read more, yet not fully comfortable. In this piece, Minato returns with another story that uses four protagonists as they recount their own views on the murder of young Emily. Minato weaves together both a strong backstory and interesting character developments of all four girls/women, including the acts that might seemingly be part of the curse for not coming forward sooner. The reader is forced to parse fact from fiction while living through these events to get to the final truth. In a piece that flows so well and yet has moments of being quite dense, Minato lures the reader in and will not let go until everything is resolved, at least to her own liking. The writing style is unique and its translation into English has me wondering if it is the linguistic change that gives it the sing-song innocence or whether this is the traditional style of Japanese fiction work. I suppose I will have to investigate more, hoping other Japanese authors have themes similar to those found here.

Kudos, Madam Minato, for another great novel that had me unsure where things were going. I like this sort of blind ride, as it is a dose of something completely different.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Dance of Shiva, by William Deverell

Nine stars

There are few who can weave a gripping legal and courtroom drama into a single novel and fewer still who can do so in a Canadian setting. William Deverell is one such man whose novels not only touch on the core of the Canadian legal system, but also inject social and political aspects that are unique to this great country. Maximilian ‘Max’ Macarthur is a young lawyer who has lived in his father’s legal shadow all his professional life. Working inside the Vancouver courtrooms in the mid-1980s, Macarthur seeks to push speech and expression rights to their limits under the new Charter. When he is approached by legal giant Arthur Beauchamp to second chair a highly-politicised murder trial, Macarthur jumps at the opportunity, hoping for some significant tutelage. Their client, Shiva Ram Acharya, was found at his commune, surrounded by his followers, most of whom had recently been slain by gunshots. Shiva is said to have been inviting his followers to die and attain some higher understanding. With fingerprint and eyewitness evidence stacked against Shiva, it would seem this is a slam dunk case. However, Macarthur is not ready to let the facts speak for themselves and makes a trip to the crime scene, where something comes to light and an alternate suspect may have been overlooked. Communicating with Beauchamp, Macarthur seeks to bring this information before the jury, even as the Crown is closely supported by a judge who has little use for the antics the defense has brought into the courtroom. Beauchamp is a masterful courtroom player and has the jury eating out of his hands while Crown witnesses are pulverised before they know what’s going on. When a freak accident sees Beauchamp out of commission, all eyes turn to Macarthur to take over and win the case for Shiva, who remains stoically silent, sputtering inane transcendental positions to his counsel at the least opportune moment. All the while, Macarthur is trying to keep his personal life from exploding and his firm from bursting at the seams in this entertaining legal piece. Highly recommended for those who love a legal thriller that is a little more ‘intellectual’ than those on the market, as well as readers who are familiar (and enjoy) Deverell’s work.

I stumbled onto Deverell’s writing last spring when I was reading the—of all things—Arthur Beauchamp series. While it took a while to get acclimated, the series grew on me and by the end I know I would have to try some of the author’s one-off work. Deverell does well to paint his characters in such a way that the reader cannot help but love them, or want to know more. Max Macarthur may be a newer attorney (five years since his call to the Bar), but he is energetic and has a strong inclination towards defending his clients. Juggling a troublesome attempt to keep his personal relationship on track as he seeks justices, Macarthur is a man many readers may admire, though he has little time for praise. The master, Arthur Beauchamp, is as exciting as he was in his own series. The reader will love (or hate) his incessant use of Latin to get the point across, drowning those around him with legalese and seemingly non-sensical blather to sting them. While Beauchamp has a seductive mistress in the form of alcohol, he is usually ready to slay the Crown witnesses at the drop of a hat. Many of the other characters who find a home on the pages of this book help to solidify the legal and courtroom aspects of the narrative, moving things along effectively. With a true Canadian flavour, both the legal proceedings and the indigenous witnesses provide something that few unfamiliar with the Great White North would effectively understand, though the story is not lost on the non-Canadian (or younger) reader, as the narrative is that well developed. Deverell’s masterful work at pacing the narrative while instilling a better understanding of legal and social issues is to be applauded, as well as trying to handle cults in a way that leaves the pejorative at the door. Balancing an interesting legal matter with highly complex characters, Deverell has penned a winner that I hope many explore at their leisure.

Kudos, Mr. Deverell, for another stunning novel. I am so pleased to have been able to get my hands on some of your non-series novels. Bring them on!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Fallen Founder: The Life of Aaron Burr, by Nancy Isenberg

Nine stars

There are some who know Aaron Burr solely for his role in a 1804 duel with fellow politician, Alexander Hamilton, while others admit to knowing nothing about the man at all. Before I cracked open this book, I admit I was in the former category, but only just. While Nancy Isenberg does not deny that Burr has received significant mention throughout history (usually for the duel and other treacherous activities), much of what has been written about him seems to have come from the pens of amateurs, cobbling together vignettes piecemeal to suit their needs. This sewing together of small tales may serve some, but does little to offer a piece that presents the man in a balanced manner. Isenberg chose to use her role as a professional historian to set the record straight in this comprehensive biography, leaving the reader to decide for themselves . Well-documented and wonderfully written, Isenberg makes a strong case that Burr was a man whose role in the early years of American statehood ought not be forgotten or dismissed.

Orphaned at an early age, Aaron Burr spent much of his young life with an uncle, before beginning his studies in the priesthood. This early career choice came from a history of important religious leaders on both sides of his family, though Burr soon saw that he was ill-suited for the pulpit and soon chose a legal career. Burr’s studies at Princeton allowed him to engage with other like-minded young men about the role that the colonies ought to play in a larger Britain, sparking a passion for all things political. Burr settled back in New York, but helped out in the War of Independence, having served as a key aide to senior military personnel, as Isenberg explores in the early chapters of his biography.

Another key theme that arises throughout the biography would be Burr’s strong desires for the opposite sex, including his luring of Theodosia Bartow Prevost into his marriage bed during the military actions. Theodosia was older than Burr and used this refined nature to help shape him into the man he was to become, though Isenberg does not dispute that Burr always had a strong libido and love of women. Burr’s reputation followed him after the warring ended, when he entered life as a lawyer before taking on political roles. Fellow New Yorker, Alexander Hamilton, became a key player in Burr’s life, first as a legal partner and eventually as a political foe. Burr’s start in the New York Assembly honed his skills to seek higher office in the form of a Senate seat. Isenberg effectively shows how this Senate seat helped fuel the ongoing feud with Hamilton, who felt offended that the young man would seek to create controversy in the political arena. While Burr and Hamilton worked to push forth key elements of the New York delegation’s views on a new Constitution, they differed greatly. In an era before political parties, these two men helped lay the groundwork for this formalised political schism in the years to come. Not even the death of his beloved Theodosia could extinguish his focus on work in the Senate, where he sought to represent his constituents and apparently flirted quite openly, but always in a classy manner. Isenberg discusses Burr’s various letters, full of coded stories rather than lewd admissions.

The height of Burr’s political footprint came when he ran for President of the United States in 1800. Burr entered what has been come to be known as the most intense election in US history, one in which the House of Representatives was forced to resolve. In the end, Thomas Jefferson emerged victorious, with Burr serving as his vice-president. Isenberg shows that Burr tended to be a strong statesman and served America well, overseeing the US Senate, as per his constitutional expectations. Burr made sure that Democratic-Republican laws were passed and kept an eye on the Federalists who sought to shape legislation and the young country in their own image. All the while, Alexander Hamilton continued his barrage and slanderous statements, through speeches and in the press, leaving Burr somewhat unsure how to handle things in a gentlemanly way. When he had reached his limit, Burr and Hamilton engaged in a duel—the way men handled their differences at that time—and this proved to be the event that history books knows best as it relates to Burr. While even Isenberg cannot be entirely sure who fired first, Hamilton was mortally wounded and died soon thereafter. His name seemingly cleared, Burr’s reputation took a serious hit and he was never to play a significant role in elected politics again. However, as Isenberg depicts so thoroughly, Burr looked to the West and sought to stir up some trouble in the newer states, fanning the flames for secession and almost cobbling together enough support to lead a third party into a future election. This led to further political crises that saw Burr tried for treason, with a full congressional court and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presiding. Isenberg does a masterful job of portraying the background and story of the trial itself, in which President Jefferson sought to ensure his former friend was annihilated politically and personally. Thereafter, Burr slipped into a quieter life as his public persona dwindled. Isenberg offers up a few nuggets that the interested reader can discover in the waning pages of this strong biographical piece.

While much of the summary above could likely be found in a number of sources, it is Isenberg’s attention to detail to gather it together that makes this book one that is well worth the curious reader’s time. Told not only in a somewhat succinct manner, Isenberg does not ignore the many vignettes that serve to define the life of Aaron Burr. Her writing style is quite easy to comprehend and the narrative flows quite well. Taking portions of Burr’s life, Isenberg creates sizeable chapters to describe them, while using smaller division to help portray the pieces of the larger whole, making the entire process all the more digestible. Her use of extensive research can be seen throughout, not only with the number of quotations, but that the narrative presents as smooth and not disjointed. Isenberg seeks to fill in many of the gaps left by others—including outrightly criticising Gore Vidal’s biography for being vilifying—while not pushing out her own soapbox to depict Burr as entirely worthy of honour or villainy. The reader is given much of the information and permitted to judge for themselves, which is something many great biographical tomes I have read seem to do. Wonderful in its depiction of the man and with a great deal of information of the other players in early American politics, Isenberg has correctly titled this piece to show how Burr was a Founding Father of sorts, even if he fell from grace in the history books. A wonderful biography for those who want to know more about the early actors in American politics and how their lives differed greatly from the depictions we have of the current group who vie for power and notoriety.

Kudos, Madam Isenberg, for a wonderfully researched piece that deserves all the praise I can offer. I feel more educated about the man and will look to see what else you may have published.

This book fulfils Topic #1: Just the Facts, Ma’am in the Equinox #5 Reading Challenge. A hearty thank you to Susan in NC for suggesting this topic!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Those Who Go By Night, by Andrew Gaddes

Six stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Andrew Gaddes, and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I was keen to give the work of Andrew Gaddes a try, as it explores not only a mystery, but includes a dose English history, which can be highly entertaining. When a beggar is found murdered and placed in a compromising position on a church altar in Bottesford, panic ensues in the small English town. It is the mid-14th century and Rome has a firm grasp over its congregations. Worried that something will come to pass, the Bishop of Lincoln agrees to send an emissary, Thomas Lester, to investigate and report back. However, it would seem the Archbishop of Canterbury has his own man in the region, looking to explore whether the pagan rituals rumoured to be rife in the area might need a more powerful fist to quell them. Lester comes upon a community with many colourful characters, all of whom offer plausible reasons for being the killer. As Lester works, he must worry that the killer could strike again, all the while trying to protect this corner of England from being painted in a poor light. There is little time and Lester possesses an explosive secret that he cannot let the general public discover, as it could undermine his abilities to bring order to the region. Lester’s personal and professional lives clash in this piece, pinning criminal law against that of the Church, as well as personal morals that seem to conflict with ecclesiastical tenets. Gaddes does well to offer up a decent tale that will keep the reader wondering until the very end!

I enjoy historical mysteries, as they are usually able to mix curiosity with education in equal measure. Gaddes bit off quite a bit here and presented the reader with a decent narrative, though it missed the mark for me. Thomas Lester’s character has some interesting aspects, including his ties to the Church and ability to retrieve information from most anyone he meets. He may be a Church emissary, but he is human and his personal longings cannot be completely neutralised, even with a religious background. Gaddes portrays Lester as a gritty man who seeks the truth while trying to deflect his own personal opinion on occasion, which is a struggle throughout the piece. His Templar background is sure to offer some additional flavour to an already complex character, as the reader will see throughout. Many of the other characters serve to offer interesting perspectives to fill the narrative with different angles, sure to offer up a discussion amongst those who enjoy book bantering. Witchcraft, Church resistance, and wariness of outsiders prove to be themes embedded in the many characters Gaddes offers to the curious reader. While the story seems sound and the narrative progresses nicely, I could not find myself connecting with it throughout. I am no perfect reader, but something had me skimming rather than basking in a story that could have been so enjoyable. Perhaps it was the lure of the dust jacket blurb, but I expected so much more for my personal reading pleasure. It fell short for me, though I cannot expect that others will feel the same. Try it and offer your own opinions, for Gaddes certainly has the tools for a successful novel. Perhaps I am just not seeing the diamond embedded herein!

Kudos, Mr. Gaddes, for what certainly could be a stellar piece. I can only hope that others see something I did not. I will give you the benefit of the doubt and wait to see what you serve up next to the curious reader!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Dracul, by Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker

Eight stars

There are surely many who have wondered where Bram Stoker got his idea for Dracula. After creating an interesting sequel to his ancestor’s popular book, Dacre Stoker decided to team up with J.D. Barker to pen this prequel of sorts, though its exploration is less of Prince/Count Dracula than of a younger Bram Stoker. It is here that the seeds of all things ghoulish germinated, or so the reader is led to believe. Bram Stoker was quite a sickly child, being bedridden for the first number of years of his life. The family’s nanny, Nanna Ellen, did all that she could to help, though caring for many children kept her occupied. It was only when Bram’s uncle came to bleed him with leeches that things took an interesting turn. At that time, Nanna Ellen also visited her young charge and, by all of Bram’s accounts, undertook a unique form of medicinal care through a small bite along his arm. Soon thereafter, Bram was healed, though to everyone it was thought that the leeches did the job. Upwardly mobile, Bram and his sister, Matilda, begin exploring their environs in the Irish countryside, which includes a closer examination of Nanna Ellen. What they discover serves to shock and concern them, for she acts in such a unique manner. When she disappears one day, Bram and Matilda can only surmise that something extremely mysterious is going on and they might have witnessed a key that relates to her disappearance. Moving forward more than a dozen years, Bram and Matilda are again witnesses to some odd happenings, both related to their nanny and some other folks from the town. Could the mysteries they uncovered as children be back again, in new and curious forms? As they press to understand what is going on, they discover the world of vampires and the un-dead, a realm that is highly dangerous for adults and children alike. However, nothing has prepared them for what is to come, or the residue it will have on their lives. Contrasted nicely with a more ‘modern’ Bram Stoker, who struggles with some additional demons, Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker instil a significant chill into the narrative that is perfect for fans of the Dracula novel. Highly recommended, especially during the haunting month of October, when ghosts and ghouls begin to emerge!

I was so very excited to learn of this book and awaited its publication so that I could add it to my October holiday reading list. I have some experience with Barker’s work and have come to admire Dacre Stoker, as he penned that aforementioned sequel to the extremely popular Dracula. Now, it’s time to look back and allow these two authors to paint some interesting pictures for the reader, taking their own liberties with Bram Stoker and his life, though they make clear that some of their story is based on his writings and early journals. The authors handle Bram Stoker in a very interesting light here, even more interestingly than Dacre did his ancestor in the Dracula sequel. Bram is seen not only as a precocious young boy, but one who is driven to understanding the mysteries of the world, particularly when oddities pop up around him. The reader will see his progression throughout the story, both in the ‘journal format’ and in his elder form, where he surely undergoes many events that shaped him before writing his novel about the prince from Transylvania. The attentive reader will see this progression and the crumbs of information in this text that relate to the best known work, utilizing many interesting themes and ideas. Many of the other characters, who play strong roles as well as minor narrative flavouring, must also receive great recognition, as their presence keeps the reader enthralled until the final pages. The narrative is wonderfully strong and filled with nuggets of wonderful speculation which, through to the authors’ note at the end, can be left to hang in the air, wondering how much was real. Dacre Stoker and J.D. Barker dispel much of the fiction versus fact in their note at the end, as well as exploring how much of Dracula itself was based on real happenings, as opposed to a fictional account of a monster from history. While the use of journals and clippings may not be to everyone’s liking, it serves a wonderful purpose and is a true adage to Bram’s original work, deserving praise for that writing format. At this time of ghouls and monsters, this story hit the spot and will surely make it onto my annual reading list.

Kudos, Messrs. Stoker and Barker, for such an intense story. I am eager to see if you two will work together again, as this was surely a strong collaborative effort.

This books fulfils Topic #6: A Book About the Current Equinox, for the Equinox #5 Reading Challenge.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Bomb Maker’s Son (Parker Stern #3), by Robert Rotstein

Nine stars

Robert Rotstein’s third legal thriller packs another punch that is sure to keep the reader flipping pages late into the night. Mixing the best from legal and courtroom sub-genres, Rotstein pulls the reader into yet another battle that has deep-rooted implications for many involved. Parker Stern has been able to cobble together a decent legal career, after years as a child actor and being subjected to a horrible early life in a cult, alongside his vapid mother. When he arrives home one day, his mother awaits him with major news; she wants him to defend a long-time friend of hers who has been on the lam for almost forty years. Accused of bombing a government building in 1975, Ian Holzner admits that while he had revolutionary leanings, he is innocent of this crime. Wanting to clear his name once and for all, Ian has come in from the cold and will accept no one other than Parker as his defence attorney. Why? It would seem that Ian is Parker’s elusive father, a man about whom Parker has only heard fairly tales since he was young. As this is a capital crime, Parker will need to enlist the assistance of a seasoned lawyer. This also means that he’ll be working alongside his former love interest, Lovely Diamond. As they begin trying to piece together the information from decades ago, they realise the deck is stacked against them. The judge is none other than the one who presided over the trial of one of the other conspirators that fingered Ian for the crimes, the original documentation was ruined in a fire from the early 1980s, and many of the witnesses are unwilling to help Ian. As legal proceedings begin and Parker is able to secure house arrest for his client, a bombing at the courthouse brings back memories of 1975, with a note from a revolutionary group demanding Ian’s release. Could his underground organisation be resurrected to wreak havoc yet again? While trying to juggle legal matters, his relationship with Lovely, and an apparent half-family about which he knew nothing, Parker Stern is hit with news that some of the abuse he suffered at the hands of the Church of the Sanctified Assembly might finally see the light of day. There is surely no time to rest for Parker, as the life of his father literally hangs in the balance. A stunning novel by Rotstein that pulls together all that the series reader has learned to date. Highly recommended for those who have followed the series, as well as legal thriller enthusiasts. I’d suggest reading the previous two novels to have the full impact.

Rotstein’s writing style is a clever mix of legal arguments and personal development shaped into a well-paced narrative that intrigues the reader. The story is yet another unique legal situation with the added bonus of allowing the series reader to see just how Parker will react to another round of devastating news. The lingering mentions of Lovely and the Church of the Sanctified Assembly provide ongoing issues for the protagonist, but there is always a new and troublesome situation with which Parker cannot fully divorce himself. Parker Stern remains a strong character, exhibiting a great legal mind, though it has been quashed by bad luck over the past number of years, something the series fan will know already. His early years as a child film actor and more recent debilitating stage fright in the courtroom play a role in the story yet again, though their place is firmly in the rear view mirror, permitting some character growth. Rotstein pushes the ‘new-found’ father angle quite well, particularly since it is impossible for Stern to ignore it with Ian so close to him at all times. This struggle is one that comes to the surface throughout and the reader may see glimpses of Stern’s trying to digest the news and place it in some semblance of order in his mind. Stern uses his strongest legal maneuvers to keep the reader entertained, working not only against time but the lack of interest many have to save Ian Holzner. There are a handful of other characters who shape the story, including the aforementioned Ian Holzner, whose renegade past and anti-government sentiment make him an interesting character as the narrative advances. There are strong legal, political, and personal characters scattered throughout, all of whom play integral roles to shape the story in ways that could not have been predicted, adding flavour to an already intense plot. The story of this book is anything but simple with its foundation decades in the past, yet Rotstein makes it easy to switch between eras and get a sense of the mindset of those who lived in the early 1970s and the passion they possessed. The reader must buckle down to take part in this fast-paced thriller, which touches on a number of legal and personal issues simultaneously without pausing to permit synthesising. I can see a great deal of interest coming from these books by those who enjoy the theme and hope more books in the series emerge in the years to come.

Kudos, Mr. Rotstein, for a great series. I am addicted and count myself as lucky for stumbling upon your recent standalone novel for introducing me to this series.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Down to the Woods (DI Helen Grace #8), by M. J. Arlidge

Eight stars

M.J. Arlidge is back with his eighth novel in the Helen Grace series, adding a new layer of thrills in this unique piece. While DI Helen Grace is still trying to piece her life back together after a year of significant changes, she learns that there is a new addition to her Major Incident Team (MIT). DS Joseph Hudson has a great deal of police work under his belt, all across England, but has finally decided on a transfer to Southampton. The team is soon called out to a campsite, where a man has disappeared without a trace. Scouring the surrounding forested area, DI Grace and her team find him hanging from a tree, his organs dangling and embedded with crossbow bolts. Could the killer still be lurking in the forest? This begins a thorough exploration, where one member falls victim to a man who chooses to live way off the grid. It is only pure luck that has DI Grace stumble upon her teammate, saving her from another tragic incident. When a second victim goes missing and is found in the same state, DI Grace knows that this killer has a message and will stop at nothing. Now it’s time to determine if these are random kills or whether there is a connection, as yet unseen. While the MIT works their magic, journalist Emilia Garanita is back to find the scoop of her life. Her past run-ins with DI Grace do not deter her from using her powers of persuasion to get the story to ensure the public is aware of what’s going on. As the case heats up, both DI Grace and Emilia must come to terms with potential changes in their personal lives, both of which could have a significant bearing on the case. Arlidge does it again with a thrilling piece that will have series readers talking. Those who have yet to discover this series ought to take this as a strong recommendation. Do not let their length become a deterrent, as it is jam packed with highly entertaining thrills.

I have long been a fan of M.J. Arlidge and his writing, which has kept me up well into the night. He never seems at a loss for twists in the stories or series to keep the reader captivated, while pushing DI Helen Grace to her limits. It is this unpredictability that keeps the stories from getting stale and allows the series to grow effectively. Helen Grace has been through much in the series and this continues with this novel, in which she finds herself at a crossroads, seeking to better herself while also being highly introspective. She has seen loss and chooses to steer clear of it, though her current position makes that all but impossible. With a strong crew around her as part of the MIT, Grace and her cohort are always interacting on a professional level, with bits of personal aside to keep the subplots moving together effectively. The introduction of DI Joseph Hudson may prove to be an interesting new angle that series fans can chase, as he brings something new and exciting to the game. He, along with the many of the other supporting characters, prove effective in keeping the story intense and force the reader to wonder where things are headed. This has always been a wonderful aspect to Arlidge’s writing, as the characters enrich the story in ways that might not have been predicted. The story is great and, as long as the reader is not seeking anything overly deep, is perfect to push through in a few sittings. Arlidge uses an effective short chapter system that keeps the reader hanging and seeking “a little more”, which turns into late-night reading binges. The book has just what I am looking for and I cannot wait for the next instalment, which is sure to have just as many enticements.

Kudos, Mr. Arlidge, for another winner. Series fans will surely not be disappointed and I can only hope others will commence this series sooner than later.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Dracula The Un-Dead, by Dacre Stoker and Ian Holt

Eight stars

An annual re-read, perfectly matched with Horror Week on Goodreads!

After my latest re-read of Bram Stoker’s famous piece, I chose another story with eerie undertones, though this one is sure to stir up some controversy. Serving as a sequel to the classic original, Dacre Stoker works with renowned Dracula historian Ian Holt to bring this continuation of the story to life in fine form. It is now 1912, twenty-five years since Count Dracula has crumbled into dust. Can this have been long enough for those who were directly involved in the hunting to have shelved their memories and moved on? Dr. Jonathan Seward, who was instrumental in the original chase has turned into a washed-up medical professional, addicted to morphine and chasing demons all across Europe, nothing like his mentor, Abraham Van Helsing. Young Quincey Harker, born in the final pages of the original novel, has been sent to France to pursue his legal studies, but is drawn into the world of stage acting. Quincey is further impressed when Shakespearean actor, Basarab, takes him under his wing. When Quincey stumbles upon a stage-play version of Dracula, directed by Bram Stoker himself, he begins to learn some of the long-buried secrets his parents kept from him. Trying to digest it all, there seems to be a presence in and around London, as the original collective who stayed Dracula meet their ends in horrific fashion. Meanwhile, 16th century Countess Elizabeth Bathory has returned to wreak havoc on those seeking to explore the Dracula question a little more. Bathory has a long history with the Romanian prince and may hold the answers that others seek, though she is more interested in new blood to satiate her extreme hunger. What’s brought Countess Bathory back to visit those whose adventure a quarter-century ago rid the world of blood-sucking evil? With a new collection of characters and tapping into Holt’s expertise in the field of all things Dracula, Stoker does well to carry the torch for his great-granduncle and entertains curious fans throughout. Perfect for those readers who enjoyed the original Dracula and who can accept applying some of the history of this Romanian prince, alongside a continuation of a classic piece of 19th century literature.

I have heard it said that one ought never mess with the classics, which is why parody pieces get a major eyebrow raise from literary purists. However, this piece that seeks to act as a sequel to Bram Stoker’s classic, not only grounds itself in seriousness, but also has the blessing of the Stoker family (and was penned by a descendent). Stoker and Holt look to progress the entire Dracula story by adding backstories to the well-established characters who brought to piece to life, as well as adding fresh angles to Dracula in this follow-up.The eerie nature of the original piece is replaced by a history that permeates the narrative, allowing the patient reader to discover much more and delve deeper than the late 19th century novel permitted. The story itself differs greatly from the original, not only because it is told in true narrative (as opposed to journals and letters), but also serves to provide cameos for many famous individuals (Bram Stoker and John Barrymore, to name a few) as well as pulls on some of the history of the original novel’s reception and development into a stage-play. Ian Holt’s influence can also be seen, as the story pulls on numerous Dracula stories from centuries ago and where Stoker may have developed his ideas for this vampire that became the go-to reference for all blood-imbibing creatures. Some of the narrative and historical assertions do keep the reader wondering, but it is difficult not to downplay the tidbits as being wrapped in a way to fill cracks that time has not caulked. As I mentioned above, some purists will scoff at this book simply because it seeks to build on a classic that can survive on its own. Others will mock it for lacking the same flowing prose or spooky foresight. While I will not engage in trivial banter about this being ‘allowed’ or not, I will say that Dacre Stoker’s piece served as a wonderful complement to my recent reading of Bram Stoker’s classic.

Kudos, Messrs. Stoker and Holt for entertaining and engaging me at times as I made my way through this novel. I know there are massive footsteps to fill, even to stand alongside the classic novel and I applaud you both for the effort.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Homeland (Blake Jordan #5), by Ken Fite

Nine stars

Ken Fite is back with his latest thriller, hot off the presses. Picking up months after the previous novel ended, Fite has much to explain in this latest piece. When a Chicago park soon becomes the scene of the largest mass shooting in US history, all eyes turn to the White House to see how President Keller will react. A native of the Windy City, he rushes to mobilise and entrusts the plans to his loyal Chief of Staff, Emma Ross. She has everything ready to go, but is interrupted by a phone call that forces her to leave her post. This has become a common occurrence, so much so that Keller confronts her about it. While she is able to dismiss the comments, Ross realises that she will have to be more careful in the future. Meanwhile, in London, Blake Jordan and Jami Davis have been living off the grid, using their aliases after an orchestrated ‘death’ months before. When they are approached and summoned back to Washington, Blake wants nothing to do with it. However, upon learning that Jami’s sister and brother-in-law have been victims of the shooting, she agrees to rush back, with Blake Jordan demanding to go as well. When they arrive, Emma Ross is anything but pleased to see them, particularly Blake, but has come to understand the severity of the situation. While he no longer exists, Blake has a way of twisting arms and get himself temporarily assigned to work on the shooting, back with the Department of Domestic Counterterrorism (DDC). President Keller is eager to meet with the security guard who disarmed and neutralised the shooter, something his Chief of Staff is happy to coordinate. A slew of agencies are trying to vie for control of the investigation, while there are rumours that some eyewitnesses saw a second shooter on the scene. As Blake and his Homeland Security partner, Tom Parker, seek to dig a little deeper, they discover these witnesses are being killed. There appears to be a tie to some rogue members of Chicago PD, but could there be more to this homecoming for Jordan? Fite has done it again, pulling readers into the middle of a fantastic thriller that does not leave any time to rest. Recommended for those who have enjoyed the previous novels in the series, as well as the reader who loves a quick political thriller.

Ken Fite’s novels landed on my Kindle not too long ago and I was quickly enthralled with the premise. These are pieces that mix the best elements of the American political system with some domestic security issues. The novels are easily devoured in a single day (as I have done) or over a period of time, though their pace almost forces the reader to keep going so as not to lose the momentum. Blake Jordan remains a strong protagonist, able to pull himself away from oblivion and back into the middle of another political situation. Jami Davis receives some stronger attention here, though her focus is on familial issues and not the investigation. Still, she works well to inject just enough to the story to keep Blake on task. The handful of central secondary characters, both recurring and new faces, help to push the story along. Of particular note, Emma Ross and Tom Parker receive much ‘page time’ in their own rights, with some backstory and character development throughout. Fite has done well to balance the story so that not all of it is seen through his protagonist’s eyes, which enriches an already stellar narrative. The plot of the story is quite straightforward, though there are many twists at key moments to keep the reader from guessing where things will go. Fite knows how to keep the reader on their toes, particularly with another wonderful cliffhanger. One can only hope that there will be many more of these novels, as they are perfect for binge-reading (as I did with the first four) or a filler novel between two books on a reader’s ever-teetering ‘to be read’ pile.

Kudos, Mr. Fite, for another stellar novel. I hope many will discover your work on Amazon in short order.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Dracula, by Bram Stoker

Nine stars

Another re-read, perfect for Horror Week on Goodreads:

A classic monster tale I have enjoyed before, but could not wait to revisit. Young solicitor Johnathan Harker finds himself travelling through the Hungarian countryside and into Romania, on his way to a castle in the heart of Transylvania. There, one Count Dracula awaits Harker and proves to be an odd, yet amenable, host. Seeking to finalise a land deal in England, Harker and Dracula talk long into the night, though the former feels that there is something odd about his host. It is only when things occur that Harker realises that Count Dracula is nothing like any man he has met before and eventually escapes the confines of the castle. Back in England, Harker’s fiancée, Mina, and her close friend, Lucy, are going through their own ordeals. Lucy Westenra suffers through significant bouts of sleepwalking. The two women travel to the seaside to clear their heads, but Lucy encounters someone the reader knows to be Dracula during one of her night jaunts and is eventually discovered with two minute puncture holes on her neck. Unsure of what to do, Westenra is sent to see Dr. Johnathan Seward, one of her suitors and director of the local mental hospital. When Dr. Seward cannot deduce all of these symptoms, he calls upon the renowned Dr. Abraham Van Helsing in Amsterdam to consult. When Van Helsing arrives and begins some of his early queries, he is highly interested, though cannot be completely sure that he has a diagnosis of yet. Slowly, Lucy begins to fade from this mysterious neck injury and eventually died of her injuries, though her body transforms into a vampire of sorts, paralleling some of the actions Count Dracula is known to have been committing. Van Helsing works with Seward to locate the body and it is at this time that the Dutch doctor deduces that there is something eerie at work. Studying the situation before him, Van Helsing proposes the seemingly barbaric act of driving a stake through Lucy’s heart and then decapitating her, which is the only way to ensure that her spirit will be freed, according to some of his research and ancient lore. Done with that issue, but still needing to resolve the larger concern at hand, Van Helsing gathers a group to hunt down the Count, who seems to have taken up residence in England, and drive him back to Transylvania. Lurking in the dark and gloomy areas of Eastern Europe, Van Helsing prepares for the fight of his life, armed with only the most basic medicaments, in hopes of slaying this monster once and for all. Stoker lays the groundwork for a truly bone-chilling tale that has stood the test of time. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has the wherewithal to delve deep into the heart of a sensational 19th century story of horror and mayhem.

I am still kicking myself that I had not ever read this sensational piece of fiction before last year. Surely one of the early stories that has fostered such a strong tie between Dracula and Hallowe’en, Bram Stoker’s work provides the reader not only with thorough entertainment, but leaves a shiver up their spine every time they enter a dark room. With a cast of powerful characters, Stoker weaves his tale in such a way that the story never loses its momentum. Harker, Seward, and Van Helsing are all well-crafted and provides powerful contrasts throughout the narrative, while Count Dracula is not only eerie in his presentation, but also one of the scariest villains in 19th century literature. There need not be outward descriptions of gore and slaying to get to the root of the suspense in this novel, which seems to differ from much of the writing in the genre today, where gushing blood and guts pepper the pages of every book imaginable. The narrative is also ever-evolving, helped significantly by the journal-based writing that Stoker has undertaken. The reader is transported through the story using these varied perspectives (and some press clippings), rather than a straight delivery of the story from a single point of view. This surely enhances the larger package and does much to provide the reader with even more fright, at certain times. There are surely many stories taking place here, some of which deal directly with the issue at hand (read: Dracula), while others seem to solve themselves throughout the numerous journal entries. Whatever the approach, Stoker captivates the reader such that there is a strong desire to know how it all ends and if Van Helsing lives up to his more colloquial moniker of ‘Vampire Hunter’. I wish to add for those who wish to take the audiobook approach, as I have done, the Audible version, with a full cast (including Alan Cumming, Tim Curry, and John Lee), adds yet another dimension to this story and should not be discounted.

Kudos, Mr. Stoker, for such a riveting piece. I can only hope to find the time to read some of your other work, as well as that of your descendants, who seem to want to carry the torch and provide more Dracula for the modern reader.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Christmas Scorpion: A Jack Reacher Short Story, by Lee Child

Eight stars

It’s almost time for the annual Jack Reacher novel, but that does not mean that Lee Child has been resting on his laurels. This short story that includes our rough and tumble protagonist is a perfect bridge for those who can never get enough—Tom Cruise-less—Jack Reacher. Winters for Reacher must have a single element, warm weather. That explains why he’s made his way to Southern California just in time for Christmas. However, Mother Nature has opted for something a little more troubling than coal this year, having dumped a ton of snow on the community he’s chosen. When Reacher finds a small restaurant in which to take cover he’s happy to see that there are two other couples there as well. Without power, it would seem as though he’ll have to do more than just wait things out. One of the ‘couples’ turns out to be members of the Royal Military Police, on a mission to protect their important dignitary. However, after sliding off the road, they lost him. What’s even worse, there is a killer on the loose—The Christmas Scorpion—whose name has come up in Internet chatter, seeking to strike sooner than later. After pulling some strings, Reacher not only has everyone rescued from the restaurant, but they are on a helicopter to do a little investigating. What they’ll find will only add more intrigue to an already jam-packed story. Recommended for those who love Reacher in all his permutations. The piece can be read as a standalone over a morning cup of coffee or tea, should the reader desire.

There’s nothing like a decent piece by Lee Child to excite those who enjoy short stories. Child does well to both pique the interest of the series fan and provide an entertaining out for anyone who needs a quick read. Reacher is his usual ambling self, complete with a disinterested nature in those around him. No backstory or character development here, just his usual loner self. However, Reacher never ceases to amaze with his abilities and will surely keep the reader on their toes with this quick read. The handful of secondary characters are as vehicles, getting the piece from A to B, though there could surely be some tie-ins with the upcoming novel, should Child choose to take things in that direction. The story is decent and, like many Reacher pieces, does not need a specific locale to make them work. The interested reader will see that the quick pace of the story and short dialogue is perfect and helps push things along with ease. I almost finished the entire piece without blinking, but it was entertaining at the same time, as Child as come to make a point of doing with most of his writing. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, though this was a wonderful teaser and reminder how much I thoroughly enjoy all that Jack Reacher brings to the stories in which he stars.

Kudos, Mr. Child, for another wonderful piece. I am always excited to see new Reacher material and this one did not disappoint.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:

https://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Fever Swamp: A Journey Through the Strange Neverland of the 2016 Presidential Race, by Richard North Patterson

Nine stars

I have long been a fan of the fiction work of Richard North Patterson, which mixes the strength of wonderful narrative style with an attention to detail. When I first discovered that Patterson had written this book, I was sceptical and worried that one of my favourite authors had decided to kick out a soapbox to bemoan the political system in his own country. However, after reading the preface and early chapters, I remembered how detailed his books were on issues of politics, law, and elections. By the end of the first part, I was completely won over, as he retold many of the interesting stories from the eternal campaign Americans have to elect their leaders. These are not simply musings of a writer, looking back after the dust has settled, but actual opinion pieces published along the way in The Huffington Post. Patterson was asked to pen these articles and they were published at the time—dates included at the beginning of each chapter—to provide the reader insights into what was going on and his reactions. From the early bandying around of a slew of GOP candidates, to the ideological schism within the Democrats, through to the rise of xenophobia and racism in the latter portion of the primaries, Patterson offers the reader a front-row seat and foundational political commentary. Then, with the gloves off, Patterson takes the reader into the heart of the actual presidential election of 2016, with some of the key issues before the electorate. Patterson tried his best to lay out the issues for those with the power of the ballot box, contrasting and comparing the two behemoths, and meticulously documenting what he so aptly calls America’s slide in the fever swamp of a four-year miasma. Expressed well through his eyes and detailed to the point that the reader can almost feel they are back on the campaign trail, Patterson is to be applauded for his work. Recommended for those who want to take a walk down memory lane and see how America slid from greatness to the laughing stock of the United Nations.

This is a brilliant idea and I am glad to have taken the time to reading it. Had I known Patterson was writing along the campaign trail, I might have sought him out, but reading this collection did help bring me back to the months of racial epithets and accusations, all of which drowned out the policy speeches and attempts to keep America great. Patterson lays out his bias early on, that he is a strong-minded liberal, which will surely flavour the writings in such a way that some may not be willing to stomach all that is on the written page. I do not deny that the writing is tipped to one side, nor do I deny that I can see a number of parallels in the way Patterson thinks with my own views. The blunt style of Patterson’s writing is wonderfully sobering, especially as he touches on key issues of importance during the campaign and to be considered long-term for the voter: healthcare, the future of economic viability on the world stage, and even the choice of the next few Supreme Court justices. This latter topic weighs in most heavily, as laws and legal interpretation was sure to be be shaped in strongly ideological ways, depending who is in the White House. Generations of decisions rested on who made the picks that would shape the Court, which is sobering in a very un-Judge Kavanaugh manner. Patterson uses his well-grounded arguments to make poignant points that the electorate ought to have considered, if not provide help to sway them before they walked in to cast their choice for POTUS. That Patterson does not hide his bias will trouble some, though I am happy to hear a substantiated defence, rather than simply add a hashtag and troll reviews for the sake of doing so. Fact is an essential part of the argument and I am always up for a fact-driven discussion. Politics brings out the passions in us all, even those who choose not to play in the game. It is how we explain our sentiments that separates the informed voter from the bandwagon rider. Both parties—all ideologies—have them and so I cannot toss mud at any group. Patterson has tried to stick to the facts, even if he has a position on their presentation. From the fever swamp, Patterson leaves us all to wonder what will come in the lead-up to 2020. For now, we need to see how hard the political hammer will come down during the mid-terms. The spin from the Oval ought to be something for the ages. I’ll make the popcorn, you bring the drinks!

Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for an enlightening and thorough exploration of all things presidential in the 2016 campaign, even though much of it was defecating in the sandbox!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Reckless Disregard (Parker Stern #2), by Robert Rotstein

Nine stars

Robert Rotstein returns with another sensational thriller that is sure to keep the reader hooked until the final page turn. Again mixing the best from legal and courtroom sub-genres, Rotstein provides the reader will a great piece that entertains as well as educates. Parker Stern is still coming to terms with the end result of his last significant case and the fallout that caused the death of a dear friend. Choosing a lighter type of law, he turns to legal mediation, which has all the draw for him of watching beige paint dry. When he is contacted through a messenger program by a computer game developer, he is intrigued by the idea put before him. A new game has just hit the market, one that places William ‘the Conqueror’ Bishop in the middle of the alleged kidnapping and murder of a 1980s movie actress, Paula ‘Felicity’ McGrath. When Bishop finally slaps a libel lawsuit on the developer, who goes by the moniker ‘Poniard’, Stern is ready to do all he can. However, it would seem that Poniard enjoys remaining in the shadows and running the show without regard for commonplace rules. When Stern discovers that he will face-off against his old love interest, Lovely Diamond, he is prepared, though not all that keen. As gamers slowly crack the various levels of this new game, they discover additional clues that tell a twisted backstory of how Bishop might have killed Felicity for his own gains. In a number of ‘user-led levels’, there are scenes of extreme violence that play out in reality, leaving defence witnesses and informants dead. All this is troubling, but nothing more so that learning that the Church of the Sanctified Assembly is involved, a cult with which Stern had an unfortunate connection until his mid-teens. This will be one case that Stern could never have expected handling with a client who refuses to heed legal advice. Might the libel suit be the least of his worries, as those around him turn up dead? Rotstein has done it again with a second stellar piece in collection that has all the elements of a superior series. Highly recommended for those who enjoy novels that test the limits of the legal world.

Rotstein has a wonderful way of not only presenting a case with legal implications, but also offering believable arguments during that journey inside the courtroom, unique for writers of the genre. The story is complex and nuanced in its discussion of key legal elements, but written in such a way that the reader wants to come back to learn more. Parker Stern remains a strong character, exhibiting much more than a great legal mind. Those who read the series debut will remember mention of his early years as a child film actor and more recent debilitating stage fright in the courtroom. With these still part of the backstory, Rotstein pushes a new angle, the struggle for Stern to discover what happened to sour his romantic relationship with Lovely Diamond, another key player in the opening novel. As Stern picks up the pieces from that failed romantic period, he is forced to wrap his head around a new form of legal matter with a client that he cannot control, particularly because they remain in the ether of cyberspace. Working with the limited information he has, Stern will do his best, though is blindsided at numerous times throughout the piece. Stern uses his strongest legal maneuvers to keep the reader entertained, even if it will not be enough. There are a handful of other characters who shape the story, including the aforementioned Lovely Diamond, who continues to work diligently within the parameters of the law. William Bishop also proves to be an interesting character, with a long history in the movie industry. Poniard is able to extract many interesting tidbits to keep the reader wondering how countless interactions between Stern and Bishop will play out. The story of this book is anything but simple, yet Rotstein makes it easily palatable without watering down the arguments, particularly with the use of a video game and an elusive defendant. The reader must buckle down to take part in this fast-paced thriller, which touches on a number of legal and personal issues simultaneously. I can see a great deal of interest coming from these books by those who enjoy the theme and hope the third novel in this series offers up another sensational story.

Kudos, Mr. Rotstein, for a great continuation to this series. I’ll be sure to recommend it to others as I wrap my head around all you had to say.

\A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Other Blighters’ Efforts: A Year of Short Stories, by Jeffrey Archer

Eight stars

Master storyteller Lord Jeffrey Archer has chosen to please his fans with a new venture; a short story released each month. Those familiar with Archer’s work will know that he can not only spin long and involved pieces, but also the short story that compacts adventure into a handful of pages. I just received the October piece, which proves to be yet another entertaining selection, perfect for a short daytime break. Henry Pascoe is the First Secretary at the British High Commission on Aranga, a small island community off the beaten path. In hopes of bringing something to the locals, Pascoe has developed the idea of a swimming pool that the children might use, with much of its sponsorship from the British Government. Working with the local branch manager of Barclays, Pascoe utilises currency exchanges and local government instability to pad the funds for his ‘Swimming Pool’ account, in hopes of speeding the process along. When, on a brief trip from London, a representative of the Foreign Office gives the thumbs up to the project, Pascoe rushes forward to get things moving. However, there seems to be endless stalling and dithering, both in London and throughout the Foreign Office. Pascoe agrees to take a trek with Aranga’s president on an annual trip, only to learn some interesting news, all of which could impact the swimming pool and this pipe dream. An interesting Archer piece, sure to pique the attention of those who have long enjoyed his writing.

Lord Jeffrey Archer’s work is always full of unique perspectives, be they complete novels or shorter story such as this one. I am so pleased to have come across this collection and have reviewed each story based on its own merits. Now I await each instalment on a monthly basis, I can hope to find gems amidst all the reading I undertake each year. This was another decent piece, working on the theme of British support for its smaller countries under the Commonwealth. Pascoe works diligently to bring this small project to life, only to have others constantly tossing roadblocks in the way. The reader will see the man’s passion, even if it is not always revealed in productive ways, as well as showing his passion for all things local. Pascoe learns that his mid-level position leaves him yelling into the wind, though this does not go unnoticed at the most opportune time. There is little time for much impact by secondary characters, though the banter found within the pages of this piece does help shape the story and Pascoe’s reactions throughout. The story builds on the dramatic revelations these characters offer and keeps the reader enthralled. A wonderful standalone piece that will entertain readers just long enough to finish a warm mug of something (or some such beverage), Archer proves himself as the master.

Kudos, Lord Archer, for a masterful new story collection. How you find so many effective ideas that produce high quality publications I will never know.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons