Reader Review: "A Talent for Murder"

 

 

by Cloggie Downunder (Wollongong NSW): A Talent For Murder is the third book in the Henry Kimball/Lily Kintner series by award-winning American author, Peter Swanson. When Martha Ratliff begins to suspect that Alan Peralta, her husband of barely a year, might be a serial killer, her options seem equally unsatisfactory: whether she confronts him or tells the police, her marriage will likely be over, even if he's innocent.

That's when she thinks of Lily Kintner. When they were in grad school at Birkbeck, Lily helped her out of a disturbing relationship with a charismatic adjunct professor. They lost touch, but Martha is a librarian, and knows how to research; she has soon tracked Lily down to her parents' home in Shepaug.

As she's explaining to Lily how her husband is often away at conferences, selling his wares to school teachers, and that she has found at least five unsolved murders at times when Alan was at those locations, she's hoping that Lily will tell her she's crazy, that it's just her imagination: "Honestly, I think I'm here with you just hoping you'll say I'm being silly and that I should just forget the whole thing."

But Lily doesn't. she considers carefully, tells Martha they need more information, and they each try to find out more. Martha uncovers something that definitely puts Alan in the frame for one of the murders, and Lily decides she'll attend his next conference to observe. But there's an unexpected development and, a bit later, she decides to ask her friend, PI Henry Kimball for his help.

And much more can't be said without massive spoilers, but Swanson does manage to throw in a brilliant twist, a shock, a kidnap and a nail-biting climax. He also gives the reader a good dose of black humour. And then, just when you think the twists are all done, another, and it's a doozy! More of this addictive series will be most welcome. This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Faber & Faber.

 

 

 

 

Reader Review: "Becoming Madam Secretary"

 

 

by Carolea (Milwaukee WI): If you are currently receiving any kind of government benefit, such as Social Security or Medicare, then the novel "Becoming Madam Secretary" by Stephanie Dray is an absolute must-read. This captivating work of historical fiction provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of Frances Perkins, who made history as the first female cabinet member under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration. Dray's meticulously researched and vividly written narrative takes readers on a journey through Perkins' remarkable career, chronicling her rise from a passionate social reformer to a trailblazing figure who helped shape some of the most significant New Deal programs that laid the foundations for the modern American social safety net.

Despite the book's impressive length, it is structured in a highly accessible way, with short, fast-paced chapters that flow seamlessly in chronological order, making it an effortless and immensely satisfying read for lovers of historical fiction. As you delve into Perkins' story, you'll be struck by the depth of her intellect, the strength of her convictions, and the profound impact she had on shaping the social welfare policies that continue to benefit millions of Americans to this day. Ultimately, "Becoming Madam Secretary" is a powerful and enlightening novel that reminds us of the critical role that visionary leaders can play in driving positive social change, and the importance of learning from the lessons of history. Whether you're already familiar with Perkins' legacy or discovering it for the first time, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire a deeper appreciation for the trailblazers who paved the way before us.

 

 

 

 

Reader Review: "North Woods"

 

 

by Cathryn Conroy (Gaithersburg, Maryland): Extraordinary. Brilliant. Masterful. Exceptional. Yes, I adored this book. It has to be THE most imaginative novel I have ever read.

The genius of the book is in the structure. Beginning in the 1600s in Puritan New England and extending for almost four centuries, the novel's stories are focused on the occupants of a little yellow house built deep in the north woods country of Western Massachusetts, first as a one room cottage and eventually expanded into four distinct sections. The house stays as the cast of characters living in it changes. Taken together, the tales offer a slice of American, as well as natural, history told in a way you've never read before. Written by Daniel Mason, the book begins with two disgraced Puritan newlyweds fleeing into the forest, running as fast as they can from their outraged village. Chased by the elders, the young lovers manage to escape. The one-room yellow cottage is constructed. The years pass and others come to the house. Two women who are threatened by English soldiers, murder the men, one of whom had been eating an apple just before his untimely and violent death. An apple seed in his intestine eventually develops into a sapling and then a tree with apples that are the most sweet and delicious anyone has ever had. The property becomes an apple orchard. And so the story continues with each subsequent family living in the house. Their unlikely tales are filled with love, passion, heartbreak, betrayal, violence…and otherworldly spirits.

And the point of it all is clearly explained in the last chapter when a character named Nora thinks to herself: "…she has found that the only way to understand the world other than a tale of loss is to see it as a tale of change."

The narrative is quite creative, including whole sections that are told through letters, poetry, musical ballads, journal entries, a true-crime detective story, an exposition on the (almost X-rated) sex life of beetles, and medical case notes. The fact that it works and remains a compelling read from start to finish—and doesn't disintegrate into a hodgepodge of confusion for the hapless reader—speaks volumes about Daniel Mason's writing abilities.

The ingenious plotting, the mesmerizing storytelling, and the sometimes bizarre but always fascinating cast of characters make this a novel for the ages. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It's magical!

My only question is this: Why did it not win the Pulitzer Prize, the Booker, and the National Book Award? Because it really is a novel of that caliber.

 

 

 

 

Reader Review: "The 1619 Project"

 

 

by Carmel B (The Villages FL): Enlightening, shocking and profound. Jones rivets the reader's attention to her "New Origin Story" and sheds light on America's darkest hours, her early struggles for independence and the shameful hypocrisy of her politicians and citizens relative to the enslaved. Furthermore, readers are forced to face America's slow, lumbering march toward equality for all, while carrying its burdens of prejudice and blindness. This tome will undoubtedly become a powerful educational tool in the arsenal of black / white history and culture where readers can broaden their knowledge and understanding of enslavement beyond what they have gleaned from Emmett Till, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr. and even George Floyd. The poems and prose at the beginning of the chapters are heart wrenching and poignant, and the essays that follow seem to be well-researched and factual. The lingering question is not whether reparation is warranted, but whether it is possible. Kudos to the New York Times for recognizing the importance and potential impact of this exceptional collaborative enterprise, its creator and contributors.

 

 

 

 

Reader Review: "The Frozen River"

 

 

by Jill: A wonderful historical fiction read of Martha Ballard, a midwife with a strong moral compass. Taking place in Maine, in the 18th century. In 1789 a dead man is found in the Kennebec River and Martha is called to examine the body. Martha finds herself investigating the death of, Joshua Burgess, who is believed to have raped the pastor's wife with another of the town's respected gentlemen. And so, begins this story of Martha Ballard.

This is a multilayered story and flips from past to present. I throughly enjoyed every minute reading this. There is a main theme thread throughout of gender oppression and familial loyalty. There is a Puritanical culture of shame that dehumanizes and humiliates the book's female characters. The river and its power is associated with death, danger and of life in general in the town of Hallowell.

Martha's qualities of — her resilience, courage and savviness are depicted in Lawhon's storytelling. Martha holds herself and her family in high-esteem.

"I consider them my babies. I am not their mother, of course, but they are mine, and I can still feel the weight of grief hanging heavy in those birthing rooms."

This is my first read from Ariel Lawhon, but I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.