Amira appears unlucky in love. Not even matchmakers have been helpful. On a disastrous date she is contacted to settle her aunt’s estate. Thank goodneAmira appears unlucky in love. Not even matchmakers have been helpful. On a disastrous date she is contacted to settle her aunt’s estate. Thank goodness for the distraction and a way out of that messy date. Her decision to go directly to her aunt’s lawyer’s office sets this story in motion. Because now she meets Naveen. The San Francisco lawyer who is working for his uncle’s small practice. Surprisingly, he is also looking for love. Oh, what could this mean in the rom-com world of love matches?
The problem is, Naveen is someone Amira has been matched with before and dumped. Oh no! What will readers be in for now? Well, it is a bit more complicated than a love match. We’ve got criminals in this story and a kidnapping, too. And, here you have this couple, Amira and Naveen who don’t want to be together, suddenly together on a madcap adventure. What is in store for them? Is this how one gets to a HEA?
If you want a light read this book will give you… Silly. Cute. Charming. Entertaining and Fun....more
I have to admit, when I saw this in my local library, I was a bit of a “curious” fan about it. Who didn’t watch “Star Trek: The Next Generation” at soI have to admit, when I saw this in my local library, I was a bit of a “curious” fan about it. Who didn’t watch “Star Trek: The Next Generation” at some point during their television binging years before streaming? And, if you did, the character of Lt. Commander Data was certainly the one to be fascinated by. And, if you are too young to know, maybe this may be one to look up.
Well, this is his book. He is the author. And, what he has chosen to do is incorporate himself and his cast of fellow actors into the story. Not to dissimilar to Anthony Horowitz style with his Hawthorne and Horowitz series where he has a fictional version of himself as a modern-day Holmes. But maybe not as sophisticated.
So, what did he do here? Well, in this debut novel, he has made it part memoir, part insider behind the scenes look at Star Trek, part what it is like being a working actor, part noir, part mystery in a 1990’s Los Angeles setting.
We follow the author talking about himself becoming an actor chronicling his years of struggles and then his eventual success. That struggle to success only lasts about 10 pages. Which means the memoir of the novel is short. The fiction is the majority of the tale. And, that is when the story gets weird.
It is a bit madcap strange, trying to be charming. The ending, sudden and bizarre. Characters are caricatures of the actors he worked with on the series. So, was it a comedy, a mystery, a memoir, a satire, or a diversion? (I know…diversion does not describe a genre!)
Maybe, it just was Brent Spiner having a little bit of fun, with no ego attached. A story that wasn’t great, but just okay, but…a diversion, so to speak....more
So, let’s say there are 3 cats that are seemingly “afraid” of a dog.
Does that mean that maybe, just maybe there might be a dog in this book?
Shall theSo, let’s say there are 3 cats that are seemingly “afraid” of a dog.
Does that mean that maybe, just maybe there might be a dog in this book?
Shall the reader take a look in the hiding places?
And, let’s say that these 3 cats will do anything to hide from this sweet, cuddly, soft dog. And, while they are doing this, the reader will have the opportunity to check all the different hiding places of the cats.
But then readers and the cats learn that there is absolutely no reason to be afraid of this sweetheart of a dog.
What then?
How can the cats make things comfortable for the sweet, cuddly, soft dog?
This will become the fun learning experience for the young reader, in this cleverly illustrated, 3-D modeled book.
Reading level: Ages 3 – 7 years – Pre-school+...more
Let me start this review by saying I believe I am going to be an outlier when it comes to this book. So, please feel free to look at other reviews.
VeLet me start this review by saying I believe I am going to be an outlier when it comes to this book. So, please feel free to look at other reviews.
Very pregnant Alice and her boyfriend Joe decide to leave London and move to the suburbs where they think they will have an easier lifestyle.
No sooner does Alice settle into her prenatal class, than all the mothers-to-be are setting out to solve the murder of the proprietor of the business. This leads them to a commune, more death, far-right politicians and some other hinky individuals and secrets to be revealed.
What will Alice learn about Joe along this journey?
In my opinion, the beginning of the story tried too hard to be funny, the middle moved quite slowly, but the last third of the book, went a tad better.
Still, the story felt a bit disjointed, and took too long to get to the point, and there were way too many characters. So, the soap opera-ish drama took away from the clean-up ending conclusion.
Oh, and in due course everyone had their babies. I think. I lost track of who’s who and eventually lost interest, too.
I read this not too long ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
No doubt, Roz Chast has a sense of fun and imagination. And thiCatching up…
I read this not too long ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
No doubt, Roz Chast has a sense of fun and imagination. And this is her way of sharing it. Graphically. About dreams. All kinds of dreams. And nightmares. Including celebrities. Dentists, food, or other weird possibilities that might enter into the subconscious mind of the artist/author and/or reader coming along for the ride.
Chast uses this avenue as a creative outlet that showcases her fascination with dreams.
Some may find it a window into her mind, as humor, others, may consider it pages that they would rather have avoided. Hoping perhaps they won’t find themselves amidst their own bad dreams later that night.
To fully appreciate the experience of this book, it is best to have an open sense of humor. Or, just avoid it completely. ...more
Grow up Charlotte. You are, after all 25 years old. Living in your childhood home with your mother. Once even considered a celebrated NancCatching Up…
Grow up Charlotte. You are, after all 25 years old. Living in your childhood home with your mother. Once even considered a celebrated Nancy Drew in your earlier years. Easy life, right?
Well, maybe it might be a bit unexciting, but when Charlotte is given an opportunity for a missing case investigation by her brother, she thinks, maybe this might liven things up a bit.
But what happens when this missing person case turns into an actual dead person found?
So, readers are probably wondering by this point what it might take for Charlotte to move her life forward. Will her lack of confidence in her former investigative instincts help her realize maybe she still “has it?” Or will regaining the friends she thought had “left her behind” help her grow up?
This is an identity crisis kind of a book that might appeal more to a YA audience. And even saying that, I don’t mean to sound insulting to that age group. I feel like this book tries too hard to be entertaining with a mystery it wants to solve. And, with its diverse cast of characters populating this novel, I’m still not sure it is enough to rescue it.
I thought the cover was cute though, does that help?
2.5 stars rounded up for diverse characters and book cover art. ...more
You are probably wondering how I was able to read 1125 books this year, right?
Let me explain. It might take a minute.
This is…
My first real year oSo…
You are probably wondering how I was able to read 1125 books this year, right?
Let me explain. It might take a minute.
This is…
My first real year on Goodreads…
Even though I officially joined in 2022. I have been learning how to navigate this site this year. I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy Goodreads until this year, when I decided to become friends with you.
When you asked me to be your friend…
I was so grateful.
And…
When you accepted my friend request, I felt so appreciative.
This experience with you has been so thrilling at so many levels because of you. I always look forward to our shared comments under each other’s reviews.
And…
Your recommendations for books have enhanced my reading experiences immensely.
Also…
I have met some amazing authors, been offered some incredible books to read, and made some lifelong friends through this community.
So…
Thank you for accepting me into your reading world.
This year… as of December 31 I have read and re-visited 363,921 pages, 1125 books.
The shortest book I read was 16 pages – Frog and Toad Alone by Arnold Lobel. The longest book I read was 1,376 pages – Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. It says that my average rating was 3.8, although it would be nice if the rating system here on Goodreads actually showed more than a 1-5 rating.
When I first started the reading challenge, I put in that I was only going to read 200 books.
But…
I surpassed that number rather quickly…
And…
I was told by one of my friends that I needed to up that number…
So…
I did, to 850.
Which…
I obviously surpassed again.
But…
I need to be clear that the reason that this number of books is so high is because I am catching up with all the books, I have read over the past several years. All I am trying to do is to get all those past books I have already read (by revisiting them) and then providing written reviews for Goodreads.
And…
At the same time be able to read current books…
And…
Review them, too.
I know, quite the workload, right?
This may take a while. At some point, I may give up on those past books, who knows!
I am not going to list the books I have read (here), I encourage you to go to my page, if you are interested to check them out. I am rather an eclectic reader. I will read anything and everything…from children’s books, to YA novels, to mysteries, to historical fiction to magical realism to non-fiction to memoirs and more.
And…
I also prefer print books. I like the feel of a book in my hands. I am old-fashioned that way.
Mostly…
I want to thank you. Thank you for making this experience so meaningful. I look forward to reading and sharing 2024 with you.
Because…
You make this fun. I love discussing books with you. Without you…why write reviews?...more
This book was another library staff recommendation. I found myself attracted to the cover of a cow sitting on the sofa.
And questions began to form…
WhThis book was another library staff recommendation. I found myself attracted to the cover of a cow sitting on the sofa.
And questions began to form…
Who is this author? What will appeal to me, about reading his poetry?
His work, as described by him, is considered small poems, a way of including large content into tight spaces. Short messages that create an impactful reaction. A minimalist practice.
When the book came from my library…
I just began to read.
And strangely different poetry walked through my life, like…
The Visit The wind blew Open the front door And sat down In my father’s chair.
Three for a quarter Just as you can tell the age of a tree By the rings within it. You can tell the vintage of a country song By the coin required To play a tune on the jukebox.
The poems are so short throughout, it took me less than an hour to read the entire book.
There is something satirical about his words. Real. Thoughtful. In many respects, I felt odd after I read each one.
What message was he trying to convey?
There is such truth in his words. A different way of looking at the world around us. Seeing everyone for who they truly are. A relationship with the world, with each other, formed in just a couple of sentences.
Is he asking us to question everything? Or see things as they truly are?
The author is a former U.S. Poet Laureate (2001-2003). He served as New York State Poet from 2004-2006, and in 2016 he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
This isn’t his first work.
But…
It definitely is creative.
He dares us to look at the world creatively and with open eyes. See what we sometimes don’t notice. Be present in this moment. In this world.
Highway Hitchhiking alone, I notice an ant Walking in the opposite direction.
What do we see in his words, but the world walking by us, and daring us to look.
Dogma I might be an atheist Were it not For all the tall angels And the pudgy cherubs In the silvery clouds Presiding over all those miracles.
Certainly not a traditionalist poet, but, definitely one that gives us opportunity to Pause. Reflect. Consider what is before us, and what is within us.
And…
Maybe just maybe bring a smile to our faces for some of the absurdity and simpleness of life. Definitely showcased in these pages.
Unfortunately, when my kids grew up, they found they could not afford to live in California. One son moved with his family to Texas, and m Catching up…
Unfortunately, when my kids grew up, they found they could not afford to live in California. One son moved with his family to Texas, and my other son moved with his family to Oregon.
So…
We manage to maintain relationships for the most part through technology.
And…
One of the things I look forward to is reading time with my grandsons. Every Tuesday during the school year, my grandsons will have a book that they read for a few minutes to me via FaceTime. We have been doing this for years now.
We started with graphic novels like Sponge Bob, or Diary of a Wimpy Kid that were based on their age and interest. We have since graduated to books like…C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, Hunger Games, Erin Hunter’s Warriors (Cats) series, Harry Potter, and/or Grisham’s Kid Lawyer series. There have been many more, too many to count or even remember…
But…
I think you get the picture.
Now, that one of my grandsons is in high school, we just spend our time chatting about what has been happening for him in school or that week.
Still…
I love that both have a love of books.
And…
What was particularly fun, (especially when we were reading Harry Potter) was when my son and daughter-in-law would reward my grandsons with being able to watch the movie after they completed each Harry Potter book.
Of course…
When I discussed which was better the book or the movie with my grandsons, what do you think their answer was?
I love that as adults, parents, teachers, and/or grandparents, we have the opportunity to expose kids to all sorts of books to entertain, and teach. To set their imaginations adrift.
Because…
Quite honestly, we don’t know what this may awaken in each child. We can only hope that their interests will encourage them to grow their own self-confidence and skill-sets to strive to be something more for themselves.
And…
In this story (yes…I am finally getting to this book) we have a grandmother who starts her grandchildren on an adventure with a book.
How could I not be intrigued by this premise?
First of all…
Did any of you watch the television show “Glee” ever? Well, if you did, I absolutely loved Chris Colfer. He played Kurt Hummel. Immensely talented award-winning actor/singer!
Does this mean he has carried over this talent as an author?
So…
As I mentioned we have a grandmother who bequeaths on their 12th birthday, a family heirloom, an old storybook anthology whose cover turns out to be a dimensional gateway in the tradition of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia.
This gift is given to Alex Bailey and her twin brother, Conner. She is energetic. He is a sarcastic jokester.
But…
They are also grieving the death of their father.
So…
This book, and this “door” might be just what they need.
This land of stories gives readers a very different view of fairy tales.
And…
It isn’t quite how we would see Cinderella, or Sleeping Beauty, Goldilocks or Snow White.
And…
A bit of playfulness with our traditional fairy tales is what might be needed.
The story is imaginative, captivating and a page-turner…
But…
Let me just say this…
I do preview books before I determine whether it would be a good read-along with my grandsons or not.
And…
This one, I decided might be better for a more “mature” mind. Not that I don’t consider my grandsons capable at their current ages.
After all, they did read Harry Potter.
And we all know that Harry Potter is filled with characters like “he who must not be named”…
That…
Even I had to hide my eyes for some of HP (which is hard to do as a reader)…
But…
In that instance, I allowed my kids to make that decision for my grandsons readiness for that series.
In this case…
This book has a different vibe. A fun sarcastic, silliness to it. That just didn’t seem to fit their stage of interest.
However…
When I looked up the age range for this book, it said 8-11 years old.
By the way, this is the first in a series of six books.
And…
This one was #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list when it first came out in 2012.
So…
Some fairy tales fit for some kids, and some don’t fit for all kids. Even if they are re-imagined. Keep that in mind when considering this book/series.
I was doing an online search for books through my local library, and this one randomly popped up. I loved seeing dogs on the cover, and thought this wI was doing an online search for books through my local library, and this one randomly popped up. I loved seeing dogs on the cover, and thought this would be a fun one, so I ordered it.
I first read Less a few years ago, when it was offered to me by my local library as a gift for completing the adult reading program. Here is my review I first read Less a few years ago, when it was offered to me by my local library as a gift for completing the adult reading program. Here is my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
I wasn’t sure I wanted to read the sequel.
But…
I decided to give it a try.
And…
This time ordered the book from my library.
I realized that even though I had read the first book, I had forgotten so much of it, that I would have to say, it is important to read the first book to understand and connect to the second book…
Because…
They are continuing characters…
Arthur and Freddy.
But…
You can still enjoy the second book for the nuances that it brings to the story. If that made sense.
So…
The author helped me, too, with a little bit of reminisces of what had occurred in “Less.”
With this story, Arthur is back, past 50 years, happily with his younger partner, Freddy. Thankfully, Freddy chose not to get married to someone else (the drama of Less) and is now enjoying “nine months of unmarital bliss” with Arthur.
But…
The author isn’t quite sure how to create total happiness. Instead, he brings in clouds and chaos.
Less’s first love, the older poet Robert Brownburn, dies, leaving him not the house, the place they have been living in that they have happily called “the shack”, but the stack of rent bills that Less has apparently never bothered to pay.
Oy!
Now…
He must find a way to raise 10 years-worth of rent or lose his love nest “the shack” with Freddy.
So…
Road trip for this writer!
His assignment…
To profile a best-selling sci-fi novelist named Mandern. On the way he also finds himself chauffeuring a pug called Dolly on a road trip through the American Southwest in an aging camper van called Rosina.
And…
Mandern has his own complications with his daughter.
Along with…
Less’s father, who abandoned his children in their youth, who is now dying.
But…
That’s not all.
There is more.
Across the country Less weaves along. Rowina running on fumes. There is some silly humor, but warm heartedness, too.
Will Less be able to achieve his goal of collecting the rent funds and enable he and Freddy to stay in their shack for the rest of their lives?
Still…
What readers can appreciate most, is that Freddy is our narrator and guide. Who gives us a hopeful ending.
“Well reader, I will simply let you guess.” ...more
It begins. A 79-year-old lady, Martha Andersson, shuffles into a bank at the end of a day with a walker (they call it somethThis is a robbery.
And so…
It begins. A 79-year-old lady, Martha Andersson, shuffles into a bank at the end of a day with a walker (they call it something different in Sweden) and hands a teller a note that “this is a robbery” and expects to be taken seriously.
Of course…
They do not, and instead put her in a taxi and send her back to her retirement home.
A place that the corporation has cut costs on and no longer care about the residents.
And so…
Martha Andersson hatches a plan.
She and a fellow group of retirees, Brains, Christina, Rake and Anna-Greta, come up with a plan to commit a crime that will give them entrance to prison, where the living conditions surely are better.
But…
Being criminals is more complicated than they thought, and the situation quickly grows beyond anything they ever imagined.
Fun. Silly. Spunky main characters. With some romance – who knew? Easy to read.
Will this group pull off their perfect crime in the end and get the ultimate retirement dream? With perhaps no jail time?...more
Currently, my brother is visiting China with my beautiful sister-in-law, who happens to be Chinese. This is something that they use to do on an annualCurrently, my brother is visiting China with my beautiful sister-in-law, who happens to be Chinese. This is something that they use to do on an annual basis, prior to Covid.
But…
After Covid hit, it has been 4 years since the last visit.
Now…
It has been a wonderful respite, as well as visiting her family and getting re-acclimated to the various traditions.
With this book…
Troost as a veteran travel writer is going to take his readers through urban China in areas not quite suited for traditional tourists. Although, we might see Mao’s tomb, the Great Wall, the Shanghai Bund, and the casinos of Macao, it is really an adventure through the more out-of-the-way excursions that make this book tantalizing and interesting.
With…
Humor he shares a China not well-known in hopes that they might be ready for an adventurous ride into unknown territories…
Which in many cases isn’t always flattering.
And…
That is what makes this book so appealing.
He obviously has no knowledge of Chinese history or its language, but that doesn’t stop him from showcasing what China might look like to a first-time visitor. Vast. Complex. Smoggy. Crowded.
But…
Even if his history is off, his intention appears purely to entertain.
And…
If readers can see this book for that simple reason, they can appreciate the humor.
Because…
It truly is a simple, funny travelogue providing snapshots of some of China’s amazing tourist sights, while also illustrating the difficulties of travelling in this complicated country.
Side note…
My brother tells me that currently his Google translator has been disconnected in China – it is no longer allowed. So, that has definitely made things harder for him.
So…
In conclusion…
China…
Is complicated.
And…
This book…
Is trying to bring some humor, while appreciating the complexity of this country.
Thank you to my Goodreads friend, Helen for recommending this book....more
To be honest, I checked out this book because David Small is the illustrator. I love his art, and so, when I saw this book at the library, I ordered i To be honest, I checked out this book because David Small is the illustrator. I love his art, and so, when I saw this book at the library, I ordered it.
I didn’t realize I was in for a captivating, silly adventure!
This is the story of Elliot, a very formal boy who likes to wear tuxedos. He doesn’t seem to play with others. He lives with his eccentric, explorer father, who seems to indulge his son by giving in to his interests, and not really paying much attention to his requests.
As an example…
Off to the aquarium they go.
And…
Elliot wants a penguin.
Because…
Let’s face it. Penguins are dressed very similar to Elliot.
So…
Let’s take in the scene for a moment.
Elliot has just requested a penguin from his father.
His father who is sitting with his nose in a book, notices a bunch of stuffed penguins in the aquarium store.
So…
What does he do?
He absentmindedly gives Elliot $20.
And…
Off Elliot goes.
“Where’s your penguin?” his father asks.
“In my backpack. Thanks for asking.” Elliot responds.
It really isn’t until the end of the story that the father learns the truth.
And…
It isn’t until the end of the story, that the readers learn even more about Elliot’s escapades.
Like his characters, Richard Russo always seems to have a way of dealing with interesting themes: change, free will and obligation, luck, responsibili Like his characters, Richard Russo always seems to have a way of dealing with interesting themes: change, free will and obligation, luck, responsibility, forgiveness – the bonds of community, friendship and family.
He offers readers observations of human types and human behavior.
And Sully is quite the main protagonist. Kind of an underdog, older, down on his luck kind of guy.
A lot happens inside these pages – punches are thrown, trucks and marriages are wrecked, there is litigation, even death.
At times it feels maddening. At times I felt like I wanted to throw this book on the floor so that the subplots would just go away – of course, how silly of me – that wouldn’t make them go away – just I would!
Still…
With all those characters wandering around – they have a story, and sometimes, it is a nice diversion during a slow spot in the story.
It’s almost like spending time in the little town itself – I’m a little curious about walking around the town and checking things out – pleased about eavesdropping and seeing into some of these lives…
But then again…
What if I can’t get out of this town alive?
Yikes…then what?
But then again, maybe, just maybe I might miss Sully, just a little, because he is someone we can look at a little fondly. Until the next novel comes along.
I should mention that this is a dual writing team: Karma Brown and Marissa Stapley.
Is this a feel-good Another Christmas in July reading experience!
I should mention that this is a dual writing team: Karma Brown and Marissa Stapley.
Is this a feel-good romance that readers can snuggle up with, with just the right mix of sweet and spice?
Premise: We first meet Charlie Goodwin who is a famous pastry chef on a hit reality baking show. While filming a holiday special, she gets hit on the head causing her a severe concussion and the loss of her sense of taste and smell.
To hide her plight and hopefully save her job, she enlists her identical twin, Cass, who just happens to be another pastry chef.
Cass agrees to switch places. This allows Cass the opportunity to escape the daily grind of running the family bakery, as well as her ex who isn’t getting the hint that they are over.
The pace of the story works with just the right amount of miscommunications and mishaps when two people switch lives.
Yet…
Why aren’t the sisters communicating more with each other during this exchange?
Are we as readers just supposed to go with the flow?
Or am I (reader) overworking myself as to how I believe things should be going?
And what happens when people start falling for the “wrong” sister?
Did Charlie handle her recovery well with her concussion?
So, I go back to my original question…
Is this a feel-good romance that readers can snuggle up with, with just the right mix of sweet and spice?
I leave it to readers to decide. I had too many questions....more
Would you believe this was a donation to my Little Free Library in January of this year? But you know how it is – Christmas in July, right?
I am now brWould you believe this was a donation to my Little Free Library in January of this year? But you know how it is – Christmas in July, right?
I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
This story follows main character Maisie as she celebrates Christmas by visiting her favorite cabin owned by her parents’ best friends. It is in Utah. She grew up with the two sons of the owners of the cabin, and at about age 13 she fell in love with the eldest brother, Andrew.
At the start of the novel, she gets drunk on eggnog and makes out with younger brother Theo, which is unfortunately witnessed by Andrew. Things only get worse when the brother’s parents announce that they are going to sell the cabin.
Devastated by her actions and losing her favorite tradition and place, Maisie gets a chance to do it all over again by asking the universe for a do-over. Yes, we are in a Groundhog Day-esque time travel adventure romance story.
Over and over again – loopy, de-loopy, loop.
Does this feel like a Netflix Christmas movie incarnate – a little unrealistic, heartwarming, cheesy, funny, and filled with Christmas wishes coming true?
Yep.
Is that okay with readers?
I could go on and on about suspending disbelief and the characters interactions and how unbelievable it all felt (to me), but would I be appearing Grinch-like?
And that time traveling thing again. Everything happens and then it stops – magically stops? And what? Everything is perfect now?
Was this a fun or lighthearted read? Probably. But, silly, too.
Not sure Maisie and Andrew really were meant to be. Do you? 3.5 stars...more
One of my job responsibilities as a college instructor and Director was to advise student government. And we were coming to the end of theCatching up…
One of my job responsibilities as a college instructor and Director was to advise student government. And we were coming to the end of the year, and the Student Body President was frantic. He needed to get ready for his speech before the graduates at the college graduation ceremony.
He noticed I had a few Dr. Seuss books on my desk that I use for my leadership classes, and he came upon this one. He asked me what it was about…
And…
As I shared a brief synopsis, his eyes lit up.
He said, “my speech.”
“You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting so… Get on your way!”
So much about this book is kind of wacky with buildings and landscapes and silly monsters and musical instruments.
But…
The message is so inspiring and cheerful and encourages perseverance and taking adversity in stride.
No wonder it has been the perfect gift for graduates of all ages.
It is an encouragement to look forward in life to the adventures of one’s life no matter what age the journey begins.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself Any direction you choose.”
You are on your own. You got this!
And…
That really is the true message for readers to appreciate.
I first read this in 2019. I am now bringing this review to Goodreads.
This is the final book in the series due to the death of the author last year (I first read this in 2019. I am now bringing this review to Goodreads.
This is the final book in the series due to the death of the author last year (2018).
Knowing “That Old Scoundrel Death” was the last book from this author, brought a certain sadness to reading this.
Still, I kept an open mind (since it was really the first I have read in his series.)
In the old days when I would lead my local Library Book Discussion Group I would do whatever I could to find out information about the author. So, being curious, I decided to look more into Bill Crider, especially his Sheriff Dan Rhodes series. This is what I discovered:
The official first book of the series was 1986’s “Too Late To Die” but was not, however, the book that may have started it all. Apparently, there was a running gag throughout many of the books concerning terrorists taking over Blacklin County in Texas. (You can ask the town’s commissioners.) But the sheriff just does not believe it, or even think the possibility is likely. It’s more than likely this came from Crider’s first published book written with a friend in 1981, a Nick Carter book titled “Coyote Connection.”
Bill Crider (July 28, 1941 – February 12, 2018).
Crider taught English at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and went on to become the Chair of the Division of English and Fine Arts at Alvin Community College in Alvin, Texas.
In addition to teaching, Crider’s passions included reading, writing, book-collecting, music, movies, blogging, and cats. Crider appeared to be a prolific writer of mystery, science fiction, western, horror, and children’s books.
Crider, along with comedian/TV weatherman Willard Scott wrote a couple of cozy whodunits, featuring of course, a nationally recognized weather forecaster by the name of Stanley Waters.
The books are, “Murder \ Under Blue Skies” (1998) and “Murder in the Mist” (1999).
The Sheriff Dan Rhodes novels are character driven with a significant amount of wry humor. Two of his returning characters are Hack, the dispatcher, and Lawton, the jailer. They give Rhodes grief, and make him work for every piece of information.
(For me they were a bit annoying…but, that could just be me!)
Which leads me now to this story. How did I feel about it?
I guess we are lucky to have small town sleuths in the spirit of Sheriff Dan Rhodes. Interestingly enough, in this book, the Sheriff even thought of not running for office again. I guess we will never know....more
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