This novel is fiction based on the hard truth of the Great Depression. Without lecturing or becoming an essay, it mixes love and lust and nature, findThis novel is fiction based on the hard truth of the Great Depression. Without lecturing or becoming an essay, it mixes love and lust and nature, finding good in the hard truth of desolation. When you finish reading it, you want to think in poetry for awhile....more
I dig that this mystery novel was written by a jazz musician, but it is also a solid mystery, populated by great characters and a story that kept me gI dig that this mystery novel was written by a jazz musician, but it is also a solid mystery, populated by great characters and a story that kept me guessing. Worth seeking out....more
Well, now I'm caught up with Toby's story, and I have to admit I've been entertained. This has been a consistently enjoyable series and I look forwardWell, now I'm caught up with Toby's story, and I have to admit I've been entertained. This has been a consistently enjoyable series and I look forward to more....more
With clever wordplay and plot twists, the author again makes us readers welcome to late 70s Laos, with all of its political activity. And the ending..With clever wordplay and plot twists, the author again makes us readers welcome to late 70s Laos, with all of its political activity. And the ending... wow!...more
I give this novel five stars: for its gripping story, and for our protagonist's unrelenting, sometimes almost unreadable musings about the holiday seaI give this novel five stars: for its gripping story, and for our protagonist's unrelenting, sometimes almost unreadable musings about the holiday season. It makes for a rough ride, but worthwhile. A wonderful story from a master author....more
This installment is not as strong as other books in the series. but if you've been reading the series, you'll enjoy this anyway. Tubby still strugges This installment is not as strong as other books in the series. but if you've been reading the series, you'll enjoy this anyway. Tubby still strugges with corrupt police and his own uncertainty about his career as a lawyer. I would not suggest this as a series starting point, but it has a lot going for it....more
The Griffiths family saga continues, firmly emeshed in the history of Europe. These are compelling books; the reader wants to know what happens to eacThe Griffiths family saga continues, firmly emeshed in the history of Europe. These are compelling books; the reader wants to know what happens to each character as much as they want to read a unique spin on the period between world wars....more
If you've been a mystery and crime fiction reader for some time, you probably know that Westlake was a master storyteller who wrote under several namesIf you've been a mystery and crime fiction reader for some time, you probably know that Westlake was a master storyteller who wrote under several names. In this novel about Dortmunder the grouchy thief, he creates a sendup of his alternative self. Funny, sad, and entertaining, as usual. Somehow, I'd missed this installment. Don't make the same mistake....more
A great novel set during hurricane Katrina, this story is all about Tubby's attempts to survive and then get over the effects of the giant storm. An iA great novel set during hurricane Katrina, this story is all about Tubby's attempts to survive and then get over the effects of the giant storm. An interesting read on a number of levels....more
This book is a trip to read, politics, extortion and all. The author's style is not easy, but the main character is funny in a Woody Allen way.This book is a trip to read, politics, extortion and all. The author's style is not easy, but the main character is funny in a Woody Allen way....more
Each year, I look forward to a new Jack Reacher novel, and each year I am treated to a quality read. Reacher isn't on his own this time. It is 1995, hEach year, I look forward to a new Jack Reacher novel, and each year I am treated to a quality read. Reacher isn't on his own this time. It is 1995, he's a major in the Army, and he's working with a team to recover an important assett....more
Siri is involved in a multiculural team effort to discover more about an Americsn helicoptor crash. As you can imagine, this involves danger, the supeSiri is involved in a multiculural team effort to discover more about an Americsn helicoptor crash. As you can imagine, this involves danger, the supernatural, and lots of humor. These books are so much fun to read!...more
I loved this novel, and I wish there were more as odd as this one, yet so brilliantly written. Our protagonist is a bag lady with a murky past and sevI loved this novel, and I wish there were more as odd as this one, yet so brilliantly written. Our protagonist is a bag lady with a murky past and several behavioral disorders, but she also has a strong social network in the small town where she resides. There are murder mystery elements in the plot line, but the characters are the stars here. A wonderful book....more
Though this crime novel stands alone on its own, I'm tickled that it is the first in a new series by this gifted author. Jackie makes money to take caThough this crime novel stands alone on its own, I'm tickled that it is the first in a new series by this gifted author. Jackie makes money to take care of her mom by stealing big rigs from local truck stops. But when she steals this one, all hell breaks loose. Brewer writes consistently fine thrillers. This one is no exception....more
This is a carefully-plotted novel of historical fiction, and can be enjoyed on its own terms. It is not particularly well-written, however: to these eThis is a carefully-plotted novel of historical fiction, and can be enjoyed on its own terms. It is not particularly well-written, however: to these eyes, the writing is formulaic and at times stifles the characters. The story keeps me reading, and I'll read the next installment....more
This time, Tony spends z lot of time reflecting on his lifr, his friends, and New Orleans (and the city plays a big tole in the story). A languid, humThis time, Tony spends z lot of time reflecting on his lifr, his friends, and New Orleans (and the city plays a big tole in the story). A languid, humorous novel....more
Ever since the term "cozy" has penned in one genre of mystery novels, I have felt they have been constrained, maybe intimidated, by the constraints. BEver since the term "cozy" has penned in one genre of mystery novels, I have felt they have been constrained, maybe intimidated, by the constraints. But I like the way this book encapsulates the expectations, but gently breathes more life into the book that is perhaps not anticipated. There is intrigue and murder, but the characters are written with more character: they don't have to play second fiddle to the story. And island life is captured very well. This book is worth your consideration....more
There's a lot happening in this brilliant novel. The murder mystery of the three-épée case and how it impacts Inspector Phosy’s and Dtui’s relationshiThere's a lot happening in this brilliant novel. The murder mystery of the three-épée case and how it impacts Inspector Phosy’s and Dtui’s relationship. Siri and Daeng surviving a complicated and terrifying encounter with Khmer and Chinese and Vietnam politics. Read and absorb this book. And feel a little guilty at your impatience about needing to finish this one first. And thank goodness there is another one out there to read....more
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