While this next to last Spenser book does not rise to the level of Parker's earlier works, it is a distinct improvement on his recent offerings. While this next to last Spenser book does not rise to the level of Parker's earlier works, it is a distinct improvement on his recent offerings. ...more
After some heavy reading on serious subjects, I craved something light and amusing... a literary palette cleanser as it were. Palette cleanser... foodAfter some heavy reading on serious subjects, I craved something light and amusing... a literary palette cleanser as it were. Palette cleanser... food and froth.... why Peter Mayle of course! I had read and enjoyed several of his books on the pleasures of his adopted province of Provence, perhaps I could find another. Off to the local branch library and there I found The Vintage Caper, a nonviolent lightweight "mystery" guaranteed not to strain the cerebrum with the focus on France (not just Paris but also Marseille), exotic wines, chic women, and, of course, French cuisine. Parfait!...more
Lawrence Block has created a number of memorable series characters. Back in the day, Tanner was one whose adventures took him to exotic locales. He a Lawrence Block has created a number of memorable series characters. Back in the day, Tanner was one whose adventures took him to exotic locales. He also never needed sleep. I am not sure why this was important. Any how, we have not seen Tanner for decades and in this update we find out why: he has been cryogenically frozen: literally put on ice. In this novel, Lawrence Block. whose works I generally love, thaws Tanner out and sends him off on an adventure. The only reason for this device that I can discern is it enables the author to comment on how the world has changed in the 25 years Tanner has been chilled... think electronic devices, internet etc. ...more
Not only is this a novel by Fannie Flagg, which if you have ever read her mood- elevating books you know will brighten your day, but it is also authe Not only is this a novel by Fannie Flagg, which if you have ever read her mood- elevating books you know will brighten your day, but it is also authentic, based on the true story of the women pilots who ferried planes to the combat zones in WW II. ...more
Covid got you down? House washed away? Tired of reading gloom and doom? Rx. Read a novel by Fannie Flagg. It is a guaranteed mood enhancer even if itCovid got you down? House washed away? Tired of reading gloom and doom? Rx. Read a novel by Fannie Flagg. It is a guaranteed mood enhancer even if it is "chick lit" with a Southern accent. Repeat dose as needed. (In my case I followed this Flagg with The All Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion.)...more
A fast moving Sheriff Brady book that stretches from Massachusetts to Bisbee imvolving some familiar Brady characters and introduces some new ones as A fast moving Sheriff Brady book that stretches from Massachusetts to Bisbee imvolving some familiar Brady characters and introduces some new ones as Joanna deals with murder as well as child and animal abuse. ...more
It appears Rick Atkinson is setting out to do for the American Revolution what he did for American particiapation in WW II in the Liberation Trilogy, It appears Rick Atkinson is setting out to do for the American Revolution what he did for American particiapation in WW II in the Liberation Trilogy, namely write a comprehensive three volume history of the conflict from the American point of view. This is Volume 1. Like its predeccesor it is comprehensive and authorititative, entertaining and informative. And long. Very long. As an octogenarioan, I hope I last long enough to have a chance to read as yet unpubished Vols. 2 and 3. ...more
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