Such an interesting subject, but relayed in the most dry and boring manner imaginable. Reads like a textbook. I've read other books on nursing in WWIISuch an interesting subject, but relayed in the most dry and boring manner imaginable. Reads like a textbook. I've read other books on nursing in WWII that are written much better (plenty of those books are referenced in "Beyond the Call of Duty"). Also, a lot of repetition, making it seem as if the author were stretching madly to reach a word count....more
**spoiler alert** Good grief. So much went wrong with this book. First off, the numerous passages about stamps was BORING.
Secondly, I don't know why **spoiler alert** Good grief. So much went wrong with this book. First off, the numerous passages about stamps was BORING.
Secondly, I don't know why it took Kathy so long to suspect the real murderer. From the get go, she knew Peter White was obsessed with Sammy, familiar with all his habits down to the tiniest detail, and that he harbored a fanatical hatred for the man. Not only does she not even consider White for the majority of the book, she feeds him crucial information that leads to Sammy's death. When did Kathy become so dense? She should be let go from the investigating team not because Brock was trying to shield her, but because of incompetence.
Second, not only Kathy but a bunch of other police officers missed Waverley changing up the stamps. Pretty sad observation skills. I caught it right away.
Third, not enough Brock. And when he was in the story, the levity he usually provides was missing.
Last, the one thing which did offer some promise was the budding relationship between Kathy and Leon. Until it was torpedoed at the end because, you guessed it, Kathy did something stupid.
**spoiler alert** Well, I enjoyed the book right up until the end. It was fun having the entire Talbot clan together for the adventure. Of course, the**spoiler alert** Well, I enjoyed the book right up until the end. It was fun having the entire Talbot clan together for the adventure. Of course, the dissolution of Talbot and Andrews Investigations means this series is at an end. Boo! ...more
**spoiler alert** This rating is mainly due to the first story, otherwise the rating would be lower.
The best story by far is the first one, "Common Kn**spoiler alert** This rating is mainly due to the first story, otherwise the rating would be lower.
The best story by far is the first one, "Common Knowledge". I was under the mistaken impression that multiple stories in this collection would feature Colleen. Story number one is the only one. My heart broke for Colleen. And it's sad how Liz treated her once they reached high school, though I can't say it's surprising given the peer pressure teenagers face. The most disappointing aspect of the whole situation was Carolyn (Liz' mom). I always assumed she was a kindhearted woman, but she basically advised Liz to ditch her best friend because Colleen wasn't pretty or popular. Terrible, heartless advice and changes my feelings about the character. Maybe Carolyn deserves Frank and all the grief he brings into her life.
I didn't really care for most of the other stories. "Everything Is Relative", the one set during Thanksgiving, was okay. I liked getting more insight into Liz' family, even if they are a little over the top. I can see having a couple of weird relatives, but the whole family tree? I'm surprised Liz, Blake and Merry aren't nuts, too.
The real reason Liz' parents married is revealed in the first story and, boy, was I shocked. Especially given the pious way Carolyn acts at times. But at least it now makes sense why she married Frank. If things had been different, I doubt Carolyn would have chosen to marry Frank.
I also think the book would have been better served to end with the best story instead of having it at the beginning. Maybe reverse the order, put "Everything Is Relative" first and "Common Knowledge" last. Most likely, Susan Boyer didn't want to end on a downer note, but I, personally, would have preferred it in that order. ...more
**spoiler alert** Boy, what an unpromising beginning to "Boughs of Holly". First, we start off with no Colleen although clues point to her new point o**spoiler alert** Boy, what an unpromising beginning to "Boughs of Holly". First, we start off with no Colleen although clues point to her new point of contact. Darius, one of my two least favorite characters. I feared we might be subjected to Colleen appearing in each book as a reindeer or other animals. Then, the Bounetheau's feature in another story. Ugh. A story which, by the way, is pretty much a rehash of the previous book they featured in. The only thing which kept me interested was wanting to know about the secret Nate planned for the family.
We also find out that Moon Unit doesn't even do the cooking at the Cracked Pot. Very disappointing.
As you might be able to deduce from the above, this book was on track for a 2 star rating. Until the ending. Thank heaven, Colleen is back where she belongs. Not long before she reappears in Liz and Nate's lives, I was thinking how much I missed her presence in this book and wasn't sure if I'd be able to enjoy the rest of the series.
And I'll be interested in getting to know Bart's character. His presence should help Colleen from having to sacrifice her mission in order to save Liz and Nate at every turn. My one concern is will Liz chafe at having a bodyguard?
I'm disappointed we didn't get a glimpse of the Talbot family vacation. That would have been a hoot!
Also, thank heaven we've seen the last of Abigail and she won't pop up in future books. Unless she's an evil spirit come back to thwart Colleen. Oh no!...more
**spoiler alert** Surprise, surprise. I guessed the murderer (and his mix-up) early on.
Yay for Carolyn! She's finally getting that long-awaited grandc**spoiler alert** Surprise, surprise. I guessed the murderer (and his mix-up) early on.
Yay for Carolyn! She's finally getting that long-awaited grandchild. (Now, if she would just ditch that annoying husband of hers.)
I had thought "Lowcountry Boondoggle" would rate a 5 until the end. A couple of things took a star off the rating. First, I had guessed two books ago that the children in Liz' nightmare might be her niece and nephew. So, I'd think the idea would occur to a professional P.I., but it didn't until the idea smacked her in the face. Second, I'm upset with the direction the Colleen story line has taken. Liz is not the only one who will miss her. If there is a way to bring her back into the story, I hope it happens. I hope Liz and Nate realize nobody will be around to save them next time. To me, the way this book ended would be like "It's A Wonderful Life" ending without Clarence getting his wings. :( A bunch of recent secondary characters that I can't stand, such as Fraser and Darius, will probably hang around in future books, but one of my favorite characters (Colleen) is now gone.
Liz acted selfishly and took Colleen for granted, always expecting her to appear at her convenience even though she knew Colleen's mission concerned Stella Maris and not her cases. Colleen proved time and again to be a much more selfless character. ...more
"Lowcountry Boomerang" wasn't as interesting to me as some of the other books in the series. I also thought the ending to the case came out of left fi"Lowcountry Boomerang" wasn't as interesting to me as some of the other books in the series. I also thought the ending to the case came out of left field.
I used to enjoy the scenes with Liz' family, but now I cringe whenever she and Nate head to her parents' house. The family, especially the parents, have just become too over the top. They put the "dysfunction" in "dysfunctional". I feel sorry for the mother but my sympathy is waning since she just puts up with all the crap day after day, book after book. And the father's character has completely lost any charm he once held.
I really liked the introduction to Poppy in the last book. She was a kind-hearted, yet sassy (remember how she followed Sonny into the diner) woman and I thought she'd pair up nicely with Blake. In this book, however, she seems a little, well, boring. A character in danger of turning into a caricature like Carolyn and Frank Talbot (the parents). I'm back to thinking that Calista or Heather or even Moon Unit might be prove a more interesting love interest for Blake. ...more
"Lowcountry Bookshop" had a much more serious tone than past entries. I did not laugh as much as usual except when Liz and Nate spent time with her fa"Lowcountry Bookshop" had a much more serious tone than past entries. I did not laugh as much as usual except when Liz and Nate spent time with her family. Even that was more cringeworthy than funny, not to mention, bordering on the ridiculous. I felt so sorry for her mother. At the beginning of the series I liked her dad, but he has turned into an unlikeable character for me. Frank Talbot has absolutely no respect for his wife. I wish Carolyn would have followed her instincts and sent him packing instead of being talked out of it. On top of all the messes her husband continually creates, she is pining for grandchildren. We know Liz is unable to have children, but we find out in this book that Merry can't have kids, either. What the heck? When did that happen? And what's the point? So, her only hope is Blake and his succession of girlfriends because I don't see either daughter adopting in the near future. So far, Blake has dated Moon Unit, Calista, Heather and now Poppy. I truly hope she's the one. I like her character. Of course, I liked the other three, too. But we'll have to wait and see. Also, the storyline with Anne Frances was a stretch. All in all, a good book but somewhat different than the first six in the series....more
**spoiler alert** I liked having the mystery set on Stella Maris. I liked the way Liz and Nate probed for clues The guilty party was never a strong su**spoiler alert** I liked having the mystery set on Stella Maris. I liked the way Liz and Nate probed for clues The guilty party was never a strong suspect until a late reveal in the book, but Liz was picking up clues along the way leading up to the relevancy of the bonfire party.
If the interaction between Liz and Colleen is any indication, a disaster looms on the horizon for Stella Maris, imbuing the atmosphere of the books with a darker and more worrisome note.
My only complaint. I wish Merry had played a bigger part in the book. Her role seems to have diminished with each succeeding entry in the series. 90% of the action in "Lowcountry Bonfire" took place on Stella Maris, yet Merry wasn't in the book at all. ...more
This was okay. The book started slowly. The mystery was not as complex as previous books in the series. In fact, the secondary storyline involving BlaThis was okay. The book started slowly. The mystery was not as complex as previous books in the series. In fact, the secondary storyline involving Blake, Heather, Moon Unit and Sonny was more interesting to me.
I'm glad Nate finally knows about Colleen, so Liz doesn't have to keep things from him or make up lame excuses why she says something out loud that doesn't make sense to him. But I am not a fan of the scenes featuring all three of them. Nate messes up the interaction between Colleen and Liz. During these scenes, he reminds me of Darren from the TV show "Bewitched". And Darren was my least favorite character. I prefer scenes with Colleen to be her and Liz without Nate. Hopefully as time progresses, Nate will grow more comfortable with the ghost in their lives and the scenes with all three will improve. ...more
Really a 3.5. I rounded up because I like the series.
The pace was a little frantic since all the problems happen over a couple of days which made thiReally a 3.5. I rounded up because I like the series.
The pace was a little frantic since all the problems happen over a couple of days which made things confusing at times. I was glad Colleen played a bigger part, but she kind of disappeared halfway through the book. Her reappearance near the end at the wedding, however, made up for it. Especially after what she told Liz concerning Nate. I was hoping something to this effect might happen.
I found some things in this story a little more unbelievable than in previous entries in the series, especially concerning the wedding. At least the criminals are going to jail despite their money and influence, unlike the last book. ...more
**spoiler alert** First off, there was a lot more of Colleen in "Lowcountry Boneyard" than in the last entry which is a plus in my book. I think Ms. B**spoiler alert** First off, there was a lot more of Colleen in "Lowcountry Boneyard" than in the last entry which is a plus in my book. I think Ms. Boyer integrates the unusual character into the story well without making it all seem ridiculous. I liked the intricate plotting of Liz' case. The story is methodical, yet still interesting. Liz actually uses her brain and works to uncover clues unlike some other fictional female detectives who rely mainly on luck.
I'm also glad the Michael angle is well and truly over.
A couple of negatives came for me at the end, the biggest being the outcome for Kent, even if I did suspect what happened to her all along. Boy, how I wanted to be wrong! Susan Boyer did a good job of making Kent a vital character that the reader grows to care about and is rooting for even if we never meet her directly. Not always easy to do. Aside from Kent, I felt most sorry for Virginia. She's been bullied her entire life and ends up losing everything most precious to her. I'm also ticked that the worst offender who ignited all the misery for everyone involved is not punished.
I did like the hints that Blake and Calista might be involved. I look forward to seeing how that evolves in future stories. ...more
An interesting overview of the history of ancient Egypt. Every so often, the narrative gets a little bogged down, but then Barbara Mertz' trademark huAn interesting overview of the history of ancient Egypt. Every so often, the narrative gets a little bogged down, but then Barbara Mertz' trademark humor rights the ship. A recommended reading for those interested in basic Egyptian history. Also, good sources at the end if you care to delve deeper into the subject. ...more
Not as good as book one. The mystery was really pretty implausible. That said, I really liked the character of Calista and I hope she becomes a fixturNot as good as book one. The mystery was really pretty implausible. That said, I really liked the character of Calista and I hope she becomes a fixture in the series.
And what is with the romance novel-like sex scattered throughout the book? Out of place and added nothing to the story. Speaking of Liz' love life. I'm not sure how I feel about Nate and his caveman ways. I think Liz can do better than both Nate and Michael as each have an urge to control her. We'll see what happens. Also, not enough of Colleen or Liz' family in the book.
I do like the fact that Liz is intelligent and doesn't do stupid things just to create drama or move the plot along. A little romance novel trope thrown in, while not my favorite, isn't a dealbreaker. I'm sticking with the series for now. ...more
The start to this book was so slow. And I did not care for the skipping around of time periods. Because of this, I never became fully invested in the The start to this book was so slow. And I did not care for the skipping around of time periods. Because of this, I never became fully invested in the Wisconsin characters. And way too much repetition which probably helped slow the pace. One example near the beginning was the description of the outfit Sookie was wearing when she wanted to feed the birds in the back and front of the house. It must have been described a half-dozen times over 2 or 3 pages, almost like the author keep nudging us and saying isn't that funny. Maybe the first time or two, but I don't need to be hit over the head and told to laugh. I realize other people like this book, but just not for me. ...more
Engaging and well written. Kind of reminds me of the Stephanie Plum series but with a smarter detective. Susan Boyer does a good job of creating distiEngaging and well written. Kind of reminds me of the Stephanie Plum series but with a smarter detective. Susan Boyer does a good job of creating distinctive characters which is a must since so many populated this book. I only hope the burgeoning love triangle does not drag on through the entire series like it does in the Stephanie Plum books (which I stopped reading). I haven't seen enough of Drew to form an opinion, but my gut reaction to Michael is a big no. If Liz had returned to Stella Maris without all the added drama happening, I don't think Michael would have asked Marci for a divorce. Liz said it herself near the end. He stayed with Marci for vague, weak reasons. I also don't understand why Michael wouldn't want Marci to have an abortion. The child probably isn't his, so why would Marci even change her mind and bargain? After seeing what her character is like, I highly doubt her conscience would bother her.
I also liked the character of Colleen. Having a ghost as one of the main characters is an interesting twist, but not one which always works for me. It reminded me of Maggie Robinson's "Lady Adelaide" series which I also enjoyed.
I also found one fact strange. Liz, Michael and Moon Unit are all the same age. Yet Michael and Moon Unit's parents are the same age as Liz' grandparents. Say the grandparents are late sixties, early seventies (which seems about right). That means Liz' parents had her and her older brother when they were around 15 or 16. Yikes! Either that or Gram had Liz' mother when she was around 12. And I doubt that given the information in the book.
Despite this puzzling discrepancy, I look forward to reading more of the series. ...more
A good entry into the series. The mystery held my interest throughout even if the many different factions became confusing at times. I was glad to seeA good entry into the series. The mystery held my interest throughout even if the many different factions became confusing at times. I was glad to see the story focus on the mystery instead of banging away at how the New Faith wants to subjugate women like the last several books. I am with Fidelma and those who are against this tenant of the New Faith, but I also dislike having it repeated again and again. It's a mystery book. Concentrate on the mystery with the history sprinkled in. Like this one. I also like that there were several plausible suspects which kept my interest and kept me guessing.
A couple of reasons had me removing a star. Trying to make sense of all the warring factions and political intrigue at the end during Fidelma's roundup of the case was very confusing. Also, not all questions were answered. Who shot at Fidelma's part as they were traveling from Dicuil Dona's fortress to the mine keeper's place? At the time, it was insinuated that Aroc or Corbmac had done so, but the ending leaves a great deal of doubt. Yet, the moment is never addressed in Fidelma's case.
All in all, a good read and I look forward to the next one. ...more
**spoiler alert** I was leaning toward a four star rating, but the afterword where we got further information on Louise Erdrich's grandfather and fami**spoiler alert** I was leaning toward a four star rating, but the afterword where we got further information on Louise Erdrich's grandfather and family was so interesting I changed the rating to a 4.5, bumping it up to 5 for Goodreads.
I think this book is a lovely tribute to Erdrich's grandfather. It's also an important look at a time in history I'd never heard about. Now, I've known how difficult life is for Native Americans, what they've lost and the countless number of treaties broken, but I never realized that some politicians actually tried to terminate tribes. As if you can make a people disappear just because you want to. And they sure tried. In the afterword, we find out that these racist senators were actually successful in terminating over one hundred tribes, with over twenty tribes never reinstated. How very sad. But the fight put up by people like Erdrich's grandfather showed the inner strength and cultural pride of a people long downtrodden by outsiders. I do find it surprising that the senator who was the driving force behind the proposal managed to get as far as he did since he based his supposition on his Mormon religion. Isn't there supposed to be a separation of church and state? I was also surprised to read in the afterword that Richard Nixon was the one to end such a shameful policy in 1970. I now know that Nixon actually accomplished something positive during his presidency.
I really enjoyed Thomas' story. I love Erdrich's lyrical prose throughout. I'm not sure why, but her description of Millie Cloud struck me as so completely perfect. The only reason I took half a star off is because I didn't understand the need for the two different storylines. Yes, Patrice ends up going with the delegation to Washington, but her storyline did not really coincide with Thomas'. To me, it felt like two different books being welded into one. Maybe the storyline with Vera would have held more potency if it were it's own tale instead of me being distracted away by the other storyline, especially as it's a powerful storyline in it's own right.
I was also a little disappointed by the way Patrice and Wood Mountain's story ended. While I'm happy Patrice will get a chance to go to school, she seemed so attuned to her heritage and so much like her mother, I'm not sure she can ever be truly happy in a different environment. But maybe that's the point. Patrice is so immersed in her heritage, she would be in little danger of losing her true self if she ventures out into the wider world.
All in all, an interesting read and one of Erdrich's best. ...more
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