I Wish I Lived In a Library

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Still Life - Mystery Review

Still Life (Armand Gamache #1) by Louise Penny (Amazon link)

Rating: Good
Source: Library

Description: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec and his team of investigators are called in to the scene of a suspicious death in a rural village south of Montréal and yet a world away. Jane Neal, a long-time resident of Three Pines, has been found dead in the woods. The locals are certain it's a tragic hunting accident and nothing more but Gamache smells something foul this holiday season…and is soon certain that Jane died at the hands of someone much more sinister than a careless bowhunter.

Genre: Mystery

Why I Picked This Book: I've been wanting to try Louise Penny since I started hearing raves when I first started blogging.

My Impression: Louise Penny's Armand Gamache series is one that I've been wanting to read since I first heard of it early on in my blogging life. It's one that as a life long mystery reader I'm kind of surprised I hadn't stumbled on long before then. There are so many elements that I absolutely love in a mystery - it's a police procedural mystery but also with a human element. It's not cutesy or silly but not too gritty, gore-y, or dark either. Most procedurals I have read in the past take place in the UK so this series having a Canadian setting was a nice treat.
This was series I'd been told many times that I needed to start at the beginning and after reading this I can see why. There are so many personalities and relationships that I can already see the potential for development and being in at the beginning seems important. I love Gamache and the rest of the team (except for one but I think that was intended) and watching the different ways they interacted with the suspects and witnesses was interesting. I also enjoyed being a fly on the wall as they pooled information and discussed theories.
The mystery was interesting and the conclusion was surprising. There were lots of red herrings and false leads and I was surprised by the end and loved how the pieces fit together. This wasn't the fastest paced mystery. I wouldn't say it dragged at any point but each piece of evidence was uncovered carefully. I enjoyed it and the characters and will certainly be picking up the 2nd book in the series very soon. However, I had a hard time rating this one. If it was completely a stand alone I think I would have rated it as Good or 3 Stars without hesitation. But because it is part of a series and I can see the potential for so much growth and I'm really excited to see more of the characters I was very tempted to rate this higher even though for the book itself it was a solid 3.
If you are looking for a solid mystery and enjoy authors like Deborah Crombie than this would be a great pick. As an added bonus you'll have a number of books to catch up on while you wait for Crombie's next book!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Absolutely! I enjoyed this book and really saw the potential for a great series.

Would I Recommend this Book?: I definitely would. If you enjoy police procedurals than I think you'd love this book.

Friday, June 9, 2017

Friday Linkups - Accidentally on Purpose

It's Friday linkup time! I'm linking up with the Book Blogger Hop hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer, Book Beginnings of Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, and the Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice

This Week's Book Blogger Hop Question:
If you could have lunch with any living author/and/or book bloggers, who would you choose and why?

My Answer:

Author-wise Jill Shalvis, Sarah MacLean, or Julia Quinn because every interview I've heard from them has been amazing. I haven't heard as much from mystery authors though I've really enjoyed all the interviews I've read or listened to from Stephen King.

Blogger-wise this is impossible! There are so many fantastic bloggers that I'd really love to have lunch with that there's no way I can answer this! Maybe all the book bloggers should just get together for a big massive party!

This week's book was another random library grab but it's one from one of my favorite romance authors - Jill Shalvis. Accidentally on Purpose is one of the more recent books in the Heartbreaker Bay series and while I usually prefer to read a series in order when I'm reading for pleasure I couldnt' resist this one when I saw it sitting on the shelf at the library. I'm a little more than halfway through and really enjoying it! I'm looking forward to going back and catching up on the series.

The Beginning:

It was a good thing Elle Wheaton loved being in charge and ordering people around, because if it wasn't for the thrill of having both those things in her job description, she absolutely didn't get paid enough to handle all the idiots in her world.

My Thoughts:

I really like this beginning. I definitely get a sense of who Elle is and what her job is like.

The 56:

He'd realized he wasn't cut out for having his hands tied just because his idea of right and wrong didn't match up with someone else's.

My Thoughts:

This makes him sound much more rebellious than he really is but his reasons for thinking this way really define his character.

So what do you think? Keep reading? Who would you like to have lunch with?

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Treble at the Jam Fest - Blog Tour Cozy Mystery Review + Giveaway

Treble at the Jam Fest (A Food Lovers' Village Mystery)

Cozy Mystery 4th in Series Midnight Ink (June 8, 2017)

Paperback: 288 pages ISBN-13: 978-0738752402 E-Book ASIN: B01M1FC4OK

Erin Murphy, manager of Murphy’s Mercantile (aka the Merc), is tuning up for Jewel Bay’s annual Jazz Festival. Between keeping the Merc’s shelves stocked with Montana’s tastiest local fare and hosting the festival’s kick-off concert, Erin has her hands full.

Discord erupts when jazz guitarist Gerry Martin is found dead on the rocks above the Jewel River. The one-time international sensation had fallen out of sync with festival organizers, students, and performers. Was his death an accident—or did someone even the score?

Despite the warning signs to not get involved, Erin investigates. And when the killer attacks, she orchestrates her efforts into one last crescendo, hoping to avoid a deadly finale.

My Thoughts:

I have been wanting to read one of Leslie Budewitz's books since her first Spice Shop Mystery came out which led me to discover that she also had a Food Lover's Village series. How was I supposed to resist either of those? She might as well have put my name on the cover and said "This is for you". I had high expectations going into Treble at the Jam Fest and this mystery more than lived up to them! I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this entertaining mystery. I would love to go shop at the Merc and visit Jewel Cove and I really enjoyed getting to know Erin, Adam, her family, and all the rest of the residents. The balance of regular life to mystery solving was fantastic. It always annoys me when the main character doesn't actually every show up at her day job but at the same time I don't want to be bogged down in chapters about inventory control. Here we get touches of Erin's regular life (which is pretty busy even before she has murder solving on her To Do list) mixed in with a healthy dose of mystery solving. The mystery was very entertaining and very well done. Erin is super curious but never strays into TSTL territory or purposely hides important information from the police. I stayed up more than a little past my bedtime because I just had to finish the book and find out whodunit! My only problem is that all the food talk made me hungry! If you haven't read any books in this series I don't think you'd have any problem jumping in right here. As for me, I'm going to go find my copy of the first Spice Shop mystery and dive in! Rating: Very Good

About The Author Leslie Budewitz is the author of the Food Lovers’ Village Mysteries and the Spice Shop Mysteries—and the first author to win Agatha Awards for both fiction and nonfiction. She lives in northwest Montana with her husband, a musician and doctor of natural medicine, and their cat Ruff, a cover model and avid bird-watcher. Connect with her on her website, http://www.LeslieBudewitz.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

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Tour Participants
June 6 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW
June 6 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW
June 6 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT
June 7 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 7 – A Cozy Experience – REVIEW
June 8 – I Wish I Lived in a Library – REVIEW
June 8 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
June 9 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
June 9 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT
June 10 – Valerie's Musings – REVIEW
June 10 – Bookworm Cafe – SPOTLIGHT
June 11 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT
June 11 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
June 12 – Author Annette Drake's blog – INTERVIEW
June 12 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 13 – Books Direct – GUEST POST
June 13 – Queen of All She Reads – SPOTLIGHT
June 14 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW
June 14 – Deal Sharing Aunt – INTERVIEW
June 15 – Classy Cheapskate – REVIEW
June 15 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – GUEST POST
June 16 – Varietats – REVIEW
June 16 – Teresa Trent Author Site – SPOTLIGHT
June 17 - Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW
June 18 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
June 19 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 19 – My Journey Back – REVIEW
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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Riversnow - Fiction Review

Riversnow (River Valley #4) by Tess Thompson

Rating: Good
Source: Author

Description: Genevieve Banks is beautiful and successful - and one of Hollywood's highest paid actresses.
While filming opposite Hollywood's heartthrob Stefan Spencer in River Valley, Genevieve and Stefan form a deep friendship. He wants to take their relationship to the next level, but a violent incident from Genevieve's past has made her feel intimacy is an impossibility.

When her closely guarded secret is revealed, Genevieve is forced into a decision: Stay silent and let others suffer or bravely confront her violent past and the man who hurt her.

Genre: Fiction

Why I Picked This Book: The blurb caught my attention and it sounded like an interesting read.

My Impression:
I liked:
The world Thompson created. It reminded me a little bit of the world Emily March creates with her books. Gennie and Stefan need a refuge and they find it in River Valley.

That it's a stand alone but part of a series. While there are other couples from previous books involved in the story not reading their books did not keep me from enjoying this book. Though I do want to go back and read earlier books.

The message. There's some trigger issues here. Sexual assault is a plot point and abortion is discussed. The message and the discussion is very empowering and non-judgemental without straying over too preachy. The religious angle was also done well. Gennie's Catholic upbringing is discussed but never in a way that felt like an agenda was being pushed. It was strength and comfort.

The writing style was incredibly readable. This really connected with me in quickly and was a book I could have easily read in one setting if it had been possible.

I Didn't Like:
The dialogue was a bit stilted. I liked what the characters were saying but the way they said it read a little forced.

Not a huge amount of character development. Gennie and Stefan are a little on the perfect side and I didn't feel like I knew them much better from when I started though I did like them from beginning to end. The book is only about 200 pages so this could be just a length limitation.

Overall:
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Riversnow. I liked Gennie and I really wanted to see what happened as the story unfolded. It wasn't perfect but it was a quick enjoyable read that was perfect for a lazy afternoon.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: I would. I'd like to read the stories of the other couples I met in this book - especially Tommy and Lee's.

Would I Recommend this Book?: If you enjoy contemporary fiction and are looking for a quick read that will keep you engaged this is a good pick.

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Top Ten Tuesday - New on TBR from the Mystery Genre

This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic from The Broke and the Bookish is New TBR Additions from X Genre. Since I've been all about mysteries lately I decided to focus on the new mysteries I've added.

1. Nun Too Soon by Alice Loweecey - This cozy mystery series about a former nun turned private investigator didn't really grab me when it first came out but I've read some fantastic reviews of the series so I need to give it a try.

2. Lost Legacy by Annette Dashofy - This series has been on my radar for awhile and the 2nd book involves a 45 year old murder. Old crimes are my favorite so this definitely needs to go on my TBR!

3. Sulfur Springs by William Kent Krueger - I read the first few in this series years and years ago but then kind of forgot about it. I really want to get caught up - especially since this is #16!

4. I Am Half Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley - I really enjoyed the first three Flavia de Luce books so I'm really looking forward to reading #4. Luckily my library has them all on audio!

5. The Anatomist's Wife by Anna Lee Huber - This is a historical mystery series that I don't know too much about but I've heard some great things from trusted bloggers. I'm really looking forward to trying the first book.

6. Good Girls Don't Die by Isabelle Grey - I don't remember where I saw this but I love police procedurals - especially British Police Procedurals and this sounds like an interesting mystery.

7. Hunting Hour by Margaret Mizushima - This is a K9 police procedural and every book I've seen in the series looks better than the last. I'm really looking forward to trying it out!

8. The Honeymoon by Tina Seskis - When her new husband vanishes on their picture perfect honeymoon, Jemma's perfect new life goes up in smoke. It's got a very Ruth Ware feel to it!

9. Deadly Scandal by Kate Parker - Another historical murder mystery - this one set in 1930s London. This one is full of international politics and a woman investigating her husband's murder.

10. The Trouble with Mirrors by Charlotte Elkins - I've been a fan of Aaron Elkins since I first discovered one of his Gideon Oliver books back in college. I'm curious about this one which is part of a series that he and his wife co-wrote for years. It's the first one I've seen written by just her.

What books have you added to your TBR recently?

Monday, June 5, 2017

Reviews from the Children's Section - Cheaper by the Dozen and Belles on Their Toes

One of my favorite genres and one that is the easiest for me to push aside is middle grade fiction. This year to make sure I get a little more children's and young adult fiction I thought I would designate the first Monday of every month Middle Grade Monday. While a lot of my picks this year are classics I am trying to branch out a little bit and read new or at least recent releases. This month is 2 of my very favorite childhood books.

Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey - I'm an only child and growing up my house was quiet and orderly. I couldn't imagine the chaos and noise and just all the people that existed in the Gilbreth home but I was captivated by it. I read this book probably dozens of times and each time I was completely delighted with it. Reading it as an adult and parent in no way diminishes the delight though it did add an element of understanding and admiration. Dad is the central character in this book. I learned a little bit about the kids but the person I really felt like I knew was Dad. He's brilliant, enthusiastic, with a huge sense of humor. At the same time he's a fairly strict disciplinarian and an enormous softy. This telling is through the eyes of 2 of his children and while he isn't flawless he is definitely beloved. I think my favorite part was when when the older girls have gotten to high school and are wanting to dress trendier and date. I found the frustration of the parents so familiar! Surely there are other parents who are sensible in the school and don't allow their children to bob their hair (or in modern terms get an iPhone in elementary school). And that ending... If it doesn't bring a tear to your eye than I think there's a Grinch audition you need to get too! Rating: Loved it!

Belles on the Toes picks up right where Cheaper by the Dozen leaves off. For the first time the dozen are left on their own and the importance of holding everything together is enormous. While Anne, age 18 and in her 2nd year at Smith, is in charge all of the older children have their part and the Gilbreth system is on full display. The sequel runs through Jane's, the youngest child, graduation and into the future as all of the children become adults. This book isn't as full of zany antics but it is no less enjoyable and full of sweet moments and bits of humor. I loved the oh so casual threats of bodily harm or murder as well as the boys' treatment of Ernestine's boyfriend. It definitely kept them from coming off as too good to be true. Mother takes a more pivotal role in this book and is really a fascinating woman in her own right. While not the loudest and flamboyant of personalities she knows how to get what she wants and it was fun to see that really spotlighted. I also really enjoyed getting a glimpse into the adult life of the dozen (well 11 really - Mary died in 1911). I found myself looking up the various children to find out what happened to them next. It seems that both Ernestine and Frank Jr. (separately) wrote other books after this one and I'm going to do my best to track them down as well as a biography on Lillian herself. Rating: Loved it!

Since these books was written in the late 1940s there's the question of how dated do they seem. I must say for the most part they don't feel dated at all. There are some references that wouldn't cut it anymore (such as Mother's calling all things vulgar "Eskimo") so I did have a few cringes but these were only the occasional mention. I did find the treatment of women interesting. Mother has a college degree and is her husband's full partner in the business. She does a lot of the proofreading and he depends on her for her judgement and opinion. As well the academic standards were no different for the girls than they were for the boys. All children were expected to learn the same things and to excel. Frank Sr. does mention that he wished he'd had all boys but that was when the two oldest girls had just started dating so that feels pretty justified.

I loved these books as a child so I can't say for certain how a new reader would feel about them but I think it'd be hard not to be completely delighted!

Sunday, June 4, 2017

This Week in Reading - June 4

It's Sunday Post time! This is hosted by the awesome Caffeinated Book Reviewer and gives us all a chance to recap our week.

What I Got:

A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas - This was a NetGalley request that I really didn't expect to get. I almost deleted the email without reading it because I was so sure I didn't get it so there was some serious happy dancing when I saw it was an approval! I actually haven't read the first book (though it's coming up on my list - especially now that I've gotten this one) but I heard an interview with Sherry Thomas on Smart Podcasts Trashy Books and she was amazing. I'm super excited about this one. (NetGalley)

Currently:

Reading: Accidentally On Purpose by Jill Shalvis and Treble at the Jam Fest by Leslie Budewitz

Listening: I just finished First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones and I'm taking a break from audio books to listen to podcasts because I'm massively behind (like listening to podcasts from January kind of behind.). I'm really enjoying Stuff You Missed in History Class at the moment.

Watching: J and I finished Life in Pieces so now we're at loose ends as to what to watch. I'm also very sad that Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders was cancelled though not terribly surprised. I haven't seen any new shows coming in the fall but I'm hoping there will be a few good ones.

Off the Blog:

This was our first week of school being out and it was pretty nice! We didn't do too much and the down time was much appreciated. I think the Tornado is still fighting off a cold that's been around for the last few weeks. He keeps having a few days of super congestion and a cough and then it will fade away and then come back for a few days. I'm hoping some rest will finally get rid of it. We're working on getting a routine set up so he doesn't watch too much TV. This next week I'm hoping to get to the Botanical Gardens. They have a dinosaur exhibit that I think he'll love.

We are getting ready for our first camping trip in our RV next weekend and I"m so excited! We're only going for a weekend and we won't be that far away from home but it'll still be nice to get out for a bit. My To Do list to get ready is pretty huge as there's still a lot of stuff we have to figure out but I think next time will be much easier. And of course there will be a next time! I'm already working on the plan for that.

We've been on the birthday party circuit this last month and had our last one yesterday (Saturday). The Tornado has been looking forward to it for weeks. It was at a pool and the weather held up. It was good to see his classmates and he had a good time but I'm glad to be done with birthday parties for a little while!