The Nazi Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill
by Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch
The Nazi Conspiracy (12/5/2022)
For those who eschew history, but enjoy a good spy story, this book is for you. And if you enjoy historical works regarding the Second World War, even better. Eminently readable, 'The Nazi Conspiracy' uses the German efforts to assassinate the three Allied leaders at their 1943 Tehran meeting (called to discuss the Allied D-Day invasion) as a framework to recount the personal, political, and military events - for both the Allies and Axis nations - as well as the geopolitical importance of Iran to both sides of the war, a subject that doesn't seem to be addressed in many books about World War II.
The Fields: A Novel
by Erin Young
The Fields (10/14/2021)
I loved this book and can't wait for the next book in the series. While ostensibly a murder mystery/police procedural, it slowly delves into and begins to reveal the secrets and issues of both the main and many secondary characters as well as the setting itself - agricultural Iowa. Add in a bit of political chicanery and the author has provided a riveting story.
The Lost Apothecary: A Novel
by Sarah Penner
The Lost Apothecary (8/28/2020)
This book focuses on 3 women - 2 in the 18th Century, and 1 in the 21st - seeking more from their lives. Through tragedy or circumstance, they look to help others (Eliza and Nella) or, just as importantly, themselves (notably, Caroline). Ultimately, all three women seek the opportunity to change or improve their lives. The book better evokes the London of the 1790's than that of 2020, but perhaps there is an assumption that the reader has some familiarity with the latter. The premise of Nella's work is a bit disquieting, but provides an interesting story line. Despite a slow start, I enjoyed 'The Lost Apothecary.'
The Women with Silver Wings: The Inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II
by Katherine Sharp Landdeck
The Women With Silver Wings (12/30/2019)
An engaging, inspiring history of the many women who served the WWII war effort and their decades-long fight for respect and recognition. Recounting personal histories of a number of the pilots, this is a fascinating read, weaving together the transport and training aspects of the program into what became the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). I highly recommend it.
Lady Clementine
by Marie Benedict
Lady Clementine (11/1/2019)
Lady Clementine, a novel as opposed to a biography, portrays Clementine as the person who molded Winston Churchill into the leader he became, the behind-the-scenes adviser in both personal and political matters. The book focuses on the years from their meeting and marriage to the end of World War II, moving from one important date to the next. I enjoyed the book, but it left me with a desire to know more about her life, and a desire to seek out a full biography of Clementine.
The Seine: The River that Made Paris
by Elaine Sciolino
The Seine - The River That Made Paris (9/13/2019)
I loved this fascinating exploration of the Seine and its impact on Northern France in general, and, of course, Paris. Often using personal experiences, the author explores how the river defines Paris culturally, socially, historically, and geographically. Tracing the Seine from its source to its end, she writes about - among other things - shipping, houseboats, policing, fishing, rowing on the river, and the many bridges of Paris. If you've been to Paris, you'll enjoy "The Seine;" if you've not been that lucky, this will have you booking a plane ticket ASAP.
Greek to Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen
by Mary Norris
Greek To Me (2/15/2019)
Part travelogue, part memoir, part tutorial, this book is an homage to the Greek language, Greek mythology, and their impact on the author's life. The book held my interest, but did end somewhat abruptly.
American Princess: A Novel of First Daughter Alice Roosevelt
by Stephanie Marie Thornton
American Princess (11/5/2018)
This take of Alice Roosevelt's life is a breezy entertaining read. While familiar with her basic story - eldest daughter of TR, and a character in her own right - 'American Princess' puts a human spin on her story, as the author tells it from Alice's point of view. I only wish that there had been more emphasis on her later life, but that lack of focus doesn't detract from the overall impression of Alice Roosevelt as a woman both of and ahead of her time. A very enjoyable read.
Fly Girls: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History
by Keith O'Brien
Fly Girls (5/27/2018)
I loved this book! While I'd expected to enjoy it, I found it absolutely riveting. While I'd heard of Amelia Earhart, of course, the names and lives of the other women were unfamiliar to me. The author does a wonderful job of bringing their stories to life - the accomplishments as well as the disappointments and tragedies. 'Fly Girls' is informative, well-written, and holds one's attention from beginning to end. I highly recommend it.
Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions
by Mario Giordano
Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions (1/1/2018)
Part travelogue, part cultural tutorial, and part character study, this leisurely paced murder mystery is a good fit for those who enjoy tales involving European settings, good food, and singular characters. The latter includes an overly curious protagonist - a Bavarian widow who has moved to Sicily to be near relatives - and a narrator who is heard but not seen. The murder plot seems almost an excuse to provide interesting and entertaining descriptions of Sicily and its culture, yet this isn't a drawback.... I look forward to more Auntie Poldi novels.
The Necklace
by Claire McMillan
The Necklace (6/4/2017)
Family mysteries and drama abound in several plots in two different time frames and connected by the titular necklace.While much of the book, past and present, is set in the Midwest, the lifestyle of the wealthy in the Roaring Twenties sets up issues to be faced in the present. With a bit of romance to add to the mystery and drama, The Necklace is a pleasant summer read.
The Comet Seekers
by Helen Sedgwick
The Comet Seekers (8/14/2016)
This book covers the anticipated arrival of various comets, and how the events of the time will impact the two protagonists. Written in a somewhat detached manner, and jumping back and forth between various time periods, this style is surprisingly effective and quietly affecting, subtly pulling the reader into the plot and the characters - of both the near future and the long ago past.
I'll See You in Paris
by Michelle Gable
I'll See You in Paris (12/24/2015)
Part mystery, part history (of a sort) and part romance, the plot revolves around two women: one in 1973 and the other in 2001. In both time periods, the action occurs mainly in Oxfordshire, England (and only moves to Paris for the denouement of the story. Fitting, perhaps...).
The author shifts back and forth between the two time periods and particularly in the beginning, this technique is uneven and occasionally jarring. However, as the plot progresses, the tactic works a bit better. I never really connected with either of the two main characters, but the mystery/history subplots held my interest. An entertaining, but not taxing, read....
Jade Dragon Mountain
by Elsa Hart
Jade Dragon Mountain (5/19/2015)
I loved this book! While ostensibly a mystery - and a nice one at that - the book uses the mystery to effortlessly provide information regarding early 18th Century Chinese history, culture and politics. The protagonist, Li Du, is an enigmatic figure at odds with his government, and while we learn something of his background and character, by book's end, there is clearly more to discover. Most interesting, however, was the rich background and detail set forth in the book, such as the description of a bustling town preparing for an imperial visit, the fog creeping over the mountain, or a simple tea set - not to mention the political mindset of the day. Absolutely fascinating... I can't wait for the next installment!
A Passion for Paris: Romanticism and Romance in the City of Light
by David Downie
A Passion for Paris (3/28/2015)
This book provides a tour of 19th Century Paris with the writers of the day as the "tour guides." The author intersperses his own exploration of the Parisian sites inhabited by the likes of Balzac, Baudelaire, Liszt, and Flaubert with the Paris in which they lived, loved and died. The author focuses on the Romantics - and the romanticism the city evokes. If not intimately familiar with Paris, having a map of the city at hand is helpful as the author moves across the city, following his subjects in their various neighborhoods and haunts. If not familiar with the authors, artists and composers, this book will provide a gossipy insight into their 19th Century lives as well as a look at the Paris of the time.
Backyard
by Norman Draper
Comic Fable (10/7/2014)
At one point, a minor character wonders whether the article he's writing should instead be a "comic fable" of how the masses act in their quest for acknowledgement. That describes Norman Draper's 'Backyard.' A bit of fantasy and mystery - and a lot of obsession - comprise this amusing chronicle of quirky, fanatical gardeners (a cast of characters in every sense of the word) as they vie for a gardening prize. Woven into the book - and perhaps its star - are the author's vivid descriptions of lush plants and evolving garden designs, which should (and did) appeal to even gardening novices like me.
That Summer
by Lauren Willig
That Summer (4/2/2014)
A good read that ended a bit abruptly.... I enjoyed the format, with parallel stories 160 years apart, and the story lines were interesting, if somewhat predictable. I wish that the author had explored the lead characters in each time line a bit more, and fleshed out the ending. It seemed rushed, with little explanation and a lingering mystery. The latter is likely intentional, but a bit unsatisfying. Still, I enjoyed the book, which held my interest throughout.
Through the Evil Days: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery
by Julia Spencer-Fleming
Through The Evil Days (8/26/2013)
An enjoyable read, this book is the latest in a series set in the Adirondacks. While I've not read the earlier books - and this would undoubtedly have been beneficial - the author provides enough background in this character-driven murder mystery for new readers to grasp the underlying tension/issues between and among the protagonists. The various subplots were woven together fairly seamlessly (likely more so for those who've read the entire series), and the ending has left me impatiently waiting for the next book. Until that's available, I'll have the pleasure of catching up on the earlier books in the series.
The Hour of Peril: The Secret Plot to Murder Lincoln Before the Civil War
by Daniel Stashower
Hour of Peril (12/9/2012)
"Hour of Peril" focuses on Abraham Lincoln's journey to Washington prior to his inauguration, and the danger he faced from those plotting to assassinate him in Baltimore; it's likely to appeal most to those interested in history and/or the Civil War.
The supporting cast is varied and fascinating, and includes detectives, spies, politicians of various ilk, soldiers, the famous Alan Pinkerton and Mr Lincoln, who - while the subject of the plot - takes a back seat to those working to see him safely to Washington. The technical, political and social details surrounding the journey to Washington draw from many sources and provide an interesting glimpse into the turmoil of the day.
A bit more structure/focus in the editing would be welcome, as there is little sense of suspense or how close the plotters came - or didn't - to succeeding. That said, "Hour of Peril" is an enjoyable read for those interested in 19th Century American history.
The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery
by Mary Jane Clark
The Look of Love (10/30/2011)
Arriving just before the pre-Halloween snowstorm here in the Northeast, this easy-going mystery was a pleasant way to set aside the premature winter outside the window. The plot, if not horribly original, held my interest. The killer wasn't too difficult to figure out, but there were enough red herrings to make you wonder if your guess was correct. My biggest issue relates to sentence and chapter length - both very short, which didn't seem to fit the otherwise "cozy" genre of the book.
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