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Reviews by Mary Ellen L. (Canfield, OH)

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All the Old Knives
All the Old Knives
by Olen Steinhauer
All the Old Knives (12/10/2014)
Although a long time fan of mystery thrillers, this was my first read by Olen Steinhauer. I started the first few chapters, then put it aside until I had more time. I soon discovered, however, that although this is not a lengthy novel, it is best read in one or two sittings, due to the intricacies of a complex plot and characters. It is also a most unique thriller with an unusual plot presentation during the reunion dinner of its two main characters. Definitely worth that one-sitting read.
Under the Wide and Starry Sky
Under the Wide and Starry Sky
by Nancy Horan
Under the Wide and Starry Sky (10/31/2013)
Fans of Nancy Horan's "Loving Frank" will not be disappointed with her second novel. She manages to bring to life the equally fascinating characters of Louis and Fanny and their loving, but turbulent, relationship as they travel the world. Historical facts are expanded upon, bringing insight into the life of a famous author and his strong and remarkable wife. It is an ambitious work, which sometimes seemed a little more detailed than necessary, but well worth the read.
How the Light Gets In
How the Light Gets In: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, #9
by Louise Penny
How the Light Gets In (7/7/2013)
I recently read the first book in Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series and just finished this ninth. This book is a most impressive mystery. The characters are well-developed and memorable, the plot subtle and ingenious, and the mystery complex. A definite five-star rating is warranted. It was helpful to have read the first book in the series. My task now is to read the second, followed by the remaining novels.
A Nearly Perfect Copy
A Nearly Perfect Copy
by Allison Amend
A Nearly Perfect Copy (3/11/2013)
The title of this book is significant as it relates to forgery in the art world and the subject of cloning. It was, however, misclassified as a mystery. It is rather an in-depth character study of its two main characters with an insight into the art world. The characters are rather unlikeable and the subplot somewhat unbelievable. Although not my favorite read, it might be of interest to art enthusiasts.
The Roots of the Olive Tree
The Roots of the Olive Tree: A Novel
by Courtney Miller Santo
Roots of the Olive Tree (7/8/2012)
This is an engaging novel of five generations of women, each with amazing longevity, hidden strength and an intriguing story. Their many secrets unfold, although somewhat slowly, throughout the novel as the women question revealing them. The novel's setting on an olive tree farm in Northern California was also interesting to this Midwestern reader.
Cloudland
Cloudland: A Crime Novel
by Joseph Olshan
Cloudland (3/2/2012)
The discovery of a body by a former investigative reporter in rural Vermont begins a crime novel with unexpected connections and psychological twists and turns. The reader is led in many directions along with the reporter as she tries to solve both the serial murders and the problems in her life. There is an interesting tie-in to a Wilkie Collins novel which intrigued this bibliomystery fan. Although Cloudland is an absorbing mystery, I found the unsympathetic heroine and rather unlikeable characters to be distracting to total reading satisfaction.
A Partial History of Lost Causes
A Partial History of Lost Causes: A Novel
by Jennifer duBois
Not a lost cause (12/8/2011)
For a first novel from a young author, this is an amazing book. It is skillfully written in a clever style, interweaving the lives of its central characters looking for answers to life's difficult question.

The characters are more interesting than appealing. The story line proceeds through a political period (also pertinent today) in a compelling manner. It is a thought-provoking read.
The Most Dangerous Thing
The Most Dangerous Thing
by Laura Lippman
A most interesting read (8/6/2011)
This was an intriguing book, starting which the quote from my favorite Whittier poem. I anticipated a plot following the poem's story line, which I did not find. What developed was a skillfully written and absorbing story with its mystery aspect subordinated to the development of the characters and the effects of their childhood relationships upon their lives. Perhaps the author intended to leave her readers to ponder "what might have been."
Sister
Sister: A Novel
by Rosamund Lupton
Sister (5/15/2011)
Sister is an intriguing mystery which combines an unusual writing approach, a well-planned plot, and absorbing insights into family relationships and grief. It is a well-written, stylish novel with enough twists and clues presented in shifts of time and details to keep the reader intrigued as the plot develops. I found it to be a fast read and fortunately so, for I did not want to put it down.
The Philosophical Breakfast Club
The Philosophical Breakfast Club: Four Remarkable Friends Who Transformed Science and Changed the World
by Laura J. Snyder
The Philosophical Breakfast Club (1/1/2011)
The Philosophical Breakfast Club fulfills its promotional materials as a vivid portrait of four extraordinary men of 19th century science. The author has done extensive research into the details of their personal lives and scientific contributions, however occasionally these details were distracting. The four friends lived in an exciting time in scientific development and were instrumental in its progress. Laura Snyder gives us a renewed appreciation of this. If you have an interest in science, this is a must read.
The Nobodies Album
The Nobodies Album
by Carolyn Parkhurst
Memorable (6/3/2010)
This is an engrossing novel which this reader couldn't wait to finish and was distraught when she did. It combines a mystery with a family drama, skillfully presented by an inventive author. The murder mystery aspect is secondary to the exploration of family relationships and might have been more fully developed, although there are various other "mysteries" within the novel which are absorbing and memorable. Although this is the first Parkhurst novel I have read, it will not be the last.
Heresy
Heresy
by S.J. Parris
Heresy (11/30/2009)
Heresy is billed as a historical thriller and lives up to its promotional materials. The novel contains vivid descriptions of the turbulent 16th century as seen through the eyes of a renegade Italian monk visiting Oxford University. A mystery evolves which is solved by the visitor's intuition and wit, a pleasant diversion from the current crime-solving techniques of CSI. For history and mystery buffs, this is an interesting read.
Await Your Reply
Await Your Reply
by Dan Chaon
Await Your Reply (7/12/2009)
The author's prominence as a short-story writer is demonstrated by this latest publication, which incorporates three separate stories into a thrilling and surprising novel. The chapters rotate among the characters, leaving the reader to question the possible connection. If the reader follows closely, he or she is rewarded with a thrilling and unexpected conclusion.

The characters are forlorn and the novel somewhat dark, but if one enjoys short stories and surprise endings, this is a terrific read.
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