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Reviews by Alan K. (Westport, MA)

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Exiles
Exiles: Aaron Falk Mystery #3
by Jane Harper
Excellent read (9/14/2022)
This is the third book in the of Aaron Falk series by Jane Harper. It is a stand alone so reading the first two is not necessary (but you should as they are wonderful also). Both the characters and setting are well-developed. The setting is Australia's wine country. This is …more
Catherine House
Catherine House: A Novel
by Elisabeth Thomas
Dreadful (3/15/2020)
I admit I am not a big fan of Gothic mysteries but, it did sound interesting so decided to give it a read. I found the characters poorly developed and unlikable. The amount of time spent on sex, drinking wine, vomiting and the smell of sweat was totally off-putting and if …more
The Splendid and the Vile
The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz
by Erik Larson
The Splendid and the Vile (1/28/2020)
Churchill's first months as Prime Minister and the bombing of England from 1940 to 1941. Larson is a storyteller and he casts a wide net to cover people and incidents that vary in their importance to the period. What's missing is an overarching historical perspective beyond …more
Force of Nature
Force of Nature: Aaron Falk Mystery #2
by Jane Harper
A Real Pager Turner (10/24/2017)
Although this is the second novel with Federal Agent Aaron Falk it can be read as a stand alone. Switching between the Federal Agents looking for a missing hiker and the hikers on a forced corporate retreat in the dangerous Australian bush it is a page turner right to the …more
Les Parisiennes
Les Parisiennes: How the Women of Paris Lived, Loved, and Died Under Nazi Occupation
by Anne Sebba
Little known history (7/24/2016)
Les Parisiennes covers the history of women in occupied France during World War II. All aspects are addressed from heroism and sacrifice to fraternizing with and aiding the Nazi occupiers. The occupation and post war period is covered year by year. Best are the stories of …more
Home by Nightfall
Home by Nightfall: A Charles Lenox Mystery
by Charles Finch
Gentle, Fast Read (10/9/2015)
The ninth in the series, Home By Nightfall certainly can be read as a stand alone. Gentlemen sleuths, simultaneous mysteries, well developed characters and a good feel for both the English countryside as well as grittier London combine for a good read with a cup of tea. …more
The Paris Winter
The Paris Winter
by Imogen Robertson
Paris in the Winter (7/28/2014)
Set in the winter of 1909-1910, The Paris Winter is a page turning historical fiction focusing on the lives of a group of women artists. It has mysteries and plot twists along the way. The characters are well drawn, the living conditions of Paris are showcased and the …more
The Devil in the Marshalsea
The Devil in the Marshalsea
by Antonia Hodgson
The Devil in the Marshalsea (4/17/2014)
Historical fiction set in the streets and debtors' prison in 1720's London. Fascinating material, well defined characters and a page turner. Highly recommend for fans of period pieces and mysteries.
How the Light Gets In
How the Light Gets In: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, #9
by Louise Penny
Another hit for Penny (7/19/2013)
Although this is number nine in the Gamache series and does answer many unanswered questions from past books, it can certainly be read as a stand alone. Penny's characters are well-developed with Gamache as the moral gauge. The plot and mystery is complex, subtle and quite …more
Palisades Park
Palisades Park
by Alan Brennert
Palisades Park (2/27/2013)
A little history and a little nostalgia frame this family drama that covers 50 years of the Stropka family and their close connection with the old Palisades Amusement Park. The writing is serviceable at best and awkward at times but Brennert is a natural storyteller and …more
The House of Velvet and Glass
The House of Velvet and Glass: A Novel
by Katherine Howe
House of Velvet and Glass (4/21/2012)
A totally enjoyable read with a mixture of fact and fiction, jumping forth and back in time. There is good character development with excellent description of life of the upper classes of pre-war Bostonians. The book covers the issues of addiction, mysticism and loss. Definitely recommend.
The Kitchen Daughter
The Kitchen Daughter: A Novel
by Jael McHenry
The Ktichen Daughter-Good read! (5/9/2011)
This is a delightful read with an inventive and enlightening approach to the confusing and challenging world of Aspergers. It is especially fun for folks who enjoy cooking. Highly recommend.
Bury Your Dead
Bury Your Dead: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, #6
by Louise Penny
Bury Your Dead (10/6/2010)
Good characterization; excellent description of the many years-long stress and strife between the Quebecois and the Anglo Canadians; fun way to experience Quebec City; three mysteries solved ... all in all a fun book and, although part of a series, can be read with comfort …more
The Crossing Places
The Crossing Places: A Ruth Galloway Mystery
by Elly Griffiths
The Crossing Places (12/3/2009)
I agree with Betty B. although a 5, in my mind reserved for the best of the best, seems too high a rating. The plot is enjoyable, the setting great but it is the character of Ruth Galloway that captures my primary interest. I would definitely be interested in reading …more
The Earth Hums in B Flat
The Earth Hums in B Flat
by Mari Strachan
The Earth Hums in B Flat (5/16/2009)
This is the story of a gentle, imaginative 12 year old who is the narrator and voice of the story of a small Welsh town in the 1950's. It is a story of long hidden secrets and enlightening revelations. This coming of age tale is a great read. Highly recommended.
Murder in Mykonos
Murder in Mykonos
by Jeffrey Siger
Murder in Mykonos (11/14/2008)
A somewhat derivative mystery that is fast moving and suspenseful. Surprisingly stilted dialogue and an unfortunate emphasis on the tortuous ordeal of the latest victim mars what is a fast paced exercise in the race the clock thriller genre. In the end this page turner will …more
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