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Reviews by Judith W. (Brooklyn, NY)

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The Fortune Hunter
by Daisy Goodwin

A guilty pleasure... (4/16/2014)

Don't know why I feel guilty about enjoying romantic novels, but I do. I really enjoyed this book so much that I went to look up the actual facts about the story. Each of the main characters was sympathetic and I found it hard to put the book down. I have not read this author previously and will not look for her books in the library.

I Am Livia
by Phyllis T. Smith

Live live Livia! (12/28/2013)

Livia was one of my favorite characters in PBS's production of "I, Claudius" and it was rewarding to read her story from her point of view. Would have read this in one sitting if I could (but did devour it in a few days). The story was compelling enough that I was waiting to see 'how it turned out', even though I already knew parts of the story. This has also reawakened my interest in Roman history and I am pulling out Massie's 'Augustus' and looking for my copy of 'I, Claudius'.

Letters from Skye
by Jessica Brockmole

Interesting....I guess (7/7/2013)

I enjoyed about 3/4s of this book, but had to struggle to get to the end. However, I did want to know how it turned out, so it couldn't have been too bad. The premise initially intrigued me, but it went on too long, and (though it may have been intended) the 'secret' of the protagonist's father did not last very long.

The Lion in the Lei Shop
by Kaye Starbird

New perspective (5/28/2013)

This enjoyable yet moving book shone a new light on the Pearl Harbor attack. I had not really thought much about the effects of the attacks other than the military disaster and loss. Very much appreciated the presentation of the viewpoints of both mother and daughter and the lingering effects of the war on the family. Have already recommended it to others.

The Spy Lover
by Kiana Davenport

Wish I could have read it in one sitting (1/3/2013)

I couldn't put this book down. Not only were the characters compelling and the plot engrossing, but I learned something new. I was not aware of the Chinese presence in the Union Army. My awareness of their history at that time was limited to the building of the railroads in the far west, so found this a good addition to my fund of knowledge. Will look for other books by this author as I love her writer's voice.

The Darkening Field: A Novel
by William Ryan

Good Russian Cop (12/8/2011)

I enjoyed this book and liked the main character. A good solid police procedural in an unusual setting in a time period and place I am unfamiliar with, and about which I would now like to learn more. Will definitely be reading the author's first novel and look forward to the next.

The Most Dangerous Thing
by Laura Lippman

Unintended consequences..... (8/11/2011)

I would recommend this to anyone. I enjoyed reading about how secrets kept, and lies told to oneself and others can affect the lives of all involved. I also found the various relationships between and within the families and the children most interesting.

Three Seconds
by Anders Roslund & Borge Hellstrom

Faster than a speeding bullet, it's.................. (1/4/2011)

Once I suspended my disbelief, I found this book completely engrossing. I also enjoyed the experience of rooting both for the 'criminal' and the detective and found the ending completely satisfying. Great characters and action!

The True Memoirs of Little K: A Novel
by Adrienne Sharp

True Memoirs of Little K (9/15/2010)

I enjoyed this book for the background information on the life of the upper classes and the Tsar and the world of the ballet. I had never heard of 'Little K' before and am inclined now to do some research and find out more about her. That said, it is certainly clear why there was a revolution - all that wealth concentrated on the few and supported by the misery of the many.

After the Fall
by Kylie Ladd

Just OK. (7/14/2010)

While I mostly enjoyed this book, I would not rate it among the best as I don't think it says anything new about adultery or marriage or the human condition in general. The two main protagonists are not particularly likable or sympathetic - I think they both got their just deserts in the end. That said, it did keep one turning the pages to see how it all came out. It also took a while to get used to the hopping from one character to another chapter by chapter.

The Hand that First Held Mine: A Novel
by Maggie O'Farrell

Couldn't put it down (3/9/2010)

If I could have read this in one sitting I would have, but available time did not allow. Enjoyed both story lines and found the back and forth interesting, though it took me some time to tumble to the underlying relationship between the two stories. Also found the contrasts between the two showed how things have changed between the two time frames. Will look out for more from this author.

The Crossing Places: A Ruth Galloway Mystery
by Elly Griffiths

The Crossing Places (10/30/2009)

This is a good start for a series that I hope carries on. The pairing of the female archeologist and the policeman works nicely and the plot and setting are different enough to hold one's interest. I was a little disappointed not to have more motivation supplied for the kidnapper/murderer but the book was on the whole a satisfying read.

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