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Reviews by Linda P. (Medford, WI)

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Hunters in the Dark
Hunters in the Dark
by Lawrence Osborne
Cambodian Ennui (11/14/2015)
I'm sorry this novel is finished. When I first started HUNTERS IN THE DARK I didn't connect to the characters or the environment, and I seriously considered not continuing, but then Mr. Osbourne's magic with the written word hooked me. I found myself reading snippets whenever I could find the time. Though I still find myself less than enchanted with the core cast, I think my time well invested because the author is damned good. I will more than likely look up his other titles. By the way, that was a great cover choice.
Jade Dragon Mountain
Jade Dragon Mountain
by Elsa Hart
A Chinese Mystery (6/11/2015)
Elsa Hart's debut novel was a delight. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the characters, & the 1700's setting of Jade Dragon Mountain. I sense a series starting, & it will be one on my radar. Li Du & the people he encounters on his journey at the outer section of China entwine & deliver a most satisfying tale. My cup of tea!
The Wild Girl
The Wild Girl
by Kate Forsyth
A Grimm Tale (4/18/2015)
This was my first reading of Kate Forsyth's work, but it will not be my last. The Wild Girl wove together history, fairy tales, and day to day scenarios of German life during Napoleon's rise and fall. To say that it was interesting belittles the scope that Ms. Forsyth achieved. She may have taken liberties with facts, and yes, some of this was difficult to read, but over all, this was a fascinating read. I will re-read my Grimm's with new eyes!
Whispering Shadows
Whispering Shadows
by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Suspense in Modern Day China (1/15/2015)
This novel started on a hopeless note and concluded with a grain of optimism. The storyline takes us there. I enjoyed this book very much. I liked the characters and the location. China is such a mystery. It is the focal point of this novel, the sights, sounds, smells, and bustle. Literally, everything is made in China, and with the new capitalism comes the corruption. This plays a key point in this story. The writing flowed smoothly. I will definitely read this author again, starting with "The Art of Hearing Heartbeats".
The Rabbit Back Literature Society
The Rabbit Back Literature Society
by Pasi Ilmari Jaaskelainen
The Game is Afoot (11/1/2014)
This was a wonderful read, filled with literary aspirations, childhood remembrances, psychological hi-jinks, with mythological overtones thrown in. This translated novel was a quick read. It was overlaid with sadness, but I really enjoyed it. It was a definite October book. I also love books about books.
The Quick
The Quick
by Lauren Owen
Not Just Another Vampire Story (4/15/2014)
This was an atmospheric Victorian novel with all the glitter & decay of that time period, but revolving around the vampire society. THE QUICK was a fast & entertaining read. Definitely a good debut! I could not fault the ending. Ms. Owen-----another, please!
The Lion in the Lei Shop
The Lion in the Lei Shop
by Kaye Starbird
A Wonderful Rediscovered Novel (6/3/2013)
I found this to be an excellent read. The chapters alternating between April's ( the mother) & Marty's ( the young daughter) points- of- view of the same events was fascinating. The novel reminds one of how events can have lasting effects on the young & old alike. I've always enjoyed a good home front story, & this had a neat twist to it that makes it easy to understand why Nancy Pearl chose this as a "rediscovered treasure."
Peking to Paris
Peking to Paris: Life and Love on a Short Drive Around Half the World
by Dina Bennett
Car Rally Delight (4/10/2013)
This was a quick read which took me on an adventure I was totally unfamiliar with. The thought of traveling 7,901 miles in
a 1940 La Salle from China to France recreating a rally race from 100 years ago is mind-boggling. I enjoyed the novelty of the rally itself, the constant mechanical issues, & the interaction of the racers. The luxury of being able to do something of this nature is way beyond me, but many thanks for letting me come along vicariously through your book.
Calling Me Home
Calling Me Home
by Julie Kibler
A Great Debut (12/14/2012)
Julie Kibler's story starts slowly. Two distinct personalities, races, & ages that seem so disimiliar that one wonders how this is going to come together, but come together it does, beautifully! I so enjoyed this novel & look forward to reading Ms. Kibler's works in the future. Four stars for Miss Isabelle & Dorrie!
The Edge of the Earth
The Edge of the Earth
by Christina Schwarz
An Enjoyable Read (11/3/2012)
This was my second read by Christina Schwarz. I enjoyed Drowning Ruth very much, so I thought this would be a good fit for my reading pleasure. I was right! The scenery & historical timeline was right up my alley, but the story itself was a bit melodramatic. I couldn't stop reading tho, esp. towards the end, & that's the sign of a good book. Would definitely recommend this title.
The Age of Miracles
The Age of Miracles: A Novel
by Karen Thompson Walker
What If? (6/3/2012)
Something is terribly wrong. Everything that you took for granted can no longer be counted on. The narrator is 11, dealing with middle school issues, and something too terrible to contemplate. The writing is flawless. This author is someone to return to. The subject makes you think---what if? I highly recommend this novel for YA & adults.
Bloom
Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected - A Memoir
by Kelle Hampton
A Book to be Savored (2/29/2012)
Bloom by Kelle Hampton is a wonderful book. Her prose and photos blend into a beautiful life-affirming journey about what really counts. I so enjoyed meeting her family through her words. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Run out and get this title. Enjoy!
The Orphan Master's Son
The Orphan Master's Son: A Novel
by Adam Johnson
Not My Cup of Tea (11/8/2011)
Adam Johnson is a very good writer. I just didn't enjoy his novel. I thought I would enjoy it by it's blurb, but I was wrong. I'm sure The Orphan Master's Son will appeal to many, but it left me feeling sad. Enough said.
Low Town
Low Town: A Novel
by Daniel Polansky
Low Town (6/8/2011)
Low Town is an extremely dark fantasy. The writing style and the short action-packed chapters grabbed my attention and kept it. The atmosphere and the characters of Low Town were unappealing and grim, but I would read this author again. Anyone in the mood for something gruesome, quick, and entertaining should take up Daniel Polansky's debut novel.
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