"With rich historical detail, nuanced characters, and gorgeous prose, Fiona Davis once again delivers a compulsively readable novel that peels back the layers of not only a famed institution, but the lives -- and lies -- of the beating hearts within."

It does sound enjoyable.

Even though it's not a huge part of the book.

Currently on A Feast for Crows. I wish I had read the books first.

I know what you mean.

The book I read before this one The Night Strangers was also his. I had never read him before and was so impressed I immediately checked out another one of his books.

From the jacket on this one:
Hoping to safeguard themselves from the ravages of World War II within the walls of their ancient villa in Florence, the noble Rosati family become prisoners in their home when 18-year-old Cristina's courtship by a German lieutenant prompts the Nazis to take over the estate, a situation that leads to a serial murder investigation years later.

that does sound really good.

Thanks.

Almost done with it, and it was an award-winning worthwhile read that I somehow missed for the past 20 years. Lots of plot twists and reveals. The narrative seems to be a little disjointed at times, but it is covering a somewhat extended period of time and everything eventually ties together.


Plot summary (Wikipedia):

In the novel, a new form of endogenous retrovirus has emerged, SHEVA. It controls human evolution by rapidly evolving the next generation while it is in the womb, leading to speciation.

The novel follows several characters as the "plague" is discovered as well as the panicked reaction of the public and the US government to the disease.

In light of all that's happening now. "..a puzzle that will determine the future of the human race ... if a future exists at all." Yup.

It's the coming of age story of a motherless black boy raised by his grandma in Chicago 40 years ago. Bump tells the story with a light touch. I'm giving it 3.5 stars now but a strong ending might raise that.

Just beginning it. First in a series of 4 novels; involves geopolitical conflict, ancient secrets uncovered, KGB spymaster and so forth.

I never get tired of this genre

I like how the description starts: Make Russia Great Again. or Die!

It was an excellent mystery and for once didn't figure out the 'who did it' part half way through.

Set in the 40s...and such a break from today. Cellphone free!

Been reading his books for a very long time. Unlike other popular authors, he has really gotten better and to me is now a great author and story teller. Seems like forever since I had a book I couldn't put down.

He was so prolific. Written over 40 books, albeit some for young readers. And evidently a decent guy. He and his wife started a foundation to encourage literacy, which we are so desperately in need of these days.

I love books with lots of plot twists so I will, for sure, look for this one at my library. Thanks.

going.

I finished Lissa Evans' book Crooked Heart which I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend for anyone who likes dark humor. I can see why this book was longlisted for the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction (formerly known as the Orange Prize.)

I'm now reading Old Baggage by the same author.

From the Back Cover

Granted, I'm s bit past middle age but had sort of found myself in a similar state some years back. Thank goodness the Internet came along to get me back into the swing of things.

I will definitely have to get that one. Thanks.

I already returned it to the library, but here's the blurb from GoodReads:

"In the first book in a brilliant new fantasy series, books that aren't finished by their authors reside in the Library of the Unwritten in Hell, and it is up to the Librarian to track down any restless characters who emerge from those unfinished stories."

I really liked it. It reminded me of the Thursday Next books by Jasper Fforde, as far as literary characters existing outside books.

I absolutely must read that one. It pushes all the right buttons for me.