Didn't know about this latest book of hers?

She's been thru personal hell.

I just bought a used copy of Demon Copperhead from Powells. Read it?

I encounter addiction in my work..can't wait to crack it!

Recently. Enjoyed it immensely.

The Many Lives and Loves of Hazel Lavery a historical fiction novel by Lois Cahall.

"..amidst the grandeur of Victorian opulence, there existed an American socialite whose influence altered the course of the Anglo-Irish treaty: Lady Hazel Lavery" A riveting tale of thwarted desires, crushing duty, and inescapable destiny, almost Shakespearean.
Brand new; just published.

The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon (not fiction, though). I like the idea of it - recognizing "small" Americans who go on to do "mighty" things - but the author doesn't really cite primary resouces as much as I think they should and ends up making broad conclusions on her own.
I read/listened to the audiobook The Fury by Alex Michaelides, and I would highly recommend it!

sounds terrific. "A story unlike any you've ever heard." Must read.

The community swimming pool I patronize has a book exchange shelf in the lobby! Yay! I’ve gotten a few great books there. Always make sure to bring one I’m done with. Anyway, this thriller about an ex-govt. agent on the run looked interesting and I can’t wait to get started on it.

A book exchange shelf! And that book: "A gripping page-turner" Five stars!

A reread. Even more amazed at his observations of humanity, stunning prose, twisty plot.

How to make a serial killer sympathetic.

‘He is not only the butcher’s boy because the foster father owned a butchery, but also because the foster father was an assassin. The butcher taught the boy two trades; how to work in the butchery, and to be an assassin of the mafia.’

I’ll have to check out the Tombs book, so to speak. A new Perry book to me. Exciting.

Perry's books, too.

by Michael Connelly (a Bosch novel) and have now started a pulp fiction classic "The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu" by Sax Rohmer.

From 1913: "To London he came, driving death before him like the swirling fog which for eons encompassed the ancient city. The embodiment of terror, danger and the macabre, his ageless ambition swept him closer to the heinous goal--dominion over the West! And those who knew him bowed to the name of--Fu Manchu."

as though I might have the same reaction as you.

This week I'm reading The Girls of the Glimmer Factory by Jennifer Coburn. Pretty good so far.

From the author of Cradles of the Reich comes a poignant and inspiring tale for fans of The Forest of Vanishing Stars and The German Wife about resistance, friendship, and the dangers of propaganda, based on the real story of the Nazi "show camp" Theresienstadt.

so be sure to check back next week for my final (hopefully) opinion. Several reviews I've read say the end redeems it.

Thank you for always joining us and reading such great books. So happy to see you doing better.

I have mixed feelings about it. The ending was satisfying. However, it had a more of a YA vibe than I expected.

I'm about a quarter of the way through. So far, it's somewhat less action packed than The Left Hand of Darkness, but just as thought provoking.

From 1974. Some say it is "one of the great novels of the 20th century."

‘You cannot buy the revolution. You cannot make the revolution. You can only be the revolution. It is in your spirit, or it is nowhere.’

What a thoughtful and wise book. Enjoy. Only one place to go from there: Doris Lessing:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/186682.Re

Prepare

Best place to start?

Going back into the 60s. Her first big hit was A Wizard of Earthsea from 1968. Here's a page where you can see them all: https://www.fictiondb.com/author/ursula-k-le-guin~35034.htm

Coming out in October will be... Ursula K. Le Guin's Book of Cats I absolutely must get that. "A purrpurri of the literary legend's quirky and winsome cat poems, meditations, and drawings... dedicated to the complicated creature that captured her imagination."

highly recommend The Telling.

Could be read as a sci-fi take on Tibet/China.

From goodreads:

Once a culturally rich world, the planet Aka has been utterly transformed by technology. Records of the past have been destroyed, and citizens are strictly monitored. But an official observer from Earth named Sutty has learned of a group of outcasts who live in the wilderness. They still believe in the ancient ways and still practice its lost religion - the Telling.

Intrigued by their beliefs, Sutty joins them on a sacred pilgrimage into the mountains...and into the dangerous terrain of her own heart, mind, and soul.

//

For some reason, one of my used book sources online decided I needed 3 copies of it. I am enjoying the mystery and characters.

I always get good suggestions for books I might want to read here. Thanks, Hermetic!

A 30 something FBI Agent is trying to find out what happened to her twin sister who disappeared when they were six. Baldacci is always a good read.

I give the highest of recommendations to James Lee Burkes Dave Robicheaux’ series. He’s a Vietnam Vet, Alcoholic in various law enforcement endeavors in and around New Orleans. He has a heart of gold and a head full of demons. Colorful characters, really bad guys. And he has a sidekick who is a hoot and a half. His first Book, Neon Rain from 1987. Lots of violence if that’s not your thing. Sorry I have rambled on but I really, really like Burke.

I will look up Mr. Burkes' work. Thanks.

An evil bishop wields the Spear of Destiny.
Wicked magicians are raising an army of the damned.
Our only hope—five fucked-up friars and their dog. God help us all.

Fr. Dylan has spent his entire adult life ducking responsibility. As far as he’s concerned, there’s no problem so big that a bong hit or two can’t fix.

But when the Spear of Destiny threatens every living soul and an army of the damned begins to gather on his doorstep, Dylan has to admit he’s met his match.

Then, when the Blackfriars’ prior disappears, all eyes turn to Dylan to lead them. Dylan can either step up or allow unspeakable evil to grind everything innocent and good underfoot…

The Power is the second book in the Berkeley Blackfriars series, but it is a standalone adventure and can be enjoyed all on its own. If you love supernatural suspense laced with humor and danger, you’ll love J.R. Mabry’s Berkeley Blackfriars' books. Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Preacher, The Dresden Files, and the Mercy Thompson series will thrill to this new paranormal fantasy adventure.

Buy this book and get The Power today!

I had read the first volume: "The Kingdom" a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. This is one wild group of religious professionals.


Last week I read a short little satire "Twits In Peril" a ridiculously silly take off on upper crust British society in a steampunk setting . It was just what I needed at the time.

******
Those who know me will tell you I have a weakness for gambling. My valet, Bentley, has often had to speak to me about it. Bentley, however was at home.

Cyril's old friends Ford and Lincoln wager that he can't survive living like an average citizen for a week. Cyril attempts to blend in with the crush of humanity but without Bentley's help he soon finds himself embroiled in one misunderstanding after another.

“Tom Robbins’ Twits stories are hilarious, thought provoking and mind bending. He takes his lovable boobs on adventures that teach them truth and honor while giving us giggles, romance and even social justice. His juicy turns of phrase will stick in your ear like a catchy song."-

Not to be confused with our widely adored Tom Robbins, RIP. Took me a little while to figure that out. Those do sound like fun.

Best science fiction writer I've been lucky to stumble across in a while. Near-term space, asteroid mining, lunar development. Great characters like Red Mars.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40859000-delta-v?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=u4wwPmuOaB&rank=5

It's a continuation of the Alex Cross novels. Cross is a psychiatric consultant to the FBI helping to catch serial killers and other criminals. I started it yesterday and will finish it tonight.

I have two other books from the library on my table by Lee Goldberg.

Dream Town - follows a young LA County Sheriff detective. As a patrol deputy sheriff, she solved a murder, rescued a kidnapped girl. and arrested an abusive movie star. The last two were captured on video and made her hero. The LA County Sheriff's department had suffered scandals by promoting her to detective it helped improve the Sheriff's Office image. Her partner is a veteran detective only months away from retirement and he's showing her the ropes on how to be a detective. This is the fifth book in a six book series.

Beyond the Beyond - is about ex-cop Charlie Willis who handles special security for a Hollywood picture company to protect the company and its stars. stop scandals before they explode, and to keep the peace and protect the make believe of Hollywood.