Category Archives: Currently Reading

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This week I read a very interesting nonfiction discussion of pretty much everything relating to textiles and a woman’s fashion in a particular place and time.

Kate Strasdin came into possession of a dress diary, a book filled with swatches of the fabrics that made up Anne Sykes, and some of her friends, during the middle of the nineteenth century.

Since her family, and the family of her husband Adam Sykes, were involved in Britain’s textile industry, Anne had access to all the newest cottons, silk from the East, and, later in the century, the newest in the aniline dyes.

Using the fabrics a a springboard, Strasdin references cultural consequences such the enslaved peoples in the United States who picked the cotton that kept the British factories humming.

When Adam Sykes relocates to China, Strasdin discusses silk and, at the same time, the differences in culture, the Opium War, and more.

Colored photographs of the fabric swatches illuminate the text and there is a QR code at the back that brings the reader to more examples.

Fascinating!British History

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After enjoying the Michael Curravan series so much, I chose an earlier Karen Odden book to read.

Lady Elizabeth Frasier is returning home from a humiliating third season in London when the train derails. She pulls her unconscious mother from the wreck. They are treated by a railway surgeon, Paul Wilcox. Elizabeth feels an immediate connection although Society would never accept a marriage between an Earl’s daughter and a doctor.

While waiting in the hotel for her mother to recover, Elizabeth assists Wilcox and they become friends. She is shocked to learn the train accident was probably not an accident. Further investigation reveals Elizabeth’s family owns shares in the railroad and the profits directly affect her dowry.

Odden is a good writer and her mysteries are layered. My only criticism is that the ending (no spoilers here) was too rapid and seemed artificial.

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Under the Veiled Moon is the second in Karen Odden’s Michael Corravan series.

Corravan is called to the banks of the Thames because of a serious accident involving the Princess Alice and a barge. Although this at first appears to be an accident, it becomes apparent that this was probably sabotage. The investigation leads Corravan into the Irish gangs in Whitechapel and the anti-Irish sentiment in Britain.

At the same time, his adopted family, the Doyles, is experiencing some problems of their own. Colin, the remaining son, has gotten involved with a criminal gang and is out all hours. Corravan tries to convince Colin to leave the gang but he won’t.

The mystery is multi-layered and the issues with the Doyles add emotional depth. Highly recommended.

I read a lot of nonfiction but do not include those titles here since they are usually for research. However, I read Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney.

Whatever you think of her politics, and I disagree with most of her policies, this was a fascinating book. The record of the January 6 commission was especially riveting. It did leave me with some questions – she did support Trump during his first term – but on the whole, a window into an important historical event.

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Barbara Hambly has been one of my favorite writers for years. She is such a good writer. I read her Science Fiction/Fantasy novels, following her through the Dog Wizard fantasy and James Asher vampire novels to the Benjamin January mystery series.

The Nubian’s Curse is number 20.

The arrival of a woman January knew in Paris to New Orleans raises memories of a suspicious death in a haunted house. Was it really haunted and was the death from a malevolent ghost – or was it murder?

Now the murder of the man on scene in Paris, who arranged to marry the wealthy heiress left orphaned, raises more questions. Ben is asked to investigate.

As usual, the society in New Orleans – the Quadroon Balls, the custom of keeping a placee, a free woman of color who is mistress to a wealthy white man, the casual racism and the slavery, are front and center in these amazing mysteries. Highly recommended.

It is not necessary to read these in order but I would.

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The Final Heir by Faith Hunter is number fifteen, the final entry in this series.

Mainet Pellisier, grandfather of Leo, is in New Orleans. His mission is to capture the magical objects Jane has, killing her in the process. Leo, three times dead and reborn, tries to help but he is bound to Mainet and struggles to tell Jane what she needs to know.can’t help Jane.

The null prison has been destroyed by witches using death magic and Lacklash, head witch, has been captured. Although Molly, Evan, and her sisters are in New Orleans, they have so far been stalemated by Mainet’s witches. Jane’s brother and fellow shape changer and her friend Rick La Fleur are far away and out of communication so she can’t rely on them for herp.

Worse news, it appears that Mainet has bound a demon and partially bound an angel. Leo manages to tell Jane that if Mainet manages to finish the binding, and collect the magical items, he will be too powerful to beat.

When Jane uses several of the magical items to see the future – or rather – the multiple futures, it looks as though she dies and her allies lose in every one.

Besides the action and the fantasy elements, the characters are captivating. I really cared about them and wanted them to be happy.

Highly recommended. BUT it is crucial to read these in order. Besides the evolution of Jane’s character – she evolves from a loner and a hired killer to a wise and compassionate woman – the change in Leo is striking. A scarily powerful vampire in the beginning, he becomes something totally different. (No spoilers here.)

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I read another of Marcia Talley’s Hannah Ives mysteries, Mile High Murder, this past week and I started Final Heir by Faith Hunter.

In Mile High Murder, Hannah joins her friend Claire on a trip to Denver to research legalized marijuana.

Claire, a cancer patient, has a prescription for medical marijuana. She is trying to see marijuana legalized in Maryland. Claire and Hannah are put up in a B and B that provides recreational cannabis in all forms.

Then one of the other guests is murdered and the safe is broken into. Are both crimes linked? Don’t worry, Hannah is on the case.

Regular readers know that I love the Hannah Ives mysteries. I did not care for this one, however. I did not find the characters engaging and the identity of the thieves was easy to guess. I am still looking forward to the newest Hannah Ives, however. Circles of Death will be released March 5.

I am about halfway through Hunter’s Final Heir. The story engages the reader immediately – but these books are long.

Jane and her crew are anticipating the arrival of Mainet Pellisier, grandfather of Leo. Leo, three times dead and reborn, can’t help Jane. Mainet has bound Leo and although he wants to help, he can’t.

Mainet brings the battle to Jane’s house and her friends, the Trueheart witches, come to help. They are almost destroyed as the plane lands.

Besides the non-stop action, one of the features that I admire in this series is the layers. Hunter has thought about the politics of the vampires, the witches, and the humans and of course the baddies whose nefarious aims drive the plot. Although Jane herself is not political, Hunter has clearly thought about the different goals of the various species and how those goals interlock.

Return next week for the full review once I’ve finished the entire novel.

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This week I read books by an old favorite author and a new favorite author.

First up, Tangled Roots by Marcia Talley.

Regular Readers know how much I enjoy these Hannah Ives mysteries. Somehow I missed this one and I took advantage of the holiday to backtrack.

Hannah’s sister Georgina discovers through DNA testing that she is 25% Native American. When Hannah tests as well, the results are the same. Through her subscriptions to the various DNA/ancestry sites, she sends out a request for matches. No one should be surprised that the she finds far more than she bargains for.

While Hannah is tracking down the Indian connection, Julie, her niece, follows some of the other matches. This search leads to many other matches and a big secret that culminates in a murder. Scott, Georgina’s husband, is struck down in his gardening shed.

Meanwhile, Hannah and Julie continue researching the Lakota Sioux – and meet another branch of the family – and discover the story of a long ago love and murder. Excellent as usual.

The second book was from a new author for me. Down a Dark River by Karen Odden is the first in a new series.

Michael Corrovan escaped the slums of Whitechapel when barely more than a boy. Now a senior Inspector in Scotland Yard, one of the few remaining after a corruption scandal, he is charged with investigating the murder of a young woman found floating in a rowboat. The daughter of a wealthy and respected judge, Rose seemed to have no enemies.

Then another young woman is found murdered and sent floating in a rowboat on the Thames. Then a third. Corravan can find no link between these young women.

At the same time, he is investigating the disappearance of Mrs. Beckford. When he finds her, she is so terrified of returning home he hides her in a hospital until he can investigate further.

Gradually, he discovers the two cases are linked and the murders are the result of a terrible injustice.

Highly Recommended.

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With this busy season, I Only managed one book this week. I thought I was finishing the Bucket List mysteries: Number four is Murder in the Tattoo Parlor.

I thought I was finishing this series, only to reach the end and a To Be Continued.

In this outing, our older, but still intrepid detectives become involved in a murder in a tattoo parlor. What are they doing there? Well, Joy, who is engaged to a local sheriff, wants to get his name tattooed on her shoulder. When Charlotte, Francine and Joy arrive at the tattoo parlor, they discover the artist dead. Joy leaves, not wishing anyone to know she was there, but Charlotte and Francine are filmed leaving.

Charlotte’s accident on her motorcycle and Francine’s new job lead to a solution – and the unveiling of several big secrets. Lots of fun. I look forward to the next installment.

Currently Reading – and Current Events

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If you are a writer, especially an unpublished one, add the following program to your calendar. The panel will be discussing our differing paths to publication. This is not to be missed.

Maven of Mayhem Program

My Path to Publication

Mally Becker, Jacqueline Boulden, Chris Keefer, Robert Knightly, Eleanor Kuhns, AmyPatricia Meade, and Lida Sideris.
Join us for an inside look at the many paths to publication.

Register Here for Zoom link: https://upperhudsonsinc.com/event/mavens-roundtable-my-road-to-publication/

Business meeting for members only at 10:30 am Eastern.

Program (free and open to the public) begins at 11:15 am Eastern.
Bethlehem Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar, NY 12054

And now for Currently Reading

I read two more Bucket List mysteries this past week. These are very light and, although not Holiday themed, perfect for this busy season. The skinny dipping Grandmas are mixed up in murder once again

In Murder under the Covered Bridge, the ladies are planning a racy calendar. As Francine and her husband, suitably costumed in Victorian clothing, are acting out the illicit relationship between Francine’s ancestor and coachman, gunshots pepper the covered bridge. When the shooting stops, Jonathan goes out to investigate and discovered a severely wounded man who turns out to be Francine’s cousin William. Why did he crash the photo shoot and what secrets does he hold? A series of misadventures, including a fire and a seance, abound as the ladies stumble their way to the solution.

In Murder at the Male Revue, a male strippers troupe offers the chance for one of the ladies to cross off another item on her bucket list. But at the first performance, Camille is found stabbed to death. The first suspect – her nephew Eric who is the owner of the Male Revue. But as our intrepid women investigate, they discover their neighbors had many secrets and some the murderer was willing to kill for.

Currently Reading

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This week I read two cozies. The first, Disco Dead by Marcia Talley, is one of my favorite series.

So far, this one is my favorite.

Hannah is asked by a group of retired cops to help solve a cold case involving what they think is a serial killer. Using her skills on Ancestry.com and other family tracking websites, Hannah dives in. Her familiarity with the Navy is also a plus, thanks to husband Paul, and Hannah provides the critical piece to finding the man who has raped and killed young women for decades. Excellent.

I discovered to my dismay that I read these out of order and missed a few so I will have to go back and pick them up.

I began a new series this week with Murder on the Bucket List.

A group of senior citizens, all with sixty items on their bucket lists, are planning to go skinny dipping – one of the items. But their plans are disrupted when one of the ladies smells something funny. A quick investigation reveals a dead body in the gardening shed.

The investigation quickly centers on the husband of one of the ladies and two local celebrities – car racers. Laugh out loud scenes sprinkle the mystery. Lots of fun.