More reading, more coffee, more books
Two books that featured sailing, four mysteries, three adventures, one legal, one mostly illegal, two short stories... but only six books. It's kind of fun reading books that have something in common and this has been a fun week:
First is a complex elegant mystery, Black Swan by Chris Knopf. Fifth in his Sam Acquillo Hamptons series, it takes place on a New York island where Sam, Amanda, and Sam's wonderful dog are stranded waiting for repairs on the sailboat they're delivering for a friend. Investigation of mysterious death and possible computer crimes parallel Sam's internal investigation of his own past and future. Beautifully evocative and intriguing, with a host of complex characters and fascinating puzzles, it's well worth the 4star coffee I'd recommend drinking with it.
Next is another sailing mystery, this time set in the Caribbean. Caribbean Punch by W.F. Carli is a easy-reading, relaxed tale of high adventure on the high seas, with gorgeous twins, martial arts champion, mafia and FBI in an exciting mix, to be enjoyed with a 2-star coffee on the side.
The next mystery takes place in Boston, in dark streets filled with dark characters hauntingly portrayed. Dennis LeHane's Darkness take my Hand is an evocative, beautifully written journey into a heart of darkness in the inner city; not for the squeamish but perfect to read with that 5-star bold, dark, intense coffee.
And finally, in my list of mysteries read last week, is the Collectibles, by James J. Kaufman, a legal adventure with an interesting plot, curiously brewed; there's a touch of mystery added when the attorney who saves the day demands a strange repayment from his client, and the "losers" he's made friends with (and collected) just might be winners after all. A 3-star balanced smooth coffee will go well with this one.
The other two books I read this week were shorter: Eleven Bravo, by R.W. Holmen chronicles the beginning of a young man's experience in Veitnam. With pitch-perfect dialog and stunning descriptions and commentary, he brings a time not to long gone to life and clears the way for a series of literary vignettes to come--short, but bold, dark and intense, so read it with a 5-star coffee.
The Bad, the Good and Two Fly-fishing Women, by Randy Kadish, despite its long title is a delightful short book telling of a fateful day in the life of a young teen who's world just might be falling apart. "Rivers are like poems" says the narrators grandmother, and the poetic writing even inspires me to see the attraction of fly-fishing, for all that I know I'll never try it. A short, sharp, quick read, this one goes well with a 1-star mild crisp coffee.
Don't forget, click on the blue links for longer reviews on gather.
First is a complex elegant mystery, Black Swan by Chris Knopf. Fifth in his Sam Acquillo Hamptons series, it takes place on a New York island where Sam, Amanda, and Sam's wonderful dog are stranded waiting for repairs on the sailboat they're delivering for a friend. Investigation of mysterious death and possible computer crimes parallel Sam's internal investigation of his own past and future. Beautifully evocative and intriguing, with a host of complex characters and fascinating puzzles, it's well worth the 4star coffee I'd recommend drinking with it.
Next is another sailing mystery, this time set in the Caribbean. Caribbean Punch by W.F. Carli is a easy-reading, relaxed tale of high adventure on the high seas, with gorgeous twins, martial arts champion, mafia and FBI in an exciting mix, to be enjoyed with a 2-star coffee on the side.
The next mystery takes place in Boston, in dark streets filled with dark characters hauntingly portrayed. Dennis LeHane's Darkness take my Hand is an evocative, beautifully written journey into a heart of darkness in the inner city; not for the squeamish but perfect to read with that 5-star bold, dark, intense coffee.
And finally, in my list of mysteries read last week, is the Collectibles, by James J. Kaufman, a legal adventure with an interesting plot, curiously brewed; there's a touch of mystery added when the attorney who saves the day demands a strange repayment from his client, and the "losers" he's made friends with (and collected) just might be winners after all. A 3-star balanced smooth coffee will go well with this one.
The other two books I read this week were shorter: Eleven Bravo, by R.W. Holmen chronicles the beginning of a young man's experience in Veitnam. With pitch-perfect dialog and stunning descriptions and commentary, he brings a time not to long gone to life and clears the way for a series of literary vignettes to come--short, but bold, dark and intense, so read it with a 5-star coffee.
The Bad, the Good and Two Fly-fishing Women, by Randy Kadish, despite its long title is a delightful short book telling of a fateful day in the life of a young teen who's world just might be falling apart. "Rivers are like poems" says the narrators grandmother, and the poetic writing even inspires me to see the attraction of fly-fishing, for all that I know I'll never try it. A short, sharp, quick read, this one goes well with a 1-star mild crisp coffee.
Don't forget, click on the blue links for longer reviews on gather.
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