Sheila's Guests and Reviews

Will someone buy you a book for Valentine's Day? What sort of book? For my husband it might have to be a thriller, Scandi-noir perhaps. For my mum, a cat book for sure. For my sons, maybe a scifi action adventure. For their girlfriends? And for me? If your taste tends toward mystery and/or food and/or animals and/or romance, there's sure to be something here to fit the bill. Gluten-Free Murder by P.D. Workman is the first of a series of small-town mysteries, tinged with romance, and deliciously scented with baking. It's even gluten-free baking, which is bound to appeal to me. Light-hearted, fun, and even moderately informative, it's a good cozy read to enjoy with some easy-drinking two-star coffee. Plus there's a cat! Then there's Cat Café by Mollie Hunt . It's either the 5th or 6th in its series, and I'm gradually catching up after reading the first one some while ago. Set around a cat cafe in Portland, rather like my beloved Purringtons, it'...

Sometimes I want a book that will take me out of myself, out of my world and all the cares of my world, and away into somewhere safe where problems are solved, disasters averted, and relationships healed. Then I'll read a cozy mystery perhaps, an fast-moving thriller, or a romance, and I'll enjoy the gentle respite they offer. Other times I want something to absorb my attention, involving my thoughts and concerns in someone else's life, with that gentle hint that what I learn might, maybe, help in my own. Then I'll go for something literary; something longer perhaps, or more "different," more intriguing. And sometimes one book will fulfill both purposes. I've read a number of mystery novels recently, and some of them certainly leave me seeing the real world, or real history, slightly differently. Others just offer rest and relaxation. And all are fun. So here are just a few book reviews for you. Drink coffee. Enjoy! First are a couple of stories fr...

It seems like a while since I posted a list of reviews. I think I must have been distracted by something. I think I'm still distracted--runs round the room. And no, the housework's not getting done; at least, not just now. But the contract's been sent and I really need to get down to reading and writing. So, what have I read recently on that reading journe y? Too many books to list I think, so I'll put the mysteries and cozies here first and write another post with some more... As usual, if you click on the links you'll find my longer book reviews on gather. Murder in Winnebago County , and Buried in Wolf Lake , by Christine Husom: Two murder mysteries set around the very likeable and believable Sgt. Corky Aleckson, with a very authentic feel, down-to-earth characters, and villains that are scarily real. A Miracle at Speedy Motors : The 9th Number One Ladies' Detective Agency novel by Alexander McCall Smith, and I'm still addicted. I love the way he ...