Currently Reading

Malita's bookshelf: currently-reading

Death of a Stranger
0 of 5 stars true
Death of a Stranger
by Anne Perry
tagged: currently-reading

goodreads.com

Other Book Activity

Twitter: curlsz

  • oops twitter not tweeting

Categories

Archive for May 2011

Anne Perry Series

Currently I am wading through two mother of all mother series. Imagine my surprise and elation (man how long have I been waiting to use “elation” in a sentence) when I stumbled upon two period piece series, both Victorian mystery series?!

Now the first one, Thomas & Charlotte Pitt series, currently numbers up to 26 books – yes friends TWENTY SIX!! And the other series, The Monk series, currently numbers at 15. Needless to say I have some reading to do. I don’t feel like I can give an accurate review of either series yet as I’ve only read the first two of each one. I will say the relationships are quite different in each series and the writing is a bit more dense in the Monk series. Which let’s be honest, I’m glad given there is still the possibility that these could be formula novels, let’s hope not of course.

Did you know I detest formula novels?

The Pitt series began in 1979, Inspector Pitt is one of those fun loving disheveled characters that’s easy to like. The Monk series began in the early 90′s, William Monk is more of a brooding darker force characters. That series begins with him having amnesia and having to relearn his job and who he is without anyone knowing his demise. So far both female characters have a lot in common and easily remind me of each other, but like I said I’ve barely skimmed the surface of these series so jury’s still out on that.

So far I’m really looking forward to delving into both series, so that’s a good sign. Reviews to come when I have a few more under my belt.

Comments (0)
Categories : Reading List
Tags : , ,

Sebastian St Cyr Mysteries

I love a good book series, I also love TV mini series but that’s not the point. I search for series and when I find one or hear of one I imagine that my pupils dilate as my heart starts beating, butterflies flutter and is that drool in the side of my mouth? I think so. It’s my drug of choice. I don’t know why – I think it’s because a good book contains good character development. And typically you become friends and / or fall in love with a good character yes? Well in a series you get more, me wants MORE!!! yes?

I have been in a mystery series phase recently, I’m not sure if that’s because those are the easiest to find or if I’m boning up on my detective career – regardless I have found some good ones.

Sebastian St Cyr Mysteries by C.S. Harris

C.S. Harris Site – http://www.csharris.net/

The disclaimer here is you have to like historical period pieces and you have to like who done its. Amazon and Barnes and Noble have been flashing What Angels Fear in front of my face for years. Every time I would make a purchase they would insist I would like this book. As usual, they were right. What I love is there is a larger story line underneath the who done it that will span the entire series.

Sebastian St. Cyr is the reluctant brooding heir to the family title, lands and money (I now tough problem to have). As the youngest son he never expected to be in such a position, but with the death of his oldest brother the title falls to him. He lives his life drinking, gambling and having fun till he is found accused and arrested for murder and must clear his name.

All the while there is a larger mystery and story line involving him and his family running through the series. Let’s just say no one is who they seem to be and there are some shocking twists involving the main characters that will make your jaw hit the floor.

What I like about this series are the characters, the who done its are fun and fine but what draws me back is Sebastian himself, the drama within his own family and the developing character of Hero, the want to be spinster daughter of Sebastian’s biggest rival.

They’re a fairly easy read, and of course certain books prove stronger than others. But overall a highly enjoyable series.

Comments (0)
Categories : Reading List
Tags : , ,

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

The Winter Sea – Susanna Kearsley

This book popped up on my radar when Barne’s and Noble recommended it based on what I had previously bought. I read the summary and thought “ok, maybe” so I downloaded a sample and went on to the next book that I really wanted to read. Flash forward a few weeks later I’m perusing books and I guess my finger hit this one a little too hard because my Nook took it upon itself to open it for me to read. So I read the first 30 pages and voila, I was hooked!

The story is about a author that writes historical fiction, Carrie McClelland. She travels to Scotland to do some research using her own family’s ancestory as a spring board. She is then drawn to a little Scottish village called Slains. From there the story of Sophia just starts pouring out of her, as if she’s channeling this “fictitous” character in her novel.

So what ends up happening is you as the reader get to read Carrie’s modern day happenings as well as Sophia’s story set in 18th century Scotland. Chapters 1,2.3…. are set in modern day and Chapters I,II,III….are set in the past. The result is an exciting and touching story of two women that you absolutely love. On top of that are characters from the present and the past that you really feel a connection and genuine warmth towards.

I highly recommend this read, it’s smart, touching, romantic and FULL of some great Scottish history centered around the early Jacobite rising against the English crown and the newly United Kingdom.

Comments (0)
Categories : Reading List
Tags : , ,

Mystery Shots

I need one of those assistants where I just hand the camera over to when I finish and they hand me another camera – because obviously I can’t keep up with actually “developing” photos.

These were taken last summer and I just stumbled upon them now.

Comments (4)
Categories : Photography
Tags : ,