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

Categories

Archive for Books – Page 2

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 : , ,

Recent Reads, No Gluten Involved

Since everything in today’s America must start with the phrase gluten free, I thought it necessary to throw that in. But that’s not what this post is about.

I’d say being sick means I have more opportunity to read. But I prefer my nose in a book whether I’m sick or not. There are some moments when it seems like I’m on a winning streak with books, and February was one of those months. Grand slam. A vast array of genres passed before my eyes, all fantastic, all worth the recommendation.

Hunger Games Trilogy

Hunger Games, Suzanne Colins

This trilogy caught me off guard a bit. I was expecting something a bit more clandestine, rather I got a more post apocalyptic feel out of it. Which was fine, it was a fantastic series and I’d read it 10 more times in a heart beat. Truly could not put it down and loved every moment of it. Great character development, which is very important. I found my self absorbed in the story, the injustice of their world and the emotions each of them had to deal with on a moment by moment basis.

These are classified as “young adult”, which I don’t understand. I studied young adult literature when I was in college, and from what I remember the fiction that was typically classified as young adult was due to the fact that the plot and characters more aligned with a young adults world rather than a contemporary adults world. Meaning more teenagers and younger could relate based on the fact that they had not yet met full adulthood. Now however, I think if there is a teenager in the book and there isn’t explicit sex, it gets lumped into this very broad genre.

I digress…

Greatest Knight and Scarlet Lion

Greatest Knight and Scarlet Lion by Elizabeth Chadwick

I mentioned this in my post on what kept me sane while I was sick. This series was a mental gift! I am so glad I stumbled upon it and blame many late nights and many shed tears on this series. The story of William Marshall, known as one of the greatest knights in 12th and 13th century England. Marhall (where we get the rank Marshall from) served under the realm of King Henry II, King Richard, King John and King Henry III.

A fascinating blend of history and historical fiction Chadwick does a great job pulling the reader into the lives of Marshall, his family and those that serve him. Scarlet Lion begins where Greatest Knight leaves off and delves deeper into his personal life with his wife Isabelle. Overall the book spans about 50 or so years and is a fantastic read. And yes, you will need tissue for the end.

Comments (1)
Categories : Reading List
Tags :

Sick Woman’s Guide to Sanity

Like most right now I’ve been sick. Most people aren’t pleasant when they’re sick so I’ll not make the cliche excuses for my behavior, suffice it to say it’s best that I’m left alone in my cave. Which is fine because my cave is one of the most pleasant places to be even when I’m not sick. I have made sure that my bedroom, cave, has all the comforts I should ever need…minus the mini fridge, I haven’t gone quite that far.

So during a week coughing, sneezing and blowing wasn’t the most fun, it could have been worse. I made several fantastic discoveries and new favorites and was able to indulge in some old favorites as well. For me a sick woman’s guide included.

Old Favorites Like…

Basically a fruit smoothie without having to stand in line and wait for it to be made, wonderful treat and old favorite.

Was nice to drive through and stock up, no cooking necessary.

Tom Yum Gai is THE comfort food for the sick, no chicken noodle nasty please and thank you. The lemon grass and spices are perfect.

The fourth in one of my favorite historical fiction series, this one takes place in Istanbul Turkey. I have a personal love for that city and Alexander nailed it. It’s also fun to follow favorite authors on Twitter because I was able to tell her so, and she responded…swoon

.

I love my Roku, steaming Hulu, Netflix and Pandora is a sick woman’s angel.

New Favorites Like…

This by far helped more than anything else.

I stumbled upon this series on Netflix. FANTASTIC. I love the characters and the drama within a English household in 1912. It’s a good balance between the lives of the family and the servants. Season 2 will be filmed this spring, and I’m sad there were only 7 episodes in season 1.

This was  free book on Nook’s free Friday’s. I took a chance and am glad I did. It’s the story of William Marshall, an historical fiction account of his life based on a biography his oldest son had done after Marshall died. William Marshall served King Henry II, Henry III, King Richard and King John. It spans 1167 -1197. Highly recommend for history buffs. (Elizabeth Chadwick). I’m currently reading the sequel which is also fantastic, spanning 1197-1221

Sable

Tango

Being the weather has warmed up, we’ve all taken advantage of the windows. It’s easy to be lazy when you have the laziest partners in crime. Occasionally they would move, but just to stretch or yawn. Very serene.

Comments (1)
Categories : Favorite Things, Reading List, TV
Tags : , , , ,

Cutting for Stone

It’s such a pleasure to feel immersed in a story, to hold on to a story and not want it to end. This is how I felt with Abraham Verghese Cutting for Stone.

Granted, the first 100 pages was a bit tough to get through making it a slow start for me. But after that I felt like I was running downhill, gaining so much momentum in the story that I couldn’t stop, didn’t want to stop. It’s a beautiful story of twins, their relationship with their family, friends and their country – Ethiopia.  A large part of the story reflects personal conflicts as well as the conflicts in Ethiopia over the decades. But through it all I felt like I was right there, living their lives with them, living out this story.

A great blend of love, conflict and cultures – spanning India, Ethiopia and America. I can not recommend this book enough. It’s one I want to stockpile and hand out to everyone I know.

Comments (0)
Categories : Reading List
Tags : ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »