Hard Time by Jodi Taylor

November 13, 2024

Hard Time by Jodi Taylor

The Time Police's three most unusual trainees, Luke, Jane and Matthew (aka Team 236, aka Team Weird) return for an adventure that requires their unique skill set. At least one corporation is running illegal time travel excursions for tourists, and the conventional methods used by the Time Police to apprehend the perpetrators have failed. So Commander Hays send out her unconventional team to do their thing.

As much as I enjoy the original Chronicles of St. Mary's series, I think I enjoy this spin-off series more. There is still the wacky humor and adventures of the disaster magnets of St. Mary's, but within a military setting. So far, not as dark as the original series became in later books, probably because of the three main characters here. Fans of sci fi with a strong shot of humor will enjoy the Time Police series.

The former Battersea Power Station, home base of the Time Police at some point in the future, silhouetted on the book cover

The Twilight Queen by Jeri Westerson

November 6, 2024

The Twilight Queen by Jeri Westerson

Will Somers, jester to Henry VIII, is back to investigate another murder, this time at the request of Queen Anne Boleyn. When a dead courtier is found in the queen's apartments, Will suspects a conspiracy aimed at discrediting the queen.

The second book in Westerson's historical mystery series featuring Will Somers. As the king's jester, Will moves among the courtiers and has direct access to the king and queen, and no one questions his presence. A mixture of fictional and real characters, I enjoyed this second installment more than the first book. Will's dog Nosewise also appears in the story. It should appeal to readers of historical mysteries, especially those set in Tudor England.

Many thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

A supposedly contemporary portrait of Anne Boleyn, but there is a similarity in many of the portraits of the time - portraits of Henry VIII's sister Mary look very similar. There is some dispute about what Anne actually looked like - the only thing her contemporaries agree on is her sparkling dark eyes.

The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman

October 29, 2024

The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman

Collum is a farm boy who grew up dreaming of the court of King Arthur and his Round Table. When he finally get the chance to travel to Camelot, he is dismayed to discover that King Arthur died two weeks earlier. His court is in disarray, and the remaining knights are not at all what Collum expected.

A retelling of the legends of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table, all rolled into a single narrative of knights, magic, and adventures. The story slowed down about 2/3 of the way in and the narrative could have been tightened up. The backstories of the characters were the most interesting parts. Recommended for fans of Arthurian legends and historical fantasy in general.

King Arthur and the knight of the Round Table

I Will Ruin You by Lincoln Barclay

October 29, 2024

I Will Ruin You by Lincoln Barclay

A teacher's act of bravery puts him in the crosshairs of a former student intent on blackmail, plus exposes him to unexpected fallout from a number of sources.

Another solid psychological thriller from Lincoln Barclay, told through several POVs. After a fast beginning, the story slows down but the author winds in all the threads at the end. It gives a different look at the fallout that those involved in thwarting violence can experience. Sensitive readers should be aware of some difficult subjects, including drugs, school violence, and sexual abuse. Fans of Harlan Coben or Lisa Jewell will enjoy Barclay's latest book.

Many thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich

October 22, 2024

The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich

The mighty red is many things: the river, the local high school football team, history, sugar beets. Crystal works as a trucker, hauling sugar beets from farms to the local processing plant. She named her daughter Kismet, hoping for a better future for her. At least two boys are in love with her, Hugo and Gary, and want to marry her. Kismet, meanwhile, has plans to go to college instead. 

I have an on and off relationship with Erdrich’s writing. I have loved some of her books and a few I really disliked. This one is somewhere in the middle. The first half of the book was really slow - the second half was better. There are many themes:  guilt, shame, resentment, destruction of the land through farming and mining, parental relationships, crimes and passion. I know a lot more now about sugar beet farming than I did a few days ago. Not her best effort. Fans of Erdrich’s writing will still want to read it.

Many thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

A sugar beet, one of the villains of the story

Courting Dragons by Jeri Westerson

October 20, 2024

Courting Dragons by Jeri Westerson

Will Somers, professional fool to Henry VIII, navigates the intrigues of the Tudor court. His job is to learn the weak points and secrets of the courtiers, to entertain Henry. But Will has a secret of his own: he is hiding his bi-sexuality, which would be an affront to Henry and would cost Will his job if Henry found out. When someone attempts to blackmail Will, instead of finding the blackmailer at the meeting place, Will finds a dead body.

The first book of a new series by the author of the Crispin Guest historical mysteries. Not as engaging as Westerson's other series, maybe because there is more emphasis on Will jumping in and out of the beds of various members of the king's household of both sexes. Well researched and historically accurate regarding politics and events with fictional characters mixed with real people. The next book in the series comes out in November so I will read that one before I make my final judgment about this series. For fans of historical fiction set in the Tudor period.

Drawing of Will Somers

Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry

October 19. 2024

Old God's Time by.Sebastian Barry

Tom Kettle is a retired detective living in a small town on the Irish Sea. Two young detectives come to visit him to talk about reopening a case from ten years earlier. Their visit stirs up old memories for Tom, about his wife and children as well as his career.

DNF at about 40%. I loved Barry's earlier book Days Without End, but this one just dragged. The narrator on the audiobook seemed flat. Disappointing, not recommended.