DNF: A Beautiful Blue Death (Charles Lenox Mystery, #1) by Charles Finch

A Beautiful Blue Death (Charles Lenox Mystery, #1)
By: Charles Finch
Narrated by: James Langton

Published: September, 2011

Published by: Tantor Media Inc. 

Format Read: Audio Book

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery

Rating: DID NOT FINISH

Charles Lenox, Victorian gentleman and armchair explorer, likes nothing more than to relax in his private study with a cup of tea, a roaring fire and a good book. But when his lifelong friend Lady Jane asks for his help, Lenox cannot resist the chance to unravel a mystery.

Prudence Smith, one of Jane’s former servants, is dead of an apparent suicide. But Lenox suspects something far more sinister: murder, by a rare and deadly poison. The grand house where the girl worked is full of suspects, and though Prue had dabbled with the hearts of more than a few men, Lenox is baffled by the motive for the girl’s death.

When another body turns up during the London season’s most fashionable ball, Lenox must untangle a web of loyalties and animosities. Was it jealousy that killed Prudence Smith? Or was it something else entirely? And can Lenox find the answer before the killer strikes again—this time, disturbingly close to home? 

Synopsis from Goodreads 

I borrowed A Beautiful Blue Death from my library via the OverDrive app. It caught my attention due to its Victorian London location and the Sherlock Holmes feel. Unfortunately I found that the mystery didn't keep my attention. I listened to about 30% of the story, however it began to focus on politics, a topic that I don't generally enjoy reading about. While James Langton's narration suited the story and its characters, I wasn't able to establish a connection with it. 

The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

The Girl Who Chased the Moon

By: Sarah Addison Allen

Published: March 2010

Published By: Books on Tape

Format Read: Audio Book

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Magical Realism 

Rating: 4/5

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Emily Benedict is sent to live with her Grandfather, after her Mother’s untimely death. Not only is he a real life giant, but the small South Carolina town of Mullaby is home to many magical secrets. One of which was the catalyst for Emily’s Mother leaving town. She befriends neighbor Julia Winterson, owner of a local BBQ restaurant and baker of the most delicious cakes.

The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen is a contemporary novel with dusting of magic. Normally fantasy or magical realism isn’t my cup of tea, but I decided to give this one a shot anyway. And in the end I was happy that I did.

The author painted a beautifully magical picture of the small southern town of Mullaby. The characters were charming with detailed backstories. Rebecca Lowman was a good fit as narrator for this book and kept me engaged throughout.

While I really enjoyed the contemporary romance story-line, I found that the explanations behind the mystery and magic to be a bit underwhelming. I had hoped it would be more exciting or shocking.

Still I think that The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen was a good book and worthy of a 4 star rating. I would recommend this book to fans of lightly magical contemporaries. I will consider reading more from this author in the future. 

The Little Shadows by Marina Endicott

The Little Shadows
By: Marina Endicott 

Published: September 2011

Published By: Doubleday Canada

Format Read: Hardcover

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: 3/5 

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After their Father’s untimely death, sisters Aurora, Clover and Bella set out to make a living as performers in Vaudeville. Under the instruction of their Mother (a former performer in her own right) they travel western Canada and the north-western United States with their singing and dancing act, before and during World War I.

Vaudeville was a popular form of entertainment that featured a variety of acts beginning in the late 19^th century. Marina Endicott’s The Little Shadows is set just before and during the years of World War I. It is a form of entertainment that I have never read about before, so I was intrigued to discover what it was all about. The author drew influence from Buster Keaton and the Pantages theaters. 

It was evident that the acts enjoyed at these shows were quite different than what is standard in the present day.  Endicott painted a detailed picture of the in’s and out’s of theater life, both on stage and behind the curtain. Also described in detail was the different performances including song lyrics. Unfortunately I found this to become tedious to read after a few chapters.

At over 500 pages in length, it took me quite a while longer to finish this book, than I hoped. This was due in part to the fact that I had a hard time connecting with the sisters. The plot felt quite drawn out and anti-climactic.

Thankfully my interest began to pick up during the last 100 pages or so. I found this book to be written beautifully and the language rang true to the time period. I also liked the way each chapter was divided and named.

Even though I didn’t exactly love this book, I would still recommend The Little Shadows by Marina Endicott to those who enjoy historical fiction with a focus on entertainment. 

A Vote for Murder (Murder, She Wrote. #22) by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain. Narrated by Cynthia Darlow

A Vote for Murder 

(Murder, She Wrote, #22)

By: Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain

Narrated by: Cynthia Darlow

Published: October 2004

Published By: Blackstone Audiobooks 

Format Read: Audiobook, OverDrive App. 

Genre: Mystery, Series, Cozy Mystery

Rating: 3/5

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Beloved mystery author Jessica Fletcher is invited to Washington D.C. to a literary event hosted by a senator and his wife. When the chief of staff for the senator is found dead at the opening dinner party, Jessica uncovers a trail of shady politics, extortion and affairs.

A Vote for Murder is a mystery that tied in the importance of literacy with a murder the shined the spotlight on corruption. It was an interesting storyline that kept my attention, even though the literacy event did take a backseat to that of the politicians involved. Unfortunately I did have some issues with the final revelations, mostly pertaining to one character whose actions didn’t exactly line up with the initial traits given to them earlier in the novel.

Still I think that Jessica Fletcher is a wonderful character and I like how she always manages to stay poised and level-headed during the situations she finds herself in.

It is nice to come across a larger series where each book can be read as a stand-alone. Mention of previous mysteries are noted, but it isn’t necessary for the reader to have read them in order to understand the current installment.

Cynthia Darlow was a good narrator, however I was slightly disappointed that it wasn’t done by Angela Lansbury herself. After-all no one would be better suited to voice Jessica Fletcher than the actress who made the character famous.

I would recommend A Vote for Murder and the Murder, She Wrote series to fans of the television show and light mysteries. 

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
By Jamie Ford

Published: January 2009

Published By: Random House Inc. 

Format Read: Kobo, eBook, Paperback 

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Rating: 4/5

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Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is a dual time period novel that following Chinese-American Henry Lee as he recalls his experiences during the war years growing up in Seattle. In the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbour and the war raging between Japan and China, Henry’s father is more patriotic than ever. And although Henry was born in the USA, his Asian features makes him a target, especially in the all-white school his father insists he attends. 

At 12 years old, life is very lonely for Henry until a new student by the name of Keiko Okabe comes to his school on scholarship. A beautiful friendship blossoms, however the Japanese (even the Japanese American’s) are seen as the enemy and his father greatly disapproves. Can the bond that Henry and Keiko made survive their separation as she and her family are forced off to an internment camp for the duration of the war?

Jamie Ford has written a beautiful tale of friendship and love. The bond that Henry and Keiko form felt so pure and genuine. It wasn’t a frivolous pre-teen crush, but something far more meaningful and strong.

The treatment of American citizens of Japanese ancestry after the attacks on Pearl Harbour was terrible. It amazed me how they persevered and fought to prove their pride and allegiance to their country.

Despite the sad subject manner, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed Ford’s writing style and the way he tied in the two time periods: the early 1940’s and the mid 1980’s. I also learned a lot about the differences in the traditional Chinese and Japanese cultures, which was quite interesting.

I would recommend Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet to historical fiction lovers, especially those with an interest in life on the home front and the plight of the Japanese-American’s during World War II. Although it is technically adult fiction, I think that the subject manner would make for a great learning experience for younger readers as well. 

The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4) by Rick Riordan

The Battle of the Labyrinth

(Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4)

By: Rick Riordan

Published: May 2008

Published By: Listening Library

Format Read: Audio Book

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Young Adult

Rating: 3/5

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In this 4^th installment of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, our hero sets out on another quest. This time he joins friends Annabeth, Grover and half-brother Tyson, as they enter the labyrinth in an effort to stop the rise of the evil Kronos and his army.

I admit that I had a hard time getting into book 4. The thought of our hero’s travelling through a labyrinth initially had me intrigued. However as I listened along, I got somewhat overwhelmed by the vast difference in each room they came across. I also had a hard time picturing the monsters they battled on their journey.

Thankfully closer to the end of this audio book, I began to enjoy the story more. The pace really picked up and there was quite a bit of action. I really appreciated how the author included the God Pan to give his readers a lesson in the importance of preserving our environment.

Although this wasn’t my favourite book in the Percy Jackson series, I would still recommend it to fans of middle grade fantasy. 

Previous Books in the Percy Jackson Series:

1. The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympian's, #1) 
2. The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympian's. #2)
3. The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympian's. #3) 

Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley

Highly Illogical Behavior

By: John Corey Whaley

Published: May 2016

Published By: Dial Books

Format Read: Hardcover 

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary 

Rating: 5/5

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16 year-old Solomon Reed hasn’t left his house in the three years since his very public breakdown in his middle school’s water fountain. The secluded routine he created for himself allows him to keep his panic attacks at a minimum and he is content. That was until Lisa Praytor and Clark Robbins suddenly appeared in his life.  Unfortunately and unbeknownst to Solomon, Lisa’s intentions are more-so for her own benefit. The aspiring psychologist sees the “crazy fountain kid” as an opportunity to earn a full scholarship to one of the top colleges in the country. Lisa is determined to “fix” Solomon, no matter how immoral the approach may be.

Recently I have seen several Book Tuber’s mention John Corey Whaley’s Highly Illogical Behavior, but it wasn’t until I came across a copy at my local library that I paid much attention to it. I admit I picked it up on a whim, mostly due to the fact that it looked like a quick read. Little did I know that it would turn out to be one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

Knowing of the serious mental illness subject matter this book touches on, I expected the tone of the writing to be somber. However I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it is much more light hearted than that and oftentimes comical.

“Solomon lived in the only world that would have him. And even though it was quiet and mundane and sometimes lonely, it never got out of control.” Pg 1. 

As someone who has dealt with my fair share of mental illness myself, I found Solomon to be so relatable. Although his situation was far more severe than mine, I was still able to understand how he felt not being able to leave the house. The approach the author took with this character was interesting in that, Solomon was content with his situation. In his mind he had everything he needed, right there in his own home. It was his safe haven.

“This is how it always started. Everything would be fine and then a sudden sinking feeling would come over him like his chest was going to cave in. He could feel his heart bumping up against his rib cage, wanting out, quickening with every beat and then radiating down his arms and up to his temples..” Pg. 28

Another aspect of Solomon’s situation I was able to empathize with was the guilt he often felt. He felt guilty that there were many other people in this world who suffered more than he did. Personally I felt such a strong connection to this character. John Corey Whaley’s descriptions of panic attacks were spot on.

 Lisa on the other hand, was an interesting character, but her ulterior motives were most definitely immoral. Thank goodness for the inclusion of her boyfriend Clark, who was another wonderful character and I enjoyed watching his friendship with Solomon grow.

I don’t think that I have ever read another book where I have noted so many different passages, that I relate to. I found myself re-reading parts over and over again. It was a great reading experience and one that wasn’t triggering in the least. Instead I took Solomon’s story as a pick me-up, one that I intend to revisit whenever I am in need.

I would recommend John Corey Whaley’s Highly Illogical Behavior to fans of young adult fiction that are looking for a novel that is both comical and reflective. 

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

Tuck Everlasting By: Natalie Babbitt  Published: 1975 Published By: Farrar, Straus Giroux Format Read: Paperback Genre: Children’s Literature, Middle Grade, Classics, Fantasy Date Read: August 26, 2016  Rating: 4/5

An uninviting cottage sits aside the road leading to the village of Treegap and nearby stands a small wood that hold a magical secret. In its centre stands a large ash tree and at its roots is a tiny hidden spring. Ten year old Winnie Foster curiously wanders into the woods one day, only to come across a young man drinking from the spring. Parched from the August heat, Winnie insists on a drink, but the young man; Jesse Tuck won’t let her, claiming that it isn’t safe. This encounter would result in an adventure of a lifetime for her as she meets the rest of the mysterious Tuck family and learns of the magic the spring in the woods holds.

Tuck Everlasting is another classic children’s book that I missed out on during my childhood. In fact I didn’t even know this story existed until after I saw the movie starring Alexis Bledel. Although this book is quite different from the movie, I am glad I finally took the opportunity to read it.

Natalie Babbitt did a wonderful job describing the settings of her story. From the Foster’s uninviting cottage, to the landscape of the wood and of course the humble Tuck family home. It was easy to imagine a vivid and colourful picture in my mind.

The characters were interesting and endearing. Even our antagonist; the man in the yellow suit, held charm.

I really enjoyed this magical tale, but I admit that I wanted more. More story, more time with the characters and a longer time-span covered. It was far shorter than I expected and didn’t cover as much time as I expected. However I realize that my expectations were mostly based on the movie plot.

Still, Tuck Everlasting is a wonderfully magical story that I hope will continue to be passed down for generations to come. I would highly recommend this book.  

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1)
Author: Rick Riordan
Narrator: Jesse Bernstein
Published: June, 2005
Published By: Listening Library
Format Read: Audio book
Genre: Middle-grade, Fantasy, Adventure
Date Read: May 22, 2016
Rating: 4/5

At 12 years old Percy Jackson is just trying to make it through another school year without being expelled from another school. However strange things always seem to happen that lands him in trouble. Instead of a normal summer vacation, Percy is sent on the adventure of a lifetime when he learns that he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon and is sent on a quest to find and return Zeus’s master lightning bolt.

 As a book blogger, I have heard a lot about the Percy Jackson series and author Rick Riordan. I can’t say that I ever paid much attention to it though, because it doesn’t exactly fall into my genres of choice. Then one day my partner and I decided to listen to an audiobook together. I came across The Lightning Thief and decided to give it a try based on my partner’s interest in Greek Gods.

 And thank God’s (pun intended) I did give it a try because I absolutely loved it!

Although the basic story may be familiar to those who are already fans of Greek mythology, Rick Riordan has created a series that will captivate not only its intended target audience (middle graders), but book lovers of any age.

The Lightning Thief was exciting off the bat and continued at this pace throughout the story. Riordan weaved the tales of the Greek Gods into a story that was modern and clever. It is chalk full of colorful characters, adventure and humor.

I thought the narrator Jesse Bernstein really conveyed the excitement, however some of his voice impersonations were a bit cringe-worthy. Listening to the audio was fun, but I would still like to read and buy the physical copies of the Percy Jackson and the Olympian’s series.

Rick Riordan has created a character that will be treasured for generations to come. I would recommend this series to fans of middle-grade fantasy. 

Banished from Our Home: The Acadian Diary of Angelique Richard (Dear Canada) by Sharon Stewart

Title: Banished from Our Home: The Acadian Diary of Angelique Richard (Dear Canada)
Author: Sharon Stewart
Published: 2004
Published By: Scholastic Canada
Format Read: Hardcover
Genre: Middle-grade, Historical Fiction
Date Read: May 15, 2016
Rating: 4/5

12 year old Angelique Richard was born and raised on her family’s farm in Grand Pre, an Acadian settlement which was located in present day Nova Scotia. In 1775 the British took over the land and began placing restrictions on the Acadian people. Banning them from travelling, using their boats and even owning and operating firearms. Eventually all the men and boys (including Angelique’s father and brothers) would be arrested. This installment of the Dear Canada series follows the young girl’s experiences in the days leading up to and following the expulsion of the Acadian people, from their homes and land.

The Dear Canada series is a collection of middle-grade books that follow children living through some of the biggest events in our country’s history. I have several on my ‘to be read’ list, but this is the first one I have had the opportunity to read so far.

It is important to teach the younger generations of our history so that it isn’t lost and forgotten. This Dear Canada series is wonderful because it describes the specific events in ways that middle-grade readers can understand.

Banished from Our Home wasn’t bogged down with the politics of the situation. Instead it gave a quick snapshot of everyday Acadian life and their traditions. The descriptions of their farms and the Grand Pre area sounded absolutely beautiful.

Angelique was a brave and likable character who fought to keep her family together during such a traumatic time. Also included in this book is a more detailed history of the Acadian expulsions and heritage, pictures, maps and a glossary of the French words that were used throughout the story.

Reading this book has really sparked my interest in learning more about the Acadian (now referred to as Cajun) culture and their people. I would recommend Banished from Our Home to anyone interested in Canadian history, especially those who read middle-grade fiction. 

The Girls They Left Behind by Bernice Thurman Hunter

Title: The Girls They Left Behind
Author: Bernice Thurman Hunter
Published: March 2005
Published By: Fitzhenry & Whiteside
Format Read: Trade Paperback
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Canadian Fiction
Date Read: May 13, 2016
Rating: 4/5

In the summer of 1943, seventeen year old Beryl (or Natalie as she would prefer to be called) began to write in a diary she named Dolores. A regular event has been seeing off local boys with a hug, kiss and promise to write at Union Station as they head off to war. However none of these departures could compare to saying goodbye to her cousin and best friend Carmen. Natalie describes life in war-time Toronto, attending dances with servicemen, seeing newsreels about invasions and reading lists with the names of those who would not return. She would join the war effort working first at The John Ingalls Company making machine guns, then for De Havilland making Mosquitoes.

I was first introduced to Bernice Thurman Hunter’s books in elementary school with her trilogy about a young girl growing up in Toronto during the Great Depression. “Booky” instantly became one of my favourite books. However it wasn’t until recently that I came across The Girls They Left Behind after all these years. While I do plan to purchase a copy for my own at some point, I couldn’t wait to read it especially after I saw it on the shelf at my local library.

In The Girls They Left Behind, Natalie is feeling left behind as the boys she grew up with are sent away to war. The author wrote this story with her own memories from that time period in mind. Fortunately young women of the past several generations haven’t had to deal with losses of the magnitude from Thurman Hunter’s generation. Though I felt that she wrote the character of Natalie with traits that girls of today could still relate to.

The most enjoyable part of this book for me was the cultural and setting references from that time. Including the fashion, responsibilities, family dynamics and more specifically the locations around the city. It gave a quick glimpse of life in Canada during the turbulent years of war. The diary and letter style format made for a fast and enjoyable read.

Unfortunately Bernice Thurman Hunter was in the middle of writing Natalie’s story when she passed away in 2002. Her daughter Heather Anne Hunter would complete writing it in her honor and I believe she would be proud of how it all came together.

The Girls They Left Behind is young adult fiction, but I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in historical fiction focusing on the home front during wartime.