My current read
The Second Rule of Ten by Gay Hendricks and Tinker LindsayI was just recently introduced to private detective Tenzing Norbu. In this second mystery (I wrote about the first one here), Ten investigates the death of a controversial Hollywood producer - because, of course, this is California. I like Ten and his efforts to balance his profession with his upbringing in a Tibetan monastery.
My last read
Murder is Bad Manners by Robin StevensThe action in this young adult mystery takes place at a British boarding school in 1934. The two protagonists, Daisy Wells from England and Hazel Wong from Hong Kong, form a detective agency and collect clues and sort through motives after the death of a teacher in the school. Nothing here to make one cringe - except for the discovery of the dead body, of course. A fun read.
A quick one in between
The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories by P.D. JamesShort stories of murder and mayhem from a favorite author. Two of them feature a young Adam Dalgleish and all are elegantly written. My only regret is that there were only four in this collection.
The one before that
Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin
This is the introduction to Inspector John Rebus, Edinburgh's (literally) tortured detective. He is on the hunt for a killer who leaves clues that John can't quite understand. But when he catches on, there is hell to pay. Not sure I want to be John's friend, but may try book number two in this popular series. 
Latest purchase
Fierce Pajamas: An Anthology of Humor Writing from The New YorkerIn a continued effort to keep my spirits up, I couldn't resist this find at a local used book store. One glance at the table of contents and I spotted the names E.B. White, James Thurber, Robert Benchley, and Dorothy Parker. Oh, and Groucho Marx. Groucho Marx?!
Had to have it. A volume to dip into when spirits dip.
What books are in your round up?
I'm definitely in a reading slump. I've started and tossed (into the bag to go back to the used book store) several books. I've only finished reading two since my last blog post: one I disliked and won't post about and the other, I can't remember anything about it even though I only finished it two weeks ago! Goodness, get me out of this hole!
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, Joan, lately I have discarded more than I have read. These slumps come and go, don't they? That is one reason I love the library - if the book doesn't suit I am only out a gallon of gas. My only suggestion is to keep trying. Something will grab you soon. Good luck.
DeleteI just finished reading An Unknown Woman, by Alice Koller, and I'm just starting to read The Count of Monte Cristo. I'm getting ready for a week-long road trip with a friend through AZ and NM, so have been reading guide books, too. I will have the great pleasure of choosing the books to take with me as part of my packing activities, and I'm holding off on starting anything new that I don't want to take with me in the meantime. I know we'll be busy and wear ourselves out during the trip, but there's always that flying time to be filled with bookish delight.
ReplyDeleteThat New Yorker book looks wonderful!
Wow, Kathy, your road trip sounds fantastic. The desert in the spring is something to behold. I may have read the Koller book back in the day when I longed to live the solitary life. I sort of do, now that I think about it. Ha! It may have helped.
DeleteI have tried to read The Count of MC but struggled with it, so I watched the movie instead. The lazy way.
Have a wonderful trip. I expect your sketchbooks to be filled!
I'm taking both sketchbook and camera, and hoping to catch the wildflower superbloom out there. So excited!!!
DeleteExcellent, Kathy. I am sure you will capture beautiful images!
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