Happy New Year's Eve

It is a full moon -- got some strange calls. I'm so glad it's a long weekend and we don't have to be anywhere. Lots of relaxing with some dabbles of cleaning. :)

I finished A MURDER ON LONDON BRIDGE by Susanna Gregory. Very good as always. I'm currently reading STILL LIFE by Louise Penny. This is 1st of 5 in series featuring Gamache, Chief Inspector of the Sûreté du Québec, in the village of Three Pines, in southern Quebec, Canada. Here is a description:

The residents of a tiny Canadian village called Three Pines are shocked when the body of Miss Jane Neal is found in the woods. Miss Neal, the village's retired schoolteacher and a talented amateur artist, has been a good friend to most of the townsfolk, so her loss is keenly felt. At first, her death appears to be a tragic accident--it's deer-hunting season, and it looks a stray hunter's arrow killed her. But some folks are suspicious, and Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Montreal Surete is called in to investigate. Accompanying Gamache are his loyal assistant Beauvoir and Yvette Nichol, a new addition to Gamache's team. The trio soon finds that the seemingly peaceful, friendly village hides dark secrets. The truth is both bizarre and shocking, even to the jaded Gamache and his team.

It was published in 2005 and has 320 pages. The awards attached to this book: 2006 New Blood Dagger, 2006 Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel, 2007 Anthony Award for Best First Novel, and 2007 Barry Award for Best First Novel.

We're not doing anything special for New Year's Eve. I picked up a Papa Murphy's pizza (in the oven now), I made chex mix last night. We may just wind up doing our own thing -- Steve either playing a PC game or watching the gun shows that are on Thursday nights and I'll probably read emails and book. I may make it until midnight, we'll see. It will be nice to sleep in tomorrow morning (for me that's like 7:00).

Have a very happy New Year. Tomorrow I'll probably list my Tops and Bottoms reads of the year (already posted on 4MA)

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

New Year's Eve Eve

Just a quickie. Slow-ish day at work; had a training meeting -- a new law will create some changes to the online thingy we do after the first of the year.

Got home, walked Tug, dinner is in the oven. I think I'm going to hop in the shower to warm up a bit before dinner.

I hope to read tonight both emails and finish my book.

Have a lovely evening.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Revenge is a dish best served cold, right?

It's over .... dreaming of NEXT year's Christmas....

Monday back at work. Knew it would be busy ... it was steady but not overwhelming even though we had a few people on extended holidays. I'll have the opportunity, it sounds like, to work a Saturday or two in January to help with a huge load of claims from a big layoff in Missoula. The overtime pay will be nice.

Almost done with A BEAUTIFUL BLUE DEATH by Charles Finch. An entertaining historical mystery set in 1860s. I have loved reading it on my Kindle. I was able to show off my Kindle at work today ... maybe I've planted seeds for some sales for Amazon, eh?

Not much else going on ...

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Alphabet in Historical Crime Fiction - G

~ G ~

Diana Gabaldon

Lord John Grey, a soldier and gentleman, in mid-18th century London

• Lord John and the Private Matter (2003)


• Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade (2007)


• Lord John and the Hand of Devils (2007)

Ashley Gardner

Captain Gabriel Lacey, a former cavalry officer in Regency-era London

• The Hanover Square Affair (2003)


• A Regimental Murder (2004)


• The Glass House (2004)


• The Sudbury School Murders (2005)


• A Body in Berkeley Square (2005)


• A Covent Garden Mystery (2006)

Brad Geagley

Semerket, Clerk of Investigations and Secrets Egypt, during the reignof Ramses III (1187-56 BC)

• Year of the Hyenas (2005)


• Day of the False King (2006)

Roberta Gellis

Magdalene la Batarde, a whorehouse madame in 12th-century London

• A Mortal Bane (1999) [r]


• A Personal Devil (2001) [r]


• Bone of Contention (2002) [r]


• Chains of Folly (2006) [r]

Stand alone:

• Lucrezia Borgia and the Mother of Poisons (2003)

Hal Glatzer

Katy Green, a violin player in the Ultra Belles, an all-girl swing band in 1940s California:

• Too Dead to Swing (2002)


• A Fugue in Hell's Kitchen (2004)


• The Last Full Measure (2006)

Janet Gleeson
Worlds of art and cabinetry England 18th Century

• The Grenadillo Box (2002)
• The Serpent in the Garden (2003)
• The Thief Taker (2004) Finalist 2004 Historical Dagger Award

Philip Gooden
Nick Revill, an actor in Shakespearean times in London

• That Sleep of Death (2000)


• Death of Kings (2001)


• The Pale Companion (2002) Finalist 2002 Historical Dagger Award


• Alms for Oblivion (2003)


• Mask of Night (2004)


• An Honourable Murder (2005)

Thomas Ansell, a London attorney who travels to British cathedral towns during the Victorian era

• The Salisbury Manuscript (2008)


• The Durham Disappearance (2009)

Jason Goodwin
Yashim Togalu, a eunuch for an Ottoman sultan, in 1830s Istanbul

• The Janissary Tree (2006) 2007 Edgar Award for Best Mystery Novel, Finalist 2006 Historical Dagger Award, Finalist 2007 Macavity Award for Best Novel


• The Snake Stone (2007) Finalist 2007 Historical Dagger Award, Finalist 2008 Macavity Award for Best Historical Novel


• The Bellini Card (2009)

Alan Gordon
Feste, aka Theophilos, and Viola, aka Claudia, in early 13th century Europe, in the Fools’ Guild series

• Thirteenth Night (1999) [r]


• The Jester Leaps In (2000) [r]


• A Death in the Venetian Quarter (2002) [r]


• Widow of Jerusalem (2003) [r]


• An Antic Disposition (2004) [r]


• The Lark’s Lament (2007) [r]


• The Moneylender of Toulouse (2008) [r]


• The Parisian Prodigal (due January 19, 2010)

CW Gortner
Brendan Prescott, foundling raised in the Dudley household turned spy, England 1553

• The Secret Lion (2004)
  
  

Kerry Greenwood
Phryne Fisher, in 1920s Melbourne, Australia

• Cocaine Blues (1989) [r]


• Flying Too High (1990) [r]


• Murder on the Ballarat Train (1991) [r]


• Death at Victoria Dock (1992) [r]


• The Green Mill Murder (1993)


• Blood and Circuses (1994)


• Ruddy Gore (1995)


• Urn Burial (1996)


• Raisins and Almonds (1997)


• Death Before Wicket (1999)


• Away with the Fairies (2001)


• Murder in Montparnasse (2002)


• The Castlemaine Murders (2003)


• Queen of the Flowers (2004)


• Death by Water (2005)


• Murder in the Dark (2006)


• A Question of Death: An Illustrated Phryne Fisher Treasury (2007)


• Murder on a Midsummer Night (2008)

Susanna Gregory
Matthew Bartholomew, physician, and his colleague Brother Michael, in 14th century Cambridge, England

• A Plague on Both Your Houses (1996) [r]


• An Unholy Alliance (1996) [r]


• A Bone of Contention (1997) [r]


• A Deadly Brew (1998) [r]


• A Wicked Deed (1999) [r]


• A Masterly Murder (2000) [r]


• An Order for Death (2001) [r]


• A Summer of Discontent (2003) [r]


• A Killer in Winter (2003) [r]


• The Hand of Justice (2004) [r]


• The Mark of a Murderer (2006) [r]


• The Tarnished Chalice (2006) [r]


• To Kill or Cure (2008)[r]


• The Devil’s Disciples (2008) [r]


• A Vein of Deceit (2009)

Thomas Chaloner, a reluctant spy in Restoration London

• A Conspiracy of Violence (2006) [r]


• Blood on the Strand (2007) [r]


• The Butcher of Smithfield (2008) [r]


• The Westminster Poisoner (2008) [r]


• Murder on the London Bridge (2009) [r]

[r] = I've read it

Didn't read yesterday's instructions, did he

Saturday.

Got some groceries, walked Tug, doing some laundry. We went to see Avatar in the theatres late this afternoon. The movie is pretty but overall okay, not the super-fantastic they were saying. We saw it in the new 14-plex theatres -- horrible horrible place. Picture an airport; that's our 14-plex. If I can avoid that place, I will.

I'm currently reading A BEAUTIFUL BLUE DEATH by Charles Finch on my Kindle (LOVE my Kindle). This is 1st of 3 in series featuring Charles Lenox, a gentleman sleuth, in 1860s London, England. Here's a description:

Set in England in 1865, Lady Jane Grey's former servant, Prue Smith, dies in an apparent suicide-by-poisoning, Lady Jane asks Lenox, her closest friend, to investigate. The attractive young maid had been working in the London house of George Barnard, the current director of the Royal Mint. Lenox quickly determines that Smith's death was a homicide, but both Barnard and Scotland Yard resist that conclusion, forcing him to work discreetly. Aided by his Bunter-like butler and friend, Graham, the detective soon identifies a main suspect, only to have that theory shattered by that man's murder.

I don't know what we'll be doing tomorrow. It would be nice just to stay home and relax for the last day of the weekend. I do have some more cleaning/laundry to finish up.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I hope your holiday is merry and bright. I didn't track Santa on Norad this year -- I did last year though.

I worked a full day yesterday -- lots of calls, non-stop. I took 52. I got home, changed clothes, wrapped two presents then we headed over to M&D's for dinner which was lovely. Poor Emmitt, my brother's dog, was not feeling well all day apparently and then threw up huge masses of gunk that he had chowed on while hunting the day before -- like weeds and stuff I guess. You could tell he felt much better afterward.

We opened presents and, as a book addict, I made out pretty darn good. I received a gift card to Barnes & Noble and ...... a Kindle! Yes!! I also got a handheld electric mixer which I've not had before but the use of which is lacking in my kitchen.

I struck out in my major gift to Steve: he already has the originals of the Watchmen and neglected to tell me he had purchased them for himself. In fact, in my defense, he has never told me what he wants for gifts so each and every time I have to wing it and believe me he is not an easy giftee -- he makes me return it if he doesn't like it. Hunh. But I think he likes his PC game at least. See, I HELP my gifter by letting them know -- sometimes not so subtly -- what it is that I would find the most useful or delightful. Sheesh.

I just got done walking Tug and we're heading over to Steve's parents' for dinner at 4. I've played with my Kindle a bit this morning and will do some more today. I've also got some laundry going and I'd like to vacuum before too long -- Tug was given a bone for an early Christmas present and the remnants are all over the living room and bedroom.

We plan to go to a couple movies in the next few days, maybe starting tomorrow. I have to go grocery shopping tomorrow morning. Otherwise, I think we'll be relaxing, playing and catching up on sleep.

Have a very merry Christmas.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Christmas Eve Eve

Almost done with the Christmas present project. I think a couple more hours -- maybe just one hour -- and it will be ready for wrapping and giving tomorrow evening. Tell you about it after it's opened.

Lots of snow today. Hoo boy, about 4-7 inches on Billings. Roads weren't too bad coming home. I had a doctor's appointment today. Bad news is that my creatinine is still too high (1.5) so I have to see him again in three months and he wants me to see the kidney doctor again. And he wants me to wear the sock again because so much sitting at work is making my ankle swell. Too much sitting or too much standing will do this. Will this never end? I want my health back. Oh and lose weight but that was already on my agenda for the beginning of the year. Not a problem there.

Steve will home tomorrow and I'm asking him to do a couple errands for me. I'll be home at 5-ish depending on the traffic and road conditions. Then we're going over to my parents' for dinner and gift exchanging. I have two boxes for Steve, I'm thinking of bringing one along for him to open there. The really good one I'll keep at home for later.

Haven't had much time to read since the push to finish the project. Will get back to it asap.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Countdown to Christmas...

Woo hoo! New episodes of Psychic Kids and Paranormal State tonight!

I have two days to complete a Christmas present project. Getting down to the wire so I've got to work on it during any free moments.

Steve surprised me tonight be coming home early-ish and volunteered to walk Tug. Yay! Steve is also taking Christmas Eve off from work so he'll be able to walk him then too. I'll be working the whole day ... the government doesn't get off early. :)

A recipe that I tried on Sunday turned out to be really good so we're looking forward to having the leftovers tonight for dinner.

I gave blood this morning for labs for doctor appointment tomorrow afternoon. Kinda tired ... looking forward to sleeping in on Friday.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Oh, not much to talk about. Lots of calls at work. Walked Tug; made dinner, reading emails. Wrapped a few presents but not quite done yet.

I'm wondering if Steve is giving me a Kindle -- he keeps talking about the Sony e-reader -- knowing I'm not interested in that one and he loves to tease -- and mentioned an interesting thing happened to him today but he can't tell me about it yet because it involves my present. Hmmmm.... BTW, he's going to love his gift -- I can't wait to give it to him.

Found an interesting biography-essay-ish book at the library today: THE ELFISH GENE: dungeons, dragons and growing up strange by Mark Barrowcliffe. Here's a description:

Barrowcliffe tells the story of a self-proclaimed nerd living in 1970s Coventry, England; Dungeons & Dragons; and the boys who played it. He provides a humorous look into the world of fantasy role-playing at a time when computer RPGs didn't exist and people were forced to use their imaginations. He recounts his foray into the game, his struggle to belong, and what ultimately led to his "growing up." The writing is often self-deprecating and combines views on the city with detailed descriptions of the gaming sessions. Despite-or, in part, because of the long descriptions of gaming, this book will appeal to those interested in the RPG phenomenon. The author's character development leaves readers with a strong sense of who these boys were and why they played the game.

This is Steve to a T. He played D&D in junior high/high school with his friends for a number of years before succumbing to computer games. I wanted to play this game around junior high but couldn't find anyone to play with. Yes, we're both nerds/geeks but it manifested differently, I think, along boy/girl lines.

We watched the Survivor finale last night. Sorry, I don't think Natalie deserved the million dollars. The jury voted on popularity/likeability rather than game play which I think is wrong. Yes, she played a different game but Russell - as unlikeable as he was in this game (and I hope he's different outside it) -- played a stronger, more strategic game and deserved the win. Well, at least we have our Thursdays back until it starts up again in February.

I had a slight headache last night so I couldn't fall asleep very quickly therefore I didn't get enough sleep. Tired this evening so I'm going to finish up computering soon, read a couple pages, then go to bed.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Alphabet in Historical Crime Fiction - F

~ F ~

Charles Finch

Charles Lenox, a gentleman sleuth, in 1860s London, England

• A Beautiful Blue Death (2007) Finalist 2007 Agatha Award for Best First Novel


• The September Society (2008)


• The Fleet Street Murders (2009)

Patricia Finney

Simon Ames and courtier David Becket in Elizabethan England

• The Firedrake's Eye (1992)


• Unicorn's Blood (1998)


• Gloriana's Touch (2003)

Jane Finnis

Aurelia Marcella, a young Roman innkeeper in 1st century Roman Britain

• Get Out or Die (2003) [r]


• A Bitter Chill (2005)


• Buried Too Deep (2008)
  

Arianna Franklin

Adelia (Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar of Salerno), a “doctor for the dead” working for King Henry II in 12th century England

• Mistress of the Art of Death (2007) 2007 Historical Dagger2008 Macavity Award for Best Historical Novel [r]


• The Serpent’s Tale (2008) Finalist 2008 Historical Dagger Award [r]


• Grave Goods (2009) [r]


• A Murderous Procession (coming 2010)

Margaret Frazer

Dame Frevisse, a nun in 1400s Oxfordshire, England

• The Novice’s Tale (1992) [r]


• The Servant’s Tale (1993) Finalist 1994 Edgar Award for Best Paperback [r]


• The Outlaw’s Tale (1994) [r]


• The Bishop’s Tale (1994) [r]


• The Boy’s Tale (1995) [r]


• The Murderer’s Tale (1996) [r]


• The Prioress’ Tale (1997) Finalist 1998 Edgar Award for Best Paperback [r]


• The Maiden’s Tale (1998) [r]


• The Reeve’s Tale (1999) [r]


• The Squire’s Tale (2000) [r]


• The Clerk’s Tale (2002) [r]


• The Bastard’s Tale (2003) [r]


• The Hunter’s Tale (2004) [r]


• The Widow’s Tale (2005) [r]


• The Sempster’s Tale (2006) [r]


• The Traitor’s Tale (2007) [r]


• The Apostate’s Tale (2008) [r]

Joliffe, member of traveling players and spy in 15th century England

• A Play of Isaac (2004) [r]


• A Play of Dux Moraud (2005) [r]


• A Play of Knaves (2006) [r]


• A Play of Lords (2007) [r]


• A Play of Treachery (2009) [r]

David Fulmer

Valentin St. Cyr, a Creole private detective in the early 20th century, in the Storyville district of New Orleans

• Chasing the Devil’s Tail (2001) 2002 Shamus Award for Best First Novel, Finalist 2002 Barry Award for Best First Novel


• Jass (2005)


• Rampart Street (2006)


• Lost River (2009)

[r] = I've read it

That's Christmas around the corner, isn't it ... bah humbug

I'm writing this on my computer in my office. For several months past, I've done my computering on the laptop upstairs but here I am at my desk. And I've gotten very used to my computer set up at work, apparently. At work, I have two flatscreen monitors, linked, and I really like it. This one monitor thing kinda sucks. :)

I ran a couple errands today -- went to the library to pick up a hold and to Barnes and Noble to return a gift (the secret Santa gift for work because I gave her something better). I also stopped somewhere else to finalize Steve's gift(s). I picked up the movie Love, Actually for myself -- really like it and have seen it a couple times but I don't own it and it was only $10. Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson and the kid are terrific -- so many good characters I think it is a new Christmas classic and the scene at the airport at the end makes me tear up every time. The writer of this movie is the same one who did Four Weddings and a Funeral which I think is funnier but this has a slightly more mature thoughtfulness to it despite some silliness.

I got home and took Tug for a good long walk. Laid down for a little bit but couldn't get warm (I didn't think I got cold on the walk but apparently so) so I warmed up the bones in the shower. Then vacuumed. I've had some loads of laundry going but will finish that up tomorrow.

I still need to wrap presents and work on a gift project this weekend. I also have to do Christmas cards. I wasn't going to send any this year but we're *receiving* a number of them so I guess I'd better reciprocate. (huuuge sigh) Tomorrow night we have the Survivor finale and reunion show to watch (three hours total).

Why can I never remember good and original things to write about when I get online to post? I thought of great things last night but now ... poof ... gone.

I finished GIRL ON LEGARE STREET last night so I think I'm back to the Susanna Gregory. I have three more books to read to complete my goal of 120 books this year (10 per month average). Like I've mentioned before, 2010 will be when I read the Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett and not have any set number to achieve by year's end. I think I may also include reading more of the "big books" I have on hand like DROOD, THE BEST OF MEN, THE OWL KILLERS, NOW FACE TO FACE, a Sharon Kay Penman or two ... we'll see. It's going to be "Big Honkin' Book Year." As well as the usual series and so forth I read regularly.

I don't believe there are any more new releases of books in December for me. January has about one a week for me I think:

EGGSECUTIVE ORDERS by Julie Hyzy

THE BETRAYAL OF THE BLOOD LILY by Lauren Willig

THE PARISIAN PRODIGAL: A Fools' Guild Mystery by Alan Gordon

ORIGINAL SIN by Allison Brennan

All right, back to your regularly scheduled weekend ...

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

UPDATE:

Hey, there's a challenge that's covering what I'm going to do. Of course, there is a challenge, there's a challenge for everything and anything you can think of in the reading world.

February 1, 2010 - January 31, 2011

Definition of a Chunkster:
A chunkster is 450 pages or more of ADULT literature (fiction or nonfiction) ... A chunkster should be a challenge.

If you read large type books your book will need to be 525 pages or more ... The average large type book is 10-15% longer or more so I think that was a fair estimate.

The Rules:

• No Audio books in the chunkster. It just doesn't seem right. Words on paper for this one folks.
  
• No e-Books allowed - we are reading traditional, fat books for this challenge.
  
• Short Stories and Essay collections will not be counted.
  
• Books may crossover with other challenges
  
• Anyone may join. If you don't have a blog, just leave me a comment on this post with your progress (and to let me know you are playing)
  
• You don't need to list your books ahead of time.
  
• Once you pick a level, that's it...you're committed to that level!You must pick a level of participation (thanks again to Dana for the humor in these categories!):
  

The Chubby Chunkster - this option is for the reader
who has a couple of large tomes on their

TBR list, but really doesn't want to commit to much
more than that. 3 books is all you need to finish this challenge.

Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big? - this option is
for the slightly heavier reader who wants to commit to 4 Chunksters over the
next twelve months.

Mor-book-ly Obese - This is for the truly out of
control chunkster. For this level of challenge you must commit to 6 or more
chunksters OR three tomes of 750 pages or more. You know you want to.....go on
and give in to your cravings.

Some Other Questions you Might Have:

To review or not to review, that is the quesion...Reviews are not mandatory, but they are strongly encouraged.

Will there be prizes? Perhaps.

I'm just going to find my blankie and wait for Monday

TGIF

Ready for a weekend. Lots of calls and tired of conversations. Lots to do this weekend with Christmas stuff to finish and of course the usual cleaning and laundry.

Have set aside briefly and a little reluctantly the Susanna Gregory to do a quick read of the sequel by Karen White of a book I recently finished. This one is called THE GIRL ON LEGARE STREET. Here's a description:

Melanie has grown accustomed to renovating old houses, but she never imagined she'd have to renovate her own life to include her estranged mother. Ginnette Prioleau Middleton left Charleston thirty-five years ago. She's returned wanting to protect the daughter she's never really known after receiving an ominous premonition.Melanie never wanted to see her mother again, but with some prodding from her partner, Jack Trenholm, she agrees-and begins to rebuild their relationship. Together Melanie and Ginnette buy back their old home. With their combined psychic abilities they expect to unearth some ghosts. But what they find is a vengeful dark spirit whose strength has been growing for decades. It will take unearthing long buried secrets to beat this demon and save what's left of Melanie's family...

I hope to finish this book this weekend and then go back to the Gregory.

Have a good Friday ...

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

purrrrrrr .... Murrrrr durrrr... purrrrrr

The hills are alive ... with the sound of mu sic

Sorry for missing yesterday's post. I'd like to get back the hour and a half of my life spent at a thingy I had to go to with Steve last night, but it is not meant to be cheri. Ah well.

Today at work we did the Secret Santa gift exchange. The girl's name I had lurrrrrvvvvvvs the Twilight books/movies and has some postcards up on her cubicle of the stars and so forth so I got her a 201o calendar of it so she has more of the same for a whole year. I think she liked it. The guy who had my name -- and I suspected he had it because he was querying me one day a little too closely -- got me a Beatles calendar (calendars are just a convenient way to decorate a cubicle so probably popular) that I really really like. It is the shape of a vinyl record and came in an album-like cover. So cool.

On Wednesdays, we don't answer the phones until 10:00 in order to do in-service stuff but this morning had the Christmas breakfast feast. I didn't eat breakfast ahead of time but I was full pretty much the rest of the day. (cross your fingers that this job gets extended for me at the end of my one year ... it's a really good job in a very nice place).

I'm currently reading A MURDER ON LONDON BRIDGE and enjoying a lot. I didn't have a chance go online last night so I've got some catching up to do there.

Have a lovely evening!

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Cold toes, cold toes!

I'm currently reading A MURDER ON LONDON BRIDGE by Susanna Gregory. This is 5th of 5 in series featuring Thomas Chaloner, a reluctant spy in Restoration London, England. Here is a description:

The murder of a man in broad daylight on London Bridge is the first indication that the Earl of Clarendon's fears of a rebellion against the newly restored monarchy may be well-founded. His spy, Thomas Chaloner, suspects the assassin may be a member of a group dedicated to seeing the return of Puritanism, and at the same time he learns of a faction close to the King determined to bring back the old ways of the Roman Catholic Church. He discovers, too, that the killing on the Bridge is not the only assault committed there recently, and begins to decipher a link between the violence and the people who manage the Bridge and its tottering, ramshackle buildings. As he moves unobtrusively between White Hall, the elegant mansions along the Strand and the heaving congestion on the only river crossing he becomes aware of an undercurrent of restlessness in the capital. And it soon becomes clear that the groups he is investigating are planning some extraordinary climax to achieve
their separate aims on Shrove Tuesday, which gives him very little time to identify the ring-leaders and thwart their intentions ...

It was just published in the UK and has 464 pages. Love love love this series.

Freakin' cold today ... I don't think it got much above negative 8. Weather.com is saying tomorrow's high is 35 above. The four-ish inches that fell was packed down on the main road and made the drive home like being on glass. Glad to be home.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Alphabet of Historicial Crime Fiction - E

~ E ~

Umberto Eco

The Name of the Rose (1980) Finalist 1983 New Blood Dagger AwardFinalist 1984 Edgar Award for Best Mystery [r]

Kathy Lynn Emerson
Lady Susanna Appleton, an herbalist in Elizabethan England

Face Down in the Marrow-Bone Pie (1997) [r]
Face Down Upon an Herbal (1998) [r]
Face Down Among the Winchester Geese (1999) [r]
Face Down Beneath the Eleanor Cross (2000) [r]
Face Down Under the Wych Elm (2000) [r]
Face Down Before Rebel Hooves (2001) [r]
Face Down Across the Western Sea (2002)
Murders and Other Confusions (2004)
Face Down Below the Banqueting House (2005)
Face Down Beside St. Anne’s Well (2006)
Face Down O’er the Border (2007)

Diana Spaulding, a widowed journalist in 1888

Deadlier Than the Pen (2005)
Fatal as a Fallen Woman (2005)
No Mortal Reason (2007)
Lethal Legend (2008)

[r] = I've read it

Read Your Own Books 2010

For 2010, the RYOB (Read Your Own Books) challenge! The rules are simple:

• Pick a number of books you’d like to read in one year


• Choose those books from your OWN collection


• Read them between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010
  

And, that’s it! Some other guidelines for this challenge:

• Re-Reads are NOT allowed (the challenge is to get more of your own books read that have been sitting there waiting!)


• Audiobooks & e-books ARE allowed


• You do NOT need a blog to participate

More info at http://readerchallenges.wordpress.com/ryob-read-your-own-books/

***************************************************

I'm SO doing this. Last year I wasn't aware of this challenge but I did have a goal of reading 10 books a month or 120 books. (yes, I have reading goals -- so there) I've stated before that I've been meaning to read Dorothy Dunnett's historicals for ages and 2010 is the year. I'll be reading other books, of course, but these are the ones for which I'm setting a goal:

Dorothy Dunnett: (The Lymond Chronicles)
1. THE GAME OF KINGS

2. QUEEN'S PLAY

3. THE DISORDERLY KNIGHTS
4. PAWN IN FRANKINCENSE
5. THE RINGED CASTLE

6. CHECK MATE

(leaving the Niccolo series for the next year)


I don't want to overdo the goal and not be able to accomplish what I've set out by listing any more books -- believe me, I could quadruple this list. Plus, these are big, dense books. And I know the year will go more quickly than I think. For the six books listed, I have provided two months per books. Seems reasonable to include these books into my regular rotation. I've also been meaning to read so many other books and authors (coming to mind right now are the Sharon Kay Penman historicals) but I don't think I should take on more than I can chew -- those in particular are biiiig honkin' books and I do want to keep reading in the series of which I'm in the middle.

And in mysteries, omg, there's so many authors: Ian Rankin (I've read 4 leaving 15 more in the Rebus series), Ed McBain (over 50 books alone in the 87th precinct seris), Lawrence block, Archer Mayor, Jane Haddam, Pronzini, Rendell, PD James, Reginald Hill, Perry Mason, Rex Stout, Colin Dexter, the Golden Era authors, Fyfield, Emma Lathen, the roman period histmyst authors, catch up on Grafton Grimes McDermid Peters ... you see my problem (and yes, I have a lot of these books in my possession). But I'm putting a limit on this challenge to provide a little leeway and wiggle room. :) Not so much time to read now.

Steve got up early today (like 7am when he usually sleeps until 11) and I thought he was confusing today for a work day. But no, he wanted to go to Cabela's for some kind of doorbuster sale at 8am and he wanted me to go along with him. So I did -- 'cause I was already up, I'm an early riser and a morning person and we haven't done anything together for a while. After Cabela's, I convinced him to go to breakfast at IHOP which we haven't done in about a year and a half. My tummy is very full now. Borders was right next door and I needed to get a different gift for my secret santa person at work plus I had a gift card to use up so I dragged him over there. Now Steve is back in bed, snoring away. I'll walk Tug in a little bit and then I think I'll take a nap too this afternoon.

Otherwise today, I need to do the usually cleaning and laundry. I have many many 4MA digests from the past week to read. I think tonight for dinner we'll have leftovers -- easy, satisfying, and clears out the fridge. I think we're supposed to be getting another snow storm; there's a winter weather advisory from now until Monday. I'm thinking it will be good to snuggle down for a day and half. I've got the Maureen Ash to finish and I have a brand new Susanna Gregory from Book Depository to read next. Life is good.


Much love,
PK the Bookeemonster

So how do you really feel?

Sweet Dreams...

Not much to mention tonight. Broke my personal number of calls today -- 56. Tired of talking? Yeah, a bit, but I also got a half hour of overtime. I've got several emails to read but I'll leave them for the weekend. Survivor was good tonight and I look forward to seeing the Pondarosa clips. I'd like to read a little bit tonight since I haven't given this book much time so this post will a short one. Glad tomorrow is Friday. :)

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Oooohhhhhh it's cooooold!

Sorry for missing yesterday. I got the new Harry Potter movie and we watched it last night. I liked it; Steve kinda dozed a couple times so we'll be watching it again. The actress playing Ginny is juuuuussst getting almost too tall for Harry. :)

At work, the heating is now fixed but our system keeps going down. We're told it's the entire montana.gov site but it's been three days now -- we can't take any calls when it's non-functioning and calls pile up. Dealing with unemployment issues is really not good during the holidays -- it's really tough out there right now. I'm just glad I don't have to go through a second Christmas on it myself. We've been told that we can get overtime now to help out with calls and that we'll be trained on some other things to help out in other areas. Overtime paychecks will be very nice.

Currently still reading MURDER AT CHRIST'S MASS by Maureen Ash. I'm liking it a lot though there are the occasional info dumps.

It's been so cold out. Walking Tug tonight was miserable -- it was a much shorter walk. Apparently it was about 10 above but that wind was just cuttingly cold.

I've got some projects to continue with tonight so I'll hopefully check in tomorrow.

Happy reading and stay warm!

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Brrrr... too cold to be outside!

It's a bit chilly out ... currently negative 3. I think the high today was 1.

I'm currently reading MURDER FOR CHRIST'S MASS by Maureen Ash. This is 4th of 4 featuring Bascot de Marins, a Templar Knight recovering from imprisonment in the holy lands, in the early 1200s, in England. Here's a description:

The town of Lincoln is covered in snow-concealing the mortal remains of a clerk who worked in the local mint. The only clue is a pristine coin stamped with the visage of King Stephen. But Templar Bascot de Marins soon discovers that the motive goes beyond money-and beyond mere murder.

It was just published and has 304 pages.

Last night I finished a book called THE HOUSE ON TRADD STREET by Karen White. Here's a description:

Buttoned-up real estate agent Melanie Middleton, lover of order and all things modern, inherits an old house in Charleston, S.C., from a virtual stranger. Melanie can't help seeing the house as a big white elephant, especially regarding the terms; according to the will, Melanie's required to live in the house for a year, restoring it to its former glory, before she can sell so much as a piece of china. But as the house draws the attention (and ulterior motives) of a colorful group of locals, particularly GQ-handsome journalist Jack Trenholm, Melanie finds she has plenty of volunteers to help out. White skillfully balances her tale at the meeting point of romance, mystery and ghost story.

It was published in 2008 and has 352 pages. I liked it and it looks like there's a second book.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

The Alphabet in Historical Crime Fiction - D

Here are the rules: Each week you have to write a blog post about crime fiction related to the letter of the week. Your post MUST be related to either the first letter of a book's title, the first letter of an author's first name, or the first letter of the author's surname.

~ D ~

Sarah D’Almeida

D’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, of Dumas fame, serving the king in 17th century France

• Death of a Musketeer (2006)


• The Musketeer’s Seamstress (2007)


• The Musketeer’s Apprentice (2007)


• A Death in Gascony (2008)


• Dying by the Sword (2008)

Lindsey Davis

Marcus Didius Falco, an “informer” for Emperor Vespasian in 1st century Rome

• Silver Pigs (1989) [r]


• Shadows in Bronze (1990)


• Venus in Copper (1991)


• The Iron Hand of Mars (1992)


• Poseidon’s Gold (1993) Finalist 1993 Last Laugh Dagger Award


• Last Act in Palmyra (1994)


• Time to Depart (1995)


• A Dying Light in Corduba (1996)


• Three Hands in the Fountain (1997)


• Two for the Lions (1998) 1999 Historical Dagger Award


• One Virgin Too Many (1999)


• Ode to a Banker (2000) Finalist 2001 Historical Dagger Award


• A Body in the Bathhouse (2001)


• The Jupiter Myth (2002) Finalist 2002 Historical Dagger Award


• The Accusers (2003)


• Scandal Takes a Holiday (2004)


• See Delphi and Die (2005)


• Saturnalia (2007)


• Alexandria (2009)
  

Dianne Day

(Caroline) Fremont Jones, owner of a typewriter service in turn-of-the-19th-century San Francisco

• The Strange Files of Fremont Jones (1995) 1996 Macavity Award for Best First Novel [r]


• Fire and Fog (1996) [r]


• The Bohemian Murders (1997) [r]


• Emperor Norton's Ghost (1998) [r]


• Death Train to Boston (1999) [r]


• Beacon Street Mourning (2000) [r]

Anna Dean

Miss Dido Kent, Spinster member of the gentry, Recency England

• A Moment of Silence (2008) [r]


• A Gentleman of Fortune (2009) [r]

Phillip DePoy

Brother Timon Cambridge, England 1605

• The King James Conspiracy (2009) [r]

Paul Doherty (yes this is all one author, lots of pseudonyms, I'm not listing standalones for this one)

Hugh Corbett, a spy for King Edward I in England

• Satan in St. Mary’s (1986) [r]


• The Crown in Darkness (1988) [r]


• Spy in Chancery (1988)


• The Angel of Death (1989)


• The Prince of Darkness (1992)


• Murder Wears a Cowl (1992)


• The Assassin in the Greenwood (1993)


• The Song of a Dark Angel (1994)


• Satan’s Fire (1995)


• The Devil’s Hunt (1996)


• The Demon Archer (1999)


• The Treason of the Ghosts (2000)


• Corpse Candle (2001)


• The Magician’s Death (2004)


• The Waxman Murders (2006)


• Nightshade (2008)

Matthew Jenkyn, a 15th century soldier and double agent spy, in England

• The Whyte Hart (1988)


• The Serpent Among the Lilies (1990)

Brother Athelstan, a Dominican monk, and John Cranston, a coroner, in 14th century London, England

• Nightingale Gallery (1991)


• The Red Slayer (1992)


• Murder Most Holy (1992)


• Anger of God (1993)


• By Murder’s Bright Light (1994)


• The House of Crows (1995)


• The Assassin’s Riddle (1996)


• The Devil’s Domain (1998)


• The Field of Blood (1999)


• The House of Shadows (2003)

Nicholas Chirke, a young lawyer in medieval England, in the Canterbury Tales mysteries

• An Ancient Evil, Being the Knight’s Tale (1993)


• A Tapestry of Murders, Being the Man of Law’s Tale (1994)


• A Tournament of Murders, Being the Franklin’s Tale (1995)


• Ghostly Murders, Being the Priest’s Tale (1997)


• The Hangman’s Hymn, Being the Carpenter’s Tale (2002)


• A Haunt of Murder (2002)

Alexander the Great

• Murder in Macedon (1997)


• A Murder in Thebes (1998)


• The House of Death (2001)


• The Godless Man (2002)


• The Gates of Hell (2003)

Amerotke, Chief Judge in Thebes, Egypt

• The Mask of Ra (1998)


• The Horus Killings (1999)


• The Anubis Slayings (2000)


• The Slayers of Seth (2001)


• The Assassins of Isis (2004)


• The Poisoner of Ptah (2007)


• The Spies of Sobeck (2008) [US due February 2, 2010]

Mathilde of Westminster, a physician and former lady-in-waiting, in the court of Edward II, in 14th century, London, England

• The Cup of Ghosts (2005)


• The Poison Maiden (2007)


• The Darkening Glass (2009)

Sir Roger Shallot, agent of Cardinal Wolsey in England

• The White Rose Murders (1991)


• The Poisoned Chalice (1992)


• The Grail Murders (1993)


• A Brood of Vipers (1994)


• The Gallows Murders (1995)


• The Relic Murders (1996)

Kathryn Swinbrooke, a physician, apothecary, and death investigator in 15th century Canterbury, England

• A Shrine of Murders (1993)


• The Eye of God (1994)


• The Merchant of Death (1995)


• The Book of Shadows (1996)


• Saintly Murders (2001)


• A Maze of Murders (2003)


• A Feast of Poisons (2004)

Nicholas Segalla, a time-traveling scholar in England

• A Time for the Death of a King (1994) [r]


• The Prince Lost to Time (1995) [r]


• The Time of Murder at Mayerling (1996) [r]


• In the Time of the Poisoned Queen (1998) [r]

Margaret Doody

Aristotle, the philosopher, and Stephanos, a former student, in 330s BCE Athens under the rule of Alexander

• Aristotle Detective (1978)


• Aristotle and Poetic Justice (2002)


• Aristotle and the Secrets of Life (2003)


• Poison in Athens (2004)


• Mysteries in Eleusis (2005)

Carol Nelson Douglas

Irene Adler, opera star and sleuth in 19th century France

• Good Night, Mr. Holmes (1990)


• Good Morning, Irene (1990)


• Irene at Large (1992)


• Irene’s Last Waltz (1994)


• Chapel Noir (2001)


• Castle Rouge (2002)


• Femme Fatale (2003)


• Spider Dance (2004)

Ruth Downie

Gaius Petreius Ruso, a recently divorced Roman army physician, in second century Roman Britain

• Medicus (2007)


• Terra Incognita (2008)


• Persona Non Grata (2009)

Carola Dunn

Daisy Dalrymple, a journalist in 1920s Hampshire, England

• Death at Wentwater Court (1994) [r]


• The Winter Garden Mystery (1995) [r]


• Requiem for a Mezzo (1996) [r]


• Murder on the Flying Scotsman (1997) [r]


• Damsel in Distress (1997) [r]


• Dead in the Water (1998) [r]


• Styx and Stones (1999) [r]


• Rattle His Bones (2000) [r]


• To Davy Jones Below (2001) [r]


• The Case of the Murdered Muckraker (2002)


• Mistletoe and Murder (2002)


• Die Laughing (2003)


• A Mourning Wedding (2005)


• Fall of a Philanderer (2005)


• Gunpowder Plot (2006)


• The Bloody Tower (2007)


• Black Ship (2008)


• Sheer Folly (2009)

r = I've read it

I told her just a part down the middle and layers ... is it ok?

There's a winter weather advisory for Billings for today. Monday is supposed to have a high temp of 9. I'll be heading out to get my hair cut and stop by the bookstore to see if they've set free the new Maureen Ash yet. I think Steve has said he'll walk Tug today while I'm out and about.

I'm finally caught up on 4MA digests and I've pretty much cleaned up my emails. Read the Frazer a little bit last night -- this turning out to be not a crime fiction story at all but perhaps more of a historical espionage story, kinda sorta. No crimes, no murders -- just a story of how Joliffe got trained in France by spymasters to be of use to Bishop Beaufort. Am I disappointed? I don't know. I like any Joliffe story and I like learning medieval history/political intrigue but there is really no mystery here.

Have a pleasant Saturday...

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Bet he snores too

Rather glad that the work week is over. Lots of calls today: 47. I'm ready for a weekend.

I'm finally able to get my haircut tomorrow. Yay! My bangs are down to my nose.

I'm hoping to get some time to read this weekend. Have to do some cleaning and laundry but a little down time will be nice.

Staying warm, having chili for dinner, and relaxing the rest of the evening -- Steve is talking about watching a DVD....

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Too much caffeine and staring at monitors can do what?

Just finished watching Survivor tonight. Wee ha another fun tribal vote!

Lots of calls at work again today -- over 40. You want to get to everyone and sometimes that is just not possible. I would like to have a noise reduction headset on my open ear so I can tune out the people around me -- it drives me crazy hearing some of the things I do.

Didn't get time to read my book or any 4MA digests last night. With any luck tonight I'll be able to do SOMETHING.

It's freakin' cold out and the heat was out at work again. Right now I'm downstairs in the family room; we've got the pellet stove going and I think I'm finally thawing out from walking Tug.

Okay, cutting this short so I can read some emails.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

No I don't make a noise when you squeeze my tummy

"Book-love, I say again, lasts throughout life, it never flags or fails, but, like Beauty itself, is a joy forever." Holbrook Jackson

Isn't that just perfect? Love it.

COOOOOLLLLLLLDDDD today. Not only did it only get to about 25 degrees today (and expected to get much much colder within a few days) but the heat wasn't working very well at work today on my side of the building. I finally caved after lunch and put on my coat. I don't think they ever did figure out what was going on with it. Walking Tug after work was very cold but I had on several layers so I was able to do okay.

Steve is off on his shooting night. Tug is now dozing on his bed and I'm trying to catch up on the Internet. I never have enough time in the evenings to do it properly -- meaning I'm missing out the "well-informed-ness" I had when I was unemployed and I miss it. I have several digests of 4MA still to read too.

I may be a third of the way into the new Margaret Frazer. A LOT of political intrigue about England-France relations in the 14th century going on. I love this kind of stuff and only slightly verging on being too much and losing the story with Joliffe. A lot of set up has to happen I think and a deeper understanding of the politics going on therefore a lot of exposition.

I think I figured out what to get Steve for Christmas (fingers crossed). He always so freakin' difficult to gift because he demands that it be the best, the coolest, the most expensive thing ever or else he'll make me return it. Trust me, he's done it to me more than once. I haven't quite given up and wrapped money yet but I've gotten close. Me, I'm easy: a gift card to amazon.com or any bookstore and I'm extremely happy. And if by some off chance he wanted to splurge and he happens to think of a Kindle, I wouldn't complain too hard.

Happy mid-week and have a good night.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

W h o a ... not looking!

Sorry about missing yesterday. I was constantly running until 9 and was just too tired to do much online other than delete unwanted emails. I went to the bookstore and Walmart after work and then dealing with dinner and so forth just took too much time.

Work was busy today -- just over 40 calls. I kinda scoffed when I heard that weird calls happen during a full moon but I think I'm a less of a skeptic now. Strange calls.

I'm currently reading a new (yay!) Margaret Frazer, A PLAY OF TREACHERY, 5th of 5 in series featuring Joliffe, a member of traveling players and sometime sleuth/spy in 15th century England. Here's a description:

At the behest of his powerful patron, Joliffe journeys to France to act as a servant to the widowed duchess Jacquetta of Bedford-while actually training in spycraft. But when a member of the duchess's household is murdered, Joliffe learns just how dangerous secrets can be.

This book was just published and has 336 pages. And I'm happy happy happy to have it to read.

Tug is really worked up tonight and I don't know why. Steve is at a board meeting. I'm going to do some email reading and check out some news and blogs and then read my book.

The snow that fell this morning which turned out to be less than an inch I think, has mostly cleared off the roads. There's a little bit of ice in places.

Have a good night ...

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Alphabet in Historical Crime Fiction - C

~ C ~

Rebecca Cantrell

Hannah Vogel, a crime reporter in 1930s Berlin

• A Trace of Smoke (2009)


• A Night of Long Knives (due June 2010)

Marion Chesney

Captain Harry Cartwright, a wounded, bitter survivor of the Boer War, now a “fixer,” and Lady Rose Summer, in Edwardian England

• Snobbery with Violence (2003)


• Hasty Death (2004)


• Sick of Shadows (2005)


• Our Lady of Pain (2006)

P.F. Chisholm

Sir Robert Carey, a nobleman in Elizabethan England

• A Famine of Horses (1994)


• A Season of Knives (1995)


• A Surfeit of Guns (1996)


• A Plague of Angels (1998)

Jill Churchill

Lily Brewster, socialite and her brother, Robert Brewster, victims of the stock market crash of 1929

• Anything Goes (1999)


• In the Still of the Night (2000)


• Someone To Watch Over Me (2001)


• Love for Sale (2003)


• It Had To Be You (2004)


• Who’s Sorry Now? (2005)


• Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (2009)

Alys Clare

Abbess Helewise and Sir Josse d’Acquin, a French knight, at the Hawkenly Abbey in England during the 12th century

• Fortune Like the Moon (1999)


• Ashes of the Elements (2000)


• The Tavern in the Morning (2000)


• The Chatter of the Maidens (2001)


• The Faithful Dead (2002)


• A Dark Night Hidden (2004)


• Whiter Than the Lily (2004)


• Girl in a Red Tunic (2005)


• Heart of Ice (2006)


• The Enchanter’s Forest (2007)


• The Paths of the Air (2008)


• The Joys of My Life (2009)

Lassair, a 14-year-old girl with special gifts training to be a healer in a Fenland village, in 11th century England

• Out of the Dawn Light (2009)

Cassandra Clark

Abbess of Meaux Mysteries Sister Hildegaard Northern England 1380s

• Hangman Blind (2008)


• The Red Velvet Turnshoe (2009)

Rory Clements

John Shakespeare, elder brotherof playwright William Shakespeareand investigator for Queen Elizabeth IEngland 1580s-1590s

• Martyr (2009)


• Revenger (April 2010)

Michael Clynes

Sir Roger Shallot, agent of Cardinal Wolsey in England

• The White Rose Murders (1991)


• The Poisoned Chalice (1992)


• The Grail Murders (1993)


• A Brood of Vipers (1994)


• The Gallows Murders (1995)


• The Relic Murders (1996)

Max Allan Collins

Nate Heller, a 1930s ex-cop turned private eye, in Chicago, Illinois

• True Detective (1983) 1984 Shamus Award for Best Novel


• True Crime (1984) Finalist 1985 Shamus Award for Best Novel


• The Million-Dollar Wound (1986) Finalist 1987 Shamus Award for Best NovelFinalist 1987 Macavity Award for Best Novel


• Neon Mirage (1988) Finalist 1989 Shamus Award for Best Novel


• Dying in the Post-War World (1991)


• Stolen Away (1991) 1992 Shamus Award for Best Novel


• Carnal Hours (1994) Finalist 1995 Shamus Award for Best Novel


• Blood and Thunder (1995)


• Damned in Paradise (1996) Finalist 1997 Shamus Award for Best Novel


• Flying Blind (1998) Finalist 1999 Shamus Award for Best Novel


• Majic Man (1999)


• Angel in Black (2001) Finalist 2002 Shamus Award for Best Novel


• Kisses of Death (2001)


• Chicago Confidential (2002)

Eliot Ness, a 1930s public safety officer in Cleveland, Ohio

• The Dark City (1987)


• Butcher's Dozen (1988)


• Bullet Proof (1989)


• Murder by the Numbers (1993)

Stand Alones:

• The Titanic Murders (1999)


• The Hindenburg Murders (2000) Finalist 2001 Shamus Award for Best Paperback


• The Pearl Harbor Murders (2001)


• Road to Perdition (2002)


• The Lusitania Murders (2002) Finalist 2003 Shamus Award for Best Paperback


• The London Blitz Murders (2004) Finalist 2005 Shamus Award for Best Paperback


• Road to Perdition: On the Road (2004)


• The War of the Worlds Murder (2005) Finalist 2006 Macavity Award for Best Historical Novel

Judith Cook

Simon Forman, a physician-astrologer in Elizabethan London, England:

• Death of a Lady’s Maid (1997)


• Murder at the Rose (1998)


• Blood on the Borders (1999)


• Kill the Witch (1999)


• School of the Night (2000)