It's Monday...

Today's Blog/Website of the day is Working Stiffs found at http://workingstiffs.blogspot.com/.

I'm currently reading THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER by Leanna Renee Heiber. This is a debut cross-genre novel; it's labeled a "historical fantasy" but the author is making rounds on mystery blogs as well. Here's a description:

What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Considering how few of Queen Victoria’s Londoners knew of it, the great Romanesque fortress was dreadfully imposing, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met the powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadow, the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She knew simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow-white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gifts. But this arched stone doorway offered a portal to a new life, an education far from the convent—and an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death….

It was just published and has 324 pages. This is one of the two books I won at www. murderti.com. I will probably finish it either tonight or tomorrow and I'll give you my opinion.

Steve is going to walk Tug tonight and I'll take over the next couple days. On tv tonight is Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations and Paranormal State. Pretty quiet today; read a bit, surfed the net a bit, and worked a little on a project.

It's almost 5:00 now and getting overcast. I wonder if we'll get a storm or if it will pass over like it usually does. Tug and I sat out on the deck for a little bit today when the weather was perfect, not too hot not too cool. I've heard the first of geese making their Fall flyover. I love Autumn; it's my favorite season.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

GLEE-ful

I just watched the pilot episode of new tv show Glee on hulu.com. Wow. This is one to watch. Here's the premise:

The series follows an optimistic teacher, WILL SCHUESTER, who - against all odds and a malicious cheerleading coach - attempts to save McKinley High's Glee Club from obscurity, while helping a group of aspiring underdogs realize their true star potential. It's a tall order when the brightest stars of the group include KURT, a soprano who hits a high note in fashion; MERCEDES, a larger-than-life diva with a voice to match; ARTIE, a geeky guitarist who rocks and rolls; and TINA, a punk rocker who hides behind her stutter and blue hair extensions.

Will's only hope lies with two true talents: RACHEL BERRY, a self-proclaimed star who is convinced that MySpace and show choir and are her tickets to fame; and FINN HUDSON, the popular high school quarterback with movie star looks who must protect his reputation from his holier-than-thou girlfriend and "Cheerios" head cheerleader, QUINN, and his arrogant football teammate, PUCK.

Will is determined to do whatever it takes to make Glee great again, but his only ally is fellow teacher and germaphobe EMMA PILLSBURY. Everyone else around him thinks he's nuts - from his silly wife TERRI SCHUESTER to McKinley's scheming cheerleading coach SUE SYLVESTER - but he's out to prove them wrong.

Since Chuck won't be starting its season until after the first of the year, I think this will fit the bill for my quota of quirky factor as one to watch.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Weekly Geeks: One Title/Author Collection

Weekly Geeksters, tell us, do you have a collection, (or are you starting a collection,) of one particular book title? If so, what's your story? Why that book, and how many do you have, and what editions are they? Share pictures and give us all the details.
Or perhaps you dream about starting such a collection. What title would it be and what would it take for you to get motivated to start collecting? Or maybe it's the works of a particular author you collect (or want to collect) instead a certain book title?

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I haven't set out to collect one book, nor do I want to own all available editions of this/these books but I seem to have a passion for and perhaps more than one copy of Virginia Woolf's A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN. I prefer Woolf's essays over her fiction. Her mind and thought process is so clear in this book. I remember reading about or seeing a clip of a one woman show performing this book. Amazing and clever, that. I've recommended this to friends and those who read it, love it. It's not a big book by any means, just lots of wonderful concepts. I think I have two or three of this one. I also have a copy of THREE GUINEAS.

Another book that I seem to feel the need to own more than once is Josephine Tey's A DAUGHTER OF TIME. Again, even though this is a work of fiction, I love the unfolding of the investigation of the slam against Richard III's reputation and perhaps his vindication.

If I were to set out to build a collection, I think I would attempt to build the best historical mystery collection ever assembled. Of course, this could be completely subjective of the authors I liked rather than ALL the historical mysteries/series EVER published. That would be too large an undertaking. I would begin with Ellis Peters. It would include CJ Sansom, Alan Gordon, Margaret Frazer, Stephen Martin, Ariana Franklin ...

If I were put together one of ALL historical mysteries -- and having a large long library room in order to hold all the books -- it would be interesting to do it by historical era rather than alphabetical.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Oh mighty Friday we have toiled all week ...

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is At Home with Books found at http://athomewithbooks.blogspot.com/.

I'm currently reading A PLAGUE OF POISON by Maureen Ash. This is 3rd of four in series featuring Bascot de Marins, a Templar Knight recovering from imprisonment in the holy lands, in the early 1200s, in England. Description:

When a cake kills a squire and traced to tainted honey, the castle governor enlists the help of Templar Bascot de Marins. But as murder spreads beyond the castle walls, he wonders if it is in fact the work of a lethal master of poisons.

It was published in 2009 and has 304 pages.

I was out and about for a bit today. I went to the post office to mail off six books for paperbackswap.com, picked up Bookpages free publication at the library, saw Dr. McGuire, had lunch with Jody at Red Robin (we both had the Fajita Fiesta Pollo salad) for her birthday, and walked with Tug in the field for about 20 minutes.

Re: Dr. McGuire. The lab results were not spectacular but they're going in the right directions. She's not putting me on any medications and will see me again in a month for (hopefully) more dramatic improvement.

I received the books I won from www.murderati.com today. Woo hoo! They are CHARMED AND DANGEROUS by Toni McGee Causey and THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER by Leanna Renee Hieber. So excited. (yes, Mom, you can read them when I'm finished). I've heard good things about both. So, decision time: do I finished the Ash that I started and well into or do I go for the new ones?

Note to self: don't forget about the eggs for the potato salad boiling on the stove; it smells bad if you do. Right.

Tonight if things go well we will watch the DVD of Defiance starring blond Bond, Daniel Craig. Mmmmm... sorry, I was off trying to decide which scene I liked best, in a tux or that lovely almost-50s feel when he went to the resort and of course there's the one when he's actually in the water... If we don't manage to get it watched then I'll probably read.

No plans for the weekend other than the usual. Lots to read and some cleaning to do. Same old same old.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Don't speak

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is Tales from the Reading Room found at http://litlove.wordpress.com/.

Still reading the Deborah Crombie. The positive and negative to this story is that the mystery hinges on a body found in a burned building and we're following four story lines of missing women who it may be. The story jumps around frequently and I usually have no problem keeping track of characters but this book has so many and jumps so much I'm having to take myself out of the reading to remember who's who. Reading the book itself is going quickly.

Gave blood sample at 7 this morning to see how the kidneys are doing for appointment tomorrow. May go to the post office later; sometime when I got home I must have touched something and then my eye because it is behaving allergy-ish so I took a Zyrtec and put in some eye drops. Maddening.

As you can tell, not much going on this week.

I've been listening to the radio and doing some web surfing this morning. Perhaps this afternoon after lunch I'll read before watching news and hopefully not have a nap attack with the Zyrtec. Oy vey.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Have to stay hydrated on a hot day

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is Classic Paperback Reads found at http://classicpaperbackreads.blogspot.com/.

Currently reading IN A DARK HOUSE by Deborah Crombie. This is 10th of 13 in series featuring Duncan Kincaid, a Scotland Yard superintendent, and Gemma James, a sergeant, in London. Description:

When a nude, charred female corpse turns up in a burned warehouse, the police discover that the unidentified victim, one of four possible women, was murdered beforehand. Duncan and Gemma also look into the abduction of 10-year-old Harriet Novak, a pawn in her parents' ongoing acrimonious divorce. As the investigation by both fire officials and police evolves, it becomes clear that the abduction is connected to the murder. Young, eager firefighter Rose Kearny, who found the body in the burning building, works the case on her own and comes up with a theory that may explain the arsonist's unusual motive. Fanny Liu, confined to a wheelchair, fears the worst when her roommate goes missing, and a nearby home for battered women apparently connects several aspects of the case.

It was published in 2004 and has 400 pages.

I went to Walmart for some groceries and sort of walked Tug in the field today. The leg/ankle is a little swollen from this, as expected, but no twinges. Tonight I may watch Ghost Hunters. Steve has shooting at the gun club. Tomorrow I have to give blood at the lab for the appointment on Friday.

Hot today -- in the mid-90s.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Purple Mountains' Majesty ... hold the pose, still filming...

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is the Literate Housewife Review found at http://literatehousewife.com/.

An extremely quiet Tuesday. Last night I had what felt like an allergy situation: nonstop sneezing, leaky nose, and stuffed head. I took a Zyrtec at bedtime which may have helped; the medication caught up with me this afternoon so I had to take a nap. Lost a couple hours there! School started today so it was back to being rather quiet in the neighborhood.

I watched the Anthony Bourdain No Reservations last night that featured Livingston, MT. It was a love letter to Montana. You have to understand that Livingston is a very small town but is the "gateway" so to speak to a very beautiful valley, Paradise Valley, on the way to Yellowstone National Park and is home to many millionaires/celebrities. Bourdain went there mainly to hang out with his hero, author Jim Harrison. He also got to hang out with artist Russell Chatham. And of course he fly fished because that's what you do there ever since the movie A River Runs Through It was filmed there. And I'm sorry to say they had a couple guys riding horses in town and and then later the horses were tied up at the bar -- sorry, not real. They had beautiful shots of the Absaroka mountain range -- very popular in movies. It was sentimental and I'm glad he had a good time, but it was romanticised and not a true picture of Montana. It was movie Montana.

My library (finally) just added the download an audiobook feature on its website. Looks like the selection is rather limited in its beginning stages -- yes, I read outside the bestseller norm -- but it will be convenient when it is better stocked. I can maybe get caught up on the backlist of authors like Grafton and so forth. One can check out five at a time I think. Very nice.

Sorry so short; that nap took out a chunk of my day. I have to shuck some corn on the cob (getting weary of it now) and figure out what to have with it. Steve should be home soon and will hopefully walk Tug. On tv, I have to remember to watch Masters of Reception on TLC.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Snoopy Happy Dance Day

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is Bonnie's Books found at http://bonniesbooks.blogspot.com/. Wonderful person, please check her out.

I'm setting aside the Elizabeth I biography for a bit to get back to THE GRIM REAPER by Bernard Knight. I gotta mix a bit when things get too dull.

Steve has a new member orientation he has to help with at the gun club and may not be able to walk Tug so I took in the car to a field nearby and let him loose while I walked for maybe 20 minutes. The first time in over a month. I hope Tug lets this count for his daily walk. And so far I'm doing okay with my leg.

Over on a wonderful blog that I read daily, www.murderati.com , my name got drawn yesterday for some free books ... how cool is that?! Woo hoo! I think I'll be receiving the debut histmyst book by Leanna Renee Heiber called THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER and something by Toni McGee Causey.

I have to watch Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations tonight on the Travel Channel. He apparently came to Montana and filmed tonight's episode not long ago. Yes, he went to Livingston; they all do. Hopefully, Montana represents itself well.

Much love,

PK the Bookemonster

Waddaya mean you don't read?

Today's Blog/Website of the day is Old Bones found at http://www.oldbonesreviews.com/. This is a site for pulp fiction reviews and discussion.

I don't know how I married a non-reader -- it must have been love. Tall, dark and handsome -- my downfall. Sadly, he grew up in a household that didn't and still doesn't value books or reading. He used to read one book a year when Tom Clancy still wrote. He does read his magazines, I'll say that. And he grew up with a love for rock music and also of game playing, first with Dungeons and Dragons with his buddies and then with the very first of the computer games (you know, Commadore 64 and such) on 5 1/2 disk. So he did develop a sense of imagination and some story appreciation.

Reading, however, is an art that needs to be practiced to stay in shape much like exercise. I read everyday and do so very quickly; it takes him longer I think because he reads every single word and contemplates the meaning of each one longer.

It is sad that I can't share my enthusiasm with him but then I also don't have to share my treasures with him nor does he notice when new books join the crowd -- which probably happens more than he thinks bwahahaha!

One thing I look forward to when I get out and about better is to go the bookstore and just browse for however long I like. I miss that. And here's another thing about bookstores -- why don't they carry more magazines about books? I know there's not a whole lot out there but you'd think there'd be a vested interested there.

Whenever possible, I try to give books as gifts or at least gift cards to bookstores. I'm an ambassador or missionary for the pleasures of reading! Join us, there's worlds to explore!

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Why haven't I read this yet?

Weekly Geeks 2009-32: Why Haven't I Read This Yet?
I think just about every reader has a least one book that they've been meaning to read for awhile (months or even years) but, for one reason or another, they just haven't gotten around to it. Maybe it's a book a friend recommended last year, or a title you've flirted with in a bookstore on more than one occasion, or maybe it's a book that's sitting right there on your bookshelf, patiently waiting for you to pick it up -- but the thought is always there, in the back of your mind: Why haven't I read this yet?This week, tell us about a book (or books) you have been meaning to read. What is it? How long have you wanted to read it? And, why haven't you read it yet?

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• The historical mystery category is huge, covering all of history. I've been concentrating my reading pretty much to the medieval period and there are so many authors and series there (it's a big era and I haven't gotten to some I'd like to). I haven't even been able to get other periods I also enjoy such as the Roman histmyst: Lindsay Davis (have read first in series); David Wishart, Ruth Downie, Steven Saylor, John Maddox Roberts, Marilyn Todd, Jane Finnis, Rosemary Rowe and PC Doherty.

• I have many mysteries by Georgette Heyer but not made time. They're supposed to be so good.

• Lots of classic mystery authors: Patricia Wentworth, Ruth Rendell, PD James, Rex Stout, Erle Stanley Gardner, Patricia Moyes, Ngaio Marsh, Gladys Mitchell, Josephine Tey, Margery Allingham, Emma Lathen, Caatherine Aird, Ellery Queen, Ed McBain, Lawrence Block, and so forth. I've read some, of course, but not in depth.

• Dorothy Dunnett (both series) mentioned yesterday. Cults have sprung up around these books and I would like to see if they're that good.

• Speaking of cults: Diana Gabaldon -- I started the series way back when but I think I left off around book three. I should get back to them but they are also big bricks of books, taking up so much time even though they are good reads.

• Nonfiction in general. I love history of all kinds; I love political theory and current events. No time to indulge.

So why haven't I read these? I have so many books in the queue, quite often of series I'm reading in order. Or I'm chasing new books -- because you never know, one might be missing a fabulous author if you don't keep up with who's new. Or they're such big books, as mentioned previously, that they would slow me down. Or my mood in what to read next. Or spending too much time on the Internet.

I will say in my favor, this year I've added authors to my rotation that I've meant to get to and finally did and liked very much: Peter Tremayne, Deborah Crombie, Michael Jecks, Bernard Knight, Alys Clare, Kerry Greenwood, Bruce Alexander, Kate Sedley, Deryn Lake... all authors in the "I meant to get to pile" but now take up space from others I mean to get to. What do people do who don't read? Or rather, oh what they're missing!

This weekend: trying to read (you see what I'm up against) and vacuuming and laundry. It's supposed to get to the mid-90s today so we're hunkering down for the most part. I need to go close windows now to keep the cool in.

Have a good Saturday........

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Cool in the Pool Friday

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is Reading Extravaganza found at http://lilly-readingextravaganza.blogspot.com/. "'When I am attacked by gloomy thoughts, nothing helps me so much as running to my books. They quickly absorb me and banish the clouds from my mind.' Michel de Montaigne."

I'm finding myself reading more from THE LIFE OF ELIZABETH I by Alison Weir right now. Nonfiction is suiting my reading mood.

Do you do much re-reading? I usually don't and in fact until recently I didn't really keep any books that I had already read, preferring to use the space for to-be-read books. There are some truly fantastic books I'd like to re-read someday: DUNE by Frank Herbert (his entire series as a re-read), the Prydain Chronicles books by Lloyd Alexander, the FOUNDATION books by Isaac Asimov, etc.,

Books I have re-read are usually wonderful classics like LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott (and her other books), PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and PERSUASION by Jane Austen, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and the series by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

In the past couple years, however, I've recognized that I would perhaps like to re-read some of the good historical mysteries I've consumed a few years/decades down the road. It might be nice to look at them in the meantime in my bookshelves and perhaps they won't be available in libraries -- a lot of them aren't there now. I think of Ellis Peters, Margaret Frazer, CJ Sansom, Alan Gordon, Ariana Franklin, Susanna Gregory, etc.

I do have some books that I've collected and haven't read yet. Coming to mind are the books by Dorothy Dunnett. I mean to read them; they are large, time consuming books. I have a goal of reading ten books a month and I fear that the Dunnetts would slow me down. Mystery authors I've got but haven't added to the rotation include Jane Haddam, Archer Mayor, Ian Rankin, Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Reginald Hill, Francis Fyfield, Lindsay Davis, heck a lot of the roman histmyst authors, and so many others.

There are elusisive authors, too, for which I keep an eye out. I'm thinking of Gladys Mitchell. I don't know why I think I want to read her.

If they stopped publishing today (gasp -- INCONCEIVABLE), there are so many authors that I haven't even gotten to yet that I would [probably] be fine but then I could also re-read those that I've been keeping and be perfectly okay that way. As long as nobody takes away my stash.

It's back to hot weather again -- hitting the 90 degree marks this weekend, I believe. I will probably do some reading and cleaning of house/laundry. Steve HAS to mow and will most likely be spending time on the computer playing his new game -- he hasn't been able to play it since the first evening he got it on Tuesday. I think another thing we could do for fun is watch The Watchman DVD; we saw it in the theatre but we would both like to see it again. Finding the time to do so is the difficult part.

Have a good Friday

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Sisters all prettied up?

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is The Well Read Child found at http://wellreadchild.blogspot.com/. "At The Well-Read Child, my mission is simple--get kids to read. I feature book recommendations, reading tips, and learning activities you can use to help instill the joy of reading in your child."

I finished SAND SHARKS. A pleasant read. Back now to the Bernard Knight.

I've been hit by the romantic bug today and revisiting old favorites, movies of North and South (NOT the US civil war miniseries) and Persuasion. Ahhhh.

Today is my sister's birthday, er, Annual Event since she doesn't have birthdays anymore. HAPPY ANNUAL EVENT, LISA!!

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Are you on the computer AGAIN?

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is Peeking Between The Pages found at http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/.

Jumping the reading queue today, because I just picked it up from the library, is SAND SHARKS by Margaret Maron. This is 15th of 15 in series featuring Deborah Knott, district judge in North Carolina. Here's a description:

When Judge Deborah Knott travels to Wrightsville Beach for a summer conference for North Carolina District Court Judges, she stumbles upon the body of one of her colleagues. Meanwhile, Deborah's husband, Sheriff's Deputy Dwight Bryant, is in Virginia with his son, tying up loose ends left by the death of his first wife. When another judge is found murdered at the conference, it soon becomes evident that Deborah may be the killer's next target. Her relaxing trip to the seaside soon transforms into a harrowing experience, and she must summon all of her strength and investigative expertise to track down the culprit before she becomes the next victim.

It was published this month and has 304 pages. I always enjoy visiting Judge Deborah and her large Southern family.

Ran some more errands today and the leg is feeling okay. Got my hair trimmed and I'm liking it better. Phew! If your hair isn't right, you just don't feel right, you know what I mean?

Steve has shooting tonight -- though he'd love to stay home and play his new computer game -- and I will probably read.

Don't you hate it when you're driving around, doing your errands, listening to the radio which is playing okay songs but right when you pull into the parking lot of the place you need to be at a very good song just starts? Like Pink Floyd's How I Wish You Where Here. Excellent song. It's like it KNOWS you can't spend three minutes sitting there listening because you have an appointment. Another radio situation: hearing a song that instantly transports you back in time. Today it was Purple Rain by Prince (as he was known then). Totally put me back to high school, seeing the movie in the theatre with my friend, and that pretty amazing soundtrack. Always thought he was rather slimey but that moment in time was classic.

Don't have any plans for tomorrow and have to hit the post office on Friday.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

What pets do while we're gone...

This will have to be a quick one; I'm doing this rather late in the day and in the middle of cooking dinner. Yipes! Steve is currently walking Tug.

Today I accomplished two errands and my leg is feeling pretty okay! I'm all amazement (and crossing fingers). Tomorrow I have two errands in the morning and will have to run to the bank and maybe the library in the afternoon. Not overdoing it; keeping it elevated when not otherwise in use. :)

Tonight I will probably read while Steve plays his new computer game, Wolfenstein. This is a remake of an old classic so he's quite excited. I am happy for him; it brings back the days of when I managed the computer gaming store ... I know what it means for him. And sadly, PC games have become few and far between, being outnumbered and out-marketed by the console world. So fingers crossed for him, too, that he's happy with it and will provide many hours of game play.

I love computer/systems games, I just don't have the patience to sit down and play them for hours; I'd rather spend that time reading.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Fair with a touch of cranky today ...

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is I Read Therefore I Am found at http://wpbookreviews.livejournal.com/. " Looks like some good and regular reviews there.

Finished DEATH ON THE ROMNEY MARSH by Deryn Lake. Another satisfying entry in the series, however, I swear the main character, John Rawlings, just blabs to everyone what he's doing and what he's thinking about the case he works on to anyone and everyone. The man cannot keep a thing to himself. And apparently he chats to the right people because it does not come back on him.

Currently reading THE GRIM REAPER by Bernard Knight. This is 6th of 13 in series featuring Sir John de Wolfe, the crowner (coroner), in 12th century Devon, England. Here is a description:

May, 1195. Sir John de Wolfe is summoned at dawn to inspect a corpse that has been discovered in Exeter's cathedral precinct. Aaron of Salisbury, a Jewish money-lender, has been found dead, his head enveloped in a brown leather money bag, a scrap of folded parchment clutched in his hand. On it is written: "And Jesus went into the temple and overthrew the tables of the money-changers." This is just the beginning of a strange series of murders in which an apt biblical text is left at the scene of the crime. Setting out to track down a literate and Bible-learned killer in an age when only one percent of the population can read or write, Sir John deduces that he is looking for a homicidal priest.

It was published in 2002 and has 351 pages.

I am tapping my foot expectantly for SAND SHARKS by Margaret Maron. Funny, my library released two books last week a week early and is holding on to one that came out last week and should have been here by now. Oy, how they vex me.

Steve has another orienation meeting to participate in tonight at the gun club. I am beginning to get really restless wanting to get back to my regular activities but anxiety over my cellulitis -- because I feel it is not entirely gone -- is keeping me from being out and about. I want to walk Tug so I know that it will happen every day and I get some exercise. I am also anxious to be getting back to working -- the job I want doesn't close until next week. So patience, I know, I know, is needed in all things. It's been two months. (sigh)

The Closer is on tonight but I'm getting a bit tired with the same old stuff from that show. It used to be rather clever and now it has lost it's edge.

This week: I need to get groceries, I have doctor's appointment and hair cut on Wednesday, whenever the library shakes loose the hold on the Maron I'll stop by there, I have to send some books via paperbackswap so I have to go to the post office by Friday ....

Much love

PK the Bookeemonster

Exploiting the cute factor every once in a while

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is Naked Authors found at http://www.nakedauthors.com/index.html. "A cop, a Brit, a deb, a B-school grad, a guy with good hair, and a wisecracking lawyer wrestle with the naked truth about literature and life."

Finished VANISHED by Joseph Finder. Well done "business thriller" and the start of a new series. Voice is very important as an author and some just flow and Finder -- when he's on his game and as this book is -- has got flow. All the elements come together in story and character and language that just draws your eyes and attention along so smoothly.

Currently reading the next in series for me by Deryn Lake, DEATH ON THE ROMNEY MARSH. This is 4th of 13 in series featuring John Rawlings, an apothecary and associate of John Fielding, mostly in 18th century London. Here is a description:

Summoned to attend a patient in a house near the lonely Romney Marsh, Rawlings does not suspect that he is walking into a web of conspiracy, intrigue and mystery. Until he discovers a body near a deserted church, bearing a coded document. Rawlings reports the case to London's famous blind magistrate John Fielding who identifies the victim as a French spy master. So Rawlings returns to the marshes to investigate who, amongst the colourful local characters, could be harbouring politically explosive secrets...

It was published in 1998 and has 210 pages.

A friend of mine is getting married today but because of my medical/physical state I am unable to attend. She has many friends and family who will be there but I feel badly that I won't be able to show her my support and friendship. A part of her knows what's been happening with me, a part of her will be so emotional with the wedding that she won't even notice what's going on around her, a part of her will know that I wasn't a participant. Ah life.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Allllll riiiiiighhht! It's Friday!!

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is YA Sleuth found at http://yasleuth.blogspot.com/. "Out to prove there's a mystery in every novel, and that you're never too old to read YA novels. Even if the librarian frowns when you check out your books."

I read THE WHITE QUEEN by Philippa Gregory. It is about Elizabeth Woodville, Queen of England, married to Edward IV. I think Gregory hit her peak with THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL. This was rather simplistic, IMHO. Queen Elizabeth is the mother of the missing princes and grandmother to Henry VIII, though he was, of course, of the usurping Tudor line. Interesting to me in that I can now probably keep better track of the happenings of that time period but ultimately a dis-satifying read because I wanted more depth and meat on the bone.

Next up will be Joseph Finder's newest and the start of a series, VANISHED. Here is a description:

Nick Heller is tough, smart, and stubborn. And in his line of work, it's essential. Trained in the Special Forces, Nick is a high-powered intelligence investigator--exposing secrets that powerful people would rather keep hidden. He's a guy you don't want to mess with. He's also the man you call when you need a problem fixed. Desperate, with nowhere else to run, Nick's nephew, Gabe makes that call one night. After being attacked in Georgetown, his mother, Lauren, lies in a coma, and his step-dad, Roger, Nick's brother, has vanished without a trace. Nick and Roger have been on the outs since the arrest, trial, and conviction of their father, the notorious "fugitive financier," Victor Heller. Where Nick strayed from the path, Roger followed their father's footsteps into the corporate world. Now, as Nick searches for his brother, he's on a collision course with one of the most powerful corporations in the world--and they will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.

It was published this month and has 400 pages. I've enjoyed most of his previous books, especially PARANOIA.

Have a good weekend ...

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Looks like Friday's coming!

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is The Misadventures of Super Librarian found at http://super_librarian.blogspot.com/. I love book lovers with a sense of humor.

I finished THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLES by Susanna Gregory this afternoon. There didn't seem to be as much going around and around of the clues and suspects as in previous books or maybe I just didn't mind as much. I figured out some of the solution along the way but not all.

Next up will either be VANISHED by Joseph Finder or THE WHITE QUEEN by Philippa Gregory. Both are 14-day books from the library I picked up today. Hmmm... contemporary or historical? Action or drama?

Coming home from the library, I noticed the roadside stand selling corn was up again for the weekend so I stopped and got a dozen. Corn on the cob tonight! It was good last week but they said it was even better this week for getting bigger and riper. Num.

The Steelers play an exhibition game on tv this evening. This is Steve's team but I don't know if we'll watch it; he doesn't usually favor exhibition games and tonight has gun shows on one of the outdoor channels. I hope to spend time figuring out what to read next. :)

I got up at 12:30 last night to do some viewing of the Perseids meteor shower. They zip by so freaking fast. You have to keep your eyes moving yet at the same time be watching peripherially to catch them. I stayed out on the deck for 25 minutes and saw 12 before I decided sleep was the better option. I was worried that there'd be too many clouds since we had a storm blow through but there was plenty of sky to look at by then. I love looking at the stars.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Groovin'

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is The Stiletto Gang found at http://thestilettogang.blogspot.com/. They are "Women writers on a mission to bring mystery, humor, and high heels to the world: Evelyn David, Marilyn Meredith, Maggie Barbieri, Evelyn David and Susan McBride."

I didn't get any reading done yesterday so no progress made in THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLES. Maybe tonight will be better.

Do you listen to music when you read? I should; I just forget to put something on when I plunk down and get absorbed in the story. With all the online radio/pandora programs one can program whatever music one likes anymore. Conducive to reading would be the soundtrack channel or classical. About twenty years ago, for two summers I worked in Virginia City, MT, as stage manager for a cabaret show in the old Gilbert Brewery. I had to keep The Brewery open in the afternoons if tourists wanted to look around -- few did because it was sort off the beaten path. This was a hundred year old building with thin walls with the bottoms chewed away, very little lighting, no heating, etc. One summer was very rainy and dark. I had my boom box and my reading and had a wonderful time. I listened to Brahms and Vivaldi while reading MM Kaye and Ayn Rand. It was cold and dark and haunting and lonely and sooo atmospheric. :) Music and reading work very well together.

I do have some records (yes, vinyl) I had gotten super cheap at a library sale of music throughout the centuries that was probably used for a music appreciation class a few millenia ago. I could put on "period appropriate" music for my historical mysteries. If I remembered. Oy (slaps forehead).

I don't think I could listen to rock or anything with words unless it was turned down so low I couldn't make out the lyrics. I'd get too caught up in singing along or be taken out of the story too much. And it would have to be something that I wouldn't have to get up and adjust too much so I get the records are out. Is silence golden?

Saw the I.D. doctor today; I'm off the antibiotic because it is making me ill. Plus I want to be off all medication for a week to see if that will help my kidneys. I haven't been off medication for two months; it's got to be a factor. Just say no to drugs!

I asked my brother to walk Tug today since I still can't do it and Steve will have no time between work and shooting. I think it went well and I sure appreciated it. As they started off Tug was looking back at me as if to say "what is going on?" They came back hot and sweaty and Tug was grinning -- oh you know dogs can do it.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Hot day

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is Something Wicked found at http://wickedauthors.blogspot.com/. This is a mystery author coop site featuring Angie Fox, Ann Aguirre, Casey Daniels, Jess Granger, Lori Devoti, and Shirley Damsgaard.

I'm about halfway through the Susanna Gregory histmyst. Really enjoying it.

A question frequently asked of historical authors is: "If you could travel back in time to observe (but NOT meddle with) history, where/when would you go?" I'm not an author but of course love historical novels and historical mysteries. Where would I wish to go to observe (limiting to 5 to put some boundary on it)?

• I have a great love of the Tudors. I've always wondered what Anne Boleyn would be like in the flesh to have so captured Henry.


• I have a great love of theatre and would like to see the operations of Shakespeare's world.


• I've always loved Greece in the golden age of the 5th century B.C.


• I would love to stroll in the greatest library of the world, Alexandria.


• I'd love to observe the intellectual debates going on at the founding of the US.

Wouldn't that be great? I have others like the crusades and Henry and Eleanor of Aquitaine and ....

Not much going on. Lab today; the I.D. doctor tomorrow. It's gotten back to summer here with temps in the mid-90s. Tug came home from his walk last night smelling just horrendous -- like a cow barn. He jumped in the ditch and who knows what they drained in there but we do live on the outskirts of town in agricultural land so it could have been a cow barn. Oy it was bad. So Steve hosed him down outside but it didn't help so we tried to give him a bath. Picture an 140-pound dog NOT wanting a bath and two struggling adults in a tub/shower space attempting to shampoo and rinse. He smelled better but there is still a whiff of yuck there. I think Steve will keep him out of that tonight as much as Tug will want to cool off in them. The poor baby. Right now he's dozing in front of the fan -- his favorite place.

Stay cool ....

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

What are YOU reading this week?

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is Pulp Seranade found at http://www.pulpserenade.com/.

It's Monday! What are you reading this week? is a weekly event to celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week. Feel free to pile on a little extra. I've just started THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLES by Susanna Gregory. It's a big'un so I don't know if I'll finish it quickly, but next up will be Deryn Lake's DEATH IN THE ROMNEY MARSH.

What are you reading this week?

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Look, SOMEBODY has to go hide ...

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is The Written World found at http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/. "My thoughts on the books that I have read. As well as random ramblings on other things of interest (to me)."

I finished THE LAST EMBER by Daniel Levin this afternoon. If you're looking for the next Da Vinci Code mixed with Raiders of the Lost Ark ... this is it. If you don't mind the frequent info dumps (and I don't when its a topic I love), it borrows heavily from the impossible adventures of those two stories. This book has got the solving of millenia-old puzzles in minutes, having the prizes in hand only to be chased by giant boulder moments quite a number of times, and the ultimate goal is equal to the Ark of the Covenant. You've got a reluctant hero, a super-smart heroine, bad guys who are greedy or want to obtain ultimate power, quirky helpers along the way, betrayals, unexpected rescues at the last minute ... and one-liner quips worthy of a summer blockbuster which undoubtedly this will become. Don't get me wrong -- I enjoyed it immensely.

Next to be read I think will be THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLES by Susanna Gregory. This is 14th of 15 in series featuring Matthew Bartholomew, physician, and his colleague Brother Michael, in 14th century Cambridge, England. Here is a description:

Set in 1357 in Cambridge, England, Gregory's taut 14th chronicle of Matthew Bartholomew (after 2008's To Kill or Cure) finds the physician and independent thinker under suspicion when Father Thomas, a pious priest, dies under his care after an accidental blow to the head. The accusations raised against Bartholomew come amid a poisonous atmosphere fostered by a shadowy rabble-rouser known as the Sorcerer, whose true identity is the subject of rampant speculation. Several murders follow Thomas's death. The doctor's willingness to aid any patient in need, including the local witch, provides fodder for his adversaries. When corpses are desecrated, people fear that a satanic cult is at work. Bartholomew questions the true loyalties of some of his closest allies as well as his own ability to uncover the prime mover behind the crimes.

This was published in 2008 and has 487 pages.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Playing in the dirt after it rains...

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is Romancing the Blog found at http://www.romancingtheblog.com/blog/. “What if someone put together a group blog where readers, authors, and industry professionals with established blogs of their own came together to discuss topics relevant to today’s romance? And what if it was done out of love for the romance genre and not for the purpose of blatant promotion?”

I think I'll be sticking with THE LAST EMBER. It has an engaging voice thus far. I didn't have a chance to read much yesterday so I'm not too far into it. A lot of set up of the story and characters.

Steve has to run a pistol shooting tournament today and won't be back until later this afternoon. It was dark and rainy this morning so Tug and I were stuck in dozing mode for quite a while. It was lovely.

It's lunchtime now; I'm hungry and not at the same time. Maybe I'll have some minestrone soup.

Have a good Saturday

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Dude, look ... the weekend's coming ....

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is That's All She Read found at http://allsheread.blogspot.com/. "A log of books I read and my personal impressions of them, and thoughts about the accessibility of reading materials for people who are print impaired like me."

I finished THE YELLOW-LIGHTED BOOKSTORE by Lewis Buzbee. It was nice; a memoir of his life first as a bookseller then a bookrep as well as the history of the development of the bookstore. My only wish was that he included more about books he loved.

I'm about to start one from the library: THE LAST EMBER by Daniel Levin. Here's the description:

An Italian antiquities squad discovers a woman's preserved corpse inside an ancient column. Pages torn from priceless manuscripts litter the floor of an abandoned warehouse. An illegal excavation burrows beneath Jerusalem's Dome of the rome, ground sacred to three religions.Jonathan Marcus a young American lawyer and a former doctoral student in classics, has become a sought-after commodity among antiguities dealers. But when he is summoned to Rome to examine a client's fragment of an ancient stone map, he stumbles across a startling secert: a hidden message carved inside the stone itself. The discovery propels him on a perilous journey from the labyrinth beneath the Colosseum to the biblical-era tunnels of Jerusalem in search of a hidden 2,000-year-old artifact sought by empires throughout the ages. As MArcus and a passionate UN preservationist, Dr. Emili Travia, dig more deeply into the past, they're stunned to discover not only an anicent intelligence operation to protect the artifact, but also a ruthless modern plot to destroy all trace of it by a mysterious radical bent on erasing every remnant of Jewish and Christian presence from the Temple Mount. With a cutting-edge plot as intricately layered as the ancient sites it explores, The Last Ember is a gripping thriller spanning the high-stakes worlds of archaeology, politics, and terrorism in its portrayal of the modern struggle to define--and redefine--history itself.

It was published this month and has 432 pages. Yes, there is the inevitable comparison to THE DA VINCI CODE but believe it or not, there were books written like this BEFORE that book came out and I loved to read them. I have always loved Vatican conspiracies and political intrigue and archeological discoveries and biblical stuff. So I'll give this a try.

Director John Hughes has died -- far too young at 59. He defined a generation -- my generation. If you're a kid of the 80's (that is, in junior high/high school), especially the mid-80's, his movies were us. I remember my friend and I seeing Sixteen Candles in the theatre; she loooovvved the guy who was Samantha's dream guy, I just thought the screenplay was brilliant. The Breakfast Club became an icon of that era. Ferris Buehler. It is amazing how many acting careers he launched.

It's dark and stormy-looking again. Wee ha! Be nice for another thunder-boomer. Oh, and I'm hearing from low grumbles start.

Tomorrow Steve has a shooting tournament to run and I'll pick my battles in cleaning: maybe vacuum downstairs. My leg/ankle/infection is feeling rather good today but I won't overdo it.

Driving home from the library, I passed a hand-written sign saying "Fresh local corn" so I pulled over and bought some from this cute older couple. It's corn on the cob time!! For about two weeks of the year this is magic time. And it looks good. So tonight for dinner we're having corn ... and something else I haven't figured out yet.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Oh just blah

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is The Chicago Contingent found at http://danakaye.blogspot.com/.

I finished A GENTLEMAN OF FORTUNE by Anna Dean last night. It was good; it had multiple layers of "crime" going on to make it interesting to learn what was going on among a group of people on the night an older lady died.

I'm currently reading a memoir by Lewis Buzbee called THE YELLOW-LIGHTED BOOKSHOP. If you are a book addict, this is for you. Here's a description:

For Buzbee, a former bookseller and publishing rep, time spent in a bookstore is nothing short of sublime. "Standing in the middle of this confluence, I can't help but feel the possibility of the universe unfolding a little, once upon a time," he writes in the opening chapter of this slim, luminous volume. Buzbee manages just the right mix of history lesson and personal recollection. He reflects upon the roots of the book trade (the first great library at Alexandria, where the vast holdings were each hand copied by scribes onto papyrus scrolls); the progression of retail (from simple market stalls to book hawkers to the megastores of today); and his own hours lovingly logged at the literary chain store, Upstart Crow, where, as an eager teenager in San Jose, California, he learned the ins and outs of the business. Bookstores, Buzbee reminds us, are not just places of intellectual indulgence; they're historically significant, too. The celebrated Paris establishment, Shakespeare & Co., was the first to publish James Joyce's Ulysses, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti's City Lights gave voice to Allen Ginsberg's Howl. Both anecdotal and eloquent, The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop is a tribute to those who crave the cozy confines of a bookshop, a place to be "alone among others" and savor a bountiful literary buffet.

It was published in 2006 and the hardcover has 216 pages.

I haven't felt well today so I've done less than usual. How do you do less than practically nothing? It can be done apparently.

It is grumbling outside and getting darker. Looks like we're in for some storms if we're lucky.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Excuse me, I'm reading

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is Booksquare found at http://booksquare.com/. "Dissecting the publishing industry with love and skepticism."

Not much to talk about so here's a meme:

Library Habits Meme! It asks:

1.) If you don’t frequent your local library, why not?

I do go to my library; I work it hard for new releases.

2.) If you do visit the library, how often do you go?

Well, when I am in better health, I typically go once a week.

3.) Do you have a favorite section that you always head to first, or do you just randomly peruse the shelves?

I usually go with an agenda such as picking up a hold but when I browse I go to the new releases area first. My library doesn't segregate by genre.

4.) How many books are you allowed to check out at one time? Do you take advantage of this?Permanent patrons may have up to 12 items in each audiovisual format checked out at a time and up to 50 total items in all formats checked out at a time. In the past I've checked out a lot of books but I've never reached the limit at one time.

5.) How long are you allowed to have the books checked out?

14 days for new releases; 28 days for older books. Once can renew up to three times if the item isn't being requested by someone else.

6.) How many times are you allowed to renew your check-outs, if at all?

Oops, answered it in previous question.

7.) What do you love best about your particular library?

That it is there.

8.) What is one thing you wish your library did differently?

I have heard that other libraries have audiobooks available via online download. That would be very nice.

9.) Do you request your books via an online catalogue, or through the librarian at your branch?

Online.

10.) Have you ever chosen a book on impulse (from the online catalogue OR the shelves) and had it turn out to be totally amazing? If so, what book was it, and why did you love it?

I'm sure I have but I don't remember.

I've been going to my library since we moved here when I was a kid, what, five years old. It has been and always will be a given in my life. Unfortunately, every attempt to get more money via mill levy has been shot down by the voters therefore it is definitely showing its age. But they make do because they have to.

The result of the biopsy is inflammation/infection in the kidneys probably brought on by either the cellulitis or the antibiotics. The doctor, after labs next week, will decide if I need to go back on Prednisone to help. Otherwise, it looks like the better I get in other things, the better this will get.

Tonight, I don't think there's anything on tv but I haven't really looked yet; Steve has shooting. Would be nice to read some more. I'd like to finish the Dean and move along in Mt. TBR.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Feeling a little cooped up....

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is Editorial Ass found at http://editorialass.blogspot.com/. "I work in publishing and I like to read things. Herewith: free association on books, nice things I ate, publishing, editing, and other nice things I ate."

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

• Grab your current read.


• Let the book fall open to a random page.


• Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.


• You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!


• Please avoid spoilers!

From A GENTLEMAN OF FORTUNE by Anna Dean:

I will not suppose for the sake of our cousin's reputation, that she can be his object -- in spite of the look which he gave her as he spoke. But there is no escaping the thought that an unsuitable attachment of his own -- one which his aunt would disapprove, one which might have caused her to disown him -- would also strengthen the case against him: provide, in the eyes of the jury, a reason for his wishing his aunt dead.

This teaser is from a letter Dido is writing to her sister. Set in Regency England, the author's voice is very Jane Austen in language. For some reason, in my mind when I read the character's voice, I hear the actress who played Jane in Pride and Prejudice -- the version with Colin Firth. [pausing a moment to replay the wet shirt scene in memory .... mmmm]

Regarding results from the biopsy -- haven't heard anything yet. Yesterday all test results weren't in; today, no call yet. Perhaps no news is good news, eh? This morning I called the insurance company with a question on one of the statements that are poring in now from the hospital stay and various doctor visits. They answered satisfactorily; they've been a pain about the prescriptions but thank goodness we have it for the other bills. Holy cow.

I don't think anything is truly enticing me to watch tv tonight. Steve has a board meeting; I'll probably have a chance to read.

Yesterday I applied for another job; I won't say more to jinx it other than it's a very good one and it doesn't close until the end of the month.

Not much else going on; same old same old. (sigh)

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

Yes, I'm keeping my leg elevated! Sheesh!

Today's Blog/Website of the Day is Ms. Bookish found at http://msbookish.com/. "A blog about writing fiction, reading books and the occasional glance at freelancing in the publishing industry, with snippets here and there about blogging, Twitter, and a bit about my life beyond books."

I finished CHAMBERS OF DEATH by Priscilla Royal. This author captures the daily "obsession" of the times of good versus evil, God versus Satan, emphasis on heaven versus a secular life.

I'm currently reading A GENTLEMAN OF FORTUNE by Anna Dean. This is 2nd of 2 in series featuring Miss Dido Kent, amateur sleuth in Regency England. Here is a description:

It is Richmond, 1806. Miss Dido Kent has developed rather a taste for mysteries. Having solved the riddle of her niece's missing fiance and the body in the bushes at Belsfield Hall, she is finding her quiet holiday at her cousin Flora's home rather unchallenging to say the least. And Miss Dido Kent is a woman who likes to be challenged. So when a neighbour dies suddenly, leaving her entire estate to her young nephew, Miss Dido can't help but be suspicious. But is her over-active imagination making her look for murder where there is none? When the local doctor pronounces an overdose as the cause of death and publicly accuses the nephew of killing his aunt, Miss Dido feels her inquisitiveness is justified. And when Flora prevails upon her cousin's mystery-solving capabilities to prove the nephew innocent of the crime, Miss Dido can hardly refuse to comply. After all, what harm can a little investigating do? With dirty dealings and death amongst Richmond's upper classes, Miss Dido Kent is ideally placed to observe her neighbours' behaviour, and as she does so, she brings more to light than even she could have imagined.

This was published in 2009 and has 288 pages. This series overflows with the language of Jane Austen.

Tonight on tv, I've got The Closer and No Reservations.

Haven't heard from the doctor yet regarding results of the biopsy. I had an appointment with another doctor this morning; it was more a check in type visit; we can't really do anything until the results are known except what I've been doing previously: elevate the leg and drink lots of water. I'll be seeing him again in two weeks.

So, a whole lot of Blah-ville today. Sorry.

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster