Thursday, October 17, 2024
Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity: "Love and Russian Literature" by Somerset Maugham
Bitter Tea and Mystery: Short Story Wednesday: Shadow Voices, ed. by John Connolly
Jerry's House of Everything: SHORT STORY WEDNESDAY: THE BODYGUARD
Beneath the Stains of Time: Murder Most Monstrous: Case Closed, vol. 91 by Gosho Aoyama
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: The Haunted South: Where Ghosts Still Roam by Nancy Roberts
SleuthSayers: Crimes Against Nature: The Anthology
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Bad Moon Rising: Newer names in horror fiction
Little Big Crimes: The Hanging Judge, by Dave Zeltserman
Monday, October 14, 2024
Computer Died Yesterday
The old computer that I was using died yesterday just before noon. Scott spent much of the day working on it to no avail. I was going to close up shop and call it a day. He would not hear of it.
He ordered a replacement that is close to what I had and it should he here midweek. 600 bucks and change before tax and money I don’t have with all the medical stuff these past three months and yet mire medical stuff this week and next. But, we are doing it to prevent my small circle from closing down even more. When your world is doctor office and the occasional foray to the library, one needs that online connection and this iPad isn’t going to get the job done.
Now you know why things are so quiet here.
Aubrey Nye Hamilton Reviews: The Confidence Games by Tess Amy
Tess Amy
writes the popular Marion Lane historical mysteries under the name T. A.
Wilberg. Her first contemporary crime fiction novel was released in July 2024. The
Confidence Games highlights Emma Oxley and Nellie Yarrow, two school
friends turned international con artists who specialize in stealing high-end
jewelry and watches and then selling them to the highest bidder on the dark
Web. Nellie comes by her tricks naturally, having been trained from a young age
by her grandmother. Emma had to acquire pickpocket and scam artist skills as an
adult but she managed. Together they are an unstoppable duo, until one night
when Nellie is kidnapped and Emma is told that she has to steal a famous
diamond necklace to ransom Nellie. Emma isn’t used to working alone but how she
collects her self-confidence and rises to the occasion is witty and clever and
makes for an amusing and absorbing read.
While the
book starts off as a light-hearted caper and keeps the vestiges of a heist, the
story soon veers into more serious territory, examining concepts of identity,
self-discovery, and family. Hardly anyone in the book is who they say they are,
contributing to the confusion and the surprises of the ultimate resolution.
The inventive
cast of characters includes an 8-year-old girl who carries a book of advice
with her everywhere and consults it on all occasions. I was especially amused
by Dax Frederick, the duo’s so-called computer “expert”. While most fictional
IT gurus know technology inside and out, Dax is apologetically ignorant of most
of the conventions of breaking into a system. His apartment is full of textbooks
about hacking as he tries to bring his skills up to the standard the two con
artists need to function safely on the dark Web. Playing against type he is
hopelessly inept.
The ending is
immensely rewarding, as the bad guys get their comeuppance and Nellie and Emma
are re-united in a suitably dramatic fashion. Highly readable, possible series
potential. Recommended.
- Publisher:
Berkley
(July 9, 2024)
- Language:
English
- Paperback:
288
pages
- ISBN-10:
0593642503
- ISBN-13:
978-0593642504
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3NHehQF
Aubrey Nye Hamilton ©2024
Aubrey Hamilton is a former librarian who works on Federal It projects by day and reads mysteries at night.
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Review: Death at a Scottish Christmas: A Scottish Isle Mystery by Lucy Connelly
Death at a Scottish Christmas: A Scottish
Isle Mystery by Lucy Connelly is the third read in
this highly entertaining cozy mystery series that began with An
American in Scotland. A lot has happened since Doctor Emilia McRoy arrived
in Sea Isle, Scotland, back in August. As we roll into December here in this
new book, it is best to have read the preceding books in the series.
The doctor is supposed to be off for the month of
December until January 3rd. She is a tad bored on this December 10th as she is
ready with her gifts, reorganized a closet, and caught up with her medical
journals. Mara, manager of the Pig & Whistle Pub well as being a good
friend, has recruited her to help out with various things as holiday parties and
celebrating various events are a big deal in Sea Isle as are the tourists. But,
she is still at loose ends.
That is until Mara calls with a request to help
transport some members of the rock brand, Bram and the Strokers. Highly popular
in the United Kingdom, they are to play in town to kick off the holidays. Their
bus broke down shortly after leaving Edinburgh. Mara needs help getting the
members and their equipment to town and the doctor has a SUV. She agrees helps
ferry band members to town, and is there at the party/concert that evening. It
was a great night. Though things got awkward several times between various
people.
It was also the last time folks heard Bram sing. It
was the doctor herself who found him sitting on a chair on the beach in very
cold weather. The sun was up, but it was a cold morning, and he wasn’t dressed
for it. As if he sat down to look at the sea and just went to permanent sleep.
Doctor Emilia McRoy also serves as the coroner and
that means she has a joint investigation with Ewan Campbell, the town constable
and much more. It also means that there is huge media publicity regarding
Bram’s death. That publicity brings in Evan’s bosses, the media, and a lot more
complications.
What follows is another twisty mystery that further
solidifies many of the existing characters and brings in a couple of other new
characters who might be around in subsequent books. Author Lucy Connelly
continues to bring a very special place alive for readers while providing a lot
of entertainment and mystery. This book, and the series as a whole, are well
worth your time.
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3YmkDLe
My reading copy came by way of the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2024
Saturday, October 12, 2024
KRL Update 10/12/2024
Up on KRL this week a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "A Dark and Stormy Knit" by Peggy Ehrhart, along with a fun Halloween craft from Peggy https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/a-dark-and-stormy-knit-by-peggy-ehrhart/
And a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "Death Scene" by Carol J. Perry https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/death-scene-a-witch-city-mystery-by-carol-j-perry/
And a review and giveaway of another Halloween mystery, "Sunflowers, Scarecrows, and Scandal" by Erica Wynters, along with an interesting interview with Erica https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/sunflowers-scarecrows-and-scandal-by-erica-wynters/
We also have another spooky short story perfect for Halloween, this one is "Clown-O-Phobia" by Bobbi Chukran https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/clown-o-phobia-a-spooky-short-story-by-bobbi-a-chukran-for-halloween/
For those who prefer to listen to Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast directly on KRL, here is the player for the latest episode which features the ghostly mystery short story "The Codicil" by Shannon Taft and read by local actor Sean Hopper. Perfect for your Halloween listening https://kingsriverlife.com/10/12/new-mysteryrats-maze-podcast-featuring-the-codicil/
Up during the week we posted another special midweek guest post, this one by mystery author Margaret Fenton about how she became a mystery writer and her new book "Little Boy Blue" https://kingsriverlife.com/10/09/how-i-became-a-mystery-writer-my-little-series/
Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and giveaway of "The Damages" by Shelley Costa https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/the-damages-by-shelley-costa.html
And if you are looking for something a little scarier for your Halloween reading, we also have a review and ebook giveaway of "Harrigan's Price and Other Stories" an anthology with tales of mystery, intrigue and horror by Christian Bauer https://www.krlnews.com/2024/10/harrigans-price-by-christian-bauer.html
Beneath the Stains of Time: The Killer Everyone Knew and Other Captain Leopold Stories (2023) by Edward D. Hoch
Scott's Take: Batman: City of Madness by Christian Ward
Batman: City of Madness by Christian Ward, who also illustrated it, is the first book I have read by him. He does a really good job on both aspects. This is another standalone elseworlds Batman book. In this comic, Batman of the surface teams up with The Court Of Owls to stop the Batman Below. Secretly, there is another Gotham city below the main Gotham. This dark mirror world’s Batman has left his city to train a Robin in the above. He seeks to merge these two Gotham into one. Doing that would damage reality for all and cause widespread insanity in both levels. Batman of the surface and the Court of Owls will attempt to stop him.
This graphic novel is an atmospheric read featuring a
decent number of characters. Several characters play a bigger role than the
synopsis implies. Unfortunately, because it is only three issues, there
is not a lot of time to go into much detail in this fast paced read. I am a
little disappointed that the Gotham Below is not explored as much as it could
be.
The art is excellent and depicts the cosmic horror
really well. There are several disturbing scenes for some readers in regards to
body horror. There is a clear setup for a sequel. That setup causes the read to
abruptly end. I hate this trend of teasing a sequel that may not even happen.
I enjoyed this read despite its flaws. It really needed
a longer time to explore the ideas presented, but it is worth reading.
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4gv1RIE
My reading copy came from Hoopla through
the Dallas Public Library System.
Scott A. Tipple ©2024
Friday, October 11, 2024
FFB Review: It Happened One Knife: A Comedy Tonight Mystery by Jeffrey Cohen
From the massive archive….
It has been four
months since patrons darkened the comedy tonight movie theater in New Jersey.
The balcony has been fixed, the snacks are in a new display case, there are new
seats in the theater and all is right with the world. In fact, Elliot Freed, owner
and occasional investigator, is allowing his projectionist to screen his
violent western “Killin' Time.”
Elliot made a
promise and Anthony did his part so the movie is playing to a large crowd. A
movie that Elliot pretty much doesn't like and not just because it isn't a
comedy. Despite Eliot's opinion and probably because it is excessively violent
and graphic, the movie is a sure hit according to the rep for the comedy film
distributor.
"'It’s got
blood!' Vic held up a finger. 'It's got cursing.' Another finger. 'Killing,
sex, cruelty, character's nobody could like.' Finger, finger, finger, thumb on
the other hand. It can't miss.'" (Page 4)
Vic wants the
movie and plans to work a deal with a studio for Anthony and take a piece of
the money along the way. The idea that this gruesome movie could be a hit
appalls Elliot who is a fan of the classic comedy. Almost as appalling is the
fact that when Anthony's one print of the film turns up missing minutes later,
Anthony accuses Elliot of taking it over jealousy and a need to keep Anthony in
his place. Something a number of other folks seem to believe as well.
That storyline
becomes secondary to the main point of the book which is Elliot's opportunity
to show as part of his double feature the legendary comedy movie "Cracked
Ice." Starring a famous comedy team of Harry Lillis and Les Townes who
ruled the mid 1950's to early 1960's, the movie is a personal favorite of
Elliot's. Even better, Vic knows where Harry Lillis is living these days and
that location isn't too far away giving Elliot a chance to meet one of his
idols and have him come to the theater.
The problem with
idols is that too often they are merely mortal men with feet of clay. The image
on screen is far different than the reality and before long Elliot finds
himself in a multi decade's old murder case involving the comedic duo. A case
that, while it was hushed up back in the powerful movie studio days, once again
may cause more death.
And if that isn't
enough, Sharon, Elliot's ex-wife, just might want to get back together again.
Released last
July, this sequel to the comedic mystery Some
Like It Hot Buttered brings everyone back for another mystery that
contains elements of humor and romance. Elliot Freed has a sarcastic streak
that comes out under pressure and frequently comes out once this slow to get
going novel moves into gear.
The mysteries are
secondary to the character relationships which have driven both books. Family
is important and that means much more than simple blood connections. For Elliot
Freed, just about everyone involved in his life on a steady basis is family and
his bike just might be as well.
Filled with references to comedy movies and other trivia, Jeff Cohen has created another enjoyable tale of romance, crime, and comedy. It may not split your sides with laughter, like the Aaron Tucker series frequently will, but you will get plenty of chuckles along the way.
Amazon Associate Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4gZ0zpC
This book was provided by the Allen Public Library of Allen, Texas by way of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©
2009, 2017, 2024
Thursday, October 10, 2024
The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: SMFS Member Guest Post: IF YOU JUST HANG ON… by Ni...
Beneath the Stains of Time: Death Croons the Blues (1934) by James Ronald
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: A Season with the Witch by J.W. Ocker
Bitter Tea and Mystery: Short Story Wednesday: Ladies' Lunch by Lore Segal
Tuesday, October 08, 2024
SleuthSayers: If You Think Your Life is Going to Pot, Call Annabelle ... by Barb Goffman
Jerry's House of Everything: NAKED CITY: NICKEL RIDE (OCTOBER 7, 1958)
Mystery Fanfare: THE MACAVITY AWARDS 2024
Review: The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson: A Samuel Craddock Mystery by Terry Shames
The
Troubling Death of Maddy Benson: A Samuel Craddock Mystery by Terry Shames opens with a phone call.
Mrs. Jack Currey is worried about her sister and Chief of Police Samuel
Craddock just happened to be the one answering the phone. Jarrett Creek, Texas,
is a very small town and he pretty much either knows everyone or knows of them.
He has no idea who Maddy Benson is, but her sister is insistent she lives in
the area.
She also reports
that her sister seemed to be out of breath and said something about needing to
get away before saying she would call back and hung up. Mrs. Jack Curry is
rattled and clearly is concerned about her sister. She finally explains she has
not lived there long which is why Chief Craddock does not know her. Mrs. Jack
Curry provides the address and Sheriff Craddock realizes that the location is
out in a relatively new development north of town.
Chief Craddock and
Deputy Maria Trevino go looking in the area and eventually spot an open gate at
Tom Gainer’s property. His gate is always closed during the week as he only
comes around on weekends. Further investigation deeper into the property yields
a body.
The body is female
and she has been shot in the middle of the back.
It does not take
long at all to determine that the deceased woman is Maddy Benson. Her murder
unleashes a complicated tale that had stirred up quite a few members of the
local citizenry. People who had found out what she was doing and objected. Threats
had been made. The suspect list is a long one and it is not helped by the fact
that her family is beset by their own internal grievances and relationship
drama.
Much is going on in
The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson: A Samuel Craddock Mystery by
Terry Shames. While it is a good mystery/police procedural read, this is a book
that is not for everyone.
A major aspect of
the read is what is happening in Texas with abortion and reproductive health
care rights. Author Terry Shames deftly encapsulates the fear on one side and
the outright anger and hostility shown by some on the other side. It is a deeply
felt issue for many people. Therefore, some readers may have a hard time with
this read.
The latest in the
series, The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson: A Samuel Craddock Mystery
by Terry Shames deftly deals with a hard subject while entertaining readers
with a complicated mystery. Simply put, it is a good read.
Make sure you read Lesa Holstine’s review as well as her author spotlight on author Terry Shames.
Amazon Associate
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3ZLGs8a
My reading copy
was an ARC from the publisher, Severn House, through NetGalley.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2024
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