by Shane Peacock (Canadian author alert!)
Tundra Books, 2007
The first in a new series called the Boy Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock Holmes is a 13 year old boy. He's not too interested in school, though it's not due to a lack of intelligence. There are just too many people problems there. He'd rather be out in London, reading the Illustrated Police News, and knowing what's going on in the world.
Sherlock's parents married for love, and life has not been easy, but they are intelligent individuals who have instilled a love of learning and observing in their offspring. When a woman is murdered and a suspect jailed, Sherlock is drawn into the case. The picture of the woman in the newspaper looks remarkably like a young version of his mother, and when Sherlock goes to the Bow Street Jail to see the suspect admitted, the accused makes eye contact with him and insists that he did not commit the crime. The police witness the communication and assume that Sherlock must somehow be an accessory, and the boy must prove his own and the other's innocence.
Lots of action, great historical and setting detail; cliffhangers at the conclusion of every chapter. Makes for a wonderful read-aloud. Highly recommended for boys and mystery lovers of all ages.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Catering to Nobody
by Dianne Mott Davidson
Bantam, 2002
Goldy Bear, owner/operator of Goldilocks Catering (where everything is "just right"!), is in a pickle. The local constabulary has closed down her business until they feel satisfied that she had nothing to do with the poisoning of a funeral attendee (her former father-in-law, no less) at an event she catered. A single mom, whose wealthy ex is less than reliable at making child support payments, Goldy depends on her business to pay the bills.
Fortunately for Goldy, the lead investigator on the case, Tom Schultz, takes a fancy to her despite her strong-willed ways, and invites her to participate in finding clues. Her livelihood on the line, Goldy takes the job seriously. What, if anything, connects the death of her child's former teacher, the poisoning of her father-in-law, her new tenant/assistant's changed behaviour, and her son's fascination with Dungeons and Dragons? The results may surprise you.
I liked this better than Crime Brulee, but not as well as the Hannah Swensen or Agatha Raisin mysteries. I do, however, look forward to reading the next in the series while I wait for new HS and AR books to appear.
Bantam, 2002
Goldy Bear, owner/operator of Goldilocks Catering (where everything is "just right"!), is in a pickle. The local constabulary has closed down her business until they feel satisfied that she had nothing to do with the poisoning of a funeral attendee (her former father-in-law, no less) at an event she catered. A single mom, whose wealthy ex is less than reliable at making child support payments, Goldy depends on her business to pay the bills.
Fortunately for Goldy, the lead investigator on the case, Tom Schultz, takes a fancy to her despite her strong-willed ways, and invites her to participate in finding clues. Her livelihood on the line, Goldy takes the job seriously. What, if anything, connects the death of her child's former teacher, the poisoning of her father-in-law, her new tenant/assistant's changed behaviour, and her son's fascination with Dungeons and Dragons? The results may surprise you.
I liked this better than Crime Brulee, but not as well as the Hannah Swensen or Agatha Raisin mysteries. I do, however, look forward to reading the next in the series while I wait for new HS and AR books to appear.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Quiet Please
Dispatches from a Public Librarian
by Scott Douglas
Da Capo Press, 2008
Scott Douglas is a librarian somewhere in California's Anaheim Public Library system. He is young, not too hip, and not completely sure of his career choice.
Many years ago when I and a friend were lowly pages in the Toronto Public Library system, we talked about all the stories we could write about life in the library. Today as a librarian and budding author, I am always interested in reading about the library experiences of others. I picked this book up expecting to read funny stories; what I got was much more.
Scott admits that many of his stories are exaggerated to increase the humour factor; he has also changed the names of his "characters" and created amalgams of others. Still, I recognize many of the people from libraries I have worked in, and I'm sure other librarian-types will too. I am just concerned about what our patrons will think of us if they read this book! They may never look at us in in quite the same way again. We seem so unassuming.
I didn't expect insights along with the funny stories, but Scott's insights are what really make the book. As he relates his tales, he thinks about what they mean for himself, his coworkers, the patrons, and the future of libraries. In spite of his uncertainty, he comes to the conclusion that libraries have a function and place in our society, and he will be a part of keeping libraries relevant and attuned to the communities they serve.
by Scott Douglas
Da Capo Press, 2008
Scott Douglas is a librarian somewhere in California's Anaheim Public Library system. He is young, not too hip, and not completely sure of his career choice.
Many years ago when I and a friend were lowly pages in the Toronto Public Library system, we talked about all the stories we could write about life in the library. Today as a librarian and budding author, I am always interested in reading about the library experiences of others. I picked this book up expecting to read funny stories; what I got was much more.
Scott admits that many of his stories are exaggerated to increase the humour factor; he has also changed the names of his "characters" and created amalgams of others. Still, I recognize many of the people from libraries I have worked in, and I'm sure other librarian-types will too. I am just concerned about what our patrons will think of us if they read this book! They may never look at us in in quite the same way again. We seem so unassuming.
I didn't expect insights along with the funny stories, but Scott's insights are what really make the book. As he relates his tales, he thinks about what they mean for himself, his coworkers, the patrons, and the future of libraries. In spite of his uncertainty, he comes to the conclusion that libraries have a function and place in our society, and he will be a part of keeping libraries relevant and attuned to the communities they serve.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
When I Lay My Isaac Down
Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances
By Carol Kent
NavPress, 2004
In 1999 Carol Kent's world came crashing down. Her son, J.P. - her only child, and a naval officer with a promising future - shot and killed his wife's ex-husband. With plenty of witnesses and his capture a short distance away from the scene of the crime, J.P. was immediately arrested and jailed. This book tells the story of how Carol and her husband, Gene, were able to come to terms with this tragedy and of how their relationship with God was not terminated, but deepened and strengthened.
The Kents were blessed to have an incredible support system that carried them through J.P.'s imprisonment, hearings, and trials, and that continues to lighten their burden now that he has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. Even in this dark outcome, they have found meaning and purpose to their lives.
Carol uses her family's story to encourage others who may be going through their own unthinkable situations. Each chapter concludes with questions to help the reader discover God's power in whatever circumstances s/he may be facing. Though Carol continues to have her own difficult days, her faith remains unshakable and yours can too.
I look forward to reading the follow-up book, A New Kind of Normal.
By Carol Kent
NavPress, 2004
In 1999 Carol Kent's world came crashing down. Her son, J.P. - her only child, and a naval officer with a promising future - shot and killed his wife's ex-husband. With plenty of witnesses and his capture a short distance away from the scene of the crime, J.P. was immediately arrested and jailed. This book tells the story of how Carol and her husband, Gene, were able to come to terms with this tragedy and of how their relationship with God was not terminated, but deepened and strengthened.
The Kents were blessed to have an incredible support system that carried them through J.P.'s imprisonment, hearings, and trials, and that continues to lighten their burden now that he has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. Even in this dark outcome, they have found meaning and purpose to their lives.
Carol uses her family's story to encourage others who may be going through their own unthinkable situations. Each chapter concludes with questions to help the reader discover God's power in whatever circumstances s/he may be facing. Though Carol continues to have her own difficult days, her faith remains unshakable and yours can too.
I look forward to reading the follow-up book, A New Kind of Normal.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Just Ask Mom
Everything She Told You When You Weren't Listening is in This Book
by Nancy Malone
CPO Publishing, 2008
Okay, I'd admit it - I didn't listen very closely to my mom when I was growing up. I usually had my nose in a good book. And that's what Just Ask Mom is - a good book.
Desperate for answers to your troubling laundry questions? They're here. Don't know how to manage your money? Look no further. Not a whiz in the kitchen? Nancy tells you how to become one. There are chapters on everything you need to know to run your home and life successfully.
Full of pithy Momsense, this book is a great gift for college students living away from home for the first time, for newlywed couples, and for anyone who didn't listen to their mom when they should have been paying attention.
I borrowed it from the library first, but now I'm going to buy my own copy.
by Nancy Malone
CPO Publishing, 2008
Okay, I'd admit it - I didn't listen very closely to my mom when I was growing up. I usually had my nose in a good book. And that's what Just Ask Mom is - a good book.
Desperate for answers to your troubling laundry questions? They're here. Don't know how to manage your money? Look no further. Not a whiz in the kitchen? Nancy tells you how to become one. There are chapters on everything you need to know to run your home and life successfully.
Full of pithy Momsense, this book is a great gift for college students living away from home for the first time, for newlywed couples, and for anyone who didn't listen to their mom when they should have been paying attention.
I borrowed it from the library first, but now I'm going to buy my own copy.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Through the Valley of the Kwai
From Death-camp Despair to Spiritual Triumph
by Ernest Gordon
Harper, 1962
The book's cover is uninspiring and belies the story within its pages. I hadn't thought I would be so captivated by a World War II account, but the subtitle intrigued me, and I was not disappointed. Indeed, I could hardly set the book down.
At one time, Ernest Gordon had considered being a missionary, but he had turned his back on his faith by the time of the war. Captured by the Japanese in 1942, he joined POWs in camps in Changi, Chungkai, Kanburi, and Nakawm Paton. There he experienced all that a POW could experience - starvation, disease, physical and verbal abuse. The Japanese were creative in the tortures they devised. Gordon was also involved in the building of the bridge over the River Kwai.
A resident of the Death House for a period, Gordon was not expected to live, but the kindness of Christian, "Dusty" Miller, and another friend, Catholic "Dinty" Moore, Gordon survived malaria, diphtheria, and a host of other ailments. When he was released to a small shack his friends had built him within the camp, Gordon was invited to teach other prisoners about God. He didn't know much himself, but armed with a Bible, Gordon read it cover to cover, and discovered that Jesus was a man the prisoners could relate to, believe in, and trust. As a result of what they learned, the camp was transformed. POWs who had treated each other in the manner of animals, now showed loving-kindness, compassion, and caring.
I won't spoil the story by going into any more detail. Read it for yourself; it's a fascinating story!
by Ernest Gordon
Harper, 1962
The book's cover is uninspiring and belies the story within its pages. I hadn't thought I would be so captivated by a World War II account, but the subtitle intrigued me, and I was not disappointed. Indeed, I could hardly set the book down.
At one time, Ernest Gordon had considered being a missionary, but he had turned his back on his faith by the time of the war. Captured by the Japanese in 1942, he joined POWs in camps in Changi, Chungkai, Kanburi, and Nakawm Paton. There he experienced all that a POW could experience - starvation, disease, physical and verbal abuse. The Japanese were creative in the tortures they devised. Gordon was also involved in the building of the bridge over the River Kwai.
A resident of the Death House for a period, Gordon was not expected to live, but the kindness of Christian, "Dusty" Miller, and another friend, Catholic "Dinty" Moore, Gordon survived malaria, diphtheria, and a host of other ailments. When he was released to a small shack his friends had built him within the camp, Gordon was invited to teach other prisoners about God. He didn't know much himself, but armed with a Bible, Gordon read it cover to cover, and discovered that Jesus was a man the prisoners could relate to, believe in, and trust. As a result of what they learned, the camp was transformed. POWs who had treated each other in the manner of animals, now showed loving-kindness, compassion, and caring.
I won't spoil the story by going into any more detail. Read it for yourself; it's a fascinating story!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Crime Brulee
a Culinary Mystery with Recipes
by Nancy Fairbanks,
Wheeler, 2001
Carolyn Blue, food writer, is on assignment in New Orleans. Her husband and several of their friends are there as well for a meeting of the American Chemical Society - a great opportunity to mix business with pleasure. But when Carolyn's best friend, Julienne, disappears from the first dinner gathering after a nasty spat with her husband, Nils, Carolyn is the only one to suspect that something sinister has happened. When no one else (including the police) seems interested in actively looking for Julienne, Carolyn takes on the task herself.
Midway through our heroine's harrowing search, I was pretty sure I knew which of three possible culprits had committed the dirty deed, and the conclusion of the book confirmed my suspicions. Still, this was a good read, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The reader also gets a vivid tour of New Orleans and a strong sense of its inhabitants.
Several of the mystery series I read have comical or humorous elements; I wouldn't include this series among them.
by Nancy Fairbanks,
Wheeler, 2001
Carolyn Blue, food writer, is on assignment in New Orleans. Her husband and several of their friends are there as well for a meeting of the American Chemical Society - a great opportunity to mix business with pleasure. But when Carolyn's best friend, Julienne, disappears from the first dinner gathering after a nasty spat with her husband, Nils, Carolyn is the only one to suspect that something sinister has happened. When no one else (including the police) seems interested in actively looking for Julienne, Carolyn takes on the task herself.
Midway through our heroine's harrowing search, I was pretty sure I knew which of three possible culprits had committed the dirty deed, and the conclusion of the book confirmed my suspicions. Still, this was a good read, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The reader also gets a vivid tour of New Orleans and a strong sense of its inhabitants.
Several of the mystery series I read have comical or humorous elements; I wouldn't include this series among them.
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