Book Review: The Box Jumper

The Box Jumper by Lisa Mannetti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A dreamy, fascinating story woven around the intersection of magician Harry Houdini, writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the narrator, Leona. As the narrative unfolded, I found myself going back, eager to understand the nuances of the telling. The author's notes at the end put some things in perspective and this is one of those rare books that I'd like to read again someday.

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Book Review: Funerals to Die For

Funerals to Die For: The Craziest, Creepiest, and Most Bizarre Funeral Traditions and Practices Ever by Kathy Benjamin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I stumbled upon this book while doing research for a non-fiction article I was writing. Figuring that it might describe some obscure funeral customs that I could further research for my article, I gave it a shot.

It didn't have anything related to my article, but it certainly was enjoyable. The anecdote of British TV presenter Victoria Coren's run-in with people who attend funerals of people they don't know just for free food and drink (Google it), the story of record-setting hearse processions (deliberately, to try to set a new record), a description of what happens to some of your internet life after you die, and examples of humorous epitaphs (including show biz ones) were some of my favorites.

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Book Review: How to Keep Writing with a Full Time Job

How to Keep Writing with a Full Time Job by K.A. Laity
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

K. A. Laity (actually, Dr. Laity -- she has a PhD in Medieval Studies) knows how to write, and how to write a lot. As she noted, "I wrote my novel Pelzmantel while I was writing my dissertation on Old English, Old Norse and Old Irish. I wrote The Mangrove Legacy as a 500-word-per-week serial that ended up over 100,000 words long. I’ve written academic works at the same time as I’ve been writing genre fiction. So keep in mind, I speak from the perspective of being a very busy woman with a demanding job, important relationships and a desperate need for idleness and fun."

This eminently readable eBook helps you push through your blocks to writing, make writing a priority, and actually do it.

Whether you're a new writer who has no idea where to start or a practiced writer who's lost the trail, this book can help you get on track.

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Book Review: Aunt Dimity's Death

Aunt Dimity's Death by Nancy Atherton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not a traditional murder mystery, which is fine by me. It's a story of people trying to solve a mystery in the sense of something unexplained, something hidden in the past. Well-written, refreshing, and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the rest of her books.

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Book Review: The Halloween Tree

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Outstanding. I have the audio version, which is narrated by Bronson Pinchot. I didn't recognize his voice and had to look him up on the web to make sure he was who I thought he was! What a voice talent! From the gravely Mr. Moundshroud to the young boys of Halloween night and all Halloween creatures in between, he is absolutely convincing -- and chilling.

I'm going to make this a yearly listening adventure. Maybe next year I'll be able to catch more of Bradbury's poetic prose. This year the sheer thrill of it, and Bronson's execution, distracted me.

My only nitpick: I don't know where Bradbury came up with the idea that Samhain is a god of the dead; in all I've read, Samhain is the name of an ancient Gaelic pagan festival, not a god of the Druids, but maybe Bradbury had different source material. Doesn't matter; this is fiction, after all.

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Book Review: Book of Shadows

Book of Shadows by Cate Tiernan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a YA book, which is not something I normally read, but I wanted to see how the author presented Wicca. Would she cast the would-be witches as evil-dooers or preachy nature-worshippers? No, she cast them as human beings, alive with the excitement of the unknown and necessary trepidation.

Though I'm way past the young adult stage, I actually got a lot of of this, looking back at my high school years and thinking how I would have reacted and wondering enviously if high school kids do mostly have their own cars these days :-)

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Book Review: The Trouble with Magic

The Trouble With Magic by Madelyn Alt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Often when I finish reading a book, I read the reviews of others to see what I might have missed and to refresh my memory on details.

One reviewer commented that she was disturbed by the paranormal in this book, but given that it's a paranormal mystery, one would expect that. Another reviewer commented that "more of a mystery that happened to have some magic elements than it was a fantasy book," which I agree with. I prefer more paranormal in a paranormal mystery, but since this was the first in the series and we are seeing the paranormal activity through the eyes of a character who is just becoming fully aware of the paranormal world, I think it was just the right amount.

One reader felt that there was too much "Witches good, non-witches bad" (my wording) in this book, whereas another was pleased that the writer did such "a good job about explaining this misunderstood religion." I think we have to remember that this book was published in 2006 by a large publisher, which means that it was probably written around 2003 or 2004, if not earlier. Back then people felt they had to get that message across. (I'm speaking from personal experience: Someone had the same comment about my first novel, published in 2003.)

Not mentioned very often is that there's a little romance in the background. Those who like paranormal romance will find something to like here. I prefer more mystery, intrigue, and paranormal myself, but it worked with the story.

All in all, I thought it was a good start of a series and handled the paranormal well (though I was confused about why they would shut down the power so quickly after raising it in one scene). I look forward to reading the next one.

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Book Review: The Red Tree

The Red Tree by Caitlín R. Kiernan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The audiobook was just mesmerizing and I don't know if that's a function of the reader or Kiernan's lyrical writing. I can't say I can make sense of this work, but I don't regret listening to it.

I will say, though, that the very end of the book (no spoilers here), where the voice switches to another person/characters, didn't make sense to me. Maybe it refers back to something earlier in the book that I've forgotten. And it's only because of that ending that I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5. Yes, I realize that I might have missed the point because I'm not a sophisticated enough reader, and you might read the book and find it resolves well or is unresolved in a pleasing manner, but this is just how I reacted to it.

Still, there's no doubt that Kiernan is a powerful writer with a strong imagination.

(P.S. Speaking of imagination, there's something about the tree and the otherworldly part that reminds me of King's Lisey's Story.)

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Book Review: The Pale Horse

The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wanted to read this because of the paranormal plot (alleged witches are cursing people to death). Much to my surprise, considering when the book was first published (1962), Christie does a good job of presenting the paranormal aspect and doesn't fall into the trap of blaming it all on the devil. A good read.

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Book Review: A Vision in Velvet (A Witchcraft Mystery #6)

A Vision in Velvet by Juliet Blackwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series for the well-researched paranormal plots. If you've ever read much on the supernatural or studied history of magic and witchcraft, you'll find Blackwell's stories believable in that context. She gets it right.

And on top of that, her skill as a writer of a cozy mysteries series is excellent, though there were two places in this particular book where I could see things too clearly before she revealed them. (Usually I can't.) Violence is off-camera, so to speak, but not so far off-camera that you can't feel it at all.

This book involved a mystery with ties back to the Salem Witch Trials. Normally I wouldn't pick up a book with that tie because it's so often based on biased accounts of the trials that stated that all of those persecuted were devil worshipers when in fact many were innocents who were falsely accused due to mass hysteria. I don't want to reveal any details, but Blackwell picks a believable thread from that era, if you pardon the pun. That is, just because most of those accused at the trials might have all been innocent, there was still evil around.

As others have noted, you can start anywhere in the series without being lost. Blackwell gives you just enough background so you know who the characters are or what events happened in the past.

I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Xe Sands. She's amazing, and voices the characters well. I hope she continues to narrate this series.

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Book Review: Someone Tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead

Somebody tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead by Christiana Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you like your paranormal believable, definitely give this book a try. The level of authenticity in the beliefs and actions of the characters is excellent. Great job!

I listened to the audiobook version. I loved the voices of the main character (Mara), Lizette, and Aunt Tillie. I had a problem with the two gay male characters (too queenish) and the British accent of one of them, but that doesn't mean everyone will. They just don't sound like the gay and/or British men I know.

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Book Review: The Cat Who Saw Red (The Cat Who series)

The Cat Who Saw Red by Lilian Jackson Braun
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

People who know me would assume that I picked this book up because of the cats. Actually it was recommended as a good example of a cozy and just happened to contain cats.

The "Cat Who" mystery series actually starts with The Cat Who Could Read Backwards (1966) -- this book is number 4 -- so I didn't have much background on how the cats developed or communicated their talents, but having met many a Siamese cat (and their human servants), I had absolutely no problem accepting the premise.

Written clearly, with deft humor, and increasing tension, it was a pleasure to read.

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Book Review: Tarnished and Torn (A Witchcraft Mystery, #5)

Tarnished and Torn by Juliet Blackwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another well-crafted, action-filled mystery where traditional homespun magic is pitted against darker forces. We learn more about Lily Ivory's relationship with her father and what has happened to Sailor. (I hope that's how you spell it -- that's one disadvantage of listening to audiobooks; you don't know how to spell the characters' names.)

The magic in this episode is exciting and unusual, involving a Mayan fire demon, Xiuhcoatl. Blackwell skillfully blends in her research without making you bored.




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Book Review: A Cast-Off Coven (A Witchcraft Mystery, #2)

I'm posting this review a little late and out of order.

A Cast-Off Coven by Juliet Blackwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second in the Witchcraft Mystery series, this installment involves a mystery set in a Fine Arts school. An alleged ghost is scaring students and faculty alike and when someone dies, she must determine if it was really an accident, and if not, whether the paranormal was involved.

Good ghost story and excellent narration by Tantor Audio's Xe Sands.

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Book Review: Hexes and Hemlines (A Witchcraft Mystery #3)

Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another excellent supernatural/witchcraft mystery read by an excellent voice talent. I'm really enjoying this series and am sad to see that there's only one more book for me to listen to!

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Book Review: In a Witch's Wardrobe (A Witchcraft Mystery #4)

In a Witch's Wardrobe by Juliet Blackwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of the things I really enjoy about Juliet Blackwell's "A Witchcraft Mystery" series is that she's able to create a world in which natural witches and witches who had no skills before training exist side by side, each learning and practicing differently, but each having an effect.

I also like the way she uses real magical theory in her novels. For example, her character Lily Ivory describes the difference between binding and banishing. Blackwell's description is similar to the one in one of my own novels, which makes me believe that she did her homework researching.

I love all of her characters, and the voice talent on the audiobook really brings them to life. Still, I'm pretty sure, though, that if I read a text version of her books that I'd find them just as distinct and interesting.

Definitely recommended for those who enjoy reading books with realistic witch characters that can still excite and fascinate.

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Book Review: Secondhand Spirits (A Witchcraft Mystery, #1)

Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good paranormal mystery with just the right amount of tension and dread. The "natural witch" (that is, someone born with paranormal powers) and the pagan witches are drawn well and believable.

The voice talent (I listened to an audio version) was excellent, too.

I was impressed enough that I'm already listening to the second in the series.

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Book Review: The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't remember reading this in high school, but even if I did, it's good that I read it now.

Reading it now, after living a bit, I appreciate the difference in class, especially back then, having seen class distinctions change over time. At this time of my life, I've known many self-made people and a few born into money, something I hadn't experienced in high school.

More than that, I could appreciate the beauty of Fitzgerald's prose. I was thoroughly surprised by it. When younger, I would have been too worried about getting a good grade and noticing what I was supposed to notice to actually enjoy it.

This version of the audiobook was read by Tim Robbins who does a great job with all the voices. My only complaint was that when he spoke the part of Tom Buchanan, it was VERY loud, which took a little getting used to when I was wearing earbuds, and some of the dialog spoken by Jordan Baker was too soft. I realize that the volume goes with the character, though, and eventually I got used to it (or they mixed it differently).

The recording includes a selection of letters written by Fitzgerald to his editor, Maxwell Perkins, his agent, Harold Ober, and friends and associates. I know those letters wouldn't have meant as much to me in the days before I knew anything about agents, editors, and the publishing business


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Book Review: A Curious Man: The Strange and Brilliant Life of Robert "Believe It or Not!" Ripley

A Curious Man: The Strange and Brilliant Life of Robert "Believe It or Not!" Ripley by Neal Thompson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I remember reading the Ripley's Believe it or Not cartoons in the Sunday comics and being fascinated and amused by the exotic things he discovered around the world.

What I didn't know then was that he was a journalist, started out drawing baseball characters, and was even a semi-pro baseball player! He was also a self-centered, arrogant, womanizer. Though I don't think I would have thought highly of him if I knew him, the fascinating story of his life kept me interested.

Those were interesting times, especially for Ripley, a Sinophile who watched the countries he loved fall into communism or be destroyed by wars. I think that hearing about the world events as Ripley would have seen them is what kept me interested. I barely remember a lot of my history classes, but I do remember thinking that my college history class was the best because the instructor spoke of how people were affected, how they felt, what it meant to their lives. Thompson makes not just Ripley come alive, but the world around Ripley come alive.

I enjoyed the audiobook edition, though I first thought that the reader was a little dry. Thompson's writing was solid enough so that I was able to visualize the scenes as they read and eventually started to like the delivery of the narration. It was as if the voice came from the times the author described.


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Book Review: A Skeleton in the Family

A Skeleton in the Family by Leigh Perry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the publisher: "Moving back into her parents’ house with her teenage daughter had not been Georgia Thackery’s “Plan A.” But when she got a job at the local college, it seemed the sensible thing to do. So she settled in and began reconnecting with old friends... Including Sid. Sid is the Thackery family’s skeleton. He’s lived in the house as long as Georgia can remember, although no one, including Sid, knows exactly where he came from and how he came to be a skeleton."

What can I say? I loved it. Sid is wisecracking, but in a timid, self-conscious way. He's loyal and protective, and intelligent. In short, he's everything you'd want in a family friend.

I loved the way the mystery built, I loved Sid's wisecracking, and I loved Georgia's logical solving of the problem. Author Leigh Perry did a great job of world-building when she placed Georgia in academia, making the struggles and politics come alive. In this first book, we don't come to understand exactly how Sid is an animated skeleton, but I didn't mind. I was able to suspend disbelief and just enjoy the show.

The narrator of the audiobook did a great job of bringing the characters to life. I expected Sid to be more "up" (yeah, I don't know why), but I easily settled into his dry (what else would you expect?) voice.

I loved the characters and am looking forward to more books in the series. Yay, Sid!

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