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Review: Who Slays the Wicked

By Jan

on February 19, 2019

Who Slays the Wicked (Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery #14)

Author: C. S. Harris;
Genre: Historical mystery;
Format: Paperback (341 pages);
Publisher: Penguin Random House by Berkeley Marketing (2019);
Rating: (3 / 5).

This was another good volume in this popular series of historical mysteries set in Regency London. Sebastian St. Cyr must find the killer of his dastardly nephew-in-law, the same one who figured prominently and horribly in a previous book.

The trouble is, there are so many suspects! Ashworth was hated by so many people, including Sebastian’s own niece, that the vicount has a tough time narrowing down the field. He goes through the usual investigation, asking questions of everyone that might know something, and has to wrestle with his love of his niece while wondering if she actually killed her husband.

The mystery itself was very good, and the writing is typically skillful; Ms. Harris knows her history, and her descriptions and the included exposition are great. I normally don’t try to guess the killer ahead of time, and I was surprised by the reveal.

The characters range from a street sweeper to a Russian Princess, and Sebastian’s access to everyone is convenient for his work. Sometimes I think it’s too convenient, as there is little challenge trying to interview the suspects and witnesses. They all seem to put up with him following them around the city. And isn’t it nice that Sebastian’s buddy just happens to be a forensic doctor? It also helped that Sebastian’s wife, Hero, just happened to be interviewing some of the work-a-day city residents for a project; not only did we learn more about the dirtiest jobs of the era, but her discoveries assisted with the investigation. Whaddayaknow?

In this volume, as in previous books, the poorest characters are higher on the morality meter than those at the top of the economic and social ladder (the class struggle is always a juicy subject!). Also, there are so many characters (and their names and titles) that the reader must pay close attention in order to keep them straight.

The topics here are definitely for adults; there are lots of references to sexual play and abuse along with the details of violent deaths.

Overall, I didn’t like this volume as much as previous ones, but the author’s talent and the likable protagonist are definite draws to this series.

As part of a giveaway on Goodreads, I was sent an ARC of this newest volume of the series by the publisher and am glad to leave a review. #giveaway

In categories Book Review, Historical Mystery Tagged with Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery

Review: Infinite

By Jan

on February 10, 2019

Infinite

Author: Jeremy Robinson;
Genre: Science fiction;
Format: Audiobook;
Narrator: R.C. Bray;
Publisher: Breakneck Media (2017);
Rating: (4 / 5).

An intriguing sci-fi story set in deep space and touching on themes of loneliness, time, and the meaning of reality. I really felt the vastness of space and the drag of endless time. Plot twists abound—expect some head games.

R.C. Bray did his usual spectacular job with the narration; even his female voices are good. He’s definitely in my top 5 list of narrators.

Very little foul language, applicable violence, some sexual references but nothing graphic.

In categories Audiobooks, Book Review, Science-fiction

Review: The Nothing Girl

By Jan

on February 10, 2019

The Nothing Girl (The Frogmorton Farm Series, Book 1)

Author: Jodi Taylor;
Genre: Romantic Comedy;
Format: Audiobook;
Narrator: Lucy Price-Lewis;
Publisher: Audible Studios (2015);
Rating: (4 / 5).

This is a fun British contemporary novel with humor and a little magic from one of my favorite authors, Jodi Taylor. I wish I had a fraction of the cleverness and wit that she does.

Jenny Dove has a terrible stutter and lives apart from the world. What will it take for her to take a chance on life? Themes include empowerment, independence (or lack thereof), trust, and horses (with a little donkey thrown in).

Narration was first-rate from Lucy Price-Lewis. I can’t wait to listen to the next volume.

In categories Audiobooks, Book Review, Modern Fiction

Review: Where the Crawdads Sing

By Jan

on February 10, 2019

Where the Crawdads Sing

Author: Delia Owens;
Genre: Literary Fiction (Novel);
Format: Audiobook;
Narrator: Cassandra Campbell;
Publisher: Penguin Audio (2018);
Rating: (3 / 5).

I was not swept away by this book as so many others seem to have been, and therefore was a little disappointed. That’s my problem with highly-praised books and so-called “bestsellers;” I’m obviously not the target audience for most of them.

The time period is the 1950s and 1960s; the story jumps back and forth between the coming-of-age of a poor swamp girl who has had to hide from townsfolk after being abandoned by her family and a later murder mystery for which she is a prime suspect. The story itself was drawn out, in my opinion, to include the romantic tragedies that befell this young girl as she learned to be self-sufficient but yearned for companionship; that method certainly had the effect of slowing down the read, just like a southern drawl.

The book is actually a combination of biology, romance, and mystery. It is filled with a naturalist’s wonderful descriptions of a vast waterway and swamp on the North Carolina coast. Major themes are the appreciation of the natural world and loneliness and trust (or lack thereof). The protagonist makes poor decisions, but those are based on her ignorance in most cases. She receives help from a local black family, who are my heroes in this story. Certainly, the townspeople are mostly unlikeable.

Campbell’s narration was fine but slow; I listened to the second half at 1.25x speed. The main character’s voice was a little grating to my ears.

I seldom read modern fiction, and this was a case of “everyone’s raving about it”—fool me once, etc. Mature themes: attempted rape; racial prejudice.

In categories Audiobooks, Book Review, Modern Fiction

Review: Once Upon a River

By Jan

on February 1, 2019

Once Upon a River

Author: Diane Setterfield;
Genre: Literary fiction (Novel) with Magical Realism;
Format: Audiobook;
Narrator: Juliet Stevenson;
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (2018);
Rating: (4 / 5).

This was a highly-anticipated work of fiction from the author of “The Thirteenth Tale,” a very popular gothic novel from 2006. That work has always been a favorite of mine, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. That was also the case because Juliet Stevenson is a fabulous narrator, and I knew she wouldn’t disappoint.

The description reads, in part: “Once Upon a River is a glorious tapestry of a book that combines folklore and science, magic and myth. Suspenseful, romantic, and richly atmospheric, the beginning of this novel will sweep you away on a powerful current of storytelling, transporting you through worlds both real and imagined, to the triumphant conclusion whose depths will continue to give up their treasures long after the last page is turned.” I agree with all of this and could never come up with a better description.

This is, above all, a very British novel; it hasn’t been “translated” for Americans and that is the way it should be. It’s also a slow read, meaning there isn’t much action and certainly no adventure. The characters are varied and most are interesting, although not all are likable. The way the several stories flow together (like a river) is clever, and the ending is very satisfactory while leaving enough for your imagination to think about afterward.

I am very glad to have listened to this story as read by Stevenson, who voices the characters in distinct accents and tones, and whose pacing is impeccable.

This is a novel for adults. Not because there is excessive violence, sex, or foul language, but the nuances of the story are definitely targeted to those with experience in life and love.

©2019 Jan McClintock

In categories Audiobooks, Book Review, Modern Fiction Tagged with audiobook, novel

Review: The Cuckoo’s Calling

By Jan

on January 14, 2019

The Cuckoo’s Calling

Author: Robert Galbraith;
Genre: Mystery, Detective fiction;
Format: Audiobook;
Narrator: Robert Glenister;
Publisher: Hachette Audio;
Rating: (4 / 5).

An excellent mystery involving the death of a famous model in London. The main character, Cormoran Strike, is a private investigator on the downside of luck, interesting and flawed, and the reader is definitely invested in him after the first few chapters. His backstory is slowly revealed but there is plenty left to learn in future volumes.

There are quite a few characters (mostly suspects), but they are separated by believable stories and the skill of the narrator. Robert Glenister does an outstanding job with the narration. There are many different UK accents and he nails them (as far as this American can tell). His pacing was terrific, too.

This is not a usual genre for me (I prefer historical fiction) but I enjoyed the story. There is plenty of bad language in this one, so beware if that offends you.

This is the first of a series (currently, four) of Cormoran Strike books.

In categories Audiobooks, Book Review

“Best Of” War Movies

By Jan

on January 13, 2019

Here I present a few special awards for the “best of” films about war. This is not an all-inclusive list, of course, but some of the highlights. Enjoy, and if you don’t agree with my choices, let me know.

Best use of animals in combat scenes: “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” (2003) – the oliphants (Mumakil), the horses, the eagles, and of course, the moth. 🙂

Most cinematic battle scene: Tough one…there are so many, but the final battle scene from “We Were Soldiers” is at the top (also for the music). Alternatives: Ride of the Valkyries from “Apocalypse Now” (1979); Attack on Aqaba from “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962)

Most realistic battle scene: “Saving Private Ryan” (1998) on Omaha Beach is the absolute winner [not for the faint of heart]; Alternate: Little Round Top from “Gettysburg” (1993)

Best one-to-one battle in a war movie: Hector vs Achilles in “Troy” (2004);

Best chase scene in a war movie: Steve McQueen on a motorcycle in “The Great Escape” (1963); Alternate: Frank Sinatra running for the train in “Von Ryan’s Express” (1965)

Best use of music for a war movie: “Schindler’s List” (1993); Alternates:”Enemy at the Gates” (2001),”Bridge on the River Kwai” (1957)

Best war movie costumes: You wouldn’t normally think war movies would be in the running for best costumes at all, but in this case, it would have to be the Picts in “King Arthur,” (2004) especially Keira Knightley in the leather straps and blue paint. Alternates: “The Last Samurai” (2003) and “Ran” (1985)

Most poignant scene in a war film: The Death of Sgt. Elias in “Platoon” (1986); Alternate: The Russian Roulette scene from “The Deer Hunter.”

Made you jump moment: The cannonball from “The Patriot” (2000) at the Battle of Camden

Most difficult war movie to watch: “Restrepo” (2010), because it’s not fiction.

In categories List, Movies Tagged with film, war movies

Review: Pickpocket’s Apprentice

By Jan

on January 7, 2019

Pickpocket’s Apprentice

Author and Publisher: Sheri Cobb South;
Genre: Historical fiction;
Format: Audiobook;
Narrator: Joel Froomkin;
Rating: (4 / 5).

This novella introduces the reader to teenager John Pickett, left behind to fend for himself on the streets of Regency London after his criminal father is sentenced to transportation to Australia. It’s a fun story about a young man who gets a break and takes advantage of his fortune to work hard and try to stay honest.

There were many lovely turns of phrases and some lighthearted amusements along the way. The characters are likable, if somewhat stereotypical: the caring magistrate, the corrupt cop, the newly rich merchant, and the snobby servants, etc. The length of the audiobook was just right to get us started with John. Froomkin does a wonderful job with the narration: timing and accents were great.

I definitely want to continue with this series and look forward to the first full-length book, “In Milady’s Chamber.”

In categories Audiobooks, Book Review, Historical Mystery Tagged with historical mystery, Regency, Sheri Cobb South