A CLUBBABLE WOMAN : REGINALD HILL

Home from the Rugby club after taking a nasty knock in a match, Connon finds his wife even more uncommunicative than usual. After passing out on his bed for five hours, he comes downstairs to discover communication has been cut off forever - by a hole in the middle of her forehead.
Down at the club, passions run high, on and off the field.This is a home game for Detective Superintendent Andrew Dalziel who knows all the players, male and female. But Sergeant Peter Pascoe, whose loyalties lie with another code, has a few ideas of his own.

Where it all began back in the 1970's. A decent start to the series so I am on to the next one.


IN SEARCH OF WALES: H.V. MORTON


Singularly susceptible to Celtic romance and history, H. V. Morton goes In Search of Wales and finds equal delight in climbing Snowdon (inclement weather aside) and going down a coal mine.

Bustling with intriguing local stories and characters, Morton's fascinating account reaches from the scenic grandeur of the north to the domestic beauty of the industrial south.

In the Vale of Clwyd it rains 'with grim enthusiasm', while at the Eisteddfod in Bangor, he is 'slightly worried by the trousers of bard and druid, which are visible for a few inches below their gowns. Father Christmas has this same trouble with his trousers'.

Anecdotal, leisurely, full of character and event, insight and opinion, this is travel writing of the very highest order.

The library found me a 1960's copy at an out of town library. This one thankfully still had the maps inside making his route. Very helpful. Again I became totally involved in the people and the history as Morton lays it out in the 1930's. It's interesting in itself and as a look back at the times and social attitudes.
I will continue to search out more.



THE CALLING: INGER ASH WOLFE

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. This bracingly original mystery from the pseudonymous Wolfe opens with the grisly slaying of an elderly cancer sufferer in Port Dundas, a remote Ontario town that has gone years without a homicide. The murder hits at a particularly tough time for 61-year-old Det. Insp. Hazel Micallef, who's struggling to come to terms with a surprise divorce and battles daily with her acerbic 87-year-old mother. A serious staff shortage and an injured back add to the department commander's woes. A second, even more disturbing killing raises the ante for Micallef, who's already doubtful she can solve the first case. As Micallef marshals her forces, Wolfe fans the already high suspense by cutting between them and their elusive quarry. With the body count climbing, the detective puts herself increasingly at risk in a desperate attempt to foil the grand, demented plan that the killer regards as a mission. Billed as a prominent North American literary novelist, Wolfe convincingly lays claim to a new mantle as a first-rate crime writer.

It was so-so. Predictable and I found it rather annoying reading fake names for places and a police force set here in Ontario. This author will not be on my "keep reading" list.


THINGS I WANT MY DAUGHTERS TO KNOW: ELIZABETH NOBLE

When Barbara realizes time is running out, she writes letters to her four daughters, aware they'll be facing the trials and triumphs of life without her at their side. But how can she leave them when they still have so much growing up to do? Take Lisa, in her midthirties but incapable of making a commitment; or Jennifer, trapped in a stale marriage and buttoned up so tight she could burst. While twentysomething Amanda is the traveler, always distanced from the rest of the family. And Hannah. A teenage girl on the verge of womanhood, about to be parted from the mother she adores. But by drawing on the wisdom in Barbara's letters, the girls might just find a way to cope with their loss. And in coming to terms with their bereavement, can they also set themselves free to enjoy life with all the passion and love each deserves?

I read the beginning, I skimmed the middle and I read the end. Not a new story, nothing new for characters. Another author that I won't be reading again.



THE MERCHANT'S HOUSE; KATE ELLIS

Detective Sergeant Wesley Peterson''s first day finds him investigating the death of a young woman who may be connected to a kidnapped child. As the suspense builds, a strange parallel emerges between his case and the two skeletons found in the ruins of a 17th century merchant''s house. With stellar characterizations and sharp plotting, readers will find themselves completely swept up in this virtuoso mystery, the ending of which is as satisfying as is shocking.

The above description is a little over the top but the book was certainly entertaining and enjoyable. It fits into the light fast read category. This is a series that I will be continuing. It helps that it's set in Devon an area I found truly lovely when we visited England.

5 books