Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas...let your heart be light....

I'm repeating the Christmas wishes that I shared last year at this time.  They bear repeating!!

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas....truly!  Wishing each and every one of you much 'Peace', 'Love', and 'Joy'.  I am very, very blessed to have each of you in my life and I'm hoping your holiday season is filled with good smells, good food, good fellowship, good feelings.  And if you're not in that sort of place right now...well...and sometimes we are not, I'm wishing you an extra measure of 'Peace'.  Happy Holidays - however you celebrate them!

The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves

The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves

First Paragraph(s):

It's November today.  I hate November.  Two years ago, in November, my dad ran off.  A year ago Mam stopped eating and started slipping away.  She got the sack from the travel agency in town, and I caught her talking to the TV when it wasn't even switched on.  She had the idea that it was talking back.  There was just her and me, and I felt I was drowning.  I'm only fourteen, so what could I do to help?

I tried to tell Miss at school.  I'd always thought she was okay, but in the end, she was only interested that I wasn't wearing the uniform socks and that I hadn't got my homework in on time.  When I told her about Mam, she frowned and said I was making excuses.  I needed to stick to the rules, whatever was happening at home.  If I had real problems, I should talk to pupil welfare.

My Thoughts:

I was happy to catch up on another of my favorite mystery series.  Written by Ann Cleeves and featuring DI Vera Stanhope, it's the 11th book and it's a good one.  A little poignant and sad, partly due to the adjustments Vera and her team have had to make after the last book, and partly because of the underlying societal issues it highlights.  These include mental health and how society cares for the vulnerable.  And, of course, there is a murder and some vivid descriptions of Vera's part of the world.  Vera herself is getting older, but she soldiers on determined to still make a difference.  I enjoyed the book and look forward to more in the series.

I will say that I have also watched and loved the Vera TV series, based on these books.  Sadly, that is coming to an end.  There will be a 14th season, but it will only contain two episodes.  I think it will be available in early January and this new season is based on this book, but different.  Brenda Blethyn, who has played Vera through all the seasons will be retiring and, honestly, no one could do the character justice besides Brenda.  In my opinion anyway.  Ann Cleeves has said that the books will continue, so we'll see what's to come in that regard.  Have you read any of Cleeves work or watched any of the TV adaptations of her books?  Do tell!  

Blurb:

As New York Times bestseller Ann Cleeves' beloved Vera series explodes in popularity in print and on TV, this stunning eleventh book explores the web of secrets surrounding a young man's death.

The man’s body is found in the early morning light by a local dog walker in the park outside Rosebank, a home for troubled teens in the coastal village of Longwater. The victim is Josh, a staff member, who was due to work the previous night but never showed up.

DI Vera Stanhope is called out to investigate the death, with her only clue being the disappearance of one of the home’s residents, fourteen-year-old Chloe Spence. Vera can’t bring herself to believe that a teenager is responsible for the murder, but even she can’t dismiss the possibility.

Vera, Joe and new team member Rosie Bell, are soon embroiled in the case, and when a second connected body is found near the Three Dark Wives monument in the wilds of the Northumberland countryside, superstition and folklore begin to collide with fact. Vera knows she has to find Chloe to get to the truth, and the dark secrets in their community that may be far more dangerous than she could have ever believed possible.

The Waiting by Michael Connelly

The Waiting by Michael Connelly

First Paragraph(s):

She liked waiting for the wave more than riding the wave.  Facing the cliffs, straddling the board, her hips finding the up-and-down rhythm of the surface.  Riding it like a horse, making her think about Kaupo Boy when she was a child.  There was a reverence to the movement before the next set came in and it was time to dig down and paddle.  

My Thoughts:

The Waiting is #6 in Michael Connelly's Renee Ballard/Harry Bosch series and I enjoyed it a lot.  I've read all the books in this series and I like how Connelly has managed to keep Bosch involved in police work even though he's retired.  Plus his daughter, Maddie, is now a cop and she comes into the story as a volunteer for Ballard's unit.  Bosch himself has also worked with the 'cold case' unit in another book.  

I've also watched all the TV adaptations of the Bosch storyline and enjoyed those as well.  What I wanted to share is that I understand there will be a new 'Ballard' TV adaptation with Maggie Q playing Renee Ballard and Titus Welliver continuing his role as Harry Bosch.  Filming started last summer - not sure when it will be available for viewing.  Here's a link to some info from the author's website.

Have you read any of the Bosch books or the Ballard/Bosch books?  I've enjoyed them and hope they continue for quite a while.  Also will be interested in knowing how Maddie Bosch will fare in the LAPD as she follows in her father's footsteps.

Blurb:

LAPD Detective Renée Ballard tracks a serial rapist whose trail has gone cold, and enlists a new volunteer to the Open-Unsolved Unit: patrol officer Maddie Bosch, Harry’s daughter.

Renée Ballard and the LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit get a hot shot DNA connection between a recently arrested man and a serial rapist and murderer who went quiet two decades ago. The arrested man is only twenty-four, so the genetic link must be familial: His father was the Pillowcase Rapist, responsible for a five-year reign of terror in the City of Angels. But when Ballard and her team move in on their suspect, they encounter a baffling web of secrets and legal hurdles.

Meanwhile, Ballard’s badge, gun, and ID are stolen—a theft she can’t report without giving her enemies in the department ammunition to end her career as a detective. She works the burglary alone, but her mission draws her into unexpected danger. With no choice but to go outside the department for help, she knocks on the door of Harry Bosch.

At the same time, Ballard takes on a new volunteer to the cold case unit: Bosch’s daughter Maddie, now a patrol officer. But Maddie has an ulterior motive for getting access to the city’s library of lost souls—a case that may be the most iconic in the city’s history.

Waiting on Wednesday - Holmes Is Missing

 

'Waiting on Wednesday' is an event where I feature an upcoming book that I am extra excited about.  I used to do this in the past and am making it a priority to do again.  Seriously, who among us doesn't have a book or two or twenty that we are excited about reading?  Plus, it lets us 'spread the word' about authors and series that we personally enjoy.

This week I'm highlighting the second book in the 'Holmes, Marple, & Poe' series.  I read the first book in the series last year and talked about it here.  I shared that while I thought the book was fast paced and interesting, I had a bit of hard time with the 'update' of the three famous characters.  Wasn't sure if my love for the original 'Marple' had affected my thoughts (note: likely, yes, likely).  Fast forward to a few weeks ago and I learned that 'Holmes, Marple & Poe' would be our mystery book group's selection for this coming April.  I then determined that I would reread the first book and also noticed that the sequel would be published in January.  Seemed like a good sign.  Here's the scoop on the new book:

Holmes Is Missing

by James Patterson and Brian Sitts

Publication Date:  January 6th

Success has come quickly to Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations. The New York City agency led by three detectives—Brendan Holmes, “the brain,” Margaret Marple, “the eyes,” and Auguste Poe, the “muscle”—with famous names and mysterious pasts is one major case away from cementing its professional reputation. 

But as a series of child abductions tests the PIs’ legendary skills, the cerebral Holmes’s absence leaves a gaping hole in the agency roster.

Only by closing ranks and solving the mystery within can they recover all that’s been lost.

The Black Loch by Peter May

The Black Loch by Peter May

First Paragraph(s):

     The sun set some time ago.  Although it is not yet dark enough, somehow, for murder.

     The east side of the island lies in dusky purple shadow, with the rising of the moon still hours away.  But what little light remains in the sky is reflected pale and pink upon the unusually still water of An Loch Dubh, making silhouettes of the man and woman as they run from the house.  For more than an hour, only the single lit pane of a downstairs window has broken the twilight, seeming to flicker feebly, like a candle, in its fight against the smothering half-light.

My Thoughts:

I was extremely surprised to learn earlier this year that Peter May was returning to the Isle of Lewis for another book to add to his 'Lewis Trilogy'.  It's been over 10 years since the last of that trilogy was published.  In any case, I was interested to hear what this author would add to his stories of Lewis and also Fin Macleod.  And this book, I think it ties things up nicely in the end, but it's quite a bleak journey through the storyline to get there.

If you haven't read this particular set of books, I suggest that you begin at the beginning with The Blackhouse.  My thoughts on that book here.  The second book continues Fin's story and it's The Lewis Man - my thoughts here.  Last of the trilogy is The Chessmen - again, my thoughts here.  I have read the trilogy more than once, but only revisited The Blackhouse for a quick skim before starting The Black Loch.  

I honestly don't want to share too much about this book because of spoilers, but I enjoyed it and 'catching up' with Fin and his family and friends.  That being said, these stories set in the Outer Hebrides do reflect the setting, the cold wind, the people who live in a place that is a bit harsh, but also beautiful.  I always feel a bit shivery while reading them.  Have you tried any of Peter May's work?  I'd love to hear.    

Blurb:

THE RETURN OF FIN MACLEOD, PETER MAY'S MUCH-LOVED HERO OF THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING LEWIS TRILOGY.

A MURDER

The body of eighteen-year-old TV personality Caitlin is found abandoned on a remote beach at the head of An Loch Dubh - the Black Loch - on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. A swimmer and canoeist, it is inconceivable that she could have drowned.

A SECRET

Fin Macleod left the island ten years earlier to escape its memories. When he learns that his married son Fionnlagh had been having a clandestine affair with the dead girl and is suspected of her murder, he and Marsaili return to try and clear his name.

A RECKONING

But nothing is as it seems, and the truth of the murder lies in a past that Fin would rather forget, and a tragedy at the cages of a salmon farm on East Loch Roag, where the tense climax of the story finds its resolution.

The Black Loch takes us on a journey through family ties, hidden relationships and unforgiving landscapes, where suspense, violent revenge and revelation converge in the shadow of the Black Loch.

Waiting on Wednesday - Cold As Hell

 

'Waiting on Wednesday' is an event where I feature an upcoming book that I am extra excited about.  I used to do this in the past and am making it a priority to do again.  Seriously, who among us doesn't have a book or two or twenty that we are excited about reading?  Plus, it lets us 'spread the word' about authors and series that we personally enjoy.

This week's 'Waiting on...' book is the third in Kelley Armstrong's Haven's Rock series.  This series is a spin-off  or a continuation of her 'Rockton' series.  I love both of them and have read all the books so far.  I will say that things are changing in this new one, so be aware with the blurb.  Me, I can't wait until February.  Have you read any of the Rockton or Haven's Rock books?  Or tried anything else by Kelley Armstrong?  Do tell!

Cold As Hell

by Kelley Armstrong

Publication Date:  February 18th

New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong returns to Haven’s Rock in Cold as Hell as Casey Duncan hunts down a dangerous killer during a deadly blizzard.

Haven’s Rock is a sanctuary town hidden deep in the Yukon for those who need to disappear from the regular world. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are starting a family now that they’ve settled into their life here. As Casey nears the end of her pregnancy, she lets nothing, including her worried husband, stop her from investigating what happens in the forbidden forest outside the town of Haven’s Rock.

When one of the town's residents is drugged and wanders too close to the edge of town, she’s dragged into the woods kicking and screaming. She’s saved in the nick of time, but the women of the town are alarmed. Casey and Eric investigate the assault just as a snowstorm hits Haven’s Rock, covering the forest. It’s there they find a frozen body, naked in the snow. With mixed accounts of the woman's last movements, the two begin to question who they can trust—and who they can't—in their seemingly safe haven.

A new library in my area...love it!

I mentioned in a post the other day that one of our local libraries had completed a new building and that I had visited and taken a few pictures.  I used to volunteer at this library a few years back and helped out with processing new materials.  I did enjoy that work.  Anyway, this library had outgrown their facility and struggled to have enough room for not only materials, but also for study areas, meeting spaces, and new programs they wanted to implement.  On November 1st, they opened their new space.  Here is the new Cedar Park Public Library.  I loved it!

This sign lights up at night.

The front entrance.  They now have two stories, two screened porches, and a bunch of other fun spaces.  Just a lot more room for everything.

 This 'wall of wood' adjoins the staircase to the second floor.  It was created with wood from trees that were cut down as construction of the new facility progressed.  I think it's composed of oak, pecan, and other types of trees.  There is a plaque by it explaining how the wood was 'harvested' and the wall designed.  

I said above that there were a bunch of special spaces.  One of these is an adult 'reading room' where patrons can sit in comfort and quiet and read.  I couldn't take a shot of the whole room because someone was using the room just as it was meant.  

This sculpture was near the front entrance at the previous library and had been there for 20 years or so.  I had shown a picture of it before here on the blog and mentioned how kids really enjoyed playing around it and climbing over it.  I was so happy to see it had been moved to the new library and it now resides in the outside children's area that is located behind the kids area of the library.  Again, I had to wait until one little boy was through climbing in order to take the picture.  He was having a fun, fun time!

-------------------------------------------------------

Libraries have changed a lot over the years.  Remember when one was 'shushed' and had to be very, very quiet?  These days, libraries not only have computers that can be used by patrons, there are what's called 'makerspace' rooms where craft events are held and people are invited to come and 'create'.  Book discussions still occur, though I have noticed that more libraries are having sort of 'generic' book groups.  Some libraries even just invite people to come read together - silently.  Interesting.  There are knitting groups and crochet groups, movies to be watched, special speakers and, yes, storytimes.  Library staff helps patrons a lot with all kinds of information.  

I don't think the time of 'Public Libraries' is even close to coming to an end.  I certainly hope not.  Hope you enjoyed this little tour.  Do you visit your area libraries still?  Do you love them? 

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

First Paragraph(s):

     Later, not a single person will recall seeing the lady board the flight at Hobart Airport.

     Nothing about her appearance or demeanor raises a red flag or even an eyebrow.

     She is not drunk or belligerent or famous.   

My Thoughts:

Have you read books by Liane Moriarty?  I have and liked most of the ones I've tried.  Some I've really, really liked (Big Little Lies, The Husband's Secret).  I will admit that her last one, Apples Never Fall, didn't thrill me as much.  However, this new one was quite different, interesting, a little weird, and I could not put it down.  I did a read/listen and enjoyed the audio portion very much.  One of the narrators, Caroline Lee, has done several of this author's works and I always enjoy her voice, tone, etc.

The whole idea of psychics, fortunetellers, etc. is not something I believe in.  On the other hand, the way the author presents her story of a lady predicting when and how each person on a flight would leave this earth was curious.  And the way several characters reacted to the prediction was curious as well.  We're all different - anxious, calm, overthinker, easygoing, etc.  I will tell you that the narrative switches back and forth from the 'lady' to other characters with each chapter.  I got used to it.  Some may find that a bit harder.  I liked how the book 'resolved' the storyline.  And I wonder if anyone else has tried this book and what you thought.  Let me know!     

Blurb:

Life is full of twists and turns you never see coming. But what if you did? 

The plane is jam-packed. Every seat is taken. So of course the flight is delayed! Flight attendant Allegra Patel likes her job—she’s generally happy with her life, even if she can’t figure out why she hooks up with a man she barely speaks to—but today is her twenty-eighth birthday. She can think of plenty of things she’d rather be doing than placating a bunch of grumpy passengers. 

There’s the well-dressed man in seat 4C who is compulsively checking his watch, desperate not to miss his eleven-year-old daughter’s musical. Further back, a mother of two is frantically trying to keep her toddler entertained and her infant son quiet. How did she ever think being a stay-at-home mom would be easier than being a lawyer? Ethan is lost in thought; he’s flying back from his first funeral. A young couple has just gotten married; she’s still wearing her wedding dress. An emergency room nurse is looking forward to traveling the world once she retires in a few years, it’s going to be so much fun! If they ever get off the tarmac. . . . 

Suddenly a woman none of them know stands up. She makes predictions about how and when everyone on board will die. Some dismiss her. Others will do everything they can to make sure her prophecies do not come to pass. All of them will be forever changed. 

How would you live your life if you thought you knew how it would end? Would you love who you love or try to love someone else? Would you stay married? Would you stop drinking? Would you call up your ex-best friend you haven’t spoken to in years? Would you quit your job? 

Intricately plotted, with the wonderful wit Liane Moriarty has become famous for, Here One Moment brilliantly looks at friends, lovers, and family and how we manage to hold onto them in our harried modern lives.

Waiting on Wednesday - The Frozen People

 

'Waiting on Wednesday' is an event where I feature an upcoming book that I am extra excited about.  I used to do this in the past and am making it a priority to do again.  Seriously, who among us doesn't have a book or two or twenty that we are excited about reading?  Plus, it lets us 'spread the word' about authors and series that we personally enjoy.

I'm excited to get back to posting a 'waiting on...' book a few times a month!  I'm constantly curious about what is coming out next and I was excited, intrigued, delighted, going 'yay!!' about a new series from one of my favorite authors, Elly Griffiths.  I know that you guys are aware that I love series and Elly Griffiths is the author of one of my favorites - the Ruth Galloway books.  Now that it seems that series is completed (or maybe is what I've heard), I'm looking forward to seeing what will be next for this talented author.  I'm very curious whether the 'back in time' aspect of investigation will be anything like Kelley Armstrong's 'Rip Through Time' books.  I haven't read any of those as yet, but I have 3 of them on my Kindle to try in 2025.  See what you think about this one...

The Frozen People

by Elly Griffiths

Publication Date:  July 8, 2025

Cold cases are a lot easier to solve when you can travel back in time to find new evidence. Unless, that is, you get stuck in the nineteenth century…

Ali Dawson and her cold case team investigate crimes so old, they're frozen—or so their inside joke goes. Ali’s work seems like a safe desk job, but what her friends—and even her beloved son—don’t know is that her team has a secret: they can travel back in time to look for evidence.

So far, Ali has only made short trips to the recent past, so she’s surprised when she’s asked to investigate a murder in 1850. The killing has been pinned on an aristocratic patron of the arts and antiquities, and member of a sinister group called The Collectors. She arrives in the Victorian era during a mini ice age to find another dead woman at her feet and far too many unanswered questions.

But when her son is arrested, Ali attempts to return home only to find herself trapped in 1850. In a race through and against time, can Ali prove her son’s innocence and discover the link between the nineteenth-century Collectors and a twenty-first century killing in time to prevent another death?