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?

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

 

I'm going to repeat the image and wish that I shared last year for Thanksgiving.  This is truly my hope for each of you, even if you're not having an 'official' holiday this year.  Take care, dear friends!  And know that I am grateful for each of you.

Here's an update (finally, right?)...and there will be more to come in upcoming days...I promise!!

Hi there, book friends!  Hope you are doing well and enjoying whatever fall looks like in your area.  We are doing well here and looking forward to hosting all our family for Thanksgiving this Thursday.  It will be a fun day.  Not all will be able to attend, but we'll welcome those that can come.

I know it's been a bit of time since I updated my blog here.  I go through these periods where I mean to share things and then something else comes along and updates get pushed aside.

Let's see, it was midsummer when I took a break and we've been busy.  I have a couple of specific posts that I will share in the next couple of weeks.  One of our area libraries where I used to volunteer has a new building and it is truly lovely.  I went there recently and took a few pictures and will share those.  We also took a vacation in August to Colorado - drove to Colorado Springs and then to Durango and I have a few pictures of that trip.  Plus I was able to visit several independent bookstores that I also want to tell you guys about.  Lots of fun!

In September we had a big 90th birthday party for my mother-in-law.  She wasn't sure she wanted everyone to do that, but she ended up having a really good time and a bunch of relatives from out of town were able to attend, as well as friends and family here.  So glad we were able celebrate that big milestone with her.  

September and October also seemed to be the time when both my husband and I had a bunch of our annual or semiannual doctor/dentist visits.  Always fun!  I especially 'like' some of the older adult questions that they seem to have to ask like 'when was the last time you fell?' - ha!  I mean, I know people do fall and medical people have to check these things, but my aim is not to fall if possible.  Reminding myself that continuing to work on my health journey through good eating and movement helps, right?  I do enjoy my 'walks' at the rec center on the indoor track and continue to do those.  Plus stretching, yoga, a bit of strength training - it's all good.

Reading life - oh, yes, this is a book blog - ha!  I haven't had much to share in that regard because I have been making my way through J.D. Robb's Eve Dallas and Roarke mystery series this year.  I love rereading favorite series and this is one that I decided I'd do again in 2024.  Well, there are 59 books in this series - #60 will be published in February, 2025 - and I'm currently reading #58 - Random In Death.  Only one more and then we'll see what else catches my eye.  No, I haven't just been reading these, but they have taken up a lot of time.  I have still been attending two book groups that I have been part of for many years.  I'll talk about what those groups are reading for the first half of 2025 and also what we've been reading this fall soon.  See, I do have some ideas for posts to share - ha!  I also have a few books that I'm 'waiting on' and will let you guys know about those as well.  

Mostly, I want to say that I've missed writing these posts, so here I am again.  I love hearing about what you've been reading and what's been going on in your lives.  I know that several of our blogging friends are no longer posting.  We all have to do what works for us, but I hope they know they are missed.  Take care all!  Hope you have a good week!  I have a little Thanksgiving Day post and then I'll be back with more 'talk' after that.            

And I'll take an 'official' late summer break...back in late August or early September...

 

Hey book friends!  Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the summer.  I've been doing fine and reading and walking and getting new landscaping and going to book groups.  As I often do at this time of year, I'm going to take an 'official' summer break for a few weeks.  We've got some travel planned and some family stuff going on.  I'll see you all in late August or early September.  Take care and read some good books please.  I'll try to do the same.

An early July update...

Hello there, book friends!  Hope you are having a good start to July and enjoying whatever weather you are experiencing.  We have been having the hot, hots, but Texas has also had the visit from Hurricane Beryl.  The forecast went back and forth as to what impacts Central Texas might have, but our area was on the 'dry' side and so not much here.  The Gulf Coast however was inundated with rain, flooding, wind, etc., and this was a storm that arrived as a Level 1.  Kind of gives you a sense of what a Level 5 might bring.  Certainly not the first time for this, nor will it be the last.  However, I hope that all get the help they need and can recover soon.  I do know that there are several of our blogging friends that live in that area and I am thinking about them.

Another area to be thinking about is pictured above.  Ruidoso, New Mexico has been a favorite vacation spot of ours for many years.  I used a Ruidoso area picture as my header photo for a long time.  Anyway, they have experienced wildfires in the last few weeks.  Two fires started on June 17th and the whole area was under mandatory evacuation.  Tens of thousands of acres were burned and the fire came very, very close to the town itself including the central part.  Then there were heavy thunderstorms that dropped a lot of rain very quickly.  This helped the fires, but there was a lot of flash flooding and that was in the central part of town.  We have friends who live there and they evacuated to Roswell for over a week.  Their house was not burned, but many, many more were.  I know there are other parts of the country that experience these fires, people in California especially.  So, so sad.  The whole region is quite popular with tourists in the summer, but it's been complicated whether this is the best time for people to visit or not.  We have chosen 'not' for this year.

We had a quiet July 4th.  My husband played golf and I just enjoyed a 'reading day'.  Other family were on trips and so we didn't get together with anyone.  We'll be taking a vacation later in the summer hopefully and possibly also in late fall.  We shall see.  Reading is good.  I had a great time talking mysteries with my favorite Mystery Book Group and hearing what everyone had been reading as well as discussing Fiona Barton's Local Gone Missing.  There will be another book featuring the protagonist of this one coming out in late August.  I'll probably share that one next week for my 'Waiting On Wednesday' post.  One of the group members was telling me that she had recently read Ruth Ware's first book, In A Dark, Dark Wood, and enjoyed it very much.  She knew that I liked Ruth Ware's writing.  Made me think I might want to reread it and so I've been doing that.  Yes, it's a good one.  Have you tried it?  And Linda Castillo's new Kate Burkholder book, The Burning, came out today.  I shared about anticipating this one here.  Am I excited to try it?  Yes, yes, I am!  Ha!  

Think that's about all I have to share.  I think I mentioned that we would be having some new landscaping done on our yard and that got started last week.  Hopefully, I'll have some finished pictures to share in a few weeks.  What have you been reading lately?  I'd love to hear.  Take care!