Book Thoughts - The Eight by Katherine Neville

The Eight by Katherine Neville
first published 1988
598 pages

Synopsis -

Computer expert Cat Velis is heading for a job to Algeria. Before she goes, a mysterious fortune teller warns her of danger, and an antique dealer asks her to search for pieces to a valuable chess set that has been missing for years...In the South of France in 1790 two convent girls hide valuable pieces of a chess set all over the world, because the game that can be played with them is too powerful....

My thoughts -

This novel is considered the originator of the "historical-scavenger-hunt-thriller"-type novel that Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code and Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian have made famous. Having read both those novels, I was interested to see how the first in the genre would hold up after 25+ years. I'm please to say it holds up quite well indeed.

For me, Dan Brown's novels always feel a little too surface-y, as if they are written for the movie they will eventually become but lack a bit of the substance I really crave in a good novel. Elizabeth Kostova, on the other hand, was SO dense. There were just SO MANY WORDS, and I felt like the plot needed some more action to keep me completely engaged. The Eight was the perfect balance of both worlds - complex plotting with enough thrills to keep me right on the edge of my seat and wanting more.

The Eight uses a lot of ingredients that have been successfully incorporated many times since in popular books and movies - Freemasonry, alchemy, the mysterious Middle East. Because these tropes have become so popular as plot devices, the possibility of them feeling stale is high. I felt like this novel was able to stand on its own well, despite the passing of years, because of Neville's expert weaving together of all these familiar strands into a story both exciting and fresh.

Neville's two main heroines, Cat and Mireille, were intelligent and dauntless, and following their dangerous and heroic exploits was complete and utter fun. I genuinely felt anxious on more than one occasion, because I was that involved in their stories. Because this novel has been the inspiration for so much that followed, some of the plot twists were easier to predict, but there were still plenty of surprises along the way.

I'm extremely glad this novel found it's way into my hands. I enjoyed every minute, and would not hesitate to recommend it.  

Finished - 2/14/16

Source - my shelves #ReadMyOwnDamnBooks

MPAA rating - R for violence, scary situations, adult situations

My rating - 5/5

Book Thoughts - The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian

The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian
published 7/13
320 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

1943: Tucked away in the idyllic hills south of Florence, the Rosatis, an Italian family of noble lineage, believe that the walls of their ancient villa will keep them safe from the war raging across Europe. Eighteen-year-old Cristina spends her days swimming in the pool, playing with her young niece and nephew, and wandering aimlessly amid the estate’s gardens and olive groves. But when two soldiers, a German and an Italian, arrive at the villa asking to see an ancient Etruscan burial site, the Rosatis’ bucolic tranquility is shattered. A young German lieutenant begins to court Cristina, the Nazis descend upon the estate demanding hospitality, and what was once was their sanctuary becomes their prison.

1955: Serafina Bettini, an investigator with the Florence police department, has her own demons. A beautiful woman, Serafina carefully hides her scars along with her haunting memories of the war. But when she is assigned to a gruesome new case — a serial killer targeting the Rosatis, murdering the remnants of the family one-by-one in cold blood — Serafina finds herself digging into a past that involves both the victims and her own tragic history.

My thoughts -

I have mentioned before that I'm not always sure why I keep picking up Chris Bohjalian's work - I always feel like I REALLY SHOULD like his novels, and then they tend to fall short for me. I think, in general, he and I differ on the way a story should end, and his work has left me feeling unsatisfied in the past. So, inevitably, when I found myself picking up his latest novel from the library shelves, I did question my own choice just a bit. Happily, however, I think I've finally found the Bohjalian novel that I enjoyed as much as the rest of the world seems to.

I never have any complaints about the writing, and this novel was no exception. Bohjalian captures the tension of the end of WWII in Italy; the idyllic life in Florence that is threatened by both the Germans and the Italian partisans; and the fear of the violence that is about to overtake them all. This is not a setting that I've read about before, so it was quite interesting and I thought Bohjalian did an excellent job of giving readers a sense of the historical place of his novel.

I think the heart of the novel is the question of how far each person is willing to go - each character is, at some point, faced with a dilemma, and their response to that situation has far-reaching consequences, for themselves and their families. Bohjalian allows the reader to asses for themselves which characters made the right decisions, and whether or not they truly had any choice in the matter.

The Light in the Ruins is compelling reading, and I found it to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. I did guess the killer about halfway through, but it was still fascinating to wait and see how that person would be revealed. If you are looking for a good literary mystery, don't pass this one up. Recommended.

Finished - 7/27/13
Source - South side library
MPAA rating - R for violence and adult situations
My rating - 8/10

Sunday Shorts

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
182 pages
published 1979

Synopsis from publisher -

When an eccentric millionaire dies mysteriously, sixteen very unlikely people are gathered together for the reading of the will...and what a will it is!

My thoughts -

Another selection from the top 100 Chapter Books read-along, The Westing Game is probably my least favorite of the novels so far. Part of it might be just a general reading malaise - I am having a hard time finding anything that is really catching my interest right now. I didn't find any of the "quirky cast of characters" particularly interesting, and the mystery itself seemed pretty easy to solve. 

Finished - 5/1/13

Source - South side library

MPAA rating - PG-13 for some violence

My rating - 6/10

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

published 1/31/13

432 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London; working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward; both of whom she is deeply drawn to; Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius - and madness - in her own blood.

Inspired by H. G. Wells's classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Madman's Daughter is a dark and breathless Gothic thriller about the secrets we'll do anything to know and the truths we'll go to any lengths to protect.

My thoughts -

This novel perhaps suffered from a bit of over-hype - I'd read a LOT of good reviews, and so had extremely high expectations. When I read it, however, I found it to be good but not as compelling as I'd hoped. I think it's a fascinating idea, but somewhat lacking in execution. The love triangle was not at all compelling, and I thought it took away from what were some really interesting ideas that didn't get fleshed out. Apparently this is the first of a trilogy - I will wait and see if I am interested enough to pick up the second novel.

Finished - 5/3/13

Source - South side library

MPAA rating - Holy hard R - vivisection, people.

My rating - 6/10

Book Thoughts - The Gods of Gotham by Lyndsay Faye

The Gods of Gotham by Lyndsay Faye
published 3/31/12
480 pages

Synopsis from publisher -


1845: New York City forms its first police force. The great potato famine hits Ireland.

These two events will change New York City forever…

Timothy Wilde tends bar, saving every dollar in hopes of winning the girl of his dreams. But when his dreams are destroyed by a fire that devastates downtown Manhattan, he is left with little choice but to accept a job in the newly minted New York City Police Department.

Returning exhausted from his rounds one night, Tim collides with a girl no more than ten years old… covered in blood. She claims that dozens of bodies are buried in the forest north of Twenty-Third Street. Timothy isnt sure whether to believe her, but as the image of a brutal killer is slowly revealed and anti-Irish rage infects the city, the reluctant copper star is engaged in a battle that may cost him everything…

My thoughts -

Full disclosure? I almost didn't read this book. I saw it on the Publisher's Weekly best of 2012 lists and got it from the library, but when it came time to actually read it, I was torn. I just didn't know if I was really that interested, and sometimes these "thrillers" aren't really that well written.....

Boy, am I glad I took a chance on Gods of Gotham. This book is seriously good, folks. Faye tackles a lot - a real historical event, a fairly tense mystery, the slang used by the underworld in 1840's New York, a bit of romance, politics, and religion - and not a single aspect fell flat. I was engrossed from page one, and didn't want to put this excellent novel down until I'd turned the last page.

I was actually quite concerned by the novel's use of the "flash talk" that was starting to permeate society at the time this story takes place. I often struggle with books that rely heavily on a specific dialect - until I can get the flow, it is extremely difficult for me to actually enjoy the story, and I've been known to abandon a book simply because I couldn't crack the dialect "code". Faye does such a masterful job of integrating this slang into her story - with contextual clues and some small bits of explanation, I always felt like I knew just what each character was saying, and the dialect set the stage so well that I fell right into it and never looked back.

Faye's characters were rounded and interesting, with lots of interesting shades that made them quite real. I also found her writing style to be excellent - just perfect for the setting and voice of her novel. Because of her vivid descriptions of place and time, I was easily lost in the world of the Five Points, and felt the tension of each character trying to solve the tragic mystery.

"People tell me things. They tell me all sorts of things. About their finances, their hopes like torches in the dark, their tiny rages, their sins when the sins feel too much like shells and they want to break out of them. But never in my life had the new facts made me feel I weighed less instead of more, caught me op on a breeze. Maybe I would never understand Mercy, grasp why she spoke so glancingly or guess what she was thinking. Still. I only wished for decades to keep trying." (p. 203)

I only hope Faye plans to continue the story of Timothy and Val, Bird and Silkie - they are fantastic characters, and I can't wait to read what happens to them next!

Finished - 3/2/13
Source - South side library
MPAA rating - R for violence and adult situations
My rating - 9/10

Book Thoughts - Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton

Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton
published 4/31/12
386 pages

Synopsis from publisher -

The school is on fire. Her children are inside.
Grace runs toward the burning building, desperate to reach them.

In the aftermath of the devastating fire which tears her family apart, Grace embarks on a mission to find the person responsible and protect her children from further harm. This fire was not an accident, and her daughter Jenny may still be in grave danger. Grace is the only one who can discover the culprit, and she will do whatever it takes to save her family and find out who committed the crime that rocked their lives. While unearthing truths about her life that may help her find answers, Grace learns more about everyone around her — and finds she has courage she never knew she possessed.

My thoughts -

This novel almost became my first DNF of the year. I thought the idea behind the book was quite good, and initially was very intrigued by the mystery. Lupton's use of second person narration was also an interesting choice, and I found it heightened the sense of intimacy I felt with Grace. 

Unfortunately, about halfway through the novel I really started to struggle. For me, Lupton was not able to keep the momentum of the novel moving forward  - everything just felt like it was stalling out. I started to feel irritated with Grace, with the inept police force, with the inability of every character in the novel to DO anything or FIGURE ANYTHING OUT.

I was, however, invested enough with the characters - mostly Jenny and Adam - that I decided not to quit. And for the most part, I think the ending was satisfying. 

So, would I recommend it? That's a tough question. I think I would recommend the author more than the novel - I can see the talent that Lupton brings to the table, and though this novel fell short for me, I would definitely read more of her work.

Finished - 2/11/13

Source - South Side library

MPAA  rating - R for violence, adult situations, and language

My rating - 6/10

Book Thoughts - The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry

The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry
published 1979
287 pages

Synopsis from publisher:

While the Ellison girls were out paying calls and drinking tea like proper Victorian ladies, a maid in their household was strangled to death. The quiet and young Inspector Pitt investigates the scene and finds no one above suspicion. As his intense questioning causes many a composed facade to crumble, Pitt finds himself couriously drawn to pretty Charlotte Ellison. Yet, a romance between a society girl and so unsuitable a suitor was impossible in the midst of a murder....

My thoughts:

First Impression - 7/8/12

How have I not found this series before? It's like a Jane Austen novel with a mystery thrown in - I am just loving all the family cattiness, and the marital intrigues, and of course the creepy maniac who keeps garroting young ladies in alleys. Charlotte Ellison is, of course, funny and intelligent and so much less annoying that the typical "young woman of her day" - although at times, I can't help but wonder if this type of heroine would actually have existed in the time, or if we as modern readers and authors just impart our ideas of women's liberation and freedom upon them. In any case, I'm certainly enjoying her.

Second Thoughts - 7/12/12

Whew! The mystery has definitely arrived at Charlotte's doorstep, and with it the slightly socially awkward but clearly (eventually) lovable Detective Thomas Pitt. It's fairly clear his role in the novel - Charlotte's eventual true love - but Perry isn't going to make their road to romance smooth. I barely care about the grisly murderer running around because I am so enjoying the relationship dynamics Perry has set in motion.

I think my favorite character, though, is Emily. She is naturally vain and self-centered, but there is a calculating coldness under that vapid exterior that hints at a good deal of intelligence. I really hope her character is explored throughout the series, because I think she is the one out of all the cast who can undergo the most interesting transformation.

Because it is a mystery, red herrings abound, and I have chosen and then discarded several. I'm bad at figuring out the mystery, but that never stops me from trying! *grin*

Last Word - 7/14/12

Well, that ended....abruptly. We have the big declaration of love (sorry for the spoiler, but it's not a big secret), and then the reveal of the murderer (again, not a big secret), and then it's over. I mean, on that same page, the book is over. That felt very strange.

I think the novel lost some steam for me in the middle - the mystery was really only dealt with peripherally, with the main focus of the story being the family relationships. Perry spent some time dealing with a couple of the secondary characters I didn't particularly care for, and that made less interested in where she was going. Emily continues to be my favorite character, and I hope the series features her in the upcoming books.

It was a good novel - it didn't end as terrific for me as it started, but I would still recommend it if you like historicals with a bit of a mystery thrown in.

Finished: 7/14/12
Source: my shelves
MPAA rating: PG-13 for adult themes and violence
My rating: 7/10

Book Thoughts - The Invisible Ones by Stef Penney

The Invisible Ones by Stef Penney
published January, 2012
416 pages

Synopsis from publisher:

Small-time private investigator Ray Lovell veers between paralysis and delirium in a hospital bed. But before the accident that landed him there, he'd been hired to find Rose Janko, the wife of a charismatic son of a traveling Gypsy family, who went missing seven years earlier. Half Romany himself, Ray is well aware that he's been chosen more for his blood than his investigative skills. Still, he's surprised by the intense hostility he encounters from the Jankos, who haven't had an easy past. Touched by tragedy, they're either cursed or hiding a terrible secret-whose discovery Ray can't help suspecting is connected to Rose's disappearance.

My thoughts:

I enjoy a mystery that winds up in a completely different place than where I thought we were going, and The Invisible Ones certainly did that. I always like trying to figure out the "twist", so when the big secret that I'd guessed was revealed about 2/3 of the way through the novel, I felt quite proud of myself - and then wondered what else could possibly happen. Well, let me tell you. Lots.


The Invisible Ones was a bit of a slow starter for me - it's narrative alternates between Ray's point of view and JJ, who is the young nephew of the Janko family, and initially I was much more interested in JJ's story. Something about Ray seemed to be pushing me away, and I'm not sure I ever quite found much sympathy for him. JJ, however, was a delight of a character, and one that I would enthusiastically read more about. His interest in life and the people around him was palpable, and really made the novel work for me.

The Gypsy lifestyle and culture is quite interesting - I've watched a few episodes of "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" on tv, and could see similarities between the family portrayed in this book and the lives and opinions I've watched on television. Penney's account of this unique lifestyle felt very authentic, and I believe she spent much time learning their customs and beliefs.

Overall, it was an interesting and compelling read. The mystery kept me interested, and JJ kept me entertained throughout. I don't expect it to be on my list of favorites for the year, but it was a nice way to spend a few days.

Finished: 1/12/12
Source: review copy from publisher - thank you!
MPAA rating: PG-13 for language, adult situations, and some violence
My rating: 7/10

Book Thoughts - catching up!

Whew! Even though I felt like I was way ahead of the game on holiday prep, somehow those days just flew past! I did manage to get a couple of books read, though - here are some quick thoughts on what I read.

 The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
560 pages
published 2010

Synopsis from publisher:

A lost child...
On the eve of the first world war, a little girl is found abandoned on a ship to Australia. A mysterious woman called the Authoress had promised to look after her — but the Authoress has disappeared without a trace. A terrible secret...
On the night of her twenty-first birthday, Nell O'Connor learns a secret that will change her life forever. Decades later, she embarks upon a search for the truth that leads her to the windswept Cornish coast and the strange and beautiful Blackhurst Manor, once owned by the aristocratic Mountrachet family.
A mysterious inheritance...
On Nell's death, her grand-daughter, Cassandra, comes into an unexpected inheritance. Cliff Cottage and its forgotten garden are notorious amongst the Cornish locals for the secrets they hold - secrets about the doomed Mountrachet family and their ward Eliza Makepeace, a writer of dark Victorian fairytales. It is here that Cassandra will finally uncover the truth about the family, and solve the century-old mystery of a little girl lost.

 My thoughts:

 Oh, this was a great winter read. The pace and atmosphere was perfect for dark evenings under a blanket. I'd read Morton's previous novel (The House at Riverton) and remember having a bit of trouble initially getting into the story, but this one grabbed me from the first. I really enjoyed the shifting narrative - Eliza, Nell, and Cassandra were each fascinating women, and their stories complemented each other well. I did figure out the BIG PLOT TWIST about 2/3 of the way through the novel, but it didn't make the story feel disappointing. Recommended if you like a good, character-driven mystery.

 Finished: 11/24/11
Source: library
MPAA rating: PG-13
My rating: 7/10

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and other concerns) by Mindy Kaling
(Kindle edition)
published 11/11


Synopsis from publisher:

Mindy Kaling has lived many lives: the obedient child of immigrant professionals, a timid chubster afraid of her own bike, a Ben Affleck–impersonating Off-Broadway performer and playwright, and, finally, a comedy writer and actress prone to starting fights with her friends and coworkers with the sentence “Can I just say one last thing about this, and then I swear I’ll shut up about it?”
Perhaps you want to know what Mindy thinks makes a great best friend (someone who will fill your prescription in the middle of the night), or what makes a great guy (one who is aware of all elderly people in any room at any time and acts accordingly), or what is the perfect amount of fame (so famous you can never get convicted of murder in a court of law), or how to maintain a trim figure (you will not find that information in these pages). If so, you’ve come to the right book, mostly!

In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood, with several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls. Mindy Kaling really is just a Girl Next Door—not so much literally anywhere in the continental United States, but definitely if you live in India or Sri Lanka.

My thoughts:

This was really funny, and a great way to end 2011/start 2012. I am one of the (probably) 10 people in the US who don't watch "The Office" regularly, but after reading Kaling's book I might have to start, because she is darn funny. Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"...I don't think it should be socially acceptable for people to say they are 'bad with names'. No one is bad with names. That is not a real thing. Not knowing people's names isn't a neurological condition; it's a choice. You choose not to make learning people's names a priority. It's like saying, 'Hey, a disclaimer about me; I'm rude.' " (location 82)

"When most people sing karaoke, they think of themselves as contestants on American Idol, and they sing and perform their hearts out. But I really think people should be thinking of themselves more as temporary DJs for the party. It's kind of a responsibility....And it kind of behooves you to pick a short song. I don't care if Don freakin' McLean shows up in a red-white-and-blue tuxedo, no one is allowed to sing 'American Pie.' It's actually kind of hostile to a group of partiers to pick a song longer than three minutes." (location 817)

"Skinny girls like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen look ethereal and gorgeous in hippie clothes with lots of volume. I love the bohemian look, but when I try it, I look like a chubby gypsy. Also, chubby people can never truly pull off ethereal the same way skinny people can never be jolly. The only fat ethereal person I can think of was Anna Nicole Smith, and in her case, ethereal might have meant 'drugged.' " (location 2461)

My only complaint with the book is that I wanted a lot of the bits to be longer - perhaps I would have liked fewer, longer chapters. I had a lot of fun with it, though, and her homage to marriage is worth finding a copy just for that section. Good stuff - recommended!

Finished: 1/1/12
Source - Christmas present from my sister!
MPAA Rating - R - probably not for kids
My rating: 7/10

Sunday Shorts

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
published 2011
395 pages

Synopsis from publisher:

Teen beauty queens. A "Lost"-like island. Mysteries and dangers. No access to email. And the spirit of fierce, feral competition that lives underground in girls, a savage brutality that can only be revealed by a journey into the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Oh, the horror, the horror! Only funnier. With evening gowns. And a body count.

My thoughts:

This book definitely suffered from being read directly after a novel that blew me away. I did enjoy Beauty Queens, and I love that Libba Bray continually reinvents herself as an author - you can't put her in a box, and even though her ideas seem over-the-top, she's always able to deliver a strong read.

That said, it took me a L O O O N G time to feel connected to this one - I think the characters were just hard for me to feel sympathetic toward. (It might have been all the irritating teen-speak she used, which was certainly appropriate, but honestly one of my pet peeves.) Behind the fluff, however, is a smart, funny story with a great message.

" 'Maybe girls need an island to find themselves. Maybe they need a place where no one's watching them so they can be who they really are'....There was something about the island that made the girls forget who they had been. All those rules and shalt nots. They were no longer waiting for some arbitrary grade. They were no longer performing. Waiting. Hoping. They were becoming." (p. 177)

I would recommend this novel for older teens, with the caveat that even for older readers there will probably be much that some parents would find objectionable.

Finished 7/17/11
Source: South Side library
MPAA Rating: R for sexuality, violence, language
My rating: 7/10


Hula Done It? (A Passport to Peril Mystery) by Maddy Hunter
published 2005
310 pages

Synopsis from publisher:

In the 4th book of the bestselling Passport to Peril series by Maddy Hunter, Emily cruises to Hawaii and a hunt for a long-lost treasure turns deadly.

My thoughts:

This series is complete fluff, but continues to be entertaining. They are a LOT like the Stephanie Plum books, which I burnt out on around #10, so I imagine I will do the same with this series eventually, but right now I'm still enjoying them. This particular mystery was not really even that mysterious - I figured out the "whodunnit" by about the halfway point - but I find Emily and her Nana to be endearing, so I don't mind. I don't think I will probably remember much about it next week, but it was fun while it lasted.

Finished: 7/21/11
Source: South Side library
MPAA rating: PG-13 for violence and hints of sexuality
My rating: 7/10