Review - Justice Hall by Laurie R. King

Justice Hall by Laurie R. King
Publisher: Bantam Books 2009
Hardcover 331 pages



***Review Coming Soon***

Review - The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King

The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie R. King
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books 2007
Paperback 346 pages



In 1915, Sherlock Holmes, the legendary sleuth whose exploits were made public to the world through the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is retired and quietly engaged in the study of honeybees when a young woman literally stumbles into him on the Sussex Downs. Recently orphaned fifteen-year-old Mary Russell quickly makes friends with the solitary Holmes by displaying an impressive intellect and uncommon wit. Under his supervision, Mary becomes a capable assistant, learning along the way the tools of Mr. Holmes' particular trade. These skills will become necessary when an unknown nemesis begins tripping off bombs all over London with the intention of destroying all that Sherlock holds dear, including his new friend Mary.

This is the first book in the Mary Russell series and is a great continuation of the original Sherlock stories.

Review - Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie

Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie
Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers 2006
Hardcover 288 pages

Shameful confession time: I have never read Agatha Christie. I know! I'm a complete bibliophile, love British literature and have never read one of the most famous of English crime authors? Shocking! I've watched countless episodes of the Miss Marple series on the BBC (I especially liked Geraldine McEwan as Miss Marple) and of course everybody has watched Murder on the Orient Express, yet I have yet to sit down and enjoy one of the great novelists of the 20th century. And I'm sad to say that it was another television program, Dr. Who, that finally convinced me that I should give it go.

One of my favorite Miss Marple television programs is The Murder at the Vicarage. I remember liking that one exceedingly well so I decided that I should try that novel first. Well, there were enough changes in the story from the television program to the book that it felt like a fresh story, but with much more charm in the book version. Christie's writing is simple and easy to follow, with enough action that the story moves along quickly. Her description of village life in St. Mary Mead is rich and full and each of her characters, no matter how minor, are developed with such care that you feel that you know each one intimately. And besides the wonderful writing, I can't helped to be charmed by the very Bristishness that is Agatha Christie. I swear that I giggle every time I hear the word "vicar" or the phrase "Bob's your uncle"!

The British slang may throw off younger readers, but I would put forth that the subject matter is perfectly suitable for teens and may be a good introduction into adult mysteries and British literature. Older lovers of Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden or other old fashioned mysteries should definitely give Christie a try.

Review - Size 14 is Not Fat Either by Meg Cabot

Size 14 is Not Fat Either by Meg Cabot
Publisher: HarperCollins 2006
Paperback 344 pages


I know, I know... another Meg Cabot book. I swear this it my last one. I never thought that I would be the type of reader that would get hooked on chick lit. But even those of us with the most discerning of literary tastes like to let loose for a time and chow down on what is the literary equivalent of fast food.

So I'll say one thing for Cabot, she is consistent if she is nothing else. Her character, Heather Mills, is a sharp, funny heroine that has enough flaws mixed with just the right amount of heart that we can't help but to root her on. In this latest novel, Heather is once again at the center of a murder mystery as a cheerleader living in her dorm (oops I mean residence hall) is found decapitated and boiling in a pot of water on the cafeteria stove. Ewww. Much to the chagrin of all of her friends and the detective assigned to the case, Heather finds herself caught up in trying to clear the dead girls reputation and bring the killer to justice. With plenty of great one-liners and a mystery that is easy, but not too easy, to solve this is just one more good read to take to the beach.

Review - Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot
Publisher: HarperCollins 2006
Paperback 345 pages



Pretty blond girl gets a singing gig, does a "Malls across America" tour, lands a boy band boyfriend and is on top of the world until her singing career hits its peak at the ripe old age of 18. Soon girl loses recording deal, her label drops her and she walks in on her boyfriend cheating on her with an up-and-coming pop sensation. This is the life of Heather Mills. You may remember that just a few days ago I wrote a review for another Heather Mills book; Big Boned. Well, I couldn't resist starting at the beginning and I have to say that Cabot can write chick lit like nobody's business. Now this isn't literature that is going to be winning a Pulitzer Prize, but it is entertaining, light and just the write amount of romance, death and adventure to be a thrilling read on a weekend night in front of the fire with some cocoa or on the beach with a dove bar... I'm sure Heather would agree.

Review - Big Boned by Meg Cabot

Big Boned by Meg Cabot
Publisher: HarperCollins 2007
Paperback 280 pages




It is an amazing feat in this day and age for an author to actually live up to the hype on the front covers of their books, but Meg Cabot really is the George Eliot of "chick lit". Both smart and sexy, Big Boned, while being the third book in the Heather Wells series, stands alone as a great summer mystery. One instantly feels apart of Well's world, and any woman, of any size, will relate to the humor from failed relationship with boyfriends that are "too" perfect, to the helpless desire one feels when chocolate is in the vicinity. While this book isn't for anyone, it is one that I would recommend to all of my girlfriends, librarians and waitresses alike.