A Cat in the Manger (Alice Nestleton Mystery #1)

Alice Nestleton is an actress who also takes care of cats while their owners are away.  This Christmas she has a job sitting for 8 Himalayan cat on Long Island.  She is looking forward to it. She gets to the train station to find no one waiting for her.  She makes her way to her temporary home only to find the owner dead in the cottage she was to stay in.  Not an auspicious start. 

The plot for this was just OK.  I enjoyed reading it because it was a quick read.  But the mystery seemed kind of weak.  I thought the Alice was a good character, but the plot seemed to wander a little for me.  I want to give this author a fair shake so I think I am going to try the next one in the series to see if there is an improvement.  I didn't dislike like it, but I wasn't super impressed either.  I was glad it was a quick read and had some enjoyment for me otherwise I would be done with it.

Lost December by Richard Paul Evans

This is a beautiful told version of the Prodigal Son. I have know the story from the bible for as long as I could remember, but this is a version of the well know tale that will not quickly leave my heart.

Luke Crisp is the only son of a copy company magnet. He was brought up with the knowledge that one day he would take over the company from his father. When the time comes for the mantel to switch to his shoulders, Luke informs his father that he wants to see the world - live life to the fullest. Luke finds out that living life to the fullest is necessarily the way to true happiness.

What follows is the story of Luke's journey to the heights of pleasure and the depths of depression. It can't help but move you. "Often times the greatest peace comes from surrender" will ring truer than you can know.

This is an easy read, but well worth the effort.

Thyme of Death by Susan Wittig Albert

Pecan Springs, Texas is a nice place to live. At least China Bayles thinks so. Coming from a former lawyer that is high praise. After leaving the law she became a resident of Pecan Springs and the owner of Thyme and Seasons. Everything is going along pretty well until a good friend is found dead of an apparent suicide. Ruby, who shares the other half of the shop, is adamant that Jo would never kill herself and she is going to investigate whether China believes her or not.

China goes about her business, but begins to believe that Ruby might be right.

I really enjoyed this first installment of the China Bayles series. It was well written and the characters are well developed. Looking forward what other adventures arise in Pecan Springs, Texas.

Christmas

I am having a hard time with Christmas this year.  I wanted so much to make this Christmas special.  I wanted to decorate the house and make it feel festive.  Didn't have the heart to last year with Dee's passing being so fresh.  Then I got sick and those plans went right out the window.  I managed to put the wreath on the door, but that was as far as it went.

I was finding it difficult to get into the spirit of the holiday without the trappings of decorations and the hustle and bustle of the season.  It got me thinking of Christmas's past and the anticipation of gifts and the decking of the house always made me feel.  Spending time with family and friends.  The traditions we had.  When I was very little I remember some of the decorations would be up and the tree would be in the house, but it was never decorated right away.  I would be sent to bed early on Christmas Eve and while I was sleeping the tree would be transformed to a thing of beauty and the presents would magically appear under the tree.  They would wake me up when everything was done and we would open presents. I appreciated from a very young age the gifts I received.  I seemed to sense the care in which they were chosen for me and even though I might not have gotten everything I wanted, I was grateful for what I got.  I don't see that so much these days.  Kids seem to want such expensive things and get angry when they can't have what they want.  I wish the simpleness of Christmas would return.

I think about those families that won't have much of a Christmas because of job loss or loss of a home.  I also think about those like myself who are trying to come to grips with the loss of a beloved friend or family member.  Those losses can change the meaning of a holiday and how you perceive things around you.  Their absence will be felt keenly by those they have left behind.  I know that even though I will be surrounded by my new family the loss of my sister and parents will not be far from my heart and mind.  Especially my sister who was my best friend when I was little.  She was my safety net from my parents and a hug when I was scared.  She is deeply missed.  I am grateful for the time we had together.

Well I hope and pray that everyone has a safe and peaceful holiday.  May God watch over you and keep you.

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Anya, barely sixteen, is struggling to find her way in a world where chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find and water is scarce.

Anya was born into the Balanchine crime family. She lives with her grandmother, older brother Leo and younger sister Natty. Leo suffered a brain injury when he was eight and copes the best he can with his limited mental abilities. Grandma is in declining health, which leaves Anya in charge of the family. She does the best she can, but feels the pressure everyday of keeping her family safe.

It isn't easy to have everyone you come in contact with know that your family members are criminals. Especially when the boy your in love with, Win, is the son of the new Assistant District Attorney.

Will Anya be able to keep her family together. What will happen if something happens to her Grandmother, will the family be able to stay together?

It was kind of an odd story for me, but once I got into it I was hooked. I didn't like it as much as I thought, but it was still good.

Murder by Yew (A Edna Davies Mystery #1) by Suzanne Young

I loved this story. The main character Edna reminded me of a cross between Jessica Fletcher and Miss Marple.

Edna and her husband just recently moved into their new house. The former owner was an avid gardener and kept extensive journals on the different plants and their uses. Edna was excited to learn more about the plants and to spend more time with her husband, now that he had retired. Edna had been settling in very well to her new home and had already had made some good friends in her neighbor Mary and Tom who was the handyman who handled minor repairs.

When Tom becomes sick and dies, suspicion is directed in Edna's direction because of her habit of mixing her own tea blends. Edna decides she is going to find out who else might have a reason to poison Tom with the help of Mary. A bad storm makes her snooping slightly difficult, but not impossible.

This is a great story and I can't wait to read the next one in the series. I just found out today that there is a third installment due out soon!

Jessica Fletcher watch out! Here comes Edna Davies.

Hickory Smoked Homicide (A Memphis BBQ Mystery #3) by Riley Adams

I skipped the second one and read this one because it has to be back at the library first.

Lulu Taylor is the owner of Aunt Pat's, a barbeque restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee.  Lulu makes everyone feel welcome and makes sure that they will get enough to eat.  Lulu is invited to attend a party at Tristan Pembroke's home.  The party is to promote art.  Sara, Lulu's daughter-in-law, has some of her paintings in the show, so Lulu is attending the party to show her support.  Tristan is probably the most hated person around.  She doesn't care what people think of her and if she hurts someone along the way, too bad!  She has even gone so far as to kick her daughter out of the house to fend for herself.  So when Tristan turns up dead at the party, no one is overcome with grief.

Lulu starts asking questions because Sara seems to be one of the top suspects for the murder, because she and Tristan had a huge argument at the party shortly before the body is found.  When another woman, closely associated with Tristan is found murdered some days later.  Lulu is even more determined to find out who the culprit is.  Will her meddling turn deadly?  You'll have to pick this book and find out.

This is the third in the series.  I haven't read the second one yet but should get to it shortly.  I look forward to reading more of these tasty cozies.

Ruby Among Us: A Novel by Tina Ann Forkner

What a wonderful story. So glad I decided to read it.

Lucy DiCammillo lost her mother Ruby when she was very young. She grew up in the care of her grandmother Kitty. Kitty doesn't like to talk to much about her past or about Ruby. Lucy is starting to question her past, wanting to find out more about her mother and herself. Kitty seems to hold the key, but is reluctant to open up and share her secrets.

Lucy is searching for more than just answers to her past. She hopes that by finding out her roots she can be more open to her future.

This is such a touching story of discovery, of self and faith. The character of Blake reminded me of how God feels when he is waiting for his wayward children to find their way back to Him.

The Safehouse by T. Thomas Ackerman

I finished reading this, but not because I really was enjoying it.  I wanted to find out what happened.  I was sadly disappointed with this story.

Detective Jessica Warren works on domestic abuse cases, because she know all to well what that can be like.  She protects the women of abuse with a vengeance, and is the only member of the police force who knows where the safehouse is located.  The safehouse is where women and children are taken if the shelter is no longer a safe place for them to stay.

The reason that I didn't like this book and I apologize for the ***SPOILER***, is that I just couldn't get my head wrapped around the fact that this Detective was personally involved in the demise of three of abusive men.  It is also eluded that she had something to do with the disappearance of her ex-husband.  On top of that she was responsible for the cover up of the murder of another murder.  Is it any wonder that Internal Affairs was interested in her involvement.

The premise of the novel is a good one, but seeing this officer overstepping in these situations and causing the demise of others just rubbed me the wrong way.

I just didn't like it and why I finished it I'll never know, but I did.  Again very disappointing!!

Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a package for him on the porch.  Inside are seven cassette tapes, each side numbered, from Hannah Baker - on whom he had a crush.  A couple of weeks ago she committed suicide and no one knew why.

Hannah explains on the tapes the thirteen reasons why she decided to take her life, Clay being one of them.  All Clay has to do is listen.

So Clay spends the night wandering his town listening to Hannah's tapes, dreading to hear what part he had in her demise.

I really think this book should be required for students to read.  It brings to light how things that seem so inconsequential can have such a big impact.  In this day and age when bullies are so prevalent and so many young people are taking their own lives, this book might help some kids see things from a different point of view.  Maybe if there was a little more thinking and a lot less words lives could be saved.

This book is a provocative way of looking at how actions and words have an effect on our lives.  A quote from the book sticks in my mind, "When you mess with one part of a person's life, you're not messing with just that part.  Unfortunately, you can't be that precise and selective.  When you mess with one part of a person's life, you're messing with their entire life."

Very profound! 

The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen

I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

Carl wasn't the kind of police officer that you would think of when you think of exemplary. He had his troubles. Most recent was the loss of one partner and the incapacitation of another.

The government decided to make a special division for cases that haven't been solved and in need of some special attention. Carl's boss figures that he is the perfect person for the job. It will keep him out of the way, and the money budgeted can be spread out and used elsewhere in other departments.

So Carl and his assistant Assad pick the case of Merete Lynggaard, who disappeared 5 years ago. After just a few inquiries, Carl realizes that everything that could have been done on the case wasn't. She went missing from the ferry, but her body was never found.

What happened to her and will he be able to solve his first case?

It took me a little while to get into, but I am glad I persevered. Reminded of the CBS show "Cold Case". I hope more of the series gets translated. Very good read!

Lonely In A Crowd

Feeling kind of Blah and tired.  That is so strange to me that you can feel lonely when you are with other people.  Had the family here for Thanksgiving (first time in 6 years).  Then my step-son was here yesterday evening, and of course my husband has been off for the holiday weekend.  But there is still that sense of loneliness that is invading my spirit.  I guess because the one person I really wished could have been there wasn't.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the time I spent with family.  My sister's absence was felt.  While the hubbub was going on it was easier to push that empty feeling aside, but now with the quite creeping back in, it is harder to push that emptiness away.  I loved my sister so much.  I wonder how many holidays will pass before her loss will not be felt.

Anyway I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving!  There are so many things to be thankful for.  Why is it we only seem to celebrate that once a year.  It should be an everyday occurrence.

One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson

What a beautiful story of faith, love and the power of forgiveness.

Natalie Pearce is pretty content with her life. She and Daniel are happily married and have a wonderful daughter, Lissa.  One morning her mom calls to ask for help taking down the Christmas decorations.  Natalie is expecting Daniel's parents later that day and just doesn't feel like helping her mom.  Using her impending company as an excuse she tells her mom she can't possibly help her, and after getting her mom to promise she wouldn't over do it, she goes on about her day.

Then comes the phone call that would change her life forever.  That phone call will affect every aspect of her life.  Will her family survive?  Only time will tell.

One Imperfect Christmas is a beautiful woven story.  It will grab your heart and take you along for a bumpy ride that is worth hanging in there for.

The Snow Angel by Glenn Beck

Rachel Price doesn't have many happy memories from her childhood.  Her mother drank, and her father worked a lot to provide for his family.  Her mother called her names which made her feel small and unloved.  Max and Elena, neighbors, offer young Rachel a job help them in the taylor shop they set up in their home.  She spends many happy hours help them, escaping from the pain her mother inflicts with her words.

With her past history is it any wonder that Rachel meets and falls in love with a man that turns out to be as cruel and heartless as her mom.  But now she has her daughter Lilly to think about.  She tries so hard to make sure that Lilly is sheltered from the way her father truly is.  Then a phone call from Max, whom Rachel hasn't seen since she married Cyrus, starts a chain of events that could change Rachel and Lilly's life forever.

Glenn Beck weaves a very good tale.  Much different than The Christmas Sweater, but just as masterful told.  Excellent holiday book!

Dear God,

Are you there?  Because I can't feel you right now.  Sometimes I wish I was one of those lucky people who has the ability to feel your presence more.  I know in my head that Your here, but sometimes I wish I could feel your arms holding me tight.  I loved it when my dad would give me a hug.  He didn't do it often, but when he did I felt so loved.  He never spoke of how much he loved me, and back then it really hurt.  Now that I am older I know that in so many little ways - without words - he showed me he loved me, that I mattered. 

Sometimes I don't feel like I matter.  Does my life have a purpose?  I feel like I am drowning in loneliness and I can't hold on much longer.  I know that I am feeling sorry for myself and that it will pass.  I know I am feeling this way because Bible Study will be over next week and Grow Group won't be meeting.  The thought of not having that lifeline on Tuesday mornings makes me feel empty.

God please help me to sense Your presence and to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are here.  I know this feeling will pass, just as surely as it will probably come back.  Life rolls on and I need to go with the flow.  Thanks for understanding where my heart is.

Love Lori

Reading Challenge

Last year I read a total of 63 books.  I challenged my self to read 70 for this year.  I am happy to report that I have reached that goad and then some.  I have to admit that a few of them were short stories, but even so by the end of the year I might be close to a total of 90.  I love goodreads.com, because of the way you can keep track of the books you read, rate books and write reviews.  There are also many different groups you can join.  I just joined a group a couple of days ago that has some neat reading challenges for the coming year.  The library system in our area is very good, and between that and free kindle books from amazon.com I have plenty of things to choose from and plenty of items to use for the reading challenges for next year.  If you love to read please check out GoodReads it is alot of fun.

Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews

Ellis, Julia and Dorie have been best friends since Catholic grace school.  Ellis, recently fired from job she devoted her life to, has put together a plan for the three of them to stay at a rented beach house in Nags Head, North Carolina.  Upon arrival Ellis finds that the house isn't all it was advertised to be, and the illusive owner/manager is hard to pin down, and the tenant over the garage is suspicious. 

So starts a month at the beach.  Each women arrives with secrets and a heart in turmoil.  Dorie has a chance meeting with a women, Maryn, who is looking for a place to stay.  Dorie is feeling guilty about money because her sister was supposed to come along on this trip and backed out at the last minute, which means that there will be more money owed by each of the three women.  Money that Dorie doesn't have to spend.  She asks Maryn if she is interested in renting the top floor of the house without discussing it with the others, and Maryn accepts.  Maryn is hiding out and decides that this is as good a place as any to get herself together and decide what to do next.

The girls are in for an adventure none of them good have expected.

I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did.  A very pleasant surprise!

Rain Song by Alice Wisler

Nicole Michelin dislikes airplanes, motorcycles, and Japan. Her parents were missionaries in Japan and she was born there. Nicole and her father came back from Japan without her mother, and Nicole knows only bits and pieces of what happened. Her father refuses to talk about it.

Nicole is pretty happy in Mount Olive, North Carolina, with her family and her fish. Through her column for the Pretty Fish web site, she meets Harrison and later discovers that his family knew her family when they were in Japan. As much as Nicole wants to avoid it she is drawn to discover the truth about what happened in the past.

She starts reluctantly on a journey to discover her past. To find out something about her mother. It will be a journey that will take her back to the land of her birth. A faith like a mustard seed will guide her to the truth.

A heart warming tale of self discovery and faith. I loved this story!

The Very Thought Of You by Rosie Alison

London 1939: War is on the horizon and the children are being evacuated to the countryside for their safety. Anna Sands mother Roberta is trying to make their last day together special, Anna is excited for the coming adventure, not understanding what being away from home will mean.

She arrives at Ashton Park. Ashton Park is a large country estate that has been opened to accept the evacuated children. Mr. Ashton and his wife Elizabeth, a childless couple, have opened up their home to the children. Mr. Ashton hopes that having the children around will help ease his wife's pain.

Anna settles into her new life and the story unfolds as she becomes apart of this new life. The characters are well developed. I found myself wanting to hug Anna as she struggles with her emotions. The Gothic feel of the house is captured perfectly and the poignant description of Mr. Ashton is excellent.

Highly recommend!

Love Me If You Must (Patricia Amble Mystery #1) by Nicole Young

Patricia (Tish) Amble is moving in to her new renovation project in Rawlings, MI.  She never stays in once place to long, doesn't let herself get to close to anyone.  She has a past she wants to keep secret so she moves around alot and keeps her distance. 

She is pretty excited about getting started on her new project until she hears the rumors that the house is haunted.  She starts to believe that someone is buried in her basement in the cistern.  Is she paranoid or was there truth behind her paranoia. 

The minor theme of this story is a reminder to not turn away from God when you feel you have done something so unforgivable.  God will welcome us with open arms.

I enjoyed the mystery and Tish is the kind of person you can't help but like.  Her antics make you laugh and cry.  There are a couple more in this series and I am looking forward to reading them.

Time

In the silent times : seek God
In the painful times : praise God
In the harried times : hallow God
and in the terrible times : trust God.
And at all times — at all times – Thank God.
~Ann Voscamp

The Crime at Black Dudley (Albert Campion #1) by Margery Allingham

This is the first book in the Albert Campion series.  Although he doesn't play a big part in the story it is a good introduction to the character. 

The main character of this tale is Dr.George Abbershaw, who is also a consultant for Scotland Yard.  He is invited to Black Dudley for a house party, along with several others.  The house belongs to Wyatt, an inheritance from his Aunt.  His uncle by marraige actually lived in the home and enjoyed it when Wyatt invited friends for weekend visits.

During this particular party Wyatt tells of some legend about an interesting dagger and explains some game that was played.  The group is intrigued and decides to play the game.  Meggie Oliphant has the dagger at one point during the game and notices that it looked like there was blood on it.  Before she can investigate further, the dagger is grabbed from her hand.  The game is cut short when Wyatt's uncle is supposedly taken ill, but is actually found dead.

Abbershaw is called upon to sign a certificate so the body can be disposed of, and during his brief inspection realizes that the dead man did not die of a heart attack as they were told.  The whole group is misled and thugs take over control of the house in order to get back some missing item.

I really enjoyed this book - you are kept interested and the style of writing is very easy to read.  It kind of remined me of Agatha Christie.  Albert Campion stories were also made into a series on TV.  Throughly enjoyable.  Looking forward to reading the many others in the series.

Trip to Milwaukee

We are off to Milwaukee tomorrow to celebrate a family birthday.  Hoping that it will be a nice day weather wise and other wise.   Just finished making the Taffy Apple Salad that I we are going to take along.  Now it is time to relax for awhile, although I am feeling like I could go to bed right now. 

Service meeting

I had my meeting regarding what areas of the church I might like to serve.  I picked working in the library and the nursery.  There might be other things down the road, but for right now I feel comfortable with that.  I was pretty nervous, but it went very well.  The woman I met with was very nice.  I have met so many neat people since we started attending Hillcrest.  I am very happy with the decision we made to attend Hillcrest rather than trying out another Alliance Church.  I am getting more and more comfortable there as I meet more and more people.  God has really blessed me by leading us to this church.

It will be interesting to see what happens.  Working in the library cataloging books would be fun and working in the nursery with the babies would be fun too!  Well I suppose I should get going.  I have to make a salad for tomorrow.  It is my stepdaughter's birthday next week and we are going to Milwaukee tomorrow to have an early celebration.  April asked me to make a Taffy Apple salad.  Made me feel good.  

Having a good cry!

I don't know why, but I feel like I could just sit down and have a good cry.  I feel so separated from family and friends.  I miss Dee so much!  Some days (like today) it feels like she just passed away.  She was my best friend growing up.  She was 18 years older so it was like having a second mom.  We went places and did things together all the time.  My favorite childhood memories, not that I remember alot, are always with her.  She drove me nuts when she was living with us, all her little quirks.  But I miss her not being around.  No one to talk to.  No way to find out things about mom and dad.  No one to share those memories with.  I don't understand why she had to die so soon.  I am glad she isn't in pain any more, but the loss just overwhelms me sometimes.

Today my thoughts and prayers go out to those who are dealing with a loss, and it doesn't have to be the loss of a person.  Could be a pet or even a job.  Any loss of any kind can cause grief.  I loved my sister very much and the world for me will never be the same without her.  She was a treasure that I only had for a short time, and I regret that I didn't always treat her the way I should have.  I regret that I didn't spend more time getting to know her heart better. 

I love you Dee!!  I know your in a better place, but the space you held in my heart will always long for you. 

As Catch Can by Vincent Zandri

Jack "The Keeper" Marconi is the warden of Green Haven prison in upstate New York. His career is going along pretty well until a prisoner escapes while on a trip to a dentist outside the prison. Jack doesn't believe the two guards that were with the prisoner at the time he escaped and decides to do an investigating on his own.

Jack finds out that everything is as it seems and he winds up on the run. His investigation turns up a web of deception that he never expected. He is still dealing with flashbacks from the prison riots at Attica in 1971 when he was just starting out in the prison system.

Also in the back of his mind is dealing with the remnants of grief in the passing of his wife from a car accident a year ago.

It was a pretty good story. It kept me interested even though I am not a big fan of flashbacks. They seemed to be appropriate and explained some of what was happening with the main character.

The Silent and the Lost by Abu Zubair

Alex is war baby of the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence, he is adopted by the McKensies in America. The McKensies had recently lost their son in Vietnam. The Silent and the Lost opens with the wedding of Alex and Sangeeta, and then goes back in time to 1971 and the political conflict in East Pakistan.  It is a story of heroism and betrayal, family and friendship, love and anguish. This is the story of the nine months of revolution that created Bangladesh. A story of two generations spread across two continents, thousands of miles apart, brought jarringly together when Alex begins his search for answers into his past.

A masterfully told story about a period in history that was overshadowed by the Vietnam conflict. Until I read this story I wasn't really aware of the conflict that took place in East Pakistan. The characters come alive on these pages. You can't help but feel their pain and wish them the best.  Not a very happy tale - those based a violent history usually aren't. The children that were born as a result of this conflict were at least given an chance to find happy homes and find good families. I am very glad that I read this book.

A Fatal Appraisal (A Collictable Mystery #2) by J. B. Stanley

Molly Appleby, a writer for Collector's Weekly, is in Richmond, Virginia on an assignment to cover the taping of the popular antiques show Hidden Treasures. (Just think of PBS's Antique Roadshow.) People from all over bring their treasures to be appraised. The taping of the show is being done at a museum that is featuring an exhibit of Civil War memorabilia.

Frank Sterling is the main appraiser for furniture. While he inspects a beautiful eighteenth-century desk he discovering a secret compartment among the pigeon hole compartments. Not long after his inspection, Molly finds Frank in his car--dead. Molly thinks that the antique desk holds the key to the crime, she believes that someone put mold dust on the desk causing Frank to have an allergic reaction that eventually killed him.

Molly and her mom Clara can't help but get involved in tracking down clues to help solve Frank's murder. Then when another of the appraisers is also murdered, she begins to wonder if she is helping at all.

Another good installment for the Collectible Mystery Series. I am so glad that I discovered these. Looking forward to reading the others in the series.

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

What would you do if you lost 4 years of your life?  There have been plenty of times growing up that I had wished that I could wipe out certain times in my life, but how would I handle it if I did.  Memory isn't selective, good memories can disappear just as well as the bad ones. 

Naomi was just about to start her Junior year in high-school when she slipped down a flight of stairs and injured her head.  The result was amnesia.  The last for years of her life were wiped out.  Naomi starts to wonder about some of her decisions the past 4 years.  Why am I dating Ace?  I don't think I love him.  Why am I involved in certain activities in school?  Were they important to me?  Why am I mad at my mom?  All these questions and more go through Naomi's mind as she tries to navigate through each day at school. 

Her best friend Will is there to try and help, but he can't answer all of her questions as much as he might like to.  He tries to provide memory joggers, without her knowing it by making mix CDs.  Then there is James the new love of her life who was there when she fell.  But is he a reliable character, he has a troubled past which could affect his relationship with Naomi. 

High school is hard enough without losing a big part of your identity.

I really like this story.  The characters are well developed and are easy to like.  From quirky will to young Chloe, each step in the next 10 months of Naomi's life will catch your attention and keep you interested until the end.  Very good read!

Fit To Die (Supper Club Mystery #2) by J. B. Stanley

The Flab Five is at it again in the second installment of the Supper Club Mystery Series.


Quincy's Gap residents are about to welcome to new businesses into their midst. Chilly Willy's Polor Pagoda a ice parlor and Witness to Fitness a exercise/fitness center, and as fate would have it there are right near each other. James and the other members of the Flab Five decide to join Witness to Fitness hoping that the program will help get them back on track.

When the Polar Pagoda goes up in flames killing an employee, everyone wonders whether it was arson or murder. The Supper Club members starting their own investigation into the fire and whether or not there was a reason for someone to want Pete dead.

You can't help but root for this group of underdogs. Especially James who is trying to work up the courage to tell Lucy how he really feels about her.

This second installment is just as appealing as the first. I am glad there are more in the series to read. The characters are so personable, you can't help but like them.

Loneliness

I am frustrated with loneliness today.  Where do all those friendships go that we develop over time.  Why did I let life get in the way of keeping in contact with people that I was closest to.  Reaching out to them after such along time is very difficult.  It hurts to think that a relationship you held so dear could be destroyed.  I understand that communication goes both ways - but why do I feel so responsible for the way things happened.  Oh well, all I can do is try and reach out.  I can't make someone call me back or reach out when they don't want to.  I just have to pray that there is some glimmer of friendship left that both of us can grasp onto.

I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak

Ed Kennedy has no idea that one trip to the bank will change his life forever. While Ed, Marv, Ritchie and Audrey are at the bank it gets robbed.

A few days later Ed receives a playing card - the Ace of Clubs. On the card are three addresses. Ed has no idea what he is supposed to do with this information.

Ed knows he is supposed to do something - but what. What do the addresses mean? What is he supposed to do once he gets there? and the biggest one of all WHY ME?!?

Follow Ed on his adventure with the four Aces.

I wasn't very pleased with the language, which is why I rated it only three stars. The progression of the all the characters is very well developed. It is very easy to develop an emotional attachemtn to Ed and to become part of his cheering section.

Good book - if you have an extreme dislike for coarse language you probably won't like this. But if you can tolerate it in moderation - not a major element of the story, then give it a shot. I think you will be please with it.