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Trial by Clifford Irving (mystery)
This is a well-written, exciting courtroom thriller
with some well-developed, likeable, witty characters.
The action is fast with several great plot twists.
That’s Not What I Meant! How Conversational
Style Makes or Breaks Relationships by Deborah
Tannen (psychology)
Do people grimace or recoil when you talk? Well, I’m
not saying they do that to me, but sometimes I wonder
why I’m not getting through and, in fact, seem
to be making things worse with each effort. This highly
intelligent book gives the reader not only the wherewithal
to diagnose his own problems, but it also prescribes
possible cures for many types of communication breakdowns.
The Warden by Anthony Trollope (classic)
It is not only a very good book itself, it is the beginning
volume of the six Chronicles of Barsetshire.
It makes me feel secure to know that there are five
more beautifully written, intelligent , sane, and very
civilized novles waiting for me. Although the pace is
slow, it is not tediuos. The subject matter, "the behavior
of individuals within a power structure," is always
one of my favorites. Set in Victorian times, the story
takes place in the cathedral town of Barchester.
March Violets by Philip Kerr (mystery)
Gutsy Bernie Gunther is not just up against a few bad
guys here and there in his job as private eye; he’s
operating against the background of pre-WWII Germany.
The historical setting greatly enhanced my enjoyment
of this entertaining and thought-provoking book. Bernie
is an attractive character who reappears in several
other books.
Fools of Fortune by William Trevor (fiction)
This tragic Irish love story does not move fast, but
Trevor is such a master that the slow pace is all the
better for savoring every word.
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The Way Through the Woods by Colin Dexter
(mystery)
A very challenging, witty, quintessential British mystery
starring Morse, the chief inspector in Oxford, England,
who listens to opera, drinks too much, and only understands
women enough for them to fall for him.
For the Sake of Elena and A Great
Deliverance by Elizabeth George (mystery)
Several customers have told me to read this author and
have compared her to P. D. James. Finally, I am on the
bandwagon touting these compelling, intricate British
mysteries. We learn more about the reappearing protagonists,
Scotland Yard Inspector Thomas Lynley and Detective
Sergeant Barbara Havers (and they’re not cutely
romantically involved, thank goodness), in each book
as they get to know each other better. P. D. James-like,
but with humor!
Children of Men by P. D. James (mystery)
One of my favorite authors comes through with an exciting,
provocative moral tale (in my opinion) tale set in the
near future. Science fiction non-fans, don’t
be put off–it’s more of a philosophical, mysterious
novel.
Harnessing Peacocks by Mary Wesley (fiction)
I found this zany, bittersweet novel about strong characters
and strong appetites (only sometimes held in check)
set in contemporary England to be delightful. I love
this author and recommend all of her books, but this
is my favorite.
Strange Loyalties by William McIlvanney
(mystery)
This Scottish mystery by an author who writes with great
intelligence and humor should not be missed, but first
read Laidlaw, which introduces his main character.
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