Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Where Is Your Bookmark? (10/28/2014)



We had a little mishap last week where Mouse fell in such a way as to land on my ankle just so, causing a very mild sprain. It isn't bad, fortunately, and despite my failing to baby it as I probably should, it seems to be healing. It was too busy a weekend to be off my feet.  

I went with my daughter and her class on a school field trip Friday, followed by my daughter's best friend's school carnival that evening.  Mouse had a blast playing the different games set up for the kids. Saturday Mouse had her final soccer class of the season. This was her first season playing with the older children, and it was a bit challenging for her at times. She's the smallest and not as fast as the others. Regardless, she enjoys herself and likes playing with the other children. Sunday, my family and I participated in the Cure SMA Walk-n-Roll fundraiser in an effort to raise money and attention for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The walk was well attended and everyone seemed to have a good time. Mouse got to try on a pair of handcuffs for the first time and sat in the back of an arson investigator's car. 

I am looking forward to this weekend, the passing of Halloween, and when we can settle in and relax a little. Hopefully.

Yesterday I finished reading Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, just in time for the final week of the read-a-long hosted by Jennifer at  Literate Housewife.  I have not yet attempted to write a review--I am not sure where to start. I have enjoyed being part of the discussion of the book.  Feel free to hop on over and join in, if you'd like! 

I am back to reading two books at once, Jim Snowden's The Summer of Long Knives, a mystery set in Nazi controlled Germany just before World War II, and Last Train to Babylon by Charlee Fam (which I featured last week). 

What are you reading at the moment?  Is it something you would recommend?





Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea hosts 
First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where  
participants share the first paragraph (or a few) of a 
book they are reading or thinking about reading soon.


The draw for me to this particular book, The Summer of Long Knives by Jim Snowden, was more the setting and time period rather than the crime itself. Lately when I see mention of a "young girl" as a murder victim I tend to run the other way. Still, I enjoy a good mystery. I have not paid too close attention to the reviews of this one coming out knowing I would be reading it now, although I know they are somewhat mixed.
As his car crunched his car crunched the gravel on the side of the road next to the Epp Farm, Kommissar Rolf Wundt once again had to lean forward, pinch the bridge of his nose, and force his eyes open. Last night, he and Klara had left the dishes for the next morning, so the French press that usually provided him with sunrise fuel was lying in pieces in the sink when Inspector Hans-Josef banged on his door at a quarter to five. As a consequence, Rolf's perception of the ride from Munich consisted of snatches of crime related mutterings--body found, young girl stripped to the waist, message carved in chest--blended with fading images of last night's dream whose narrative was gone but whose imagery had been dominated by bats, moons, and a strange hurdy-gurdy melody.
Would you continue reading?


© 2014, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

46 comments:

  1. I'm glad your ankle is healing, Wendy. And it sounds like Mouse had a wonderful time with her friends.

    I can't wait to hear what you'll think of Fingersmith. "The Summer of Long Knives" sounds interesting! I'm always intrigued with the war setting.

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    1. Melody - Thank you! It was a busy but fun weekend. :-)

      War settings in mysteries set the tensions higher don't they? I'm finding The Summer of Long Knives interesting so far. I was hoping to get my review of Fingersmith up this week, but I think it will likely be the week after next at the rate I'm writing reviews. :-S

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  2. Kind of a gory intro, but I'd read more:)

    Sorry about the ankle injury Wendy.

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    1. Diane - Isn't it? And it's pretty revealing in terms of what the mystery will be about.

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  3. Oh, that ankle sounds painful...a sprain can be very difficult! Hope it is healing....

    The book definitely sounds unique, and I do want to know more, although it probably wouldn't be one I'd read right now. I'd have to be in the mood...

    Here's mine: “SAVING GRACE”

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    1. Laurel-Rain - It's a minor sprain, so not too bad, fortunately. I just have to be careful I don't overdo it and make it worse.

      After finishing Fingersmith, I really would have preferred something lighter than my two current reads, but behind deadline so decided to plow onward. Lighter reads are definitely in my future!

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  4. I'm not sure about this one. I've seen it and it looks interesting...but at the same time, not a pleasant read, so I just don't know. I guess I'll decide after reading the reviews.

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    1. Kim - The book definitely covers some difficult subject matter.

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  5. Hope the ankle is doing better!

    I suspect that I would continue reading this one. At least for a while.

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    1. Jenclair - Thank you. It seems to be, although maybe working out this morning wasn't the brightest idea. My ankle held up so well at the walk this weekend I figured it would be fine a little more strenuous exercising.

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  6. I was on the TLC tour for this one and, while I theoretically liked the story and Nazi Germany setting, it just didn't come alive for me (especially the characters).

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    1. Sarah - I've been hearing that about this book. Hopefully I will like it better or at least like enough aspects of the novel for the flaws not to stand out so much. I am already not too sure about the main character, but liking a protagonist doesn't make or break a book for me necessarily, so we'll see.

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  7. Ouch, that sounds painful.

    I'm not sure The Summer Of Long Knives is one for me or not but starting a book and not finishing it isn't an option.

    I've just started reading Shadow Jumper by JM Forster.

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    1. Tracy - It sure hurt in the moment! The pain hasn't been too bad over all. I'm trying to be careful though.

      I wasn't sure about The Summer of Long Knives when I first began reading, but it's gotten better for me.

      I like the title, Shadow Jumper. I read a book last year about a boy who had similar issues to sunlight as the main character in Shadow Jumper has. I can't even imagine living like that. I hope you are enjoying the book!

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  8. Sounds like you've had a real roller coaster ride. Hope the book is a good read while you are healing. Here's Mine

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    1. Paulita - Thanks, Paulita! So far I am enjoying the book.

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  9. Not sure about this intro, but I did enjoy Fingersmith. What a page-turner! I'm reading Waters' latest now.

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  10. The murder of a young girl turns me off too, unless it's handled tactfully by the author. Then, maybe. I do like the opening, and I hope you're enjoying the story.
    My Tuesday post features THE BEARWALKER’S DAUGHTER.

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    1. Sandra - So far, I think the author has handled it well, but it's still so early to tell. I'm liking the book so far though.

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  11. The opening is an attention getter. Although I'm not crazy about the details about the murder of the young girl, I'd probably read on. I'll look forward to your review!

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    1. Monica - Yes, spare the details, please! The opening definitely lets you know what the book is about, doesn't it? At least the crime part.

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  12. You're right. The setting is a draw. I don't see many stories set in Munich.

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    1. Suzi - I am enjoying it so far, but I am still only a few chapters in. I haven't spent too much time in Munich, story wise, although I know there are a few mysteries out there set during this time period.

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  13. I cracked up when you said Mouse got to try on handcuffs for the first time. I hope it's the only time!

    Take care of your ankle!

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    1. Kathy - I know! I thought of that after I hit publish. I hope it's the only time she's wearing handcuffs too. :-)

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  14. Sounds like an intense read, Wendy. I'd have to be in the right reading mood for this kind of book. Hope you enjoy it.

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    1. Catherine - There is an intensity to the book, definitely.

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  15. I'm curious about Sarah Waters. I've heard a lot of good things about Paying Guests. The field trip sounds fun! The Tornado had a field trip this morning and I'm not sure who needs a nap more - me or him! Hope Mouse has a happy Halloween!

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    1. Katherine - Sarah Waters has been on my must read author list for years, so it's nice to finally be able to cross her name off (although I do want to read more by her). I hope you both got a nap after that field trip this morning. :-)

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  16. I would want to read a bit more to decide.

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    1. Nise' - Yeah, while a revealing intro, it doesn't quite have that hook that reels you in right away.

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  17. This sounds like an interesting read.

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    1. Yvonne - So far it is. Frightening too, considering the time period and German setting.

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  18. I am reading The Marriage Game showing a different side to Elizabeth I. A passionate woman who was the world's biggest tease! Interesting so far.

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    1. Mystica - The Marriage Game sounds interesting! I am glad you are liking it so far.

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  19. Sounds like you are well on your way to sleuthing your way through a mystery. Enjoy! Have a happy Halloween! kelley—the road goes ever ever on

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    1. Kelley - I finished the book last night and enjoyed it. I hope you have a Happy Halloween too.

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  20. When this picture popped up in my feedreader, all I could see was a large picture of Mouse with handcuffs. It wasn't until I scrolled down that I could see the rest. I got a good giggle out of it!

    Can't wait to hear your final thoughts on Fingersmith!

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    1. Trish - That's too funny! Mouse and her friend took full advantage of the arson investigator's kindness is letting them use his overhead radio. For quite a distance people could hear these two little girls saying, "Hi, [Mouse]!" and "Hi, [Puppy]." Over and over again. LOL It was cute.

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  21. I hope your ankle has made a full recovery by now! Sorry I am so late to comment - it has been too busy this past week.

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    1. Athira - My ankle is all better, thank you. I ended up having to give up my workouts last week to rest it, and now it seems to be back to its normal self.

      I hope you have a quieter week soon!

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  22. I'd be interested to hear what you thought of Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. I've read her book The Night Watch but none of her others. thx. http://www.thecuecard.com

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    1. Sandra - I hope to post my review of Fingersmith this next week. I've been wanting to read Night Watch for ages.

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  23. Sorry about your ankle! Now that I've sprained both my ankles the seem t o be sensitive :( Or I'm just old :)

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    1. Stacy - Don't I know it! I've had sprained ankles all my life. And since breaking the same ankle I sprained this time last year around this time, I know it's even more sensitive before. That and age. ;-)

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