Musings of a Bookish Kitty

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Bookish Thoughts: Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal

Mr. Churchill’s Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal

Bantam, 2012

Crime Fictionl 384 pgs

If you have been following my blog for any length of time, you know about my interest in World War II fiction. For some reason though, I mostly shy away from mysteries set during that time period (even though I love crime fiction). I did read David Downing’s Zoo Station and liked it. Then there was Tokyo Zero by David Peace, which was . . . interesting.

I had read good things about Susan Elia MacNeal’s Maggie Hope series and decided to give it a try. Suffice it to say, I am hooked.

Maggie Hope was raised in the United States by her aunt, after her parents were killed in a car crash. When her grandmother died, Maggie traveled to London to see about the sale of her grandmother's Victorian house, putting her graduate degree on hold. Only, Maggie ended up liking London enough to settle in and stay.

In Mr. Churchill's Secretary, Winston Churchill has just been elected as Prime Minister and war is threatening to come to England. Maggie wants nothing more than to help the British fight the Nazis. Her skills in logistics and math cannot compete with the fact that she is a woman, however, in a time where gender matters more than intellect. Reluctantly, Maggie accepts a position in Churchill’s secretary pool replacing a woman who had been murdered on her way home from work. Soon, Maggie is working directly under Churchill.

I expected a straightforward mystery novel, but what I got was a complex story involving murder, extremists, espionage, and family secrets. There was rarely a dull moment. In fact, about half way through the book everything starts coming together at such a rapid pace, I didn’t want to put the book down. It was like that right up until the end.

I especially liked the setting of the novel and how the author brought it to life. She captured the social climate of the time so well, and slipped in historical details which made the story all the more relevant and interesting. Early on, there was a lot of mixed feelings about the war, especially with the threat of war coming to England directly. Once the first bomb dropped, life completely changed for everyone in the country. Even despite the rationing, air raids, blackouts and constant fear, the British carried on as best they could. The theater stayed open to give everyone a break from the constant tension.

I adored Maggie. Her tenacity and compassion drew me to her. I loved her spunk and how she stood up for what she believed, including gender equality. And I enjoyed getting to know her roommates and friends, each of whom was well drawn character with his or her own backstories. I look forward to getting to know them better in future books.

If I had a complaint, it would be that the romantic thread in the book was so thin. It makes complete sense, given the time period and culture that there would be such hesitation in acknowledging feelings of interest, but I kept wanting a little more. I think it was just my mood, really.

Anyhow, I bumped this one up on my “To Read” list since I will soon be reading reviewing the second book in the series, Princess Elizabeth's Spy. I am eager to read it and spend more time with Maggie Hope.

Rating:

(Very Good)

You can learn more about Susan Elia MacNeal and her books on the author's website.

Source: I purchased an e-copy of this book for my own personal pleasure.

© 2012, 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.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

October is Coming: Time For Monsters and Banned Books!

What progress we are making. In the Middle Ages they would have burned me. Now they are content with burning my books. ~Sigmund Freud, 1933

Through reading, we learn about other people, cultures and experiences. Reading encourages empathy and compassion. We also learn that we are not alone. We are exposed to ideas we may not encounter in our personal lives, and we are inspired to create our own ideas. We can learn, we can grow, and we can become better people from the books we read.

The only valid censorship of ideas is the right of people not to listen. ~Tommy Smothers

We may not always agree with what we read or even each other. We may be offended or made to feel uncomfortable. We may become angry or embarrassed. And that's okay. A person can choose to avoid certain books because he or she feels they may be offensive or inappropriate or voice a strong opinion about the books. I support a parent's right to guide his or her children in choosing appropriate reading material when necessary; I think it's smart parenting to know what your children are reading, listening to, watching, and playing. What is not okay, however, is deciding that because a book is offensive to you, no one should read that book. I respect a person's right not to read particular books. Now, respect mine to read them.

Most censorship I see is fear-driven. I respect that. The world is a very scary place. It is a terrifying place in which to raise children, and in particular, teenagers. It is human nature to nurture and protect children as they grow into adulthood. But censoring books that deal with difficult, adolescent issues does not protect anybody. Quite the opposite. It leaves kids in darkness and makes them vulnerable. [excerpt from statement by Laurie Halse Anderson about censorship, included at end of Speak]

Sheila of Book Journey is hosting this year's Banned Book Week event, and I am looking forward to participating. It runs from September 30th to October 6th. It's amazing the books that end up being challenged or banned, both past and present. If you are anything like me, hearing a book has been challenged or banned only increases my interest in it. I am eager to see what other banned or challenged books people are reading next week.

Books I will be reviewing next week:
The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Blankets by Craig Thompson
(I will also be reviewing Tina Connolly's Ironskin, but, as far as I know, no one has challenged that particular book. Yet.)

What banned or challenged book have you read recently?

I seem to miss most read-alongs until they are in full progress. And it's often books I really want to read too. So when I first heard Jill, Trish and Ti talking about this year's Dueling Monsters earlier in the month, I nearly scared the neigbors with my shouts of joy that I hadn't missed it. Now that the event is upon us, I'm wondering how I'll ever fit it in. I'm determined though. Where there's a will, there's a way. So someone once said.

Which book I will read is a no brainer really. I read Red Dragon years ago, back when I ate up anything related to Hannibal Lector. It was an intense book to read. Hannibal is one of those characters who once you meet you cannot forget. So, this time around, I figure I might as well read American Psycho. It's been ages since I saw the movie (and I only vaguely remember it--it didn't make a huge impression on me). I'm curious to know how Bateman stands up to Lector.

Will you be joining in this year? What monster are you siding with?

Monday, September 24, 2012

Bookish Thoughts: Sweat by Mark Gilleo

Sweat by Mark Gilleo
Story Plant, 2012 (ISBN-13: 978-1611880519)
Crime Fiction; 366 pgs

It’s been awhile since I last read a political thriller. This one had a lot going on and quite a few smarmy characters.

From the Publisher:

When Jake Patrick took a summer internship at his estranged father’s corporation, he anticipated some much-needed extra cash and a couple of free meals from his guilty dad. He would never have guessed that he'd find himself in the center of an international scandal involving a U.S. senator, conspiracy, backroom politics, and murder. Or that his own life would hang in the balance. Or that he’d find help – and much more than that – from a collection of memorable characters operating on all sides of the law. Jake’s summer has turned into the most eventful one of his life. Now he just needs to survive it.

From the sweatshops of Saipan to the most powerful offices in Washington, SWEAT rockets through a story of crime and consequences with lightning pacing, a twisting plot, an unforgettable cast of characters, and wry humor. It is another nonstop thriller from one of the most exciting new voices in suspense fiction.

Mark Gilleo takes his time setting up the story and introducing the characters. It by no means slowed the story down, however. If anything, it built a good foundation, especially given everything going on in the novel. And there was A LOT going on. I was particularly drawn to the story of Wei Ling, the seamstress in the sweat shop and her plight. She was being held prisoner against her will and forced to endure terrible circumstances. I thought the way her fellow seamstresses attempted to come to her aid initially was ingenious and gutsy.

Many of the characters were well developed, the author getting into their heads about why they made the choices they did. Still, I really wanted to know Jake more—he at times seemed too perfect. He was the character, however, to which I most identified. He and Kate, another character I wouldn’t have minded getting to know better. Jake clearly has a good heart, wanting to do what is right. Jake’s dad, Peter Winthrop, was a much more complex character. He’s a person who likes to bend the rules. I admit I didn’t like him from the start and never really warmed to him. I’m not sure I was meant to. Even so, I was fascinated by the man and curious as to the direction his and Jake’s relationship would go.

Which also has me thinking about Lee Chang and his father’s relationship. The two men, like Jake and his father, seem to have a somewhat estranged relationship. Lee Chang, being in Saipan, as sort of a punishment for a past failure. He feels the need to prove his worth –and value to his father. Jake, on the other hand, never really seemed like someone with something to prove. He obviously wanted to get to know his father better, learn what kind of man he was, but he had no delusions as to what he would find. Nor did he seem all that surprised.

The conditions in the sweatshop in Saipan were quite different from the lifestyle led by those pulling the strings, both in Saipan, China and Washington D.C. It was hard to feel sorry for the blackmailed Senator Day given his actions and attitude. If anything I felt bad for his wife and unborn child.

The author has a gift for storytelling and bringing multiple story lines together. The tension increased as the novel went on, really taking off during second half of the novel. I found Sweat to be an entertaining read overall. I really hope the author explores Kate and Jake’s relationship further in a future book, as well as Kate’s family. I see a lot of potential there, especially since it seems as if there is more to the Sorrentinos than first meets the eye.

Rating:

(Good +)

To learn more about Mark Gilleo and his books, please visit the author's website.

I hope you will check out what others had to say about Sweat on the Partners in Crime Tour route!

Many thanks to the Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. E-copy of Sweat provided by publisher.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Bookish Thoughts: A Fresh Set of Eyes by Liz Strange

A Fresh Set of Eyes by Liz Strange
MLR Press, 2012
Crime Fiction; 269 pgs

I first met Private Investigator David Lloyd last spring when I read Missing Daughter, Shattered Family. I appreciated the old school mystery feel of the novel—a detective hitting the pavement in search of answers as he tried to track down a missing woman. I took an instant liking to David who is not only smart and tenacious but fair and level headed as well.

In A Fresh Set of Eyes, having just recovered from his injuries during his last big case, David is hired by a mother to prove her son and his friend are innocent of murder. The two had been convicted for the murder of two young boys and had already spent 10 years of their lives in prison as a result. The case against them had been extremely flimsy from the get go, but anxiety and fear to put someone behind bars rushed the trial and got a conviction. David has very little to go on initially, but he believes in the young men's innocence and refuses to give up.

On the home front, David’s partner, Jamie, is still dealing with the ramifications of coming out to his family, particularly his father who is less than accepting. Having gone through that with his own father, David understands how difficult it must be for Jamie. In addition, Jamie and David have taken a young woman under their wings, a former prostitute, who is working through her own issues. She can be quite a handful, but David is determined to help her.

I like the way the author portrays David and his partner’s relationship as well as their struggles. It’s very natural and realistic. You don’t often come across a mystery novel where the protagonist is gay, and I find it refreshing. David and Jamie’s relation is one of the highlights of the novels, their very different personalities and areas of expertise playing well off each other. It’s obvious the two men love each other very much.

The personal story never overshadows the actual mystery. Rather, it compliments it. Especially given how David enlists the help of his family and friends to help him with the investigation, always conscious of their safety. Like with her first book, Liz Strange puts David through the expected motions of a more realistic P.I. as he canvases the neighborhood, conducts interviews , does a lot of research, and calls in favors of friends on the force. It’s a traditional mystery in every sense. And I love that about the book.

The crime itself was inspired by a the case of the West Memphis Three, three men who were wrongly convicted of killing three boys. Liz Strange uses many of the details of that crime in her own story of the murder of two brothers, but adds her own spin to it--and twists.

I was able to fit the pieces of the mystery puzzle together a little quicker than David, but that didn’t hurt my enjoyment of the novel. And even so, there was still a surprise or two up Liz Strange’s sleeve. In summary, Liz Strange has impressed me yet again, and I hope I’ll have many more opportunities to visit with David and friends.

Rating:

(Very Good)

You can learn more about Liz Strange and her books on the author's website.

Source: E-copy of the book provided by the author for review.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Helping Bring the Cat Back In

Hosted by Wordless Wednesday

© 2012, 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.