The Mystery of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene is a 1930 publication.
Well, what a lovely reminder of a different time and a nostalgic reminder of how The Mystery of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene is a 1930 publication.
Well, what a lovely reminder of a different time and a nostalgic reminder of how much I enjoyed Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries when I was growing up.
In one of the earliest installments in the series, Nancy is on the hunt for a hidden will- one that will provide a great deal of financial relief to relatives who truly deserve the money- but for now it looks as if other, less charitable relatives might be the only legal beneficiaries. Can Nancy find the will in time?
I can’t recall the last time I read a Nancy Drew mystery- but I’m certain I read those published long after this one. I do remember enjoying these books, though, I didn’t read them exclusively as a teen and this series was not my first introduction to mysteries -as my parents still had some old Bobbey Twins books that got passed down to me, which I read before I ever discovered ND. But Nancy was older and a character one could sort of look up to, I think- I know I did.
In the beginning Nancy solves mysteries- but not murder mysteries, but they can still be moderately dangerous. I liked this version of Nancy- she walks that fine line of being sharp, mature for her age, and independent- and pushed an envelope here and there. But she also had values and principles and cared about those who needed a helping hand, making her popular with a broad audience and making it hard to find too much fault with her.
I liked the story, the fast pace, the time and place, the touch of suspense, but mostly I liked the purpose behind Nancy’s involvement and how everything came together in the end. A wonderful YA book – the way one should be presented to the audience it courted.
It’s too bad that young readers today do not have a recent incarnation of Nancy or the Hardy Boys mysteries to read. It’s a shame that the character was allowed to fizzle and fade- not being written in a way that made Nancy a character that young readers could admire and relate to at the same time- while enjoying a good mystery and some clean entertainment.
But at least these books are available in digital format- and can be found in many libraries. It is a relief that they are at least being preserved and who knows- maybe a young person will be curious enough to read one someday- even as the threat of Nancy fading into obscurity looms large- and be inspired to pick up the torch and breathe new life into the character, but with the spirit of the original version of Nancy we see portrayed here…. One can only hope…
Overall, I enjoyed my fun excursion into the past with the first version of Nancy Drew. Though she went through many incarnations over the decades, her mysteries always bring back fond memories and a wistful hope that future generations will someday be able experience the same enjoyment from this series and that Nancy will inspire them the way she inspired me.
Richie: A Father, His Son, and the Ultimate American Tragedy by Thomas Thompson is a 1973 publication.
Recently this book popped up in a few promotionRichie: A Father, His Son, and the Ultimate American Tragedy by Thomas Thompson is a 1973 publication.
Recently this book popped up in a few promotional book emails. I had not thought of this case in decades- but I remembered reading this book when I was a teenager- and remember the made for TV movie, as well. I discovered the book was a part of the KU program, so I checked it out.
I was surprised at how conflicted I felt about a book written over forty years ago. As a teen I also remember feeling conflicted but not in the same way I am today. The book, for many, was a cautionary tale. Some viewed George as the ultimate villain, others viewed Richie as an example of the effect drugs had on people. But nearly everyone could agree that it was the ultimate tragedy.
I was particularly struck by the passages that described the barbiturate crisis because it mirrors today’s opioid crisis. Perhaps the real villain in this tale is once again the pharmaceutical companies and their greed.
“Those profiting…. Are an otherwise respected, successful group- The American pharmaceutical corporations who simply must know what they are doing and know the ugly consequences of their over-production.
From my contacts, I am advised that is all too easy for pharmaceutical manufacturers to over-produce vastly the legitimate market for barbiturates, and to ‘dump’ their excess production into the hands of irresponsible drug buyers outside the U.S. Questionable pharmaceutical operators in Mexico evidently have played this role vis-à-vis the Southwest, purchasing great supplies of barbiturates “legally” from American manufacturers and then routing them back in the Southwest black market through Juarez and El Paso, and Tijuana and Los Angeles.”
“I also am not moved by the laxity shown by the U.S. Justice Department in giving the black-market barbiturate problem sufficient recognition and priority, in informing the public, and in providing leadership in seeking solutions. In my opinion, this implies the potency of that industry’s political contributors and lobbyists.”
Sounds familiar, right?
The situation in this household though was a perfect storm of events coming together at once. The author did a good job of explaining the growing tension in this family, but also in many other families as well, and in society.
In this case, drastic measures were called for, but not only did the parents make mistakes, so did others in Richie’s orbit who were not so emotionally involved. Today this situation might have been approached in such a way that the parents would have had much more information at their disposal, many more resources, too. Richie needed lots of help and maybe even had a few underlying problems that the drugs only exacerbated. But at the end of the day, this family was stretched to its maximum ability to cope. Deep down I do wonder about George’s motives. He was being threatened, his son was abusive, belligerent, and violent. But part of me does think that George was exhausted – that his own mental health had taken a beating and while Richie was certainly mentally and emotionally unstable- George was too by that time.
Either way, the book, despite its age and some vernacular and attitudes that were a product of the era of time in which this drama transpires, is still quite effective, still conflicting, and thought-provoking… and still so very sad.
50 Oscar Nights: Iconic Stars & Filmmakers on their Career Defining Wins by Dave Karger is a 2024 Running Press publication.
This is a quick read reca50 Oscar Nights: Iconic Stars & Filmmakers on their Career Defining Wins by Dave Karger is a 2024 Running Press publication.
This is a quick read recapping Oscar wins over the years in various categories- actresses, screenplays, music, etc.
Each profile has a quote- the movie they won an Oscar for- a bit of personal information-like what the atmosphere was at that point- what the person wore- what they did after the ceremony- like parties- for example- and where their 'Oscar' now resides.
This book can be read in one sitting. Most of the material is not hard to locate on the internet- so if one had the time, organization skills, and the inclination you could have searched this information out on your own without needing this book- or you could have ‘written’ this one yourself. But Karger- who will be familiar to those who watch Turner Classic Movies- has gathered everything together for you- adding a few bits of personal information that on occasion was bittersweet or poignant.
Other than that, though, the book is rather bland.
Movie enthusiasts, I suppose, would like this one- but I would think big movie fans would already know most of what is presented here- but then again, the convenience of having the material all organized together in one book might be a motivation to pick this one up. But I would suggest checking to see if your library has a copy before forking over fifteen bucks for this one.
The Sweetheart Fix by Miranda Liasson is a 2022 Entangled publication.
This is the second book in the Blossom Glen series. This installment is centereThe Sweetheart Fix by Miranda Liasson is a 2022 Entangled publication.
This is the second book in the Blossom Glen series. This installment is centered around Juliet Montgomery, who achieves, then loses, her dream job of being a couple’s counselor, all in one day.
Ordered by her boss to fix her own issues with men after several close encounters with the marriage alter, Juliet puts her therapists’ skills to use by helping Jack, the town mayor, who needs someone to work out a few sweetheart deals for his patrons- something he’s not too good at- while he tries to save his grandmother’s land from greedy developers.
Jack is a man of action- not of words, which is why he needs help from Juliet. The problem is the two of them mix like oil and water. But that might be a good thing as neither one of them is looking for a relationship. While they agree on this 'head knowledge'- their hearts seem to have a mind of their own…
This is a nice gentle romance about two people with opposite personalities who, despite their best efforts, end up falling in love with each other. There is a nice balance of humor, romance, angst, family and friendship- all of which are presented with a light and easy tone. The emotional topics are not very heavy, the banter is fun, and the story is a charming mood enhancer.
I read the first book a while back and really liked it, too- so I’m looking forward to reading the third book in the series, hopefully soon!
*PG13 content. Not entirely ‘clean’- some mild language and sexual situations.
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer is a 2004 Anchor publication.
I just finished the Hulu limited series based on this book. That show is defUnder the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer is a 2004 Anchor publication.
I just finished the Hulu limited series based on this book. That show is definitely a fictional dramatization- so, once I finished the series, I wanted to read this book to get the full, non-fictional account of the murder of Brenda Lafferty and her fifteen-month-old daughter, by her own brothers-in-law.
Unfortunately, though, while the title suggests this is a 'true crime' book, what one actually gets is a long, long, detailed history of Mormonism.
Now, there is nothing inherently wrong with that if that is what you were looking for. I did find it fascinating on occasion, but I grew weary of it because that was not why I picked this book up. What I was wanting was a sharper focus on the Lafferty crime, but that mostly ran in the background.
I have no doubt the book is well-researched, but I’d also take the time to read a few books on the subject, like those the author used as resources and references, if you are looking to read about the history of Mormanism.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a book specifically about the Lafferty case, you might look to see if anyone else has written a book about that crime, in particular. I do think to understand the situation, some history or insights into Mormonism must be a part of the book, but it doesn’t need to overpower the particulars of this sect.
Overall, this book was not exactly what I was expecting. Once it became obvious that the book was more history than true crime I skipped over whole chapters, feeling I had gotten the point and didn’t need to absorb more historical facts- so I only read the sections that pertained to Brenda’s murder and the subsequent trial of the Lafferty brothers.
While the book is very comprehensive, well-researched, and well-written, it simply did not deliver what I had ordered- or thought I had ordered, I guess I should say. Should I lower my rating because of that? That’s a hard choice to make- so let me be clear that there wasn’t anything wrong with the writing, organization, etc., so from a critical thinking standpoint its an easy 4+ stars- but from a personal perspective, it’s only a three-star experience. So, I’m going to give it 3.5 stars. Round up or down? UGH. I’m on the fence, but I really do have to round up simply because of the obvious effort the author put into the book- which was years in the making. The author does have great writing skills and I have a couple of his book on my Kindle I will get around to reading someday.
The Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke is a 2003 Kensington publication.
This is the third installment in the Hannah Swensen series, and I think The Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke is a 2003 Kensington publication.
This is the third installment in the Hannah Swensen series, and I think maybe I’m finally beginning to settle into it.
Gearing up for the Lake Eden Winter Carnival, Hannah is super busy doing her part- but the town is all abuzz over the celebrity lifestyle guru, Connie Mac, stepping in to bake the Carnival cake. But Hannah thinks the woman is a fake, entitled, uncharitable and difficult. Still, it comes as a big shock when she finds Connie Mac dead in her bakery….
I’ll admit I knew almost from the beginning who the murderer probably was- but I had no clue what the motive or connection might be- so it was still a mystery and a good one at that. I am starting to warm up to Hannah now that I understand her better and enjoy her little ‘love triangle’ musings, her cat, her sister, and her annoying mother, too- all of which is quite entertaining.
Overall, this was a quick, fun cozy- and I’m starting to enjoy the series more and more as I go!
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