House of Bathory
by Linda Lafferty
House of Bathory (1/9/2014)
I'm a long time fan of vampires and the supernatural, so I thought this book would end up being an interesting read. Elizabeth Bathory was believed to have been a source of the Dracula story and it has been said that she bathed in the blood of virgins to protect her youth and beauty. The story alternates between the 17th century of Bathory's rule and the modern day. My biggest problem with this book is that I think the author is trying to cram way too many plot threads and ideas into one narrative. I could basically follow them and while they are interesting there is so much going on. The book combines historical fiction, contemporary Jungian analysis, a goth teen, a Jungian therapist with some unusual family connections, the rekindling of a love affair, a crazed villain with a serious fetish, and teen friendship/possible romance. It is really just too much for one novel. No one likes a underdeveloped plot, but this needs to be tightened and some of the unnecessary threads removed. I can't say it is a terrible book (if it was I would never have finished it), but it needs some editing. And as to an audience- I really have no idea who this book would work for. It seems like it is trying to be everything for everyone, and that never works.
The Last Girl: A Maeve Kerrigan Novel
by Jane Casey
The Last Girl by Jane Casey (4/25/2013)
I have to admit the only contemporary British mystery I have read before this one was Elizabeth George's Inspector Lynley mysteries. I also knew that this is book 3 in a series. Usually I have to read series in order, but that was not going to work within the time frame. Fortunately there is enough background provided so even readers who have not read the first two books quickly get a grip on the characters. The story opens with a young girl desperate to please her father swimming laps in the pool. She finishes and goes inside and finds her mother and twin sister murdered- stabbed to death. The father/husband of the murdered mother and daughter is one Phillip Kennford - high powered attorney who defends those who most find indefensible. With a client list like that it seems likely the Kennford is the real target. However no good, well plotted mystery ever goes in such a nice straight line and this book is no exception. DC (Detective Constable) Maeve Kerrigan is on the case as well as being involved in a series of brutal gang murders (the Kennford case drives most of the plot, but the gang murders do pop up from time to time). Let's face it, its highly unlikely the police are only working on one case at a time. The characters are well written, smart, and well rounded. Even those who don't have a major role are well described. The story starts off a bit slow, but starts to pick up as more and more mysteries are discovered. Maeve's personal life is part of the narrative. She struggles at times to just be happy in her relationship which makes her a nicely well rounded character. The interpersonal relationships are well written and interesting. The characters are human with all too human flaws and frailties. The mystery itself is good, nicely complex and well written. I think I may have found a new mystery series to read...
One Minus One: Nancy Pearl's Book Lust Rediscoveries
by Ruth Doan MacDougall
One Minus One (4/17/2013)
This book is not my usual fare at all, but since Nancy Pearl said it was good and she is one of my library heroes and I gave it a try.
The story is about a 30 year old woman Emily who finds herself divorced and confronting life on her own. She has to learn how to do everything alone, something with which she is not familiar. with. Like many women who created their identity based on their relationship with a man she falls into a relationship rather quickly with Warren, a radio host. Their relationship soon becomes its own predictable pattern. Emily is going to school to be a teacher because that's what her mother did and while she wanted to be a writer in the past when she was married that desire seems to have left her. Emily's thoughts often go back in time to happier time with her husband David, he may be gone, but he is present in her own mind. Over the holidays Emily gets possession of her grandmother's diaries and starts reading. Honestly her grandmother's life is more interesting than Emily's (which on some level she may realize). Somewhere along the line her relationship with Warren unravels and Emily begins a new chapter moving in her with school friends Kaykay and Grace. She also briefly acts on her attraction to Cliff who is the department head at the college. Over time Cliff wears her down and she begins yet another relationship. While out with Cliff she meets David and his pregnant wife and finally breaks down about the divorce. No matter how far she goes or who she ends up with Emily is still haunted by David. Their relationship was such a huge part of her life trying to get past it is nearly impossible.
While the story is set in 1969, it can be easy to forget unless you really pay attention to all the small details. There is something universal about the story. I think most people know someone like Emily, the girl who defines her whole existence based on her relationship with a guy and when it ends- well on to the next one. Part of me does want to shake her and say maybe there is a reason why things didn't work out. Its 1969, not 1869. You've moved on, moved out, gotten a job, now its time to take some me time and figure out what you want. In a way its not really fair to the guys she dates. They are really just rebounds and I feel bad for Cliff who has true feelings for her. Here's hoping one day Emily finally moves on!
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