A Medical Thriller, a Microhistory to recommend and above all an eerie mirror... This is the type of work that you need to sit down for as every turn of the page is an eerie reflection of current times and the shared quotes are haunting truths and reminders of our current state of affairs. Fatal blunders were made in 1917-1918 which this title investigates from beginning to end in detail in regards to a frighteningly new virus that killed without abandon and equally disastrous mistakes were made in 2019-present with another virus. Emotions and levels of conscience ran high then just as they do now and as you sink deeper into this true-life Medical Thriller that happened a century ago you will realize this is not only a morbidly fascinating book, but a glimpse for us all of what is to come today or next month or even two years from now. Depending on how current issues have touched the reader, Pandemic 1918 can be a powerful poignant read (so much so you may need to take a brief break to collect your thoughts, but please press on, the true quotes and collected stories in this pages need to be shared). For me personally, it hit hard straight to the gut and heart; seeing night after night the numbers climb and hearing the desperation and understandable anger and not having any answers or way to completely comfort those affected. It's not something you can forget, will be ever forgotten or should be. History can teach and heal in ways so I feel this type of book is vital to read and recommend. I do have to wonder, what will writers say about our pandemic a hundred years from now? What quotes and stories will they share about us and our decisions? Please, stay safe (and alert). -read and purchased on kindle -EGP/June 2019 The above words are dedicated to a dear family friend who passed January 2nd 2021 from Coronavirus disease 2019, she contracted the virus from a complete stranger visiting her door a few days after Christmas and he didn't have a mask on (neither did he have any idea he had the virus from his own grandchild). She sickened, withered and died within a week. A sincere bright beam of kindness and light gone. It shouldn't have happened (none of these needless virus related deaths should have or continue). There are millions (and climbing) of stories like hers, let's not forget them!
"To die is as common as to live." Death is always memorable maybe not so much a life led, but whether tragic or (horribly) comically ironic we subconsciously recall details when asked to amuse those with a story especially when learned demises happen within the lines of created watchable entertainment. And you are sure to come away with particulars and have a desire to oddly regale others around you about Shakespeare's characters from his most celebrated and studied plays (and the various stages of death within the body), after finishing Death by Shakespeare: Snakebites, Stabbings and Broken Hearts. In this interesting page-turner, you will be asked to take a seat and become a part of The Bard's audience (and at the same time step up to the anatomist's table that waits in the wings) as a line of his most recognized characters are paraded out within themed chapters and we revisit specifics of their famous scenes and their final curtain calls and how those deaths were made so vivid plus relatable for Shakespeare's audience. A little medical knowledge will serve the curious reader well, but even if you never cracked open an anatomy book, Ms Harkup does different subjects justice and makes this work an overall fascinating macabre journey back through time and lines of historic dialogue and tableaus. Just ignore the few minor tangents and stay seated, you don't want to miss the final act. With many thanks to Bloomsbury USA and NetGalley who sent me an advanced copy of Death by Shakespeare: Snakebites, Stabbings and Broken Hearts. -EGP/March 2020 Wharton unleashed upon her readers the calculating selfish Undine Spragg, Flaubert gave us the ever indecisive Emma Bovary, Tolstoy immortalized the name of Anna Karenina and the Brontë's even filled their pages with cold driven female characters that are hard to forget. All these antiheroines (and if you wish to debate antagonists) have a few things in common, they are reportedly based on actual personalities involved with public (or inner family) scandal and still spark a lively discussion when mentioned. With that said, let's be honest, everyone loves a little disgrace to distract from modest life and a good villain. So what happens when all those perfect ingredients and a naughty romp into history are promised then added to impressive debut writing that would make the above greats nod in approval (especially concerning the attention to research and details); you get an unconventional sweeping novel to recommend and quite possibly the best read of 2020 as I can't stop thinking about this title months later after turning the final page. Brava, Ms Austin! With many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley who sent me an advanced copy of Brontë's Mistress. -EGP/February 2020 It's 1906 and Baby Jane Hudson is the darling of the boardwalk Vaudeville scene, she can sing and dance and blow kisses to her adoring public but there is something cold and rotting prematurely about the mini damdube. Anyone can only wonder what will become of her. 50 years later, and the bright buzzing stage lights and applauds have all been silenced and Jane shuffles through the days drunk, abandoned and dangerously bitter and jealous as her paralyzed older sister Blanche lays upstairs still receiving fawning fan letters and her glory days as a top Hollywood actress have not been forgotten. Bad blood has been simmering for years and the final catalyst is when finances are stretched to the max and then Jane eavesdrops on a conversation about her future. What follows is a deliciously warped cascade of events that spin out of control and slam into the gates of a bunch of horrible revelations and will send you next to the track down the silver screen version. This pageturner just begged to be turned into a media classic and you won't be disappointed by either, trust me. -Purchased and read on kindle -EGP/September 2019 "Every love story is a ghost story" Can we truly fathom someone else's suffering and inner pain when it comes to grief or when we read a famous poem or witness a monument of lost love, do we only project those ideals and expectations onto our own pain and relate without questioning? When do we let go? The Lost History of Dreams is one of those stories that hits hard and leaves you with many thoughts, long pauses of recollections on interests and can be called "soul-baring". Set in Victorian England we follow various characters who experience haunting loss and abandonment in different degrees and planes. If you love Wuthering Heights, works of Poe, Du Maurier, Ovid and Byron, this novel is for you as this is a grand sweeping and atmospheric gothic tale with mystery, rich depth, complex symbolism and some unexpected swoon-worthy moments that make us all hope to find our own "locus amoenus" someday. With many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley who sent me an advanced copy of The Lost History of Dreams -EGP/January 2019 Sometimes the human mind can be the scariest place imaginable and in The Devil Aspect that's exactly where the reader dares to tread as we follow the voice of a young psychiatrist who has been given the opportunity to examine the depths of the minds of 6 convicted murderers: The Woodcutter, The Clown, The Glass Collector, The Vegetarian, The Sciomancer, and The Demon; collectively known as, the Devil's Six. With each injection, another horrible secret is recorded and a disturbing pattern immerges that may prove Dr Viktor Kosárek's theory of the existence of a common archetype of evil, a phenomenon known as The Devil Aspect. All the while these special sessions are conducted there is a frantic search underway for another type of monster who is butchering women and recreating grisly scenes from London's "The Autumn of Terror"; has Jack the Ripper resurfaced in 1935 Prague or is the work of an inspired copy cat? This is a novel where dark tendrils of true crime, psychological experimentation, Horror and Slavic Folklore cover the real face of true evil and becomes a historical thriller to recommend by the final page. It can also be unfortunately predictable and dare I say the devil is the details as the two main storylines collide midbook and the suspense at the final reveal is awkwardly presented while still leaving quite a few noticeable plot holes and questions unanswered. That all aside, this is one twisted novel that feels more like a fiendish fever dream at certain times and will have you wondering when the contents will be brought to the silver screen. *I would like to thank NetGalley and DoubleDay for the opportunity to read and enjoy The Devil Aspect -EGP/November 2018 "A Lannister always pays his debts" A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 3) was THE edition in this series that caught in my throat as it contained such excitement and threw me in a whirl regarding what was ever considered "safe or honored" in a book as the plot lines tangled and familiar characters returned to take another spin on the fickle wheel of fate. Years later this tome is still the title I savour after A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1) and I can't recommend it enough. There are however a couple minor negatives in A Storm of Swords that keeps this part of the epic becoming a 5 star read mostly it comes down to the side stories and to be honest, they aren't that thrilling as the rest of this volume but everyone has their favourite characters and places on the map of the Seven Kingdoms. Without giving too much away, a lot happens within these pages that were actually inspired by real-life historical events (just like the rest of this excellent series). The facts are blurred and hidden in plain sight but Mr Martin proves that dark history can serve as gripping fiction. His pen is sharp and the wine is ready to be poured, so relax, wash the dust off from your other travels and get ready for another round. Just remember, "A Lannister always pays his debts". -purchased and read on kindle EGP/August 2018 “Herein lie the facts- decide for yourself”. A good conspiracy has tantalizing secrecy and a well recognized event that evokes anger, regret and suspicion about a forgotten era. Human drama is also a must when completing this list of what continues to draw us closer when certain topics are mentioned in a hushed voice. Titanic or Olympic: Which Ship Sank? knows this is what entices the curious reader and invites them on an absolutely fascinating tour that examines in serious detail one of the greatest theories that still follows in the wake of the 15th of April 1912- was it TITANIC or her sister ship OLYMPIC that went down with over 1,500 souls that tragic night? Upfront the authors admit that if true and the OLYMPIC was switched for the TITANIC this would have been the largest (and most elaborate) hoaxes on the public and insurance scam of all time. This work then continues onto chapters filled with the passages behind the popular theory, my favorites being: “Mystery or History”, “The Lifeboat Evidence” and “Photographic Assessment". In these heavily detailed sections the believed evidence is presented with entertaining information of missing names from rescue registries, undecided final tallies, double numbered lifeboats and even oddly colored paint under where the recognized nameplate of TITANIC rests at the bottom of the Atlantic. I’ll admit after reading all of the known and displayed “evidence”; I was beginning to believe the greatest hoax happened. It was the ideal time for this work to switch direction and build reality from the keel up to her distinct swan-neck vents. Time then flew for this collector of history who just stared for large increments at the next displayed snapshots with the key parts of the ships marked to clearly illustrate differences from the minute to the hidden in plain view. I didn’t want to put this book down and I borrowed a Kindle Fire to get the full effect of the photographs (some I have never seen before). The more and more the pages turned with these intriguing comparative pictures, documented testimony and re-examinations of the previous chapters (slamming aside fragmented statements and popular myth with cold hard facts); the more I could say “well I’m convinced” as well as “I didn’t know that!”. Even after that this book went on and precisely explained the intimate particulars that any familiar crew member could never have been completely fooled over or the complex contracts of silence that would have been necessary. Any possible lingering doubts were finally laid to rest at that point (especially when the quote from Violet Jessop came about) and my kindle marked that the book had ended but it didn’t. There were a few more surprises left (like dazzle paint) for this fellow reader of history and the concluding sections were centered on what happened long after the 15th of April 1912 for the Titanic’s sister ships. Those parts were equally fascinating as the beginning chapters and turned into a poignant narrative that sounded the final three horn blows on the decadent world that created the marvels of the oceans. A fitting ending for such a fantastic reference, I don’t think I will ever pass a photograph of the TITANIC or OLYMPIC again without counting the portholes, trying to look for the number “401” or “400” on anything at museums (or even high priced estate sales- I can always hope right?) or searching cinematic scenes for round windows versus rectangle. For everything this title offered and presented this is one book I couldn’t be more overall pleased in finding. Highly Recommended. -purchased and read on kindle -EGP/April 2017 The bow and stern of riveting history start where you will and discover a classic In A Night to Remember, Walter Lord provided a minute-by-minute narrative that catches in your throat as you feel every icy touch of reality from that harrowing April night. You follow the names that have transformed into enduring legends and their own words create racing dramatic images but as you near the final page with its somber tribute to those over 1,500 souls lost; you also have so many burning questions. That’s when you need to pick up The Night Lives On: The Untold Stories and Secrets Behind the Sinking of the "Unsinkable" Ship—Titanic and revisit a condensed inviting account that is broken apart in time frames and stops to examine but ultimately educates, deftly debates, proves many a point with convincing evidence and yet all tells a commanding series of stories that are forever connected to the RMS TITANIC. Although each work was written years apart they belong together and whether the beginning or ending of the history of the marvel that was Titanic calls to you, start where you will and discover something special. Highly Recommended. -purchased and read on kindle *followup to: A Night to Remember by Walter Lord -EGP/April 2017 “I’m certain of nothing but winter and battle” With The Winds of Winter (A Song of Ice and Fire, #6) strongly believed to land on many readers’ long awaiting lists and shelves this year (forgive this summer child for her optimism if for any reason this does not come to pass), I join those who have been testing leonine patience and preparing vivid cracking imagination for the next bout of ultimate betrayals, brutal struggles for survival and one uncomfortable throne made of a thousand swords. A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, #2) is my second scheduled revisit to the enthralling world of Westeros and Essos and it simply astonishes me no matter how many times I reread favorite passages I notice some singularly hidden nugget of a wicked quip, new comparisons to our own history with striking twists and another appreciation for the fully shaded characters that populate the seven kingdoms and my outside conversations (sometimes to the exasperation of my tired nighttime coworkers). This is one novel that certainly keeps me awake after having a taste on a lunch break promising to linger in my whirling mind as time creeps on those long shifts. I get such joy sharing this series of stories with anyone sitting near and catch their eyes roving over the enchanting covers or the thickness of the book. I do tend to admit some novels in A Song of Ice and Fire (A Clash of Kings among that listing) are better than others and encourage all to begin with A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1) for the foundation of the rampant adventure and unforgettable maneuvers of personalities (for good or evil) that will follow but the choice to begin turning the pages where they will is ultimately up to them. Although some chapters (or points of view spread across the included maps) create more exciting visions depending on the reader’s ever discerning mood, it is all worth the effort to finish and share with those who have not heard the call or simply need another reason to escape our own world for seven others. -purchased and read on kindle Books in this series: A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1) by George R.R. Martin * A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire #2) by George R.R. Martin A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire #3) by George R.R. Martin A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire #4) by George R.R. Martin A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire #5) by George R.R. Martin The Winds of Winter (A Song of Ice and Fire #6) by George R.R. Martin *2 more novels believed to follow -EGP/February 2017 The One and Only… Agatha Christie has been called "The Queen of Crime" and the brilliantly executed And Then There Were None (also known as Ten Little Indians & etc.) rightly supports that shining crown. Simply this is a book perfect for anyone who loves a good crime thriller or has been searching for a puzzle of personalities and consciences that can’t be solved or will go cold and stiff within a couple chapters. Published in 1939 the original title has changed a few times and to the modern reader certain late events can be predictable (especially with the occasional jigs of foreshadowing in sections) but it has stood proudly in the shelves and continues to gather a following of different audiences each passing year. I don’t wish to give too much away of what can be found in these short powerful pages but this is the one and only mystery that can be seen as the clever blueprint to ALL contemporary mysteries, you are sure to come across pieces in this yarn that “just remind you of something” but in this humble reader’s opinion, no one these days on the silver screen or crowding the lists can create a diversion or throw a red herring like Dame Christie and And Then There Were None is the perfect place to start your own special collection of mystery and entertainment. -purchased and read on nook -EGP/December 2016 History and Horror with every turn of the page I admit this time of year always plays fiendish tricks with my imagination and working at night, I can’t but notice the creeping fog that surrounds me on my brief nocturnal intermissions or the crumpled leaves swirling toward the vintage themed light poles and the only sounds echoed are those of footsteps buffeted by the chilling wind. If I let it, my mind can conjure quite the scene and a craving to delve into the dark mysteries of history. That craving is always hard to ignore and has me searching for a certain “something” to satisfy. A formulated scary movie or ghost documentary simply won’t do- I want a twisted thrill that fools with reality but also be educated at the same time. Surprisingly I found just that special seasonal “something” with finally picking up Mayhem (Dr. Thomas Bond, #1) by Sarah Pinborough. It saddens me that it took me this long to purchase and sit down with this title, but in this case: better late than never and this was a much needed treat with History and Horror with every turn of the page. It seems this novel was waiting for me with its careful attention to unsolved historic crimes (particularly centering on the Whitechapel Murders, The Thames Torso Murders and the Pinchin Street torso), impressive injection of Slavic Folklore, gritty (though elegant) symbolism, and Classic Gothic-styled passages; so I was willing to be patient in the measured beginning and just go with the constant time shifts but I cannot deny it did become hard at certain times. Still overall the fantastic scenes the passages stirred (with an admitted nightmare or two when it came to the dinner scene and the final act) were all worth the wait and I eagerly look forward to following Dr. Thomas Bond with Murder (Dr. Thomas Bond, #2). -purchased and read on nook Books in this series: *Mayhem (Dr. Thomas Bond, #1) by Sarah Pinborough Murder (Dr. Thomas Bond, #2) by Sarah Pinborough -EGP/October 2016 A triumphant passionate narrative... Nicholas and Alexandra is a triumphant passionate work that was a well-worth “waiting for just the right minute to sit down with” experience. Told in an exquisitely rich narrative fashion this dual biography had me from the first panoramic descriptions of late 19th-century Imperial Russia and continued to utterly captivate my imagination, dominate outside conversations when others asked “what are you reading?” and fulfilled my every interest in learning about what has become for me since childhood- completely irresistible historic topics. In these 673 pages, I was presented and followed the real back story of the humble family dynamics that has turned into romantic legend and enduring mystery. Familiar and obscure personalities were explained and shared with vast quotes and snippets of intimate letters that helped create final impressions of lost lives. Along in this manner, the author examined and illustrated individual struggles, character weaknesses and disastrous mistakes in a very specific tone that really guided me to rethink and question the reasons for key decisions and the later consequences of delayed or overzealous reactions from ruling or powerful influences. The central argument of the definitive tragic role Hemophilia served in the fall of the Romanov dynasty was also well put in certain sections and I think ended this dual biography and humanizing portrait in the perfect thought-provoking fashion. In the end, I’m glad I finally sat down with this monumental narrative. I can easily see how this brilliant work has rightly earned its worth of supreme acclaim and heavy weight of recommendations which I proudly add another enthusiast approval note to. Few nonfiction titles can truly educate and sweep me into bygone times while closely examining such celebrated lives and Nicholas and Alexandra had me until the final poignant page. Highly Recommended. -read and purchased on kindle -EGP/July 2016 Final novel in this deadly game of kings The Kingdom Series is an extraordinary set of books that combines brilliant research with no quarter storytelling and I can’t recommend these novels enough to any reader who has been looking for this kind of page turning epic. Three titles comprise this saga about the deadly affairs of Scotland and England during the 13th and 14th centuries and The Lion Rampant is the final novel in this bloody game of kings. As with the other books, The Lion Rampant opens with a brief summary of previous record of historic fact and fictional happenings. These events are slowly pressed into the continuing chronicle that is being preserved by a fictional monk years after the shadows of actions have passed. A drawing voice will then beckon the reader to come closer to a lit tallow candle and hear the tale of: power, betrayal, love, madness, pride, revenge, the making of Scotland and the Battle of Bannockburn. By the end, believe me this is one story you won’t want to leave or forget. The adventures and excellent drama about an enthralling portion of the past may be over but for this reader, I couldn’t have asked for a better holiday from reality and this is one collection of books and author I will never forget. Mr. Low has a spectacular way with words and he deftly applies his gift of storytelling and striking descriptive passages to complete this jewel of a series. Like the previous titles in this saga, The Lion Rampant has all the treachery, mystery, a touch of romance, counterplots and built-up action that then roars and thunders on the battlefield where it will all end and begin for many. Exotic locales are visited this time along with the promise of ancient treasure and it gets more exciting as the pages turn. I could go further but I don’t want to let any surprises out so all I have left to say is- Bravo Mr. Low! I can’t wait to see what I will find with the Oathsworn series. -purchased and read on kindle Books in this series: The Lion Wakes (The Kingdom Series, Book 1) by Robert Low The Lion at Bay (The Kingdom Series, Book 2) by Robert Low *The Lion Rampant (The Kingdom Series, Book 3) by Robert Low -EGP/June 2016 "My blood alone remains: take it, but do not make me suffer long.” From the moment I read the opening poignant words voiced by Marie Antoinette in her last hours and the author’s explained notable intentions for writing about the doomed woman’s darkest days, I had this unexpected positive feeling I may have found something special. I was right, not only did Marie Antoinette's Darkest Days: Prisoner No. 280 in the Conciergerie end as an impressive nonjudgmental toned narrative that encouraged final reflections about many events (including daring plots of escape and damaging scandals) and presented names from history but it also reminded me of the first non-fiction title I was ever handed many years ago. I didn’t think I would ever find a work about the renowned historic personality that could allow me that special smile of interest I remember experiencing when reading inviting history for the first time. It’s good to be wrong about certain things and through a distinctive delivery of facts and meticulous gathering of historic recorded eye witness accounts, memoirs, letters of importance and various documents- Mr. Bashor definitely allowed Marie Antoinette to come alive before this reader’s eyes once more. However amusing and highly informative, Marie Antoinette's Darkest Days: Prisoner No. 280 in the Conciergerie asks for a little patience to get to the solid timeline of actions. Its slower pace in certain parts were thankfully few though and interestingly enough, the way this book is fashioned it reads as a novel and its slow reveal of events can easily be imagined to be the personal memories of the condemned. These “memories and observations” are described with vivid details but are pulled from true facts (very few particulars are held back with the somber views of prison life or the violence of the French Revolution). That may sound negative but let me assure those concerned the author offers a delicate respectable approach with certain topics and sections of translated dialogue. Finally I must mention the fascinating trove of drawn maps and photographs of paintings throughout this book which can be honestly hard not to stop and stare at (especially the portraits done by Kucharski) and it may be only me, but I can never turn away from little known fascinating legends (ex: “the queen’s dog”, final quotes, burial sites, the "Lost Dauphin" etc.) with scholarly looks at possibilities if there is any truth behind the colorful stories. Yes it’s all in here and for me this is how history is remembered: with a narrative you can’t put down until you turn that final page. *I would like to thank Rowman & Littlefield and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy Marie Antoinette's Darkest Days: Prisoner No. 280 in the Conciergerie -EGP/June 2016 “When you can’t undo the harm that’s been done, sometimes you bury it with the dead.” Spirits, regrets and beasts all come in different forms in Wings of Fire (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #2) and the reader is right at the side of Inspector Ian Rutledge as he walks straight into a gathering storm of secrets that begins with a suspicious collective tragedy of three different family members in the span of one month. As in the previous novel, we quickly become familiar with Rutledge’s special skill set of asking key questions to unlock doors to dark ivy covered tunnels of cleverly intertangled topics and his unrelenting tormented thoughts of what he experienced in the four years during the war. The descriptions of psychological features of pain and remorse are as dramatic and haunting as before along with its conjuring of the vivid flashbacks and country landscapes that make up this unforgettable storyline. With all of these brilliant aspects to the writing, this series is impossible for me not to like; particularly Wings of Fire. By the final page I had to applaud this work and recommend it to others. Not only did I find the mystery engaging, I also found in the passages echoes of beloved gothic classics and the vintage themes were all very well done. It is certainly a rare treat to find such a noteworthy series and I look forward to traveling to the next cleverly fashioned exploration of mystery and history with this entertaining duo of writers. -purchased and read on kindle Books in this series: Cold Comfort (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #0.5) by Charles Todd A Guid Solider (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #0.6) by Charles Todd *A Test of Wills (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #1) by Charles Todd Wings of Fire (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #2) by Charles Todd Search the Dark (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #3) by Charles Todd Legacy of the Dead (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #4) by Charles Todd Watchers of Time (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #5) by Charles Todd A Fearsome Doubt (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #6) by Charles Todd A Cold Treachery (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #7) by Charles Todd A Long Shadow (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #8) by Charles Todd A False Mirror (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #9) by Charles Todd A Pale Horse (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #10) by Charles Todd A Matter of Justice (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #11) by Charles Todd The Red Door (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #12) by Charles Todd The Kidnapping (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #12.5) by Charles Todd A Lonely Death (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #13) by Charles Todd The Confession (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #14) by Charles Todd Proof of Guilt (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #15) by Charles Todd Hunting Shadows (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #16) by Charles Todd Cold Comfort (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #16.5) by Charles Todd A Fine Summer’s Day (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #17) by Charles Todd No Shred of Evidence (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #18) by Charles Todd Racing the Devil (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #19) by Charles Todd The Piper (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #19.5) by Charles Todd The Gatekeeper (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #20) by Charles Todd -EGP/June 2016 The Arsenic Century: How Victorian Britain Was Poisoned at Home, Work, and Play by James C. Whorton9/6/2017
A grim and oddly fascinating look back at “the poisons of poisons”. The Arsenic Century: How Victorian Britain Was Poisoned at Home, Work, and Play is one book that may not be for everyone, but for me this was exactly what I have been looking for: a comprehensive well-told mixture of medical and legal case histories that involved a truly unusual portion of history and central subject. It seems I am drawn to these types of titles that can serve me well to learning more about certain eras and The Arsenic Century: How Victorian Britain Was Poisoned at Home, Work, and Play definitely had me saying “I didn’t know that” quite a few times when it came to its hodgepotch of little known facts and the strong doses of bygone crimes and old beliefs had me eagerly reaching for my kindle late at night. It also had the right number of true deadly examples that clearly explained why the 19th century could be aptly called “The Arsenic Century” and the many reasons Arsenic was said to be “the poisons of poisons”. It did however let me down somewhat with the final chapters that meandered away from the central interest at certain points and the lack of photographs surprised me. Thankfully though everything else presented kept me reading and I am very satisfied with this non-fiction work joining my eclectic shelves, it has found a proper place next to Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present, A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie and perhaps by The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York but time will tell. -purchased and read on kindle -EGP/May 2016 “Well. There’s always a next time.” I just knew there was a particular reason the Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery series was so widely recommended and I was determined to get to the final page and find out the possible answer to the popularity of these mysteries. I’m so glad I did just that and finally sat down with A Test of Wills: The First Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery (Inspector Ian Rutledge Mysteries) because it turned out to be a historically fascinating read that had quite a few very convincing atmospheric descriptions of a brutally changed world, artfully dropped clues throughout the chapters and surprising in-depth psychological character examinations all along with a seemingly simplistic central murder mystery that somehow cleverly blended themes and everything mentioned together so perfectly. I can’t help but say, this is an elegantly arranged story that deserves the attention and literary genre accolades it has been given over the years and shouldn’t be missed. Perhaps with this novel, the only negative I can provide is there was an absent feeling of an true ending, conclusions had to be drawn and pulled from the reader’s imagination but in a clever way evidence and speculations were left in points of dialogue and by the last telling remark you have a pretty good idea what happens after Inspector Ian Rutledge leaves the scene. He may have left the scene but I am very eager to follow him to the next book and have an overall confident feeling about this vintage styled series. -purchased and read on nook Books in this series: Cold Comfort (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #0.5) by Charles Todd A Guid Solider (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #0.6) by Charles Todd *A Test of Wills (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #1) by Charles Todd Wings of Fire (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #2) by Charles Todd Search the Dark (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #3) by Charles Todd Legacy of the Dead (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #4) by Charles Todd Watchers of Time (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #5) by Charles Todd A Fearsome Doubt (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #6) by Charles Todd A Cold Treachery (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #7) by Charles Todd A Long Shadow (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #8) by Charles Todd A False Mirror (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #9) by Charles Todd A Pale Horse (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #10) by Charles Todd A Matter of Justice (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #11) by Charles Todd The Red Door (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #12) by Charles Todd The Kidnapping (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #12.5) by Charles Todd A Lonely Death (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #13) by Charles Todd The Confession (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #14) by Charles Todd Proof of Guilt (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #15) by Charles Todd Hunting Shadows (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #16) by Charles Todd Cold Comfort (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #16.5) by Charles Todd A Fine Summer’s Day (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #17) by Charles Todd No Shred of Evidence (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #18) by Charles Todd Racing the Devil (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #19) by Charles Todd The Piper (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #19.5) by Charles Todd The Gatekeeper (Inspector Ian Rutledge, #20) by Charles Todd -EGP/May 2016 “Not Titania but a seagull that has been caught and cowers in its cage.” No matter how the potential reader has found their way to The Reluctant Empress, I don’t think you could pick up a more elegant biography concerning a truly multifaceted figure that continues to captivate and mystify historians and armchair enthusiasts of European royalty. I know I couldn’t have stumbled on to a better selection; perhaps a little slow in the beginning and final chapters but overall this was a pleasure to read and presented a well balanced realistic portrait of a misunderstood afflicted figure and name that is usually draped only in romantic legend and fancy embellishments of history. The straightforward chapters of the life and times of Empress Elisabeth of Austria kept me coming up with all sorts of reasons to slip away from other waiting books on different subjects and by the final page I not only accomplished what I set out to learn in terms of basic facts about the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary but I also fell in step with a respectful guide that extended passages with perfect narrative styling allowing such descriptive images to take me back to the timeline of Sisi’s life. That was wonderful to experience and its fair assessments and displays of intimate quotes, snippets from diaries and correspondences along with significant photographs shaded in many delicate areas of debate for this reader but still allowed just enough of the alluring enigma of Empress Elisabeth of Austria to live on. -purchased and read paperback version -EGP/April 2016 Masterful no quarter storytelling What could be better than sitting back and letting long gone names and fictional ones come alive? How about letting those same names roar and rage in your mind while a world of plots, counterplots and ambitions build to later battle scenes so stunning you can’t turn the pages fast enough or finding yourself in a back drop where you swear you can hear the metal clang of swords or smell the wood smoke, dampened earth and cold stones. That’s exactly what I experience when I enter into the captivating world that Mr. Low has created and with his masterful no quarter storytelling, night easily turns to daylight outside this reader’s window. It’s that good and I can't stop recommending it to anyone who will listen. First and foremost though I am honest and share that Mr. Low doesn’t shy away from realistic ruthless scenes of brutal history that may not be for everyone but if it suits those- they’re in for a rollicking ride where cunning and betrayals reign and it is easy to say chivalry is dying but a few remain that uphold the ancient traditions of love, honor and loyalty (it is up to you to look deeper into certain characters and I strongly recommend starting at the beginning with The Lion Wakes (The Kingdom Series, Book 1). Of course there is much more to these books than graphic depictions of the past, in The Lion at Bay (The Kingdom Series, Book 2) more chapters of mystery, olden relics, madness and poignant passages of revelations are showcased between galloping action scenes that only adds to the overall different facets of this saga and brilliantly sets it apart from so many other familiar retellings of the tempestuous affairs between Scotland and England during the late 13th to early 14th centuries. The characters are vividly drawn as before and if anyone can conquer the never ending lists of characters, alliances and feuds in The Accursed Kings or A Song of Ice and Fire series, you will feel right at home with The Kingdom series. I must also note that the dialogue is as striking to the locale as in the prequel and becomes easier as the pages turn (still if you are hopelessly confused with the wonderful Scottish braid, the final pages hold a useful glossary of terms). For this reader, I don’t think I could find a better escape at the moment with all of these aforementioned positives. Still I must admit I was a little worried in the beginning that what I experienced with the first book may have been the end of my good luck of finding something completely riveting to read. Well that was a foolish notion because The Lion at Bay did not disappoint and I can’t wait to sit back with the highly-rated conclusion of this epic. -purchased and read on kindle Books in this series: The Lion Wakes (The Kingdom Series #1) by Robert Low *The Lion at Bay (The Kingdom Series #2) by Robert Low The Lion Rampant (The Kingdom Series #3) by Robert Low -EGP/March 2016 A perfect challenging storm of history and fiction History roars and rages alive in this striking epic where the past and fiction entwine so perfectly that I couldn’t stop turning the pages or believe my good fortune of stumbling on to this incredible saga and can’t wait to sit down soon with the rest of this series. I was a little hesitant at first with all of the negative comments on this title but to this starving reader who has been questing for tales with true historical merit and another literary challenge, this was the feast I have been hoping to find for quite some time. The Lion Wakes (The Kingdom Series, Book 1) has it all and in this game of kings, legendary places and names advance throughout vivid pages and it becomes nearly impossible look away or deny you hear roared oaths from the past or thundering hooves of war pounding rainy misted ground. I don’t know about you but this is what I call excellent storytelling and if the potential reader has been searching for a no quarter, one of a kind literary experience that can serve as a much needed challenging storm of history and fiction- you can join me in proudly announcing, you found it! -purchased and read on kindle Books in this series: *The Lion Wakes (The Kingdom Series, Book 1) by Robert Low The Lion at Bay (The Kingdom Series, Book 2) by Robert Low The Lion Rampant (The Kingdom Series, Book 3) by Robert Low -EGP/February 2016 “Within minutes, all pretence of decency is gone.” Brash, graphic and utterly dripping with sordid charm, this is one book that is hard to forget (no matter how hard you try to banish certain visions from your head). I’ll be the first to admit when I innocently picked this book up years ago, I went through a gamut of negative emotions with the opening chapters but somehow was beguiled with this story and particularly the attention to historical detail and the absolute commanding way this novel was set up that included the reader; directly shoving us into the dirt and muck to experience the corrupt dark side of morals and polite society we always associate with Victorian London. This unfamiliar and bracing notion kept me turning the pages and as this story progressed it became clear that this book held its ground and wouldn’t shy from presenting and vividly flipping through lewd scenes but it also enfolded a collage of different topics and situations that forced characters to come alive for the reader with turns of complex personalities. Although not one of the characters I could honestly say was entirely “likable”, I believe that was the exact point with the sharp jagged facets of noticeable psychological differences that distinguished one character from another. There were also conflicting and battling themes that kept me reading and by the final page I felt like I just experienced and knew intimately the other side of a portion of history I can’t seem to escape from because of my fascination with the era but I also found the need to take a bath and find something a little more tame to cleanse my mind. Well it's years later and I just finished revisiting The Crimson Petal and the White and I still find it strangely entertaining and hard to turn away from. Although this time I was prepared for the certain misadventures in the pages, I still think a couple sections slow or pointless (just there for the sake of shock), a few minor characters not that exciting to remember and the ending still makes me stop and stare at empty space with the multiple open-ended questions and possibilities that promptly shows and follows the reader out of this thick novel. All in all, I still have the same conflicting series of emotions that I had years ago when I naively purchased this seriously discounted book for my first e-reader. I love certain parts but still shake my head at others and almost stopped reading again but it has such a magnetic presence that is impossible to ignore and dare I say has become one of my favorite novels set during the 19th century. It's very hard not to recommend The Crimson Petal and the White, so if the potential reader is looking for something on the other side of the lane that can become hard to put down, you found the right book just remember: “Watch your step. Keep your wits about you; you will need them.” -purchased and read on nook *Related Title/ pseudo followup: The Apple: New Crimson Petal Stories by Michel Faber -EGP/January 2016 "You’ll judge as well as I can, all these things; at least, you’ll think you will, and that’s the same." This is a long overdue review but I have found it is nearly impossible to find the right words to describe Wuthering Heights and at the same time not to offend anyone. Controversial for a reason this book has taken a twisted brooding stand in the literature shelves for over a hundred years and continues to morbidly fascinate and ensnare certain types of readers. I among those who from my first encounter years ago with this mesmerizing novel can’t stop recommending it to those who are willing to listen but it can be somewhat difficult to describe this brilliant drama without frightening potential readers away. I want to first say, “It’s the darkest warped romance you will probably ever come across with the greatest abstract symbolism laying in the pages” but that only seems to interest a few. My next is “It’s the perfect gothic ghost story filled with malice, revenge and madness” but that again gets polite although uncomfortable looks and then a quick turn of topic. I recently came to the realization that no matter how I try to describe Wuthering Heights it only seems to appeal to certain readers, hit or miss like a powerful wild lightning storm there are just so many who delight in waiting to see the flashes of untold destruction and violence that can ensue or continue to stay for more intense rumbles. So I think that is how I will continue to go about introducing Wuthering Heights from now on, with a cryptic question of: “Do you like watching violent storms?” “Yes?” “Then I have the perfect book for you.” -purchased and read on kindle/ Revisit to a Classic -EGP/December 2015 Saying goodbye to 2015 in style… For the final weeks of this year, I wanted to step away from the modern set of storytellers and revisit my favorites of bygone eras. I would be an ignorant churl to neglect Mrs. Edith Wharton, for her writing has become unmatched in my mind and has proven an absolute delight to me each time I pull the lamp chain and take elegant carriage rides with her multifaceted storylines and characters. Honestly, you just cannot find writing like this anymore and The House of Mirth is still this reader’s choice for a perfect escape into early 20th century-late 19th century New York society and with saying goodbye to 2015; I decided no better book could be found than revisiting the ornamental world of privilege, ultimate damaging opinions and malicious whispers behind gloved hands that surrounded my old friend Lily Bart. In this tragic and realistic tale we have more than a frilly story of a poor little rich girl, we have an elevated cast of characters with the familiar complexity of personalities that Mrs. Wharton excelled in creating for her readers. She was known for her biting commentary and after reading a good listing of her magnetic titles; The House of Mirth seems to be her darkest examination about the other side of the door of the grand houses on Fifth Avenue versus the comedic satire that wonderfully twirls together the first part of The Buccaneers. In this story we experience various emotional and passionate pages of: happiness, greed, love, jealousy and endless possibilities of hope and lines of regret and despair. The further you sink into the elegantly crafted world Mrs. Wharton has painted with such striking and commanding strokes of events; the more you will never forget those moments. I know I never have or will and I couldn’t have found a better way to let 2015 go with style and reflection than revisiting the complex journey of emotions and trials that beautifully dwells in this understated classic. Highly Recommended. -purchased and read on kindle/ Revisit to a Classic -EGP/December 2015 Cannot be enjoyed unless you simply try it Trying to convince someone who has never read a word of Jane Austen to take a moment from the cold and cruel grasp of reality and attempt Pride and Prejudice is no easy feat. I learned this last week when a work colleague and myself fell into an easy conversation of books and that wonderful question of “what would you recommend?” came about and I immediately ran through my top favorite novels and thought “would she like a classic such as Pride and Prejudice?” I didn’t know (her tastes went into the mainstream contemporary but she seemed willing to seek out other genres) and I didn’t know exactly how to describe one of my early favorites, it’s: delightful, gorgeous, and truly romantic and something you cannot ever forget! -all spun through my mind to say but I just settled on “you must try and experience Pride and Prejudice” because that’s exactly what it is an experience that cannot be enjoyed unless you simply try it. Comparing it to a brilliant gift to oneself of a packaged box of favored sweets would not do this novel justice but I went on to explain the relationships, world building, attention to detail and frolics of comedy and sophistication of a stunning forgotten time that you cannot wait to escape to. I don’t know if I convinced her but describing this timeless inspirational novel rekindled the desire of revisiting Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet and that’s exactly what I did this week and it’s still breathtaking and one novel I highly recommend for the secret hopeless romantics out there or anyone willing to simply experience a timeless classic that waits just to be tried if but once in a lifetime. -read purchased B&N edition/ Revisit to a Classic -EGP/December 2015 |
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In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I disclose how I obtained every title for review at As The Final Page Turns (whether that be by ARC, purchased (on nook, kindle or specially ordered hardbacks) Audible version or simply borrowed at my local library). Please note: titles reviewed that are ARCS (Advanced Reader Copies) are free review copies of books that are given by publishers (these ARCS can be found at NetGalley or Edelweiss). Categories
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