The Printed Page

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

If you’re new to Mailbox Monday welcome! Thank you to everyone who stops by Mailbox Monday. Whether you comment or visit I appreciate your taking the time to drop in.

*** RIF: Kindle eBook Married by Morning (Hathaways, book #4) by Lisa Kleypas (favorite author)

Everyone in the Hathaway family loves Catherine Marks. Well, everyone except for the head of the family, Leo, Lord Ramsay. Leo thinks Catherine is far too outspoken, opinionated, and obstinate for a companion, and Catherine has an equally high opinion of her employer. For the sake of his sisters, however, Leo manages to strike an uneasy truce. But when he suddenly discovers he has one year to find a wife and produce an heir or lose the family’s beloved home, the first (and only) woman he even considers marrying is the one who drives him crazy. The only problem is that Catherine is a lady with secrets, and one of those secrets is about to destroy her carefully cultivated new life unless Leo can convince her to trust him to help set things right. A sharp-witted and sharp-tongued heroine closely guards the secret of her past from an equally determined hero with a few secrets of his own in the latest sinfully sensual, superbly written addition to Kleypas’ wickedly funny Hathaway series.

RIF: Kindle eBook Think of a Number by John Verdon (new-to-me author/NetGalley)

Arriving in the mail over a period of weeks are taunting letters that end with a simple declaration, ‘Think of any number.picture it.now see how well I know your secrets.’ Amazingly, those who comply find that the letter writer has predicted their random choice exactly. For Dave Gurney, just retired as the NYPD’s top homicide investigator and forging a new life with his wife, Madeleine, in upstate New York, the letters are oddities that begin as a diverting puzzle but quickly ignite a massive serial murder investigation.

What police are confronted with is a completely baffling killer, one who is fond of rhymes filled with threats and warnings, whose attention to detail is unprecedented, and who has an uncanny knack for disappearing into thin air. Even more disturbing, the scale of his ambition seems to widen as events unfold.

Brought in as an investigative consultant, Dave Gurney soon accomplishes deductive breakthroughs that leave local police in awe. Yet, even as he matches wits with his seemingly clairvoyant opponent, Gurney’s tragedy-marred past rises up to haunt him, his marriage approaches a dangerous precipice, and finally, a dark, cold fear builds that he’s met an adversary who can’t be stopped.

In the end, fighting to keep his bearings amid a whirlwind of menace and destruction, Gurney sees the truth of what he’s become – what we all become when guilty memories fester – and how his wife Madeleine’s clear-eyed advice may be the only answer that makes sense.

A work that defies easy labels — at once a propulsive masterpiece of suspense and an absorbing immersion in the lives of characters so real we seem to hear their heartbeats – Think of a Number is a novel you’ll not soon forget.

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What books came into your house last week? You have the choice of using inlinkz or Mr. Linky. With inlinkz you can include a book cover if you’d like along with the link to your Mailbox Monday post (clicking on the image takes you to the blog post.)

Don’t forget to fill out either inlinkz or Mister Linky or leave a comment with a list of books if you don’t blog. If you’re interested in Read It Forward you will need to leave a comment in addition to filling out a link feature.

• In the “Your name:” box, please enter either your name or your blog’s name.

• In the “Your URL:” box please enter the URL/link that will lead directly to the post you are submitting (also called the permalink). This is not the URL to the blog’s home page.

***

Read It Forward details

Now this is my kind of horror story. Drummer Boy reminded me a lot of one of my newer favorite horror authors – Bentley Little. All just a tad over the top yet you keep turning pages because you’re just so darn hooked. You have your supernatural elements, in this case civil war era soldiers, with just a touch of the spiritual, good & evil. And to break up the tension Mr. Nicholson adds in some twisted humor, teenage and adult style. It worked really well together and if this continues as his preferred horror story style then sign me up for his next publication. This is 3rd Scott Nicholson novel I’ve read and I’d like to thank Scott for taking a chance on my opinion. Initially he sent me The Skull Ring and The Red Church. I was 1 for 2 with those – liking The Skull Ring and not finishing The Red Church. He offered me the opportunity to read Drummer Boy and I jumped because of the civil war element – one of my favorite times in US history. I’m glad I took another chance because I really enjoyed Drummer Boy.

On a Blue Ridge Mountain peak, three boys hear the rattling of a snare drum deep inside a cave known as “The Jangling Hole,” and the wind carries a whispered name. An old man at the foot of the mountain believes something inside the Hole has been disturbed by a developer’s bulldozers. A local reporter is determined to solve the supernatural mysteries that have been shared for generations. Sheriff Frank Littlefield, haunted by past failures, must stand against a public enemy that has no fear of bullets, bars, or justice. On the eve of a Civil War re-enactment, the town of Titusville prepares for a staged battle, but the weekend warriors aren’t aware they will soon be fighting an elusive army. A troop of Civil War deserters, trapped in the Hole by a long-ago avalanche, is rising from a dark slumber, and the war is far from over. And one misfit kid is all that stands between a town and the cold mouth of hell…

Loved it though it is some heavy duty reading! You won’t be rushing through this one as you don’t want to miss the fine print. The Lady in the Tower by Alison Weir provides a front row seat to Anne Boleyn’s tragic fall from grace. You get an in-depth look at Master Secretary Thomas Cromwell’s methodical if somewhat flawed destruction of the Queen. Before reading The Lady in the Tower I believed Anne wholly guilty of the charges leveled against her but the author gives us a different take on the whole sordid affair. Ms. Weir isn’t saying that Anne’s completely innocent but she does present a very compelling case for the Queen being framed. I really do view this situation in a much different light now. As if I wasn’t fascinated enough with this cast of characters before I’ve even more so now, especially Thomas Cromwell. I’m grateful to have Ms. Weir’s excellent interpretation of the language employed back then otherwise I’d have been lost trying to make heads or tails of numerous historical letters, speeches, quotes and references as they spoke and wrote so differently than we do today.

At the end the author includes some legends surrounding Anne Boleyn sightings. I have to admit I love a good ghost story but even these sent shivers through me and raised goose bumps.

The imprisonment and execution of Queen Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife, was unprecedented in the annals of English history. It was sensational in its day, and has exerted endless fascination over the minds of historians, novelists, dramatists, poets, artists, and filmmakers ever since.

Mystery surrounds the circumstances leading up to Anne’s arrest and imprisonment in May 1536. Was it Henry VIII who, estranged from Anne, instructed Master Secretary Thomas Cromwell to fabricate evidence to get rid of her so that he could marry Jane Seymour? Or did Cromwell, for reasons of his own, construct a case against Anne and her faction, and then present compelling evidence before the King?

Following the coronation of her daughter Elizabeth I as queen, Anne was venerated as a martyr and heroine. Over the centuries, she has inspired many artistic and cultural works and has remained ever-present in England’s, and the world’s, popular memory. Alison Weir draws on her unsurpassed expertise in the Tudor Period to chronicle the downfall and dramatic final days of this influential and fascinating woman.

Here’s what others are saying: Tudor Book Reviews The Book Studio The Book Bag

I just got the call from home that Devon has magically appeared. Once again its the David Copperfield blood that runs through his kitty veins. He must have had quite an adventure as he’s been gone since Friday mid-afternoon. Jim opened the door between the garage and house and this streak shot right pass him and straight to water bowl so he must have been without food or water this entire time.

When I get home from work tonight I’ll do what any parent would do which is hug him tight, smother him in kisses then look him square in the eye and tell him if he scares me again like that by all that’s holy there will be hell to pay.

Thank you to everyone who passed along their thoughts that our boy would be reunited with his family. For now we have a Happily Ever After ending.

The Hypnotist, book #3 in The Reincarnationist series, by M.J. Rose is a great addition to an already strong series. The Hypnotist is the perfect blend of present and past with just a hint of future story lines. Personally I’m already looking forward to book #4. Ms. Rose weaves an intriguing tale of art theft and mystery shrouded in suspense and just a touch of romance. Reincarnation holds the clues that ACT agent Lucian Glass needs to save the statue of the Greek God Hypnos and ultimately himself.

In Vienna a clandestine robbery inside a locked library leads to a brutal murder. A 1,500-year-old sculpture holds the Metropolitan Museum of Art hostage.

A young woman’s fatal accident gives two lovers a chance to meet again, against all odds. A centuries-old massacre in Persia has modern-day repercussions in Iran. In New York City a Matisse masterpiece surfaces after twenty years, mutilated and vandalized.

A modern-day reincarnationist is hell-bent on finding tools to aid in past life regressions no matter what the cost – in dollars or lives.

Everything rests on the shoulders of Lucian Glass, special agent with the FBI’s Art Crime Team, who himself is suffering from the aftermath of a brutal attack, impossible nightmares and his own crisis of faith.

If reincarnation is real, how can he live with who he was in his past life? If it’s not, then how can he live with who he has become in the present?

Here’s what others are saying:

• Broken Teepee
• Books R Us

This is a series I highly recommend you read in order.

Book 1

Book 2

I don’t know what else to do except pour my heart out here. Maybe writing about Devon going missing Friday afternoon will help in some small way. Over the years pets have passed through our lives touching us in immeasurable ways. They are more than just mere animals. They have been and always be will treasured family members. The last several months have been extremely difficult because we lost to illness both Daisy (November) and DD (Christmas eve). While the losses were not expected they were based on decisions we made as pet parents so that Daisy and DD wouldn’t needlessly suffer. But Devon is a different story. The decision was never given to us. In all the years of having pets we have never had one go missing. We’re lost and so is Devon. I would like to say he is merely misplaced but my heart tells me that isn’t so. At least for now we know he hasn’t been hit or at least there isn’t any evidence this is case. He is known to have a bit of David Copperfield’s magic in him disappearing literally before our eyes. Short of tearing the house apart board by board, and I’d do that if I thought it would bring Devon home, we’ve searched and double checked every nook and cranny of this place inside and out. No sight of or sound from the little guy. Just as irrigation canals are a lure to human children it has been to Devon in the past. We’ve walked the canal, scoured the neighborhood and banged on doors. I called our vet and the emergency vets. Posters have gone up and shelter stops start Monday. We find ourselves gazing out windows willing him to walk through the gate we’ve left open in the backyard or come bounding up the front porch steps with that silly kitty grin lighting up his face. We pray for his safe return or that some kind family will show him love and affection. If neither we pray that whatever might have happened was without suffering.

Devi man you are loved and missed.

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

If you’re new to Mailbox Monday welcome! Thank you to everyone who stops by Mailbox Monday. Whether you comment or visit I appreciate your taking the time to drop in.

*** RIF: Donating to local library The Secret of the Glass by Donna Russo Morin (new-to-me author)

The Murano glassmakers of Venice are celebrated and revered. But now three are dead, killed for attempting to leave the city that both prized their work and kept them prisoner. For in this, the 17th century, the secret of their craft must, by law, never leave Venetian shores. Yet there is someone who keeps the secret while defying tradition. She is Sophia Fiolario, and she, too, is a glassmaker. Her crime is being a woman - Sophia is well aware that her family would be crushed by scandal if the truth of her knowledge and skill with glass were revealed. But there has never been any threat-until now. A wealthy nobleman with strong connections to the powerful Doge has requested her hand in marriage, and her refusal could draw dangerous attention. Yet having to accept and cease her art would devastate her. If there is an escape, Sophia intends to find it.

Now, between creating precious glass parts for one of Professor Galileo Galilei’s astonishing inventions and attending lavish parties at the Doge’s Palace, Sophia is crossing paths with very influential people–including one who could change her life forever. But in Venice, every secret has its price. And Sophia must decide how much she is willing to pay.

RIF: Kindle eBook The Hypnotist by M.J. Rose (author contact/NetGalley)

In Vienna a clandestine robbery inside a locked library leads to a brutal murder. A 1,500-year-old sculpture holds the Metropolitan Museum of Art hostage.

A young woman’s fatal accident gives two lovers a chance to meet again, against all odds. A centuries-old massacre in Persia has modern-day repercussions in Iran. In New York City a Matisse masterpiece surfaces after twenty years, mutilated and vandalized.

A modern-day reincarnationist is hell-bent on finding tools to aid in past life regressions no matter what the cost – in dollars or lives.

Everything rests on the shoulders of Lucian Glass, special agent with the FBI’s Art Crime Team, who himself is suffering from the aftermath of a brutal attack, impossible nightmares and his own crisis of faith.

If reincarnation is real, how can he live with who he was in his past life? If it’s not, then how can he live with who he has become in the present?

RIF: Kindle eBook Damaged (Kate Lange, book #1) by Pamela Callow (new-to-me author/NetGalley)

Haunted by the death of her sister and wounded by her ex-fiancé’s accusations, Kate Lange throws herself into her new career at a high-powered law firm.

When the grandmother of a lonely private school student seeks her counsel, Kate thinks it’s just another custody case. But then the teen is brutally murdered. And it isn’t only Kate who wonders if her legal advice led to the girl’s death.

Put on notice by Randall Barrett, the firm’s charismatic managing partner, Kate must fight for her career, for her reputation – and for redemption.

Unwilling to live with the damage she may have caused, Kate pursues the case on her own and unearths some chilling facts.

Facts that lead straight to the heart of a legal conspiracy.

Facts that lead Kate directly into the surgically skilled hands of the Body Butcher.

***

What books came into your house last week? You have the choice of using inlinkz or Mr. Linky. With inlinkz you can include a book cover if you’d like along with the link to your Mailbox Monday post (clicking on the image takes you to the blog post.)

Don’t forget to fill out either inlinkz or Mister Linky or leave a comment with a list of books if you don’t blog. If you’re interested in Read It Forward you will need to leave a comment in addition to filling out a link feature.

• In the “Your name:” box, please enter either your name or your blog’s name.

• In the “Your URL:” box please enter the URL/link that will lead directly to the post you are submitting (also called the permalink). This is not the URL to the blog’s home page.

***

Read It Forward details

Good/very good

Good

Good

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OK

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Good

DNF @ pg. 58

OK

Very good

Favorite author

DNF @ pg. 60

Good

DNF @ pg. 140

Favorite author

Excellent

Good

Good

OK

Very good

Excellent

Very good

Favorite author

DNF @ pg. 182

Excellent

DNF @ pg. 113

Very good

Very good

Very good

Very good/excellent

Good/very good

DNF @ pg. 216

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Good

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Very good

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OK

OK

DNF @ pg. 129