MADreads

Hangman's haunted past

A review of The Beggar King by Oliver Potzsch

My favorite 17th Century sleuths are back for another hair-raising, exciting, and almost deadly adventure. It is 1662 and Jakob Kuisl, the Schongau hangman, his oldest daughter Magdalena, and Simon Fronwieser, the medicus and son of the town doctor are in for quite an adventure in Oliver Plotzsch's new novel, The Beggar King. This time the story moves from Schongau to Regensburg. What they say is true: ...read more

Reviewed by Kathy K. - Central on January 17, 2013 | 0 comments

Other people's recollections

Best Memoirs of 2012

Like reading about other people's experiences? Then here is a list for you. These titles are from various "best of" lists, including the New York Times 100 Notable Books of the Year. Below are a few from a new library list-- Memoirs, ...read more

Reviewed by Kathy K. - Central on January 10, 2013 | 0 comments

Love in Scotland in December

A review of The Lady Most Willing: A Novel in Three Parts by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway

Three of my favorite romance authors have written a new historical romance. The Lady Most Willing: A Novel in Three Parts is co-written by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway. It is a humorous tale of a drunk uncle trying to find brides for his two unmarried nephews by kidnapping some eligible Scottish ladies in the middle of winter. In December of 1819 Laird Taran Ferguson is bemoaning ...read more

Reviewed by Kathy K. - Central on January 7, 2013 | 0 comments

Pheasant killers

A review of The Absent One by Jussi Adler-Olsen

Writing is always a challenge for me. Since the end of 2012 is almost here, I am trying to finish some of the book reviews that I started and did not finish. Here is one for a book I read in late summer. It's not as good as the first in the series, but I like the characters and I will definitely stick with the series. I was excited to learn that Carl and Assad from Department Q were back with another cold case. ...read more

Reviewed by Kathy K. - Central on January 2, 2013 | 1 comment

A Story for everyone

Recommended History Books

Like reading history? Why not check out some new history books? There are many "best of" lists out there, including the New York Times 100 Notable Books of the Year. Below are a few from a new library booklist-- History Books, Recommended ...read more

Reviewed by Kathy K. - Central on December 14, 2012 | 0 comments

Veteran's Day reads

Books by Veterans

Veteran's Day is next week. Reading a book written by a veteran might be just the way to honor them. Parade has a list of recommended war books written by a new generation of warriors who have shared their wartime experiences. Here's the linked list so you can get started reading. Novels ...read more

Reviewed by Kathy K. - Central on November 7, 2012 | 0 comments

Fall and winter mysteries I'm looking forward to reading [part 2]

New Mysteries

The weather is getting colder, Halloween is past and I am looking forward to curling up with a good book. What better than a new adventure with a favorite character? There are a bunch of new mysteries that I am anxiously waiting to read. So many in fact that I've divided it into two posts. Here is part two. The Black Box by Michael Connelly [11/26]setting: Los Angelescharacter: Detective Harry ...read more

Reviewed by Kathy K. - Central on November 1, 2012 | 0 comments

Fall and winter mysteries I'm looking forward to reading [part 1]

New Mysteries

The weather is getting colder and I am looking forward to curling up with a good book. What better than a new adventure with a favorite character? There are a bunch of new mysteries that I am anxiously waiting to read. So many in fact that I've divided it into two posts. Here is part one. Bleeding Through by Sandra Parshallsetting: Virginiacharacter: Rachel Goddard ...read more

Reviewed by Kathy K. - Central on October 25, 2012 | 0 comments

How to go somewhere without leaving the comfort of your armchair

Top 10 Literary Travel Books

Are you an armchair traveler? Then check out Booklist's Top 10 Literary Travel Books. ...read more

Reviewed by Kathy K. - Central on October 22, 2012 | 0 comments

Who should win?

Finalists for the National Book Award

The National Book Award finalists have been announced. For fiction and nonfiction here are the nominated titles:Fiction Junot Díaz, This Is How You Lose Her Dave Eggers, A Hologram for the King: A Novel Louise Erdrich ...read more

Reviewed by Kathy K. - Central on October 10, 2012 | 0 comments