Combining Jeffersonian Architecture with Mystery

Deadly Design: A Deadly Past Mystery
Marion Moore Hill
ISBN: 9781935421009


Following on from the successful first novel in this series, Deadly Design, author Marion Moore Hill has crafted a charming second volume in the Deadly Past Series, Deadly Design, which centers on Jeffersonian history and architecture. Amateur sleuth Millie Kirchner, a single mom and history buff, together with her nine-year-old son Danny, is spending the summer volunteering at a Jefferson dig (Poplar Forest) in Lynchburg, Virginia. She’s out to discover not only the answers to some historical questions, but also who is responsible for two deaths of young women working on the archaeological sites in the story.

There are plenty of likeable volunteers, workers, and freelance archaeologists, but it seems everyone has their own mystery to hide. Intertwined with the present-day action is the storyline of a member of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, a Thomas Jefferson project. The author does an outstanding job of mixing historical fact and fiction together, along with a heaping dose of murder (and stalking).

Through use of place (including trips in the story to Monticello, Williamsburg, and the University of Virginia, among others), the setting (Poplar Forest), and Millie’s own reading and research on Thomas Jefferson (particularly, the Lewis & Clark Expedition), readers are given a fair taste of history without ever being distracted from the essential plot. Anyone who has an interest in Jefferson or has traveled to these areas will find that the book is full of fascinating tidbits of historical fact. (Readers will also appreciate the Author’s Notes at the book’s end, which sorts out the historical accuracy from the historical fiction used to complete elements of the mystery.)

The only complaint worth lodging on this enjoyable read is that the heroine, Millie, seems a bit old in her tone and expressions for the age she is assigned in the novel. Expressions such as “wool gathering” seem unlikely to be used by anyone under 40 these days, and her impressions of her male co-workers appear to be ones more likely to come from an older woman than a single young mother.

Despite this minor quibble, the book is well worth reading. It’s engaging, entertaining, and the mysterious behavior of nearly everyone in the story will keep readers guessing just who is behind which action. Finally, the effortless inclusion of so much interesting historical information (without ever being too heavy-handed) is likely to send readers off on a hunt for other mystery novels by Marion Moore Hill.

Red Hot Read

Fire Bell in the Night: A Novel
Geoff Edwards
ISBN: 978-1416564249


Fire Bell in the Night was the second of the Gathers First Chapters book contest winners, and what a tale it is. Set in Charleston amidst pre-Civil War tension, Edwards crafts a mystery that will have you up into the wee hours of the early morning in a race to finish this finely crafted tale. Edwards has done here what many novelists only attempt to do: tell his readers a fascinating story, while giving them great historical context that is never dull.

In so many works of a particular historical setting, readers are overloaded with details from history that bog the story down. In the case of Fire Bell in the Night, not only has Edwards used a profound quote from Abraham Lincoln to set the stage, he has made the historical milieu of the Old South pieces of the puzzle to be solved, rather than dragging the story into the "bore zone," which is so often the case for those who are not keen on historical settings.

In this novel, set in the summer of 1850, tensions are high as talk of Secession by the Southern states fills the air. A series of fires has erupted throughout Charleston, which are being blamed on revolting slaves. On trial is one illiterate farmer, accused of hiding a runaway slave, who must be made an example of. Into this setting, enters John Sharp, a newspaperman from New York (read: disliked Yankee) who has come to replace a colleague, killed mysteriously by a fire engine rushing to a fire. Is the death accidental? Will the trial set off rioting within Charleston? Or is something altogether more sinister going on?

Making the novel even more interesting, Sharp is befriended by some interesting folks, both on his side and those seeking to use him to their own ends. Among them is plantation owner Tyler Breckenridge, who seemingly rescues Sharp from danger, only to befriend Sharp and show him a side of Charleston that can make the argument for slavery more palpable, and the situation infinitely more confusing for Sharp. This book is ultimately about John Sharp's search for the truth in the story, whether he can report it or not.

Edwards has done an amazing job of luring his readers in with his plot, then teaching them some things about the North-South tension that led to the Civil War that only the most fervent history buffs will already know. But he does this all without the pain of dull historical passages. Instead, the action zings across the pages, and will have its readers up all night trying to see where the story goes next. They'll be in for a few surprises along the way. In short, Fire Bell in the Night is a red hot read and even more impressive because it's from a first time author. I can't wait to see what Edwards has in store for us next!

Engaging Mystery About Art

The Art Thief: A Novel
Noah Charney
ISBN: 978-1416550310


During the past 10 years, works by Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, Edvard Munch, Leonardo da Vinci, Paul Gaugin, and Vincent Van Gogh have all been the targets of art thieves. Even the "Mona Lisa" was once the victim of art theft (an inside job at the Louvre in 1911). Indeed, art theft is the third highest grossing criminal activity (behind only drugs and guns). Along comes the perfect novel, a mystery by art historian Noah Charney, who specializes in just this subject. This is a book for all who love a good mystery, as well as have an interest in art.

The Art Thief is a wonderfully written book from first time author Noah Charney, who appears to be the perfect individual to write just such an erudite art mystery. Charney is an art historian who specializes in art theft, and his command of the subject is apparent on every page of this captivating novel. This incredible story combines the finest of character drawings, insight into the world of art auctions and museums, and a thrilling tale that keeps readers guessing until the end.

The story comes to life when three different and seemingly unconnected art thefts occur. The first is at a church in Italy, the country with the most art thefts yearly (we learn from Charney). The next occurs at a private foundation in Paris specializing in modern art. Finally, the last is the theft of a recent acquisition at auction by a London museum, which has been planned to be the centerpiece of an upcoming exhibition.

Throughout the novel, readers effortlessly become enmeshed in the world of art auctions, the security systems that protect these treasures (and their vulnerabilities), law enforcement efforts to track down criminals, and the provenance of art works, as well as many more interesting facets of the art world. There are also many surprising facts about art theft entwined in the storytelling. And, unlike many criminal enterprises, art theft really does pay for those who manage to make a successful heist. This is a crime of collectors entrenched in the art world, as well as of organized criminal enterprises.

Beyond the fascinating world of art that readers are exposed to in The Art Thief, however, is an engaging mystery of these intertwined thefts. Nobody is exactly who they appear to be, and apparent intentions can be misleading. This is edge-of-your-seat reading and will appeal to anyone who loves a good mystery. The characters presented are well developed personalities (particularly the quirky law enforcement officials in the three countries), whom readers comes to enjoy and rally around.

This extraordinary novel is a must-read not only for art lovers, but for anyone who likes a good hunt for the truth behind the mystery. The trail of forgeries, overpainted artwork, and baffling puzzles leads to great fun for anyone who loves a surprising ending and a well told tale.

Family Secrets, Russia Style

Getting Matushka Out
Ian McDougall
ISBN: 1-4196-5187-0

It’s hard to properly categorize this beautifully written novel. On one level, it’s a thriller with scenes of document forgery and terror attacks on a tourist ship. On another level, it is a love story infused with Russian history set amidst a tour of the Volga. Ultimately, it’s about the secrets that hold a family together or tear it apart. In short, there’s something for everyone. For those who love Russia (or simply aspire to learn more about this fascinating country), there’s no easier way than immersing yourself in Getting Matushka Out.

The matushka (an affectionate Russian name for mother) of this story belongs to Nick Bell (nee Nikolai Mikhailovich Beletsky), the son of a former Soviet official who left his children in London to be raised as Brits (complete with forged British passports), while he and his wife (the matushka) returned to Russia to live. To ensure the safety of his children, Nick’s father arranged for their care in Britain, while demanding that the children never seek contact with them.

Readers join the story as Nick, now an Oxford scholar, is serving as a guest lecturer aboard a Russian cruise ship plying the Volga. It is there that he determines to seek out his mother and bring her back to Britain to live, no matter how dangerous the endeavor. While aboard ship, Nick also falls in love with the tour manager, Dotty, and encounters a host of interesting travel companions to whom he provides nightly lectures related to their travels.

The real heart and soul of the story, however, can be found amidst the tour sites and lectures delivered by Nick each evening. Readers are introduced to history, politics, and the driving forces of the Russian spirit through the lectures and events encountered along the Volga journey. The cruise travelers have their own agendas, as well as their own dramas to act out, and each minor character has a personality as real and interesting as the main players in the story.

Author Ian McDougall writes of what he knows well, and it shows. McDougall not only has served in the same functions as his main character, Nick, but was also a BBC correspondent in Russia and Eastern Europe, among other places. This background enables him to bring much to the tale of one Briton trying to regain his Russian family…and soul.

The Business of Books

Book Finds: How to Find, Buy, and Sell Used and Rare Books
Ian C. Ellis
ISBN: 978-0399532382


I came to this wonderful book (Book Finds: How to Find, Buy, and Sell Used and Rare Books by Ian Ellis) from a very circuitous pathway: I had gone on Barnes & Noble's website to see if they offered classes in their "online university." I am sorry to report that they have done away with the university concept, but they now sponsor chat boards about different book topics. Looking around, I wandered into the one on "Collecting Books." Although I was familiar with the idea that first editions can be valuable, I really know nothing about collecting books for fun or profit. While on the site, I asked the moderator if he could suggest any beginner's books to collecting, and this is the one he mentioned.

What a treasure trove of information. Ian Ellis's Book Finds is a great resource, even if you never collect or attempt to sell a single book. His breadth of knowledge about books is astounding, and he highlights so many authors in discussing his topic that, as a booklover, you are sure to find some interesting information or new authors here.

Ellis dispels the idea that collecting books means wading through dusty old volumes. In fact, for the average collector, many of those will be out of their price range. However, what is eminently collectible are "modern firsts," books written within the average reader's lifetime that have value, are likely to maintain or increase that value, and can provide a surprising new way to make money from books. Of course, to do that, an individual must have a good working background in the industry to know what to look for, what has value, and what problems a book may have that will make it virtually worthless to the collector market.

This book offers up an excellent starting point for your journey to collecting, and Ellis devotes an entire chapter to other resources by which to expand your book knowledge. He covers first editions and reader's copies, trends in buying and selling, mistakes that are easy to make (and avoid), and a glossary of commonly used terms in the business. He gives an insider's view of "scouting" as a career, but most of all, he allows his love of books to shine through. I highly recommend this book to any reader, whether you become a collector or not. You will have a much deeper appreciation of those magical objects called "books."

Caring for the Elderly

Effective Elder Caregiving
Barbara Rothschild Allen and Lauren Barrett
ISBN: 1-932196-98-6

With an aging population and millions of baby boomers set to retire during the next two decades, Effective Elder Caregiving by Barbara Rothschild Allen and Lauren Barrett could not be a more timely addition to the current literature. Although in better health than their parents’ generation, today’s aging generation is still likely to face an inevitable condition that will result in most adults needing some sort of institutional or home health care in their elder years. This book is, in fact, the result of just such an experience, both from the personal (or primary) and professional caretakers’ experiences.

Indeed, the book is divided into two sections: the first, the story and anecdotes of a primary caretaker, in this case the spouse of an elder needing care, and the second, the approach of someone in what is sure to be a continually expanding job market, that of the professional caretaker who works in a home-based setting to supplement the care of a primary caretaker (usually a spouse or other family member). Both sections provide useful advice for caretakers, with the second half being the stronger, more detailed section.

Readers will come to this subject with a variety of needs, and this well-thought-out book provides a wealth of information on the subject, while acknowledging that each case and patient set of needs will be unique. Information is divided into short, manageable chapters, which can be digested easily in random moments available to those who are already facing care giving demands. An extensive reference section, including worksheets, is also included.

Topics covered range from selecting professional caregivers to establishing routines to dealing with psychological issues to addressing a patient’s decline, and much more important information on effective care giving at all stages. It speaks not only to the needs of the elder requiring assistance, but also to the needs of the primary caretaker who may feel overwhelmed by the burdens and stress of caring for a loved one. The book addresses both immediate and long-distance oversight, immediate and anticipatory needs. In short, the book is packed with a wealth of information that can help anyone in any stage of care giving.

Some may find the personal anecdotes and pictures included in the book unnecessary, while others will relate to the human story that gave inspiration to the book’s creation. Everyone will benefit, however, from the strong research on relevant statistics that open the book. In short, for everyone facing a caretaking situation, this book has much to offer

Reality TV

Reality: The Novel
Jeff Havens
ISBN: 978-0897335485


Whether you love it or hate it, reality TV has permeated the American television landscape. In Reality: The Novel, a biting satire, Jeff Havens has presented a withering view of the medium from inside the creative consulting offices of Nova, whose mission is to develop new reality shows for the major networks. Nova’s shows are designed to push the envelope to new heights of outrage and excess. From the novel’s opening quote to its final quip, Havens takes his readers on a wild ride that will have them laughing all the way.

Reality: The Novel follows the story of Trent Tucker, one of Nova’s leading creative forces (if inadvertently). The problem is Trent has come to loathe reality TV, even while accepting promotions and more money along the way. Trent is surrounded by coworkers as annoying as their reality TV counterparts, who will use whatever means necessary to promote themselves and their ideas. Trent longs to change the system, to find a way to use reality TV to “do good” in the world. When he finds his suggestions for change are falling on deaf ears with his boss, PT Beauregard, Trent determines that he must stop the madness any way he can.

For those on familiar terms with the reality TV programming, author Jeff Havens has managed to incorporate many favorite programs into his story. Here readers will find references to “Survivor,” “Fear Factor,” “Joe Millionaire,” “American Idol,” and more, shows that “satisfy the public’s need to mock their fellow Americans.” However, it is Nova’s riffs on these shows (taken to the extreme) that readers will find deliciously skewering: “Gangland Romance,” “What’s My Gender?” “Extreme Animal Lovers,” and every wannabe stripper’s favorite, “Take It Off!”

Havens has done an amazing thing with this novel, he has glibly managed to inject serious commentary about how reality TV has influenced American culture, all the while telling a funny story that keeps his readers entertained. Anyone who has watched reality TV will relate to Trent’s story and the fact that much as the public decries the behavior exhibited on reality TV, they still find themselves tuning in each week for the next outrageous episode. Havens has managed just the right touch with his book; it’s an utterly enjoyable read even as it makes its uncomfortable point