Review: The Secrets of Lizzie Borden

The Secrets of Lizzie Borden by Brandy Purdy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is the fictionalized account of the life of Lizzie Borden from her young life in Fall River, Massachusetts to her death. The book supposes that Lizzie had a hard life dealing with a miserly father and and a stepmother who looked to bilk Lizzie and her sister Emma out of their inheritance. It also supposes that she was a very romantic person dealing with the feelings of being unloved by anyone. Her father drilled into her head that because he was financially well off, that people would only love her for money and not herself. Her relationships seemed to confirm those feelings in her. After being humiliated one too many times by her family, Lizzie does the deed she is renowned for. The author also considers what Lizzie's life was like after the trial.

I've always been interested in the Lizzie Borden story, since the time Elizabeth Montgomery played her in a movie about the murders back in 1975. Very interesting book, and I think likely closer to truth than fiction. I loved the detailed descriptions, yet I think it was a bit too graphic in some aspects, that I don't think were necessary. Worth the read if you are a Lizzie Borden fan but I think I'd prefer something that is a non-fictionalized account.

View all my reviews

Review: Fatal Frost

Fatal Frost by Karen MacInerney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again a killer is loose in Buttercup, Texas, where novice farm girl Lucy Resnick is struggling to maintain her grandmother's farm by adding goats to the mix. While picking up her new wards Hot Lips and Gidget, Lucy and local goat farmer Peter notices a nearby house on fire. They arrive on the scene and find the body of Krystal Jenkins, a local young lady who has a sordid and secret past. After a few days, Lucy's friend Molly is arrested for the murder. Lucy quickly goes on the trail of the real killer to clear her friend's name. All while dealing with her ornery goats, looking for Molly's runaway teen, and dealing with her own woes concerning her boyfriend's ex-wife and a long visit from her parents for the holidays. All clues are pointing to the wife of a highfalutin wannabee tele-evangelist who seems to have his own little secret.

I generally don't read many mysteries but I thoroughly enjoy all of Karen MacInerney's cozy mystery series. I especially enjoy her Dewberry Farm Mysteries for the Texas references and setting. I am looking forward to further adventures in Buttercup, Texas.

View all my reviews

Review: Drunken Fireworks

Drunken Fireworks by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not your typical Stephen King but it is a cute story from the master storyteller. Alden and his Mama win some money in a lottery and a life insurance windfall. They spend their summers at Lake Abenaki drinkin' their days away and watching the Massimo clan across the pond. During the Independence holiday, Alden enjoys shooting off some fireworks and sparklers, which eventually lead to The Fourth of July Arms Race. Every year gets bigger and bigger until 2015 when the place is set a blazing.

This was a fun story to listen to. Tim Sample does an excellent job of narrating as Alden.

View all my reviews

Review: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A Radio Dramatization

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A Radio Dramatization by Jerry Robbins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great Audible edition of the classic tell of the headless horseman. Loved the way the readers bring the story to life with all of the classic radio dramatization and sounds.

View all my reviews

Review: I'm Dreaming of a Black Christmas

I'm Dreaming of a Black Christmas by Lewis Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm a huge fan of Lewis Black. I listened to this book on Audibles during a recent road trip. It is Black's usual rant on the subject of Christmas from the view point of an angry Jew. It was good and worth listening to, but I like his live stand up better. He hits on all kinds of subjects around the holidays, including dinner with his non-Jewish friends, traveling during the holidays with a USO tour to the Middle East, gift giving and his love of food.

View all my reviews

Review: The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness

The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a sweet (and at times bittersweet) story of the connection octopuses have with humans. They are fascinating sea creatures that are incredibly smart with very interesting personalities. This is not a scientific discourse on the cephalopod mollusk but a story behind three specific octopuses, Octavia, Kali, and Karma, from the New England Aquarium. Sy Montgomery spent many hours connecting with these girls, following their short lifespan. She is able to connect the reader to these wonderful animals through her stories and make you feel like you know them just as intimately as if you were the one visiting daily.

This is a very touching book that will make you want to go out to your local aquarium and just sit and stare at the octopuses. If you do, perhaps you'll make a new friend.

View all my reviews

Review: 84, Charing Cross Road

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Helene Hanff, American author and screenwriter had a thing for English books. In 1949 she write a little used bookstore in London inquiring about a list of old books that she can not find at reasonable costs in America. That letter began a 20 year friendship by mail with Frank Doel, his family, and the staff at Marks & Co. Booksellers at 84 Charing Cross Road. Helene is witty and sarcastic, Frank is kindhearted and warm.

This was a cute read and I enjoyed Helene's humor. In less than 100 pages you fall in love with these people and hope that Helene makes it to England to met everyone at 84 Charing Cross Road. Helene is certainly someone I would have like to have met.

View all my reviews

Review: The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This isn't really a book about books, as the official synopsis says, but it is about how books can bring together a town and a group of vastly different people. Sara, a young single woman from Sweden has been writing Amy, an older woman from Broken Wheel, Iowa about books. Encouraged to visit Amy's hometown, Sara comes to Broken Wheel to meet Amy and the people that she has been reading about in her letters. As it turns out, Broken Wheel is not quite what Sara expected and she is forced to lean on the residents to help her out since her host has passed away. Soon Sara opens a bookstore in the dilapidated town, bringing mystery, excitement, and love into their sad world.

This is a very quirky book, reminiscent of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Fun characters and a happy ending.

View all my reviews