Book Reviews – I’m Reading

Time for a few book reviews, don’t you think? I mean, you have to have something to read this summer and you might like some of these. So here goes.

The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow by Joyce Magnin

Agnes weighs 700 pounds which prevents her from doing a lot of stuff. Like living on her own. So she lives with her sister, Griselda (seriously), and does the best she can. And the best she can do is pray. To pray for others becomes Agnes’ mission in life when she makes the decision to stay indoors – for the rest of her life. Then miracles begin to happen. Then the hoards come with their petitions and so our story begins. And it’s a very interesting one, too. No overload of religious piety here, just a good honest tale loaded with quirky characters and an ending that you don’t expect, but might find yourself approving of. This is the first in Magnin’s Brights Pond series.

The Hitchcock Murders by Gavin Collinson

This one begins with a letter from the whacko killer and the rescue of a small child by a jaded cop. The killer is an Alfred Hitchcock aficionado and deigns to pay homage to the legendary film director by murdering his victims creatively. Yup, he’s a whacko. The premise intrigued me and though there were times I’d skip ahead to avoid reading the gory details (like the murder involving birds - shiver), I got to the end.  Courageous cop with a rain phobia, a female Muslim detective, silly women who fall for the killer’s line and a bunch of info about Hitchcock and his films that you never knew make this a good read.  

Here are some I won’t review at length, but recommend because I loved them.

The #1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. Delightful series (I think I've said that before).

Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise by Joyce Magnin. The second in her Bright’s Pond Series, very different from Agnes Sparrow, but quite enjoyable.

The Lutheran Ladies Circle by Kris Knorr. Recommended to me by fellow writer Christine Collier and, Boy, could I relate!

I read every night and sometimes during the day. I’ve done this since I’m fourteen – so for a very long time. I always want to know what others are reading and why they’re reading it. A great conversation starter and a peek into the mind of another reader.

So, can I peek into  your mind - watcha readin’?

Image: Free Digital  Photos