Updates, Changes, And a New Beginning

I have to apologize for for the lack of updates over the last few months. (This poor and neglected book blog.  Bless its heart.)  Life honestly just got crazy. Before I get into that, let me say that I've finally bit the bullet and decided to merge all my blog content into one blog which is now at Jennswt.com.  I kept the swt for a throwback to my Spake With Twang blog and it better ties into my youtube channel of the same name.

What does that mean for this blog?

Other than this post and any comments with questions that may arise, I will not be adding any new content here.  All my new content will be on jennswt.com.  All the bargain, wax, book, polish, and the whole mess that is me will be on there.

For the time being, I am going to keep all the old blogs live at the current urls.  So all the old content will be here at least for awhile as I've already got most the domain names paid for quite awhile.

Sorry for any inconvenience this causes for anyone.  It isn't easy for me to pretty much rebuild from he ground up either.  Truthfully, this move as been a long time coming.

I think one of my biggest regrets was starting side blogs in the first place or trying to limit the content into specific subject matter.  It just didn't work for me and I felt boxed in.

As for why my life as been crazy, for those who are curious or nosy :)

Well, to start last year I pretty much unable to do much of anything due to health issues.  2015 was an all around crap year.  So, let's talk about the whirlwind that started late 2015.

Around September, I finally got put on some new meds that have really helped me a ton.  I went from being in constant pain and having no energy to mostly functional.

I was feeling so much better in fact that I applied to a retail job at one of my favorite stores for a seasonal holiday position.  This was also a desperate need as the magic pills I was prescribed come with a not so magical price tag.  Surprisingly, I got the job.  It was amazing as I'd been job hunting with zero luck for over a year.

If you've ever worked retail, you know how that time of year is.  You don't get to have a life.  I also got hired 2 days beofre Black Friday.  So, you can imagine.  It was very difficult for me to get back in the swing of things, but I managed.

After the holiday, I ended up being offered a permanent part time position which I am still currently working.  The hours dropped dramatically after the holiday madness died down.  I went from having 35 or more hours weeks to only having 10 hours some weeks.

So, I got so mad over my abysmal hours one week that I just went on a job search site and applied to a ton of jobs including some that were a distant dream.

I didn't hear anything back and just continued to work the retail job.

Fast forward over a month and I get a call from this place at which I could only dream of working.  It was surreal.  And after weeks of interviews, tests, security checks, and more, I got offered the job.

It has regular hours, hour lunches, and even a restroom not open to the public.  (If youve worked food or retail, you know what a blessing that is.  Customers are nasty animals in public restrooms. Haha.)  It's a job in which I'm able to use my degree and has career potential.

That's where I stand right now.  I am working the new dream job and still working the retail job on nights and weekends until I am done with my extensive training.

Life has always been crazy for me, but I'm thankful it's the good kind of crazy for once.

Y'all truly never know what life has in store.  I was at rock bottom last year.  Things were not good at all.  In the last month and a half, I have felt like my life may actually go somewhere for the first time since I was a naive high schooler with delusions of grandeur about how the world worked.

It's weird to be in a decent place for once.  I'm not without problems.  Shoot, I still have some crazy health issues and things.  For once, I have a peace that I've never had.  A feeling like things are gonna work out and go somewhere.  It's oddly comforting.

And I have my snazzy new blog at jennswt.com.  (Had to end with some cheese)

Love y'all even if my sporadic posting didn't show it.

Julie and Julia by Julie Powell

Julie and Julia

(Julie Powell) 

:Teaser:

You have Julie.  She's a 29 year old at a seemingly dead end point in her life of which she can't make any sense.  So, she throws herself into learning how to cook and daily blogging--something very laborious, routine, and highly structured--to see if she can once again find some meaning in her life over the course of a year and the 524 recipes included in Mastering the Art of French Cooking

I Live!!!

It's Jenn, once again.

So, I was thinking about restarting this blog again since I have gotten back into reading.  I was out of it for awhile, because I had to get rid of most of my books for a couple moves.  It just took the love of it out of me for awhile.

So, I get on this new spiffy blogger to check over this account and...

Lo and behold...

My site isn't working.  More specifically, the domain to which blogger it is redirecting is not working at all.  Problem is that I have no control over that domain at the present time.  It is under a family member's account.  So...

After trying to get in touch with them to resolve the issue for over 2 weeks with no response, I just decided to unlink the domain for now.  Thankfully, my posts are at least visible at the moment again.

But...this basically screws up all my post links, amazon links, and a whole lot of other fun stuff that I worked very hard to create back in 2008-2010.  It's just zero fun all round with this whole issue.

I just couldn't stand waiting anymore.  I may change the url back to the original if this issue ever gets resolved.  That is my eternal hope as to how this situation plays out.

Worse case scenario is that I have to change the name all together which is something I'd rather not ever do. I also loathe even thinking about migrating all these posts over to a new place.

I will keep y'all posted as I know more.  I have done all I can at this point.  So, it's just a waiting game.  Unfortunately, I am not good at waiting. 

UPDATE:

Situation is over.  Everything is working again.  I have all the redirects and whatnot fixed hopefully.  Yay!  My dumpy little book blog lives again.  :)

I'll be going through and checking the links in old posts and related things over the next bit.  So, excuse any mess that pops up.  It appears that I am the queen of messes at the moment.

-----

Also, just an FYI for all my frugal book lovers:

Dollar Tree has been getting in a lot of books from the Target book section.  They have all kinds of hardbacks and other fascinating finds for just $1.  I picked up quite a few, because I love being able to expand my literary horizons on the cheap.  Basically, if a book ends up not being to my liking, I only spent one dollar.  :)

Hi guys,

It's Jenn. (I'm not dead! Yay!) 

 Seeing as that it has been more than 2 years since my last post, I think we can safely say that this isn't a regular thing for me anymore. 

This blog was very fun for me to do, and kept me more sane while clunking my way through college courses and whatnot. 

I could give excuses all day long, or ramble on about the all the craziness that has gone on in that time, but....nah!  I would like to keep it positive. 

I was actually planning on deleting all the posts just like I did on my other one, but I have had a few people ask me to keep them up.  So...I'll do that for now. I may still delete in the future though.

Will I ever do book posts again? Most likely not, but who knows? (That was super helpful, huh?)

Read on people,
Read on,

Jenn <3 br="">

PS - I am toying with the idea of starting up my main blog again (Spake With Twang) again.  It will be more focused on product reviews, couponing, subscription boxes, and random stuff.  So, if you want to find me, that's probably where I'll be.  :)

Tell Me, Pretty Maiden (Molly Murphy Mysteries 7)

Tell Me, Pretty Maiden

(Rhys Bowen)

:Teaser:

Since returning from Ireland, Molly has had more cases than she can handle.  So, when she finally has a free afternoon, she is excited to be spending it with her long time beau, Daniel.  They go to the park for a romantic stroll through the freshly fallen snow.  Molly is having a wonderful time until she stumbles upon a young girl buried under the snow.   The girl is alive, but she remains in shock.  She doesn't talk or seem to understand anyone.  Molly takes it upon herself to find the girl's family and to find out what terrible thing could have happened to her.

:Short Thought:

This book is chock full of exciting cases, major character developments, and interesting new people and places.  It is truly a exciting ride from start to finish.  This is my new series' favorite!

:Expanded Thoughts:

(Very Minor Spoilers)

This is definitely the best in this series so far!  Tell Me, Pretty Maiden doesn't waste any time engaging us and continues to gain momentum until the fantastic finish.  There are four major cases/mysteries, and each are well developed and deliciously interesting.  I still can't believe that they were all in this one book. 

These cases take us to many wonderful new places, such as: backstage at a theatre, inside a college dormitory, and behind the gates of a sanitarium.  You are never really sure where the cases will lead you next.  Even a seasoned mystery reader will be delighted by the wonderful twists and turns incorporated.

Daniel and Molly's relationship strengthens tremendously in this book.  Thus, we are treated to many sweet moments between them throughout the novel.  They have always been close because of their deep feelings for one another, but their professional lives cause each other frustration for a variety of reasons.  Daniel has never liked Molly's choice of profession nor has he ever really respected her investigating skills.  Daniel's negative views have plagued Molly as the couple gets closer to the point of marriage. 

Daniel's view really begins to change when Molly offers him a temporary partnership to help with her many ongoing investigations.  (Daniel is out of jail, but he is still unemployed and not getting paid.)  While working together as equals, we see what a great team they truly make.  Daniel begins to acknowledge her investigating skills, and Molly sees that she can learn a few things from the former police captain. 

:Additional Notes:

Series Info:  Tell Me, Pretty Maiden is the seventh book in Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy Mysteries series. As of this post, the books available in this series, in order starting from the beginning, are:

• Murphy's Law
• Death of Riley
• For The Love of Mike
• In Like Flynn
• Oh Danny Boy
• In Dublin's Fair City
• Tell Me, Pretty Maiden
• In a Gilded Cage
• The Last Illusion
• Bless the Bride

Author's Sites:  Want to know more about the author?  Here is a list of Rhys Bowen's sites:

• Rhys Bowen's Official Site
• On Twitter @rhysbowen
• Rhys Bowen's Blog:  Rhys' Pieces
• Rhys Bowen's YouTube Channel

  :

In Dublin's Fair City (Molly Murphy Mysteries 6)

In Dublin's Fair City

(Rhys Bowen) 

:Teaser:

Daniel is now out of prison, but the police commissioner has refused to give him back his job.  Molly is happy that he is back, but she finds that his abundance of free time has made him unbearable to be around.  So, when she is hired by a high profile theatre impresario to locate someone in Ireland, she is relieved.  She jumps at the chance despite the potential dangers of entering the country she once fled.

:Short Thought:

The first few chapters in In Dublin's Fair City take place in New York, but the rest of the novel takes place in Ireland.  With the new setting come a new cast of characters, but it still has the same engaging magic that other books in this series have.

:Expanded Thoughts:

(No Spoilers)

Molly has been building a life in New York since fleeing from her native Ireland in the first novel.  So, it is easy to forget that Molly once lived another life.  The breadth of this book takes place in Ireland and provides tidbits about the life and people that she left behind.  By briefly returning to Ireland, it gives her a form of closure and reassures us that Molly's home is now truly in New York.    

This book concentrates on Molly.  It takes her away from her fabulous friends and her blue-eyed beau.  We get to see how living in America has changed her from the desperate, naive girl who left Ireland in Murphy's Law.  She reenters the country wearing a nice outfit, her head held high, and ready to investigate. 

Trouble and danger are never very far behind Molly, and they are particularly cunning and devious in this book.  She begins with one case--locating Tommy Burke's Irish relative.  As she begins to investigate the Burke family, the case takes on a life of its own.  Each new development was full of twists, unexpected turns, and great supporting characters.

I must admit that I read this book twice before I wrote this post.  (Thus the two week delay)  I didn't really like it the first time that I read it.  I was left quite frustrated, but I had totally different experience when I read it again.  I now love it, and I think that it is one of the strongest of the series.  It answered a lot of questions about Molly's past, and it had a special je ne sais quoi that was refreshing and unique to the series.

I have since figured out the reason why I didn't enjoy the book at first.  I was wearing Daniel and Molly "blinders," and this book concentrates on Molly.  I let that bias my opinion.

:Additional Notes:

Series Info:  In Dublin's Fair City is the sixth book in Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy Mysteries series. As of this post, the books available in this series, in order starting from the beginning, are:

• Murphy's Law
• Death of Riley
• For The Love of Mike
• In Like Flynn
• Oh Danny Boy
• In Dublin's Fair City
• Tell Me, Pretty Maiden
• In a Gilded Cage
• The Last Illusion
• Bless the Bride

Author's Sites:  Want to know more about the author?  Here is a list of Rhys Bowen's sites:

• Rhys Bowen's Official Site
• On Twitter @rhysbowen
• Rhys Bowen's Blog:  Rhys' Pieces
• Rhys Bowen's YouTube Channel

  :

Oh Danny Boy (Molly Murphy Mysteries 5)

Oh Danny Boy

(Rhys Bowen) 

:Teaser:

Since Molly’s return to the city, she has concentrated on avoiding Daniel Sullivan and moving on with her life.  She is successful until one of his constables shows up at her door and forces her to see him.  Naturally, she is livid until she finds out that he has actually been in jail for a bogus, yet serious crime.  Upon seeing his pitiful state, she agrees to find the person responsible in order to prove his innocence.  She focuses on Daniel’s active cases to find clues.  Had someone wanted him off an investigation?  As she proceeds,  Molly gets entangled in the search for a dangerous serial killer, The Ripper, who has already claimed several female victims.

:Short Thought:

This is a great addition to the series!  Molly faces some of her toughest challenges, both personally and professionally, as she fights a system that is against her.  Our wonderful heroine is still a enjoy to follow.  As for the supporting characters, there are wonderful returning characters woven throughout the story as well as a couple of new delights.  As for the mystery, it keeps twisting, turning, and building until the very end.  Loved it!

:Expanded Thoughts:

[No Spoilers]

In Oh Danny Boy, Molly is put through a mountain of tests.  Her investigative skills are pushed to the limit as well as her heart.   Molly is stretched so thin that she even allows Sid and Gus to do some of her detective work.  (It was to the sheer delight of the pair and the mild horror of Molly.)  Every break in her investigation brings about more questions and more possible connections.  A reader can't help but notice desperation slowly creeping into Ms. Murphy as her mind is ever haunted by the image of Daniel suffering in a cage.

Each of the previous novels treats the reader to a slice of the setting's culture.  As Molly's investigation progresses, she is constantly being led to Coney Island.  We are also given a glimpse into how the criminal system may have been from both sides.  We are “taken” into the Medical Examiner’s office, the prison, and the Public Defender's office.  We're also given a closer look into the system's devastating effect on an accused through Daniel and the ruin of his social support and career. 

On a brighter note, a big highlight of the novel was the introduction of a new character—Police Matron Sabella Goodwin.  Sabella Goodwin is actually based on a real woman.  (There is an author note at the end of the book that tells more about her.)  In the book, she acts as a role model and confidante.  Molly trusts her completely and tells her things that she wouldn't dream of revealing to anyone else.  She is also the first person since Paddy Riley from whom Molly can learn.  She finally has a female friend with whom she can relate on a professional level as well as a personal level.

Oh Danny Boy was a real treat!  I was a bit concerned before I started reading, because In Like Flynn was so great.  I thought that this one would pale in comparison.  I was wrong.  It had Molly back with the same magnetic and witty personality that makes everyone want to keep reading.

:Additional Notes:

Series Info:  Oh Danny Boy is the fifth book in Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy Mysteries series. As of this post, the books available in this series, in order starting from the beginning, are:

• Murphy's Law
• Death of Riley
• For The Love of Mike
• In Like Flynn
• Oh Danny Boy
• In Dublin's Fair City
• Tell Me, Pretty Maiden
• In a Gilded Cage
• The Last Illusion
• Bless the Bride

Author's Sites:  Want to know more about the author?  Here is a list of Rhys Bowen's sites:

• Rhys Bowen's Official Site
• On Twitter @rhysbowen
• Rhys Bowen's Blog:  Rhys' Pieces
• Rhys Bowen's YouTube Channel

  :

Think Before You Lend...

Image via Wikipedia

I apologize for the long stretch of book blog silence.  (It's been 5-6 weeks since I posted about In Like Flynn.) Gosh, the time does fly by quickly when the weather begins cooling down!

Don't worry, I am still continuing with posts for the rest of Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy series.  I have all the the books through The Last Illusion.  (The next book, Bless the Bride, in the series isn't released until March 2011 in the US according to Amazon.)  I am dying to read more about Molly's adventures.

Truth is that I love sharing books that I adore with my peers.  Problem is that I lent out Oh Danny Boy, the 5th book in the series, to a friend who in turn lent it to a friend and so on and so forth.  I am very glad that they are as hooked on this series as I am, but I was getting twitchy wondering what happened to Molly after In Like Flynn.  So after putting my skills that I learned from watching Lieutenant Columbo to work, I finally got the book back today.

I should have the next book's post, Oh Danny Boy, up within the next 2-3 days.  (Writing is quick, but revision is forever especially with typo monster like me. haha)

In attempt to further get in your good graces again, here's the book trailer for The Last Illusion: 

If the movie isn't working, you can find it on YouTube here.

Oh,
And another thing,

Jenn :)

Oh and just one more thing:  I signed up for twitter yesterday.  You can follow me @spakewithtwang  for post updates and other blurbs.  (Nope, I don't really know what a blurb is, but I like saying it.)

In Like Flynn (Molly Murphy Mysteries 4)

In Like Flynn

(Rhys Bowen)

:Teaser:

Lately, the city is not being too kind to Ms. Murphy.  Her love life is strained, and she has inadvertently put herself on the bad side of a local gang. So, when Daniel offers her an undercover job across the Hudson River, Molly jumps at the chance.  The job is to expose two well known mediums as frauds while posing as a distant Irish cousin of the family that hired them.  But that isn't only the mystery that Molly encounters.  Not long before, the family's young son was kidnapped and believed to be buried alive, but a body was never found.  Behind Daniel's back, Molly has promised another client to find out the truth about what really happened to the young boy.  As Molly's begins uncovering the family's hidden secrets, it becomes apparent that someone will do anything to keep the truth hidden.

:Short Thought:

This novel took Molly out of her new home in the city and placed her in the quiet countryside.  It was delightful and refreshing to see Molly dig out the truth from a whole new crowd.  It was definitely my favorite of the series thus far.  It had a mystery full of murder, dark family secrets, and political agendas. 

:Expanded Thoughts:

(No Spoilers)

As I've said in earlier reviews of this series, each book seems to focus on one element, or place, in old New York Society.  (slums, Greenwich Village, garment industry, etc)  This novel's focus is on the slower-paced lifestyle right outside of the city.  Here, the social circles are smaller, but the houses are much bigger. It seems that everyone knows everyone, and there is a layer of dark secrets and agendas under all the politeness and beautiful scenery.  Molly is given a rare opportunity to break into the Flynns', the wealthy family with whom she is staying, world at a higher level of familiarity as she poses as the husband's distant Irish cousin whom no one has actually ever met.  Some of the family members immediately trust her, and this gives the reader a front seat show into the peculiar minds of these socially isolated wealthy.

Molly's detective skills are on full display in In Like Flynn, and there is much apparent improvement.  (I still remember that botched divorce case in the previous novel.  Quel désastre!)  She is thrown into a situation in which she knows no one, except what she has read in documents provided by the police for the medium case, and she must maintain her cover while conducting an investigation.  It is quite a tall order, but Molly shines as always as she gets them to trust and confide in her.

Over the first three novels, Molly's love life has been slowly developing with the introduction of Jacob and Daniel's socialite fiance.  In this fourth novel, each man falls short when it comes to their treatment of Molly.  Jacob isn't as comfortable with being open about their relationship as he led her to believe, and Daniel still won't shake that snobby fiance off off his arm.  The "trip" to the country gives her a welcome retreat from their false promises. She leaves all the love drama behind when she crosses that river and shows, for the first time since the beginning of the first novel, that she can do very well investigating and living on her own. 

:Additional Notes:

In Like Flynn is the fourth book in Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy Mysteries series. As of this post, the books available in this series, in order starting from the beginning, are:

• Murphy's Law
• Death of Riley
• For The Love of Mike
• In Like Flynn
• Oh Danny Boy
• In Dublin's Fair City
• Tell Me, Pretty Maiden
• In a Gilded Cage
• The Last Illusion

For The Love of Mike (Molly Murphy Mysteries 3)

 

For the Love of Mike

(Rhys Bowen) 

:Teaser:

Having taken over Paddy Riley's private investigation business, Molly has finally begun her life as a real private investigator.  She lands her first big undercover job when the owner of a large garment factory hires her to find out which one of his workers is spying for the competition. Not long after she enters the factory posing as a new hire, she receives a job locating a young society woman who ran away to America to marry her beau.  Business is going well for Molly until these two jobs collide, and she finds herself in serious danger once again.

:Short Thought:

For the Love of Mike shows the living and working conditions for factory women of this time period from a unique and interesting perspective and weaves it brilliantly into a wonderfully paced mysterious plot with interesting characters.

:Expanded Thoughts:

(Minor Spoilers)

Each book in this series goes into a specific aspect of New York culture. In For the Love of Mike, the female factory worker's life is explored.  The reader is shown firsthand what the working environment was like--the smell, appearance, and people.  The books also shows the desperate life these women live while trying to surivive on ridiculously low wages and long hours.

This novel also touched on the early formations of female labor unions. Jacob Singer, new aquaintance of Molly, works with an organization that aids in initiating strikes, negotiating with unsavory bosses, and forming labor unions.  Two such situations are shown in the book, and it was fascinating.  Though, I must say that I find it hard to believe that matters could be resolved as quickly as in the book.  (I don't know about this period of history so I may be completely off.)  Modern day strikes and labor negotiations take months and months.  Reading about it was still enjoyable if not too believable.

As told in the last book in this series, Molly's love life is less than ideal.  She has been left waiting for Daniel to break off his engagement to the beautiful and wealthy Arabella for quite awhile.  Daniel seems content to move at a dead snail's pace to remedy the situation and truly takes Molly's feelings for granted.  That is, until the introduction of another suitor for Ms. Murphy--Jacob Singer.  Jacob Singer is a Jewish photographer that works with an organization to get better working conditions for women in the city.  Instead of using his photography to make lots of money, he uses it to expose the wrongs in the city.  He would rather help others than get caught up in ambition, and Molly finds him a very refreshing departure from Daniel.  Daniel finally starts to fear that he may be losing Molly if he doesn't get his situation straightened out.

As I've just finished the 3rd book in this series, I think I can finally say that this is one of my favorite mystery series!  It really has the perfectly balanced "recipe."  I say this because this is the first mystery series that I have read that has the story drive the characters and not the other way around.  For example, there is a great love story in here, but it doesn't overpower the story nor is the story dull without it.  I just find it refreshing when so many mystery books are filled with raunchy sex scenes and shoddy mystery plots.  Molly Murphy Mysteries is a great series, and everything is done tastefully and brilliantly.  I can't wait to read the next one!

:Additional Notes:

For the Love of Mike is the third book in Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy Mysteries series. As of this post, the books available in this series, in order starting from the beginning, are:

• Murphy's Law
• Death of Riley
• For The Love of Mike
• In Like Flynn
• Oh Danny Boy
• In Dublin's Fair City
• Tell Me, Pretty Maiden
• In a Gilded Cage
• The Last Illusion

Death Of Riley (Molly Murphy Mysteries 2)

  
Death of Riley
 (Rhys Bowen)


:Teaser:

Despite having a string of sensational job failures, Molly is still determined to be self-reliant.  She has no shortage of motivations--her once wonderful living arrangement has become unbearable, the object of her affection has been less than truthful, and no one is taking her seriously.  Molly finally catches a break when she convinces a seasoned private investigator, Paddy Riley, to hire her as his housekeeper.  A few days later when she arrives at the office to tidy up, Molly walks into find Mr. Riley dead at his desk.  What's even worse is that the killer is still there when she arrives and sees her face.  She knows the situation is dangerous, but feels that she owes it to Mr. Riley to find his killer.

:Short Thought:

Though I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel in this series, it pales in comparison to this one.  The characters are even more interesting, the mystery is even more shocking and elaborate, and Molly shines even brighter.

:Expanded Thoughts:

(No Spoilers)

The focus of the setting in Death of Riley is on Greenwich Village and the delightful, unique characters that live there.  It is a far departure from the slum-like parts of the city on which the first novel focused. Greenwich village is full of delightful pubs and coffee houses that act as centers of great dialogues about art and social progression.  This unpretentious and forgiving place allows people to be expressive without fear of being offensive.  It is the first place that Molly feels like she belongs.

Molly is a stubborn, unconventional force of nature, but she met her match in her new friends from Greenwich Village. She meets the unforgettable Sid and Gus in a pub during her investigation.  They are two women that truly care what no one thinks of their quirky and unconventional ways.  Most importantly, they are the first people that really accept Molly for who she is and encourage her to achieve her goals.  Frequently with them is another notable character--the handsome Ryan O'Hare.  He is a flamboyant Irish playwright and the most charming person Molly has ever seen. She is instantly drawn to him and is all too happy to investigate when he becomes a person of interest in her investigation.

I loved the first novel (Murphy's Law), but I have to say Sid, Gus, and Ryan really take it to a whole new level of enjoyment. 

:Additional Notes:

Death of Riley is the second book in Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy Mysteries series. As of this post, the books available in this series, in order starting from the beginning, are:

• Murphy's Law
• Death of Riley
• For The Love of Mike
• In Like Flynn
• Oh Danny Boy
• In Dublin's Fair City
• Tell Me, Pretty Maiden
• In a Gilded Cage
• The Last Illusion

Murphy's Law (Molly Murphy Mysteries 1)

Murphy's Law

(Rhys Bowen)

:Teaser:

Molly is on the run from authorities in Ireland for a murder she committed in self-defense. Just when she thought that her luck was running out, she finds a way onto a ship that is traveling across the ocean to New York City. Unfortunately when she arrives she is greeted by more trouble.  A man that Molly was seen fighting with on the ship is brutally murdered and all the evidence points to her as being involved.  To clear her name, she must find the real murderer or risk being sent back to Ireland.

:Short Thought:

Gives the reader a window into early 1900s New York City through the eyes of the ever-witty Molly Murphy.  Great mystery with wonderful characters.  I loved it!

:Expanded Thoughts:

(No Spoilers)

Let me first say that I know next to nothing about this period of American history (early 1900s), the city of New York, (other than what I've seen on Law & Order), or Irish History. So, I can't really say much about the historical elements or the portrayal of the city in the novel or the historical accuracy or anything of the like. All I can say is, despite my blaring ignorance, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and was excited to learn more about these things while immersing myself in a great storyline.

Murphy's Law has a great cast of characters. The star at the center is Miss Molly Murphy. She is a true force of nature and is decades ahead of her time. She is truly delightful and makes makes each scene pop with very refreshing energy as she faces the issues of this period head-on. Molly adds dimension to the setting of the novel. Using her, New York City is shown through the eyes of a true newcomer. It is a huge contrast from Molly's country Irish home. She shares her experience as she stands in awe of the sights that come with this fast-developing place and struggles to make her way.  It is a city that never sleeps and a place full of new opportunities and dangers.

If, like me, you don't really know anything about this period or city, you don't need to worry because Molly and the people she meets makes this a wonderful, engaging mystery.

:Additional Notes:

Murphy's Law is the first book in Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy Mysteries series. As of this post, the other books available in this series, in order, are:

• Death of Riley
• For The Love of Mike
• In Like Flynn
• Oh Danny Boy
• In Dublin's Fair City
• Tell Me, Pretty Maiden
• In a Gilded Cage
• The Last Illusion

Amazon Associate Integrated With Blogger?

Since I have resumed work on this site, I must admit that I have fallen head over heels in love--with a new development at blogger.

Who ever put this together (blogger and Amazon Associates) should win a medal.  I am sending you a karma klondike bar today person.  May all your food always be tasty, your pets always tame, May your environment always be Febreze fresh, and you always win the game. :)

This makes posting 500 million times easier and wonderful.

Jenn :)

Clockwork Heart

Clockwork Heart

(Dru Pagliassotti)

:Teaser:

    Taya serves as an Icarus, a metal winged courier, in Yeovil. Yeovil is split into sectors that have their own unique castes and cultures. On the day of her sister's wedding, she hurries to deliver her last package of the day. On her way, she prevents a major accident from claiming the lives of two very important people--the wife and child of a very high profile official. This changes her life as she gets swept up in the dangerous and peculiar affairs of the high-class.

:Short Thought:

Great unique setting. Perfectly paced adventure mystery. Wonderful, well-developed characters. Definitely one of my favorites!

:Expanded Thoughts:

(No Spoilers)

In Clockwork Heart, the author creates a unique setting that on the surface is nothing like our own. Through it, the author gives us a unique way in which to explore several social topics, and one cannot help but draw inward and environmental comparisons.  In Yeovil, the country where it takes place, there are strict social castes and peculiar customs that are brought to life by a cast of very enjoyable characters to whom it is easy to relate.

Taya's, the main character, country is split into very segregate and socially immobile sectors.  Each sector has its own unique characteristics that have been shaped by its residents.  The skilled laborers of the low class mainly reside in Tertius whose air is filled smoke and whose building tops are covered with soot and other debris.  For the Exalted of the high class, there is the beautiful capital sector, Onidinium, which is a stark contrast to the dirty streets of Tertius.  Other than their place of residence, customs are in place that further distinguish the members of the classes, such as, clothing, manner of speech, and color of hair and skin.

Very rarely do people pass between the sectors, but there are a couple exceptions.  The Lictors (police) and the Icarii (winged couriers) have the privilege of being outside of this strict structure.  (Though, they still have to treat the Exalted with extra care and respect.) Their occupations require them to perform duties for all citizens within the different sectors without prejudice. 

The setting was undeniably one of the things I loved about the story, but the main reason I keep reading this over and over is the characters and their interactions.  The author does a great job at developing the characters throughout and having each to have unique inner dilemmas. No character ends up the same as they started. Or, in more dramatic fashion: nothing is ever as is seems.

Taya is in an interesting position as the main character.  She was born of low class parents and worked hard to become an Icarus, thus moving up a level on the social ladder.  Even after she gets her new position, she still has the rules of her upbringing engraved into her mind.  She is very conscious of  social appearances and still uses strict manners in front of the exalted.  This slowly begins to change after the Exalted woman she saves invites her to a formal dance and gives her an opening into the lives of this exclusive class.  This begins to change her view as what she sees isn't a group of divine beings above reproach, but people that are painfully human.  Through this she gives the reader a unique perspective into this society that few in the story could.

This is further explored through the interactions between Taya and the Forlore brothers--Alister and Cristof.  Alister is the exalted younger brother who took a position as an official in the government.  He is very charming and revels in his high status.  Cristof has left the exalted life and all of its perks behind and opened a clock maker's shop in one of the seedier parts of town.   His sour attitude and lack of manners reflects his disheveled outward appearance.  Through them, Taya begins to learn that there is much more to people than their appearance and social status.  There is always something lurking beneath the surface, and sometimes it turns out to be very dangerous.

I'm Not Dead...

And I haven't stopped reading...

I did make the decision to stop blogging for awhile, 9 months according to blogger, for various reasons. (Apparently, someone forgot to give the memo to Life that I got stuff to do.) In short, my life was crazy, and I needed to do some soul searching. (And I thought I was safe from that cliche.)

I had all but given up this blog. In my mind, it was already in the cyber graveyard. I couldn't figured out what to do with this site. I was doubting myself. It wasn't until I was at my brother's wedding last week (congrads!!) that I got the boost I needed to mow ahead. One of my brother's friends said he liked my book blog. I was stunned. (I don't take compliments well. I was like a deer shot with a dart. Not pretty.) He really made my day, and I decided that I would save this blog and try my hand at it once again. (Seriously, the comment meant the world to me. Thank you, thank you.)

Now, I am back and hope to improve. One of the reasons I stopped at first was that I wasn't sure what exactly I wanted to do with this site. As you can see, there are some big changes I have made. I did away with the rating system. I never felt right about rating books like that. So, if you still want that, follow through the links on this site to the book's Amazon.com page. There, you will find ratings and the like.

I was posting like a mad woman last year. I think some days I had more than one post coming out. I found that I couldn't keep that up and that the pace caused the quality of my posts to be less than I liked. In other words, I dug myself into a hole and wasn't sure what to do next. I made the decision to quit digging instead of digging myself deeper until I found a suitable path to move forward.

I can only pray that I have learned from my mistakes. That being said, posts will not be as frequent on Book Twang, but I will strive for them to be of better quality and interest. (Old post will also be revised and marked as such when time permits.)Also, there won't be as many ads, because quite frankly I find them annoying and distracting.

Your crazy reader,
Jenn :)

A Quick Site Note...

I apologize for the absence of new posts in the last three weeks. Unfortunately, life caught up with me. (I still haven't figured out how to squeeze 48 hrs out of 24 hrs. I'm not giving up though.) I hope to resume a more regular posting schedule as soon as I get these matters sorted.

Thanks always,
Jenn

Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts

Midnight Bayou
(Nora Roberts)

Pages: 368
Year Published: 2004

Teaser: Declan Fitzgerald gave up his life in Boston as a successful lawyer to purchase and restore an old plantation house down in swampy Lousiana. As he starts restoring the grand house to its original splendor, strange things begin occurring. Declan begins hearing the loud cries of a baby coming from his attic, and even begins having flashbacks to scenes from the house's rich past. To complicate matters, Declan has fallen in love at first sight with a local bar owner named Lena Simone, and it seems that she is also connected to what is happening in the house.

Short Thought: A fun, quick read, but not as good as the other Nora Roberts books that I have read.

Expanded Thoughts: So, I decided to read this after watching the Lifetime movie based on the book. The lifetime movie was pretty good. (Movie Information and I've embeded the trailer below the review) But I didn't enjoy the novel as much as the movie. (And I don't think it was just the fact that the movie had Jerry O'Connell in it.)

Let's get to it:

There are two absolute gems in this story--the beautiful setting and Lena's Cajun grandmother. The setting was portrayed richly, vibrantly, and really enhanced the story. Some of the old traditions of the region were discussed, mainly through Lena's grandmother, and the 'natives' spoke in wonderful colloquialisms. (The southerner in me rejoices). Even more than that, we are shown a sense of progression and made to really understand the rich roots of New Orleans through the flashbacks with Abby. It lends itself to this beautifully complex theme/argument whether of not people have changed in the last 100 years.

So why the low rating?

I felt that the main characters were flat compared to those in other Nora Roberts books I have read. Declan is a pig-headed, rich guy, who is very giving, and won't take no for an answer. Lena is the working class southern girl that fought to escape her crappy past and turned into a successful uber-independent woman who doesn't need anyone else. The romantic story between them was okay but was pretty lack-luster. I actually enjoyed the story between Abigail and Lucian better. It seemed more complex. To sum up, there was no real moment of tension throughout the book. It pretty much stayed at the same level throughout. Basically, It just wasn't not my taste.

I used to be one of those 'snobbies' that turned my nose up at these types of books, but now I can't wait to jump into the next Nora Roberts novel. No one should deny themselves a whole category of books, because, I tell you, I am sad that I have missed out on these for as long as I did.

Additional Thoughts: This novel has dark themes, mild violence, and sexual situations.


Midnight Bayou Movie Trailer

Why Mermaids Sing: Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries 3

Why Mermaids Sing

(C.S. Harris)

Pages: 352
Year Published: 2008

Teaser: In London, a series of strange murders have everyone concerned. Someone is killing young sons of noblemen and mutilating the corpses in a manner that would suggest the killer is sending someone a message. Sir Henry Lovejoy grows increasingly concerned and begs the help of Viscount Devlin once again.

Short Thought: The novel that has it all--a brilliant mystery, powerful and complex characters, a historical backdrop, and a complicated romance.

Expanded Thoughts: Okay, I admit it. My name is Jenn and I am now a Sebastian-aholic. This series has me hooked. So let's just dive right in this review of the book that gave me my most potent literary drug.

This novel is a huge turning point in this series. The previous novels have all eluded to Sebastian's dark and troubled nature, and this novel truly brings the entire darkness. He finds himself bombarded with political scandal, deep family secrets, treason against the crown, and another unsavory dealings that span for decades in this novel. For a man that has no love for society and its curious happenings, he still finds himself broken down and closer to the dark place in which he lived during the war.

The characters are well developed and some of the best I have come across, but the true star of this book was the mystery plot. Now, don't get me wrong, the other novels in this series had great mystery plots too, but this one took my breath away. It was the first novel in a long time that for which I threw away precious sleep. (I love sleep!) Yep, I didn't sleep the whole night, but somehow I wasn't tired one bit. (Just twitching for the next novel.)

{Spoilers}

Here's the gist of the mystery: Bodies of young men are being left during the night in public parks. These young men are being killed and left in mutilated states. Sir Henry Lovejoy picks up one of the murders but is stumped at trying to develop a victimology. The victims don't fit any pattern--class, appearance, or even location of residence. The only thing that they have in common is the killer, whoever they are. Their bodies were also found with curious items stuffed in their mouths--a star cut-out, a mandrake root, and a goat's foot. Lovejoy, knowing that Sebastian can't turn away from exacting justice, persuades him to become involved. It is then that Sebastian realizes that the murderer is following an old Donne poem:

"'Go and Catch a Falling Star
Get with child a mandrake root,
Tell me where all past years are,
Or who cleft the devil's foot,
Teach me to hear mermaids singing,
Or to keep off envy's stinging,
And find
What wind
Serves to advance an honest mind.'"

Even more important, Sebastian discovers that the killer isn't picking his victims at random as a crazed serial killer would. He is killing certain men's sons and doing it for revenge. As he races to find the common link between the victims to prevent the next murder, he begins to uncover an older and unspeakable crime that several men have kept covered for many years. The closer he gets to uncovering the old and unspeakable crime of the fathers, the more dangerous the situation becomes.

One of the most pronounced themes of this novel was FAMILY. Society suggests that family should be number one in a man's life, but as this novel clearly shows that many times those of the upper class put their name and image first. First, the fathers of the victims are willing to sacrifice their sons in order to keep their secret quiet. They won't help with the investigation. They actually try to have Sebastian killed for prying. Next, we have the case of Earl of Hendon, Sebastian's father. He is the classic case. Years ago he paid Kat to leave Sebastian which devastated him. Next, he lied to Sebastian about his mother. For years he believed that his mother was dead, but in fact Hendon has been paying her a stipend to stay away. Then the final blows comes yet again in regard to Kat. Hendon's past indiscretions have managed to tear apart his son's life completely. And it was done to protect the family name.

Let me just go off on a tangent for a moment: What a twist when Kat's past connection is revealed?! For two books, we have witnessed this loving couple be reunited and fall in love yet again. We've also seen how their love for one another never allows them be anything more than just lovers behind the scenes. When Kat's treason to the Crown is discovered by Jarvis, it seems that Sebastian has that final push to make Kat his wife. All begins falling into place, but then quickly shatters. Sebastian matrimonial announcement in the newspaper caught the attention of one of Kat's estranged relatives. Her aunt comes to visit her with news that would sever her relationship with Devlin forever. (You didn't think I was going to give it all away, did ya?)

{End of Spoilers}

As I said before, (me)+(this book)=(love, devotion, and obsession)

Seriously, if you are a fan of mysteries, adventures, or most any other genre. This series should be on your reading queue.

Additional Notes: This contains scenes of violence and dark themes.

Crazy by Pete Earley

Crazy: A Father's Search Through America's Mental Health Madness

(Pete Earley)

Pages: 384
Year Published: 2007

Teaser: Pete Earley gives readers an inside and informative look at the country's current status when it comes to treating those with psychological disorders. He makes it personal with stories of his own family's battle with mental illness.

Short Thought: Heart wrenching and powerful food for thought.

Expanded Thoughts: {Spoilers} Crazy is very different than many of novels in the non-fiction genre with which I have been previously acquainted. It wasn't dreadfully boring, and it appealed to a wider readership instead of a more specialized audience dealing in a specific knowledge arena. Earley succeeds in this by hitting three distinctly different notes in this work. He includes the necessary statistics, figures, and research that would read as a dry news article. The presented issues are made more personal and memorable as he includes some of the background stories of various inmates and about how mental illness has affected and trapped them in the current system. Lastly, he gains the trust of the reader and ensnares our emotions and tugs at our heartstrings with the story of his son's battle with mental illness. Crazy is highly successful in bringing to our attention the “macro” issue of de-institutionalization, but portraying it in a “micro” way that is better received and remembered by readers.

The author's research portion for this novel kicks off at a high level and never really slows down its pace. Armed with firsthand knowledge of the problems with our country's current state of affairs in regards to mental health patients and a fire in his belly, Earley starts his research at the Miami-Dade County Pretrial Detention Center in South Florida. This jail is of the older inner architecture. The cells are crowded with up to fifty prisoners at any given time. He begins by shadowing the doctor in charge of the patients on the cell block as he makes his rounds for the day. When they finally reach the wing that houses the mentally ill, it becomes apparent that jails are not properly equipped to deal with these afflicted individuals. The filth is staggering, the stench is overwhelming, and the state of the prisoners is, at best, disheartening. After some figuring by Earley, he estimates that the doctor ends up spending about thirteen seconds per inmate on his rounds. It is a shocking statistic that jumps out at readers as one begins to realize the dire situation of the status quo.

The author explores many other problems with the current system, or “revolving door” as he so aptly refers to it, in a similar and equally telling fashion. He mirrors his research with stories from his own struggle with the fight for his son. These personal recollections in the novel with be the primary focus for the remainder of this paper.

Even more depressing and telling than the stories about the prison conditions was the story of the author's son, Mike, on his road from scholar to mad man and back again. Mike's descent into madness began when he was less than one year from graduating from university in Brooklyn, New York. Because of the stress of searching for a job and transitioning his life in general, he started exhibiting strange behavior and even physical sickness for no apparent reason. His parents assumed it was just normal behavior for someone at that particular stage of his life. Perhaps, it was just due to all of the stress he was under at his current stage in life. Unfortunately, they were horribly wrong. It was anything but routine and normal.

Mike's strange behavior only became worse. He began to have obsessive delusions about a classmate of his, that barely knew him, that he had to save from evil. He was even convinced they were on the verge of marriage. Mike's conversations were rapid, segmented, and made absolutely no sense anymore. For example, he was convinced that God was sending him messages, that only he could decode, on billboards and other medias. Earley got his son checked out and started him on medication, but the trouble wasn't treated that simply. Mike refused to take the pills, and then the chaos truly began as did Mike's severe symptoms of schizophrenia.

Earley runs into trouble from every direction as he fights to get his son the help he so desperately needs.. The insurance company won't allow him to be treated for more than a three day period. The laws don't make Mike take the necessary anti-psychotic medication. The police don't have proper procedures set up to deal with the mentally ill either. And if that wasn't enough, his ex-wife, Mike's mother, strongly disagrees with him as to how to deal with the young man. Unfortunately, these problems get shoved to the background when Mike, in a delusional episode, breaks into a neighbors' house and vandalizes it in order to take a bubble bath. Now, the author's son was arrested and in danger of serving jail time or even ruining his record with a felony. The situation has escalated very quickly. Mike's life could be permanently impaired if the charges stuck.

The couple whose house Mike had vandalized was vehement about on pressing charges. Earley then had to truly battle for his son's future while trying to get him court-ordered into a psychiatric program. After a long battle with the prosecutor and the victims of the break-in, Mike finally was allowed to plead no contest to two misdemeanors instead of a felony. He was placed on probation and required to attend a program which included orders to take the much-needed medication. Earley held his breathe until Mike finally remained on medication. His son eventually got a good job and gained back his independence. It was a refreshingly happy ending to a very frustrating and scary journey.

The portion of this novel that is most memorable are the six segments that make up Mike's Story. It makes it personal. It takes us knee-deep into the situation—straight through Pete Earley's eyes. Not only does the author portray, in gut-wrenching fashion, the chaos he endured, but he delivers a warning to the reader. A situation like his can truly happen to anyone. It makes it hard for anyone to push the matter aside.

It is easy to forget that Mike's story isn't a clever piece of fiction. It's real life, and it's how similar situations are dealt with around the country everyday. These and the other sections in Pete Earley's novel are indicative of a chaotic mental health care problem that is a rapidly growing Pandora's box pushing to crack open.

Though Pete Earley successfully conveys the desperate need for change in respect to this issue, and for special treatment to those with disorders in the eyes of the law, but the situation is complex and ever-evolving on both sides of the argument. It's true that the reader feels sympathy for Earley's son when he is put before the court, but one must not forget the crime he committed. His crime was minor compared to most, but it was still a crime with copious amounts of damage to the victims. Where does the line of sympathy get drawn? What if a schizophrenic kills someone because he believes they are aliens sent to destroy him? Is it really okay to give him a milder punishment just because he is ill? Where does treatment fit in with the feelings of the victim's family? What if a mentally ill man was caught taking inappropriate pictures of children in the park? Are the victims any less violated? Or if a delusional man broke into your house and smashed everything in sight? Is the damage going to cost less because the man was crazy? The questions and situations are endless, and they have equally reasonable opposing sides. Mentally ill patients need help, and people need to be able to feel safe. Perhaps, this is one question that may never have an answer supported by a majority.