The Desk From Hoboken, Beautiful Ugly

 Here in Texas it's:

We read mystery books with our favorite hobby theme for our August Mystery Book Club. Indoor hobbies are recommended right now as our temperatures are well over 100 degrees right now.

I chose: 

The Desk From Hoboken by M.L. Condike

About: " In a bid to heal from the grief of a personal loss, forensic genealogist, RaeJean Hunter, takes on a straightforward case —identify human remains found on a nearby college campus, believed to be the 180-year-old remains of Mary Rogers, a woman who died mysteriously in 1841 and was believed to have been buried in the nearby cemetery that had washed away. It should be simple enough, a project to get her back in the game.

Unfortunately, it quickly becomes anything but. In fact, it becomes downright dangerous.

Someone doesn't want RaeJean to investigate the puzzling death of the woman whose death inspired Edgar Allan Poe's "The Mystery of Marie Roget." As she follows clues through four states and discovers living family members who both help and hinder her search, she quickly realizes that the secrets of Mary Rogers' demise were never meant to be exposed.

What lengths will someone go to keep the truth buried in the past? As threats escalate and RaeJean and her family's lives become endangered, she's forced to follow every lead and use every skill she has to find the answers she needs before it's too late. Using DNA from two famous New England families, historical data, modern genealogical techniques, and a little guidance from a seemingly mystical antique desk, RaeJean takes on the cold case despite being given every reason to abandon it.

After all, what truths have been hidden for 180 years that would be worth bribery, kidnapping, and even murder?

RaeJean Hunter is about to find out."

Since I have dabbled in genealogy for years, I wanted to read a genealogy mystery. This was a good story. As above, RaeJean is asked to complete a forensic genealogy assignment. Some bones were found near an old cemetery believed to be those of a famous "cigar girl" named Mary Rogers who died young under mysterious circumstances. RaeJean meets a descendant of the family at the B&B where she is staying while researching. While Lillian who resembles Betty White, acts as if she wants to assist RaeJean, she is less than helpful and maybe is trying to convince her to drop the case. There was another genealogist who started the research but was blackmailed to drop it. Lots of twists, more than one mystery and lots of danger. The story also describes some of the processes of genealogical research and "brick walls". What about the desk? When RaeJean goes to the university to meet with the man who asked her to take on the project, she sees an antique desk with a glass rose that seems to shimmer when she looks at it. She is drawn to asking if she can have the desk as payment rather than money. She takes it home to her newly renovated home office. Her dog keeps scratching at the desk. A puzzle box is found with no "key" which takes her to Chinatown to find someone to open it. Another twist.

I liked it enough that I am interested in reading the second book: The Doll From Dunedin. I am hoping for more from the spooky desk. Also of interest, Mary Rogers was a real person. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Rogers

Our July selection was: 

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

About: "Author Grady Green is having the worst best day of his life.

Grady calls his wife to share some exciting news as she is driving home. He hears Abby slam on the brakes, get out of the car, then nothing. When he eventually finds her car by the cliff edge the headlights are on, the driver door is open, her phone is still there. . . but his wife has disappeared. (Strange)

A year later, Grady is still overcome with grief and desperate to know what happened to Abby. He can’t sleep, and he can’t write, so he travels to a tiny Scottish island to try to get his life back on track. Then he sees the impossible – a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife.

Wives think their husbands will change but they don’t.
Husbands think their wives won’t change but they do."

If you were a fan of Gone Girl, you will like this book. The story begins with the incident above and then jumps to one year later. As the description says, Grady moves to a very small island off Scotland. There's where the stranger things begin. Things are happening inside his cabin when he isn't there. Only women on the island who run everything from the small store to being the law enforcement. Soon the phones don't work, things are disappearing. Quite an ending.

What did the book club think of this book? I had to miss that meeting but the report seems like it was pretty much 50/50. The younger members and those that liked Gone Girl liked it a lot . There are a lot of twists and people to keep up with. If you like Alice Feeney, you will probably like it. Quick read.

Currently reading: With a Vengeance by Riley Segar and A Fine Day For Fishing by Chris Ward.

Reader's Bill of Rights

 I went to an activity at a library last month and they were giving away books! I got two. :)

The also posted this that I thought was worthy of sharing. They showed The Reader's Bill of Rights. Fun to look at. It was written by Daniel Pennac for his book The Rights of the Reader. (Who would have thought?)

The Ten Rights of the Reader

The right to not read

The right to skip pages

The right to not finish a book

The right to reread

The right to read anything

The right to escapism

The right to read anywhere

The right to browse

The right to read out loud

The right to not defend your tastes 

We talked about each one and what we thought about them. We always say in our Mystery Book Club, "if you don't like the book we are reading, you don't have to finish it."

The right to not defend your tastes. A couple of Sci Fi fans said they get strange looks or negative comments about their preference for Sci Fi. I am afraid I give a blank look to people that say they are romance fans. Crickets.

The right to escapism. I think most in the group said they read to escape. 

The right to browse. That's what the library and book stores are for right? I do have to stay out of book stores though. lol

The right to read anywhere. I have read a hard cover while walking in the neighborhood. Probably not the best idea.

The right to not read. It's hard to believe but some people do not care to read for fun. 

The right to read out loud? I haven't done that since first grade. Do people do that?

The right to skip pages. I have been know to skip over too much description of scenery, too much violence or bad language.

The right to not finish a book? I rarely do not finish a book I start that I have chosen or is for "book club". I can only think of one that I didn't finish and don't remember the name of it. 

The right to reread: I rarely do reread a book unless it's a book of humorous short book.

The right to read anything: I used to read anything that was in range if I was somewhere boring, dentist, doctor, parent's friend's house, classroom. Now with Kindle and library books on our phones, I can read my books that I have chosen.

Do any of these get your speak to you?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2127973.The_Rights_of_the_Reader

About: "The Rights of the Reader", which has sold over a million copies in France, grew from celebrated French writer Daniel Pennac's experiences of teaching in "challenging" schools. Central to the book is his belief that readers have to read what, how, where and when they want, and - if they choose - the right NOT to read. This fresh, new translation combines the talents of award-winning translator Sarah Adams and renowned artist Quentin Blake, who illustrates and introduces the work.

Ana Pidgeon drama series

 Hi all! Let's say I am back from a sabbatical...I hope.

Did you hear about the new drama series based on the Ana Pidgeon series by Nevada Barr?

Premise: "Anna Pigeon is a former city slicker who became a park ranger after a devastating loss changed the trajectory of her life forever. While Anna tries to outrun her demons, her focus turns to solving crimes that have taken place within national park grounds, no matter who or what gets in her way." (re: blurb about tv series)

This is a ten episode series to begin August 7, 2026 on USA network. The show's premiere episode adapts the very first book in the collection, Track of the Cat, published in 1993. [1, 2]

The cast of the USA Network crime drama series Anna Pigeon is led by Tracy Spiridakos as Anna Pigeon, alongside key cast members Ronnie Rowe Jr. and Paulina Alexis. 

Book Series blurb: "National Park Ranger Anna Pigeon goes beyond the call of duty in this Agatha and Anthony Award-winning mystery series. She travels to National Parks around the country, solving mysteries in the wilderness and historic locales. Author Nevada Barr draws on her own experience as a former park ranger to craft these award-winning novels." 

So glad to have this to look forward to in the hottest month of Texas Summer, with so many other mystery shows coming to an end for the season and not starting up until later or never to return. (Did I say Grantchester? You know I looked it up to see if there would be a spin off and they are talking about it. :)

There are 19 books in the series. I have read a couple of the later books and really liked them. This would be a good series for you if you are looking for a new series to start.

There are 19 books in the series. I have read a couple of the later books and really liked them. This would be a good series for you if you are looking for a new series to start.

😊

Famous Last Words

 Hello everyone!

For our April Mystery Book Club we read:

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister. I haven't read a novel by this author before, and had wanted our book club to read Wrong Place Wrong Time when it came out in 2022 but while there were several copies in the library system, there was a really long hold list for over a year. Then this latest novel came out and it worked out.

About: "It is June 21st, the longest day of the year, and new mother Camilla’s life is about to change forever. After months of maternity leave, she will drop her infant daughter off at daycare for the first time and return to her job as a literary agent. Finally. But, when she wakes, her husband Luke isn’t there, and in his place is a cryptic note.

Then it starts. Breaking news: there's a hostage situation developing in London. The police arrive, and tell her Luke is involved. But he isn't a hostage. Her husband—doting father, eternal optimist—is the gunman.

What she does next is crucial. Because only she knows what the note he left behind that morning says..."

Well, the consensus was that it was a pretty good read. The story starts off right away with Camilla thinking something is wrong, where is Luke, not like him etc. The story move quickly and held everyone's attention. We were all fooled in wondering who the MAIN bad people were, but there were other bad people and we all guessed one of the players. 

The story timeline moves from the main event to seven years later. Most of us wondered why a person, i.e. Camilla, would not have moved on. Hence the big twist at the end.

I liked it well enough to read another of her books. They are all stand alones. I am still interested in Wrong Place Wrong Time.

Here is a bit about the author from Wiki;

Gillian McAllister (born 28 February 1985) is a British author, known for seven novels, all which have been bestsellers. Her works have been translated into 40 languages. Several of her novels have been optioned for television and film. Her works include Everything But The Truth (2017), Anything You Do Say (published as The Choice in North America), No Further Questions (published as The Good Sister in North America), The Evidence Against You, How To Disappear, and That Night which was a Richard & Judy book club pick and Wrong Place Wrong Time which was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, Sunday Times Bestseller and New York Times bestseller.

"McAllister was born in Sutton Coldfield and raised in Tamworth. After attending Belgrave High School in Tamworth (now known as Tamworth Enterprise College) and receiving A-Levels, McAllister read English at the University of Birmingham, receiving a 2:1 BA Hons.^{[citation needed]} She then converted to law, studying the GDL and receiving a commendation. McAllister received a distinction in her Legal Practice Course (LPC) from The College of Law, before working as a solicitor in two Birmingham-based legal practises.^{[citation needed]}

McAllister wrote fiction in her spare time throughout adulthood, often writing in the evenings and commutes to and from work.^[1] She finished her first full (unpublished) novel while suffering from glandular fever^[2] for two years. Her debut published novel, Everything But The Truth, was published by Michael Joseph,^[3] an imprint of Penguin Random House UK,.^[4] In its first week, Everything But The Truth reached number six in the Sunday Times Bestseller List. 

She also hosts The Honest Authors Podcast with fellow author Holly Seddon.^[8]"

Why read a book?

I have noticed something about myself. If I don't "get to" read (and I mean a book, not the mail) for a couple of days, I get a little cranky. Have you noticed anything like that? We all see things about activities for our brain, so I was curious if reading a book really does anything for you.

Here are some interesting things I found:

Per AI (you know him/her)

• "Boosts Critical Thinking: Mysteries sharpen problem-solving skills, encouraging readers to analyze clues, evaluate evidence, and differentiate between assumptions and facts.
• Enhances Memory: The Zeigarnik Effect suggests that the suspenseful nature of unresolved mysteries helps improve memory retention
  .
• Improves Attention to Detail: Readers are trained to notice small details (clues) to keep up with the plot. 
• Stress Relief and Escapism: Immersing oneself in a different world provides a "safe" way to explore fear and uncertainty, offering a "catharsis" or emotional release at the end.
• Mental Stimulation: The "whodunit" structure is a puzzle for the brain, enhancing mental agility and emotional engagement.
• Increased Empathy: Readers often explore the perspectives of diverse characters—detectives, victims, and sometimes perpetrators—which can enhance empathy."

From Penguin Random House:

• "In a study conducted by the University of Sussex, it was found that participants only need to read, silently, for six minutes to slow down their heart rate and ease tension in the muscles.
• Reading works better and faster than other methods to calm nerves.
• Books can promote empathy, social perception, and emotional intelligence.
Like Mysteries?


• "Mysteries engage the human brain, triggering curiosity and rewarding problem-solving.
• Humanity's evolutionary past shaped people to seek answers and unravel the unknown.
• Adding mystery to life sharpens thinking, fuels curiosity, and sparks adventure."

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/common-sense-science/202503/why-we-love-a-good-mystery

What about my reaction to not reading?

AI: 

"Avid readers often feel anxious, restless or sad when unable to read, as they lose their primary form of escapism, relaxation, and mental stimulation. Lacking this emotional coping mechanism can lead to feelings of boredom, stress, or dissatisfaction, making them feel out of sorts or less connected to their imagination."

My recommendation: Go read a book. Those around you will thank you. 

• 
  

Under the Stars – Beatriz Williams

 Happy Spring! I guess one post a month does not make a blogger. Been navigating a new season of life and the waters are bumpy. BUT I am trying not to sacrifice myself and the things I enjoy...which is reading.

For our March Mystery Book Club we read:

About:

"When a daughter and her famous mother return to Winthrop Island to confront their complicated past, they discover a secret trove of paintings that connect them to a mysterious woman who vanished on a luxury steamship two centuries earlier."

The story is told between dual time lines, current and 1846. Audrey (daughter, chef) and Meredith (mother, famous actress) return to Winthrop Island where Meredith has a house and a past. She grew up there. They return to the island after Meredith's agent begs Audrey to take her mother somewhere to get her sober for a big movie role they have landed for her. Audrey and Meredith have a strained, complicated relationship, but she agrees. Winthrop Island is also where Audrey's father lives.

The story of Providence Dare, a woman in 1846 is also told. She works in a household that took her in as a child, While she was raised with the children in the home, she was not considered one of the family, but rather household help. The wife of the Henry Irving, owner of the home, dies. The children are grown and have left home. Providence stays on as a housekeeper for Henry. When Henry turns up dead, foul play is suspected and Providence is a suspect. She flees Boston on a streamship, which sails in a bad storm. 

I found the 1846 story very good. There was actually a steamship at that time that sailed into a storm and was shipwrecked, landing on an island. Some of the names in the story are names of real people, but not the main characters.

As far as the current day story, I liked how Audrey reconnects with her father and where that goes (without saying too much). Her father, Mike is the most likeable character of the story. There is a lot of bad language which I felt was unnecessary. I don't mind some and sometimes it fits the situation, but I felt it was a bit much. One of the Mystery Group members pointed it out that the swearing stopped out of the blue part way through the book. Another said she had listened to the book and didn't notice it. 

A couple of people did not finish it but most did and liked it well enough. I liked the ending.

Beatriz Williams writes historical fiction and has several books that take place on Winthrop Island but are about different people that live there. But there are threads that tie them together. Several people, including me, liked it enough that we'd like to read some of the other books set in the island. One person who did not finish this book, actually has read others by her and likes her books. She also has seen the author in person and really enjoyed hearing her speak. 

I would say if you like historical fiction with a bit of mystery, give it a try or other books by Beatriz Williams.

https://beatrizwilliams.com/

Book for April: Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict

 Happy false Spring! Five years ago this week, we were frozen here in Central Texas - no electricity or water for a week with temperatures below freezing. Today it is 81 degrees and sunny. That is also scary to a degree, (no pun intended) because it is 15 degrees above "normal", so what does that mean for summer?

For February, the Mystery Book Club read The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict. This was recommended to me by the founder of the MBC and book buddy Kay, She has an excellent blog if you would like to see more of her recommendations here: https://kaysreadinglife.blogspot.com

About: "The New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery of Mrs. Christie returns with a thrilling story of Christie’s legendary rival Dorothy Sayers, the race to solve a murder, and the power of friendship among women.

London, 1930. The five greatest women crime writers have banded together to form a secret society with a single goal: to show they are no longer willing to be treated as second-class citizens by their male counterparts in the legendary Detection Club. Led by the formidable Dorothy L. Sayers, the group includes Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and Baroness Emma Orczy. They call themselves the Queens of Crime. Their plan? Solve an actual murder, that of a young woman found strangled in a park in France who may have connections leading to the highest levels of the British establishment.

May Daniels, a young English nurse on an excursion to France with her friend, seemed to vanish into thin air as they prepared to board a ferry home. Months later, her body is found in the nearby woods. The murder has all the hallmarks of a locked room mystery for which these authors are famous: how did her killer manage to sneak her body out of a crowded train station without anyone noticing? If, as the police believe, the cause of death is manual strangulation, why is there is an extraordinary amount of blood at the crime scene? What is the meaning of a heartbreaking secret letter seeming to implicate an unnamed paramour? Determined to solve the highly publicized murder, the Queens of Crime embark on their own investigation, discovering they’re stronger together. But soon the killer targets Dorothy Sayers herself, threatening to expose a dark secret in her past that she would do anything to keep hidden.

Inspired by a true story in Sayers’ own life, New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict brings to life the lengths to which five talented women writers will go to be taken seriously in the male-dominated world of letters as they unpuzzle a mystery torn from the pages of their own novels."

This book was a unanimous thumbs up by the book club members. 

The book is written in a traditional mystery style, just like an Agatha Christi novel. The characters and the plot unwind slowly, making it easy to picture it all in your head. One person did say she would love to see this book made into a movie. The five women are all very different and their styles all different. It is fun to read the descriptions of them all. There are a couple of differing opinions amongst the group. Afterall, they are all intelligent, independent and successful authors. The five form a club within the mostly men's club  - The Detection Club. Their goal is to get more women into the all men's club. Dorothy (Sayers') determines the best way to do that is to solve a real crime and show the men their sleuthing abilities. The apparent murder of May Daniels after her disappearance, happens to be in the news, so they choose this apparent crime to solve.

Besides being a good mystery (only one person in our book club guessed the bad guy), the true stories that are woven into the book are just as interesting. All of the Queens were well known authors of their time. The Detection Club was and still is a real "club". Dorothy Sayers was one of the few original women invited to join. Sayers did write the oath they are recite when joining. She and her husband did investigate the death of May Daniels. And much more. I think all of us ended up reading more about the five authors and would like to read some of their works. All are familiar with Agatha Christi, and some have heard of Dorothy Sayers but Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and Baroness Emma Orczy are not familiar.

We all recommend this book!

Marie Benedict writes historical fiction and releases new books annually. It doesn't appear that The Queens of Crime will be a series. To read more about the author and her books, find here:

https://authormariebenedict.com