Audiobook review: Unsheltered, by Barbara Kingsolver

Unsheltered left me with mixed feelings. The story wasn't much, but the writing, well, if you've never read Kingsolver you won't understand how enamored I am with her writing.

So, yes, I'll always pick up a book written by Kingsolver. Unsheltered follows two timelines of people who live in the same house. The first point-of-view is Willa in 2016. She lives in an old Victorian house with her husband and adult daughter. The house is literally falling down, and as the story progresses, they are confined to less and less space.

Willa is trying to get the house designated as historic, so she can get some grants to help fix it up. There is much soul searching, as she reflects on the past and how hard they have worked and still don't even have enough money to make basic repairs to the house. The stories of her two children are integral to the plot as well. Her daughter is appalled at the damage that our civilization has done, and continues to do, to the earth. Her son is mourning the loss of his wife and has left his newborn son with Willa.

As Willa is researching the historical significance of the house, she discovers (eventually) that Thatcher Greenwood, a local science teacher, may have lived in her house in the1870s. Part of the reason he is significant is because of his relationship with a renowned woman scientist, Mary Treat, who lived next door. Thatcher's house is also in disrepair, and he also doesn't have enough money to fix it. It is just as well, because his desire to teach about Darwin's theories will most likely be the end of his employment by the local conservative school.

Kingsovler does a good job switching the narration and building a connection between these two eras. Her command of prose just mesmerized me. She narrates Unsheltered herself and this is the second book I've listened to that she has narrated. I wouldn't say she's a great narrator. She's not very good at male voices--some of them just sound drunk. But I appreciate her doing it. I feel like the author alone knows the proper emphasis and emotion she wants to convey. A couple of times I think she got a little choked up.

All in all, Unsheltered is my least favorite of her offerings. I could recommend just about any other of her books before this one, but if you are a Kingsolver fan, be sure to include this in your list.

Published by Harper, 2018
Audiobook obtained from libro.fm
480 pages

Rating: 3.5/5

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Book Review: The Vanishing Man by Charles Finch @MinotaurBooks

I haven't read any of The Charles Lenox Series of books, but since The Vanishing Man was a prequel and sounded intriguing, I decided to try it. I was not disappointed.

Lenox is an English aristocrat turned sleuth. It is 1853 and Lenox has been called up by the Duke of Dorset to discretely find a painting that has been stolen from his home. It's more than just the painting, though. You see, right next to the rather ordinary, relatively cheap painting that was stolen is a priceless portrait of William Shakespeare -- one that only a few people know exists.

Lenox is an intelligent and interesting character. What adds to the entertainment is the people he surrounds himself with. His valet, who helps him with his investigations, his housekeeper, his neighbor (Lady Jane), and somewhat of a ruffian who Lenox hires to do some investigating--to name only a few. The investigation goes off kilter when Dorset himself is accused of murder and put in the Tower of London. Lenox is not only trying to solve this complex mystery, but he's in danger of losing all social standing if he doesn't.

One of my favorite parts of The Vanishing Man are the several spots where Finch describes the derivation of certain words in our current vocabulary. Tips, bedlam, cottage -- to name a few. I bookmarked them all. He also includes a rundown of the aristocracy and what all the titles mean. Along with these tidbits, the writing is exceptional. The banter between the characters is sophisticated. And the plot moves swiftly, with twists that I didn't see coming. Nothing is for sure until the very end, and then there are still some things that Lenox is not able to nail down completely.

I do have one question, though. Why that title? What man has vanished? If you have read this and have thoughts, please leave me a comment. What am I missing?

I'm a fan of historical fiction and loved learning more about Victorian England and Shakespeare while delighting in these characters and this story. I'm a fan and look forward to beginning my journey through some more Charles Lenox stories. Highly recommended to fans of Victorian mysteries.

Published by Minotaur, February 19. 2019
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
304 pages

Rating: 5/5

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Book Review: A Christmas Revelation by Anne Perry

I’ve never read any Anne Perry before, and A Christmas Revelation was a sweet story that warms the heart at Christmastime.

We are in Victorian London, and Worm is a 9-year-old little boy who doesn’t even know what Christmas is.  The former street urchin has recently been taken in by Miss Claudine and given a job at her clinic.  When Worm sees a beautiful lady on the streets abducted by two men, he can’t forget.  He enlists the help of Squeaky, the bookkeeper with his own checkered past.  Together the two of them try to find and help the woman and get involved in a dangerous sting operation to save her.

This is during the Christmas season, and Squeaky is teaching Worm all about the holiday and its traditions as they prepare for the special day. Will they get to enjoy the feast? Or will the bad guys ruin it? You will have to read A Christmas Revelation to find out.

If you are into charming Victorian mysteries, with a bit of excitement and heartwarming characters that are easy to root for, you will enjoy A Christmas Revelation.

Published by Ballentine, November 6, 2018
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
192 pages

Rating: 4/5

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Book Review: Master of His Fate, by Barbara Taylor Bradford @StMartinsPress

I don't think I've ever read anything by Barbara Taylor Bradford, so when I saw that Master of His Fate is the beginning of a new series (The House of Falconer), and it is historical, I decided to jump in.

James Falconer is everything you would want in a grandson.  Ambitions, hard-working, intelligent, and sensible.  He intends to fulfill his legacy, helping his father in his market stall.  But James wants to be the boss.  When he is discovered by the head of the market, Henry Malvern, he's on his way to reaching his goals.

Alexis Malvern, Henry's daughter, is the heir to his fortune. She is also intelligent and hardworking.  She has no interest in getting married, for in Victorian London her fortune would then belong to her husband. She is perfectly happy working for her father and being a businesswoman.

We follow the stories of these two for most of the book.  It isn't too obvious how their stories will come together, but they eventually do.  There is a lot of introduction to the characters and families, beginning with James' grandparents, who are successful, but not nobility, and have had a great influence on all of their children and grandchildren. It is all very interesting and didn't bore me at all. The descriptions of the people, surroundings, activities, and clothing were all quite enjoyable. The book blurb says Master of His Fate is "intricately detailed" and that is entirely accurate.  What I had a problem with is the mention of seemingly unimportant details like his turning off the light and locking the door when he left. I thought maybe we got this information because someone was going to try to break in later? But no, just extraneous information that I found annoying. These types of descriptions happen throughout the book.

Master of His Fate is still a very interesting story, and I enjoyed it very much. I am invested in what is going to happen and will probably someday read the following books in The House of Falconer. Just be aware that when the description says "detailed," it is an accurate description!

Published by St. Martin's, November 20, 2018
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
416 pages

Rating: 4/5

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Book Review: Game of Secrets by Kim Foster

Game of Secrets is a magic book, but the historical setting is what really amped up the appeal.

Felicity is doing her best in Victorian London to keep herself and her little brother surviving. It isn't easy.  Her brother must stay hidden since he is Tainted. His special abilities, if found out, will get him caught by the Huntsmen, and he will surely be killed.

As Felicity herself is in danger of being taken by a Huntsman, a mysterious man, Hawksmoor, rescues her and takes her to a special school to be trained to serve Queen Victoria as a spy and assassin. You see, Felicity was unaware that she is also Tainted. Her magic powers are very desired by this organization.

The training is difficult, and it's a competition between these youth to be the next official spy.  In the meantime, Felicity is worried about her brother.  But she can communicate telepathically with him, and he is safe, taken by the same organization and being pampered until he is old enough to attend the school. Felicity doesn't trust Hawksmoor and continues to plot her escape, but soon she becomes a very successful spy and may be in the running to win the competition.

Game of Secrets was an enjoyable mix of a historical setting, spying, and magical abilities. There is plenty of adventures and danger, as the trainees are sent on small missions. The plot moves quickly, and I was surprised more than once. I did tire a bit of Felicity's subterfuge.  She keeps putting herself and others in danger by going rogue during their missions. You would think she would learn after almost being captured by the Huntsmen once (or even twice), but she keeps on risking it.

Game of Secrets is a quick read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a bit of sleuthing in the Victorian Era.

Published by Sky Pony, July 3, 2018
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
368 pages

Rating: 4/5

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Book Review: Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

Quirky and charming, Etiquette & Espionage hit all the right buttons for an enjoyable read.

Sophronia's mother is so happy that Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has accepted Sophronia because her mother doesn't think there's any hope for her becoming a lady. Sophronia has definite reservations, especially when her adventures begin on her way to the school -- before she has any idea what she's in for. Because this is a finishing school like no other. Yes, it will teach her the necessary skills to be a lady--along with those necessary for assassinations and espionage.

Taking place in the Victorian Era, Etiquette & Espionage manages to combine historical, paranormal and steampunk elements while providing interesting, diverse characters who have some wild adventures, mostly because of Sophronia. She's a force to be reckoned with, and is very determined and bold.

The adventures are far-fetched, but they're supposed to be. You can't go in expecting anything realistic. There is a specific item the girls are working to find, but I mostly enjoyed the banter between the characters and just learning about this world. This fantasy world makes you wish it were reality.  The excitement ramps up as you get closer to the ending, and this episode ties up quite nicely.

I'm glad there's more, though. The second book, Curtsies & Conspiracies, and the third, Waistcoats & Weaponry are already available. I think this series has great appeal for a lot of teen readers.

Published by Little Brown BFYR, 2013
Copy obtained from the library
307 pages

Rating: 4/5

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Book Review: The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart, by Leanna Renee Hieber

Compared to the first book, Darker Still: A Novel of Magic Most Foul, The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart left me wanting.

I found Darker Still to be macabre, tense, and clever in it's solution. Twisted Tragedy seemed superficial, unnecessarily complicated, and somewhat difficult to follow. There's the demon, and the Society, which are both "bad." But, I had a hard time following how they were related.

Supposedly Natalie and Jonathon are in grave danger throughout the entire book, but I never felt any tension (except for at the end in Maggie's room.) I didn't understand what they were afraid of, and the fear seemed very circular, rather than building to a crescendo. For example: Why did we meet Samuel? I guess he was in danger, but Jonathan and Natalie leave him. And then we "hear" at the end of the book that he's OK. I didn't get the point of that character, and it just confused the plot and took away from the main characters.

The best part is the relationship between Natalie and Jonathon. I loved the romantic parts, and the difficulty they had trying to comply with the Victorian societal norms. These scenes didn't happen often enough! I also loved the Victorian setting.

I didn't get the homage to Poe or Stoker, as I felt Darker Still possessed. There were parts of Twisted Tragedy that were dark, but I didn't feel the consistency.

I do like the characters. Mrs. Northe plays a small role in Twisted Tragedy, but she isn't nearly as clever as in Darker Still. If I choose to read the next book, it will be because of Natalie and Jonathon. I may need to experience their "happily ever after," but I'm not sure if I can tolerate the lack of a cohesive threat that I experienced in Twisted Tragedy.

Published by Sourcebooks Fire, November 1, 2012
eBook obtained from NetGalley
336 pages

Rating: 3/5

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Book Review: The Agency: The Traitor in the Tunnel, by Y. S. Lee

The Traitor in the Tunnel, the third book in The Agency, is as entertaining as the first book and left me, once again, wanting more.

I love Mary Quinn. She's plucky, brave, and intelligent. She's working as a maid at Buckingham Palace to find out who is stealing valuable trinkets. But that's not really the story here -- there's so much more. These mysteries always turn more complicated for Mary than she expects, and the twists and turns are part of what is so special about these books.

And James is back, so there's more romantic potential, which aren't we all hoping for? I won't say any more about that except the relationship does change -- I just won't say how.

And, after the first book, I was hoping to find out more about Mary's father, and in this book that plot progresses also, and I must say, the direction is unexpected.

There's excitement, royal intrigue, danger, sadness, and romance. All in this little bitty story. These books are definitely worth it if you like historical romance or cozy mysteries. The plot doesn't stop, the pace is brisk, and the pages fly by. These characters have found a place in my heart, and I hope Lee isn't finished yet.

Published by Candlewick, February 28, 2012
eBook obtained from NetGalley for review
384 pages

Rating: 4.5/5

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Book Review: The Agency: A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee

The Agency: A Spy in the House introduces a unique Victorian character, Mary Quinn, whose intelligence and spunk are atypical for the times.

Mary was destitute, a thief, and destined for the gallows when AnneTreleaven rescues her and gives her a spot at Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls. After several years of school, Mary is invited to join The Agency, a network of female spies who are also managed by Anne and her partner, Felicity.

Mary's first assignment is to be a companion to Angelica Thorold, the spoiled, rich child of Henry Thorold. Henry is suspected of illegal smuggling. Mary is only to listen and find out what she can.

Of course, Mary does more than listen, and in the process becomes acquainted with James Easton. These two have a lovely chemistry, but the romance doesn't sizzle quite yet.

Lee hasn't written realistic historical fiction. There was no organization of female detectives, at least as far as we know. But, the setting is authentic Victorian London. The characters, costumes, customs, and even the filth, put the reader in the story. Mary is perceptive, but makes some stupid decisions. The mystery isn't earth shattering, but the main characters are put in some danger, and there is tension at the end.

The information about Mary's past is the part that most intrigued me, and I'm assuming we'll find out more about this in future adventures. I'm looking forward to those. There's much to keep a reader interested, and I won't hesitate to recommend this one to teens and adults who like some mystery and adventure with their history.

The second book, The Body at the Tower, is available now. The third, The Traitor in the Tunnel, releases  February 28, 2012.

Published by Candlewick, 2011
eBook purchased by me
352  pages

Rating: 3.5/5

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