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Reader Reviews
Not what you might expect in a detective story. It has as many unexpected turns as a snake. You never know what is going to happen next, but then, what would you expect with a guy who doesn't really want to be a detective? He just wants to soak, naked, in his hot tub & write off his wine cellar as an office!
Reviewer: Anonymous, Mounds View Library
From the author of the Redwall series, this sequel to Castaways of the Flying Dutchman, is action packed & reminiscent of the Horatio Horblower series when it discribes various nautical maneuvers, a boy & his dog, who can communicate using mental telepathy rome the Caribbean agelessly & encounter different types of pirates.
Reviewer: Anonymous, Mounds View Library
Beautifully written memoir of a young girl who must become the community leader when her warrior father dies as China takes over Tibet. It details the cruelties of her imprisonment and torture by the Chinese, and documents details of prison camp life, as well as the sustenance of her faith.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
stinks!!!!!
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
Leave it to Steve Martin to inject humor as well as color and luster to a pretty everyday story. A very good, quick, read.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
The intrigue to this book is tracing this painting back to its origin and seeing how many lives it has affected in such a variety of ways, and also, how various people view the subject and what her reality is.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
An equally exciting and challenging follow-up to "The Sparrow." I can't wait for Book 3.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
This is a Book on Tape well worth the listen. The reader Virginia McKenna has such a wide range of voice characters and a wonderful Brit accent. The mystery is well-cloaked and the murderer not easy to decipher. One is also immersed in the African landscape and biome. Great Read!
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
A 40-something author of a "light" novel and translator for a major French feminist suffers the loss of her daughter of 20 to the "streets." It is cataclysmic for the family and yet they seem to flow with it. We see the way she writes, even creates her novel, while still hearing about her life. It is down-to-earth stuff, light while delving into "heavy" issues. Entertaining and involving. Odd but believable. The author is likable.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
A series of 36 lectures by Professor Seth Leerer, on talking book. A fabulous history from Indo European roots through the twentieth century. Stimulating. One of my favorite facts learned: the butterfly was originally the flutterby. It was a lecture series given with love and passion for English and language.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
My favorite book of the year. Spiritually and morally challenging. Believable possibilities and haunting.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
This is a young adults' book by the remarkable Madeleine L'Engle. This book is in her series that follows the Austin family and friends (not the Murray series). The story focuses on Vicky Austin, almost 16. The family is living on a New England island for the summer and providing care for Vicky's grandfather who is dying. Vicky, unlike her several siblings, has a poet's nature rather than a scientific bent. But it is she who is asked to help with her new friend Adam's science project regarding human communication with dolphins. Vicky is very attracted to Adam, but there are also complications of two other young men being interested in her. There is this romantic aspect, but Vicky is a fully-drawn character and is not letting anyone rush her in her quest to understand herself, her talents, her family relationships, and the place of death in human lives. She comes to accept that life is a ring of endless light. It's a very well-written book, lots of emotional content that stays with you..
Reviewer: Lynn, Shoreview Library
Isobel Dahlousie is editor of the Journal of Applied Ethics, looks into certain matters for others, and ponders philosophical points of view.
Reviewer: Barbara, Arden Hills Library
What insight and perception into a particular way of thinking and perceiving the world. I learned alot.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
A fascinating look a the life of a powerful woman in the 1100's, very detailed and rich. It pulled together bits of history that I had not connected before.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
Suspenseful until the very end. What an interesting perspective of events from two women written by a man.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
A well written fascinating glimpse at how things might have been in Henry the VIII's household.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
What an entertaining, intelligent, fun and (at times) raunchy adventure! If you've ever enjoyed the stories of The Scarlet Pimpernel, then The Secret History of the Pink Carnation will not disappoint. Set just after the French Revolution, the plot vividly portrays the excitement of espionage, war, romance, and honor, as a young maid sets off to avenge her parents' death by joining the spy network of the legendary 'Purple Gentian'.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Captain Alatriste is a sword-for-hire in 17th century Spain; he's a man who has seen his fair share of warfare, intrigue, and betrayal, yet cannot escape this lifestyle no matter how weary of it he has become. When he's offered the chance to earn gold to pay off his debts, he accepts with suspicion. He soon finds himself embroiled in an assassination attempt that makes him an enemy of the head of the Inquisition as well as the Royal Court of Spain. Will he survive?
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
This book was an exciting and thrilling adventure. I totally recomend it to all eager readers.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
A fascinating book on marriage, race, the culture wars.
Reviewer: Barbara, Arden Hills Library
A really fun read. Part mystery, part paranormal, and part "chick lit." Abby Cooper is a 30-something psychic who otherwise lives a "vanilla" existence (her term). She runs her own psychic intuitive business, giving readings and trying to help her clients, while trying to pay for her new fixer-upper house and taking care of her mini dachshund Eggy. She has never wanted to work with the police, but is drawn into helping them with a case when one of her clients is found murdered. The lead investigator is a gorgeous, skeptical, straight-arrow local detective, who also happens to be Abby's first internet date. The plot and pacing are first rate--I finished this one reading straight through and went off to the library to pick up the second and third in the series.
Reviewer: Lynn, Shoreview Library
This was my favorite book when I was about 12. I read it for a book group that I'm in and all of us in our 30's and up enjoyed it. This book won the Newbery medal in 1959 or 60. The action is set in 1687 in Connecticut Colony. Kit Tyler is a lively, pretty young English woman who grew up on her Grandfather's plantation in the Caribbean. When her grandfather dies, Kit has to sell off the plantation and, to escape marriage to a much older man, Kit packs up her remaining belongings and shows up at her aunt's home in Connecticut. Because she can read and write and swim, has very expensive clothing, and is used to having slaves and servants, she has a hard time fitting into the harsh farm life and Puritan rules in her aunt and uncle's household. She is like a tropical bird brought to the wrong habitat. Worse, her only friend is Hannah, an old Quaker woman who lives outside town as an outcast from society. Some call Hannah a witch, and when Kit draws too much attention, Kit is put on trial for witchcraft. Kit has to deal with religious intolerance, while facing her own political intolerance, because, for all her uncle's conservative religious views, he has some radical ideas about living under a distant monarch's rule. This book is a good introduction to early colonial life. In addition, Kit has three potential suitors, so there is a good dose of romance, too!
Reviewer: Lynn, Shoreview Library
Museum politics, mixed with forensic anthropology make for a diverse background. Add in sexual harrasment, wiccans, druids, mummified cavers and you have a busy plot.
Reviewer: Maya, ? Library
It has a rich plot which lives up to its praise, "Powerful as Myth." The book is in a way difficult to understand completely as it is told from many perspectives, which all turn out to be the author's. The story is of four mother daughter relationships each told from both perspectives. I would suggest reading the book, as I did, without putting it down because of the four separate story lines. If you have not read this book yet you are certainly missing out because it is a gem in the sea of the many over rated NY times bestsellers.
Reviewer: Andy, Shoreview Library
All the details about the life of a geisha are fascinating, but I didn't like the fairy tale aspect of the book that much.
Reviewer: Barbara, Arden Hills Library
This book was a terific page turner. I couldn't put it down and it made "The Da Vinci Code" more interesting already knowing the main charater.
Reviewer: Nicole, Mounds View Library
A good mystery with lots of interesting twists and turns. Definitely a page-turner. Good characters -- makes me want to read more of the author. Watch for typos in the book!
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Pinter won the Nobel Prize for literature in 2005. This work, as its title foretells, portrays numerous betrayals: husband and wife, friend and friend, lovers, secrets. The play begins after the end of the affair and works backward in time.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
This book is interesting for its depiction of life and times in first century Palestine, based on current archaeology. It is well illustrated with photos and paintings depicting reconstructions of cities and building in Jesus' time. What detracts from this book is John Crossan's hypothesis being passed off as "fact" that the Gospel accounts are not fully true and accurate. This theory allows him to pick and choose texts to distort Jesus' identity and message according to his own views.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
Story of two sisters, one in Hollywood's enthrallment with movies, the other, married, who is diagnosed with cancer. The book is a series of letters from the older sister who is trying to produce a film of Don Quixote. The story shows family relationships, the younger sister's strong marriage and the difficulty of the older sister to make and keep relationships.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
I enjoy all of the Agatha Raisin books by M.C. Beaton. Agatha is a fun character who always makes me laugh.
Reviewer: Barbara, Arden Hills Library
Very interesting book. I enjoyed reading about the life of a geisha and how the westerners perception was different. Saw the movie but definitely choose the book over the movie.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
An expert in Egyptian hieroglyphics bumbles into a plot to steal an artifact from the British Museum. He's expert at decoding a dead language, but he can't decode the life around him.
Reviewer: Barbara, Arden Hills Library
A must read for any Hassler fans. Nearly 90 years old, Agatha McGee moves into the senior housing unit in Staggerford. It is a touching and sometimes humorous look at getting old.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
Harvester, MN is the setting for three women living together. One old, one middle aged and a teenager. As much as I enjoyed other books by Sullivan, I was not drawn into this book, nor did I enjoy the characters. A real disappointment when I remember how much I cared for Lark in: "The Cape Ann."
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
Local mystery writer has set this book in Hilltop "Tin city" , a small mobile home community on Central Avenue. If you have not already read his other books-read them in order, you will not be disappointed.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
Covers the year 1776 plus a few months on either end. I wish it had held my attention like his John Adams did. Read John Adams first!
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
This is a YA (Young Adult) book, but don't let that stop you. Set in a lakes town up north in 1965, it is a visit back to our Minnesota summer vacations. A Minnesota author worth reading.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
A rather downhearted book about not only a troubled English man drug-addicted, wealthy and depressed, but also about upper crust British society and its hypocrisy. Well written with a telescopic look at a false world of being "above and better" than the masses of mankind. Excellent writing.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ?Library
A fascinating story of biking, courage, cancer-survival, winning, and a remarkable human being of unusual strength. INSPIRING.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
Anyone who loves birds will enjoy this book. Great illustrations. Quite humorous. A good read!!
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Another wonderful story with similar themes to the author's other books, but still unique in its characters and story. Set in a great era and described very well. Great ethnic references -- especially for anyone of Italian descent.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
A good read- a page turner- fast-paced & never boring- a mystery with a family twist. Caution: do not start this book while in bed for the night- you'll lose a night's sleep!
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
First in the Detective Paris Murphy series. Not really a mystery, as the identity of the killer is revealed early on. The only mystery for me was how many people the guy would kill before Murphy was able finally to arrest him. Answer: Why should I spoil it for you? I had high expectations for this book, but really both the plot and writing were cliche after cliche.
Reviewer: Lynn, Shoreview Library
Great book! I would classify this as a cozy. First in the "Shadows" series--the amateur detective has a business named Shadows, selling antique prints. This book takes place at a weekend antique show held at a county fairgrounds in New York. Lots of potential suspects and believable, likeable characters. Good descriptions of behind-the-scenes at an antique show as well. Very believable set-up as to why Maggie has to get involved in the case, rather than let the local police handle it. Very enjoyable.
Reviewer: Lynn, Shoreview Library
I thought that I wouldn't like this book, but it completely won me over. It's a great story within a story within a story.
Reviewer: Barbara, Arden Hills Library
The life story of Wang Lung provides insights which are still as valuable as when written: wealth isn't happiness or peace, strength of character comes from hard work, and life is not fair. The well developed characters help the reader to better understand historic Chinese culture.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
After the death of her mother, 12 year old Nicky and her father go live in the solitude of rural New Hampshire. Living there with her depressed father, Nicky feels the need for family and friends. While her father is content being alone in the woods, finding an abandoned baby allows for father and daughter to better understand one another and fill emotional needs. Fast paced, well developed characters.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
An outstanding look into the life of an ordinary boy growing up in Afghanistan before and after the Soviets and the Taliban. Very heart wrenching and in some areas disturbing. Well worth the read!
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
A fascinating tale set in St. Paul, Minnesota in the 1940's. A young boy has to deal with his mother's death and his father's descent into alcoholism and gambling. There is a major plot twist part-way through the novel which changes one's whole view!
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
A fascinating and very readable look at what the study of economics combined with some statistical analysis can do to explain some of life's mysteries. There are some shocking and controversial conclusions drawn on occasion, but everything is backed up quite meticulously. One fascinating chapter analyzes data gathered from inner-city Chicago drug-dealing gangs, outlining a corporate structure much like McDonald's, where the top bosses make great money while scores of underlings make something below minimum wage. This one will have you thinking for weeks! I would've liked to see more discussion of methodology or results, but nevertheless the book is a fascinating, clear read.
Reviewer: Diane, Shoreview Library
An 80 year old Chinese woman tells of her "laotong" (a formalized lifelong friend) with Snow Flower. As young girls they giggle together as they learn to sew, weave, and write a secret language. As they mature so does their friendship despite the differences of their social standing. While they are able to overcome the challenges of family and society, their relationship is tested by the limits of their secret language.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
The last of the Mitford series but not the last book for us to enjoy by this author. She is going to write another series with "Father Tim" as the centerpiece. This one is more religious in nature than some of her others. You will enjoy it more if you have read some of the earlier books in the series.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
This remarkable woman, well into her eighties, keeps on producing one superb book after another. Agatha Christie in style, this is one you can't put down until it is over.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Civil War story based on actual historical research. Centers on one woman's story about the Battle of Franklin, a battle that happened virtually in her backyard. Gritty and detailed; a real success of a first novel.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Sixth of her Outlander series. Wonderful as usual. You would be well advised to start reading at the beginning of the series. I am afraid you will be lost if you don't. She does not re-introduce characters. If you like historical fiction, you will enjoy reading them all.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
This was a great adventure set in WWII Europe. Ancient documents threaten the foundation of modern religion. Several generations of good guys and bad guys chase the documents through Italy, Sitzerland, Greece, Germany, England and more. Very exciting and original thriller.
Reviewer: Mike, Roseville Library
Classified as a mystery, but not really a "Who done it." We KNOW who did it-but the story is in the finding of evidence and the chase. Good Story! Local setting, local author.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
A well written novel exploring human nature through the travel of teenage cousins.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
Classic M H Clark. Steve Peterson's wife was murdered. Now his son and new girlfriend are kidnapped. Will he find them alive? Fast paced, great story! Page turner.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
Brutally honest and descriptive. It was a page turner for me. His raw honesty painted a true picture of addiction and real people.
Reviewer: Anonymous, ? Library
Violet Sullivan and her new car disappeared in 1953. Most of the story takes place out of Santa Teresa. I missed hearing about some of the regular characters in Grafton's books-Henry, Lt. Dolan, Cheney Phillips. Good story but not one of her best.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
At first I had trouble finding any realism in the idea of two very Victorian ladies taking a boat trip along the Nile. Could be humorous - going up a pyramid with two men pulling and one pushing from behind. Excellent for learning about the pyramids and tombs and antiquities. The mystery is a mummy that walks at night.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
A group of school friends meet 27 years later at an inn to celebrate the wedding of two of their members. Passions and tragedies from the past and present come together in this novel.
Reviewer: Barbara, Arden Hills Library
Very thought provoking and well written. The narrator, Kathy H., tells the story of clones raised and educated for a horrible end.
Reviewer: Barbara, Arden Hills Library
The story of two Cree Indians facing the horrors of trench warfare during World War I. Really opened my eyes to the brutal existance of the trenches.
Reviewer: Barbara, Arden Hills Library
Part-time sleuth Rei Simura sometimes acts like the 30-year-old she is; other times like a scatterbrained college student. In this novel, her cousin is mugged and her friend wants her to look for her long-lost mother. Father and family are not friendly. Throw a new cooking school into the mix. Like a Japanese Diane Mott Davidson book without the formal recipes. An average book.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Two Pinkerton agents -- Phil Beaumont and Jane Turner, who have worked together before in another book -- are investigating the "double suicide" of an American publisher and another woman. There is a masquerade party with many celebrities including Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. Many countries are involved -- Germany, France, Switzerland, and Scotland. There is some humor, such as the French inspector who always makes Beaumont pick up the tab because he would get reimbursed.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Zipporah is an interesting character, filled with passionate love for the man who will lead the Isrealites out of Egypt.
Reviewer: Barbara, Arden Hills Library
A romance combined with philosophy. A monk of 20 years re-enters the world and begins a relationship with a woman.
Reviewer: Barbara, Arden Hills Library
Lacks her usual 'sass.' Interesting story. She solves the mystery of a woman who disappeared thirty-four years ago in her new car.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Such a great story. It takes a great author to write such a compelling tale with just a handful of characters. You really feel like you can see or have been to every location described in the book. A satisfying ending as well.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Interesting tale, told in 'Garrison Keillor' style. Unusual for someone to write with such exceptional perception of the aging process.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Interesting story, although, as usual with this author, the first chapter is a tension-building success, followed by more mundane chapters. If he could maintain the level of writing throughout the whole book, he would have a blockbuster.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Awesome ability to write well is maintained throughout this novel based on Sherman's march to the sea during the Civil War. Focused more on the people enduring this time in history than on the battles.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Beautiful prose, almost poetic. Chockful of Indian mythology, manages to be inspirational and at the same time revealing of the desperate lifestyle of reservation living American Indians.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Like vampires? Like romance? If yes then you will love this book! ^^ It's about a girl who moves to a really boring town. The only exciting thing is a really hot vampire named Edward. He likes her but is it for her personality or her blood? Read to find out. Anyone who read DEMON IN MY VIEW will love this!!
Reviewer: Sydney, Shoreview Library
A good, quick book with a great message. Gives a great example of witnessing to anyone looking to be a better disciple. Shows how simple it can be to make a difference in people's lives.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
Minnesota author. Setting is small village in Ireland. Forensic anthropology. When men are digging turf to dry and burn, they come across a head. Nerby landowner's wife and son have been missing. Is this head hers? Learn pagan customs, local customs, Gaelic music. There are maps of the area described. Good book.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
This is a terrific book! A real joy to pick it up again and again. Good characters, well constructed plot. Gave insight to conditions of race relations in the South in the mid 1960's. Treat yourself to this book.
Reviewer: Anonymous, White Bear Lake Library
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