Review of "Live and Let Growl: A Melanie Travis Canine Mystery" by Laurien Berenson

In this 19th book in the 'Melanie Travis Mysteries', Melanie helps investigate a suspicious death in Kentucky - and learns all about dog shows and horse racing. The book can be read as a standalone.

*****



Melanie Travis lives in Connecticut, teaches at Howard Academy, and shares a loving home with her husband, two sons, and five Standard Poodles.

Over spring break Melanie and her favorite poodle, Faith.....



.....accompany Aunt Peg.....



.....and sister-in-law Bertie......



to the Kentuckiana Dog Show Cluster in Louisville, where Aunt Peg will be a judge and pregnant Bertie will exhibit dogs.

Aunt Peg also has additional business in Kentucky. She recently inherited a Thoroughbred broodmare named Lucky Luna who's stabled at a horse farm there, and Peg wants to see the horse and consult with the professionals caring for her.



As it happens Aunt Peg's old friend Ellie Gates Wanamaker, a former exhibitor of Standard Poodles who grew up on a Thoroughbred farm, lives in Kentucky. So Aunt Peg and Melanie drop in on Miss Ellie, where Aunt Peg hopes to gain some insight into the business of raising/racing Thoroughbreds. Afterwards Miss Ellie agrees to visit the Kentuckiana Dog Show....

.....where Melanie notices that - though the former exhibitor is welcomed by many old acquaintances - there's an undercurrent of whispers and hostility. Melanie soon learns that a tragic car accident a couple of decades before caused Miss Ellie to abandon the dog show business...though there's more to the story than Melanie realizes.

A few days later Miss Ellie is found dead on the farm where she grew up, apparently having fallen while walking her four Jack Russell Terriers (the cute canine on the cover). However Aunt Peg considers Miss Ellie's death suspicious and ropes Melanie into helping her investigate.

The story is billed as a mystery, and does have some mystery elements. Most of the book, though, is about dogs and Thoroughbred horses. As Aunt Peg, Melanie, and Bertie go about their business in Kentucky we learn all about dog shows: the categories in which the dogs are shown; what the judges look for; the point system used to rate the dogs; the various awards (winner, reserve, etc.); how trainers and exhibitors groom and prepare the dogs; funny things that happen at dog shows; the camaraderie and rivalry among exhibitors; and more.





We also find out a good bit about the Thoroughbred racehorse business, which is apparently a very tricky enterprise. Thoroughbred horses are very costly to buy and care for and there are plenty of scoundrels in the business, ready to scam and take advantage of rich amateurs. The various schemes afloat to rook wealthy novice investors (assuming the descriptions in the book are accurate) are dismaying and fascinating. In any case I won't be buying a racehorse anytime soon....though I've been known to bet a buck or two on occasion. LOL 😊.



I enjoyed the humorous scenes where Melanie hobnobs with eccentric friends at the dog show. One quirky older fellow - concerned about Bertie's (non-existent) morning sickness - brings her a box filled with every kind of cracker he can find (ha ha ha). I was also amused when Melanie imbibed a little too much Kentucky bourbon while chatting up a person of interest. Aunt Peg, always feisty and outspoken, is also quite entertaining - and completely resistant to Melanie's efforts to reign her in. My favorite character in the book , though, is Faith - the smart, sweet, endearing poodle who always knows when someone needs a doggie hug.



I enjoyed the book but I would have liked a little more of a mystery element, perhaps with a twist or two. Still, I learned a lot about dog shows and racehorses and would recommended the book to fans of cozies - especially animal lovers.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of this book.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review of "The Widow: Kate Waters #1" by Fiona Barton

3.5 stars As the story opens fortyish Glen Taylor has recently been killed when he tripped in front of an oncoming bus. As it happens Glen was the prime suspect in the disappearance of a two-year-old girl, Bella Elliot, who was kidnapped from an English suburb several years ago (and never found). Arrested and tried at the time, Glen got off because of a flawed police investigation. Glen's death reminds the public of his alleged misdeeds and his widow, Jean Taylor, is once again hounded by the press. Jean agrees to be interviewed by reporter Kate Waters, who's thrilled to be getting the scoop. The story is told from rotating points of view including the widow; the reporter; the detective, Bob Sparks; and Bella's mother, Dawn Elliot. As the tale unfolds we learn that Glen was addicted to online porn, especially images of child abuse (or pretend child abuse, with women dressed as underage girls). Glen was also a manipulative, narcissistic husband who seemed able to con his wife into thinking he was a decent guy who had her best interests at heart...despite all kinds of evidence to the contrary. Jean seems to be incredibly naive and self-effacing. She realizes Glen's doing something not quite kosher when he shuts himself up with his computer, but she calls it "Glen's nonsense" and pushes it out of her mind. Jean is desperate to have a baby, but tests reveal that Glen is sterile - and he won't even consider adoption. Given Jean's obsession with children one would think she'd insist Glen change his mind or get lost, but Jean just makes excuses for her husband and hangs in there. Throughout the police investigation and trial....and its aftermath...Jean apparently believes in her husband's innocence and supports him. Detective Bob Sparks is convinced Glen is guilty though there are some other possible suspects. Bob is crushed by Glen's acquital, is haunted by the mystery of Bella's disappearance, and - despite instructions from his superiors - can't let go of the case. Journalist Kate is thrilled with the opportunity to interview Jean and quickly squirrels the widow away, to hide her from other reporters. Kate is convinced she's going to squeeze 'the true story' out of Jean now that Glen isn't around....but Jean may be more clever than she appears on the surface. Bella's mother Dawn beats herself up for leaving the child unsupervised in the yard 'for just a couple of minutes.' She starts a 'Find Bella' drive and cooperates with the press and the police, perhaps even going a little too far at times.

As the story opens fortyish Glen Taylor has recently been killed when he tripped in front of an oncoming bus. 



As it happens Glen was the prime suspect in the disappearance of a two-year-old girl, Bella Elliot, who was kidnapped from an English suburb several years ago (and never found). Arrested and tried at the time, Glen got off because of a flawed police investigation. Glen's death reminds the public of his alleged misdeeds and his widow, Jean Taylor, is once again hounded by the press. Jean agrees to be interviewed by reporter Kate Waters, who's thrilled to be getting the scoop.



The story is told from rotating points of view including the widow; the reporter; the detective, Bob Sparks; and Bella's mother, Dawn Elliot.

As the tale unfolds we learn that Glen was addicted to online porn, especially images of child abuse (or pretend child abuse, with women dressed as underage girls). Glen was also a manipulative, narcissistic husband who seemed able to con his wife into thinking he was a decent guy who had her best interests at heart...despite all kinds of evidence to the contrary.



Jean seems to be incredibly naive and self-effacing. She realizes Glen's doing something not quite kosher when he shuts himself up with his computer, but she calls it "Glen's nonsense" and pushes it out of her mind. Jean is desperate to have a baby, but tests reveal that Glen is sterile - and he won't even consider adoption. Given Jean's obsession with children one would think she'd insist Glen change his mind or get lost, but Jean just makes excuses for her husband and hangs in there. Throughout the police investigation and trial....and its aftermath...Jean apparently believes in her husband's innocence and supports him.



Detective Bob Sparks is convinced Glen is guilty though there are some other possible suspects. Bob is crushed by Glen's acquittal, is haunted by the mystery of Bella's disappearance, and - despite instructions from his superiors - can't let go of the case.



Journalist Kate is thrilled with the opportunity to interview Jean and quickly squirrels the widow away, to hide her from other reporters. Kate is convinced she's going to squeeze 'the true story' out of Jean now that Glen isn't around....but Jean may be more clever than she appears on the surface.

Bella's mother Dawn beats herself up for leaving the child unsupervised in the yard 'for just a couple of minutes.' She starts a 'Find Bella' drive and cooperates with the press and the police, perhaps even going a little too far at times.



As the tale unfolded I wasn't sure who to believe, and I suspected one character after another of being the kidnapper. The resolution of the story is believable but - to be completely honest - I would have liked more shock and awe. This is a good psychological suspense novel, recommended to fans of the genre.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review of "The Vegetarian: A Novel" by Han Kang

I'm not quite sure what to make of this book. Set in South Korea, the story is divided into three parts, each narrated by a different character. The first narrator is Mr. Cheong.



Mr. Cheong is a dull, reserved office worker who wants an ordinary life that doesn't rock the boat. Thus he marries a quiet, average-looking, unambitious woman named Yeong-hye. Yeong-hye's only fault seems to be her refusal to wear a bra, a quirk that Mr. Cheong (more or less) puts up with.



After a frightening blood-drenched dream Yeong-hye abruptly decides to become a vegetarian.



This is very unusual in South Korea and has immediate negative consequences: Mr. Cheong is annoyed about the new food regime at home and embarrassed when he and (bra-less) Yeong-hye attend a dinner with his bosses and their wives. Yeong-hye - whose garb is (not so discreetly) eyeballed by the guests - refuses to eat and several wives make disparaging remarks.



Yeong-hye's family is also appalled by her refusal to eat meat. They're critical because she won't knuckle under to her husband's wishes and are concerned about her weight loss and declining health. This leads to a violent scene where Yeong-hye's overbearing father tries to force meat down her throat...an act which ultimately results in Yeong-hye being committed to a mental institution.



Part two of the book starts three years later. Yeong-hye's husband has divorced her and she's now living a quiet life in a small apartment. This section of the story is narrated by Yeong-hye's brother-in-law, the husband of her sister In-hye, a businesswoman who runs a cosmetics store. In-hye is 'grateful' that her husband - a not-too-successful visual artist - 'allows' her to work, take care of the home, and raise their young son while he futzes around and has no income. 

The brother-in-law becomes obsessed with the notion that Yeong-hye still has a 'Mongolian mark' - a bluish birthmark that usually fades by puberty. The artist's fetish - and increasing sexual attraction to Yeong-hye - lead him to ask if he can paint her body while making a video. Yeong-hye agrees and is decorated with gorgeous flowers, leaves, and vines. The artist then paints a male colleague in a similar fashion and makes a sensual video of Yeong-hye interacting with the man. When the brother-in-law goes too far his life blows up.





Part three of the book starts some time later, when Yeong-hye is back in a mental institution. She has stopped eating completely and is on the verge of death. This segment of the book is narrated by In-hye. In-hye recalls their childhood, when Yeong-hye was the primary victim of their father's bad temper and physical abuse (not sexual). It's not clear, though, if this is the cause of Yeong-hye's problems. In any case In-hye tries to get her sister to eat, to avoid the dying woman's being transferred to a regular hospital and force-fed. Yeong-hye, however, won't eat a bite. It seems she now thinks she's a tree who can live on sunshine and water. Moreover, Yeong-hye doesn't seem concerned about dying.



And that's about it.

To me this unusual story seems to be about the inferior position of women in South Korean culture; dysfunctional families; artistic obsession; and mental illness. I've seen other reviews, though, that seem to read a lot more into this short book. So.....I don't know. Nevertheless, it's an engaging tale that certainly leaves an impression. Recommended to fans of literary fiction.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review of "Confessions: A Novel" by Kanae Minato

Yuko Moriguchi, a middle-school teacher in Japan, tells her class that she's resigning from her job. Moriguchi goes on to say her decision is related to the recent death of her four-year-old daughter, Manami, who drowned in a nearby swimming pool.



Authorities consider the death an accident but Moriguchi tells a long story that details how two students in the class (whom she calls 'A' and 'B') murdered Manami....and she describes the revenge she's set in motion.



After spring break one of the culprits returns to school while the other finds excuse after excuse to remain at home, essentially becoming a 'hikkomori' (sort of hermit).



The student who comes back to class faces retribution from fellow students while the shut-in deteriorates physically and mentally. Meanwhile, the class's new teacher - who doesn't really know what's going on - is determined to help the recluse keep up with classwork and return to school.

The story is told in rotating voices including culprit A, culprit B, the mother of one of the perpetrators, another classmate, and Moriguchi. At first it seems like one of the miscreants - who has a dominant narcissistic personality - was the major player in the illegal activities. However the truth is more complicated.



In some ways the book reminded me of the Columbine massacre in the U.S., where two students who did not appear particularly disturbed planned and carried out a terrible crime. Similarly, the killers in 'Confessions' appear to be under-the-radar sociopaths. In addition, it seems like poor parenting was a major influence on the events of the story, along with the pressure to achieve academic success - demonstrated by the number of Japanese students who attend 'cram school' after regular classes.



This is a well-written story that engaged me and kept me turning the pages. Good book, recommended for fans of literary fiction and mysteries.

Note: Reading the book made me curious about 'hikkomori' so I googled it. The word is a Japanese term for reclusive teens or adults who withdraw from society and become loners. Apparently this phenomenon is not uncommon in Japan and some experts speculate that there are over one million hikkomori in the country.

FYI: The book was adapted into an award-winning film.



Rating: 3.5 stars

Review of "Breaking Cat News: Cats Reporting On The News That Matters To Cats" by Georgia Dunn

I loved this delightful illustrated book about three cat journalists on the CN (cat news) network who report news of interest to cats. The kitties - Lupin, Elvis, and Puck - are housecats that live with 'the woman' and 'the man.'

                                                    Elvis, Lupin, and Puck (left to right)

The book is filled with entertaining scenes, so I'll just give a few examples.

The woman goes to the bathroom and closes the door....and the cats immediately rush over with their microphones: "CN news, ma'am. What you doing in there?' The cattarazzi proceed to claw at the door and stick their paws underneath as they keep calling, "Ma'am?" "Ma'am?" "Ma'am?.....and the woman just sighs.

Seeing that the woman has a frosted cupcake the cats immediately swarm her. One asks "Do you remember when you let me lick frosting off your finger, ma'am?" Another inquires "Do you remember I'm an excellent boy who deserves frosting?" When the woman declares "Cupcakes are for people" the cats are appalled....but get smiley again when they discover 11 more cupcakes on the kitchen counter.

The woman is under the weather and lying on the sofa (spooning with Puck). A reporter cat observes: "People recover from illness with giant mugs of hot tea and hours of British mystery shows."

 Later the woman is obviously pregnant and a newscat observes, "The woman has been increasing in size. This week her size has pinned her to the couch where she now lives with Puck watching British mystery shows." [Puck can't comment because if he misses the first ten minutes of the show he won't know what's going on....so true...ha ha ha.]

When the man and woman finally bring the baby home a cat reporter observes that "The people have brought home a strange creature that they force to wear tiny hats." The cats think the baby is a human pupa...and their labeled illustration of this is hilarious!

This book would appeal to everyone who likes a laugh, especially cat lovers. Highly recommended.

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Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of this book.

Rating: 4 stars

Review of "LaRose: A Novel" by Louise Erdrich

Landreaux Iron, a North Dakota Ojibwe Indian, is happily married to Emmaline and raising five children - including the 'adopted' son of his childhood friend Romeo. One day Landreaux - a former alcohol and drug user - is hunting, and accidentally kills Dusty, the 5-year-old son of his neighbors Peter and Nola Ravich.

The Ravichs are devastated and Landreaux and Emmaline - hewing to an old Indian custom - make the overwhelmingly heartbreaking decision to give the grieving couple their own young son, LaRose. Nola, though almost insane from grief, is somewhat comforted by LaRose, a sweet boy who - like his namesake ancestors - has shaman-like abilities. Still, both Peter and Nola fantasize about revenge-killing Landreaux.

Meanwhile, Emmaline and Landreaux are torn up by the loss of LaRose and the boy misses his family. Before long Peter Ravich- worried about what this is doing to LaRose - arranges for the youngster to be shared by both families. This arrangement is difficult and does little to heal the rift between the Iron and Ravich parents but it does bring the children of both households closer. Middle-schooler Maggie Ravich, whose disprespectful hijinks cause trouble both at school and at home, bonds with LaRose, who seems able to (somewhat) soothe Nola's anguish. And Josette and Snow Iron take their 'stepsister' Maggie under their wing, encourage her to play volleyball, and give her boyfriend advice when the time comes.

The devastating events of the story put pressure on both the Iron and Ravich marriages as an undercurrent of blame pervades both relationships. To deal with their anguish, the Irons rely on both their Indian heritage and their Catholic faith, guided by rugged ex-Marine priest, Father Travis. Nola, who's close to suicidal also consults the priest, who can do little to soothe her agony.

Interspersed with the story of the current LaRose are historical scenes depicting the life of the original LaRose - an Indian girl sold to an abusive merchant by an alcoholic mother. This first LaRose's story is harrowing but she perseveres (in part) by using her mystical abilities, which are passed on to her descendants. Scenes of a disembodied head following LaRose (and her companion) when she goes on the run are both humorous and disturbing.



The story also depicts Landreaux's childhood, during which he was forced to attend a white-run boarding school meant to erase his Indian culture. At school Landreaux met Romeo, who was intensely loyal until a rift formed between the boys. Romeo, who's partially crippled, grows up to be a drug-using ne'er do well who steals and scams for a living. For various reasons Romeo is jealous and resentful of Landreaux and tries to use 'the real facts' about Dusty's death to destroy him.

The novel has some comic relief when Indian elders living in a nursing home joke with each other (mostly about sex) and get revenge on Romeo for stealing their painkillers. The elders also tell engaging 'creation' tales from their Indian culture, which are fascinating and instructive to young LaRose.



This is an excellent story about grief, remorse, revenge and healing...as well as children's angst as they mature and find their place in the world. The loyalty and love among the Iron and Ravich siblings and step-siblings is very moving and the climax and denouement of the story are believable and satisfying. I would highly recommend this book to fans of literary fiction.

Rating: 4 stars