I'm a fan of Linda Castillo's mysteries set in the Amish region of Painter's Mill, Ohio, so I thought I'd give P.L. Gaus's first Amish whodunit - published in 1999 - a try. Unlike Castillo's stories, which have shocking bloody crimes and a Police Chief detective, Gaus's book is a cozy mystery with an amateur sleuth.
*****
The story: Bishop Eli Miller is an 'Old Order' Amish leader in Holmes County, Ohio. The Bishop is very strict with his church members, and expects them to live simply; work their farms; wear plain clothes of the appropriate colors and style; eschew books and education; not use radios; avoid interaction with outsiders ('the English'); and so on.
Bishop Miller has to break his own rule, however, when his ten-year-old grandson Jeremiah is kidnapped. Desperate to get the boy back - and unwilling to contact the police - the Bishop.....
.....asks university professor Michael Brandon (an 'Englisher') for help.
The Bishop tells Brandon that his son, Jonah Miller - who was banned from the church for rebellious behavior - snatched Jeremiah, who's his biological son.
Brandon searches for Jeremiah, but makes little progress before Jonah is found shot dead on a road leading to the Bishop's house.
Sheriff Bruce Robertson investigates the killing, but he knows nothing about Jeremiah's abduction - so the Professor still has to find the missing child.
The main suspect for Jonah's murder is Jeff Hostettler, whose sister Brenda was involved with Jonah, and gave birth to Jeremiah.
Jonah abandoned Brenda before the boy was born, and she eventually committed suicide. Jeff blamed Jonah for his sister's death, and vowed to kill him.
To discover where Jeremiah may have been taken, Brandon looks into Jonah's past. The Professor learns that Jonah always chafed against the restrictions of Amish life. As a schoolboy Jonah wanted to read books and learn about the world, but the Bishop wouldn't allow it. Later on, Jonah took to drinking, dressing in English clothes, and carousing with girls....which led to his banishment.
The plot has some elements of a police procedural, and - as the story progresses - the Sheriff's investigation and Brandon's search come together.
Secondary characters that add interest to the book include: Pastor Cal Troyer - an Englisher that Bishop Miller respects; Ellie Troyer - the Sheriff's dispatcher, who has a sense of humor; Deputy Rick Neill - the new guy in the Sheriff's Department; Caroline Brandon (Michael's wife) - who helps search for Jeremiah; and more. Ellie and Rick have crushes on each, so that's a perk for romance fans.
The story has a straightforward plot with no big surprises....and not much excitement.
I do like the glimpse into the lives of the Old Order Amish, who seem to have the philosophy 'all work and no play.' It was also interesting to read about bundling - an Amish practice that involves boys and girls sleeping together (without sex) for courtship purposes. (This seems very odd to me.....and a tricky proposition.)
All in all, this is an okay mystery in an intriguing setting, but I probably won't go on with the series. The novels are popular though, so if you're a fan of cozies you might want to give it a try.
Rating: 3 stars
In this 18th book in the "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series, Mma Ramotswe has numerous problems to solve. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a bonus.
*****
As the story opens, Mma Ramotswe - owner of the 'No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency' in Botswana - takes a case at the behest of Mr. Polopetsi - a part-time chemistry teacher who helps out at the agency from time to time.
Mr. Polopetsi's acquaintance, Charity Mompoloki, lost her job as a furniture saleswoman at 'The Office Place' for being rude to a customer. Charity needs the job to support her children, and Mr. Polopetsi would like to see her reinstated.
Charity claims she wasn't rude, and suspicions arise that Charity's boss, Mr. Gopolong, had an ulterior motive for dismissing her. The suggestion is made that Mr. Gopolong, a married man, wanted to give the job to his girlfriend.
After speaking to Charity's mother, Mma Ramotswe concludes that Charity might actually have snapped at the customer. However, Mma Makutsi (who's gradually promoted herself from the agency's secretary to its co-director) insists that Charity is innocent.
Mma Makuski isn't inclined to be objective because Charity attended the Botswana Secretarial College, from which Mma Makutsi graduated with the unrivaled score of 97 percent.
To avoid conflict, Mma Ramotswe assigns Charity's case to Mma Makutsi, who promptly anoints herself 'Principal Investigating Officer.' (She's a hoot!) Meanwhile, Mma Ramotswe makes a stealthy parallel investigation of her own.
During Mma Ramotswe's inquiries she accidently learns of the existence of a woman called Mingie Ramotswe, a nurse who turns out to be a relative. Though Mma Ramotswe is thrilled to meet Mingie, it's not an entirely happy discovery.
To add to Mma Ramotswe's concerns, she learns that Note Makoti - her abusive ex-husband - is back in town AND that someone is scheming to bankrupt the 'Double Comfort Furniture Store' - which is owned by Mma Makutsi's husband, Phuti Radiphuti.
With all this on her mind, it's no wonder Mma Ramotswe feels the need to visit her friend Mma Potokwane - for advice, tea, and large slices of fruitcake.
Various recurring characters make an appearance, including: Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni (Mma Ramotswe's husband) - a master mechanic who treats cars like they have souls; Charlie - the barely competent apprentice mechanic who has an eye for the ladies; Violet Sephotho - a sexy troublemaker; and Mma Ramotswe's little white van - which she loves with all her heart (LOL).
As usual, the characters drink a lot of tea, drive around, and engage in conversations about diverse topics - like the appropriate colors for men's clothes and whether employees are loyal to their bosses. This gives Mma Makutski the opportunity to voice her strong (and sometimes odd) opinions.....and to argue with Charlie.
Mma Ramotswe often has to divert the chitchat, to deflect disagreements. These conversations are meant to be humorous, but I didn't find them funny. Moreover, Mma Makutski's shoes (which are usually very talkative) didn't speak to her even once!
The detective work in this series always takes a back seat to Mma Ramotswe's gentle musings, the ambiance of Botswana, and the everyday lives of the characters.
In this book, though, there's almost NO detection at all. Though Mma Ramotswe sows some seeds, all the issues seem to magically resolve themselves - either by chance or by the actions of outside characters. This feels like cheating.....and is unrealistic. In real life, troubles don't just evaporate.
For me, this book isn't amongst the best in the series, but I enjoyed visiting with the engaging characters, who seem like old friends by now. I'd recommend the novel to fans of the "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.'
Rating: 3 stars
This book revolves around three women in Sydney, Australia, all of whom have a connection to St. Angela primary school.
Cecilia Fitzpatrick - whose three girls attend St. Angela - helps organize school activities, has a thriving Tupperware business, and is happily married to handsome businessman John-Paul. One day, while Cecilia is searching the attic for her souvenir piece of the Berlin Wall, she comes across a letter from John-Paul.....to be opened in the event of his death. Cecilia tries to resist, but eventually reads the missive - which dramatically changes her life.
*****
Tess O'Leary lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband Will and their six-year-old son Liam. Tess and Will run an advertising business with Tess's first cousin (and best friend) Felicity. Tess is thrilled for Felicity - who recently slimmed down and looks beautiful - until Will and Felicity announce 'they've fallen in love.'
The lovers even suggest an outrageous plan in which Will, Felicity and Tess will all live together and raise Liam. Tess is beyond furious and whisks Liam off to Sydney, where they stay with Tess's mom.
Tess manages to get Liam enrolled in St. Angela school, just in time for the Easter egg hunt.
In Sydney, Tess also becomes reacquainted with her old boyfriend, Connor Whitby, who's now the gym teacher at St. Angela. Connor is an attractive guy who rides a motorcycle.....so he's something of a heartthrob among the schoolgirls (and their moms).
*****
Rachel Crowley is the school secretary at St. Angela. She's an unhappy, bitter woman who's still reeling from the death of her teenage daughter Janie over two decades ago. Janie was found strangled in a playground, and the murderer was never caught. Nevertheless, Rachel is convinced Connor Whitby is the killer, because he was the last known person to see Janie alive.
Rachel gets some solace from her toddler grandson Jacob, whom she adores. However Rachel's son Rob and daughter-in-law Lauren are taking Jacob to New York for two years - for Lauren's job - and Rachel can't bear it. As far as Rachel is concerned Lauren should just forego her career, stay put, and have another baby.
I have empathy for Rachel, but she's an unlikable person. She's cool to her son; pretends not to like Lauren's gift of delicious macarons; is obsessed with her own concerns; and purposely prolongs her misery (IMO).
*****
Cecelia, Tess, and Rachel aren't friends, but their lives touch during activities like school registration; St. Angela's Easter hat parade (which is adorable, with the kids wearing homemade chapeaus); a Tupperware Party; etc.
In spite of their busy lives, the three women are constantly brooding: Cecilia obsesses about the contents of John-Paul's note; Tess thinks about her cheating husband and disloyal cousin; and Rachel imagines what Janie would do if she was alive.....date; go to college; marry, have kids; and so on.
Events in the book lead to a dramatic climax, after which no one's life will be the same.
Engaging secondary characters add interest to the story. These include: Cecilia's 10-year-old daughter Esther - whose obsession with the Berlin Wall adds a touch of humor;
Tess's young son Liam - who senses dissension in the family and tries to fix it;
Tess's mom - who supports her daughter all the way;
Tess's aunt and uncle (Felicity's parents) - who are in an impossible situation. What do you say when your daughter steals your niece's husband?
I enjoyed the book. Liane Moriarty has a deft hand with plotting and skillfully weaves the elements of the story into a coherent whole.
My biggest quibble - I didn't like the epilog. In this last section, the author focuses on 'what might have been.' I'll give some made-up examples to avoid spoilers: IF Tess had gone to Frederick's of Hollywood instead of Victoria's Secret, she'd have seen her husband buying lingerie for his mistress, divorced him, and married a plumber. IF Cecilia had been a physicist instead of a Tupperware representative, she'd have solved the riddle of dark matter....you get the idea. This kind of thing adds nothing to the story because it didn't happen. It's just a waste of time.
Overall, this is a well-written, compelling novel that I'd recommend to readers who like a good tale with a moral.....actions have consequences!
Rating: 3.5 stars
Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe is an American actor who became famous for his roles in young adult films like 'The Outsiders' and 'St. Elmo's Fire.' Afterwards, Lowe co-starred in several TV series, including 'The West Wing', 'Brothers and Sisters', and 'Parks and Recreation.' The eternally youthful celebrity now stars in 'Code Black.'
In this second memoir by the actor, Lowe talks about being a husband and father, TV shows and films he's made, partying and drinking during his younger years (he's a recovering alcoholic), his interest in history and politics, his family, and more.
Rob Lowe with his wife Sheryl Berkoff
Rob Lowe with his sons Matthew Edward (right) and John Owen (left)
Lowe tells a moving story about sending his first-born son off to college and a hilarious tale of inadvertently "fooling" an audience - including President Clinton - with his fake saxophone playing. Unfortunately Barbra Streisand found out and tattled to Clinton. :)
Lowe tells several stories about the HBO movie "Behind the Candelabra" (starring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon) in which Lowe is almost unrecognizable in the role of a plastic surgeon hired by Liberace.
Rob Lowe is almost unrecognizable in 'Behind the Candelabra'
Some of my favorite anecdotes are about the craft of acting, where Lowe provides hints about what we can look for to separate great actors from not-so-good ones.
Rob Lowe with John Travolta
Rob Lowe with Sam Neill
Rob Lowe with Kristin Davis
Rob Lowe with Gwyneth Paltrow
I listened to the audio version of this book (narrated by the author) which is a treat because Lowe skillfully mimics the voices of some featured celebrities. Some of the stories fall a little flat but there are plenty of good ones to make up for it. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
Rating: 4 stars
In this 4th book in the 'Wyman Ford' series, the CIA agent is recruited to help chase down an escaped artificial intelligence program. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
As the book opens NASA is planning an unmanned trip to Saturn's moon Titan, to study the liquid Kraken Mare. Programmer Melissa Shepherd has created an artificial intelligence (AI) program called Dorothy to control a research raft that will enter Titan's sea.
When a test run in the NASA lab goes badly and is aborted Dorothy, programmed to protect the research vessel, tries to escape. The AI program ends up blowing up the lab, then jumps into cyberspace and takes on a life of her own. Dorothy - furious that NASA tried to 'kill her'- contacts Melissa and threatens to get revenge on her and the whole human race.
The surviving members of the NASA 'Kraken team' are suspected of sabotage and are questioned by federal cops. Melissa Shepherd, threatened by Dorothy and fed up with the FBI, makes a run for it. However, she's soon put in the position of having to track down and 'fix' Dorothy before the AI does something drastic like launching nuclear bombs. Melissa is eventually aided in this endeavor by former CIA agent Wyman Ford.
Meanwhile, a crooked investor named G. Parker Lansing - who uses computer programs to manipulate the stock market and make huge profits....
.....is bilked out of a fortune by someone even more clever than himself.
Furious and determined to get revenge Lansing hears about Dorothy and becomes determined to catch the AI software and use it for his own ends. Lansing will do just about anything to get his hands on Dorothy, including hiring hit men.
From here the story turns into a kind of chase novel, with Melissa and Wyman competing with Lansing and his henchmen to catch Dorothy.
At one point Dorothy takes refuge in the toy robot of a troubled 14-year-old boy, Jacob Gould, which sets off a lot of drama.
There are also some religious overtones to the story as Dorothy starts 'thinking about' the purpose of life and studying up on Jesus, etc. To me, this added a discordant note to the book.
All in all the book's thin plot - various people chasing Dorothy and meeting obstacles along the way - was tedious and repetitive and I ended up skimming a good deal of it. I think a book about actually going to Titan and studying the Kraken Mare would have been a lot better.
Interesting concept but not the best execution.
Rating: 2 stars
