false 167 1077 1039 true 5647556 read 3 true 2166099 currently-reading 35 true 2166098 to-read 175 false 2833557 hist-fic 167 false 2833579 non-fic 166 false 2833556 mystery-crime 109 false 2833570 mod-lit 60 false 3171891 kids 50 false 2833640 fiber-arts 34 false 3245689 classics 32 false 2869727 no-thanks--i-ll-pass 23 false 2845683 all-time-faves 19 false 3292248 arc 15 false 3542581 paranormal 0 false 8232722 wishlist http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/79145701 to: Bird Yard (Mass Market Paperback) by Julia Wallis Martin
bookshelves: mystery-crime
An abandoned, derelict neighborhood in Manchester, England is slated for demolition. Only a single, crumbling house is still inhabited, by a solitary man and hundreds of exotic finches. The eerie aviary sets the tone for the entire novel, a compelling police procedural centering upon an urgent search for a missing boy. DS Parker recruits a forensic psychologist to assist in what increasingly appears to be a serial killer case, and, as these two men form a grudging working partnership, author Martin takes readers within their minds as they struggle with the horrific details of the case. A haunting journey, surreal and malevolent, with richly developed characters and compelling psychological underpinnings. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/79145807 The Scarecrow (Jack McEvoy, #2) by Michael Connelly
bookshelves: to-read
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/37158999 The Brass Verdict (Mickey Haller, #2) by Michael Connelly
bookshelves: currently-reading, mystery-crime
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/8115.The_History_Book_Club Linda joined the The History Book Club group. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78324855 to: The Monster of Florence (Hardcover) by Douglas Preston
bookshelves: mystery-crime, non-fic
The Monster of Florence is co-authored by an Italian journalist and an American novelist. Accordingly, this serial killer saga is told in two sections, the first with a focus on the activities of Mario Spezi, and the second, those of Douglas Preston. Spezzi is arguably the Italian expert on the murders, which occurred sporadically, during summers in the late 1960's to the mid 1980's. When Preston moved to Italy for a prolonged stay, he became drawn into Spezi's obsession with finding the real killer. Their collaboration would lead to the publication of a chronicle of botched investigations, planted evidence, corrupt judicial officials, and a gruesome crime spree which has never been solved. Along the way, Spezi was imprisoned in isolation as the prime suspect, and Preston forced to leave Italy accused of abetting Spezi. Although the authors believe they know the identity of the Monster, he has never been brought to justice, while others have been convicted, probably unjustly. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78321637 to: The Cooper's Wife Is Missing: The Trials of Bridget Cleary (Paperback) by Joan Hoff
bookshelves: mystery-crime, non-fic
Poor Bridget Cleary, killed for her belief in fairies. Bridget's husband believed that she became a changeling, her body inhabited by an evil fairy spirit while her own was taken to live in the other world. As a result, her husband, with some friends and relatives, attempted to drive out the evil spirit, and in doing so, burned Bridget to death. The narrative in this history is chilling in its detail.

Interspersed with this incredible account are more prosaic chapters covering the history of Ireland around the turn of the 20th century. Belief in the spirits of folklore, very much alive in spite of the efforts of the Catholic church to eradicate it, was one of the reasons given for withholding home rule from Ireland.. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78324798 Lost Souls (New Orleans, #6) by Lisa Jackson
bookshelves: currently-reading, mystery-crime
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77751871 to: The Lace Makers of Glenmara (Hardcover) by Heather Barbieri
bookshelves: mod-lit
For recently widowed Bernie Cullen, the arrival of Kate Robinson into her life comes as a blessing. Kate is touring Ireland on her own, trying to soothe her depression over recent losses of her own. Kate is not planning to stay, but the next bus out isn't due for a week. Bernie introduces her to her lace making group, and Kate, much to her surprise, finds her interest stimulated and engaged for the first time in months. Lacemakers is a novel of transformation, in which Kate, Bernie, and company assist each other in coming to terms with the difficulties in their lives. Its plot relies heavily upon coincidence (Kate hasn't done step dancing in years, yet wins the local competition hands down). Quaint and charming, Barbieri's competent writing skills lift it a few levels above the typical romance novel. Note: Those looking for lace crafting details or Irish folklore will be disappointed. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78320693 to: Zumba®: Ditch the Workout, Join the Party! The Zumba Weight Loss Program (Hardcover) by Beto Perez
bookshelves: non-fic
Zumba can be used for weight loss, but for me, it's truly a health and fitness manual for making long lasting life style changes. The exercises are really dance moves, fun and energizing, and an instructional DVD with great music is included. The chapters on food and recipes are practical (what to eat if you want to lose inches in a particular spot) and easy to follow. This book is also nicely formatted. Flamenco! ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78319159 Angels of Destruction: A Novel (Paperback) by Keith Donohue
bookshelves: to-read
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