What We're Reading

The wenches are wading through the summer doldrums with some new and unique books!

Joanna:

I’ve been ​wanting to post about this book for a while, but I’ve been of two minds. The print book lives on my keeper shelf and I think it’s well worth recommending. But it’s ​been ​out of print for a decade and about impossible to get hold of without laying down an unreasonable amount of money.

This is Manly Wade Wellman’s John the Balladeer, ​short stories​ from the author’s Southern Appalachian tales in the Silver John mythos. They’re a little supernatural, a little fantasy, a little traditional storytelling. I find the writing evocative. ​And ... ​I’ve ​recently ​found John the Balladeer as an e-book!  So I am just delighted to recommend it with the happy news that it is not only enjoyable and interesting but free. ​(​This is a legal download from the publisher.​)​  Some more of Wellman’s ​other ​short works ​ in the mythos​ are also here. ​You can scroll past his S.F. stories till you come to his Silver John works.  To dive into one random story to get a taste, ​go here.

 

Cara/Andrea:

This month has had a lot of distractions for me, so my reading time has been less than usual. But I very much enjoyed the one book I did treat myself to. The Riddle of the Labyrinth: The Quest to Crack an Ancient Code, by Margalit Fox, combines many of the elements that I love in a story—history, mystery, compelling characters, and a riveting plot! No—it’s not the latest beach read thriller, but it reads like one. It’s the true story of the quest to decipher Linear B, a Bronze Age language discovered on a cache of clay tablets on the isle of Crete at the turn of the 20^th century. It’s the oldest written Western language, dating back to around 1450 BC, but scholars had no “Rosetta Stone” to help figure out what the strange symbols might mean. It seemed an impossible task to decipher it, but several dedicated individuals were up for the challenge.

Fox writes a really riveting story about the unsung hero—a woman professor, who dedicated her talents to working on the problem even though the male-dominated scholarly world gave her little recognition—and the amateur who eventually cracked the code. And she also includes a fascinating primer on codebreaking and linguistics as she tells the tale. If you love learning arcane bits of history and intellectual puzzle-solving, I highly recommend it!

 

Nicola:

Nicola here. After Wench Anne’s recommendation last month I read the entire Stage Dive series by Kylie Scott, one book after another. I was totally hooked by this series with its strong heroines and sexy rock star heroes. There’s very strong chemistry between all the couples, great conflict and emotional growth. I loved these books!

 

I’ve now picked up something rather different but equally compelling: The Fair Fight by Anna Freeman, which is a historical novel set in the world of 18^th century female pugilists and their patrons. Anna is a poet and it shows in her prose. The book captures the atmosphere of the times beautifully.

Not so much What We’re Reading, but What I’m Colouring – I was interested to read recently that adult colouring books are very popular at the moment, giving people a peaceful and relaxing break from the busyness of life. For my birthday I was given The Mindfulness Colouring Book and a set of crayons and in the evening I sit and colour the patterns in. As I don’t have any other arts and craft talent this is perfect for me!

 

Pat :

Again, I’m up to my neck in the quicksand of boredom. It may be that I’ve been reading too long because every plot is predictable, and I’m not finding authors who can produce a fresh new spin on the tried and true. There are favorite authors I can always read with pleasure, but I like discovering new ones.

So for those of you willing to go way out on a limb for new and different, I bring you Kim Hunt Harris and The Trailer Park Princess and the Middle Finger of Fate. I didn’t need to buy this on the basis of cover—I bought it for the title. It was irresistible.

I’ll leave you to decide if the story lives up to the fabulous title, but the protagonist is definitely not someone you’ll find elsewhere. A recovering alcoholic who has eaten herself up to a size 18, Salem Grimes is true trailer park trash and unashamed to admit it. But at age 28, she’s trying to find God and turn her life around—until she finds a dead body in the church. Fighting a thirst for alcohol and trusting in God when all the fates turn against her is as much of a struggle as finding the real killer. Since the solution to the mystery is a bit obvious, read it for the characters. If you do, tell me what you think. (and I'm reading a lot of mysteries now since Cyber Genius will be out in a month and I'm free to read the genre until I get started on the next book!)

 

Jo Beverley:

I'm in the odd situation of recommending a book that I suspect most of you won't like at all. Weird tastes? Moi?

I like a light mystery, even a humorous one, which is really a bit off when corpses are involved, but there it is. When I visit my local library, I scan the mystery shelves, but most of the books look grim, promising grittiness, vile crimes, and the dark psychologies of those who commit them. So it’s not surprising that my attention was caught by the text and type of Blotto, Twinks and the Ex-King’s Daughter.

I noticed the author was Simon Brett, who is a well-respected crime writer, so I brought the book home, read it and enjoyed it. But it's really hard to describe.

Imagine a spoof on the classic between-the-wars country house murder seen through the lens of P G Wodehouse with suggestions of the Goon Show, I'm Sorry I'll Read That Again, and Monty Python. (Is this kind of silliness a uniquely British product?) The book chomps up every cliché about British aristocracy, the square-jawed action hero, the whizz-bang amateur sleuth, and any other that comes within range.

The action takes place at Tawcester Towers (pronounced "Taster" of course), residence of the Duke of Tawcester (known as Loofah, of course), where a body is found in the library. Of course. The local police are summoned, but in the butler’s opinion, “…once they have failed to identify the murderer, there will doubtless turn out to be a private detective among the Dowager Duchess’s house guests, who will continue the investigation.” Even plodding Chief Inspector Trumbull knows the rules of the genre. “Why did he have to go through the tedious preliminaries of investigating the case himself? Why couldn’t a polymathic amateur sleuth arrive straight away and solve the thing?”

Of course one does -- the duke's sister, young Lady Honoria Lyminster, known as Twinks. She is assisted by her brother, Devereux Lyminster, known as Blotto. (For some reason, on the rare occasions when Blotto is referred to formally Brett calls him the Honorable Deveraux Lyminster rather than Lord Deveraux. Perhaps he thought it more humorous.)

 Blotto is not a drunk, but he is dim. In addition he's handsome, dauntless and invincible when armed with his favorite cricket bat. One of the few coherent thoughts he has is that all the world's problems could be solved by cricket.  Beautiful Twinks has a brilliant mind, a Holmesian eye for detail, and can always find the right gadget somewhere on her person.

It's over-the-top silly throughout, but that's what makes it fun.

I've returned the first book to the library, so this little sample of dialogue is from the next book, Blotto, Twinks and the Dead Dowager Duchess.

   "So tomorrow morning, soon as we've finished the Savoy brekker, we want to shift like a pair of cheetahs in spikes and find Davy ap Dafydd."

   "Said Davy ap Dafydd being the boddo with the next tattoo on his finger?"

   "Give that pony a rosette!" said Twinks. "You've bonged it right on the nose, Blotters."

If you can't take much of that, you have been warned!

(Pat again--I had to buy this one. I adore Wodehouse, even though the names drive me...dare I say it...blotto.)

 

Anne:

Even when I'm really busy, I still read a lot -- it's my form of relaxation, plunging into someone else's world. This month, because I'm deep in my own current writing, I haven't read a lot of historical romance, and the stand-out reads have been fantasy, and a contemporary Australian story with a strong thread of the past -- WW2 with an American connection.

The standout fantasy read was Juliet Marillier's The Caller, the last in the trilogy that starts with Shadowfell and continues with Raven's Flight.

A wonderful conclusion to this series, The Caller kept me up late into the night reading on to see what happened next. It's classed as YA but it's one of those books that will appeal equally to adults of all ages. Juliet Marillier is the kind of fantasy writer beloved by romance readers because there is always a strong love story and her books leave you smiling.

The Australian story is Moonlight Plains, by a friend of mine, Barbara Hannay, but I'm not recommending it because she's a friend -- most of my friends are writers -- but because I think wenchly readers would enjoy her books. Barbara is a romance writer who lived for many years in Townsville, in Far North Queensland, which had a big American presence during WW2. 

She's always wanted to write about the connections between American servicemen and local Australian girls -- so many Aussie girls married US guys and went to live in the US, and even today Townsville still feels a close connection to Americans. Moonlight Plains is a contemporary story, but Barbara has woven a WW2 tale into the backstory. It's a lovely story and I think people will enjoy her writing.

 

And how is your summer reading going? Anything new and fun we should know about?

 

Comments

[Janice]

Joanna, I used to read Manly Wade Wellman's stories in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, which was my favorite science faction magazine of the day because it had as much interest in literary quality as it did in imaginative concepts. I think his best collection was Worse Things Waiting. He was popular for his Weird Tales stories as well.

The only book of much note that I've read this month was The Care and Maintenance of Lies by Jacqueline Winspear, a WW1 set book but not related to her Maisie Dobbs series. It would make a great Brit miniseries.

[Janga]

Pat, I love knowing that someone else buys books after being hooked by a title. I am much more apt to be find a title irresistible that I am a cover. And, Anne, I will definitely check out Moonlight Plains . I love stories that weave together two time periods.

I'm reading ARCs of Christmas books these days, but my August reading was shadowed by goodbyes to two beloved series. The Lure of the Moonflower with a reflective Jane Wooliston and a fascinating Jack Reid was a perfect ending to Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation series, and Margaret Maron's twentieth Deborah Knott book, Long Upon the Land, tied up a loose thread in the Knott family history. I started reading both series with the first book, so for almost a decade with the Willig books and more than two decades with Maron's Southern mysteries, I have eagerly awaited the next book in the series. I feel sad and a bit lost that I have turned the last page for the last time. I take comfort in the fact that I am a rereader.

[Patricia Rice]

I love Winspear and wasn't aware of this book. Must look it up, thank you!

[Patricia Rice]

It is sad to see the end of Willig series, but all good things must end and we can be comforted knowing these will be classics for decades!
c
I'm critiquing some fabulous Christmas stories (not the wenches new anthology!) and remembering why I love them. Have fun!

[Joanne Bourne]

(jo waves)

Another Wellman fan. I am so glad to see so many of his stories online. Apparently the publisher is doing this. Yeah, Baen!

[Tempest]

Don't worry, there are those of us who share the odd sense of humor and simply ADORE Blotto and Co. Of course, I also adore Wodehouse . . .

[Patricia Rice]

This is the reason we love our readers-- we love the same books or we're all crazy. You choose. ;)

[Lillian Marek]

I love Simon Brett, and I must read Blotto, Twinks, etc. Even if it weren't by Brett, I'd have to read it for the car on the cover. If I could have a car like that, I might even enjoy driving.

[Janice]

My goof, it's The Care and Management of Lies. Too late at night, I guess. It came out in tpb not long ago. Anyway, very atmospheric to the times, but as usual you will need some kleenex handy.

[Patricia Rice]

You buy for cars, I buy for titles, it's all good! ;)

[Linda S.]

I just finished reading The Lady in Red; An Eighteenth-Century Tale of Sex, Scandal, and Divorce by Hallie Rubenhold. It tells the story of Sir Richard Worsley and his wife, Seymour, Lady Worsley, a mismatched pair if there ever was one. An unhappy marriage, adultery, an elopement, a criminal conversation trial, exile to various European countries for all parties, even a stint in prison for Seymour during the French Revolution. If this story was fiction, it might be termed unbelievable, but Rubenhold appears to have solid research behind her tale.
Now I'm looking forward to something completely different with Simon Brett's Blotto and Twink. I'm laughing out loud just at Jo's description!

[Maggie Robinson]

I just bought the Brett book, and was pleased to see there are more in the series if I like it as much as Jo did. My reading this summer has been frequent but fitful. Not a lot for me to recommend, but I did enjoy the Frances Mayes (Under the Tuscan Sun) memoir of growing up in the south, Under Magnolia. Very bittersweet, and as she's a poet too, beautifully written.

[Minna]

At the moment I'm reading Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming by Stephen LaBerge because I would LOVE to be able to have some control over the dreams I see. I'm also reading Phoenix Force series by Bonnie Vanak. And I can't wait to read the latest in Death book by J.D. Robb. Only few more days...

[Patricia Rice]

Blotto will undoubtedly be different! The Worsleys prove that high profile scandal was absolutely not invented by the media age!

[Patricia Rice]

Blotto was a lovely satire but not much of a mystery, IMO. But it was amusing, which is always good.

[Patricia Rice]

Let us know if you learn to control your dreams! Mine are so extremely weird that I really don't want anything to do with them. ;)

[Minna]

My dreams are just the opposite: they are way too realistic.

[ML]

Anne, a wonderful movie about New Zealand women and their relationships with US men during WWII is Until They Sail. Yes, it's mostly a US/British cast, but it was filmed in NZ and is surprisingly honest about relationships (out-of-wedlock pregnancies, drinking, etc.) during a time when the Hays Code still determined content in the US. You can get a DVD or watch on demand from Amazon if you search for it. I agree--it's an undercovered aspect of WWII. You hear about the British brides of US soldiers (my aunt was one!), but not NZ or AUS as much.

[Jobev]

The books are fun, aren't they, Tempest?

[Jobev]

In the books it's a Lagonda. I have no idea whether such a car exists. The essence is clear.

[Jobev]

Linda, the BBC has just shown a dramatization of The Lady in Red. It was well done, but rather depressing. They tried to frame it as the story of a liberated woman, but she seemed more a victim of abuse to me. The drama stopped when Bisset left her and mentioned her subsequent life briefly in a note.

[Jobev]

I don't think the mystery plays much part in the B&T books, Pat. It's more an excuse for all the rest.

[Patricia Rice]

then understanding them could be fascinating! Mine are more like characters in a story doing strange and crazy things--nothing relatable.

[Karin]

There is a Lagonda car, they are made by Aston Martin and sell for upwards of half a million pounds!

[Karin]

I immediately downloaded John the Balladeer, Baen is great for making this available for free. And I'm glad I went there, because I see that more Lois McMaster Bujold books are available since the last time I checked.
I read Cara's book, "Sinfully Yours", which was really fun, a delight to read. I plan to move on to the 3rd Hellion of High Street soon. But right now I am on a Miranda Neville binge. I didn't discover her until recently and I love the complexity of her characters. They each have believable strengths as well as faults. Reminds me a bit of Nicola's Scandalous Women of the Ton series, or Julie Anne Long's Pennyroyal Green books. The most recent Neville book I finished was "Confessions From an Arranged Marriage", and I loved the way the heroine had strong political ambitions, and made no apologies about her desire to wield power. So there was a lot of political wheeling and dealing, although looking at her book covers you would think the characters spent all their time tearing their clothes off!

[SuePS]

Some months ago, one of you lovely ladies mentioned Anne Perry's Charlotte and Thomas Pitt mysteries. So I gave one a try. I WAS HOOKED. I quickly learned that the best enjoyment came from reading in order, because Things Happened in every book (and sometimes BETWEEN books!). I blew through the entire series at one and sometimes two a day. And I work full time.

It took me a little longer to be truly engrossed in the William Monk series, but then it gained speed and power, and OMG, I have an enormous pile of Anne Perry books and I'm running out -- despite buying the latest in HARDCOVER -- OH DEAR ...I shall be in withdrawal and require tea and biscuits on a silver tray at frequent intervals until Ms Perry publishes again.

Drat you, Word Wenches! :D

[Minna]

Understanding is not the problem, I understand my reoccurring dreams (different dreams, but the same themes) only too well. And that's not what this book is about. It's about how to train yourself so that you can wake up in your dream, realise that you are dreaming and then do whatever you want in your dream, instead just of going wherever the dream leads you. Some people are able to do this without any training at all, but most us need some training. I just saw this documentary about lucid dreaming -and dreamers. Stephen LaBerge's studies and his book was mentioned in it, so I bought it right away.

[Patricia Rice]

fascinating and let us know how it works out. I can steer dreams to a certain extent, but my poor tired brain really needs a rest more than it needs creative dreaming. So I'm not touching the book unless someone tells me I'll actually get more sleep. ;)

[Patricia Rice]

We do our best to hook our customers on strong drugs. ;)

[Andrea Penrose]

Love Winspear too. The Maisie Dobbs books are excellent!

[Andrea Penrose]

Yes, really sad to see Lauren's series end. They are such fun! But she's doing some fabulous women's fiction books now, so be sure to give then a try!

[Andrea Penrose]

This sounds like a book I would adore. LOVE discovering new titles through this monthly column!

[Andrea Penrose]

Thank you Karin—so glad you enjoyed Sinfully Yours! I love Miranda Neville's books too. She writes very rich, textured heroes and heroines, and has a lovely understated British sense of humor.

[Andrea Penrose]

Ha, ha! I am a huge fan of the William Monk mysteries. Wonderful characterization and interesting plots that reflect the passions of the era.

[Sue W. McCormick]

I was thrilled to see the recommendation for the Silver John book. My husband and I read the stories in the magazines, then bought the book when It first appeared. We'll get it for our e-readers also.

I am interested in the linear B book "The Riddle of the Labyrinth" and I believe my husband will also enjoy it.

I've been doing mostly re-reads this past month PLUS "Not Always a Saint" and the most recent Carla Neggars Donovan and Sharp story "Keeper's Reach."

[Janice]

Paul Newman and Jean Simmons, as I recall. Turner Classic Movies plays it here sometimes. It wil be on next on September 10, on Robert Wise Day.

[Nicola Cornick]

It depressed me too, Jo. I thought the book was excellent and very well done and the programme was well made but although they tried to present her as a proto-feminist it felt as though she was the victim in the end.

[Nicola Cornick]

Many thanks for those kind words about my Scandalous Women series, Karin! I love Miranda's books and Cara's books for the same reason. complexity of characters and shades of strength and vulnerability always fascinates me. There is so much potential for characters to change and grow.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks ML and Janice -- I'll keep a look out for it, and will also mention it to Barbara Hannay. I do like discovering hidden pockets of history.

[Julie B.]

I recently reread Agatha Christie's The Secret Adversary. A dramatization of the book was broadcast on the BBC recently, and for some bizarre reason, they opted to set the story in the 50s as opposed to after WW1. I still enjoyed the adaptation, although I much preferred the book.

I love Simon Brett's books. His cosy mysteries are wonderful and he's writing three other series as well: The Charles Paris mysteries about a failed actor, the Fethering mysteries about two ladies who stumble upon corpses and, my favourite, the Melita Pargeter books about the widow of a felon who finds herself solving mysteries.

I'm currently engrossed in Mary Jo's Not Always a Saint and I am thoroughly enjoying it - I don't want the book to end!

[Linda S]

Thanks for that information about the BBC, Jo. I agree, Seymour was no liberated woman, but a rather desperate one. I found the plight of her children the most tragic - innocent victims, to be sure.

[Tempest]

Albert Campion drives a Lagonda . . .

[Jobev]

Ah, that probably explains the reference.

[Joanne Bourne]

Looks like Baen has made their whole Wellman collection free online. I am so pleased. Those stories surprise and delight.

... Inside, she gave us two chairs bottomed with juniper bark and sat on a stool next to the shelf with herbs in pots, and one or two old paper books, The Long Lost Friend and Egyptian Secrets, and Big Albert the one they say can't be thrown away or given away, only got rid of by burying with a funeral prayer, like a human corpse. ...

[Joanne Bourne]

I am surprised to find other folks have read these. I was thinking I'm the only soul in the world familiar with them, and then, like, I'm just one of the throng.