Deep Storm

Child, Lincoln. (2007). Deep Storm. New York, NY: Random House Inc.

ISBN: 9780385515504

pages: 370

genre: suspense/thriller

annotation: Medical issues are only the beginning in an undersea station.

summary: Peter Crane is amazed to be approached to find the cause of medical problems occurring in an undersea station. He has naval experience, but wonders why he was approached. He doesn’t have much time to wonder when, soon after he arrives, the problems worsen. Add into this that the cover story  of the station excavating Atlantis is false. If he does not figure out the cause of the problems not only the people on the station, but everyone on the planet, might die.

evaluation: good read
The reason for the station is unique. It might seem over the top, but the matter of fact way it is handled made it seem plausible enough for fiction. The assortment of characters was intriguing: the quick thinking Peter Crane, Admiral Spartan who lives up to his name, etc. I liked the thought processes of the characters as they tried to figure out what was going on: their perspectives and the details about military life and science were fascinating. Two areas, though, unsettled me. One was the ending. The situation at the end is tenuous: I found myself wondering just how people were going to deal with the end result. I would have liked an ending which was more settled. It did get me thinking and wondering what would come next. I also felt ambivalent about sabotage being used. Figuring out who the saboteur did add suspense because cases could be made throughout the book for it being several people. On the other hand, I think not having the sabotage would have added to uniqueness of the premise. It would have kept the story focused on whether what was being dug up was benevolent or not, and whether it should be dug up. This book is a good read for those who like suspense on (or in this case under) the ocean, military drama and finding the truth with humanity’s future on the line.

What else to read:

Other books by Lincoln Child. He frequently co-writes with Douglas Preston.

James Rollin’s Subterranean for another tale of secrets beneath the Earth.

Andy McDermott’s The Hunt for Atlantis for a story involving Atlantis and humanity’s future.

Clive Cussler’s books usually involve the ocean, lots of suspense and the heroes having to protect humanity from threats such as viruses, bioengineered fish, etc.

The Thief

Cussler, Clive. (2012). The Thief. (Isaac Bell #5) New York, NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.

ISBN: 9780399158612

pages: 408

genre: suspense/thriller, historical fiction

annotation: Detective Bell becomes involved with a potentially world changing invention.

Summary: Isaac Bell is happy to be returning home to America after a successful case. He becomes embroiled in another one when he saves two fellow travelers from being kidnapped. His good deed causes the travelers to reveal they are two inventors who are close to perfecting aligning pictures with sound. Bell can see the importance of this to entertainment, but the kidnapping attempt makes him wonder if someone else has a more sinister use for “talking pictures”. He comes up against an intelligent foe who wants to use “talking pictures” to change the course of history.

Evaluation: very good read

I liked the ‘feel’ of the early 1900s I got from the book. We take long distance calling and movies for granted. With this book I felt what it could have been like to see both of those as innovations people saw the possibilities of and heatedly worked, and fought, to attain. For instance, the portrayal of Edison’s attempts to control the emerging movie industry brought home how ‘talking pictures’ were a to be fought over marvel. I wish the authors mentioned where they got their information from, so I take this as more speculative than factual. Still, it makes me curious about the history of movies, the transfer from telegraphs to phone for long distance calls, Edison and the early 1900s in general (the year most of the action is set in is not mentioned). The book also alludes to tensions leading up to the ‘Great War’ (WWI) which causes curiosity about that as well. I also liked the characters. Isaac Bell expects a lot from his employees, but he is also fair and has a strong sense of justice. The villain is a good villain: unusual, intelligent and crosses metaphorical swords well with Bell. What annoys me is that Bell wonders if some decisions he makes could be dangerous, but he makes them anyhow and the reader has to wait for the fallout. He has reasons why he makes them, but it still seemed like maybe alternatives should have been explored more. I did find the plot, and the book, enjoyable except for that. Otherwise, it is a good read for those interested in U.S. history 1910-1920 (or just the elements mentioned earlier) and suspense/thrillers.

What else to read:

Other books by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott.

Randall E. Stross The Wizard of Menlo Park for more about Thomas Edison.

Wheeler Winston Dixon and Gwendolyn Audrey’s A Short History of Film for more about films.

Time Life Books The End of Innocence for more about U.S. history 1910-1920.

Wickham's Diary

Grange, Amanda. (2011) Wickham’s Diary. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Landmark.

ISBN: 9781402251863

pages: 198

genre: historical fiction

annotation: Wickham’s story from childhood to Meryton.

Summary: Wickham has loving parents, a blessing in the patronage of his father’s boss Mr. Darcy and charm. Being the son of a servant isn’t enough: he wants the good life his friend Darcy has. Encouraged by his mother, he sets out to charm his way into marrying a heiress rather than gain money through unfair hard work. He records his experiences at Pemberley, Cambridge, London and Ramsgate as he tries to meet his goal. His efforts lead him towards the events seen in a certain book called Pride and Prejudice.

Evaluation: good read

This was an entertaining look at Wickham’s life. I could see why he felt Darcy cheated him without feeling sorry for him (as the book says he is a character Austen fans like to dislike). It was fascinating seeing more about this take on his character: his relationship with Darcy, how his mother molded him, more about Cambridge and the near elopement with Georgiana Darcy.  What keeps me from liking this book more is that it felt like it could have gone deeper. For instance, we see glimpses of his love for his mother and grief after she dies but more about his relationship with her would have added more to his character. There is also a brief time when Darcy helps him and it seems like Wickham might be on a different path, but when he decides otherwise. I would have liked to have seen more on why. (A benefit of the touching on things approach is that the book flows very quickly. This would make it a great choice to woo someone to read Pride and Prejudice and/or other works about it such as the author’s Mr. Darcy’s Diary.) More on the details of locales, society, etc. would have been intriguing. (Then again, knowing how Wickham is self-centered, this might not have been true to his character.) As it is, I rate this book a good read and have added Grange’s other Pride and Prejudice related titles to my reading list. This is a good read for Pride and Prejudice fans and especially for those who want to know more about Wickham’s character.

What else to read:

Other books by Amanda Grange that explore thoughts of Pride and Prejudice characters.

Sharon Lathan, who has a popular series of books continuing the Pride and Prejudice saga, focuses on Georgiana Darcy in Miss Darcy Falls in Love.

Anna Elliot’s Georgiana's Diary gives readers a story focused on Georgiana Darcy after Pride and Prejudice. As of 6/4, this book can be found for free on Amazon.

Other Pride and Prejudice related suggestions can be found in the post for Pride and Prescience.

The Sherlockian

Moore, Graham. (2010). The Sherlockian. New York, NY: Hachette Book Group.

ISBN: 9780446572590

Pages: 350

Genre: mystery, historical fiction

Annotation: An amateur detective searches a Doyle’s diary and a murderer.

Summary: Harold White goes to the convention of the Baker Street Irregulars in hopes of joining their elite ranks. He also wants to hear about a lost Doyle diary which has finally been found by Alex Cale, a prominent member of the Irregulars. He is shocked when Cale is found murdered, but his knowledge of Holmes lore shows him clues about what happened. Determined, he sets out to find the truth.  Meanwhile, in the past, Conan Doyle has a case of his own searching for the murderer of several women. Both amateur detectives will have to use everything they learned from Holmes, aid from others and their own intelligence to solve their mysteries.

Evaluation: good read

The plot was interesting: watching Harold go from clue to clue while trying to figure out who his enemy, or enemies, were was intriguing. Harold’s character had some engaging elements: he put his Holmes knowledge to good use and he panicked when I would have in his shoes.  The character of Sarah kept my attention: I wanted to find out which side she was on. I also liked seeing the Irregulars and figuring out why Doyle would resurrect Holmes. The dynamic between Doyle and Stoker made the story a good read as well. The portrayal of London in flux with conflict over women getting the vote (and their role in English society) and gas to electricity (with the corresponding end of a romantic age) was fascinating. What primarily leaves me unsatisfied is the resolution of both mysteries. When reading a mystery I want to feel like the world is better for the mystery being solved. The resolution of both mysteries left me wondering if such was the case for them. Another aspect of the book which bothered me, but I could look over by stretching belief, was Harold being a detective. First he spoils a crime scene by looking at it before the police were done with it. Then, he leaves not only the state, but also the country, after the police asked him not to. It seemed unrealistic that he would not have been arrested for one or both of those things. (He did get lectured for the crime scene search.) (One feature of the book that did not bother me, but might bother others, is that the two stories are told through alternating chapters.) This book is a good read for those interested in Doyle, England in the early 1900s or a look into Sherlock Holmes societies.

What else to read:

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes tales are worth reading (or re-reading as the case may be).

Daniel Stashower’s Teller of Tales  and Jon L. Lellenberg, Daniel Stashower, Charles Foley’s Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life in Letters for more about Doyle’s life.

Julian Barnes Arthur and George is another tale involving Doyle solving crime.  

The Sherlockian was loosely inspired by the murder of a prominent Holmes scholar in 2004. Moore recommends the December 13, 2004 New Yorker article “Mysterious Circumstances” by David Grann and Click here for a link to the New Yorker’s abstract for the article. He also recommends the May 19, 2004 New York Times article "The Curious Incident of the Boxes" by Sarah Lyall. 

This book could be similar to Jedidiah Berry's The Manual of Detection. (Click here for my entry on this book.) Both feature heroes who are not established detectives, but whose eye for detail and reading help them in solving mysteries. Both also have the foundations of what they believe in shaken in the pursuit of the truth. The Manual of Detection is more surreal, but I wonder what would happen if White and Unwin were to have a talk somehow... 

The Grand Sophy

 Heyer, Georgette. (2009 reprint). The Grand Sophy. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Casablanca.
ISBN: 9781402218941
Pages: 372
genre: Regency romance

annotation: Sophy repays her cousin’s hospitality by reordering his household.

summary: Sophy comes to London to stay with family while her father is on assignment in Brazil. She sees a household in chaos: her cousin's fiancee Eugenia is disagreeable and her cousin Cecilly's potential fiancee is an oblivious poet. She decides to repay them by straightening out these tangles. In the process she might end gaining something unexpected. 

evaluation: very good read

One caveat keeps me from giving this book an excellent rating. Charles and Sophy being cousins and then having other feelings besides familial can be a bit uncomfortable. I think it might have been better for her to be a family friend instead. Otherwise I liked this book a lot. Sophy is irrepressible, intelligent and determined. She doesn't leap into situations without thinking things through. Her solutions can be unorthodox, but they get the job done: the reader cheers for her and also laughs at the fallout especially at the end. The other characters add to the story too: endearing and/or ridiculous. The plot is enjoyable: Charles and Sophy's relationship develops at a believable pace and the events (especially at the end) had me laughing. Like False Colours and The Convenient Marriage, Heyer proficiently brings readers into her world. This is an excellent read for Regency romance fans and those wanting a fun romance. 

what else to read: 

This book reminds me of Shakespeare's comedies in some ways: witty dialogue and a funny road which must be traveled before the couples get arranged the correct way. 

I decided to read Georgette Heyer after finding her heavily recommended during research for a Regency Romance bookmark. For what else to read I'll post other titles I came across. Not all of the titles are "sweet" romances, but they have been rated well in print and/or online reading sources.

Slightly Married by Mary Balogh. 

Miss Wonderful by Loretta Chase. 

Allegra by Clare Darcy. 

Crossed Quills by Carola Dunn. 

A Garden Folly by Candice Hern. 

The Lady's Companion by Carla Kelly. 

The Rake's Rainbow by Allison Lane. 

A Debt to Delia by Babara Metzger. 

Princess Charming by Elizabeth Thornton.

The Convenient Marriage

Heyer, Georgette. (2008 reprint). The Convenient Marriage. Naperville, IN: Sourcebooks Casablanca.

ISBN: 9780099474425

Pages: 307

Annotation: Horatia finds there might be love in marriage after all.

Summary: Horatia marries a wealthy earl so her sister can marry for love. She does not count on love being a part of her marriage. She is not pretty, wealthy and she stammers. If love is not possible in her marriage why not use her husband’s money to become the talk of London instead? Unfortunately, success comes at the price of a risky reputation and attention from a very rakish man. When Horatia becomes caught in a situation that could ruin her reputation it is up to those she can count on to keep it from her husband. A thought she had not considered is that maybe she is wrong about her husband and maybe love can be found in her marriage after all.

Evaluation: good read

This book was a mixed bag. Horatia’s character annoyed me. At first I liked her because she wanted her sister to be happy and saw love as being more important than wealth. My goodwill faded when she promptly started behaving idiotically after her marriage. I can see some acting out due to, she feels, there not being love in her marriage. What annoyed me was that it felt as if  her behavior came more from immaturity than mourning love. Mentioning immaturity brings me to another area of disapproval: she is seventeen and marries a thirty five year old! The age difference was offsetting enough, but when combined with Horatia’s behavior, put a damper reading the book for the romance. This is too bad because I liked the Earl of Rule: a man who likes being on the sidelines but has a quick mind and is patient with those he loves. Otherwise I liked the book a lot. The portrayal of society was interesting: lots of mention of fashion, etiquette, etc. The plot was unbelievable, but in such a way that I enjoyed it: a kidnapping, noblemen acting as highwaymen for one particular chaise, etc. The behavior of the other characters besides Horatia caused me to laugh a lot. I was initially very put off by her brother due to his excessive gambling, but the hijinks he got into made me laugh a lot. How someone can be so feckless but loyal, witty but foolish and knowledgeable but not was amusing. Mr. Drelincourt was so ridiculous I groaned but then also laughed at his behavior. He gets into a duel because of damage to his wig! The amusement value and portrayal of society is enough to get the book a good rating. This book is a good read for those who like the Regency and/or a book with behavior so ridiculous it causes laughter.

What else to read:

Other books by Georgette Heyer.

The Private World of Georgette Heyer by Jane Aiken Hodge for more about the author.

Check out the entries for False Colours and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall for more suggestions.

A Crimson Warning

Alexander, Tasha. (2011). A Crimson Warning. New York, NY: Minotaur Books.

ISBN: 9780312661755

Pages: 324

Genre: mystery, historical fiction

Annotation: A villain is bringing disgrace and death to high society.

Summary: Lady Emily is horrified to find a man was burned to death while she and her husband were at a ball. Determined to find the truth Lady Emily and her husband, an agent of crown, investigate. They find the man’s home was vandalized with red paint before his death. Horror follows this revelation when other homes are painted red and terrible secrets are told. Kidnapping and murder soon follow. Unless Lady Emily and her husband can find the truth no one is safe: not even them.

Evaluation: excellent read

Summary: This is the only book my local library had for this series, so I decided to risk starting so late in the series. After reading this, I am going to get the other books and then reread this one. The characters are likable: the determined and compassionate Lady Emily, the loyal but also mysterious due to his job Mr. Hargreaves, the irreverent but loyal Duke of Bainbridge, etc. The storyline was very well put together: there are several possibilities of who the villain could be which kept me guessing. The path to the solution was an intriguing treasure hunt as clues were gathered and deciphered. Alexander paints a vivid picture of how double standards abounded in Victorian Society: between men and women, between social classes, etc. Lady Emily’s argument with her husband about whether ends justify means, especially in regards to potential actions of one of the characters, makes me wonder if it will be carried into the next book. An excellent read for fans of the Victorian Era, strong heroines (Lady Emily is very unconventional) and wife-husband detective duos.

What else to read:  

Other books by Tasha Alexander.

Robin Paige’s A Victorian Mystery series for another Victorian Era female and male detective team.

Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia series features a Victorian era lady and detective who keep running into each other during mysteries.

For those who would like to see more husband and wife teams, regardless of era, the Wakefield Public Library has a list of them from different eras. I have not read any of the books on this list, but I have watched The Thin Man and thought the husband-wife team was effective and hilarious.

Sunshine

McKinley, Robin. (2010). Sunshine. New York, NY: Berkley Books.

ISBN: 978-0142411100

Pages: 405

Genre: supernatural

Annotation: Sunshine must ally with a vampire for their mutual survival.

Summary: All Sunshine wanted when she drove out to the lake was a break from her routine. She did not want to be kidnapped by vampires in order to be another vampire’s meal. She did not want to think about her past, or make an alliance with the vampire she was imprisoned with. That is what she has to do, and overcome hundreds of years of hatred while doing it, or both of them will die.

Evaluation: very good read

The characters feel very real. Sunshine feels human. Her fears, doubts and determination made me emphasize with her. Constantine comes across as very, to use of a term from the book, other. He is not a super-powered human, but something from another branch of existence entirely. I appreciated that he is not portrayed as attractive. Sunshine, for instance, compares his skin to mushrooms. There are some sparks between them later, but that comes from circumstances and not him being handsome. The villain Beauregard is a vampire as well, but he feels very evil in a way Stoker could appreciate. Sunshine’s feelings of being unclean around him were gut-wrenchingly plausible to me.  The other characters, with their own secrets, are worth getting to know. The storyline was interesting. Sunshine has to figure out who trust while working against hundreds of years of well-earned hatred towards vampires and figuring out her own past. What keeps me from giving this book an excellent rating is that I think why Constantine is more than the typical evil vampire should have been explained more. He alludes to having made different choices than Beauregard, and I would have liked to have read more about that. We see differences in his actions, of course, but more about why and how those choices have made him strong would have been interesting. The pacing of the story is well done: I did not feel rushed or impatient. Sunshine provides a good view onto how her society works and its feelings on the Others. Her explanation of sense differences, like vampires only appearing to see but it being different from human sight, was very descriptive. This book is an excellent read for those who like vampires. It also works well for those who want to read a vampire book to see what the hype is about. It is also recommended for those who like strong heroines.

Additional note: To my mind, vampire books are various ends of extremes. On one end are books like Twilight which glorify vampires. On the other end are books like Stoker’s Dracula which portray vampires as evil. In between are books like the Sookie Stackhouse series and this book. Sookie is more Twilightish in my opinion because she thinks well of vampires before she meets Bill. Sunshine is more like Dracula in that humans are unofficially at war with vampires for good reason. Constantine is an exception which maybe could change things if more vampires were like him.

What else to read:

Other books by Robin McKinley.

Those Who Hunt the Night (James Asher series) by Barbara Hambly also does not focus on vampire romance but ethics.  

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris is another good choice for those beginning in the supernatural genre.

Carpe Jugulum (Discworld series book 23) by Terry Pratchett for those who, whether they like vampires or do not, want a more satirical look at them. Has strong heroines.