Firestorm by Andrew Lane!!

Hello Bookworms!,

         I have a book review for you today! This one is another book in a series that I have been reading (in between other things ;) ). Today we return to the Young Sherlock Holmes series written by Andrew Lane! The installment? Fire Storm!

 

Summary

          In Fire Storm by Andrew Lane, young Sherlock's friend and her father have vanished. Their house looks as if nobody has ever lived in it; the neighbors claim never to have heard of them. Sherlock begins to doubt his sanity, until a clever clue points him to Scotland. Following that clue leads him into a mystery that involves kidnapping, bodysnatchers, and a man who claims he can raise the dead. Only the budding detective Sherlock can untangle the mind-bending--and dangerous--puzzles that ensnare his friends. Think you know Sherlock Holmes? Think again! (Summary obtained from Amazon.com)

Review

          I am completely serious when I say that I have not yet read a book in this series that I have not thoroughly enjoyed (and that includes the ones I’ve read since Fire Storm!) Andrew Lane has a way of creating an intricate mystery, whose solution borders on the absolutely unbelievable! And yet, all the intertwined details work! There’s no way that the mysteries are not solved exactly how Lane tells us they are! These mysteries test the boundaries of the famous Sherlock Holmes quote “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth”. And be warned, the truth in these cases is as “improbable” as it gets!! But that’s what makes it an adventure!

          I was almost put off by the storyline about ghosts. I am not a fan of the paranormal as an explanation for anything, but reader, trust me when I say, keep reading ghosts and all!! It is well worth it!

          These books are the perfect thing to keep your mind engaged and entertained no matter your age! As I have said before, I feel that these books are PERFECT for boys who don’t like to read because “reading is boring”. These stories are FAR from boring! They are also probable what one would look for to engage dyslexic readers. There is always something of interest to keep pushing them to read just one more page.

          Fire Storm by Andrew Lane was so entertaining and mind-boggling that my only complaint was that it ended so soon! But don’t be sad that Fire Storm has ended! That just means you can move forward to the other books in the series! Read Fire Storm by Andrew Lane! You won’t be disappointed.

Buy a copy of Fire Storm

 

Until Next Time,

                Lizzie <3

The Man with the Twisted Lip - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Hello Bookworms,

            I’m back with another of the Sherlock Holmes short stories that I am reading through. This time I want to talk about The Man with the Twisted Lip by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Summary

            A young woman is stressed by the disappearance of her husband. Her husband is an upstanding citizen who loves her dearly, but when she sees him yelling from the window of a street where he shouldn’t be and then he doesn’t come home, the young woman fears the worst. To clear the matter up she has contacted Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock knows of a homeless man who can answer a lot of questions. Can Sherlock find this man and make him talk? Is it too late for the woman’s husband?

Review

            Oh my gosh readers! To read this story right behind The Five Orange Pips was just mind blowing! Once again, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s writing kept my mind engaged and kept me guessing right up to the end! I think that readers will thoroughly enjoy The Man with the Twisted Lip.

              A word of caution to parents who are helping their children through the Sherlock Holmes stories, know that a large portion of The Man with the Twisted Lip takes place in an opium den and there is quite a bit of talk about people using opium including Sherlock Holmes himself. It may not be one that you want to read to the kiddies just yet.

Links to the books I’m Using:

I am currently using two different published collections of Sherlock Holmes stories. Both of these collections can be found on Amazon for under $10 each. I have described and provided links to each below:

Currently I am reading The Original Illustrated Sherlock Holmes because they are published as they might have been seen the The Strand with Sidney Paget's original illustrations. You can find that here:

Amazon.com Illustrated Collection

To fill in the gaps of stories that the first book left out, I bought The Complete Sherlock Holmes: a lovely two-volume box set that has all of the short stories and all 4 novels, but no illustrations. You can find it here:

Amazon.Com Box Set

 

 Either set would be a wonderful addition to your collection of books and with both being so inexpensive, why not get both? ;)

 

Until Next Time,

            Lizzie <3

Wedding Wipeout by Jacob M. Appel

Hello Bookworms!,

        A few months ago, I won a book on goodreads.com. The book was Wedding Wipeout by Jacob Appel. This was my first time reading a book by Mr. Appel, though I understand that this was not his first book published. The following is what I thought:

Summary

        Two spinsters have been prevented from marrying by a terrible stipulation in their late father’s will: If one sister marries, she is disinherited and the other sister takes the whole fortune.  Suddenly, Florence decides that this stipulation no longer matters to her and she is married but not before 3 extraordinary things happen. First, she tells her family that she’s broken the will. Second, she fights horribly with the one nephew she truly loves. Third, her sister whom she’s lived with and never fought with refuses to come down stairs for the wedding.

        While all these happenings are strange enough, everything changes when Florence is found dead in her bed. Soon, one of Florence’s lawyers will turn to a Rabbi who enjoys proving that every problem has a rational explanation. That Rabbi is Rabbi Kappelmacher.

Review

        I always like a good mystery. When I looked at Wedding Wipeout on Goodreads it seemed like it might be really good.

        The mystery of Florence Einstein’s death was good. The explanation took thought. Unfortunately, there were too many red herrings. It took almost ten pages near the end just to address them and the Rabbi and other members talked in circles so much that it became a headache to keep all the information straight.

        A major issue I had with Wedding Wipeout was Rabbi Kappelmacher’s character. He rarely explained things to his assistant, yet when his assistant asked questions, Rabbi Kappelmacher berated Assistant Rabbi Steinmetz. It was upsetting to read and felt totally uncalled for. Also, Rabbi Kappelmacher is supposed to be a man of faith yet he lies constantly, is very self-centered, is rude, and smokes like a freight train. All of this plus the fact that several elements of the storyline were extremely unrealistic really ruined the story for me.

        Personally, I was just pretty glad when this book was over and I don’t think I’ll be reading any more Rabbi Kappelmacher Mysteries. However, I saw many people who gave the book 5 stars so if you like mysteries, It might be worth a try (Though for me, I’d rather have G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown. ;) ).

View Wedding Wipeout on Amazon

Until next time,

                Lizzie <3

Last Bus To Woodstock: An Inspector Morse Mystery by Colin Dexter

Hello Bookworms,

          Recently, I received something wonderful! The entire collection of Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse novels including Morse’s Greatest Case and other Short Stories (a huge thanks to my family for this generous gift!! J They know how much I love PBS’s Endeavor and Inspector Lewis). I’ve already started the set and today I’m going to review the first novel in the series: Last Bus to Woodstock!

Summary

          When a woman is found murdered outside of a pub, the case seems pretty normal. All that needs to be done is to find out who killed Sylvia Kaye. But as Inspector Morse and his new partner Sargent Lewis begin to inspect the clues, this case is more twisted that they thought. Rather than narrowing down their list of suspects, it just keeps growing. Morse is really going to have to employ his mind if he’s going to find the killer and close the case.

Review

          This is the first Colin Dexter book that I’ve read. Some of the things I like about it are:

First, it’s the original Inspector Morse. I am one who loves to go back to the original stories if I find I like to television adaptations. I always like to know what qualities the original writer gave the character. What were the original thoughts of the author?

Second, the way Mr. Dexter changed from character to character. There are moments in the book where there are several short paragraphs back to back. This is Colin Dexter’s way of showing you what happening “meanwhile” and giving you the whole picture! I like that!

Finally, the solution. Wow! I will admit I could not see where we were going with the case! Every time I thought I knew who it was, it would change again! In two sentences it all became clear and I had to stifle a massive gasp! You’ll love it!

What didn’t I like?

The case itself. I’m not one to love rape/sex centered cases and unfortunately this was one. And sometimes, the author was WAY too graphic. This isn’t Fifty Shades of Morse’s Suspects it’s an Inspector Morse Mystery. I wouldn’t recommend the first book for younger audiences. Adults, read at your own risk. That was a massive disappointment to me because Colin Dexter is hailed as one of the best but, it wasn’t so bad as to scare me away from all Inspector Morse novels. I’m proceeding with the second and I think it might be better than the first!

 

Buy Last Bus To Woodstock

Until next time,

                      Lizzie <3

See Lizzie Read 5 Minute High 5 with Jacqueline Winspear!!

Hello Bookworms!,
        I have a very special treat to share with you today!! An interview with author of 10 Maisie Dobbs mystery novels and the brand new, stand-alone novel The Care and Management of Lies, JACQUELINE WINSPEAR!! Read what she had to say about the writing experience, her inspirations, and her brand new novel!!

 

 

 

Q: Maisie Dobbs is a strong, independent female character. Was there someone in your life that inspired Maisie's character?

A: No, there’s no one in my life that inspired the character – rather I wanted to reflect the extraordinary generation of women in Britain who came of age in the Great War. They were the first generation of women to go to war in modern times in very significant numbers – and after the war so many had to forge a life alone because so many men had been killed in the war.  That generation blazed a trail, and have inspired me since childhood.

Q: Your mystery novels are continually nominated for and winning awards. What has the experience been like for you?

 

A: Very rewarding you could say!  Of course it’s wonderful when your work is enjoyed by a very broad range of readers, however, the fact is that you have to get up the next day and write, and as a writer I want to stretch myself and ask how I can be a better writer.

 
 

Q: There are 10 Maisie Dobbs novels right now for readers to enjoy. You've also said that Maisie will be returning in 2015. What drew you to writing mysteries and what keeps you writing them?

 

A: When I wrote MAISIE DOBBS I did not set out to write a mystery – I simply wrote a story that was in my head. Many booksellers did not shelve the book in the mystery section, instead putting it with historical and literary fiction – it was more “cross genre” given the emphasis on the back story.  Then it seemed there were more stories to tell, but for me the focus is the main character and companion characters – they are the true mystery. 

 

Q: You have a new standalone novel, THE CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF LIES, being published in about a month(from the time of the interview). What can readers look forward to in this new book?

 

A: It’s not a mystery and it’s not part of the series. Set in the opening months of the Great War, it juxtaposes life at the battlefront with life at the home front.

 

Q: Some of the Maisie Dobbs novels and THE CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF LIES are set in war time. Particularly, the First World War. What draws you to write novels set in this time period?

 

A: In answer to this question, here’s a excerpt from the “About” page on my website:

 

Jacqueline's grandfather was severely wounded and shell-shocked at The Battle of the Somme in 1916, and it was as she understood the extent of his suffering that, even in childhood, Jacqueline became deeply interested in the "war to end all wars" and its aftereffects. As an adult her interest deepened to the extent that, though she did not set out to write a "war" novel, it came as no surprise that this part of history formed the backdrop of Maisie Dobbs and other books in the series. The unique and engaging character of Maisie Dobbs is very much a woman of her generation. She has come of age at a time when women took on the toil of men and claimed independence that was difficult to relinquish. It was a time when many women remained unmarried, simply because a generation of men had gone to war and not come home.

"The war and its aftermath provide fertile ground for a mystery. Such great social upheaval allows for the strange and unusual to emerge and a time of intense emotions can, to the writer of fiction, provide ample fodder for a compelling story, especially one concerning criminal acts and issues of guilt and innocence. After all, a generation is said to have lost its innocence in The Great War. The mystery genre provides a wonderful vehicle for exploring such a time," explains Ms. Winspear.

Buy Maisie Dobbs on Amazon.com!

Buy The Care and Management of Lies on Amazon.com!

     There you have it readers! The Writing Experience, Maisie Dobbs, and The Care and Management of Lies from Mrs. Jacqueline Winspear herself!

     A special thanks to Mrs. Winspear for agreeing to do an interview with See Lizzie Read!

     Keep checking See Lizzie Read here and on Facebook for more interviews, reviews, and more!!

Until Next Time,
           Lizzie <3

A Lesson in Secrets (A Maisie Dobbs Novel) by Jacqueline Winspear

Hello Bookworms,

          I have a new book review for you! I’m really excited about this book! I really think that this is going to be a series that I and many of you will really enjoy.

Summary

          Maisie Dobbs has seen a lot in her life. But fortunately she was taken under the wing of Maurice Blanche who prepared her for the job she’s doing now. When she’s not solving crimes for hire at her own business, Maisie has been known to be recruited to help Special Branch and the British Secret Service. 1930’s London has more secrets that most people might believe.

Now, the secret service needs Maisie again. The college of St. Francis is a fledgling college trying to find acceptance among the universities in Cambridge. St. Francis is a college of peace accepting international students even from countries that might not be well accepted since the First World War. At its helm is Greville Liddicote, the man who wrote a children’s book that (if rumors are to be believed) caused mutiny on both sides of the war, English and German alike. But something isn’t right, and the secret service has reason to believe that there are activities that are not in the interest of the crown and Maisie is charged with pretending to be a lecturer at the college and finding out what these activities are.

Review

          A Lesson in Secrets was a pleasant surprise. I’m finding more and more that I like historical fiction set in the 1930’s. but what made this book for me was the writing and the main character, Maisie Dobbs!

          The writing is intelligent. I found myself repeatedly wishing that Maisie Dobbs would be made in to a movie or better yet a series (since there are 10 of these books). Why? Because this book reminded me of my favorite british mystery series’ like Inspector Lewis and Poirot. It was hard to see why Jacqueline Winspear won the Agatha, Alex and Macavity awards as well as an Edgar award nomination for her first book, entitled Maisie Dobbs, when the eighth book in the series was this good! I want to go back and read them all!

          Maisie Dobbs’ character is wonderful! She is kind and compassionate. A woman who wants the best for herself and for her widowed father. She pays attention to the needs of the people with whom she comes into contact and, when she can, she meets them. But she’s also intelligent! In some ways she reminded me of Ms. Fisher from Ms. Fishers Mysteries. Maisie is brilliant at her job and enjoys doing it! She’s not like many female characters who are meant to be the main character but are ALWAYS in need of rescuing, Maisie is actually good! She stands on her own two feet and gets the job done!

          Readers, I truly recommend A Lesson in Secrets and the whole Maisie Dobbs series. I know I’ll be reading more! ;)

 

Buy A Lesson in Secrets

Until Next Time,

                   Lizzie <3

The Sherlockian by Graham Moore

Hello Bookworms,

            I cannot what to tell you about today’s book! I loved it for so many reasons and I can definitely understand why it became a New York Times Bestseller and has gotten rave reviews from everywhere including the New York Times Book Review, the New York Post, Los Angeles Times, the Dallas Morning News, even Edward award-winning creator of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Rupert Holmes, just to name a few. It’s The Sherlockian by Graham Moore!!

Summary

January 2010

            Harold isn’t what you’d call an adventurer. He has a normal job, an apartment in California, four friends that he has lunch with once a month, and the one event he looks forward to every year. The big Sherlockian convention in New York! But this year the convention is even more special: Harold, at 29 years of age, is to be the youngest member inducted in to the Baker Street Irregulars since Alex Cale (the greatest Sherlockian alive). A great honor indeed. Soon, something is going to happen that will shatter the monotony of Harold’s life.

October 1900

            Arthur Conan Doyle is doing his best to put “The Great Detective” behind him. “If I had not killed him, he certainly would have killed me” Arthur complains to his friends. Seven years since he threw Holmes off the Reichenbach Falls, people are still mentioning him. But at least at Arthur’s new home in Hindhead, it’s starting to slow down…that is, until now…until this visit to his mailbox to look at the day’s post…what happens next will change Arthur Conan Doyle in ways he never expected.

What do these two events have to do with one another? Find out in The Sherlockian by Graham Moore!

Review

            I’ve been really excited to read The Sherlockian since I read a description of it in Daedelus. Now that I’ve read it: I’m so glad that I did! Here’s why:

            First, there is Harold. Harold is the kind of character with whom we all identify. The person who does enjoy their life, is proud of their accomplishments, and definitely would not mind a break  from the “same old, same old”. Then, he gets the opportunity that all true Sherlockians have dreamed of: a chance to use Holmes’s methods in real life. Following his story from zero to unlikely hero is really a joy.

            Second, the way that Graham Moore writes Arthur Conan Doyle and his friends as a character in his book is truly brilliant. You can really tell that Moore did his research when developing Arthur’s personality for the purposes of The Sherlockian. The writing made me feel like if I had known Arthur Conan Doyle in life that might have been his real personality. That was fun to think about as I read the book.

            Third, the Sherlockian details. Oh my goodness! All the real elements from the Sherlockian world that Graham Moore included were amazing! The Baker Street Journal, the conventions, the societies, London, the museums, The Reichenbach falls, Undershaw as it was in the past and the present, and so much more! Even Jeremy Brett gets a proper mention! I couldn’t help grinning from ear to ear like a complete dork while reading!

            Fourth, the plot twists! Holy cow! While some twists I may have seen coming, others took me completely by surprise! But I love that! I enjoy not being able to predict the entire course of the book even when I’m more than halfway through.

            Fifth, were the beginnings of each chapter. Graham Moore uses quotes from the original Sherlock Holmes canon, Arthur Conan Doyle’s other writings and speeches, friends like Bram Stoker (author of Dracula) etc. to foreshadow at the beginning of each chapter. That was a really fun detail.

There are only a couple of drawbacks with The Sherlockian. First, there is the issue of spoilers. If you are reading through the Sherlock Holmes Canon or some of Agatha Christie’s work (particularly The Murder of Roger Ackroyd) be warned that certain stories will have major details or endings ruined. However, I can’t blame the author because it is necessary to the story and many people that will read this book will have already read most of those mysteries. Second, this book has some very strong language as well as some brutality (only seen after the fact not during). Also, there was a lot that revolved around prostitutes (no sex scenes just their trade and people’s attitude about them) and their side of town, so while this is a great book, it’s definitely not for the children.

            The Sherlockian was a pleasure to read! I definitely recommend this book to adults. If you’re a fan on murder mysteries, history, Arthur Conan Doyle, and especially Sherlock Holmes, you really want to read this book! You’re going to love it!

 

Buy The Sherlockian Here

Until Next Time,

          Lizzie <3

The Boscome Valley Mystery - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Hello Bookworms!,

            I have another review from the world of Sherlock Holmes. This time it’s The Boscombe Valley Mystery by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Summary:

            A young man’s father has been murdered. All the evidence points to the young man and he has been arrested. The young man and the authorities now look to Sherlock Holmes to prove whether or not the young man really could’ve killed his father. According to the evidence, it is improbable that anyone other than the young man really committed this crime. But at Sherlock says, when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains however improbable must be the truth. The question is not can Sherlock Holmes solve the mystery, its can he solve it before the young man goes to trial and is hanged for murder.

 

 

 

Review:

            I liked The Boscombe Valley Mystery because it was not only a mystery but it was a bit suspenseful. Unfortunately for me it was a tad bit slow moving in the middle even for a short story. But the ending made up for it. I would recommend the Boscombe Valley Mystery to mystery lovers everywhere.

PHOTO OF BOOK
** This is the book I am using to read the Sherlock Holmes stories. I like the layout of the book, the only drawback is that it is not a complete version of the original Sherlock Holmes works some of the short stories were not included. However, it does include the whole novel “The Hounds of Baskervilles” and the short stories are published in the same fashion as they originally were in The Strand with all the illustrations by Sidney Paget. At just $10 I recommend it to anyone who wants to become acquainted with the original Sherlock Holmes works for the first time like myself.

 

Links to Buy:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Original-Illustrated-Sherlock-Holmes/dp/0890090572/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380123962&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Original+Illustrated+Sherlock+Holmes

 

Until Next Time,

        Lizzie <3

Some Buried Ceaser by Rex Stout

Hello Bookworms!

            Today I have a wonderful murder mystery for you from the Famed Nero Wolfe Mysteries! This Mystery is called “Some Buried Ceaser”!

Summary:

       Hickory Ceaser Grindon is a prized champion bull. Everyone believes that the bull’s current owner paid too much for the bull but the owner is determined to do something shocking to matter the cost. He plans to barbeque the prized bull and invite some of the most affluent people in the community to come out and share in the meal. When the son of the owner’s rival is found dead inside the fence and Ceaser is seen with blood on his horns, the police come to the obvious conclusion that the boy was killed by the bull, but Detective Nero Wolfe thinks otherwise. But can he prove it? As Wolfe and his faithful employee Archie Goodwin investigate, they will find that murder isn’t the only shocker in this story…

Review:

            This summer has been a summer of firsts in literature for me. This was the first Nero Wolfe I had read! I must say that I truly enjoyed it! Many times while reading a book I am able to get some idea of how things may turn out, so when an author can surprise me, I love it! I have to admit that I couldn’t figure out how the story was going to turn out and then one of the final twists totally caught me off guard! I highly recommend “Some Buried Ceaser” by Rex Stout to mystery lovers everywhere!

 

Link to Buy:

Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Some-Buried-Caesar-Wolfe-Mysteries/dp/0553254642/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379365534&sr=1-1&keywords=some+buried+Caesar

And Only To Decieve by Tasha Alexander

Hello  Bookworms!!,

          I did a LOT of reading over this past summer and today I have a brand new review for you!  This suspense novel is sure to keep you guessing! Its “And Only To Deceive” by Tasha Alexander!

Summary:

          Lady Emily Ashton was only married for a few months when her husband Lord Phillip Ashton died on a hunting trip in Africa. Suddenly confronted with new freedom and now in possession of the huge Ashton fortune, Emily hardly knows what to do with herself. After all, she only married Phillip to escape her overly critical mother. Now she must mourn a man that she barely knew and pretend to all his family and friends that they were the happiest and most intimate of couples. As Lady Ashton explores the diaries of her late husband, she falls in love with the man he was. But was Phillip Ashton really the man he made himself out to be in his journals? Something isn’t right. And how many of his friends know the truth?  Lady Ashton’s quest for the truth will take her all over the world, from the highest circles of society to the darkest depths of society’s seedy underbelly.

 

Review:

                I must admit that I was concerned when I picked up this book. I had found it pretty cheap in a used book store and I didn’t know anything about author Tasha Alexander’s writing. This was my first experience reading her writing. I was amazed! From the first few words, I was completely hooked on the story of Lady Emily Ashton! And it just got better and better as I continued to read! All of Mrs. Alexander’s colorful characters and the masterful way she weaves a story of intrigue and suspense will capture your attention. This is a book that you can expect to pick up and say “I’ll take a few minutes and read a page or two” and realize hours later that you’ve read several chapters! It’s just that good! I don’t want to say anything else about the plot or the story because there are so many twists and important details throughout the book from beginning to end that I’m afraid I’ll give something away! So I’ll just end with this: I highly recommend this book to everyone! You will love it! Go out and get a copy, give a copy as a gift, recommend it to your friends! It’s that good!

 

Link  to  buy:

http://www.amazon.com/And-Only-Deceive-Lady-Emily/dp/006114844X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378581603&sr=8-1&keywords=And+Only+To+Decieve+Tasha+Alexander


Until Next Time,
               Lizzie <3

A Scandal in Bohemia – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: A Discussion on Irene Adler

Hello Bookworms,
      I have a new review of one of the original Sherlock Holmes stories! and I am starting an interesting discussion on the character of Irene Adler!

Review:

     To Sherlock Holmes she is the woman. A mysterious man has asked Sherlock to retrieve a scandalous photograph from the illusive Irene Adler.  Sherlock makes short work of locating the woman. However, what Irene does next is something not even Sherlock expected…

Summary/Discussion:

 CAUTION! This summary contains SPOILERS!

                I honestly loved “A Scandal in Bohemia”! Before now, I really didn’t like the character of Irene Adler. After reading “A Scandal in Bohemia” I realize that my aversion to the character of Irene is simply because I have never before seen the original version of Irene.

                I had always been bugged by the idea that Sherlock Holmes was “in love” with Irene, but in the original, they weren’t in love at all. In fact, Irene Adler married another man! What’s amazing about Irene is not Sherlock’s “attracted” to her but that she’s the only woman who outsmarted him! Sherlock didn’t call her “The Woman” because she was “The only woman for him”, it was a name he called her out of respect. In fact, in the opening lines of “A Scandal in Bohemia” Watson states:

    “In his [Sherlock’s] eyes she eclipses and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise, but admirably balanced mind”

                We can see from this statement that Sherlock’s calling Irene “THE Woman” is merely a way for Holmes to show respect and possibly even something akin to admiration for her brilliant mind which rivaled that of his own. Holmes always had great respect for someone who could break the barriers of cleverness and enter downright brilliance (whether they were friend or foe).

                So why then do many versions of Sherlock Holmes portray Irene Adler as Sherlock’s one true love? I believe the answer lies in the history of the Sherlock Holmes stories and their original theater adaptation. In 1898, William Gillette, an American playwright, was turning the Sherlock Holmes stories into a stage play (in which Gillette himself would star as Holmes). Gillette contacted Arthur Conan Doyle and asked if he could have Sherlock Holmes get married in the play. Doyle famously replied “You may marry or murder or do what you like with him!” Gillette did decide to have Holmes get married in the play and fashioned a wife (named Alice Faulkner) for Sherlock that he modeled after Irene Adler in A Scandal in Bohemia.

                After having seen Irene Adler in both lights, first as Sherlock’s “One true love” and now as her original self, I must admit that I much prefer the original Irene Adler to any of her “alter egos” such as Alice Faulkner (Sherlock Holmes, the play), The Woman (Sherlock, BBC), Adler/Moriarty (Elementary, CBS), etc.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION!! :

 Which version of Irene do YOU prefer? Please leave comments below! J

Illustration by Sidney Paget

               

 

Credits:

The Original Illustrated Sherlock Holmes – Arthur Conan Doyle

An Entirely New Country – Alistair Duncan

Sherlock Holmes (play) - Wikipedia

Spotlight on the Hamish Macbeth Series by M.C. Beaton

Hello Bookworms!,

     Today marked the U.S. and UK release of Death of Yesterday by M.C. Beaton! Death of Yesterday is the latest installment in the Hamish Macbeth Mysteries! 

      According to MCBeaton.com, Death of Yesterday marks the 29th addition to the Hamish Macbeth Mysteries.

      Here is a list of all of the Hamish Macbeth Mysteries to date (titles pulled directly from MCBeaton.com)

Death of a Gossip
Death of a Cad
Death of an Outsider
Death of a Perfect Wife
Death of a Hussey
Death of a Snob
Death of a Prankster
Death of a Greedy Woman (Also published as Death of a Glutton)
Death of aTraveling Man
Death of a Charming Man
Death of a Nag
Death of a Macho Man
Death of a Dentist
Death of a Scriptwriter
Death of an Addict
Death of a Dustman
Death of a Celebrity
Death of a Village
Death of a Poisen Pen
Death of a Bore
Death of a Dreamer
Death of a Maid
Death of a Gentle Lady
Death of a Witch
Death of a Valentine
Death of a Chimney Sweep
Death of Yesterday
A Highland Christmas

....(Whew!)

Pick up your copy of Death of  Yesterday today!:
http://www.mcbeaton.com/us/books/hamish_macbeth_mysteries/death_of_yesterday/

Want to see a review of another Hamish Macbeth Mystery?
Here's my review of Death of a Dreamer (Hamish Macbeth #21):
http://seelizzieread.blogspot.com/2012/07/death-of-dreamer-by-mc-beaton.html

Want to see other books that M.C. Beaton has written other than the Hamish Macbeth Series?
Historical Romances:
http://www.mcbeaton.com/us/books/romances/

Stand Alone Mysteries:
http://www.mcbeaton.com/us/books/stand-alone_mysteries/

Edwardian Mysteries:
http://www.mcbeaton.com/us/books/edwardian_murder_mysteries/

Agatha Raisin Mysteries:
http://www.mcbeaton.com/us/books/agatha_raisin_mysteries/

Until Next Time,
                    Lizzie <3

Death of a Dreamer by M.C. Beaton

Hello Bookworms,
       I have another review for you today! Its a book for the mystery lover in you! It's called Death of a Dreamer by M.C. Beaton! and I can tell you, I loved it so much I have already purchased another book by this author!

Summary:

            Hamish Macbeth is a highland police officer with a knack for crime solving. But Hamish prefers the quiet life. That’s why he stays is his quiet town with his two interesting pets Lugs, his dog,  and Sonsie, a mountain lion. The villagers have their suspicions about the unmarried cop and his weird pets but he keeps them safe so they accept him. Hamish doesn’t like new comers to the village. They cause trouble. But when Effie Gerard, a local artist, comes to town to sell her art, he feels like maybe he can accept a newcomer or two every once and a while. When an artist named Jock Fleming comes to town, he thinks he can definitely get used to it…especially when Jock’s drop dead gorgeous agent Betty Barnard comes in for a visit. But the quiet is soon interrupted when one artist is murdered and the other is suspected of being the murderer.

Review:

            Death of a Dreamer is the 22nd installment in M.C.Beaton's Hamish Macbeth mysteries but the first novel by M.C. Beaton that I have ever read and I was not disappointed. It usually takes me a little while to get into a crime novel, but Beaton’s writing hooked me instantly. In fact within two weeks of finishing this story I went out and bought another book in the Hamish Macbeth Mysteries series! I give Death of a Dreamer 5 bookmarks and recommend it to everyone!!!!!!

To buy Death of a Dreamer by M.C. Beaton:

Books-A-Million:
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Death-Dreamer/M-C-Beaton/9780446618137?id=5362413321527

Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Death-Dreamer-Hamish-Macbeth-Mysteries/dp/0446618136/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343060940&sr=1-1&keywords=death+of+a+dreamer+m.+c.+beaton