Lovejoy in Hong Kong

In Jade Woman by Jonathan Gash, a penniless Lovejoy is sent to Hong Kong to escape Big John Sheehan's thugs.  He is promptly robbed of the money he was given by Janie, the woman who is helping him, and all of his belongings.  How does one survive in a country where you do not speak the language, have no possessions, and know no one?  Well, in Lovejoy's case, you get yourself in more trouble than you started in.  Lovejoy becomes a gigolo for hire, manages to get involved in the local triad, and plans an antique scam.  All action, no thinking!  Love it!

The God of the Hive

This latest Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes mystery by Laurie R. King continues last year’s The Language of Bees. Russell and Holmes are separately trying to get back to London from northern Scotland. Russell has a small child with her and is dependent on an American pilot for help. Holmes is on the North Sea traveling with a young man with a gunshot wound and a woman doctor. It’s hard to say much about this book without spoiling its predecessor. I recommend this book, but if you have never read a Russell/Holmes book, please begin with the first book, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice.

I'm Going to be a Grandma

I'm going to be a Grandma.  I have fears and misgivings.  I am worrying about many things. 

Life Lessons from Regina Brett

When Regina Brett turned 45, she wrote a newspaper column of her 45 life lessons. When she was 50, she added five more. The result is God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours. In this book, Brett expanded her most popular newspaper column into a collection of insightful, entertaining, personal, and funny essays on life. A must read for anyone who ever enjoyed her columns in either the Beacon Journal or the Plain Dealer, or anyone who simply enjoys good writing.

Moonspender

Take murder, mayhem and antiques, add women, treasure hunters and a few witches and you have another fun Lovejoy mystery. This time, someone is unearthing and stealing national treasures and Lovejoy is determined to find out who it is. Enjoy Moonspender by Jonathan Gash for a good read.

Slaves in Ohio

Wench: A Novel by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is based on Tawawa House, a retreat in Ohio frequented by both Northerners and Southern slave owners in the 1850s.  It is the story of four slave women who meet at the house over several summers and learn each other’s secrets.  Each is tempted by the thought of freedom in free-state Ohio.  This book is heart rending in its depiction of the suffering of women subjected to cruelty endured at the hands of their masters.  This book is a wonderful read.