Sweetheart

When the body of a young woman is discovered in Portland’s Forest Park, Archie is reminded of the last time they found a body there, more than a decade ago: it turned out to be the Beauty Killer’s first victim, and Archie’s first case. This body can't be one of Gretchen's—she’s in prison—but after help from reporter Susan Ward uncovers the dead woman's identity, it turns into another big case. Trouble is, Archie can't focus on the new investigation because the Beauty Killer case has exploded: Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison.

Archie hadn't seen her in two months; he'd moved back in with his family and sworn off visiting her. Though it should feel like progress, he actually feels worse. The news of her escape spreads like wildfire, but secretly, he's relieved. He knows he's the only one who can catch her, and in fact, he has a plan to get out from under her thumb once and for all.

I was blown away when I read Heartsick, I thought it was a brilliant albeit disturbing story, and couldn’t see how the author would top it.

Then I read Sweetheart. Oh my word! It was an amazing read. This book picks up two months after Heartsick left off. Susan is still working on her story about Molly Palmer, Archie is trying his best to stay away from Gretchen, giving his relationship with Debbie another try. And then, remains of a female are recovered from a park, a senator and crime reporter are killed and Gretchen is on the loose again.

Everything happens so fast, you’re afraid that you’ll miss something. There were several times that I went back just to re-read scenes, because I just couldn’t believe what happened. It’s that type of read, you find it so disturbing, but you just can’t put the book down. You’re at the edge of your sit, you just want more.

How long will I have to wait for the next book?

Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain (4.5/5) Psychological Thriller; Published: St. Martin’s Minotaur (9/08); Series: # 2, Beauty Killer; 100 + Reading Challenge (72); Fall Into Reading 2008 (4); Library book;

Jane Eyre

5 Minutes for Books is hosting a Classics Bookclub, this months selection is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

I first read Jane Eyre in high school, and back then I thought it was too dark, and boring. I liked Jane, but thought she was too nice and that Mr. Rochester was a despicable man who manipulated situations to suit him.

But now, I have a somewhat different view. I still find Jane too nice, but I also find her to be such a strong individual, physically, emotionally and morally. Mr. Rochester has grown on me, I can understand better the reasons behind what he did, and why he hid Bertha from Jane and his staff. I can see his love and almost obsession with Jane. But I can also see his kindness towards Adele, even when he kept her at arms length.

What I enjoyed the most was Jane’s growth. The way she became the woman that lived her life the way she wanted, and not the way Mr. Rochester or Mr. Rivers wanted her to. She made her choices and lived with them. She wouldn’t corrupt her morals for the sake of her hearts desire. I found that very commendable.

And although the ending is bittersweet. Jane and Mr. Rochester lived happily ever after. And I’m a sucker for a HEA ending.

Since I read this book, I've already ordered the BBC's production of Jane Eyre starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens. I think J sees a new obsession starting...these BBC dramas are wonderful.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (4.5/5) Classic Literature; Originally published 1847; 100 + Reading Challenge (70); Classics Book club (2); Fall Into Reading 2008 (3); Keeper shelf;

God's Gold

Last spring I watched a show on History Television about the search of the lost Treasures of Jerusalem's Temple, which were taken by Roman soldiers during the First Jewish Revolt. The search for these lost treasures sparked my curiosity, and when I found this book, I just had to read it.

Here's the blurb:

God's Gold thrillingly pursues a priceless hoard of treasure - snatched from the Temple of Jerusalem in AD 70 - across 550 years of history, five faiths and four civilizations to its dramatic final resting place.

Archaeologist Sean Kingsley sets out on a physical quest to trace the treasure's destiny. From the Vatican to the Vandal palace of Carthage, Constantinople's hippodrome and the wilderness of Judaea, his remarkable journey exposes facts more astonishing than fiction.

I tend to avoid reading non-fiction. Don't get me wrong I enjoy the occasional biography or memoir, but they tend to bore me.

When I started reading God's Gold I was allowing a few weeks to read it. But surprisingly I finished the book within a week. I think what helped was the way it was written. I was drawn in right at the beginning. The book was part travel and part history, but it was done in such a way, that I didn't notice the changes. It felt like I was the one who was visiting these exotic and culture rich locales.

Now if what the author thinks is the absolute truth/fact, I do not know. But it was definitely a worth while read. I got a chance to "visit" countries that I've always dreamt of visiting, and along the way learned a lot. It was quite an experience.

God's Gold: The Quest for the Lost Temple Treasure of Jerusalem by Sean Kingsley (4/5) Non-fiction; Travel; History; Published: John Murray (2006); 100 + Reading Challenge (69); Fall Into Reading 2008 (2); Library book;

The Tale of Hawthorn House

I’m not a huge fan of talking animals in mystery books, but when it comes to Susan Wittig Albert’s The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter, I make an exception. It can be that I’m huge fan of Beatrix Potter. Or it just can be that I find the whole series charming, warm and cosy. Perfect books to be devoured on weekends.

And that’s what I did with the fourth book of the series, The Tale of Hawthorne House. I devoured it.

Here’s the blurb:

Beatrix Potter receives an unexpected -- and possibly-term -- visitor in the form of Baby Flora, left in a basket on her doorstep with a note, a sprig of hawthorn, a scarab ring. No one in Sawrey has recently become a parent, so Captain Miles Woodcock deduces that the child must belong to the band of gypsies camped just outside of town.

But the gypsies deny knowing anything about the child -- or the mysterious ring inscribed to R.K., Forever. Further investigation reveals that the ring was pawned and reclaimed in Sawrey by a resident of Hawthorn House. The legendary manor is supposed to be vacant -- and is rumoured to be haunted. Now, Beatrix and her animal friends are left pondering the possibility of fairy-folk involvement in these utterly puzzling happenings…

What’s not to love about this book? It has great characters (both human and animal), the setting is breathtaking (Lake District), and there isn’t any gore or blood. It's warm and cosy, and it made me smile and laugh. I can understand those who think the talking animals childish, but I find them charming. A different side of a genre that I absolutely love.

The author gives us a glimpse on the life of these characters, their interests, the gossip, their prejudices against a certain group of people and unwed mothers. Even their beliefs of what a female could or could not do. It's very interesting, but also a little maddening. But that's the beauty of reading historical fiction.

There’s a bonus in this story. They are a couple of budding romances going on. Finally!

The Tale of Hawthorn House by Susan Wittig Albert (4/5) Historical Mystery; Published: Berkley (2007); Series: # 4, The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter; Fall Into Reading 2008 (1); 100 + Reading Challenge (67); Library book;

Fall Into Reading 2008

It's that time of year again!

Once again Katrina over at Callapidder Days is hosting the Fall Into Reading Challenge. You can get info on the challenge or join here. I participated last year, but didn't complete the challenge. So I'm hoping that this year will be better.

Here are my choices:

Non-fiction:

1. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
2. God's Gold: The Quest For The Lost Temple Treasure of Jerusalem by Sean Kingsley ** Completed on October 5th 2008
3. Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman

Fiction:

4. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
5. The Tale of Hawthorn House by Susan Wittig Albert ** Completed September 29th 2008
6. Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain
7. The Way the Crow Flies by Ann-Marie MacDonald
8. Wicked by Gregory Maguire
9. The House at Riverton by Kate Morton
10. Rockbound by Frank Parker Day
11. The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas
12. Blindness by Jose Saramago
13. The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews
14. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Houseini
15. The Flower Net by Lisa See
16. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens