Two Great books and an extra comment

Now that The 3rd Hole is in the hands of Iguana Books and is being edited, I can finally sit down, just me and my glass of wine, and read some of the books that I love – books about crime/mystery/spies/passion/etc. etc.  I want to share with you some of my thoughts about the two that I have just read.

Stray Bullets – by Robert Rotenberg and Silent Mercy – by Linda Fairstein

I have already blogged about Robert Rotenberg who is a writer/lawyer from Toronto.  Since I am the volunteer Librarian at Temple Sinai, I get to see books when they first arrive, especially those just released and ……. you know the rest of the story.

As a writer, I am always trying to learn something that will help me improve my own writing – and with Stray Bullets, I did.  Main characters, Ari Greene, detective, and Daniel Kennicott, detective are still front and centre.  I would have liked more detailed love scenes between them and each of their lady friends, but hey, I am the reader here, not the writer.  Dare I suggest that maybe focus is one of the unspoken differences between male and female writers in the same genre?

But what was so good about the way Rotenberg wrote Stray Bullets was that even though one knew “who did it” right at the beginning and my first reaction was, hey, what happened to the mystery? to his credit, the book kept getting better. The last pages contained everything one wants in a mystery – surprise – the “oh yeah, why didn’t I think of that before?” line – and justice. And the way it was done was a lesson in a global perspective – stand back from your manuscript and figure out how to make the obvious a revelation.  Rotenberg did it so well and…  Ari Greene is soooo yummy.  You will enjoy the book.

And, talking about learning something new, Silent Mercy by Linda Fairstein is not only a murder/mystery tale, but an education in the religious fanaticism all around us.  The plot involves the grisly deaths of two females – one Jewish, one not – both found in two Catholic churches.  Fairstein gives such an interesting insight into the Lutheran extremists about which I knew nothing, as well as how far the Catholic Church has gone and is still going in preventing the ordination of women priests, along with their ability to speak out. The Church punishes some of them with a decree of SILENCE, which means just that.  No talking, no communicating with them in any way.  When you read all the details yourself, the question, “did you know all about that stuff before this?” is next. I am sure your answer will be “no”.

Of course, I am disappointed that the two main characters, Prosecutor Alexandra Cooper and her cop cohort, Mike Chapman are still in a business only mode.  I love romance (if you haven’t figured that out already). Those of you who have read my novels and will no doubt read The 3rd Hole, know that the physical stuff is always a favourite part of my books (at least for me) – but hey – no accounting for some people’s taste.  Silent Mercy is definitely a page turner and even though the ending is not a real surprise, it is a good read.

Since this is my blog I get to add anything to it that I want so I am giving you my last comment on the Aboriginal issue printed last night– this has received 50 likes so far and no ugly responses.  If you agree, let your MP know – we have to speak up.

Let’s be optimistic and supportive of the Prime Minister’s efforts – despite the machinations and phony hunger strike of Spence who has been squandering millions of dollars…not on her own, of course – but with the help of her boyfriend and the Native council – a $96,000 Zamboni?  Millions of dollars in expenses with no receipts or accountability?  It is time to get started on a new path – kids must be educated – one generation will have to be sacrificed in order to save the next ones – l4 year old parents who are druggies and whose parents were druggies and who live in squalor? Stop! The Aboriginals MUST integrate into Canadian society as equals – and that will take a generation – but only if the government is strong and the people are also strong. 

Thanks for all of your positive words and emails – I really appreciate it.   I’ll be back in a few days to talk about old fashioned good manners and rampant rudeness between some writers.