Carol's Notebook – Page 180

The Overnight Kidnapper by Andrea Camilleri

May 30, 2019May 30, 2019 by Carol2 Comments

The Montalbano series is not one I read/listen to in order. When I'm between books and one is available at the library I pick it up, which is how I ended up listening to The Overnight Kidnapper. It's pretty typical for the series. We have some random, brief kidnappings that Montalbano is looking into, along with an arson, but, in true mystery book style, it's all connected and much more serious than it seems at first, when it turns into a murder investigation. Montalbano is his usual self, amusing and charming in his own way. I think the narrator does a good job with him. We've got the usual sidekicks and I love the way his housekeeper/cook, Adelina, deals with a break-in without losing track of her pasta. I guess I just like the feel of these books, the characters, the setting, the food. The actual mystery in this one was fine, if a little odd. Who kidnaps a woman for just an...

Accessory to War by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Avis Lang

May 28, 2019May 24, 2019 by Carol4 Comments

My non-fiction reading really has little rhyme or reason to it. I pick up books that grab my attention or that I've seen other people love. I have to admit I don't really have a huge interest in space exploration or military history, but Neil deGrasse Tyson is a big name and I've seen a show or two on tv and at a planetarium that he's hosted, which is why I picked up Accessory to War. At times Accessory to War is just fascinating. For me, that was mostly when it was discussing the history of astrophysics and how its beginnings affected armies and explorers and merchants. I also found the parts about how current countries approach space interesting. It's well-written. It doesn't talk down to those of us who don't know much, but it also wasn't over my head. It was conversational and easy to follow. Unfortunately, there were other parts that were dry and boring. Lists of treaties...

Dim Sum of All Fears by Vivien Chien

May 24, 2019May 24, 2019 by Carol7 Comments

First off, I love the covers of the Noodle Shop Mysteries. I'm not usually much of a cover person, but these just look delicious, are bright, have a bit of humor, I think, with the soy sauce (?) pouring into the skull shape. Dim Sum of All Fears is the second in the series. It could probably be read as a stand-alone, but I'm glad I read the first beforehand. It gives you a better picture of the family relationships and the people at the Asia Village shopping center. This time around, a good, if new, friend of Lana's has been murdered, along with her husband. Turns out there was a lot Lana didn't know about the couple, but still wants to see the killer brought to justice. Since their success in solving the last crime, she and her roommate, Megan, decide that they need to do some digging around. There are several suspects, turns out the husband was not only...

Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien

May 21, 2019May 21, 2019 by Carol11 Comments

Death by Dumpling has been sitting on my Kindle for longer than I'd like to admit. I know why I picked it up originally. The cover is great, it's set in Cleveland, and it sounds like a fun mystery. I am so happy I finally got around to reading it. Lana is just quirky enough. She's a bit down on her luck and has been moping around her apartment a little too much, but there's nothing like being a potential murder suspect to get you out of the house again, at least if you've decided you need to solve the case before you or a friend is found guilty. The Ho-Lee Noodle House is in an Asian-themed shopping center. They're are plenty of regulars at the restaurant and most of the staff at the various shops all seem to know each other. It's like a little community, and a lot of the folks are connected, friends, family, so when one of...

Sunday Salon

May 19, 2019May 20, 2019 by Carol12 Comments

Thanks to Deb at Readerbuzz for hosting The Sunday Salon. Stop over there or at the Facebook Group to participate. Week’s Highlight: We got the new carpet in our living room and tile in the dining room done. It's looking so pretty in here. I also went on a retreat for work which was funner than I expected. We went to the Warther Museum in Dover, Ohio. He was a carver, really amazing work but kinda crazy too. We stayed at the Barn Inn, which was a really nice bed and breakfast. It was comfortable and charming and breakfast was delicious! Reading: I finished Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson, which I adored. I'm in the middle of Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien and am hoping to read some more before bed. Last week’s posts: Miss Buncle’s Book by D.E. Stevenson Watching: We watched Pokémon Detective Pikachu this evening. It was cute and fun. Amber's a Pokémon fan and I've been playing Pokémon Go. Looking forward to: Next weekend's Memorial Day. I...

Creating a Backyard Sanctuary

May 17, 2019May 17, 2019 by Carol9 Comments

So, my yard might have gotten a bit neglected over the winter. But now it's finally spring!! I've been weeding, planting new flowers, and thinking about what else I want to do. Backyards are the perfect spots for relaxing with a good book, hosting an afternoon tea with friends or just relaxing with your family. Creating my own special backyard might inspire me to spend more time outside breathing fresh air and relaxing, which is something everyone needs more of. If you're like me and thinking about how to create your own backyard sanctuary, here are a few ideas. Handcrafted Outdoor Art Is there anything more cherished than an original beloved piece of art? Art doesn't need to be restricted to the indoors. In fact, a customized handcrafted metal art piece makes for a stunning addition to a backyard. Outdoor art can be beautiful and functional and you can find fire pits, lanterns and gates that are both gorgeous and utilitarian. Planter...