Set sail for murder

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Julia Spencer-Fleming

“We none of us get what we deserve, thank God. We get what we’re given. Love. Compassion. A second chance. And then a third, and a fourth.” This comes from a blog that I read: Cakes, Tea and Dreams. I am so comforted by these words, that's grace: we don't get what we deserve. Thank God. It has been a long time since I've read Julia Spencer-Fleming novels, but I did like them all. The last one in the sereis, "Through the Evil Days" was published in 2012. The series is called Clare Ferguson/ Russ Van Alstyne, a mystery series, part police procedural and part amateur detective. I wanted to re-read this one to fully remember what I liked so much about this series. It was a fast read, with just enough setting to make you feel you feel you were there. Been through plenty of bad snow storms, always like to read about the atmosphere of a snowstorm. Not enough of Clare's real job in this one, she's a priest in the Episcopal church. The mystery is wrapped up too fast to be believable. I liked the drama of the two main characters being on the outside where no one believes them, and no one trusts them. Falling in love over the course of the first four books, they are coming to terms with what that really means for them and the people they love. Part love story, part mystery thriller, good idea to start with the first in the series, In the Bleak Midwinter.
book cover of All Mortal Flesh

Sunday, March 11, 2018

     Checking all the alfresco dining in my area. Spring ahead daylight savings means I can start to think about sitting outside again in the twilight and catching a few rays. Panera Bread was my go to last summer. May have to try Smith's Boathouse here in Troy. For my birthday my daughter's took me there for their Sunday brunch, was delicious. We also like A & W Rootbeer. La Fiesta has a nice outdoor patio. Ah, many selections, or opportunity spaces. May even set up my own porch space for eating out, or having that first cup of coffee in the morning. I do look forward to the warmer season.
      Thinking about susanbranch.com and Joe Hall on the Queen Victoria as they head to England this week. I'll bet they do a lot of eating on deck.
      Listening to "In This Grave Hour" by Jacqueline Winspear.
Had to visit Briget Jones's Diary again, in all its forms. Watched the movie on Netflix with all the wonderful actors. Listened to the audiobook and read the hardcover copy of the book. Reading about chicklit in Library Journal and this book was the first notable book of that genre. Great article by Rebecca Vnuck. Running through my head is the song by Van Morrison, "Someone like you" with the great YouTube  montage photos from the movie with Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth falling in love. Didn't know Helen Fielding used Pride and Predjudice as her inspiration. Loved everything about this movie. Funny but it even appeals to this 65 year old romantic.