New Book Notes
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January 2012
Running the Rift
By Naomi Benaron.
Jean Patrick Nkuba and his brother Roger reside in Rwanda and belong to the Tutsi tribe. Although racial tension between the Tutsis and the Hutus tribes permeate the village, Jean's potential as a possible Olympic competitor keeps him above the fray.
"Benaron shines in her tender descriptions of Rwandan's natural beauty and in her creation of Jean Patrick."
Kirkus Reviews, November 1, 2011
The Favored Queen
By Carolly Erickson.
Jane Seymour was the third wife of Henry VIII and was considered the most "Favored Queen." Because Seymour was gracious and quiet at Court, she stood in solid contrast to her loud and flamboyant predecessor Anne Boleyn. Seymour also gave Henry a male heir.
"Another "historical entertainment" from Erickson, in which the third wife of Henry the VIII has her say."
Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2011
Fly by Night
By Ward Larsen.
In this aircraft-related technothriller, aviator Frank "Jammer" Davis travels to Sudan to investigate the mysterious crash of an American airliner. Within five minutes of his landing in the hot and dusty town, Davis's life is in danger.
"Larson clearly knows his military technology, and Jammer Davis is fast becoming one of the leading protagonists in the technothriller world."
Booklist, November 1, 2011
Where the Shadows Lie
By Michael Ridpath.
Magnus Jonson is an Icelandic American and Boston detective who is sent to Reykjavik on assignment. While investigating the death of a professor with ties to J.R.R. Tolkien, Jonson finds himself alone and in a dangerous situation at a secluded lakeside resort.
"With Tolkien groupies, internet hacking, and revenge, this title has no shortage of appeal." Library Journal, July 2011
Bright and Distant Shores
By Dominic Smith.
Owen Graves is a collector of artifacts who brings back bizarre and unusual items unearthed from forgotten islands in the Pacific. On a recent trip to the New Hebrides he meets a mysterious missionary named Argus Niu. Argus reads and speaks perfect English and Graves invites him back to Chicago where he becomes involved in museum work.
"This excellent read will appeal to those who enjoy literary historical fiction with a touch of exotic adventure."
Library Journal, July 2011
December 2011
A Different Sky
By Meira Chand.
Set in Singapore against a tumultuous backdrop of Communist revolutions, WWII and a nation's struggle for independence, this is a sweeping novel that spans thirty years in the lives of three central characters. "...an emotionally satisfying and historically enlightening experience."
Booklist, November 1, 2011
The Time In-between
By Maria Duenas.
When the daughter of a humble seamstress is abandoned and left penniless in Madrid, she reinvents herself as a sophisticated dressmaker. Through her work she becomes exceedingly successful and comes into contact with several powerful men who transform her life.
"This historical fiction is dramatic and uncomplicated."
Library Journal, September 1, 2011
The Boy in the Suitcase
By Lene Kaaberbol and Agnette Friis.
As a Red Cross nurse, Nina Borg has a compassionate nature and is driven by a strong desire to help others. When an old friend calls to request that she pick-up a suitcase from the train station, Nina willingly agrees. Trouble ensues when Nina discovers a young boy hiding in the suitcase.
"This fast-paced thriller intertwines several stories, gradually revealing the motivations of multiple characters and building tremendous suspense."
Booklist, October 15, 2011
Mozart's Last Aria
By Matt Rees.
Nannerl, Mozart's sister, is determined to expose a web of secrets that have darkened and continued to surround her brother's mysterious death. She travels to Vienna where she encounters sinister characters who suggest that her brother may have been poisoned
"A beautiful book illuminated by the author's own musical background." Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2011
Tides of War
By Stella Tillyard.
In this rich tale of Regency England, themes of struggle and hardship are explored through the lives of two newlyweds whose carefree ways are altered when they become separated due to the realities of war
"This sophisticated, unusual portrait of Regency society will appeal to historical fiction readers."
Library Journal, September 1, 2011