March 4th 2011 a compilation

I am reminded that I have been neglecting my blog. I have been reading up a storm: books from the library and books on my kindle but I have been lazy about comenting or listing the items so I will just give you a list of most but not all: Now on to a recap of the more recent books. I have been rereading “War and peace” on my kindle and I reread “Les Miserables “(kindle) been a long time long time for both; I reread all of my books.

“Coroner’s Lunch” by Colin Cotterill

“Affinity Bridge” by George Mann
A neat mystery want more of this author

“Ageing Disgracefully” By Colin Cotterill

“Fifty Years to Midnight” by Tom Lewis
Good one Tom!!

“Hitler’s Judas” by Tom Lewis
Another great job

“The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”
Interesting but overlong

“Serpent” by Clive Cussler
Usual Cussler fare but fun

“The Osirus Ritual” by George Mann
Great Story; British couple on Her Majesty’s Service

“The Rembrandt Affair by Daniel Silva
Favorite Author

“Zena’s Law by Tom Lewis
Interesting subject, Tom

“Thirty-Two Teeth” by Colin Cotterill Really enjoy this man's writing

“Port Mortuary” by Patricia Cornwell
Pretty good; I have been very disappointed the last few years; every one yells and argues, it is like a hornets nest - too much family.

“Hell’s Corner” by David Baldacci
Another Favorite

“The Third Secret” by Steve Berry
Another marvelous, well researched, novel about The Catholic Church and it’s dogma. Lots of suspense; a reread, you should try it out




“An Embarrassment of Riches” by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Another tale of the 3,500 year old vampire Count Saint-Germain; I have been following him for years and find him most interesting. He travels the world and has totally resigned to the fact that he will never die unless his spine is broken or he is consumed in fire.

This time the Count is in Bohemia; he is employed to provide jewels for Queen Knnegonda. Under the pretense of her going to his place to select the jewels(which St. Germain makes)she has a love affair with the Count.

The story is a little slow getting started but soon the count gets his stride; he is always under suspicion because of his great wealth and his manner. This was an OK novel but not her best.


“Apollo’s Angels” by Jennifer Homans

This is a fascinating and enlightening novel about the history of the ballet written by a ballerina. We learn the history and learn about the lives of the Choreographers and dancers and how many of the ballets we enjoy today were created.

“Toward the Setting Sun: "John Ross the Cherokees” by Brian Hicks

A very sad story of a people wronged by our government, politicians, land hungry speculators, and every day folk. We should be ashamed.

“Sackett” by Louis LaMour

Eventually, I will read all of his works. The Sacketts were spread all over the country and when one was in trouble there was allways another Sackett or 2 to help with the problem.


“Ratification: the people debate the Constitution” by Pauline Maier

The years of 1787-1788 were difficult for the Union. The thirteen states did not seem to be able to act as a country; some of them wanted to act independently an were beginning to loose the confidence of other countries because they were not paying their bills. They needed to further define just what this “new country” was all about. Very enlightening

“Mansions of Darkness” by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Count Saint Germain is in The Viceroyalty of Peru New Spain, Europe was at war and the Count fled to the “New World” for his safety and to learn new things. Unfortunately, the church and it’s inquisition was very strong, as usual.The Spaniards have conquered the Incas, and stole their treasure(for the glory of the crown and church, forced the Incas to become “Christians” and reduced them to servants and poor peasants. Any remaining royalty among the Incas were converted and became a minor part of the ruling class. St. Germain is using his healing skills to aid both Spaniard and Inca alike but is viewed with suspicion by the Local bishop and some Civil authorities and a few local citizens. When a woman He was very close to took her own life by setting herself on fire and hurling herself off a cliff. The church picked up on rumors that he was responsible and issues a warrant for his arrest. He and his loyal friend and servant, Rogero flee to the jungle where he came upon a hidden valley that was lead by a fanatic religious woman who insists he is a messenger from the “Sky people”. She believes that he will give her a child who will redeem their sins. There in no way he could do such a thing and tells her that she is mistaken but she refuses to believe him and keeps him captive until he will admit the he is the messenger. In the mean time there are some who will try to take control of his possessions and wealth.

This novel rates very high with me: the research Ms Yarbro did was very informative as to what was happening in the entire Viceroyalty of New Spain. The novel tells of the severe hardships of the Count’s captivity and of his rescue by his loyal friend. Lots of tension and suspense. A really good read.