Reading Now

Ladies of Liberty

December 12, 2009 - ABC's Cokie Roberts introduces us to, as the subtitle proclaims, the women who shaped our nation. Judging by the table of contents, the book covers the period from 1797 to 1825, during which time the White House was occupied by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe. Roberts will enlighten us about the women behind these men - women such as Abigal Adams and Dolly Madison and many others who probably didn't make my high school history books. I'm looking forward to it (although, a quick skim reveals lots of words and very few pictures, so this could take a while).

Last Read

Santa Clawed

June 26, 2010 - Monks are being murdered in this holiday-themed book from author Rita Mae Brown. It features Harry Haristeen, her pets and several of the familiar residents of Crozet, VA. Harry discovers the first monk, Brother Christopher, when she heads to the order's tree farm to get a Christmas tree. His throat has been slit and an ancient coin placed under his tongue. A second monk is soon murdered in similar fashion. The third victim is a well-known cardiologist.

Harry agrees to stay out of the police investigation. But, when her pets find a toolbox filled with cash, they lead Harry to the site. She's promptly clocked on the head with a gun. Her pets help rescue her then, and they do the same later on when Harry's life is once again in danger.

Despite the fact that Harry really has no role in solving the mystery here (in fact, no one "solves" it per se), the book is a quick read and I never felt the urge to not finish it. The only thing that bothers me is that the significance of the ancient coins is never really explained. We know what they symbolize, but the killer's motive for using them remains a mystery.

Favorite Authors

Fictional Cops

• M.C. Beaton
• Patricia Cornwell
• Sue Grafton
• Martha Grimes
• Carol O'Connell

Amateur Detectives

• Susan Wittig Albert
• Rita Mae Brown
• Joan Hess