Diane Plumley Great Black Kanba—Constance and Gwynth Little–1944–IP The sisters were consistently hilarious. “Carolyn Hart (Grand Dame of cosy mystery writing) calls this tale of mistaken identity, barking lizards, multiple beaus and murder on a trans-Australia railroad trip one of her five favorite mysteries ” Great Black Kanba turns out to be my favorite of the bunch, … Read more
The number one reason I’ve found that people love kindle or nook or and ipad or iphone to read books, is how much easier a e-reader is to travel with, instead of individual titles heaped in a bag or loaded into luggage. Especially when flying. Instead of impulse buying a paperback at an airport terminal, … Read more
I often contemplate various abstract things, such as ‘Does God pick and choose who to listen to during a disaster, like say, a tornado, and only save those he decides are worthy? Because lady A prayed and survived, but lady B prayed and did not. Lady A claims God was looking out for her–so does … Read more
I tried to purchase the latest Stephen King this weekend. At an honest to goodness real live indie bookstore in N. Jersey. They were out of stock. Out of stock!! After my mouth stopped its jaw dropping, the bookman explained he couldn’t keep it in the store, that it’s an original paperback and not in … Read more
Continuing theme parties—For those who go down the shore and give parties–I know plenty of you must, ha, the Abington Party Book by Ethel Owen has a gala set up for you. The beginning of the invitation suggested goes like this: In the days of our childhood gone by For the sea and sand we … Read more
Anyone who has lived in New York City knows the name Kitty Genovese. Even if not living in 1964 during the fatal attack on Ms. Genovese, the legend is strong. If not familiar with this horrible murder, Ms. Genovese departed her train and began walking the 100 yards to her Kew Gardens apartment. Kew Gardens … Read more
I want to hate Lucky. I really do. He’s a 20 pound hairy pee machine, whose obstinate nature will not allow him to do his business outside in the wide wilderness of a back or front yard, or even against neighborhood trees and hydrants. On paper, he looked perfect. An adorable 9 year old in … Read more
Because I have a fascination with people who fake talking to the dead, or actually believe they talk to the dead, I went to Lily Dale, and Camp Chesterfield, two hotbeds of spiritualism. The first was a lively, forgive the pun, place, the other seemingly dead and buried. I’ve sought books that have a theme … Read more
