The Thieves of Legend by Richard Doetsch

Michael St Pierre and his at the moment ex-girl friend KC Ryan are forced into a life or death mission in Richard Doetsch’s latest fast paced thriller. Isaac Lucas, a US Army Colonel, will do anything to ensure they take this all but impossible mission – even blackmail.

The job takes Michael first to Macao and then to China to steal a box containing a book and papers that could change the balance of power in the world.  Michael takes his best friend Paul Busch (an ex-cop) with him to assist in this impossible task.   Michael has another possible ace up his sleeve..his mysterious friend, Simon, a priest.  All the while, Michael is being pressured by Lucas, who is desperate to get the box and the information it holds.  He claims if he doesn’t  get the box, it could mean the death of millions of people.  Lucas is not above threatening KC’s life to get what he wants.

When KC is heading back to London, she befriends an interesting woman, Annie.  Little does KC know the vital role Annie will play in her immediate future!  When KC’s plane is cancelled, Annie offers her a ride on her military jet, but Annie doesn’t know the destination is Granada and not London, and that her new friend is a compatriot of Lucas!

This fast paced thriller is nailing author Doetsch’s name amongst the top of today’s writers of international thrillers. Tom Clancy watch out!

Find and reserve this book in our catalog.

Best New Books of 2012: Janet L.’s Picks

What do a clerk in a 24-hour bookstore, a snake-handling faith healer, a man walking 500 miles to visit a sick friend, a hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail and Richard Burton have in common? (And it doesn’t involve marrying Elizabeth Taylor.) Rather, they all figure somehow in my five favorite books of 2012. My reading tastes are eclectic, but I read more literary fiction and mysteries than anything else. Language, atmosphere, setting, and believable characters are all important to me.  – Janet L.

A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash
Marshall, North Carolina, has a new church, the River Road Church of Christ in Signs Following. It’s led by a charismatic preacher, Carson Chambliss, a man with a talent for snake handling. Stump Hall, a young autistic boy, witnesses something at the church that leads to tragedy. Sheriff Clem Barefield is determined to find out what happened, no matter what the consequences. This is Cash’s debut novel and it’s a beauty; gorgeous writing, believable characters and gothic overtones. Recommended for readers of Ron Rash, John Hart and Tom Franklin.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
Harold Fry is surprised to receive a letter from Queenie Hennessey, who is seriously ill and has written to say goodbye. They were friends once, but parted in strained circumstances. Mild mannered Harold is so shocked by this news he behaves spontaneously and begins a 500 mile journey by foot to say goodbye to Queenie, convinced she will not die as long as he is walking. Recommended for readers of Anne Tyler, Elizabeth Berg and Anna Quindlen.

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
I adored this book. It has a likeable narrator, Clay Jannon, who clerks in a mysterious bookshop run by the fascinating Mr. Penumbra. The theme of Old Knowledge (books) vs. Internet knowledge allows the author to slip in scenes at Google, a museum dedicated to knitting overrun by children, arcane information about fonts, and a computer whiz who made a fortune creating realistic 3-D versions of breasts. This book is fun. It’s the kind of book that made a reader of me, the kind of book that keeps me reading, the kind of book I can’t wait to tell people about. Recommended for readers of Jasper Fforde and Terry Pratchett.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Hunched under a too heavy backpack quickly nicknamed Monster, Cheryl Strayed begins a real life journey along the Pacific Crest Trail that is spiritual as well as physical. Her plans for her hike are soon revealed as inadequate (who knew water weighed so much?) and she must improvise as she goes along—much as we all have to adjust in life when our best laid plans go awry. I found Strayed’s account of her hike riveting, profound, hilarious and suspenseful. Recommended for readers of Jeannette Walls, Jon Krakauer and Dave Eggers.

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
It’s 1962 and Pasquale Tursi, owner of the Hotel Adequate View in Porto Vergogna, Italy, is immediately smitten by Dee Moray, an American starlet who arrives at his hotel fresh from the set of the movie Cleopatra. Their story (with a supporting appearance from Richard Burton) connects to present day Hollywood and the career of Claire, assistant to legendary producer Michael Deane. Walter creates a truly romantic story that underscores his theme of how life and art intersect.

Munich 1938: Appeasement and World War II by David Faber

On May 15th 2008 Chris Matthews asked conservative pundit Mr. Kevin James, a fairly simple question. What did he do? Mr. James had no idea. Several times he replied “He was an appeaser!” He did not know the answer at all. It is a painful exchange to watch. Near the end Mr. Mathews said “When you make a historical reference you better know what you’re talking about.” Matthews added “Gee you guys are really blank slates.” It is my sincere hope that Mr. James has read David Faber’s Munich 1938 since that embarrassing moment.

So what did happen in Munich in 1938? Faber’s tome illustrates this diplomatic catastrophe in beautiful detail and earnest tone. What happened that was so fateful that Mr. James had no idea about? In 1938 the then Prime Minister of England, Neville Chamberlain signed an agreement with Adolf Hitler that would concede the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia to Germany. This was an area that had a large population of German ethnicity and that spoke German. When Chamberlain returned to England he was greeted by throngs of happy people. They believed that by appeasing Hitler he had avoided war. Some, including Winston Churchill, disagreed they thought this would only make Hitler think he could do whatever he desired with impunity. Ever quotable, Churchill said “England has been offered a choice between war and shame. She has chosen shame, and will get war.” Chamberlain did however continue a re-armament program. The logic was that it would be ridiculous to hope that other countries would disarm.

The public opinion of the Munich agreement started to erode after the madness of Kristallnacht on November 9th and 10th, 1938. Chamberlain still hoped for peace but when Germany invaded Poland in September of 1939. England declared war on Germany. James was comparing Obama to Chamberlain trying to make him look weak. His unbelievable ignorance was upsetting because not only was he not aware of the basic facts but more importantly he was not aware of the nuances of the situation. In 1938 England and France were still building monuments to the millions of soldiers who died in World War one. No one, save Hitler and his administration, wanted a conflict on that level again.

It is absurd when people try to reduce history to sound bites and talking points. It’s dangerous when the aforementioned are completely hollow.

Find and reserve this book in our catalog

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

This week we’re featuring some of our favorite Audio Books, just in time for planning your summer road trips. You can also click the Audio Books tag at the bottom of this post or at the top of the tag cloud on the right hand side of our blog’s home page for more great audio book suggestions!

Are you intrigued by the magical city of Venice? Did you love Peter Pan as a child? If so, then the juvenile novel, The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke, is a book you’re sure to enjoy this summer, either reading the book to yourself on the beach, or listening to the audio in the car with the entire family. The winner of several European Children’s Book Awards, it is a captivating read both for its story and its immersion into the mysterious and beautiful city of Venice which is, in its own way, another character in this story.

The book follows the story of two brothers, Bo and Prosper, who run away to Venice after their mother dies and they are put in the care of their cruel aunt and uncle who only want to keep Bo, the younger boy. In Venice they are befriended by a group of orphans who are supported by an enigmatic young man who calls himself the Thief Lord. The Thief Lord keeps them sheltered in an old movie theatre and fed by stealing goods from the wealthy homes in Venice and selling them to an unscrupulous shopkeeper. The Thief Lord is soon commissioned to steal an unusual article that leads the story into many twists and turns. Finally, it comes to a magical/fantastical climax on the Isola Segreta where a relic is enshrined that will change their lives forever. I first listened to the book driving back and forth to work and then reread it for a children’s book club selection, totally enjoying it both times. All the children and adults I know who have read it have also felt the same way about this exceptional book – an enjoyable escape.

Find and reserve this book in our catalog.

Juliet by Anne Fortier

Anne Fortier’s debut novel combines the diverse elements of history, romance, travel and dangerous adventure into one brilliantly told tale. Parallel narratives tell the story of a contemporary young woman and a tragic love story that occurs in medieval Italy.

After the untimely death of their parents in Italy, infant twins Julie and Janice Jacobs are reared in Virginia by their doting great Aunt Rose and her faithful and ever present man servant Umberto.  Though identical twins, Julie and Janice are opposites in temperament, personality and interests. Their relationship is cantankerous and marred by constant bickering.

Reunited at Aunt Rose’s funeral, their animosity increases when Julie discovers her inheritance is only a key to a safety deposit box in Siena Italy. Flighty, fashionable and promiscuous Janice has inherited all of Aunt Rose’s extensive estate.  Julie is left heartbroken and destitute by this turn of events.   Unbeknownst to Julie, that key leads her on an adventure which unveils the root of her family’s obsession with Romeo and Juliette.

The reader is transported to Siena, Italy during the 1300’s, where life is brimming with violence, superstition and family vendettas.  Julie’s quest for a lost treasure is entwined with this past, placing her in mortal danger.

Fortier engages her reader with alternating chapters that interweave the modern story of Julie and her ancestor Giulietta Tolomei.  Fortier’s writing vividly portrays both time periods of Italy, her well drawn characters come to life for the reader and the suspenseful plot keeps you turning pages.

Find and reserve this book in our catalog.

Mirror, Mirror by Gregory Maguire

An evil queen with a bent toward vanity.
A mirror that reveals “who is the fairest one of all”.
A girl with skin white as snow and hair black as night.
Seven dwarves in forest cottage
A poisoned apple.

Sounds familiar, right? True to form, in this novel Gregory Maguire reimagines a fairy tale and embellishes  the tale with darker and quirkier details than even the Brothers Grimm could concoct.  Maguire paints the world of Bianca de Nevada (Maguire’s name for Snow White) with just enough reality and vivid detail that the fantasy aspects are nearly believable.  The novel is set in 16th century Italy, the era of oligarchy, political intrigue, and papal corruption.  The evil “queen” in this version is Lucrezia Borgia, the real-life illegitimate daughter of Pope Alexander VI, who is obsessed with her own beauty and power.  She enters the tale collaborating with her brother, Cesare, to convince Bianca’s father to go on a dangerous quest. They want him to steal three apples from the Tree of Knowledge that are protected by an order of monks.  Even though Vicente de Nevada does not want to leave his daughter to go on the quest, the Borgia’s threaten Bianca’s life if Vicente does not comply.  After he leaves, the tale continues, including the basics of the original story, with the addition of many scrumptious details.

After listening to the audio version of Wicked several years ago, I was intrigued by the writing of Gregory Maguire, and I’m surprised it’s taken me this long to try another one of his novels.  Having seen the musical, Wicked, before reading the book, Maguire’s writing style initially caught me off guard.  It was much darker and more postmodern than the theater version, and I wasn’t sure if I liked it at first, because I wasn’t prepared for some of its more “adult” content. But, once I stopped comparing the two versions, I was able to really appreciate Maguire’s ability as storyteller.  Because of my previous experience with Maguire’s writing, I was better primed to enjoy Mirror, Mirror.  I enjoy adapted fairy tales, historical fiction, and writing that makes me reread sentences so I can fully grasped the depth of thought contained in them.  Mirror, Mirror is a wonderful mix of all three.

Long story short, this novel is a reimagined fairy tale, rich in imagery and unexpected interpretations.  Maguire’s literary talent very evident, which makes for an enjoyable, yet thought-provoking read.

Click here to find this grown-up fairy tale in our catalog.

Ratking by Michael Dibdin

Book lovers often roll their eyes when they hear a favorite title is soon to be transferred to the screen, whether big (movie) or small (television), and I admit to occasionally being such an eye-roller.  But the mysteries produced by the BBC and shown in the United States on PBS as part of Masterpiece Theatre have always been an exception for me.  Whether it’s Morse or Poirot, Miss Marple or Wallander, I have always been a sucker for these series.

So imagine my delight when I heard Alan Cumming announce a new production based on one of my all time favorite mystery series.  But I still recommend reading the books first and fortunately there’s time to do so before Rufus Sewell makes his debut as Zen this summer (starting this Sunday, July 17).

It’s best to read this series in order, and the first title is Ratking (winner of the 1988 Gold Dagger Award).  As the story opens, Commissario Aurelio Zen is surprised to find himself assigned to a kidnapping case in Perugia.  Zen has spent the last four years idling behind a desk in Rome, ever since he fell into disfavor with his superiors.  So why the sudden change of heart?  Could it be that a scapegoat is needed?

When the case unfortunately changes from one of kidnapping to homicide, Zen knows it is going to take all his skills, both as a detective and as a politician, to solve it.  Tightly plotted, with a streak of cynicism and evocative atmosphere, Ratking is a great introduction to a great series.

Find and reserve this book in our catalog.

The Monster of Florence by Douglas J. Preston and Mario Spezi

This week I will be featuring recent favorites of the East Regional Library’s Travel Book Club!

Welcome to the dark side of Italy.

Monster of Florence

Beginning sometime in 1968 or 1974, depending upon which authority you listen to, a killer (or killers) brutally murdered young couples as they made love under the new moon on secluded lovers’ lanes around Florence. The murders went on until 1985, gripping Florence in an unaccustomed terror. The crimes were so horrific that the press dubbed him Il Mostro di Firenze, or The Monster of Florence.

The Monster of Florence is fascinating and very intriguing especially given that the serial killer(s) has still never officially been found. In the first part of the book, the author describes the brutal murders carried out by the Monster. Twelve (or possibly fourteen) dead bodies, lovers killed in the light of the moon. Gruesome, disturbing, and yet fascinating. Equally interesting is the Clouseau-like police work as two different police agencies try to solve the murders. The second half of the book details the author’s attempt to research the murders twenty years later with the help of Italian journalist Spezi.

The Monster of Florence portrays a stark contrast of gruesome crime scenes with the stunning background of Tuscany. It seems impossible that the bucolic hills could hold sinister secrets of such horrors. Preston and Spezi reveal the reality of living in Italy, with all of its quaint charm and its imperfect legal system. It’s not all capos and Mafia that make the headlines there. It’s at least one impotent psychopath with a sick desire to prove his power over other human beings. Not only will the Monster’s bloody path horrify you, the treatment of these two authors will, too.

Side note: In late 2008, film studio United Artists announced its purchase of the film rights to The Monster of Florence. It is anticipated that actor Tom Cruise will star in the movie.

Click here to find this book in our catalog.