Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Audrey has enough on her hands, having just been abandoned by her loser husband who absconded with all the funding for their shared restaurant, now bankrupt. The last thing she needs right now is to babysit her alcoholic, starlet mother, Meridith, while she continues to dry out. But of course that is exactly what she is being expected to do. And of course, it can’t be at home in California – no, it has to be on the east coast, at Meredith’s estate on the island where she grew up. Where memories come back thick with emotions for both women. Meanwhile, we are also privy to entries in the journal of a survivor of a shipwreck that happened decades prior, on the same shoreline surrounding Meredith’s estate. We learn about Providence Dare, her anxieties about being pursued by the law, and her bold transformation. How are the two connected? You’ll just have to read the book to find out!

Reading Beatriz Williams is like belonging to an insider’s club: you just never know whom you will remeet, what will be referenced, and what little joke you might find. And while each novel is a stand-alone great, it is best to read all of her novels, because 1, they are wonderful and 2, you’ll be in the club! This novel is a perfect example. There are several characters who reappear from other works, many references to her prior novels done with her characteristic tongue-in-cheek snark. And while these references are not essential to the plot and one would enjoy the story even without knowing them, they definitely add that much more of a giggle when you stumble upon them. You get to appreciate her brilliant sense of humor that much more.

And brilliant she is. She weaves a story of three women, with three different pasts, that converge into a timeline that intersects in the most surprising way. And it feels natural, particularly since it has been build from characters that already feel like family.

While this may not necessarily rise to the level of a MUST READ, I do very highly recommend it. It is fun, suspenseful, cleverly composed, and a joy to read, as all of her works are. She is a brilliant author who just seems to keep getting better and better!

The Golden Doves by Martha Hall Kelly

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Josie is not happy about her assignment in 1950’s Texas – enabling ex-Nazi scientists to be coddled within the secretive, US government research program – but what is she to do? Allow the Soviets to access their expertise first? She knows she must go along with it, given that her mentor, Karl, has been pressuring her to not let her past at Ravensbruck cloud her judgement as an agent. She finds she is truly missing her days working with her unlikely best friend, Arlette.

We then meet Arlette as she works alongside other Ravensbruck survivors in a tiny cafe in Paris, outwardly appearing content with her lot, just about making ends meet. But inside, she is still struggling day in and day out, not knowing if her son, Willie, lost to her in the camp, is dead or alive. When a handsome stranger walks into the cafe, promising information on her son, she is given a new hope that feels both unreal and terrifying.

This is a brilliantly written historical fiction novel about a time when those who committed some of the most heinous crimes of the twentieth century literally got away with (worse than) murder. Nazi war criminals responsible for the maiming and murders of thousands were given a pass by sympathizers across Europe who funneled them by way of Austria or Italy (sometimes even the Vatican) through the Alps, into hotels where they waited, often for months in plain sight, until receiving false papers to get to South America (often Argentina), to live out their days in peace. Even some of the most notorious, such as Mengele, known for his unconscionable experiments on humans, escaped justice in this way. There were many agents who did seek justice, however, to try to bring these gutless criminals to justice.

But even if the story were not about such a monumental topic, it would still be a standalone epic novel. The crafting of the plot, the gradual reveals in the “before” and “current” (with current being 1952) telling, the way we can’t help falling in love with both Josie and Arlette, and the way we are continuously surprised by the plot up to the very final page – all make for an outstanding, suspenseful page-turner of a book.

And yes, you’ve guessed it: this one is absolutely a MUST READ! Because although it is a painful subject, and some of it is truly hard to read, I feel you absolutely must read it. If not for the historical value, for the literary value alone!

Elegy for Eddie: A Maisie Dobbs Novel by Jacqueline Winspear

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Maisie Dobbs is back at it, having been requested by her old school chums to investigate the untimely death of one of their own, a young man who was crushed by a gigantic paper roller in a paper factory. Of course Maisie set out immediately to help, pouring her resources, her staff, and her intelligent mind to untangling the knot of deceit and coverup that she gradually finds. But is it all for evil intent? And does the ends justify the means? As Maisie sorts out the mystery, she finds she learns more about the world at large in 1933 as well as more about herself.

I really enjoy these mysteries, as they are a combination of mystery and thriller-lite and historical fiction. Maisie is an endearing character, coming from a humble background, she has inherited a great fortune, but she remains modest and struggles with her newfound identity among the elite. She also struggles to maintain her independence even as she is courted by an American with means who loves her for who she is but also wants more from her, which she is unsure she is willing/able to give.

The other small thing that I appreciated from this narrative was how traumatized Europeans were from WWI when they entered into WWII. So many were still reeling from their initial trauma, whether they’d fought themselves, were wounded, were related to someone who’d been on the front lines and had experienced secondary trauma, or had just lived through the incredibly difficult period that defined the era. And the thought of having to fight another war for the exact same values was utterly daunting. But as Maisie’s dear friend put it, he would, again, fight to protect the right for his boys to have the freedom to play, to run wild, and to get into trouble as boys do.

At the same time, I believe this is not the strongest in this series, with some of the others being more suspenseful, less contemplative. This one was a bit more meandering, somewhat fragmented in the way things came together.

That said, I will keep reading these, as they are enjoyable, relatively light, and well-written. I do keep saying that I will read these in order one day – but I haven’t done so. One day I will listen to my own advice…!

The Wicked City by Beatriz Williams

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

NYC 1990’s: Ella has just moved into her own tiny apartment in the Village. Not by choice, mind you – but what’s a girl to do when her husband cheats on her with a prostitute in her own apartment building? Thankfully, she has a job she likes and she can quickly move on. And the super/musician who lives on the top floor with whom she has just had a strange but flirty interaction in the laundry room just might be the right distraction for her…

NYC 1920’s: Gin is living in a tiny apartment in the Village and frequents a speakeasy where she has found a fast but comfortable crowd to match her fast and comfortable wit. Having escaped her western Maryland home, she has made her way to this rather questionable boarding house, if it can be described as such, and found a position in a typing pool down on Wall Street. But her side hustle has gotten her mixed up in some other exploits that may threaten everything she understands about NY and how it operates.

These strong and savvy female heroines are written as only Beatriz Williams can: snarky of wit and soft of heart. Combine that with a plot that is replete with intrigue, suspense, and surprise – not to mention historical context – well, you definitely have my attention. And my attention was held from beginning to end – could not put it down.

And it’s a trilogy! Wow! So get ready to hear about numbers 2 and 3, because I am planning to actually read them in direct order – something I rarely do. But for Williams, one of my favs, I am doing it.

You know I have to make anything by her a MUST READ, so once again, this one is added to that list. Just for the fun of it!

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Lo has just gone through a frighteningly traumatic event after which she’s not slept for a week. But she knows she has to pull it together because she has a one and only chance to advance her career in the travel journalism field, with this upcoming, singular event: the maiden voyage of a VERY exclusive, very small cruise ship, hosting Britain’s elite with whom she must connect and impress. But suddenly, in the middle of her first night, shocking sounds have awoken Lo, and she is now distracted from her mission. Is she going mad? Can she rely on her memory of what happened in the middle of the night? She must get to the bottom of this, no matter what…

This is truly one of the most suspenseful novels I’ve read, one I felt I just couldn’t read fast enough! (And if you’ve followed this blog, you know I’ve been on a suspense tear, so this is saying quite a lot!) The story bursts immediately into action and, in truth, never stops. We follow Lo and feel for her, as she has her missteps and miscalculations but we also see that she is thwarted and misled by something devious and dangerous as well. And I NEVER would have guessed the ending – total twister!

This is not a character-based novel. I did not derive great insights or ponder deep thoughts about life’s meaning while reading this. I cannot wax poetic about about newfound wisdom gleaned from this novel.

But it is definitely great fun, a wonderful escape, and damn well what we need right now, so treat yourself and indulge!

Conviction by Denise Mina

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Anna has known her marriage was not going well for awhile now, but she never expected to be greeted at the door with the shocking (and truly cliche) news that her husband was leaving her for her best friend. And worse, he is taking their 2 daughters with them. The most heart-wrenching part of this is that Anna knows she is unable to fight this. Even her husband doesn’t know that she cannot show up in a court of law to contest this because he has no idea she’s concealed her true identity even from him. And she needs to keep it that way, to save her life and theirs – literally. That is, until she learns that a podcast she’s listening to reveals a story that is, in fact, part of HER story… And may come to bring her identity to light in spite of her best efforts.

With all that is going on in the world – more to the point, in our country by our federal government* – I have found that I am desperate for any kind of escapism now more than ever. Thrillers like this one are definitely doing the trick for me – and this one is QUITE the page-turner! Anna sets out to escape her circumstance, finding herself with, of all people, Fin, her best friend’s husband. The suspense builds as we gradually learn what she’s escaped and why she’s had to cover up her past. But as more is uncovered, the danger for her builds as well, and the twisty plot thickens. I actually found myself holding my breath as I was reading more than a few times!

I also came to love Anna’s character. She is honest to the point of being blunt, deeply compassionate in spite of being bruised, and values her family above all in spite of it being fractured. She is so brave and has a keen insight into people, most likely from necessity. Trauma does that – creates hypervigilance in a person, such that one becomes discerning of who to trust.

I would highly recommend this novel if you’re looking to escape, as I have been. This is a great one to drown out the world right now!

*My favorite quote about this point, by the way: from Thomas Friedman in his interview by Ezra Klein from yesterday: “Hire clowns, expect a circus.” That is what we have at the moment!

While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Avery Keene is so frustrated with herself when she realizes that she’s missed her opportunity to run into the Chief Justice “by accident” this morning. She’s spent months getting into the good graces of the Chief’s assistants in order to learn her schedule so that she can get a word in with her, and once again, her mother, a perpetually “recovering” addict, has distracted her from her intended plan to discuss her future. To her surprise, she is called into the Chief’s office anyway – and with news that is both shocking and horrifying: Justice Wynn, for whom she has been clerking, is currently in a coma and she, Avery, has been named his Power of Attorney. What could he possibly have been thinking, to name her, a measly law clerk? As she gains bit by bit of information about the Justice’s recent state of health and personal life details, she learns how tangled he has been in a sordid plot, which only Avery, with the help of a few other trusted souls, has the potential to uncover. But at what cost?

This is an utterly gripping thriller which will have you on the edge of your seat from page one until the very end. Avery is caught up in a series of clues left behind by Justice Wynn, prior to his drifting into his coma, and although many relate to chess (which I don’t play – but luckily Avery does!), the plot is brilliant, complex, layered, and twisty. Avery herself is also a likable character, with a vulnerable past, a kind heart, and brilliant mind. She wants to do the right thing, which has become a rarity, not only in government but in the justice system as well. (Not only in fiction, sad to say…)

Stacey Abrams is not only an impressive and brilliant legislator, but an impressive and brilliant author as well!

Long Bright River by Liz Moore

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Mickey is worried about her sister, Kacey, who’s been missing for more than a month. This would not be so unusual – both that her sister has been missing or that she is worried about her – except that there is currently a strangler on the loose who is out for women with exactly Kacey’s description: young, pretty, and addicted to heroin. You would think that Mickey might be able to rely on her family to help. You would also think that being on the police force in Philly would give her an advantage. Neither, sadly, seem to be the case. And apparently, it’s up to Mickey to figure out just why this is so.

This novel, which has recently been made into a streaming series (which I have not yet seen), is quite addictive in itself. The story is engaging from the beginning, growing ever more suspenseful as one turns its pages. And I found the characters to be gritty and vulnerable and often just desperate to find connection, family, and love – just as we all are, really. I felt totally connected to Mickey, even as hard as she had to be.

It’s admittedly a tough read, though, with some scenes that, while brief, depict the lives of those who are under the deeply-unmagical spell of the terrible drugs we’re seeing out there in such high numbers. But while it depicts the deplorable conditions many resign themselves to while in search of that next fix, it also highlights the community, the unofficial network that develops, even the care that some take to watch out for each other. These folks understand that underneath the unwashed desperation and the naked fear, these are human beings, with family who care about them, with complicated histories and feelings, and often with a true yearning to get clean but who just struggle against this horrible disease.

This story also addresses police corruption, which can be rampant in some cities. While I have true respect for officers who defend us honorably – they provide one of the most thankless and important contributions to society that we live with, truly. But I live in fear of those who are dishonorable. The abuse of power is a thing to be feared on any level – but if it’s someone with a weapon, that is terrifying.

On the whole, this is a novel that is hard to put down. If you commit to it, make sure you set aside time – you will not want to do anything else until you get to that very last page!

Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Maisie Dobbs, psychologist and private detective, is tapped once again, and this time it’s for help with a case of chemical terrorism. It appears an individual has written a letter to British officials, spewing dissatisfaction on how certain factions of society have been treated and threatening harm to them and many others if action is not taken. Because Maisie herself has been named in this letter, she is brought onto the case, and it is quickly apparent that the author of this letter is suffering, has experienced tragedy, but is also extremely dangerous.

I love this series. I have erred by reading it in completely the wrong order, but because they are so well-written, they are also excellent as stand-alone novels. They serve both as detective/murder-mysteries and historical fiction narratives, and as a series provide vivid details of life in spanning from before the first World War to after the second. This particular one takes place in December, 1931, and one can feel not only the desperation of the Depression that has impacted so many, but also the residual psychological impact of the “Great War.”

Before we had the term “PTSD,” soldiers were diagnosed with “shell shock,” and it was really the first form of trauma that had been even remotely acknowledged. This story describes well how so many, mostly men, were affected by being in the trenches: hearing bombs go off just next to them, feeling explosions blow off body parts, seeing friends killed before their eyes. And so many of them were not allowed to process this trauma, but were forced, because they happened to be physically “ok,” to jump back in to the fighting because the armed forces just needed bodies. And the repeated trauma made for extremely vulnerable men returning to their homes after the war. Their vulnerabilities could manifest in extreme disconnection from their prior personalities, from their families, from their very souls, as is described in this story.

While I think one can skip around a bit, I would recommend beginning the series with the first one, which is called Maisie Dobbs, by Jacqueline Winspear, as it gives an important foundation to the series. And if you can, it is probably best to go in order, but there are a great many books in the series –  it may take you awhile! But the writing is solid, the plots are clever, and Maisie is a strong, ethical and wise character to stick with.

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Patch is not the most popular among his peers, being one-eyed, obsessed with pirates and their history, and the son of a single woman who has struggled to hold down most jobs. But he has a few eyes on him. Nix, the Chief of Police of his small midwestern town, tends to end each shift by swinging by to check on his house. And Saint, his one and only friend, and her grandmother, have remained quiet when they notice he’s lifted a few extra rolls from the dinner table to bring home to his mother, or when he stays overnight on some of the colder nights when he’s suspected the utilities been turned off in his own home. But when Patch goes missing, after saving the life of his crush, Misty, the popular girl in their class, Saint stops at nothing to find him. And she remains on a mission to continue to save others who continue to go missing long after.

This is a dark but gripping novel, a story of persistence beyond anything one might imagine. The writing is crisp, dialogue sharp, and the plot twisty, even as it unravels over the course of more time than I certainly expected. The relationships between Patch and Saint, even the relationship that develops between Patch and Misty, are vexing; complicated by extreme circumstance, crossed signals, and adolescent angst. But it is the nature of these relationships (and of course other peripheral ones) that keeps the reader tied to the story – addicted, really, because it is virtually impossible to put down.

The character of Saint is a beautiful and most sympathetic one. She has been raised by her grandmother, who, despite her rough exterior, is kind and loving in all aspects that matter. Saint is loyal, honest, and selfless to a fault, willing to give up her own dreams to pursue the truth she knows will be the only way to bring peace to her friend.

I will warn, though, this novel is not for the feint of heart. This is essentially a gruesome tale; one of stolen lives, hidden children, and violent crimes. But it is also a story of undying courage: the valiant pursuit to uncover an obscene injustice.

Hard but excellent read!