dhuli
Halifax Public Libraries
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Murder on Waverly PlaceMurder on Waverly Place, BookA Gaslight Mystery
by Thompson, VictoriaBook - 2009Book, 2009
dhuli's rating:
Added Mar 19, 2024
dhuli's rating:
Added Mar 12, 2024
Comment:
I've enjoyed this whole series, although some of them are pretty much to formula. This one is better than average
Laughing With the TricksterLaughing With the Trickster, BookOn Sex, Death, and Accordions
by Highway, TomsonBook - 2022Book, 2022
dhuli's rating:
Added Mar 07, 2024
Comment:
I will be pondering this book's content for a long time. I think the previous comments of wyenotgo are pretty much on the money. Women's rights activists will love this book but many Christians will find it disturbing.
Aunts Aren't GentlemenAunts Aren't Gentlemen, Large Print
by Wodehouse, P. G.Large Print - 2019Large Print, 2019
dhuli's rating:
Added Mar 07, 2024
Comment:
It's P.G.Wodehouse! It's fun, laugh-out-loud funny in spots. Socially very dated in places, of course.
dhuli's rating:
Added Mar 07, 2024
Comment:
As usual the reader solves the murder faster than the protagonists but that isn't really the point in this fun series.
dhuli's rating:
Added Feb 24, 2024
Comment:
The Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is an engaging series, but I found this book didn't hold my interest at all. A tedious and disappointing read, so much so I abandoned it after slogging through nearly 100 pages, which is something I very rarely do. Watch the TV series and find something else to read.The Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is an engaging series, but I found this book didn't hold my interest at all. A tedious and disappointing read, so much so I abandoned it after slogging through nearly 100 pages, which is something I very rarely do.…
The WagerThe Wager, Large PrintA Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder
by Grann, DavidLarge Print - 2023Large Print, 2023
dhuli's rating:
Added Feb 10, 2024
Comment:
What a saga! This is a fascinating read - one of those stories where the lines of duty, morality, class, humanity, get blurred fairly early on. The many many pages of notes and bibliography attest to the author’s extensive research. (He even travelled to Patagonia to visit the island where sailors were marooned.) There are also an index, several pages of pictures, and four useful maps. Grann’s account of the voyage at times is so detailed I wished it was a little less so as I was anxious to get on with the story.What a saga! This is a fascinating read - one of those stories where the lines of duty, morality, class, humanity, get blurred fairly early on. The many many pages of notes and bibliography attest to the author’s extensive research. (He even…
dhuli's rating:
Added Feb 05, 2024
Comment:
One of the true classic cosy mysteries, originally published in 1926. So the writing and setting are a little dated but in a delightfully authentic and terribly British way.
dhuli's rating:
Added Jan 29, 2024
Comment:
While I have enjoyed Jane Austen’s novels, I know little beyond the basics about her life so reading this book I was unable to judge whether the author had taken extreme liberties with the facts or not. The book does not endear Jane to the reader; she is portrayed as the weaker, emotionally, of the two sisters who have an unusually interdependence. This novel has motivated me to seek out a good biography of JA.While I have enjoyed Jane Austen’s novels, I know little beyond the basics about her life so reading this book I was unable to judge whether the author had taken extreme liberties with the facts or not. The book does not endear Jane to the reader;…
dhuli's rating:
Added Jan 20, 2024
Comment:
It's P. G. Wodehouse with all his comedic mastery of language and situation. However I was surprised to find how dated this book seemed, even allowing that it was originally published in the early 1960s, with the girls defined as popsies and much of the language very non p.c.It's P. G. Wodehouse with all his comedic mastery of language and situation. However I was surprised to find how dated this book seemed, even allowing that it was originally published in the early 1960s, with the girls defined as popsies and much of…
dhuli's rating:
Added Jan 16, 2024
Comment:
A good read set in a fascinating place that will be familiar to few readers. The writing is solid and the translation is excellent, very smooth. As an added bonus the authors include a useful list of the main characters and a pronunciation guide to Icelandic names.A good read set in a fascinating place that will be familiar to few readers. The writing is solid and the translation is excellent, very smooth. As an added bonus the authors include a useful list of the main characters and a pronunciation guide to…
The Secret Life of SunflowersThe Secret Life of Sunflowers, Book
by Molnár, MártaBook - 2022Book, 2022
dhuli's rating:
Added Jan 15, 2024
Comment:
This book is written in alternating chapters of modern story and Van Gogh story. The modern story is fine, but very much formula schlock - girl meets boy but romance can't flourish because of misunderstanding that, of course, gets sorted and, oh joy, happy ending. However the Van Gogh sections are much more of interest and left me wondering how many significant artists have been lost to us because they did not have a persistent relative in their corner.This book is written in alternating chapters of modern story and Van Gogh story. The modern story is fine, but very much formula schlock - girl meets boy but romance can't flourish because of misunderstanding that, of course, gets sorted and, oh…
dhuli's rating:
Added Jan 09, 2024
Comment:
Once again this author has taken one fact, the marriage of Irish girls to Chinese men in New York in the early 20th century, and successfully developed a story around it. And like many of the other books the story gets a bit bogged down mid-book, but is still a good read. And once again we get the tiniest little development of the sub-plot of the relation between Mallory and Sarah. It's all becoming a bit formulaic.Once again this author has taken one fact, the marriage of Irish girls to Chinese men in New York in the early 20th century, and successfully developed a story around it. And like many of the other books the story gets a bit bogged down mid-book,…
When No One Is WatchingWhen No One Is Watching, Large PrintA Thriller
by Cole, AlyssaLarge Print - 2020Large Print, 2020
dhuli's rating:
Added Jan 07, 2024
Comment:
I read quite far into this book wondering why it was designated a thriller, but it gets there alright. The plot line about gentrification is extremely interesting but I agree with some of the earlier comments - too much “language.” I have no problem with the odd coarse word to convey some character’s style or emotions but when everyone in the whole book uses the f-word constantly and gratuitously, it gets tedious. Not sure whether any of these people knew any adjective besides shit-ass either. Too bad, as the author shows here and there that she is capable of real style in her prose. The ending is exciting but hardly realistic. Considering the author's ability and the interesting plot potential, this novel fails to meet the mark.I read quite far into this book wondering why it was designated a thriller, but it gets there alright. The plot line about gentrification is extremely interesting but I agree with some of the earlier comments - too much “language.” I have no problem…
dhuli's rating:
Added Jan 04, 2024
Comment:
I've always thought this author hit her stride in a few of the earlier Royal Spyness series but otherwise just chugged out so-so novels and this book didn't change that opinion. The ending is particularly contrived, rushed, and improbable.
Unnatural HistoryUnnatural History, Large Print
by Kellerman, JonathanLarge Print - 2023Large Print, 2023
dhuli's rating:
Added Dec 26, 2023
Comment:
My first Kellerman novel and on the whole I found it a so-so read, an indifferent story told by indifferent characters. Here and there when Kellerman writes in a more crisp, economical style the writing is much better so based on others' reviews I will give one of Kellerman's earlier efforts a try.My first Kellerman novel and on the whole I found it a so-so read, an indifferent story told by indifferent characters. Here and there when Kellerman writes in a more crisp, economical style the writing is much better so based on others' reviews I…
The Diary KeepersThe Diary Keepers, Large PrintWorld War II in the Netherlands, as Written by the People Who Lived Through It
by Siegal, NinaLarge Print - 2023Large Print, 2023
dhuli's rating:
Added Dec 21, 2023
Comment:
A most interesting, and for me, eye-opening, read because the selection of the diarists includes a wide range of personalities - a socialite, a Jewish journalist, a Nazi sympathizing Dutch policeman, a middle-aged rural couple and their family who get involved in hiding escapees, etc. A window into a horrible time.A most interesting, and for me, eye-opening, read because the selection of the diarists includes a wide range of personalities - a socialite, a Jewish journalist, a Nazi sympathizing Dutch policeman, a middle-aged rural couple and their family who…
A Single ThreadA Single Thread, Large PrintA Novel
by Chevalier, TracyLarge Print - 2019Large Print, 2019
dhuli's rating:
Added Dec 11, 2023
Comment:
An easy, but just so-so read. This seems to be a well researched book and does better at avoiding the sorts of errors that one encounters in most books set in England but written by American authors. However I thought the principal character, Violet, wooden and unconvincing. Some readers will definitely find the extensive details about two arcane subjects, embroidery and change ringing, quite tedious.An easy, but just so-so read. This seems to be a well researched book and does better at avoiding the sorts of errors that one encounters in most books set in England but written by American authors. However I thought the principal character,…
dhuli's rating:
Added Dec 09, 2023
Comment:
An average offering in this on-the-whole interesting series.
dhuli's rating:
Added Dec 05, 2023
Comment:
Another satisfying dip into the fascinating world of archaeology, Ruth Galloway, and her complex personal life with her laconic policeman and best friend druid. Griffiths is a smooth, efficient writer. This is a superb series best read in sequence.
dhuli's rating:
Added Nov 30, 2023
Comment:
Even if you read this simply as a work of fiction and ignore the unBritish elements and the rather purple prose, it still isn’t much of a story. The protagonists are full of a heedless adolescent bravado that reminded me of reading a Nancy Drew novel years ago. After the first 35 or so pages in which it seemed an additional character was added every page I found I no longer cared who did what or why. The writing is very laboured, characters lack realism with their grammatically correct conversations and improbable vocabulary.Even if you read this simply as a work of fiction and ignore the unBritish elements and the rather purple prose, it still isn’t much of a story. The protagonists are full of a heedless adolescent bravado that reminded me of reading a Nancy Drew…
dhuli's rating:
Added Nov 25, 2023
Comment:
I enjoy this series, but am more reading it to follow the development of the relationship between Malloy and Sarah and their families than for the murder mystery plot which in this one is pretty feeble. I'm sure every reader has solved this one long before our heroes.I enjoy this series, but am more reading it to follow the development of the relationship between Malloy and Sarah and their families than for the murder mystery plot which in this one is pretty feeble. I'm sure every reader has solved this one long…
Pride & Preju-knitsPride & Preju-knits, BookTwelve Genteel Knitting Projects Inspired by Jane Austen
by Von Purl, TrixieBook - 2015Book, 2015
dhuli's rating:
Added Nov 25, 2023
Comment:
I am always suspicious of books that ride on the coattails of some famous author, so my expectations for this book were not very high, some indifferent knitting patterns, perhaps shawls, bed socks. Instead I discovered one of the most fun books I’ve had the good fortune to encounter in quite some time. This author is wonderfully original and also apparently a very competent knitter. What she presents is not just a pattern for a dress or a jacket but all the patterns for knitting an entire Jane Austen scene in miniature. You knit Mr. Darcy complete with pants, jacket, shirt, hat, boots, proposing to Elizabeth who is likewise entirely knit, including her parasol. It’s this knitting of inanimate objects that really tickled me - a knit birdbath with knit bird, Emma Wodehouse’s picnic basket and its plate and decorated cake, topiary. You can knit a pianoforte, with stool of course, a sword, an armchair, a fan, and … wait for it… a chandelier! Whether you are a knitter or not this is a wonderful flight of whimsey.I am always suspicious of books that ride on the coattails of some famous author, so my expectations for this book were not very high, some indifferent knitting patterns, perhaps shawls, bed socks. Instead I discovered one of the most fun books I’ve…
Jane Austen's Sewing BoxJane Austen's Sewing Box, UnknownCraft Projects & Stories From Jane Austen's Novels
by Forest, JenniferUnknown - 2009Unknown, 2009
dhuli's rating:
Added Nov 19, 2023
Comment:
This book is printed rather like it is an album - the pages are cardboard and printed with wide coloured margins. Many pages of fashion plates and Regency date drawings as well as photos of details of furnishings from the time. There are directions for making 14 Austen era projects such as a reticule, cushion cover, muff, paper flowers, knitted rug, each of which is introduced with excerpts from Jane's letters and novels. The write-ups are excellent but I think you would find the the pattern directions on the sparse side if you were not familiar with the particular craft.This book is printed rather like it is an album - the pages are cardboard and printed with wide coloured margins. Many pages of fashion plates and Regency date drawings as well as photos of details of furnishings from the time. There are directions…
The Age-proof GardenThe Age-proof Garden, Book101 Practical Ideas and Projects for Stree-free, Low-maintenance Senior Gardening, Shown Step by Step in More Than 500 Photographs
by Cassidy, PattyBook - 2012Book, 2012
dhuli's rating:
Added Nov 16, 2023
Comment:
I would think it just about impossible to write a book for gardening seniors. There are just so many major variables: climate, the range of physical ability of the gardeners, finances, etc. but this book gives it a pretty good shot. There is even a useful section on houseplants and a lot of focus on planters and raised beds. Interior decorating books always make me a bit disheartened by the gorgeous architecture of the rooms they are decorating and I felt the same way looking at the gorgeous photos of lovely brick patios with cosy nooks draped in lush foliage, lovely arbours, etc. but there are many useful idea here that can at least give one a starting point. My only negative comment about this book is that it is printed with very shiny ink on very shiny paper so the glare on the pages can be quite annoying.I would think it just about impossible to write a book for gardening seniors. There are just so many major variables: climate, the range of physical ability of the gardeners, finances, etc. but this book gives it a pretty good shot. There is even a…
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