I was planning on writing about Willa Cather's The Professor's House tonight, but I'm too tired and just want to get into bed early with a book and read for a while. Besides the Cather is a book that needs to be thought about for a day or two or maybe more, so instead I'll share my library finds. I returned a bag full of books to the library last night and did a little browsing, but I only have three to share. Just as well as I have a growing pile of books from the library where I work. I've become a little obsessed with interlibrary loan and am wondering just when they are going to cut me off!
Since I've been using the library where I work so much, I've not been looking at the public library's virtual 'new book list', where I tend to find most of the books I end up requesting. I've also noticed that they seem to be getting fewer new books in (novels anyway), and I haven't decided if it is due to budget constraints, or this is just a slow publishing period. I did take a peek at this month's lists before I left the house, however, and I discovered that there is a new Cordelia Frances Biddle mystery out, Without Fear. This series is set in 19th century Philadelphia by the way. I was so excited to see a new book as it's been ages since her last mystery, so I headed first to the new books shelves only to discover it wasn't there. Even the librarian checked and neither of us could find it. I must have scanned the shelves three times before giving up. So, I'm in line for the next available copy. I noticed that Biddle's third novel has been published by Booksurge, which I think is Amazon's publishing service. I'm happy that she's been able to bring out her new novel, but I am disappointed to find out that yet another mystery writer I enjoy must have been dropped by her publisher. Obviously if an author doesn't sell well right off the bat, they think nothing of dropping them--pity for the poor readers who enjoyed her work.
Disappointment aside, I did come home with three books. Zoe Sharp is a new to me author, but I like the sound of the heroine in this crime series. Charlie Fox (short for Charlotte) is a self-defense instructor after being kicked out of the army Special Forces. Killer Instinct is the first in a series of thrillers, and Charlie sounds very 'kick-ass' in her approach. I'm looking forward to reading about her. Lee Child even wrote the introduction to this book. Has anyone read Zoe Sharp?
Christobel Kent's The Drowning River is set in a wet November Florence. Sandro Cellini is the sleuth--a "good husband, disgraced ex-policeman, and recently turned PI". Another first in a series of books. Italy seems to be a good crime destination these days--at least I have two now sitting on my night stand and can think of a handful more I want to read (Donna Leon, Michael Dibdin, Andrea Camilleri...).
I read Peg Kingman's first novel, Not Yet Drown'd, several years back and recall enjoying it. Last time Scotland and India were her settings, but this time in Original Sin, a runaway Virginia slave returns home to try to find out what happened to a lost child. I'm really looking forward to this one.
One small side note--I owe a number of people emails. I've been very remiss in answering emails lately, but they have not been forgotten or ignored. I only wish I had more time in the evenings to get everything done I need to do, but I hope to catch up very soon.
In the meantime--happy reading everyone.