I wasn't actually planning on sharing library books this week as when I stopped by the library this week I only brought home three (only, you say? ...that's plenty, right?), but then by the end of the week my pile had suddenly not only doubled itself, but tripled itself, so here we are. Funny how library books do that. Do you experience that phenomenon, too?
The bottom three are books from the public library, the next two are ILL requests, and the rest are books I found on the shelves where I work. Several are recommendations, so the fault isn't entirely mine.
Stefanie and Tiina are reading ghost stories by Edith Wharton, so they inspired me to look for a collection of her work, too.
I've been having these urges to read some spy fiction. You should see the pile of books I have accumulated next to my bed (I do this every week, and by Sunday the pile has grown so much I usually have to sort things out, decide whether I am indeed going to read them now or later and then reshelve them!). Somehow tales of espionage seems like a natural outgrowth of the mysteries I like, and there are so many authors that I would love to read. I came across Eric Ambler's name, and apparently he "invented the modern suspense novel". He was British and began writing in the 1930s. It sounds as though it is a case of--had there been no Ambler there might not have been a Le Carré or Len Deighton. I had no idea where to start but Judgment on Deltchev looked good. It is a slightly later novel written in 1951.
Thanks to CHH for suggesting Emily Kimbrough's Through Charley's Door and Frank B. Gilbreth's Cheaper by the Dozen (that would be the book with the pure black spine--ugly tape as this is one that has seen quite a lot of use!). I've read Kimbrough before (also mentioned here) but didn't realize she had other books published as well. They sound like completely charming reads and look like they are on the humorous side as well--just what I need at the moment. I can't wait to start both of them!
I came across Paul Spicer's The Temptress while browsing on Amazon for something else. It's a true story of the murder of Lord Erroll in Kenya in 1941. Alice de Janzé was an heiress from the Midwest who was Lord Erroll's lover and somehow involved in his death. Why does something so scandalous and gossipy sound so diverting at the moment?
I was looking at Felony & Mayhem's online catalog this week to see if they had anything new, but I found a few older titles that piqued my curiosity. To be honest I would prefer to buy their books, but since I am going to firmly plant myself back on the 'no new books' wagon for a while, borrowing will have to suffice. Carolyn Hougan's The Romeo Flag is another tale of espionage. It is set in 1980 though reaching back to WWII, so really it is closer to the end of the Cold War, but I've heard many good things about it. The book was published in 1989 and a blurb on the inside cover reads: "The suspense builds relentlessly. The sex is natural and lush. What a good book!". I had to crack up over that one--I guess sex sells (or so the publisher hoped?). Alas, it is the spy story that appeals to me rather than the sex, but I am glad it hear it is both 'natural' and 'lush'.
Janet Neel's Death's Bright Angel is another F&M reissue, but I have the original 1988 edition. This is a straightforward police procedural, which combines the "routine workings of a police station and the discreet maneuverings within the halls of government." I've already started it and think I will enjoy the characters, though there are references to British government agencies that are a little over my head. The author also happens to be a Baroness by the way.
Douglas W. Jacobson's Night of the Flames is a World War II novel set in Poland, Belgium and Britain. More spy stuff.
And Lynda La Plante's Cold Heart was suggested by Litlove. I have yet to read anything by La Plante and have also not seen her show Prime Suspect (perhaps should get them from Netflix?). This particular story is set in Beverly Hills and features a PI called Lorraine Page. An LA setting actually quite appeals for a change of pace.
I'm thinking a few days off with some serious reading time would be perfect about now. But I will just settle for taking my pile and leafing through the books, reading a bit and seeing which ones I want to start this weekend.
By the way, I am awful about snagging memes and then reinterpreting them in my own way and sometimes not giving credit back to those I should. I often share my library loot, but I should really mention that Marg and Claire host this weekly event. So hats off, ladies!
Happy reading everyone.