The first book in this series was a delight with an original heroine and intriguing plotline, but here we have our same Molly Maid, now proudly Head MThe first book in this series was a delight with an original heroine and intriguing plotline, but here we have our same Molly Maid, now proudly Head Maid of the five star hotel she works in, and the plot alas seems a bit forced. What this sophomore effort did do was expand Molly's background both to us and to her, and I'm glad that there were hints that a followup is expected, in which hopefully the author will find her footing....more
Gems. Not a clinker in the collection. Included are seven stories featuring a couple as they advance through life, which may or may not be patterned aGems. Not a clinker in the collection. Included are seven stories featuring a couple as they advance through life, which may or may not be patterned after Margaret Atwood's own life as she recently lost her partner, and these may be a tribute to him. ...more
Lisa Bird-Wilson, the award winning author of Probably Ruby, shares a history with her character in that she was separated from her tribe to be raisedLisa Bird-Wilson, the award winning author of Probably Ruby, shares a history with her character in that she was separated from her tribe to be raised by a white family, this being a misguided practice perpetuated throughout Canada much as it was through Australia. Ruby's story spools out in interlocking episodes, highlighting her lifelong quest for identity. While at first several sequences prove puzzling, the reader is rewarded when all falls into place even if not all questions are answered. In that aspect, Bird-Wilson respects her readership. The writing is, like one of the characters, "...unconventional beauty. Dark. Gutsy. Sweet and spicy all at once." Ruby's determination in her pursuit is fueled by passion. After all, "Ruby wanted what she wanted, because we all should have that chance."...more
Further examples of my observation that when all elements are strong, a collection of short fiction can be more immersive and challenging than a novelFurther examples of my observation that when all elements are strong, a collection of short fiction can be more immersive and challenging than a novel of equal length. Each of these eight stories pulled me in, had me totally involved, was complete in execution and content. Unlike slice of life stories that leave abruptly, making the reader form their own conclusion about the outcome, these stories are whole, satisfying. In a recent interview, he cites his father as inspiration in particular as well as story writers from the Atlantic Provinces but most especially Irish authors. I totally agree with his assessment that they "... have worked the genre better than anyone,"... I look forward to seeking out MacLeod's earlier work as well as that of his father, Alistair MacLeod....more
Molly Gray (or, as she prefers, Molly Maid) takes great pleasure out of returning the hotel rooms she cleans to "a state of perfection." On her own afMolly Gray (or, as she prefers, Molly Maid) takes great pleasure out of returning the hotel rooms she cleans to "a state of perfection." On her own after her grandmother's death several months prior to the beginning of the story, she delights in her transparency, never thinking of her role in the hotel's mechanics as less than participatory or important. Until one of her rooms has a dead body in it. At this point, the real world steps in, and Molly, who would probably be diagnosed as hovering on the asperger's spectrum, finds herself facing challenges and betrayals she'd previously been able to sidestep. Nita Prose, nom de plume for a talented Canadian editor (my reason for envisioning Toronto as the possible locale even if it is never named), has produced this charming "cozy" that was a delight to spend time with. ...more
Definitely one of Louise Penny's best. Contemporary in that she doesn't shy away from the current pandemic, although when she wrote it, she probably fDefinitely one of Louise Penny's best. Contemporary in that she doesn't shy away from the current pandemic, although when she wrote it, she probably figured it would be a thing of the past and not ongoing as it is in real life, but with the addition of highly controversial subject matter as personified by a mathematics professor with a shocking agenda and a Sudanese refugee up for the Nobel Peace Prize, there are elements above and beyond even her usual excellence. In this one, she examines the nature of familial love and its challenges....more
So glad I binged this series -- it was like reading one huge book in 16 installments, enhancing the backstory of Armand Gamache and his family and hisSo glad I binged this series -- it was like reading one huge book in 16 installments, enhancing the backstory of Armand Gamache and his family and his changing role with the Surite. Penny mines fresh situations with every book, has said she tries not to write the same book twice, and succeeds mightily. Here, for the first time, Paris is the setting, only the second book not taking place in the Brigadoon-like Three Pines. ...more
