Category Archives: Books

Before the Swallows Come Back

Author: Curnow, Fiona

I’ve been consolidating a few of my book lists; this one was on it and the library actually had it on their shelves. It was compared favourably to Where the Crawdads Sing but I didn’t enjoy it as much.

Tommy is from a Tinker family and, because of their past experiences, they keep pretty much to themselves. Charlotte receives a bike from her ailing father for her twelfth birthday. The two meet on the banks of a nearby river and become friends instantly. Trouble lies ahead for both children but they maintain a friendship over several years when Tommy and his family return to their summer camp.

Goodreads Rating: * * *

Rather be the Devil

Author: Rankin, Ian

My to-read shelf is getting taller every week with Pat bringing home books from the library sales. This was one of ours and I was ready for a good detective story and this author never fails.

Rebus is newly retired but hasn’t yet quite let go of the excitement of the chase. An old, unsolved case comes to his attention and to fill his time he starts digging. During his search he encounters several cronies from his past but a more current crime seems to be more intriguing than solved the cold case. And Rebus inserts himself into the investigation.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

North of Nowhere

Author: Wilson, Marie

Over the years I’ve been quite interested in the outcomes of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; it has led me to contribute financially to a few different causes. When the Nation brought Marie to town to speak about her work and book we signed up immediately. Marie was Pat’s neighbour in Yellowknife.

Although there was a lot about the Commission, much of the book focused on how the statements reflected the author’s own life (she is married to a Survivor) and how she handled the many traumatic stories that came out of the Commission.

I was pleased that Alex had some knowledge (through school) of the Commission and the Residential Schools and I’m happy that he was interested in reading the book.

Goodreads Rating: * * * * *

The Secret, Book & Scone Society

Author: Adams, Ellery

I’ve no idea why or when this book was added to my list but when I was looking for a library book to borrow it was the first one that came up. I don’t usually read “cozy” mysteries but I didn’t mind this one.

Four women live in a small village along the Appalachian Trail. Three of the women own their own businesses while the third works in the spa that brings most of the tourists to their town. The town is about to undergo a change with the development of a new housing project. When one of the partners in the project suddenly dies the four women, some of whom had some contact with him before his death, are convinced he was murdered and set out to solve the mystery.

Goodreads Rating: * * *