O Jerusalem (Mary Russell #5)

O Jerusalem by Laurie R. King

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


More adventures with Holmes and Russell, but in this installment we jump back in time to events in the second book that were not shared with us. We know they spent time in Jerusalem but we don't get to see what happens there. This book takes to the events they shared while they were hiding out.

It's a pretty good story. I like their companions, especially Mahmoud. Something was missing for me, however, and I just can't put my finger on it. I think it was because Holmes and Russell didn't really seem to be partners on this one. There was a distance between them and you just couldn't see that spark. But overall still an enjoyable read.



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Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody #1)

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It's a very good thing I was born in these modern times, otherwise I would have turned out to be exactly like Amelia Peabody. Unmarried, outspoken, finding ways around the conventions of long skirts and subservient attitudes. We find her sassy self traveling to Egypt to see the archaeological sties and picking up friends along the way.

The high point of the book for me is the banter between Radcliffe and Peabody. The two of them make me laugh with their jabs and bickering. How dare a women know something about first aid? Or keep a level head? Radcliffe and his brother have met their match in dear Miss Peabody. I enjoyed their interactions so much that the weak points of the plot were easily overlooked.

The archaeology and history make this interesting, and the characters make it fun.  Looking forward to seeing how the next few books hold up.



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Cat Among the Pigeons (Hercule Poirot #32)

Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Another good Poirot mystery. Another one that I had not read towards the end of the series.

Set in a prestigious private school in England, Poirot is summoned by a student to solve the crimes. Murder is afoot. Not just one murder, but two. Who will be next? Well, besides our good friend Hercule Poirot, no one is safe. But not to worry, because he always gets his man. Or woman, as the case may be.





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The Red Tent

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved this book. The writing was lovely.

I went in not knowing much about the bible stories behind it, and I think allowing the book to unfold made it even better. I was captivated by the women's friendships and rituals, but what really drew me in was the tragedies and joys of Dinah's life. I loved following her life from start to finish, and didn't want the story to end. It was a beautiful book. No need to be religious to enjoy the story--it's a wonderful historical fiction read all on its own.



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