Author Archives: bseat

The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny

Posted on December 15, 2017 by bseat

I discovered Louise Penny and her wonderful Inspector Gamache earlier this year and was enchanted by her insightful and soulful writing. In reading The Beautiful Mystery I was enchanted all over again. This is certainly a series to read and … Continue reading →

Posted in Detective novel, Fiction, Legal Procedural, Mystery, Prize winner, Psychological Mystery, Series, Suspense | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen

Posted on December 8, 2017 by bseat

I admit that I have been going through a low grade Downton Abbey withdrawal. I have tried to fill this void with other period dramas but somehow they just don’t get at that little knot of longing for haughty Mary … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Spy/Covert Operatives, Suspense, Thriller | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

P.S. From Paris by Marc Levy Translated by Sam Taylor

Posted on December 1, 2017 by bseat

Sometimes you just want to read a story about two people who fall in love. Not a Nicholas Sparks kind of love story, but a more realistic, contemporary, complicated story about two imperfect people who find each other. Well, voilá, … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Sourdough by Robin Sloan

Posted on November 24, 2017 by bseat

Robin Sloan completely enchanted me with Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore. So when I found out he had a new book called Sourdough, I was completely intrigued. I was not disappointed! In this new book Sloan tackles foodie culture and bread … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Romance, Suspense | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Posted on November 17, 2017 by bseat

Some books are like a cat that curls up purring on your lap, looking up at you with all the affection and mystery a cat can muster and you are, of course, immediately beguiled and entranced with this unexpected and … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance | Leave a comment

Death in a Strange Country by Donna Leon

Posted on November 10, 2017 by bseat

It is always interesting to see what people from other countries think about Americans. When I read and come across descriptions of Americans, I confess to taking vicarious pleasure in seeing how Americans are often ridiculed and mocked for their … Continue reading →

Posted in Detective novel, Fiction, Mystery, Series, Suspense | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve

Posted on November 3, 2017 by bseat

I am often haunted by books that initially I would not have thought had that power.  These are books that usually are quietly subversive, working their way into your heart slowly without a lot of drama or fireworks. Anita Shreve … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A Divided Spy by Charles Cumming

Posted on October 27, 2017 by bseat

Charles Cumming is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.  His spy novels, in particular, are grounded fully in reality without the fancy equipment, car chases or thrilling daring do.  They are in the tradition of John Le Carré with meticulous … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Mystery, Psychological Mystery, Series, Spy/Covert Operatives, Suspense, Thriller | Leave a comment

Siracusa by Delia Ephron

Posted on October 20, 2017 by bseat

Sometimes the reviews just don’t get it right. Ephron’s Siracusa was hyped and well reviewed and was on everyone’s “Best Book” list. A New York Times Bestseller One of People Magazine’s Top 10 Books of 2016 Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2016 (Fiction) A Washington … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Literary Fiction, Suspense | 4 Comments

The Song of Albion Series by Stephen R. Lawhead

Posted on October 13, 2017 by bseat

A parallel universe to our own, a mistaken intrusion from our world to theirs and the unintended consequences that ensue. That in a nutshell is the premise of Lawhead’s Song of Albion series, but that hardly tells you how full … Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Series, Suspense, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment