The Book of Lost Fragrances: A Novel of Suspense

Last night I finished The Book of Lost Fragrances:  A Novel of Suspense by M. J. Rose.  This is the fourth book I've read by Ms. Rose and I have never been disappointed.

Of the many things I enjoy in a book by this wonderful author is that I learn something far beyond the plot line of the story.  In this case the world of fragrances opened up to me.  The history, spiritual and creation of fragrances were are new and engrossing.  The glossary at the end informed me and held my interest just as the story line had. 

Many groups have reason to want ancient memory tools that will aid in remembering past lives.  When a perfumer discovers the shards of an ancient Egyptian pot containing waxy residue he seeks the secret of the fragrance that will unlock those forgotten memories.  He wants to gift the shards and to the Dalai Lama but others have their own reason to seek the secret even at the risk of death. 

Truth can often be stranger than fiction.  In this case Rose uses some unusual facts to carry and form her story.  In 2007 the Chinese government banned the reincarnation of Tibet's living Buddhas without the permission China's atheist leaders.  Cleopatra's love of fragrance and the perfume factory that was built for her are documented.  While Dr. Malachai Samuels is not a real person the work he does helping children with severe emotional or physical problems through past life therapy is practiced in this country.  The catacombs under Paris along with the people who can be found there are a fact and Rose visited them as part of her research.

The plot of this book could be classified as mystery and you can enjoy it just on that level.  However I believe it will draw you into the history and legend as well.  This book is amazing, even compared to the others in the series. 

M. J. Rose has a lot of books to her credit.  The titles in this series are:  The Reincarnationist, The Hypnoist, and The Memorist.

To Blog or Not to Blog?

I haven't taken a vacation from reading.  In fact reading is a daily mini-vacation for me.  The truth is I recently completed a quick-to-read mystery that sounded very good in the description.  It wasn't.  When I began this blog I thought a lot about what my goals and purpose would be.  I value literacy and want to encourage reading, to that end I will not blog about the book if the review is negative.  In the future if I stall out in my blogging you can be assured I am either reading a major epic or have come across another book I cannot endorse.

The next blog is on a book I not only can endorse but recommend to everyone who will listen!

Agony of the Leaves

Laura Childs continues to come up with entertaining and original plots.  Agony of the Leaves, her 13th Tea Shop Mystery, is no exception. 

Tea shop owner Theodosia is attending the opening gala of the Neptune Aquarium when she slips away for a few quiet moments in front of one of the five-hundred-thousand-gallon tanks.  Instead of quiet she discovers the body of former boyfriend, Parker Scully floating in the tank.

True to form Theodosia is convinced that this was not an accidental drowning.  She begins an investigation despite the warnings of Detective Tidwell.  Once again she is reminded that tracking down a killer can be a dangerous hobby. 

In addition to the seeking the murderer we are treated to Charleston's society activities, historic sites, area locations, and wonderful tea shop food.  The recipes are included so I plan to make the honey scones very soon. 

Ms. Childs also writes other mystery books including a Scrapbooking Mystery series and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries.  Check out her web page here. 

The only negative I have to say about this reading experience is that I would not reccomend the Kindle format.  I love my Kindle and that has become my first choice when I read a new book but the digital copy is of very poor quality.  Every page has one or more run on word which really slows down the reader's pace. 

The Glass Castle

Although I finished The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls last week I held off blogging until after Friday night's Book Club.  Regular readers may remember that my group read Half Broke Horses by Walls for our February read.  You may want to note that we read them in chronological order story-wise not by publication date. They could be read in either order.

I hate to say this, but I have not become a fan of Walls.  I know she is a well known writer and has built a reputation at msnbc.  I just found much of this book difficult to read and lacking in creditability in many areas. 

However, it is my belief that books do not come "one size fits all" and you should read a review and decide for yourself.  This could end up being a book that resonates with you and become one of your favorites.  If everyone liked the same books publishers would cut way back on the number of titles they publish each year.  If you read one of these two books please leave a comment and let me know what you think.  A different prospective could help other readers.

Timeless

In October I told you about my infatuation with Steampunk.  It is still alive and well.  On February 29th I downloaded the fifth book of Gail Carriger's Alexia Tarabotti Novels (also know as The Parasol Protectorate) but just this weekend had the chance to indulge.

Since I read the previous four books fairly close together I have been awaiting the arrival of book five.  It is everything I hoped it would be: intriguing, fast moving, entertaining, and a relaxing weekend read.

Alexia and her husband, Lord Maccon are settling into life with a special child unique even among preternaturals.  She can take on either vampire or werewolf form when she comes in contact with them.  Alexia accepts the invitation to travel to Egypt sent by the Queen of the Vampire hive in Alexandria.  A large entourage accompanies Lord and Lady Maccon and their daughter, Prudence, to meet with the Queen.  Things are never what they seem at first glance and the welfare of Alexia, her family and friends is at stake.  Learning more about her father and his life helps her to meet the challenges of Egypt. 

Not one to spoil a plot, I won't tell you the details but will suggest that you read the other books in the series--at least the first, Soulless, prior to reading book five.  The ALA Alex Award, given to adult books with appeal to  young adults ages 12-18 was awarded to Soulless so you won't regret the read.

Tea and Egypt will feature in my next two reads so check back!

More Tea with Your Murder?

This weekend I finished a light murder mystery.  Scones & Bones, Tea Shop Mystery # 12, has been sitting in my stack for a while.  I have been a long-time fan of this series by Laura Childs having read them all.  Agony of the Leaves, book 13, will be available tomorrow. 

As with all the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scones & Bones is set in the Historic District of Charleston.  Along with sponsoring benefits and promoting the art and culture of Charleston Theodosia runs a highly successful tea shop.  Theodosia and her master tea blender, Drayton, are always nearby when a crime occurs.  Despite urgings and scoldings from Detective Tidwell Theodosia just can't help getting involved. 

In Scones & Bones the mystery centers around a pirate gala, the skull of Blackbeard the Pirate which was fashioned into a cup, clues to Blackbeard's treasure, a murder and a kidnapping.  Childs also offers up thematic tea party ideas and some yummy recipes providing something for everyone.  Grab a cup of tea.  This is a perfect day to indulge in a murder and a cuppa!