Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd - A Review

Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd

by

Alan Bradley

A Review

It is time for the BBC to offer a new mystery series staring Flavia de Luce. It would fit right along side those they have done earlier with Miss Jane Marble and Mr. Hercules Poirot. Reading Alan Bradley’s latest work, the reader is taken back to the early 1950’s, almost seeing the story played out on the black and white TV sets of the era.    

Flavia has returned from her exile in Canada to a rather indifferent family. Her father is in the hospital, and others are at odds with her because she has inherited her mother's ancestral home where the entire family now lives. Shortly after returning home, she stumbles on a rather bizarre death scene (was this becoming a habit?) of a man she was just beginning to know. In the days to follow, as winter and Christmas set in, she will find herself two steps ahead of the police as clues accumulate. It is never clear to the reader whether the Inspector Hewitt appreciated her contributions or not - though, Flavia has no doubt as to how that question would be answered.

As this reader had not read previous works from this author, this story was not difficult to follow on its own. The only exception to this comment is perceiving the time frame for the book. Its regular mention of a war did not make it clear until somewhat later into the book, whether the reference was to the Bore Wars (ala Murdoch), WW I, or WW II. Eventually the reader can discern the time - but the uncertainty does not impact the telling of the story.  

For the reader looking for an early winter (or even a midwinter) book, Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew’d may well fill in one week of reading. Give me a hearty fire during a snowy week of cold, blustery weather, and one will feel right at home with Flavia, Gladys (her bike), and the family in jolly old England.

______________

This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Winterthorn - A Review

Winterthorn

by

David R. Phillips

A Review

Winterthorn is a continuation of the Fairy World stories begun in the author’s earlier work, Gliserwood.  It, like the previous work, has the feel of reading The Wizard of Oz for the first time - magical, mysterious, and attention grabbing. I was certainly glad that I had taken the time to read the first book in the series as it introduced the reader to many of individuals and species that are part of this second book.  Having said that, this second book adds new characters, species, and history that make this make believe world come alive to the reader.

As we learn more of Laurel’s heritage and the reason the Fairy World seems so much like home.  At the same time, the Fairy World if facing its worst crisis as a group of rebellious beings try to redefine the very world they have called home.  Laurel and her new friends will need to step forward and help save the environment that has become home.

My first comments to myself, as I began to read this book, included the following thoughts:

1. I am glad I had read the first book.
2. The author has matured as a writer - there is an obvious improvement in the style and approach the author has taken has he puts words to paper.

It was a pleasure to again visit the fairy world and walk with Laurel and her friends as they seek to understand the events around them.  I am already looking forward to the third part of this trilogy.

______________

This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the author for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Gliserwood - A Review

Gliserwood:

A Fairy World Story

by

David R. Phillips

A Review

I grew up in a different generation.  Actually, two generations ago.  My favorite books as a child were a series of 14 books by L. Frank Baum - beginning with The Wizard of Oz. I am pleased to have read a book, written by our church’s youth pastor, that reminds me of the magic I felt as a young reader beginning my journey into books.

Laurel spent summers at her Aunts house.  She did not like those boring summers, where her best friends were the clouds that floated by.  Her biggest dream was to visit the woods, an act forbidden her by her aunt.  

But Laurel stumbles on a baker; no, the baker, Mr. Lewisago, hired to watch over her by her mother.  And as she spends time with her new friend, her curiosity gets the better of her.  One night she and Mr. Mumkin, a chinchilla given to Laurel as a birthday present by her mother, decide to finally visit the woods.  And the magic begins.

As the story evolves, we meet Fairy Queens, dragons, Zlugs, and Flipityflops - the kinds of creatures that made the unbelievable of Oz very real to those who read the books.  The kinds of creatures of that bring Gliserwood to life.

For the parent looking for a book to read to your youngsters as they go to bed, as an adult looking for something lighter, or for the young teen looking for the perfect birthday gift for a friend, Gliserwood may fill the bill.  

______________

This review is based on a free copy provided by the author for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.