Wednesday, July 31, 2024

The Tears of the Empress by Alfred M. Struthers

 


Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery
Source: Purchased

Like always, the author has created a story full of mystery, suspense and history. In this book we have are usual cast of characters. Nathan, the young teen turned detective. He was left a unique bookcase by his father. That bookcase has helped him solve several mysteries, helped him find several treasures and almost gotten him killed more times than he could count. His best friend Gina is always in on the capers.  After one too many close calls her parents have forbid her to see Nathan at all. It doesn't matter they live right down the street from each other.  In this story we are taken on a journey that is very personal to Nathan. He learns that his grandfather was murdered. He also learns about a group his grandfather had created to help those in need. He called them the facilitators.  This time he has been assigned someone to protect him. He teaches him defensive moves, how to move quickly and plan for any contingency. He helps him with strength training.  However, none of that will stop someone from using him to try to get what they want, no matter what the consequences are to him. I read the book in two days. I didn't want to stop, but had to find time to sleep.  This is by far one of the best of his books in this series. I really enjoy the amount of historical information he gives at the end of the book. I think the historical research he does to make sure there is accuracy in his books is one of the major delights for me. Each book shows the main character growing and maturing in natural ways. The progression along with the pacing of the book makes the reader not want to put the book down. He always ties it up neatly, yet at the same time he leaves something or someone in the book that we were introduced to unfinished. It always leaves you wondering, "But what about....?"  Then he finishes off the book with a taste of the next book in the series.  This is and always had been one of my favorite series. It all began with the very first book, "The Case of Secrets." If you have not read any of this series you need to get out there and do so. Now to pass this one on to my grandson who loves this series.

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

How to Be a Big Sister Book for 1 and 2 Year Old Toddlers by Mam Talk

 


Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a great book to read with your child when they are expecting a new sibling. The story is written so that each page has one line. This makes the book easy for kids to follow along. The story line follows a young girl who is a new big sister. It shows how she interacts with her new sibling. It shows how they do a lot of the same things and she even helps out. The pictures as always are bright and simple.



Monday, July 29, 2024

Tethered by Shawn Inmon

 



Genre: Middle Grade, Ghost Story
Source: Purchased

Frankie, Eddie and their mom have just moved into a run-down house.  On the second day there Frankie sees and hears something.  Lucy and Frederick are two ghosts who inhabit the house. Some people when they die are tethered to a house for some unknown reason. That is why Lucy and Frederick are still here. After Frankie and Eddie begin to see Lucy they set off trying to figure out why she and Frederick are still stuck in the house.  This was a short story, but none the less a great story. I love short stories because the author has to have what I call tight writing. They have to tell a story as well as any novel in a shorter amount of words.  This author is one I am looking forward to reading more of their work.  Excellent job.