Author: Emily Leader

I have been an avid reader since Dick and Jane met Sally. At age 7, I read my parents' first edition of "To Kill a Mockingbird." I am a retired lawyer and so read almost only fiction for pleasure. I'm adding in nonfiction these days, largely on social justice matters but also history, biography, and weird topics that catch my imagination. I used to read only serially, one book at a time. Presently, I read paperbacks, hardcovers, listen to audible, listen to CDs and read online through Net Galley. Covid-19 has caused me to read a lot so I have re-upped my Goodreads challenge for 2021 and am starting to review at least my favorite finds annd, perhaps, some stinkers.

City of Betrayal – Victoria Thompson

I am already a fan of the "Counterfeit Lady" series and am surprised to realize "City of Betrayal" is the seventh entry. One thing I like about Victoria Thompson as a historical fiction mystery series writer is that I don't get bored with either of her series. I appreciate that she knows the periods she … Continue reading City of Betrayal – Victoria Thompson →

A True Account – Katherine Howe (Audio)

Wow! I dithered over requesting this audiobook because I wasn't sure how engaged I'd get in a story about a female pirate from the early 1700s (interspersed with a story about a "spinster" Radcliffe professor with a famous explorer father.) Am I glad I went for this! Katherine Howe beautifully brings to life her well-researched … Continue reading A True Account – Katherine Howe (Audio) →

Enough – Cassidy Hutchinson

By the end of this book, I definitely believed that Cassidy Hutchinson took a huge leap in living by values I seriously admire. She took a chance that was extraordinarily dangerous to her in telling the truth about her time in the Trump White House. Having seen that very few Trump fans can step back … Continue reading Enough – Cassidy Hutchinson →

The Mystery Guest – Nita Prose

Molly Gray is back, still at the Regency Grand, but now the Head Maid, a matter of great pride. As the hotel worked to shine up its reputation after the murder of a guest (See, The Maid), management decided to bring back its once glorious tearoom. Silver tea services and porcelain cups grace the tables … Continue reading The Mystery Guest – Nita Prose →

The Helsinki Affair – Anna Pitoniak

This is a fabulous spy novel. Amanda Cole is a "diplomat" posted to the nothing ever happens here embassy in Rome when she catches a walk in visit from a Russian man. He has information that he got somewhat inadvertently and if someone acts on it, it might save a life. Her boss is phoning … Continue reading The Helsinki Affair – Anna Pitoniak →

The Paleontologist -Luke Dumas

I liked this book. A little bit mystery, a little bit supernatural, a little bit science, a little bit crazy scientist and a museum with a past. Simon Nealy is young, but with a great resume. When the Hawthorne Institute hires him as its Paleontologist, it fits his recent inner calling to go home. Besides, … Continue reading The Paleontologist -Luke Dumas →

David Copperfield – Charles Dickens

Audio format. Narrator: The astounding, incomparable Richard Armitage.After reading Barbara Kingsolver's "Demon Copperhead" (560 pages/21 hours 3 minutes audio)(Another fabulous audiobook), I determined to finally conquer "David Copperfield" (36 hours and 31 minutes/1264 pages) With a writer whose books range from the quick read "A Christmas Carol (144 pages)" to, well, "David Copperfield," I've just … Continue reading David Copperfield – Charles Dickens →

The Autobiography of Matthew Scudder – Lawrence Block

Lawrence Block is an entertaining writer. My husband (a used book dealer) and I were introduced to his work through a customer and went on to buy everything he'd written to that point (sometime in the mid-1980s) and every book that came out after. So, I was excited to see Matthew Scudder rise from the … Continue reading The Autobiography of Matthew Scudder – Lawrence Block →

The Christmas Appeal – Janice Hallett

I loved, loved, loved this quirky little mystery composed entirely of emails, police reports and similar documents that are sent to two lawyers by the retired Kings Counsel who trained them. He's identified another mystery involving the Fairway Players in Lockwood, who are preparing to put on their annual pantomime on December 23rd to raise … Continue reading The Christmas Appeal – Janice Hallett →

My Murder – Katie Williams

My Murder is a very original story. Technology has progressed to the point that artificial intelligence and virtually reality allow experiences that are way more realistic than now, and a part of life. The story centers on a group of five women who were killed by a serial killer. Edward Early was caught and convicted. … Continue reading My Murder – Katie Williams →