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.

The Postcard from Italy – Angela Petch

The Postcard from Italy is part WWII story, part a love note to Southern Italy, part family dysfunction, part romance, part mystery, part a foodie's dream and thoroughly enjoyable. I requested to read it through NetGalley because my father served in Italy in WWII, returning home in May 1946. He was stationed fairly close to … Continue reading The Postcard from Italy – Angela Petch →

Four Treasures of the Sky – Jenny Tinghui Zhang (Audio)

This is a powerful, enlightening, thoughtful, beautifully written -- and devastating story. The audio version was worth the time, with an extraordinarily talented narrator, Katharine Chin. Audio is particularly valuable when as here, the writing is exquisite. But, since I have no writing to reference, I may get some details wrong. Sometime in the late … Continue reading Four Treasures of the Sky – Jenny Tinghui Zhang (Audio) →

Murder at the Porte de Versailles – Cara Black

I was fortunate enough to discover Clara Black's Aimee Leduc series with the first installment, "Murder in the Marais," and I have purchased and read every one since, at the moment it was published. In this instance, thanks to NetGalley, I read the twentieth book in the series ahead of the publication date and it … Continue reading Murder at the Porte de Versailles – Cara Black →

Deacon King Kong – James McBride (audible)

Deacon King Kong is a funny, tragic, sweet, ugly, pulls no punches but finds good in the world around every corner book. It is McBride's meticulous attention to the humanity, humor, danger, ambivalence and values (good and bad) of every single character that fills Deacon King Kong with heart and humor. Because, while its subjects … Continue reading Deacon King Kong – James McBride (audible) →

The Dark Hours – Michael Connelly (Ballard #4; Bosch #35!)

Another very enjoyable entry in the Ballard/Bosch Series. Michael Connelly has never written a book I found unoriginal or unenjoyable. Here, Renee is still doing late nights but she actually has an apartment to live in, complete with an annoying HOA. Set during the pandemic and the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter protests and … Continue reading The Dark Hours – Michael Connelly (Ballard #4; Bosch #35!) →

City of Shadows (Counterfeit Lady No. 5) – Victoria Thompson

I'm such a fan of Victoria Thompson's writing in general and the Counterfeit Lady series does not disappoint. For one thing, Thompson's research is excellent and she brings the periods she writes about alive. Lizzie, our "former" con artist is now married to Gideon Bates. She met his mother quite by accident when Mrs. Bates … Continue reading City of Shadows (Counterfeit Lady No. 5) – Victoria Thompson →