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.

What Lies Beneath – J.G. Hetherton (ALSO LAST GIRL GONE)

This is the second of two books in a series involving Laura Chambers, an investigative reporter who has returned to her small town in central North Carolina. While this certainly is a book you can read as a stand alone, I recommend you start with the first book of the series, "Last Girl Gone." I … Continue reading What Lies Beneath – J.G. Hetherton (ALSO LAST GIRL GONE) →

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand- Helen Simonson (Audible)

I adored Major Pettigrew's Last Stand via audible books. Major Pettigrew knows Mrs. Ali, the Pakistani village storekeeper, because he shops for a special tea at her store. Recently widowed herself, Mrs. Ali has one foot in a very traditional culture. She has no children. She is expected to transfer the store to her extremely … Continue reading Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand- Helen Simonson (Audible) →

A Carnival of Snackery: Diaries 2003-2020 – David Sedaris (Audible Book read by David Sedaris and Tracy Ullman)

This could have been five stars. I have always loved David Sedaris, including his self-absorpsion, that encourages us to do things like look up "Comme de Garcon;" or to consider whether it maybe really is okay to take on all those people who irritate us; or to go online and check out the cost of … Continue reading A Carnival of Snackery: Diaries 2003-2020 – David Sedaris (Audible Book read by David Sedaris and Tracy Ullman) →

Murder Offstage – A Posie Parker Mystery (#1) – L.B. Hathaway

This was a fun period piece. It's 1921 and a very valuable diamond appears to have walked off during Lord Cardigeon's (Rufus) effort to become engaged to a lovely chorus girl-- or is she a most-wanted list Moll? A man is murdered early on in a hotel lobby, Rufus is arrested and he calls his … Continue reading Murder Offstage – A Posie Parker Mystery (#1) – L.B. Hathaway →

Near You (Montana Series #2) – Mary Burton

The second entry in this series continues the relationships of the players in "Burn You Twice." If interested, you should read this series in order. My opinion remains the same. The plot and characters are fine. The writing is irritating. In Near You, there is a pattern of fires that emerges during an arson investigation … Continue reading Near You (Montana Series #2) – Mary Burton →

Burn You Twice (Montana Series #1) – Mary Burton

Mary Burton tells a good story with some interesting characters and her plotting is fine. While in Missoula Montana for college, Joan and Ann were victims of an arson that could have killed them. Now, the brilliant, handsome man convicted of the crime is out of jail. Joan leaves town and her college love behind … Continue reading Burn You Twice (Montana Series #1) – Mary Burton →

God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen – Rhys Bowen

I look forward to each entry in this series and Bowen does not disappoint. An implied Royal invitation for Georgie to stay with one of Darcy's relatives --who is living in a home on the Sandringham estate--leads them away from a quiet Christmas at home with Georgie's father to a stately home where something is … Continue reading God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen – Rhys Bowen →

The Great Mistake – Jonathan Lee

Andrew Haswell Green (1820-1903) is the protagonist of this fascinating historical fiction novel. He was christened the father of New York City for a considerable array of accomplishments including early work to encourage and support the creation of the amazing space that became Central Park and later heading the Central Park Commission with many problem … Continue reading The Great Mistake – Jonathan Lee →

We Share the Same Sky – Rachael Cerotti

This is a memoir about Cerrotti's grandmother, Hana Dubova, a Holocaust survivor. What I really love about We Share the Same Sky is the degree to which Cerrotti had access to her grandmother's journals and even to some of the people/relatives of the people who helped Hana or journeyed with her. This is also a … Continue reading We Share the Same Sky – Rachael Cerotti →