Review: Partners in Crime

Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I thought that for the most part, this was well-written. This edition (ASIN B000FCK684, published by Harper Collins) had quite a few typos and editing errors. I did not find them overwhelming or distracting from the book.

I love Christie's writing, but as I am not a fan of Short Stories, I didn't like these as well as her full-length works. It may be my preference for long fiction, or it may be that Christie was more adept at longer fiction. It may have been a combination of both. It wasn't bad, it just didn't ring my bell.

I typically sit down an read a Christie book within 24 hours, but this book took me over a week. So, there you go.

It WAS an excellent way to acquaint myself with other mystery writers who Christie respected and by whom she was influenced. I am starting to read some of them now.

Overall, it was light fun, but not quite as gripping as her longer works.



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Review: The Amethyst Box

The Amethyst Box by Anna Katharine Green

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a bit shorter than I expected, and it wasn't quite the mystery that it is presented as. It is more like a romantic crime story.

It also offered a compelling look at male friendship. I found the story to be entertaining and at times to have suspense. I liked the modus operandi of the incident.

Definitely worth my time.



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Review: Night Stalks the Mansion: A True Story of One Family's Ghostly Adventure

Night Stalks the Mansion: A True Story of One Family's Ghostly Adventure by Constance Westbie

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Often, the complaints that I see about this book are mostly about hte facth that it isn't "The Amityville Horror." They are right, it isn't. It is not as well done as "The Amityville Horror." That, however, does not negate it's value.

Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable read, but some of the details are a bit unclear.



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Review: The Loudwater Mystery

The Loudwater Mystery by Edgar Jepson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This book was originally published in 1920. It is well-written and entertaining. Some of the word choice may be antiquated for today's reader, but I did not find that this was prevalent.

I thought that this book had quite the surprise ending, as good murder mysteries should. I am rarely surprised by the reveal in a mystery, I've usually got it figured out by the time the author reveals it. If I haven't got it completely sussed, I at least have strong suspicion. That was not the case with this novel. I was quite pleased to be surprised.



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Review: The Boddy in the Snowbank

The Boddy in the Snowbank by Jenna Bennett

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I have seen other reviews that have blasted this story because it is too short. In my opinion, this story is short and sweet. But I did find that it really read more as a synopsis, or perhaps a plan for a longer piece of fiction, as it is only a few pages long.

I also understand that this short story was written as part of a blog challenge. That being said, I could see how the premise could be expanded by the author to form a longer work.

The fact of it being based on the board game "Clue" is a cute one.



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Review: Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health

Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health by Toni Weschler

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



There are a couple of pieces of data that I feel could use updating (discussion of Shettles, etc), but for the most part, I found this book to be an invaluable resource.

I really feel that this book should be required reading for all women. I think that often, education on feminine health focuses too much on menstruation and hygiene products (and those are important), and not enough on what to expect during the rest of the cycle (which is equally as important).

This book and the charting involved can really help a woman get to know her body.



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Review: The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This book is really impressive. It deals with some heavy ideas without being too dark overall. Dealing with mortality is difficult for adults, and being forced to deal with it at a younger age adds a complexity to the story that I found deep and moving.

While I am a fan of Green's videos, this is the first of his novels that I have read. I do not expect that it will be the last. I was impressed with the book, as well as the quality of the writing.

Most of all, I was impressed with the way that Green handled sensitive material with care and tenderness.



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