The Killing Hour - Paul Cleave

The promo paragraph for The Killing Hour by Paul Cleave immediately caught my eye and sounded like the kind of thriller book I really enjoy - everyday person in the wrong spot at the wrong time.

"Imagine waking up covered in blood - but it's not your blood. There's a nasty bump on your head, and the morning paper reports that two young women were brutally murdered. You recognize their names. Pieces of the night before come back to you through the haze. And now you're the suspect in their grisly deaths. Welcome to Charlie's world."

Spoiler alert - If you have plans to read this book, stop here.

Although the premise is excellent, the delivery fell short, very short for me. We've got at least three viewpoints going on - the dying cop who decides to pursue Charlie on his own and exact justice on his terms, Charlie's narrative and that of  Cyris, the man Charlie claims is the killer.  The cop's narrative was the most readable of the three. Charlie's first person narrative was rambling.  He also talks to 'ghosts'.

The plotting seemed over the top and far fetched. Charlie watches two women get attacked, jumps in, saves them,  kills the bad guy and then accompanies them back their house to take a shower rather than go to or call the cops!? Really? There were other situations that just had me shaking my head - his wife going along with his plan to catch the 'real' killer was unrealistic as well. And still, they never call the police.....Same thing, over and over again.

And the killer. Well, the original incarnation of The Killing Hour as a horror novel is quite obvious. The guy won't die. And frankly, he just got tiresome. Cleave seems to delight in provide grisly, graphic details to shock the reader. Breast in a box on a bed anyone?

An excellent premise, but sadly it just fell (really) short for me. The Killing Hour was originally written as a unpublished horror novel in the nineties. Cleave reworked it as a crime novel after selling another book. And it was rewritten again for release to the North American market. (Cleave is a Kiwi author and this book is set in New Zealand)

For this reader, this first taste of Paul Cleave will be my last. Although his newer novels may be an improvement over The Killing Hour, I won't be bothering to pick up another book by this author. Read an excerpt of The Killing Hour.

Giveaway - The List Lover's Guide to Jane Austen - Joan Strasbaugh

Calling all Jane Austen fans! Thanks to the generous folks at Sourcebooks, I have a brand new 'Jane' book to giveaway! But this one's a little different....

The List Lover's Guide to Jane Austen by Joan Strasbaugh.

 

From the publisher:

"Her life, her work, her legacy—step into the world of the incredible Jane Austen. It's Jane like you've never seen! Through fun and breezy lists, discover everything there is to know about Jane Austen, the sassy literary genius we know and love. Learn her likes and dislikes, her haves and have-nots, where she traveled, how she lived, and who she knew. The List Lover’s Guide is incredibly detailed and offers readers an in-depth look at the context of Ms. Austen’s life from birth to her final days, and expands upon why she is still so relevant today in both literature and life. Anyone who loves or appreciates Jane’s smart, timeless literature will devour this text and will refer to it again and again."

With a wealth of little-known and fascinating information, find out:

•Her friends and her beaux
•Every place she lived or visited
•Books in her library
•Her quirks
•The last lines of everything she wrote
•and much more!

Here's a short one for you..... What was Jane's pet peeve?

Pet Peeve: Untidiness

"Mary does not manage matters in such a way as to make me want to lay in myself. She is not tidy enough in her appearance; she has no dressing-gown to sit up in; her curtains are all too thin, and things are not in that comfort and style about her which are necessary to make such a situation an enviable one. Elizabeth was really a pretty object with her nice clean cap put on so tidily and her dress so uniformly white and orderly." - Jane Austen to Cassandra, November 1798.

Sound like a book you'd like to have on your shelves? Simply leave a comment to be entered. Open to US and Canada. Closes June 29/13.

Over the Counter #167

What books caught my eye this week as they passed over the library counter and under my scanner? Exploration is this week's theme.

First up was Hidden Cities: A Memoir of Urban Exploration by Moses Gates. Subtitled: Travels to the Secret Corners of the World's Great Metropolises.

From the publisher, Tarcher Books:

"In this fascinating glimpse into the world of urban exploration, Moses Gates describes his trespasses in some of the most illustrious cities in the world from Paris to Cairo to Moscow.

Gates is a new breed of adventurer for the 21st century. He thrives on the thrill of seeing what others do not see, let alone even know exists. It all began quite innocuously. After moving to New York City and pursuing graduate studies in Urban Planning, he began unearthing hidden facets of the city—abandoned structures, disused subway stops, incredible rooftop views that belonged to cordoned-off buildings. At first it was about satiating a nagging curiosity; yet the more he experienced and saw, the more his thirst for adventure grew, eventually leading him abroad. In this memoir of his experiences, Gates details his travels through underground canals, sewers, subways, and crypts, in metropolises spanning four continents.

In this finely-written book, Gates describes his immersion in the worldwide subculture of urban exploration; how he joined a world of people who create secret art galleries in subway tunnels, break into national monuments for fun, and travel the globe sleeping in centuries-old catacombs and abandoned Soviet relics rather than hotels or bed-and-breakfasts. They push each other further and further—visiting the hidden side of a dozen countries, discovering ancient underground Roman ruins, scaling the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg bridges, partying in tunnels, sneaking into Stonehenge, and even finding themselves under arrest on top of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Ultimately, Gates contemplates why he and other urban explorers are so instinctively drawn to these unknown and sometimes forbidden places—even (and for some, especially) when the stakes are high. Hidden Cities will inspire readers to think about the potential for urban exploration available for anyone, anywhere—if they have only the curiosity (and nerve!) to dig below the surface to discover the hidden corners of this world."
 

Next up was Tales From the Sustainable Underground: A Wild Journey With People Who Care More About the Planet Than the Law by Stephen Hren.

From the publisher, New Society:

"Activists striving for any type of social change often find themselves operating on the fringes of legal and social norms. Many experience difficulties when their innovative ideas run afoul of antiquated laws and regulations that favor a big business, energy- and material-intensive approach.Tales from the Sustainable underground is packed with the stories of just some of these pioneers – who care more for the planet than the rules – whether they’re engaged in natural building, permaculture, community development, or ecologically based art.

Equally entertaining and informative, the profiles in this highly original book provide a unique lens through which to view deeper questions about the societal structures that are preventing us from attaining a more sustainable world. By examining such issues as the nature of property rights and the function of art in society, the author raises profound questions about how our social attitudes and mores have contributed to our current destructive paradigm.

Tales from the Sustainable Underground is a must-read for sustainability activists in any field, or for anyone who wants to learn about more radical forms of sustainability activities in an entertaining way.

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come to the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But...I can mention them and maybe one of them will catchy your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

 

Eat St. - James Cunningham

The local city council for the city I work in has been debating for the last few months on whether or not to allow mobile food trucks in the city. Their initial proposal was to allow three trucks at three specific sites between eight am and nine pm. In a city of over 350,000 people. That recommendation didn't pass and this hot potato issue is back on the table. (pun definitely intended)

 

But perhaps City Council should investigate a little closer - either by watching Eat St. on the Food Network or by picking up the companion book -Eat St. from Pintail Books. (There are quite a few Canadian entries)

 

Comedian James Cunningham is the host of Eat St. "It has been a wild ride traveling all over North America and the U.K. to find the most daring, delicious, and inventive street food around." And now fans can have the "recipes from the Tastiest, Messiest, and Most Irresistible Food Trucks"

 

Of course there are fries - a staple of the wagons found nearly everywhere. But these are not your ordinary greasy spoon fries. Next time I'm in Calgary, I'll be looking up the Fries and Dolls truck and their 'Farrah' fries - garlic, parsley, pink sea salt and Padano cheese......yum.

Burgers and dogs are also taken to a new level. Burgers with crushed pineapple as the secret ingredient.  Peanut butter with that burger? Japanese fusion hot dogs. How about a side of beet home fries to go with that?

Sandwiches - oh man, I was drooling through this chapter - The veggie melt from The Grilled Cheese Truck looks so delicious (and healthy) A little far for me to go (they operate in LA) but I've got the recipe bookmarked.

There's a separate chapter on tacos and wraps.... cones. Yes cones - and not filled with ice cream, but mac and cheese with bacon topping. Those of you in Baltimore can stop by the Gypsy Queen Cafe for a taste.

Soups, noodles, seafood, salads, pasta and so much more. Truly - every food imaginable can be had on a food truck somewhere. Ohh - and the last chapter - sweet stuff....smoothies, donuts, cookies, donuts and cupcakes (maple-bacon anyone?)

There are so many wonderfully different trucks represented, each featured along with the recipe of their signature dish. Eat St. is a fabulous exploration of a wildly creative, talented bunch of chefs who just happen to operate on wheels. Have a peek inside Eat St.

(There are some very cleverly named trucks out there - I Dream of Weenie, The Dogfather Diner and The Rolling Stove to name just a few)

Never Saw it Coming - Linwood Barclay

I'll read anything with Linwood Barclay's name on it - he is one of my favourite suspense authors.

I loved his latest novel, Trust Your Eyes (my review) and can't wait for August's release of Tap on the Window.

But in the meantime, pick up Never Saw it Coming, to tide you over. Never Saw it Coming is a fleshed out version of a novella originally published in the UK in 2011 as Clouded Vision.

Keisha Ceylon is a psychic. Or so she says. What she really does is comb the news for missing persons reports. And then she helpfully offers her psychic services to the distraught families....for a fee of course.

Hot on the heels of a successful scam, she hears about Ellie Garfield's disappearance. Perfect. But perhaps her predictions are a little too close to the truth this time. Ellie's husband thinks so. And he doesn't like loose ends.

Never Saw it Coming does read like a short story with lots of rapid twists and turns. Barclay is a master manipulator and takes the narrative in oft changing directions. And finishes up with an ending I didn't predict. Those looking for great character development and intricate plotting won't find it with this offering. But if you're looking for a fast paced read to keep you turning pages for an evening, this is definitely for you. Currently #2 on the Globe's Canadian Fiction Bestseller list

If you haven't, by any wild chance, read Linwood Barclay yet, this is a great introduction to his style of writing. This fan is now anxiously waiting for August.....

You can find Linwood Barclay on Facebook and on Twitter.

Dads Rock with DK Canada

 

Father's Day is just around the corner - Sunday, June 16 this year.

 

Have you picked up anything for the dad, grandpa or husband you'll be celebrating with that day? Not yet? Well, DK Canada has some great suggestions and 30% off a number of titles in their

 Dads Rock Boutique.

 

I love to give books as a gift (go figure eh?) and must admit, my DH got his hands on one of his a bit early this year. Star Trek - The Visual Dictionary. Yes, he's a Trekkie. And we have many gadgets and books gracing our bookshelves - but not this one. So, he was pretty darn happy.
The subtitle is The Ultimate Guide to Characters, Aliens, and Technology. The verdict from my DH? It delivered. Every captain that has piloted the Enterprise is portrayed as well as their crew. Equipment too (Phasers on!) And every alien species ever encountered. (I do remember The Trouble with Tribbles) The book is well laid out, includes full colour photographs of everything with lots of detail. DH had lots of fun with this book. Unfortunately for me - it led to (re)watching remembered episodes!

Now I must admit that this book - The Beginner's Photography Guide - was for both of us. I kinda, sorta um dropped our old digital last year......and it was unrepairable. So, I upgraded to a newer (and with more features) digital camera last year. And I'm ashamed to admit that I really don't have a firm grasp on all that it can do. (And either does the DH) So this one is for both of us. With a subtitle of: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Manual for Getting the Most From Your Digital Camera, I thought I might find some answers!

The introduction confirmed I was on the right track."The aim of this book is simple: to provide you with a solid foundation in digital photography. It cuts through the jargon and complicated technicalities that can make the subject unnecessarily intimidating, and shows you how to the get the most out of your camera"

You know, I've heard the words bandied about and had a little understanding but I feel like I know have a firmer grasp of exposure, shooting modes, lighting, focusing and more. And that I can take control or used the automatic settings. There's a great chapter on editing your photos as well.

DK books are always filled with high quality colour photographs. And lots and lots of detail. I'm a visual learner, so I love their titles. And I definitely feel like I 'own' the camera a little more now. I'm really looking forward to just playing with it and getting some great outdoor shots this summer. DH says that's fine with him - he'll be on the couch watching Star Trek re runs.......

Winners - A Spear of Summer Grass

And the two lucky (and randomly chosen) winners of a copy of A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn, courtesy of Harlequin Books are:

1. Kim
2. Maureen

Congratulations! I've contacted you by email for your mailing addresses. Please respond within 72 hours. Thanks to all who entered - check the sidebar for ongoing giveaways!

Bootstrapper: A Memoir - Mardi Jo Link

Subtitled: From Broke to Badass on a Northern Michigan Farm.

Bootstrapper: to promote or develop by initiative and effort with little or no assistance --- Merriam-Webster dictionary.

 

Mardi Jo Link is living the life she always dreamed of - three amazing young sons and the opportunity to raise them in the countryside in a beautiful old farmhouse sitting on six acres. And yes, there was a husband too - but with divorce now a certainty, Mardi Jo is determined to hang onto her sons, her house and her land - by herself. 

"I'm claiming my sons, the farm, the debt, the other debt, the horses, the dogs, and the land. I'm claiming our century-old farmhouse, the garden, the woods, the pasture, the barn, and the Quonset-hut garage. They're all mine now, and this is how I will raise my boys: on cheerful summer days and well water and BB guns and horseback riding and dirt. Because I'm claiming our whole country life, the one I've been dreaming of and planning out and working for since I was a little girl."

And this is where the bootstrapping comes into play -for Link is working with next to nothing in the way of finances. And wants to do it on her own - "I made this bed and I'll either lie in it or die in it, but I won't ask anyone for help."

Mardi Jo details the physical ups and downs - the day to day business of providing, but Bootstrapper also reads like a personal diary with Link's hopes, dreams, triumphs, losses and more laid bare. But what shone through the brightest was the love for her sons. These are the passages that stayed with me the longest. There are struggles, but the love and support they feel for each other is tangible. And quite humorous at times.

""Boys," I announced, "we're going to raise some chickens."
"Another pet to play with!" said Will, the idealist.
"Another kind of poop to clean up, said Luke, the worker.
"Another animal in bondage," said Owen, the activist."

I couldn't put Bootstrapper down - I was cheering Mardi Jo on with every chapter. And I empathized - we too bought an old farmhouse and there were some mighty lean years in the beginning - and there were two of us. I loved the descriptions of her garden - I too have grown our own vegetables for many, many years. Seed catalogues are exciting.

And at the end of the year is there a happy ever after ending? I'll let you discover that for yourself.

Bootstrapper is a one sitting read, one I enjoyed for its honesty. These are the memoirs I like to read - real people, real life. And she sounds like the kind of person I'd like to visit with on the porch. You can find Mardi Jo Link on Facebook.