My Dear Hamilton

As I was reading My Dear Hamilton, I couldn't help but think how much of this story was unnecessary to read. In my option I was looking more of what Eliza Hamilton did and thought of her husband Alexander Hamilton. We all know there was adultery. And Alexander Hamilton was over zealous of whatever he did. One common thread was that Hamilton was the true deal for his country. I guess I was looking for what Eliza did more to carry out her husband's dream.

Although this book is fiction I do see the similarities of the government than to the government now. Everything has a price to it. Hamilton did get wrapped up in it sadly that his life was taken by Burr.  

The book did answer some questions that were left hanging. But wished it just got to the point. I actually found it interesting from the authors that there isn't much on Eliza (Elizabeth). Also common that Eliza chose to forgive her husband. Similar to Hilary Clinton to Bill. Also the book leans towards Eliza being the strong sister after all.

With hard work she honored Alexander Hamilton by finding 2 places in New York that supported low income children. Remembering that her husband was from low income and a orphan. As she focused on children, she found that connection to her husband. Also fought to get documents of Alexander's back to eventually write a bio about her husband. True or not it would be natural to see a book about A. Hamilton's life.

I give My Dear Hamilton 4 

I felt that the chapters should of been cut short. Rather than what I did, is skim to the end.

 

The Murder at the Vicarage

What I am noticing about Agatha Christie is that she used her characters to create new stories for new books. And since I read that Miss Marple has a few adventures in her own books I thought I take a look. And I start with her first book The Murder at the Vicarage.

As usual there are many characters in this story and a couple of twists and turns. Someone may not be related to the murder. But have their own legs. The mystery at foot is who killed Colonel Protheroe, and why? I  expected that Miss Marple would be intertwined through the book like Poirot is in his. Little disappointed that she comes up rarely until the end.

Who does everyone go to to ask and tell what's going on? But the local Vicar, Leonard Clement. He and his wife Griselda have the same  kind of interest as everyone else. Maybe because Colonel Protheroe was murdered at his house.

The scenes go back and forth with time. Time is important. In a matter of seconds. Characters (without the side twists) are woven in together. 

Now we have Miss Marple that lays her thoughts about who the killer is. I found that through the story, especially the two policemen have issues with Miss Marple. I imagine they have issues with all women. Of course Miss Marple has an air about her that she knows everything. Not to mention Miss Marple is said to solving mysteries by reading detective novels.  Colonel Melchett and Inspector Slack I believe think that she shouldn't know more than they. Although she may wear on everyone's nerves, it doesn't take long for Len Clement to realize she may be on to something.

I try not figure out who dunit. But you can't help but think you know but then the obvious maybe wrong.

As usual all characters to Miss Marple are suspects. Anne Protheroe, Lettice Protheroe, Mr Hawes, Mrs Martha Price-Ridley, Dr Haydock, Lawrence Redding, Mrs Estelle Lestrange, Bill Archer, Dr Stone, and Gladys Cram, etc... But only several have a hand in killing Colonel Protheroe.

After mystery is solved we find that a few of the twists I didn't see especially with Lettice Protheroe and Len and Griselda Clement that are not so bad. It actually is a happier change.
 

I give The Murder at the Vicarage 4 

just because it wasn't what I hoped for. But for the 1st Miss Marple book, its good!

The Last Time I Saw You

I was a bit disappointed in this book. I guess after reading The Last Mrs. Parrish I expected the same suspense. I remember saying about that book I thought it might be a cliche. All though it wasn't.

Again with this book it was a cliche through and through. I could picture the things that went on like a movie. Or something I read before.

Kate being so anxious of her husband Simon. Is he one to be trusted? Blaire the friend that got pushed away by Kate. But thought she gained a family. Especially in Lily, Kate's mom. A mom too for Blaire? 

The rest of Kate's friends are they who they are for Kate? And then there is Annabella Kate and Simon's daughter. No big deal there.

I really don't know what to say about this book. Nothing really  stood out for me.

 The actions back and forth with Kate was something I thought drawn out. Same with Blaire. 

I was looking to sink my teeth into a mystery and find out who killed Lily. And why other friends of Kate's were involved. Who was this mysterious Daniel. Blaire's husband. We read that Blaire calls him for Christmas. But never hear about him again toward the end.

The ending was abrupt . Interesting but mild. Poor Blaire! At least she gets a visit from her friend and sister Kate

I give The Last Time I Saw You 3 

 

Long Bright River

 

I picked this book to read because I saw an interview done of the author by our local anchorperson. I found out later that she was a teacher from my son's university. So now I'm interested.

Long Bright River was a good story. The author took time to take us through step by step of a story about two sisters and family. Very much the thought of how the main character "Mickey"went through life thinking to take care of her sister around what was given to her from her grandmother.

The chapters of Now and Then explained why Mickey was always looking for her sister "Kacey". How she got involved with the program PAL. And became a cop. How she became a mother.

Mickey talks of her neighborhood, Kensington, Port Richmond, Fishtown. Places are known of drugs. Along with family issues and finding her sister maybe on a corner somewhere strung out. There is a mystery also going on.

Mickey uses what she knows from being a cop to find out who is doing these killings. Hence why she looks for Kacey. What I noticed is that she isn't the best cop I thought. She relied on her partner to carry her through. So when she finds out about the killer on her own, it seems a bit of a bumble. Not sure if this is about the way she grew up. A grandmother tough as nails. Mother that she lost from drugs. And her father gone away from her (presumed dead). Even her extended family (cousins) have a hard time really liking her. I feel Mickey in her own had every good intention to help. But just didn't relay it too well.

There are a few highlights I feel that sums up how I like this story. The Long Bright River as of Kacey's vein. Telling the story of the awful disease of drugs.

I give Long Bright River 4 

The reason. I felt the chapters very drawn out just to tell how Mickey's son Thomas slept. Or how she  couldn't open up to her old partner Truman etc..

I hope to be able to read another book of Liz Moore. Interesting author.

Etched In Shadow Hill Cemetery

Thinking of this story and what made me pick it to read. At first I thought it was a teen book also as some reviewers mentioned. But soon realized no. I like the idea that it was a debut book. Which makes it easier to review. Many folks don't have an option until they read the story.

What brought my eye to it also a mystery of some sorts.

It is very much a coming of age book. But in an old fashioned way.

Here is a girl Justine that spends her summers with her Aunt Peggy and Uncle John. Helps them around the house. As all kids do they put feelers out to see if there is someone and somewhere to have fun, to connect with.

Justine befriends a girl name Eva. All summer long they pal around together Eva introduces Justine around. They have a connection. So sad end of summer comes that Justine goes back home. But something you never hear about much anymore that Justine and Eva write letters to each other. Until they reunite at the beginning of the next summer. 

Sadly something horrible happens to Eva. Eva is too scared to say anything. When Justine finds out she helps Eva. Which later on in Justine's life she gets inspired by the events with Eva and finds a career. Eva helps Justine get her life on track. Find the goodness in things.

Hanging out @ the cemetery, Farrah Fawcett haircuts,  love, break-up, hurt, and learning to make their lives count @ the end. Both girls find how important it is eventually having a husband and children of their own.

The book was a bit lengthy in the writing. Especially of the epilogue. It was nice to see Eva and Justine find happiness but somethings could have been explained earlier. I liked how authors named the chapters after songs. I knew how the characters would respond. A retro feel also.

I'm glad I got to read this book. And I believe like authors have said it is hard to write a great story.

I give Etched In Shadow Hill Cemetery 5