Muscle Cars by Stephen G Eoannou

Griff stood in the bedroom doorway and watched his wife count the money a third time. Val’s hands trembled as she piled the fifty dollar bills on the bed in stacks of ten. When she was finished, there were ten neat stacks on the bedspread.
Val looked up at Griff. “Five thousand ,” she said.
Griff nodded. He had counted it twice before she got home.
“Tell me again how you found it.”
“There’s not much to tell,” Griff said, leaning against the doorjamb, his hands stuffed in his pockets. “My shift ended and I found it when I was cleaning the back of the cab.”
“So it belongs to your last fare.”
Griff shrugged. “The envelope was under the backseat, like it had been dropped and accidently kicked when the person was getting out. I don’t know who it belongs to."
“You must have an idea. A suspicion.”

~~Auld Lang Syne, Muscle Cars...

Title: Muscle Cars
Author: Stephen G Eoannou
ISBN: 9781939650221
Publisher: Santa Fe Writers Project/2015
Pages: 250

Short story collections are hard to review. The same goes for this collection too. I loved the stories but do not quite know how to explain those. One thing I discovered reading the stories is that, most have endings which are open-ended. It is for the reader to decide how he or she wants to explain it.

The stories depict the male point of view and cars are important part of the stories. The stories are about males and for males. Yet I loved the book. The title story sets the mood. The narrator goes to his neighbour's place to complain about noise and all but ends up bonding with the young boy and his friend by revealing about his brother.

The narrators of each story end up knowing something other than what they expected. Sometimes the consequences are not so good. Many a times, things are not what we think or expect. Life will always throw a curve when we least expect it.

I loved the build up of each of the stories, be it tragic or otherwise. If you want to read something that exercises your mind, makes you think, I recommend this book. The author knows his job and knows how to play into the readers mind.

Posting this is for Poetic Book Tours

Teaser Tuesday: Mine, All Mine by Ella J. Quince

Dewy was a very good rat; he was brilliant about finding information without ever being found seen or heard.

All Mine by Ella J. Quince

Lillian St. James is the daughter of a duke. Her mother remarries a seedy merchant after the duke's death. Her mother dies and Lillian St. James has so place to go to when a scandal erupts because of her stepfather's treason. She goes to work as a cook’s assistant in the kitchen of a mysterious aristocrat.

Dominic Coel, Earl of Redwick, is a spy and he must track down a young girl who has disappeared with stolen royal jewels. Meanwhile, he is distracted by the mysterious Miss Millie James who has joined his staff. 

As a regency romance, it had a good pace. Dominic is a good, protective hero. Lillian is not afraid of anything. She does not mind the work. The equation between them is good. 

Book Beginnings: His Majesty, The Prince of Toads by Delle Jacobs

Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.


London, England 
January 1, 1815  

Tucked in amongst the odors of wax and smoking wicks, lavender and musk, lurked the aura of anticipation. Faint, yet distinct, it hung like a scent itself in the heavy air of the Carstairs drawing room.
It became more than a smell. Sophie heard it in the sudden hushing of voices, saw it in the slight raising of eyebrows. Previously attentive gentlemen stiffened, and with polite nods faded away as if they had not been fluttering about her just moments before. Her nape prickled, and Sophie felt like she was a goat staked out in a tiger trap.
"It's Lucas," whispered her friend Minerva, her narrowed silver eyes tracking the movement behind Sophie's back.
Even the music stopped. Lords and ladies stood still in the blue and gold drawing room, their sly glances in Sophie's direction reflected in the mirrored wall. 

His Majesty, The Prince of Toads by Delle Jacobs

Lucas thinks Sophie has trapped him into marriage. He leaves as soon as they get married and goes to a war. When he comes back, he does not recognise his own wife! But he needs her. For her beauty, her money and lot more. She refuses to be in any part of his life. Lucas is stubborn and Sophie is hard headed. They are perfect for each other but don't know that.

Lucas and Sophie are both haunted by the terrible atrocities they both suffered during the war. Sophie is the daughter of a German Count and lost her parents to the conflict. With the help of her uncle, she flees to the safety of England. It takes Lucas and Sophie working together to heal what they couldn’t do on their own. The ending is satisfying on multiple levels; a marriage is united, the pain of the past is healed, and the couple has the support of dear friends and family.

The language is good, the interactions between Lucas and Sophie holds interest. And secondary characters play important roles. It is a good historical romance.

The Sheik's Arranged Marriage by Susan Mallory

“King Givon came to see me this afternoon. He made these noises about us getting married. You and me. I don’t know why. We barely know each other. We’re not suited at all. We have to stop him.”

“The king made noises? Like grunts? Or was it a coughing sound.”

The Sheik's Arranged Marriage by Susan Mallory

I used to read Mills & Boon and Silhouette romances when I was in school and college. I have read quite a lot of "Sheik" romances. I had not read a single Susan Mallory novel till date. I find she is a very popular romance novel author. However after reading this, I am not going to pick anything by this author again.

Heidi McKinley marries Jamal Khan. Theirs is an arranged marriage as desired by the king. After a disastrous start on their wedding day, Jamal stays away from Heidi. She sets about seducing him, posing as a siren, Honey Martin.

I found it silly that she thought Jamal won't recognise her. He does but he does not let her know. Then she blames him for not telling her!! I found her childish. Jamal is not so bad! 

I read it online for free. I must have been insane to do so!!

Mangled Hearts by Felicia Tatum

“Francesca…there was an accident. You need to get dressed.”
“Who, Daph?”
“Your mom and dad need to tell you,” she said, her eyes welling in tears.
“Daphne,” I demanded, my eyes pleading with hers.
Her face scrunched as the tears fell freely. I don’t know how I knew, but I did. Something happened to my sister. I hugged the pillow tighter. “Is Josie going to be ok?”
She looked at me pitifully, and I knew in my heart that my sister was gone. I had to hear it, though. I stared at her, my heart thumping against my chest.
“I don’t think so,” she barely choked out.

Mangled Hearts by Felicia Tatum

Posted for The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice. 

Francesca Taymon is young, successful lawyer with a broken past. She is assigned a case. That turns out to be Cade Kelling, who has wasted his life since he was 10. He has drinking problem and has always been bailed out by his parents. He knows he cannot have a future with her unless he reveals what really happened 5 years ago. But is she going to believe him?

This is a contemporary romance. The flawed characters make this very real. Told in alternate voices of Francesca and Cade, it moves back and forth from past to present. Cade knows only Francesca is capable to make him a better person. And he is prepared to go to any length to achieve that. 

The secondary characters are endearing too. Daphne, Zander and Reid make the story very interesting. For those who like a good romance, I would say, go for it. It is available free!!

Moving can be Murder by Susan Santangelo

Moving can be Murder by Susan Santangelo

I had  to say goodbye one more time. But how does say goodbye to 34 years of memories?

"It's just a house, Carol. It's not a person." I could hear My Beloved Husband Jim's voice telling me that over and over again. "It's much too big for just the two of us. We should cash out and move now, before the real estate market gets worse."

He'd finally worn me down.

~~Page 1

The House closing was definitely off.

The dead man was our buyer, Jack Cartwright.

~~Page 64

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Book Blurb:

Empty-nester Carol Andrews would prefer leaving her beautiful antique home in Fairport, Connecticut, "feet first" to selling it and moving on. But her Beloved Husband Jim convinces her that a nearby active adult community is the best fit for them at this time of life.

Their house sells, and Carol returns alone the night before the closing for a "pity party" farewell tour. And discovers the dead body of the buyer in her living room. Wow. Talk about seller's remorse!

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My views:

Carol seems like scatter-brained female much given to emotions. When she goes one last time to her home, she finds the body of the prospective buyer! Needless to say, the sale is put on hold.

Carol's best friend is a suspect in that murder. And Carol decides to find out the truth. She discovers some secrets which Mary Alice, her friend never shared with her. 

Although there is this murder, but the book is full of wit. It makes the reader chuckle many a times. It is a very readable cozy mystery. Susan Santangelo is an author to look out for!!

Misery Bay by Steve Hamilton

"Two sons and two fathers now," he said. "plus one girlfriend. McKnight, I think we've something terrible going on here."

~Page 92

Title: Misery Bay
Author: Steve Hamilton
ISBN: 9780312380434
Publisher: Minotaur books/2011
Pages: 304

On a cold miserable night, a college student hangs himself from a tree in the middle of a snowy, deserted field called Misery Bay near Lake Superior. He doesn't leave a note, but then suicide victims seldom do. The boy's father, a federal marshal and who happens to be an old friend of Alex McKnight's rival Police Chief Roy Maven, asks Alex to look into his son's suicide. But what appears to be a simple suicide, gets them embroiled in something sinister. Alex and Chief Maven find themselves working together, trying to find and stop a cold-blooded killer, who is hell bent on targeting law enforcement officers via their children. Meanwhile Alex tries to put the demons of his past behind him.

Hamilton’s drawing of characters or plot-line is superb and very believable, Alex McKnight’s  relationship with police chief Roy Maven changes to grudging mutual respect as the novel progresses. The  twists and turns in the story line keeps the reader on the edge. WE observe that the victims are the real focus, and although McKnight and the FBI search frantically for that elusive link that might lead them to the killer, we do see a hopelessness and bleakness in the characters. 

Alex McKnight is one of the best fictional investigators that has been created in a novel. I am going to read  as many books I can, written by Hamilton.

Murder In The Ashram by Kathleen McCaul

"But for now it would wait till tomorrow's funeral. We'd bury Stephen in peace, without a father, the way he was born."
~~~~Page 185

Title: Murder in the Ashram
Author: Kathleen McCaul
ISBN: 9780749953638
Publisher: Piatkus/2011
Pages: 320

Stephen Newby's body is found in River Yamuna. His best friend and flatmate, Ruby Jones cannot understand the reasons. She goes sleuthing on her own to find out. As the title suggest, it is supposed to be murder mystery, which should keep the reader in tenterhooks. But no such thing happens. Ruby Jones, who aspires to be an international news journalist, is not interesting enough. Her musings do not do anything for the suspense element which should have been there. 

As ashrams go, this shows the dark side of a well known one. Stephen and Ruby were regulars there, both in love with a wannabe Guru, Rani.  Stephen was in search for his unknown father. The reader can make out, who is his father right from the beginning. 

I live in Delhi, and the geographical descriptions left much to be desired. There are major discrepancies. Wazirabad bridge is no where near Dakshinpuri. Mckaul did not do much research in that arena. This fact alone made me want to shout!!

One can read it as a travelogue if one is so interested, but I say don't waste your time. I am not going to pick any other book by this author. EVER. Unless you pay me million dollars!

The Minefields by Steven C. Eisner

Title: The Minefields
Author: Steven C. Eisner
ISBN: 978-1937836023
Publisher: When Words Count Publishing/2012
Pages: 320

The Minefields deals with the world of advertising, something I knew nothing about. Sam Spiegel, the protagonist, takes us into the internal world of advertising, not an easy business. It deals with his life, his family and friends. 

The novel takes us into the emotional depths and conflicts. Sam's character is well developed and we see a varied range of his emotions. He is complex yet likeable. Hard to understand but very balanced decisions at the end of the day. Sam takes the business to great levels despite opposition.

It is totally a readable book although we can see the pathos but that is dwelt with a depth of humour

Teaser Tuesdays: My Sister's Voice by Mary Carter

"You have a twin sister. Her name is Monica. Go to Benjamin Books. Look at the poster in the window."


Title: My Sister’s Voice
Author: Mary Carter
ISBN-13: 978-0758229205
Publisher: Kensington/2010
Pages: 352

Book Blurb:

At twenty-eight, Lacey Gears is exactly where she wants to be. An up-and-coming, proudly Deaf artist in Philadelphia, she's in a relationship with a wonderful man and rarely thinks about her difficult childhood in a home for disabled orphans. That is, until Lacey receives a letter that begins, "You have a sister. A twin to be exact. . ."

Learning that her identical, hearing twin, Monica, experienced the normal childhood she was denied resurrects all of Lacey's grief, and she angrily sets out to find Monica and her biological parents. But the truth about Monica's life, their brief shared past, and the reason for the twins' separation is far from simple. And for every one of Lacey's questions that's answered, others are raised, more baffling and profound.

My Views:

Watch out for it!

The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie

"Emily Barton, I think, has a mental picture of men as interminably consuming whiskeys and sodas and smoking cigars, and in the intervals dropping out to do a few seductions of village maidens, or to conduct a liaison with a married woman." 
~~~Page 82, The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie

Title: The Moving Finger
Author: Agatha Christie
ISBN: 0440158613
Publisher: Dell/1982
Pages: 189

Narrated by Jerry Burton, The Moving Finger is based in Lymstock, which is a typical idyllic English town. Everything seems to be in a slow pace here. But the tranquility ends when someone with a poison starts to write letters to its inhabitants, shredding their reputation. Everyone seems to dread the mailbox. One day the shock and scandal is so much that the receiver supposedly commits suicide. Some think there is truth in that letter and a few others have their misgivings. 

Then another dead body is found and it is a murder. The police have to uncover the truth. Jerry Burton has had a nasty accident while flying and has arrived in Lymstock with his sister Joanna Burton, to recover. Joanna to receives one of the poisoned letters. Jerry knows he has to do something. And Miss Jane Marple comes to his aid in the last quarter of the novel. 

The good doctor, Owen Griffith and his sister Aimee, the lawyer Symmington, and other characters including he childish Megan make it an entertaining reading. The novel moves slow for a mystery but it holds the interest of the reader. The ending was surprising. Agatha Christie novels never ever failed. Lovers of cozy mystery, can read it safely!

Thanks to Stacy of Stacy's Books for this novel! 

Sunday Salon: Miss Hildreth Wore Brown: Anecdotes of a Southern Belle by Olivia deBelle Byrd

A few days later, as I was leaving for the outer mall, my husband asked me to pick him up some slacks. "What color?" I asked.
"Blue and brown ought to do it," he answered.
"Marine blue, navy blue, dark blue, chocolate brown, mocha brown, latte brown?" I queried.
Through clenched teeth he replied, "I just want blue and brown." Men, why do they always have to complicate things?
~ Page 106


Title: Miss Hildreth Wore Brown-Anecdotes of a Southern Belle
Author: Olivia deBelle Byrd
ISBN: 9781600377488
Publisher Morgan James/2010
Pages: 157

This book defies description! With hilarious reflections, it is shows us the life and attitude of  Southern women. They are in no way fazed by anything and take it in their stride. And the scandals they come across are explained in scandalous ways by those belles! 

The characters jump out the pages, and stay with us. I chuckled through this book. Pausing and savouring certain quirks. I had posted about that coffee episode some days back. There are more with the author trying her best to get her children married, and one where she buys clothes for her daughter. The thong episode is hilarious and reading this book, I almost fell from my chair, many a times.

A light, breezy read, and in no way the characters are larger than life. They are real people and it seems we have met a few like them in our lives. Anyone who wants a good chuckle, ought to read this book.

We're getting dressed for Christmas party, and I looked down at my husband's feet. "You have on a blue sock and a brown sock," I pointed out.
"I do not," he said
"Yes, you do. I'm looking at your feet." I insisted.
Looking down he smugly replied, "I have on a marine blue sock and a mocha brown sock."
~Page 107

Mr. Peanut by Adam Ross

When David Pepin first dreamed of killing his wife, he didn't kill her himself. He dreamed convenient acts of God. At a picnic on the beach, a storm front moved in. David and Alice collected their chairs, blankets, and booze, and when the lightning flashed, David imagined his wife lit up, her skeleton distinctly visible as in a children's cartoon, Alice then collapsing into a smoking pile of ash.
~~Page 3

Title: Mr. Peanut
Author: Adam Ross
ISBN: 9780307270702
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf/2010
Pages: 335

When Alice is found dead, David is assumed to be murderer. After all he was always thinking of her death. Not exactly murdering her, but in numerous ways she should die. The two police detectives who are investigating the death, have their own marital relationship in shambles.

Ward Hastroll's wife Hannah has retreated into their bedroom and has not surfaced for the last few months. Hastroll is in his wits end how to communicate with her. Long time back, Sam Sheppard too had been a suspect for his wife Marilyn, death but was set free due to lack of enough evidence. He had left his medical practice to become a detective.

While investigating, these men go over their own marital relationships, which still confounds them. When a hit men Mobius is found linked to David Pepin, things get murkier. Everything seems to be pieces of different zigsaw puzzles, unconnected with each other. The best and worst of conjugal relationship is depicted here. The love going side by side with tenderness and ugliness, the affection along with hatred. The killing impulses with protectiveness, each aspect has been dwelt very delicately by the author.

In the beginning everything that goes might appear haphazard, unconnected and unrelated but it all falls into place, giving us a great novel. One of the best police procedurals I read in a long time and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. With this book, Adam Ross has arrived.

A book to be read by all those who are married, all those who are contemplating marriage and those aren't. I say, go for it!

The Memorist by M J Rose/Wondrous Words Wednesday

Title: The Memorist
Author: M J Rose
ISBN: 978-0778325840
Publisher: Mira Books/2008
Pages: 464

The Memorist is a novel which amalgates mystery, time and music so beautifully and intricately that nothing feels out of place. Set in Vienna, both the present and the nineteenth century, we get to know the world of Beethovan and the music he created. It is not only the music but also memories that transcend time.

Meer is a woman in her early thirties, She is tormented by her memories from her past life since she was a child. She keeps hearing certain piece of music. Her father tries to help but somehow fails. She herself does not believe that she is hearing something from her past life. However, on her father's behest she arrives in Vienna to look into a music box which she has only seen in her memories and drawn pictures of it.

But people who are involved with the box are attacked and killed. It seems that there are many people who are interested in the box and its mystical powers. The box has something which conjures up memories of past lives.

The there is this Journalist David Yalom, who has lost his family to terrorism is tormented by his memories. He has a diabolic plan to make the world notice his losses. Yet he somehow feels some kind of afinity for Meer, whom he had never met. How both are connected is very intriguing part. Each of the characters around Meer has some sort of past connection with her. That also includes a FBI agent.

Going back on forth from past and present, The Memorist is journey beteween centuries, countries and cultures. What appealed to me most is how it travelled to India and Hinduism. The flute is so symbolic. With a touch of mystery, suspense, mysticism, spirituality, it is very good read.

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Wondrous Words Wednesday is hosted by Kathy of BermudaOnion

I take the following words from The Memorist:

1) Potentate (page 34): Seated in club chair as if he were a potentate and it was his throne, with thousands of leather bound books behind him.....

n.

1. One who has the power and position to rule over others; a monarch.
2. One who dominates or leads a group or an endeavor: industrial potentates.

2) Reliquary (Page 35): In a church , an object this precious would be in a gold-tooled reliquary but the memorists's relic had no power and promised no magic...

n., pl., -ies.
A receptacle, such as a coffer or shrine, for keeping or displaying sacred relics.

The Murderer's Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers

"Mama lay on the floor. Blood dripped on the green and brown linoleum."

Title: The Murderer's Daughters
Author: Randy Susan Meyers
ISBN: 9780312576981
Publisher: St. Martin's Press/2009
Pages: 307

It is a touching novel about two sisters, whose father has murdered their mother and also had stabbed Mercy, the younger sister. Mercy survives and it falls upon Lulu to look after her. None of their relatives are keen to take them in. Both are sent to a home for children, which is not really a good place to live. By being good, they are taken in for foster care by a good family. But can't belong to that family. Both realise that they onlyhave each other to fall back on and no one else.

Lulu, the older sister, doesn't wish to have any kind of connection with their father, who is in the prison forlife. But Mercy can't stop herself from visiting him in the jail at regular intervals. It has some effecton their relationship but they choose to ignore it.

Told in the alternate voices of both the sisters, it reaches out to us, touching us to the core. Having lost both parents, one forever, other in prison, they can't fulfil that void. It affects their relationship with other people too. When after three decades, Ther father is supposed to come out, both are scared in their own ways.

Everyone wishes to know why did their father stab Mercy, who was only five years old. A crime of passion destroys a family. And is it easy to overcome it? It is oneof those books which lingers in our mind. We feel for the sisters and the stigma of being a murderer's daughter stays on. Although they try to hide it from the world.

Recommend me: The Murder of Roger Ackryod by Agatha Christie (Graphic Novel)

Title: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Graphic Novel)
Author: Agatha Christie
ISBN: 9788128614583
Publisher: Euro Books/2007
Pages: 54

I remember reading the novel long time back and I still have a copy of it. When I saw a load of Agatha Christie graphic novels, this was the first one I picked up. It is one of my favourite Christie novels.

When Mrs Ferrar husband is poisoned, she is the suspect and then she dies! Next target is Roger Ackroyd, who was supposed to marry Mrs. Ferrar. When he too dies, there are too many suspects but no one knows how the murder was committed. It seems almost impossible for the deed to be done the way it is. Our good doctor is always there to assist but no one is able to crack the case.

Enter Hercule Poirot, who has retired and leading a peaceful life in King's Abbott. He sets out to get into the bottom of it and we find that each one of the people who are in contact with Roger Ackroyd have something to hide. That means, no one is telling the whole truth about what happened that night. Our doctor plays Hastings for Poirot recording everything for him. Poirot being what he is, finally gets the murderer but with tragic consequences. At the end too, there is a death.

I think the mystery novel works great as a graphic novel. I loved the illustrations and I think I will repeat the experience with more of Christie's work in similar format. Those who have not tried reading graphic novels, I recommend this!

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Recommend Me is Hosted by Kate of The Neverending Shelf

The Marshall and the Heiress by Patricia Potter

Title: The Marshall and the Heiress
Author: Patricia Potter
ISBN: 978-0553575088
Publisher: Fanfare/1996
Pages: 368

US Marshall, Ben Master, adopts the four-year old girl, Sarah Ann. The little girl has a big heart and Ben Masters finds himself loving that little girl more and more each day. All his life, he had never considered that someone so little can manage to wrap him around her little finger! She, loves everything that moves. That includes a disreputable cat, Annabelle, who by no stretch of imagination be called sweet. Only Sarah Ann can see beauty in her! Ben hasn't the heart to tell her otherwise. The cat seems to dislike him all the time!

Then it appears that, Sarah Jane is supposed to be an Heiress! Ben arrives in Calholm, Scotland, to claim it for her. However, the path is not smooth. Someone wants the little girl out of the way. There are too many people who want that inheritance and can go to any length to get it. Ben is determined to find out who is responsible and doesn't let Sarah Ann out of his sight. He can't even trust Lisbeth, Sarah Ann's aunt, who seems to like the girl. Ben too is attracted to her but his adoptive daughter comes before everything!

With grey shaded characters, a bully of a cat, and a soft-hearted dog, a sweet little girl Sarah Ann, this novel is very enchanting. I liked Ben's devotion towards that girl and her trust in him. Drew Cameron too is another interesting character.

Midnight Magic by Betina Krahn

Title: Midnight Magic
Author: Betina Krahn
ISBN: 9780821730669
Publisher: Zebra/1990
Pages: 445

1810. Devonshire, England.

Charity is considered to be jinxed. Whoever comes in touch with her supposedly gets into trouble. Rane Austen is hit by a bullet as soon as he first saw her. He somehow ends being nursed by her. It doesn't take long when he falls for her and has to have her. Charity, when she learns that she is jinxed, tries to keep him away from her life but he is not keen to let her go. With his charm, he makes her long for him and both end up making midnight magic.

Of course, it has that predictable ending but hilarious scenes and interaction between the dashing hero and the spunky heroine make it a refreshing read. This is my second Betina Krahn novel and I am going to read more from her.

As I have not been able to read much, a light, fast romance is good to dispell that non-reading spell.

A-Z Wednesday: Meggie's Remains by Joanne Sundell

Title: Meggie's Remains
Author: Joanne Sundell
ISBN: 9781594147883
Publisher: Five Star/2009
Pages: 299

It is 1874. Running away from Boston, Meggie arrives in Denver and escapes into an isolated Mountain town as a teacher. She assumes the name of Rose Rochester as she is trying to escape her past. She knows that it would catch up with her anytime and she doesn't have much time to live. She yearns for love but she knows it is unthinkable even to contemplate it.

Somehow or the other, she stumbles upon the very handsome Ethan Rourke at every step. He is just like her secret hero Edward Rochester but she knows, she can't have a future with him. Not with a past like hers. Ethan can feel that strong attraction but can't understand Meggie's reluctance. He can see traces of abuse on her body, somehow can sense her deep sorrow although not understanding the reasons. He also knows about her masquerade.

Ethan feels rejected by Meggie's obssession with Edward Rochester, not knowing that he is a fictional character, Meggie is heart-broken and decides to write a letter to him telling him about her life's story. Each day, she keeps writing something and she knows that she is going to tear it of without sending it to Ethan.

And then her worst nightmare comes true. Her past faces squarely into her eyes. And only her wits and her love for Ethan might keep her alive.

Meggie is not a weak character. She is as strong as her favourite character Jane Eyre. That book is her sustanence. She secretly dreams about Edward Rochester and when she does find him in the fiorm of Ethan Rourke, she knows she has to let him go. Because the monster of her past will come to haunt her. And when tht monster does arrive, she knows, she has to keep him away from Ethan. She is willing to sacrifice herself for her love. She can sense danger, feel the evil as well as the positive vibes.

Meggie's Remains has that right amount of suspense, that pathos of love and also drawn parallel to Jane Eyre. With that tiny bit of supernatural/paranormal, it makes a good read. One is with Meggie all the way and also can feel Ethan's pain at her rejection. With that Gothic touch, it is book well worth picking up.

Magdalene and the Mermaids by Elizabeth Kate Switaj

Book Blurb:

At the heart of this comprehensive collection lies the Biblical character of Mary Magdalene whose presence is prominent in many of the poems and who haunts those which are, ostensibly, departures from the subject matter that dominates. However, departure and digression are not the hallmarks of this work and each piece of writing represents a different incursion into the topic from angles and perspectives that are startling, original and engaging. By adopting an overarching motif, the author is able to align more personal topics and themes with the main focus, at times appearing to move into territory not evidently covered by the title but always providing the vital connection somewhere in this sequence of compositions.


Title: Magdalene and the Mermaids
Author: Elizabeth Kate Switaj
ISBN: 9780979847066
Publisher: Paper Kite Press/2009
Pages: 56

As most of you know, I write poetry. That is one major factor, which leads me to read poetry. I read all kinds of poetry, classics, modern etc etc. Lately I have been exploring contemporary poetry. When I saw this poetry book showcased on various blogs, I requested a copy from the author and she was kind enough to send me one. It is a thin book of 56 pages.

One can't read poetry at one go as all images merge and one doesn't really enjoy it that much. Despite the thinness, it took me a while to finish this book. And I was really glad that I read it. As the blurb says, it does refer to Magdalene, the biblical character but that is not the only element here. In most of the poems, it is the metaphor of mermaid that speaks to us. Switaj has made the mermaid come alive for us. Her feelings, emotions pour forth. We can see the intense love, rejection, despair, angst and deep sadness. Yet there is hope, despite the sign of dejection.

In To Siren In Museum, we can see her resignation to herer plight after her lover left her:

I gather shelves of ancient clays
around my empty hours
Repeat their names
lekthos, oil flask
kantharos, drinking cup with two high handles
skyphoid pyxis, cosmetic box

and skip ages of painted warriers
who might take my tale
myself into their epic arcs

My story is nothing
left on some rock
You, then, surprise me
with your shaped smile
no teeth no peeling skin
in your pale terracotta
with sparkles for freckles

I touch my cheeks
You do not sing
and so I must for both of us

My story is nothing
left on some rock

It is not only the mermaid, it is about that inner us too, which faces rejection in love for whatsover reason. Yet we go on, defenceless but strong. Rawness is everywhere, yet we grow a skin on it. This is how I truly felt after reading this chapbook. Poetry lovers will like it. It is not an easy read, what with the usage of poetic language but it grows on us and slowly permeates our mind, touching our heart.

Take this:

Apology For Leaving You Behind

when the tide goes out and shows your name
rippled in sand where I sang
please understand
I know better

then to bend
my fish bones
and stretch my scaled skin
to flow up through your pipes
to stare
at white foam on your skin

than to think
our single night before I left
was love

but if I'd believed
it was love
stayed
to make love

I'd still have my legs