Good Night, Oscar By: Doug Wright

After reading this gripping play about Oscar Levant, I can totally see why Sean Hayes won the Tony Award for his performance, as well as a special Olivier Award. Seeing him perform this piece must have been astonishing. This is a raw, funny, deeply moving play about a deeply talented but tormented man. just WOW!

 

The Cars: Let the Stories Be Told By: Bill Janovitz

This was a good read for me in terms of the nostalgia alone. Having been around when the Cars first debuted, and knowing a great many of locations that are in the book, I was in my glory!  Janovitz has managed to take mountains of in-person interviews and reportage and create a mammoth history of the Cars, as well as the history of Boston music.  Not being a huge music person, some of the chapters dragged for me, I wasn't as drawn to the in depth analysis of how certain sounds were made on the albums or the analysis of each song-but that's just me. A real music person will be fascinated!  Overall I liked this, I learned things and I am awed by Janovitz.

Written in Blood By: Caroline Graham

Another fantastic mystery from the mind of Caroline Graham!  It's so fun to read the books, having seen the Midsomer Murders episode that each on is based on: seeing what was cut; was was rearranged or fleshed out.  A writer's group invites a semi-famous author to speak at their meeting. The host of the meeting is found dead he next morning and the guest author is nowhere to be found.  That is the premise for this twisty and twisted tale of childhood trauma and long buried secrets. 

 

Moonflower Murders By: Anthony Horowitz

Anthony Horowitz is absolutely brilliant!  Moonflower Murders contains a complete Atticus Pünd novel in the middle of it.  It reads differently from the Moonflowers Murders-has a completely different voice and style.  Extraordinary writing! The twists and turns this mystery takes will leave the reader breathless and the endings are soooooo satisfying!

Atticus Pünd Takes the Case By: Alan Conway (Anthony Horowitz)

A twisted tale situated at an isolated seaside town.  A great many characters most of whom had reason to murder the actress and then murder her husband, but who done it?  Enter Atticus Pünd, the middle mannered German detective.  Pünd unravels the numerous stories and lies to get to the truth of the matter. Very reminiscent of Christie's work.  A great read!

 

Wolf Pack By: Will Dean

After 5 books, I still contend that Tuva Moodyson is one of the most creative and fearless characters in literature!!  Wolf Pack is quiet, intense, shocking and moving all a the same time.  Tuva is still the wonderfully stubborn, courageous and feeling young woman we've come to respect and admire.  If you haven't met Tuva I strongly suggest you start reading this series!!

Proof By: David Auburn

My third reading of this exceptional play.  With a revival opening on Broadway this season, it was the perfect time to re-read this brilliant piece.  SO many layers to peel back on the circumstances, on the characters and on the Proof (and it's myriad meanings).  A fantastic play, and a great read!

Something to Look Forward To By: Fannie Flagg

God, I love Fannie Flagg!  This series of stories shows humanity at its best and worts.  Told with wonder, care and humanely, Flagg shows us the human condition. Her trademark, wit and warmth shine through in these stories.  My favorites involved Velma-such a wonderful person. And the "characters" that populate Flagg's books are fully realized people, not characters or caricatures.  I just feel better after reading a Fannie Flagg novel.

Sounds Like a Plan By: Pamela Samuels Young & Dwayne Alexander Smith

Two of my favorite authors teamed up to write a "He Said/She Said" action mystery and it did not disappoint.  Jackson and Mackenzie (Mac) are dynamic characters who become entangled in several twisted plots.  With plenty of action, wit, and snippy quips this is a dynamic duo with whom you'll be glad to spend your time!

 

Sidney Chambers and the Dangers of Temptation By: James Runcie

I don't know why, but I find the Grantchester series very soothing to read. There is just something calming about Sidney, and I adore his wife.  Hildegard is a terrific foil for Sidney and her insights as to what's happening in each story are brilliant! As you can guess from the book's title, each of the stories in this installment deal with temptation, good and bad. Runcie does a great job of moving the characters along with the times without abrupt changes to the characters.  Everything is very natural.