REVIEW: The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (Short Story Collection)

 The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories
Author: Agatha Christie

This collection gathers 11 short stories by Agatha Christie. The collection was first published only in the US in 1948. The stories are: 

The Witness for the Prosecution
The Red Signal
The Fourth Man
S.O.S
Where There's a Will
The Mystery of the Blue Jar
Sing a Song of Sixpence
The Mystery of the Spanish Shawl
Philomel Cottage
Accident
The Second Gong

The Witness for the Prosecution - One of Agatha Christie's most famous short stories. It has been adapted to a stage play, radio dramas, a film and multiple television adaptations. The ending of the short story and the play (also written by Christie) are different as she was dissatisfied with the original ending. First published in January 1925 in Flynn's Weekly under the title "Traitor Hands,'' this story was also published in The Hound of Death (1933, UK), The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948, US) and Mousetrap and Other Plays (1993). BBC4 Radio "modernized'' the story. This version is available in Agatha Christie: Twelve Radio Mysteries.

The Red Signal - A medium gives a warning at a dinner party which comes true in dreadful ways. First published in the UK in The Grand Magazine in 1924 and included in Hound of Death in 1933 (UK). It was not published in the United States until 1948 when it appeared in The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories.  The story was adapted for The Agatha Christie Hour (television) in 1982. 

The Fourth Man - A group riding on a train discusses a case of multiple personalities. This story was first published in The Grand Magazine in 1925 and later in The Hound of Death (1933. UK). It was adapted for television in 1982 (The Agatha Christie Hour, episode 4). 

S.O.S - A man gets stranded in the middle of nowhere and encounters a family at a secluded house with strange results. First published in The Hound of Death in 1933 (UK). I found no adaptations for this story. 

Where There's a Will -  A woman hears the voice of her deceased husband over the radio for several days. The effects are disastrous...for more than one person. First published as Wireless in The Hound of Death (1933. UK). I found no adaptations of this story for radio or television.  

The Mystery of the Blue Jar - Jack Hartington is dragged into a strange mystery after hearing a haunting cry of "Murder! Help! Murder!'' coming from a nearby cottage. This story was first published in 1933 in The Hound of Death (UK). I found no radio adaptations of this story, but it was used in an episode of The Agatha Christie Hour (episode 7, 1982). 

Sing a Song of Sixpence - This story was first published in 1929 in Holly Leaves, the annual Christmas special of Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News. It was later included in The Listerdale Mystery (1934, UK). It was first published in the US in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine in 1947.  I didn't find any radio or television adaptations of this story.

The Mystery of the Spanish Shawl - This story was first published as The Mystery of the Second Cucumber in The Novel Magazine, 1924. It was later included in The Listerdale Mystery (1933) story collection with the title Mr. Eastwood's Adventure. This collection changed the title yet again to The Mystery of the Spanish Shawl. I found no adaptations of this story. 

Philomel Cottage - An heiress marries in haste, and comes to wonder how well she really knows her husband. Is he plotting? First published in The Grand Magazine in 1924. It was later included in The Listerdale Mystery story collection in 1934 (UK) and The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories in 1948 (US). It was adapted for radio 3 times for the OTR show Suspense (1924. 1943 and 1946), and once by BBC4 Radio in 2002 (modernized version). It has also been adapted for the stage (1936, titled Love from a Stranger), television (Fireside Theatre, 1950) and film (1947 in the US, titled A Stranger Walked In). The stage play (titled Love from a Stranger) was adapted for film and television four times (1938, 1947 and 1958 and once for West German television in 1957) It is one of Christie's most adapted short stories. 

Accident - A man suspects a wife may be plotting to poison her husband. This story was first published  in 1929 in the Sunday Dispatch under the title, The Uncrossed Path. It was included in The Listerdale Mystery story collection (UK, 1934). In March 1943, Accident was published in Ellery Queen Magazine in the US. It was adapted once into a stage play titled Tea for Three in 1939. 

The Second Gong - A wealthy man who demands his guests never be late to dinner is suddenly....late to dinner. Definitely a case for Hercule Poirot! This story was first published in The Strand Magazine in 1932 and in Ladies Home Journal that same year. It is the basis for a novella (Dead Man's Mirror) published in 1937. It was included in the story collection The Problem at Pollensa Bay and Other Stories (UK) in 1991. This original version of the story has not been adapted, but Dead Man's Mirror was crafted into an episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot (Season 5, episode 7)

Lovely collection of short stories! I am enjoying my journey through Agatha Christie's writing in publication order (with a few backtracks when I miss something....lots of jumping around and re-publication of earlier stories,etc) Nice mix of plots...just a fun, entertaining read. There was not a single story that I did not like! 

Still working my way through short stories....then back to novels! :) 

REVIEW: The Hound of Death (Short Story Collection)

 The Hound of Death
Author: Agatha Christie

The Hound of Death is a collection of 12 short stories by Agatha Christie first published in the UK in 1933. Seven of the stories were first published in magazines in the 1920s. Five of them appeared for the first time in The Hound of Death. 

These stories are a departure from the usual Christie fare. The tales are more supernatural/strange in nature and not murder mysteries for the most part. The stories are varied encompassing everything from a sensational murder trial to the final séance of fake medium. I had no idea before now that Agatha Christie wrote anything like this. I knew she wrote a book about her husband's archeological digs and her autobiography, but I had no clue she ever wrote any supernatural or ghost stories. I had the best time discovering these "new to me'' Christie short stories. While not as good as her detective tales (IMHO), each of these stories was enjoyable!

The stories in the collection are:

The Hound of Death
The Red Signal
The Fourth Man
The Gypsy
The Lamp
Wireless
The Witness for the Prosecution
The Mystery of the Blue Jar
The Strange Case of Sir Arthur Carmichael
The Call of Wings
The Last Séance
SOS

These stories were not published in the United States until much later. The stories were included in the US collections: The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948), Double Sin and Other Stories (1961) and The Golden Ball and Other Stories (1971).

I found an interesting tidbit about the first publication of The Hound of Death. It was first offered as part of an advertising campaign for The Passing Show, a magazine published by Odhams, a British publishing company. Readers could use a coupon from the magazine and seven shillings to get one of six books: The Hound of Death, Jungle Girl (Edgar Rice Burroughs), The Sun Will Shine (Mary Edginton), The Veil'd Delight (Marjorie Bowen), The Venner Crime (John Rhode) and Q33 (George Goodchild). An edition of The Hound of Death for sale in bookshops was published in February 1936. 

The Hound of Death - An American journalist travels to Cornwall to find out if a legend from WWI is actually true. This story was first published for this collection. I could find no references to adaptation for television. This story was adapted by BBC4 as a radio drama in the early 2000s. It was "modernized" though so story elements were fundamentally changed. 

The Red Signal - A medium gives a warning at a dinner party which comes true in dreadful ways. First published in the UK in The Grand Magazine in 1924 and was later included in HOD. It was not published in the United States until 1948 when it appeared in The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories.  The story was adapted for television by The Agatha Christie Hour episode 8 (television) in 1982 and for Suspense (CBS) in 1952. 

The Fourth Man - A group riding on a train discusses a case of multiple personalities. This story was first published in The Grand Magazine in 1925. It wasn't published in the US until The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories in 1948. It was adapted for television in 1982 (The Agatha Christie Hour, episode 4).

The Gypsy - A man confides in a friend the strange reasons for the breakup of his engagement to a young girl.  But the tale has more to do with a nightmare the man has endured since childhood. As far as I could find through my research, this story was first published for this collection. I could find no television adaptations of this story, although BBC 4 Radio modernized this story as a full-cast radio drama in the early 2000s. 

The Lamp - A widow is looking for a home to rent. When she is offered a very nice spacious home at a low rent, she immediately inquires what is wrong with the house. Apparently, it comes with a ghost... This story was first published in this collection. It was not published in the US until 1971 when it was included in The Golden Ball and Other Stories. BBC4 Radio adapted this story as a full-cast radio drama (BBC 4 Extra: Haunted - episode 15 from July 7, 1984.) You can listen to the radio drama online by searching for the story under audio on Internet Archive. I could find no television adaptations listed for this title. 

Wireless - A woman hears the voice of her deceased husband over the radio for several days. The effects are disastrous...for more than one person. The story was first published in the Sunday Chronicle Annual in 1926. After appearing in HOD (UK), this story was not printed in the US until The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories in 1948. I found no adaptations of this story for radio or television. 

The Witness for the Prosecution - This story was first published in 1925 in Flynn's Weekly (US) under the title "Traitor's Hands.'' It is one of Christie's most adapted stories. It was included in this story collection in 1933 and in The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948, US). Christie adapted it into a play in 1953.A film version was made in 1957, and it has been adapted for television multiple times. BBC4 Radio modernized the story for a full-cast radio dramatization (available in audio format - Agatha Christie: Twelve Radio Mysteries) in the early 2000s. Radio City Playhouse also did a radio drama based on the story in 1949. The audio of that OTR episode is available online. 

The Mystery of the Blue Jar - Jack Hartington is dragged into a strange mystery after hearing a haunting cry of "Murder! Help! Murder!'' coming from a nearby cottage. This story was first published in The Grand Magazine in 1924. After appearing in HOD in the UK,  the story wasn't published in the US until 1948 (The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories). I found no radio adaptations of this story, but it was used in an episode of The Agatha Christie Hour (episode 7, 1982). 

The Strange Case of Sir Arthur Carmichael - Dr Edward Carstairs is called in to investigate a case. It seems the personality and behavior of young Sir Arthur Carmichael changed overnight and others in the house hear the strange yowling of a cat at night. This story was first published in this collection. It was not published in the US until 1971 (The Golden Ball and Other Stories). It has never been adapted for television or radio.

The Call of Wings - Silas Hamer is a happy man. He's made a fortune and has the sort of life he wants.  Then, he hears a street musician playing a song and his outlook, and his fate, is strangely changed. This story was first published in this collection. US publication was not until 1971 (The Golden Ball and Other Stories). I could find no adaptations of this story for radio or television.

The Last Séance -   A medium who is retiring decides do do one last séance with disastrous results.    This story was first published in Ghost Stories Magazine in 1924 under the title The Woman Who Stole a Ghost. It also appeared in The Sovereign Magazine in 1927 as The Stolen Ghost. After appearing in HOD in 1933, it was later included in Double Sin and Other Stories in the US (1961). It was adapted by BBC Radio4 (full cast, modernized).

S.O.S. - A man gets stranded in the middle of nowhere and encounters a family at a secluded house with strange results. This story was first published in The Grand Magazine in 1926. After appearing in HOD, it was not published in the US until 1948 (The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories). I found no adaptations for this story. 

I listened to audio versions of all of these stories and enjoyed each one! I couldn't find an audiobook (or print for that matter!) of the actual Hound of Death book, so I had to listen to these stories using three other audio books -- The Golden Ball and Other Stories, The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories, and Double Sin and Other Stories. But, I had to smile when it turned out that those three audio books actually used the narration from a prior HOD audio book with the stories read by Christopher Lee. Lee's voice and style really gravitate towards suspense/horror/supernatural themes...so his narration really made these stories come to life for me. 

My favorite? It's so hard to pick! Probably The Mystery of the Blue Jar because the plot was entertaining and even funny in places. The ending actually made me laugh out loud. :) The Lamp follows closely in second place because I love ghost stories! There were a couple stories in this collection that I felt were a bit too far to the fluff side (The Call of Wings for example was my least favorite of the collection), but none of  the tales were bad. 

Enjoyable listen, even if I had to juggle more than one audio book to hear them all! This was my first reading of all 12 of these stories! I've loved Agatha Christie's writing since I was 9 years ago...but I never read any of the short stories before now. Loving this! For me, it's like discovering new Christie stories! I'm in heaven! 

In 2020 I started a quest to read all of Christie's writing in publication order (or as close as I can get).  I'm up to the 1930s now and having a great time! I am finding that many of her short stories were written early in her career and gathered into book form later, so I'm backtracking and picking up these stories before starting another novel. Fun times! Loving this!

On to the next! 

REVIEW: The Tragedy of Macbeth

 The Tragedy of Macbeth
Author: Shakespeare

I first read this play in high school, which was sheer torture. Then suffered through it again in a Shakespeare class taught by the most boring, horrid professor I ever had. His class consisted of him reading the works of Shakespeare out loud to us in a droning monotone, then giving ridiculous multiple choice quizzes as tests. I came to loathe Shakespeare after an entire semester of Prof Monotone. 

But, The Scottish Play contains some very memorable scenes and quotes -- quotes I use, despite my lack of enjoyment in previous endeavors regarding Shakespeare. When I saw this audiobook available for review, I decided to clean the slate and give William's works another go. It fits in with my quest to read whatever strikes my fancy and to revisit things I read earlier in life to see if my opinion in my 50's remains the same. 

When it comes to literature, I always go all in. I grabbed up an annotated ebook edition of the play, found a film version online to stream, and queued up the audio book. I read a scene and its annotations on my kindle, then listened to the scene, and finally watched actors perform it. And....

I have changed my mind. I do not hate Shakespeare....merely the way in which his plays were presented to me in a school setting. 

This play is wonderful! Heroic Macbeth descends into unchecked ambition, evil and madness. Human nature run amok....all started by 3 witches telling him what his future holds. But....he doesn't listen to all they say....just the part where he will be king. #mistake. 

The audiobook (by DreamScape Media) is just short of 2.5 hours long. It's full cast and has some great narrators, including Scott Brick (one of my favorites!). It's definitely high quality audio and very entertaining. All of the narrators are top notch! 

I'm glad I decided to give this play another go....my opinion is completely changed. I think I will re-visit Hamlet next....then Othello! Great stories that I never really gave a fighting chance due to circumstances that had nothing to do with the plays themselves. 

The video performance I watched stars Judi Dench and Ian McClellan -- it is most excellent! 

**I listened to a review copy of this audio book from DreamScape Media. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. No kings were stabbed during the writing of this review. Advice: Do not listen to prophesies spoken by weird old hags....it can have lasting consequences.**

REVIEW: False Gods

 False Gods
Author: Graham McNeill

I was there the day that Horus fell.....

False Gods is the second book in the Horus Heresy series. Warmaster Horus and the 63rd Expeditionary Fleet continue the quest to bring the galaxy under control of the Emperor. A world formerly brought into compliance has seemingly rebelled, so the Sons of Horus prepare to squash rebels, only to bring about a course of events that will bring about the great heresy. 

I loved this book! Lots of great fighting action, nurgle-ly undead fun and the beginnings of the slide into chaos. Fun times! From 40K lore I knew what was coming....but there was so much action, emotion and great story along the way. Some events I did not expect and a couple characters got what I felt they deserved. Several, of course, got what they did not deserve -- it is the 40K world after all. 

I listened to the audio book version of this story. Toby Longworth is a great narrator! He did a wonderful job of bringing the story to life. The audio is just over 11 hours long. My son listened to the book as well and we had a great time discussing events as they unfolded. 

There are interesting differences between book one, Horus Rising, and this second book. Mostly because they were written by different authors. I like it when a series changes out writers like this -- it makes each story just that little bit different even if the characters are the same. The writing in Horus Rising got more atmospheric and almost poetical at times. That story built the legend of the Warmaster. This second book is more gritty and bloody, more action oriented. The more in-your-face style works better for this second story, as it shows the violence inherent in the quest to bring a galaxy into compliance one planet at a time. And, to show the beginnings of disintegration and descent into the heresy. 

Great book! Moving on to the next -- Galaxy in Flames. 

REVIEW: The Lost Village

 The Lost Village
Author: Camilla Sten

In 1959, more than 800 people disappeared. Every resident of the village of Silvertjarn....gone. Well almost every resident....the only ones left were a dead woman and a baby. Years later a documentary filmmaker brings a crew to the village to film. Alice has a direct tie to the mystery. Her grandmother's entire family disappeared in the incident. Alice is obsessed with the story. She wants to know the truth. So, she gathers friends and takes a film crew to the site. As soon as the crew enters the village, they realize something is very wrong.....but it's too late. 

I love stories like this! I'm a sucker for horror tales based around weird, creepy legends, film crews that get themselves into situations, mysterious disappearances....  I got sucked into this story immediately. Total binge read. I kept thinking to myself the entire time that this story would make an entertaining horror movie. Creepy abandoned houses....mounting fear...strange noises....then screams. Yeah -- would be a great Friday night movie night flick! 

This story is fast paced, creepy and very entertaining. Gory in spots....but not over-done. 

This is the first book by Camilla Sten that I've read. I hope more of her books will be translated into English soon! 

For me, this story deserves a second read. I have the audio book on hold at my local library. The waiting list is more than 2 months long...which is a sign that other people are really loving this book too! By the time I get to the top of the list, I will be able to enjoy this story again without it being too familiar to creep me out for a second time. :)I love listening to creepy stories on audio! I think this story will be even more tense and creepy when it's read to me! 

*I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martins Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Like this one: More English translations of this writer's work please!**

REVIEW: The One Great Gnome

 The One Great Gnome
Author: Jeff Dinardo

Sarah is a bit unhappy when her parents move her from New York City to Hadley, CT. She misses her friends, the city...just her old life in general. Her father wants to fix up their new house, but he isn't exactly the perfect handyman. Things just seem a bit gloomy. But, then Sarah meets an unexpected friend....an old gnome. Vesper. Suddenly she is off on an adventure in a land filled with gnomes, elves, trolls and sprites!

This is a great adventure story for young elementary school age children. Sarah is a great main character. She learns a few things from her new friends, but also helps teach them some important lessons as well. Just a perfect innocent childhood adventure story -- I loved it! I often turn to children's books to have pure enjoyment of a story and to read something less heavy than adult fiction. I listened to this story as I worked outside getting my garden plots ready for planting soon, so it was perfect! 

I loved this sort of story when I was a child. I always wished my closet was a doorway to Narnia or that I could fly with Peter Pan. This story has that same innocent magic! An adventure just for a child who needs something to liven up their world...just a bit. 

I will definitely be reading more by Jeff Dinardo!

I listened to the audiobook version of this story. Narrated by Simone Stevens, the audio is just short of three hours long. Easy listening length! Stevens does a great job of narration. This story was a fun, entertaining listen as I worked outside in my yard. 

**I voluntarily listened to a review copy of this audiobook from One Elm Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: We Begin At the End

 We Begin at the End
Author: Chris Whitaker

This book is well written, and drives its plot home with well-measured words and realistic, flawed characters. Duchess...a 13 year old girl who pictures herself as an outlaw to keep people away from her but who would do anything for her little brother. Walk....an aging Chief of Police whose own body is now failing him. And a whole cast of small town characters flawed and broken by life choices, secrets, lies, and fate. 

This story is haunting and sad. After the last year we have all endured, I found it difficult to listen to this story. I think I just read this book at the wrong time in my own life to become fully immersed in it. I recognize the skilled writing and the wonderful narration in the audio book.....this is a superbly crafted tale. I'm just not in the right headspace now to enjoy sad stories where there is no happy ending. But life is like that right? Some people deserve better than they get -- and some earn worse than they ever experience. That's the way it goes. 

Beautifully haunting. Sad. A book that will leave you thinking well after the last word is read. 

I loved it and hated it at the same time. I couldn't stop listening to the audio book, even though at times I really wanted to abandon this story. Isn't that the mark of a well crafted, but emotionally difficult, story? I think so. Full stars from me....despite the fact I personally found this story difficult. I have added this book to my list of stories I want to re-visit when things are a bit less stressful. I think I will enjoy it more after some time has passed. 

The audio book is 10.5 hours long and narrated by George Newbern. Newbern is a skilled voice actor. He didn't try to sound female as he read sections about Duchess and other female characters, but imparted their personalities in other ways. So much better than an adult man trying to sound like a 13-year old girl, as many narrators attempt. 

This is the first book by Chris Whitaker that I've read. I'm curious about his other novels and what he might write next. I am sure that I will be reading more! I highly recommend this book! But be aware going in  that it's emotionally heavy stuff. 

**I voluntarily listened to a review copy of this audio book from Macmillan Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Mountain Man - Safari

 Mountain Man: Safari
Author: Kevin Blackmore

Gus Berry. He was a house painter...an average joe...an overweight, middle-aged white guy. And then the zombies came. Now, Gus is still an overweight, middle aged white guy but add survivor, heavy drinker and slightly insane to the list. Well, maybe more than slightly insane...his best friend is Captain Morgan off the label of his favorite bottle of rum. He talks to Morgan and Morgan talks back. That's pretty insane, right?  But I can't fault the guy...with dead people roaming around wanting to kill him and other survivors being just as dangerous, having a buddy is important, even if it's a fake pirate off a rum label. 

I enjoyed this second book in the Mountain Man series. But I have to say that I wanted to hop into the book and slap some sense into Gus. He gets an idea into his head....fueled by loneliness, booze and burgeoning mental issues, and makes some real strange decisions in this story. But...given the character and the situation, I didn't have a problem with his actions. It certainly kept the action going! Nope -- not going to say what his decisions were....you have to read or listen to the book! I will say.....he follows it through to the very end. Go big or be zombie food!

I didn't expect the ending....I love it when a zombie story has some surprises for me. The book definitely kept my attention from start to finish. I don't usually binge a series, but I enjoyed book 1 so much I went right into book 2! 

I listened to the audio book version of this story. Narrated by R. C. Bray, the audio is a bit over 7 hours long. Bray is an excellent narrator! He has definitely joined the ranks of my favorites now! He brings the character to life and does a superb job of voice acting!

This series is gritty and most likely not for some readers. Gus is a foul-mouthed drunk who obsesses about finding toilet paper, the condition of his balls, his liquor supply and killing deadheads. Not necessarily in that order. 

Enjoying this series! Definitely continuing with the audio books -- I love R.C. Bray's narration! 

REVIEW: Mountain Man

 Mountain Man
Author: Keith Blackmore

I enjoy a good zombie story...especially one that steps away from the typical characters/plots. The main character in this series is just an average guy. He's not a survivalist...not really prepared...and not a stand-out in any way really. Gus Berry was a house painter before the zombies came. He was a fat, lower middle class white guy. And content with that. Then the world went to hell....and Gus learned quickly how to survive. Now he is a less fat, average white guy who survives by scavenging, drinking and sheer dumb luck. 

This is what might happen to an average joe spending two years or more by himself, isolated up on a hill above a city filled with zombies who want to eat him. He's a bit off his head.....too much into the bottle....and doing the best he can do. He found a house that fits his needs and made it safe.....he finds what he needs to survive....and has learned a few lessons on what to avoid. He makes mistakes...lots of them. He's obsessed with finding toilet paper (after events in 2020, I fully sympathize!) and drinks to celebrate each and every time he arrives back home after a scavenging trip. 

This story is not for those who have issues with a man being a man. He has no filter -- when you are alone after the end of the world, who needs a filter? Gus focuses a lot on his booze supply, self-medicates frequently with alcohol, cusses with abandon, celebrates when he finds toilet paper to wipe his ass, scratches his balls whenever the hell he wants, and is just happy to finish the day alive. He drinks so much he vomits.....shits his pants a couple times....talks to his buddies Captain Morgan and Uncle Jack like a castaway making friends with a soccer ball....and survives. This isn't a pretty story.....it's the freaking zombie apocalypse. Dead people want to attack and eat him. He's alone. Society is gone. The plot is gritty, gross in places, and unapologetically male. If any of that might offend...pass this story by. Not every story is for every reader. 

I listened to the audiobook version of this story. Narrated by R.C. Bray, the audio is a bit over 8 hours long. Bray does an outstanding job of narrating! He really brought Gus to life and did an excellent job of voice acting. Definitely adding Bray to my list of favorite narrators. Outstanding! 

Just going to stress this fact -- this book is NOT for anyone who doesn't want to hear about bodily functions, drinking, guy stuff, guy junk, sex and violence. All of the above is in this story....unfiltered and real. It's the zombie apocalypse....and Blackmore sanitizes nothing. 

Enjoyed it! Moving on to the second book....gotta find out what happens to Gus next! 

REVIEW: Mountain Man - The Hospital

 Mountain Man: The Hospital
Author: Keith C. Blackmore

This is a prequel to the Mountain Man series. I've been very curious about these books, since I love zombie stories. This freebie prequel was hanging out in my Audible library, so I decided the best place to start is at the very beginning. 

This is the first book by Keith Blackmore I've read. I enjoyed the awesome zombie story, but also the gritty reality of this prequel tale. Augustus "Gus'' Berry scavenges for supplies where he can and is very careful. This time, he scouts out a hospital building. He's dressed for a supply run and armed....  The first trip into the abandoned hospital nets him a good bit of supplies....so he decides to make a second trip. The second trip does not go as smoothly as the first.....and Gus finds himself in a bit of a mess. 

Great story! And a nice introduction to Blackmore's writing. Gus is not a pretty character -- he's a slightly overweight former "good ol' boy'' just trying to survive. At least that's the impression I get from this introductory story. I'm definitely going to read the rest of this series! 

I listened to the audiobook version of this story, narrated by R.C. Bray. Bray did a great job of narrating! This story had some really disturbing events, and Bray really brought out the feel and tension of the scene and the earthy grit of Augustus Berry.

This story was a ball-breaking, pants shitting good time....literally. Poor Gus! I can't wait to read more of this series! 

**I voluntarily downloaded and listened to free copy of this short story from Audible. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.**

REVIEW: The Invisible Woman

 The Invisible Woman
Author: Erika Robuck

This book is based on the true story of Virigina Hall, a woman recruited as an allied spy in World War II. I love reading stories about history that are about (or based on) the lives of real people. Before I read this book, I had never heard of Virginia Hall. So glad I read this book! Hall was a remarkable woman who was strong in the face of overwhelming violence and terror. 

I've read several books about female spies during the war and the French resistance, but this one definitely ranks at the top. I can't even imagine how much courage it took to do what she did. What a great story! Every time I read a story about the bravery of people in war time, I always wonder if I could be that brave myself. None of us really know how we will act when faced with danger until we are actually in that moment. Any little mistake....trusting the wrong person....saying the wrong words...could be disastrous. Can you imagine living years under that sort of fear every day? I think that's why I'm drawn to stories like this -- people thrown into very dangerous situations who learn to do wonderful, scary things to protect others. Wonderful book!

This is the first book by Erika Robuck that I've read. I'm definitely going to be reading more -- especially Hemingway's Girl and The House of Hawthorne!

Great book about a great lady! Very enjoyable! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: The Nature of Fragile Things

 The Nature of Fragile Things
Author: Susan Meissner

This book was not what I expected. I actually requested it by accident thinking it was another book. I read all books I request for review...so I was going to read this with an open mind, even if it was a romance novel. I made a snap judgement based on the book blurb -- mail order bride, a move across the country, a huge earthquake....must be a romance novel....but one with an intriguing enough plot, even for someone who avoids the romance genre. 

Like I said -- this story surprised me. This book is not a romance novel....it's a novel about women coming together in the face of disaster and life-altering events. Sophie moves across the country to marry a man she doesn't know and comes to love his young daughter like her own. Kat is grieving the loss of her mother. The five year old hasn't spoken a word since her mother died. And Belinda, a woman who shows up on the doorstep unexpectedly, has details about Sophie's husband and his past. Then the 1906 San Francisco earthquake hits....and these women go on a journey that will require them to be very strong. 

A beautiful and suspenseful story! I loved it! Sometimes it's good to journey outside favorite genres and discover something unexpected and wonderful. I have the audio version of this book on hold at my local library because I want to enjoy this story again -- and have it read to me this time! 

This is the first book I've read by Susan Meissner. I'm definitely going to read more by her! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: The Burning Girls

 The Burning Girls
Author: C.J. Tudor

Chapel Croft has a dark history. 500 years of dark history, in fact. It all started when 8 protestants were burned at the stake in the 16th century. Sometimes old secrets don't go away, even after centuries. When a new vicar with a teenage daughter move to town, they discover that the townspeople have some strange and creepy traditions. Not only that, 30 years ago two local teenagers disappeared and were never seen again. And....just a month ago, the former vicar committed suicide. 

Creepy! And just the sort of dark, twisted, wonderful tale I have come to expect from C.J. Tudor! I've read 3 other books by her (The Chalk Man, Hiding Place and The Other People) and loved them all! 

This book turned into a binge read. I couldn't put the book down and ended up reading until 3 am to finish it! Great story! I'm not going to say much about the plot, as I don't want to accidentally give anything away. There were some hints early on as to the truth behind matters, but I was still glued to the words until the very end! 

Can't wait to discover what story she has to tell next! C.J. Tudor is rapidly becoming one of my favorite writers! I have the audio book of this story on hold at my local library because I want to read it again -- well, have it read to me anyway! I found it worthy of a re-visit! Then maybe I can pick up on some of the early hints that I might have missed! And, there is just something about having a suspenseful, creepy story read to me....it brings the atmosphere out full force! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Random House/Ballantine. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Furbidden Fatality

 Furbidden Fatality
Author: Deborah Blake

Kari Stuart's life does a complete turn around when she wins the lottery. It's hard to decide what to do when so many options open at once -- she decides to help a run-down animal shelter. As Kari starts to find her life's direction, complications arise....including a dead body. With help from her new-found friends, Kari must prove she didn't kill the dead man. 

This is the first book by Deborah Blake that I've read. I will definitely be reading more! I like her writing style, the characters are fun, and the story is very entertaining! A great start to a new cozy series! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the Catskills Pet Rescue series.

The story made me think....if I won the lottery and could do anything I wanted, what would I do? Tough question. I don't think I would find the answer as quickly as Kari did! 

Fun book! Loved it! The front cover is just awesome!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: The Future is Yours

 The Future is Yours
Author: Dan Frey

Ben and Adhi are friends. They've been friends since college. One is extremely driven....the other is a genius with issues. A perfect combination to create something wonderful....and dangerous. A computer. But so much more than other computers or tech devices. Their invention can connect to the internet....   But, you say, almost any device including toasters can now connect to the internet. But....can they connect to the internet a year in the future? Ben and Adhi's invention can.....

Wow....this book had me thinking so many thoughts. If I could....would I? If it could be invented....should it? My ending answer was pretty much a very strong....NO. But I can definitely see the pull of such a device....people might want to know how their business will do, who they will be dating, stock prices, election results.... But could they handle the knowledge that they are going to die? Or that very bad things await them in the next year? 

Sometimes what people want....and what their decisions actually bring them....are two very different things. What if people could see those things a year in advance? Oh, it could cause all sorts of bad bad things to happen....very bad things. But once you open that gate....can it be closed again? 

Very interesting book! This is the first book by Dan Frey that I've read. I'm definitely going to read his other book, The Retreat!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Random House. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

3/27/2021 - Just listened to the audiobook version of this story. Loved it! Full cast. Great narrators. Enjoyed it so much! 

REVIEW: The Broken Spine

 The Broken Spine
Author: Dorothy St. James

Trudell Becket is shocked when she hears that the library where she works is going to become a bookless technology center -- digital only. In a panic to save what books she can, she enlists the help of some fellow employees to hide a stash of books in a hidden room in the library's basement. When the man responsible for the change is killed...in the library, no less....Trudell is a suspect. She and her secret bookroom crew have to do some amateur investigating to keep Trudell out of trouble!

I love my local library's digital site....but I would really hate it if the 3 libraries I use suddenly got rid of all their physical books, movies and music offerings!! I can see the benefits....but it would leave so many patrons wanting "real'' books! Not to mention those without a computer or device would be left out in the cold! I silently cheered Trudell as I read about them sneaking books to the basement....and I kinda didn't feel too badly about the guy who got offed. :) Just kidding....but still...he was a bit of a wanker. Taking books to the landfill??? Grrrrr!!!!!!!!!

I liked the characters and setting. The plot moved along at a nice pace and there was plenty of sleuthing and suspects. Very entertaining and fun to read! 

Excellent start to a new cozy series! I'm eagerly awaiting book 2 in the Beloved Bookroom mystery series! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: The Second Gong

 The Second Gong
Author: Agatha Christie

A wealthy man who demands his guests never be late to dinner is suddenly....late to dinner. When the man is found dead, it's definitely a case for Hercule Poirot! 

This story was first published in The Strand Magazine in 1932 and in Ladies Home Journal in the US that same year. It is the basis for a novella (Dead Man's Mirror) published in 1937. It was included in the story collections The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948, US) and The Problem at Pollensa Bay and Other Stories (UK) in 1991. This original version of the story has not been adapted, but Dead Man's Mirror was crafted into an episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot (Season 5, episode 7).

A very entertaining story! I love locked-room mysteries done up Christie style! 

I listened to an audio version of this story from The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (HarperAudio), narrated by Hugh Fraser. Excellent listen! Fraser is rapidly becoming one of my favorite narrators! I like his voice and he does a very good job of voice acting. 

On to the next! 

REVIEW: The Listerdale Mystery (Story Collection)

 The Listerdale Mystery
Author: Agatha Christie

The Listerdale Mystery gathers 12 short stories by Agatha Christie that were first published in various detective or fiction magazines from 1924-1926. The stories were gathered into book form under the title The Listerdale Mystery in 1934. The stories were not published in the US until much later in two separate story collections, The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948) and The Golden Ball and Other Stories (1971). 

The best known story in the collection is Philomel Cottage. Early in Christie's career (before WW II), this story was the most adapted/most popular of her short stories. Philomel Cottage was made into a stage play, radio drama and movies. The play and  at least 3 movie versions (1937, 1947 and 1958). The play and movies changed the title to Love From a Stranger. It was also adapted for the radio mystery program Suspense at least 3 times in 1942, 1943 and 1946. In January 2002, BBC4 Radio presented a "modernized'' version of the story. 

The stories included in The Listerdale Mystery are: 

The Listerdale Mystery
Philomel Cottage
The Girl in the Train
Sing a Song of Sixpence
The Manhood of Edward Robinson
Accident
Jane in Search of a Job
A Fruitful Sunday
Mr Eastwood's Adventure
The Golden Ball
The Rajah's Emerald
Swan Song

The Listerdale Mystery - first published in The Grand Magazine in December 1925. The story was first published in the US in 1971 as part of The Golden Ball and Other Stories. An upper class family that has fallen down on their luck rents a very nice town house for next to nothing...but is there something sinister going on? 

Philomel Cottage -  An heiress marries in haste, and comes to wonder how well she really knows her husband. Is he plotting? First published in The Grand Magazine in 1924. It was later included in The Listerdale Mystery (UK) and The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories in 1948 (US). It was adapted for radio 3 times for the OTR show Suspense (1924. 1943 and 1946), and once by BBC4 Radio in 2002 (modernized version). It has also been adapted for the stage (1936, titled Love from a Stranger), television (Fireside Theatre, 1950) and film (1947 in the US, titled A Stranger Walked In). The stage play (titled Love from a Stranger) was adapted for film and television four times (1938, 1947 and 1958 and once for West German television in 1957) It is one of Christie's most adapted short stories. 

The Girl in the Train - first published in The Grand Magazine in February 1924. First published in the US in The Golden Ball and Other stories. George Rowland is a bit lazy and gets into a row with his uncle. He sets out on a journey to a town he finds in a tourist book -- Rowland's Castle. But....he finds a bit of an adventure instead! Adapted for television in 1982 for The Agatha Christie Hour (episode 3). 

Sing a Song of Sixpence - This story was first published in 1929 in Holly Leaves, the annual Christmas special of Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News.  First published in the US in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine in 1947, it also appeared in The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948). I didn't find any radio or television adaptations of this story.

The Manhood of Edward Robinson - An impetuous man who feels a bit controlled by his fiance, Maud, wins $500 in a contest on goes on a bit of an unexpected adventure. This story was first published in The Grand Magazine in December 1924 in the UK. The story was not published in the US until The Golden Ball and Other Stories in 1971. This story was adapted for television in 1982 for The Agatha Christie Hour (episode 10)

Accident - A man suspects a wife may be plotting to poison her husband. This story was first published  in 1929 in the Sunday Dispatch under the title, The Uncrossed Path. In March 1943, Accident was published in Ellery Queen Magazine in the US. It was later published again in the US in 1948 (The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories). It was adapted once into a stage play titled Tea for Three in 1939. 

Jane in Search of a Job - Jane Cleveland needs a job. She sees an interesting advert, and ends up on quite the adventure! First published in the UK in The Grand Magazine in August 1924, this story was not published in the US until 1971 when it was included in The Golden Ball and Other Stories. It was adapted for television in 1982 for The Agatha Christie Hour (episode 9). Some changes were made to the story, but the changes are minor.  

A Fruitful Sunday - A Housemaid on her Sunday off is tempted to make a poor decision. This story was first published in the Daily Mail in August 1928. It was not published in the US until 1971 when it was included in The Golden Ball and Other Stories. No adaptations for radio or television for this story were found. 

Mr. Eastwood's Adventure - This story was first published as The Mystery of the Second Cucumber in The Novel Magazine, 1924. It was later included in this story collection with the title Mr. Eastwood's Adventure, and The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948) with yet another title change - The Mystery of the Spanish Shawl. I found no adaptations of this story. 

The Golden Ball - After being fired by his wealthy uncle for being less than dependable, George Dundas meets a very interesting society girl who asks him to marry her, leading to a bizarre chain of events. This story was first published under the title Playing The Innocent in the Daily Mail in August 1929. No radio adaptations of this story were found. It was adapted for television by NBC in 1950 (Fireside Theatre Season 2 episode 18). I could not find video anywhere of this episode. 

The Rajah's Emerald - James Bond travels to the beach with his girlfriend, but feels slighted by her. A rash decision leads to unexpected events. First published in Red Magazine in July 1926 in the UK. Not published in the US until The Golden Ball and Other Stories in 1971.  I found no radio or film adaptations for this story.

Swan Song - An opera star agrees to a private performance, and gives the ultimate Swan Song. This story was first published in The Grand Magazine in September 1926 (UK). It was not published in the US until 1971 (The Golden Ball and Other Stories). This story has never been adapted for television. BBC4 Radio did a dramatization of this story in the early 2000s, but it was "modernized'' with major changes to the plot and characters. 

I enjoyed all of these stories! I couldn't find a copy of The Listerdale Mystery itself, so listened to these stories from two audio books - The Golden Ball and Other Stories and The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories, both from HarperAudio. Hugh Fraser narrated. I like Fraser as a narrator. He reads at a steady pace and does a very good job of voice acting. 

Very enjoyable! This was my first read for all of these tales. Agatha Christie has been my favorite author since I was 9 years old, but I always stuck to her novels and never read her short stories. So much fun to discover so many new-to-me tales from my favorite writer!

On to the next! 

REVIEW: Sing a Song of Sixpence

 Sing a Song of Sixpence
Author: Agatha Christie

Sir Edward Pallister is unexpectedly called on to fulfill a half-hearted promise he made to a girl he met while travelling. The girl's aunt has been murdered and four family members are suspects. She asks Pallister to investigate and determine which family member bumped the old lady off. 

This story was first published in 1929 in Holly Leaves, the annual Christmas special of Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News. It was later included in The Listerdale Mystery (1934, UK). First published in the US in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine in 1947, it also appeared in The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948). I didn't find any radio or television adaptations of this story. 

I listened to an audio version of this story (The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories, Harper Audio), narrated by Hugh Fraser. Very entertaining story with that classic Christie unexpected reveal. 

I never realized until now that Christie wrote so many short stories. I'm definitely enjoying reading my way through them. Hard to keep to publication order as many of the stories were originally printed in the 1920s or early 30s and later re-printed in story collections. Sometimes the stories appear with different titles, or were re-worked into novellas or novel length later on. 

As I find adaptations of stories for radio and television I'm taking the time to hunt up as many of those episodes/shows as I can, as well as any film versions. Many of these short stories -- including this one -- have never been adapted at all. Someone really should rectify that and flesh these remaining stories out for radio drama or tv!!

On to the next! 

REVIEW: Stella

 Stella
Author:  McCall Hoyle

This story is told by a dog named Stella. After making a mistake sniffing out explosives, she is too anxiety ridden to continue as a working dog. She has trouble settling into a new home. She's just scared and unhappy. Then Stella meets Cloe, a human little girl that adopts her. Then she smells something wrong about Cloe....maybe she can become a new kind of service dog if she can just figure out how to get Cloe's family to understand there is something wrong. 

What a lovely middle grade book! I loved having the story told from the dog's perspective. It would be frustrating to know something so important and not be able to easily communicate! 

Wonderful book! I'm going to buy this for my granddaughter! She will love it! Such a heartwarming story!

This is the first book I've read by McCall Hoyle.I definitely want to read more! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Shadow Mountain Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Undercover Kitty

 Undercover Kitty
Author: Sofie Ryan

I love the Second Chance Cat series! Sarah and her distinguished cat side-kick Elvis are wonderful main characters, and the awesome bunch of seniors who run an amateur detective agency out of Sarah's second hand shop are just wonderful! Charlotte's Angels -- every time I read or hear that name when I'm listening to audio, I smile. Too cute! 

This time, Elvis goes undercover at a cat show. Someone has sabotaged the last couple of shows, and the Angels are on the case! Sarah, of course, gets roped in to help as well. Things seem to be going ok (and Elvis is doing quite well for himself) until.....one of the volunteers is murdered. 

Undercover Kitty is the 8th book in this series. I look forward to each new book! The series is well written...and I just love Elvis! His kitty antics make my day when I read these books!

This story is a great addition to the series. The plot moves along nicely. I liked the setting. There is plenty of sleuthing and suspects. Some surprises along the way. Just a very entertaining cozy mystery! 

Looking forward to the next book! 

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Berkley (and checked the audio book out from my lovely local library as well!). All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)

REVIEW: Philomel Cottage

 Philomel Cottage
Author: Agatha Christie

An heiress marries in haste, and comes to wonder how well she really knows her husband. Is he plotting? First published in The Grand Magazine in 1924. It was later included in The Listerdale Mystery story collection in 1934 (UK) and The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories in 1948 (US). 

This is one of Agatha Christie's most adapted stories. It was adapted for radio 3 times for the OTR show Suspense (1924. 1943 and 1946), and once by BBC4 Radio in 2002 (modernized version). It has also been adapted for the stage (1936, titled Love from a Stranger), television (Fireside Theatre, 1950) and film (1947 in the US, titled A Stranger Walked In). The stage play (titled Love from a Stranger) was adapted for film and television four times (1938, 1947 and 1958 and once for West German television in 1957).

A story re-told that many times, in nearly every format, must be a great tale! And it is! 

The 1937 movie, titled Love From a Stranger,  is available on Youtube. It starred Basil Rathbone, Ann Harding and Binnie Hale. The film is based on the 1936 stage play. In the United States the movie was titled A Night of Terror. The movie fleshes out the story and makes a few changes, but it's still very good. 

This story is very clever. I can see why it was adapted so many times. It is definitely classic Christie. 

I listened to this story in audio format from The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories, narrated by Hugh Fraser. Loved it! 

On to the next! 

REVIEW: Unleashed

 Unleashed
Author: Amy McCulloch

I loved the first novel in this series, Jinxed. So, I was definitely on board for this follow up! 

Jinx is a baku...a personalized smart pet. Lacey Chu loves her baku very much, even though she really isn't supposed to have Jinx. She found and repaired him. (Read the first book!) MONCHU the company that builds baku is up to some shady things. At the end of the first book, Lacey was in trouble...and the situation gets even more tense in Unleashed. Can Lacey and her friends prevent MONCHU from succeeding in its sinister plans?

I absolutely LOVE the idea of a fully customizable smart pet! I would own a Jinx in a heartbeat (don't tell my dogs & cats...)! 

This book closes out the Jinx duology. Excellent, cute and exciting books for middle grade readers (and adults, too!). 

I can't wait to read what Amy McCulloch writes next! Children's books are such a wonderful escape for me -- and Lord knows after the last year, I needed escape! These stories about Lacey and her baku Jinx fit the bill perfectly! 

Full stars from me! Fun, entertaining and wonderful! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book....and immediately bought the audio book when it came out! :) All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** 

REVIEW: Mr. Eastwood's Adventure

 Mr. Eastwood's Adventure
Author: Agatha Christie

This story was first published as The Mystery of the Second Cucumber in The Novel Magazine, 1924. It was later included in The Listerdale Mystery (1933) story collection with the title Mr. Eastwood's Adventure, and The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (1948) with yet another title change - The Mystery of the Spanish Shawl.  In my opinion, I like the original title best because The Second Cucumber is central to the plot. 

A mystery writer is having a bit of writer's block. Anthony Eastwood just can't seem to get words to form on the page and he's nearing deadline....a chance phone call solves his problem. He definitely goes on an adventure! Writers block....solved!

I didn't find any adaptations of this story. I'm surprised, to be honest. The plot has the usual Christie twist, and it's entertaining. 

I wonder why the title was changed three times? Second cucumber was abandoned totally....and the latter two titles still appear in story collections when this tale is reprinted. 

I listened to this story in audio format narrated by Hugh Fraser (played Hastings in the Poirot television show). Very entertaining listen! Fraser is a wonderful narrator. 

On to the next!