LUCY BURDETTE: Almost two years ago I received an email from Jean Lewis asking if I'd be willing to visit Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda FL for an author's event. We had a wonderful night! I met lots of eager readers, sold books, and chatted with all the lovely booksellers at Copperfish. This year the ladies at Copperfish hosted my book launch for THE KEY LIME CRIME.
Jean has her own blog too, and I love her recommendations. We have an easy time here at Jungle Red Writers finding new mysteries and thrillers, but Jean also reads widely in women's and historical fiction, so I thought you'd like to meet her. Welcome Jean!
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| Lucy with co-owners Cathy and Serena, and Jean |
JEAN LEWIS: There's no time like the present to disappear into a great new book! Boy oh boy do I have some great suggestions. After a short period at the beginning of the pandemic, I've been reading voraciously. I started out reading lighter stuff, but have graduated into heavier novels lately. All great writing.
THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE by Fiona Davis has everything a great novel needs: strong characters, a super-duper location, and a mystery. Plus, it's takes place mostly inside The New York Public Library in NYC. Added intrigue is the true historical value. Not to be missed.
THE EXILES by Christina Baker Kline is a dynamite story of the building of a country: Australia. Women convicts shipped to Tasmania in terrifying detail. Add the story of a young Aboriginal princess who never gave up.
THE KEY LIME CRIME by Lucy Burdette is the latest in the Key West Food Critic Mystery Series starring Haylee Snow. The tenth in my favorite mystery series is sure to lift your spirits and will have you back in Key West where you are sure to smile a lot and kick back and enjoy the atmosphere.
SQUEEZE ME by Carl Hiaasen is guaranteed to make you laugh your head off. Palm Beach; Burmese pythons, whacky characters, political satire and even a return by my favorite Hiaasen character: Skink. Of course there's a mystery or two thrown in. You know you need a good laugh. Well, folks, here it is!
FIFTY WORDS FOR RAIN by Asha Lemmie. I'm reading this one right now. I have slowed way down because I do not want it to end. I don't come across novels like this very often. I am devouring it. A young girl in Japan after WW11 is dropped off in front of a mansion in Kyoto by her mother. She's given a letter and told to ask for her grandparents. Then her mother speeds off down the street. Need I say more...
I'm always looking to the future for books. What's coming? Well, there are a lot of great books arriving after the New Year. Yes, 2020 will come to an end. But there is one novel that I have recently been so fortunate to have read a review copy of. THE FOUR WINDS by Kristin Hannah is the name of this block buster to be. What's it about? Just think on this. The great depression. The Dust Bowl. One incredible young woman with the stamina of a team of oxen. Probably the most anticipated novel of 2021.
I'm always happy to talk about great books. What are you reading?
About Jean: I've had the pleasure of working at Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda, Florida for over four years now. What a joy to work with gifted booksellers who love what they do. I also visit book clubs in the tri-county area of Southwest Florida where I lecture seasonally about the books I'm passionate about. And when I'm not doing that I'm working with Elaine Newton and the Critic's Choice choosing the amazing books for the summer reading list for Artis-Naples. All great jobs!
And ps from Lucy, Copperfish Books is exactly the kind of independent bookstore I love to support by ordering books--hope some of you will give them a try!
And you can follow all of Jean's recommendations on her blog...
Hi, Jean . . . it’s always good to talk about books! Thanks for the suggestions . . . .
ReplyDeleteLike you, I’ve been reading a lot lately . . . recent reads include THE SHADOWS by Alex North, THE BOY FROM THE WOODS by Harlan Coben, BURIED TO THE BRIM by Jenn McKinlay, THE REQUEST by David Bell, and SHADOWS IN DEATH by J.D. Robb . . . .
Sounds like some great titles. I'll have to add them to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteOne book I recently loved was MRS. CLAUS AND THE SANTALAND SLAYINGS by Liz Ireland. It officially comes out next week. As the title suggests, it is Mrs. Claus at the North Pole trying to find out who killed an elf and framed Santa for it. It is clever, fun, and very well done.
I’ve got Squeeze Me on request at the library. I’m getting close to the end of A Rogue of One’s Iwn by Evie Dunmore. I just read a historical mystery set in 1930’s Singapore: The Frangipani Tree Mystery. Now I have to read more in that series. Also read Elly Griffith’s Lantern Men.
ReplyDeleteIn this pandemic year I reviewed my Kindle list and realized I had a lot of unread books. To accommodate that, I've been reading one new, one old since March. I just finished Edith Maxwell's excellent Taken Too Soon and have started Elaine Viets's Brain Storm. After reading your recommendations, my TBR has grown!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to see how much everyone's reading! You've given me some good suggestions. You can see more of my reviews on my blog so I hope you'll visit me at www.mauriceonbooks.com
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kait! And thank you, Jean for that great list. But where is the link to your blog? When we can ever travel again, I'd love to visit Copperfish Books.
ReplyDeleteI just finished Ann Cleeves' newest, The Darkest Evening. She is a a master storyteller, and as I writer I keep trying to learn from her. I also recently read the excellent Murder at Kingscote, Alyssa Maxwell's (no relation) latest Gilded Newport mystery, and the middle part of a history of Pasadena, California (book research). Next up is Louise Penny's newest, which I've been saving as a treat for myself.
I just now added the link to her blog Edith: mauriceonbooks.com.
DeleteI've been saving the Ann Cleeves for the right moment...
Thanks!
DeleteWelcome to JRW, Jean. This is my favorite topic. I have been reading constantly. Last week I finished Annette Dashofy's Til Death. Best Zoe book yet! I also read Grisham's Camino Island and Camino Winds. They are super reads and great fun. Yesterday I finished Crime Scene by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman. Clay Edison is a wonderful new character. I've reserved the next book in the series at my library.
ReplyDeleteThen last night I began Rhys's In a Gilded Cage, and am just loving the Molly Murphy series. I have the first S.C. Perkins Lucy Lancaster book and the first Debra Bokur Detective Kali Mahoe books sitting here, too, along with the next book in the Molly Murphy series. One of Hank's thrillers is on my Kindle and that will also be up very soon. Also, I have the last two books of Jenn McKinlay's Library series on my Kindle. I am going to read them soon because Jenn's stories always lift me up and that's definitely needed right now. Oh, and I have Du Maurier's Rebecca here, too because we all talked about it so much and I haven't read it since college.
When I work in the kitchen, cooking and baking, or if I walk alone, I listen to Audible. Right now, Tolkien's The Two Towers, before that, Deb's A Bitter Feast, which was amazing to listen to after having read it first. I have another of her books and two more of Rhys's lined up on Audible before I begin The Return of the King.
I have cut my news intake back to 1/2 hour a day.
Judy, I read both Camino Island and Camino Winds this summer. I loved them both and blogged about them. I do so love books with both mystery and books.
DeleteJudy, good for you on the news intake!
DeleteDebs, I know, really.
DeleteJean, yes, books and mysteries. Yes, yes, yes.
I think Deb's reader is so good. I don't listen to a lot of audio books, but I love to listen to hers.
DeleteWe may have to get that for our long drive south, assuming we get to go!
DeleteI'm still reading slowly, but did finish FRENCH LIKE MOI, which is a humorous memoir of life in Paris by a Minnesotan. And I stayed up way too late last night with THINGS YOU SAVE IN A FIRE by Katherine Center. Some super-tense scenes about firefighting that had my heart pounding. Do you know her books Jean? She's a new favorite of mine...
ReplyDeleteThese both sound good!
DeleteLucy, I have French Like Moi on my Kindle. I'll move it up on my list. And I LOVE books about firefighting. Going to look up the Katherine Center book now.
DeleteThank you for your suggestions Jean. I'll try Fifty Words For Rain.
ReplyDeleteI alternate reading in French and in English. The last ones in English were : Edith Mexwell's Taken Too Soon, Louise Penny's All The Devils Are Here and Jenn Mckinley's Paris Is Always A Good Idea. I enjoyed those three very good books.
I adore books about Paris. I envy you being able to read in French. Very cool. You will love Fifty Words For Rain. A real page turner.
DeleteNo merit involved, I'm French Canadian.
DeleteSome great recommendations, Jean. I'm currently re-reading Rachel Howzell Hall's THEY ALL FALL DOWN to get me in the mood for her newest, AND NOW SHE'S GONE, which I hope will arrive at my indie soon. And I'm also in the middle of FRANCIS: THE JOURNEY AND THE DREAM, which is about the life of St. Francis of Assisi.
ReplyDeleteI am anxious to read the St. Francis of Assisi book to tell you the truth. And there is a new book about Claire that is written by my daughter's sister in law. A wow.
DeleteThis is the 40th anniversary edition of the book by Murray Bodo, OFM. Nice short little chapters. What's the title of the Claire book? (I'm an alumna of St. Bonaventure University, so I'm a sucker for anything in the Franciscan tradition.)
DeleteI'm looking forward to reading Squeeze Me. Right now I am almost in desperate need of a good laugh. A lot of laughs!
ReplyDeleteYou are going to love Squeeze Me. A laugh a minute.
DeleteThank you for the great suggestions, Jean. More to add to my TBR pile.
ReplyDeleteLast night I finished Jojo Moye's ONE PLUS ONE. Wow, what a page turner. Other September book include ANXIOUS PEOPLE by Fredrik Backman, a treasure as are all his books, THE DARKEST EVENING, by Ann Cleeves, how I love Vera, SUCH A FUN AGE by Kiley Reid, well deserved being long-listed for the Booker, ALL THE DEVILS ARE HERE, Louise Penny knocking it out of the park once more, and A PRIVATE CATHEDRAL, by James Lee Burke. This one blew me away, part mystery and very mysterious, part spiritual, and all philosophical. Reading is all that keeps me going these days -- well that and Sergeant Pepper.
I think I need a job in a bookstore. xox
Be careful what you ask for. Working in a bookstore is a blessing and a curse. I want to read everything. I am a big fan of James Lee Burke but have not read the latest yet. Can't wait.
DeleteWelcome! And what a great list. Making sure you have read THE STRANGER DIARIES by Elly Griffiths. And so eager for Kristin Hannah--she's quite the phenomenon. (Have you had her at the store? I interviewed her at a library event, and there were 850 people. Ahh.) And do you have the scoop on the new Lisa Scottoline? I heard it was a million pages long. (Or...so...) I am so eager to read it!
ReplyDeleteKristin Hannah is a real force. We have not had the pleasure of having her at Copperfish, yet. New Scottoline was not on my radar, but must check it out now. Your new book is on my list of to read. It looks super.
DeleteOh, eager to hear what you think of Lisa's book--I don't have it yet, either. Lots of buzz, and a while new genre for her. (I'm on your list? Okay, now I'm terrified. xoo But thank you! Happy to send it to you if you don't have it. Just let me know.)
DeleteNo no Hank, it's all good to be on Jean's radar!
DeleteRight now I'm reading the second in a series set in a distillery in Scotland, Death Distilled, written by Melinda Mullet. My wine-drinking history professor brother-in-law made this unlikely recommendation, and it's turned out to be a good one.
ReplyDeleteMy book club just read The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes. So good. About a group of women in the 1930's who ride into the Kentucky mountains with library books for remote families. It's based on a true story.
Another good read is The Beantown Girls, by Jane Healey. It's about three friends who leave Boston in WWII to work with the Red Cross in Europe.
I don't know any of those though they all sound good, so will have to look them up!
DeleteKaren, I think I read the first of that distillery series, and really enjoyed it. Thanks for the heads up on the second.
DeleteDebs, I finished the first one and immediately downloaded the next three. It's very good. The first one was her first novel, too.
DeleteI checked and I actually have all four on my Kindle:-) I think I might have read the second, but definitely not the third and forth.
DeleteJean! I just went to your site and read your reviews. They are amazing. Fabulous. Oh, so perfect. I love your voice, and I love your honesty. And the obviously deep understanding and love of writing. And of why people read. Oh! You have a big new fan.
ReplyDeleteThank you Hank! Coming from you that is a big compliment.
DeleteAwww. I know it's hard work, and you are terrific at it. xxx
DeleteI'll be looking up your blog, Jean, as soon as I can squeeze enough computer time in the day. Next to my reading chair, I have Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal--currently on Chapter 8 and plugging away slowly for the sheer surprise factor--often reading it aloud and laughing. Have completed all 14 of Jan Karon's Mitford books--like a mini-vacation to North Carolina. Next up, it's finally my turn with The Key Lime Crime!! Along with Twilight of the Gods, War in the Western Pacific, 1944-1945 by Ian W. Toll. On my Kindle, the first of the Baby Ganesh Agency Investigation series by Vaseem Khan, The Book of the Lost Grail by Charlie Lovett, and Louisiana Longshot by Jana DeLeon. And now, lots more great suggestions here today to add to my list.
ReplyDeleteWe readers can not resist a good book recommendation. Your pile looks almost as tall as mine. I love it.
DeleteOkay, now I know I've got to get to your website for a deep read. I love it when someone who is so knowledgeable about what's out there shares her opinions. A well-informed bookseller is a pearl of great price.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading The Sun Down Motel, by Simone St. James. It's a little outside my normal reading zone, but I'm enjoying it. Before that it was the new J. D. Robb, Shadows in Death, which I enjoyed very much. Before that it was Lucy/Roberta's The Key Lime Crime.
I've got huge TBR stacks all around the house, but I'm never averse to stacking 'em higher.
Jean, I noticed that the Copperfish webpage has a section of books on race. I recently read (also for book club, our members are on fire making amazing picks) Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. So relevant for our times. And as a result of the author Lisa Braxton posting a blog entry here, her The Talking Drum, as well.
ReplyDeleteI also noticed that you sell e-books! Could you explain how that works? I use a Nook to read most e-books, but also have the Kindle app, as well as Libby and OverDrive. How would I go about reading an e-book purchased from your store?
DeleteKaren, they tell me it's very easy. I've not done it yet. But I believe you get led through the process on the website. I will check it out and get back to you. Good questions.
DeleteOkay, if you go to the ebook page on our site along the left side of the page you'll see info on how to read. You will download out app from one of the app stores listed. Easy peasy. I must try it myself.
DeleteThanks, Jean! I often prefer e-books, because I read in bed most nights, and it's easier for me to read from a device.
DeleteI love the posts that get us all sharing what we've been reading!
ReplyDeleteI overlap with many on some of the new releases, so I want to highlight a book I finished recently that caught me by surprise. WHEN WE WERE VIKINGS by Andrew David MacDonald got a five star rating from this reader. The story begins on Zelda, the protagonist's 21st birthday. Zelda was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and has some challenges with learning, but she has the biggest heart and strongest drive of any character I have met in a long time. Zelda is obsessed with Vikings and tries to live her life by the Viking code, which proves to be a pretty good moral compass for her. The book takes us through a period of real personal growth for Zelda and is very inspiring but in a grounded, realistic way. There's no big deus ex machina to make things all better. By the end of the book her life is still not easy. But one comes away convinced that whatever life brings, Zelda will handle it, and that the lives of those around her are better for Zelda's presence in it. I can't stop talking about this book!
that sounds so intriguing! quite an unusual protagonist...
DeleteI fell in love with Zelda! She is so brave. I wish I could hang out with her in real life.
DeleteGreat recommendations, Jean! I also read in multiple genres so the first of my most recent three is literary fantasy (maybe they call it magical realism?): OONA OUT OF ORDER. Fascinating premise about a woman who, upon turning 18, begins to live her life out of chronological sequence. If you loved TIME TRAVELERS WIFE, you'll love this.
ReplyDeleteMy second recent book was Rachel Howzell Hall's THEN SHE WAS GONE, which is a great combination of traditional PI mystery and domestic suspense. Finally, I just finished N.K. Jemisin's wonderful debut fantasy, THE HUNDRED THOUSAND KINGDOMS. In the 10 years since this book came out, Jemisin has gone on to win an astounding three Hugo awards in a row, comparable to a mystery author winning three best novel Anthonys in a row. Highly recommended.
Julia, I'll have to check out Jemisin.
DeleteI love that you read multiple genres. I do too. Broadens our horizons.
ReplyDeleteHi Jean, and it's lovely to have you visit on JRW! A good bookseller's recommendations are priceless! I'm going to check out The Lions of Fifth Avenue and Fifty Words for Rain. I read in multiples genres, too, so always appreciate suggestions that are a little broader. I am reading the new Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling) Cormoran Strike novel, Troubled Blood. I have a hundred pages left out of 914! But I love these characters so much that I hate for it to end. I'm also reading a wonderful non-fiction book called Square Haunting by Francesca Wade, about five women writers in London between the wars. Then I'm looking forward to Rhys's The Last Mrs. Summers and Jenn's One For the Books. And the new Vera. And I have The Stranger Diaries which I really want to get to, and that's not counting all the books on my Kindle. But, really, there is no such thing as too many books, right? Oh, and I have Jim Butcher's new Harry Dresden novel, Battleground, coming next Tuesday. This is really part two of the novel he released in the summer, Peace Talks.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss the release of a new Cormoran Strike novel? Thank you for pointing it out!!
DeleteThank you so much, Jean. My TBR pile was looking a bit low and a bookseller ALWAYS knows the best books. Right now, I am reading the Chronicles of St. Mary's by Jodi Taylor, Untamed by Glennon Doyle, and Don't You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane. For the first time in my life, I'm reading multiple books at a time. My attention is having a hard time sticking with one thing.
ReplyDeleteI often find myself with a pile of review books. I will read a chapter of each until one grabs me. I understand reading multiple books.
DeleteJean, welcome to Jungle Reds and it's a joy to read about your recommendations. I had been reading heavier books for a while and I needed a break from that, so I'm reading lighter books for the time being. Your blog looks great!
ReplyDeleteDiana
Thanks so much, Diana. For the first couple months of the shut down I could not read anything heavy. I read a lot of light stuff. Sometimes we just need light. Well written but light.
DeleteJean, I really don't need more books to put on my TBR list, but your suggestions are too tempting to ignore. I mostly read mystery/crime, but I also love historical fiction, and I don't get to reading nearly enough of it these days. The Lions of Fifth Avenue, The Exiles, and Fifty Words for Rain sound amazing. And, it's time for a Carl Hiaasen book in my life again.
ReplyDeleteIn August I seemed to get my reading mojo back, but I've had a slow-down again. Hoping now that some life things are out of the way, I will get back to my regular reading schedule. I recently finished Louise Penny's All the Devils are Here, and I think it's one of her best. I need to get a review written for it. I've been working on Annette Dashofy's Zoe Chambers series the past few months, and I'm currently reading Cry Wolf, #7. Annette's series has been my go-to reading when I feel overwhelmed, as it comforts me with its familiar and wonderful characters. I'll be starting Martin Edwards' Mortmain Hall this week. Rachel Howzell Hall's new book, Then She Was Gone, is on my short list, too. I just got a new order in from Murder by the Book that includes Ruth Ware's One by One, Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club, and Sophie Hannah's The Killings at King Fisher Hill.
Thank you Kathy!
ReplyDeleteWhat's a good cookbook to learn how to cook for one?
ReplyDelete