Whaaat!?! Books? Not a recipe?
Correct. So far most of my blog entries have been recipes or the like. When I started this blog, it was just to write about whatever floated my boat that day. I have mostly penned about recipes. It has been fun, so I’m not stopping by any means. But spring is here! That means I’ll be playing in the dirt soon enough. This damn winter though. Seriously, it’s been dragging on so long I haven’t been able to garden. I have, however, been able to read a lot lately. A LOT. I currently have 3 books going. That is aside from the one I finished this weekend. In addition, there several books in my arsenal to keep my eyes glued for a while. I found it helps to rotate the genres a bit. Dark, light, cooky, serious…and so on. This summer you know where to find me. Sitting in the sun out back reading ANOTHER good book!
I have been wanting to fit some book reviews in here and there. I haven’t. Now is a good time to start.
This past Saturday was National Independent Bookstore Day. That day provided me with a spontaneous jaunt to a bookstore with my good friend Kim, to see another good fried Jessie that was doing a signing at said bookstore, and to meet another local author. It was great to see my friend and a joy to meet another writer. One of the books I purchased took place in St. Cloud. It really got me thinking about how many good reads I like that are set in Minnesota. And written by Minnesotans. Over the last handful of years I have went outside my box and read genres I would have never thought I’d like. And I love so many of them! I am finding I really enjoy international books, cozies, and even graphic novels. Today I wanna gab MN Authors. Crime and Mystery specifically
What can I say? She is amazing. I am having trouble coming up with words for this review. She has become a good friend. I have ready several of Jessie’s books.
I particularly love the Shay O’Hanlon series. They are crime capers with good humor and plot lines. The characters are all here, in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, as are most of the mysteries they solve. They are such lighthearted, fun, mysterious reads. I giggle when I read the MN references, or funny takes on well known places in Minny. Like the “Magical Pond Casino”, that is located southwest of the cities in the books. If I could figure out how to insert the laughing emoji here I would. Magical Pond Casino. LOL.
Shay and company keep you entertained while you work out in your mind who the culprit just HAS to be. The character construction is so good, you just want more and more of the bunch. The series latest has been written and is somewhere in the process of bookmaking. I have no idea how it works after the writing process. But hot diggity dog I am so excited to get it in print. That one will take the characters to the PNW, which we all know is near and dear to me. I recommend getting started on the series ASAP with Bingo Barge Murder. Another of Jessie’s book I read is Quest for Redemption. Equally as good, with a different mood. That one takes us outside the Gopher State, and back again. LOVED IT! Jessie has piqued my interest in some future writing projects she has her eye on. I am hooked on what those could turn into. I cannot wait!
Jess Lourey is the author I met on Saturday at the book signing, alongside Jessie Chandler. I had seen promotion recently for her latest book “The Quarry Girls”. The Quarry reference in the title caught my attention. When I heard the title my mind went straight to the St. Cloud Quarries. Yep, I was right. The book takes place in St. Cloud during the 70’s. I bought it. I started The Quarry Girls on Saturday and finished it by Monday night. I could not put it down. It’s darker than the books mentioned above and below. But so good. Throwing in some dark reads is good. It reminds me we are not as safe as we may feel in this big world. Even in small central MN. Intriguing, exciting, mysterious. Characters you grow attached to. History that sends you into researching more about it. I loved reading about what life was like in Pantown in the 70’s. The descriptions of places and locations, you knew exactly where she was talking about. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It also reminds me to keep my head on a swivel. Definitely a thriller that thrills. I also purchased Jess’s “Unspeakable Things”. I do not know if it’s inspired by the Jacob Wetterling story, based on it, follows it or what. I haven’t read it yet. But I will be soon. Being close to the same age as Jacob, in the same neck of the woods, it has always hit deep. I can’t NOT read that one.
Third and final review tonight. While I was at Once Upon a Crime in Minneapolis visiting Jessie, she showed me some cozy books to check out. Hot Dish Heaven caught my eye. Right on the cover “A murder mystery with recipes”. Ah. Have y’all met me? That is so up my alley it’s not even funny. Turns out, as you might’ve guessed, I freaking loved it. I loved the characters, the stories within the story, the setting, everything. And that it came with recipes. Every recipe mentioned in the story is included at the end. I’d call it…an index of recipes. I am not very familiar with the north western part of Minnesota it takes place in. Familiar enough to understand what she is describing. Since Hot Dish Heaven, I completed the 2nd in the series and have started the 3rd. I have also purchased a 4th book of Jeanne’s. I love the Ole and Lena jokes. I love the anticipation it gives me, waiting for the next book to find out what crazy paths the characters will stumble down next. I love that I can make the recipes at home and be transported back to the story. Tonight, just for your viewing pleasure as you read my blog, I made a couple recipes from the book. They were delicious! To go with our asparagus, I made beef stroganoff hotdish and lemon bars from Jeanne’s book “A Second Helping of Murder and Recipes.” It all turned out deliciously. If you want these recipes, I guess you will have to buy the book!
It’s been a good night peeps. I hope you all are well and enjoying the long-awaited start of spring. Feel free to comment book recommendations. I can’t wait to hear what you are reading.
Josie! Your words are balm for a writers heart! What wonderful reviews, and what gratifying enthusiasm 🙂 I love that you are hooked on Minnesota mysteries, and will share the fun you have found with your reading audience! From the bottom of my heart, and a great big hug, thank you 🙂