Tales From the Cryptids Connecticut Cryptids, Patrick Scalisi & Illustrations by Valerie Ruby-Omen (2023) Never judge a book by its cover. And, usually, never judge a book by its Goodreads reviews. But always judge Goodreads reviewers by their idiotic reviews: That has to be one of the least self-aware … [Read more...]
Book Review: In the Blood
Bloody Good In the Blood, Charles Barber (2023) This book is so good. I don't care if you're not a non-fiction reader. You'll enjoy this book. It is as good as any mystery or thriller simply because it is a mystery and a thriller. And bonus: it all happened in Connecticut. (Well, except for the parts in Somalia … [Read more...]
Book Review: A Professor, A President, and a Meteor
Weston Rocks! A Professor, A President, and a Meteor, Cathryn J. Prince (2011) I was "friends" with Cathryn Prince for a year or so before meeting her in person at a book signing in 2011. 21st-century "friends." In other words, Twitter friends. A Connecticut resident and professor, Prince specializes in writing … [Read more...]
Whitlock’s Book Barn
[Some Whitty Title Pun] Whitlock's Book Barn, Bethany May 2024 I learned something years ago while traveling the backroads of Connecticut, often with one or two children: do not bring them to large used bookstores. I need my time. I can't be rushed or distracted. I don't just need to peruse, I need to … [Read more...]
Book Review: The Bright Silver Star
He's Rich, Young, Handsome, Tortured, Gay, and... Dead The Bright Silver Star, David Handler (2003) This is the third in David Handler's Berger and Mitry Mystery series. As always, I will sprinkle in random passages because they are just so Connecticut. I read this book over Christmas week when I was at my … [Read more...]
Top 5 Books I Read in 2023
Top 5 Books I Read in 2023 CTMQ's Reading Challenges and Lists … [Read more...]
Book Review: new haven noir
NwahNoir new haven noir, Anthology Collected & Edited by Amy Bloom (2017) I'll admit to some personal bias up front: I was pretty stoked to read this book. Proper noir is one of my favorite genres for one, but throw in the "everything takes place in New Haven written by people who are or were intimately familiar … [Read more...]
Book Review: The Hot Pink Farmhouse
Tony Dorset The Hot Pink Farmhouse, David Handler (2002) This is the second in David Handler's Berger and Mitry Mystery series. As always, I will sprinkle in random passages because they are just so Connecticut. I'm trying. Really, I am. I'm trying to get past the absurdity of this series of mysteries all … [Read more...]
Book Review: The Diane Smith Canon (Books 1-3)
Positive I've Read Them All? Positive The Diane Smith Canon Diane Smith is one of those ever-present Connecticut people. I've lived in this state since 1991 and she's always been somewhere on television or radio - or on the book racks. She is a consummate media professional and champion for Connecticut. She's a New … [Read more...]
Book Review: The Cold Blue Blood
Blue Bloods and Blood. Lots of Blood. The Cold Blue Blood, David Handler (2001) This is the first in David Handler's Berger and Mitry Mystery series I'm going to introduce this mystery series by using the publisher's introduction: Welcome to the quaint historic village of Dorset, the jewel of Connecticut's … [Read more...]