"The Thing About My Folks"

Peter Falk and Olympia Dukakis portray Sam and Muriel Kleinman and their son is played by Paul Reiser. Although the story revolves around the fact that Muriel Kleinman has left her husband after 47 years of marriage, the real plot line (in my opinion) is about the father/son relationship and Falk and Reiser are incredible in their performances. It takes a road trip and some trips down memory lane to change their relationship and what a trip it is! Despite the serious subject matter of the movie, it is infused with a lot of humor, too. The Kleinman's also have 3 daughters who play minor but pivotal roles in the movie as well as their daughter-in-law who is played by Elizabeth Perkins.

This was our date night movie last night and it's a movie we would both highly recommend.

pazt

"Hermit's Peak"

If you've been following my blog for awhile, you know that I like to read series novels in order so I just finished Michael McGarrity's "Hermit's Peak," which is a Kevin Kerney novel. I love McGarrity's rich attention to detail and a good example is on pages 22 and 23 of the papterback copy of this book where Kerney is doing what he can to eliminate the fleas on a stray dog he's found wandering on his property. This type of detail brings the story and the characters to life for me.

As usual, this is another action packed adventure for Kerney with murders happening too close to his own home for comfort. He's also in charge of the state police at the moment while his friend, the chief, is off on another mission. In the midst of all the action, Colonel Sara Brannon has been promoted and shipped back stateside early from her duty station in Korea and pays a surprise visit to Kerney. He has a lot to juggle throughout this novel but does it with his usual admirable style and brings several cases (with the help of able staff) to a successful resolution as well as making some significant decisions about his personal life.

I can't praise McGarrity enough so I hope you've had a chance to check him out if you're a mystery fan.

pazt

"Sleep and His Brother"

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"Sleep and His Brother" is the first book I've read by author, Peter Dickinson, and I picked it up on the best bets bookshelf at my local library. It is a Felony and Mayhem mystery (www.FelonyAndMayhem.com) and recommends other authors in the front of the book including Cynthia Harrod-Eagles who is one of my all time favorite British mystery authors. That said I had great expectations for this book but it left me disappointed. The style of writing is a little vague and was hard for me to follow. There was a mystery that I caught glimpses of throughout the book but I'm not sure I even yet understand what I read. I'll probably try one of his other books to see if this is his typical style or just a technique he used for this particular book before I decide whether I want to read more of his work.

The basic story line centers around "cathypnic" children which appear to be a figment of the writer's imagination also. Recently retired from Scotland Yard, Detective Jimmy Pibble is persuaded by his wife to go to McNair House (where these children are housed and cared for) to look into some things happening there that she's heard about in her charity work and she thinks he might be able to offer some assistance. This sets off a bizarre chain of events leaving me unsure what really happened most of the time.

Would I read this book again? No Would I recommend it? No Why did I finish it? There were fleeting times during my reading that I thought it might actually be leading to some kind of understandable conclusion so I kept reading to see if I could find it.

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"Blacklands"

Belinda Bauer, author of "Blacklands," is the winner of the Crime Writer's Association Gold Dagger Award for Crime Novel of the Year. The central character in "Blacklands" is a boy named Steven who lives with his mother, younger brother, and grandmother in a small English village. His family is haunted by the disappearance of his uncle, Billy Peters, who disappeared without a trace eighteen years ago and is presumed to be the victim of a child serial killer, Arnold Avery. Steven lives daily with the aftermath of that loss for his grandmother as well as the pain it has caused his mom to have a mother forever grieving the loss of her son. Billy's room is a shrine to be left untouched. Steven just wants his family to be happy -- to be normal. He believes he can heal his family if only he can convince Avery to tell him where his uncle is buried. He starts a correspondence with Avery in prison but hasn't a clue the danger that will open him up to. Bauer does an excellent job of setting the stage for this story's gripping ending. Although this is a well told story, it can be gruesome at times -- reading more like a true crime story -- so I wouldn't recommend it for the faint of heart.

There is author information and group discussion questions at the end of the book as well as an excerpt from Bauer's upcoming book "Darkside."

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"Forest Gate"

I think it is interesting that my review of "Forest Gate" follows my review of "Serpent Gate" but having "gate" in both titles is where the similarity ends. I picked up "Forest Gate," Peter Akinti's first novel, on the "best bets" shelf at my library. It really is a "modern" book and I wondered as the "Jolie-Pitts" were referenced what someone will make of this book 20 or 30 years down the road. Will they know who the "Jolie-Pitts" are?

Author Peter Akinti, of Nigerian ancestry, was raised in Forest Gate, London, so I have made the assumption that, as a black man himself, he knows the difficulties of growing up there. It is an area of London where poverty seems to be handed down from generation to generation and there is a hopelessness among black men -- especially those who want to find a way out.

The story itself centers around three main characters: Ashvin and his sister, Meina, who have come to London from their home in Somalia after their parents were murdered. Mr. Larry Bloom, a white friend of their father's, arranges their passage to England, their entry into the country, and provides support for them to live in a flat on their own in Forest Gate where they attend school.

James Morrison also hails from Forest Gate where all his older brothers are involved in crime and his mother is a crack addict. His father, who is dead, had a girlfriend with a daughter who is a half-sister to James. James wants a way out of Forest Gate and the family crime business.

After James and Ashvin become friends, they make a pact to kill themselves together. However, Ashvin dies while James is only injured. As he is recovering, Meina comes to visit him and a close relationship develops between them. What they discover about each other and the world together, is a true coming of age novel. They both have a lot of loss to face in their young lives and Mr. Bloom is there for both of them as Meina knew he would be.

The book also includes an original essay by the author and reading it helped me understand how he could have come to write a book with such rich detail about life in Forest Gate and what it is like to be a black male in London where racial disparity exists. In his essay, Akinti states: "The British idea of multiculturalism is in fact a dangerous myth. In London, different races may live on top of one another, but we remain separate and often alienated communities."

This book was not particularly a quick read for me but certainly thought-provoking. If you decide to read it, I suggest you start with Akinti's essay (on page 187 of my paperback copy). It's entitled "Forest Of A Thousand Demons" and I believe it is a good prelude to the novel he's written.

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"Serpent Gate"

"Serpent Gate" is the next book in the Kevin Kerney mystery series by Michael McGarrity and it is every bit as exciting as the earlier books. The writing is rich in detail about Kerney and his current case as well as details about New Mexico itself. Kerney finds himself arresting a murderer he doesn't want to see prosecuted while trying to bring an old enemy to justice who has caused countless murders. If you like mysteries and the southwest, don't miss this series. I can't put McGarrity's books down once I start them.

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"The Inn of the Sixth Happiness"

Tonight's date night movie, "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness," is based on the book, "The Small Woman," by Alan Burgess and stars Ingrid Bergman, Curt Jurgens, and Robert Donat. It was moninated for a 1958 academy award. The book is about Gladys Aylward who was born in 1902 in London, England. Although she was in service as a parlor maid when she became a Christian, she felt called to go to China. When she was unable to get there through regular missionary channels, she found her own way by train through Russia to help aging missionary, Agnes Lawson, found an inn. One of her greatest feats in China was leading 100 orphans across mountains to safety when the Japanese invaded China. She eventually founded an orphanage in Taiwan in 1958 and that is where she died in 1970 just before her 68th birthday.

Gladys was not happy with the way "The Inn of Sixth Happiness" portrayed her because it is full of inaccuracies and she believed the romance portrayed in it as well as the "love scenes" soiled her reputation. Despite her opinion, my spouse and I thoroughly enjoyed the movie version! Although it has its inaccuracies, I believe it still portrays what an incredible woman she was and I highly recommend it.

pazt

"Foyle's War - A Lesson in Murder"

My spouse and I are big fans of "Foyle's War" which is a series set in England during WW II and centered around Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Foyle played perfectly (in my opinion, of course!) by Michael Kitchen in an original PBS Masterpiece Theatre mystery series. His driver is played by Honeysuckle Weeks.

My spouse spotted this episode at the library and, when it turned out to be one we had not yet seen, it became tonight's date night movie. When a conscientious objector dies in police custody, it is just one of a series of suspicious deaths that Foyle must investigate. Class distinctions play a role but in his plodding (somewhat Columbo like style), Foyle manages to unravel the puzzle and piece the truth together just as Italy enters the war. It is one of the best Foyle episodes I can remember seeing. It must have been a two parter on PBS because it runs 100 minutes in one setting.

I highly recommend this and any of the Foyle's War series if you like mysteries and would also like to get a sense of what it was like to live in war time England.

pazt

"Wyrd Sisters"

"Wyrd Sisters" -- the animated movie -- is based on Terry Pratchett's Discworld sci-fi/fantasy books. Although I am a fantasy fan, this series probably isn't one I'll be reading as it's a little far out for me. If you're a fan of Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy," though, it would probably appeal to you.

I'm not sure whether I would recommend "Wyrd Sisters" as one of your date night viewing DVD's or not but my spouse and I agree that it was fun. The cover of the DVD pretty well sums up the movie -- "A tale of sorcery and spells, witches and warts, and a fool who's smarter than he looks." The "Wyrd Sisters" are three witches of varying ages and the youngest one's voice is English. I loved listening to her talk because it sounded so much like my English granddaughter -- although my granddaughter's not an adult.

If you do check this movie out, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

pazt

Murder Under A Mystic Moon

Last week I read the third book in Yasmine Galenorn's Chintz 'n China series. It's summer and Emerald is busy at the tea room preparing for the Early Autumn Breeze Celebration in Chiqetaw while keeping her children out of mischief with their own to do lists. However, a request from her new friend, Jimbo, to help him look for his friend, Scar, who has disappeared, starts her on a path that promises more excitement than anyone had bargained for and two mysterious deaths. Emerald teams with Jimbo and her friend, Anna Murray, a Chiqetaw police detective -- both concealing their own secrets -- to solve the disappearance. The case takes them to the Klickavail Valley where Jimbo and other bikers have an enclave. Since the enclave doesn't welcome outsiders, there's another barrier to hamper the investigation. Rumors begin to spread that the legendary Klakatat monster is to blame for the deaths and the press -- including Emerald's not so favorite female reporter -- stir up even more controversy.

In the meantime, Emerald's ex-husband has let their two children know that he and his new wife are expecting a baby. Since he doesn't remember his current children's birthdays nor come to see them, they're sad and Emerald is quietly seething. As if that weren't enough, a former boyfriend who had dumped her for a Hollywood starlet is now back in town declaring he made a mistake and asking for a chance to rekindle their relationship. Although Emerald has some misgivings about her current relationship with Joe, a man ten years younger than she, she's sure that her current relationship is the better one. You'd think solving disappearances and mysterious deaths would be enough for any woman, but Emerald has to live her "real life", too. to keep her business running for the income her family needs and to nurture her children, relationship, and friendships all at the same time. This woman is certainly a superwoman in my book! As usual, a great read!

The book also starts with a quote that I really like: "All birds, even those of the same species, are not alike, and it is the same with animals and with human beings. The reason WakanTank does not make two birds, or animals, or human beings exactly alike is because each is placed here by WakanTank to be an independent individuality and to rely upon itself." -- Shooter - Teton Sioux
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Author, Michael McGarrity

I discovered a new author last week - Michael McGarrity, who writes the Kevin Kerney mystery series. I picked up "Mexcian Hat" on our library's best picks shelf. When I realized it was the second in a series, I decided to read the first one, "Tularosa," first. Another of my favorite authors, Tony Hillerman, highly recommends this mystery series. Other authors who recommend McGarrity's work are Sarah Lovett, Sarah Shankman, Richard Bradford, and Linda Fairstein. I've only read Linda Fairstein before so.....if I ever have enough time to read all the books I want to, here are some more authors for me to check out.

McGarrity is an ex-psychotherapist as well as a former deputy sheriff who lives in Santa Fe, NM, with his family. Both his previous occupations are well put to use in his writing of the Kevin Kerney series. I'm not surprised that he's an Anthony award winning author as well as the recipient of the New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts-Literature in 2004. His writing is so believable that I felt I was right there in every scene. Kirkus Reviews says it is "written with a chemistry and a majesty that'll make (it) irrestible to Tony Hillerman fans."

Many of the historical events, people, and places mentioned in his books are based on fact while others are pure fiction or legends he has elaborated on to enhance his fictional work

His protagonist, Kevin Kerney, is an ex-Santa Fe chief of detectives as well as a modern cowboy who saw action in Vietnam. He was wounded so badly in a gunfight in the line of duty that he is now retired. He grew up on a ranch that no longer exists because the government took his family ranch as well as those of several neighbors to be included in the White Sands missile range. His parents were later killed in an auto accident.

In "Tularosa" Kerney is asked by his former partner to find his son, Sammy, who is also Kerney's godson. Sammy's parents are divorced and Sammy is missing and presumed AWOL from the high-security missile range but neither parent nor any of his friends believe he would have gone AWOL.

Kerney contacts some law enforcement friends and gets a temporary assignment that allows him to work with Captain Sara Brannon, a young army officer on the missile range. At first Brannon is somewhat skeptical and antagonistic when it comes to Kerney but, as he discovers clues that no one else has uncovered, she begins to have respect for him and they develop a more cooperative relationship that leads them both into danger and romance. After they successfully solve the case, Sara is promoted and shipped off to a two-year assignment in Korea but not before a fond farewell to Kerney.

The second book, "Mexican Hat," finds Kerney in New Mexico's Gila Wilderness working a seasonal job as a forest ranger as he tries to save money to purchase his dream ranch. However, the summer is not a quiet one as he becomes embroiled in solving the murder of a young Mexican medical student whose grandfather he finds alone, cold, and with a loss of memory. During the murder investigation, Kerney appears to be the target of an assassin - a complex story where everything ties together nicely in the end. He makes some good friends along the way including Karen Cox, the new assistant D.A. who has returned home with her two children to live on her parent's ranch after her divorce. She asks him to stay on to work as his special investigator and there appears to be a romance in the offing.

I've already requested the third book in this series, "Serpent Gate," from the library but I hope it doesn't arrive immediately. I found it hard to put the first two books down so read them both in a matter of 2 or 3 days!

pazt

"City Island"

One of our date night movies this past weekend was "City Island" which I'd requested from our library. I know someone recommended this movie but, unfortunately, I can't remember who but I enjoyed it and it sparked discussion afterwards. It's centered around the Rizzo family and their secrets. Vince Rizzo (played by Andy Garica) is a corrections officer whose secret wish is to be an actor. Since he doesn't think his wife will understand why he wants to take acting classes, he tells her he's playing poker. His wife, Joyce, played by Julianna Marguiles, thinks Vince is having an affair. Ezra Miller is incredible as the Rizzo son who fantasizes about food and fat women. According to the director he was allowed to improvise because he's so good at it. Dominik Garcia-Lorido (Andy's real-life daughter) plays the Rizzo daughter who has lost her college scholarship and is now stripping when her parents think she's studying. Alan Arkin plays Vince's acting teacher and Emily Mortimer is a young woman Vince has been paired up with in class for an assignment -- that requires some out of class homework. Even Emily has a secret! When their acting teacher asks the class to reveal their biggest secret in class, it starts quite a chain of events. Steven Strait plays Vince's illegitimate son (another secret) who plays a huge role in helping this family come to terms with their secrets and the value of honesty.

I highly recommend this movie written and directed by Raymond De Felitta.

Don't miss the special features and deleted scenes. One of the last scenes in the movie is shortened significantly and, after viewing the full length version, I think it should have been left whole.

Happy Viewing!

pazt

"Death of a Prankster"

If you've been following my blog, you know that I've been reading the Hamish Macbeth mysteries in order and I've just finished "Death of a Prankster." Andrew Trent is old, rich, and a practical joker. When he summons his family home for a deathbed farewell, they all respond in hopes of inheriting some of his money. As it turns out, he's just playing another trick on them and their time in his household is a series of practical jokes. Finally, someone seems to have tired of his pranks because Trent is discovered murdered in his own home. Constable Hamish Macbeth involves his old flame, Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, in helping him solve the case. This one has a lot of twists and turns and I didn't even figure out who did it until near the end -- perhaps because readers were kept in the dark about a few important facts! It's an enjoyable and very quick read!

pazt