"A Gathering of Spies"

"A Gathering of Spies" was John Altman's debut novel.  Although Altman is an American thriller writer, this novel is set mostly in Britain with some tie in with the United States in the years 1942-45.

I had picked up one of Altman's later novels but, when I saw that it was a sequel to this one, I immediately returned it to the library and searched for a copy of "A Gathering of Spies" to read.

The plot centers around a female Nazi sleeper agent/spy who has managed to live undetected in the United States despite many of her fellow agents being found and executed.  She's a ruthless and accomnplished killer able to assume the identities of her victims and remain undetected.  Her current husband was invited to work at Los Alamos and, as his wife, she accompanies him.  She uncovers secrets (that she is able to retain in her head without committing to paper) that lead her on a journey back to Germany via Britain to get word to the Fatherland of the new mass destruction weapon America has developed.

Meanwhile back in London, Andrew Taylor, whose wife is in a German concentration camp, has been contacted by an old friend, Winterbotham, who works for the government.  He wants Taylor to go to Germany on an undercover assignment for the British government.  Taylor, hoping to rescue his wife, agrees.

In the meantime, our female German spy is on her way to Britain to connect with fellow spies there and find a way back to Germany.  Along the way, all their paths cross but she doesn't make it easy for them to stop her.  You'll have to read the book to learn how it all ends but I'm on my way to look for the next book at the library.  pazt

"Castle-The Complete Eighth and Final Season"

Last week I watched the final season of "Castle."  I had read that the wrap up and finale were disappointing but I'm here to tell you that it wasn't for me!  I loved the whole season seeing Castle's daughter, Alexis, take a major role in his private investigation firm along with their friend  - an ex-British spy.  In addition to their usual crime solving, they are able to uncover who is behind Lockset and come out with their lives in tact.  Every beloved character in the series is involved in this final season -- except Castle's Dad.  I won't share the ending but it fulfilled my hopes for how the season would end - definitely not a disappointment.  pazt

"Artists In Crime"

"Artists In Crime" is the 6th book in Ngaio Marsh's Roderick Alleyn detective series that I have been reading in order.  Chief Detective-Inspector Roderick Alleyn has taken some time off work and just returned to England from Australia where, even when he is on vacation, he ends up having a case to solve.  It was on board ship that he met the artist, Agatha Troy, who happens to live near his mother in England.

Alleyn returns to England and is staying with his mother before returning to work when a murder occurs at Troy's house -- where she hosts an artist school.  He is called back to duty early to work on the case which is a little awkward since he seems to have a crush on Miss Troy who is now one of the suspects.

It's an unusual murder and an unusual case to solve and kept me entertained as I read half the book on a flight from Seattle to Kansas City and finished the book on my flight home.  I love Marsh's style of writing and story telling and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.  pazt

"Castle" - The Complete Seventh Season

The Seventh Season of "Castle" is my favorite -- at least as much as I can remember of the others.  Although murder is serious stuff, there seemed to be a lot more fun in these episodes.  One episode has Beckett and Castle at a Dude Ranch to solve a murder and another has them on Mars.  We also learn what happened to Castle during the months he'd disappeared.  As he begins to remember some details, he wants answers and just asking questions is dangerous.  Love, love, love this season and sad that Season 8 is the last season so I'm going to put off watching it for a while.  pazt

"Castle" Season Six

I just finished viewing "Castle" - the complete sixth season - and I have to say I liked it so much better than last season.  There's a lot of action as well as a lot of fun as Castle and Beckett make their wedding plans with a few glitches along the way, of course!

The episode with a time Traveler was especially fun!  In episode 6 Castle holds his own in a sword fight with an experienced Ninja.  This season finds Alexis more involved in cases, too.  All in all I have to say this is probably one of my favorite seasons.  However (there always has to be a but, right?) we ended the season with a cliff hanger so I'm glad there's no one waiting in line for the seventh season - I should have it in a few days!  pazt

"Castle" Season 5

When I checked out the complete fifth season of "Castle" from the library, I started watching it right away and, in the beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Beckett and Castle are together at last but have to keep it a secret at work but the chemistry is there and they are having a lot of fun.

There are 24 episodes in all and in episode 21, they begin to do this weird flashback for most of the show and I just didn't enjoy it all that much.  The story ended ok but it was like they were trying to fill time and had nothing else to put there and it does kind of make sense given that particular story line but still....it didn't really work for me.

I've already requested the sixth season from the library and apparently it is on its way!  pazt 

"Yesterday" - the movie

Unfortunately, I missed seeing the movie, "Yesterday," when it was in the movie theaters but my daughter invited me to her home tonight to watch it with her and her in-laws on VUDU.  Although I didn't know what it was about, I'd heard it was good.  It was surprisingly funny with an interesting story line and great music - the Beatles songs.  An added bonus was Ed Sheerhan!  I give it a big thumbs up!  pazt