24 March 2005 - 1:37Blue Dahlia - Big Bad Wolf - The Lady and the Unicorn

Blue Dahlia, Nora Roberts

I know, I know, she is a romance writer and that is much too mushy for me, but this was pretty good. It is the first in the In the Garden trilogy, and I do look forward to the next. An entertaining and intriguing confluence of women’s lives each at a different point, yet able to relate to one another and support and guide through the obstacles and pitfalls we so often get stuck in. Made more interesting by the appearance of a jealous ghost, and of course hot male characters. What romance wouldn’t be!? Happy endings anywhere are rare these days, so this gives a smile and a hug when you might need it most, not to mention boatloads of hope. I am avidly seeking the second book. Red Lily.

The Big Bad Wolf, James Patterson

A bit predictable to my view, and it certainly left the tale wide open to a sequel. This was my first Alex Cross mystery and likely my last, but in fairness, I enjoy more caperesque fare. Fun because it did include a bit about Atlanta. Women, particularly beautiful socialite types, are being kidnapped across the country and sold into white slavery. The frightening part is that the buyer’s are too often successful well heeled types hiding behind the normalcy of a marriage and children. They each have a special style of depravity that is satisfied only by the continual purchase of new bodies. All too freaky, and likely all too true.

The Lady and the Unicorn, Tracy Chevalier

Fell a bit flat as I am spoiled by the graphicness and romance in today’s writing, but from an historic perspective this was quite fascinating. I know of the tapestries in question having placed three with a client a long while ago. Recalling the tale spun by the proprietress at time of purchase this proved worthy of burning the midnight oil over. The detail is terrific, I truly felt transported back to medieval times both in setting, fashion, and mannerism. Definitely more intriguing if you have seen the works of art first hand.