Author

Cecilia Sutton

The Murderer’s Daughter by Jonathan Kellerman

It is always wonderful fun to open a package containing a book by a favourite author. And for many years I have tried to read everything written by Kellerman, almost as soon as it was written. This one has been out for a while, but I plead extended overseas travel as an excuse for only just getting to it.

Grace Blades is a psychologist with a very exclusive practice. She has a small list of loyal clients who come to her from great distances when necessary. Although she endured a very difficult childhood, clearly her life has turned around. Just before a short vacation, Grace receives an enquiry about a new patient, coming from Texas to talk to her. The first interview does not go well, and there is no chance of a second simply because the new patient is murdered. How, why, and who is this ‘stranger’ reappearing from Grace’s past. And then there is the attempt on her life…

Kellerman is back to his best with this new and fresh idea. This is a real page turner guaranteed to keep you reading until far too late at night. And if you have trouble sleeping, read this one only during daylight hours. You will be looking over your shoulder and listening for things that go bump.

Love a thriller? Don’t pass this one by.

February 19, 2016 0 comment

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Sugar-Free Cooking by Sue Quinn

written by Cecilia Sutton

Every bookshop now has a huge cookery section. With all the latest ‘healthy eating’ ideas, every kitchen needs a range of specialty cookbooks. At least one Paleo, another gluten free, and now the latest sugar-free. Hachette is joining this market with their ‘Healthy Eating’ series.

I have been through many sugar-free books over recent months. Most simply substitute raw sugar or honey for refined sugar. But Sue Quinn’s offering is radically different. This is a cookbook full of sweet recipes – desserts, baked goods, breakfast yummies – and no honey, sugar or even syrup in sight. She uses fruit to obtain a tempting sweetness, mashed bananas. figs, dates and applesauce. If fruit isn’t appropriate, then Greek yoghurt is often found as the ‘sweetening’. Most recipes are practical and require only basic cooking skills.

Be warned, this is not intended as a weight loss guide. Her ice-creams use full cream. Many of the recipes call for full fat ingredients. Instead this is a book intended for those who are looking to satisfy a sweet tooth with a whole food alternative. My immediate thought was for parents wanting to teach youngsters about healthy food choices. Make it sweet and tasty without refined sugar, and just maybe they will eat it.

At the price – certainly worth adding to the kitchen collection.

February 24, 2016 0 comment

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Katherine of Aragon : The True Queen by Alison Weir

written by Cecilia Sutton

‘Oh no,’ I hear you cry. ‘Not another novel about the wives of HenryVIII!’ And Katherine is so boring! This topic has been done to death, what more can another series of novels add? Well as it turns out, quite a lot.

Alison Weir is first and foremost a historian. She has researched this era extensively and written several non-fiction titles about Henry and his many wives. Now she is producing a series of novels about each wife in turn, and in the process bringing these women to life. And Katherine truly comes to life within these pages. Weir portrays her as a proud, determined, even stubborn woman, desperately in love with her husband. Her health and her heart has been broken by a long series of pregnancies that resulted in miscarriages, stillbirths, or sickly infants who did not live long. Her only surviving child, Mary, becomes the focus of her attention, especially as Henry begins to look elsewhere for an heir. As the daughter of Isabella of Spain, Katherine can see no reason why Mary cannot inherit the throne, but Henry is determined that only a son will succeed him. And therein lies the tragedy of this tale.

Weir’s Katherine is a woman of intelligence and complexity. One who could have held Henry’s interest for 20 years. She was, unfortunately, politically naive. As a result she was manipulated by others and caught by surprise when they appeared to change sides. Judging by modern standards, this makes Katherine seem weak or silly, but Weir is very careful to ensure her Queen acts and thinks according to the cultural mores of the time. England was not Spain and the reader is reminded when necessary.

This is a big, juicy read. At 600 pages you will need to set aside some time to appreciate this book. It is not a book you can read while waiting for an appointment. No, you need to set yourself up somewhere warm, in a comfy chair, with good light and a coffee at your side. A perfect read for a cold wet winter day, or even a couple of days.

June 17, 2016 0 comment

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The Underground Railway by Colson Whitehead

written by Cecilia Sutton

isbn9780708898376 I don’t often read literary fiction. Most of my reviews are of mystery novels, fantasy, adventure, or anything else that is strong on story and light on thinking. But in the last few weeks I have read two novels that have really made me think ‘big’ ideas. The first of these is Whitehead’s latest novel, superficially about the experience of slavery in 19th century America, but really about how humanity treats those who are different.

Cora, our protagonist, is a young slave on a plantation in the South. Her mother ran away when she was a young child and she was raised by her grandmother whose philosophy was ‘don’t make a fuss and you will be alright’. After her grandmother dies, Cora tries to live by this ideal, but circumstances conspire against her. Circumstances and her own sense of justice. So about the time that she gets noticed by the Manager, she is approached by Caesar, who asks her to join him on the Underground Railroad, an escape route to the north.

In Whitehead’s world, the Underground Railroad is much more than the series of safe houses and guides that history tells us. Here each safe house leads to a platform, station, rails and locomotives. Cora and Caesar escape and begin an incredible journey, stopping in several locations, each with a radically different relationship with slaves/freemen/people of colour. At each place Cora interacts with some individuals for a time, and gradually comes to recognise the truth about each relationship.

Unsurprisingly this was recommended by Oprah’s Book Club. In the States, where society is still struggling with the after effects of slavery, this book could become an important cultural landmark. But why bother to read such an ‘American” novel if you live anywhere else in the world? Simply because this book is more about how humanity treats those who look or think differently. Whitehead’s world could be uncomfortably similar to where we live now. And that bears thinking about.

4 1/2 stars

October 22, 2016 0 comment

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The Blood of Kings by MK Hume

written by Cecilia Sutton

Dark Ages was the term I grew up with. Late Roman Britain is probably the current politically correct term, but you know what I am talking about. That time in history when the Roman empire was falling apart – two, three and even four emperors all claiming the throne, and the provinces were held by any warlord powerful enough to keep the peace. In Britain, this involved various tribal leaders either working with, or fighting against the small Roman force that is meant to hold the island.

Enter Flavius Magnus Maximus, a Roman from Spain and one of the highest ranked officers in Britannia. He encounters Caradoc, tribal king living in Tintagel. Yes, that’s right, Tintagel of Arthurian legend. These two form a firm friendship that eventually leads to Maximus being crowned High King of the Britons. The idea is that Maximus will stay in Britannia with his beautiful new wife and use his military skills to keep the Saxons out. That’s the idea, but any Roman who gains an army suddenly turns his eyes to Rome, and soon Maximus declares himself emperor and heads south. And you can guess how successful that idea was. Ever heard of Emperor Flavius Maximus?

The beauty of this book is the historical picture of life at this time. Although many of the characters in the story were real people, records are sketchy enough so that Hume has scope enough to be creative. And as a retired academic, she knows about research, so the attention to detail helps the whole story feel real.

Published last year, this is now an old title, but book two in the series was recently published, so some readers may be looking at starting at the beginning. I know that I much prefer to read the whole series whenever possible in order to place the latest book in some sort of context. The publisher’s website says this title is out of stock, but ebook versions should be easily available and many libraries will stock copies.

April 20, 2016 0 comment

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Apprentice in Death by JD Robb

written by Cecilia Sutton

Lt Eve Dallas is used to murder in New York, but when she gets a call to the scene of a triple homicide in Central Park, she discovers a crime unlike anything she’s seen before. A clinical hit, it could only be committed by a professional-military and/or police trained. So she calls in some favors. Sorting through all the evidence, Eve is shocked to discover there isn’t one killer, but two. A mentor and a trainee. And Central Park is only the beginning.

Eve Dallas is back and facing one of her greatest challenges to date in the forty-third installment in J.D. Robb’s long-running futuristic mystery/thriller In Death series. Apprentice in Death opens the door to more action, mystery, and excitement as Eve and the NYSPD find themselves racing against time to stop a pair of deadly snipers whose still unknown agenda spells death for New York and its citizens.

Even forty three books in, Robb continues to combine solid writing, intriguing subplots, and dynamic characterization to keep her world evolving but familiar and comforting. Strong police procedurals keeps readers firmly engaged while subtle bits humor and lighter moments helps to offset some of the darker moments of the storyline.

It’s pretty clever! Robb flashes between the police and the killers, allowing us to view Mackie and Willow as they set up for their next hit while Eve uses all her wits and talents to piece together the clues and evidence to form a picture that shocks even this hardened cop.

Robb begins to cross the two storylines and merge them together towards a climactic finale. Eve and her team must work fast in order to try and predict where they will strike next. As per Robb’s style, a majority of the book focuses on the investigation of the case with well laid immersions of Eve’s personal life into the storyline.

Apprentice in Death is another intriguing addition to this series, giving readers an emotionally complex mystery to solve while enjoying the timeless couple whose love affair continues to capture our attention even forty three books later. Per usual, I love revisiting Robb’s version of the future and look forward to the next installment-Echoes In Death-set to release February 7, 2017.

May 26, 2017 0 comment

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The Fatal Gate by Ian Irvine

written by Cecilia Sutton

Talk about nonstop action! Just a year after the first book in Irvine’s “The Gates of Good and Evil “trilogy was published, he picks up the tale immediately from where the first book ends. Family is still at the heart of this quest, but it takes Karan, Llian and Sulien in different directions beforein the end reuniting them. There’s a vast network of people helping them, and new creatures are introduced into Irvine’s fantastically crafted world. The ending is a “reset” of sorts, promising unexpected old friends and adversaries in a new setting.

The Whelm have turned on Sulien and plan to trade the gifted child to the invading Merdrun in exchange for a new master to serve, but she is instead taken by mythical beasts known as the Lyrinx. With Karan’s link to her daughter weakening, she continues her search from the stolen airship. When Aviel diverted the Gate, she stranded the Merdrun and Wilm on a remote island and sent Llian, Ifoli and the Summon Stone elsewhere. Now the stone is gathering new power, killing everything in its path. Across Santhenar, the people are rallying to form an army and new airships are being built, but a solution to the invasion is only possible if Aviel can create another dark potion. To do so, she must overcome a cruel master of her own and face her fears.

September 13, 2017 0 comment

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Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

written by Cecilia Sutton

How much fantasy fits into your standard formula. Good guys – look good and feel better. Baddies – look foul and feel worse. Book 1 introduce the characters, book two move them around and set up the battle lines, book 3 – the final battle and the resolution. Well you can forget all that as soon as you open this little treasure.

First the protagonist is a 17 year art student, trying to live a normal life in Prague. But every now and then she is sent on an errand by her ‘foster parent’ Brimstone. She is sent all over the world to collect, of all things – teeth. All kinds of teeth and tusks, from thieves, murderers, and hunters. Once they are delivered to Brimstone she is free to return to her ‘normal’ world. Elsewhere – Brimstone’s world – is populated by all kinds of creatures that most humans would consider monsters, partially human bodies with animal elements. Imagine a minotaur or a sphinx in real life and able to talk!

Enter Akiva – apparently an angel. Able to walk among humans by hiding his wings with a magical glamour. Naturally Karou falls in love, but something just doesn’t seem quite right. A sixth sense warns her to keep him secret and separate from Elsewhere. Then there is this vague memory that seems to be from a previous life, still in love with Akiva, but tragedy was the result. Just who was Madrigal?

This is a very readable book, and a very satisfying read all on it’s own. Very unusual for a fantasy. The fantasy world and access to it is limited, mostly this is a book about an art student and her friends, but strange things keep interrupting her ‘normal’ life. But I will warn you, once you hit the final chapters you definitely want book 2 on hand. The climax is amazing.

February 18, 2015 0 comment

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Right Behind by You Lisa Gardener

written by Cecilia Sutton

It was comfortable getting back with Quincy and Rainie, and this story was a very acceptablefor these two characters.

Telly and Sharlah, brother and younger sister, have bounced around in foster care after the deaths of their parents. They’ve been separated for eight years. Sharlah is about to be adopted by Quincy and Rainie, but Telly is close to aging out of the foster system. Then two bodies are discovered at a convenience store, and the plot is off and running.

Lisa Gardner can tell a story! She supplied information that led me down a path, then she made me stop to think on just where this was going? Several ideas on plot line came to mind. I read some more and I had to stop and evaluate. So that was wrong! .I would adjust my thinking and continue.

Telly and Sharlah were immediately working on my emotions. Their memories and their stories, although they experienced the same event, were so very different. These two characters were enjoyably well written. With one of the trackers, Cal, my feelings wavered. I was not sure about him. And I have to mention Luka; he was an interesting addition to the plot.

Although this is part of a series, there is a big gap between this book and the previous books. This one works very well as a standalone.

May 1, 2017 0 comment

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Emperor of the Eight Islands by Lian Hearn

written by Cecilia Sutton

When you go to the publisher’s website five weeks after publication and find that a title is ‘out of stock’, it probably means that this review is unnecessary. Lots of you have found the book, and then encouraged your family, friends, neighbours and anybody else you meet to go buy it and read it. Who am I to disagree with this plan? But now, I will simply say – the e-reader version is still available. And maybe your library will have a copy (somewhere in the system). But with the second book in the series due out in July, – Get it and Read it.

Shikanoko is an unlucky lad. His mother dies when he is young, his father is killed before he is old enough to take over the estate, so his uncle attempts to murder him in order to claim his land. His luck turns when a dear breaks his fall and he is found by a hermit and nursed back to health. At the same time, Shikanoko begins his training as a sorcerer, unwillingly. Circumstances continue to conspire against him and somehow he is always in the wrong place and the wrong time and everybody is pushing him to study, train and gain more and more magical power. Meanwhile, another powerful family from the islands has murdered the true emperor and is hunting down the heir to the throne. The pieces are in position for a civil war, but what part will Shikanoko play in the drama?

This book is filled with extraordinary characters, some based in Japanese mythology. The whole conception, birth/hatching, and rearing of the Spider Children is simply incredible. And my heart simply goes out to Aki, who was certain of her future until during a palace coup she is thrust into the guardianship of the true Emperor (at six years old). She falls in love with Shikanoko (who wouldn’t?), but her duty forces her to leave him. Then there is Hina – the survivor.

Readers who are familiar with her Tales of the Otori will be familiar with setting and style, but this time Hearn is much more comfortable dealing with magic as well as adventure. In the previous series, magic almost seemed a plot device to get out of a tricky situation. Here magic, spiritual power and the like are integral to the story and simply work beautifully.

Now I just have to wait until July.

April 20, 2016 0 comment

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