Kingmaker by Sonia Purnell
If you read Lynne Olson's Citizens of London, you learned a lot about Pamela Churchchill. Purnell has written some other fantastic books, including A Woman of No Importance, and Clementine.
I thought I knew enough about Pamela Chruchill Hayward Harriman to last me, but after hearing Purnell's exuberant presentation about her new book, I went ahead and read it. Glad I did, though I did not really change my opinion of PCH. It is a fascinating read and would make for an excellent discussion for a book group. A
Henry V by Dan Jones
This was my first book by Jones who is revered by history buffs for his insightful and readable histories. This is the way all history should be presented- engaging, didactic, and with Henry V-exciting! A
Outermark by Jason Brown
At under 200 pages, this is a short but evocative read. The story of a tiny island off the coast of Maine that slowly and sadly declines along with the lobster industry and the population. A
Lemons Never Lie by Richard Stark
This is an old book,# 4 in the Alan Grofield series. When you just want a fun, thriller read with an entertaining main character this is it. I plan to read others in the series. A-
Pike Island by Tony Wirt
I read an advance copy of this thriller. Part murder mystery, part political thriller. Teenagers do something stupid that comes back to haunt one of them in his political efforts. If you have a poor opinion of politicians and their handlers, this will confirm your instincts. Great ending. A-
Others to consider:
Building Material by Stephen Bruno. Memoir by a Park Ave. doorman. Since he still works in the building, he doesn't dish too much info on the residents. Doorman in a luxury building is a highly coveted job.
The Treasure Hunters Club by Tom Ryan. A twisty murder mystery in a small town on the coast of Nova Scotia. An enjoyable read that will keep you guessing.
Women's Hotel by Daniel Lavery. Character profiles of the ladies living at a NYC hotel in the 1960's, that is not the Barbizon. A socio-political diary of the times.
Blood Test by Charles Baxter. If your doctor offered you a vaguely described, predictive blood test would you take it? I bet many would as our Brock Hobson does in this book. The company who does the testing is vaguely reminiscent of Theranos.
Rule of thumb- you never order (take) a test unless you can say what you think it will show and you know what you are going to do with the results.
Clean by Alia Trabucco Zeran. Estela was brought from the countryside in South America to the city to work for a doctor and his wife and their new baby. Seven years later there is a death and Estela is being interrogated. This is her story.
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