I am a southerner who has been on a steady westward migration since I left Atlanta: Dallas, Phoenix, San Francisco, and now Gilbert, Arizona. Yet, I still carry with me a longing to return to the place where I grew up—Louisiana. I think this dichotomy – between the desire for home and the urge to leave and explore the world – is central to my writing. Also important is humor, one of the essential spices of life and an undercurrent in my writing.
I like writing stories, enjoy creating something that did not exist before. I’ve written two novels: Dr. Shamroy’s Last Case and The Turnabout.
A
well-told murder mystery set against the backdrop of the weeks prior to the beginning of World War I
Writing is good, characterization is good and the plot was interwoven with a background of world events and interesting period details.
I’m halfway finished and finding the connections between the murders intriguing and interesting. The inspector is starting and also becomes engaged. It seems the two are not a match at all but this is the first in this series that I’ve read.
San Francisco-1867. Celia Davies, served as a nurse in the Crimea, left her privileged English family to marry a handsome Irishman who brought her to San Francisco, then disappeared, and is now presumed dead. Celia runs a medical clinic for poor women and when a patient turns up dead, Celia searches for answers regarding Li Sha’s final days.
Nicholas Greaves, a detective and Civil War veteran, races against a deadline to unravel the threads and find the murderer. His boss wants the case closed, solved or unsolved, and makes it clear that certain individuals are off-limits for questioning.
Celia is bold and determined to see justice done. Greaves is tenacious and worries about Celia’s involvement as she takes risks to learn the truth. The streets of San Francisco come to life from Telegraph Hill to China Town to the tree-lined neighborhoods of the wealthy as the plot twists and turns to a satisfying end.
The story is well told, the characters are well drawn, and fact and fiction blend seamlessly. I enjoyed reading and look forward to reading the next book in this series
*
Kerin Salie
June 21, 2015
I’m starting to read Strengths Based Leadership Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie. I look forward to the authors’ insights on how employee strengths enable employees and organizations to advance successfully. I’m also reading Small Victories by Anne Lamott. I enjoy her wise and wit.
Mirth
June 18, 2015
Just finished reading “The Testament” by John Grisham and give it five stars.
Steve
June 18, 2015
I am reading Game of Mirrors by Andrea Camilleri as his series on the character Inspector Montalbano are always quirky and funny and give you a flavor of small town Italy.
Kerin
June 17, 2015
What other books are you reading or have on your reading list? Based on your comments, it appears that like you enjoyed “No Comfort for the Lost” by Nancy Herriman. Certainly, a book to add to my reading list.
sharon
June 18, 2015
Now reading another historical mystery – A FINE SUMMER’S DAY – by Charles Todd. Liking it.
Seem to be in a historical mystery mood at the moment!
Lois D.
June 4, 2015
I just finished reading “Teatime for Fireflies” and so thoroughly enjoyed it. The descriptions of the settings in India and the people are wonderful and made it especially interesting to me — even though it has been over 50 years since I was there. Now I am looking forward to her next book — keep me posted!
sharon
June 4, 2015
Her next book, FLAME TREE ROAD, comes out June 30th. It is the story of Dadamoshai, who is Layla’s grandfather in Teatime for the Firefly.
Steve
May 30, 2015
I am about midway through a God in Ruins and really like the juxtaposition of time and how Teddy tries to plan a future that keeps changing. Can’t wait to get to the end and see where he ends up.
Martha
May 30, 2015
I just finished reading the “Pines” by Blake Crouch. It was so riveting I could not put it down and read it in one day.
sharon
May 31, 2015
Read an excerpt on Amazon. Put it on Reading List. Looks like a page turner.