Authors on Twitter

Social Networking

There are many ways of discovering new authors.

It would be wrong to limit myself to recommendations only from online bookstores.

To reach a wider audience, savvy authors use social networks, like Twitter.

I plan to do the same when my book is out.

Skin

Mo Hayder


Years ago, I started to avoid books with violent scenes.
Certain authors include them more than others, and I stopped reading them.
I read to distract me from my daily routine and to escape for a short while, not for getting nightmares.

Reading a negative review about a certain author made me curious enough to read a preview chapter on her latest book.
I am now reading a fourth book by Mo Hayder, Skin .
She doesn't pull the punches.
At the end of the previous book, Ritual, the author shares her reasons for creating DI Jack Caffery and police diver Flea Marley. She also introduces us to The Walking Man, an interesting character with a violent past. She puts into words the thoughts you might have in the same situation and hopefully never act on them.

The Likeness

Tara French


Tara French lets her main character tell you the story.
In The Likeness , the story is told by Cassie Maddox, a secondary character in the previous book, In the Woods .
The stories are connected without being too similar, clever.

The story starts with a good hook and keeps you reading.
I enjoyed the book and will read more.

Arctic Chill

Iceland Murder Mystery

 After reading American, Canadian and UK authors most of my life, I decided to check out authors outside this range.
I am now reading the fifth English translation of Reykjavik Murder Mystery by Arnaldur Indridason (English spelling) of Iceland.
The first of the series, Jar City, was turned into a movie in 2006.
I plan to watch it on Netflix
The protagonist, a gloomy Detective Erlandur, is a perfect film noir character with an unsolved mystery of his own.
With each book, we learn a bit more about his past and personal life.


Read a preview of Arctic Chill on Amazon.ca

Outside North America

Murder Mysteries

 My interest in authors from Sweden, Norway and soon Iceland started after watching a British version of Wallander
The series is based on a fictional character created by Swedish author, Henning Mankell.

This led me to The Hypnotist written by the duo writing under the name Lars Kepler.
The film based on this book is expected to be released later this year.

Later, I discovered Karin Fossum, a Norwegian author of crime fiction.
Her Konrad Sejer series was translated into 25 languages and won several awards.
I read the English translations by author Charlotte Barslund.

Next I am reading Jar City by Arnaldur Indridason .
I've already seen a trailer based on this book.
The inspector Erlendur series looks promising.

White Nights

Ann Cleeves

When stories become predictable, I lose interest in the author.
Two chapters in White Nights and I thought I could guess the ending.
When the murderer was revealed, I was pleasantly surprised.
The hints are peppered throughout the story.
Ann Cleeves keeps you speculating until the last chapter.

Next Telling Tales a DI Vera Stanhope mystery

Scourge A Grim Doyle Adventure

Children Science Fiction

 After writing an update for the Photoblog and sharing it on Twitter, I found I had a new follower.
Before I follow back, I always check out what they are about.

I was pleased to find that David H. Burton is a Canadian author of science fiction books for young readers.
The book that caught my attention is Scourge a Grim Doyle Adventure.
The cover reminds me of the Jules Verne books I enjoyed in my teens.

On his official site, I followed a link to the Kindle Editon and read the preview chapters.
The first chapter convinced me to follow him back.
After the third, I was hooked.
So thumbs up for another great author.

Book Reviews

Preview Chapters

When it comes to reading, like everything else, we have preferences.
And those preferences change as we mature.

My present list of favourite authors was quite different ten years ago.
Being able to read one or two chapters of a book on Amazon or Kobo helped shaped my present list.
Reviews are fine, if you share the same taste as the reviewers.
Nothing will give you a feel of an author more than the authors themselves.

I chose a few books based on reviews alone.
One book nearly got shred to pieces before the end of the second chapter.
So, if any of my recommendations make you curious, follow the link and read the first two chapters when possible.




 

Geraniums and Pelargoniums

Alibris Books

 I thought you might like to know that Geraniums and Pelargoniums by John Feltwell is currently available from Alibris Books.
You can order new or used version.
I got mine years ago from Lee Valley Tools.

I refer to this book often when I research a new addition to my collection.
The book is loaded with great photos.

The Murder Stone

Louise Penny

 In The Murder Stone, Louise Penny gives us a bit more of Armand Gamache the husband.
We also get a deeper look in the character of Peter Morrow and his life before Clara.
Most of the story is set in a fictional auberge in Bellechasse instead of Three Pines like the previous books.
The how of the murder is the most intriguing part this time.
There are plenty of suspects and motives.

Started Early, Took my Dog

Kate Atkinson

Yesterday, I finished reading the last published Jackson Brodie book by Kate Atkinson.
After watching a few episodes of Awake, I understand why Jason Isaacs was cast to play the private investigator .
The BBC series based on the books is set in Edingburgh.
I'm planning to buy Case Histories on DVD.

As much as I like the books, I skip a few pages in each.
Most authors have a pattern they follow.
Maybe it helps to avoid writing blocks.
So far, at least one animal dies per story.
I prefer not reading the details.

I did notice other details that repeat but not enough to make the stories predictable.
Now for a change of pace, I am reading The Murder Stone by Louise Penny.

GardenMaking

Digital subscriptions

Did you know that you can get old issues of GardenMaking from Zinio?
I have a digital subscription and still have all the printed issues I bought.
I use the search option to find articles on plants.
Sometimes the results are in issues I already own.

Now if only Fine Gardening got on board.

The Dahlia Primer

Good to Know

The snow is melting and now is the time I read about ways to improve my garden.
I grow more and more dahlias, and want to learn more about their needs.
I am now reading The Dahlia Primer by Eleanor Welling .
She cleared up a few things I wasn't sure about.

The history of the dahlias is interesting to read.
She also covers from preplanting to shows.
The difference between forms and how they were developed.
Plus a digital version is available from Kobo.

I also got the fall 2010 issue of Gardenmaking from Zinio.
In this particular issue, they have a great article on dahlias.

Country Flowers

Antique Flowers Series

 My inspiration for photography and gardening comes from different sources.
My fascination with photography began at the age of eight.
Gardening came later, when I had my own home.

Now I have a library filled with books on both subjects.
There are also the stacks of magazines I can't part with.
One of my most cherished books is
Country Flowers: Wild Classics for the Contemporary Garden by Rob Proctor .
Published in 1991 and my copy is a first edition.

In this book, we learn the history, lore and folk usage of indigenous flowers and naturalized garden escapees.
The Garden Photography is by Rob Gray who contributed to several other books.
The flowers are presented in garden settings and indoor arrangements.
The combination makes this book a work of art.

When Will There Be Good News?

Kate Atkinson

 I was pleased to find that author, Kate Atkinson, did not create the intriguing and complex character of Louise Monroe for just one book.

Back in the third of the series, When Will There Be Good News?
Louise Monroe is now a DCI with problems of her own.

In this book, Jackson Brodie is more of a secondary character but still very important.
The resolution of one of the cases is unusual and justified.
The story ends with Jackson Brodie entering a new mystery.
A great read!

The Herb Quarterly

Printed Magazine

Not all garden magazines would benefit from a digital edition.
The Herb Quarterly would lose what makes it so special.
Printed on mat paper and decorated with drawings instead of photos, gives it an old-fashioned look and feel.
I cherish my old issues and consider them artistic.

Fictional Characters

Ruth Galloway Mysteries

Is it possible to miss fictional characters? You bet!
I've just finished reading A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths.
When I need a break from my daily routine, I read.
I was ready to read this book long before it was actually published.
When your expectations are high, the greater the risk of disappointment.
To my reading pleasure, I enjoyed A Room Full of Bones even more than the previous books.
There were more action and tension in this one.
And the best part, it is all so believable.

The English Garden Magazine

Digital edition

Yesterday, I made a wonderful discovery.
We can now subscribe to The English Garden magazine digital online edition.
Slipcovers and extra bookshelves are not longer needed.
The best part is that the images are as breathtaking as the print edition.
The menu lets you add bookmarks, view in single or double page mode.
You can also zoom in for a closer look.
But don't take my word for it, follow the link to see the sample issue, and you'll be charmed too.  

Update: Well, I've just had a look at my new digital subscription issue (no waiting).
The gardens featured in this magazine are all fantastic.
Oddly, it feels like home.

One Good Turn

Kate Atkinson

 I've just finished reading One Good Turn, the second book by Kate Atkinson featuring Jackson Brodie.
This time around, the story is set in Edinburgh.
Our hero makes connections that keep his visit far from typical.
The characters' inner thoughts and reactions are both intriguing and sometimes amusing.
The author does a great job of making the story believable.

Case Histories

Kate Atkinson

The Case Histories characters are so engaging; BBC turned it into a television series.
I'm already reading the second, One Good Turn .
Jackson Brodie is a likeable, good-hearted grouch.
Kate Atkinson injects just enough humour in the stories to keep you hooked.
The cases are believable, and the clients are the type of people you can understand.
The story is a good, well crafted murder mystery that won't give you nightmares.