Tag Archives: Bookish Chatter

Chatter about books, reading and anything related to either one.

Bookish Talk, Life

Sunday Matters: It’s All About the Food

12 Comments

Sunday Matters

This year I’ve been more interested in football because The Hub convinced me to be part of a pool. I have no idea what I am doing. Ever. But it does  make the game a little more exciting. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that for me, the Super Bowl is more about the food, and what I plan to read before and after the half time show. We are not having people over so the food will be simple but it’s still fun to cook up a menu.

Right Now:

This year, I have student ministry before the game. Some years it’s been cancelled but not this year. I will be done by 1pm. If I plan ahead for the food, it can be cooking while I am out and I’ll be home well before kick-off.

This Week:

I have all sorts of things going on this week:

  • 1st appt with my new Rheumatologist is Monday
  • 3 meetings
  • Book club on Wednesday
  • A fun event that I plan to drop by for, just for a few minutes on Friday
  • Dinner at an old school Hollywood restaurant at the end of the week with the in-laws.

Reading:

I scored a review copy of The Cabinet of Dr. Leng by Preston and Child. I love Agent Pendergast! This is #21 in the series. I’ve read many, but not all, but this one sounds really good and I think I can read it fairly quickly at 416 pages.

Watching:

  • Still not watching much. Too distracted.

Grateful for:

  • Friends who read with me.
  • Fun lunches with colleagues. Breaks up my week.
  • FaceTime with the kids and kitties.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Book Review

Review: Exiles

7 Comments

Exiles

Exiles
By Jane Harper
Flatiron Books, 9781250235350, January 31, 2023, 368pp.

The Short of It:

This is a light, enjoyable mystery.

The Rest of It:

Federal Investigator Aaron Falk is on his way to a small town deep in Southern Australian wine country for the christening of an old friend’s baby. But mystery follows him, even on vacation. ~ Indiebound

In this mystery, the baby doesn’t go missing, but her mother does. As Investigator Falk is visiting with friends one year after the disappearance, the details of Kim’s disappearance continue to plague both Falk and those who knew Kim, particularly her grown daughter. Kim would never leave the baby like that, parked in stroller at a summer festival, unsupervised and alone. It was completely out of character for her, and yet no one witnessed anything or can remember seeing her that night.

As the family gathers for the child’s christening, they decide to use the time together to try to re-enact what happened that night. They are all desperate for answers and something feels off to Falk. The memories from a year ago are vague but as they all talk through that night, new details come to light.

This is a sleepy little mystery. It’s not fast paced but the characters are likable and the setting of a wine festival was rather enjoyable. I’ve read one other book where Investigator Falk was featured and it was quite enjoyable as well. I’d say that there aren’t any big revelations in this one, but somehow it all comes together nicely. I liked it.

Source: Review copy provided by the publisher.
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.