Vengeance: The Last Stands of Custer, Crazy Horse, and Sitting Bull, by Tom Clavin

 Publication May 12, 2026

I honestly think my first introduction to George Armstrong Custer and the Battle of the Little Big Horn was due to my horse focus. I recall badgering my grandparents to take me to the drive in, yes, I'm that old, to see the Disney movie "Comanche". I don't recall being bothered at all by the violence of the battle, probably due to Disney magic, though certainly filled in the gaps as the years passed. This one definitely doesn't spare us the details of the battles, including the mutilation of bodies...by both sides, mind you. So, be prepared. There are some tough scenes included but it's well worth the read to get an honest, informed idea of all that went before Custer was turned into a mythic hero. There's even a bit about how his widow contributed to that, I might add, not to mention that Comanche the horse gets some space, too.

Needless to say, I'm not going to even try to summarize. This is definitely not a lighthearted read that will leave you admiring Custer. It will also give you the reasons behind the title choice, a choice made by the United States government that had little love for the natives slowing their westward movement. How ironic to read about Native leaders even being honored by a visit to the White House and meeting the President, not to mention a visit to NYC, but their tribes still being hunted down and massacred. It's a complex, tragic story. There are no heroes or villains here, just flawed humans on both sides. The author has pulled from the massive works of other authors here, too, and managed to pull it together in an easily readable, albeit frequently uncomfortable read. I did grin that he managed to work in a descendant of Alexander Hamilton, btw, though you're going to have to read the book to discover who and how. You're sure to catch more than a few other historically significant names, too. 

What I particularly enjoyed was how Clavin blended the stories of not just Custer, but Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. You get their backgrounds, some history leading up to the battle that changed history forever, and their demise. Of course, military leaders get their moment, including a rather detailed sense of how Major Reno handled himself throughout and after the battle. Oddly enough, though many of the scenes and history depicted are violent, the book manages to avoid falling into being a sad, depressing read by making readers think. Clavin doesn't waste his time trying to point fingers or blame one side or the other. Instead, he leaves it up to his readers to digest the info and come to their own conclusions. It's a lengthy read for some, I'm sure, but well worth it if you have any interest in history and the many ups and downs that created the current nation, one even now dealing with its treatment of Native Americans. 

Bottom line, it's been quite a while since I've delved into the Custer legend, so I have to admit to being fuzzy what I knew and  didn't know going into this book but I found it intriguing. Organized into six different "acts" covering various phases, it opens with a prologue on Custer's Washita attack, setting the stage for what follows. Although in theory the Native Americans won a great victory at the Little Big Horn, it was also an ending for them, all of which is covered. My thanks to #StMartin'sPress and #NetGalley for allowing me this early look at a piece of history I've always found sadly intriguing. It was great to refresh my memories and perhaps be shown another viewpoint at time. And, of course, I was glad to see Comanche's days of being an icon of sorts and what happened to him given coverage. Rather took me full circle back to those days of anxiously waiting for the movie to begin at the drive-in.

Billy the Kid: The Life Behind the Legend, by George R. Matthews

 Publication March 7, 2025

Little moments. Seemingly insignificant decisions. Disappointments. Tragedy. Highs and lows and countless moments where I somehow wished I could reach out through time and tap Billy on the shoulder and tell him "No, don't even think about it." In many ways, I felt like I was riding right beside him as I read. So many "If only he'd...." moments, moments where seemingly insignificant choices lead him down the trail to his early death.  

While even Billy himself seems to have shook his head in disbelief at some of the tales surrounding him, the life he lived was anything but dull. Even his mother's decision to migrate from Ireland at age 19 for America and the man she ultimately hooked up with had repercussions. True, initially her life seemed upward bound but then, well, I don't want to ruin the tale for you but you'll find much, much to digest here. His mother's life is certainly worthy of its own book but it's how it impacted her oldest son that led author George R. Matthews to do a deep dive into son's life in an effort to separate fact from fiction. It makes for a fascinating read. There's also an extensive bibliography, notes, and index, as well as both b/w photos and old wood engraving (I think I'm getting the style right) style illustrations, adding to the experience. 

The author paints a vivid, detailed picture of all Billy, and I'll call him Billy here as that is how most know him, may have seen and done. Ironically, given his legendary reputation, Billy seems to have been an affable child, one who loved music and reading. Given that Mark Twain was popular at the time, it was intriguing to wonder what he might have thought of Twain's take on the Western landscape. Heck, I even learned something that, well, I wasn't even aware that I didn't know. Know that ol' song about the Erie Canal and that "low bridge"? I discovered what that really signified. How cool. I'm always a sucker for a book that teaches me something and this one had lots of info to share, ranging from the background details of that now famous photo of Billy standing with the rifle to his meeting up with the equally famous Jesse James and a Gov. Wallace who just happened to go on to write "Ben Hur". In between there are countless characters. Some good guys, some bad, most somewhere in-between, probably a norm for those rough and tumble times. I mean, even the supposed ruthless Billy the Kid was saddened to discover one of the horses he'd stolen was beloved by a young girl and tried to return it despite complications. So, like all of us, he was complex and multi-sided, a view this book does an excellent job conveying. Baseball was already a popular pastime, so it's intriguing to wonder if he played.

Bottom line, it's obvious I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I grew up a fan of westerns, albeit in my case more for the horses than story, so it was fascinating to discover how much I missed by not making an effort to discover the true story behind the legend. The characters who pass before our eyes are many, sometimes almost too many to keep straight, but some famous, others mere blips in history. If you've ever wonder what travel by stage coach was like, you'll find the answer here, too. You'll also see the result of being on the losing side of a range war, not to mention the realization that Billy the Kid really wasn't much more than a kid when he was killed by Pat Garrett. My thanks to author George R. Matthews for giving me this early peek at this fascinating book. The ol' history major in me was thrilled as was the child in me that sat in front of the television screen and watched endless westerns.

The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder (A Bella Winter Mystery Book 2), by Clare Chase

 

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Publication Jan. 17, 2025

May Day is a fun, busy day in Hope Eaton. It's full of ceremony and a time to share old beliefs and lore. It's not a time for murder. So, who was taunting and basically terrorizing Mary Roberts the school secretary? A former student is openly taunting her with little doll meant to resemble Mary and call to mind a frightening legend. When she's found dead the next day, suspicions flare. Who'd kill the somewhat reclusive woman? But, wait. Was she killed or was it natural? Is it murder if you frighten and terrorize someone to the point they die?

As it turns out, there are several viable suspects, among them the young man in question and Mary's vindictive ex-husband. Main character Bella Winter doesn't let the little fact that the coroner says Mary died of natural causes detour her. As Barry Dixon, the police officer in charge points out, of course, they can't do anything based on suppositions. They need hard evidence. Mary was prone to report even the most minute of wrongdoings, so they are wary of rumors of her being recently harassed by someone. In fact, it sounds so far out, based on old, spooky legends, that some suspected Mary was losing her mind, so to speak. Not Bella. She's determined and begins snooping, er, asking questions and poking about. Her late father was a police investigator and she seems to have inherited his sleuthing genes. Will it lead her into danger? Oh, boy, will it.

I won't detail the plot further but will say that despite periodic lulls in the plot, the story mostly kept my attention. I didn't feel like I knew much about Bella other than her father's job or, for that matter, the characters about her but that would probably be a result of not having read book one. While I ultimately was able to sort things out, while it worked as a standalone, I might have been able to make sense of who was who much sooner if I had. Her friends, especially co-worker at the antique store John, are likable and I liked that while her interactions with Barry Dixon weren't genuinely positive that he also was painted in a likable way, including his family situation. One of the benefits of Bella's late father's job was that she did have some connections, an idea of who to call on for help, which was a bonus. The murder itself was cruelly done, quite diabolical, even without the murderer striking a blow. The ending was also quite tense, showing Bella's quick thinking on her feet when pressed as well as the fortitude of her friends and associates. Thanks #Bookouture for the early introduction to Bella and friends. Lots of twists and red herring after red herrings in this one despite the occasional lull in pace. I'll definitely make a point of checking out the next book in the series. Quite the intro to Sweet Agnes and Hope Eaton's May Day celebrations.

A Guide to Egyptian Myths, by Sophie Washburne

 

Publication August 1, 2024

Love it! Wish I'd had this when I was still teaching. As a sometimes social studies teachers, I tried to include a unit on Egypt whenever possible, including a brief look at its myths and lore. This book would have been the perfect guide for that. Beautifully illustrated, with sharp, applicable photos, it tells the stories in an interesting, easy to follow manner, drawing you in. 

Basically divided into four sections/chapters, it provides an intro to the gods and goddesses of Egypt, the divine relationships and rivalries, their social order, and places in the natural world. I liked that there is no simple, boring listing of the deities but we get their stories, some of which are bizarre to our modern minds but fit the then cultural atmosphere. While showcasing each existing, known deity would be impossible in this relatively short book, we get the broad backstory. For instance, while noting the Egyptian importance of burying an intact body, which explains the facsimile parts often found in tombs, it shares the search of the goddess Isis for the mutilated parts of Osiris's body. In other words, we get the stories as well as an understanding of how they may have both stemmed from cultural beliefs.

Given that Egypt's culture is older than the Chinese, albeit frequently interrupted by warfare and invasion, not every deity is covered. Besides the basic pantheon many of us studied an school, there were multiple deities for scattered, local communities, not to mention different aspects of stories relating to the main players. Despite this, you'll away with not just a better understanding of who was who and how they were connected, but things like why even human name choices were impacted by beliefs. 

Bottom line, I could go on and on about what I liked. From the cover, which conveys a bit of the mystic of Egyptian mythology, to the multiple sharply focused photos used -- and we even get a shot of Tutankhumun's burial site as well as a brief mention of him -- to the select questions to guide study at the end of each section, everything is put together well. There's also a map. Egypt buffs, teachers, especially those whose curriculum touches on the area, and anyone with an interest in history, you'll thoroughly enjoy this book no matter your age. My thanks to #NetGalley and #RosenPublishingGroup - #CavendishSquare for this early indulgence of one of my favorite topics. Teachers, seriously, add this one to your libraries.

A World Full of Winter Stories, by Angela McAllister, Angela McAllister

 

Publication Oct. 10, 2023

Given how many feral rabbits have been hanging out in my neighborhood, I had to chuckle when the very first story, from Japan, was how rabbits came to be. Then there was the Siberian story of how a snoopy rabbit/hare got long ears. Somehow, my "rabbit alert dog" wasn't impressed but I was. These stories are delightful, colorfully illustrated and many seemed to focus on the concept of "we are better together". 

Separated into sections, this is one of the first cold weather related collections I've read that didn't focus almost entirely on the Christmas or holiday season. But, don't worry. The closing chapter contains several Christmas focused stories. All are traditional stories from various cultures, wonderfully, imaginatively illustrated, and can be easily read to a child in one sitting. You may feel ready to curl up in a mitten, like the creatures of the Ukrainian tale, as you read, however. Fun book. 

Thank you #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #FrancesLincolnChildren'sBooks for sharing this wonderful book with me. I'll be recommending it to our library, not to mention thinking of folks who might enjoy some reading material for our long winter nights here in Alaska.

Lore of the Stars: Folklore and Wisdom from the Skies Above, by Claire Cock-Starkey , Hannah Bess Ross (Illustrator), Alex Hithersay (Editor)

 

Publication October 3, 2023

Fascinating. Fun. Thought Provoking.

I thoroughly enjoyed this look at the "Lore of the Stars". While some of the myths and lore was familiar to me, I was delighted to find much to learn. Richly illustrated, its colorful renderings of the stories had me browsing through the book initially just to enjoy the pictures. Yeah, I'm a kid that way. I'm fuzzy on how to classify this one as it combines factual information with the whimsy and mythology of associated tales and stories. I know that I, for one, since I live in Alaska where the Aurora frequently appears in our darker winter months, will be mentally visualizing the magical horse-drawn carriages soaring above me according to the Estonian myth of the aurora, taking spirit guests to a magnificent wedding in the sky. Not bad entertainment, I'd say, and I've been lucky enough to stand on my own deck and enjoy the dancing lights as their colors dance above me. 

But, anyway, I particularly liked that the tales were drawn from all over, showing both the differences and similarities of cultures. Animal symbolism was common in all, I noted. As noted, the whimsical illustrations added much to the magic derived from the realities of shared experiences of cultures around the world. While officially targeting older children, I would think any age level will thoroughly enjoy this one. In fact, if you're like this no-longer-a-child, you'll find yourself going back to it repeatedly to flip through (I definitely suggest you get a print copy as it was a tad difficult to navigate all my meandering via digital) following your own whims. 

It is, however, nicely organized and offers both a glossary and index at the end. As an adult, I rather wished for a more complete index but, well, for a children's book, it's ample. My favorite bit of lore changed repeatedly, so it's difficult to offer up a favorite, although being a dog person, I enjoyed the familiar story of Orion and his faithful spirit dog companions, Canis Major and Canis Minor, although the Cherokee tale of how the Milky Way came to be was not just fun but a new one to me. 

Bottom line, if you've any interest in the mythology and lore of the sky above us, this one is for you. If you're a teacher, it should definitely be on your shelf. Heck, I'd think even a savvy science teacher could easily use it as a teaching tool to engage students' attention and imaginations. While my adult mind craved more full myths, there is so much to digest that this one will hold your attention and, as noted earlier, it's a book you'll want to revisit again and again. Thanks #NetGalley and ##QuartoPublishingGroup - #WideEyedEditions for sharing this wonderful rendering of international lore/mythology attached to our heaves through the ages.

Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman (Salem B&B Mystery, #7)m by Traci Wilton

 Publication August 23, 2023

The cover is what drew me to this new-to-me series/book. Having not read previous books in the series, I went into it blind but had no trouble sorting out who was who and the relationships quickly. Now, true, I rather wished I knew more about how the ghostly Jack came to be not just there but visible to Charlene Morris but, hey, something tells me I'll be delving back into this series to play catch up soon. As it was, simply knowing he was there, no one else could see him, and he had been a doctor when alive were enough to satisfy me. As for Avery, her sheer energy pretty much wore me out. Ah, youth. Toss in some fun guests, one of whom found out fishing isn't always a leisurely activity, all of whom we're nicely introduced to, and you'll feel right at home.

The mystery itself was intriguing. Who killed Elise during the theater's reopening bash and showing of Lon Chaney's "The Wolfman"? And what's with all the talk of werewolves and ghosts? Well, the story is set in Salem, so such talk is perhaps not that unusual but, whoa, where is all that anguished howling coming from? How could an evening of popcorn and old movies go so wrong? Could the bouquet of wolf's bane have somehow been the weapon? The spouse is always the obvious first suspect, which Darren surely doesn't help with his insistence on opening the theater up again asap. Why is he so secretive about his past? A worker in fear of losing their job? Oh, so many suspects, not to mention red herrings. Charlene, with her seemingly unstoppable need to help others, has her work cut out for her if she hopes to help Sam, the detective, figure out what's going on, not to mention subtly share herbal knowledge Jack is somehow able to find. Did you know ghosts can use computers? 

Bottom line, although it took me a bit to fall into the rhythm of the book, especially since the viewpoint seemed to switch periodically, I enjoyed my intro to this series. I mean, who doesn't love a spooky mystery? Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me to spend some time at Charlene's B&B. I'll be back.

Dogs Who Work: The Canines We Can't Live Without, by Valeria Aloise, Margot Tissot (illustrator)

 

Publication Jan. 10, 2023

This was a fun, reasonably quick initial read although I found myself going back to re-read sections again here and there. There's no need to read in in order, I might note, so feel free to skip around, backtrack, and enjoy at a leisurely pace. I was surprised not to see actual photos of the various dog breeds discussed but the artwork, in its simplicity, is colorful and works nicely. Now, true, I wouldn't expect a photographer to risk being burnt to a crisp to photograph mythical Cerberus ferociously protecting the gates of the underworld, though did wish they'd included a photo example of how painter Picasso utilized his Dachshund, Lump, in sketches and paintings. Yes, the various jobs discussed are that diverse. 

As an Alaskan, I was delighted to see that sled dogs got a nod within, especially since Balto's kennel mate,Togo, stands mounted at the Iditarod Headquarters. Balto, who is mentioned within, is displayed elsewhere. Cleveland, I believe. Nevertheless, both saved lives and deserve the recognition. Both were heroes and the name Balto seems more widely known, hence will appeal to children more readily.

I won't discuss all the jobs dogs have done past and present, but the comment about dogs who work search and rescue hit home. It called rescue dogs "saints" for the difficult, often dangerous job they do. These dogs range from the wonderful dogs we saw so intensely search after 9-11 to the dogs who search out and help rescue those caught in avalanches or other disasters. Other dogs may be less heroic, true, but, hey, dogs have even been elected as Mayor, so all have their function and duties.

All in all, a fun, easy read with lots of information on not just the jobs dogs may do but breeds and origins, general height and weight, and the qualities that make them ideal for the jobs they do. A great introduction to hard working dogs.

Thanks #NetGalley and #Helvetiq for letting me visit with so many different, wonderful dogs.

Fireside Reading of The Nutcracker and The Mouse King, by E. T. A. Hoffmann, Narrated by Gildart Jackson

 

AUDIO 3h, 13m

As a narrator, Gildart Jackson is top-notch. I particularly enjoyed his rendition of the first battle. You could envision the noise, confusion, and chaos about them as the magical battle raged. Of course, given Jackson's background, which includes everything from soap operas to the Headmaster in the TV series "Charmed", not to mention Shakespeare, that is to be expected. It's a treat for all of us that he does these classical readings.

Much to my surprise, I wasn't as taken with the original, written version as I'd expected to be, however. That's probably more on my familiarity with the ballet (I found myself trying to match scenes from the story to the ballet) than the story itself. That said, despite the magical, fantastic aspects of the story, even given Jackson's skill, the story just seemed to lag in spots. As a result, although I'd give Gildart Jackson 5+ as narrator, I had to rate this a bit lower, a 4 star. Others may find it more instantly delightful, however, so don't let my somewhat disappointment scare you away. It's worth a listen just to hear Gildart Jackson's narration. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for allowing me to visit the timeless tale of the Nutcracker. Although it took me awhile to adjust to the rhythm, I did enjoy  hearing the full story as originally told.

The Tudors in Love: Passion and Politics in the Age of England's Most Famous Dynasty, by Sarah Gristwood

 

Publication Dec. 13, 2022

This one is not a casual read. I was alternately fascinated and intrigued, then I'd realize a bit later that my mind was wandering. Knowing quite a bit about not just the Tudor era but the players, so to speak, from Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn back to Eleanor of Aquitaine, not to mention the mythical legends of Sir Lancelot and Guinevere did give me a head start. In other words, having some concept of the history involved would benefit readers. 

I can't even begin to summarize the contents. It's very well researched and presented as what I'll call more of a historical work than one you'd pick up as a fun read. There are 24 chapters, each rather long, notes at the end of each, a postscript, appendix, and notes for further reading at the end which is where I found the photos in a digital copy. The intro to the book sets forth the idea that courtly love was more a literary fantasy than a reality. It was useful to those in power and hoping to retain or gain power. The author takes us from its earlier literary emergence, noting that the Lancelot and Queen Guinevere image of romance had its beginnings in a work by Chretien de Troyes in the late 12th century. A knight that would show his love by crawling over a bridge made of sharpened blades....only to have his lady love disappointed that he hesitated? Uh, okay. 

The image, spread by troubadours, including trobairitz, the female version, grew and spread. Let's fact it, there's nothing like a good story to catch the imagination, especially at a time when females had little or not power and were often bartered as marriage objects to smooth the way of their family to power and prestige. Trust me, the author details how this works and gives examples from history. 

My ears figuratively perked up when Eleanor Neville, mother to two kings entered the story. According to this author, Sir Lancelot may have been modeled on Henry, the son of Eleanor Neville, mother to two kings, and Henry II of England. Unfortunately for young Henry, who one biographer called "Lancelot come to life," he died before he could take the throne. That didn't stop the Plantagenet dynasty, as one king claimed to discover Arthur and Guinevere's graves in Glastonbury. Even Excaliber gets a mention....and this is really just the very beginning of the book. Eleanor died in 1260 but the image of Guinevere she helped make popular spread and lives on today. 

Yes, I know you're waiting for me to explain what courtly love had to do with Tudor King Henry VIII chopping off Anne Boleyn's head. Nope, not telling, not that I could come even close to explaining it all without writing a much, much longer review. I mean, there are more than a few wars involved, you know, like the legendary War of the Roses. It was a deadly game, given a romantic tint by troubadours and the tapestries and artwork of the era. And, think of the imagery of "The Virgin Queen" Elizabeth. Flows right into the myths of courtly love. And, hmm, what was that supposed requirement a bride had to have to wed now King Charles? Wonder where that idea came from, hmm?

Oh, come on. Courtly love still grabs our imagination. How many stayed up into the wee hours even here in the decided non-royal United States to watch the "fairy tale" wedding? Ever read or seen a Shakespeare play? Oh, Romeo.... And, think of the movies that use it as the focus, whether the obvious, such as "Camelot" or even "Pretty Woman" and "Dirty Dancing". Courtly love, with its rigid rules and romantic obsessions, still has a hold on our imagination. This book, long though it may be, simply explains why and where that obsession came from. While not for the faint of heart given its length and depth of information, if you are interested in the period, and it spans over a thousand years now that I think about it, you'll find this a fascinating, thought provoking read. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for allowing me to wallow in the romance, blood thirsty though much of it was, and power struggles with the idea of where the heart came into play. Now, if I could just quit humming the tune of "Camelot"...

Yowling Yetis, (Cozy Corgi Mysteries), by Mildred Abbott

 Yowling Yetis, (Cozy Corgi Mysteries), by Mildred Abbott

As always, lots of twists and turns with humor for good measure

I've been addicted to this series since it began and thoroughly enjoyed "Yowling Yetis". I've come to enjoy my virtual visits to characters, even the not necessarily likeable at first glance ones, and, of course, enjoy the antics of the corgi Watson. As usual, Watson does play a role in the unfolding mystery, one that kept me stumped to the very end. I won't detail the plot since others are surely better at that than I am, but it has lots of action and interplay between the suspects and main character (Winifred) Fred's friends and associates. Their continued growth throughout the series is one of its strengths and never more than here. My corgi mix and I give it four paws up and a tail wag. 

 

5 Stars for Fun Mixed With Mystery 

Murder for Good Measure, by Devon Delaney

 

Publication Sept. 13, 2022

This one will make you hungry. Lots of food talk and you'll learn a bit about cooking contests, too. There are also some hints (the author is a well-known winner of quite a few of these very contests) on how contestants prepare for them beforehand, not to mention some hints on how best to present yourself in front of judges. And, oh, yeah, there's a murder. There is also a phenomenal dog named Trooper, a new member of the K-9 Unit. These dogs are absolutely amazing.

Although at first I was thinking this was slow-going and the dialogue seemed a bit stilted at times, at some point I realized I was really getting into the mystery, relationships, characters, and all the tales of Irish legends, including pookas, the wee folks, and a Giant Baby. Gotta love Irish lore. There is even a mysterious book found in the attic to whet the appetite of us book lovers. We even get to see some amateur efforts to peel apart stuck pages. 

In between, Sherry Oliveri is dealing with the heartbreaking idea of her father selling the long-owned family store, walking the dog, neighbor Eileen diligently doing her neighborhood watch, another neighbor running into her brand new mailbox, and trying to find evidence to prove Angel, her brother's food truck sous chef didn't kill another neighbor's nanny, Cara. Oh, and clocks and pictures falling mysteriously off the walls at her dad's shop.

So, who killed Cara? I'm not telling but it was a fascinating tale, zipping comfortably between everyday life and Irish lore. There's even a modern-day twist, so to speak, at the end, so be prepared. And, it goes without saying that you should have plenty of goodies on hand to munch on as you read. Like me, you will suddenly find yourself fully invested in the book, I bet. 

Thanks #NetGally and #BeyondThePagePublishing for introducing me to Sherry and her family and friends, not to mention Trooper.

Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves, by Art T. Burton

 Publication Sept. 1, 2022

This was a tough one to rate. While I found the topic intriguing, particularly since I recall hearing periodically of Bass Reeves' possible connection to the Lone Ranger, a favorite show of my horse loving childhood, it wasn't an easy read. The author is obviously a researcher and scholar and, as such, he provides us with a wealth of documentation and information as any research project should do. Unfortunately, research papers, which I believe this is/was, don't necessarily make for good reading. I'd find myself fascinated at one point, then not many pages afterward, I'd feel my eyes glazing over. Don't get me wrong, this isn't to slam the book. It's simply that it's far more research paper than the average, mildly interested reader can digest with the wealth of often contradictory information and detail. Thus, for the average reader, this one might be a 3 star at best. For those of a more research oriented mind, it might easily rate a 4+ rating. I've opted to rate for the average reader, however, so take all this into consideration when deciding whether to read or not. 

As for the content, as noted, there is an abundance or documentation and information, all fact based and checked. Personal memories were probed and the stories of the real Bass Reeves were fascinating. Were they all true? Who knows? Sadly, for the simple fact that he was a black man, records on his history and exploits were scarce. Author Burton has done an admirable job pulling it all together in this well researched volume. 

Whether Reeves was the inspiration for the Lone Ranger or not, his story is one that deserves to be told. Born into slavery, he escaped and became one of the West's best lawmen ever. Those who knew him personally claimed he outshone the likes of the legendary Wyatt Earp. He was conscientious. He even arrested his own son at one point. An excellent horseman, he was also said to be a dog-lover, a real plus to me. Some say he rode a white horse, or maybe gray, which, of course, calls to mind the TV Lone Ranger's Silver. Reeves was known to distribute silver dollars, however, not silver bullets. Hmm, another tie. I understand there are ongoing talks about a movie featuring Reeves, so will be intrigued to see if that happens and how the research within this book is utilized. The story of a respected and authoritarian black man in a decidedly white world is definitely one that deserves to be heard.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the #UniversityOfNebraskaPress - #BisonBooks for giving me the chance to delve into a childhood legend in depth.

High Times in the Low Parliament, by Kelly Robson

Bemused. Confused. Intrigued. Those words describe my initial reactions to "High Times in the Low Parliament". It took awhile for the light to flip on in my mind but once it did, I was definitely intrigued. Who knew the fairy world was so politically charged.

In fact, it wasn't until my mind began to make connections between the disdain and attempted destruction of the Low Parliament and, hmm, maybe NATO that my mind began to make sense of it all. It's an interesting if bewildering world that Lana Baker finds herself deposited in for the sake of a few kisses. Yes, lots of lady on lady type action here but, honestly, it was secondary. The politics and complicated relationships between the humans and fairy characters, not to mention the multitude of factions within the political body are what made the story interesting to me. I didn't even particularly like Lana as the book began but gradually found myself warming to her, then admiring her pluck and smarts as she navigated the complex world she found herself inside. In other words, she matures and grew on me. Same for Bugbite, the cranky fairy that Lana befriends. They're far more complex characters than one imagines at first and their growth and concern for all, not just themselves, made me care about what was and might happen to them.

The political world they inhabit is, well, full of turmoil. Much talk, endless posturing, arguing, finger pointing, and grand gestures that all come to naught. Sounds a great deal like our modern political world doesn't it, even though this one is set in 18th century. I doubt that the author had invasions and threats against NATO in mind as she wrote but given current circumstances, it was difficult to erase that thought from my mind once that light bulb went off. Lana, who admits to not really ever even trying to think shows more common sense than most, coming up with ideas on how to avoid being drowned, the eventual fate of all there if agreement isn't reached. So, given the fate awaiting them, why are deputies of the many, many factions still arguing? To hear their own voices? A grasp for power even if others die as a result? Power or maybe the power to make history? Or end it? Is chaos really more effective than calm? Will anyone listen to reason or are all fated to a dreadful end. But, wait, how are the fractious deputies perhaps thinking to have it all, power and survival?

You're going to have to read the book to find out. Read it with an open mind. For instance, although I don't swing that way, I didn't find the lady on lady flirtation offensive. It certainly fits this seemingly all female world. You may even find different connections than I eventually did. As noted, I was initially bewildered and didn't even like the main character but things change. Isn't that what it's all about? Change for the better?

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Macmillan-#Tor/Forge, #Tordotcom for offering me the chance to read the book. Admittedly, I wasn't sure as I began and it seemed slow but found myself thinking about it while doing other things, a sure sign that I was hooked.

The Burning Pages (Scottish Bookshop Mystery, 7), by Paige Shelton

There's a bit of mystic, for lack of a better word, in Delaney's world. On the surface she works in a bookstore but there is, oh, so much more to this bookstore. There are secrets. Secrets meshed with Scottish lore. Somehow it all seems normal. The plot is relatively simple. Delaney is unexpectedly invited to a Robert Burns Night dinner and takes bookshop worker and Robert Burns fan Hamlet along. It's an uncomfortable gathering for Delaney and she and Hamlet leave early. That same night the building she visited for the dinner is burnt down and one of the other attendees is murdered. Hamlet is a suspect. That's where it gets complicated. 

Hamlet is at the center of the story. His true background is shrouded by unknowns, including his parentage. When Delaney finds a birth certificate that might belong to him, she becomes as focused, if not more so, on discovering the truth behind his heritage as she does the murder. In fact, I had gotten so caught up in the mystery surrounding Hamlet that I almost forgot about the murder. You're never quite sure if the two parallel story lines are related or not. I mean, what could Hamlet's birth have to do with building being burned, murder, and old grievances? Are the Robert Burns' excerpts that keep popping into Delaney's mind important? 

While I think it certainly helps if you've read some of the previous books in the series as I have, "The Burning Page" works nicely as a stand-alone. We get to know more about those who love and surround Delaney, including her brother Wyatt who is visiting. I honestly wouldn't call this an easy read, there is a great deal of background history and intertwining of stories, so it does take some thought to follow Delaney's thought processes, both right and wrong, as her mind veers from one mystery to the other. Yes, she does take the wrong turn occasionally. I actually rather like that as it makes her all the more human. 

Bottom line. There is a great deal going on in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe the fact I have some Scottish heritage only added to that? In any case, this has been an interesting series from the very start and I am looking forward to what happens next in Delaney's world. Given that this book focused on one of the supporting characters, perhaps more about them? I'm sure there will be more Scottish literature and lore, so I'm ready. Give it a read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for letting me visit Delaney in Scottland for a time. It was much enjoyed.

All the Horses of Iceland, by Sarah Tolmie

 I really expected and wanted to love this book. Yet, although the story itself is intriguing, it seemed to move at a snail's pace. That said, my rating is possibly more on me than the author or story itself. Myths, after all, do tend to move forward haphazardly and occasionally very, very slowly. Hence, if you're more attuned to that pace and perhaps have some background in Old Norse mythology, this fantasy may be right up your alley. As a forever horse lover, as noted, I found the story intriguing but slow. It took awhile for the unfamiliar names and terms to sort themselves out in my mind, too, so wished there had been a tad bit more explanation. That may have been by design, of course, to reflect main character Eyvind's same unfamiliarity with many of the different languages he encountered on her journey.

The story itself is simple. Eyvind leaves his home to journey to, well, he really isn't sure where he's going for sure. Along the way he encounters a diverse population, most suspicious and even unfriendly toward those unfamiliar to them. In the process, he discovered magic within himself and, yes, found the magical horse with no name. He soon acquires a small band of horses that seem strangely bound to him via the horse with no name's mysterious powers. I had to smile as on his journey homeward, he meets a follower of Mohamed who is riding a beautiful mare, one whose breed he discovers is so prized that they are kept in their owner's tents at night and largely pampered. Surely an Arabian. This is in contrast to the sturdy, tough soon to be Icelandic horses that Eyvind has acquired.

Although this book didn't quite live up to my expectations, the fantasy was interesting and I spent some time researching the breed. I was somewhat familiar with the breed as there are some of these horses scattered about Alaska in remote areas, so even knowing this was a fantasy story, I wanted to know more. In other words, the book had done perhaps what was intended, making me curious. These horses toughness and intelligence are well known. The Icelandic horse is noted for having five paces rather than the three more common horse gaits. The tolt was mentioned in the book but never fully described. According to my research, in this pace the horse keeps its back level, head up, neck arched, and lifts both feet high in a four beat, lateral motion. They can reach the speed of 20-35 mph at this gait. Amazing. I wish the book had been this amazing and given more detail but if you're into mythic lore and have some background knowledge, you may find the book fascinating.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Macmillan, #Tor/Forge, for the ARC. While it didn't quite live up to my expectations, it was still intriguing, and I learned a great deal about the mythology of the horse.

A Corpse for Christmas (A Cass Peake Cozy Mystery Book 3), by Rena Leith

This was a bit of a mystery within the mystery. What do all those mystical symbols and names mean in the diary? Who knew taking an additional job over the Christmas holiday would be so deadly? At a small, scenic college, at that.

Cass and her team of friends, family, and relatives set out to make a sort of virtual video to help the college promote itself to potential students. In the process, dead bodies keep popping up. As one suspect is singled out, Cass brings her some basic necessities.

What secrets will the diary that is given to Cass on the sly by the suspect reveal? Hey, wait. Why is the diary being given to Cass in the first place? What is the long-kept secret of the Black Triangle Club? Will the video Cass' crew is shooting reveal anything? How good of an actor must one be to feign innocence? Who is the new professor the college found so quickly to take that job? Who is, or maybe was, Doris? Will Thor survive her curiosity? Will Cass' brother and sister-in-law live to regret visiting her for Christmas?

I'm not telling. If you enjoy solving puzzles within puzzles, so to speak, and enjoy a good mystery, you'll want to read this book. This was a new series to me but worked nicely as a stand-alone. That said, I'm intrigued enough to be on the lookout for the previous two books and the next in the series.

 Thank you #NetGalley and #TheWildRosePressInc for the copy. It was an intriguing puzzle!

Pleading the Fish (Seaside Café Mysteries, #7), by Bree Baker

I've somehow missed this series until this book, apparently the last in the series, alas. As a result, I probably wasn't as clued in as I might have been otherwise on why a seemingly modern, intelligent woman like Everly Swan would so strongly believe in an ol' curse. According to this curse, any man the women of the Swan family marries dies an early death. Curse aside, there is still plenty of time for Everly, who seems to have a reputation for doing so, to get involved in investigating a murder. Her soon-to-be husband, detective Grady Hayes, of course, tries to discourage her, not to mention disprove the curse.

He already has a murder to solve. Who pushed the victim in the well? Will Grady also disprove the curse? Does the curse have anything to do with the murder? Will Everly discover who the murderer is? Will she have more seaweed dumped on her? Yuck. Will Everly ever settle on a wedding gown? Why is a lemon cake important? Who is the mystery man lurking near her aunts' place of business? Can Everly trust her former nemesis? Heck, will Everly live long enough to get married or, gasp, will she learn that the curse is real and Grady won't make it down the wedding aisle?

Nope, not telling. All these questions and more are answered in this final entry in the Seaside Cafe Mysteries series. Now, please, excuse me. I'm feeling the urge for some lemon cake.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #PoisonedPenPress for the ARC.

 

-Northwind, by Gary Paulsen

Intense. The images just keep on coming. Gary Paulsen is a master at painting the scene for his readers and he outdoes himself in "Northwind". On the surface, the plot sounds simple. A boy left alone in the wilderness through no fault of his own and forced to rely on his own wits and ability to learn from events and his own mistakes. 

Hey, I think I've heard that story before! Yes, the wilderness and self-reliance are a common theme in many Paulsen books but this time he's taken us to sea, to sea in a small canoe. Paulsen, an avid sailor, combines his wilderness lore and knowledge of the sea to create a memorable picture of a boy becoming a man against the backdrop of the sea, a sea that includes swirling tides, dolphins, whales, and icebergs. 

While the focus remains on the journey and growth, "Northwind" is full of Nordic mythology with references to life, death, and learning and moving forward, always forward. In Nordic mythology a ship often symbolizes life, livelihood and ones journey through life and the afterlife, according to a source I read. Leif's ship is a cedar canoe, perhaps?

I live in Alaska and have observed whales from a small boat, one that appeared relatively large at the dock but suddenly seemed dwarfed when surrounded by leaping, playing whales. I remember the awe of thinking I could almost reach out and touch a mother whale that came up alongside where I stood, then dived and swam directly under our boat. I've actually witnessed the bubble feeding process that nearly sucks Leif to his death.Thus, I could experience some of the awe and unease Leif, the main character, must have felt when encountering these massive, majestic creatures. Bears are common, too, in Alaska, often in our own yards, so I shuddered when Leif came practically face to face with one. His story of a young eagle learning to carry its prey rings true and I've seen it with my own eyes. Ravens? Everywhere and I chuckled at the descriptions of their calls.

It should come as no surprise to any but new readers that Gary Paulsen once lived in Alaska. He knows the north. Blending that knowledge with Nordic mythology, he makes the experiences, both the wondrous and frightening ones, real. Like Leif, I have to wonder if Paulsen is also always looking north, even when at the helm of a sailboat, as he keeps on learning and sharing the oneness of nature with us. He has another winner in "Northwind".

Added: Sadly, received word that Gary Paulsen has passed away. He was 82 according to the press release. He has reached Valhalla, leaving us with his words, wonderful words, and shall be missed by friends, of which I was one, and readers, of which I was also one, alike. The photo below is my own, taken during his brief attempt to run the Iditarod once again.

 

Thank you to #NetGalley and #MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup for the ARC.