"Elementary", there was never such a more provoking word. A term that in its five tight dribbling of precise syllables told you that you were, and still are terribly mistaken, that in your solution, which you had probably thought was rather fetching, and ingenious was actually a world compromised of acute... misgivings.
You are correct. I am being too obtuse in my condescenion and Holmes would not approve. Elementary is a famed term, made more famous by the fictitious (I hear the Sherlockians gasp in horror at my jargon) man who spoke the word than truly the word itself. Maybe it was his canter- the way he knew everything about a person by the "cut of his shirt", or the band missing from their left digit, or maybe it was his uncanny but completely reliable arrogance for being just one step ahead of even the most brilliant minds. Maybe we were captivated by the mold of a beautiful bromance sculpted for us to have characters emulate for the rest of time (Lethal Weapon: Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh, Miami Vice Crockett and Tubbs...dare I say Tom Sawyer needed Huck Finn?).
If you are interested in mystery, a double mystery to be precise with a side of historical fiction then you will have a feast with this novel The Sherlockian. I am a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, partially because I am related to the Doyle's, whether or not I am related to Sir Arthur is still to be determined, but because of this I had a very strong interest in reading the Sherlock Holmes stories as a young kid. This novel is no exception.
A short synopsis? This novel follows Arthur and his close companion Bram (The author of Dracula) on a real case involving the death of a young woman who was a part of the woman's suffragist movement in the late 1800s. The novel also follows a present day mystery, through the eyes of Harold one of the youngest members of The Sherlockians (A real group of real people who spend their real time devoted to everything Sherlock Holmes. They consist of published writers on the various aspects of the literary body of work. The reader follows Harold as he tries to solve the mystery over a missing Arthur Conan Doyle artifact, which was found, but then lost again after its founder was presumably murdered. I don't want to give too much away, but if you're a true Sherlockian you would have seen that coming from page one so, no worries.
"The game's afoot!", so join in and read this undeniably accurate, yet also fictional dual mystery. Let me know if this novel kept you guessing, like it did me, all the way to the last page. If you want to check out more about the author, or the unique publishing company Twelve Books click the link below the picture of the novel.
This novel was a 10/10 for me, and I would suggest it to anyone who loves to read, loves Sherlock Holmes, and loves knowing the reason why.
Stay Lovely...
And Read!
D.R
Editor and Curator of
Dusk & Rubies
CONTINUE READING
Hope in a Jar by Beth Harbison is the second novel to be reviewed in our summer book club series. I have to say that I enjoyed this book, but found it on the slower paced side, as well as predictable. But that's not to say that it was poorly written or lacking in entertainment. The novel was craftily written in two different perspectives, and switches in narration between it's two main characters: Allie Denty, and Olivia Pelham. Both characters used to be best friends in High School, but have a falling out that is not revealed completely until near the end of the novel. They both live drastically different lives except for their mutual friend Noah, and that each woman is missing something from her life, but can't seem to figure out exactly what it is. Through their High School reunion, which both are dreading, but also bring up memories of happier times they are pushed towards reconciliation for a friend's sake. The novel is about empowering women and how each women can feel empowered in different ways. Sometimes all it takes is a little makeup.
Scale 1-10: I give the novel a fair 6. It is not a novel I would say to a girlfriend oh my gosh you have to read this! But if you're looking for an easy beach read I would recommend this book. Allie's character is humorous, and Olivia's character brings the melodrama. I also like how they used make-up and its advertising as quotes to begin each chapter with.
About the author: Beth Harbison is the New York Times bestselling author of Shoe Addicts Anonymous and
Secrets of a Shoe Addict, so I hope to eventually read some of her other work.
Here is what other's have to say about her novel Hope In A Jar:
"Harbison continues to wow readers with charm and genuine
characters."
--Booklist
"...fun nostalgia for those of us who loved Bonne Bell Lip Smackers and
Sun-In."
--Fort-Worth Star Telegram
"Harbison creates vivid, convincing characters and handles them well.
--Publishers Weekly
"...as slick and enjoyable as a brand-new tube of lip gloss."
--People
I'm already reading my next novel, and I'll give you the inside scoop...it is awesome! I can not put it down. So keep reading, and don't forget to leave comments and we'll discuss!
Stay Lovely,
D.R
Editor and Curator of
Dusk & Rubies
The Scandelous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc by Loraine Despres
Synopsis: Sissy a bored house-wife, who is anything but boring, finds herself stuck. Stuck in the deep-south; stuck with a husband who finds her sexually irrelevant; stuck in a community that is extremely religious- something she is not, and stuck in the type of heat that makes it ironically impossible to move. The reader is introduced to Sissy as she sits out on her porch, that faces the town's church, as she tries to find a cool place of recluse. Wearing barely nothing she begins to fantasize about the one who got away, and the life that she never lived. She notices the man who is repairing the telephone pole across the street, and notices how his pants have that "shrink to fit" look- he reminds of her lost high school sweetheart, Parker Davidson....until she realises it is Parker Davidson, and he looks good.
With a quick witted heroine who states one-liners like: A smart girl makes a man sweat, and A man will believe anything as long as it's convenient for him, and a setting of a small, southern town where everyone knows everything about everyone you can imagine the trouble Sissy encounters.
This book is for: the woman who is looking for: sizzle, sparks, scandal, and a strong female lead in their beach read this book will be perfect for you.
Pace: fast paced, and never drags. The book is broken into chapters and three parts. Each part seems to up the ante!
1-10 Recommendation: 8, I would highly recommend this book, because there were parts that I didn't see coming! (And that happens rarely)
I hope you enjoy this read. Remember to leave a comment below, and tell us what you think!
D.R
Editor and Curator of
Dusk & Rubies
CONTINUE READING
