Book Talkin’

Readers know what they like and most know how to get it.  However, there are times when you are talking with friends or strangers that a possible new discovery can surface. Whether it is a great stand alone or a possible, yet undiscovered series, I am always ready for a recommended title. I always appreciate finding a series with characters I can relate to and become interested. I really miss sitting outside the library’s story time room and talking with the moms.  I have discovered some great reads in the weekly exchange of book talks.  As it happens, often we read and have read many of the same titles and spend the thirty minutes having a great time talking about the story, protagonist, and author.  One of my favorite recommendations from a mom is the Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries by C. S. Harris.  The first title in the series is What Angels Fear. The setting is during Regency England and Sebastian is the unlikely heir of the St. Cyr family.  He is, of course, a bit of a rogue but he is extremely intelligent and quick witted.  As a rule, I don’t usually read books that delve into the politics of court or governments. However, I have found that Harris is amazingly talented in weaving the politics around a more detailed plot which, at its heart, is more important. Harris is one of those authors not afraid of throwing a wrench in the works and shuffling the cards.  I am never disappointed in the additions to this series and look forward to each installment.  This series certainly does not fit into the cozy genre of mysteries. 

Harris released a stand alone on December 1^st.  Good Time Coming is a coming of age story, of loss and survival and the hardships the women and children suffered when left alone during the hardships of the Civil War.  It touches on the good and evil that is within us all and often shows itself when we are put dire situations.  I haven’t read this yet.  At my age I have difficulty reading about man’s inhumanity to man. We see so much of it on television and read about it in the newspaper that when it comes to me sitting down to read I often want something softer. (I know, murder mysteries? Right?)  From the reviews I have read, Harris does a great job telling this story. At some point, I will make myself pick it up.  If you’ve read it, let me know.  I would like to hear what you think of it.