By Richard Castle

The Short Take:

If you watch TV’s Castle, you will thoroughly enjoy these books. They are supposedly the books Richard Castle is writing while he is riding along with Kate Becket and her crew. This is the fourth one and they’re still great fun and a bit mind blowing for Castle fans.

Why?

It’s important to realize that these books are not in line with the TV show. They have similarities but there are also major differences. It’s almost like an alternative universe with the same characters solving different crimes. However the names have all changed: Richard Castle becomes Jameson Rook, Kate Becket is Nikki Heat, etc. That said, you certainly don’t have to watch the show to enjoy these reads.

When I encountered the first book in the series — and I highly recommend reading them in order — I was puzzled by the picture of actor Nathan Fillion on the back and the supposed author’s name, Richard Castle, blazoned on the front cover. After all, Fillion plays the fictional Richard Castle, who is a thriller mystery writer, but Fillion isn’t a writer. Who is the real author? That’s for you to find out on your own.

These mysteries continue the playful banter between the primary characters of the television series, adding comic relief to criminal cases. However, the relationships are not quite the same (imagine what Richard Castle would want). Each new entry has been slick, well-paced, and highly readable — the perfect escapist read.

A Little Plot:

A frozen body is found packed in a suitcase — a suitcase belonging to Nikki Heat that disappeared the day her mother was murdered. Nikki has long sought to solve her mother’s murder. However, is this a fresh lead or is Nikki’s own life in danger? Try both.

To visit the “author’s” website, click here.

By M. L. Stedman

The Short Take:

Every decision has its repercussions that reach outward like ripples in a pond. This romantic novel explores the repercussions when a lighthouse keeper and his young wife find a crying baby and a dead man in a rowboat beached on their remote island home. Brooding and emotionally charged, this one can break your heart time and again.

Why?

They say no man is an island, but protagonist Tom Sherbourne is about as close as one can get. Emotionally scarred by his WWI years, he has sought the isolated life of a lighthouse keeper, alone on a remote island. He takes every task seriously and is scrupulous in his integrity and his work ethic. This deep morality is both his bedrock and his Achilles heel.

Stedman’s book explores how isolation impacts first a man, then a couple, and finally a family. But it is ultimately about the choices they make. Even when you know their choices are suspect, you completely understand each and every one; you also ache for the inevitable problems to come.

The writing was lovely, with entrancing — if rather desolate — descriptions of remote Janus Rock, a day’s sail south of southwestern Australia. The plot took awhile to get going, but knowing more about Tom’s earlier lighthouse years prepared you for who he was and what he did.

You’ll encounter a lot of pain in this novel, flowing from the loss of children and others. You’ll also find boundless love. It’s a powerful combination. You can’t help but feel empathy for all the main characters. And, you won’t want to put this one down until all is resolved.

A Little Plot:

Tom is the new lighthouse keeper at an island post that only sees a supply ship months apart and with years between shore leaves. Just before heading out, he meets Isabel, a much younger woman filled with energy and joy. She “sets her cap” for him and he eventually brings her to the island as his wife.

She hopes to fill their home and lives with children, yet miscarriages make that hope fade. Then a small boat beaches on their shore occupied by a crying infant and a dead man. For Isabel, it is a miracle. For Tom, it is a terrible conflict: fulfill the dreams of the woman he loves or report the boat and its occupants as duty requires.

His heart rules his head that day, yet his discomfort with the situation continues. Then, he learns something which make his choice almost unbearable. His subsequent actions are devastating for many. Yet, you understand.

You can hear Stedman talk about her novel, as well as see some nice pictures of Australia, by clicking here.

By Jonas Jonasson

The Short Take:

This book is a pure delight through and through, right down to the last line of the final page. It has a Forrest Gump/Baron Munchausen vibe that is both highly entertaining and truly heart-warming. I had rather high hopes just from the title. They were greatly surpassed.

Why?

While not quite a fantasy, this novel is certainly fantastical. After all, not many ordinary men encounter Truman, Stalin, de Gaulle, Churchill, and a raft of other world leaders. However, these famed individuals have nothing on the colorful characters Jonasson created to accompany the 100-year-old-man of the title. From Albert Einstein’s unfortunate brother to an affable small-time crook, they are unique and highly enjoyable.

The book is awash in gentle humor, along with some sly commentary on world affairs and politics. Yet it’s not simple silliness by a long shot. It is also a celebration of living the life one is handed, a paean to the value of friendships, and a fractured history lesson on the last century.

Originally published in Sweden, this book has been a great success in Europe and deserves the same in the U.S. It’s about as far as you can get from the recently popular dark mysteries from that country. You could say it’s the perfect antidote.

A Little Plot:

The main story line traces what happens to the man who crawls out the window of a retirement home on his 100th birthday because he doesn’t like the way his life is going. That’s basically Allan Karlsson’s approach to life: if things need to change, change them; otherwise simply let it be.

His disappearance becomes a police matter, and the search gets increasingly complicated as other people disappear along Allan’s supposed trail.

These chapters are interspersed with the retelling of Allan’s life, which takes him around the world, introduces him to numerous world leaders, and involves a lot of explosions.

Yes, it is completely unbelievable. And, unbelievably fun to read.

For more about Jonas Jonasson and his book, click here.

By Junot Díaz

The Short Take:

Díaz’ writing style is so energetic and genuine, it is worlds away from most authors. This collection of not-quite-love stories follows the broken romances of Yunior, Díaz’s recurrent alter ego from his previous books. You could call Díaz a Dominican Philip Roth with a strong street accent. That’s all good in my book.

Why?

Be forewarned, this book is full of X-rated language. However, that is totally in keeping with who Yunior is and how he lives. It’s a down right joy to read something that feels so electric and active. His writing (and Yunior’s world) simply crackles with testosterone and posturing, while barely shielding the isolation and conflicted feelings it overlies.

These stories all deal with love of some sort or the other, but don’t go looking for hearts and flowers romance. Instead, expect tales of the messier types of love: whether it’s a mother’s devotion, pride in a love child, or out-and-out cheating.

They all make for a rollicking read, but actually share much more if you care to listen closely. Please do. Díaz is a treasure for the 21st century.

A Little Plot:

Roughly, the stories follow Yunior’s life, from adolescence through middle age. Each one spins around some ill-fated romance or other. It also encompasses the complicated relationship between Yunior and his brother, who dies from cancer at a very young age.

I have to admit sometimes I wanted to shake Yunior, but in a good way.

If you want to know more about Díaz and his work, visit his website by clicking here.

By Christopher Buckley

The Short Take:

It’s another brilliant skewering by Buckley. This time he goes after lobbyists, Washington “think tanks,” weapon systems manufacturers, and the Chinese government; with side orders of Civil War reenactments and international equestrian events. As always, it is outrageously good fun.

Why?

Even though he is the son of William F. Buckley, this Buckley’s books don’t have a partisan political slant — everyone and everything related to the government is fair game. His plots involve schemes that go wrong, layers of complications, a surprising resolution, and caricatures of characters. They are a blast to read.

This one is no exception. Who knew the threat of WWIII could be so amusing? I do wonder how the Dalai Lama will feel about the made-up  controversy his death creates, however. Do you suppose his people read books like this?

A Little Plot:

When a weapons system manufacturer has trouble getting funding for a new system through Congress, he sets his main lobbyist up as a foundation focusing on national security and Far Eastern issues. His goal — to get people as nervous as possible about China so Congress will be glad to buy more weapons systems.

For help, the lobbyist/foundation head enlists the aid of the director of The Institute for Continuing Conflict, which is all in favor of preemptive strikes. The big plan: feed the public the idea that the Chinese are trying to kill the Dalai Lama, inspired by a news item about his being too sick for a scheduled meeting with the Pope.

Of course, the Chinese are involved with the Dalai Lama, but not that way. And the Chinese President is barely clinging to power over his military and security ministers.

So, what could possibly go wrong? Try everything. Except for readers.

Supposedly Buckley has a blog, but I could only find articles about it (not that I spent much time looking), so, once again, it’s Google for you.

By J. R. Moehringer

The Short Take:

I would never have thought that a novel based on a real bank robber would have any appeal for me. Boy, was I wrong! This book fascinated not only due to its portrayal of the elusive and charismatic Willie Sutton but also for its subtext of how banks through history have caused economic depressions that impact everyone else.

Why?

Willie “The Actor” Sutton is said to have robbed 100 banks and gotten away with some two million dollars, all while never firing a shot. This is his story in novelized form. But it is also a story of romance, family ties, loyalty, persistence, and the hatred of banks.

The plot is built around two time lines. One follows Sutton’s first day of freedom in 1969, when he is required to give an exclusive interview and uses that interview to visit the New York City landmarks of his life. The other is the linear story of his life, told in context with those landmarks.

This juxtaposition works very nicely, as it allows the reporter and photographer of the 1969 “present” to comment on Sutton’s past. Plus, the use of italics for the 1969 story keeps everything nice and clear.

Moehringer’s Sutton is fascinating, but not in that horrible, can’t-look-away fashion of many mobster tales. Nothing is glamorized, but you can feel the heart of a real person — with all the flaws and good qualities that go along with that. This is quite an achievement since with Willie Sutton it is difficult to separate fact from fiction — he certainly didn’t do it himself. Even Sutton’s two autobiographies aren’t in agreement.

Nevertheless, Moehringer’s depiction is rich in texture and certainly feels like the story of a real person.

This novel also shows how the actions of banks can ruin the lives of many. In Sutton’s lifetime there was depression after depression, keeping tens of thousands (or more) from finding  employment. Banks failed and wiped out savings this was before FDIC insurance). Everyone suffered, except the bankers whose speculative habits caused these downturns.

That’s one reason bank robbers like Willie Sutton became folk heroes — they were the only ones punishing the banks.

But don’t think of this as simply a gangster’s life, it is also the story of a life-long love.

A Little Plot:

Pardoned for his crimes and released from prison on Christmas Eve, Willie Sutton spends the next day revisiting landmarks that represent turning points in his life with a reporter and photographer.

A child of Irish town and poverty, with no job opportunities — actually none of this is why he became a criminal. It was all because he loved a woman.

The repercussions of that love started him down a path of crime, extensive jail time, and brief interludes of an almost normal existence. Yet, through it all, his love persisted.

I didn’t easily spot a website for Moehringer, but you can see  an interview that focuses on this book by clocking here.

By Hilary Mantel

The Short Take:

Mantel follows up her exceptional Wolf Hall with the next chapter in the life of the infamous Tudor councilor, Thomas Cromwell. This book revolves around the downfall of Anne Boleyn and Cromwell’s role in bringing it about. It’s riveting and an easier read, too.

Why?

Mantel turns the historical novel into true literature. Her writing is absolutely brilliant. This volume is a bit shorter and more accessible than her first book about Cromwell. The fact that it spans a short period of time and contains a more limited cast of characters explains that.

Cromwell is an amazing character: a self-made man in a time when family class meant everything, he was generous, cruel, and brilliant. Everyone was his enemy, unless they wanted his friendship for their own gain. Mantel is more than equal to telling his story. She takes you inside his magnificent brain as well as his battered heart. This book is simply stunning. Plus, it’s nice to read a book centered on the short reign of Ann Boleyn that puts her to one side and focuses on the powers that set her downfall in motion and made in, ultimately, inevitable.

By the way, that rather frightening title is actually a quaint of way of saying “bring in the accused” at a trial.

A Little Plot:

Henry VIII is unhappy with Ann, his queen. She has not produced the male heir he desires and he’s wondering if it’s because his marriage to her isn’t valid. Plus, he has a growing interest  in the shy Jane Seymour.

Since he proclaimed his first marriage to the still-living Katherine of Aragon invalid and set himself up as Head of the Catholic Church in Britain, it’s a sticky legal problem as well as a matter of religion, family connections, and personal affection.

It’s up to Cromwell to sort the whole thing out to (almost) everyone’s satisfaction.

I could not find a web page for Mantel, but you can find out more about here from her Facebook page or by a simple Google.

By Carlos Ruiz Zafon

The Short Take:

This third entry in Zafon’s cycle about writers and books, set in a magical Barcelona, is far gentler and more straightforward than The Angel’s Game. Best of all the loquacious and highly entertaining Fermín takes a center role. As always, the writing is exceptional and the atmosphere moody.

Why?

The Angel’s Game was so dark and complex it left a lot of readers scratching their heads. This volume is much closer in style and tone to the first book in this cycle, The Shadow of the Wind.  That is good news indeed.

Though set in the late 1950s, a great portion of the book is a reminiscence of things that take place almost a decade earlier. It’s Fermín’s story and, as far as I’m concerned, anything that centers on this brilliantly humorous man is quite enjoyable.

Characters from both previous books appear, and others are mentioned in passing. A note at the beginning of the book claims each novel is meant to be a stand alone story, however, I would not recommend reading this one without reading Shadow first. You’ll simply enjoy this story so much more if you do, plus you’ll get all the joy that comes with reading that previous book. The Angel’s Game, however, is not as necessary in my opinion.

A Little Plot:

Sempere and Sons Bookstore needs to punch up it’s Christmas business. While Papa Sempere goes in search of seasonal window dressings, a dark and forbidding man enters the store, buys a very expensive edition of The Count of Monte Christo, and writes a dedication in it, leaving the book at the store for Fermín, who works there. Daniel, the son in the store’s name, is both curious and concerned. He follows the man but learns little.

When Fermín finally sees the book, he goes white. Eventually he tells Daniel the story of his years in prison and the mysterious Prisoner of Heaven who changed his life — and who will still have an impact on both him and Daniel.

For more more on Zafon and his works, visit his website by clicking here.

By Karen Thompson Walker

The Short Take:

The earth’s rotation is slowing down and a lonely young girl is turning into a woman. This book has gotten raves and it is a nice read. I bet book clubs across the country are or will select it. However, I found it profoundly depressing.

Why?

There’s nothing necessarily wrong with books that have depressing themes. Some of them are wonderful. This one just didn’t quite do it for me, however I strongly suspect I am in the minority.

The writing is nice. The plot moves along at a quick pace. The pre-teen Julia is an engaging  protagonist. The premise that the earth’s rotation is continually slowing (so that a single day reaches 40 hours and more) is certainly unique as far as I am concerned.

Possibly, as a casual science buff, I was impatient with the lack of science in the book. Plus, I found it hard to believe everyone would simply soldier on, with very few signs of panic or despair. Perhaps the reason so many like this book is because it is low key, while we live in a time when every day seems to bring new promises of eminent destruction or ruin, that can be enheartening.

A Little Plot:

It’s an ordinary day in a southern California suburb when the announcement is made that the earth’s rotation is slowing, and it will continue to slow. After a few weeks of confusion and some (just some) panic, the decision is made to stick with “clock time” and ignore when the sun is up or down.

Only child June continues to go to school, like most of the kids. She continues to admire from afar the brooding young man she longs for. She is shunned by her former friends who are rushing into adulthood.

Life goes on. But, how can it really continue?

For more about the author and her book, click here.

By Christopher Moore

The Short Take:

Did Van Gogh truly kill himself, or was it murder? That’s the question that drives this Parisian romp featuring many of the famed Impressionist painters, particularly Toulouse-Latrec. The plot is a tad confusing but this book is so much fun, who cares?

Why?

Moore writes joyfully absurd novels. In fact, depending on the topic (he’s taken on a Shakespeare play and the unknown years of Jesus) they can seem down right outrageous. This one is no exception with its supernatural elements, frequent “bonking,” and bizarre characters — real and invented.

While many artists make appearances — and advance the story — Henri de Toulouse-Latrec plays a central role, along with the baker/artist Lucien.  Known for his short stature and licentious ways as well as his art, Toulouse-Latrec is a superb choice for a witty and raucous book such as this.

Color reproductions of famous paintings are scattered throughout the text, providing the reader with a quick tour of Impressionist master works. There are also “Interludes” focusing on the color blue (the central theme for this novel), ranging from the source of the paint pigment  to how light absorption and reflection creates the colors we see. These factual additions not only help to advance the story but delight the eye and expand one’s knowledge (unless you really know your art).

Fans of Moore’s writing style should particularly enjoy this outing.

A Little Plot:

Van Gogh is murdered but everyone thinks it is a suicide. Lucien and Toulouse-Latrec have their suspicions and team up to discover the truth. Out of the blue, Lucien’s lost love, Juliette, reappears and insists on being painted.

There’s more to her than meets the eye, as there is with the mysterious Colorman who offers high quality paints for sale. What’s up? It’s too complicated a plot to pretend to describe further without ruining your fun. Moore keeps you wondering the whole time while you continue to giggle..

Moore actually has a blog that features chapter-by-chapter additional art and information about this book. You can visit it by clicking here. But you should really read the book first.

A little personal aside, I thought the author had made a major error by referring to a painting titled Luncheon on the Grass as a Monet. The famous painting featuring a nude woman and fully clothed men is a Manet! However, it turns out Monet painted his own Luncheon on the Grass. Monet’s ladies are fully clothed which probably explains why the other one is better known. Thank you Google, for making it so easy for me to see both paintings in seconds.