Blood of an Englishman: An Agatha Raisin Mystery

By M.C. Beaton

M. C. Beaton never disappoints and her latest installment in the Agatha Raisin Mysteries is no exception. Agatha is talked into attending an amateur theatrical production by her best friend Mrs. Bloxby. At the end of the production one of the actors is killed in a very gruesome way. Agatha is hired to investigate the murder by the producer of the show. Agatha quickly discovers this cast of amateur thespians is a group temperamental, feuding folks. Agatha has a hard time solving this mystery and the additional subsequent murders. If you are an Agatha Raisin fan like I am you will enjoy this latest edition in the series.

~ Beckie

Yes Please

by Amy Poehler (audio book format)

      The latest comedienne to join the ranks of memoir-writers, Amy Poehler doesn’t disappoint. At times hilarious and at times poignant - Amy offers up entertaining reflections on her career, her family (growing up and presently), and child-rearing to name a few. She offers insight into some of our favorite moments with her on Saturday Night Live, as well as those more recently on Parks and Recreation. Joining the fun are guests including Seth Meyers and her parents, as well as “cameos” by Carol Burnett and Patrick Stewart. 

     Amy delivers with honest wit, gritty truths, and her trademark cutting humor. Because we enjoy her so immensely as a performer, I highly recommend listening to this book. To hear her is to appreciate the true Amy - as she shares with us not only her human frailties, but true laugh out loud moments. If you are a Poehler fan, this is a must.

~Beth

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride

By Cary Elwes

Cary Elwes did this book in honor of the film's 25th anniversary and it includes small interviews with some of the other people involved with the film. When I learned that this book was made, I got excited as The Princess Bride is one of my all time favorite movies. It was fun to read about all these little tidbits from behind the scenes. One I remember was him saying that while they were filming, he broke his big toe on his left foot. So while he continued filming he mentioned how he had to do a few things differently because of that and watching the movie again you could see what he was talking about.​

~ Crystal

An Unwilling Accomplice

By Charles Todd

I am new to the Bess Crawford Mysteries and am looking forward to more novels by Caroline and Charles Todd. This mother and son team of writers sets the Bess Crawford stories in World War I. She is a battlefield nurse whose career is in trouble after a soldier that has been in her care disappears. The story takes you across the British countryside in the attempt to locate this man and clear her name. Like any good mystery there is a twist at the end of the book, something the reader does not have a clue about till the end. I hope you enjoy An Unwilling Accomplice as much as I have.

~ Beckie

WPC 56

WPC 56
On DVD

This new series from the BBC is a lovely blast from the past.  Set in 1956 in England, it is the story of Gina Dawson, the first woman police constable in her hometown.  Gina is constantly having to deal with the sexism, racism and corruption that was the norm in 1956.

Gina sets out to make a difference and eventually the wins the respect of her force. This TV drama follows her professional and home life.  As soon as I finished season 1, I put season 2 on hold.  It really is a pleasure to watch.

-Holly

The City

By Dean Koontz

Jonah Kirk grew up in the city in the sixties. As a ten year-old he was an “old soul”, wise for his age and a musical prodigy. His troubles started and ended with his father, this man was up to no good. This is a very well written tale of this young boy’s life and strife. After Jonah endures some hard times (harder than most adults have to endure) his life completely changes due in part to the love of his family and friends.

This was a great book that I enjoyed listening to on CD but it is also available in hard cover or e-book format.

~ Beckie