Cross Bones - well, this story covers what it appears to be ... let's call it a crossover between Suspense and the DaVinci Code. Yes, excavations in Israel, religious beliefs and Jesus' story and family life come under scrutiny as well as the desperate attempt by certain fractions to not let it get out of hand - speak, not losing the long lasting control over others and/or exploiting the same for various reasons. And while I do side with those believing that old graves should not be plundered, put under the microscope and then exhibited in museums but instead left in peace - be they Egyptian mummies, Neanderthal bones or bones seemingly of important people - I do disagree with violent methods and bullying tactics to get their way.
It all starts fairly innocently with the apparent suicide of a local business man ... being locked up in a closet with his pet cats ... hence the need for an anthropologist. The autopsy is being fought, unsuccessfully, however, beliefs are being respected to a degree possible, so the morgue becomes rather crowded. And then a photograph comes to light that complicates everything, eventually leading both Dr Brennan and Andrew Ryan to Israel.
As always, Kathy Reichs is very detailed in her descriptions - not only covering a different forensic or anthropological issue with every new novel but the author also makes sure that the reader always receives detailed information of the surroundings Tempe is in as well as what people look like as well as their characteristics and behaviour. Be that through detailed descriptions or even a map of the area visited - although there are times when I would happily see even further details. Overall, the reader is never left in the dark - even with details provided in other storylines - Kathy Reichs always seems to find a way to interweave necessary reminders and information to be enough for first-time readers without boring those having enjoyed previous adventures. Well Done, Kathy!

This Dr Brennan adventure takes place predominantly in Montreal, Canada, with an excursion down south, Tempe's other home and work area. The subject matter this time round involves biker gangs - the modern day mafia as one of the detectives puts it. And while everybody agrees - in books, films and real life - that bikers taking out their rivals and vice versa, while not exactly welcome can be seen as acceptable, sadly, there are always innocent victims, in this case a well loved nine year old being caught in the crossfire on her way to dance class. Something, doting mother Tempe cannot just pass up on.
Naturally, there are a couple of major sub plots knitted in with the main storyline - her nephew Kit is coming for a visit harbouring secrets and Tempe's love interest Andrew Ryan appears to be falling back into old habits. This is definitely a very emotion based story on various fronts and, Tempe being Tempe, she cannot leave things alone - especially as she is `partnered' again with her favourite detective, set minded and non communicative Claudel plus another investigator who appears to ignore her most of the time. Not a good combination ... until things finally come to light through various parties actually sitting down and talking. Isn't this always the case?
Guess, you can say, that I am well and truly `hooked' on the Dr Brennan series by now - in fact, I am sometimes even tempted to put Emily Deschanel's face on the character while following the good doctor's adventures - am really getting into both and cannot wait to pick up the next book or await new episodes of `Bones'. Author Kathy Reichs, of course, not only pens the novelisations but is also a consultant and producer on the tv show - no doubt adding to the success of both.

I spotted this novel at the local book store and was immediately captivated by the story as well as the fact that I have become a pretty avid watcher of the tv series Bones of late. Realising that author Kathy Reichs is a producer and consultant on the show itself intrigued me into buying this book in the first place ... and then having trouble putting it down. The storyline was most intriguing and, in this case, gave me a good insight into Dr Temperance Brennan's life itself aside from the mysteries she tries to solve along the way. It also confirmed that, like her tv counterpart, the good doctor is not satisfied in simply performing her tasks as a forensic anthropologist but also delves into detective work that can cause her to become a target of someone not wishing (old) secrets revealed - in this case, even her daughter as well as her partner's offspring.
A most tantalising recount of deaths having occurred decades earlier with facts coming to light at a much later stage as is often the case. An accidental drowning triggering an identity mystery that Tempe simply cannot let go of and starts to investigate through her many connections. Kathy Reichs - a board-certified forensic anthropologist herself - also does not skimp on explanations where forensics are concerned, never leaving the reader in the dark as to what is going on and as to how and why the work is carried out.
This novel - written in fluid motion, easy to follow, with the reader never left wondering what is happening - inspired me to look into Kathy Reichs' previous books in the Dr Temperance Brennan series, of which this is the thirteenth adventure. Time to catch up!

The last issue in the trilogy was as wonderfully entertaining and educating about the local history, happenings and legends, even a ghost story or two were added for good measure. Once again, a variety of subjects - from humans to animal to plants and beyond - were covered by a number of local authors, some that have been featured in previous volumes and others being newcomers introduced along the way.
Most were short stories either reprinted or specially written for the Heart of the Cariboo-Chilcotin series but excerpts from previousl published books were also included, giving the reader the option of following up on other publications if they want to learn more. Part Three was masterfully edited by Karla Decker and the authors included in this volume range from Richmond P Hobson Jr to Eldon Lee, Veera Witte, Hilary Place right down to Heidi Redl and Ann Walsh who writes about a Cariboo favourite - the Rhubarb.
A most intriguing series of books that are an absolute must for those new to the area and even if you never liked the subject of history, you might just change your mind at reading this compilation of funny, strange and/or exceptional stories covered. Enjoy :)

Having read book one in this series of three, I was very much looking forward to starting on volume two and did not get disappointed one little bit.
It's only been two years since my arrival here in the South Cariboo and yet I simply cannot see myself move anywhere else again! So, just as well might learn a little bit about the history of my new home.
The Heart of the Cariboo-Chilcotin series consists of a numbe of short or shortened stories that cover tales from the Gold Rush Trail in the mid-1800's to fairly recent events and anything in-between. Some recounts are funny anectodes, some cover actual happenings of the past and then there are the local legends well worth remembering and passing on to a different generation as well as newcomers to the area such as myself.
Several authors contributing to volume one return with new stories for this one, beautifully compiled and edited by Diana Wilson. Whether you want to know about pioneers, settlers, First Nations people or animals - there is something for you in this and/or the previous book. I, for one, cannot wait to lay my hands on volume three ...

... to help an ESL (English as a Second Language) Learner to conquer the hurdle of understanding people in a new country. Having been 'wearing those shoes' years back myself, I do know how tough it can be not only to learn a new vocabulary but also expressions that - when translated directly - do not make any sense at all. Idioms need to be taught and learnt along with a new vocabulary when learning to speak a different language.
Having bought this book especially for my tutoring the English language to non-English speakers, I am extremely happy with the basic layout of the book as well as the fact that they do not only state the Idiom/Expression and explain its meaning but they also put in examples as to how to use the relevant statement. This makes it the perfect tool for anyone learning or teaching English or even for someone who is simply curious about Idioms themselves.
This is a wonderful reference book for anyone!

Welcome back Lynsay - how I missed your Argeneau books! And this was an especially refreshing one with twists and turns I did not expect right to the end. Nice! :
The Reluctant Vampire was not even about the 'direct' Argeneau family but involved a relative from Spain and reluctant vampire Harper from Germany who settled in Canada after joining Victor claiming his Elvi. The set-up? As usual, matriarch Marguerite decided that Drina would be the perfect mate for Harper who only just lost his lifemate during her turn and is still in mourning - still not enough reason for 'mama' not to intervene ... or is that interfere? However, how will the reluctant vampire react to another lifemate being presented to him so quickly when lifemates are generally few and hard to find? And the saga of Stephanie - the no-fanger still coming to terms with the change forced up on her as well as going through her teenage years ... but not enough with that, apparently, she also has certain special gifts that are very rare. I guess that would be why Leonius - who turned her and her sister Dani against their will in the first place - wants to make the fifteen year old his 'breeding mare' since gaining 'access' to sister Dani is highly unlikely. And thus we have, as usual, two main plots going on as well as a number of plot B's etc - Lynsay's stories are always very complex and keep you guessing what is going on right to the end
Needless to say, I can't wait for the next instalment - Teddy's story - at Christmas and do hope that it will not be a short / compact story as Tiny's was as he, too, deserves better! Happy Reading :)

A wonderful and quick read about a young girl growing up on a farm with only her brother and father in the early 1800's. All is well until grandma arrives for the summer from England with the intention of taking the young girl back to be 'properly' raised ...
This is a powerful and captivating story with a lot of background on how life was in those days. Pioneer living was hard but also exciting with every day bringing new adventures and experiences with the surroundings, wildlife and a variety of people living and working the lands.
Becky Citra's writing is straight forward, interesting and intriguing. A wonderful book for all ages.

Becky Citra's latest published book and what a wonderful read it is!
The storyline? A young teenage girl having lost her mother moving from place to place every few months as the father finds work 'on the road' ... or is he simply running away from his past? - But this is not where it ends. They are offered lodgings on a newly purchased guest ranch to be renovated and brought up to speed and the father, reluctantly, accepts the job as his old one at a fast food place is about to end. Thea finds a horse - her parents used to be horse breeders so she essentially grew up surrounded by horses ... up until four years ago - and finds out about a girl having gone missing nearly sixty years earlier.
The essential question this story brings up - or should I say questions? - is, will there be a happy future possible? Is running away from problems instead of talking them out the answer? What happens if you do not speak the truth - who will be affected and how?
All in all a very deep story but still written in a very easily understandable way. Becky Citra surpasses herself with this book - this is a definite must read and a keeper!

A most impressive read and I gladly add my name to previous statements of having learnt a great deal and shed a tear or two. Yes, it is essentially based on Christian beliefs although I believe this predominantly as due to most people being familiar with God, Jesus and the Holy Trinity in the Western world - no more and no less. The understanding, healing and growing of the protagonist goes much further, much deeper, touching every single reader on a spiritual level, no matter their religious affiliation or lack thereof. I dare presume that everybody can learn a thing or two by reading this novel and will be touched on a very deep level.
The storyline itself is based on a man's life with a background of abuse by his drunken father and subsequently running away as a young teenager who suffers the horrendous loss of his youngest daughter at what appears to be a paedophile's hands. He and his family - especially his other daughter - suffer greatly, being caught in what is described as The Great Sadness, from which there appears to be no escape. When the man receives a note, he decides to keep it secret from his family and follow up on it on his own - and the healing and understanding of events begins.
The Shack essentially teaches about love, understanding and forging relationships in order to overcome hardships in life but equally allows for anger at/about a situation and every person working on themselves and through issues in their lives at their own pace. After all, we are all individuals with our own and unique characteristics and experiences in life.
So, please, do read this extremely well written, expressed and involved book and I assure you, you will not be disappointed!