My Grandson Turns Five

Remember that George Carlin routine about how we are "going on" the next number ("I am sixteen going on seventeen?") until we become twenty-one? And we don't use months or half-numbers after that. Hey, I am almost 64.25! It was impossible to find the routine on YouTube, but I did stumble onto a transcription. He was truly hilarious. Anyway, my older grandson had his space-themed birthday party yesterday, and it was a lot of fun. He is now five going on six.

Speaking of five, I gave five stars to The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel. Wow, what an intense read! I highly recommend this taut mystery novel. It's on the shorter side at under 300 pages, but man it packs a punch. TW: it begins with the gruesome death of two children. It's not one of those stories that focuses on gore though; it's more about family bonds and feeling trapped in small town life.

The Conjuror's Wife by Sarah Penner was a gripping little fantasy/ historical fiction short story. I loved the twist at the end and gave the book four stars.

I was disappointed in the latest Freida McFadden thriller I read: Do Not Disturb. The twists were often predictable, and there was very little motivation given for the characters' actions. Also, and maybe this is not fair to the book, but I am really tired of the abused wife who can't leave until it's too late motif, especially when there aren't even children involved. This type of story usually features a protagonist with whom we are supposed to sympathize while she keeps doing stupid things, the dumbest one of course being falling for the "too good to be true" man. Meh. Two stars.

I read The Changeling by Philippa Carr (aka Victoria Holt), which was another romance/ mystery novel in the Daughters of England series. I found it enjoyable but not as good as some of the others, so I gave it three stars. The title basically gives away the main twist of the story. 

Via a friend's recommendation, I have started the Netflix show Dept. Q, and so far I am intrigued. It's a detective mini-series set in Edinburgh, Scotland, and the acting is top-notch.

Hope everyone is having a good start to their week!