January Great Reads

I’ve read a few books recently that I would love to recommend for the new year.

The Printer and the Strumpet- Larry Brill

This historical fiction novel with political themes focuses on the events leading up to the Revolutionary War, and specifically the effect the press has on public opinion. It is written from the point of view of our main character, Leeds Merriweather, editor of the New England News Journal. Semi-conservative, he has a great passion for the printed word and for reporting the facts. Unfortunately poor decisions made by his business partner and best friend have put him in a precarious position: print the facts and lose his business; print the alternate facts and lose his dignity. Meanwhile, an underground news publication called the Watertown Times Forger has created quite a stir by exposing the truth about the political corruption surrounding the governors office. The information in the publication was provided by a madam, Sally Hughes, with whom Merriweather is quite smitten. The brothel served as a well of information for the Watertown Times Forger, and the identity of the Forger seems to be the worst kept secret in town. Tensions mount as loyalists and rebels retaliate against whomever they feel is too loyal to the other side. After several unfair incidents, his loyalty leans toward the Americans with whom he has built friendships and, in the words of Merriweather, “the whispers of rebellions seemed more reasonable everyday.” Throughout the building conflicts, Merriweather remains determined to print the facts while being at the frontline to witness it all.

A thoroughly enjoyable read. A clever comical narration full of pop culture references, as well as references to Dickens and Shakespeare, while also poking fun at the current political climate. Danger, adventure, secrets, and romance: what else could you want in a novel? Even though this is the second book in a series, it is a good stand-alone novel, and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by having not read the first one. I love the historical prose; it set the tone for the story, and the insults were quite amusing. Flog the frog is one that I definitely think should be used more in real life. It would be helpful to brush up on your history, specifically regarding the Whigs and the Tories, prior to reading this novel. Since I grew up in Massachusetts, I’m particularly fond of all the local references in this book, especially that of Robert Treat Paine, as I grew up near the Paine estate. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction.

Double Deceit- Julienne Brouwers

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. A nail-biting thriller! Jennifer Smits is a family practice doctor, while on a weekend getaway, her husband is found dead. Although ruled accidental, something nags at Jennifer and details are revealed that convince her something sinister was going on.
There are a few things that I think may not have been translated well, but if you ignore that it’s a very enjoyable thriller. The characters were well developed and I was invested in the story from the very first chapter. There are some chapters that are a bit slow but I felt that only added to the suspense. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who love international thrillers and mysteries.

and be on the lookout for…

Every Waking Hour- Joanna Schaffhausen

Ellery Hathaway and Reed Markham are again teamed up in the fourth book in this series. Investigating a kidnapped girl leads to a multilayered mystery and many secrets. It also brings up some unresolved feelings for Ellery as she was about the same age when she was kidnapped by a serial killer.
This series is great, but this also is a good stand alone novel. I would suggest to read them in order, but if you don’t you will not be lost. The author does a great job of catching the reader up without being too repetitive. The characters are strong, likeable and flawed giving them an air of authenticity. The cliffhanger chapter endings will keep you riveted in your seat until the last page. The mystery itself is masterfully written with twists and turns you won’t see coming. I love this series and can’t wait for the next one! I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys crime mysteries. Release date 01/26/01.