The Inspector Shan series begins with The Skull Mantra, which won Eliot Pattison the 2001 Edgar Award for Best First Novel In fact, it was The Skull Mantra that inspired my “Uncommonly Good Mysteries” list, which I first started in 2011.  I had just read Eliot Pattison’s newest book Ashes of the Earth: A Mystery of Post-Apocalyptic America …

DI Marjory Fleming… a character I’ve learned to love Aline Templeton’s DI Marjory Fleming mystery series has been on my radar for four years, ever since one of my favorite mystery writers, Louise Penny, recommended it on her blog. Alas, my library didn’t carry the books, so I placed a sticky note in my “authors to …

My review of The Long Way Home – Louise Penny’s 10th book in the Chief Inspector Gamache series Many readers of Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache/Three Pines books don’t know what to make of the newest installment in the series, The Long Way Home. Some found the conversations boring, others wondered where the action was, and quite …

Pancake Frying Pan Reviews: Plett Pan vs. Cast Iron Skillet My grandmother’s much-loved pancake recipes need two different fry pans. A couple of years ago, I went on a frying pan quest, when pancakes became an important food group in our soft foods diet. A dental appliance put soft pancakes front and center… but I didn’t …

An adjustable book holder for people who like to read while eating… and cooking I can now read while I’m eating and cooking… without spilling food on the pages. Are you an avid reader in search of an affordable, functional book holder? Or are you on the lookout for a fun, yet practical, gift for a …