Book Reviews
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Showtime
by the Australian author Judy Nunn
This title ‘Showtime’ is by the Australian author Judy Nunn who has worked as an actor, and written scripts for television and radio. The theme of the book is based on the early development of theatre in both Melbourne and Sydney. Two families of different backgrounds arrive in Melbourne from the cotton mills in the UK and from orphanages in London in the 1880s. The story follows their lives for three generations through feuds, reconciliations, and development of theatre performances in both cities from their arrival until the 1920s.
Set against a background of real life artists, promoters and theatre buildings, an interesting insight into the development of Australian theatre and is an enjoyable read for those interested in this genre as well as new readers.
Murder in my backyard
by Ann Cleeves
‘Murder in my backyard’ by Ann Cleeves, a well known English author of murder mysteries. She has written over 35 novels winning various awards and has several televised by ITV and the BBC. This title is the second in the series featuring Inspector Ramsay. Set in the northern area of England the story evolves the murder of an elderly local woman in her village whose name is Alice Parry. Ramsay himself is a newcomer to this area and is still finding his way, developing new friendships. Who murdered Alice, her family or other locals who many have a grudge against her in their complicated lives or those involved in a new housing scheme?
Ann Cleeves weaves her stories with great skill keeping the reader guessing who the murderer until the last few pages. Most enjoyable for those who may not have read her books before.
My enemy's enemy
by George Crile
My enemy’s enemy : the story of the largest covert operation in history : the arming of the Mujahideen by the CIA by George Crile.
When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, pressure mounted for the Americans to support the Afghan resistance. This title tells the story of what became the largest covert operation in history – funding eventually grew to over $1 billion a year. The book features a vivid cast of characters: Charlie Wilson the maverick congressman; Gust Avrakotos, head of the CIA operation in Afghanistan; and President Zia of Pakistan. Moving from meeting rooms in Washington to secret chambers at Langley, to arms-dealer conventions, to the Khyber Pass.
The book is a remarkable account of the last battle of the Cold War, a battle that helped weaken the Soviet Union and led to its collapse – and of course paved the way to the rise of the Taliban.
George Crile was an American journalist and author that was best known for working for CBS News and as the author of “Charlie Wilson’s War.” He made his name as a television news producer that tackled controversial and difficult subjects. Crile was born in 1945 San Diego, the son of distinguished surgeon George Crile.
This non-fiction title will be included into the collection on Monday 24 June. Be the first to read this title.
Still Life
by Louise Penny
Louise Penny is a Canadian author of mystery novels set in the Canadian province of Quebec centred on the work of francophone Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec. Penny’s first career was as a radio broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting.
In Still Life, Penny introduces Monsieur L’Inspecteur Armand Gamache, a modern Poirot who anchors this beloved traditional mystery series
Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his team of investigators are called in to the scene of a suspicious death in a rural village south of Montreal. Jane Neal, a local fixture in the tiny hamlet of Three Pines, just north of the U.S. border, has been found dead in the woods. The locals are certain it’s a tragic hunting accident and nothing more, but Gamache smells something foul in these remote woods, and is soon certain that Jane Neal died at the hands of someone much more sinister than a careless bowhunter.
Still life is the first of 19 in the series. You can read them out of order or follow the characters as they develop.
Winner of the New Blood Dagger, Arthur Ellis, Barry, Anthony, and Dilys awards.
Behind the Lines
by Jeffrey B Miller
Behind the Lines by Jeffrey B Miller
Jeffrey B. MILLER, Behind the Lines. WWI’s little-known story of German occupation, Belgian resistance, and the band of Yanks who helped save millions from starvation.
During World War I the American-led, private organization named the Commission for Relief in Belgium (CRB) initiated, organized, and supervised the largest food and relief drive the world has ever seen. Working in concert with its counterpart in Belgium, the Comite National, the CRB fed and clothed for four years nearly 10 million Belgians and northern French trapped behind German lines.
Young, idealistic Americans (called CRB delegates) volunteered to go into German-occupied Belgium to guarantee the food would not be taken by the Germans. These humantiarian crusaders had to maintain strict neutrality in what they said and did as they watched the Belgians suffer under the harsh German regime.
Covering August 1914 through December 1914, this nonfiction book follows a handful of CRB delegates, a twenty-two-year-old Belgian woman, two U.S. diplomats, the head of the CRB, and a Belgian businessman and a Belgian priest who team up to fight the German occupation.
One of America’s finest hours in helping others is a story that few have heard.
