Monthly Archives: May 2013

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Review: A Room Full of Bones ****

This is another well written outing from the Elly Griffiths series about archaeologist Ruth Galloway.  I am reading this series in order and am very impressed with the development of the characters, particularly Ruth, Nelson, Judy and Cathbad, over the course of the books.  Cathbad becomes more intriguing at each turn and the relationship between Nelson and Ruth is painfully realistic.  The exceptional aspect of this book and the others in the series is the atmosphere that Ms. Griffiths creates.  As a reader, you find yourself immersed in the mood, the sense of place that the books evoke.  I will go on to read more in the series and I would highly recommend it to other mystery readers.

Norfolk

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The Weekend

“Literature is the most agreeable way of ignoring life.”
― Fernando Pessoa, The Book of Disquiet

Although I cannot justify it..after just spending last weekend engaged in the Dewey’s 24 hour Readathon, I have a burning desire to ignore the lawn, the laundry, the grocery shopping and the myriad of other intrusions of real life on my weekend and just …read. Sigh, isn’t it terrible when practicalities overrule desires?

The good news is that the library has a stack of books waiting for me that I will pick up tomorrow. My library system, Mercer County, rocks! It is so great that I often say that would be the thing I would miss most if I move from the area.

So, the plan…Get up early, rush through the must-dos, get to Wegman’s for more Jersey Red wine and then to the library for “supplies”, return home and start my real weekend.

Speaking of weekend supplies,a quick, funny story (at least to me) from my childhood: My mother was ill from a migraine. I was in about 5th grade. She told me go in her purse and take out $10 and go out to get what I needed because she couldn’t get out of bed. She meant groceries, but she didn’t say that. I came home with a stack of Nancy Drew novels from the book store. I think she thought I was nuts:)

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Jersey Red

“Wine makes all things possible.”

~The Mystery Knight”
― George R.R. Martin, The Mystery Knight

Perhaps….but it certainly has not helped me solve my dilemma this evening. Came in from a suckass day at work and cracked open a bottle of Jersey Red. I know, I know, wine….from New Jersey. It should be an oxymoron. But you know what, it was good. Sweet and fruity tasting and combined with the beautiful sunshine in the backyard it was heavenly.

The dilemma that spurred all this was the result of entirely too much estrogen in the work place, nasty passive aggressive bitchery. So to take the high road and ignore it or take the low road (infinitely more fun in the short term) and get even…hmmm. Still thinking, in a rather red wine relaxed kind of way…Let’s think:

Seriously, though…much rather work with men any day of the week.

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Elly Griffiths

Elly Griffiths: A Room Full of Bones

I am working my way through the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths. This is a well written mystery series, I would say that it falls into the “soft-boiled” category. What makes this series stand out from many others, is that the writer is very skilled in writing setting and evoking mood. A sense of isolation and loneliness seeps from the pages. Makes me want to draw the curtains, put the kettle on and snuggle under my quilt to finish it.