Tag Archives: Meg Langslow

Quirky True and Fictional Crimes: The Absinthe Forger and Rockin’ Around the Chickadee

16 Oct

The Absinthe Forger: A True Story of Deception, Betrayal, and the World’s Most Dangerous Spirit
by Evan Rail
The Absinthe Forger by Evan Rail is a fun and informative read about a very quirky criminal. Based on a suggestion of a friend and fellow absinthe enthusiast, Rail explores an eccentric London grifter, Christian, who had supposedly faked and sold pre-ban absinthe to collectors which can be worth thousands of dollars. Along the way to exploring the truth Rail discusses the history of absinthe’s creation, popularity with artists like Toulouse-Lautrec and then fall from grace and banning due to the supposed dangers of wormwood before its recent resurgence in popularity and the demand for early pre-ban bottles. I was familiar with many of the current brands of absinthe that are now on the market, but I enjoyed learning about the history of absinthe and Rail’s efforts to uncover the truth behind the accusations of fraud. His travels through Europe include absinthe museums, distilleries, and visits with a variety of expert “absintheurs”. The Absinthe Forger will appeal to those with an interest in European history and true crime. I found it slightly disappointing that we never get the perspective of Christian himself, but I think understandable someone would not want to directly admit to such wrong doings and Evans attempts to engage him form amusing anecdotes for the reader. If you are intrigued by The Absinthe Forger you may also want to stream the wine related documentary Sour Grapes about the fraud committed by “wine savant” Rudy Kurniawan.

Rockin’ Around the Chickadee
by Donna Andrews
Rockin’ Around the Chickadee is Donna Andrews latest holiday mystery and her 36th in her bestselling Meg Langslow Mystery series. In this novel readers who are curious about True Crime, will find an enthrawling mystery revolving around a murder at a conference Meg’s Grandmother organized for those interested in learning more about the process to exonerate those unfairly convicted of crimes. This aspect of the story will be entertaining to those who have never read the series before. Of course there is plenty for long term readers to love including the quirky cast of characters from Meg’s family who help her in her investigation and I was most excited that this novel deals with the pregnancy of Meg’s sister-in-law who is on bed rest through the holiday season. Similar to the last few books this one takes a more social conscious view of the world than some of the earlier entries, but still retains a delightful sense of humor throughout. This would be an enjoyable read now or to be added to your list for books to be read during the holiday season. Those looking to start at the beginning will want to checkout Murder with Peacocks.

Curious about writing your own long running mystery series? Save the Date, on November 11, HPL will have four mystery authors from the Mystery Writers of America New York Chapter scheduled along with moderator Mark McNease talking about how to start writing a series and keep it going.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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Books of a Feather: The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love & Between a Flock and a Hard Place

7 Aug

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love
by India Holton
In The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love, Beth Pickering is one of many rival ornithologist on the hunt for a rare and mythical bird whose capture will lead to the title of Birder of the Year. Beth sees this as her chance at getting tenure and making her name for herself in this world where ornithology is a cutthroat endeavor. She use her wits and charms to help her move ahead in the quest despite stiff competition by fellow bird enthusiasts. In particular there is her handsome rival Professor Devon Lockley who seems likely to capture her heart as well as the endangered magical cladrius bird. Fans of Gail Carriger’s Parasolverse will find a lot to love in this clever historical fantasy filled with whimsy and featuring a strong heroine. There were also some fun little metafiction moments throughout, which I enjoyed. This the first in Holton’s Love’s Academic Series. New Zealander, India Holton, is also the author of the Dangerous Damsels trilogy. I found the novel a joy to read and highly recommend it. Perfect for a day at the beach or to spend sometime with on a long plane journey.

Between a Flock and a Hard Place
by Donna Andrews
Between a Flock and a Hard Place is the thirty-fifth in Donna Andew’s Meg Langslow Mystery Series. I’ve blogged about several of them in the past, but if you have missed them till now you are in for a treat. These are cozies with fun family and friends reoccurring characters that you will enjoy catching up with as much as the story. The books progress forward so you may want to enjoy them in chronological order, however, the mysteries are all self contained. Meg Langslow is a blacksmith, but also has a part-time position assisting the Mayor with odd jobs, this time it is helping out with a reality home makeover show set that has become a disaster with not only angry neighbors but also a menacing flock of wild turkeys that have taken up residence; the source of the turkeys and how to remove them is the first mystery Meg most solve but the morning of a planned round up they find the owner of the house, Mrs. Smetkamp has been murdered and not by a turkey. I find myself solving a lot of mysteries ahead of the conclusion, but with several clever red herrings this one surprised me.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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