Review: So, Anyway...

So, Anyway...

John Cleese

This is definitely a book for John Cleese Fans. It's insightful, funny in parts and expansive. It focuses mainly on his early years, his time at St. Peter's Prep School in Weston-super-Mare, Clifton College and Cambridge University. The second half of the book follows what he did after University and how he turned his University hobby of comedy writing and performances into a profession.

Cleese explains throughout how he and others came up with comic sketches, scenes and programs as well as providing insight into what makes certain types of jokes and scenes work. An aspiring comedian and/or, comic writer will no doubt find this useful and thought provoking.

There were some funny bits to this book and one of my favorites came early on when Cleese mentioned that he was offered a job at his former school St. Peter's before going of to Cambridge. When asked to teach the subjects of History, Geography and English he reminded the Headmaster that he had been a student of Science and didn't know anything about these other subjects. The headmaster told him not to worry, the boys were only ten years old so as long as he stayed a page ahead of them everything would be fine.

While this book was long on his professional career it was short on his personal life. Although he focuses quite a bit on his parents in the early part and he mentions his first marriage. The further one reads the less he reveals about personal relations other than with those connected to his professional work. Having said that, anyone who is a fan of John Cleese, Monty Python or British Comedy programs will find something to like in this book.

Thanks to blogging for books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Murder on the Eiffel Tower

Murder on the Eiffel Tower

Claude Izner

The story is set in 1889 during the Paris Expo. Several people have died mysterious deaths, all of which have been attributed to bee stings. Victor, a Parisian bookseller has his doubts about whether bee stings were the actual causes of death. As he investigates the circumstances surrounding the individuals who have died he begins to suspect that people around him, his friends and colleagues, are not who they seem to be. And little by little he begins to suspect those closest to him might have been the murderer.

If I'm honest, this book didn't really do anything for me. Somehow it lacked suspense and, the loads of historical details displayed throughout, came at the expense of character development. The story seemed flat and a little boring. There were lots of characters but little to make the reader feel connected to them. I was able to continue reading it as I wanted to find out who committed the murders. But even the ending didn't seem as engaging as it could have been.

I suspect a history buff interested in France in the late 19th century of in the Paris Expo specifically would appreciate this work and the research that went into it.

Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

Review: Bricking It

Bricking It

Nick Spalding

When Haley and Danny Daley inherit a derelict Victorian farmhouse from their deceased Grandmother, they decide to renovate with the intention to sell it later. Well, that's the plan anyway.

Through the renovation process they meet lots of entertaining characters and learn quite a lot about themselves. They also learn about a Grandmother they thought they knew but, who had an entirely unknown past. The story is funny, highly entertaining and full of surprises.

Anyone, who has undertaken a renovation project or just likes to watch home remodeling shows will no doubt find this a witty, lighthearted, and amusing read.

Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a review.

Review: Backstabbing in Beaujolais

Backstabbing in Beaujolais

Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noël Balen

Benjamin Cooker and his assistant Virgile are back in another installment of the Winemaker Detective series. They have been commissioned by Guillaume Périthiard to help restore a wine estate in Beaujolais. Mr. Périthiard wants to become a major force in the region where he grew up. But not everyone is happy about his plans. Things take a turn for the worse when one of his new employees dies while out hunting.

While overseeing the restoration of the vines and wine making equipment Benjamin and Virgile must find out who is behind the murderous attempts to sabotage Mr. Périthiard's business interests.

Once again the authors have written an interesting mystery full of beguiling characters, descriptions of delicious food, wine and scenery from the French countryside. I can't imagine a better way to spend a lazy afternoon, than with Benjamin and Virgile traveling around Beaujolais looking for answers to Mr. Périthiard's problems. All you need to accompany this book is a good glass of wine.

Thanks to Netgalley and Le French Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review Totenblässe

Totenblässe

Salim Güler

Arndt Schumacher, Lübecker Kommissar will ermitteln, aber der Fall ist 30 Jahre alt und der Hauptzeuge ist nicht sehr glaubwuerdig. Kein Problem für Kommissar Schumacher weil er ein Gefühl im Bauch hat dem er folgen musst.

Dieser Krimi war spannend mit guten Charakteren. Mir hat die Geschichte gefallen. Freue mich schon auf den nächsten Roman von Salim Güler.

Ich danke Netgalley, die mir erlaubt haben dieses Buch zu lesen und eine Kritik zu geben.

A good book for anyone interested in a German language krimi.

Review: Hector and the Secrets of Love

Hector and the Secrets of Love

François Lelord

In this book Hector the main character is sent by a large Pharmaceutical company to find Professor Cormorant who has absconded with a promising love potion. While searching high and low around the world Hector contemplates the components of love and the effect these have not only on the general public but on his own relationships.

He discovers some universal truths about life and love along the way, mostly that love is complicated but essential. The simple tone of the work is refreshing and delightful. It's well observed, thoughtful and highly entertaining.

Thanks to Netgalley and Gallic Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Promises to Keep

Promises to Keep

Patricia Sands

Like The Promise of Provence, book one in this series, the story follows Katherine on her journey to find love and happiness in the south of France with Philippe. It isn't all smooth sailing and Philippe has some secrets in his past that threaten to put the breaks on their relationship. Once again, the author creates interesting characters full of life. The reader is swept into the story, the scenery and the sights and smells of France. That makes this book the perfect getaway.

My only disappointment was that one female character, Simone had a story with the larger tale that was left unfinished. I felt a little let down that I didn't find out what role she played in events that unfolded near her villa. I'm not sure if this was intentional because the author is planning to write another installment in this series or if it was simply overlooked.

Otherwise, I found this to be a good book with in-depth characters set in a great location.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Lake Union for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.