Review: Rather Be the Devil

Rather Be the Devil

Ian Rankin

Retired but without a hobby, and suffering from health problems is how we find John Rebus in Rather Be the Devil. As a result, his attention has been turned to a cold case that happened in the 1970's when a wealthy socialite, Maria Turquand was killed at the famous Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh.

While examining the old case files, a seemingly unrelated local gangster Darryl Christie is attacked outside his home. There are several suspects and at least one has a connection to Anthony Brough, an investment banker, currently missing, and whose Grandfather was connected to the Maria Turquand case. Rebus is drawn into the Christie case by way of knowing both the victim and the investigating officers. But could there really be a connection that enables Rebus to solve the 1970's cold case?

Rather Be the Devil is a fantastic read with twists and turns that meander all over Edinburgh. It's carefully plotted, full of atmosphere and gripping as well. I found myself barely able to put it down. While I have to admit I've been a fan of the television version of Rebus for some time this is my first time reading a novel by Ian Rankin. I don't know what took me so long to read one but now that I have I can't wait to read more.

Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Effortless Healing

Effortless Healing

Dr. Joseph Mercola

If you are interested in alternative medicine or just learning more about how to look after your body and mind then Effortless Healing is a good place to start. It's filled with useful advice to help you make sure your body is functioning at its best. Dr. Mercola's nine principles are designed to make you think more about what you put into your body and why. He also provides clear reasons for recommendations both for and against certain foods, drinks or other products.

The book begins with the first principle with is devoted to the reasons why it is important to drink the best quality water available and moves on to eating more vegetables as well as getting more vitamin D from some sun exposure. It goes on to cover how you may be able to exercise less but burn more fat while doing so. I particularly liked learning more about principle six: Let Your Gut Flourish, which gives some detail about the numerous bacteria that live in our stomach and why they play a vital role in our health. It continues with other important aspects that can affect a body's well being such as getting enough sleep, and having a good laugh.

Overall, the book is full of helpful advice on how to help your body function at it's best. I loved the fact that every principle begins and ends with a short summary pointing out the important highlights. That makes this book easy to use both during an initial reading and when using for later reference. If nothing else, I think this book will encourage readers to think more carefully about what kinds of products they are consuming and how these may either help or hinder their overall well being.

Thanks to Blogging for Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Miranda's Big Mistake

Miranda's Big Mistake

Jill Mansell

This is my first time reading something by Jill Mansell. For quite some time I wanted to read one of her novels. I thought they might be a bit like the Fiona Walker books I love so much (especially her earlier ones). While this book wasn't exactly what I expected, it was a rather fun book.

Miranda, the main character is a girl who has a knack for finding the wrong guy. She's really done that this time when her new boyfriend Greg turns out to be someone's husband. He's married to Chloe, who he is dumping because she's pregnant and Greg doesn't see himself as a father. Of course, Miranda doesn't know this, and Greg isn't keen to tell her either but when she does find out it will change everything.

Read along and see what happens to Miranda and all the other fun and entertaining characters in this story. If you're like me, you'll find this one hard to put down.

Review: Heartland

• 

Heartland

DVD

Last night I finished season eight of Heartland. This Canadian series is one of my favorites at the moment. It follows a family on a horse farm in Alberta. Way back in season one, it begins with Amy, the main character loosing her mother in a road accident. Afterwards, she takes over her mother's job as the local horse whisperer. Her sister Lou returns from New York to help keep the farm running and Grandfather Jack agrees to look after Ty a teenager with a troubled past. The stories follow their ups and and downs over the many seasons.

This is primarily a family drama about horses, ranching and small town life in Alberta. Its full of interesting characters that will appeal to both young and older viewers. Since it is now in it's ninth or tenth season you will have plenty of time to really get to know all the characters and their stories. While this series isn't as conflict driven and suspenseful as Mcleod's Daughters, another family drama, and long running series set in Australia, which remains my all time favorite, it is nonetheless one that I have enjoyed watching. I can't wait to start season nine as soon as I get a copy from amazon.

Let me know what you think if you have a chance to watch this DVD.

Review: The Fir Tree

The Fir Tree

Hans Christian Andersen

This is a beautifully designed little book. This Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale is about a fir tree that doesn't appreciate what he has until it's too late. The illustrations, done by Finnish designer and illustrator Sanna Annukka are wonderful. In fact, for me that was the best part of the book. They were both unique and colorful. Although this is a sad tale, it would make a great gift for a child or adult. I'm so glad I've had a chance to enjoy this simple but meaningful book.

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

Review: The Lesser Bohemians

The Lesser Bohemians

Eimear McBride

It's not often that I come across a book that I dislike so much that I can't bring myself to finish it. Unfortunately, this is one of those books. I had been looking forward to this book about a student attending drama school in London, if only because I was once a student in London as well. I thought this would be a book that I could really relate to. But, right from the start the writing style put me off. I found it tedious beyond belief and the experimental nature just didn't do anything for me. Rather than contributing to the story it just seemed to stand in the way of what might have been an interesting tale. So unless you are someone who really enjoys experimental fiction, this is one book you might want to pass on.

Thanks to Library Thing for allowing me to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Trouble with Mirrors

The Trouble with Mirrors

An Alix London Mystery

Charlotte and Aaron Elkins

Alix London, better known as the “art whisperer” has an antique mirror that was given to her by an old family friend known as Tiny, when she was a child. Alix doesn't think the mirror is particularly valuable, more of a keepsake really. But when she and the mirror are pictured on the cover of an international art magazine someone breaks into her Seattle condo and steals it.

Soon after the theft Tiny disappears. Alix, along with the help of her friend Chris, have to try and track down Tiny in order to find out the truth behind the mirror. Is it a valuable work, and could it be something that was stolen many years ago in Italy. The only problem is that the Italian mafia is also looking for Tiny and that might make Alix's search all the more dangerous.

This was a fun, entertaining and absorbing mystery. I liked the characters and the fact that it had several story lines running through the book. All in all, it was engaging, well told and an enjoyable read.

Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest view.