That was the case with this book this week.
The Inquisitor's Key by Jefferson Bass.
This author is one of my favorites and I normally devour his books. However, this one took place overseas instead of my Tennessee hills and there was a lot going on. It flipped back and forth between the 1300's and present time and I occasionally found myself having to back a little bit and reread to make sure I understood where I was.
There was a ton of history in this book. I enjoyed that. It's set in Avignon, France, the town Pope Clement I moved the papacy to avoid Rome. The details were wonderful and I felt like I was right there. It centers on a set of bones found in the old papal treasury and the identify of those bones. The archaeologist who discovered them asked for help from Miranda, Dr. Brockton's assistant and then she called Dr. Brockton to come to France.
The back and forth between the identify of the bones and the archaeologist's plans to sell them to the highest bidder (sneaky little booger) brings a lot of intrigue to the story. Also, the back and forth between the centuries gives you a clearer picture of how the story unfolds.
I enjoyed the book; I really did. I don't think Jefferson Bass could write a book I didn't enjoy. However, I'm so use to the settings of the book taking place here in Tennessee or in the neighboring states and I was just confused by the setting, although it did start off in Tennessee. My problem totally. I think you will enjoy this book if you like historical fiction.
I'm closing in on the halfway point of my challenge. It will be interesting to see how many books I do actually read this year.
The Light Between Oceans: M L Stedman
I finished this book tonight. It was so very good that I read it in 2 days. It has been on my to read list for quite a while.
The story is about Tom and Isabel and their love, marriage and life on an island tending to the lighthouse. It is the most remote lighthouse sitting on Janus Island off the south-western tip of Australia, where the Indian and Great Southern Oceans meet. As one of the reviewers wrote "A moving tale....Prepare to weep." And weep I did.
I love a story that draws me in and keeps pulling until I am totally immersed in the story. The love and troubles of this couple go far beyond anything imaginable. A heartbreaking loss is followed by the discovery of a tiny child in a boat. This child brings joy and happiness to the island but the happiness will be short lived. What follows is a study of right and wrong, compassion and determination and desperation, A great read and one I highly, highly recommend.
This is her debut novel. She is from Australia and I look forward to her next book.
2015 Challenge - 25 books
Read to date - 11 books
Sharon
It's only March and you're almost halfway to your reading goal! That's amazing. I have't heard of either book. I tend to read in fits and starts too, I did visit the library at Mandy's with them for Piper's " Toddler Time" and checked out a couple of books. Thanks for the reviews.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
I don't know how you have time to read at all. You stay so busy. :)
DeleteI read The Light Between Oceans last year, it really was an incredible book.
ReplyDeleteHappy Reading,
Meredith
I know, Meredith. It blew me away. I could hardly put it down.
DeleteThese sound wonderful. My constant problem is keeping my nose out of books!
ReplyDeleteI do hope that your week is going well.
xoxo, Ellen.
You are doing great so far. It's still early in the year. I usually only read during the summer months. But now that I will be quitting my job in June, I will have more time for all the things I want to do. I can't wait! Best wishes, Tammy
ReplyDelete