April Reading

April wasn't a bad reading month for me, partly because I was laying low and also because it was so darned cold that I wasn't cleaning up the yard! I read several mysteries, a gorgeous book by colorist Kaffe Fassett, and a biography of the Gershwins that was far more than a biography. 

"Black Diamond" by Martin Walker

This entry in the "Bruno Chief of Police" series finds the village of St. Denis up in arms on any number of issues. The local factory has closed due to environmental reasons, the Greens (the eco-party) are running a candidate against the mayor, faux truffles imported by the Chinese are appearing in the markets and members of the Asian community are being harassed, injured and even killed. Bruno has his hands full staying on top of these issues, while also trying to solve the murder of a friend, who was also a war hero and the area's master truffle hunter.

It all seems a bit much and one wonders how (or even if) these plots will come together. But in Martin Walker's capable hands, the elements fall into place bringing with it a surprising and satisfying conclusion.

"Kaffe Fassett In the Studio" by Kaffe Fassett

One of the first knitting books I ever bought, decades ago, was Kaffe Fassett's "Glorious Knitting," a stunning pattern book filled with patterns I knew -- even at the time -- that I would never have the desire or talent to knit. But I couldn't help myself. It was absolutely stunning with fabulous color photographs on every page in the most remarkable designs. Then I bought his "Glorious Needlepoint," also knowing it was highly unlikely I'd ever do a stitch of his complicated, color-loaded patterns. He was that good.

This volume is clearly cut from the same cloth (no pun intended, though it could be, given that so many of the images are of his masterful quilts). But rather than providing patterns (though there are several) it is more a walk through Fassett's colorful life. He describes himself as a colorist rather than an artist (though he paints), a quilter (though he creates and designs quilts), a knitter, needlepointer, fabric and wallpaper designer. This book is no exception.

In every chapter, Fassett takes readers through a different part of his life and different room in his home. He shares his collections (he's a prolific collector), his designs, his preferences and interests. Other chapters introduce his colleagues -- including those who assist with his quilting, photographers, staff -- as well as his partner in both business and life, Brandon. 

I was dazzled by this book -- both by his talent, his colors, and for the inspiration he gave me to stretch in my own work. I adored this book.  I still can't stop looking at it.

"Doctored Evidence" by Donna Leon 

The 13th in Leon's Guido Brunetti series finds the detective returning from vacation only to be drawn into the murder of a cantankerous old woman whom no one likes. His office nemesis, Lieutenant Scarpa, believes the case is closed after a Romanian woman who worked for the victim ran from the police and threw herself in front of an oncoming train. But the neighbor of the dead woman swears it could not be the housekeeper and Brunetti believes her. 

Along with his faithful colleague, Vianello, and the beautiful, computer-hacking secretary Signorina Elettra, Brunetti is determined to find out why the woman was killed -- and her murderer. Soon, a second murder complicates the case. Was it simply a matter of inheritance or was a more complicated reason the cause?

This was a particularly enjoyable outing for me and a fast read. And fans of Leon's books should never fear. There are numerous descriptions of Paola Brunetti's remarkable family dinners. In fact, one could describe the series as food porn wrapped in a mystery. Warning: Do not read when hungry!

"The Locked Room" by Elly Griffiths

It's 2020 in this Ruth Galloway mystery set in England's Norfolk region. The coronovirus has arrived in England and Ruth, her colleagues, the schools, and her daughter Kate's father, DCI Nelson, and his team of officers are on lockdown, living under the regulations so many of us experienced. It's not a good time for a suspicious death.

But Nelson has one -- or possibly several related ones. And while the case doesn't involve Ruth directly, a variety of situations cross that bring her into the mystery. Two archaeology students of Ruth go missing, and so does her new neighbor. Adding to the confusion, the supposed suicides of several women, all of whom attend meetings at a weight loss group called Lean Zone. The fact that Nelson's wife, Michelle, is out of town with her quarantined mother, doesn't lessen the complications.

I found this particular book in the "Ruth" series especially compelling. Perhaps it is because I remember all too well the challenges of lockdown -- empty shelves, keeping distance, wearing masks and the surreal quiet of city streets. That, combined with the uncertainties of the pandemic, were captured beautifully in Griffiths' characters as all the regulars -- Nelson, Ruth and daughter Kate; detective Judy, her druid husband Cathbad and their children, and Nelson's team, Tanya, Tony and Leah -- all have their own Covid issues to deal with.

Some may not be ready to relive those times, even in a work of fiction. From my perspective, it is important not to forget. Thousands still are dying from Covid and while the masks may be down and we may be more cavalier on using the hand sanitizer and hugging, the times are not without their risks. A reminder now and then is not a bad thing. And, for those who read Griffiths' books in the distant years to come, the book gives a fine flavor for life during that time.

(And the mystery itself is pretty good, too -- with a cliffhanger for the next book, which Griffiths has said may be the last in her "Ruth" series.)

"The Gershwins and Me" by Michael Feinstein

I don't know how to classify this book. It's not really a biography (though there is plenty of bio material in it). It is more like a study of the popular American song (classic style, not contemporary, as in "The American Songbook") with emphasis on the music and methods of George and Ira Gershwin.

Except... that title. "The Gershwins and Me" probably has more "Me" (Michael Feinstein) than it does Gershwins.This isn't a bad thing but it was a little disconcerting at first. It was a different book than I expected. A very good one. But a different one.

Some background -- when younger and before he became a well-known singer and concert performer, Michael Feinstein was conservator of Gershwin's archives and spent countless hours with Ira Gershwin and his wife. It was a perfect match for the singer since he has a passion for the songs and musical history of the period.

In fact, I would call Feinstein as much a "music historian" as performer. He is excellent at both.  (He also refers to many other writers of the great American Songbook in the book as well, such as Cole Porter and Irving Berlin, among others.)

The book (which includes a CD of Feinstein singing 12 songs he discusses in more detail in the various chapters) is as much a deep dive into the subject of music -- from the writing of the songs to the actual performance of them, how the artist connects with a song, what works and doesn't as a song from the 30s, for example, is updated for a more contemporary audience. I find it fascinating because I love that period of music and those songs as well. 

He goes, of course, into more depth into the works of the Gershwins -- how they wrote, how they evolved (particularly composer George, who before his untimely and youthful death had written "Rhapsody in Blue," "Concerto in F," the opera "Porgy and Bess," numerous film cores and countless hits -- many from Broadways shows and many still performed today. This is fascinating material if you are into music in general and song in particular.  

Feinstein also offers his opinions on how music has changed over time and the loss of such programs as music education in schools. He writes eloquently of how difficult it is for one to become a pianist now given that, socioeconomically, pianos in the home are harder to come by because of the expense, as are lessons. He discusses the challenges of the internet and the influx of programs like "American Idol" which focus more on style than on interpretation. The understanding of music and its history is a subject on which he is passionate and fortunately he is a good writer and able to explain his thoughts well.

But for many it will be just too much. There is a LOT to digest here. To give you an example, I bought the book in 2014 and started it not too long after. Then put it down and picked it up again last winter and put it down and picked it up again this past winter and just finished it. (Granted, I've broken it up with other books). It's not that it isn't compelling, it's just that there is so much to process and think about.

It's also hardcover, weighs about three or four pounds, and isn't the easiest book to take to the doc's office or keep in the car in case you're caught by a train. The print is small and the eyes get tired. 

BUT it's a beautifully designed book, filled with photos and wonderful graphics. And it's printed on very nice paper (which probably makes it so heavy!). 

If you appreciate music of the period, this is a terrific book (and the CD is wonderful). If not, give it a gentle pass. (Even if you're not a fan of the period but into songwriting,  you might learn a lot from this.)

"The Death of Kings" by Rennie Airth

This is the fifth book in Airth's "John Madden" series, which follow a retired Scotland Yard detective living on a farm in the English countryside. Set in the post-WWII period, Madden is asked by his former superintendent to look into a closed-case murder that took place at a country house in 1938, when a flamboyant young actress was killed. He has doubts that the man executed for the crime was the real perpetrator.

Madden talks with his former colleagues who are hesitant to reopen the case but give him leave to do a bit of asking around himself. As more facts emerge, he, too, begins to doubt the earlier outcome. When some scandalous photos appear in the tabloids, the Yard is forced to open the case again, simply to confirm they originally got the right man. 

Throughout the course of the book Madden makes the acquaintanceship of some of those involved in the original house party who offer their perspectives and eventually a new suspect emerges. But is he the right man?

Airth's characters are well drawn. You don't need to read this series in sequence (previous relationships are explained) but it is well worth doing so if you're looking for a new mystery series with engaging characters and well defined plots.

~~~~~

I went to an estate sale over the weekend. The late homeowner and I would have had some wonderful book talks. I came home with rather a large pile. Sigh.

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