Speaker of Mandarin by Ruth Rendell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This Wexford mystery is odd in half of the book being in one location and then shifts and stays in another location and tries to relate the two.

The first half is a bit of a tour of China in the early ’80s. Lots characters and stories of each.The writing of China is very good. The character profiles are standard mystery fare.

Then there is death. Per chance it involves all who were profiled. Including Wexford. Now Wexford goes back and re-studies those he had seen months earlier in China. Lo and behold! All become available. I find this very hard to believe.

The mystery also bugs me in that with a couple of tweaks the story didn’t have to have anything to do with China to begin with. I guess the book’s location gave Rendell reason to travel.

Rendell does include a bunch of twists and turns that are very well done. She was a very good writer and that comes through, what I find a rather improbable tale.

Nevertheless it is good, viewing the book as two stories.

Bottom line: I recommend this book. 6 out of ten points.

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I’ve been chosen by Jeff Parker to post seven of my favorite books, no explanation, no words.

Well, you get words anyway:
This is an exceptional book of agriculture, Orange County and Florida history. Henry Swanson has laid out extensive, well-written and thorough history of the all facets of the agriculture business in Orange County. He even get into the public policy process and who has been involved. It’s an amazing work.
Swanson was also a neat guy who had a heck of a butterfly garden!

I’ve been chosen by Jeff Parker to post seven of my favorite books, no explanation, no words.

Well, you get words anyway: Most all of you know I love politics. i just don’t post any of that here. But here is my favorite book of politics that is THEE best I have ever read. All politicians should be like former Orlando Mayor Carl T. Langford. Besides the book I LOVE hearing the many stories my dear friend Grace Ann Wendorff Chewning has of Mayor Langford she experienced as his City Clerk. I’m so honored i got to know him a bit during his last years and always shocked how he remembered my name!
Langford was a stronger leader with a wonderful sense of humor. I wish every politician would read Langford’s book…if only they could find this long out-of-print book.

Dead Shot by William W. Johnstone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Usually the second book in a new Johnstone Clan series takes a step down. Not in this case. This book takes a turn from the typical Johnstone romp into a more complex story where not all goes as planned and an intriguing story unfolds.

The story starts with Jensen riding in to collect a bounty only to find the bank robbed and his bounty in the sacks. So he’s got to get it back if he wants the dough. A couple of extras get wrapped into the chase and a great plot with lots of fun is presented. I really like this approach of fun and adventure.

The writing is a bit better than other Johnstone than the many dozen of Johnstone books I’ve read, as are the characters. The settings are written in usual fashion.

Bottom line: I recommend this book. 9 out of 10 points.

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Another stop at TeaStori (Was Lollicup) and another pile of artwork finished!
Pencils and inks to an array of projects. Now to scan and prepare the much, much longer task of adding color to most.

Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a collection of poetry entirely involving cats by Eliot. I happen to reall like kitties, so this should be a favorite. I’m just not overly nutty about Eliot’s prose. My favorite of the lot is ‘Macavity, the Mystery Cat’. Otherwise most of it fell flat for me. A bit more zing and clever turns of words would’ve sold me more.

But, if you like kitties as I do, this should be in your library.

Bottom line: i recommend this little book. 7 out of ten points.

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Luke Jensen, Bounty Hunter by William W. Johnstone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Johnstone Clan of writers do tend to present their best in the opening salvo of the series. It’s done again with this book.

The writing is OK and the story is good. Much better than most Johnstone Clan books mostly due to the story having very different settings than nearly all Johnstone Clan books. This has a good part of it set in Georgia. A very refreshing change. As is the more complex story intertwining the War Between the States, a series of great Johnstone characters and well worked out plot. Though, for me, the story was rolling so well in Georgia, i wish it had stayed there.

Bottom line: i recommend it: 7 out of 10 points.

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During this evening’s Periscope exchange, this is the illustration I made up to participants contributions.

Can you guess what folks suggested to create the illustration?

Thanks to Lars-Erik Robinson, Kenneth Batton and all who came by! Will do this again next week!