September 2026 Wrap-Up

James Burke

Books Read:

Twin Tracks: The Unexpected Origins of the Modern World by James Burke (2003)  4/5 stars

In this, science historian Burke takes one idea or event (for example, the 1770 Falklans War) and shows how, by two different tracks starting from the same origin, it led to an important invention in the modern world (in this case, television).  Delivered with Burke's usual wit, irreverence and levity, it's fun to read, even though, at times the connections seemed tenuous and the humor forced.  (Disclaimer: I have a crush on Mr. Burke.)

Songs of Stone by Celeste Baxendell (2022) 4/5 stars

Bewitching Fairy Tales book #5

This is a well-written and compelling spice-free fantasy that follows one of the characters from the previous book as he encounters and falls in love with a young female criminal.  The story is often serious, as it deals with themes of repentance, justice, and how far one would go to save a loved one.  It's not an exact retelling, but contains references to the stories of The Pied Piper and the Sandman, wrapped up in Baxendell's original convincing world. At over 600 pages, it is detailed and full of character development, but does require a committed reader.

Gilded in Ice by Sarah Pennington (2021)  4/5 stars

Bastian Dennel PI, book 2 

This mystery involving two missing people is set in a fantasy world similar to a US city during the Jazz Age, and lightly follows the stories of "Snow White and Rose Red", "East of the Sun, West of the Moon", and Cupid and Psyche. The concept is unique, fun, and engaging, but even in this second book of the series, the world, magic system, and characters aren't fully developed. Despite that, I enjoyed it and will most likely read another by the author.

Blood on the Tracks: Railway Mysteries edited by Martin Edwards (2018)  4/5 stars

This is a short story collection from the British Library Crime Classics.  The variety of authors from still popular to now obscure is excellent, worth five stars as always, but the quality of the work varies, bringing it down to 4 stars.  Some of them are particularly memorable, though, and introduced me to authors I will definitely be looking up in the future.

Audio Books:

The House of Dudley: A New History of Tudor England by Joanne Paul (2022)  4/5 stars

This is a nonfiction account of the rise and fall of the Dudley family, from the reign of King Edward VIII through to Queen Elizabeth I.  I listened to the audio version, so I don't know what kind of references Paul used, but I would like to know her sources for some of the vivid descriptions of feelings and actions she included.  Other than that, it's interesting and generally well written; it would be a good fit for anyone interested in that era.

Miss Pym Disposes by Josephine Tey (1946)  4/5 stars

This is not a typical mystery, suspense, or even crime novel.  It takes place at a girls' college, and Tey spends a good deal of time allowing the reader the know and like the characters.  When an accident happens, Miss Pym -- a visiting psychiatrist -- becomes emotionally involved and faces a tough decision.  This is a well-written and surprisingly compelling story, but the reader must not expect the usual Golden Age whodunnit.