We’re back!  And here is what has been keeping us off the streets but not out of trouble!  Because let us review.  We are the Desketeers.  A little mischief/trouble is to be expected.

I read The Wilder Life by Wendy McClure during my time off last week.  Think of this as a kinder, gentler Assassination Vacation but instead of presidential assassinations, you have a woman stalking the life and times of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  If you loved the series (books naturally, not the stupid TV show) as a kid like I did, this is a must read.  I am currently reading Erik Larson’s latest due out next month.  In the Garden of the Beasts:  Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin is just what the title says. It’s 1933.  It’s Berlin.  Things are going to get a whole lot worse before they get better.

Barbara M really loves The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.  She wants everyone to know that it is more than a talking dog book.  “It is the poignant, uplifting story of a family struggling with life’s ups and downs. “

Those who know Marianne, and I mean REALLY know her knows the only thing she loves more than a good prison story is a juicy murder.   She reports that she has just finished "Drawing Conclusions by Donna Leon.  She always delivers.  What can I say Venice, Guido Brunetti, family and murder!”  Yup that’s our Sweet Marianne!

Jeanne states “I started The Weird Sisters last night.  So far I am enjoying it although the style is a bit quirky.”

Abby is working on The Troubled Man by Henning Mankell.  “This is reported to be the final story in the Kurt Wallender series, and I believe it.   A Nordic crime series that pre-dates The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, it's dour, dark & right up my alley.”

Priscilla is working her way through Joanna Trollope’s newest, Daughters in Law.  “Three sons marry very different women and the "boy's" mother has a hard time letting go. It makes one think about one’s own relationships with your children's spouses. I don't think I am like this mom......hmmm.”  We can guarantee that Priscilla is a great mother- in- law and nothing like the protagonist.

Citizen Asha is reading the Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney.  It involves secret societies, date rape and prestigious institutions of higher learning with a pinch of classical music. She likes it.  We worry. 

Have a lovely weekend!