To Slip the Bonds of Earth by Amanda Flower

 

We hear about Orville and Wilbur Wright, but we don't often hear about their sister Katharine. In To Slip the bonds of Earth Katharine must help her brothers find the lost plans for their flying machine. In order to do that she must solve the mystery of a murder while also navigating a very male dominated society that sets no value on a single woman, especially a strong-willed one like Katharine. 

I've really enjoyed author Amanda Flower's books. Which means I've really enjoyed her novels with "real" people in them. Her Emily Dickinson Mystery series and now this Mystery in the First Days of Flight featuring the Wright brothers and their sister Katharine. I love how the author incorporates history into the mystery that she is telling. I found the mystery in To Slip the Bonds of Earth solid and believable. I enjoyed learning a bit about Orville and Wilbur, but I especially enjoyed Katharine's character. There were a few quotes throughout the book that I found interesting or harsh or downright ticked me off! The first one is,

"Miss Wright," Randolph said, "When I want your opinion, I will ask for it. I can see why you are an old maid. No man would put up with the constant second-guessing you seem determined to inflict on everyone around you. If you do ever marry, you would surely send your unfortunate husband to an early grave." 

Ouch! I found that a bit harsh and was thinking seriously did men talk to women like that? But it truly fit in with Randolph's character!

"I could give her a whole host of reasons why Latin was an important language to learn. It helped students master English, for one."

I liked that one because I think the same can be said about reading, it helps a person get a grasp of the language and teaches them new things. I loved that teacher-side of Katharine's character. She truly cared about her students learning.

"Every woman had her secrets, including me."

I loved that last line of the book! Even though she was living in a male dominated society she was able to be herself and keep her own council. 

To Slip the Bonds of Earth was entertaining and educational and very well researched. I enjoyed it tremendously and am hoping that we will see more of Katharine and her brothers. 

The Curious Case of the Templeton-Swifts by Benedict Brown

 

This is book 6 in the series but they seem to not have to be read in order as each story can stand alone. I didn't feel like I was coming into the middle or anything and a small background was given so I didn't feel like I had missed anything in the character development of Christopher and his famous grandfather Lord Edgington. 

Lord Edgington kidnaps his grandson from his school and they are off to solve another mystery. Lord Edgington has received a plea to come help an elderly man who thinks someone in his family is trying to kill him. Could it be his new much younger wife? Or could it be his staff? Or could it be one of his 3 children? Unfortunately neither Christopher nor his grandfather are able to prevent the dastardly deed from happening, so now they truly do have a murder to solve!

I enjoyed the book and I will eventually go back and start at the beginning to see where it all started. Again, I didn't feel like I missed anything, but normally I like to start at the beginning of a series. I liked the humor that was dispersed throughout the story and I enjoyed the characters. The mystery kept me guessing for awhile and that was fun. A quick read that keeps the reader involved and entertained. 

The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

 

This was my 4th book to read in the Mystery puzzle books: 

I read it years ago and of course have watched the movie. Still creepy, but I must admit not as creepy as the first time I read it when I was much younger and less jaded! ha! The character Hannibal Lecter is unforgettable. The relationship he forms with Clarice is interesting. The twisted head games he plays keeps the reader on edge. His ability to kill without even raising his pulse is unfathomable. A truly gripping story for anyone that loves horror/mystery/psychological thrillers. 

 

If The Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

 

I loved this twist on the classic tale Cinderella. Samantha Dearing's father is trying to find a match for her much to Samantha's dismay. On the night that her father throws a ball to introduce her to all of the eligible bachelors an intruder breaks into her father's study. What kind of thief though would stop to save a person from drowning? The only thing that identifies who the intruder could be was that he left a boot behind. 

Asher's family has been kicked out of the house they were living in by Samantha's father. But that hasn't stopped Asher from rescuing Sam when someone tries to kill her. Who is trying to kill Samantha, and why are they trying to kill her? As far as she knows she hasn't any enemies. Will Asher be able to figure out what is going on before another attempt is tried to rid Samantha from this earth? 

I loved the story and loved the relationship that Asher and Samantha developed. I also loved how Samantha had her world rocked by talking to her father and finding out his motives behind his actions rather than assuming she knew what he thought and why he did things. I loved how that relationship developed. Eli Dearing turned out to be a wise man and I liked his character too. I love author Karen Witemeyer's writing and her books so I definitely highly recommend IF THE BOOT FITS.