Val’s Book Reviews Call of the Void by J.T. Siemens Edmonton: NeWest Press, 2024 $22.95 / 9781774390863 A nimbly-paced mystery story, Call of the Void takes readers into the raw and dangerous work of a private investigator. Protagonist Sloane Donovan, an ex-cop with a questionable past, now works as a private investigator with her partner, […]
The missing and the dead Read More »
Val’s Book Reviews The Wickedest of Things by Russel Barrie Kamloops: Russel Barrie Books, 2023 $24.00 / 9781738060701 Seeing a strong opening line like “The first time Reid died it was downright embarrassing,” you imagine you’re in for an intriguing read. As you read on, you realize the protagonist Reid Sheraton is playing a video
AI and corporate intrigue Read More »
Val’s Book Reviews Playing The Long Game: A Memoir by Christine Sinclair (with Stephen Brunt) Toronto: Vintage Canada, 2023 $23.00 / 9781039004627 Christine Sinclair admits at the beginning of her book that she rarely talks about herself because she is not comfortable doing so. She writes: “Talking about myself has never been something I’ve liked
A young woman from Burnaby Read More »
Black History in Canada In honour of Black History month, here are a few stories about the black men and women who made a difference in Canada. The theme for Black History month this February is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build. This theme symbolizes the significant past and present contributions
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The Darker Side of Valentine’s Day Today, February 14th, is the day we associate with love. Thousands of people around the world send or receive sentimental or humorous greetings cards from their sweethearts, friends, or family members. But, not wishing to bring you down, let’s for a moment investigate the darker side connected to this
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Val’s Book Reviews Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me by Grant Hayter-Menzies Victoria: Heritage House, 2023 $24.95 / 9781772034615 Grant Hayter-Menzies has immortalized his beloved dog Freddie in this charming book. His tribute to a very special little dog is both poignant and insightful, showing us how much dogs can teach us about love.
Memoir of writer and companion Read More »
Val’s Book Reviews The Jazz Club Spy By Roberta Rich Toronto: Simon & Schuster Canada, 2023 $24.99 / 9781982187729 With her usual meticulous historical research and her incredible gift for storytelling, you always know you are in for a treat when you start reading one of Roberta Rich’s books. Her latest, The Jazz Club Spy
Cossacks, clairvoyance, and revenge Read More »
The Year It All Began – 1858! “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness,
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THE “ALMOST” PERFECT CRIME Along with my passion for history, I have always loved mysteries and perfect crimes that go wrong. The infamous Great Brinks Robbery in Boston, Massachusetts, that happened on this date (January 17) in 1950 and was described at that time as the “Crime of the Century,” contains elements of all three.
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Val’s Book Reviews Wild Horses Running Free by Linda L. Richards Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2023 $24.95 / 9781459825598 “Everybody loves horses. The flowing mane and tail. Those big, lovely eyes and long elegant legs. Horses make us think of strength and speed and the sense of flight we can enjoy when we ride.” This
Relationship between humans and horses Read More »
