Book Review

THE NO. 1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY

BY: ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH

The No. 1 Ladies' Dectective Agency written by Alexander Mccall Smith was given 3 stars out of five. The story started out a bit slow for me, I really didn't start enjoying it until about the third chapter. I liked this book because it continued to keep you guessing, almost if you were playing the part of the detective, but I like a bit more romance in a book.

The setting of this story takes place in Africa, which I was very surprised about when I began reading this story. The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith is the first book in a series of mysteries about Mma. Precious Ramotswe. This book describes the opening of the agency by Mma Precious Ramotswe and first of many mysteries she solves. This book also really paints a good picture of what life is like in Africa through Precious' eyes. If you like this book there are more in the series to keep you interested!

I posted this book on paperbackswap.com so if you are interested in reading it sign up and request this book!

Next book on my list........A Bride Most Begrudging By: Deeanne Gist

BOOK REVIEW

THE BOLEYN INHERITANCE
BY: PHILIPA GREGORY
The Boleyn Inheritance another really good book. I give it 3 stars (out of five). This story is a bit slower than it's predecessor. Philippa Gregory does another fantastic job portraying Henry and his remaining wives. The story continues from the story of The Other Boleyn Girl allowing you to see the continuation of Henry's vengeful reign.

This story is narrated by three women heavily involved in Henry's final years as king. First, Anne of Cleves who Henry marries by merely looking at a portrait (mail order bride). Anne leaves her tiny country which included her hateful mother, and her abusive brother and arrives at a court where she fears each day she lives with the king that totally and utterly despises her. Next, Katherine Howard, a girl so young and in love and naive that she would do almost anything she is told. The king lays eyes on her for the first time and immediately lusts after her. What awaits for this poor little girl? She should have learned from past experiences, especially from her late cousin, Anne Boleyn. Finally, Jane Rochford, a women who sat and helped seal the fate of her husband and sister-in-law. Gregory carefully constructs Jane's personality to where the readers can see that Jane is filled with malice, jealousy and twisted lust. Jane just wants what she rightfully deserves, that she receives.

Well, another great book to add to the shelves! What's up next.............

BOOK REVIEW

THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL

BY: PHILIPA GREGORY

For all of you out there who would rather watch the movie then read the book, here is a link to watch the movie released Feb. 08 online for free! I must be honest though, the book is much better!

http://www.watch-movies.net/movies/the_other_boleyn_girl/

I would watch version #5 or #10.

This is a wonderful, can't put down book! I give it 4 stars, (that would be out of five).

The story begins in the early days of Henry VIII during his marriage to Queen Katherine of Aragon. Gregory does a wonderful job of portraying Henry in his early years as a kind, loving husband and wonderful king. Gregory also paints a clear picture of what court life was like and how society looked upon women and family status. The trouble began in Henry's court when the realization that Queen Katherine would not bear Henry an heir became known to all who surrounded themselves with the court life. Scandals, plots and manipulation began to arise between the Boleyn family and King Henry. The Boleyn family was bound and determined to get an heir from one of the beautiful and attractive Boleyn girls, Mary and Anne, which in turn, would place the Boleyn family at the top of the ranks as well as lead them to the throne one day. The scandals and plots led the family not the throne but to the tower and then to the block.

This intense, twisted story is so captivating that I could not put the book down. I love books where the end is hard to predict, and with the story Gregory placed so many twists and turns I found myself unable to even guess what was going to happen next. I sat reading this book for four days and finally finished with a tear in my eye and the keys to my car in my hand, Barnes and Noble here I come..... Next, The Boleyn Inheritance...