“Can you make it this afternoon?” asked the nurse. Monday is an Avenidas day; in fact, this was the last for the year, and some special entertainment was planned. “What time?” I asked. “How about 3:15?’ “Good! I’ll be there, “ sez I.
Now this posed an interesting logistical problem. I’m generally done at Avenidas about 2 p.m. and the doctor’s office is about 20 minutes away. I’d be there way too early. Cliff suggested stopping at the library for a while. Not a bad idea.
Let me backtrack a bit. I have been talking about the Russell-Holmes series by Laurie King, and how much I have enjoyed these books. But I want to savor them, and not go through them too fast, so I have been reading other stories in between. Laurie King, in addition to the aforementioned series, has written a different detective series featuring one Kate Martinelli (no relation to the sparkling apple cider, as far as I know). The Russell-Holmes series takes place between 1915 and 1924, while the Martinelli series is modern, taking place in the late ’90’s into the 2000’s. Martinelli is a police detective on the San Francisco Police force.
I wasn’t too sure about this because generally I’m not too keen on detective stories, but one title and description caught my eye -- The Art of Detection. So I bought it. Quite a good story. A different voice from the other series, but that was to be expected. Quite long -- nearly 500 pages, but that was because it included an entire 135 page short story within a story set in 1924 that is relevant to the modern story. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Now back to last Monday, and the Mountain Public Library. I have a number of suggested titles and authors on my computer, but had none of that with me when Cliff made his suggestion. “Oh, let’s go anyway,” I said. And as I slowly scootered my way between the stacks, I came upon a Laurie King section. I reached up, grabbed one volume, and lo and behold, I had a Kate Martinelli detective story, A Grave Talent. What I found intriguing was that the first Martinelli story I read happened to be the last in the series, so far. The one I picked up at the library turned about to be the first in the series. Having read the last one, I was aware of some details (no, I’m not telling!) that the author does not immediately reveal in the first. It made for a bit more fun as I carefully watched for the author’s clues which eventually showed up. Great read!
Cartoons -
Good luck with the pulmonologist and the logistics-all-oh-gee!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the Kate Martinelli series, but it has been has while. Do I remember correctly, does she have a physical challenge?
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you and those you love :-}