Blessed AreThose Who Thirst: A Hanne Wilhemsen Mystery. By Anne Holt.

Among the influx of Nordic crime fiction is Holt’s second novel which is part of a mystery series with Detective Inspector Hanne Wilhemsen as the main character, and this follows the publication of Holt’s Edgar Award Winning thriller 1222. The author spent time with the Oslo Police Department as a lawyer at one time which is evident as she describes police procedures that lead to solving the crimes. Quite subordinate to the main plot are Hanne’s relationships with fellow cops and with her live in partner, as well as, some social commentary on immigration issues. The plot includes lots of blood but no bodies, just numbers written in the blood. Eventually, Hanne solves the murders with her keen sense of observation along with tedious investigations in her pursuit for justice.

Confessions of a Transylvanian: a story of Sex, Drugs, and Rocky Horror by Kevin Theis & Ron Fox

Ok, I admittedly first picked up this book because I know the author. I knew NOTHING about the Rocky Horror Picture Show before reading this book, but thought I would give it a try and I was so richly rewarded!

I totally enjoyed this book. Kevin and Ron tell a great story of their lives in the Rocky Horror Picture Show cast in the early 80's. The authors (from Kevin's narrational point of view) juxtapose life stories from actual Rocky shows with life stories from outside the show, which really gives the reader a personal connection with Kevin/"Jack", Ron and their friends/fellow cast members. By the end of the book you really feel as if you know everyone mentioned in the book and have shared their crazy experiences with them. While Rocky Horror provides the context and is a fascinating subculture to explore, it's just fine to be a virgin to the RHPS freak show --the real magic of this story is how vividly it evokes the time in everyone's life when you first begin to find yourself.

Side note: as if the title didn't give it away, this is PG-13 material.

A Dog's Journey

This delightful tale mixed with some real life drama sees the world through the eyes of this dog and helps soften some, what would be considered by many, otherwise serious scenarios.

The companionship and devotion of the dog is touching and will appeal to anyone who loves, has loved or may love and know the loyalty of a dog.  Yes, it is for dog lovers. 

Obviously, no one really knows exactly what makes an animal do anything, but this book allows the reader to enjoy imagining the possibilities.

Additionally, this book takes the reader to a wonderful place regarding the lives of animals and what may happen to them before and after the life known to each animal owner and weaves a thread that many may find appealing.

Specifically, this dog stands by a family, gets to know who is good and who is not, and loves completely and helps as much as possible, in a very dog way, through many twists and turns, some expected, some not so expected.

I fell in love with this book and this dog and can't wait to read other dog tales by this author and strongly recommend this read to dog lovers everywhere!

And, if you prefer audio this book is available as a "Playaway" so you can listen to it, whcih gives an added bonus because then, the dog actually has a voice!