Impersonating Elvis by Polly Nelson

Impersonating Elvis by Polly Nelson

4 pages, eBook

Where I Got It: EastoftheWeb.com

Story Rating: 4 Stars

Content Ratings:

Violence: Mild-Moderate-Brutal

Swearing: Clean-Light-Filthy

Sexual Content: White-Pink-Red

Wry - Resentful - Playful

Summary:

A man’s growing interest in Elvis impersonation gives his rival the perfect opportunity to seize the upper hand.

My Thoughts:

Entertaining story about a man trying desperately to have a leg up on his nemesis just once. Despite his resentful plotting, you almost kind of feel sorry for him.

Quotes:

“That’s pretty much Chuck Walaach in a nutshell. Unfortunate luck, I call it.” -Polly Nelson, Impersonating Elvis

“In fact, for this last year I’ve practically been running the whole shebang for him. Partly that’s because I’m better at it than he is but mostly it’s because Chuckie Walaach thinks he can be Elvis.” -Polly Nelson, Impersonating Elvis

“Just picture the police putting out an all points bulletin on an Elvis assassin who looks like Elvis in a town with one hundred-thirty-seven Elvis’s walking around.” -Polly Nelson, Impersonating Elvis

Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham

The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham

Veronica Mars, Book 1

Publisher: Vintage (March 2014)

338 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $6.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing and Violence

Business has been a bit dry and Veronica is beginning to have more and more doubts about trying to get back into the P. I . business, that is until a big case lands on her doorstep, and the search for a missing college girl gives her purpose. This story is intended to be read after watching the TV series and the movie. It is written in such a way that I believe it could be read on it's own (with no previous knowledge of the series), but it would definitely be more enjoyable with that background knowledge. This picks right up where the movie left off and plunges Veronica fairly quickly into a big case. The mystery of the two missing girls was riveting, and like the shows, I thought it let everything unfold at just the right pace, giving you a little something here and there as you roll with the action (and this is action-packed!). Veronica's relationship with Logan takes a backseat to her sleuthing, due to the long-distance, and I kind of liked it that way because it provided stable support and no extra conflict from that quarter (I think she's suffered enough romantically). Reading this was just like watching another episode of the show! Awesome read and I can't wait for Book 2!

TV/Movie Adaptations:

Veronica Mars (TV Series 2004-2007)

Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, Enrico Colantoni

TV Rating: TV-14

My Rating: 5 Stars

Eye Candy: Plain-Pretty-Sultry

I was able to watch all three seasons through Amazon Prime Instant Video!

This TV Series follows Veronica Mars through her last two years of high school and her first year of college (Three Seasons, 64 Forty-Three min episodes) as the teenage sleuth battles relationship problems, the corruption of Neptune and her own heavily-veiled insecurities. Great show, with a bit of a soap opera feel to it at times. The cases Veronica cracks, many of them brought to her by classmates, are always fun to watch as she works her magic. For the full effect, this TV Series is best viewed in its entirety, along with the Movie that follows, before reading the book.

Veronica Mars (2014)

Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, Enrico Colantoni

Movie Rating: PG-13

My Rating: 4 Stars

Eye Candy: Plain-Pretty-Sultry

This Movie picks up nine years after the TV Series left off, and finds Logan in fresh trouble, leading him to turn to Veronica for help once again, despite many years with no contact. I was glad this movie had all the original actors, and it was cool to see them a bit aged and settled in life. I view the movie as another episode (#65) of the TV show (except it’s twice as long). Basically, Veronica tried the boring thing, but getting back to Neptune and into her old life, she realizes she’s done with boring. She’s just not a boring kind of girl. Great to see the next piece of the story and I look forward to reading the book now.

The Harlequin Tea Set by Agatha Christie

The Harlequin Tea Set by Agatha Christie

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (September 2011)

42 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

This last Quin and Satterthwaite story, said to take place many years after the events in the story Harlequin's Lane (which is referred to a couple times in the course of the story), has more mystical/paranormal elements than most of the other stories, and lacks the conversational solution that is typical of the match. Still a good mystery, and an entertaining short read!

The Love Detectives by Agatha Christie

The Love Detectives by Agatha Christie

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (September 2011)

34 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $0.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

In this story about a man murdered in his library, Mr. Quin and Mr. Satterthwaite join Colonel Melrose as he makes his inquiries and looks over the scene of the crime. This story, more than any other Quin and Satterthwaite story I've read, is a more traditionally constructed murder mystery investigation, but is still solved in their usual conversational style. If you are attempting to read the Quin stories in order, this one is said to take place after At the "Bells and Motley" (which is included in the collection The Mysterious Mr. Quin), but I don't think there is any reason why it couldn't be read out of order. Good short mystery story!

The Mysterious Mr. Quin by Agatha Christie

The Mysterious Mr. Quin by Agatha Christie

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (February 2010)

323 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.59)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

This edition contains twelve of the fourteen short stories featuring Mr. Quin, a mysterious man described as ‘the sort of person that comes and goes.’ These stories are delivered from the point-of-view of Mr. Satterthwaite, a older gentleman who moves about in fashionable society a great deal and enjoys witnessing other’s drama and intrigue. Though these stories are most definitely mysteries, neither Mr. Quin nor Mr. Satterthwaite are really investigators, as such. Mr. Satterthwaite comes upon an intriguing mystery and gathers all the background information, then Mr. Quin appears at just the right moment to direct Mr. Satterthwaite, and sometimes others present, in working it out logically through conversation. There is something almost paranormal about Mr. Quin and his abilities sometimes. Interesting twist and great collection! The two other short stories that feature Mr. Quin are The Love Detectives and The Harlequin Tea Set, which are available as singles or in various collections. Mr. Satterthwaite is also featured on his own in two Poirot stories, Three Act Tragedy and Dead Man’s Mirror, a short story included in the collection Murder in the Mews.

Collection Includes:

1. The Coming of Mr. Quin
2. The Shadow on the Glass
3. At the “Bells and Motley”
4. The Sign in the Sky
5. The Soul of the Croupier
6. The Man from the Sea
7. The Voice in the Dark
8. The Face of Helen
9. The Dead Harlequin
10. The Bird with the Broken Wing
11. The World’s End
12. Harlequin’s Lane

Night Flight by Simon Collings

Night Flight by Simon Collings

5 pages, eBook

Where I Got It: EastoftheWeb.com

Story Rating: 4 Stars

Content Ratings:

Violence: Mild-Moderate-Brutal

Swearing: Clean-Light-Filthy

Sexual Content: White-Pink-Red

Gentle - Tranquil - Chummy

Summary:

Two people sit beside each other on a flight from India and get to chatting.

My Thoughts:

Nice little story of chance acquaintances and how close quarters can foster more intimacy than one had anticipated. The idea of what could be between the people is floated about with hints and I liked the undefined nature of what their time together meant. Perhaps just a good memory of a few hours engaging conversation.

Quotes:

“I am wondering if I should talk to her when the man in the window seat shows up and we have to let him in.” -Simon Collings, Night Flight

“The cabin is quiet, lights still dimmed, just the gentle sound of the air conditioning and the murmur of conversations.” -Simon Collings, Night Flight

“She snuggles down, lying beside me with her eyes closed, her head leaning towards me. I watch her profile in the dim glow of the darkened cabin, inhaling her perfume.” -Simon Collings, Night Flight

Tomato Red by Daniel Woodrell

Tomato Red by Daniel Woodrell

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (April 2012)

210 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $9.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Violence and Sexual Situations

Jamalee is sick of her lot in life and has high aspirations.  She's hoping Jason, her younger brother and a pretty boy of legendary proportions, is her ticket to the big time, and refuses to acknowledge the problems with trying to pimp her gay brother to rich women. This story is told from Sammy's point-of-view, an ex-con who is taken into the fold a bit by accident, but it's a place he holds onto with desperation. This is raw and gritty and not pretty, but poetically presented. As is often the case in Woodrell's books, the one pure thing in the book is trampled and smeared into a oblivion, with the indifference of nature, as if to exemplify the survival of the fittest. The story explores a lot of themes involving the inequities between rich and poor, and the double standard that marks their lives. A riveting glimpse into the world of white trash.

Parker Pyne Investigates by Agatha Christie

Parker Pyne Investigates by Agatha Christie

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (February 2010)

275 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.59)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

This edition contains all fourteen short stories featuring Mr. Parker Pyne, the man who advertises in the personals: "Are you happy? If not, consult Mr. Parker Pyne. 17 Richmond Street." The first six stories, as well as the last story, feature Mr. Pyne helping clients that respond to his ad. I wouldn't really call them detective mysteries, he's kind of a psychologist/sociologist independent contractor that assesses the reason for people's unhappiness (which he claims nearly always fall into one of five categories), then attempts to remedy the situation through clever manipulation of some sort. The remaining seven stories feature Mr. Pyne on vacation and getting unwillingly roped into the role of detective. Many of the tales in this collection have to do with relationship troubles between spouses and/or paste replica jewelry switches. Given I was expecting these stories to be detective mysteries, I was pleasantly surprised by the little twist in Mr. Pyne's goals and occupation, and found the stories very entertaining. Great collection!

Collection Includes:

1. The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife
2. The Case of the Discontented Soldier
3. The Case of the Distressed Lady
4. The Case of the Discontented Husband
5. The Case of the City Clerk
6. The Case of the Rich Woman
7. Have You Got Everything You Want?
8. The Gate of Baghdad
9. The House at Shiraz
10. The Pearl of Price
11. Death on the Nile
12. The Oracle at Delphi
13. Problem at Pollensa Bay
14. The Regatta Mystery

The Colour of Milk by Nell Leyshon

The Colour of Milk by Nell Leyshon

Publisher: Ecco (December 2012)

171 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $2.99)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing and Sexual Situations

Mary is the youngest daughter of a farmer and is being sent to the vicar's house to work as a maid while the vicar's wife is unwell. This story, told in first person from Mary's point of view, portrays a bleak existence where little is fair and equal, and yet Mary seems to find pleasure in many of the simple things that occupy her life. There is such a striking contrast between the people of the farm and the educated, refined people of the vicarage, and yet the superior, selfish attitude that goes with the refinement seems to sneak up on you, concealed under pleasantries as it is. It is sad to think of the simple, hard-working people being taken advantage of only to have nearly all the blame and consequences land on their side, with the people least able to deal with it. Haunting tale that reminded me of a combination between Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Wuthering Heights. Fascinating, thought-provoking read! 

The Allotment by Charlie Hill

The Allotment by Charlie Hill

4 pages, eBook

Where I Got It: EastoftheWeb.com

Story Rating: 4 Stars

Content Ratings:

Violence: Mild-Moderate-Brutal

Swearing: Clean-Light-Filthy

Sexual Content: White-Pink-Red

Somber - Pensive - Mesmerizing

Summary:

In an attempt to alleviate their empty nest syndrome, a couple takes an allotment in a community garden and they find themselves intrigued by an old man for a time.

My Thoughts:

This is a sad story, not only because of what ultimately happens in the end, but because of the indifference of people to what is happening to others, the fickleness of their attention, and the unwillingness to have anything but a superficial interaction. At the same time I liked the easy way it happens with the turn of the seasons, almost as though the old man slipped away on the wind, as a course of nature.

Quotes:

“—although they left it at that the couple were thrilled with the effortlessly enigmatic nature of his reply.” -Charlie Hill, The Allotment

“While they had sometimes wondered what the old man was doing and why, there was a limit to their curiosity and to how far they would go to occupy their thoughts.” -Charlie Hill, The Allotment

“And then, for the first time, they found themselves thinking of their loss, and of the nature of the seasons to come, relentless, unforgiving, eternal . . .” -Charlie Hill, The Allotment

The Lady or The Tiger? by Frank Stockton

The Lady or The Tiger? by Frank Stockton

7 pages, eBook

Where I Got It: EastoftheWeb.com

Story Rating: 3 Stars

Content Ratings:

Violence: Mild-Moderate-Brutal

Swearing: Clean-Light-Filthy

Sexual Content: White-Pink-Red

Maddening - Savage - Intriguing

Summary:

A king has devised a trial in which fate decides the guilt or innocence of the accused, by having the person choose one of two door—one containing a tiger and the other a potential bride.

My Thoughts:

This story is irritating, because it leaves the ending up to the reader. The Princess must decide if she would rather her lover be married to someone else or be eaten by the tiger. Both are horrid choices, and I can’t begin to decide what the Princess would have chosen, or what her rationale might have been, making the ending all the more frustrating. The most frightening thing of all is knowing what I would likely have chosen in her place.

Quotes:

“In the very olden time there lived a semi-barbaric king, whose ideas, though somewhat polished and sharpened by the progressiveness of distant Latin neighbors, were still large, florid and untrammeled, as became the half of him which was barbaric.” -Frank Stockton, The Lady or The Tiger?

“—the king allowed no such subordinate arrangements to interfere with his great scheme of retribution and reward.” -Frank Stockton, The Lady or The Tiger?

“This semi-barbaric king had a daughter as blooming as his most florid fancies, and with a soul as fervent and imperious as his own.” -Frank Stockton, The Lady or The Tiger?

The Brass Teapot by Tim Macy

The Brass Teapot by Tim Macy

16 pages, eBook

Where I Got It: EastoftheWeb.com

Story Rating: 4 Stars

Content Ratings:

Violence: Mild-Moderate-Brutal

Swearing: Clean-Light-Filthy

Sexual Content: White-Pink-Red

Bizarre - Grim - Freaky

Summary:

A couple with financial problems are given an antique brass teapot that pays them money, in portion to the pain inflicted in its presence.

My Thoughts:

Very dark tale of greed and obsession. It is interesting to think about how far people would go in order to get wealth, but I’m not sure I would want to find out in real life. The cliffhanger ending just heightens the horror of the situation—not really knowing what they’ll do next. Riveting story.

Quotes:

“Everything about her seemed to have once suffered an altering cold.” -Tim Macy, The Brass Teapot

“John was annoyed when she insisted on setting it on the stove. For days he felt disrupted by its presence in their otherwise modern kitchen.” -Tim Macy, The Brass Teapot

“‘We’ll never get ahead—The moment we get any money something breaks or one of the children . . .” -Tim Macy, The Brass Teapot

“It had been a secret. Words festering beneath John’s skin for twenty years. He could smell the words at night while he was lying in bed, next to Alice. Mildewed, damp, green words under his skin but not in his blood.” -Tim Macy, The Brass Teapot

Movie Adaptations:

The Brass Teapot (2012)

Juno Temple, Michael Angarano, Alexis Bledel

Movie Rating: R

My Rating: 4 Stars

Adaption: Verbatim-Tweaked-Veiled

Eye Candy: Plain-Pretty-Sultry

This adaption follows the main ideas of the original short story, swapping the older couple with grown kids for a young couple with no kids, and adds a few more plot elements (crazy jewish brothers, an asian guy searching for the teapot, etc.), though the progression of greed was essentially the same, and the film provided a bit more optimistic/less sinister ending. The dark comedy was great (some parts were absolutely hilarious) and I thought the characters were well cast.

The Wicker Husband by Ursula Wills-Jones

The Wicker Husband by Ursula Wills-Jones

18 pages, eBook

Where I Got It: EastoftheWeb.com

Story Rating: 5 Stars

Content Ratings:

Violence: Mild-Moderate-Brutal

Swearing: Clean-Light-Filthy

Sexual Content: White-Pink-Red

Whimsical - moving - unvarnished

Summary:

This is a fable about an ugly girl who had a wicker husband made for her and the villagers’ reaction to their relationship.

My Thoughts:

This tale is sad not only because of the suffering of the ugly girl and the wicker husband, but because of the truth of how mean and spiteful people can be. Why can’t people just be happy for others and their good fortune, instead of sinking into jealousy and feeding the need to cut others down? This story really touched me.

Quotes:

“She lived in a ramshackle house on the outskirts of the village, and she never complained.” -Ursula Wills-Jones, The Wicker Husband

“—the old basket-maker was greatly moved that the ugly girl had entrusted him with such an important task. He resolved to make her the best husband he could.” -Ursula Wills-Jones, The Wicker Husband

“‘You are the only reason that I live and breathe,’ the wicker husband said to his wife.” -Ursula Wills-Jones, The Wicker Husband

“The men retorted that maybe if their wives made an effort with new frocks and flowers in their hair, then maybe they’d feel like fixing the house, and everybody grumbled and cursed each other, but secretly, in their hearts, they blamed the ugly girl and her husband.” -Ursula Wills-Jones, The Wicker Husband

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

from The Lottery and Other Stories

5 pages, eBook

Where I Got It: Full Reads

Story Rating: 5 Stars

Content Ratings:

Violence: Mild-Moderate-Brutal

Swearing: Clean-Light-Filthy

Sexual Content: White-Pink-Red

Shocking - Surprising - macabre

Summary:

This follows a small village as they take part in their annual lottery.

My Thoughts:

I remember being shocked by the ending the first time I read this. So much of the story is about traditions and the mechanics of the villagers of doing the lottery, that when you finally get around to the purpose of it all at the end, I hadn’t been expecting it at all. I was totally blindsided, but looking back there are plenty of clues along the way, perhaps I was just being optimistic and not wanting to believe it.

Quotes:

“The black box grew shabbier each year: by now it was no longer completely black but splintered badly along one side to show the original wood color, and in some places faded or stained.” -Shirley Jackson, The Lottery

“There was a great deal of fussing to be done before Mr. Summers declared the lottery open.” -Shirley Jackson, The Lottery

“‘Pack of crazy fools,’ he said. ‘Listening to the young folks, nothing’s good enough for them. Next thing you know, they’ll be wanting to go back to living in caves, nobody work any more, live that way for a while—There’s always been a lottery.’” -Shirley Jackson, The Lottery