The Mirror Thief by Martin Seay

Photography by me. Are you a Venetian at heart? I am, and any book set in Venice has a special place on my bookshelf. Venice is the most beautiful place on earth, because it shimmers. That's the only way I can describe it. The waters surrounding the islands, the lagoons with their sea-green waves, the … Continue reading The Mirror Thief by Martin Seay

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore

Thanks to TB for the photography. This is one of the funniest books I've ever read, and I've read it several times. Though it's a very irreverent re-telling of the life of Jesus, I didn't find it at all disrespectful. It is a fictional retelling, of course, but very much grounded in historical research and … Continue reading Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore

The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon

Thanks to Dr. H for the photography. Lord John Grey was a major character in the Outlander series, being the warden of  Ardsmuir Prison in Scotland, where Jamie Fraser was imprisoned after Culloden. Lord John, being the fascinating character that he is, got his own spinoff series - of which today's book is the latest … Continue reading The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Thanks to JG for the photography. Set in a slightly alternate universe, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell has been touted as the Harry Potter for adults. It's far more than that, however. Set in England during the Napoleonic wars, its a lengthy book that delves deeply into the mythology of Faerie. One thing that has … Continue reading Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke