Blue Asylum by Kathy Hepinstall

Historical Fiction

While the story was entertaining, this is a far cry from the historical fiction genre.  Yes, it takes place during the Civil War and yes, it is fiction.  But the story is not based on a historical figure, there was never an asylum on Sanibel Island - I've been there, I know ;-), there weren't references to any actual battles in the Civil War.  So while some of the plot points may have occurred during the Civil War era, Hepinstall didn't refer to any specific battle, location or figure - everything was very generalized.

Beyond the misclassification of genre, I did enjoy the story.  There was some suspense, not quite thriller, but intrigue; quirky characters (it is an insane asylum!), romance and drama.

Quote:  "...it was like going back in time, back in the days he rehearsed what to say to her, back when her beauty moved him so, it was not possible to imagine a future in which he did not worship her completely.  That was the folly of youth, to believe someday they would grow old but still love with their younger hearts"

Series
 
           O Jerusalem.  
5th in Laurie King's series with Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell.
As usual Ms. King makes you feel like you are with the characters. In this book we are in the dry, hot , dusty, and slow moving desert!!  Sometimes a little too slow, but we are in the desert and nothing moves very fast there and as always a murder to be solved. It wouldn't be Sherlock Holmes without one.
 

RESCUE INK with Dennis Flaim

New Author

What a fantastic group of guys (well, except one, Johnny O was convicted this year of felony grand larceny for stealing more than $15,000 from Rescue Ink - such a shame.)!  This was a fast read, that was funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once.  I know this will be one worthy non-profit I will be donating to this year!

Quotes:  "The biggest problem...is how disconnected we are as a society... 'We are so willing to rat and tattle anonymously, because we can hide behind computers and cell phones.  Where is the compassion that our grandparents had?'"

"Think what you will of them, these guys are proof that a fresh start is possible for anyone, that redemption is attainable.  Even if you have a rap sheet, even if you've got a past that needs a fair share of redacting before its' ready for prime time, you can re-create yourself."

Justice Hall by Laurie R. King

Series

Sixth in the Russell/Holmes series and this one was a faster pace that the previous book (they had cars!). I enjoyed the repeat characters in a totally different setting and of course Ms. King's subtle sense of humor.