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40x40

Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Zig Zag Girl in Books

Jul 8, 2021  
The Zig Zag Girl
The Zig Zag Girl
Elly Griffiths | 2015 | Crime, History & Politics, Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Captivating mystery set in the 1950s
When DI Edgard Stephens sees the body of a girl, cut into three, it reminds him of a magic trick: the Zig Zag Girl. His friend, Max Mephisto, used to perform it. Max and Edgar served in the war together as part of a secret unit called the Magic Men. Max still performs, but when another person turns up dead, he reluctantly helps Edgar look into the deaths--especially since this one seems tied to magic as well. Both men feel like the murders may be linked to their war days, and if they're not careful, their whole unit could be in danger.

This was the twenty-sixth (and final!) book in my #atozchallenge! I challenged myself to read a book from my shelves that started with each letter of the alphabet.

"'The way the body was cut into three, each part put into a black box, it reminded me of a magic trick. One you used to do before the war.'"

I absolutely adore Elly Griffiths, but I don't read a lot of historical fiction, so I've always kept this series in my back pocket. When I needed a "Z" book for my challenge, this seemed like a perfect fit. No surprise, really, but this was an easy and interesting read. Griffiths is such a good writer, and this is written in what I've come to think of as Elly's style--a fun, enjoyable form, where she captures the essence of each of her characters so well.

The book is filled with magic and war stories. The mystery is quite captivating--it's a good case, which draws you into the story. And Edgar, Max, and their crew are very compelling. I enjoyed the themes of friendship and wartime, plus the surprising vulnerability that shone through in both Max and Edgar. I would certainly read the next book in the series. 4+ stars.
  
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Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Unbroken in Books

Mar 15, 2018  
Unbroken
Unbroken
Laura Hillenbrand | 2016 | Biography
10
9.6 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
Considering that this book has been out for quite a while, and the movie has already hit theaters, I am going to assume that anyone who is interested is already aware of the plot. And I am going to guess there isn't really much left to say about this rather popular book that hasn't already been said, so just let me say that if you haven't read it yet, you really should. While primarily being about Louis Zamperini, it does touch on the lives of other soldiers on both sides of the war to varying levels of detail, which really helps one to understand the mindsets of those involved, a necessary achievement when dealing with some of the atrocities committed in these pages. And those atrocities are quite shocking. A lot of attention has been given to what the Germans did during World War II (and rightly so), but very few of us really know about some of the shocking violence carried out by the Japanese. This is an important chapter of world history that we all should remember, and it is told here in a very compelling style that should make it easy to get into for anyone. One of the best non-fiction stories of recent years.
  
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ClareR (6037 KP) rated King in Waiting (Lord Edward’s Archer series Book 2) in Books

Nov 6, 2019  
King in Waiting (Lord Edward’s Archer series Book 2)
King in Waiting (Lord Edward’s Archer series Book 2)
Griff Hosker | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
King in Waiting was an enjoyable, action packed, history filled novel, about Gerald War Bow and his part in the battles to free Henry III from Simon de Montfort in 1264.

Gerald is from a poor family, and King Henry is quite clear about his opinions of Archers - they’re disposable and unimportant. Luckily, his son and heir, Lord Edward, is not of the same opinion. He values Gerald War Bow, and sees his worth. Even though he’s young, he has loads of experience and his men are loyal to him.

This book gives the reader a real feel for the time. There’s a lot of historical detail, from how battles are run, to travelling and living in medieval England. I’ve finished the book feeling as though I now know more about this period in history, and how difficult it is to draw back and let fly an arrow from a longbow (serious strength is needed!). How the nobility could have seen so little value in these men is a mystery to me. Their skill is described so well.

So, if you enjoy historical fiction and a lot of action in battle, then this is the book for you - I really enjoyed it.

Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author for reading along with us!