Book Review: Sin in the Second City by Karen Abbott

✰✰✰½ Take a trip back in time to the early 1900s and step into the perfumed parlors of the Everleigh Club. Author Karen Abbott takes the reader on a tour Chicago's notorious Levee, a vice district which featured "sporting clubs" for every interest. The Everleigh Club was the most famous and expensive brothel of it's time, and entertainers, royalty, sports icons, and politicians came from all over to sample it's delicacies.

The club was owned by sisters Minna and Ada Everleigh, as they called themselves. The sisters came to Chicago with grand plans and aspired to elevate the industry of prostitution. Their girls, or butterflies as they were known, received health care and a salary. The girls were even tutored in literature and could converse on any topic. The business savvy Everleigh sisters were way ahead of their time.

However, this book is not just about the infamous sisters and their brothel. Abbot explores the role of the Progressive Era reformers in shaping the sexual culture of America at the turn of the century. As the reformers lead by Reverend Bell gained momentum, the sisters always managed to stay just one step ahead of trouble. Nevertheless, their reign ended in 1911 when there was a crackdown on the red-light district, and Chicago was changed forever.

The Bottom Line: Author Karen Abbott invites the reader to take a look behind the scenes at the world-famous club and the women who thrived there. With money, sex, and murder, you're sure to be entertained by Sin in the Second City. With a cast of characters that includes "Hinky Dink" Kenna, Bathhouse John Coughlin, Madam Vic Shaw, Reverend Ernest Bell, and Chicago Assistant State's Attorney Clifford Roe, you can't go wrong. This is a nonfiction book that reads like fiction. It is filled with anecdotes and features a fascinating look at brothels and the Progressive Era at the turn of the 20th century. Recommended for history buffs and those interested in Chicago's underworld.

Details: Sin in the Second City: Madams, Gangsters, Playboys, and the Battle for America's Soul by Karen Abbott. Hardcover published by Random House in 2007. 384 p. ISBN: 978-1-4000-6530-1

For more information, you can visit Karen Abbot's website or the Encyclopedia of Chicago.

Book Review: Unhallowed Ground by Mel Starr

✰✰✰✰ Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff, is back in the fourth installment of the series. Once again Master Hugh is overseeing activities in Bampton in the absence of Lord Gilbert. Hugh and his new bride, Kate, are just settling into married life when he is summoned to the apparent suicide of Thomas atte Bridge. Thomas had been found hanging from a tree with an overturned stool lying nearby.

It seems simple enough; however, Master Hugh is troubled by what he observes at the scene and suspects that a murder has been committed. Having wronged almost everyone in town at one time or another, it comes as no surprise that few mourn the death of atte Bridge. Indeed, Hugh finds that there is no shortage of villagers who would have wanted Thomas dead. Chief among the suspects is Master Hugh's old nemesis, John Kellet. Rumor has it that Kellet is a changed man, but Hugh finds this difficult to believe.

Although it would be easier to simply let the matter rest, Hugh struggles with his conscience and must decide whether to pursue a killer among his friends or not. Alone in his convictions with only the support of his new wife, Hugh must act before someone else gets hurt.

The Bottom Line: Unhallowed Ground: The Fourth Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon is written in first person. The story unfolds in a chronicle written by Master Hugh. Hugh's writing exposes his thoughts as he searches for the murderer and does some soul searching. Author Mel Starr provides the reader with a fun puzzle and a fascinating look at medieval village life and medical practices.
This is an enjoyable, quick read that is perfect for the weekend. While it is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. However, I have enjoyed reading the series in order and watching Master Hugh grow in character and struggle with his faith. The book includes both a map and a glossary. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, cozies, and medieval mysteries. I'm looking forward the fifth installment of the series, The Tainted Coin.

Details: Unhallowed Ground: The Fourth Chronicle of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon by Mel Starr. Paperback published by Monarch Books in 2011. 240 p. ISBN: 978-0857210586 Note: I received a copy of the book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewer program at LibraryThing.

Cookbook Review: A Little Irish Cookbook by John Murphy

✰✰✰½ I found this little gem of a cookbook tucked away on the shelves of my local library. Don't let the tiny size fool you; it contains 50 classic Irish recipes including: Soda Bread, Boxty, Mutton Broth, Champ, and Corned Beef & Cabbage.

All recipes are very short and relatively simple to follow. However, a few of the recipes do assume some previous cooking and baking experience. Recipe instructions are in paragraph form rather than outline form. It also includes charming colored pencil drawings throughout and an index.

This book is part of the International Little Cookbooks series. If you like this one, check out the other titles including: A Little Caribbean Cookbook by Jill Hamilton, A Little Greek Cookbook by Rena Salaman & many more.

The Bottom Line: This is a fun little book to add to any cookbook collection (if you can still find a copy). While it is not a "comprehensive collection" of recipes, it does include an assortment of traditional Irish cuisine. Plus, it's perfect for choosing a dish to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Recommended for everyone interested in cooking up a little taste of Ireland.

Details: A Little Irish Cookbook written by John Murphy & illustrated by Karen Bailey. Hardcover published by Chronicle Books in 1986. 60 p. ISBN: 0-87701-400-0

Book Review: The Leprechaun's Gold by Pamela Duncan Edwards

✰✰✰✰½ A long time ago in a faraway Irish village, there lived a harpist known as Old Pat. Another harpist, Young Tom, was given to bragging and charging great fees for his talents while humble Old Pat freely shared his gift with all. One day a royal harping contest was announced. Both Old Pat and Young Tom set off for the Royal Palace. That night while resting in the forest, wicked Young Tom sabotages Old Pat's harp.

As luck would have it Old Pat happens upon a leprechaun in distress. Now everyone knows the reputation leprechauns have for creating trouble by promising gold to unsuspecting people. Young Tom quickly flees, but Old Pat follows his heart and lends a helping hand. Old Pat soon falls into a deep slumber. Will the old man ever make it to the contest on time or will he succumb to the tricks of the leprechaun? Read The Leprechaun's Gold to find out.

The Bottom Line: A heartwarming tale for the young and young at heart, The Leprechaun's Gold teaches children the values of kindness and generosity. Filled with charming and colorful illustrations by Henry Cole, this book is perfect for St. Patrick's Day reading. Highly recommended for kids in grades K - 3.

Details: The Leprechaun's Gold written by Pamela Duncan Edwards & illustrated by Henry Cole. Hardcover picture book published by Katherine Tegan Books in 2004. 32 p. ISBN: 0-06-623974-5

Book Review: Ghost Ship by Brian Hicks

✰✰✰½ The mystery of the Mary Celeste and the disappearance of her crew in 1872 is one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of all time. For anyone who has ever wondered what happened aboard the Mary Celeste, Brian Hicks' book is for you.

Over 150 years ago, Captain Benjamin Spooner Briggs, his wife and daughter along with the crew disappeared without a trace. The derelict brigantine was found days later, by the crew of the Dei Gratia. The seaworthy brigantine with her load intact was brought into Gibraltar amidst rumors of foul play. Although the Dei Gratia crew expected the salvage hearing to proceed quickly and be rewarded handsomely; things did not go as expected. Instead the proceedings were tied up for weeks as they had to deal with the overzealous local attorney general Frederick Solly Flood, who insinuated something more sinister.

Today much of what we know about the Mary Celeste is shrouded in myth. Hollywood has done a great job in leading us astray as well, but author Brian Hicks separates fact from fiction in his treatment of the topic. Hicks investigates all the possibilities including mutiny, foul play, piracy, and insurance fraud. Explore the hoaxes and possible solutions for yourself and decide if the Mary Celeste was cursed from the beginning or simply unlucky.

The Bottom Line: For readers who enjoy true mysteries, Ghost Ship: The Mysterious True Story of the Mary Celeste and Her Missing Crew doesn't disappoint. Author Brian Hicks lays out the facts and the background story of the ship and her fateful voyage as he helps dispel the myths surrounding of the Mary Celeste. This is one of those nonfiction books that reads life fiction; it has everything including deception, mystery, and suspense. Recommended for anyone with an interest in true stories, mysteries, shipwrecks, and maritime history.

Details: Ghost Ship: The Mysterious True Story of the Mary Celeste and Her Missing Crew by Brian Hicks. Hardcover published by Ballantine Books in 2004. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-345-46391-9

Note: The author includes a chapter about a short story written by Arthur Conan Doyle which was loosely based on the Mary Celeste and the disappearance of her crew. The story was called J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement and was very convincing at the time. It was so convincing, in fact, that some of the myths in Conan Doyle's story are still believed as fact today.

Book Review: Still Life by Louise Penny

✰✰✰✰ Three Pines is a quaint little town south of Montreal where no one ever locks their doors at night. Well, no one does, that is, until retired school teacher Jane Neal is found dead in the woods on Thanksgiving Sunday. At first it looks like a hunting accident gone wrong, but upon closer inspection there is more to her death than at first appears.

The case falls under the jurisdiction of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, who arrives with his team to investigate the suspicious death. As he digs deeper into Jane Neal's death, the secrets of this sleepy little town begin to unravel much to the dismay of the villagers. The twists and turns of this complicated mystery keep everyone guessing right up until the surprising ending.

Still Life is the first in a series of mysteries featuring Three Pines and Inspector Gamache. I received it as a gift from my Secret Santa at LibraryThing, and I'm glad that I did. I'll definitely have to pick up the rest of the series.

The Bottom Line: Still Life is written in the tradition of an Agatha Christie mystery. While it does have a slow start, it succeeds in drawing you in until you can't put it down. It's easy to see why Still Life made a splash at the CWA Debut Dagger in 2004. Not only is it a fabulous mystery with its layer upon layer of clues and symbols, but it's also a literary treat. The quirky characters are lots of fun too. Highly recommended for mystery buffs.

Details: Still Life by Louise Penny. Paperback published by St. Martin's Paperbacks in 2007. 336 p. ISBN: 978-0-312-94855-9

Cookbook Review: Gifts of Good Taste: The Creative Kitchen

✰✰✰✰½ Gifts from the heart are welcome any time of the year. This latest volume in the Gifts of Good Taste series features 100+ recipes for all gift giving occasions including the holidays.

There's something for everyone with recipes for homemade candies, holiday treats, and snacks. The cookie recipes feature all sorts of fun shapes like fish lures, watermelon slices, and ice cream cones. Bakers will also enjoy the variety of bread recipes for quick breads, muffins, biscuits, and yeast breads. And don't forget the beverages; there's plenty for coffee and tea lovers to enjoy.

Additionally, this book features cute gift presentation ideas like candy boxes, bottle bags, and ribbon roses. Patterns for crafts are included, and most require only basic skills. A recipe index is included as well.

The Bottom Line: Bakers looking for gift giving ideas will welcome this newest addition to the Gifts of Good Taste series by Leisure Arts. The Creative Kitchen features recipes and crafts that are quick and simple to make featuring ingredients and materials that are readily available. Bright, full color photos are included for each recipe and craft. Both bakers and crafters of all skill levels will find a bounty of ideas in this volume. Recommended for all.

Details: Gifts of Good Taste: The Creative Kitchen by Leisure Arts. Paperback published by Leisure Arts, Inc in 2011. 160 p. ISBN: 978-1-60900-124-7