Lightning Round! Time to catch up on all the reviews I haven't posted since I have been so busy... um... being retired. So, in no particular order:
The Tumbling Girl by Bridget Walsh. Wonderful evocation of late nineteenth century, appealing characters, and a suitably macabre mystery marred by a slightly unsatisfying resolution that does our protagonists no justice. I'll check out the second in the series, but warily.
The Accidental Time Machine by Joe Haldeman. An engaging and ultimately delightful story not without its perils. Haldeman's story reads like he has given H.G. Wells's Time Traveller and name and updated his adventure for modern times - a rousing success.
Paved Paradise by Henry Grabar. Not since Suburban Nation have I read a book that so clearly explains and illustrates how land-use regulations -- some well-intentioned and some the result of greed -- have so drastically shaped our landscape and our lifescapes. A must-read for anyone who has ever complained about about parking.
Soonish by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith. The SMBC cartoonist and his much smarter wife take us through a journey of technicalities that could exist, might exist, and maybe shouldn't exist. Enough science to be creditable and useful and enough fun and funny pictures to be accessible.
Death Comes to Marlow by Robert Thorogood. I usually try not to start a series with a book later than the first, but this second adventure of these older women amateur (but quite capable) detectives pulled me right in. A great locked-room cozy with witty writing and fun characters. I will certainly seek out the rest.
The Sorcerer of Pyongyang by Marcel Theroux. A North Korean boy is exposed to the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Dungeon Master's Guide and the trajectory of his life is changed forever. The D&D game features not so much as nerd service as it does as an extended metaphor for luck, agency, and destiny. A great read for anyone.
The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi. In my mind, Scalzi is the spiritual heir to Ron Goulart and with every book I read is creating a as strong on hold on my aged heart as Goulart ever did on my young one. This rollicking tale of a kaiju NGO (think Save the Monsters instead of Save the Whales) packs more humor, wit, adventure, and pathos in its relatively short length than it has a right to.
Just got a hold notice today so it'll be off to the library soon for more!