Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

Classic Swedish Noir

Martin Beck Book Series by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö

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In 1965 writing partners (and partners in real life) Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö embarked on a quest – to write and publish ten novels in ten years featuring Stockholm’s Martin Beck. The novels, police procedurals, were structured as not only mysteries, but reflections and commentary on modern Swedish society. The duo wore alternating chapters – but since I haven’t read any of their individual works I couldn’t;t guess who wrote which chapter in any given novel. The books are cohesive and follow policeman Martin […]

“You’re like somebody waiting very patiently and one day – you’ll do something.”

Deep Water by Patricia Highsmith

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In a small town in New England during the 1950s, Melinda and Victor Van Allen’s marriage has become increasingly strained due to Melinda’s infidelities that she aggressively flaunts in front of all their friends and neighbours. Although Victor does appear to be indifferent to it on the surface, he is not as stoic as he pretends to be and starts a rumour that he has killed one of her former lovers. It’s quite fascinating how Highsmith presents the characters in this book. Vic is the […]

You don’t need a little orange book to be prepared for this book

Worst-Case Collin by Rebecca Caprara

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The prose poetry allows Worst-Case Collin by Rebecca Caprara to be a quick read, but without sacrificing the story. In the tone and style of Love that Dog and Hate that Cat, Caprara created a book that is both familiar in the subjects presented (growing up, bullies, the loss of a parent, friendship, mental health issues) and different (the father’s particular mental health issues). While I felt the ending was a bit forced, it also was the only way to do it. The realism of […]

Sequel as good as the first if not better

Witches of Brooklyn: What the Hex?! (A Graphic Novel) by Sophie Escabasse

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Witches of Brooklyn: What the Hex?! (A Graphic Novel) by Sophie Escabasse is the sequel to the Witches of Brooklyn Volume one. This is a delightful little story that flows well. For the adult reader, it is easy and will take no time to read. Yet, the ages 8 to 13 will be the perfect group to savor every piece. This story is a familiar one about friends and envy, but with the addition of fun, kooky aunts, their equally fun, kooky friends, an oddball pet, […]

Meaning of Treasure

Treasure in the Lake by Jason Pamment

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Treasure in the Lake has a pleasant look with the cool water and two adventurers on the cover. The contrast of light and dark hints at a deep mystery. But Jason Pamment fell short for me with the actual story. The cover was the draw and the story, well, only hides an abandoned village and not the wild ride I thought might be inside. All points I give this book come from the artwork. The story was weak and had several holes. The dual story […]

To the kooks, rebels, and heroes

Starboy: Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie by Jami Gigot

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Step back from the fact this picture book, Starboy: Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie is based on the idea of Bowie’s childhood and not a true account of his life, and you will enjoy this story that tells us to dance to the stars and dance with the cosmos. It shows that you need to be yourself and to hear what other people cannot hear. And learn that we all need to listen to those stars and that cosmos. Jami Gigot […]



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