October 2024

Laura’s Picks:

A sorceress comes to call by T. Kingfisher (2024)

This book is what happens when a horror writer tries to write a Regency romance. There is plenty of romance, but also an evil sorcerer, a dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship, a beautiful white horse, spooky things happening in the woods, and a refreshingly middle-aged heroine.

The last note of warning by Katharine Schellman (2024)

Schellman’s series about Prohibition-era New York continues, and this time shopgirl Vivian Kelly finds herself framed for murder. Her sometime-friend and employer Honor Huxley is strangely reluctant to assist, so Vivian will need all her wits to clear her name and uncover the true killer.

John’s Picks:

Give More Love by Ringo Starr (2017)

The nineteenth studio album by Starr and one that was primarily recorded at his home studio in Los Angeles.  Members of his All-Starr Band such as Joe Walsh, Dave Stewart, and Steve Lukather all contribute to various tracks on the record.  Other guest artists include Jeff Lynne, Peter Frampton, and Paul McCartney, the latter of whom is featured on the single, “We’re on the Road Again.

About Time by Steve Winwood (2003)

Steve Winwood’s eighth solo album and his first of original material after a six-year hiatus.  Wanting a more baseline sound, Winwood wrote the songs in the style of his former band, Traffic.  The core instruments consist of drums, electric guitar and a Hammond B3 organ, which is also used to emulate the bass notes.  At nearly seventy minutes in length, it is Winwood’s longest studio album to date.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

An action spy movie directed by Guy Richie and based on the book, Churchill's Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII, by Damien Lewis.  The film is a fictionalized account of Operation Postmaster, a covert mission to undermine Nazi naval forces off the coast of West Africa.   Featuring an ensemble cast led by Henry Cavil and Alan Ritchson, the film is a violent, yet humorous account of a notable time in British military history.

Lauren’s Pick:

A Fleeting Glimpse by K.E. Swope (2024)

As the title suggests, these stories, written by local author Kathy Swope, show us glimpses into the lives of the characters and the choices they make. An unassuming group of elderly women are knitting and… planning a robbery? A man is upset that his neighbor’s leaves keep blowing in his yard, and is prepared to take drastic action.   A woman books a cruise to spice up her life, but gets much more than she bargained for. Despite their short nature, these are stories that will stick with you, ones that will make you think long after you’ve finished them.