Alchemy: A Story of Perfect Murder by Chris James

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.

For full disclosure I received a copy of this novel through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

The ebook version, in epub or mobi (plus others) can be found at smashwords.com


Jacob Silver, son of a Jewish Apothecary and his wife, is a gifted artist and scientist.  On trial for the murders of 4 beautiful women, and the grave desecration of a fifth.  The story switches between Jacob's trial and the chain of events from his first encounter leading up to his arrest.

After his father dies, just weeks after a trip to see the Mona Lisa while it was in London, and his mother imprisoned, Jacob sets out to discover the secret to immortality, the recipe for which is contained in a tome, Alchemy, a book he received from a mysterious man on his 15th birthday, a man who claimed to be from the Institute.

Given a scholarship to a prestigious college, Jacob soon learns that his genius is detested by those upper class folks who feel their children are being 'shown up'.  Jacob is soon taking science lessons in an underground laboratory with the same man who delivered the book to him initially, a man he calls Professor.

Expelled from the school Jacob makes his way as a laborer, with some financial assistance from an Aunt, until he is placed in quarantine, with a child and a prostitute, after being exposed to the black plague.  During his time in quarantine, Jacob rekindles his passion for art and paints his beautiful companion Polly, as well as some images of his beloved Emily, a girl he first met during his viewing of the Mona Lisa, who also just happened to be the sister of his best friend at the college.

Once cleared of the disease, Polly and the child, Nell, depart Jacob's company, but not before he gives her one of the paintings for her to sell to have some cash.  Jacob takes some more of his paintings to a gallery and makes a quick fortune for his efforts, and the promise of delivering more when he can.

With his new found funds Jacob decides it's time to hire a housekeeper. As if by magic, the Institute sends on that very day.  Pretty soon, Jacob's love, Emily comes to live with them, in her consumption addled state, and not long after they are joined by the professor, so he and Jacob could continue their study of the book Alchemy, and more specifically decode the catalyst for the immortality potion which the creator, a Perenelle Flamel, wife of the acclaimed alchemist Nicolas Flamel.

This book is one I just couldn't put down.  As an artist, and a self proclaimed nerd, I could relate to Jacob quite well, the desire to create a masterpiece and the thirst for knowledge are part of my everyday life.  His naivety is quite endearing, even if it does border on ignorance at times.  He obviously had a tonne of charm, women were literally throwing themselves at him.  These women must have boosted his ego, never did he believe his potions could be harmful in the correct dosage (we never did find out whether Jacob's potions were the cause of his friend's cancer), nor did he doubt his abilities in art or science.

The professor was quite skilled in alchemy, but also in his manipulation of everyone involved in Jacob's demise.  His ability to disappear quickly and quietly when the need arises and the ability to remain hidden, even when in public, is quite a skill that must have taken a long time to refine.

Chris James' writing flows so well, even with the back and forth between the court room and the flashbacks leading up to that point, the story just begged you to keep reading.  His years working as a murder squad detective have been a positive influence on his writing, as far as this book goes.  James gives us just enough detail of the murders to make us aware of how gruesome they were, without becoming too dark and gory.

I gave this book 5/5

Alchemy: A Story of Perfect Murder can also be purchased in paperback and kindle format from Amazon

The Dreaded Reading Slump

For several weeks now, I have found myself staring blankly at the pages in front of me.  Whether it's books I loathed or books I love, the result is the same, read half a page and give up... or worse still, read four or five pages put it away, then reread those same ages multiple times because I can't remember what I read previously because nothing looks familiar.  Books that should take me mere days to finish, are taking me weeks.

I was so exited to get into some of the books, when I put together my challenge lists for the year, but here I am, not motivated to pick anything up for fear that I just wont get it finished, or worse, I wont do it justice.  These slumps can be anything from a few days to a few years.  It's so frustrating!

Due to my own slump, I thought I'd make a list of ways to help get over a reading slump... Things that have been suggested to me, ideas of my own and suggestions I've come across while googling how to get out of my slump...

1. Re-Reading an Old Favourite
This one has worked for me in the past. For many years I found myself not reading much at all, a few years ago, I decided enough was enough and I had to get back into my favourite time waster (not that reading is really a waste of time, but it is great for avoiding things like homework and housework).  Perusing my book cases, trying to find something that peaked my interest, what should I spy on my shelf, by my beloved childhood favourite Black Beauty by Anna Sewell.  If you don't want to re-read, try something you haven't read from your favourite Author instead.

2. Try a Collection of Short Stories
I find these are great for those times I just can't handle another 500+ page book, or for those times when you were so emotionally involved in a book you can't bear the thought of starting anything else AKA the book hangover.  Short stories are quick and often quite light reading, giving you little tastings of other worlds, without being emotionally draining.  Though I wont count the times I found myself wishing those stories were longer.

3.  Read with a Friend
One of my biggest motivators is to read books with friends and discussing them later... I often find myself reading and discussing books with my teenage daughter, when we find some that suit both our tastes.  But if, like me, your local friends aren't much into reading, there are many groups on Goodreads for t any genre you wish, that you can join and discuss weekly or monthly reads, many also have various challenges throughout the year.

4. Read Some Fan Fiction
My above mentioned teenager will often read fan fiction when she finds herself stuck in a slump.  Fan fiction can be a great way to find new twists on your favourites, or even introduce yourself to new stories.  There are so many talented hobby writers out there.

5. Try an Audio Book.
This is one that doesn't really work for me.  I find myself getting too distracted with other tasks, even dozing off, instead of listening to the story.  But so many others love it!  Audio books give you the opportunity to read on the go, they can be great in the car for long trips, while doing housework, or any other task that requires your hands to be full.  World War Z by Max Brooks was my audio book of choice during feeding times when my kids were babies. There is the added benefit of the soothing tones of spoken language, something I don't always find with music.

6. Try Something Different
Go out, buy/borrow a new genre/author/format of book.  Always read print? get yourself some e-books.  Always read novels? Try some comics or manga. Never read a thriller? get yourself some Dan Brown or Stieg Larsson.  Introducing new materials can reestablish the desire to read, whether it's a change of format or a change of genre, it's can make all the difference.
Most of the major e-reader retailers have free apps available for pc, phones and tablets, and have a range of free books on offer.  Sites like Project Gutenberg, Smashwords and Free Ebooks are just a few of the plethora of websites that also offer free ebooks in various formats.

7. Read a Young Adult or Children's Story
This may sound a little silly, but kids books are great for building enthusiasm, without the complicated plots or intricate language 'adult' books have.  Story lines are usually straight forward and easy to follow without being draining. YA and children's books are available in pretty much any genre you can think of.  I like it even more when it's my kids reading the books to me, family reading time is one of my favourite things.

8. Step Away From Reading
If all else fails, it's okay to take a break from reading.  As much as I hate to admit it, it can be good to step away from books for a while and allow my brain to rest.  Check out a movie, go view some art, meet with friends for a coffee, sometimes, just getting out and doing something different can help you break the slump cycle.

What things do you like to try when you find yourself in a slump?

Marvel 1602 - Neil Gaiman

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.



It seems I'm having a very Gaiman related year, this being the third of his works so far this year.  Apart from his novels, I have also added a few of Gaiman's graphic novels to my read list for the year. The 8 part series of Marvel 1602, illustrated by Andy Kubert, is the one I listed as my book I can finish in a day.

Set in the year 1602, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the first, Gaiman gives a fantasy twist to the traditional Marvel characters, featuring such favourites as the Fantastic 4, the X-Men and Spiderman.
With blood red skies over London, the unwell Queen questions her trusted intelligence officer, Sir Nicholas Fury, as to whether the world is ending.  She also questions her physician, Dr. Stephen Strange, as he enters the room to tend the ailing Queen.

While there, the Queen tells Strange to enlighten Fury on the details of a treasure that is on route to England, to which Strange has been charged with its safety.  Fury sets his best agent on the task of meeting the man that carries the treasure bringing them both to England.

Parting from Fury and heading home, pondering the possibilities of what could happen when the Queen dies, Strange searches for answers to this, and that of the unnatural weather phenomena, in his magic mirror.  In his visions Strange sees a young maiden and her native American guard aboard a boat bound for England, a man with angels wings and a nun clad in blood red, whom somehow senses his presence and banishes him from her position.

After preventing an attempt on his own life, Fury, with the assistance of Carlos Javier, uncovers a plot which included the assassinations of himself, the queen and the young maiden from Strange's visions, Virginia Dare.  The attempt on Virginia Dare was thwarted by her protector, Rojhas, but during her escape Strange discovers her secret, one which he keeps between himself and her loyal protector. While tending to Dare during her recovery, Strange discovers the origins of the strange weather is emanating from the room she is recovering in.

Fury informs the Queen of his discoveries, after the attempt on Dare's life happened while she was in court with the Queen.  The Queen brushes the concerns aside, informing Fury that there have been many attempts in the past and he as stopped them all.  As he leaves, to question his attacker about his employer, a gift from Count Otto von Doom is presented to the queen...

The artwork is everything I've come to expect from Marvel. Kubert, having worked for both Marvel and DC, is an excellent illustrator.  The story lines from Gaiman are, as always, brilliant and twisted. I love his little touches to the spelling of names, and the odd change to their marvel universe roles.  The outcome was something I did not expect, though it did answer one of my earlier questions (not telling you what it was to avoid giving away the plot).  I love when authors do their research, and indulge us with folk lore, Gaiman's twist on the Virginia Dare story fits well with this version of the Marvel Universe.

Overall there were one or two things I didn't enjoy, but given their plot significance, I'll leave them out of this review.

4/5 stars.

Strata - Terry Pratchett

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.

Saddened by the news of Pratchett's passing on March 12, I figured it was time to pick up one of his books.  Pratchett has often been recommended to me with my first delve into his writing being Good Omens earlier this year, a novel he co-wrote with Neil Gaiman (that I haven't yet written a review for).  As Strata is on my PopSugar reading challenge list as the book published the year I was born, I decided I needed to pay my own small homage to the man who entertained so many with his wit and intellect.

The third novel from the author and only one of a few sci-fi novels he wrote, and although the story features a disc world, it is not part of his Discworld series.

Kin Arad, high ranking officer of 'The Company' finds herself chastising a couple of her young charges, for adding fossils not only to the wrong strata of earth, but with the added addition of a "end nuclear testing now" sign, suspending them for three weeks without payment.  Payment from the Company is in days, days with which you can extend your life, as Kin Arad had done, by hundreds of years.

The Company is in the business of planet terra-forming, sculpting planets to suit the species which will inhabit the finished product, using strata machines to complete the projects.  The company didn't build these strata machines, they were discovered, artifacts of the Spindle Kings who built planets before evolution had allowed human kind to to be a space faring species.

As Kin reflected on her own misadventure in planet scultping, a mountain range in the shape of her initials, a strange man appeared in her office, Jago Jalo.  The man spoke of a strange disc shaped planet. Intrigued, Kin agreed to listen to his tale and eventually agreed to head along on a voyage to see the planet for herself, even if she didn't believe such a thing existed, the logistics just weren't viable.

Kin, along with two others that Jalo had spoken to, Marco a, slender, 4 armed Kung raised on earth and Silver, a bear like creature called Shand, embarked on a journey of discovery and historical significance, using their knowledge and skills to transverse the disc planet and discover its origins.

Strata is well written, Pratchett was a natural story teller.  The characters were well written and had a depth to them that really brings a story to life.  My one disappointment, it lacked the humour that I enjoyed in Good Omens.  Though over all, I'm not sure humour would have been beneficial from the story.

I gave Strata 4.5 stars out of 5. Losing that half a point for the lack of humour I've come to love.

Coraline - Neil Gaiman

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.

Dedicated to Gaiman's daughters, Coraline is an intriguing story about a young girl and the large divided house her family shares with some rather eccentric neighbours.  Down stairs were Misses Spink and Forcible, former actresses, with their aging population of Highland Terriers.  Upstairs was Mr. Bobo and his circus of mice, training to perform for the world.  None of Coraline's neighbours called her by her rightful name, always calling her Caroline instead. This I found to be a cute touch, Gaiman says himself that he had intended to call the character Caroline, but had made a typo and the name stuck.

Coraline loved to explore her new surroundings, heading straight to the dangerous, old well her downstairs neighbours warned her about.  In other areas of her yard she discovered an old tennis court and various signs of animal life. On one day, during her Summer, the weather turned bad and Coraline was stuck inside out of the rain and mud.  Coraline, after bugging both her parents, began exploring the house. It was during this time that Coraline discovered the door.  Coraline badgered her mother until she unlocked and opened the door to discover nothing but a brick wall.  The wall must have been placed there when the house was divided into apartments.

Later, after everyone had gone to bed, Coraline heard a strange noise, and a shadow movement. She got out of bed and followed the movement which led her to the now unlocked door, which was slightly ajar, even though she was sure her mother had closed it properly.

It wasn't until later, when both Coraline's parents were out, that Coraline discovered the door opened to another apartment.  Through the door Coraline heard her name being called, by her other mother. Unlike her own mother, the other mother offered Coraline delicious food, love and attention.  It's in this other world that Coraline meets three children, and begins an adventure like no other.

Gaiman's writing is as brilliant as ever. His twisted sense of humour and characters give great depth to the story. As parents, we often dismiss our children when we're preoccupied with work, or other real world issues.  This story reminds us that our kids are people too, with just a many worries as an adult, real or otherwise.  Coraline shows a great strength.  As a mother of daughters, and as a woman, it's this kind of depth that I search for in role models for myself and my children.  Coraline is that inner child I so long to awaken, one with spirit to explore the world and the courage and strength to face my fears.

I gave Coraline 5/5 stars

Death Note Vol. 1: Boredom.

Before you read any further, please note that this review may contain spoilers.


Having already seen the anime, there is nothing new in the manga for me, but I don't mind in the slightest.  The story is one that grabs you, and keeps your attention throughout.

Bored with the Shinigami (Death God) realm, Ryuuku, one of the death gods, drops his death note to Earth in search of some entertainment.  Japanese teen Light (Raito) Yagami, Japan's top student, finds the book and at first, dismisses it as a hoax. Soon he begins to test the book, first on an armed man holding some students hostage, then on a bikie harassing a young lady outside a convenience store, and learns that the book is indeed a death notebook. Light can't just kill anyone with the book, he must know the name and face of the person he wishes to kill, and he starts to find lists of criminals around the planet and starts to fill the death note with their names, allowing them all to die from the default death of heart failure.

Soon after this Ryuuku appears to Light, and explains that the book has come from him, and though he is the Shinigami linked with that book, it now belongs to Light and his to use, or dispose of, at will.  He also explains that only those who have touched the death note can see him, which is convenient since he now follows Light where ever he goes.

It isn't long before Interpol notices the multiple deaths of criminals and soon links them all together.  At first they're unsure on how to deal with these matters, until the suggestion of the worlds best and most secretive 'private investigator' be put on the case, a man only known by the pseudonym 'L'.  No one knows L's real name, know what he looks like, nor his location. His only contact is through a man by the name of Watari...

I love the battle of wits between Light, dubbed Kira (meaning Killer) by the people of the internet, and L throughout the series.  Each trying to one up the other, L's broadcast and Kira's victim's apparent suicide notes are just the beginning.

The Ryuuku, is one of my favourite characters. I love the idea that gods get bored with life too, and need to find entertainment to satisfy that boredom. I love that he just stands back, neither on the side of good or bad, just there for entertainment.

There are moral questions raised, with the killing of criminal types, and the idea behind a safe and crime free utopia. And as in real life, there are arguments for both sides, Kira has his followers and haters.

As an artist I appreciate the manga style art, honestly I find the style quite appealing.  I know there are many who don't like the style and that's okay too. It is, after all, down to personal preference.

I gave this volume 5/5 stars.