5 Dogs Book Blog

Review by Elleanore G. Vance Many of us first met the Torrence family in  Stanley Kubrick's iconic film, I know I did. That film splits the book's fanbase, some with Steve hating it, others not. The novel seems to be a creature of similar genus, but not the same species. I personally understand many of Kubrick's directorial decisions, but we're not here to talk about the film.  Jack Torrence is an alcoholic. He's neither a drowsy drunk, nor a jovial drunk. And he is definitely NOT an "I love you, man" drunk. He is what I would term a volatile drunk. Not dangerous if alone, but can combust with great violence when mixed with other elements. Results unpredictable. Some of these results include breaking the arm if his young (3-5 years old) son for spilling some school papers, and a possible hit and run of a cyclist while driving drunk. I wish I could tell you that all of this scared Jack straight into the arms of AA. Instead, an incident involving a student...

Review by Elleanore G. Vance They say Comedy doesn't age well,  and in many cases, i feel that this statement proves true. ( "Three to Tango" comes to mind, as does "There's Something about Mary" *super CRINGE*) But friends, there is an exception! Allow me to introduce you to P.G. Wodehouse. Wodehouse was a British humorist who was a contemporary of Dame Agatha Christie. (They were fans of each other's work and admit to having borrowed from each other for several different works). He is best remembered for his Jeeves stories starring Bertie Wooster and his brainy manservant Reginald Jeeves. He died in 1975 in New York. His writing is unique to his style, though many have tried and failed to imitate it. Once you catch his rhythm, you'll laugh out loud. In my opinion there is no better place to try Wodehouse on for size than in Blandings Castle. "Blandings Castle" (US title) is one of my favorite collections. It was my introduction to Cla...

Kenzir and Genarro #2 Review by Elleanore G. Vance  Angie has left Phil, and Patrick is dating a medical resident who has a young daughter. The pair still work out of offices in the church belfry, but the prologue tells us after the book ends it has become covered in dust. Our story starts when the phone rings. A woman who knows a school chum of the detectives' is calling for help with these anonymous threats she's recieving. After the initial interview, Patrick and Angie do all the usual flatfoot type work, including a covert follow operation, turning up nothing. We find out Angie is connected to the mafia and she doesnt want to use that connection.  When they don't find anything, the pair and their client decide it's pointless to continue to waste money when no credible threat can be found.   And then a body is found having been crucified.   That changes the whole damn game.  Patrick does an about face from the last book as a womanizer to a faithfu...

Review by Elleanore G . Vance In the United States the years before the internet and DNA evidence had quite a few serial murderers, each with his or her own specific pattern. Some killed for decades, others racked up a huge body count in a surprisingly short period of time. Between 1979 and 1981, an unassuming middle-aged man joined the ranks of Jeffrey Dahmer, Dennis Rader, and Roger Kibbe. This is the story of David Carpenter, largely known as the Trailside Killer, and his victims proven and alleged. From the author of the notorious Zodiac book, former cartoonist of the SF Chronicle, we meet the victims,and find them scattered like forgotten toys all over Mount Tamalpais. It is my belief that Mr. Graysmith was present at both trials. The amount of detail is amazing,  even if it brings to mind the Conspiracy Guy meme. When one considers the era this book was written in, it is downright breath-taking! Before modern computer technology, Graysmith was likely surrounded by stacks u...

Review by Elleanore G Vance Content Warning: This book contains situations of sexual assault, sexual shaming, sexual abuse of a minor, parental abuse of a minor, racial slurs, abortion, alcoholism, and drunk driving. Bear this in mind should you pick up a copy from your local library Beginning in a New England "Indian summer", we are introduced to the isolated community of Peyton Place. Its school teachers, drunks, merchants, business moguls and its one doctor. There are three nuclei to this story, and they are all interconnected.  They are "widow" Constance MacKenzie, her daughter Allison, and Allison's school friend, Selina Cross. Each woman's story and arc is different, yet they weave and intersect with each other and the larger story of the town. Constance Mackenzie owns Thrifty Threads, a discount clothing store. Her reputation in town is solid as a block of ice, but all that could melt away if anyone found out the truth about her and Allison's pas...

Review by Elleanore G. Vance Killashandra Ree has trained at the conservatory for years. The Maestro has told her that with her natural ability of Perfect Pitch, all she needs is time and training to be a starring soloist.  Except now, a decade of hard work and dedication later, he is telling her that there is a defect in her voice. She will only ever be a chorus member. Her life's ambitions are dashed in an instant. She is far to passionate to be a member of the chorus, so she packs her bags and heads to the spaceport While trying to decide what she wants to do with the rest of her life in the spaceport bar (where else does one contemplate life's big questions?) She meets a man from Ballybran. Well, okay. He's not "from" there. No one is "from" Ballybran, he works there as a crystal singer. They hit it off and he talks Killashandra into showing him around.  They have a fun time for a few days, maybe a month, and then he announces that he needs to ret...

A review by Eleanore G. Vance My first experience with Rosemary Woodhouse was the Roman Polanski film 17‐or -so years ago. Hubby and I lived in a wonderful old building in Downtown Indianapolis known locally as The Admiral; and it was here that a neighbor lady showed me the film. Later she would drop by her personal copy of the novella, complete with Joss Stone CD bookmark. It would take me 15 more years to get around to reading it, and I am so glad I did! Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse are newlyweds, looking for an apartment in the city. As Guy is an actor, a central location is essential. The same day that the couple signs a lease , they get a call from the Bramford. An apartment is suddenly vacant in the exclusive building with a sinister reputation.  They tour the apartment. Over the objections of Hutch, Rosemary's author friend, they take the apartment. After all, who cares about reputation when they are closer to the theaters for Guy, and Rosemary loves it so!... If only they h...