What I've been reading: Books No. 33-34

Book No. 33 was "Paradise Tales: and Other Stories" by Geoff Ryman. Ah, Geoff Ryman doesn't disappoint. One of his stories that is only so-so is better than a lot of writer's best efforts. He frequently has some genderweird or queer characters, pregnant men appear more often than expected, and there's often some odd biotech. Many times anthologies have weaker and stronger pieces, and that's certainly the case here, but most of the stories were very strong. The first one, "The Film-makers of Mars," lets you know Ryman is familiar with the pulps and golden age sci-fi, but these stories range all over the place. My favorites were "VAO," the novella "Days of Wonder," and "Pol Pot's Beautiful Daughter." Highly recommended.

Book No. 34 was "A Great Reckoning" (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #12) by Louise Penny. In this installment in the Inspector Gamache series, Gamache becomes the commander of the local police academy in Quebec, and a few months after he takes over, there's a murder. Around the same time, a mysterious map is found in the Three Pines Bistro. Are the events related? And how? I always enjoy this series, and this definitely had a twisty-turny plot that kept me guessing. On GoodReads, I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because I think Penny really stretches the reader's credulity in this one in terms of linking the murder investigation back to Three Pines. People are constantly questioning Gamache about taking 4 cadets, all suspects in the case, back to the village, and it is really out of character and a bit hard to believe this could happen in real life.That being said, even a weaker entry in this series is still a fun read!


( The other books I've read so far this year: )