In Pursuit of the Bard's Undiscovered Play

The Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber

What if your day at work has turned into your worst nightmare, and out of the ashes of that terrible day you discover you’ve found a clue to the location of an unknown play by Shakespeare?  Is this your silver lining?  What would a Shakespeare scholar do to find an entire play in the Bard's hand? Whom would a criminal mastermind kill to steal it?  Can the unwitting hero find the manuscript first?  And will he capture the heart of the mysterious girl bookbinder in the process?

The Book of Air and Shadows is a thriller about chasing down the clues to fame, and fortune, and an unknown Shakespeare play.  You’ll delve into the science of studying 16^th century printing, ink, and history.  You’ll also learn about the publishing industry.  It all starts when mysterious letters are found embedded in the covers of a rare book set.  This is not a fast paced read.  Instead it is a methodical tracking and testing to validate and de-cipher clues.  Whether the clues are proven or fraud, the criminal mob has heard of the find, believes it, and is hot on the heels of the others.  And of course, the Intellectual Property Lawyer is right in the middle of the chase and looking to gain his piece of this action.  It builds into a wild story of double-crossings, de-coded ciphers, forgeries, kidnappings and murder.

What starts as a thrilling puzzle to solve, slowly turns into such a dangerous riddle no one including family, friends, and lovers are trustworthy.  While you are learning about the present day treasure hunters, in parallel the author tells the story of characters in 17^th century England.  These characters, including Shakespeare, are driven by mystery and danger to take specific actions with Shakespeare’s final handwritten play.  The author tells a vivid story of William Shakespeare’s life.

Michael Gruber now lives and writes in Seattle.  He has a PhD from Columbia University, and during his career he was a policy advisor for the Jimmy Carter White House, and also a bureaucrat for the EPA.  In an interview about this book, Michael Gruber said, “So why Shakespeare? Because I feel he's the essence of mystery. Because in the modern history of the world there's no literary figure of remotely comparable magnitude for whom we have less biographical information: the greatest single figure writing in our language, and he's smoke. Because he flourished in a world without copyright laws his mystery continues.”  According to the author, he was inspired to write this novel, “during a conference with an intellectual property lawyer on a particular afternoon in November of 2003.  When I say born, I mean nearly the whole plot popped into my head.”

And thereby hangs a tale . . . .



 

The Wild Nearby

Do you love wilderness, literature, and photography? Then you’ll enjoy the latest book from Braided River, The North Cascades: Finding Beauty and Renewal in the Wild Nearby. The 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act provides us with a reason to look back and ahead.

Join us for the book's launch party at the Mountaineers Program Center on October 10 to celebrate what’s been preserved in the North Cascades and to hear Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Dietrich’s take on where stewardship needs to go next.

Event Details

WHAT: Book launch of The North Cascades: Finding Beauty and Renewal in the Wild NearbyWHEN: Friday, October 10, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

WHERE: Seattle Mountaineers Program Center, 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA‎ 98115

WHO: Hosted by The Mountaineers and supported by NPCA

TICKETS: You can purchase your tickets here.

OTHER INFO: Free parking is available at The Mountaineers Program Center. Or, take bus 75 which drops you off directly in front of the Program Center. Additional launch parties will be held later in North Cascades National Park, Everett, Twisp, and Bellingham.

Camping at Colonial Creek? Backpacking in the Sawtooths? Out for a stroll in Stehekin? Share your photos with the hashtag #wildnearby and they’ll be displayed at the book launch party.

We hope you will join us,Sincerely,



David G. Graves
Northwest Program Manager

P.S.: Check out the Northwest Regional Office's most recent field report here (PDF, 371 KB).

The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
On her Majesty's Supernatural Secret Service

This is a novel about adventures on her Majesty’s supernatural secret service, and the author telling the tale has an imagination with no limits.  Anything and everything goes as these agents come up against unpredictable, supernatural foes and forces all requiring action in order to protect the blissfully ignorant public.  Fortunately these agents are armed not just with their wits and common weaponry; they have their own diverse supernatural abilities.

“Dear You, The body you are wearing used to be mine. . .”  At the beginning of the book, this mysterious letter is read by a young woman who inhabits the body of an agent who was working for good.  Myfanwy Thomas is her Welsh name (pronounced like Tiffany).  The new Myfanwy comes conscious in the agent’s body for the first time in a London park, surrounded by dead bodies that are all wearing latex gloves.  What’s a girl to do?  She follows the limited guidance contained in the ominous letter.  This is the beginning of a fast paced action novel.  Circumstances force the new Myfanwy to learn how to take on and succeed in her responsibilities as a Rook, which is a high-level operative in the secret British government agency that protects the world.

There is a lot to learn from a series of well hidden letters and other clues from the former Myfanwy, which were intentionally left hidden for her successor.  The new Myfanwy has no memory at all of what has happened before the moment in the London park.  The letters are a help to her, and to the reader throughout the book, as you both try to understand this new world and how to survive.  You both learn so much too about the former Myfanwy as the letters go on, and how the new Myfanwy is different too.  Reading the letter clues at the same time as the heroine, you’ll feel directly a part of the action. 

But time is of the essence when dangers are all around, including covert dangers within the agency itself.  Myfanwy must stop her unknown enemy before being destroyed herself.  She can’t just spend her time reading letters, she has to think and act for herself.  She also has to learn how to control and use her own interesting, supernatural powers.  There’s a lot to take on while handling her day to day job activities.  This book is suspenseful, mysterious, funny, and action packed.

The author has a master’s degree in medieval history and in his other life he works for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau writing press releases for government investigations of plane crashes and runaway boats.  In this debut work he has created a complex, unique, logical, imaginative and entertaining paranormal fantasy where you have license to let your own imagination run wild.

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

Storms of Denali - Hanging On Every Word

The Storms of Denali, by Nicholas O’Connell

Reading this book, I found myself continually re-checking whether it’s a novel, or a factual account. These characters are so touching they ascend from the page and bivouac in my heart and soul as real people. The harrowing description of their expedition is so believable, it‘s gripping.

John Walker narrates the story and expedition. He’s a family man who is dissatisfied with what he views is a sedate life as an outdoor equipment store manager, husband and father. He contrasts this to his previously active, mountain-climbing, single life. He’s nursing the wound of turning back before making the summit at Denali last time. Wyn Mitchell is John’s long-time friend, former climbing partner, and a world-class climber who boasts a risky climbing style. Wyn is the expedition leader. He’s driven to make his own personal big splash with this Denali climb in order to attract backers for his desire to attempt Everest next.

John’s wife sets conditions on his undertaking this long and potentially fatal trip. One condition is that John and his partner share the climb with two others, and that one of them has medical skills. That brings into the story Al McKenzie, a Boeing engineer who hopes this climb will help him forge an individual victory that will carry him past his divorce and beyond his corporate work life. Lane Frederickson also signs on. He is a fireman, medic and novice climber who desperately wants to establish himself as a serious climber. The author gives full and vivid treatment to each of these characters – their strengths, weaknesses and how their combination is a volatile mix that precipitates a disaster.

The prominent character towering from the page is the deadly Denali, the great one. Not enough to climb Denali, Wyn wants to make his splash with a new route to the top. Denali will have the final say about that. This is an authentic tale of man’s struggle in nature, and man’s struggle with human nature. The author, Nicholas O’Connell, is a mountain climber. One of the mountains he’s climbed is Denali. His experiences and talented writing bring such realism to this story.

You don’t have to be a mountain climber to appreciate this daring fight for survival on the highest and coldest mountain in North America. I’m a casual hiker, and I was enthralled with every page of this adventure. The pristine descriptions transported me to this foreign destination. The magnificent setting is both alluring and frightening. I recommend that you begin your own expedition into “The Storms of Denali” and experience it for yourself.

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

One Lump or Two With Your Murder?

This author serves up a savory blend of herbal teas, pastries, and murder.  This novel is just one in a series of “cozy” mysteries that revolve around Theodosia Browning who owns Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carolina.  I’m such a fan of the series, I’ve read them all.  I’ve read some of them more than once.  Chamomile Mourning is early in the series, and one of my favorites.

Laura Childs gives delightful Charleston the feeling of a small town, and the characters surrounding Theodosia are so intriguing.  This book begins at a catered tea party at the Heritage Society’s annual Poetry event.  But murder becomes a dramatic verse of its own.  The victim is one of the Heritage Society’s own, prominent members.  When clues lead the local police to accuse one of Theodosia’s friends, she is motivated to prove them wrong.  But maybe Theodosia is wrong?

The clues will lead the reader toward several potential murderers and motives.  You’ll enjoy the chase, and during more relaxed moments you’ll also enjoy the detailed descriptions of Charleston.  The author really engages you in the challenges and appeal of running a small business too.  Several of Theodosia’s friends are small business people in the city, and she is so proud of her tea shop.  You’ll get an enjoyable glimpse into the varieties, history and social niceties of teas.  Haley and Drayton, who both work at the tea shop, are each artists at work.  Haley is the baker and Drayton is the tea mixologist.  They help Theodosia in many ways.  And there is an extra treat in the book!  You’re treated to recipes that are supposedly from Haley for pastries and from Drayton for teas.  Do yourself a favor and try these.  The ones I’ve tried have been delicious.

Laura Childs was a writer/producer at several national ad agencies, before forming her own company, Mission Critical Marketing.  She wrote four screenplays, got one read by Paramount, but never actually sold one.  She then thought to try writing mysteries. How fortunate for fans like me!  She really enjoyed the writing, and was so happy when she sold her first couple of books.   A prolific writer, she now has two other entertaining series in addition to the tea shop mysteries.  They are the Scrapbook Mysteries and Cackleberry Club Mysteries, and she’s not done yet.

 

Put your feet up with a cup of tea, or a glass of ice tea now that its summer, and enjoy an entertaining flight of murderous fancy, mull over your clues, and then chase down your suspect.

Still Waters Run Deep, Making a Difference






Quiet Influence: The Introvert’s Guide to Making a Difference,

by Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, PhD



“Do not underestimate the determination of a quiet man,” is a quote from Iain Duncan Smith, British politician.

The quiet one in the background used to be in the shadow of the attention getters in the world. This book insists those introverts can be highly effective influencers when they make the most of their own natural strengths. The author points out the strengths of being an introvert, and then presents descriptive examples of successful ways to use these strengths. Her examples include some surprisingly introverted celebrities. The author states that half the U.S. population is introverted. Instead of struggling to act like extroverts, the author suggests that there are four workplace trends which indicate that the time for quiet influence to be more successful than ever is now.

So why is now a great time to be an introvert in the workplace? The flattened work organization means networking is a personal responsibility. One-to-one connections are strengths of introverts. Increased global diversity means different ways of connecting with people, more personally and in deference to cultures, which are areas well suited to introverts. The virtual world and online social media are tools that introverts can excel in. And heightened competition means a need to listen intently, which the author identifies as something introverts do well.

Early in the book there is a short test to determine if you are an introvert. If you are, you’ll closely identify with so much of what the author writes. This book is also interesting for people who have a son or daughter or friend or other person in their life whom they have never quite understood, and now you see that person is an introvert.

The six strengths of “quiet influencers” include – taking quiet time, preparation, engaged listening, focused conversations, writing, and thoughtful use of social media. The author discusses how influencers can use a mix of these six qualities for success, and she warns about the dangers of their overuse.

Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D. is an Atlanta-based author, and speaker, and executive coach who is hailed as a “champion for introverts.” Jennifer works with business professionals across a wide array of industries leading seminars and coaching individuals and groups. Her client list includes NASA, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Pfizer, Time Warner Cable, AT&T, and more. She is committed to helping introverts unleash their inner leadership voice.

Introverts are continually asked to adapt to an extrovert-centric workplace that rewards being out there and on stage. They plead, how can I be me and still make a difference? Jennifer Kahnweiler’s book will show you, with a plan and through examples, how to stop trying to act like extroverts and instead make the most of your natural, quiet strengths.

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

You Can't Go Wrong Reading The Wrong Girl

The Wrong Girl
by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Is she the wrong girl? The two women sitting across from each other, recently introduced, look much the same. In subtle and uncanny ways, their mannerisms are similar. Are these women related, long lost to each other and now reunited? Or, is she the wrong girl? Is this really her birth mother? Is this the reunion they’ve both yearned for? Or is this match-by-agency and others like it, someone’s big business scam? The truth is hidden, possibly behind murder.

Award-winning, best-selling author and journalist Hank Phillippi Ryan explores an overburdened state system, some people with the best of intentions taking care of foster children, and some people with questionable intentions. Ryan’s character Jane Ryland, is an intrepid reporter on the trail of a big scoop that she’s hoping will save her job. At the same time, Jane’s friend Tuck has confided to Jane that she’s recently hired an agency to find her birth mother, and reunite them. Now Tuck’s been told she has a different name and she’s met her birth mother. Except, despite all surface familial appearances, Jane’s friend is convinced she’s the wrong girl. She can’t prove that conclusively, but she feels it.

With a police officer as a love interest, it’s not long before Jane’s path crosses his at the apartment where a female murder victim is discovered. The victim’s identity and the motive for her murder are a mystery. Is this murder related to others, all masking a different kind of identity theft and identity fraud? Or is it one of those red herrings that I’m always so drawn to?

Jane Ryland has her hands full. She’s investigating this complex story, trying to scoop the rest of the media. She has to keep one step ahead of an ominous voice and shadowy person who’s threatening to harm her. She’s eager to compassionately help her insistent friend Tuck. In the meantime, she struggles to maintain a separation of professional interests and play it cool, while her hot love interest is the police officer in charge of solving the murders.

This writer is a master at pacing. The book starts out a little slow, while a lot of ground work is laid. But momentum is building subtly, almost imperceptibly until the book jumps out and grabs you. That will be the point of no return, because you won’t want to be interrupted and you won’t put it down until you finish the epilogue. Is she the wrong girl? Are there others? Why?

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “curiosity is lying in wait for every secret.”

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .