Lyn Reviews Charlotte MacLeod’s The Convivial Codfish
The Convivial Codfish by Charlotte MacLeod
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
YES, I READ ANOTHER CHARLOTTE MACLEOD MYSTERY! And what a title, THE CONVIVIAL CODFISH!!!–a colorful, unique mystery featuring the savvy couple Sarah Kelling and her new husband, the interantional art investigator, Max Bittersohn. As usual, Sarah’s prominent Boston relatives provide another cousin who draws the newlyweds into a murder. (I’m so glad my family doesn’t have this knack.) This time it’s cousin Jem Kelling, the distinguished Exalted Chowderheadof this group of Codfish–older men who like to get together, drink a lot and act like fifteen-year-olds. Harmless enough–until one of this decides to murder…indescriminately. NO one can think why. Exciting moments. Scary moments. And then Max solves and unmasked the killer–literally. Highly recommend this and the other in the series!
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Lyn Asks the September Question~
Now for the September question: School days, school days, dear old Golden Rule days—Now that’s a blast from long past. Anyway any memories of a favorite teacher and what she or he did to make you like to go to school?
I remember many good teachers–Miss LeFevre, Mrs. Greene, Mrs Williams, Mrs. Crawford. Mrs. Crawford made the biggest impact on my life.
If you’ve read any of my historicals and many of my contemporary stories, you know that I write books with many different kinds of people.That is due to Mrs. Crawford. My first writing mentor was my Junior-year English teacher, Mrs. Doris M Crawford, one of my first African-American teachers, who spent an hour after school every day that year teaching me how to write. I had asked her at the end of the first class—“I want to be a writer. Will you teach me how?”
Her gift of time and taking an interest in me made all the difference. I just wish she’d lived to read my first published book but she died of cancer when I was in college. But I often feel as if she is standing at my shoulder as I write.
So what teacher made a difference in your life–or do you have a particular favorite fun memory of school days? Either is good. And as usual, those comments I choose will appear in my next newsletter and be offered a free ebook. I waiting to hear from you!–Lyn

PS: My book BITTER AUTUMN is on sale for 99 cents through Aug 18th.
Vengeance can be dangerous~Grey Lawson returns home after serving a seven-year sentence for vehicular homicide while under the influence. Trish Franklin, the first female deputy in the county, is the niece of the man Grey’s reckless action killed. Then a rash of copycat accidents in the eerie fog-shrouded evenings mimic Grey’s original crime. People wonder is Grey acting out some sick compulsion of his own. How can Trish solve this series of near fatal accidents before someone is seriously injured or killed? And sort out her feelings for the man her father hates?
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Lyn Reviews Charlotte MacLeod’s The Withdrawing Room
The Withdrawing Room by Charlotte MacLeod
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The late Charlotte MacLeod has become one of my new favorite authors. I’m so happy her family (i think) has made her wonderful mysteries available. Written around 50 years ago, these books bring back the era of the 70’s. But with a twist. Sarah Kelling, the main character, is one of a long-respected, well-heeled family of Boston–Beacon Hill even.
However, she is not wealthy and is a new widow. So she decides to make her imposing Beacon Hill house into a genteel boarding house. Against her family’s wishes. Anyway just as in MacLeod’s Peter Shandy mysteries, the cast of characters is COLORFUL to say the least!
And her fellow in solving mysteries, Max Bittersohn is the opposite of the social world that Sarah came from and lives in.
It’s a story with so many surp,rises and unexpected twist–my goodness!!! Highly recommended for those who enjoy something a bit different and page-turning.
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To purchase click here. Free if you have Kindle Unlimited membership on Amazon. $2.99 if not. Well worth it!
PAID LINK (That means I get about 5 cents ‘-)
Lyn Asks the August Question
(Bayfield WI)
Lyn Asks the August Question.
We’ve been very serious during this pandemic and turbulent time in our nation and world. So I decided—let’s do something fun!
Will you relate a FUNNY SUMMER memory or an endearing one? Let’s share a feel-good moment in time.
I’ll go first: When I was about eight years old, my parents took us on a road trip around Lake Michigan. At that time we lived on the western shore of that Great Lake. We drove up through Wisconsin to Upper Peninsual Michigan (the U-P) where they were building the Mackinac Island bridge (pronounce Mackinaw).
I remember standing on one of those round steps and looking through the binoculars to see them building this long bridge spanning the shore betweetn Upper Michigan and the Island. WOW. Then we took a ferry over to the Michigan “Mitten” or Lower Michigan and drove down stopping at ALL the wonderful fruit stands. Michigan grows delicious peaches, cherries, grapes and more–YUM! I can remember the juices dripping down my chin as my big brother and I chowed down! The bridge and fruit are what I recall and the time sitting beside my brother in my dad’s Chevy. 🙂
Lyn Asks the July Question and Also What about “Harry?”
(The view from my front porch–happy summer!)
My July question is: (NOTE: I discuss “Harry” toward the end.)
Have you come to any new realizations or truths over the past months, such as what is really important in life?
Or how can I make life better for myself and those around me?
I’m going to give that some thought myself. I think it’s a good question to ask from time to time. And now’s the time!
SO WHAT ABOUT HARRY???????????
I’m writing a holiday novella, titled BENEATH NORTHERN LIGHTS, I’ve named my hero Harry. One of my critique partners objects and says it’s an old man name. My Harry is third in the line of Harry’s so it’s a family name.
So my second question is: Should I stick with Harry or change his name and if so, what? Remember I’ll be giving away ebooks to a few commenters.
And don’t forget, I’ve been writing hard and here’s my latest book.

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Want to Win a Gift Card? Great Summer Reads?
BOOKS + SUMMER = HAPPY
You like books, right? Then head over to LitRing’s Splash Into a Series Giveaway which rewards one lucky reader with goodies like a Turkish cotton towel, a water bottle, and a $25 Amazon gift card, too! Get the details and your chances to win here https://www.litring.com/series
Lyn Reviews Charlotte MacLeod’s Something the Cat Dragged In
Something the Cat Dragged In by Charlotte MacLeod
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love Professor Shandy and the Balaclava Agricultural College characters. Ottermole, President Svenson, Harry Goulson and so many more. This story begins with, of course, Edmund, the cat who brings in something to Mrs. Lomax (Professor Shandy’s cleaning lady). She thinks at first it’s a mouse but it’s really retired Professor Ungley’s toupee. This professor sadly will not need it any more. Charlotte MacLeod combines humor and murder once again in this intricate tale of political hijinx. Ms. MacLeod has gone to her reward but left behind a legacy of humor that still delights. (Warning: a few swear words included but mild by today’s standards–I just read them as blankety-blank. ‘-)
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Lyn Asks the June Question
Every month I ask a question because I want to know what readers are thinking. So what’s my question for June, you may ask? Here it is:
Do you always finish a book whether you’re enjoying it or not? Or do you put it away? Or throw it against the wall? ‘-)What kinds of thing causes you to stop reading or dislike what you’re reading?
This should be very interesting to me as an author! I try to write books that stick to your fingers, meaning you find it hard to put them down. I like to write books that call to you when you do put them down. So think over the question and let me know your thoughts! BTW, I guarantee that the majority of my readers will be not be able to put my latest book down. Why not look at it and see what you think.
Thanks, Lyn
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Lyn Reviews Deborah Raney’s Above All Things
Above All Things by Deborah Raney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve often reviewed Deborah Raney’s books. She is a friendly acquaintance but this is my honest review. Her books ALWAYS take a couple and throw the worst or most disruptive thing they could dread at them. So the emotions are raw and the struggles are real. ABOVE ALL THINGS follows this expected pattern. Evette is Judd’s expectant wife. They’ve waited for years for this blessed event to begin. But enter Judd’s past–one he never knew about. Through her characters, Deborah Raney faces and deals head-on with racial prejudice. Evette’s family is not going to be a help in this situation. And the birth mother’s family is not perfect either. This story is real. Do I recommend it? Yes, but the first part is hard to read. Evette’s hurt and pain are very real and painful to read. This book can help one dig into their own thoughts and pre-conceptions not only about race but also about facing hard realities with God.
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