Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston

Title: Secret Sisters
Author: Tristi Pinkston
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: LDS Fiction/Mystery
Rating: LOVE
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: "Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd Ward Relief Society, didn't mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low, and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she'll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods... well, isn't that what any caring Relief Society president would do? With the help of her counselors, Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there's more to the situation than meets the eye. But it's all in a day's work for the Relief Society." (Book Cover)
Opinions: I had read another of Tristi's novels a while back, so when my family and I saw Tristi at Costco one day we went ahead and bought the book she was signing. The only problem is that it was book two of the Secret Sisters series and I hadn't read book one yet. So I promptly went to my local library and requested that they purchase book one. It came in last week!!!! I was so excited to get it and begin to read it. I have to say, it was a fabulously unique read. It is what I would call LDS Fiction (the majority of characters are "Mormon")with a twist of detective story and a lot of humor. I love these characters. They are all so human, and brilliant, and lovable - especially Ida Mae. On top of that, Tristi's turn of phrases are perfect (i.e. check out pg 72 first paragraph - I nearly dropped the book laughing), especially if you understand LDS culture. The plot originally seemed unusual but the more and more I thought about it, and the more I read, I realized that I could so see that happening to a group of well-meaning women. So overall opinion? If your library does not have this book, please request it. It will be worth it. As for me, I can't wait for a doctor's appointment tomorrow so that I can delve into book two, Dearly Departed. Keep your eyes posted for a forthcoming review.

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

Title: The Beekeeper's Apprentice: On the Segregation of the Queen (Mary Russell #1)
Author: Laurie R. King
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: Mystery/Historical Fiction
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: Mild Language
Premise: "A chance meeting with an elderly beekeeper turns into a pivotal, personal transformation when fifteen-year-old Mary Russell discovers that the beekeeper is the reclusive Sherlock Holmes, who soon takes on the role of mentor and teacher." (King County Library System)
Opinions: I LOVE this series from the moment I read this book for the first time. I just re-read it for the 5th time so that I could lead a book club discussion. I still LOVE this book. I've read many of the original Sherlock Holmes stories, and have seen even more of the film portrayals of them. I have always loved the way the stories are told, the mysteries, and the brilliant deductions. This book lets me continue my love for these type of stories by seeing the intricacies of the life of Sherlock Holmes from Mary Russell's point of view. The stories become even more brilliant because of Mary Russell herself. She is a complex character that matches wits with Sherlock Holmes and can possibly excel further from being under his tutelage. I love also seeing other characters from the traditional stories through a new, modern, and brilliant light. I also love how the characters become so real to you as you read. This is a must read if you love Sherlock Holmes or detective novels. And once you read this then you should read the ENTIRE series (I'm just saying....its that good).