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Saturday, April 25, 2020

Dead Stop by Barbara Nickless; Snail Mail

In the second book featuring railway cop Sydney Rose Parnell and her Belgian Malinois K-9 partner Clyde, the two again face a tricky investigation.  When Sydney gets to the site of an assumed suicide, she quickly sees problems with a suicide scenario and things become more complicated.  A woman has been murdered and her young daughter kidnapped.

The plot grows even more tragic and perplexing as more brutal murders are discovered at the woman's home. 

 Sydney is a fascinating protagonist, tough, complex, compassionate...and still haunted by her service in Iraq.  
An old rivalry may have had something to do with the murders and kidnapping and the investigation leads to decades old crimes and a twist.

I started this series with the 4th book in the series from NetGalley and that review is scheduled.  Now, I've read the first two books in the series and can't wait to start the third book!  Except that then I will be caught up and have to wait for book #5.

Book 1:  Blood on the Tracks
Book 2:  Dead Stop
Book 3:  Ambush
Book 4:  Gone to Darkness (scheduled for May 10)

Sydney and Clyde are now part of my favorite partners list.

Kindle Unlimited

Police Procedural.  2017.  Print length:  400 pages.


----Snail Mail for the Lonely-----
During lock downs across the U.S., folks who are already isolated in hospitals and nursing homes can no longer have visits even from family members for safety reasons.  

I wrote a little about this on my other blog, along with a list of several places that have requested  cards and letters for their residents.  Not only adults, but children can participate in writing letters to people who are lonely or feeling cut off from society right now.  You may even know someone who lives alone and would appreciate a handwritten communication.

Here is another article about the importance of mail for those who need to connect with the outside world:  Become a Penpal to Seniors.

And Hallmark offers free greeting cards to overcome social distancing.






16 comments:

  1. That Dr. Fauci book spoofing Dr. Seuss is hilarious. And I definitely want to read this Nickless series. It's got everything I like! :)

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    1. I love the Dr. Fauci/Dr. Seuss spoof, too! I've enjoyed the Sydney Parnell series, and the first three books are free on Kindle Unlimited. :)

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  2. I really like this series and definitely have to move on to the third book!

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    1. Me, too! Each book has kept me engaged in this time when I have started and abandoned so many books!

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  3. This does sound like a great series. Ha! I just mentioned on your other post about getting Mouse into letter writing. :-) I'm headed over to your other blog to get some other ideas.

    The dressing up to go to the mailbox is so funny. Just about half an hour ago my daughter wanted to go scootering around our cul de sac, and I told her she had to wait until I brushed my hair out of the messy ponytail, changed from sweats into my capri jeans and put on regular socks. LOL All for standing in our front yard.

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    1. I'm so glad you are getting Mouse into letter writing, Wendy! Especially now when writing family and friends is such a great time for handwritten communication. And yes, just going outside encourages us to clean up our act. :)

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  4. I can see why Sydney and Clyde are on your favourite partners list -- they sound brilliant, and Sydney's past adds another layer of complexity to her.

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    1. It is always interesting to see how an animal can round out a character's personality! Clyde is a great working dog and a comforting partner--a war dog, a guard dog, and a therapy dog all rolled into one.

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  5. Great suggestion about writing cheery notes to those who can't get out at all. I might try that. And I love the Dr. Seuss spoof too. Thanks for sharing it!

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    1. For those who can't get out at all and may be confined to their rooms, the isolation must be so much worse. I hope those with family who can't visit have access to face time or Zoom.

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  6. I love the "penpal for seniors" idea, especially right now when so many of the most elderly seniors are confined to their rooms even if they live in assisted living communities that have common meeting and dining areas. I'm sure that the depression and anxiety rates among that population have skyrocketed.

    My dad turns 98 on Tuesday, and he's moving from the hospital today to the rehab center that will help him recover as much as possible from his recent hip surgery. I asked about sending him a birthday card, and was told that they are reluctant to distribute physical male to patients because of the slim, slim chance that the virus can be passed on that way. I understand their reluctance to take even the remotest chances right now, but that's really a little sad.

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    1. I have to assume the places asking for mail are using a way to make sure that the cards and letters are safe. Even if they have to keep the mail in isolation for days before distributing it. What a delicate balance between mental health and physical health! I'm so sorry about your father, Sam. Are you able to talk on the phone or send emails and texts? I hope he does well in rehab and that you are able to wish him happy birthday in some manner.

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  7. Haha, the Dr. Fauci cartoon is so wonderful! Thank you so much for continuing to share info on where to sed cards. I made a few quick cards yesterday and sent them out but plan to make some more. And, this book series really sounds like a good read.

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    1. I love that cartoon--such a perfect parody! I'm sure that those you send cards to will be so appreciative. :)

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  8. Another new-to-me series to look into! Always move a good police procedural. :)
    And I still owe you a postcard, Jenclair. One of these days I'll get to it.

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    1. I have really enjoyed this series; it has made my days move a little faster during shelter at home. You have a houseful to take care of Melody and keeping those girls busy is a job in itself. :) Strange times, huh?

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