Jean Sheldon (1)

I loved the plot and the fact that the leading characters were older ladies still looking for a bit of adventure. The characters were well-rounded and their motivations clear. However, I also feel that the story could have been written a little better. While action packed, I feel that some of the dialogue was a little too contrived and unbelievable and, for someone who loves rich details, descriptions were sorely lacking. Generally, I was a little bothered by some of what Ms. Sheldon wrote, but couldn't put a finger on it. I felt vaguley disturbed by some of the passages (conversations, actions) towards the end of the book as the mystery was wrapping up. This book was enjoyable as a surface read, but could have been better written for a richer, deeper story.… (lisätietoja)

I like to read a book of poetry through at first to get a feel for the tone, like walking into a friend's house for the first time and getting a quick tour. Then I read through more slowly, lingering in the rooms that seem most welcoming or, perhaps, most foreboding. Persistent felt like a warm home, not simply a house, yet one filled with the usual ups and downs of life. I have revisited the book several times since receiving it and have found the poems/rooms in which I prefer to dwell, depending on my mood.

The language is descriptive and works to paint both a visual and an emotive picture. My favorites here have sent me back to reread Mark Strand's poem Keeping Things Whole, ponder yet again Kierkegaard's Sickness Unto Death as well as gain strength for a late life career change where I will be traveling, for me, A New Road. What all this is to say is that the poems in this collection, while representing Sheldon's vision and wonderful expression will also speak to the reader. There is even a call to global awareness with an eye toward the past, are the things that don't appear to have changed always been the same or are they occurring again? Either way, "the time is now" to affect change.

This collection will be enjoyed by not only those who already like poetry but will likely bring many over who have been hesitant to read it. Highly recommended!

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via LibraryThing.… (lisätietoja)

Nic is on a mission: to clear her name, to clear her new co-worker's names, and to save her skin. Nic's new job as a fake P.I. on the radio becomes a reality for her when the voice actress who was supposed to have her role is murdered. This book is not short, but it was a fast read for me. Sheldon really does her research. I loved the little historically framed details, clothing, language and technology. It was integrated just perfectly and created a wonderful picture in my head.

She Overheard Murder is historically situated but also socially timely. It deals, very carefully, with homosexuality and the history of oppression and isolation that has occurred in the states. The murdered woman's case is surrounded with the stigma of "wrongness," that she got what she deserved, and Nic is out to prove that that stigma is wrong-minded and ugly. 4.5/5 stars… (lisätietoja)