November 30, 2024 THAT SMELL

 

Back in the day--people smoked everywhere. Hospitals--airplanes--restaurants--and CARS WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP.  We were constantly surrounded by smoke.  Fast forward to the 21st century and were are now  constantly surrounded by the smell of SKUNK. Cigarettes or Pot --it's still SECOND HAND SMOKE.  Not only does it smell horrible but more important---it's bad for MY HEALTH.  I was in NYC a few weeks ago and let me tell you----that SKUNKY smell was everywhere. It was disgusting. Pretty sure it's illegal to SMOKE POT IN PUBLIC PLACES so not sure how that problem is going to be solved. Honestly--as a visitor to the city--that's unacceptable. They need to do something about it because it's ruining the city.  Even in our little corner of the world--I can't tell you how many cars drive by me as early as 8am smoking pot. Smoking pot in a car is just like drinking in a car---I don't understand why people think it's okay because it's NOT. Just because pot is legal in many states--it comes with responsibility--just as drinking alcohol does. IDK what's going on in this world. That's why I NEED BOOKS.  As a huge Kate Atkinson fan, I waited in anticipation for the sixth installment of the Jackson Brodie mystery series called Death at the Sign of the Rook. Atkinson is a clever, funny, great writer who seems to be paying homage to Agatha Christie in this story. Ex-Detective Jackson Brodie is hired to investigate the disappearance of a famous painting. The investigation leads him to  a rundown English Country Estate called Burton Makepeace complete with very odd, often drunk nobility, strange neighbors and a vicar who is out to lunch. While searching for the painting, Brodie and Reggie, now a full on detective, get caught in a blizzard and find themselves stuck at the mansion which is hosting a "Murder Mystery Weekend" unbeknownst to them that an actual killer is on the loose nearby. This tongue in cheek mystery has many twists and turns--interesting very quirky characters that will keep you guessing til the bitter end. I totally enjoyed this novel as I have ALL of her books. My advice for the Brodie series though is to read them in order so that you can enjoy and get to know all of the characters better.