Monday June 3 2013
Don't you hate it when one of your favorite authors goes and dies? (Or you discover he/she is already gone after you finished their published books - kind of like finding out your new favorite band, whose entire collection of albums you have bought with one mouse click, already broke up 2 years earlier).
If you wait long enough - a decade or so, and you don't have a photographic memory, you might be able to go back and re-read the author's entire collection, although it's not quite the same as the first time through.
I'm not a big fiction reader. The exceptions have been Walter Farley's Black Stallion series (which one can definitely read over and over!), and the masterful Dick Francis. His racing mysteries were excellently crafted with engaging writing, heart-stopping adventures, and intriguing characters, many that stay with you long after the stories have concluded.
Then Dick Francis went and died in 2010. I thought my days of reading good horse fiction were over.
OK, sure, I thought, when a friend Funder introduced me to Laura Crum's books, I'd try the first one, "Cutter". Sounded innocuous, and it couldn't be that bad; and sometimes I like some light, undemanding reading, where I don't have to invest too much attachment or attention.
My God. Was I in for a surprise!
Like Dick Francis (who - no surprise here - has "both entertained and inspired" Laura Crum), Laura's Western Horse Mysteries (12 books so far) are cleverly composed, the adventures erudite and authentic (I am not convinced Laura has not lived every one of these thrills), and the characters - human and animal - astute and charming. I know for sure I'd like to meet the main character Gail McCarthy and her horses and friends.
Gail is a diligent equine veterinarian who dabbles in the western disciplines of cutting and reining (a world I happen to be very intrigued by), and who always seems to stumble into danger.
I dare you to read slowly, and I dare your heart not to pound as you hide with Gail on a stack of hay bales from a killer, or run with Gail from getting shot at in an abandoned barn in the dark, or run with Gail from headlights chasing you, or wake up with Gail tied up with a gag in your mouth. Dare you.
The best part about Laura Crum's books is…. everything. The worst part (the only bad thing) about Laura Crum's book is… I'm going to finish them one day. They're like fine Belgian chocolates: to be indulged and savored, every bite, every word.
Do yourself a favor and pick up one (or all) of these excellent novels by Laura Crum. They are truly delightful works of art.
www.lauracrum.com
PS. Happy birthday Laura! And thanks for the great work! Now put down your cake and get back to writing, please.
Aww Merri, what a lovely birthday present. I'm so glad you've enjoyed my stories, and I am really touched by your kind words. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteAw jeez, I didn't know Dick Francis had died. I'm definitely going to check out these books though, I sooo need something good to read and it's sooo hard to find anything.
ReplyDeleteI hate it when that happens. Like my favorite band type o negative and its "to die for" lead singer. He produced a few good albums and then developed a drug problem which worsened his mental health problems. Then just when he gets all clean and healthy again and make plans to create a new album with the band in just a few days he goes and dies of heart failure.
ReplyDeleteI think I've read every Dick Francis book ever written. I adore his style! Reading his fiction is like putting on a favorite pair of slippers and a cozy robe and settling in next to a fireplace. I will have to check Laura out!
ReplyDeleteI've like Laura's blog for a long time now but never got around to reading one of her books. I'll definitely start them this summer. Thanks for the nudge. I loved all Dick Francis' books too and was sad when he was no longer here to continue his writing.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm not sure what to say. I don't like that she died either and I don't like that I can't read any more Walter Farley books past "The Black Stallion and the Girl" of which I had to write my own sequel when I was 11. But I will consider looking up her books. I love to read.
ReplyDeleteOk, must be the Merlot.....did she not die???? Crap.....
ReplyDeleteTOTALLY the merlot : )
DeleteLaura is alive and well and writing!
Thank God!!! But I had to read this again to see what you were saying.........???.....I guess Dick died??
Deleteyes, it was that darn Dick Francis who died.
DeleteNow I am really "laughing out loud". Still alive, yep. Thank you again for this post, Merri! Might be my favorite review of all time.
ReplyDeletei think everybody should drink wine before they read my posts : )
DeleteOmg even Laura Crum commented???? I try to drink wine often when I write, but I am having tea right now and so impressed that she commented and she's not dead!! I'll just say you all are awesome dead or not! Like sorry about Dick.....(who names their kid that anyway???)
DeleteI've started reading Walter Farley at age 8, and read the whole Black Stallion series numerous times. I started on Dick Francis a bit later, but read those books avidly, too. I'm always ready for another good horse novel. I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteI Was So Addicted To Dick A Francis, That IWould Drive All Over TownTo Used Book Stores(B 4) Computer. I'm Sorry To Hear He Died!
ReplyDeleteThis Review Makes Me KNOW..I Can Be Addicted Again, Thanks!