Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: secrets

  • Secret Maps

    Secret Maps

    How they Conceal and Reveal the World 

    For those people who love maps Secret Maps is the most interesting collection. It is unique in that it claims the 150 rare maps show surprising ways maps have been used to withhold spatial information. It also claims to ask questions about “privacy, confidentiality and state secrets”.

    Many fascinating replicas are shown. A 16th century Spanish map, a military intelligence map kept under lock and key, a 17th century map of Virginia by a female whose “Cartographic role has been overlooked and even erased.” There are also flight tracking maps of the wealthy privately owned jets.

    The focus on these following chapters is the association of maps and secrecy. The headings are,

    Medieval and early modern secrecy and maps, Secrets of Empire, Secrets of the State, Secrets in Society and Privacy.  Such fascinating details emerge from each chapter. For example, one of the reasons behind the Dutch Republic’s 17th century expansions was expert maritime knowledge.

    In 1682 the Blaeu family produced sophisticated and accurate maps, navigational information was collected by ships and used to produce charts and sailing directions. Under the heading, “Fortification plans, spies and leaks, 1682-1747” we see a series of maps which outlines where forts were in France. These were consulted when intelligence gathering was seen as a prelude to war.

    Cartographic falsification shows us a map of a Russian city, Magnitogorsk, which was published in Moscow in 1981. A US satellite shows a different view of the city and many details which have been altered. This is a marvellous and intriguing work, which a reader could pore over for hours. Such unusual topics and so beautifully presented these maps will hold interest. Ranging from ancient to modern and secret to Google, this collection will have something for everyone.

  • It All Started With A Lie

    It All Started With A Lie

    It all Started with a Lie is a stunning novel from Denise Brown that looks at secrets held deep within families and the tragedy this can cause when Pearl accidently comes across a pile of old newspaper clippings hidden within her father’s desk draw.

    She comes to the conclusion that the stories are about her, the baby abandoned outside of the Hospital. The year is right, the details referred to in the story fit, according to her.  She convinces her friend Danny to help her try and discover the real story behind the articles and in doing so they set off a train of events that no one in their quiet neighbour could ever have foreseen.

    Murder has been committed and the closer the two friends get to finding out what really did happen the danger increases, ending in a horrific and catastrophic fashion.

    Written for the YA age range it is a story that ranges across many generations, as it deals with unwanted and unexpected pregnancy, hiding the truth through fear, failure of family to support their children and the mental anguish caused when truths are hidden and kept hidden.

    Fast paced in places, and yet heavy going in others, the story unfolds in layers, the text messages from long ago adding another layer of intrigue, as it becomes important to try and discover which of the characters sent the text messages and who they were sent to. Are they still a part of the community or not?

    The final chapters tend to be a little rushed, as so much information carefully hidden within the body of the story is woven into a stunning conclusion. One of the main points within the story is why it is that Pearl, who is very close to her father, does not feel she can ask him about the newspaper articles.

    None the less It All Started with a Lie is a story that captivates from the first page, is filled with twists and turns, frustration oozing from the pages, sorrow permeating the narrative, all of which has been carefully and skilfully portrayed in a story woven around family dynamics.

  • Eleven Liars

    Eleven Liars

    How are two unrelated fires, twenty years apart, connected to murder, drug running, and arson?  Online investigative journalist Ben Harper, with his close connections to the people of the London community of Haddley, is instrumental in bringing to light the lies, uncovering the unexpected truths and thus putting together the pieces to solve what is a complicated puzzle.  

    When Ben Harper, stumbles across a fire in the derelict, disused community centre in the grounds of St Stephen’s church, he notices a trapped hooded figure, who flees into the woods and disappears into the night as soon as he is rescued by Ben. The police investigating this arson attack make a gruesome discovery of a skeleton in the burned out foundations of the charcoal ruins.  This finding has shocking implications for DC Dani Cash; her world is turned upside down.

    Ben’s journalistic instincts are in overdrive when he notices a knife in the remnants of the building. Realizing that current events are connected to the past, Ben with the help of his friend DC Cash delves deeply into the town’s history; a town which is struggling to keep hidden, past activities. Who has what to hide? So many lies. In this web of deceit, who is telling the truth?

    ‘Eleven Liars’ is told from various points of view, which offers the reader a broader perspective on events. Unlike Robert Gold’s first book ‘Twelve Secrets’ which focused on Ben Harper’s back story, this time the author focusses on the back story of DC Cash.

    In this multilayered, engaging, murder mystery, the author leads the reader through the twists and turns of the complex plot, by using short snappy chapters which keep the story line moving forward.

    The title ‘Eleven Liars’, challenges the reader to identify the eleven liars in a plethora of well developed and developing characters.

  • The Wedding Party

    The Wedding Party

    For the first time in 15 years the four Robicheaux daughters are back together preparing for the remarriage of their parents.  Years ago, their parents’ marriage had resulted in divorce when their father’s gambling became worse, drinking escalated and their mother had stopped tolerating this behaviour. Have things really changed?  Is this the right time to play happy families again?

    Meg and Stu, parents of Indy, Eden, Savannah, and Rory, have decided decades after they first met to remarry. For the first time in years the sisters are returning to their childhood home, the grand Hotel Sorrento; the chosen wedding venue.

    Each daughter has a closely held secret, which is at risk of being revealed as they work together to return the hotel back to a semblance of its former glory.  Will Rory’s book, which is loosely based on her formative years and her perception of the members of the Robicheaux family, reveal more than the sisters would like? 

    Best-selling author, Cathy Kelly has woven the complex family narrative of “The Wedding Party” through the unique characters of the four daughters and their mother, Meg. 

    Some readers may find the following aspects of the story disturbing; the topics of emotional abuse, abortion and addition although portrayed well in the context of the story can still cause distress.

  • Australia’s Secret Army

    Australia’s Secret Army

    In 1922 Eric Feldt reluctantly left the Royal Australian navy (RAN) to go and see the world, in search of the adventure he could not find in the Navy. Little did he know at the time, his adventure was going to last for many years and make a massive difference to the outcome of the Japanese Invasion of the Pacific during World War II.

    In the years after World War I wise men, mainly with ties to the RAN noted the activity taking place in New Guinea and the surrounding areas. They considered this was a serious concern based on Intelligence reports uncovered from WWI, which noted the ease in which hostile forces could very easily land on Australian shores, as the vast stretches of coastline were largely uninhabited.

    A scheme was created by Naval Intelligence to utilise many of the people already living and working in New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and other smaller Islands to report any activity they may notice that was not normal. It was to be a voluntary force drawn from Postmasters, harbour masters, school teachers, plantation owners and many more.

    They would report in on their radio sets or directly to the Post Master Generals Department in their area. They eventually became known as the Coast Watchers. At that time were never meant to be drawn into the theatre of war, but more than ten years after their formation, War came to the Pacific and these men, led by Eric Feldt, their Founder and Mentor, came to be a massive body of intelligence gathering for the Australian and American forces fighting in the Pacific.

    Largely unrecognised by or in Australia, their story has been hidden in the archives gathering the dust of time. Michael Veitch has with great care and attention, researched the history of these brave men and woman, who often gave their lives or sanity, facing serious hardship, depravation and danger to send intelligence on the Japanese invasion of the Pacific region, which enabled so many times, successful missions to be launched by the Australian and American Air forces, downed airman to be rescued and bought to safety, and many  civilians evacuated who had stayed on their plantations or Missions far too.

    That their story is now being told is paying a long overdue tribute to men and women who asked for nothing but gave their all.  Australia’s Secret Army presents in great style a slice of Australian history, like so much, that has long gone unrecognised and is a must read for anyone who has an interest in history, World War II or simply enjoys an excellent non-fiction read.

  • The Tap Cats Of The Sunshine Coast

    The Tap Cats Of The Sunshine Coast

    School day friendship can occasionally stand the test of time but what happens when a group of three friends decide to gather on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland to hold a long overdue reunion.

    The introduction to The Tap Cats of the Sunshine Coast could almost be that of Christine Sykes telling the story of her grandmother, her friends and their love of dancing, beginning with the first article she ever wrote about the amazing Tap Cats.

    Close school friends Sophia, Carol and Bonnie come together again as adults each with their own lives lived in vastly different countries. As adults they begin to reforge the bonds of long standing friendship but as old secrets are revealed they discover the bonds they thought would stand most things in life, maybe will not.

    Sophia and Carol are members of the Tap Cats dancing group and when they decided to enter the prestigious Senior Superstars State Competition Bonnie decides to return from New York, where she has lived for the past 35 years. Dance had originally bought the three girls together as school friends and helped form the bonds of their teenage friendship, even though their families and backgrounds were all very different.

    Carol is driven to win the competition, Sophia has her hands full simply trying to be peacemaker and manage her complex home life, Bonnie, somewhat damaged by life is outspoken, brusque even and brings with her secrets from the past which will test the three friends long standing friendship to the very limit.

    Within the confines of the tap dancing group, drama is played out on every front with a change in dance teacher creating havoc only women will understand; the emotion spent in trying to mend burnt bridges, coping with the fall out and simply learning to find a way through the various personalities of the three friends makes for entertaining reading.

    Light hearted, enjoyable and fun to read The Tap Cat’s of the Sunshine Coast will while away an afternoon transporting you to another time and place, where dance is the catalyst, friendship is at risk and life, somehow keeps on keeping on, as each of the women discover who they really are and exactly what is important to them.

  • IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS

    IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS

    After widow Marti Geller, died having battled with cancer, her three complex but distinctly different adult daughters, are both taken aback by the terms of her prescriptive Will but also by the video which makes the girls wonder if they ever knew their mother! Why is Marti so adamant that the beloved family vacation home in Mount Desert Island, Maine be sold promptly? Is she trying to manage her daughters from the grave, or is she just attempting to bring them closer together?

    The Geller sisters’ lives and their relationships with each other are very complicated. Their mother, Marti, isn’t the only member of the family with long-held secrets; the girls are harbouring several of their own. Each daughter is living with a secret, which is based on a lie about themselves; painting a slightly skewed picture of her life to the other two. Will their mother’s death be the impetus for the women to divulge the truth and embrace new possibilities?

    Eldest daughter Beck, is disinclined to sell the summer cottage, whereas the younger two Claire and Sophie, who are at the crossroads in their lives, are reluctant to keep it.  C.J. Reynolds, who has recently been released from prison has returned to the island and is very anxious to buy the property; he has a shared past history with one of the women.

    Author, Therese Anne Fowler’s, book ‘It All Comes Down To This’ is not only a story about choice, fate and coincidence but also explores the notion of being true to yourself. With its many twists and turns, the reader will find this ‘Sister Story’ a light holiday read.  

  • Becoming Beth

    Becoming Beth

    There are so many aspects of Becoming Beth from Meredith Appleyard that please. The main character, Beth, is a woman in her fifties. The story is gently told so that even with trauma behind her, Beth can gradually unravel her feelings and confront the past, to look at moving on.

    She is surrounded by interesting characters. It is also wonderful to have a story set in familiar locations. The town of Miners Ridge may be fictional, but it is north of Clare, and Adelaide is the nearest large city.

    Although Beth was raised on a farm, she has worked for most of her life in Adelaide, holding a position as a personal assistant and was married to a man who also worked for the same company. She is now facing a crippling and humiliating divorce.

    When the story begins, we see that Beth has returned home to nurse her mother, who has had a massive stroke. She and her father care for the gravely ill woman, but sadly, her mother has another stroke and dies.

    Now unemployed and single, Beth has her future to consider, as well as the needs of her beloved father. While helping her father adjust to his solitary life, she becomes involved in the small town’s maintenance issues.

    Her mother was on the Town Hall committee, and to save the historic building from ruin, money must be raised. Feeling obliged to take her mother’s place on this committee, Beth meets up with old school friends, and locals who are mostly warm and friendly.

    As she begins to research the history of the building she begins to uncover more about her controlling mother’s life which makes her face so many issues that have been kept hidden for many years.

    The descriptions of Beth’s father coming in from the heat in the garden with his tomatoes and cucumbers is very evocative. The writing draws you into the story, and you can easily visualise the luscious produce, peaches from the trees and passionfruit from the vines.

    Becoming Beth gently looking at the many aspects of family is such a satisfying story on so many fronts.

  • A Family of Strangers

    A Family of Strangers

    Setting A Family of Strangers in a small town in Tasmania means that author Fiona Lowe is in her element as she has a deep understanding of the mentality and closeness this sort community produces. Her knowledge and experience of people and their relationships is keen and insightful. The beautiful setting at Rookery Cove, in the Northwest of Tasmania, where the surf rolls, is evocative.

    The novel begins by exploring three different characters and their families. The introduction of the initial characters helps us to understand their back story. We first meet Addy Topic, who has grown up in the Bay and has no wish to return. A great job is offered close by, and with her parents’ home vacant after their death, makes it sensible to return to advance her career. The Bay holds no happy memories for her.

    Steph Gallagher and her husband Henry have been trying to conceive a child. They were living in Melbourne and decided to move to the Bay for a more peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle. They have one toddler, Monty. Now Henry’s daughter Zoe, from a previous marriage, is about to join them.

    Brenda Lambeck has been a long-term resident of the area. She was married to a farmer and unhappy for a long time. After her husband’s death she moved to town but she is harbouring a secret held for many years.

    Addy begins her job, working long, long hours. Steph finds that the peace and tranquillity she was after are elusive, as Henry has taken to surfing when not working. Brenda needs to come to grips with her secret life. All these stories unravel in the bosom of the choir which they have formed and grown with love and care. Can they all survive the uncompromising truths that will make them all reconsider the decisions they have made about their lives in Rookery Cove. How very quickly the best intentions can come very seriously undone

  • The Way From Here

    The Way From Here

    Secrets within families have a strange way of eventually surfacing. Sometimes they are acknowledged and dealt with, sometimes they lie beneath the surface and fester a little. Jane Cockram has chosen an unusual storyline to deal with the issue of secrets. The mystery is in the letters.

    The Way From Here begins with sisters, Susie and Camilla, (Mills). They were raised on a station in the Kimberley’s, where life was a struggle. After University, Susie decides she wanted to travel, moving to London and eventually on to the Isle du Clair, where she finally beings to come to terms with so many secrets held deep within the family. At this stage the story runs in a parallel sequence. One chapter is told by Susie, then Camilla relays a chapter.

    Camilla is following in Susie’s footsteps. You see, Susie sent her sister a series of letters, and asked if she could retrace her journey of discovery. Camilla was the more responsible sibling who was always bailing her troublesome sister out of danger, and so responded.

    This adventure tells Susie’s story, and also reveals Camilla’s devotion in coming to terms with her sister’s travels and indiscretions. In the letters, Susie leaves clues for Mills, knowing that she can’t resist a challenge. Surprise connections are made, which link other members of the family to people Susie has met. Her grandmother, Nellie, in Australia, gives Susie some names of people to seek out when she arrived in London.

    The story is engaging and becomes increasingly complex, as Margaret, the girls’ mother, comes to England to help Camilla solve the puzzle that Susie has created. As the story unravels it seems that Margaret is very involved in the puzzle and that all of the family will be affected by what is revealed.