23.6.09

Sparkling Cyanide


When Iris Marle's sister Rosemary swallowed a cyanide capsule one night in a room full of people, the coroner decided it was suicide. No more thought was given to the matter until All Saint's Day, when her sister's husband dies in the same way at a party being held in honor of Iris. An investigation into the death turns up many important clues, and also many different memories which want to be forgotten. In true Agatha Christie style the plot twists and turns; you may work out who the killer is before the end but it is the journey on which you are taken that counts.

This is probably my favourite Agatha Christie book aside from "They Came To Baghdad". I really enjoy how the story is told from many different points of view, and the plot line doesn't jump around like in other books I've read based on that idea. The ending is also good in that sense; most of the book focuses on one person and in the end that person finishes the tale. A thoroughly good read and highly enjoyable.


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20.6.09

Aromatherapy for Dummies


Like a lot of other people I like the Dummies series, they're to the point and cover just about everything you'd need to know to get you started with whatever subject they're covering. This one is no different. It covers how essential oils are made, a little history, how aromatherapy can affect your daily life, which scents to be careful with, etc.

For beginners it may seem that there's too much information in this tome, but trust me after a trying some of the combinations you'll be hooked and want to learn as much as possible about the plants used and the methods for extracting oils. It's amazing how smell can affect the way you feel or behave. Now, if I could just find a combination to quiet my dogs' noisy, energetic play sessions.


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16.6.09

Natural Beauty Recipe Book



A staple book in our house for making our soaps, shampoos, face cleansers etc. Even if we don't use the base formulations we still use the scent combinations, which so far have been delightful. I just wish we had more time to relax with some of the body scrubs, bath oils and face masks. Most of our essential oils come from online sources as it is that much easier to get what you need when you live in a small town. The author wrote with organic ingredients in mind, but the recipes work well with regular ingredients.

Our dogs love it when we play with essential oils, wherever they are they come and stand beside us with their noses twitching and tails wagging. Even my husband and son have stopped complaining about the house being smelly since we tried some earthy tones. It's worth the extra effort of making your own beauty products, at least you know what's in it.


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8.6.09

Stormbreaker

The basic plot summary of Stormbreaker: Alex Rider’s parents died in a plane crash the year Alex was born. he was then left in the care of his uncle, Ian Rider.

Alex is now 14 and every thing seems normal until his uncle dies in a car crash.

Then Alex finds out his uncle was a spy who worked for MI6. Alex is plunged in to a world of spies, secret agents and contract killers.

The reason I liked this book so much is that it is about a spy who does not want to be a spy.

I would recommend this book to any one who likes action packed adventures. If you like the Artemis Fowl series you will definitely like this book.



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4.6.09

Half Moon Investigations

Fletcher Moon is twelve years old but he is no ordinary kid. He is the world’s youngest private detective. He even came top of his class. But everything goes wrong when a classmate at his school asks him to investigate a crime and his prized detective badge is stolen. To top that he is framed for a serious crime which he didn’t commit. Fletcher has to use all his skills to clear his name. I thought this was one of the best books I’ve ever read. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the ingenious plot with its twists and turns and clever clues. The characters seemed alive.

This book would appeal to any one who likes mysteries.


Eoin Colefer has also written the New York Times best selling Artemis Fowl series.


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