The Waxman Murders

I have rediscovered the wonderful Hugh Corbett mysteries (by author Paul Doherty) and am meandering my way through the 15th book in the series:

I've read most of the Hugh Corbett series of books but the last one was at least two years ago.
So, when I came across The Waxman Murders on display at my local library it was like seeing a photo of a dear friend one hasn't caught up with in ages; I just had to borrow it and get reacquainted - and I'm so glad I did.
There's always the fear (as there is with neglected friendships) that reacquainting yourself with a once-beloved character may prove a disappointment but, thankfully, that was not the case.

I used the word "meandering" in my opening sentence because that is exactly how I'm reading this book. Taking in every word, searching out the meaning of obscure words and terms (and, being a mediaeval mystery, there are a few of them), looking up places (like Buttery Cross) and generally thoroughly enjoying this outing with Sir Hugh and his sidekick, Ranulf, the green-eyed Ranga he rescued from prison (curiously enough, in the first book, Ranulf had blue eyes. I don't know why his eye colour has been changed but I notice weird things like that.)

I've also discovered that Mr. Doherty has added more books to the series since Mysterium (the last one I read) so I am very much looking forward to continuing the journey with Corbett.

Libris laudo

I visited our local library a few days ago (for the second time in a week, nothing unusual for me).

I love libraries.

They are a wonderful resource and source of pleasure and there's always a great ambience in a library. I've yet to meet one I don't like!
A friend of mine, M, works in a library in Perth (our state capital) and he has told me some funny stories about some of the library patrons. There are quite a few who have nicknames given them by the staff, unbeknown to the patrons, of course. Most of them funny, some sad, but none unkind. The only negative moniker a patron carries at his branch is self-appointed, and she announces herself every time she enters the library with the strident tones of, "The bitch from hell is here!" Charming!!

I'll often go to our library when I've had a stressful day and just browse for ages looking at nothing in particular, simply de-stressing among the ocean of lovely books. One of my lj friends is even in there! (not literally, though!)
There's a thousand worlds at my fingertips just waiting to be explored; whoever said the best things in life are free was spot-on. Thank God for civilisations that believe libraries are essential to a community and a nation.

Imagine a world without libraries...*shudder*

Tags:

• communities,
• libraries