Join us as we delve into Jane Smiley's latest work, A Dangerous Business, set in Monterrey, California in the 1850s. Follow the journey of Eliza Ripple as she turns to prostitution after her husband's untimely death and joins forces with a friendly brothel owner and Jean to uncover the mystery of disappearing women. Despite Smiley's wonderful writing style, this book falls short with its meandering story line and fails to deliver a cohesive mystery, detective, or ghost story. Join us as we explore this disappointing venture into the genre and discuss why it may not be the best introduction to Smiley's works.

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Discover the little-known story of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison's ambitious plan to create a utopian society in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Explore the conflict between Ford's vision and the opposing views of Senator George Norris, leading to the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Learn about the history, challenges, and outcome of this fascinating project in this must-read book. Immerse yourself in the tale of the first suburban dream, green energy, and the debate between government and private ownership of utilities. This well-written and fast-paced book is a perfect read for history enthusiasts.

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Delve into the intriguing mystery surrounding Mad King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the lost deed that could change the course of history. Follow Cotton Malone as he teams up with the Magellan Billet and his protégé Luke Daniels on a thrilling adventure full of action and secrets.

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A political thriller that follows the Global Security head of a major international hotel chain as he tries to figure out why leading oil industry leaders are being assassinated at his chain's hotels worldwide. The book is full of geopolitical intrigue and offers a wake-up call on the issues faced by multinational private industries and political leaders. It is easy to understand and provides a tutorial on oil policy and its geopolitical implications. A must-read for those interested in understanding the behind-the-scenes intrigue America faces on a constant basis.

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An action-packed story that follows Sol Nemo, a former member of the South African police, as he tries to find the kidnappers and mastermind behind a kidnapping scheme while also dealing with his own personal demons. John Constable does a great job of depicting Sol as a relatable character with his own life and problems.

Read the review: https://viewsonbooks.com/the-chanteuse-from-cape-town-by-john-constable-4/ 

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A book of five short stories centered around a library in Ecuador and the theft of books, it also explores larger questions about the fate of reading and libraries in the digital age and the impact of social media on reading habits. This is a must-read for 2023.