Author Archives: Barbara Howe

2023 Recap

I started 2023 with a list of eight books I was excited about reading. Unfortunately, an intriguing concept doesn’t always turn into a compelling story, and I ultimately abandoned several of them, and none of them made it onto the … Continue reading

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Censorship is a Loser’s Game

When the American Library Association’s annual Banned Book Week rolls around, it’s hard to feel optimistic, isn’t it? Especially this year, with the number of reported book challenges doubling and state governments actively involved in censorship. But here’s the thing: … Continue reading

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Tides of Magic, Tides of Change

Tides of Magic and Tides of Change are the first two books in a series of fantasy novellas by New Zealand author Andi R. Christopher. Both are charming, feel good stories; a pleasant antidote when the tidal wave of bad … Continue reading

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Bastardisation, ha!

The news recently included an item from the South Island about the mayor of Invercargill, Nobby Clark, spouting a lot of nonsense. The bit that caught my eye in particular was his complaint about “the bastardisation of the English language,” … Continue reading

Posted in New Zealand, Politics | 2 Comments

Life Changes

I have retired from my day job. Shortly after my last day, we flew to the United States for our grandson’s second birthday. We’re back home now in New Zealand, slowly recovering from jet lag and the effects of weeks … Continue reading

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The Reluctant Widow

The time and place: early 19th century England, during the Napoleonic Wars. Miss Elinor Rochdale, on her way to take up a post of governess, alights from a stagecoach in the village of Billingshurst. She is expecting to be met—by … Continue reading

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The Queen’s Man

December 1192. Twenty-year-old Justin de Quincy, unacknowledged bastard son of a bishop, is on the road to London in search of gainful employment when he interrupts a violent robbery in progress. The robbers flee, scared off by the approach of … Continue reading

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When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain

I was as captivated by When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain, the second novella in the Singing Hills Cycle by American writer Nghi Vo, as I was by the first book, The Empress of Salt and Fortune. Like that … Continue reading

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Never Pick Up Hitchhikers

On his way to the British town of New Braybourne, where he is supposed to be studying art, twenty-year-old William (Willie) Banks hitchhikes to save money, instead of taking the train. (This story is set in the 1970s, when hitchhiking … Continue reading

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Quiet in Her Bones

 Ten years ago, Nina Parvati Rai vanished without a trace, taking with her a quarter of a million dollars in cash. Her disappearance was assumed to be an act of defiance: a bored socialite’s revenge on her wealthy, controlling husband. … Continue reading

Posted in Kiwi author, Mysteries, New Zealand | 2 Comments