Freedom by Angela Merkel, narrator Juliet Stevenson

I was a little intimidated by the 27 hour listening time but was intrigued by a woman who I only knew a little about. And I'm glad that I picked up this book. Not only is it well-written, Merkel has lead a fascinating life. The narrator was a perfect fit, reading the book as I imagine Merkel would, albeit in German. 

As the foreward notes, the book is almost equal between her time out of the chancelloarship and in it. She starts at the beginning, growing up in the GDP, eastern Germany. She was born before the Berlin Wall went up, and was old enough to understand what happened when the wall came down. 

During her time as the Chancellor of Germany, Merkel dealt with any number of political pitfalls. There is a large section given to refugees in Germany. She also crossed swords with Putin and spent time with both Bush and Obama (she speaks of the latter two highly.) She speaks very... professionally about President Trump.

Four stars
This book came out January 1, 2024

Borrowed as audiobook from Libby

Opinions are my own

Death Reports to a Health Resort by P.J. Fitzsimmons, Tim Bruce (narrator)

Inspector Wittersham is after Anty's uncle Pim, but Anty knows that his uncle couldn't have murdered the head of the health resort set in Epping Forest. So, the two are off, to a resort that doesn't let you do anything fun like gamble, drink alcohol, or smoke. Basically nothing fun. And they have a hound dog, Diogenes, that ferrets out all illicit material. 

Pim seemsm like the most obvious suspect because he actually threatened the man the day before. He swears that isn't the case, and Anty is ready to solve the case. His attempts at sneaking in his beloved alcohol are generally thwarted and Wittersham is sans his cigarettes and getting even testier than usual. 

Another amazing read from Fitzsimmons though not as sprightly as some other stories. 

Four stars

Anty Boisjoly #8

Follows Mystery and Malice aboard  RMS Ballast

Followed by The False Clue of the Twisted Red Herring's Footprint

This book came out October 29, 2025

Audiobook from Audible

Opinions are my own

Mystery and Malice aboard RMS Ballast by P.J. Fitzsimmons, Tim Bruce (Narrator)

Inspector Wittersham has asked Anty if he can help get him onto the RMS Ballast. What Anty doesn't known is that the Inspector has an ulterior motive. He wants to take down the owner of the RMS Ballast for never actually delivering the mail that he is being paid to deliver. Of course, neither knew that he was going to be so desperately seasick.

Anty was only invited because the owners think he is in love with their daughter and his cousin Teddy begged him to come. She has two suitors that will also be aboard. There is an unknown lothario who is also on board. And a crusty captain with a bird that corrects his grammar. 

This is a murder mystery and someone will die. But this book also contains a treasure map and hilarity. 

Four stars

Anty Boisjoly #8

Follows Foreboding Foretelling at Ficklehouse Felling 

Followed by Death Reports to a Health Resort

This book came out January 1, 2025

Audiobook from Audible

Opinions are my own