Reviews and Comments

Dr. Suzanne O'Sullivan is an Irish neurologist who has travelled the world to explore cases of functional neurological disorder, also called mass hysteria. She details her findings in her book The Sleeping Beauties. These cases range from children in Sweden displaying mass resignation syndrome, where children of immigrants of uncertain status are comatose despite normal EEG studies, to the well-documented case of Le Roy NY.

I remember reading about the case of the girls of Le Roy New York, who were overcome with a twitching disorder. I remember the conclusion was mass hysteria and, as with other stories that make the headlines, the girls and their story were quickly forgotten.

Of current interest is Dr. O'Sullivan’s contention that the Havana Syndrome (still on-going as of this book review) could be considered a functional neurological disorder, however, “the U.S. intelligence services have not reached a consensus on or a formal determination of the cause of the Havana syndrome.” It will be interesting to see what, if any, final conclusions are drawn after careful study.

I believe that anthropologists would find this book of interest, as some of the functional neurological disorders are firmly rooted in native culture, such as the Miskito People or indigenous people of the Mosquito Coast in Nicaragua, some of whom have a condition called Grisi Siknis.

As for the book itself, while the subject itself is quite interesting, I think most casual readers would consider this a bit of a slog.

However, if the subject interests you, then this is a book you should most definitely read.


[Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest and objective opinion which I have given here.]

Mrs Kaplan and Ida are back to sleuthing, this time, the daughter of a resident of the Julius and Rebecca Cohen Home for Jewish Seniors to find out what's going on between the mother and the personal carer, Maria. But when Maria is found murdered, the chief suspect is the home's reviled manager, whom Mrs K reluctantly takes on the case to prove him innocent.

This is another fantastic mystery, chock full of Yiddish sayings and colorful characters. I recommend this book for those who enjoy their cozy mysteries with a bit of Jewish Hunor.

Dr. Suzanne O'Sullivan is an Irish neurologist who has travelled the world to explore cases of functional neurological disorder, also called mass hysteria. She details her findings in her book The Sleeping Beauties. These cases range from children in Sweden displaying mass resignation syndrome, where children of immigrants of uncertain status are comatose despite normal EEG studies, to the well-documented case of Le Roy NY.

I remember reading about the case of the girls of Le Roy New York, who were overcome with a twitching disorder. I remember the conclusion was mass hysteria and, as with other stories that make the headlines, the girls and their story were quickly forgotten.

Of current interest is Dr. O'Sullivan’s contention that the Havana Syndrome (still on-going as of this book review) could be considered a functional neurological disorder, however, “the U.S. intelligence services have not reached a consensus on or a formal determination of the cause of the Havana syndrome.” It will be interesting to see what, if any, final conclusions are drawn after careful study.

I believe that anthropologists would find this book of interest, as some of the functional neurological disorders are firmly rooted in native culture, such as the Miskito People or indigenous people of the Mosquito Coast in Nicaragua, some of whom have a condition called Grisi Siknis.

As for the book itself, while the subject itself is quite interesting, I think most casual readers would consider this a bit of a slog.

However, if the subject interests you, then this is a book you should most definitely read.


[Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest and objective opinion which I have given here.]

I read the first book in the series a couple of years ago and gave it a 3/5 stars because while I loved the fact that the lead character was a minority, Raina spent too much of her time whining.

However, I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the sixth book in the series where we find Raina and her hot-to-trot grandmother preparing for Halloween and working on her first solo case as a Private Investigator (actually, she's putting in hours to get her PI license and this is her first solo case).

Raina is definitely less whiney and actually has a policeman boyfriend. Her grandmother is still a hoot and worth reading the books for (and her posse -- fellow residents of her senior citizens home).

While I had vowed I wouldn't read any further books in the series, I have now changed my mind and if any of the books are on sale, I will totally snap them up.

Charlie was surprised to find out that the old family farmhouse wasn't sold but leased to the tenant farmer who recently died. Charlie and kitty Diesel go and check out the old farm and despite the name of the story, Diesel didn't drag anything in, but found a skull in the attic, setting all kinds of events in motion.

While Kenesha investigates the murder, Charlie decides to do some digging of his own into his family and finds out all kinds of sordid bits of history.

No synopsis would do this story justice. Suffice it to say that if you've enjoyed the series from the beginning, you'll love this story. I thought it was one of the stronger stories in the series.

Kitty's cousin Lucy is marrying Lord Woolcomb at Thurscomb Castle in deepest Yorkshire. Kitty is thrilled to be named as one of the maids of honor.

Thankfully, the wedding goes off without a hitch, except for the minor issue of a murder (or two). When the local inspector is proving to be incompetent, Lucy's father requests Kitty and Matt to take up the investigation and bring the miscreant(s) to justice.

This is the 7th book in the series and if you are a fan of cozy mysteries set between the wars in England, then, by all means, this is your series to read. I do caution that you want to read the series in order because there is an over-arching mystery that you want to read as it happens.

Another fun read!

All good things must come to an end and I was sorry to read in the preface that this would be the last in the series of Kurland St. Mary Mysteries. At least the author left us with a really solid story.

Robert and Lucy's second child, a daughter, is to be christened and of course, this happy occasion will be celebrated by a number of close friends and family. As to be expected with any story with Robert and Lucy, there is a murder, only this time it really hits close to home at Lucy's father is accused of the deed.

This is another solid entry in the series and if you enjoy historical mysteries that take place in Britain during the Napoleonic wars, definitely check the books out. But please make sure that you read them in order to really get the most out of the series.