Monday, May 30, 2022

We'd Like to Recommend...

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Every once in a while we like to post what our pal Ingrid Thoft called “I’d like to recommend.” Everyone’s probably (hopefully) busy enjoying Memorial Day, but maybe you’ll have time to pile on with a new favorite. Here are a few of ours.

 LUCY BURDETTE: I have two…

The first is the new Netflix show based on Michael Connelly’s THE LINCOLN LAWYER. I know that book was in our top five one of the years that I judged the Edgar awards best novel category. Last week I saw on Facebook that two Red friends, Kristopher and Dru, were watching the Lincoln Lawyer, so John and I tried it and are now attempting not to race through too fast. I especially love Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller.


My second suggestion–which I feel a little bad telling you about–is a new obsession with these Tarallini crackers with hot pepper flavor. They are addictive and though they’d be low cal and low sodium if you only ate a few, I find that hard to do. They’d be perfect for guests alongside little cubes of cheese or salami–if there were any left by the time the guests arrive.

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Yes, yes, we are watching The Lincoln Lawyer, too! We powered through Ozark, which I adore, and I even loved the ending. And Better Call Saul, which we watch with utter bafflement, saying: Isn’t this great? I don’t understand it at all. We also watched A Very British Scandal, but I was fascinated and distracted by Claire Foy’s impeccable lipstick. And Gaslit (or is it Gaslight?) the Watergate show. But–I am hesitant to continue because if it’s not true, I don’t want it in my head.  Does anyone know? Oh, and the OTHER British scandal one, with the MP and the lawyer. Implausible, but truly fun to watch. (I had read the book by Sarah Vaughn, and remembered it being just that.)

In the excesses of the pandemic, I have discovered breadcrumbs. I know, it's so silly, but I always wondered why people ruined perfectly good chicken and shrimp by coating them in carbs. Now I understand. 

And Lucy, what are “guests”?

 JENN McKINLAY: My first recommendation is SLOW HORSES an Apple TV show based on Mick Heron’s Slough House mysteries. In short, it’s about a bunch of MI-5 rejects doing mindless work until they get caught up in something big. Gary Oldman is AMAZING as Jackson Lamb and the series is short - six episodes but all cliffhangers and so so so good. The novels are fabulous as well. 

My only other discovery is that if you twist thick cut bacon up tight and bake it for 40 min at 350 degrees, it comes out crisp and chewy and doesn’t smoke (bacon smokes at 370 degrees, apparently) and you can fit all the slices on the pan. Thank you, Instagram!

 

DEBORAH CROMBIE: I am entirely the copycat here! We've just started THE LINCOLN LAWYER and I think it's terrific. I also, because I am really shallow, think that Manuel Garcia-Rulfo is absolutely delicious.

And I'm seconding Jenn on SLOW HORSES. Such a great cast and Gary Oldman is as always fabulous. 

Here's a little fun thing I've discovered recently, Madison James Flyaway Sticks from Terrain. These are ridiculously expensive for 40 sticks, but I figure they will probably last us years. They're insect repelling sticks that you put in the ground or a pot and light like incense, and they smell absolutely divine. 

I have got to try the twisty bacon!


 HALLIE EPHRON: I haven’t watched Lincoln Lawyer but I have loved the books, and of course I’m a huge fan of Michael Connelly. I’m just starting on the new season of Russian Doll and the jury’s still out. Also the Poirot mysteries with David Suchet are back on Public Television. 

Flyaway Sticks… do they work? Awaiting your verdict.

And something I just discovered: my local upscale market carries roasted artichoke hearts… from actual fresh artichokes! They must roast them in the store. So delicious.

 

RHYS BOWEN: This past month I haven’t had much time to watch TV, as you saw from last week’s post! And we don’t get Apple TV so I’ll have to stick to Mick Herron’s books, which are very good. I have enjoyed Hugh Laurie’s production of Why Didn’t They Ask Evans, which is by far my favorite Agatha Christie book. And our local PBS has been rerunning all the old Poirots. Some of those short stories would actually have made great novels. Really clever.

After two years of boring, self-cooked food, I’ve been eating out and savoring new experiences, including a cocktail called Bubbles and Berries, that was not only champagne and some kind of fruit alcohol but also had those frozen nitrogen balls in it so that it bubbled away for about ten minutes (making it impossible to drink). And last weekend, at my daughter’s graduation in psycho-therapy from Pepperdine, I had an Aperol Spritz with my brunch and was reminded why I always drink it in Italy. Not sweet but tangy and so refreshing.

 

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I'm not doing much TV watching, either (although I've discovered I can see shortened versions of my beloved HGTV shows on YouTube, so I've been indulging in that.) Instead I'll recommend a board game for everyone headed to family get-togethers this summer: Cranium Family Edition. There's a popular version for kids, which you may have seen, but 16 plus one is challenging and hilarious. It's played with partners, so it's perfect for a crowd. At our celebration of Youngest's graduation, my three kids, two significant others and I spent an evening having SO much fun with this game.

My other recommendation is a facial cleanser/treatment. I bought Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar (which it's not, it's in a pot) after reading an article suggesting it was great for uneven skin tones. Sadly, it didn't get rid of the sun spots on my face. BUT! It is amazing for smoothing and softening skin. It worked so well on my face I started using it on my forearms, which I swear I could use to file down my nails. Now that skin has great texture as well. 10/10, as the kids say today.

How about you, readers? Anything you'd like to recommend?

109 comments:

  1. Not much television-watching lately . . . we’re visiting our youngest daughter and her family . . . our oldest granddaughter is graduating, so we’re all having a bit of a celebration for her . . . .

    I’m with Jenn on baking the bacon . . . crispy, chewy, yum . . . .

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  2. I have to start with a food item. My twelve-year-old granddaughter and I went out to lunch on Friday and to Barnes & Noble for her go-wild-in-the-bookstore day (now an annual end of school outing). The restaurant we went to had bacon-wrapped dates as an appetizer, and since it was also eat anything and everything you want day, we ordered those. Here's the description: Applewood Smoked Bacon Wrapped Dates, Maple-Balsamic Glaze. I will now order these anywhere I go. So yummy! Hank, you mentioned breadcrumbs. I've discovered I prefer panko bread crumbs, which are a littler crunchier than regular bread crumbs. I've found my favorite ever veggie chips at a local farmstore. The brand is Backroad Country, and they are delicious.

    Television watching. I watched the first episode of the new season of Stranger Things tonight and loved it. I recently watched four (I think) episodes of The Shining Girls starring Elizabeth Moss. It's based on the book by the same title by Lauren Beukes. They've changed some things in the TV show, and I liked the book better, but I may finish watching it. Hallie, I didn't realize the new season of Russian Doll is out. I'll be watching it this week. The first of May I watched Balthazar and was loving it for three seasons. I will not speak of the fourth season, as I'm not sure I'm going to watch it. But, a good friend watched all of Balthazar and loved all of it.

    One more item. I kept getting the ads for Perbelle CC Cream on my FB feed. It's supposed to blend in with any skin tone and take it on to make a smooth, light covering. Well, I ordered one for me and one for my daughter, and we both love it. I ordered us more, and I'm a hard sell on makeup. Oh, maybe one more thing. My lovely Izzy granddaughter had on a fidget ring the other day. I don't know if you remember the fidget spinners that were so popular with kids a few years ago. But, this is a ring with a middle part that you can spin. It's for anxiety or stress, and Izzy says she really likes it, that it's calming. I know, I know. Why would a kid need that? Well, I think we all know too well the anxiety kids might be feeling these days. And, while Izzy is actually a pretty laid-back kid and confident, I think we all have our days or moments when some stress relief is helpful.

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    1. Kathy, I use a CC Cream made by Terry. It's expensive but it lasts forever. I discovered it in London, but you can get it on Amazon and Nordstrom carries it, too. It's so silky and it smells like rose petals.

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    2. It's Julia, destined to be anonymous by the Google gods. I started using a tinted CC cream this past winter, when I realized my very pale face was just a featureless white blob when I taught on Zoom. I really like it - it has sun screen, which is a must for me, it's much lighter and smoother than foundation, and it gives my just enough color to not look like I'm speaking from beyond the grave.

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    3. Debs, the CC Cream is expensive, and buying it or both my daughter and myself makes it more so. I think I'll compare the Nordstrom prices with mine. Julia, the CC Cream I use is tinted to blend in with your natural coloring, which makes the color just right. And, it has the sunscreen, too. Glad we don't have to look like death anymore. Hahaha!

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  3. TV watching: I totally agree about SLOW HORSES. I binge-watched season 1 after getting a 7-day free Apple TV trial. And another definitely thumbs up for STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS. Many of us have been waiting since 2019 for this new iteration of Trek to air, and the first 4 episodes (of 10) have been as wonderful as I had hoped. Anson Mount was meant to play Capt Christopher Pike! The rest of the cast is solid & the sets, graphics & special effects are movie-quality.

    As for food, I at first pooh-poohed the fact that local gin/vodka/spirit distillers had booths at our local FM. But Top Shelf Distillers uses ingredients from within a 1-hour driving radius from the distillery south of Ottawa. Their gin, bitters and fruit-flavoured "moonshine" are really good. I especially like the Montmorency cherry one. I mix it with lemonade & ice for a summer drink. https://topshelfdistillers.com/collections/reunion-moonshine.

    A brilliant cleaning tip: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works wonderfully in cleaning oven-baked glass casserole dishes.

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    2. Another food tip: If you want to prevent 1/2 avocado from turning brown, submerge it in a container filled with water. The avocado remains green.
      Stupid autocorrect! Switching back to my laptop instead of my Android tablet.

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    3. Thank you thank you thank you, Grace. As soon as I can find avocados for less than $1000 a bag, I'm gonna try that out.

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    4. Thanks for this, Grace! I'm always throwing away that second half. Even storing with the seed in, they still turn black.

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    5. You're welcome, Susan & Debs. I also kept wasting /discarding the unused avocado hack until I saw this hack online.

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    6. I'm laughing at Susan's $1,000 bag of avocados. I love them so much and they're so pricey right now! I'm convinced if Mexico ever wants to bring America to its knees, all they have to do is withhold avocados for a few weeks. -Julia

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    7. JULIA & SUSAN: Really surprised about the price hike for avocados in the US. I can still get a bag of 6 for $5 (CDN).

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    8. Lisa in Long Beach - I freeze the second half of the avocado - they are great in smoothies!

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  4. Loved Lincoln Lawyer and Slow Horses! Both captivating and am floundering now as I search for a post-ThrillerFest series! Please pass on any other favorites!

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    1. I’m Nan McCann with the above comment!

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    3. The Responder with Martin Freeman is on Britbox now. This is VERY gritty, but we thought it was amazing. One of the best things we've seen this year. If Freeman doesn't get major award nominations, I'll be gobsmacked.

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  5. Aperol Spritz for the win! It's our go-to summer Friday night porch drink here, Rhys. So delicious. I think this evening might be time for our first of the season.

    In the last couple of months we've been catching up with friends with small gatherings here. I'm enjoying cooking for loved ones again, and trying out new recipes (yes, I experiment on guests!). One dessert that got rave reviews was homemade lemon sherbet frozen in the lemon shells, like we had in Tuscany. It's a bit of a fiddly dish, but even a month later our friends were talking about it.

    One of the recipes I tried called for using harissa, which I'd never heard of. Now I use it on everything but sweet dishes, it's so good. And not nearly as spicy as my other condiment discovery of late, chili crisp. It's a jarred Asian treat that takes many dishes to a higher level of flavor, with just a tiny amount. Smells divine, too. Some people even eat it on ice cream, but I haven't tried that yet.

    The other night I went to see the Downton Abbey movie with four girlfriends. If you've watched the series, it's a must-see. First time most of us had been to a theater in three years, and we all thoroughly enjoyed everything but the previews and the sound level. Seeing the costumes and the lush scenery (including in the South of France, swoon) on the big screen is the best part.

    Thanks for the skin product tip, Julia! And

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    1. Jenn, I will try that method of cooking bacon. It's almost BLT season. Yum.

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    2. Jenn, I meant to ask: By "twist up tight" do you mean on the long dimension, or rolled up from one end? Thanks!

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  6. JULIA: Thanks for the soap recommendation. I have been thinking of trying this shampoo/ conditioner "soaps" from the Earthling company. They are supposed to be good for the environment.

    Diana

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    1. Diana, one of the things I've been trying to do for the past several years is take better (ie, consistent) care of my skin. For me, that means stuff that's simple.

      As for Urban Rx, I don't know about the environmental impact, but it is a majority woman and minority owned company, so that feels good to me.

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    2. JULIA: that's wonderful! Thank you for sharing. Diana

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  7. All right, all right, all right! We'll start watching The Lincoln Lawyer. Reading this, I realize how very boring I have become. Nothing new to contribute. Nothing. (Sigh)

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    1. I thought I had nothing, too, thus didn't contribute my usual early comment. But then I thought of two things! See below...

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    2. Judy, you always have books to contribute!

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    3. Listening to Garden of Lamentations as I continue through all of your series on Audible, Debs. It's the best book!! (Actually, I love them all, but this one is extraordinary!)

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  8. Oh wait! Tru Earth. Never buying bottled detergent again. Thanks Grace and Karen!

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    1. Yay, another Tru Earth convert!

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    2. Isn't it great? I was just thanking the Reds the other day for the idea.

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    3. Yes. The best idea since sliced bread. I am making it my personal mission to spread the word.

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    4. I'm just waiting for our current bottle to empty!

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    5. I still haven't tried these. We get our liquid laundry detergent from Costco (their Kirkland brand eco-friendly) and it takes us a long time to use up a jug.

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  9. JUNGLE REDS: Many wonderful recommendations. I need to upgrade my computer so that I can watch Netflix again. SLOW HORSES is a thriller! I've been watching the series on Apple TV on Thriller Thursdays. Very well written! Wow!

    Since the pandemic started, we went out to a restaurant twice in two years! When it looked like the pandemic was going to be over (zero new cases in the Bay Area for a change), we went to a wonderful Thai restaurant near my house. They asked to see our vaccination cards. I always wore my mask even if it looked like the pandemic was over. The tables were farther apart. The only time we took off our masks was in the restaurant. Once the meal was over, we put them on again before going outside.

    Now that it looks like we are having another wave of covid cases, I try to limit my outings because too many people are Not wearing Masks. Even if I wear a mask, it does not protect ME - it just means that the mask protects OTHER PEOPLE. Our Governor is already vaccinated and still got Covid.

    So many wonderful discoveries from the Jungle Reds and commenters.

    Diana

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    1. DIANA: Hope this new COVID wave goes down & it's good to be cautious. I am part of two dining groups in Ottawa that were sidelined for most of 2020 & 2021. We started up again in November-December 2021. I went to 5 dinners/afternoon tea with different groups of fellow eaters. But, unbeknowst to us, omicron was lurking in the background. I got my second bout of COVID at one of those meals. We were all double vaxxed but booster shots were not available yet for my age group in Ontario. Fortunately it was very mild case (and totally different symptoms from March 2020). And our dining groups is starting up again with dinners this month & in June. Despite getting COVID at one of these group dinners, I will attend. I should be eligible for my second booster next week.

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    2. Grace, I'm so glad your symptoms were mild!

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    3. So glad you can finally get your booster, Grace. Everyone, get boosted as soon as you can! -Julia

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    4. JULIA & DEBS: Thanks. I want to be vaxxed to the max to enjoy the summer & to attend Minneapolis Bouchercon in September.

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    5. GRACE: I am glad that your symptoms were mild. Though I was sorry to hear that you caught COVID. Right now I am fully vaccinated with the second booster and always wear my mask.

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  10. Oh, love this. Lucy, those crackers sound like something that should have been in my cupboard forever. Yummy. Can't wait until they arrive!

    No tv watching for me, but I am thinking of tuning in on the Lincoln Lawyer after reading these reviews, and Julia, thank you for the Urban Skin recommendation. Definitely on my shopping list. Debs - those flyaway sticks looks suspiciously like the punks we burned as kids. They kept away mosquitos. Has inflation struck another childhood memory?

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    1. Kait, my dad was a manufacturer's rep for Pic mosquito coils when I was growing up, so we always had them. They're made now by OFF, I think, but that smell takes me right back to my childhood. The Flyaway Sticks are definitely the same idea, but the scent is really nice--not that I mind the smell of the original coils.

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    2. I remember the mosquito coils! We used to get them at drive-ins. I have no idea how we didn't ignite those padded dashboards. They had a great smell. Punks had a different smell. Kind of woodsy.

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  11. No new recommendations for me. Lucy, glad you enjoyed the Lincoln Lawyer. Oh wait, if you haven't watched it yet, check out Only Murders in the Building on Hulu.

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    1. I wonder if there is a new season this summer? We loved the first season.

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    2. Deborah, new season for Only Murders in the Building starts June 28

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    3. Thanks for the season 2 date, Dru!

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    4. I can't wait! There's a lot of great stuff coming out in June, which makes it so much different from the boring start of rerun season in my youth... -Julia

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  12. We don't subscribe to streaming services, so not much good TV watching for us. I do put tennis matches on in the background. Yesterday, I was treated to the Canadian (living in Monte Carlo) Felix Auger-Alliasime come tantalizing close to beating Rafa Nadal in 5 sets on clay at the French Open. I mean, some things are really important. :)

    I have discovered bamboo "paper" towels. They don't disintegrate and can be washed out and used again. Very good for cleaning.

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    1. c d, please tell us more about bamboo paper towels. Where do you buy them? What is the brand? Thank you.

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    2. I'm also curious about the bamboo paper towels, although I rarely use any most days. I use Natura natural multipurpose cleaning cloths. They are made from wood fibre & do not get stinky like regular fabric dish cloth towels since they are antibacterial. Each cloth has last for more than a year of constant (daily) use.
      https://www.homehardware.ca/en/11-x-11-cleaning-cloth/p/4532063

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    3. You can get them on Amazon, though I get them at Goodness Me! grocers. https://www.amazon.ca/Eco-Friendly-Reusable-Bamboo-Towels-64-Count/dp/B0721LDFXG

      Grace: I also use the Natura cleaning cloths. They are remarkable.

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    4. There is also bamboo toilet paper.

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    5. c d, I don't think I'll be washing out and reusing tp, even if it is bamboo.

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    6. I almost said "but you wouldn't want to re-use that!" 'cuz, really, no. Kinda' like sanitary napkins. Don't need to be going back to the days of washing those out either! It is more about avoiding highly bleached and treated paper.

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  13. I'm such a dud when it comes to shows and such. All I'm watching is Julia! But I can thoroughly recommend Annette Dashofy's FATAL REUNION. It's a dark and twisty masterpiece.

    I wnent hrough some complicated patch testing on my skin last week to (hopefully) finally discover the cause of some patchy itchy skin I've had for almost a year and a half (sorry if that's TMI). Results will be in this week, but in the meantime I can recommend the goat milk soap Nature by Canus. "With fresh Canadian goat milk." It's gentle, fragrance free, and the dermatologist even said I could use it as a shampoo.

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    1. Yes on Annette's new Zoe Chambers book, Fatal Reunion. Very twisty. Heart pounding climax!

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    2. Thanks for the recommendation, Edith. I have very sensitive skin, and I'm always on the lookout for soap, etc, I can use without triggering some reaction (usually itchy...)

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    3. Oops, that was me. I got carried away and forgot I have to label myself. Sigh. -Julia

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    4. A friend’s daughter, who lives in Canada, makes the softest, sweetest goats milk soap and gives it to us for Christmas. One characteristic that became more valuable because of covid is that it makes wonderfully foamy suds when we use it to wash our hands. - Susan Shea

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  14. Hank Phillippi RyanMay 30, 2022 at 9:10 AM

    Oh, two more things! On doe socks. Really. I know it sounds crazy, but they are incredible. They do not slip or come off, and even when you For instance, takeoff your yoga pants with them on, they still stay on! They are incredible.
    Also, on Instagram: @thefoldinglady
    I found her from Claire Mackintosh, and it is absolutely amazing. Go look right now

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  15. Hank Phillippi RyanMay 30, 2022 at 9:11 AM

    Ondo socks.

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    1. I'm glad you corrected the autospelling, Hank - I was about to search for Doe socks, and who knows what I would have found! -Julia

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    2. Autocorrect, sigh. Yes, find them--they are amazing!

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    3. HA HA, Hank. I actually did search for doe socks (without success) before seeing your corrected second post.

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    4. SO sorry! And hope you are feeling better--SO crazy. xxxx

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    5. Hank, I'm glad I saw your correction before going to "doe socks." While the Ondo sock are a bit pricey, I will be ordering some. I have been wanting no-slip socks like this for a long time. Thanks!

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  16. We have been watching BBC's (on our public tv station) "Death in Paradise" set on beautiful Guadaloupe in the Caribbean and love it. I love all things Julia Child - especially the fact that she overcame discrimination towards women to become such a force to be reckoned with. She reminds me of an other women who hasn't gotten much attention but now has been recognized by the French, British and CIA. Sonia Purnell has written "A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win WWII." Talk about overcoming male dominated discrimination. It is a real page turner.

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  17. Opps - SEE ABOVE - her name is Virginia Hall. (A Woman of No Importance.)

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    1. I've never watched Death in Paradise except for snippets of episodes. Must I start at the beginning?

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    2. Re Death in Paradise: Yes and no. The central character is recast 3 times and each one of those shifts creates a new arc. I think starting at the beginning of each new arc would be best but each episode also stands on its own.

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  18. I haven't seen THE LINCOLN LAWYER as I don't have that particular streaming service. I'm sure I'd watch it if I did. But I do hate the notion that because they are on separate services that the show will never be tied into BOSCH even though the two characters are half-brothers in the books.

    Speaking of BOSCH, the continuation series BOSCH: LEGACY is superb! All 10 episodes of the first season (it's been renewed for Season 2) are now streaming. It's a great follow up with an ending that had me writing on my Facebook page, "How could they do this to me?" The new Obi-Wan Kenobi series just started on Disney+ and the first two episodes were excellent. And I'm starting the Amazon JACK RYAN series. I have enjoyed the first four episodes so far.

    Though no one here is a metal fan, I've been enjoying the new album The War To End All Wars by Swedish power metallers Sabaton. The album features songs all about events of World War I and since I got the "History Edition" version of the release, there's narration leading into each song by the incredible Bethan Dixon Bate that heightens the songs even more. The singer, Joakim Broden is a huge history nerd and there are songs about The Christmas Truce, the Battle of Jutland, The White Friday avalanches, Milunka Savic and so much more. These guys are freaking amazing! And yes, I got to review the album - http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=41034

    I don't have any food recommendations like most everyone else but when in doubt, all problems can be at least temporarily set aside for a good burger. Oh, and my friend Ann tried out the New Year's Eve Wedding Cocktail that will be featured in the new Maddie Day book MURDER IN A CAPE COTTAGE (due September 27th) and she liked it a lot, saying it was quite strong. There's a pic of it on my FB page along with Ann's daughter-in-law who was the bartender who made the drink for her. So if you imbibe, definitely try out the recipe!

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    1. Thanks for the recommendation on the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, Jay. We have Disney so will check that out!

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    2. Not a metal fan myself, Jay, but my son is very into Scandinavian metal, so I'll bookmark your recommendation for the next gift-giving occasion. -Julia

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    3. I can't wait to start the Obi-Wan series!

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  19. I can barely manage 5 minutes of any show on tv still, but I'll keep all the recommendations in mind for future reference. Oddly enough, I can watch documentaries sometimes. What I can recommend, aromatherapy--the outdoor kind. My roses are budding and a particularly fragrant one has its first blossom. Heavenly old rose scent! Before that, the lilacs filled the air. Being able to get outside, to enjoy the sights and smells and sounds of late spring--also highly recommended!

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    1. Oh, yes. Although it's very much summer here in north Texas, I try to spend as much time outside as I can in the cooler morning hours.

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  20. I, too, recommend The Lincoln Lawyer. It’s one of the best programs I’ve watched in a long time.

    And for vegans I recommend Hu chocolate. A friend who is vegan sent me some of their chocolate bars, and now I’m addicted! I’m not following a vegan diet and I wouldn’t have known that these chocolates are vegan if my friend hadn’t told me. It’s really good quality chocolate. In my area, it’s now available at Big Y. They’re also available on Amazon,

    DebRo

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    1. DEB RO: This chocoholic also likes HU chocolate. I get Dr Hyman's weekly newsletters and HU was one of his weekly top picks last year.

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  21. Grace, nice to find another chocoholic here!

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  22. Not sure where they can be found in the US but there’s a remake series of Dalgliesh with the wonderful Bertie Carvel, it’s wonderful. And a remake of the Ipcress File with Joe Cole. I think it’s on Amazon Prime. I too love Slow Horses and must try the New LIncoln Lawyer. Oh, and Vigil! A British nuclear Submarine is on patrol when a crewman is found dead in mysterious circumstances, they have to bring a Scottish female detective on board to solve the case. She has issues, and the whole thing is much bigger than anyone suspects. Terrific acting again from a well known British cast. I know, I should be writing but ... Joyce.

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  23. Hank Phillippi RyanMay 30, 2022 at 10:59 AM

    And this just in: did you see there is a new documentary on Julia Child on CNN on Monday? This should be interesting! It is supposed to be very on the mark.

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    1. Boo. We don't have CNN as we are all streaming. Maybe I can figure out how to watch.

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    2. This is going to be available to rent on Prime and also on some other platforms. I may splurge and buy it as I suspect it's something I'll want to watch more than once.

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    3. It was wonderful..her magical career , love affair life long with Paul, the food, the food! And France!! Delightful!

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  24. What I find frustrating is I have such difficulty writing a synopsis for my own books yet, show me a TV show or someone else’s work and voila! :-) Joyce W.

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    1. LOL! Joyce, it must be the same principle that makes it so easy to plug a book you like and so hard to do the same thing for yourself. -Julia

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  25. I'm gorging/bingeing/pigging out on Silent Witness, which I'm thrilled has around twenty-two seasons. Hallway through Season 7, so if I mete it out slowly, I might have another few weeks. After that...Lincoln Project. My son swears by Ozark, so that, too.

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  26. We loved SLOW HORSES, ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL (Michelle Dockery/Lady Mary) is amazing) and are now watching THE LINCOLN LAWYER which is so good. Next up probably will be THE RESPONDER on BritBox.

    Flyaway sticks sound like what we called punk sticks back in the 80s when the black fly population was so strong here in central Pennsylvania that your ear lobes were bitten and bled. My kids loved having a lighted stick which they waved about! Now that the state sprays the Susquehanna we don’t have a major black fly problem. Curiously, the cleaner the river the larger the black fly population.

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    1. hmmm. cleaner river, more fish, more fish food?

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  27. I am going to go through this entire thread taking notes. So many intriguing recommendations, everything from cable TV series to crackers to face cream! What a generous bunch you are! Thanks everyone - Susan C Shea

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  28. So now I have face cleanser and flyaway sticks on order, thanks ladies! Aperol - now I want to go to Italy. Oh, and we just started the Lincoln Lawyer and are loving it. Severance was also bizarrely good. And, Hallie, my boys and I went to see Everything, Everywhere, All At Once and LOVED it!!!

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    1. Jenn, by "twist up tight" do you mean on the long dimension, or rolled up from one end? Thanks!

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    2. Hank, I looked up the socks. Now I have to try them.

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  29. Thanks for all the recommendations! Great blog post and great comments. I just finished binge watching the second half of The Lincoln Lawyer last night, and it was very good. I also liked Anatomy of a Scandal. Looking up some of these others shows, and the soaps!

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  30. If you want to feel better about the world I recommend watching “Old Enough” on Netflix. It is a Japanese show in which tiny children are sent out on their first errand. The places they live are beautiful and their ability to do quite complex tasks at 3 or 4 is amazing. SNL did a parody sketch in which a 30 year old boyfriend is sent out to do tasks on his own and is not as successful as the toddlers.

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    1. This is Clare Broyles by the way. The app won’t let me sign in :)

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    2. Hi Clare! I read about this show. Sounds fascinating!

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  31. Late in the day as usual.We had family holiday plans with one daughter and one very active five year old. So- I am reading, believe it or not, Eye of the Needle. For the very first time. I somehow missed Follett completely. The surprise is that it is terrific! Suspense is always the hard part for me; you can believe that I am taking (mental) notes. If you haven't read it? What are you waiting for? Very interested to see so much enthusiasm for Slow Horses. We watched the first two, could not make up our minds, but your notes encourage me to go back to it. We are enjoying the new Bosch (duh). I may be the only person in my world who is watching The First Ladies. OK, it is not a great series in many ways, but it has a first class cast, and all the segments with Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford are fascinating. I remember her well and admired her a lot. So this is a semi-recommendation. Same for Ripley Road, a bit of history new to me, Jewish resistance to neo-Nazi revival in Swinging 60's London. Could have been better but interesting anyway.

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    1. Thanks, Triss. I was wondering if I wanted to watch Ripley Road. I think I'd find it interesting.

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