The Mysterious Case of the Victorian Female Detective by Sara Lodge

The Mysterious Case of the Victorian Female Detective
by Sara Lodge

ISBN-13: 9780300277883
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Yale University Press
Released: November 5, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
From Wilkie Collins to the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, the traditional image of the Victorian detective is male. Few people realise that women detectives successfully investigated Victorian Britain, working both with the police and for private agencies, which they sometimes managed themselves.

Sara Lodge recovers these forgotten women’s lives. She also reveals the sensational role played by the fantasy female detective in Victorian melodrama and popular fiction, enthralling a public who relished the spectacle of a cross-dressing, fist-swinging heroine who got the better of love rats, burglars, and murderers alike.

How did the morally ambiguous work of real women detectives, sometimes paid to betray their fellow women, compare with the exploits of their fictional counterparts, who always save the day? Lodge’s book takes us into the murky underworld of Victorian society on both sides of the Atlantic, revealing the female detective as both an unacknowledged labourer and a feminist icon.


My Review:
The Mysterious Case of the Victorian Female Detective looks at both real and fictional female detectives in Victorian Britain. The author looked at specific examples of the female detective in fiction (both writing and theater) and commented on how these women reflected on the time period they were written in and how they were a commentary on their times, too. The author also examined real life examples of women who solved crimes or worked for private inquiry agencies or the official police force and how the reality contrasted with the fictional depictions.

While the book covered some details about the type of work these women really did, a lot of the book (especially near the end) was more commentary on the social context. This was interesting, but I was hoping for more information on what they really did--which, apparently, was often obscured by a tendency to glamorize the job to fit the fictional action heroine stereotype. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those who want to know more about women detectives in the mid- to late-1800s in Britain.

When Courage Calls by Sarah C. Williams

When Courage Calls
by Sarah C. Williams

ISBN-13: 9781399803731
Kindle: 356 pages
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Released: September 12, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Millicent Fawcett, the leader of the British suffragist movement, described Josephine Butler as 'the most distinguished English woman of the nineteenth century'. Among the first feminist activists, Butler raised public awareness of the plight of destitute women, worked to address human trafficking and led a vigorous campaign to secure equal rights for women before the law.

Social historian Sarah C. Williams presents a re-examined biography of the radical political activist Josephine Butler. From the beauty of her childhood in Northumbria, to the stifling intellectual environment of mid-Victorian Oxford; from the impoverished streets of Liverpool and the brothels of London, Brussels and Paris, to the offices of Westminster and the Houses of Parliament. Butler's relentless drive to secure rights for women against the sexual double standard of her day captures a remarkable woman with deeply held values for equality.

Underpinning Butler's public life of political activism lies the full corpus of her writing and the spirituality that grounded her activism. When Courage Calls offers a profound examination of Butler's inner life of prayer, defined by her radical sense of justice that was able to transform Victorian society.

My Review:
When Courage Calls is a biography of Josephine Butler. I knew she'd done much to help women (especially children) trapped in prostitution. She was able to bring together people that normally wouldn't work together and even gathered support for similar work in Europe. I had expected much of the biography to be focused on the details of that work, and the book did cover some of that.

However, Josephine's faith played a motivating role in why she did what she did, so much of this book covered Josephine's Christian faith and the role she felt that prayer played in political activism. She wrote several books about other people, which we're told about and which provided several quotes that showed what she believed. There were also some quotes from various speeches she gave along with a summary of what she said and was trying to accomplish.

This biography was more of an overview of her life and beliefs rather than full of details and action. Perhaps those details no longer exist as Josephine refused to write about herself. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting biography.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

PEMF by Bryant A. Meyers

PEMF: The Fifth Element of Health by Bryant A. Meyers

ISBN-13: 978-1452579221
Paperback: 236 pages
Publisher: BalboaPress
Released: August 16, 2013

Source: free trial audio book.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
You probably know that food, water, sunlight, and oxygen are required for life, but there is a fifth element of health that is equally vital: the Earth’s magnetic field and its corresponding PEMFs (pulsed electromagnetic fields). The two main components of Earth’s PEMFs, the Schumann and Geomagnetic frequencies, are so essential that NASA and the Russian space program equip their spacecrafts with devices that replicate these frequencies. These frequencies are absolutely necessary for the human body’s circadian rhythms, energy production, and even keeping the body free from pain. But we are no longer getting enough of these life-nurturing energies of the earth. In this book, we’ll explore the current problem and how the new science of PEMF therapy (a branch of energy medicine), based on modern quantum field theory, is the solution to this problem, with many benefits: eliminate pain and inflammation naturally; get deep, rejuvenating sleep; keep your bones strong and healthy; improve circulation and heart health; and more.


My Review:
PEMF: The Fifth Element of Health is about the five elements needed for health, including earth-based frequencies in the range of 1-30 Hz. The author spent a lot of time trying to use some Eastern ideas (like fire, water, earth, air) as his structure for why we need to buy an expensive PEMF mat with earth frequencies. He also seemed to feel that Newton physics was wrong and only quantum physics explained things as it better fit with his belief system. Most people accept that both are accurate, and the author then proceeded to behave as if Newton physics is accurate. I could have done with less of his belief system and more about the benefits of PEMF. When he did get to the parts about PEMFs, he talked about scientific research done studying earth frequencies and the most healing wave forms, intensities, etc. I found this information useful.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Fourth Phase of Water by Gerald H. Pollack

The Fourth Phase of Water
by Gerald H. Pollack

ISBN-13: 9780962689543
Paperback: 358 pages
Publisher: Ebner and Sons Publishers
Released: May 1, 2013

Source: free audio book.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
World renowned scientist, Dr. Gerald Pollack, takes us on a fantastic voyage through water, showing us a hidden universe teeming with physical activity— providing simple explanations for common everyday phenomena, which you have inevitably seen but not really understood. For instance, have you ever wondered: How do clouds made up of dense water droplets manage to float in the sky? Why don’t your joints squeak as they rub together? Why do you sink in dry sand, but not in wet sand? How does capillary action manage to raise water up a 100 foot tree? Why does warm water freeze quicker than cool water?

Pollack uses a recent and fundamental scientific finding— EZ water—to help explain these and many other head-scratchers. When touching most surfaces, water transforms itself into Exclusion Zone water, also known as structured water or fourth phase water. EZ water, whose formula is H3O2, differs dramatically from H2O. And, there is a lot of it, everywhere.


My Review:
The Fourth Phase of Water explains the latest research done by the author on how water acts. He talked about why research into water has been avoided for a while, some mysteries that still need to be solved, and about the 4th phase of water, which seems to explain some of these mysteries. It's intended for anyone to be able to read and understand, and you can probably follow his points well enough if you've had high school science classes. However, it's really geared toward scientists or those really interested in water. He talked about the water mystery, how they set up the experiments, and their findings that help explain water's behavior. I'd recommend this book, but be ready for a real science-focused book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Victorian Britain Day by Day by Nicholas Travers

Victorian Britain Day
by Day by Nicholas Travers

ISBN-13: 9781399041751
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Pen and Sword History
Released: July 30, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Victorian Britain Day by Day sheds new light on the most remarkable era in British history. Here is a tapestry of time, unpacked and uncovered from January 1st to December 31st, a rich mosaic of facts, events and tales, exploring the most extraordinary moments of the most extraordinary age.

Each day offers a different snapshot into our past, intermingling famous or renowned events, with rare, quirky and fun facts. What was the mysterious Sheep panic of 1888? Who was the notorious Spring heeled Jack? Why was William Gladstone run over by a cow? From the Great Exhibition, to the Industrial Revolution, Dickens and Darwin, Entertainment and Empire, the 19th century was an epoch of momentous political, cultural and social change. With meticulous research, Victorian Britain Day by Day covers every day of the year between 1837-1901.


My Review:
Victorian Britain Day by Day briefly describes significant events that occurred in Britain during 1837-1901. The format takes the reader through the year, one day at a time (January 1, January 2, etc.). The author lists several significant events that occurred on that day, indicating the year that they happened. If you like forming a timeline in your mind, this doesn't help: it's not easy to remember what order they're in or how they relate to each other (does one event lead to another?).

About half of the events focused on politics--forming governments, resignations, a few significant laws that were passed, things Victoria or her children did. There were birthdays, deaths, and weddings. Notable artists, writers, actors, scientists, and such usually got at least a mention of who they were on their birth date. Nothing was covered in detail, with weddings getting the most detailed descriptions. It's more a trivia type book than something you can easily use for research.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Science of Cleaning by Dario Bressanini

The Science of Cleaning
by Dario Bressanini

ISBN-13: 9781891011320
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: The Experiment
Released: May 21, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Chemistry professor Dario Bressanini is on a mission to teach readers about safe methods for cleaning their homes while debunking widespread myths. He uses scientific evidence to answer common queries like: Is it more efficient to wash dishes in the sink or in the dishwasher? Can vinegar and baking soda actually unclog your drain? Does bleach remove dirt? How do I get rid of that white stuff on my showerhead?

Bressanini covers these subjects and more by digging into chemistry basics like solubility, pH, and concentration. He explains how to choose the best product for any job, including advice on making selections at the store and using just the right amount to cut down on waste. Everything contains chemicals (yes, even water!)—but we should still be careful and eco-friendly about how we clean.


My Review:
The Science of Cleaning talked about various ingredients used in cleaning products (homemade or store bought) and what those ingredients do. The author got really basic in some places, describing what the laundry symbols mean, for example, and why you might need to use a drycleaner or fabric softener. He also got into the most efficient ways to handwash dishes, though he really thinks you ought to just use a dishwasher and not pre-wash the dishes.

The book also covered bases and acids and how they work to clean various things, the history of things like soap and bleaches, how soap is made, how detergents work and what the various ingredients in them do towards cleaning, and how to remove limescale. He talked about chlorine-based and oxygen-based bleaches, dish washing detergents, disinfectants, and dealing with bacteria, viruses, and mold. And what to use to clean various surfaces, from floors to ovens to drains.

I think he wrote the book just so he could rant on why combining vinegar and baking soda is so obviously a waste and how bad vinegar smells. It also seemed like he wanted to educate the very people that he obviously thinks are dumb. Overall, the book was interesting, but I already knew a lot of the information. The author loves chemicals and really thinks you ought to buy cleaning products rather than try to make them at home. Overall, this book seems best suited for someone who was never taught how to clean their home or wants to clean their home more efficiently.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Wild Watercolour by Inga Buividavice

Wild Watercolour
by Inga Buividavice

ISBN-13: 9780711290297
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Leaping Hare Press
Released: April 2, 2024

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
Wild Watercolour starts with an introduction to the basic techniques of watercolour, coaching you for painting success by showing you how to recreate nature’s wildlife and habitats. Each step-by-step project introduces a new watercolour technique. Learn the basics with guided exercises showing you how to depict your favourite animals in watercolour, including:

Dry brush on wet effect – red pandas
Wet brush on wet effect – beetles
Glazing – ladybirds
Blooms – hare silhouettes
Pulling technique – frogs
Watercolour and ink – koi fish
Using masking tape – snake
Using different textures – turtles
Expressive features – flamingos
Using space – dolphins
Different brush strokes – chameleons
Painting patterns – butterflies


My Review:
Wild Watercolour is a beginner guide to painting watercolor animals. The author began by giving advice about materials and supplies, explaining the basic techniques used in the projects and about color mixing, and talking about sketching the subject. Next came the projects, where you learn how to use a technique while creating a painting of an animal. These step-by-step projects included both text descriptions and illustrations and covered: ladybugs, beetles, pandas, frogs, hares, koi fish, flamingos, snakes, tortoise, chameleons, butterflies, and dolphins. The projects came across as doable, more about the principle and trying techniques out than perfectly replicating the painting in the book. Overall, I'd recommend this book to beginner watercolor painters.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.