Lost Dreams by TR Robinson

If reading this book without having read the first two it may appear Ms Robinson is very naïve, even neurotic, but that is partly the purpose of the book; to describe the impact of life’s events and experiences. In addition, she is no longer a young woman and suffers from a hygiene hypochondria. All this can have a huge impact on how a person deals with what life throws at them. In fact, the author herself states “You may wonder at my historic naivety.”

It is not necessary to read her first two books. (Tears of Innocence and Negative Beauty) but I recommend you do. The author gives enough information in this book about her past abuse for the reader to get a complete picture but without going over too much “old ground” included in the first two.

The author yearns to go back to her homeland where, as a child, she felt loved and secure prior to the events related in her first book Tears of Innocence; somewhere that brings her closer to her beloved mother.

Her memories of her homeland were of kind people who supported each other; where there was no abuse and where people don’t take advantage of others. But time and events change places and people.

When she returns, she finds her family home has illegally been taken over by a family who are intimidating but to fight them through the legal system would be futile.

She comes to an agreement to allow her to build a small house on a pocket of the property but the greedy builders do a shoddy job leaving it unfinished. Determined as always she gets to work finishing off the house and restoring the overgrown garden.

Her story describes a country with legal system procedures that delay results and an unsatisfactory medical system serviced by greedy and unfeeling professionals.

But the story is not just about Ms Robinson’s experiences. It also tells of how the government authorities let many people down and how families and friends neglect and take advantage of their loved ones.

Ms Robinson’s descriptions of the scenery in her homeland are beautifully clear and’ even though she doesn’t say what country it is’ you are drawn to it with a yearning to visit.

The story also isn’t limited to her return to her homeland. Following her marriage many years earlier, England became her home and that of her son. Even here she feels insecure especially after young hooligans torment her and burglars break into her house; leaving a feeling of having been violated. She also needs to travel back to England to ensure she receives sound medical attention and advice.

Describing her life experiences through this book, and her previous two, gives the reader an insight into how a person’s life can result in living in constant fear and dread. It also reminds us that unless we know and understand a person’s history we shouldn’t judge how they react to the challenges life throws at them.

I highly recommend Lost Dreams, and the first two books of the trilogy Tear of Innocence and Negative Beauty, for insight into one woman’s battle with the setbacks in her life.

My rating for Lost Dreams is 4*

The Adventures of Sherlock Bones: Doggone by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Congratulations to Lauren Baratz-Logsted on a delightful children’s introduction to the world’s most famous fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. Not only is The Adventures of Sherlock Bones: Doggone a wonderful children’s story it is an amusing light hearted read for adults. I was grinning all the way through the book.

Dr Catson lives at 221B Baker St. A mutual friend sends Sherlock Bones (a Great Dane who wears a deerstalker of course) to see her (yes her) thinking Dr Jane Catson’s house would be a suitable residence for the famous detective. On meeting, Bones greets the doctor with “Dr Catson I presume?”

Believing he is moving into the Baker Street house, Bones continually ignores Catson’s objections.



Dr Catson also objects to Bones assuming she will assist with the newest murder mystery but she is drawn in despite her desperate need for naps. The impact is both tiresome and exciting for Jane.

The other member of the household is Mr Javier, a turtle who is employed as Dr Catson’s butler and cook.

Humans and animals co-exist and the animals can talk. The key human characters are police offers; Inspector Strange and Inspector No One Very Important. Called that because Bones cannot remember his name. Of course, they ae very dim-witted compared to Sherlock Bones.

Characterisations are close to the traditional Doyle characters and the story is written in the first person by Dr Catson.

There are some delightful lines. My favourite is: On the way home, Bones became distracted by some chew toys in a shop window. His tongue hung out at the sight. And of course, Sherlock Bones says, “Elementary my dear Catson.”

Those of you who read the original Sherlock Holmes stories will remember the help he gets from the local street urchins called the Baker Street Irregulars; led by a boy called Wiggins. In Sherlock Bones these boys become a group of puppies called the Baker Street Regulars led by Waggins.

Having grown up with stories like the Secret Seven, the Famous Five, the Bobbsey Twins etc where I looked forward to reading the next great adventure I hope Lauren Baratz-Logsted continues to write her Sherlock Bones and Dr Catson stories for today’s generation.

Now please excuse me. I must read The Adventures of Sherlock Bones: Dog Not Gone and the next murder mystery for Bones and Catson to solve.

I received an Early Review Edition of this book from the publisher for a review.

I give The Adventures of Sherlock Bones: Doggone by Lauren Baratz-Logsted 5*

The Big Book of Random Facts Volume 6: 1000 Interesting Facts And Trivia (Interesting Trivia and Funny Facts) by Bill O'Neill

I am a bit of a trivia buff and was looking forward to reading The Big Book of Random Facts. Initially, I enjoyed flipping through the pages and discussing some of the fun facts with my family. That is until I came across some serious typos and incorrect “facts”.

Just a handful of errors spoilt the book for me and these were errors that I knew. I had no way of knowing how many others were wrong without checking each and every one.

Because, as the title says it is a book of ‘random’ facts there is no index or categorising of the information.

It was still fun to read but reading from cover to cover became tedious and it became nothing more than a time filler for me.

There are other volumes in this series but my experience with this edition does not encourage me to follow up with them.

I received this book in a giveaway.  This review is also on my website www.pam.id.au

Sadly I am only able to rate the book 2*