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A Great Winter Read

by Marcia Mueller

I just finished a wonderful new novel, "The Stockholm Octavo" by Karen Engelmann.  I admit I read it because Karen is a high school friend of mine, ( you all know her work -when we were in high school she painted the drummer I now use for my logo)  but I really did enjoy the book immensely.  The setting is Stockholm in the 1790's and the Octavo is a form of fortune-telling done with cards.  The seeker draws 8 cards that symbolize people in his life.  His job is to find and use these people to further the vision that is foretold.  Historical figures share the stage with fictional ones creating an intriquing tale that is filled with mystery, fashion, murder, art and love.  All and all an intelligent witty read, perfect for our long winter nights.