VivienneR reads the Language of Flowers with Late Blooms

My 9th year at the Category Challenge, and my final thread this year.

This year my categories come from the language of flowers. I’m also doing a Queen Elizabeth II challenge for the Platinum Jubilee celebrating her 70 year reign in 2022 where I aim to read one book by a British author published in each year of her reign. If I manage to get halfway this year I’ll be happy.

 

Planned reading:

Recently read:

                              

QEII Platinum Jubilee
Lily of the Valley is said to be Queen Elizabeth’s favourite flower - Up first is my plan to read a book by a British author published in each year of her reign, with a different author each year. I hope to get at least half read this year.

Double-dipping: Because this will probably be a high volume category, I will allow any of these titles to be used in CATs, KITs or Bingo if they happen to fit.

1952 Excellent Women by Barbara Pym
1953 Five Roundabouts to Heaven by John Bingham
1954 That Yew Tree's Shade by Cyril Hare
1955 A Dying Fall by Henry Wade
1956 Five on a Secret Trail by Enid Blyton
1957 Ten Pollitt Place by C. H. B. Kitchin
1958 Hide My Eyes by Margery Allingham
1959 My Friends the Miss Boyds by Jane Duncan
1960 Border Country by Raymond Williams
1961 Thunderball by Ian Fleming
1962 The Mirror Crack'd From Side To Side by Agatha Christie
1963 Collected Short Stories Vol. 1 by W. Somerset Maugham
1964 Black Hearts in Battersea by Joan Aiken
1965 The Belting Inheritance by Julian Symons
1966 Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
1967 Cheap Day Return by R.F. Delderfield
1968 The Private Wound by Nicholas Blake
1969 Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian
1970 Wobble to Death by Peter Lovesey
1971 An Advancement of Learning by Reginald Hill
1972 Pearls, Girls and Monty Bodkin by P.G. Wodehouse
1973 Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs
1974 Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carré
1975 Judas Country by Gavin Lyall
1976 So Much Blood by Simon Brett
1977 The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar and six more by Roald Dahl
1978 Consider Yourself Dead by James Hadley Chase
1979 A Small Country by Siân James
1980 Rumpole's Return by John Mortimer
1981 The Dead of Jericho by Colin Dexter
1982 Mr. Bliss by J.R.R Tolkien
1983 A Perfect Match by Jill McGown
1984 Frost at Christmas by R.D. Wingfield
1985 The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman
1986 The Night of the Fox by Jack Higgins
1987 The Hermit of Eyton Forest by Ellis Peters
1988 Spy Hook by Len Deighton
1989 The Sirens Sang of Murder by Sarah Caudwell
1990 The Gate of Angels by Penelope Fitzgerald
1991 Jericho by Dirk Bogarde
1992 A Dubious Legacy by Mary Wesley
1993 The Eye in the Door by Pat Barker
1994 Dead Lagoon: An Aurelio Zen mystery by Michael Dibdin
1995 Clean Break by Val McDermid
1996 Reality and Dreams by Muriel Spark
1997 Asylum by Patrick McGrath
1998 Rebuilding Coventry by Sue Townsend
1999 Chocolat by Joanne Harris
2000 Mauve: how one man invented a colour that changed the world by Simon Garfield
2001 Dying to Tell by Robert Goddard
2002 The Cutting Room by Louise Welsh
2003 The Runner by Peter May
2004 The Enemy by Lee Child
2005 Dead Simple by Peter James
2006 Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King by Antonia Fraser
2007 The Herring Seller's Apprentice by L.C. Tyler
2008 When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson
2009 Still Midnight by Denise Mina
2010 The Tower, the Zoo and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart
2011 The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin
2012 Stonemouth by Iain Banks
2013 Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding
2014 Tigerman by Nick Harkaway
2015 James II: the last Catholic king by David Womersley
2016 Real Tigers by Mick Herron
2017 Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
2018 Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss
2019 The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths
2020 The Shadows by Alex North
2021 The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish
   and
2022 One for Sorrow by Helen Fields

Familiar faces
Blue Hyacinths mean constancy - I’ve always loved these little Grape Hyacinths that pop up every year no matter how much they are disrupted in the fall clean up. Some of my favourite authors will appear here.

All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews

Spring by Ali Smith

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

The List by Mick Herron

Moonlight over Paris by Jennifer Robson

Nobody Walks by Mick Herron

Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell

A Perfect Likeness by Richard Wagamese

Fresh faces
Daffodils say new beginnings - for new-to-me authors.

State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton, Louise Penny

Open Season by C.J. Box

A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson

The Lightkeeper's Daughters by Jean E. Pendziwol

The Hour of the Fox by Kurt Palka

Just haven't met you yet by Sophie Cousens

The Therapist by B.A. Paris

Arrivals
Bluebells mean kindness - be kind to new arrivals by not letting them languish on the shelf

The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets by Nancy Springer

A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins

It Had To Be You by Jill Churchill

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

Cold Mourning by Brenda Chapman

Summerwater by Sarah Moss

Spook Street by Mick Herron

The Fell by Sarah Moss

The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler

Night Lunch by Eric Fan, illustrated by Dena Seiferling

Departures
Sweet Pea indicates departure - here I’ll be departing from UK, US, and Canadian settings for travel to other countries.

The Hanging Girl by Jussi Adler-Olsen

The Embroidered Towel by Mikhail Bulgakov

Descent Into Night by Edem Awumey translated by Phyllis Aronoff & Howard Scott

Black Lion: Alive in the Wilderness by Sicelo Mbatha

In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews

Hebrides by Peter May

RandomKIT
Gerbera means cheerfulness - perfect for my favourite KIT.

January - Home sweet home: Ten Pollitt Place by C. H. B. Kitchin
February - Cats: Tigerman by Nick Harkaway
February - Cats: LT's Theory of Pets by Stephen King
March - Hobby Love: Ghost Light by Joseph O'Connor
March - Hobby Love: So Much Blood by Simon Brett
April - April Showers: Snow by John Banville
May - Flowers on Cover: Martyr by Rory Clements
May - Flowers on Cover: The Happy Prince and other Tales by Oscar Wilde
June - Cookin' the books: French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Giuliano
June - Cookin' the books: Chop Suey Nation by Ann Hui
July - Dog Days of Summer: The Terracotta Dog by Andrea Camilleri
August - Canada: The Cunning Man by Robertson Davies
August - Canada: The Maid by Nita Prose
September - A Time to Harvest: Angels Flight by Michael Connelly
October - It's All In a Name: Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love by Dava Sobel
October - It's All In a Name: The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe by Angela Kelly
October - It's All In a Name: Christine Falls by Benjamin Black
October - It's All In a Name: Orwell's Roses by Rebecca Solnit
November - City: Old City Hall by Robert Rotenberg
November - City: London Rules by Mick Herron
December - Christmas Sweets: Silent Bite by David Rosenfelt
December - Christmas Sweets: When Elves Attack by Tim Dorsey

MysteryKIT
Daisy means innocence - and we know there is always an innocent party in a mystery.

January - Series: Death of a Nurse by M.C. Beaton
February - Cold Case: The Shadows by Alex North
March - Small Towns: Death of an Honest Man by M.C. Beaton
April - Noir: Exit Music by Ian Rankin
May - In Translation: Murder at the Savoy by Maj Sjöwall, Per Wahlöö
June - History: Potsdam Station by David Downing
July - Golden Age: Postscript to Poison by Dorothy Bowers
September - Animal: The Cat Who Sniffed Glue by Lillian Jackson Braun
October - Food: The Silver Locomotive Mystery by Edward Marston
November - Gothic: Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller
December - Holiday: We Wish you a Murderous Christmas by Vicki Delany
December - Holiday: The Last Day of Christmas: the fall of Jack Parlabane a novella by Christopher Brookmyre

AlphaKIT
Bouvardia indicates Zest for life - used to find all the letters especially the tricky X and Z. A tenuous link I know…

Year long Z: The Tower, the Zoo and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart
Year long Z: Dead Lagoon: An Aurelio Zen mystery by Michael Dibdin
Year long X: Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King by Antonia Fraser
January R & H: Midnight Fugue by Reginald Hill
January R & H: Real Tigers by Mick Herron
February B: The Eye in the Door by Pat Barker
February A: Asylum by Patrick McGrath
March S: Reality and Dreams by Muriel Spark
March P & S: My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella
March S: The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar and six more
March S: Spy Hook by Len Deighton
April J: Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
April L: Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King by Antonia Fraser
April L: A Dubious Legacy by Mary Wesley
May D: The Dead of Jericho by Colin Dexter
May O & D: One Bad Day After Another by Max Folsom
June C: The Enemy by Lee Child
June Q: The Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton
July T: Rebuilding Coventry by Sue Townsend
July E: Every City is Every Other City by John McFetridge
July T: Dying to Tell by Robert Goddard
August M: Still Midnight by Denise Mina
August M: The Runner by Peter May
August F: Frames: a Valentino mystery by Loren D. Estleman
September I & K: I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella
October V: How the Dead Speak by Val McDermid
October N: Falling by T.J. Newman
November G: Sooley by John Grisham
November U: Quite Ugly One Morning by Christopher Brookmyre
November G: The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
December Y: Take Your Breath Away by Linwood Barclay
December W: The Woodcutter by Reginald Hill

CATs
Forget-me-not is for remembrance - I will try to remember CATs here, maybe not every month, but the ones that catch my fancy.

ShakespeareCAT
April - Revenge: Rizzio by Denise Mina
October - Macbeth: The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin
October - Death of a Dentist by M.C. Beaton
November - Shakespeare's Dog by Leon Rooke
November - The Lodger Shakespeare: his life on Silver Street by Charles Nicholl
December - Winter by Ali Smith

CATwoman
May - Classic: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
June - In or about cities: Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella (London)
July - Women in Science: The First Human: the race to discover our earliest ancestors by Ann Gibbons
August - Children: Outlaw Princess of Sherwood Forest: A Tale of Rowan Hood by Nancy Springer
September - Women in War: Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyre
September - Women in War: Now is the Hour by Hilary Green
October - Women and Crime: A Killer in King's Cove by Iona Whishaw
October - Women and Crime: The Headhunters by Peter Lovesey
October - Women and Crime: You Will Remember Me by Hannah Mary McKinnon
October - Women and Crime: Shadows Before by Dorothy Bowers
November - Women's Issues: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
December - Prizewinner: Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

AuthorCAT
April - Debut: There There by Tommy Orange
May - Your Country: Parting Shot by Linwood Barclay
June - Non-fiction: Mauve: how one man invented a colour that changed the world by Simon Garfield
June - Non-fiction: All Together Now: A Newfoundlander's Light Tales for Heavy Times by Alan Doyle
August: Prize winning author: A Burning by Megha Majumdar
September: African author: River of Darkness by Rennie Airth
October: In Translation: The Chalk Circle Man by Fred Vargas
October: In Translation: Angelica's Smile by Andrea Camilleri
October: In Translation: The Writer's Cats by Muriel Barbery Illustrated by Maria Guitart, Translated by Alison Anderson
November: Set against real events: V2 by Robert Harris
November: Set against real events: One Or the Other by John McFetridge
November: Set against real events: The Last High by Daniel Kalla
December: Favourite authors: The Marylebone Drop by Mick Herron
December: Favourite authors: Joe Country by Mick Herron

ScaredyKIT
April - Serial killers: The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
May - Short stories: Road Rage by Richard Matheson, Stephen King, Joe Hill
June - Into the wild: Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum
September - It's all in your head: The Herring Seller's Apprentice by L.C. Tyler
October - Witches, evil spirits, black magic: How to Make Friends With a Ghost by Rebecca Green
October: Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wyckhadden by M.C. Beaton

BingoDOG
Gardenia for good luck - an absolute necessity for playing Bingo!



1. When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson
2. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
3. Excellent Women by Barbara Pym
4. Dog Eat Dog by David Rosenfelt
5. Border Country by Raymond Williams
6. The Belting Inheritance by Julian Symons
7. Five on a Secret Trail by Enid Blyton
8. Chocolat by Joanne Harris
9. James II: the last Catholic king by David Womersley
10. Real Tigers by Mick Herron (Shirley)
11. Pearls, Girls and Monty Bodkin by P.G. Wodehouse
12. Death in a Darkening Mist by Iona Whishaw
13. The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
14. The Holdout by Graham Moore
15. Collected Short Stories Vol. 1 by W. Somerset Maugham
16. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding
17. Clean Break by Val McDermid
18. Kopp Sisters on the March by Amy Stewart
19. Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
20. Five Roundabouts to Heaven by John Bingham
21. Jericho by Dirk Bogarde
22. Dead Lagoon: An Aurelio Zen mystery by Michael Dibdin
23. Beyond the Trees: a journey alone across Canada's Arctic by Adam Shoalts
24. Heart of the City by Robert Rotenberg
25. The Shape of Water by Andrea Camilleri

Welcome to my final thread for this year.

Happy new thread, Vivienne! Your Platinum Jubilee reading is most impressive!

Happy new thread!

Happy New Thread! Miss Watson is right - your Jubilee category is almost done.

Happy new thread!

>14 MissWatson:, >15 Tess_W:, >16 dudes22: & >17 thornton37814: Thank you all. The Jubilee category was a real challenge and I'm happy to say I'll be able to finish it this year.

Happy new thread, Vivienne - you've read so many books this year!

Lily of the valley - QEII Platinum Jubilee 1986

The Night of the Fox by Jack Higgins

Set in the German-occupied Channel Islands when Hugh Kelso, an American with knowledge of the plans for the D-Day landings, is shipwrecked and washed up on Jersey. He must be rescued or silenced. Well-written and filled with action, this will satisfy anyone looking for a WWII adventure.

Happy new thread, Vivienne. I love your flowers.

>19 Jackie_K: Thank you, Jackie. I have to tell you that I'm really enjoying Hebrides by Peter May. Thank you for the recommendation.

>21 BLBera: Thank you, Beth.

Lily of the valley - QEII Platinum Jubilee 1983

A Perfect Match by Jill McGown

This is a very simple plot filled out with repetition and cute little nature anecdotes at the end of each chapter, presumably as clues to the reader. Donald, a known womanizer, is having an affair with Julia, a rich widow. His wife, Helen, is having an affair with the much younger Chris. When Julia is found murdered Chris goes into hiding expecting to be arrested as he was the last person to have seen her. At the halfway mark I was still waiting for something to happen in an investigation that plods along and eventually is solved by a chance “what if”. The detectives Lloyd and Hill are also having an affair which added absolutely nothing to the story. This would have worked much better as a short story.

August Summary

Read to date this year: 134
Books read this month: 16 - in order of preference:

The Best: ❤️
Summerwater by Sarah Moss
A Small Country by Siân James
Spook Street by Mick Herron

The Cunning Man by Robertson Davies
Rowan Hood: Outlaw Girl of Sherwood Forest by Nancy Springer
Wobble to Death by Peter Lovesey
Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews
James II: the last Catholic king by David Womersley
The Fell by Sarah Moss
The Maid by Nita Prose
The Night of the Fox by Jack Higgins

The Rest:
A Burning by Megha Majumdar
Clean Break by Val McDermid
Frames: a Valentino mystery by Loren D. Estleman

Also Ran
The Runner by Peter May
A Perfect Match by Jill McGown

Happy new thread! How are we approaching the final quarter of the year?!

Happy New Thread!

>24 VivienneR: I have read the first four books of the Lloyd & Hill series by Jill McGown and I enjoyed the first two, but did not like books 3 and 4 at all. I will read book 5 because I already bought it, but if I don't like it, I will not continue the series.
Do you think you will read more from this series? It does not sound like it from your review, and I agree, the affair does not really add to the story!

Happy new thread! I'm really impressed at how well you are getting on with your Jubilee challenge. I seem to have a bit of a gap in the 1990s & into the early 2000s. I may be sneaking some ideas!

>25 rabbitprincess: Thank you. Now that I'm about to finish the QEII Jubilee challenge everything else on my bookshelves are calling out Read me, Read me!

>26 MissBrangwen: Thank you, Mirjam. I seem to remember reading Jill McGown pre-LT but details have faded in the mists of time - obviously they didn't make much of an impression. I don't own any more books by the author and won't acquire any. Trimmed of repetition and the affair, this one would have made a great short story. I think you liked Lloyd & Hill more than I did.

>27 Helenliz: Thank you, Helen. There is a period between mid-century fiction and contemporary fiction that appears to be out of fashion. I was lucky to have picked up some over the years that were still languishing on the shelf, others were hard to find. Help yourself to ideas from my list! I admit to checking your thread for ideas!

>22 VivienneR: I'm so pleased you like it!

Bouvardia - AlphaKIT: September I & K

I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella

I was hoping this would be the same standard/calibre as my last novel by Kinsella, Twenties Girl, which was light, humorous and fun but this one, while good, just didn't quite measure up. Fixie (which has to be one of the most ridiculous nicknames in fiction) works in the family kitchen goods store with inept, unpleasant siblings while mentally repeating her mother's motto "family first". When she saved a stranger's laptop from disaster, he wrote an IOU on the coffee cup sleeve that started events rolling. An appealing story but with too many unpleasant characters to be one of Kinsella's best.

Sweet Pea - Departures

Hebrides by Peter May

May's book is a stunning depiction of the Hebrides. Very well-written by May with glorious photography by David Wilson, this is the book that will take the reader to the heart of May's Lewis Trilogy. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the geology of the islands, which is similar to the north coast of Northern Ireland, and I have souvenir rocks to prove it, striped like those of the ancient Lewisian gneisses. A fascinating and beautiful book.

Thanks to Jackie_K for the BB!

Lily of the valley - QEII Platinum Jubilee 1978

Consider Yourself Dead by James Hadley Chase

This was a delightful experience of a Briton writing as a hard-boiled American with all the misconceptions of mid-century drugs and thugs. A billionaire keeps his daughter securely imprisoned and under guard in Paradise City, Florida to protect her from kidnappers. Mike Frost, an ex-cop, ex-FBI, and Vietnam jungle fighter is hired as one of her guards. I got a kick out of the American slang that aimed to sound like Cagney but didn't quite manage it. The author was obviously not American, I mean what American thug would eat a hamburger with a knife and fork? But that made it all the more entertaining. Terrific ending.

>30 VivienneR: I normally really enjoy Kinsella's stand-alone novels (I only read the first Shopaholic book), but I abandoned this one a few chapters in.

>33 RidgewayGirl: That was a wise choice. I kept thinking it would get better. I loved Twenties Girl when I had a lot of laugh-out-loud moments. I haven't read any of the Shopaholic series but will hold off on any more Kinsella for a while.

>30 VivienneR: I also didn't love I Owe You One. My favorite Kinsella book is I've Got Your Number, so I would recommend that one for whenever you're ready to give her another try!

>35 christina_reads: Thank you for that recommendation. I have found Kinsella books vary a lot so it is good to have a favourable suggestion.

Forget Me Not - September AuthorCAT - African author

River of Darkness by Rennie Airth

This is an intricate mystery by South African author Airth although set in England in the days following WWI when a man in uniform wearing a gas mask bayonets his victims. The detective is a disconsolate John Madden who survived the war but whose wife and daughter both died in the influenza pandemic. The quirk of Airth's story is that the murderer is revealed to the reader early on. A good story with a dramatic ending, but a tad long.

This was recommended to me by another member of the library board where I served when we filled in some time discussing our favourite mysteries.

>31 VivienneR: I have that one, but I'm not sure I've reviewed it. I may need to pull it out to beef up my numbers. I'm way behind this year!

>38 thornton37814: It's very good, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Even though it's a hefty book, it's taken up mostly with photography, so a quick read.

>37 VivienneR: This looked promising, but it turns out I've already read it. I liked it but had some reservations about the disconsolate detective! Must try another.

>40 pamelad: Yes, I can understand your reservations, Pamela. Why do almost all detectives have to endure personal difficulties. If other Airth books are as bloody as this one I'll skip.

Not much reading done in the last few days as I mourn for the Queen. I have spent all my reading time at news sites. Although Elizabeth II will be missed, I'm confident King Charles III will do a good job.

I'll be finishing my QEII Platinum Jubilee challenge this month. A timely end.

>42 VivienneR: She's not even my queen, Vivienne; but I also mourn her. Or perhaps I mourn the loss of common-sense leader, which one is hard-pressed to find these days!

Wanted to just stop by and say hello, Vivienne.

My dear late mum (your namesake) was a very ardent admirer of the Queen and if nothing else the Queen's passing has brought forth so many memories of my mum these few days.

The passing of a remarkable lady of redoubtable constancy, devotion to duty, abnegation of self and impeccable in service. I didn't expect to grieve for the Queen but her dying leaves a void in the Commonwealth and I am very much moved by the whole thing.

>43 Tess_W: Yes, the loss of someone so level-headed, sensible, and indeed with all her special qualities, is a monumental loss.

>44 PaulCranswick: Hello Paul, it it so nice of you to drop by. I think of you - and your Mum - often, most recently on VJ Day. The Queen's passing has created much ado and emotions than what I expected. I've been in touch with family in the UK almost constantly, which feels like very long distance hugs. We all need them. Hugs to you too.

>42 VivienneR: I was much surprised by how much her death saddened me. It made me reflect on how reading in English has tied me emotionally to her country: my favourite authors, so much music, some unforgettable moments in films. And to see her favourite landscapes in Scotland bathed in sunlight during the procession from Balmoral to Edinburgh was truly poignant.

>31 VivienneR: That does look beautiful, Vivienne.

I liked the Airth books as well.

>46 MissWatson: It appears a lot of people who are not normally followers of the royal family felt the same way. Some of my friends who are known to scoff at royals were unexpectedly affected by the news. I'm happy that she was able to spend her last days in Scotland, unsurprisingly her favourite place.

>47 BLBera: Beautiful and so interesting.

I enjoyed the Rennie Airth book. If I happen on another I might pick it up but I won't actively look for one. I mistakenly assumed that as a South African author the story would be set in Africa, and didn't realize until I started reading that it was set in England.

Lily of the valley - QEII Platinum Jubilee: 2021

The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish

It's necessary to pay attention when reading this because there are so many twists in the plot! Although that's hardly a problem because this gripping novel was hard to put down. Mine was an audiobook with a fabulous reading by Steven Macintosh. I'll be on the lookout for other books by Candlish.

>49 VivienneR: Sounds good - I've added this one to my list. :)

>50 DeltaQueen50: Good choice, Judy! You'll enjoy it.

Louise Candlish is an author I'd like to read. I'll keep an eye out for this one.

>52 RidgewayGirl: Steven Macintosh's narration really added to the book. I'll be watching for his name in audiobooks.

Lily of the valley - QEII Platinum Jubilee 2007
Forget Me Not - ScaredyKIT September: It's all in your head

The Herring Seller's Apprentice by L.C. Tyler

This was funny, quirky and filled with wonderful characters reminiscent of Wodehouse. Ethelred (aka Red) Tressider is an author with three pseudonyms, each writing different genres. One writes mysteries, that garnered his agent's nickname of the "red herring seller". The agent, Elsie Thirkettle, is an eccentric who takes no nonsense from anyone and sets her own rules. With Elsie as the apprentice they investigate the murder of Ethelred's former wife. Although they divorced some years previously, he is under suspicion because her body was found near where he lives. This humorous novel is the first in a series, of which I am fortunate to own the second - and the surprise ending ensures it will be read soon.

>54 VivienneR: I'm glad you enjoyed that one, as it's been sitting unread on my shelves! Time to move it up the list.

>55 christina_reads: It was a BB that hit me a few years ago and the first two books in the series have been sitting on the shelf all that time. It was fun, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

>49 VivienneR: I was looking at that book earlier today, trying to decide if I would move it up in the reading rotation. Now I think I will, thank you!

>57 lsh63: Good to hear! I always enjoy a nice twisty tale and this one had a lot.

Lily of the valley - QEII Platinum Jubilee 2012

Stonemouth by Iain Banks

This is my first book by Banks and it was immediately obvious that he is a master storyteller. Returning to a hometown after an absence can be difficult under the best of circumstances but Stewart Gilmour's exit was under duress so now, five years later, he must face his demons. It certainly wasn't what I expected but the well-drawn characters and a superb portrayal of time and place ensured my appreciation.

>59 VivienneR: I have enjoyed every book by Iain Banks that I have read even the dark and strange, Wasp Factory. I haven't tried any of his science fiction as of yet, I think they may be too "science=y" for me but will most likely give one a try at some point.

>60 DeltaQueen50: If memory serves, the BB came from you some time ago. Until then I thought all his novels were science fiction, and not for me.

>61 VivienneR: I have a feeling that his science fiction won't be for me either, but I do love his writing so will give one a try.

Lily of the valley - QEII Platinum Jubilee 2011
Forget Me Not - ShakespeareCAT October

The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin

As a fan of Rankin's Rebus series I found Malcolm Fox disparate in character and yet he has so much in common with Rebus, both flawed and unhappy. However, being in the Complaints division gives Fox a less abrasive approach, usually more rewarding particularly when investigating political corruption. While the story was more introspective, the Fife atmosphere and character development is just as strong. I'm looking forward to more in this series.



Lily of the valley - QEII Platinum Jubilee 2022

One for Sorrow by Helen Fields

Fantastic story! This is well written, with well developed characters and an excellent plot. It captured my attention from the first page and kept it until the last. Set in Edinburgh the police are dealing with bombing attacks on specific people. A side story about a young couple whose relationship has gone spectacularly wrong obviously has a connection. Fields brought it all together at the end with each piece of the story clicking into place. Stunning, heart-stopping, with characters to care about.

This was my first by Fields but the 6th in the series and while I don't feel that I missed anything by starting here I'll be going back to the beginning of the series as soon as I can.

QEII Platinum Jubilee challenge completed 70 books - plus one for this year. I am very happy with the books chosen (garnering nine five-star reads). Naturally, many rated other than expected but for the most part it was a great reading experience and best of all it was fun. I came across some excellent authors that I wasn’t already familiar with like Louise Welsh, Helen Fields, and Siân James, some that I hadn’t given enough attention like Gavin Lyall and Sarah Caudwell, and I reconnected with favourite authors. Happily, most of the books came from my own collection.

It was fortuitous that I finished the challenge in this significant month when Queen Elizabeth died.

>63 VivienneR: Congratulations on finishing the QEII Platinum Jubilee Challenge. And it's not even October yet!

>64 NinieB: Thank you, Ninie! I'm pretty happy about it because I only expected to get about halfway this year.

>63 VivienneR: Congratulations on finishing your Queen Elizabeth Challenge. Is Queen Victoria a possibility for your next one?

>63 VivienneR: - Your QE II Challenge looked like it was a lot of fun (and a lot of reading). And most coming from your own TBR- that's awesome!

>66 pamelad: Thank you, Pamela! Nice idea, but a Queen Victoria challenge would probably take me a few years. Now you have me thinking about potential authors.

>67 dudes22: Thank you, Betty! It was a lot of fun but created very little extra shelf space because I kept the books I enjoyed most. In case I want to read them again?? Who am I kidding? I have enough books to last another lifetime.

Congratulations on finishing you QEII challenge. It was such an interesting concept, glad it worked so well for you.

Congrats on completing the QEII challenge! It was very interesting to follow along and I like that most of the books were from your shelf.

Congrats on completing your QEII Challenge, it looked like a fun challenge.

>69 MissWatson:
>70 Tess_W:
>71 DeltaQueen50:

Thank you all. I had a lot of fun with it. And it really was a challenge to choose books while making sure I didn't read the same author more than once.

Congratulations! And how special indeed to have finished the challenge this month.
I took a BB for Helen Fields, I haven't heard of this author before, but the series looks very good.

>73 MissBrangwen: Thank you. I hope you enjoy Helen Fields. The crimes in One for Sorrow are savage (though unlikely to happen in real life), but I enjoyed the way the plot unfolded.

Gerbera - RandomKIT: September - A Time to Harvest

Angels Flight by Michael Connelly

Set in downtown Los Angeles and featuring detective Harry Bosch, this police procedural investigates a double murder. What made it particularly interesting was that the murders take place on Angels Flight, a funicular railway and landmark of Bunker Hill, Los Angeles. This was my first Harry Bosch novel and despite an intricate plot and the added appeal of the funicular railway, I don't think he is for me.

Forget Me Not - CATwoman September: Women in War

Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyre

Sonya Burton, born Ursula Kuczynski in a Jewish family in Berlin, was a Communist supporter from an early age. She went on to spy for the Soviet Union in the 1930s and 1940s in England, Poland, and China, while she conveniently ignored the monstrous crimes perpetrated by those she supported. As always, Macintyre's research is impeccable, but I found this book to be the least appealing by the author.

Bluebells - Arrivals

The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler

A close look at the marriage of a mis-matched couple, Michael and Pauline, who married just as the US is entering WWII. Some people might benefit from reading this before choosing marriage, but then again, advice is rarely followed. And in any case we are all amateurs. An engaging novel, beautifully written.



Forget Me Not - CATs: ScaredyKIT October: Witches, evil spirits, black magic

How to Make Friends With a Ghost by Rebecca Green

This is my latest Early Reviewer book received just in time for Halloween.

A sweet instruction book providing advice on how to make friends with a ghost - and keeping that lifelong friend. Nothing scary, but enough gross stuff to warrant squeals of delighted disgust.

"Ghosts love to play peek-a-BOO"

Daisy - MysteryKIT - Animal - September

The Cat Who Sniffed Glue by Lillian Jackson Braun

A fun plot, but then all plots involving Koko and Yum Yum are high on the entertainment scale. They are the only reason I read Braun's books. I just wish Quilleran would decide which woman he wants or else let them all off the hook.

Forget Me Not - CATwoman September: Women in War

Now is the Hour by Hilary Green

Green's story tells of realistic experiences and events of WWII, focussing on entertainers of the day. Merry is a pianist and director of concerts that take place in theatres such as the one at the end of the Pier in a seaside town, with dedicated artists like Rose, a dancer, magician Felix, and Richard, a singer. When war is declared they find themselves split up in different services. Green uses factual events in the story giving it authenticity and although there is some warfare, the description is not distressing to the reader. It's a gentle story with characters the reader can care about. Good for anyone who likes a wartime story with a dash of romance thrown in. As it's the first in the series "Follies" I look forward to more.

>77 VivienneR: Anne Tyler rarely disappoints, Vivienne. There is an understated calmness in her writing that I find very engaging. xx

>79 VivienneR: definitely a BB for me!

>80 PaulCranswick: I agree, Paul. Tyler is one of those writers that make writing seem like it must be effortless. "Calm" describes it well. I'll have to drop by your thread and see what you are reading.

>81 Tess_W: It was very enjoyable, Tess. I know you'll like it.

September Summary

Books read this year: 149
Books read this month: 15

The Best: 4 - 5 stars ❤️
Hebrides by Peter May
One for Sorrow by Helen Fields

The Impossible Dead by Ian Rankin
The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish
The Herring Seller's Apprentice by L.C. Tyler
Stonemouth by Iain Banks
Consider Yourself Dead by James Hadley Chase
River of Darkness by Rennie Airth
How to Make Friends With a Ghost by Rebecca Green
Now is the Hour by Hilary Green

The Rest: 3 - 3.5 stars
The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella
Angels Flight by Michael Connelly
The Cat Who Sniffed Glue by Lillian Jackson Braun
Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyre

It was an excellent reading month! I completed my QEII Platinum Jubilee challenge in this significant month when the Queen died, had two five-star books, and nothing rated less than three stars.

Gardenia - BINGO: Travel / Journey

Beyond the Trees: a journey alone across Canada's Arctic by Adam Shoalts

This is the account of the solo canoe journey across Canada's north that was made by Shoalts in 2017. He is an accomplished canoeist and outdoorsman but this arduous trip was a formidable challenge to say the least. He left Eagle Plains, Yukon Territory in spring and successfully arrived at Baker Lake, Nunavut in September after facing obstacles most of us will never face in a lifetime. To say the terrain was rugged doesn't begin to describe it. As he did not meet another human along the way it sounded natural when he spoke to his tent and canoe. The descriptions of wildlife encountered were simply awesome, covering ravens, wolves, caribou, musk oxen, and foxes. And his responsibility and care for the natural world was admirable. Mine was an audiobook read by the author and while his reading might not be up to the standard of a professional narrator, it gave the story an immediacy and personal quality hard to beat. Highly recommended if you enjoy adventure stories.

Well done on finishing your QEII challenge.

>85 Helenliz: Thank you. I really enjoyed the challenge. I see your 50 year challenge is doing well. You must have read double that, with multiple books for some years.

>84 VivienneR: I really enjoyed Beyond the Trees when I read it. I really admire people that can head out into the unknown by themselves. I don't think I have the courage for that!

>87 DeltaQueen50: Shoalts' daring is incredible. He tones down the risks but it's hard to imagine going on a canoe journey across the Arctic alone! Any mishap could have meant the end of his life.

I believe the BB might have come from you although I didn't make a note of it. Thank you, Judy.

Congratulations on finishing your Queen Elizabeth II challenge! It is indeed remarkable that you finished in the same month as her death.

>59 VivienneR: >60 DeltaQueen50: I read with interest your comments about Iain Banks. I've read Player of Games and The Wasp Factory, both very different books. He is a brilliant writer but The Wasp Factory was extremely disturbing.

>89 mathgirl40: Thank you, Paulina! It turned out better than I expected and was a lot of fun. Glad the challenge was finished in September, it would have been odd to keep going after the Queen's death.

Regarding Iain Banks, I'm hesitant to try science fiction because it's been a long time since I really enjoyed the genre (I was a fan in my youth). But I've made a note of Player of Games and will check it out sometime.

Forget Me Not - CATs - CATwoman - Women & Crime

A Killer in King's Cove by Iona Whishaw

What drew me to this mystery is that it's set in 1946 in the interior of British Columbia, the province where I live, in fact, in the exact area where I live. In the early part, Whishaw's language is oddly drawn out and formal, avoiding contractions and using sentences such as 'Let us get down to business' before becoming more comfortable on the page. The protagonist - and at one time a suspect - moved from England and her job in the secret service at the end of the war to live in a distant rural community. When a man is found murdered in her well, she finds herself in the middle of an investigation with wide-ranging links. Recommended for fans of Maisie Dobbs.

Bouvardia - AlphaKIT: October V

How the Dead Speak by Val McDermid

This appears to be the final volume of the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series and although I haven't been able to read them all, it was a fitting conclusion. As usual, McDermid's characters are terrific. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find the last episode in the library system and have no idea how the circumstances of this one came about. It wasn't a problem because the investigation was enough of a draw that I missed nothing. I really hope the break in the series is temporary and there are more Hill and Jordan to come.

Bouvardia - AlphaKIT: October N

Falling by T.J. Newman

The pilot of a plane with 143 people on board is instructed to crash the plane or his family, already captured, bound, and wearing suicide vests will be killed. The flight attendants saved the day. Naturally, the author is a former flight attendant.

I didn't enjoy this as much as other readers did.

Gerbera - RandomKIT October: It's All In a Name

Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love by Dava Sobel

The title is misleading, this not so much about his daughter as his relationship with his daughter. His work as an astronomer and his support for Copernicus' theory of heliocentrism, which was thought to be heresy, brought him to the attention of the Roman Inquisition. His three children were born out of wedlock, two daughters and a son. Being illegitimate the daughters were not thought suitable for marriage so were given to the care of a convent. During Virginia's time there as Suor Maria Celeste, she wrote 124 letters to her father, which he kept. Sadly, his letters to her have been lost, presumed to have been destroyed by the convent when Suor Maria Celeste died aged 33. Apart from an obvious love for her father and the privations of the convent, the correspondence provides little information about her life, but shows a devout faith that Galileo obviously shared despite the accusations against him. Sobel provides a compassionate view of the scientist and describes the dramatic intrigue and conflict between science and religion.

First read pre-LibraryThing, I thoroughly enjoyed this second reading.

Forget Me Not - AuthorCAT October: In Translation

The Chalk Circle Man by Fred Vargas

Vargas' eccentric detective, Jean-Baptiste Adamsberg is the main attraction in this novel, as well as the strange plot in which random discarded items have been circled with blue chalk on the streets of Paris. His investigation method is not one mystery readers - or his colleagues - are familiar with, as Adamsberg quietly considers each bizarre event, knowing instinctively that there is more to these strange things. Only when a body is found in a blue circle is the mystery taken seriously.

>95 VivienneR: - I picked this up for the Alpha Kit this month. I should finish it today (if I don't get sidetracked).

Congrats on the books you read for the Jubilee. I watched as much as I could.

>96 dudes22: It was an intriguing plot and had unusual characters. I'll watch for your opinion, Betty.

>97 mnleona: Thank you, Leona, it was a fun challenge. I wonder if we will ever see another Jubilee.

>98 VivienneR: We could be in for a wait. There was a silver jubilee of George V in 1935. The next silver jubilee was the Queen in 1972.

>99 Helenliz: Wasn't the Queen's silver jubilee in 1977? I visited family in the UK that year and there was so much excitement. I guess I'll miss the next one. :)

Forget Me Not - AuthorCAT October: In Translation

Angelica's Smile by Andrea Camilleri

Montalbano is like a kid in a candy store when surrounded by beautiful women and the title makes it obvious that he has fallen in love again. Livia makes her regal appearance in this episode, although for the life of me I can't think of why either of them keep up this long distance relationship. There has been a rash of burglaries at seaside cottages where, among items stolen, keys to the main residence are taken too, allowing a second robbery. Camilleri's plots are a bonus, the fabulous characters alone can carry the book - to say nothing of the food.

>94 VivienneR: I may also have to give it another try. Was not enamored of if the first time.

>100 VivienneR: Yes. doh!

>102 Tess_W: My first reading wasn't memorable either. That's why I decided on a re-read.

Happy Thanksgiving, dear Vivienne. x

Thank you Paul! No big family celebrations, we are a very small family, but I'm thankful for all the good things in my life. It is such a gorgeous time of year and this year our Fall is particularly spectacular.

Daffodil - Fresh Faces

The Therapist by B.A. Paris

Alice and Leo move into a house in the gated enclave known as The Circle. As she meets neighbours The Circle makes me think of a coven more than an exclusive street. Then Alice finds out the last resident of her house was murdered and Leo kept the information from her. To give her time to think over her options, she asks Leo to move out. Alice is often incredibly gullible and the author expects the reader to be just as gullible. Why else would she assume the reader will accept that this overwrought woman would stay in a house alone, and just turn over and go back to sleep, when she can hear someone walking around. There was no one in this novel who appeared to be truthful or sincere. A fairly good domestic thriller that held my interest throughout but points off for some eye-rolling moments.

Forget Me Not - ScaredyKIT October: Witches, evil spirits

Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wyckhadden by M.C. Beaton

It's midwinter and Agatha goes to Wyckhadden, a seaside resort to wait while her hair grows out after a malicious hairstylist used depilatory on it. There she was recommended to consult a local witch to get a hair restorer. She also decided that a bottle of love potion would be a handy thing to have. A typical Agatha Raisin story. When will she ever learn? A light, fun read.

>108 VivienneR: Would you recommend the Agatha Raisin books? I've heard mixed things about them, but do trust your judgment! I wouldn't buy them, but there seem to be a few in my local library so getting them out is maybe something I could do to support them.

>109 Jackie_K: Agatha is the most annoying character in fiction, and I would hesitate to recommend the books to someone like you, who reads little fiction. I read the Witch of Wyckhadden because it was the only book I had that fit the ScaredyKIT this month. There are a couple of books that I enjoyed but I can't claim to be a fan. On the other hand, Beaton's Hamish Macbeth books are a lot of fun. I continue to imagine Hamish to be like Robert Carlyle who played the part in the tv series. But as far as Agatha is concerned, who knows, you might enjoy a couple of hours with her (the books are short). The first in the series is Quiche of Death that will give you a sample.

How's that for a definitive answer? :)

>110 VivienneR: I've read 2 Agatha Raisin books and been thoroughly annoyed by both. I recently read Quiche of death and would quite happily have fed said item to Agatha just to make it stop.

We're being honest, which is what you want at this juncture.

>110 VivienneR: >111 Helenliz: Haha, thank you both so much! Maybe I'll give her a miss and trawl the library for something else.

>111 Helenliz: Haha! I love your response. I will never understand why Agatha Raisin books are so popular. I watched a few minutes of the tv series and disliked that too although the character was very different. Her books are useful to satisfy a hard-to-fill CAT, KIT or Bingo. That's about their limit for me.

>112 Jackie_K: Sorry Jackie, I was trying to be tactful but Helen gave you the honest answer. The one or two books that I liked were Christmas books, when she wasn't quite so obnoxious. But then, it's been a while since I read them.

>113 VivienneR: Not to worry - I could always try one and see for myself, but life is too short for overly obnoxious people, even if they're fictional! I always try to get books from the library that I know I'm probably never going to buy, but am interested enough to read them once, and help out the library at the same time. So I thought if there was a fictional series that was relatively undemanding then I could do that, but I don't think I have the patience for anyone that annoying! :D

>114 Jackie_K: There are many more cosy mysteries that will provide an afternoon's entertainment without having to put up with obnoxious characters. I was reminded of Beaton's books when she died recently.

Forget Me Not - ShakespeareCAT October: Scotland, murder, Macbeth

Death of a Dentist by M.C. Beaton

Scotland, murder, and Macbeth - Hamish Macbeth, that is.

Hamish has been driven to see the dentist with unbearable toothache but he finds the dentist dead in his chair with some amateur dentistry accomplished. Was the murderer a dissatisfied customer or a disappointed lover? Hamish himself is in danger when he investigates. Fun, but a bit darker than most Hamish Macbeth novels.

Gerbera - RandomKIT- It's All in a Name

The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe by Angela Kelly

This was a serendipitous find at the library. Tremendously interesting and with lots of details that have never reached the media as well as wonderful photos and the stories behind them. The details about dressing The Queen for special events were fascinating. The book was published with The Queen's endorsement.

Forget Me Not - WomanCAT October: Women and crime

The Headhunters by Peter Lovesey

On a night out with a couple of guys, Jo and Gemma complain about their bosses and Gemma claims she would happily murder her boss. Then they go on to develop a plan - all in fun of course. The next day Jo is out walking on the beach and comes across the body of a woman. When she reports it, Hen Mallin, who believes in the attack system of interrogation, practically accuses Jo of murder and, like a dog with a bone, she won't give it up. Then the pair discover the body of one of Gemma's workmates, drowned in the millpond. Naturally Jo is reluctant to report a second body. When the boss goes missing it seems it might be a joke gone wrong.

A good mystery: good plot, well-developed characters, and an exciting finish, but Hen Mallin will never be able to compete with Peter Diamond. She just doesn't have the personality to entice a reader. A minor point because Lovesey has only written three novels in the Hen Mallin series.

I listened to an audiobook read by a very poor narrator. I always enjoy Peter Lovesey's books and decided to stick with it but I'm sure a print copy, had one been available, would have got a higher rating from me.

Forget Me Not - WomanCAT October: Women and crime

You Will Remember Me by Hannah Mary McKinnon

Jack Smith wakened up on a beach, cold, with a gash on his head and no memory of who he is or how he got there. His girlfriend, Lily, waited in vain for Jack to bring their usual pancakes for breakfast. Jack eventually finds his way back to his early home with his step-sister, Maya, who is delighted to be reunited with him again. McKinnon's plot may sound a little predictable but that's not the case. And the ending arrives like a thunderbolt!

Daisy - MysteryKIT October: Food

The Silver Locomotive Mystery by Edward Marston

One of Marston's Railway Detective series featuring Inspector Colbeck, written in the style of a Victorian melodramatic mystery, although I noticed a couple of modern phrases slipped in. This time, Colbeck is investigating a murder and theft in Wales. The murdered man is the silversmith who created a finely crafted silver teapot in the shape of a locomotive, which is now missing. The intended owner, a domineering woman, is implacable, she wants that teapot not another one, even though there is no other silversmith who could make one. Filled with colourful Dickensian characters, this is light entertainment but in the end unremarkable.

>120 VivienneR: Your review reminded me that I have Murder on the Lusitania in the tbr pile, so I've started it. Edward Marston is so prolific!

>120 VivienneR: I've read a few of these; they're workmanlike, but nothing more, in my opinion.

>121 pamelad: Prolific indeed! I've only read four books by Marston, two of them using the psuedonym Conrad Allen. I enjoyed the Ocean Liner series better than the Railway Detective. I have one left on the shelf from the Domesday series that will probably be my last (if I ever get to it).

>122 Helenliz: I agree, workmanlike but nothing special. As for the Dickensian-style characters, while they might add a bit of fun they are just too easy to imitate. Leave them to Dickens.

Forget Me Not - AuthorCAT October: In Translation

The Writer's Cats by Muriel Barbery Illustrated by Maria Guitart, Translated by Alison Anderson

From the author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog a delightful picture book narrated by the author's cats. They are four Chartreux felines: Kirin, Petrus, Ocha, and Mizu, who protect, comfort, advise and inspire their writer. As self-proclaimed gourmands as well as being French cats, naturally food and drink is mentioned often. Any cat would be over the moon to have their ability, humour, and talents represented with such admiration. The playful illustrations are predominantly in the same colours as the cats who have grey fur, orange eyes. Beautiful as well as entertaining and a pretty accurate portrayal of what it's like to be a writer with four cats.

My latest Early Reviewer book.



Bluebells - Arrivals

Night Lunch by Eric Fan, illustrated by Dena Seiferling

I'm not sure that a reader from the intended age group for this book would understand what a Victorian lunch wagon might be but they will be able to grasp the idea of a lunch wagon operated by an owl on night-time streets serving nocturnal animals.

After all the animal customers have been satisfied the owl kindly invites the poor street-sweeper mouse to share the unsold treats as dawn approaches - "a night lunch feast for two". The text is brief and the beautiful illustrations are dark and eerie, just the way midnight feels.

Shuffle yawn, bellies growl. The night lunch bell is ringing.
Tick hum, oven's on. Pots and spoons are clanging.

The dust cover shows Seiferling's illustration but the hardcover underneath is dark covered in pairs of eyes as if a crowd of animal eyes are reflected in light.

Gerbera - RandomKIT October: It's all in a name

Christine Falls by Benjamin Black

A bleak story of corruption involving the export of babies of unwed mothers to the US where they will be adopted and raised to become nuns and priests. Quirke, a pathologist, is investigating the death of a young mother after discovering records being falsified by his brother-in-law. An unpleasant, dark story told in Black's elegant yet melancholy style.

>126 VivienneR: I've read all the Quirke books except the last one. The bleakness and corruption became too much. Well-written, as you'd expect, but really, really depressing.

>127 pamelad: I agree with your opinion. I was sure I'd read this one but my catalogue claims it was unread but I remember so many details that I now believe I've seen it on the tv series from years ago. I don't know if I'll keep going with the series. I have two or three on the shelf.

My reading time has been seriously cut for the last few days and I don't expect to get any books finished today so I am calling it a month. However, it was a good month with several excellent books and nothing less than 3 stars.

October Summary

Books read this year: 166
Books read this month: 17

The Best: 4 - 5 stars ❤️
Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love by Dava Sobel
The Writer's Cats by Muriel Barbery
Night Lunch by Eric Fan, illustrated by Dena Seiferling
Beyond the Trees: A Journey Alone Across Canada's Arctic by Adam Shoalts
A Killer in King's Cove by Iona Whishaw
How the Dead Speak by Val McDermid
The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe by Angela Kelly
You Will Remember Me by Hannah Mary McKinnon

The Rest: 3 - 3.5 stars
Death of a Dentist by M.C. Beaton
The Headhunters by Peter Lovesey
The Therapist by B.A. Paris
Angelica's Smile by Andrea Camilleri
Christine Falls by Benjamin Black
Falling by T.J. Newman
The Chalk Circle Man by Fred Vargas
Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wyckhadden by M.C. Beaton
The Silver Locomotive Mystery by Edward Marston

>129 VivienneR: I'm about halfway through The Other Side of the Coin. I got a giggle out of her calling the Queen a trendsetter! Thanks for the BB, I'm really enjoying it.

>130 clue: Yes, that was funny - setting a trend for other queens?? Although I can see the difficulty in the job as no one dressed like the Queen and yet it was necessary to make her stand out while retaining her dignity. Glad you're enjoying it.

Gardenia - BINGO: weather word

Death in a Darkening Mist by Iona Whishaw

In December 1946 Lane Winslow, a former British spy, is still settling in her new home in a remote area of British Columbia when a dead man is discovered while she is visiting the local hot springs. His friend speaks Russian so Lane acts as interpreter when it is determined that the man, a Russian pacifist from the Doukhobor community, was murdered. There is a secondary crime of banking theft that also affects Lane.

I really enjoyed this intriguing mystery that could be regarded in the cosy genre but is dark enough to keep it more interesting. The characters are well-developed and sense of time and place is excellent. This was the second in the series that I will definitely be following.

This is set in the exact area where I live which made it even more appealing because I know all the place names so well. I've even been to the hot springs where the (fictional) murder occurred.

Filling the weather word square, that completes my bingo card.

Congrats on completing your Bingo!

>133 christina_reads: Thank you, the last couple of squares kept getting postponed so I'm happy it's done.

Forget Me Not - ShakespeareCAT

Shakespeare's Dog by Leon Rooke

If you want to learn some Shakespearean-style cussing, this book narrated by Shakespeare's dog, Hooker, offers more than you will ever need. Some of the profanities are delivered with a familiar meter that will have you searching your mind for the original lines that might have been issued originally by the dog's master. Written in Elizabethan English this is ribald, rude and funny: but not for the faint-hearted.

This book won the Governor General's Award for fiction in 1984.

Forget Me Not - CATWoman October: Women and Crime

Shadows Before by Dorothy Bowers

Some years after Matthew Weir escaped the noose for a crime he vehemently denies, his wife was poisoned. Did someone add an ingredient to her homemade herbal tea concoction or was it suicide. There are lots of mysterious characters to choose from in this country house murder.

This 1939 mystery felt like a doorstopper because it took me so long to read it. Despite a good plot, the story was slow and somehow just dragged on and on. Beautiful language and descriptive passages that dressed up a simple plot and padded the story. Bowers is often compared to Agatha Christie but the Queen of Crime, Dame Agatha, always holds my interest and keeps me turning pages as quickly as possible.

>136 VivienneR: I've had the same problem with reading Bowers. Really no comparison to Dame Agatha!

>136 VivienneR: Not my favourite Bowers. Too many pages where nothing much happened.

>137 NinieB: Tempted by the comparisons to Christie. I have another couple of her books but I doubt I'll ever get to them.

>138 pamelad: Well, there were a lot of pages where I fell asleep!

>132 VivienneR: That's a series I need to continue. I'm not to that one yet.

>140 thornton37814: I'm really enjoying the series, even more because I recognize my locale! I've only read the first two and thought this one was even better than the first.

Gerbera - RandomKIT November: City

Old City Hall by Robert Rotenberg

When Mr Singh, a newspaper delivery person, arrives with the paper for a well-known radio personality he expects the usual repartee, instead he is greeted by his customer with bloodied hands claiming that he "killed her". But the problem is, he won't speak to anyone, including his attorney or the police. Detective Ari Greene must work with defense and prosecution to try and find out what happened.

Excellent writing, well-developed characters, and a strong sense of place, brought together by the Stanley Cup playoffs where Toronto's team, the Maple Leafs have a chance at the cup (in their dreams!) this is an intriguing mystery, enhanced by courtroom drama. Rotenberg has worked as a criminal defence lawyer based in Toronto since the 1990s so his legal knowledge is solid.

The title comes from Toronto's old city hall that was re-purposed as a court house. This is the first in a series that I read in 2009 and enjoyed so much that it deserved a revisit.

>142 VivienneR: Hah, the Leafs having a chance at the Cup is a clear sign this book is fiction ;)

>143 rabbitprincess: Yes, I imagine it created a pleasant daydream for the Leafs!

>142 VivienneR: I really liked this when I read it years ago. I picked up the next in the series and I'm looking forward to reading it.

>142 VivienneR: a BB for me!

>142 VivienneR: This series is great!

I had fun reading all the comments about the Agatha Raisin books. I'd read one for the first time and watched some of the TV series before my trip to the Cotswolds. Yes, Agatha is a really annoying character, but I love the setting (even more after I saw it in real life)!

>145 RidgewayGirl: I'm going to re-read my way through the series. I enjoyed them a lot.

>146 Tess_W: Glad to help!

>147 mathgirl40: I remember we discussed them on my first reading some years ago. Great series, worth the re-read.

Agatha Raisin is so annoying yet appealing in her own way (maybe I just feel sorry for her). The setting is one of the most beautiful parts of England.

Bouvardia - AlphaKIT November: G

Sooley by John Grisham

Basketball doesn't interest me but the story attracted me and although different from Grisham's other books, it succeeded. A heartbreaking story of a talented player brought from South Sudan to play in the US.

>149 VivienneR: We had a copy of that one in a gift collection recently, I believe. Anyway, even though it is older, it somehow came across my desk.

>150 thornton37814: It was a good one even though the basketball play details went over my head. What brought it to my attention was reading somewhere that it made Bill Clinton cry. Understandable.

Forget Me Not - AuthorCAT November: Set against real events

V2 by Robert Harris

This takes place over five days at the end of Nov 1944 when a devastating weapon, the V2 rocket, was developed. WAAF's are chosen to work in Belgium to try and determine the launch sites so that they can be destroyed. It's an interesting part of the history of WWII but as a novel the plot and characters are a bit flat. Harris wrote many excellent novels, sadly this isn't one of them.

The V2 was built by slave labour and killed more than 20,000 during production. In action, more than 2,700 were killed in London and 1,700 in Antwerp making it less effective than anticipated.

Bouvardia - AlphaKIT November U

Quite Ugly One Morning by Christopher Brookmyre

I hope the rest of the series is as good as this one, which was fantastic! I relished the black humour, the characters, the Edinburgh setting, even the opening scene that was gross in its array of bodily fluids and yet had me laughing out loud. I loved the idiomatic words and phrases too. Thankfully, Brookmyre doesn't shy away from using them. Journalist Jack Parlabane is investigating why he was threatened at his last job in L.A. and had to leave the country, which led him to another story in Scotland. Are they connected? The newly formed National Health Service Trust is diverting money to the executive offices instead of hospitals. And diverting bodies too...

Forget Me Not - CAT Woman November: Women's Issues

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

An evocative novella set at Christmas 1985 when Bill Furlong, a coal merchant, makes a delivery to a convent and discovers a shameful national secret. Bill, born out of wedlock, considers his own life in context with the discovery. This story is a gem that deserves all the attention it is getting. Highly recommended.

>154 VivienneR: - I already took a BB for this from Kay but it's nice to know others who like it too. Amazon had a deal on one of her other books a while ago and I took a BB for another of her books from Lisa (ish63). So, I'll definitely try to get to her next year.

>154 VivienneR: I borrowed this from the library and I agree it is excellent. It packs a lot into a small volume.

>155 dudes22: Thanks for the tip, I'll look out for more. I don't think the local library had any others but she is well worth seeking out.

>156 Helenliz: Yes, she got the message across beautifully without preaching.

>153 VivienneR:
>154 VivienneR:

Hit by 2 BB's this time!

>158 Tess_W: Oh, my aim must be getting better! :)

Forget Me Not - AuthorCAT November: Set against real events

One Or the Other by John McFetridge

An excellent story set in Montreal during the 1976 Olympic Games. The level of authenic details is remarkable, bringing the times all back to me, not only the events and politics but music and culture. I'm glad my copy was an audiobook because I enjoyed the way the characters switched between French and English frequently. And I had to laugh at the Francophone assumption that Irish or Scottish is the same as English.

The opening with a lovely example of Canadian sardonic humour got my attention. Eddie Dougherty was waiting in line at the bank and he found he was staring into the barrel of of a sawed-off shotgun. When he heard the hissed "Don't move" he replied "I'm not going anywhere, I have to cash my cheque."

> 154 I've recently read it for the second time and it's every bit as good the second time around. I also received her new book, Foster, last week. I hope to get to it next week.

>161 clue: Yes, it's one of those books that would benefit from a second reading. I'll watch for other book by her.

Forget Me Not - CATwoman November: Women's issues

Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon

I had heard of Ruth Bader Ginsburg but only as a name. It was only on her death in 2020 that I picked up a few snippets on the news about what a remarkable woman she was. When I saw this book at the library it was a good chance to find out more. Although it's an insubstantial biography, not having any real depth, I found it worthwhile.

Forget Me Not - ShakespeareCAT November

The Lodger Shakespeare: his life on Silver Street by Charles Nicholl

From a deposition Shakespeare signed in a lawsuit against his landlord, Mountjoy, Nicholl has expanded the matter to fill this speculative biography. It has interesting details about life in the time Shakespeare lived and the people around him but little of substance about Shakespeare. Omitting the word "his" from the subtitle would be a more accurate label. Still, it made interesting reading for the period details. Bill Bryson's book Shakespeare: the world as a stage is a more interesting and entertaining account.

Gerbera - RandomKIT October: It's All In a Name

Orwell's Roses by Rebecca Solnit

I've never read a book where I was so tempted to underline passages or add comments in the margin - in fact, I've never been tempted to do this - until now. Resisting, my book is now bristling with post-it notes. Solnit touches on many topics: climate change, women's suffrage, art, social conditions, nature, all in some way connected to Orwell, his roses, politics, and opinions. This is an excellent celebration of Orwell who took pleasure in the simple life while fighting against the big things. Solnit has reminded the reader that there is more to Orwell than his handful of novels but that his substantial essays, diaries, letters, and reviews provide a bigger picture from which she has drawn for this articulate book.

Includes an index, something I always appreciate.

Personal note: the first time I heard about George Orwell was when I was in my early teens. My father, in defence of my question about why he was buying roses from Woolworth's, which seemed to me to be a strange source, told me about Orwell's article in Tribune and again in the essay A Good Word for the Vicar of Bray where he praised Woolworth's roses for price and success.

>165 VivienneR: - Well that's another BB from you.

>165 VivienneR: ohh!
And the library has a copy.
very tempted...

>165 VivienneR: This is already on my wishlist, but I'm glad to see you rated it highly too. I've heard nothing but good things about this book.

>166 dudes22: Glad to be of help :)

>167 Helenliz: No excuse if the library has a copy.

>168 Jackie_K: I should have guessed it would be on your wishlist.

Gerbera - RandomKIT November - City

London Rules by Mick Herron

Another terrific book featuring the group of MI5 screwups known as slow horses who have been relegated to the backwater of Slough House. Whether at Regent's Park or Slough House everybody follows the unwritten London Rules and Rule #1 is to "cover your arse". IT whiz Roddy Ho has an unshakeable belief that he is super cool, after all "the Rodster" has a girlfriend. Roddy should have remembered rule #1. Meanwhile second in command at Regent's Park "Lady Di" Taverner is just waiting for first desk Claude Whelan to make a slip so that she can quickly step into his shoes, that she believes should have been hers anyway. This modern spy series is brilliant, concerned with serious contemporary issues, while being laugh-out-loud funny and without resorting to slapstick (even considering a unique murder weapon here). As usual Jackson Lamb is his delightfully repugnant self, but still the most irresistible character.

I noticed I've given all Herron's books 4.5 stars but I believe for sheer entertainment value he deserves more so this one gets the full 5 stars. My biggest concern is that I will soon read the entire series to date and have to wait for Herron to write more.

>170 VivienneR: This series sounds like one I’d like. I’ve been looking for a new series, so thanks!

>171 marell: It's an excellent series, Mary. I think you'll enjoy it. They really should be read in order.

Daisy - MysteryKIT November: Gothic

Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller

This story is revealed slowly, developing suspense as it proceeds to a shocking conclusion. From her death bed, Frances Jellico tells the story of the summer of 1969 when she, with Peter and Cara, a troubled couple, were commissioned to survey landscape and buildings of a once-grand country home that is becoming a ruin. Fuller beautifully portrays their fall into a summer of indolence as they neglect duties in favour of the well-stocked wine cellar. It's well-written but the story has too many unbelievable elements such as gourmet cooking when kitchen equipment consisted of tin cups and little else, or a massive furniture move that would have required a team of movers. And while some fanciful tales showed the unreliability of the characters, others were so far-fetched that like hiccups they hindered fluency and reduced the overall effect of a languid, dreamy summer.

Forget Me Not - AuthorCAT November: Set against real events

The Last High by Daniel Kalla

Kalla's book about the search for a source of a highly dangerous fentanyl batch on the streets of Vancouver has a veracity that makes the story all the more real. If nothing else, it will educate those who need to know how dangerous this drug is, if they didn't know already. I thoroughly enjoyed the story which was interesting, not preachy, and the characters were all credible. The only good thing that has come out of the crisis is that there have been more organs donated making organ wait lists the shortest they have ever been.

The author is an emergency physician in Vancouver so knows what he's talking about.

>174 VivienneR: My friend's only child, a daughter, and her long-time boyfriend moved to another city. They looked forward to buying a house and getting married, both were 26 and good, responsible young adults. The boyfriend, while doing his work for a delivery company, discovered a lost small box of fentanyl that had been left on a truck. Simply a mistake, nothing devious. He took the box home. In their ignorance they decided to try it out to see how it would make them feel. They told a friend to call them at a specific time and if they didn't answer to come and check on them. She called, no answer. She checked, both dead.

>175 clue: That is truly devastating. What a tragic, sad happening.

Blue Hyacinth - Familiar Faces

A Perfect Likeness by Richard Wagamese

These two novellas both feature indigenous young men planning their future. In Him Standing Lucas Smoke learned carving from his grandfather and can create lifelike sculptures. When he is asked, threatened almost, to make a spirit mask for a mysterious, dark stranger he finds himself deep in a spiritual quandary. In The Next Sure Thing Cree Thunderboy's ability to pick winners at the race track leads to an offer he can't refuse.

Both novellas offer fast-paced, engaging stories and as well as this version are published separately in Rapid Reads publications, recommended for young adult readers, reluctant readers, ESL students or anyone wanting a quick well-written story.

With an excellent foreword by Waubgeshig Rice, author of Moon of the Crusted Snow.

Bouvardia - AlphaKIT G

The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant

Addie Baum, born in 1900, is telling the story of her life to her granddaughter in response to her question "How did you get to be the woman you are today?". It was easy to get drawn into her story, especially in the early days when Addie is becoming a career woman. I enjoyed this quiet novel.

>178 VivienneR: - I have this and was planning to read it for the Random but didn't get around to it.

November Summary
A great reading month with three 5-star books and none in the Also Ran section.

Books read this year: 183
Books read this month: 17

The Best: 5 stars ❤️
Orwell's Roses by Rebecca Solnit
Quite Ugly One Morning by Christopher Brookmyre
London Rules by Mick Herron

4 - 4.5 stars
Old City Hall by Robert Rotenberg
Death in a Darkening Mist by Iona Whishaw
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
One or the Other by John McFetridge
Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon
The Last High by Daniel Kalla
A Perfect Likeness by Richard Wagamese

The Rest: 3 - 3.5 stars
Shakespeare's Dog by Leon Rooke
Shadows Before by Dorothy Bowers
Sooley by John Grisham
V2 by Robert Harris
The Lodger Shakespeare: his life on Silver Street by Charles Nicholls
Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller
The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant

>179 dudes22: Mine was an audiobook that I think enhanced the story. I enjoyed it.

Bouvardia - AlphaKIT - Y

Take Your Breath Away by Linwood Barclay

A satisfying twisty thriller. When Andrew returns from a trip with his business partner he finds his wife missing. Six years later, when Andrew has moved on to a new town, new relationship and new name, a woman shows up at the site where their home had stood shouting "Where's my house?" setting off alarm bells for some individuals.

Bouvardia - AlphaKIT - W

The Woodcutter by Reginald Hill

Long, but a marvellous novel, with a complex and thoroughly clever plot. It has more in common with a fairy tale from Grimm than with Dalziel and Pascoe, however, I missed Dalziel's sardonic humour. No one but Reginald Hill could have given us this great read.

I've not been able to do much reading so far this month and that may not improve in the next week when I'll be in hospital - or travelling to and from hospital. I will probably have to trim my reading plan for the rest of the month. :(

>183 VivienneR: Hope everything goes OK at the hospital and that your travel to and fro is uneventful. Send any snow over here!

>183 VivienneR: My best wishes that everything will go well!

>183 VivienneR: Wishing you safe travel and an uneventful hospital visit.

Hoping the hospital visiting goes smoothly and achieves the desired effect.

Hoping everything goes well for you.

Yes -hope things go well and you are not out of business for very long.

Hoping things go well at the hospital and with your travels.

Vivienne, I hope your hospital visit is unremarkable in all ways except for your speed of recovery.

>184 rabbitprincess:, >185 MissWatson:, >186 Jackie_K:, >187 Helenliz:, >188 pamelad:, >189 dudes22:, >190 Tess_W:, >191 RidgewayGirl: Thank you all for your good wishes. The travel was uneventful though beautiful, like driving in a Christmas card, and the hospital visit went smoothly. This is a recurring problem that becomes more difficult each time it happens. My husband has Parkinson's Disease and finds long distances in the car very difficult.

>184 rabbitprincess: As you requested, snow was sent in your direction. I hope you enjoy it, we've had more than we need in south-east BC.

My reading is in shambles but since arriving home I managed to finish the last few pages of my ER book.

The photo is of Paulson Summit, one of the highest passes in BC at 1535m (5036 ft) according to the sign. A lucky shot that captured the sign taken while speeding past.

Forget Me Not - AuthorCAT December - favourite authors

Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: The Dead Man in the Garden by Marthe Jocelyn

Inspired by the real-life Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, twelve-year-old Aggie Morton and her Belgian friend Hector Perot are formidable sleuths in Torquay. Here they are visiting the Wellspring Hotel, a spa where Aggie's mother is enjoying treatment in the sulphurous waters. Prior to their arrival, a female patient was found dead, setting off some sleuthing ideas, before one of her mother's recent admirers is found dead on a park bench, which requires their full attention. With an intricate plot, wonderful mid-century characters and lifestyle details, as well as an exciting finish, this is a captivating story - and has just as many suspects as any Christie novel.

Finding Christie titles scattered innocently in the text was a treat although I don't believe the intended audience of middle school grades would have enough familiarity with them to notice. As an adult I enjoyed this latest Aggie Morton story but would have adored it when I was young. I look forward to reading more in the series.

>192 VivienneR: I enjoyed the snow even more because I didn’t have to shovel it ;) Ottawa is looking Christmas-card perfect, so thanks!

>194 rabbitprincess: That worked out perfectly! I read that you got 33 cms, which was probably more than you needed. I actually enjoy shovelling snow. It's good fresh air exercise and one of the few times when a woman of my age can play in the snow.

Forget Me Not - ShakespeareCAT December - Winter's Tale

Winter by Ali Smith

The plot, if it can be called that, is difficult to pin down. A rendering of the sequence of events doesn't do the novel justice. Beginning at the winter solstice - the 'dead' of winter - the story goes back and forward in time, mentioning events of the past and not so distant past, yet always returning to the present: winter. Bleak as a cold December day, yet with an optimistic eye to the future and spring renewal. Smith's work sparkles with brilliant, quick-witted wordplay while retaining a fairy tale quality.

My reading was interrupted by my hospital trip, which unfortunately affected my enjoyment of the novel somewhat. A re-read might be in order in the future.

You snow looks so gorgeous.
Glad it went smoothly.

>197 Helenliz: Isn't it lovely! Thank you, Helen.

Welcome back and thank you for the lovely snow picture!

>199 MissWatson: Thank you, Birgit. I'm glad to be back.

Forget Me Not - CATwoman December - prizewinner

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

An asteroid hit the moon and knocked it out of orbit, closer to earth, creating natural disasters on our planet. Surprisingly, scientists didn't anticipate this possibility. Yes, Pfeffer's opening was terrific and some parts were almost believable, however, it quickly became a rant about how much the main character, teenage Miranda, misses chocolate chip ice cream or whatever. If there was any plot intended, it had disappeared mid-novel. The religious aspect was spectacularly mishandled. DNF

Although this is a DNF, I'm counting it as read because some credit is deserved for getting even halfway through it.

Gerbera - RandomKIT - Christmas Sweets

Silent Bite by David Rosenfelt

While Rosenfelt's stories are always entertaining, this wasn't a Christmas story, nor was it his traditional dog story, which made it disappointing.

Gerbera - RandomKIT - Christmas Sweets

When Elves Attack by Tim Dorsey

A funny and ribald account of a pair of criminals at Christmas. Typical Dorsey humour. My version was an audiobook with a brilliant reading by Oliver Wyman.

End of year meme

Describe yourself: The Hermit of Eyton Forest

Describe how you feel: Invisible Girl

Describe where you currently live: Ten Pollitt Place

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Wide Sargasso Sea

Your favorite form of transportation is: Cheap Day Return

Your favorite food is: Chocolat

Your favorite time of day is: The Midnight Hour

Your best friend is: The Cunning Man

You and your friends are: Excellent Women

What’s the weather like: Snow

You fear: The Stone Circle

What is the best advice you have to give: Every City is Every Other City

Thought for the day: You Will Remember Me

What is life for you: One Bad Day After Another

How you would like to die: Wobble to Death

Your soul’s present condition: Reality and Dreams

What was 2022 like for you? When Will There Be Good News

What do you want from 2023? Real Tigers
.

How to throw a party meme

What would you call the event? Midnight Fugue

How did the guests find their way? Five Roundabouts to Heaven

How did they know that they had arrived? Now is the Hour

Any special activities? Fight Night

Did your guests stay over? Dying to Tell

Were there servants to help? The Maid

Was there turn down service? A Slow Fire Burning

How were the guests greeted? Black Hearts in Battersea

Was dinner held for late comers? I Owe You One

And dinner was? Night Lunch

Afterwards? Exit Music

 

Forget Me Not - AuthorCAT - favourite authors

The Marylebone Drop by Mick Herron
A novella to prime the grey cells for Joe Country, up next.

Joe Country by Mick Herron
In this episode, Louisa Guy is approached by Min Harper's wife, Clare, to ask for help in locating their teenage son who appears to have run off. When Louisa doesn't make a scheduled call to Emma Flyte, deeper investigation is set in motion. Jackson Lamb, who will do anything to protect his "joes", stirs the pot. And then Frank Harkness, who has the survival ability of ants at a picnic, turns up. Lots of excitement here, and not everybody has a happy-ever-after ending. Herron successfully manages wit with complex espionage plots, filled with well-developed characters, and yet is still able to draw on the reader's emotions.

Terrific series! If it was possible, I'd say Herron is getting better, but it's not possible, the series has been this good from the beginning. Five stars!

>204 VivienneR: Thanks for including One Bad Day After Another is your meme! It does fit doesn't it!

>207 mysterymax: Yes, it fits well. I noticed it in other memes too (sorry didn't keep track of reader names).

LT makes the world smaller and better. Have a good holiday, Vivienne.

Thank you for dropping by Paul. Good to hear from you.

Daisy - MysteryKIT - Holiday mysteries

We Wish you a Murderous Christmas by Vicki Delany

A very entertaining cozy Christmas mystery set in the town of Rudolph, NY, a town devoted to Christmas.

>211 VivienneR: I want to read the first in that series!

>212 thornton37814: I enjoyed it enough that I'll be looking up others in the series too. It was just the fun needed in a Christmassy story.

Daisy - MysteryKIT - Holiday mysteries

The Last Day of Christmas: the fall of Jack Parlabane a novella by Christopher Brookmyre

A good example of how Jack Parlabane can entice even with a short story. Jack is hoping for a real news story instead of editing wire stories to fit the style of his current employer. And then he gets an opportunity he can't ignore.

I won't be able to complete any more books this month so I'm calling it a month (a year?).

Books read this year: 194
     95 by women
     99 by men
The majority were by British authors, which is understandable considering my QEII Platinum Jubilee category that was all British authors.

Ratings;
17 - 5 stars
24 - 4.5 stars
73 - 4 stars

December Summary

This month was kind of a washout because of health issues and a trip to hospital. However, the books I intended to read are still on the shelf patiently waiting for another time.

11 books read

Joe Country by Mick Herron
Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: The Dead Man in the Garden by Marthe Jocelyn
The Last Day of Christmas a novella by Christsopher Brookmyre
Take Your Breath Away by Linwood Barclay
The Woodcutter by Reginald Hill
Winter by Ali Smith
The Marylebone Drop by Mick Herron
We Wish you a Murderous Christmas by Vicki Delany
The Drop by Mick Herron
Silent Bite by David Rosenfelt
When Elves Attack by Tim Dorsey
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Wishing you all a very happy New Year.

I'm looking forward to another year of category challenge reading. Please drop by my 2023 Category Challenge thread here

See you over in the 2023 Challenge!

>217 RidgewayGirl: Looking forward to it!