2. The Last Chance Matinee by Mariah Stewart - Once upon a time I used to love Mariah Stewart's romantic suspense. Then she switched to more women's fiction and I was less wowed. Until this one came out last year. There's family secrets and bonding and self discover. I absolutely loved it!
3. Moonraker by Ian Fleming - Nothing James Bond is all that hidden but I feel like the movie kind of gave the book a bad name. Not only is this a pretty good thriller (and at no point do they go to space) but it has Gayla Brandt who make just be my favorite "Bond girl" of all time. However, considering she plays an active role in the investigation AND saves the day I'm not sure what she'd think of that designation.
4. Love from Boy: Roald Dahl's Letters to his Mother by Donald Sturrock - This is exactly what it says it is - a collection of letters Roald Dahl wrote to his mother through his early life. Not only are the letters sweet and funny but they're gloriously edited with wonderful notes from the author.
5. Iris and Ruby by Rosie Thomas - I loved this book. This is a dual timeline story that's mostly setup in Egypt (modern day and 1940s) and I loved both as well as the relationship between grandmother Iris and granddaughter Ruby. It wasn't all uniform and rainbows but it was real and poignant and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
7. Recipes for a Beautiful Life: A Memoir in Stories by Rebecca Barry - This was one of those books that busted me out of a reading slump. It's an interesting memoir about a family that's a bit in flux. There's humor, there's tears and it was just so relatable and entertaining.
8. Death and the Redheaded Woman by Loretta Ross - This is one of my favorite cozy series that doesn't get nearly as much attention as it should. It has a bit of history, really likable characters, and solid mysteries. It also has a connection to Dorothy L. Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey with one of the main character's names - Death (pronounced Deeth).
9. Jane of Lantern Hill by L.M. Montgomery - L.M. Montgomery isn't exactly unknown either but I don't think this one gets nearly enough attention. While the world of Green Gables will always my favorite I might actually like practical Jane a little bit more than dreamer Anne.
10. The House on Blackberry Hill by Donna Alward - This is one of those books that may as well have been written for me. There are ghosts and old houses being renovated and truckloads of family secrets and I loved every minute of it. It really needs more attention.
What are some of your hidden gems that need more attention?
Ooh I like that description of Sparkling Cyanide- I can only assume these two dinner parties are somehow linked. Perhaps by murder ha? The Body in the Ballroom sounds great, and so does Moonraker (and they don't go to space? Wow I knew the books and movies were different but this sounds pretty dang good)!
ReplyDeleteRecipes for a Beautiful Life catches me eye here. Love finding good hidden gems to read!
ReplyDeleteI really want to read Love from Boy. 💜
ReplyDeleteSomeday I will get all of L.M. Montgomery read. 📚
I'm loving this topic. And, yes, I've read the Christie book you listed. More than once actually. I like that one too. The others you mentioned have not been read by me, but I'm making furious notes of lots of books today.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying R.J. Koreto's Alice Roosevelt series. He has another series, the Lady Frances Ffolkes mysteries, which is equally good. That series is set in England and there are three books so far.
ReplyDeleteLove someone picking a Bond book!
ReplyDeleteWhat there is another Montgomery character I haven't heard of. I am just about to embark on Emily of New Moon this year and now I hear there is Jane as well! Will have to check that out.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list, Katherine! I have heard of some of these, but not in a long while. They are hidden gems, indeed. I will definitely have to give these a try. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've been enjoying Mariah Stewart's new series. I'm going to check out the Alward book. Sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteThank you for listing my book, Body in the Ballroom, among so many other fine titles.
ReplyDeleteGreat list. I loved The Last Chance Matinee.
ReplyDeleteI am so interested in trying out the James Bond books!
ReplyDeleteHa, I had The House on Blackberry Hill on my list too! That book is so good and I'm so glad you recommended it to me.
ReplyDeleteMost of these books are new to me. I might have to tackle one or two at some point.
ReplyDeleteFun topic. I loved The Last Chance Matinee by Mariah Stewart and cannot wait for the final book. Now to check out some of these new to me titles.
ReplyDeleteJane of Lantern Hill and Roald Dahl's letters to his Mother are two books on my wishlist; glad to hear you enjoyed them so much.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of Ruby and Iris - and I've heard a radio adaptation of Roald Dahl's Letters to his Mother which was delightful. Many thanks for this list, Katherine:)
ReplyDeleteI need to read more Agatha Christie books. I feel like I’m missing out on greatness. The Roald Dahl book sounds really good, too.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
I've never read the Bond books but I was a big fan of the films. The last one I saw was Casino Royale and I've never got round to watching the rest of the Daniel Craig films.
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