What I'm Reading - March 5

I always have a few books going.  Here is what I'm reading and what I'm thinking about them.

Print Book:

The Wolf Tree by Laura McLuskey - This is the first book I've read by this author and so far I'm enjoying it fairly well.  My main issue is that it's written in present tense which always annoys me a little bit.

Ebook: 

Puzzled 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton - This is the newest in a long running cozy series and it's a quirky bit of fun so far!

Slow Read:  

The Cold Light of Day by Anna Lee Huber - This is a reread but I flew through it the first time I read it and didn't remember much about it.  

Audio Book: 

Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon - I'm enjoying this one and am enjoying it but it's a bit slow so far.  I'm at about 30% and want to find out what happens but do wish it would pick up a bit.

What are you reading today?

My March Mystery Madness and Middle Grade March Readathon Lists - If I was Participating

I watch a lot of YouTube and Middle Grade March and March Mystery Madness are getting talked about quite a bit.  I love the idea of themed reading but am not so great about doing it but if I WAS better about doing it here's 5 for each that I would read

March Mystery Madness:

The Third to Die by Allison Brennan -I've heard good things about this author and this one is the beginning of a series that looks good.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston - This one is more thriller than mystery but looks like a lot of fun and super twisty.

The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp by Leonie Swann - This looks cozy and quirky and like a lot of fun.

The Crow Trap by Ann Cleeves - I have Ann Cleeves on my To Read list for this year and this is the first of the Vera books.

A Game of Lies by Claire Mackintosh - I've read a book by this author and really enjoyed it and have been wanting to read more.

Middle Grade March:

The Bookshop of Dust and Dreams by Mindy Thompson - I can't resist the title but the premise sounds good too!

Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: Peril at Owl Park by Marthe Jocelyn - I really loved the first book in this series about a young Agatha Christie (very loosely based) and am looking forward to continuing with it.

How I Became a Spy by Deborah Hopkinson - I know nothing about this one but somehow it landed on my TBR.  The premise looks intriguing and I'm looking forward to picking this one up.

Jane of Lantern Hill by L.M. Montgomery - This is one of my favorite lesser known Montgomery books and I really want to reread it soon.

The Rose Legacy by Jessica Day George - I've read other books by this author and loved them.  This looks like a fun series and one I'd like to try.

What would be on your readathon lists?

Reading What I Want 2025 - Long Time Gone + Nosy Neighbors

The last few years I've made a list of 10 books - 5 books off my shelf, 5 books from the library - that I'm really wanting to read.  There's no real rhyme or reason.  I just go through my library list and my shelves and pick the books that are calling to me.  Here are two that I've read recently.

Goodreads:  Long Time Gone by Charlie Donlea

Blurb: Thirty years ago, Baby Charlotte vanished. Today, she’s still in danger.

When Dr. Sloan Hastings submits her DNA to an online genealogy site for a research assignment, her goal is to better understand the treasure-trove of genetic information contained on ancestry websites. Brilliant and driven, Sloan is embarking on a fellowship in forensic pathology, training under the renowned Dr. Livia Cutty.

Sloan has one reservation about involving herself in the she’s adopted. Grateful for a loving home, she’s never considered tracking down her biological parents. The results of her search are shocking. Sloan’s DNA profile suggests her true identity is that of Charlotte Margolis, aka “Baby Charlotte”, who captured the nation’s attention when she mysteriously disappeared, along with her parents, in July 1995. Despite an exhaustive search, the family was never seen again, and no suspects were named in the case.

Sloan’s discovery leads her to the small town of Cedar Creek, Nevada, the site of her disappearance. It also leads her to Sheriff Eric Stamos. The Margolis family’s influence and power permeate every corner of Harrison County, and Eric is convinced that in learning the truth about her past, Sloan can also help discover what happened to Eric’s father, who died under suspicious circumstances soon after he started investigating the case her disappearance.

Slowly, over the course of a stifling summer, Sloan begins getting to know her relatives. Though initially welcoming, the Margolis family is also mysterious and tight-lipped. Not everyone seems happy about Sloan’s return, or the questions she’s asking. And the more she and Eric learn, the more apparent it becomes that the answers they both seek are buried in a graveyard of Margolis family secrets that some will do anything to keep hidden—no matter who else has to die…

My Thoughts:  I really liked this mystery and it definitely kept me reading.  The pacing was blazing fast and the short chapters kept me reading far later into the night than I originally planned.  I liked Sloan and Eric Stamos.  I also liked that Sloan's parents weren't vilified.    The end had me basically holding my breath to see how it played out.  There's was one part of the solution that was stretched the believability to a little past breaking but since the conclusion overall made sense it didn't bother me too much.  This is my 2nd book by this author and I'm really looking forward to reading more.  My Rating; Really Liked It

Goodreads:  Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson

Blurb: Twenty-five-year-old Kat Bennett has never felt at home anywhere, and especially not in crumbling Shelley House. According to her neighbors, she’s prickly and unapproachable, but beneath her tough exterior, Kat is plagued by guilt from her past.
Seventy-seven-year-old Dorothy Darling is Shelley House’s longest resident, and if you believe the other tenants, she’s as cantankerous and vindictive as they come. Except there’s a good reason Dorothy spends her days spying on her neighbors—a closely guarded secret that no else knows and the reason Dorothy barely leaves her beloved home.

When their building faces demolition, sworn enemies Kat and Dorothy become unlikely allies in their quest to save their historic home. But when someone starts to play dirty and viciously targets one of the residents, Dorothy and Kat suspect foul play in their community. After the police close the investigation, it's up to this improbable pair to bring a criminal to justice.

My Thoughts:  This was fun and heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once.  The stars of the book are Kat and Dorothy (and Ernie the dog but he is just pretty happy to be there from the beginning of the book to the end).  From the outside the two women couldn't be more different but on the inside they're more than a little alike.  I loved getting to know all the residents of Shelley House and how they all came together though it wasn't always in the most traditional of senses.  I really enjoyed getting to know Kat and Dorothy more even though they frustrated me a bit at times.  This was an enjoyable read - my first by this author but not the last.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

This Week in Reading - March 2

It's Sunday Post time!  This is hosted by the awesome Caffeinated Book Reviewer and gives us all a chance to recap our week.

What I Got:

Guess Again by Charlie Donlea - Super excited about this one.  I've really enjoyed all the previous books I've read by this author. (Publisher)

Puzzled 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton - I really enjoy this cozy series so I'm looking forward this newest book. (Publisher)

Currently:

Reading:  Beach Vibes by Susan Mallery and All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall

Listening:  Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

This has been a crazy few weeks and I haven't been as intentional about getting some restorative cozy time each week as I hoped. I'm taking this week to take a breath, reset and refocus.  I did make dinner reservations for last night at a new restaurant in town I really enjoyed the one time I tried and I'm planning on making reservations at another new restaurant that I've been wanting to try.  I figure that's a start in the right direction for intentionally doing things I enjoy and planning something to look forward to each week.

I hope everyone has a great week and happy reading!

The Thirteen Problems - Classic Mystery Review

Goodreads:   The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie

Rating: Loved It (5 Stars) 
Source:   Purchased

Description:  The Tuesday Night Club is the name for a varied group of guests who challenge each other to solve recent, and not so recent, crimes. It begins one evening when the group gathers at Miss Marple’s house and the conversation turns to unsolved crimes. Over the weeks, we learn about the case of the dripping bloodstains, the thief who committed his crime twice over, the message from the death-bed of a poisoned man who talked of a 'heap of fish’, the strange case of the missing will, and a spiritualist who warned that ‘Blue Geraniums’ meant death.

Pit your wits against the powers of deduction of the ‘Tuesday Night Club’. But don't forget that Miss Marple is present. Sometime later, many of the same people are present at a dinner given by Colonel and Dolly Bantry. Another set of six problems. Even later there's a thirteenth. Can you match Miss Marple's performance?  *Also published as The Tuesday Club Murders

Genre: Mystery - Classic

Why I Picked This Book:  This was the February pick for the Read Christie 2025 Challenge

My Impression: I was so excited when I saw this on the Read Christie list as it is one of my favorite Christie books.  This is a collection of short stories - 13 to be precise - where a group of people discuss mysterious situations that they have heard of and been involved in and the rest of the group tries to guess the solution.  For the bulk of the stories Miss Marple's supercilious writer nephew is present and quite sure he has a superior knowledge of human nature. Also present is usually an artist named Joan and a high up police official and then there's a collection of doctors and artists and other respectable people.  Always present, usually knitting and always underestimated is Miss Jane Marple.  

This is an interesting collection of mysteries - from small domestic crimes to splashy scandalous murders to a con or two.  I love the interactions of the different characters and this gives shows just how Miss Marple becomes so admired by the police.  It's a fun quick read told with an evening by the fire storytelling feel.  It would be fantastic read one story at a time (though works well as a one sitting read) and is a fantastic way to meet Miss Marple.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Of course!  I'm looking forward to the March read and will always enjoy a Christie reread.  

Would I Recommend this Book?  Definitely!  This is enjoyable collection of short story mysteries for Christie fans and those new to Christie. 

Friday Fives - Five Quick Reviews for Books I've Read Recently

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much. This week I'm sharing 5 quick reviews for books I've read recently.

1.  A Darkness Absolute by Kelley Armstrong - This is the second book in the Rockton series and wow are things not going well.  While going after a man who has bolted into the woods Will and Casey find themselves stuck in a snowstorm and then rescuing a woman who had been given up for dead some time before. The mystery is a compelling multi-faceted one that really pulled me in.  I did guess some of what was happening before Casey but was completely hooked on figuring it out.  The mystery was resolved in a satisfactory manner and several issues came to light that I'm looking forward to seeing further explored.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

2.  The Copenhagen Connection by Elizabeth Peters - This didn't quite have the Gothic-y goodness of Peters' books under the Barbara Michaels names but it was a fun dash through Copenhagen.  I liked Elizabeth and Christian together.  They have very different personalities and Christian comes off as pretty insufferable at the beginning but as the book goes on I could kind of understand his stiffness.  This is a fun read with some history and quite a bit of hijinks.  It's a light read when you're in the mood for something interesting but not high stress.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

3.  The Party Line by Carolyn Brown - This is the first book I've read by this author but I really enjoyed it.  Lila is a very likable main character.  She's compassionate and intelligent and just nice.  I really enjoyed her relationship with her mother and with Jasper.  I also really enjoyed seeing her come to terms with her relationship with her Aunt Gracie now that her aunt is gone as she tries to respect her aunt's privacy and learn more about her.  The secret is a bit anti-climatic and I would have loved for more exploring the house but I enjoyed the characters and their journey more than enough to make up for it.  My Rating; Really Liked It (4 Stars)

4.  The Comfort Food Diaries by Emily Nunn - This was my first slow read of the year and has been on my TBR since it came out.  Overall, I liked it.  Nunn's food writing and her ability to connect food to relationships is really wonderful.  Her figuring out how to grieve for her brother, deal with her family, and live her own life was a sometimes uneven but authentic feeling journey with lots of food.  Nunn's family is perhaps the most dysfunctional unlikable family I have ever read about and I could definitely understand why she is the way she is.  I don't think she's someone I'd want to be friends with her but I do wish her well.  This is also a book I'm very glad I read one chapter at a time as I think it worked better in small bites and would have been a bit grating or monotonous if I had read more at once.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

5.  Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleyaps - I am slowly rereading the Hathaway series and very much enjoying it.  This is the 2nd book featuring 2nd sister Win and Merripin - a Romany man who has lived with the family since he was a child.  Merripin has perhaps the worst childhood of any fictional character I've ever read about - not because he is Romany but because of who raised him.  I sympathized with him and liked Win quite a bit but what made me really enjoy this book is the side characters.  Win's brother, Leo is perhaps my favorite and made me laugh a number of times.  As well the rest of the Hathaway family is fun and unexpected but also intelligent and empathetic.  I also liked that more of Cam and Merripin's story is explored.  If you enjoy historical romance this is a good series and one I am looking forward to rereading as I remember very little of it from the first read.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

Books from the Backlog - The Garden of Small Beginnings

Today I'm linking up with Carole from Carole's Random Life of Books for Books from the Backlog.  I really enjoy the chance to feature a book that's been hiding in the piles of books for far too long!

Goodreads:  The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman

Blurb:  Lilian Girvan has been a single mother for three years—ever since her husband died in a car accident. One mental breakdown and some random suicidal thoughts later, she’s just starting to get the hang of this widow thing. She can now get her two girls to school, show up to work, and watch TV like a pro. The only problem is she’s becoming overwhelmed with being underwhelmed.
At least her textbook illustrating job has some perks—like actually being called upon to draw whale genitalia. Oh, and there’s that vegetable-gardening class her boss signed her up for. Apparently, being the chosen illustrator for a series of boutique vegetable guides means getting your hands dirty, literally. Wallowing around in compost on a Saturday morning can’t be much worse than wallowing around in pajamas and self-pity.

After recruiting her kids and insanely supportive sister to join her, Lilian shows up at the Los Angeles botanical garden feeling out of her element. But what she’ll soon discover—with the help of a patient instructor and a quirky group of gardeners—is that into every life a little sun must shine, whether you want it to or not…

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  I read another book by this author last year that I really loved and I really want to make sure that I read more from her.  This has been on my shelf for quite some and it looks good.

Overdue Reviews - Written Off + The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride

 

Goodreads:  Written Off by E.J. Copperman

Blurb:  Rachel Goldman writes mysteries in which Duffy Madison, consultant to the county prosecutor's office, helps find missing persons. Rachel is busy finishing up her next book, when a man calls out of the blue asking for help in a missing persons case. The caller's name? Duffy Madison.

Is this real or has she lost her mind? She doesn't have much time to find out because a serial killer is on the loose, kidnapping and murdering mystery authors. And Rachel may just be the next target.

My Thoughts:  This was fine.  I enjoyed it enough that I listened to the whole thing but not enough that I feel a big pull to continue with the series.  The premise is interesting and I like the research element.  The end of the mystery did surprise me a bit. I didn't really connect to Rachel or any of the characters and it was a bit slower paced.  If you have Audible Plus and are looking for a enjoyable cozy mystery this is one worth picking up but it's not one I would go out of my way to grab.  My Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)

Goodreads:  The Scandalous Adventures of the Sister of the Bride by Victoria Alexander

Blurb:  The bride and groom cordially request the presence of...

The bride's sister, Delilah, the very proper widowed Lady Hargate, and Samuel Russell, the groom's friend, a very eligible, slightly improper bachelor, at their upcoming wedding.

Lady Hargate and Mr. Russell, previously acquainted during one unforgettable night in New York City when caution--and clothing--were thrown to the wind will choose to pretend they have never met before.

The lady plans to avoid love and its complications at all costs. The gentleman intends to change her mind.

Guests are invited to enjoy the many diversions of Millworth Manor--delightful grounds, lavish drawing rooms, secluded corners--and the chance to discover that one night may have been only the beginning. . .

My Thoughts:  This was also fine - though maybe a little less fine than the book above.  It was basically the book version of "It could have been an email" though in this case I think "It could have been a novella" would be more appropriate.  There is a LOT of banter through the first half of the book and while banter is part of a good romance I didn't like either of the characters enough to be engaged with the banter.  It did improve when we learned more details of Delilah's first marriage and I did enjoy the interaction between her and her sisters. I didn't hate it but didn't look forward to reading it either and don't feel compelled to read any more of the series.  My Rating; Liked It (3 Stars)

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Books Set in Another Time Period on My TBR

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is a Books Set in Another Time Period so I took a wander through my TBR and found 10.

1.  All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall - This takes place in a post-apocalyptic New York with a settlement on top of the American Museum of Natural History.

2.  The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict - Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Margery Allingham and more solving crimes in 1930s England and France!  I'm so excited about this one.

3.  West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge - This takes place in the US in 1938 in such a pivotal time period but is about giraffes.  It sounds really good and very unusual.  

4.  The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis - This book has multiple timelines - none of which are present day - but both look fascinating.

5.  Ace, Marvel, Spy by Jenni L. Walsh- This is set during World War II but sounds very different than any other WWII book I've read before.  I'm looking forward to it.

6.  The Night Ends With Fire by K.X. Song - This is a fantasy retelling of the Mulan story which makes it in a number of different time periods in addition to sounding absolutely glorious.

7.  Born of Gilded Mountains by Amanda Dykes - A haunted and abandoned estate with an actress hiding from a scandal in 1948 Colorado.  Yes please!

8.  A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters - This mystery series involving a monk solving crimes in the 12th century looks fantastic - and is a long running series so if I love it I'm set!

9.  The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay - Some end of Cold War intrigue sounds like some fun reading and not a time period I visit very often.

10. Emily Wilde's Encloypaedia Of Faeries by Heather Fawcett - early 1900s with faeries!

What books do you want to read from a different time period?

Killing Me Souffle - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Killing Me Souffle (A Bakeshop Mystery #20) by Ellie Alexander

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Another delicious installment in the Bakeshop Series set in Ashland, OR!
Amidst the rocky beaches of the Oregon coast, Torte’s beloved Sterling and Stephanie have been hired to take over the aging restaurant at the cliffside Whaleshead Resort. They’re nervous about striking out on their own, but excited by the opportunity to put their own spin a new menu. From fresh fish caught the very same day to vegan options and handcrafted pastries, they’re buzzing with ideas. What’s even better is that Jules and the team from Torte have come out for opening weekend to cheer them on.

Despite some opening night jitters, the dinner is off with a bang. Guests and long-term residents of Whaleshead Resort are eager to taste the young couple’s creations. As the tickets begin to line up and guests pile in the front door, Jules and Carlos offer to roll up their sleeves and help in any way they can. Stephanie is taking on every chef’s nightmare—a fluffy chocolate soufflé—and Sterling is fast at work prepping shrimp linguini and pan-seared halibut when they suddenly hear screaming. Erik Morton, the manager of Whaleshead and their new boss, has taken a fatal fall down the steep and dangerous cliffside trail leading to the beach. Jules and her young protégés quickly realize this was no accident. Now, the team will have to juggle the investigation while keeping the restaurant—and Steph and Sterling's new jobs—from crashing like the waves along the cliffs.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  This is one of my favorite series and one of my favorite cozy authors.

My Impression:  This was a fun read which is always expected from this series.  I liked that the setting was a bit different than the usual Ashland Torte setting.  A mismanaged resort was a fun change and seeing Steph and Sterling in leadership positions was also enjoyable.  

The victim was one who wouldn't me missed and more than a few people weren't sad to see him gone.  Jules and Carlos and the rest of the crew are quickly drawn into the investigation and I really enjoyed seeing them in "vacation mode".  

This is a very long running series with a likable group of characters and mouthwatering food descriptions. The mysteries are enjoyable and well laid out. This was a nice addition to the series and I like seeing the changes in the life of the main characters. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with foodie descriptions this series is a must read.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course!  This is one of my favorite cozy authors.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy cozy mysteries you must try this series and this author.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

This Week in Reading - February 23

It's Sunday Post time!  This is hosted by the awesome Caffeinated Book Reviewer and gives us all a chance to recap our week.

What I Got:

Bodies and Battlements by Elizabeth Penney - This is a new series involving a bed and breakfast in a haunted castle.  I've read and enjoyed books by this author and between the premise and the cover how could I resist this one? (Publisher)

Currently:

Reading:   The Library Game by Gigi Pandian and Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas

Listening:  Mrs. Jeffries on the Ball by Emily Brightwell

My finger is healing nicely and both OT and the doctor are pleased with the recovery.  Other than a tiny scar and two permanent screws inside the finger there will be no evidence it happened in a few months.  I'll be a bit more careful when working dogs on a long line though!  

I got back to my usual schedule this week and can pretty much do everything I need to do.  One half of my hand is immobilized but I have discovered I can do pretty much everything I need to do other than put my hair in a ponytail.  That still eludes me but I can make a messy bun work!

Have a great week and happy reading!

The Blue Castle - Classic Fiction Review

Goodreads:   The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

Rating: Loved It (5 Stars)
Source:   Purchased

Description:  An unforgettable story of courage and romance. Will Valancy Stirling ever escape her strict family and find true love?

Valancy Stirling is 29, unmarried, and has never been in love. Living with her overbearing mother and meddlesome aunt, she finds her only consolation in the "forbidden" books of John Foster and her daydreams of the Blue Castle--a place where all her dreams come true and she can be who she truly wants to be. After getting shocking news from the doctor, she rebels against her family and discovers a surprising new world, full of love and adventures far beyond her most secret dreams.

Genre: Fiction - Classic


Why I Picked This Book:  This is a longtime favorite and I was really wanting to reread it.

My Impression:   This is a long time favorite book and every time I reread it I remember why.  Valancy is a regular woman who has spent her whole life trying to make her family happy which is an impossible task.  All that changes in an instant and her rebellion grows first to saying what she thinks (with comical results) and then to doing what she wants to do.  Her desires aren't crazy or over the top.  She wants to help someone who has always been nice to her and to have her "own little dust pile".  As the book goes on Verity learns to value herself and her thoughts and creates a life that she loves.

The ending is lovely and comical in spots though I do wish we could have gotten a short story to check in on Verity and see how she was doing.  This is one of my favorite comfort reads and it has never disappointed me.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  Montgomery is one of my favorite authors and I always enjoy rereading her books.

Would I Recommend this Book?   If you're looking for a sweet story where kindness is rewarded this is a wonderful choice.

Friday Fives - Five Books on My TBR Involving Sisters

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much.  I just finished The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly and it reminded me just how much I love books with sisters.  Here are 5 books that involve sisters that I'm looking forward to reading.

1.  The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand - This involves not just sisters but identical twin sisters coming together to deal with a family crisis.  

2.  The Sometimes Sisters by Carolyn Brown - I've recently read and enjoyed another book by this author and this book involving estranged sisters coming together to deal with their late grandmother's estate.

3.  Book Lovers by Emily Henry - I've DNF'd one book from this author and really enjoyed another so I need a tie breaker and this one involves bookish characters AND sisters.

4.  A Ruse of Shadows by Sherry Thomas - I have to throw a mystery in and while the Holmes sisters aren't always together but their relationships strongly shape the actions of Charlotte as the series goes on.

5.  The Secret of Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey - I really enjoyed the first book in this series involving a mother and three sisters learning how to deal with each other as adults - with a few other things going on as well.

Books from the Backlog - A Skeleton in the Family

Today I'm linking up with Carole from Carole's Random Life of Books for Books from the Backlog.  I really enjoy the chance to feature a book that's been hiding in the piles of books for far too long!

Goodreads:  A Skeleton in the Family by Leigh Perry

Blurb:  Moving back into her parents’ house with her teenage daughter had not been Georgia Thackery’s “Plan A.” But when she got a job at the local college, it seemed the sensible thing to do. So she settled in and began reconnecting with old friends.
Including Sid. Sid is the Thackery family’s skeleton. He’s lived in the house as long as Georgia can remember, although no one, including Sid, knows exactly where he came from and how he came to be a skeleton.

Sid walks, he talks, he makes bad jokes, he tries to keep Georgia’s dog from considering him a snack. And he manages to persuade Georgia to let him leave the house. But when she takes him to an anime convention—disguised as a skeleton, of course—he sees a woman who triggers memories of his past.

Now he is determined to find out how he died—with Georgia’s help. But their investigation may uncover a killer who’s still alive and well and bad to the bone…

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  This didn't series didn't appeal to me but then I heard some really glowing reviews for it.  I have the rest of the series in my Amazon cart at the moment so I need to read this book to see if I should press "Buy"

A Victim at Valentine's - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads:  A Victim at Valentine's (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #5) by Ellie Alexander

Rating: Liked It (3.5 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  In the cozy town of Redwood Grove, Annie Murray’s Valentine’s Day plans take a sinister turn when a beloved pillar of the local community is found dead at her Agatha Christie-inspired bookshop.

As Annie assists the lead detective in unraveling the mystery, she quickly identifies a host of likely suspects – from an oddball psychic, to a professional matchmaker, to a rival bookseller – each with a worryingly plausible motive.

With her keen eye for detail, soon Annie suspects there may be connections to the decade-old tragedy of her best friend’s death, which still haunts her. Putting her own Valentine’s Day plans with the irresistible Liam on hold, Annie must solve the crime – before she ends up on a hot date with a killer.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I've enjoyed the previous books in the series and this is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors.

My Impression:  This may be the of the coziest cozy mystery series ongoing at the moment.  There's a small town with a big community feel and more than few festivals and events, there's an Agatha Christie themed bookstore in an old house complete with a secret bookshelf with a dash of found family, and an amateur sleuth with a cat named Professor Plum - and of course a shockingly high crime rate.  

I liked that Annie studied criminology and that she and Fletcher are in the process of starting a PI business.  That makes the crime solving make sense a bit more than when it's just a nosy resident (not that I'm anti-nosy resident).  This was an interesting mystery.  The victim is someone that everyone likes but things didn't seem quite right in the days before the murder.  Just what secrets were floating about and who hated the victim enough to commit murder.

I really enjoyed this one and loved spending time in the bookstore with Annie, Fletcher, Pri, Liam, and the rest of the cast of characters.  The mystery kept me engaged and reading and I enjoyed trying to figure out all the secrets.  This is a series best read in order as there are a few story arcs that involve multiple books.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  I would!  I don't feel this is Alexander's best series and it isn't really one I think of when I'm not reading it but I always enjoy my trips to Redwood Grove.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you are a cozy mystery fan this series is a must read.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

My Winter Reading Retreat Reading List - 2025

A few months ago I did a reading list for an imaginary reading retreat and had a good time picking out books to read for an imaginary weekend where I do nothing but read.  There's always the chance I might make it a reality so I need to be prepared!   My winter reading retreat looks pretty similar to the picture above.  Lots of snow that I don't have to go out into and a big house with lots of cozy reading nooks, fireplaces, and hot beverages - an assortment of tasty baked goods wouldn't hurt!  Here are the 10 books I'd bring to this retreat.

1.  The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller - A book involving an English Manor, antiques, and murder pretty much insists that it be read by a fire with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket.

2.  The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan - Something about historical fiction seems like winter reading for me and this one has been on my TBR for ages.

3.  Hercule Poirot's Silent Night by Sophie Hannah - It's been awhile since I read any of Hannah's Poirot books and spending time with Poirot during the winter season seems like a good choice.

4.  The Brightest Star in Paris by Diana Biller - Ballet and the aftermath of the siege of Paris and Biller's ability to make the setting a major character - this is another book begging to be read by a fire with a cup of tea.

5.  Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: Peril in Owl Park by Marthe Jocelyn - After some heavy reading I think lightening it up a bit with child versions of Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot solving a murder around Christmas sounds like the way to go.

6.  Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez - This one isn't all that seasonal but I really want to read this author and this looks like a good place to start.

7.  Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge - Cooking in Paris and solving murders.  I feel like this is the book where the baked goods would be a very important reading accessory.

8.  Perfect Storm by Paige Shelton - This mystery series is set in a remote area of Alaska and just seems like good winter reading.

9.  The Family You Make by Jill Shalvis - A book that starts during a winter storm - sounds like a fantastic book to read by the fire with all the coziness I can muster.

10. The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst - Ending on a gorgeously cozy fantasy book seems like the perfect end to my reading retreat.

What would you read on your Winter Reading Retreat?  What does your reading retreat look like?

The Dressmakers of London - Historical Fiction Review

Goodreads: The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly

Rating:  Really Liked It! (4.5 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  In 1940s Great Britain, plain and awkward Izzie finds comfort in retreating into the safety of the backroom of her mother’s dressmaking shop. The predictable world of stitches, patterns, and fabric has been a sanctuary from the cruel, chaotic world that took her father in a tragic accident years ago.

Her beautiful sister Sylvia was old enough to watch her father’s tragic death force her mother to give up their respectable middle-class home and open a shop to support their family. That’s why, when she meets the sophisticated, wealthy Martin Pearsall, Sylvia isn’t surprised at her mother’s encouragement to seize her chance for a better life, even if it means distancing herself from her family at Martin’s insistence.

When their mother unexpectedly dies, the two sisters are surprised to discover that her will stipulates that they both inherit the dress shop, stirring up old resentments and hurt feelings. However, when conscription forces Izzie to join the Auxiliary Territorial Service in another part of the country, she realizes that Sylvia is the only person who can save the shop from closure. As the sisters begin an ongoing correspondence, they must confront old emotions to forge new beginnings in this lyrically moving novel perfect for fans of Genevieve Graham and Lucinda Riley.

Genre: Fiction - Historical 

Why I Picked This Book:  I've enjoyed previous books by this author and the premise really caught my attention.

My Impression:  It feels like every third book right now is set during World War II but it is a time period that always catches my attention.  In this book I felt like Kelly really focused on two areas that I haven't seen much about before - dressmakers dealing with fabric shortages and the changes in clothing coupons as well as women in military service.  I knew nothing about barrage balloons or the clothing restrictions and found both areas fascinating.  

The relationship between the two sisters is complex and made more challenging by misunderstandings and poor communication.   I loved that the bulk of the communication between the two was through letters and it allowed them to really speak to each other.  Seeing their lives evolve as the war continues was fascinating and really helped me connect with both characters and become invested in their worlds.  Izzie did drive me a bit crazy at times but I also couldn't help but sympathize with her.  

I really enjoyed this book and this author has become an auto-buy for me.  I look forward to reading more from her.  If you enjoy historical fiction with well-drawn characters this is a wonderful read.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  This book really cemented Kelly's status as an auto-buy for me and I will be looking for more books from her.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy books that focus on complicated relationships and flawed but sympathetic characters I think this is a fantastic read!

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

This Week in Reading - February 16

It's Sunday Post time!  This is hosted by the awesome Caffeinated Book Reviewer and gives us all a chance to recap our week.

What I Got:

It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest - Basically I saw that it involves the ghost of a silent film star and I couldn't resist it!  (Publisher)

Currently:

Reading:  A Victim at Valentine's by Ellie Alexander and Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson

Listening:  My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse

Thanks for all the well wishes!  My surgery went smoothly.  During all the waiting and prep time I noticed that all the nurses and the anesthesiologist spoke very highly of the surgeon so that made me feel pretty positive.  I ended up with two screws in the broken finger and started occupational therapy on Wednesday.  The pain isn't too bad thankfully and the biggest issues have mostly been typing and holding a print book with only one hand. 

I hope everyone has a great week and happy reading!

Five Little Pigs - Classic Mystery Review

Goodreads:  Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie

Rating:  Loved It (5 Stars)
Source:   Purchased

Description:  It was an open and shut case. All the evidence said Caroline Crale poisoned her philandering husband, a brilliant painter. She was quickly and easily convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
Now, sixteen years later, in a posthumous letter, Mrs. Crale has assured her grown daughter that she was innocent. But instead of setting the young woman's mind at ease, the letter only raises disquieting questions. Did Caroline indeed write the truth? And if she didn't kill her husband, who did?

To find out, the Crale’s daughter asks Hercule Poirot to reopen the case. His investigation takes him deep into the conflicting memories and motivations of the five other people who were with the Crales on the fatal day. With his keen understanding of human psychology, he manages to discover the surprising truth behind the artist's death.

This was also published as Murder in Retrospect

 

Genre: Mystery - Classic

Why I Picked This Book:  This was the January pick for the Read Christie Challenge 2025

My Impression:  This is one of my favorite mysteries by Christie and I think really highlights her unique approach to solving mysteries and really allows Poirot's use of his "little grey cells" to shine.  

Poirot is faced with what seems to be an impossible challenge - how do you investigate a murder that occurred 16 years before when there is no evidence remaining?  This is right in Poirot's wheelhouse and he quickly begins to interview the witnesses with a little help from a nursery rhyme.  

This isn't a fast paced or action packed read but it is a fascinating one.    It is interesting to see how the different characters remember the same afternoon and the same woman - and to see what they held back 16 years ago. The reveal is a good one and was quite a surprise but at the same time made perfect sense.  It's easy to see why it is one of my favorites and I think I get a little something different out of each reread.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?   Of course!  I'm looking forward to reading February's pick - The Thirteen Problems.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you are a fan of classic mysteries this is a must read!