Favorite Books of the Second Quarter - 2025

 

We're halfway through 2025 (plus a little) and it has been a busy year.  My reading has definitely taken a hit this year and my numbers aren't quite as high as they usually are by this time of year.  I'll still make my goal I think but not with nearly as big of a margin as I normally do.  Here are my favorite books from April, May, and June.

1.  The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick - Patrick was on my authors to read this year and I picked this one at random.  I really enjoyed it and loved the found family elements.

2.  The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews - I haven't read much historical romance lately but really enjoyed it.  I liked the focus that there are other options than high society London that can still make for a happy life.

3.  Agatha Christie: An Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley - I found this really interesting and loved the different elements of Christie that the author dove into.  It has really enhanced my appreciation of Christie's books - and her place in the world of authors.

4.  Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh - I've been slowly reading through this Balogh series and really enjoyed this one.  It's a lovely romance with nice characters.  

5.  Who Will Remember by C.S. Harris - I really love this historical mystery that's a bit on the grittier side.  This was an especially interesting mystery with some engaging side plots.

6.  The Keeper of Lost Art by Laura Morelli - I've read a lot of books set during World War II but this one was a little different as it was set in the Italian countryside and the narrator is a young girl.  I found it fascinating and heartbreaking.

7.  Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand - This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it.

8.  Crooked House by Agatha Christie - This is one of the most interesting and underrated of Christie's stand alones.

9.  Love, Loss, and What We Ate by Padma Lakshmi - I was surprised how much I enjoyed the audio version of this memoir.  The parts about her life in India as well as her battle with endometriosis were really interesting.  A lot of the reviews for this one were brutal but I found most of that unwarranted.

10. It Takes a Psychic by Jayne Castle - This was a fun candy bar of a book.  A bit bonkers and I think I've already forgotten most of the plot but I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience.  

What were some of your favorite reads for the second quarter of 2025?

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Books Set in Places Other than the US and England

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 Books Set in X Place.  Most of my reading this year has taken place in either the US or England so I'm trying to find 10 books that I'd like to read that take place in other locations.

1.  Paris by the Book by Liam Callanan- France

2.  Midnight Blue by Simone van der Vlugt - Netherlands

3. Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled by Dorothy Gilman - Syria

4.  No Strangers Here by Carlene O'Connor - Ireland

5.  Plaid and Plagiarism by Molly MacRae - Scotland

6.  Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon - Italy

7.  We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida - Japan

8.  The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams - Bahamas

9.  The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay - Germany (specifically West Germany)

10. Tears of Pearl by Tasha Alexander - Turkey

Do you have any books set in places other than the US or England to recommend?

It Was Her House First - Mystery Review

Goodreads: It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest

Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:   Ronnie doesn't know it yet, but her fate rests in the hands of the dead.
Silent film star Venita Rost's malevolent spirit lurks spider-like in her cliffside mansion, a once-beautiful home that's claimed countless unlucky souls. And she's not alone. Snared in her terrible web, Inspector Bartholomew Sloan—her eternal nemesis—watches her wreak havoc in helpless horror, shackled by his own guilt and Venita's unrelenting wrath.

Now the house has yet another new owner. This time it's Ronnie Mitchell, a grieving woman who buys the run-down place sight unseen. She arrives armed with an unexpected inheritance, a strong background in renovation, and a blissful ignorance regarding the house's blood-soaked history. But her arrival has stirred up more than just dust and decay. In the shadows, unseen eyes watch. Then, a man comes knocking. He brings wild stories and a thinly veiled jealousy, as well as a secret connection to the house that can only lead to violence.

Venita's fury awakens, and a deadly game unfolds.

Caught between a vengeful ghost and a ruthless living threat, Ronnie's skepticism crumbles. The line between living and dead isn't as sharp as it seems, and she realizes too late that in Venita's house, survival might be just an illusion.

Genre: Mystery - Horror

Why I Picked This Book:  The author is one I've been wanting to read for awhile and I do love a book involving an old house - especially a haunted old house.

My Impression:  This book was absolutely bananas!  Ronnie has gotten a small inheritance and decides to make a lifelong dream of her deceased brother's come true with the buying of an old house with the intention to restore it.  The house has a complicated and violent history which Ronnie is mostly unaware of and she's definitely unaware that the ghosts of several of these people are still inhabiting the house with various motives.  

There's a lot of build up as we get to know Ronnie and the state of the house.  I also liked hearing Bartholomew Sloan's take on all the events both in his lifetime and then as his role as ghost/guardian/watcher.  There's a lot about home renovation (and quite a lot that confirms that while I love old homes I do not have the guts to restore one fully) and the evolution of the house.  

The tones of the story are Gothic-y and forbidding but it never gets super scary or particularly intense.  While I did enjoy the feel of the story and most of the characters it's a fairly slow build.  The blurb kind of oversells the scariness of the story and it's definitely a bit slower than expected.  Overall, even though this wasn't quite what I expected I did enjoy the book and I will definitely read more from this author.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  I would!  I really enjoyed the writing style and would definitely read something else by her.

Would I Recommend this Book?  I would but I would recommend not reading blurb!  If you're picking this up because you want a horror story than you'll be disappointed but if you want a mystery involving an old house and lots of old scandal than I think you'll enjoy this one.

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

20000 Leagues Under the Sea - Classic Science Fiction Review

Goodreads:  20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

Rating:  Liked It! (3.5 Stars)
Source:   Library - Audio

Description:  When an unidentified “monster” threatens international shipping, French oceanographer Pierre Aronnax and his unflappable assistant Conseil join an expedition organized by the US Navy to hunt down and destroy the menace. After months of fruitless searching, they finally grapple with their quarry, but Aronnax, Conseil, and the brash Canadian harpooner Ned Land are thrown overboard in the attack, only to find that the “monster” is actually a futuristic submarine, the Nautilus, commanded by a shadowy, mystical, preternaturally imposing man who calls himself Captain Nemo. Thus begins a journey of 20,000 leagues—nearly 50,000 miles—that will take Captain Nemo, his crew, and these three adventurers on a journey of discovery through undersea forests, coral graveyards, miles-deep trenches, and even the sunken ruins of Atlantis. Jules Verne’s novel of undersea exploration has been captivating readers ever since its first publication in 1870, and Frederick Paul Walter’s reader-friendly, scientifically meticulous translation of this visionary science fiction classic is complete and unabridged down to the smallest substantive detail.

Genre: Fiction - Science Fiction 

Why I Picked This Book:   This has been on my Classics list for quite some time and then my Audio TBR jar picked this one.

My Impression:  I had read and enjoyed Around the World in 80 Days so I was very curious to read Verne's journey that takes place under the sea.  I ended up really enjoying this aquatic adventure story with an odd collection of characters and an even odder collection of creatures.  I listened to the audio version read by Sam Kusi who has a gorgeous voice that is both soothing and compelling and very much enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

This is clearly an adventure story published int he mid-19th century and the pacing and heavy descriptions clearly portray that as well as the fact that it was originally published in serialized format.  This isn't a fast read heavy in the hijinks but I wouldn't expect it to be.  The writing is lush and descriptive and the characters are well drawn if a bit stereotypical and stilted.  I really enjoyed this reading and highly recommend the audio version.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  I would!  I've been surprised by just how much I enjoyed both the Verne books.

Would I Recommend this Book?   I would.  This is a great slow read - especially in the audio format.  

Friday Fives - Five Series I've Started and Would Like to Continue

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'm a big series reader - sometimes a bit too much of a series reader because I start way more series than I can realistically hope to finish!  Here are 5 I've started and are top of my list to get back to - once I finish off the 10 that I'm currently working through of course.

1.  Dim Sum of All Fears by Vivien Chien - I read and loved the first book in this Noodle Shop cozy mystery series and every review I've read for the more recent books sounds fantastic. 

2.  The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters - I've read and adored pretty much everything Barbara Michaels has written but I've sadly neglected her books written under the Elizabeth Peters name - especially those in the Amelia Peabody series.  I read the first one several years ago and need to continue with the super long running series.

3.  The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman - I enjoyed the first book in this series even though it was very much a different genre for me.  I've read a bit more in the fantasy/urban fantasy genre in the last couple of years and I should pick this one up soon.  

4. All Dressed Up and No Place to Haunt by Rose Pressey - I read the first book in this cozy mystery series about a haunted vintage clothing shop and need to get back to it.  I love books involving ghosts and books involving vintage clothes so it seems like a series I should put a bit more effort into.

5.  This Fallen Prey by Kelley Armstrong - I've read the first two books in the Rockton/Casey Daniels series and really enjoyed them but there are so many in the series AND she has a spinoff series.  I really need to focus and get these books read!  

There are so many more series I need to catch up on but this is a start.  What series do you need to focus on?

Books from the Backlog - Full Tilt

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:  Full Tilt by Rick Mofina

Blurb:  Deep in the woods of upstate New York a woman flees a blazing barn. She is burned beyond recognition, and her dying words point police to a labyrinth of "confinement rooms"--rooms designed to hold human beings captive--where they make other chilling discoveries.
In Manhattan, Kate Page, a single mom and reporter with a newswire service, receives a heart-stopping call from a detective on the case. A guardian angel charm found at the scene fits the description of the one belonging to Kate's sister, Vanessa, who washed away after a car crash in a mountain river twenty years ago.

Kate has spent much of her life searching for the truth behind her little sister's disappearance. Now, a manhunt for a killer who's kept a collection of victims prisoner for years without detection becomes her final chance to either mourn Vanessa's death--or save her life.

SCREAMS IN THE NIGHT...

Deep in the woods of upstate New York a woman flees a blazing barn. She is burned beyond recognition, and her dying words point police to a labyrinth of "confinement rooms"--rooms designed to hold human beings captive--where they make other chilling discoveries.

A GUT-WRENCHING PHONE CALL...

In Manhattan, Kate Page, a single mom and reporter with a newswire service, receives a heart-stopping call from a detective on the case. A guardian angel charm found at the scene fits the description of the one belonging to Kate's sister, Vanessa, who washed away after a car crash in a mountain river twenty years ago.

A LIFE-AND-DEATH RACE AGAINST TIME

Kate has spent much of her life searching for the truth behind her little sister's disappearance. Now, a manhunt for a killer who's kept a collection of victims prisoner for years without detection becomes her final chance to either mourn Vanessa's death--or save her life.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  This has been sitting on my review shelf for literally years and it sounds like a good thriller.

What I'm Reading - July 16

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

Print Book:

The Kamogawa Food Detective by Hisashi Kashiwai - I'm really enjoying this slower paced book of food and memory connected essays.  It's a quiet pocket of peace every time I pick it up.

After Dark by Jayne Castle - This is the first book in the series set on Harmony (I think?  There's so many different series and connections it's a little confusing) and I'm mixing this in for a bit of fun.

Ebook: 

It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest - I'm about 20% into this one and it is bonkers.  I'm really curious to see where it's going to go but so far pretty much every character I've met so far has some serious issues.

Audiobook: 

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne - This has been on my TBR since I first knew what a TBR was and my TBR jar decided now was the time to read it.  I'm really liking it which is significantly helped by the narrator, Sam Kusi.  This is the first time I've ever listened to anything read by him but I think I'd happily listen to him read a dictionary.

Slow Read:

I've been picking a book (lately it's been an overdue review book) to read a little bit at a time.  I just finished my most recent one and haven't picked a new one.  
I started using the app Bookly and they have a Readathon starting today that I'm going to focus on the prompts there for the next week or so.

What are you reading today?

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Books on My TBR with Honorifics in the Title

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 Books with Honorifics in the Title so I went wandering through my TBR and found 10.

1.  Mrs. Morris and the Ghost by Traci Wilton - A number of books in this cozy mystery series really tempt me but of course I have to start with the first one.

2.  Aunt Dimity and the Enchanted Cottage by Nancy Atherton - I read the first Aunt Dimity book recently and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.  I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

3.  Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winnifred Watson - I've meant to read this one for decades.  I've heard such wonderful reviews for this one.

4.  Miss Morton and the English House Party Murder by Catherine Lloyd - I meant to read this one right after it came out but didn't.  It looks like a great mystery.

5.  Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Charles Skeslien - I do love a good Homefront World War II read and I've heard good things about this one.

6.  The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict - I enjoyed the previous books I've read by this author and really liked how she handled Christie's disappearance in another book so I have high hopes for this one.

 7.  Mrs Jeffries Defends Her Own by Emily Brightwell - This is a long running series and Mrs. Jeffries' name is in every title.  I have enjoyed all the books I've read in the series and am looking forward to reading them all.

8.  Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico - This is another book I've seen nothing but raves about and am looking forward to reading it.

9.  Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled by Dorothy Gilman - This is the last book in the Mrs. Pollifax series and I'm putting off reading it because once I have I will be done with new adventures with Mrs. Pollifax.

10. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson - And another book that sounds like a lovely read and one that I need to pick up soon.

I'm a bit surprised by the lack of varieties in honorifics.  I guess I shouldn't be since I mostly read books about women but still! 

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping - Fiction Review

Goodreads: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:   Sera Swan used to be one of the most powerful witches in Britain. Then she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine from the (very recently) dead, lost most of her magic, befriended a semi-villainous talking fox, and was exiled from her Guild. Now she (slightly reluctantly and just a bit grumpily) helps her aunt run an enchanted inn in Lancashire, where she deals with her quirky guests' shenanigans, tries to keep said talking fox in check, and longs for the future that seems lost to her. But then she finds out about an old spell that could hold the key to restoring her power…

Enter Luke Larsen, handsome and icy magical historian, who arrives on a dark winter evening and might just know how to unlock the spell’s secrets. Luke has absolutely no interest in getting involved in the madcap goings-on of the inn and is definitely not about to let a certain bewitching innkeeper past his walls, so no one is more surprised than he is when he agrees to help Sera with her spell. Worse, he might actually be thawing.

Running an inn, reclaiming lost magic, and staying one step ahead of the watchful Guild is a lot for anyone, but Sera Swan is about to discover that she doesn’t have to do it alone...and that the weird, wonderful family she’s made might be the best magic of all.

Genre: Fiction

Why I Picked This Book:  I adored the previous book by this author and couldn't wait to pick this one up.

My Impression:  I loved the first book I read by this author so I came into this with sky high expectations.  It also didn't help that while I listened to the first book and read this one so that might have changed my experience.

I found this book to have a rocky beginning.  It felt like I was starting a sequel but it isn't a sequel so I felt a bit like I was starting on the back foot.  As well, because I was scrambling to figure out who was who and what was what it took longer to get invested in the story.  I've been a bit scrambled lately which is causing a little bit of a reading slump so this very easily could have been mood.

Once I got into the story I did enjoy it.  Sera is a fun character who is clearly trying to do her best in a bit of a crazy situation.  Clemmie, the fox, is more than a handful and the other characters added some entertainment.  I think I'll try a reread of this on audio as I think I would have enjoyed it more in that format and it would have made the slow start easier to get through.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?   I would - even though I didn't enjoy this as much as the previous book I did like it once I connected the story.

Would I Recommend this Book?  I would - especially the audio version as I think that would have worked better for me.

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

This Week in Reading - July 13

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:

Nothing!  And that's for two weeks so I'm very proud of myself.  I do have a gift card to a local bookstore so I'll probably pick up some books at some point in the next week or two.

Currently:

Reading:  It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest and The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai

Listening:  The Coloring Crook by Krista Davis

It has been a busy few weeks. We went to the beach to stay at my dad's house for the 4th and had the best time.  There's been a lot of bits and pieces to deal with and then we are starting the process of some home improvement.  We are getting new counters next week and then soon after that are starting the flooring install.  I'm so excited about the changes but dreading the upheaval.  

I've finally gotten back into scent work training with my dog.  I really enjoy it but haven't been able to do it since I broke my finger and recovered from the surgery.  I have enough strength back in my hand I'm comfortable getting back to it and am really enjoying it.  We had 2 classes this weekend and I can't wait to do some practice.

Have a great week and happy reading!

Mid-Year Book Freakout Tag

 

Somehow, we are halfway through 2025.  It's been kind of a whirlwind of a year that hasn't had as much reading time as I hoped for but is there every enough reading time?  I've seen this tag going around BookTube and then I saw Susan over at Bloggin' Bout Books do it and couldn't resist joining in.  There are a few different versions of questions but I used the ones from Bloggin' Bout Books.  There are multiple answers to most of these (especially new releases I have read but want to and most anticipated releases) but I stuck with the first one that came to mind.

1.  Best Book You've Read So Far This Year

Agatha Christie: A Very Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley - I really enjoyed how much Worsley put Christie's life and work into context with the time she lived in and the world she grew up in.  It has impacted my understanding of her books and my appreciation of her as an author.  It probably wasn't my favorite reading experience but it had the biggest positive impact of anything I've read so far this year.

2.  Best Sequel You've Read So Far This Year

Who Will Remember by C.S. Harris - This is #20 in the series but I guess is still technically a secret?  I really enjoyed this historical mystery with lots of intrigue and nefarious motives floating about.

3.  New Release You Haven't Read Yet But Want To

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis - I usually enjoy this author's books and this is a topic that fascinates me so I'm really looking forward to reading it.

4.  Most Anticipated Release For the Second Half of the Year

The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts - I have thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy and absolutely cannot wait for the final book.  

5.  Biggest Disappointment

Let Me Lie by Claire Mackintosh - I've read and thoroughly enjoyed another book by Mackintosh and the premise of this one had caught my attention but for the most part I just found this one boring.

6.  Biggest Surprise

Funny Story by Emily Henry - I DNF'd the other book I've tried by this author so it was such a nice surprise that I really enjoyed this one.  

7.  Favorite New Author - Debut or New to You

Elin Hilderbrand - I'm very late to the game on this one but I finally picked up Winter in Paradise by her and thoroughly enjoyed it.

8.  Newest Fictional Crush 

I don't really do fictional crushes or book boyfriends but my favorite romance so far this year was Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh

9.  Newest Favorite Character - 

Vera Wong - This feels a bit like cheating because I actually met Vera last year but I read the Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) earlier this year and she just kind of overpowers everyone else.

10. Book That Made You Cry

The Keeper of Lost Art by Laura Morelli - This is a book set in World War II Italy through the eyes of an adolescent girl.  It broke my heart and kept me hooked.

11. Book That Made You Happy

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst - I adored this book and it had all the warm fuzzies I could want a long with a sentient plant with an attitude.

12. Most Beautiful Book You've Bought This Year

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner - This one was on my radar but I fully intended to get it from the library until I saw it in person.  The covers just shimmers and it has stunning sprayed edges.  I'm glad the premise looks interesting because I couldn't resist it!

How has your reading been so far this year?

Friday Five - Christmas in July Books

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 is the first Friday in June so I'm picking out five books I hope to read this month.  My library had a big Christmas in July display the other day when I stopped by to pick up some books which got me thinking about what books I'd like to read if I did a Christmas in July.

1.  Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher - I have been wanting to reread this one for years but haven't gotten to it.  

2.  A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - I have a complicated relationship with Dickens but I adored this when I read it several years ago and would love to reread it.

3.  Hercule Poirot's Silent Night by Sophie Hannah - I have enjoyed several of Hannah's Poirot books so a Christmas read could be fun.

4.  A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss - Estranged sisters, a knick knack shop, and a will with conditions that must be met all set around Christmas sounds like such a lovely read!

5.  Murder Most Royal by S.J. Bennett - Another mystery but this one is not only set during Christmas but Queen Elizabeth II is the main character and royal holiday celebrations are being interrupted.  

What Christmas reads would you pick up for a little Christmas in July reading break?

Books from the Backlog - The Heirloom Garden

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 Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman

Blurb:  Iris Maynard lost her husband in World War II, her daughter to illness and, finally, her reason to live. Walled off from the world for decades behind the towering fence surrounding her home, Iris has built a new family…of flowers. Iris propagates her own daylilies and roses while tending to a garden filled with the heirloom starts that keep the memories of her loved ones alive.

When Abby Peterson moves next door with her family—a husband traumatized by his service in the Iraq War and a young daughter searching for stability—Iris is reluctantly yet inevitably drawn into her boisterous neighbor’s life, where, united by loss and a love of flowers, she and Abby tentatively unearth their secrets, and help each other discover how much life they have yet to live.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  This is an author I've really been meaning to read more from and this one sounds especially lovely.

The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant - Mystery Review

Goodreads:   The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully

Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Olivia Blunt doesn't want to be an assistant detective for the rest of her life. She's determined to learn everything she can from her mentor and renowned investigator, Aubrey Merritt, but the latter is no easy grader.

After weeks of fielding phone calls from parties desperate for the world-renowned detective’s help, a case comes across Olivia’s desk that just might be worthy of Merritt’s skills. On the evening of her sixty-fifth birthday party, Victoria Summersworth somehow fell over her balcony railing to her death on the rocky shore of Lake Champlain. She was a happy woman—rich, beloved, in love, and matriarch of the preeminent Summersworth family. The police have ruled it a suicide, but her daughter Haley thinks it was murder.

Merritt is ever the skeptic, but Olivia believes Haley. Plus, she’s desperate to prove her investigative skills to her aloof boss. But the Summersworth family drama is a complicated web.

Olivia realizes she might be in over her head with this whole detective thing... or she might be unravelling a mystery even bigger than the one she’d started with.

Genre:  Mystery 

Why I Picked This Book:  How could I resist that title?  

My Impression:  This was a fun read.  Olivia and Aubrey Merritt couldn't be more different if they tried.  Audrey is well to do, accomplished and polished and Olivia is ... not any of those things.  But what Olivia is lacking in experience or know how she makes up for in enthusiasm which is not always Merritt's favorite thing.

The mystery was an intriguing one with lots of possible theories and suspects.  Watching Olivia learn from Merritt and Merritt go about her investigation was really interesting.  

This was a bit on the long side and the beginning took me a bit to be fully hooked.  I enjoyed it from page one but it felt like I wasn't making much progress for the first 20% of the book.  That said it was one I was looking forward to seeing how it all played out from the time Olivia and Merritt started investigating.  

I'm looking forward to reading more from this author and this does look like it has potential to be a series which should be fun.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Definitely!  If this is the start of a series I will be on the lookout for the second book but otherwise I'll be looking for more books by this author.

Would I Recommend this Book?   If you're a mystery reader looking for something a little different this is a great pick.

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

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Books I'd Like to Reread

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 Books I'd Like to Reread.  I do love a good reread though I don't do it as much as I used to.  There are some authors that are on my constant reread list - like Agatha Christie, Elizabeth Enright, and Barbara Michaels - and here are 10 other books I'd like to reread at some point.

1. The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King - I started reading this series shortly after it originally started which means I read the first few books 20+ years ago and sometimes had a hard time finding them or reading them close together.  I'd really like to start at the beginning of this series and read them close enough together where I can remember what happened in the previous books.

2.  The Blue Bedroom and Other Stories by Rosamunde Pilcher - I love Pilcher's short stories and it has been a number of years since I've read this collection.

3.  A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch - I read this book many years ago and planned to read the next book in the series right after.  That didn't happen and since it's been more than 10 years I figure I should reread this one before starting book 2.

4.  The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey - I remember loving this book and the writing style and I'd love to reread it at some point.

5.  Among the Shadows: Tales From the Darker Side by L.M. Montgomery - I love Montgomery's short stories and this collection of some of her creepier darker stories is so good and it's been so long since I read it.

6.  The House on Blackberry Hill by Donna Alward - This is a contemporary romance involving a haunted house.  I read it and remember really enjoying it years ago and just came across it at a used bookstore so of course I had to pick it up and I need to reread it!

7.  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows - I was blown away by how much I loved this book when I originally read it.  I'd love to go back and revisit it.

8.  The Shadow Sister by Lucinda Riley - I really loved this series and enjoyed this book but I remember being so distracted when I was reading this one that I'd like to revisit it.

9.  Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry - This was another book I absolutely adored and have been wanting to reread.  I think I have a copy on my shelves somewhere waiting for me.

10. Tightrope by Amanda Quick - Really I'd like to reread all the Burning Cove books. They're such fun light reads and I love the atmosphere of them.

What are some books you'd like to reread?