This Week in Reading - February 1st

 

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:

Death at a Firefly Tea by Laura Childs - I have mixed feelings about this series but I love the setting and all the food mentions so I can never resist it.  I'm hoping I love this one.  (Publisher)

Booking For Trouble by Jenn McKinlay - This is a favorite cozy mystery series and I'm looking forward to this one.  (Publisher)

Currently:

Reading:  The Whisking Hour by Ellie Alexander and Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts

Slow Read:  And Then They Were Doomed by Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli - so far this one is just okay but the story does seem to be gaining some traction so I hope it starts improving.

Listening:  The Spitfire Murders by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley

Watching:  I finished season 8 of 911 and have moved over to 911 Lonestar.  I don't like it as much but I am enjoying it overall.

The first month of 2026 is finished and for the most part was a good one.  I made a list of all the places locally that I want to visit or things I want to learn this year.  I cleaned out all the overstuffed drawers.  I made my list of books I want to read.   I'm hoping for a more intentional and focused 2026.  As well we celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary and Will had a successful yearly checkup at St. Jude.  So all in all it was a pretty busy month!  

Have a great week and happy reading!

The Body in the Library - Classic Mystery Review

Goodreads: The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie

Rating: Loved It (5 Stars)
Source:   Purchased

Description:  It’s seven in the morning. The Bantrys wake to find the body of a young woman in their library. She is wearing evening dress and heavy make-up, which is now smeared across her cheeks.

But who is she? How did she get there? And what is the connection with another dead girl, whose charred remains are later discovered in an abandoned quarry?

The respectable Bantrys invite Miss Marple to solve the mystery… before tongues start to wag.

Genre: Mystery - Classic

Why I Picked This Book:  This is the January pick for the Read Christie Challenge.  The theme this year is Best/Favorite and this was the pick for the category of "Best Opening".

My Impression:   This is Miss Marple at her best.  There's a mix of time in St. Mary Mead and a ritzy hotel.  Sir Henry Clithering is there as are Colonel and Mrs. Bantry.  Even Griselda Clement makes an appearance so all my favorite Marple side characters are present.  I loved how both Dolly Bantry and Sir Henry regularly ask Miss Marple for village parallels.  

The mystery is one of Christie's best with lots of possible suspects and lots of unexpected twists.  The opening is definitely one of the best and definitely deserves it's spot on the list.  I also really loved both Dolly and Miss Marple's reasoning for getting involved in solving the mystery.  Their understanding of Colonel Bantry's personality really softens and humanizes a type that is often played as a fool in mysteries from this era.  This is always a favorite reread and this time was no different.  

The TV adaptation staring Joan Hickson (who is probably my favorite Marple) is good though the direction they take Mr. Jefferson is a bit bonkers.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Of course!  I'm already excited for the February pick.

Would I Recommend this Book? Of course!  This one is probably best read after Murder at the Vicarage but both are a delight so it's no hardship.  

Friday Fives - Five (Plus 4) Series I Enjoyed the Most in 2025

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 listing the 5 series (plus 4 - I had a hard time narrowing it down) I enjoyed the most in 2025.  There are lots of other series that I enjoyed but these were the ones that seem to have stuck with me the most.

1.  Her Majesty the Queen Investigates by S.J. Bennett - I haven't read the earlier books in the series but I've really enjoyed the two most recent books and I'm looking forward to reading the rest.

2.  Rockton by Kelley Armstrong - I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed the first two books in this series and now I need to get reading because this author has a ton of books I need to read!

3.  Sebastian St. Cyr by C.S. Harris - I love historical mysteries and this one keeps getting better.  I'm looking forward to going back and reading the early books.

4.  Hardcastle Mysteries by Graham Ison - I picked this one off my overdue review shelf.  I typically enjoy historical mysteries but was surprised how much I enjoyed this one.  The characters were really interesting and the mystery was very solid.

5.  Pen and Ink Mysteries by Krista Davis - I've really enjoyed this series and I like that the main character uses her sketching as a way to help her process her thoughts on the mysteries she gets involved in.  There are only 2 books left in the series but I'm looking forward to reading them.

6.  The Noodle Shop Mysteries by Vivien Chien - This is such a fun series.  I love the mysteries and the family dynamics.  

7.  Fethering Mysteries by Simon Brett - I enjoyed this mystery with a more classic feel and it has stuck with me more than I expected.  I'm looking forward to revisiting the characters.

8.  Hidden Legacies by Ilona Andrews - This is decidedly not my genre but I enjoyed the story development so much that I'm looking forward to continue the series.   I do wish the covers were a bit less shirtless.

9. Kate Hamilton Mysteries by Connie Berry - I love this English mystery series involving an American antiques dealer and her detective husband.

What series did you enjoy in 2025?

Books from the Backlog - Murder Outside the Lines

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:  Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis

Blurb:  With Halloween just around the corner, the fall colors in Georgetown are brilliant. As manager of the Color Me Read bookstore, coloring book creator Florrie Fox has arranged for psychic author Hilda Rattenhorst to read from Spooktacular Ghost Stories. But the celebrity medium arrives for the event in hysterics, insisting she just saw a bare foot sticking out of a rolled-up carpet in a nearby alley. Is someone trying to sweep murder under the rug? Florrie calls in her policeman beau, Sergeant Eric Jonquille, but the carpet corpse has disappeared without a trace.
Then in the middle of her reading, Hilda chillingly declares that she feels the killer's presence in the store. Is this a publicity stunt or a genuine psychic episode? It seems there's no happy medium. When a local bibliophile is soon discovered missing, a strange mystery begins to unroll. Now it's up to Florrie and Jonquille to expose a killer's true colors . . .

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:    I've really enjoyed this series and only have two left in it but it always gets put to the side in favor of newer shiner books.

A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle (Food and Spirits Mystery #2) by Darci Hannah

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

Description:  When chef Bridget “Bunny” MacBride got a role on the reality show Food & Spirits, she thought “spirits” meant cocktails. Instead, she’s cooking up dinners meant to tempt the departed to appear. And to her surprise, she’s discovered abilities to connect with the beyond—and crack murder cases . . .

Now that Bunny’s entrées come with a side of the Other Side, it comes in handy to have a grandma who’s friendly with the elderly owners of a haunted Scottish castle. During Bunny’s childhood she heard all about Dundoon’s bloody history and the “ghostly piper” who roamed the grounds—and soon she’ll be visiting the ancient place with her ghost hunter and psychic co-stars. The annual bagpipe competition in the late piper’s honor will make for some good footage as well.

After Bunny serves a feast fit for a 17th century king, including lamb chops with plenty of fresh herbs, she heads outdoors for the ghost hunt. But in the dark, dense fog, someone fatally plunges from the clifftop over the loch. The sound that follows is a mournful, otherworldly bagpipe . . . and once the body of another perished piper is retrieved, Bunny is determined to solve this Highlands homicide—and prevent a killer from getting off scot-free . . .

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I enjoyed the first book in this series and I really love this concept missing food and ghosts.  

My Impression:  I really like the concept of this series as well as the characters.  Each of the main characters - Bunny, Gil and Brett has their own specialty and focus as well as their own role in the show but they also are able to combine skills and discuss theories without minimizing the other.  

This book takes place on Bunny's home turf - Scotland.  The team is investigating the haunted Castle Dundoon which is also very close to Bunny's home.  Granny Mac made an appearance in the first book but in this book we meet the rest of her family and see some growth in her dealings with them.  

I found both the ghost stories and the murder mystery interesting and both definitely kept me engaged.  The pace is a little slower and it does take awhile for the murder to happen but it worked for building character engagement and the setting.  I'm not sure I'm signing up to stay in a haunted Scottish castle anytime soon but this was a lot of fun to read about!  As well, the food discussions made me want to try some Scottish cuisine (though I will leave some of the sausages and the haggis for others!).  

This is a fun cozy mystery with a unique setting and general premise.  While Bunny is the main character it does have a bit of an ensemble cast feel which I always enjoy.  The food mentions are tempting and the mystery is engaging if a bit on the slower building side.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Definitely!  I'm looking forward to continuing with the series.

Would I Recommend this Book? I would - especially if you're a cozy fan.

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

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Bookish Discoveries I Made in 2025

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 Bookish Discoveries I Made in 2025.

1.  TBR Jars are fun - I created two TBR jars this year - one for print and one for audio - and have really been enjoying using them.  There have been some flops but there have also been some really unexpected wins and I've gotten a number of books off my shelves.

2.  I really enjoy historical romance - At one point historical romance was probably my most read genre (or at least 2nd to mysteries) but for the past 10 years or so I've read almost none.  I read a few in 2025 and was surprised by just how much I enjoyed them.  I'm hoping to read a lot more in 2026.

3.  I don't really enjoy most Rom-coms - I think I have a very low tolerance for second hand embarrassment which at least with that I've read tends to be pretty rampant in the genre.  There are a couple that potentially fit into the genre that I've loved but for the most part I've decided to give this genre a miss.

4.  I like stepping out of my comfort genres from time to time - I'm typically a cozy mystery or light fiction reader but this past year some of my favorite reads have come from the fantasy, literary fiction, or thriller side of things.

5.  I really enjoy historic true crime and books involving genetic genealogy - I've never really been pulled much towards true crime but in 2025 I read a few books on historic or vintage cases and found them fascinating - and if there is genetic genealogy involved I'm doubly fascinated.

6.  Graham Ison - I had a book by this author sitting on my review shelf for years and finally picked it up last year.  I absolutely loved it - a solid police procedural with a really fascinating mystery.  I've ordered a few more in this series and am looking forward to reading them.

7.  Katherine Green - I picked up the audio of Lake of Lost Girls this year after it was recommended by a friend and really enjoyed it.   I'm really looking forward to reading more from her.

8.  Lucy Worsley - I've always enjoyed Lucy Worsley's presentations when I've seen her in documentaries, but I adored her biography of Agatha Christie and I'm really looking forward to reading more from her.

9.  Freya Sampson - I love a found family story and this was really fantastic with several cranky characters and lots of baggage.  I want to read more from her.

10. Seraphina Nova Glass - I'm kind of picky when it comes to thrillers because they can quickly get too dark or too grim for me but this author did a great job of walking that line.  The story was compelling and gripping but never turned into nightmare fuel.

What did you bookish discoveries did you make in 2025?

Monster in the Moonlight - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads:  Monster in the Moonlight (Monster Hunter #4) by Annelise Ryan

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

Description:  Do werewolves exist? That’s the question skeptical cryptozoologist Morgan Carter has to answer in the latest entry in this USA Today bestselling mystery series.

The discovery of a dead body along Bray Road in Wisconsin sparks rumors of The Beast of Bray Road, a werewolf-like creature that is said to inhabit the area.

The dead woman has been mutilated by some kind of large animal. The community is convinced that the legendary beast is not only real but responsible for this brutal killing. In an effort to prove them wrong, the police bring in cryptozoologist Morgan Carter, who soon finds that the mystery runs considerably deeper than whether or not one mythical predator is on the prowl.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I've read and really enjoyed the other books in the series so I was really looking forward to this one.

My Impression:  I'm not a monster fan and I was a little nervous about the whole crypted thing when I started this series but this author never disappoints.  I really love that Morgan isn't determined to prove the existence of whatever creature she's investigating is real but instead is coming from an objective point of view and looks at the evidence.  And I love Newt - who doesn't love a giant dog sidekick?  

The mystery was a good one and solidly built with some good twists.  Morgan played a very active role and while she did go off on her own more than a few times I never felt she was in the too stupid to live territory.  I did guess a twist or two but I enjoyed how everything came together.  I also really liked the movement in Morgan's personal life and the direction the series seems to be going.

Even if you're not much of a monster fan this is a great mystery that isn't too cozy but isn't nightmare fuel either.  I love the characters and the mysteries are very well done.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  I'm looking forward to more in this series and I need to explore this author's backlist.

Would I Recommend this Book?  I would!  It would probably make more sense if read as part of the series, but it could be read as a standalone.

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

This Week in Reading - January 25

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:

The Final Target by Nora Roberts - I love her suspense titles and this looks like a good one.  (Publisher)

Currently:

Reading:  A Spirited Supper at Dundoon Castle by Darci Hannah and The House on Blackberry Hill Donna Alward

Slow Read:  And Then They Were Doomed by Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli 

Listening:  The Blackout Murders by Anna Elliott

Watching:  I'm almost caught up on 911 - I'm dreading the end of season 8 - and then I think I'm going to move on to 911 Lone Star.

Will's appointment at St. Jude's went great.  We stayed at the Ronald McDonald house for the first time and it was amazing.  The staff was so kind and the space itself so peaceful.  

We are staying home this weekend and possibly the first half of this week with ice and freezing temperatures.  I'm not a cold weather fan so I'm staying inside until it warms up and defrosts a bit!

Have a great week, happy reading and stay warm!

Touch Not the Cat - Fiction Review

Goodreads:  Touch Not the Cat by Mary Stewart

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

Description:  Bryony Ashley knows that her family's grand estate is both hell and paradise -- once elegant and beautiful, yet mired in debt and shrouded in shadow. Devastated by her father's sudden strange death abroad, she is nonetheless relieved to learn the responsibility of running Ashley Court has fallen to a cousin. Still, her father's final, dire warning about a terrible family curse haunts her days and her dreams.

Genre:  Fiction

Why I Picked This Book:   I'm slowly reading my way through Stewart's books and this is the most recent one I picked up.

My Impression:  While this one won't be on any favorites list I did enjoy it overall.  Bryony was a solid likable character and the Ashley family definitely has its oddities and stories.  There's a touch of supernatural that leans more towards to telepathy than ghosts and I'm still not entirely sure how I felt about it.  Ashley Court is an interesting setting and Stewart excels at making settings really come to life.  There is definitely something ominous lurking in the shadows and Bryony can't be sure what direction its coming from.  

Overall, this was fine.  I liked the characters and the setting and I was happy with the ending but it wasn't one that will stick with me or that I will go out of my way to recommend.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Yes, I'll read another book by her in 2026.

Would I Recommend this Book?  It's definitely not a must read but if you find a copy it's worth giving it a chance.

Friday Fives - Five Favorite Romance Books I Read in 2025

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 listing the 5 best romances I read in 2025.  I really didn't read very many true romance books and the first one I have is kind of questionable if it's romance or women's fiction as there were some other things going on but I didn't mention it in my fiction list so it's going here.  This is not counting rereads.

1.  Funny Story by Emily Henry - My first by Henry was a DNF so my hopes were not high when I picked this one up and ended up absolutely loving it.  I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

2.  Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh - I have been loving this series and this was one I really enjoyed.  The development of the relationship and the characters were interesting and a bit unique.

3.  The Sirens of Sussex by Mimi Matthews - I really enjoyed this one and I liked that it involved characters that were a bit different from the usual characters in historical romances.

4.  The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts - To be completely honest this wasn't my favorite of the trilogy or even close to my favorite Roberts book but I'm so in love with the premise of this series.  While there was a lot of filler I did really enjoy spending the time with the characters and in the manor.

5.  Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis - It's been awhile since I've read a Shalvis book and this one had dog rescues, vets, and some good found family vibes.

I'm hoping to read more romance books in 2026.  I really enjoy them but it's a genre that gets pushed to the side.

Books from the Backlog - The Glass Kitchen

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 Glass Kitchen by Linda Francis Lee

Blurb:  Portia Cuthcart never intended to leave Texas. Her dream was to run the Glass Kitchen restaurant her grandmother built decades ago. But after a string of betrayals and the loss of her legacy, Portia is determined to start a new life with her sisters in Manhattan... and never cook again.
But when she moves into a dilapidated brownstone on the Upper West Side, she meets twelve-year-old Ariel and her widowed father Gabriel, a man with his hands full trying to raise two daughters on his own. Soon, a promise made to her sisters forces Portia back into a world of magical food and swirling emotions, where she must confront everything she has been running from. What seems so simple on the surface is anything but when long-held secrets are revealed, rivalries exposed, and the promise of new love stirs to life like chocolate mixing with cream.

The Glass Kitchen is a delicious novel, a tempestuous story of a woman washed up on the shores of Manhattan who discovers that a kitchen—like an island—can be a refuge, if only she has the courage to give in to the pull of love, the power of forgiveness, and accept the complications of what it means to be family.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  This one has been on my TBR since it was published and it's time to either read it or take it off the list.

Authors I Plan To Read in 2026

For the last couple of years I made a list of 10 authors that I've been meaning to read for ages but just have never managed it.  I've had really good luck with these lists so I'm looking forward to trying these ten authors.

1.  Sarah Adams - I'm planning on reading When in Rome which is the first in a series.  I have a love/hate relationship with rom-coms so I'm curious to see what I think of this author.

2.  Annabel Monaghan - I've picked up a few books by this author so I'll definitely be picking up one of the books on my shelf.

3.  Lisa See - This is another author I have several books by but for whatever reason still haven't read.  

4.  Allison Brennan - I think I'm going to try the first book in this author's Quinn and Costa series.

5.  Alice Feeney - I read a book by this author several years ago but she's had a bunch of new ones come out.  I have some mixed feelings about her books so I need to try another book to make a decision.

6.  G.M. Malliet - I'm intrigued by this author.  The books look very classic mystery and I'm looking forward to reading this series.

7.  Hester Fox - I do love a good atmospheric read and her books look fantastic.

8.  Kendra Elliott - I love suspense and I've seen some fantastic reviews for this author so I can't wait.

9.  Jennifer Probst - Her Meet Me in Italy series and The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti have both been calling my name for awhile now.  Not sure which one I'll read but it will be one of them!

10. Denise Hunter - I've seen some positive reviews about this author from some of my favorite book bloggers and she has a number of books involving bookstores so I feel like it's time to read something by her!

What authors are you hoping to read in 2026?

Top Ten Tuesday - My Ten Bookish Goals for 2026

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 Goals for 2026.  I'm focusing on my Bookish Goals for the year.

1.  Read 175 Books - I may change this back to 200 depending on how the reading is going by the end of the first quarter but I'm trying to focus on fun and not put arbitrary pressure on myself.

2.  Complete the Read Christie Challenge - This year the theme is Favorites/Best so it's a fantastic list of books.  I've already read the January pick which was on the list for Best Opening - The Body in the Library

3.  Read all the Books on my 2026 Priority List - I've picked 5 library books and 5 books from my shelves that I've been wanting to read and am focusing on getting them read.

4.  Read a book from each of the Authors I Plan to Read in 2026 list - Last year this list had me reading some fantastic books that I really loved so I'm excited to read some new authors this year.

5.  Read all the books on my Classic Mystery list - This year I'm mixing some favorite authors in my Classic Mystery list so it's a mix I'm really looking forward to reading.

6.  Make Progress on 10 series - and Finish 1 - I'm hoping to make some more substantial progress in my cozy series than I did last year and I definitely want to finish at least 1 so I can move more series in.

7.  Read 5 Overdue Review Books - I'm trying to make progress on my NetGalley shelf and so far I'm doing good but still need to make a bit more progress.

8.  Read 5 Nonfiction Books - I have 1 nonfiction book on my priority list and Read Christie has Christie's autobiography on the list so I need to come up with at least 3 more.

9.  Finish all the 2026 ARCs that I've Received - The last few years I've really focused on not having any new overdue review books and that's really helped keep my list from getting even more unmanageable.  I want to make sure I don't add to that list this year as well.

10.  Read 5 Books from my TBR Jar - I really enjoy an element of randomness to my reading and loved using my TBR jar last year.  I just have to decide if this includes both my regular TBR jar AND my audio TBR jar or just the regular one.  Decisions, decisions!

What are your goals for 2026?

A Very Novel Murder - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: A Very Novel Murder by Ellie Alexander

Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  June Munrow, an elderly resident of Annie’s home town, Redwood Grove, is convinced that young Kelly Taylor’s recent drowning wasn't the tragic accident everyone believes it to be. Despite the police ruling, June is determined to prove there’s more to the story and hires the Novel Detectives to uncover the truth.

As Annie delves into Kelly’s life, she discovers a tangled web of secrets involving Kelly’s complicated relationships, a peculiar landlord, and her mysterious roommate. Everyone connected to Kelly seems to be hiding something, and the deeper Annie digs, the more puzzling the case becomes.

With her trademark blend of curiosity and compassion, can Annie piece together the clues and solve her first official case—before she gets into deep water herself?

Genre: Mystery - Cozy 

Why I Picked This Book:  I've enjoyed other mysteries by this author and was curious to see how this series develops.

My Impression:  This is the first book in the Novel Detectives Mystery series which is very much connected to the recently concluded Secret Bookshop trilogy.  Annie and Fletcher's PI business is up and running and they have their first case!  

This series isn't my favorite of Alexander's.  Annie is a bit too perfect and it's a bit heavy on the description.  I also find the pacing a bit on the slower side - probably because of the heavy description lean.  

What keeps me reading this series is the side characters - especially Fletcher.  As well, I love the setting of an Agatha Christie themed bookstore complete with a secret room.  As well, the conclusion of the mystery was a bit of a surprise with an interesting motive.  I enjoyed this one - especially at the end - but I would have liked to see more of Annie's mentor and the side characters.  I'll probably read the next one when it comes out and if you enjoy cozy mysteries this series is one you to try.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I will definitely read more from this author and I will most likely pick up the next one in this series though it isn't as high on my priority list.

Would I Recommend this Book?   I would but only for big cozy mystery fans.

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

This Week in Reading - January 18

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:

The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay - I love her books and this one looks really fun. (Publisher)

The Barn Identity by Diane Kelly - This is a series I've really been enjoying so I can't wait to read the next one. (Publisher)

The Jewel of the Isle by Kerry Rea - I don't know why this one was in my Books to Buy list but I saw it on ThriftBooks so I bought it.  It looks fun.  (Purchased)

Aunt Dimity and the Duke by Nancy Atherton - This is the 2nd book in the Aunt Dimity series and I'm looking forward to seeing how the series progresses as I know it is very long running. (Purchased)

The Luck Runs Out by Charlotte MacLeod - This is the 2nd book in the Peter Shandy series and I very much enjoyed the first one - and I've really enjoyed everything I've read by this author. (Purchased)

Currently:

Reading:  Monster in the Moonlight by Annelise Ryan and The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams

Listening: The Dead Sea Cipher by Elizabeth Peters

Slow Read:  And Then They Were Doomed by Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli

Watching: I'm on season 7 of 911 and Season 8 of Death in Paradise and I've been loving the Every Family Has a Secret show on the Ancestry Channel on YouTube.  

This coming week is my least favorite of the year.  We have to take Will back up to St Jude's in Memphis for his yearly blood work and tests.  I'm expecting everything to be absolutely fine as he's grown about 6 inches in the last year and I can't keep the child in shoes (he's wearing a size 13 now).  As well, color and energy are good which are all signs that things are great.  Regardless, I can't quite keep that feeling of dread from sinking in.   I'm bringing some fun rereads to hopefully distract me and we will be eating at our favorite Memphis restaurant a few times.  

Have a great week and happy reading!

My 2026 Classics List

Every year I make a list of classic mysteries to read and I always enjoy it.  This year I'm going slightly rogue and mixing in a few other books that I keep meaning to reread by favorite authors.

1.  Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist by Dorothy Gilman - I've been stalling on reading the last two Mrs. Pollifax books because when I do the series will be over but it is time to get the series done and then I can reread the whole series to celebrate.

2.  The Innocence of Father Brown by G.K. Chesterton - I picked up the whole Father Brown series at a used bookstore last year and this is the first one.

3.  The Gabriel Hounds by Mary Stewart - I'm slowly working my way through Stewart's books and this is the most recent one I've picked up.

4.  Have His Carcase by Dorothy L. Sayers - I have mixed luck with Sayers's books but this one features Harriet Vane so I have high hopes.  

5.  Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher - I have planned to read this one for years but somehow never do.  I love Pilcher's books and this is one that has fallen through the cracks.  I read it years ago but remember nothing about it.

6.  Jane of Lantern Hill by L.M. Montgomery - Last year I reread Blue Castle and thoroughly enjoyed the reread.  This is one I remember really loving but haven't reread.

7. Colour Scheme by Ngaio Marsh - I've really been enjoying Marsh's Inspector Alleyn books and am looking forward to this one.

8.  The Blind Side by Patricia Wentworth - I'm slowly working through Wentworth's standalones.  They're a bit inconsistent but I always enjoy them.  

9.  The Dancing Floor by Barbara Michaels - Michaels is my go-to slump busting author and I've read a lot of her books multiple times but somehow haven't read this one.

10. The Luck Runs Out by Charlotte MacLeod - I read the first Peter Shandy book at the end of last year and am looking forward to reading the next book.

What classic/vintage books are you hoping to read in 2026?

Friday Fives - Five (plus Two) Favorite Fiction Reads of 2025

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 listing the 5 best fiction books I read in 2025 - though really it's 7 because I couldn't narrow it down.  This is not counting rereads and I incorporate genres like fantasy or sci-fi into this list as well.

1.  The Dressmaker's of London by Julia Kelly - I really enjoyed this one and it was a nice twist on the typical homefront book.

2.  The Keeper of Lost Art by Laura Morelli - Another twist on a homefront book with the main character being a child and the book being set in Italy.

3.  Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand - Hilderbrand was on my Must Read Author list for 2025 and I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

4.  The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst - This was a bit of a case of right book right time but I also just thoroughly enjoyed it.

5. The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick - This was another on my author list and another that I just thoroughly enjoyed.  The audio especially was fantastic.

6.  The Forget-Me-Not Library by Heather Webber - I love every book by Webber that I've read and this one just felt really special. 

7.  The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center - Another author on my must read list (2025 was a good year for that list) and the audio was just magical.

What were some of your favorite fiction reads?