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.  The Ghost and Mrs. McClure by Cleo Coyle/Alice Kimberly - This is the first book in the Haunted Bookshop Mystery.  I've read the most recent books in the series but wanted to go back and see where it all started.  Penelope McClure has sunk everything she has into her aunt's bookstore in small town Rhode Island and is hoping to start over after a tragedy leaving her a widow and her young son fatherless.  Plans go awry when their first big book signing ends with the death of a famous author.  Oh, and Pen is also hearing the voice of a long dead PI named Jack Shepherd.  The mystery was entertaining and did keep me guessing.  I really like the addition of Jack and his help in the investigation though I could do without the attraction between the two.  I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books I've missed in the series.  Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

2.  A Fatal Feast at Bramsford Manor by Darci Hannah - I do love a cozy mystery and one that involves a haunted manor home is even better!  Bunny is a professional chef who jumps at a chance to have a travel cooking show - she is less than enthused when she discovers that it involves going to haunted houses.  The beginning was a bit rocky.  I didn't love Bunny and I was a little iffy on the premise.  However, once the plot really gets going I was pulled in and really began enjoying the book.  I especially loved that as the story went on Bunny, Grif and the rest of the characters formed an investigative team to investigate both the murder and the ghost story.  The ending surprised me and I thoroughly enjoyed how it came about.  This was a fun ghostly cozy mystery.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

3.  Better Luck Next Time by Julia Claiborne Johnson - I picked up the audio of this one on and a whim and for the most part really enjoyed it.  I loved the idea of a divorce ranch and thought seeing it from the point of view of a "cowboy" was interesting.  I found Ward to be likable and interesting and I liked following his story.  I did feel like there was some pacing issues and at times the story dragged a bit.  As well, there was one scene that I really struggled with involving a horse.  It was fairly pivotal, but I definitely could've used less details.  I adored the ending and for the most part enjoyed the book.  I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

4.  The Cracked Spine by Paige Shelton - I've read a few later books in this series and decided it was time to start at the beginning.  I love the Scottish bookshop setting and I enjoyed watching Delany start to build her found family.  The mystery was an interesting one and definitely kept me guessing as there were lots of potential motives and suspects.  I did have a bit of trouble keeping some of the characters straight and I didn't fully buy her jumping into the investigation.  Overall, it was fun and is a series I will continue with.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

5.  Murder at Lowry House by Leighann Dobbs -I picked this one up on a whim and really enjoyed it.  It's a short cozy mystery set in the 1920s and the main character, Hazel, is a recently widowed mystery author.  Hazel arrives at a house party of an old friend after receiving a worrying letter that the elderly woman is afraid someone in her family is trying to killer her.  I really enjoyed the mystery.  It's a fun classic house party mystery with plenty of suspects but questionable motives.  The mystery surprised me and I loved the role that the Hazel's naughty cat Dickens played in it all.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

What have you been reading lately?

Read Christie 2024 Challenge Wrapup

 

This year I participated in the Read Christie Challenge done by the Agatha Christie website.  This year the theme was decades and I read all twelve of the suggested books.  Here are my thoughts on all twelve books.

1.The Mysterious Affair at Styles - This is not only the first time Poirot appeared but also Christie's first published book.  It's excellent and a fabulous mystery.

2.  The Secret Adversary - While Poirot is all about his little grey cells, Tommy and Tuppence are about action and dashing after one clue and then the next.  It probably isn't as well plotted as the previous book but it is a lot of fun.

3.  The Mystery of the Blue Train - Not my favorite ending (or Christie's either for that matter) but a fun read involving famous jewels, betrayal and murder.  

4.   The Murder at the Vicarage - And here enters Miss Marple!  This was a fun read that is one of my favorites.

5.  The ABC Murders - I'm never 100% satisfied with the ending but I really enjoy this story.  It's such a great premise.

6.  And Then There Were None - One of Christie's best and one where I always discover new little details every time I read it.

7.  Taken at the Flood - For some reason I can never remember this book but every time I read it I'm pleasantly surprised by it.  It's a fun read with some nice twists.

8.  A Murder is Announced - One of my favorite Miss Marple books.  I love the village setting, the setup and the reveal.

9.  Ordeal by Innocent - This is one of the books that Christie liked the most and you can definitely tell she had a good time with the premise.  This is a interesting read with a good mix of characters.

10.  The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side - This was loosely inspired by something that happened to a famous actress in real life and is one of my favorites of Christie's later books.

11. Third Girl - For the most part I really enjoyed this book but the ending leaves a bit to be desired.  It's very 1960s - and Christie has opinions about fashion.

12.  Elephants Can Remember - One of Christie's last books and one of the weaker ones.  The premise is a good one and I love how much page time Mrs. Oliver has but the timeline and general plotting leave a lot to be desired.

They're dropping some really exciting hints about the 2025 Christie challenge but haven't released the theme or the books.  I can't wait!  

Merry Christmas!

 Merry Christmas to you and yours!  I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season and taking time for rest and reading.

Top Ten Tuesday - Books I Hope Santa Leaves Under the Tree

 

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 Hope Santa Leaves Under the Tree.  I've been on a book buying binge both at regular bookstores and used bookstores so there's not many books left for Santa to bring me.  Instead, I'm sharing what I've bought in the last few weeks - try not to judge me too harshly!

The Gabriel Hounds by Mary Stewart

Someone to Hold by Mary Balogh

Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas

Other Worlds by Barbara Michaels

Who Killed the Queen of Clubs? by Patricia Sprinkle

Who Let That Killer in the House? by Patricia Sprinkle

Touch Not the Cat by Mary Stewart

How the Finch Stole Christmas by Donna Andrews

Antiques Chop by Barbara Allan

The Mirror Crack'd by Agatha Christie - This is a rebuy - my original edition which I bought very used about 20 years ago completely fell apart on my last reread.

When Will the Dead Lady Sing? by Patricia Sprinkle

Who Invited the Dead Man? by Patricia Sprinkle

Murder, She Wrote: Majoring in Murder by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain

Murder, She Wrote: Murder in a Minor Key by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain

Mrs. Malory's Shortest Journey by Hazel Holt

Bone White by Wendy Corsi Staub

The Grim Steeper by Amanda Cooper

Scent to Her Grave by India Ink

Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon by Donna Andrews

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - I found the most gorgeous edition of one of my favorite books so I had to buy it.  I'm thinking this will be my first read of 2025.

Sick of Shadows by Sharyn McCrumb

Musseled Out by Barbara Ross

Boiled Over by Barbara Ross

Murder, She Barked by Krista Davis

The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer by Krista Davis

Mission Impawsible by Krista Davis

Fogged Inn by Barbara Ross

Murder, She Wrote: The Queen's Jewels by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain

Iced Under by Barbara Ross

Stowed Away by Barbara Ross

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner 

The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles

Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West by Sara Ackerman

Don't You Cry by Mary Kubica

Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers

The Romanov Bride by Robert Alexander

Love and Death Among the Cheetahs by Rhys Bowen

One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan

One Woman's War by Christine Wells

What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand

The Shop on Royal Street by Karen White

The Chocolate Raccoon Rigamarole by JoAnna Carl

More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

Northern Lights by Nora Roberts

Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore

The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict

Okay, that's more than a little ridiculous now that I've written them all out!  Have you read any of these?  Any thoughts?

The Year of Having Fun With Reading - 2024 Recap

 

So, at the beginning of the year, I made a list of 5 books on my shelf and 5 library books that I absolutely had to read this year.  They were my absolute top priority, and I'm pleased to say I read them all with somewhat mixed results.  Here are my thoughts for all 10 books.

1. Homecoming by Kate Morton - I really enjoyed this one.  It was typical Kate Morton atmospheric with an interesting mystery.  It makes me wish she wrote faster!

2.  The Castle on Sunset: Life, Death, Love, Art, and Scandal at Hollywood's Chateau Marmont by Shawn Levy - This was okay.  Part of the problem is that I was wanting more old Hollywood glamour, and this was more in the seedy side of things.  The pacing was a bit uneven as well.

3.  Dark Corners by Megan Goldin - This was a solid thriller with an interesting premise.  I need to read more from this author.

4.  The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett - I loved this book - definitely one of my favorites of the year.  Loved the characters and adored how the author played homage to Anne of Green Gables.

5.  Arsenic with Austen by Katherine Bolger Hyde - I loved the premise but disliked the main character and the execution was just okay.  

6.  The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman - This was wonderful!  I love a good character coming out of their shell and figuring out what makes them happy and this had that in spades.

7.  The Science of Murder: The Forensics of Agatha Christie by Carla Valentine - If you are an Agatha Christie fan this is a fascinating look at the forensics side of her books.  If you're not a Christie fan this may not be for you.

8.  Postcards from a Stranger by Imogen Clark - I enjoyed this one and it dealt with some challenging issues especially about dealing with aging parents and parents not being quite who you thought they were.  I need to read more by this author.

9.  Blood Red by Wendy Corsi Staub - This one wasn't as much of a thriller as I expected but it was an interesting mystery with a good premise.  I need to read the next book in the series.

10. Death at Greenway by Lori Rader-Day - I ended up DNFing this one.  I thought a mystery set at Agatha Christie's home would be a guaranteed win, but I disliked the characters and just didn't care about what happened.  

Did you have any priority reading this year?  How were your results?

Elephants Can Remember - Read Christie 2024 Review

Goodreads: Elephants Can Remember by Agatha Christie

Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Hercule Poirot stood on the cliff-top. For here, many years earlier, there had been a tragic accident – the broken body of a woman was discovered on the rocks at the foot of the cliff. This was followed by the grisly discovery of two more bodies – a husband and wife – shot dead. But who had killed whom? Was it a suicide pact? A crime of passion? Or cold-blooded murder? Poirot delves back into a crime committed 15 years earlier and discovers that, when there is a distinct lack of physical evidence, it’s just as well that ‘old sins leave long shadows.'

This story is part of Agatha Christie’s murder in retrospect series, a collection of stories which look at a crime several years after the fact, piecing together testimonials and witness reports to finally uncover the truth. This time we see Mrs Oliver’s goddaughter, attempting to find out the truth about her deceased parents – who killed whom?

Genre: Mystery - Classic

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

My Impression: This is one of Christie's last books and while it is not terrible it is definitely not as clean as I expect from an Agatha Christie mystery.   I think I would like this book considerably less if Mrs. Oliver didn't have such a big role as I always love when she has page time.  The mystery concerns someone from Mrs. Oliver's past and I loved her focus on finding "elephants" as it caused quite a bit of hilarity and confusion.  

My issue with this book is the same issue I have with another later book, Postern of Fate, and that is that the timeline never fully makes sense.  This pulled me out of the story quite a bit and kept me from being able to get invested in the story.  The crime happened about fifteen years prior but at times it came across as occurring much farther in the past.  The wife's age is at one point listed as 35 but then is later described as elderly but at the same time has small children.  I never could work out what another character was supposed to be involved with as everyone had heard a different rumor, and no one seemed to know anything.  As well, the focus on wigs got a bit tedious and it felt a bit like a copy of another Christie novel that I've read recently.

I love Poirot and Oliver together and thoroughly enjoyed their page time in this book.  The mystery itself had an interesting premise with an interesting solution but getting from start to finish was a little shaky.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Of course!  I'm already looking forward to the Read Christie 2025 Challenge!

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you're a Christie fan then this is an interesting read but if you've never read Christie before this is not the book I'd start with.

Friday Fives - Short Reviews for Series I'm Currently Reading

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 working on catching up on series and decided to put a few reviews of them all together here.

1.  Peppermint Barked by Leslie Budewitz - I have really been enjoying this series about a spice shop in Pike Place Market.  This was a fun one with lots of Christmas cheer and yummy sounding treats.  I also really liked that we were able to see a more vulnerable side to Pepper's employee Matt who up until this point has been a bit of a mystery.  There's also some growth in Pepper's personal life and lots of page time from her dog.   As expected, the mystery was solid and kept me guessing from beginning to end.  If you like a foodie cozy this is a fun series with an interesting group of characters and a fantastically brought to life Seattle setting.   My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

2.  The Twelve Clues of Christmas by Rhys Bowen - I've been reading the most recent books of this series and really enjoying them but had only read a few books from the beginning.  I really enjoyed this one as Georgie finds an unusual solution to avoiding Christmas in a drafty castle in Scotland and more importantly avoiding Christmas with her very ghastly sister-in-law, Fig, and Fig's even worse family.  Georgie finds herself in a small village in England playing social hostess and token member of the royal family.  This would have been a rather cozy Christmas - especially when Darcy O'Mara appears on the scene - but a rash of murders makes everything much less cozy.  I loved that Georgie's grandfather was involved in the investigation and we got to know a bit more about Darcy's family.  I also thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and was quite surprised by the ending.  This was a fun entry in a good cozy series and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

3.  Premeditated Peppermint by Amanda Flower - This is the third book in the Amish Candy Shop series where distinctly non-Amish Bailey King has come to help her Amish grandmother run her candy shop after the death of her grandfather.  The shop is gearing up for Christmas when Bailey's former boyfriend and a TV crew show up to feature an Amish-style Christmas.  Soon a body is discovered and Bailey is pulled into the investigation with the help of Sheriff's deputy Aiden.  I did figure out a lot of the mystery before Bailey did but I enjoyed the story enough that it didn't bother me.  I really enjoyed seeing Bailey's character and personal growth and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series to see what happens next.  This is a great series if you're looking for a foodie cozy mystery with an interesting twist.  My Rating:  Really Liked It (4 Stars)

4.  Mrs. Jeffries Takes Stock by Emily Brightwell - This was a fun read!  I love the downstairs crew headed by Mrs. Jeffries and aided by Constable Barnes.  Inspector Witherspoon is still a bit befuddled by his success but he's such a nice man I don't mind it though I do prefer the more competent character that appears in the newer books.  I thoroughly enjoyed the lesson the household teaches Witherspoon when he starts penny pinching unnecessarily.  The mystery was enjoyable, and the various characters all contributed.  I was kept guessing until the end and thoroughly enjoyed the reveal.  This series has a large cast and can be a bit confusing at the beginning, but I really enjoy the teamwork element and the mysteries never disappoint.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

5.  Home for the Haunting by Juliet Blackwell - This is the fourth book in a series about Mel Turner a San Francisco contractor who specializes in restoring historic homes with an accidental focus on haunted houses and an extra gift for tripping over dead bodies.  In this book Mel has volunteered for a charity that works on renovating homes for the elderly and disabled.  The home she is assigned is right next to the famed "Murder House" where a family tragedy occurred years before.  Because Mel is Mel she soon stumbles over a dead body in gets involved in a homicide investigation - one current day and one from the past.  I enjoyed the story and following along with the investigation. I liked that Detective Crawford gets involved in the ghost part as it changed the dynamic between the two.   The mystery wrapped up in a satisfying and surprising way and I enjoyed the read - even though Mel's habit of wearing outrageous outfits to job sites drives me a bit crazy.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)