One, Two, Buckle My Shoe - Classic Mystery Review

Goodreads: One, Two, Buckle My Shoe by Agatha Christie

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

Description:  Even the great detective Hercule Poirot harbored a deep and abiding fear of the dentist, so it was with some trepidation that he arrived at the celebrated Dr. Morley’s surgery for a dental examination. But what neither of them knew was that only hours later Poirot would be back to examine the dentist, found dead in his own surgery.

Turning to the other patients for answers, Poirot finds other, darker, questions.…

Also, published as The Patriotic Murders and An Overdose of Death

Genre: Mystery - Classic 

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

My Impression:  This is one of those Christie hidden gems.  It's not a book that gets a lot of attention and it isn't one I remember when listing my favorite Christie books.  When I saw this one on the list I couldn't even remember which one it is (I always get it confused with another nursery rhyme title - Pocket Full of Rye).  

When I picked this one I was quickly pulled in as a number of very different characters prepare to go to the dentist.  The mystery unravels pretty quickly and I flew through this book.  I really enjoyed Christie's twists and turns and her clever little plot points.  I wasn't sure just how the book would turn out until the very end and I had all kinds of theories.  

This is an interesting lesser known Christie with some good twists and an interesting ending.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?   Absolutely!  Christie is one of my favorite authors and I'm already looking forward to the September Read Christie book.

Would I Recommend this Book?  I would!  This is an interesting mystery with a cleverly intricate plot.

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.   After Dark by Jayne Castle - I've read the most recent few books in this series and enjoyed them so I decided to go back to the beginning.  This book was exactly what I expected it to be - light and fun with some paranormal shenanigans.  I liked the main characters - Lydia and Emmett.  They do a good job working together even if they don't trust each other and their communication is pretty good.  The story is the typical Jayne Castle story in the Harmony world.  It's not the most memorable but it is a fun read.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

2.  Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts - This was a reread for me but there's been at least a decade if not more since the first time I read it so I didn't remember much about it.  The main characters are likable, intelligent and both have more than enough trauma.  Eli's is brought up right away as he was accused and still suspected of murdering his estranged wife but it takes a bit longer to get to know about Abra's past.  The romance was believable and I really enjoyed the family elements of the story.  There's a good suspense element that I really enjoyed as well.  This was a fun romantic suspense with characters I found easy to root for.  I'm glad I picked it up for a reread!  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

3.  The Postcard by Anne Berest - I wasn't fully sure what to expect when I picked this one up but ended up really enjoying - especially the first half.  The story of the Rabinovitch family pre and during WWII is heartbreaking and interesting.  Ephraim's actions were not always likable and were frequently frustrating but I understood his thinking and found it to be a different perspective of a story that I've read a number of times.  When the focus shifted mostly to Myriam it did lose me a bit - especially involving her post-war marriage.  I would have rated the first part of the book a 5 star but the second half was more of a 3.5 stars.  The last chapter did redeem it for me mostly and I'm really glad I read this.  My Rating:  4.5 Stars

4.  Unsolved Crimes: Infamous Cases That Have Puzzled the Greatest Minds by Sarah Herman - This was an interesting nonfiction book on unsolved mysteries.  The crimes span from the early 20th century until the early 2000s and cover everything from murders and serial killers to terrorism to heists and missing people.  There were a number of cases I had heard of but even more that were new to me.  Each story is just a few pages long and gives a good nutshell summary.  There are several cases that I'd love to look more into and plan on researching more.  I could also see using this book in my homeschool curriculum for my high school student.  The material is presented in an accurate but not gruesome fashion and would be an interesting addition to a modern history curriculum.  I enjoyed the read myself and will look for more from this author in the future.  My Rating: 

5.  All the Stars in the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani - This was the first book I've read by the author and I definitely will be reading more by her.  I really liked her ability to bring characters to life.  Loretta Young is an actress I know very little about.  I know the name and I'm sure I've seen a few of her movies but she's just not one I know much about - other than the story of some of the events that occur in this book.  I had some issues with the story and the almost hero worship of one of the characters based off what a recent interview has disclosed and just his overall actions in the book.  Overall, I did enjoy the listening experience and am looking forward to reading another book by this author even though this story wasn't a home run for me.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

Books from the Backlog - The Dark Root

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 Dark Root by Archer Mayor

Blurbs:  A brutal home invasion shocks Brattleboro's small Asian community, but no one's talking. Undeterred, Joe Gunther digs deeper and discovers a cross-border smuggling route carrying drugs, contraband, and illegal aliens into and out of Canada. Operating below the radar for years, competition between underworld rivals is bringing it into the light with deadly consequences. International jurisdiction is a complicated thing, and Gunther will have to collaborate with the FBI, the Border Patrol and the Mounties in the pursuit of justice.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf - I have a number of books from this series on my shelf but haven't read the bulk of them.  I really need to get reading so I can clear some room!

What I'm Reading - August 27

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

Print Book:

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe by Agatha Christie - I just started this one (it's the August pick for the Read Christie Challenge) it's a reread but one I always enjoy.

Ebook:

Death in the Countryside by Maria Malone - I have been really enjoying this one.  It's been a nice surprise.

Audio Book:

Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena - I've been wanting to read this author for awhile and I'm enjoying this audio though all the characters are terrible people.

Slow Read:  

How to Keep House While Drowning by K.C. Davis - This has been interesting and while I'm not exactly the target audience I do like the de-moralizing of certain tasks. 

What are you reading today?

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Non-Bookish Favorites

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 non-bookish freebie so I'm listing ten of my (non-bookish) favorite things.

1.  Baking - I've reorganized my office and made it where my cookbooks are easier to access and organized which has really reminded me just how much I love baking. 

2.  Smoothies - I've been obsessed with smoothies lately and have been keeping my blender busy and having one once a day.  My current recipe is a frozen banana, a cup of frozen fruit (strawberry is the current winner), a cup of spinach, 1/2 cup high protein yogurt, 1/2 cup orange juice, and 1 scoop of protein.  I'd probably have this easily 2 meals out of 3

3.  Podcasts - For years audiobooks have beat out podcasts but lately podcasts have been getting some time.  My current favorites are DNA:ID (true crime), From the Front Porch (bookish), and How Did This Get Made (bad movie commentary) but there are a lot in the running.

4.  Agatha Christie stuff - I stumbled upon an endcap at Barnes and Noble not that long ago that was filled with Agatha Christie merch - there's book cover notecards, notebooks with the book covers on them, pens, and a reading journal as well as a whole bunch more.  I've been loving using my "One of my names is Nemesis" pin and my "The Body in the Library" notebook.

5.  Candles - I love a good scented candle and lately my favorite have been candles themed to locations (mostly Disney but there have been others) or books and movies.

6.  Dog Training - After an injury at the beginning of the year I've fully gotten back into dog training.  I had never really taken a break from teaching but had taken a break from working with my own dog but now that I'm back to 100% I'm back into it and really enjoying it.  

6.  Trying new restaurants - Lately I've been  keeping an eye on opening restaurants and using the Open Table and Resy apps and we've been trying all the new restaurants I can find.  I've really enjoyed trying all the new stuff and we've discovered some new favorites.

7.  Universal Yums - This is a subscription box that sends you snacks from a specific country every month and it's been so fun.  The August box was Indonesia and I really enjoyed most of the snacks though was not a big fan of the drink.

8.  Frozen grapes - I love grapes but they always go bad before I finish them so I started freezing them (not a new concept I know) and have 

9.  Sandwiches of History on YouTube - This guy makes a different sandwich every day from a recipe found from some time in the past.  There are some of the strangest combinations and it's so fun to watch.  He's got a fun attitude and I always enjoy hearing his thoughts on the creations.

10. Water enchancers - I've been trying to drink more water but it's so boring.  I love adding a little drop of flavoring and have had a good time combing different flavors.  Mio is my current favorite brand.

What are some of your favorite non-bookish things?

A Moment's Shadow - Historical Mystery Review

Goodreads:  A Moment's Shadow (Verity Kent #8) by Anna Lee Huber

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

Description:  August 1920, Dublin, A fraught task keeps Verity and her husband Sidney in the country after their initial clandestine mission has been the traitor Lord Ardmore is scheming to employ the deadly phosgene gas he’s stolen for some terrifying purpose, and the couple will need both the Crown forces and the rebels’ help to thwart him.

As they pursue their quarry, they are drawn into a case involving a series of cunning and brazen jewel thefts. Many believe it is the work of the Irish rebels, seeking to fund their revolution, but when Verity and Sidney are also approached by Michael Collins and the IRA to unmask the thief, they suspect he may instead be an opportunist using the political unrest as a cover for his crimes.

As the thief continues to pull ever more risky jobs—including targeting Verity and their friends—the couple receive new intelligence that the gas they seek may be intended for a crowded event, one that the entire world will be attuned to. They must stop Lord Ardmore at all costs—or the consequences will be devastating . . .

Genre:  Mystery - Historical

Why I Picked This Book:  I've read the other books in this series and was very curious to see how Verity and Sidney's time in Dublin continues.

My Impression:   I have very much enjoyed the Verity Kent series by this author and this was no exception.  Huber did a good job of really illustrating what a tumultuous and dangerous time this was in Ireland.  Danger could come from all sides and the tension that rules Verity and Sidney's time is clear and almost palpable.  

This is a series that is important to read and order and especially in this book.  Even if you are familiar with some of the previous Verity books unless you had read the previous book I think you'd be a bit lost.  There is some wrap up of the previous book in the beginning and the new mystery doesn't really get off the ground until almost 20% of the book.  The pacing isn't slow if you're familiar with the events of the previous book but I can't imagine how confusing it would be if you were coming in with this book.

As usual I enjoy my time with Verity and Sidney.  I enjoy Verity's style and I find the challenges of going from a working official role to being completely sidelined and cut out just because the war is over and she's a woman interesting.  I imagine there were a lot of women in similar positions (though less glamorous than Verity) so I like the perspective.  As well, I liked how the author handled this period of time in Ireland.  Neither side is romanticized or villainized and while Sidney and Verity do have their opinions as to what side is in the right there are bad actors on both sides.

I really enjoy this author and this series.  I do recommend starting at the beginning with Verity as her character and her world develop with each story.  If you're looking for a between the wars era mystery series this is one to pick up - but read it in order!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?   Absolutely!  I really enjoy both her Verity Kent series and her Lady Darby series and plan on continuing with both.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy historical mysteries than I would recommend this series - and really anything by this author.

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

Mr. Zero - Classic Mystery Review

Goodreads:  Mr. Zero by Patricia Wentworth

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

Description:  A high society house party in the country sets the stage for blackmail, sabotage, illicit passion, and murder in this witty, classic British mystery with a touch of political intrigue

The last thing London debutante Gay Hardwicke wants is to become involved in another one of her cousin’s messy jams. But Lady Sylvia Colesborough is in over her head this time: She claims she’s being blackmailed by the mysterious Mr. Zero. If she doesn’t steal important government papers from the safe of her politically connected husband, the distinguished Sir Francis, her gambling debts will be exposed. Gay’s reluctant attempts to help Sylvia backfire when a murder raises the stakes—and Gay’s boyfriend, Algy Somers, becomes the prime suspect.

Enlisting the aid of her society friends, Gay races to clear Algy’s name and catch a cagey killer before her own days are numbered.

Genre: Mystery - Classic

Why I Picked This Book:  I'm slowly reading through the Patricia Wentworth standalones and this was the next on the list.

My Impression:   This was a cute mystery that fits in the category of story that Agatha Christie called "thrillers".  There's a bit of an espionage feel and while a murder does occur there is a lot more going on.  

Gay is one of my favorite Wentworth heroines.  She's good natured and optimistic but also has a little bit of an edge to her.  She does put up with far more than she should but she's not thrilled about it and lets her feelings be known.  She deserves better than Algy who kind of gets bewitched by Sylvia early on and is shocked that Gay isn't happy about it.

The mystery is a fun one.  It starts out with a complicated case of blackmail and stolen documents and quickly spirals to murder.  With everything going on it is still a fairly simple story but it's a fun one.  It's a quick read and while not the most memorable it is a fun read.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  I would.  This wasn't great but it was fun and I always enjoy reading a Wentworth book.

Would I Recommend this Book?  With reservations.  This isn't the book I would recommend to Patricia Wentworth newbies but if you're already a fan this is a good one.

Friday Five - Nonfiction Books on My TBR

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.   School is back in session here and it's got me thinking about reading some nonfiction.   Here are 5 on my TBR.

1.  Betty Ford: First Lady, Women's Advocate, Survivor, Trailblazer by Lisa McCubbin - Betty Ford fascinates me and I'd like to know more about her.

2.  Code Name: Lisle by Larry Loftis - I've read one book by this author that I really enjoyed and this sounds interesting.

3.  Wallis in Love by Andrew Morton - I watched the episode of The Crown where Queen Elizabeth II has to deal with her uncle and I realized that I don't know that much about Wallis.  

4.  The Alps by Stephen O'Shea - I saw this in the library not that long ago and it really jumped out at me.  It looks interesting.

5.  The Husband Hunters by Anne De Courcy - I'm fascinated by the American heiresses who married into England aristocracy and would like to know more about them.  

What nonfiction books are on your TBR?

Books from the Backlog - Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life

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:  Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life by Ruth Franklin

Blurb:  Instantly heralded for its “masterful” and “thrilling” portrayal (Boston Globe), Shirley Jackson reveals the tumultuous life and inner darkness of the literary genius behind such classics as “The Lottery” and The Haunting of Hill House. In this “remarkable act of reclamation” (Neil Gaiman), Ruth Franklin envisions Jackson as “belonging to the great tradition of Hawthorne, Poe and James” (New York Times Book Review) and demonstrates how her unique contribution to the canon “so uncannily channeled women’s nightmares and contradictions that it is ‘nothing less than the secret history of American women of her era’ ” (Washington Post). Franklin investigates the “interplay between the life, the work, and the times with real skill and insight, making this fine book a real contribution not only to biography, but to mid-20th-century women’s history” (Chicago Tribune). “Wisely rescu[ing] Shirley Jackson from any semblance of obscurity” (Lena Dunham), Franklin’s invigorating portrait stands as the definitive biography of a generational avatar and an American literary genius.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  I've read a number of Shirley Jackson's books and stories and always been fascinated by the woman behind the writing.  I really should read a biography of her.

Laying Down the Latte - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads:  Laying Down the Latte (A Bakeshop Mystery #21) by Ellie Alexander

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

Description:  Baker Jules Capshaw, along with her husband, Carlos, and Torte’s resident barista, Andy, are packing their bags and preparing for the ultimate coffee excursion in Costa Rica. A fortuitous invitation from one of Carlos’s former colleagues, Valentina, has them venturing to the coffee capital of the world for a tasting tour and an immersive weekend at her family's organic coffee farm.

They soak in the tropical breezes, the vibrant colors, the sounds of morning birdsong, and the sweeping views of the historic coffee farm. Valentina is the ultimate host, offering them traditional meals and thrilled to have their input as she’s preparing to open a coffee counter and bakery on the farm.

The getaway is just what Jules needed. A chance to relax and unwind, curl up with a book and iced latte by the pool, and tinker in Valentina’s kitchen, dreaming up new recipes to bring home. Except her tranquil weekend quickly turns into a nightmare when one of Valentina’s employees is found dead in the pulping machine. Now, Jules will have to put her vacation on hold to try and uncover the murderer before one of Torte's beloved workers becomes the next body thrown into the mix.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  This is one of my favorite cozy series and I do enjoy a book in a different location from the usual.

My Impression: I've been curious to see how the series evolves and Jules and Carlos have some major life changes coming up.   The trip to Costa Rica makes sense for the growth of the business and for Jules and Carlos personally as they are friends with the coffee farm owner.  The inclusion of Andy also makes a lot of sense and I was so glad to see as he's one of my favorite characters.  It was good to see them away from Ashland and I think wedding Lance is best only dealt with in text message form!

I wasn't sure who the victim would be and I had no clue how it would come to be.  I also wasn't sure how Jules and Carlos being involved in the investigation since they are in a foreign country.  That part might not have been the most realistic but it's also not realistic that a bakery owner would be involved in 21 murder investigations so I'm more than happy to let that go!  

I enjoyed this book and it made for a nice little bit of escapist reading.  I've never really thought much about coffee growing so the coffee farm setting was one I really enjoyed.  The mystery was an easy read and kept me guessing.  I love Ashland but it was nice to see the three characters off on a bit of a vacation.  This is a series that I've enjoyed from the beginning and really loved revisiting this world.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  I typically enjoy Alexander's books and this is my favorite series by her.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy cozy mysteries this series is a must read and this book was a fantastic addition to the series.

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

Top Ten Tuesday - Books With a High Page Count 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 books with high page counts.  I'm normally a bit hesitant to pick up books with high page counts so they tend to stay on my TBR for awhile and here are 10 that I found.

1.  Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros - It doesn't help that I didn't love the second book in the series so between that and the page count this one may be on my shelf until my TBR Jar determines that it is time to be read. (544 pages)

2.  A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness - I've seen such good reviews for this one and I do want to read it but the page count frequently scares me off.  (592 pages)

3.  The Huntress by Kate Quinn - This isn't as long as the others but it is still a bit longer than what I usually reach for.  (560 pages)

4.  The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson - I usually enjoy Larson's book and I recently read a historical fiction that made me interested in Churchill's family but once again it will probably be on my TBR until my TBR Jar says it's time.  (546 pages)

5.  Cress by Marissa Meyer - This one is another that isn't that long but is still just long enough.  (552 pages)  

6.  Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy - I've seen this listed on a number of favorite books but the page count terrifies me!  (964 pages)

7.  Inkheart by Cornelia Furke - This one isn't too bad and because it's a middle grade it probably reads first but the fact that it looks massive has made me hesitate. (563 pages)

8.  Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel-  This one interests me but never quite enough to make the commitment to read it. (653 pages) 

9.  The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton - I enjoy Kate Morton and I've had this on Audible for literally years but can never quite commit to read it.  (485 pages)

10 The Stand (and pretty much everything else) by Stephen King - I've watched a number of King's movies and read a short story or two.  There are a number of books from King on my TBR but the page count is almost as scary as the subject matter.  (1,152 pages)

What do you think of books with high page counts?  Is it a selling point or a deal breaker?

The Battle of the Bookshops - Fiction Review

Goodreads: The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander

Rating:  Liked It (3 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  A charming literary-themed novel about a young woman determined to save her great-aunt’s beloved bookshop from extinction by the shiny new competition—which also happens to be run by the handsome son of her family’s rivals.

The cute, seaside town of Portneath has been the home of Capelthorne’s Books for nearly a hundred years…

The shop, in the heart of a high street that stretches crookedly down the hill from the castle to the sea, may be a tad run-down these days, but to Jules Capelthorne, the wonky, dusty world of literary treasures is full of precious childhood memories. When her great-aunt Florence gets too frail to run it alone, Jules ditches her junior publishing job in London and comes home to make the bookshop’s hundredth birthday a celebration to remember.

Jules quickly discovers things are worse than she ever imagined: The bookshop is close to bankruptcy, unlikely to make it to its own centenary celebration, and the lease on the building is up for renewal. With a six-figure sum needed, the future looks bleak.

To make matters worse, the owner of the property is the insufferable Roman Montbeau, from the posh, local family who owns half of Portneath. The Montbeaus and Capelthornes have feuded for years, and Roman has clearly not improved since he tormented Jules as a child. Fresh from a high-flying career in New York, he is on a mission to shake things up, and—unforgivably—proves his point about Capelthorne’s being a relic of the past by opening a new bookshop directly opposite—a shiny, plate-glass-windowed emporium of books.

Jules may not be able to splash the cash on promotions and marketing like the Montbeaus, but she’s got some ideas of her own, plus she has a tenacity that may just win the hardest of hearts and the most hopeless of conflicts.

Let the battle of the bookshops commence…

Genre:  Fiction 

Why I Picked This Book:   I've enjoyed other books by this author and then throw in the bookish element and I couldn't' resist.  

My Impression: There was a lot I liked about this book.  I like Poppy Alexander's writing style.  I loved the village "coming home" setting.  I really loved the relationship between Jules and Aunt Flo and appreciated the complicated relationship between Jules and her mother.  I also liked all the complicated details of running a small business - and reviving one that has been failing.   I liked the Romeo & Juliet and the You've Got Mail vibes.

Unfortunately, I really struggled with the relationship between Roman and Jules.  They had one tiny interaction when they were teenagers and it's a bit hard to believe it was such a pivotal moment in two very separate ways to both of them.  As well, Roman's a bit of a jerk when it comes to running a business.  The fact that he opened the bookstore right across from Capelthorne's and takes steps to put it out of business was enough to not like him.  I just couldn't root for him.  As well, Jules seems like she needs a hug, a nap, and maybe some therapy before I could really root for her in a relationship.  

I've enjoyed the previous two books I've read by this author and found this one very readable even though the relationship wasn't a win for me. 

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I will definitely be keeping my eye out for future books even though this wasn't a total winner for me.

Would I Recommend this Book?  I would definitely recommend this author if you enjoy cozy rom-com type stories and if you like her writing style than give this one a try.

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

Come, Tell Me How You Live - Nonfiction Review

Goodreads: Come, Tell Me How You Live by Agatha Christie Mallowan

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

Description:  Over the course of her long, prolific career, Agatha Christie gave the world a wealth of ingenious whodunits and page-turning locked-room mysteries featuring Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, and a host of other unforgettable characters. She also gave us Come, Tell Me How You Live, a charming, fascinating, and wonderfully witty nonfiction account of her days on an archaeological dig in Syria with her husband, renowned archeologist Max Mallowan. Something completely different from arguably the best-selling author of all time, Come, Tell Me How You Live is an evocative journey to the fascinating Middle East of the 1930s that is sure to delight Dame Agatha’s millions of fans, as well as aficionados of Elizabeth Peters’s Amelia Peabody mysteries and eager armchair travelers everywhere.

Genre: Nonfiction

Why I Picked This Book:  This was the July pick for the Read Agatha Christie Challenge and is one I read years ago and have been meaning to reread.

My Impression: I love that in this book she add the Mallowan last name to her signature as the book focuses on her life with Max.  Christie had long been interested in archeology and set a number of books on dig sites (and one even in ancient Egypt).  She met her second husband on a dig site and digs became part of her regular life.  This is a short memoir of her experience in Syria in the 1940s.  She doesn't really touch on the history of the region but is more focused on what it's like to live in a country and culture so different from the one that you are used to.

Agatha is a well-to do English woman born at the end of the Victorian period and while she is very progressive for the time that is still who she is.  There are some biases and stereotypes from her perspective but even more from the locals around her.  She takes neither the suffering of the locals nor her own particularly seriously and there is a note of wry humor woven throughout the story.  She also definitely doesn't glamorize life on a dig site!

This is a bit of a slower pace and made for a good slow read.  I really enjoyed experienced a dig site in 1940s Syria (though am very glad I'm not physically experiencing it - the scene with the mice haunts me a little!).  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  I'm looking forward to reading the August Read Christie pick.

Would I Recommend this Book?  I would - especially if you're interested in archaeology or Agatha Christie's life.  

Friday Fives - Five Books I've Bought 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.  I've been doing some bookshopping and picked up a few things.  Here are the 5 books I've picked up.

1.  The Blanket Cats by Kiyoshi Shigematsu - This looks lovely and the whole concept is a bit bananas which I like.

2.  Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor - I have really enjoyed everything I've read by this author and this looks wonderful.

3.  The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sara Beth Durst - I adored Durst's book last year and am so excited about this one.

4.  Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum - This has been on my TBR since it came out so I had to pick it up when I stumbled upon it at the bookstore.

5.  Remember Love by Mary Balogh - I have been loving another series from Balogh and so when I saw this one as one of the offered freebies for Bookstore Romance day on Libro.fm I snapped it up!

What have you picked up lately?

Books from the Backlog - Now and Then Friends

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:  Now and Then Friends by Kate Hewitt

Blurb:  Childhood best friends Rachel Campbell and Claire West have not only grown up, but after fifteen years, they've also grown apart...
After her father left, Rachel had to dedicate her life to managing her her two younger sisters, her disabled mother, and her three-year-old nephew. When Rachel’s not struggling to look after all of them, she makes her living cleaning the houses of wealthy families—inclulding the Wests, where a surprise now awaits her. . . .

A lifetime of drifting in other people's currents has finally left Claire high and dry. First it was her parents, then the popular crowd in school, and finally her fiancé. Now she’s returned to Hartley-by-the-Sea to recover. But running into Rachel brings back memories of past mistakes, and Claire wonders if she now has the courage to make them right.

Soon Claire’s brother, Andrew, asks Rachel to keep an eye on Claire, which is the last thing either woman wants. But as their lives threaten to fall apart, both Claire and Rachel begin to realize what they need most is a friend. The kind of friend they once were to each other, and perhaps can be again. . . .

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  I read an earlier book by this author and loved it.  I've been meaning to read this one for years and really should pick it up soon!

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective - Mystery Review

Goodreads:  The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols

Rating: Not For Me (2 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Mrs. B, the landlady of The Marigold Cottages is a stubborn idealist who only rents to people she cares about: Sophie, an anxious young playwright with a dark past; Hamilton, an agoraphobe who likes to overshare; Ocean, a queer sculptor raising two kids alone; the perfectionist Lily-Ann; and Nicholas, a finance bro who’s hiding secrets.

The tenants live contentedly in their doll-house bungalows in Santa Barbara, just minutes from the beach, until their peace is shattered when Anthony, a quiet, hulking, but potentially violent ex-con moves in. Three weeks later, a dead body is discovered on the streets of the peaceful neighborhood. Anthony is arrested, and the tenants heave sighs of relief. Until Mrs. B, convinced that he's innocent, marches down to the police station and confesses to the crime herself. The tenants band together and form “The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective” to save their beloved landlady. As clues are unearthed and secrets are revealed, the community of misfits only grows more tight-knit...until a second body is found. Full of eccentricity, humor, community, The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective will keep you hooked until the last page.

Genre: Mystery

Why I Picked This Book:  The title.  Anytime a group of people get together to solve a mystery I am completely in so how could I resist a Murder Collective?

My Impression:  I really wanted to love this and the premise had my expectations pretty high.  I love a found family of quirky unconnected characters and am a big fan of putting together a team to solve a murder.  Extra points for the fact they gave the team a name.

Unfortunately, this one just didn't grab me.  The characters felt very one note - Mrs. B is the meddling landlady, Ocean is the cottage mother + lover of protests and causes, Sophie is high strung and writing a play in her head about the characters of the cottages, and Lily-Ann is fat (her description) and suffers from severe and somewhat debilitating perfectionism.  The men are even a bit more one note.  Anthony looks like a sinister criminal, Nicholas is kind of a jerk, and I never got much on Hamilton other than he liked visitors and doesn't leave the house.  The POV changes with each chapter which I did like but didn't help my grasp of the characters.  I did really like that the detective's POV was included and really liked seeing an outside perspective.

The writing style is very unique and while that contributed to it not working for me I think that could cause it to really work for someone else.  Not every book is for everyone and this unfortunately, is one that isn't for me.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I might try this author again if I could get a book from the library and the premise really grabs me.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you like quirky stories with mysteries this might be a good pick but I'd try to read a sample or get it from the library before buying.

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

Top Ten Tuesday - Books to Read to Try to Beat a Slump

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 Guaranteed to Put an End to Your Book Slump.  I'm not sure I have any guaranteed book slump busters but here are some books that have helped me get out of a slump in the past.

1.  Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murders by Jesse Q Sutanto - Found family and one of the best main characters I've read in a long time - plus a pretty fast pace - makes this a perfect slump read.

2.  Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish by Dorothy Gilman - The whole Mrs. Pollifax series are quick reads with a likable main character and bunches of hijinks.  You can never go wrong with a Mrs. Pollifax book!

3.  Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen - I love this author and her books always pull me in.

\4.  Into the Darkness by Barbara Michaels - The Gothic tones of Michaels' stories always grab me and this one involves jewelry and family secrets which makes it one of my favorites.

5.  Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica - I love a fast paced short chapter thriller and this one kept me hooked.  The audio was fanatastic!

6.  Scaredy Cat by Sofie Ryan - I can't have a list without a cozy and this one featuring a cat with some serious attitude and a group of older private detectives is one of my favorites.

7.  How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior - Penguins and a cranky old woman and a hefty dose of found family - what's not to like?

8.  What You are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama - I adore this book in both audio and print and it has such a soothing feel it usually beats any slump I have.

9.  South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber - I love Webber's books and they typically just escape into her magical realism stories.

10. Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie - I can't have a list without a Christie and this is one of my favorites!

What books do you reach for to break a slump?

Authors I've Been Meaning to Read - The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

At the beginning of the year, I made a list of authors that I've been saying I need to read and commit to reading at least one book by each of the authors in 2025.  Here's my thoughts on one of those books/authors.

Goodreads:  The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

Blurb:  Emma Wheeler desperately longs to be a screenwriter. She’s spent her life studying, obsessing over, and writing romantic comedies―good ones! That win contests! But she’s also been the sole caretaker for her kind-hearted dad, who needs full-time care. Now, when she gets a chance to re-write a script for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates―The Charlie Yates! Her personal writing god!―it’s a break too big to pass up.

Emma’s younger sister steps in for caretaking duties, and Emma moves to L.A. for six weeks for the writing gig of a lifetime. But what is it they say? Don’t meet your heroes? Charlie Yates doesn’t want to write with anyone―much less “a failed, nobody screenwriter.” Worse, the romantic comedy he’s written is so terrible it might actually bring on the apocalypse. Plus! He doesn’t even care about the script―it’s just a means to get a different one green-lit. Oh, and he thinks love is an emotional Ponzi scheme.

But Emma’s not going down without a fight. She will stand up for herself, and for rom-coms, and for love itself. She will convince him that love stories matter―even if she has to kiss him senseless to do it. But . . . what if that kiss is accidentally amazing? What if real life turns out to be so much . . . more real than fiction? What if the love story they’re writing breaks all Emma’s rules―and comes true?

My Thoughts:  This was adorable.  I loved Emma and her family.  I loved the premise.  There's a bit of a grumpy/sunshine dynamic as Charlie is a bit reserved and used to doing things his own way.  I really enjoyed seeing them navigate working together as writing colleagues and as people temporarily living together.  I loved the ending, the challenges didn't feel too artificially created, and I really enjoyed how he supported and championed her.  The audio was a delight to listen too and I'm looking forward to reading more from Katherine Center.  My Rating: Really Liked It! (4.5 Stars) 

This Week in Reading - August 10

 

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 Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst - I used a Libro.FM credit for this one and am so looking forward to listening to it! (Purchased)

Currently:

Reading:  The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols and Unsolved Crimes by Sarah Herman

Listening:  All the Stars in the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani

It's been a busy week but I was able to get some good reading done which made me happy.  This week I'm hoping to get some medical stuff dealt with that I've been putting off - I'm terrible at getting lab work done!  And of course I'm hoping to get more reading done as well.

Have a great week and happy reading!