I read eighteen books since my last post until Feb 23—2 1/2 paper, 0 digital, and the rest audio.
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree “Book with an Epilogue” 5 Stars This novel is women’s fiction meets high fantasy. A female ogre gives up the adventuring life and opens a coffee shop. I loved how the story played on tropes from both fantasy and women’s fiction. Delightful story, great ending.
Heartstopper Vol 1 by Alice Oseman “Book Title that Starts with H” 4 Stars. I’m a romantic at heart, but the story does not end happily. Thank God there are multiple books in the series. A cute story of two boys who are finding out who they are and what they love. I only gave it a four because I wanted it to a happily- ever-after.
The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill “A Book About Secrets” 5 Stars. A great experiment in meta. We are reading a novel as it’s written. Edits and changes happen. The characters might be a bit flat, but the message of the story (for writers) was spot on. Especially the part about how all books are romances.
Devil’s Delight by MC Beaton “An Alliterative Title” 5 Stars. I love Agatha Raisin and this story had some great twists and turns. The ghostwriter is doing an amazing job.
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo “A Book from Macmillan” 5 Stars. I love this series. Both novels have been page-turners with a heroine who will kick your butt and never look back. I also love that it’s set at Yale. (As a former Husky, it cracks me up to watch those Yale boys.) Anyway… an exceptional story.
The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman “A Book Written in Present Tense” 5 Stars A good mystery featuring an older crowd of sleuths. I love we are in a nursing home solving mysteries. I plan to keep reading the series.
Wicked Boy: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer by Kate Summerscale “Book with a Subtitle” 3 Stars The title is click-bait. The boy wasn’t wicked. He made a terrible choice at an early age and grew up to be a respectable person. There was no mystery either. The kid confessed as soon as he was confronted. Sigh…
Visions in Death by JD Robb “A Second-Hand Book” 5 Stars. I tried to read it on paper. I did. I bought my physical copy from the Book Barn in Niantic, CT. Halfway through, I switched to the audio. Then wondered why I hadn’t finished the series already. Love the series!
Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie “A Book that Sends You Down the Rabbit Hole” 5 Stars. Not exactly the rabbit hole, but they used that phrase multiple times in the book. I could probably sit for hours, thinking out this author’s take on spirits and the afterlife. The format was perfect for audio as it was a reality TV setting with all the diaries and interviews. I loved this book.
Going Rogue by Janet Evanovich “A Book with a Funeral” 5 Stars. More fun with Stephanie Plum. The plot followed the same formula, but the word marriage kept coming up. I wonder if Stephanie will finally choose a guy. Also, it was a viewing rather than a full funeral, but there were two, so I’m counting it.
Bride Test by Helen Hoang “A Book I meant to Read Last Year” 4 Stars. I did not love it as much as The Kiss Quotient. The man with autism was harder to relate to. I didn’t feel for him as much. His trouble with emotions didn’t hit the chord the author was trying for.
Also read, but not for the challenge:
Over Sea, Under Stone, The Dark is Rising, and Greenwich by Susan Cooper 4 Stars each. I’m finally reading the series to get the Newberry winner.
Hollow City by Ransom Riggs 4 Stars. I’m reading this series finally. You have to read them on paper, and I have some time for paper books lately.
Mrs. Jefferies on the Trail and Mrs. Jeffries Plays the Cook by Emily Brightwell 4 Stars each. I needed some light and simple reading between the more intense stories.
A Lady’s Guide to Gossip and Murder by Dianne Freeman 5 Stars If you haven’t started reading this series, go now. It’s outstanding.
Marrying Harriet by Marion Chesney 4 Stars Also fits the “Last Book in a Series” prompt. A great end to this adorable School for Manners series.
I may not have as many next month. It is cold outside though. Time for big books!
