Cheli's concentrating on mysteries and histories in 2015 Part 2

PART 2 OF CHELI'S 2015 READING



I decided at the begin of 2015 that I really need to concentrate on the series that I've already started and the histories for the USPC so that I can feel less "stress" about my reading.

I love cozy mysteries or just plain mysteries and have 167 that I want to advance further in the series in 2015. For that reason my 2015 reading is all about the series.

The rest of my reading has been a concentration of histories related to and including the presidencies of Teddy Roosevelt, Wm Howard Taft, and World War I.

So far of the 66 books I read as of June 30th, 57 of them were series related. It appears that I made a good decision because I am really enjoying my reading this year.

My VOWS for 2015 are:

VOW#1: I will try my very hardest to refrain from requesting any ER or ARC books unless they fit into my series reads.
I've actually been successful here. 3 books were requested - 2 I've read and the last one I'm currently reading.

VOW #2: I will make a strong effort to remain current on my reviews.
Again, I have had a hard time because I just want to read and read and read but I am current.

VOW #3: I will make a concentrated effort to read more books off my shelves (real or virtual) and reduce the purchase of new books.
Here I have been successful with 86% of my reading being from my own books so far this year but again those bargain prices and the library are hard to resist.



So I will continue on in 2015 with the same plan!

First the continuation didn't work, and then it did.

Happy new thread, Cheli!

Happy new thread! It's hard to believe we're halfway through the year.

I've got this one, rather than the other in the Threadbook.

Challenge Book# 67


The mission wall on Jill Gardner's property is nearing approval by the historical society so to add another nudge South Cove is hosting a Mission Run/Walk in it's honor. But the people that should be handling the promotion seem to be lying down on the job. A promoter is discovered dead under the body of one of the walkers that passed out.

This murder not only spools Jill and Greg's vacation plans but could end up slaying the romance as well.

I love the characters and the setting. Together they make this a series where I can't wait for the next one!

TITLE: Killer Run ★★★½
AUTHOR: Lynn Cahoon
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Jill Gardner, Jackie Ekroth, Josh Thomas, Greg King, Rachel Fleur, Sandra Ashford, Ashford
Series/ Progress: A Tourist Trap Mystery 5/5
DATE READ: June 30 - July 1
NO. OF PAGES: 320
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI, AlphaKit
SOURCE: NetGalley

I don't know this series at all, Cheli. So it's a good one? (sigh) I am so swamped with series that I'm following and ones I'm trying to get to . . . ;)

>>8 tymfos: I found this series at NetGalley last April and loved it so much that it's one that I actually have kept current. I sympathize with you about the "swamped with series" which is why this year I'm making a conscience effort to read the books in the series I've already started. Not only am I catching up but I'm also getting read books that have been sitting on my shelves, e-readers and audio devices for quite some time. AND I'M HAVING A GREAT TIME READING THEM AS WELL!

That's precisely my focus this year too, Cheli, and I'm also having a great time!

Glad you're enjoying all your series, Cheli. I ought to get a grasp about my series. I have no idea how many there are. I'm enjoying reading them this year, though.

I laughed when I saw this...

>12 cyderry: Great flashback to the past though I think the income seems high compared to what I was making at the time.

>13 Familyhistorian: income could be regional.
I laughed because milk cost more per gallon than gasoline and nobody complained. Now I think it's still the same way, but we aren't happy that gas is higher.

I also remembered that the rent for our first apartment when we got married in 1974 was $171 a month and we worried about how we were going to pay that. Now I spend that much on my hair and nails each month!

Challenge Book# 68

Olivia Limoges has a lot on her plate - the opening of a new restaurant, helping her newly-discovered brother and his family get settled in their new home, and working on her own novel but she squeezes in an assist to her fellow writer-wannabe, Harris, to find a house to buy. When Harris settles on an old fixer-upper, Olivia makes sure that he is the new owner by pushing through the sale before a famous writer can get it.

But the discoveries that are made as the renovations begin, add a new dark twist by revealing the history of a longtime member of the community.

When the famous author is found dead literally eating his own words, Olivia works with Chief Rawlings to find out why.

I really like this series and Ellery Adams is quickly becoming one of my favorite cozy writers. Looking forward to the next one VERY soon!

The Last Word ★★★½
AUTHOR: Ellery Adams
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Olivia Limoges, Sawyer Rawlings, Harris Williams, Wheeler Ames, Raymond Hatcher, Nick Plumley
Series/ Progress: Books by the Bay 3/7
DATE READ: July 1 - July 3
NO. OF PAGES: 320
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI, AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook stockpile

>14 cyderry: I remember making $55 a week and being able to pay for my room and food and save for university. That was in 1971. Now $55 won't even fill my gas tank!

My parents were married in 1941. They told me many times that, as newlyweds, they had been making payments on a new Studebaker, and only had 50 cents a week budgeted for gasoline to run it . . .

I've read my 74th book, now I just have to catch up on the reviews.

69. WWI history in an hour
70. Beyond the Grave
71. Days of Wine and Roquefort
72. The Tin Woodman of Oz %
73. An illustrated history of the First World War
74. Read It and Weep %

74! Almost there . . .

>19 tymfos: yeah, can't decide whether to make a fun one or serious one #75.

Oh, fun one!

Maybe something seriously funny? ;-)

It was a fun one! I actually finished #75 (fun one) yesterday and #76 (serious one) this morning. Now I just need to catch up on reviews.

Congrats on 75+!

Challenge Book# 69


This was a nice little book that gave an non-detailed look at the war, who battled who and how it affected the face of Europe - WWI caused the end of 4 dynasties - Germans(Prussian), Hapsburgs (Austria/Hungary), Ottomans (Turkey), and the Romanovs(Russians). It was also the first war that was fought without "chivalry" where innocent women and children were killed with thought and non-military naval vessels were targeted.

TITLE: World War One: History in an Hour ★★★
AUTHOR: Rupert Colley
GENRE: History
DATE READ: July 3 - July 3
NO. OF PAGES: 80
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI, AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook stockpile

Challenge Book# 71

Charlotte's cousin Matthew has a friend, Noelle, moving to Providence to manage a local winery, and temporarily moves in with Charlotte. Noelle shares a tour of the winery with them where Charlotte begins to suspect that the owner's daughter isn't happy about the new employee.

Several days later, Noelle turns up dead and Charlotte feels that she needs to investigate into the murder.

Fun installment with twists and turns.

TITLE: Days of Wine and Roquefort★★★½
AUTHOR: Avery Aames
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS:
Series/ Progress: Cheese Shoppe 5/6
DATE READ: July 4 - July 8
NO. OF PAGES: 320
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI, AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook stockpile

Challenge Book# 72


This segment of the Oz books introduces us to Woot the Wanderer who ambles into the castle of the Tin Woodsman and after learning Nick Chopper's history asks whatever happened to he girl that he loved. This sets the Tin Woodsman, the scarecrow and Woot off on an quest to locate the girl and make amends.

The adventures that the trio encounter show the reader new areas of Oz and more new characters.

TITLE: The Tin Woodsman of Oz★★★
AUTHOR: L Frank Baum
GENRE: Classics
CHARACTERS: Tin Woodsman, Scarecrow, Woot the Wanderer, Nimmee Amee, Captain Fyter
Series/ Progress: Oz 12/15
DATE READ: July 9 - July 10
NO. OF PAGES: 105
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI, AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook stockpile

Challenge Book# 73

This book was filled photos, maps, and illustrations of the time. What surprised was the information that could be gathered just from the captions - such as trench warfare caused a stalemate and lengthened the war, the Russians actually had a female battalion fighting, the warfare was not just in Europe but in Asia and Africa as well, Germany had colonies in Africa, and Jews that spoke Yiddish were used as interpreters because Yiddish was very close to medieval German.

This book also re-emphasized that 20th century war tactics were completed different that the chivalrous days of old.

TITLE: An Illustrated History of the First World War★★★
AUTHOR: John Keegan
GENRE: History
CHARACTERS:
Series/ Progress:
DATE READ: July 3 - July 12
NO. OF PAGES: 410
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI, AlphaKit
SOURCE: Library

Congratulations on reading so many books thus far this year. I am woefully behind. For the first time since I joined the group in 2008, I don't think I'll meet the 75 mark.

I hope you are well. Thinking of you and sending hugs.

>27 cyderry: I wanted to like the Avery Aames series, but the first installment was very flat for me so I've never been motivated to read more.

>31 thornton37814: Lori, I thought the same but I think that the later ones are better. This one I really, really liked.

Challenge Book# 74


Library Lover's Mysteries just seem to be getting better. In this installment, Lindsay, the librarian, is helping her friend Violet with a Shakespearean production at the community theater. A friend of Violet's, a well-known actor agrees to a part but before the show goes on, he is carried away dying from poisoning and it wasn't the first attempt on his life.

Lindsay works to uncover who and why the actor was a target and the surprise ending was as dramatic as Shakespeare would have wanted.

Great fun!

TITLE: Read It and Weep★★★★
AUTHOR: Jenn McKinlay
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Lindsay Norris, Violet LaRue, Charlotte LaRue, Robbie Vine, Sully, Dylan Peet, Joanie Peet
Series/ Progress: Library Lover's 4/6
DATE READ: July 12 - July 16
NO. OF PAGES: 304
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI, AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook Stockpile

Hi Cheli. I hope you are well. As I write we are having quite a dark storm. I'm glad to be inside reading a book by Alice Hoffman, one of my favorite authors.

Challenge Book# 75

Olivia Limoges continues to expand as a character in this 4th installment of the Books by the Bay. Olivia who formerly was totally reserved, never expressing any emotion (part of her upbringing) is learning to empathize with her friends and with newly discovered family.

Olivia is summoned to the cabin of a witch who claims to have known her mother and there Olivia is tasked in stopping a wrong - with no details of what exactly that is.

Meanwhile, Michèl (Olivia's head chef) and Olivia were asked to be the judges at the Food Festival. Afterward, Willis (Michel's assistant) dies suddenly from an apparent poisoning. When Willis' sister seems to be suffering the same fate the next day, Olivia steps in quickly to prevent another murder.

The research and details that are woven throughout this mystery are astonishing and I can't wait for the next one!

TITLE: Written in Stone★★★★½
AUTHOR: Ellery Adams
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Olivia Limoges, Sawyer Rawlings, Talley Locklear, Judson Pace, Millay
Series/ Progress: Books by the Bay 4/7
DATE READ: July 17 - July 19
NO. OF PAGES: 304
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI, AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook Stockpile

I have reached the goal of 75!

The new goal is to get my collection READ to reach 1,500 - another 55. This could be tough.

Congratulations!!!!!

Congrats!

Challenge Book# 76


In the mid to late 19th century, it was thought that if a royal marriage was made between countries, that alliances would be forged and the European continent would be at peace. So Queen Victoria with the numerous children that she had began marrying them off into other countries, however, things didn't work out as she planned. Her daughter Victoria was married to the Prince of Prussia (one of the German states) but because of her strong English tendencies, she was never really accepted and her son, Wilhelm, the future Kaiser of Germany was adamantly opposed to whatever his mother wanted.

Queen Victoria tried unsuccessful to influence German politics but because of long life of Wilhelm's grandfather and short life of his father, Wilhelm came to power early in life. Some speculate that due to an accident at the time of his birth (he was trapped in the birth canal with one arm completely damaged and possible brain damage) Wilhelm had personality disorders which caused tantrums that last throughout his life or it could be that he was simply spoiled as the heir and never learned control. English influence due to young Victoria's marriage never evolved.

Bertie, while Prince of Wales, was never allowed involvement in the government by Queen Victoria while she was alive. He was a playboy and traveled extensively and used his charm in efforts to keep the peace in Europe. When he finally came to throne, his relationship with his cousin Wilhelm was troubled.

Nicolas, the Tsarevich of Russia, wanted nothing to do with governing. He never understood the plight of the serfs and felt it his due to rule even though he had very little education.

When these 3 lives collided in history with all pomp and protocol required of society of the time, they were unable to handle the changes happening in the world around them - mechanization, communication, war advancements, suffrage. Though hey professed a desire for peace, they ultimately part of the cause for escalation.

George, Nicholas and Wilhelm: Three Royal Cousins and the Road to World War I★★★
AUTHOR: Miranda Carter
GENRE: History
CHARACTERS: George V of England, Kaiser Wilhelm II, Tsar Nicholas II
Series/ Progress:
DATE READ: July 3 - July 20
NO. OF PAGES: 560
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI, AlphaKit
SOURCE: Library Overdrive

Challenge Book# 77


Katie Bonner has a full plate - not only does she manage the Artisan Alley, but she's been tapped by an acquaintance to step in as the Maid of Honor (the wedding is a week away) with all the accompanying duties (favors, shower, etc.) but she also has to move and she hasn't found a new apartment yet.

When making a courtesy call on new neighbors who bought an old mansion that Katie had wanted to buy and turn into a B&B, she is allowed to help with the renovations and a smack with a mallet on the wall reveals a skeleton within.

The ensuing escapades related to the apartment search, wedding preparations and interviews with suspects carry the reader on a bumpy ride that entertains thoroughly.

TITLE: The Walled Flower★★★
AUTHOR: Lorraine Bartlett
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Katie Bonner, Janice Ryan, Rose Nash, Det. Davenport, Heather Winston, Jeremy Richards, Sylvia Donahue
Series/ Progress: Victoria Square mysteries 2/3
DATE READ: July 21 - July 24
NO. OF PAGES: 307
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI, AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook stockpile

Congrats on making past 75. I'm not far behind you. Maybe tonight, if I'm lucky, but definitely by tomorrow.

Challenge Book# 78

Grace Holm-D'Angelo's world is unravelling - she is having trouble at work, her teenage daughter is in a rebellious mood, and her best friend has died of cancer. Flying home for the funeral, Grace is confronted by her mother. They have been estranged ever since Grace found a startling fact about her mother inside the Recipe box.

Trying to improve her daughter's behavior, Grace leaves her daughter with her mother and heads back to her job in LA but when she hears that Emma has disappeared she heads back to found her.

The story goes on with a new romance for Grace and a decision to return to her hometown and try a change in her future.

The story seemed very predictable and the characters very two-dimensional.

TITLE: The Recipe Box★★½
AUTHOR: Sandra Lee
GENRE: Fiction
CHARACTERS: Grace, Emma, Ken, Brian, Leeza, Lorraine
Series/ Progress:
DATE READ: July 24 - July 25
NO. OF PAGES: 197
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI, LILIES
SOURCE: Nook

Congrats on 75 books and more, Chèli.

>38 cyderry: What a great review. This book is on the tbr pile for awhile. Your review prompts me to see if the local library has it.

I hope your weekend is a good one Cheli.

Here is a photo of us to make you smile!

>43 Whisper1: it does make me smile!

Congrats on reaching 75 books, Cheli.

That Ellery Adams series is now among my favorites. I pick up the new one each year as soon as it comes out.

Congrats on your 75!

August 9, 2015 – NATIONAL BOOK LOVERS DAY

A day just for us!

>47 cyderry: Ooh, I could live in that library as long as someone came along with food and cups of tea every once in a while!

Congrats on passing #75!

Challenge Book# 79

In this latest installment of the Alex Cooper series, the reader is given a jolt when Alex is apparently kidnapped and the story is reported through Mike Chapman's eyes.

The bad guys are all still there and the good guys (Mike, Mercer and Vickee) are joined by others that have had smaller parts in the past. Highlighted is the possibility of corruption around the DA's office but the big question is who has Alex?

Really enjoyed this as a change of pace for this series.

TITLE: Devil's Bridge★★★½
AUTHOR: Linda Fairstein
GENRE: Mystery
CHARACTERS: Alexandra Cooper, Mike Chapman, Mercer Wallace
Series/ Progress: Alexandra Cooper 17/17
DATE READ: July 25 - July 29
NO. OF PAGES: 406
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI,
SOURCE: NetGalley

Challenge Book# 80

This was the last in the Kane Chronicle Trilogy and brought a happy conclusion to the efforts of Carter and Sadie Kane in their battle against the evil god Apophis. Seeing the interaction between this brother and sister was extremely entertaining. Maybe the author could return them to us in the future.

TITLE: Serpent's Shadow★★★
AUTHOR: Rick Riordan
GENRE: Young Adult
CHARACTERS: Sadie Kane, Carter Kane, Walt Stone, Anubis, Zia Rashid, Setna
Series/ Progress: Kane Chronicles 3/3
DATE READ: July 30 - August 1
NO. OF PAGES: 406
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Audio stockpile

Challenge Book# 81

This second in the Caprice DeLuca series takes the reader right back to where we left off. We see the continued worries of Caprice's sister Bella and her relationship with her husband now that he knows she's pregnant as well as Caprice's own issues with her relationship with Dr. Seth and lawyer Grant. Then throw into the mix the murder of an old flame of Bella's (that she'd been secretly seeing) and Caprice has her hands full trying to stage her houses and find the murderer to protect her sister.

The characters and relationships are developing in some unusual ways and are craftily woven through the story. Looking forward to the next one.

TITLE: Deadly Décor★★★
AUTHOR: Karen Rose Smith
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Caprice DeLuca, Bella Santini, Joe Satini, Bob Preston, Danny Flannery, Ace Richland
Series/ Progress: Caprice DeLucaMysteries 2/4
DATE READ: July 30 - August 7
NO. OF PAGES: 238
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Nook

Cheli, I know you keep good tabs on the series you're reading. I assume you use an excel spreadsheet, right?. While I keep good track of my reading, I haven't done the same with my series, which I'm now trying to remedy.

I have no idea how many series I read. I'm focusing on the mystery series but might add some regularly-read nonmystery series. Or else maybe put them in a separate spreadsheet.

I'd have to guess hundreds of series. Also hoping to keep tabs, now, on what the last book read was, and when.

It'll be easy for books since I joined LT but still do-able for older ones I haven't read in quite awhile.

Check out fictfact.com to figure out which series you read/follow and then download the file. It will also give you a list of the next books if you aren't current.

>54 cyderry: I'll look into it. Thanks, Cheli.

I love FictFact. It's not perfect -- there are occasional errors -- but it is very helpful.

The new Linda Fairstein novel sounds really good. I like that series a lot, though I've fallen a bit behind.

>56 tymfos: Fairstein's series is one of my absolute favorites.

Congrats on 75 and beyond!

Challenge Book# 82

This third book in the Heroes of Olympus series sees two quests undertaken - Annabeth's to search and find the cause and resolve the animosity between the Greeks and the Romans and the assembled demigods efforts to prevent GIA from taking over the world.

The writing was a bit different from previous installments but the story still moved along and captured this reader's imagination.

TITLE: Mark of Athena★★★
AUTHOR: Rick Riordan
GENRE: Young Adult
CHARACTERS: Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Leo Valdez, Piper McLean, Jason Grace, Frank Zhang
Series/ Progress: Heroes of Olympus 3/5
DATE READ: August 2 - August 7
NO. OF PAGES: 586
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Audio stockpile

Challenge Book# 83

In this next to last Oz book we are introduced to a new area of OZ where the Hyups live. There Kiki Aru steals a magical word which causes instant transformations and runs away to see the world. He encounters Ruggedo, the deposed Nome King, who persuades Kiki to work with him to revenge himself on Ozma and take over OZ. In the meantime, Dorothy and Trot, along with their friends, are endeavoring to find something special for Ozma's birthday.

The adventures of all climax in the Emerald City at Ozma's birthday party. A cute tale.

TITLE: Magic of Oz★★★
AUTHOR: L. Frank Baum
GENRE: Classics
CHARACTERS: Kiki Aru, Ruggedo, Gugu, Dorothy, Wizard, Glass Cat, Trot
Series/ Progress: Land of Oz 14/15
DATE READ: August 7 - August 9
NO. OF PAGES: 77
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook stockpile

Challenge Book# 84

This book is the second installment set in the village of Ballybucklebo, County Down, Northern Ireland and continues the tale of Dr. Barry Laverty and his adapting to life in a small village while working to be accepted by the villagers.

Light and amusing.

TITLE: An Irish Country Village★★★
AUTHOR: Patrick Taylor
GENRE: FICTION
CHARACTERS: Dr. Barry Laverty, Dr. Fingal O'Reilly, Florence Bishop, Patricia Spence
Series/ Progress: Irish Country 2/10
DATE READ: August 8 - August 11
NO. OF PAGES: 432
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Audio stockpile

Challenge Book# 85

This book wasn't what I expected from the title. I expected to read about where the great quake was expected to occur and possibly what we could do to prevent catastrophic death count, however, what I got was a book about the causes of earthquakes, identification of areas that are prone to large magnitude earthquakes, and the explanation of the measurements and what they mean. Disappointing.

TITLE: "The Million Death Quake: The Science of Predicting Earth's Deadliest Natural Disaster★★½"
AUTHOR: Roger Musson
GENRE: NON-FICTION
DATE READ: August 8 - August 16
NO. OF PAGES: 244
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Public library

Challenge Book# 86


Jeff Resnick, an out-of-work insurance investigator is brutally mugged and when he awakens he has only his half-brother to depend on and a strange feeling that keeps getting stranger - he sees a man murdered in his mind.

Jeff's brother Richard takes him home to Buffalo where Jeff confronts his memories and works to uncover the murderer of the man who as a child help him at a low point in his life. His psychic abilities are reaching deeper and deeper into the murder and showing not only who did it but who was the witness.

Turning to the police with his "feelings" doesn't get him the help he needs until he can give evidence to convince the detective in charge. Will it be in time?

I was blown away by this story. First, the author writes great cozies so I was prepared for something totally different. Second, I don't usually go in for those "psychic" things but the way the story unravels, the reader is right there with the character trying to understand what's happening to him. It seemed so real.

TITLE: Murder on the Mind★★★★
AUTHOR: L.L. Bartlett
GENRE: Mystery
CHARACTERS: Jeff Resnick, Richard Alpert, Brenda Stanley, Matthew Sumner, Sharon Walker
Series/ Progress: Jeff Resnick mysteries 1/5
DATE READ: August 9 - August 18
NO. OF PAGES: 567
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook Stockpile

Challenge Book# 87

This "William Monk" novel really centered more around Sir Oliver Rathbone picking up with the aftermath of the trial of his father-in-law and how that man's death effected his life. No longer prosecuting or defending Rathbone is now a judge and during a trial he realizes that one of the witnesses was a client of his father-in-law. When he supplies evidence to the prosecution which causes the case to take an about-face, he learns to rue the day when afterward he is arrested for being unjust.

An interesting change for this series but really would prefer to see more of Monk and Hester.

TITLE: Blind Justice ★★★★
AUTHOR: Anne Perry
GENRE: Mystery
CHARACTERS: William Monk, Hester Monk, Sir Oliver Rathbone, Rufus Brancaster
Series/ Progress: William Monk 19/21
DATE READ: August 9 - August 18
NO. OF PAGES: 571
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Audio Stockpile

>164...is that a Nook share?

>66 tututhefirst: yes it is. :-) but the nook book is still free.

oh..thanks..just nabbed it for my NOOK app on the tablet. like i don't have anything to read 😯

>68 tututhefirst: I understand...picked up 8 books this month when my TBRs are over 500!

Challenge Book# 88


America has joined the war and Maggie Hope as secretarial staff accompanies Winston Churchill to Washington. At the same time, one of Mrs. Roosevelt's secretary is missing in action so Maggie is recruited to aid Mrs. R and goes with her when they discover the missing secretary dead. Maggie knows how important the Americans are to the war effort and works in the background to protect Mrs. R as well as uncover the apparent conspiracy which could destroy the American war cooperation.

The conspiracy and historical events are, as usual, cleverly woven together leaving the anticipation of continued adventures for Maggie and her friends.

Love this series! Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for an advanced e-copy to read.

TITLE: Mrs. Roosevelt's Confidante★★★½
AUTHOR: Susan Elia MacNeal
GENRE: Mystery
CHARACTERS: Maggie Hope, Winston Churchil, FDR, Eleanor Roosevelt, Byrd Prentiss
Series/ Progress: Maggie Hope series 5/5
DATE READ: August 19 - August 21
NO. OF PAGES: 352
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: NetGalley

>70 cyderry: love this series also..will be on the lookout for this one.

Challenge Book# 89


This new series start with Jane Steward, the manager of Storyton Hall, trying to devise a way to increase bookings at their book resort so that she can make some much needed repairs. Her idea is to sponsor a Murder and Mayhem week and the response is great.

As their guests start to arrive (in costume as literary detectives), everyone is prepared for a scavenger hunt which every one anxious to win because the prize is a first edition about a well-known mystery author and her history.

After the hunt and the presentation of the prize, Jane is distracted when her aunt falls ill, very upset because the wrong book was awarded. When Jane attempts to exchange the book, she finds the winner dead. Notifying the police of the death and the mix-up, the book remains missing and when Aunt Octavia passes the mantle of Guardian of Storyton Hall, revelations of a hidden world aid in he apprehension of the murderer and accomplices.

Great new series, my only wish is that Storyton Hall was a real place!

TITLE: Murder in the Mystery Suite★★★½
AUTHOR: Ellery Adams
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Jane Steward, Mr. Sterling, Sinclair, Desmond Price, Lizzie Ingle
Series/ Progress: Book Retreat mystery 1/2
DATE READ: August 19 - August 23
NO. OF PAGES: 277
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: giveaway prize

>70 cyderry: I like that series and will need to look for this new one later.

I also liked the first in this other Ellery Adams series. I'll probably be starting the second one soon.

Cheli, you are zipping right along with books! Congratulations for reading so many thus far. I love the images in #47! I swear that if I bring more books in the house, it will look like the second image.

>74 Whisper1: my "library" is beginning to feel that way so as long as I can fit a comfy chair and a table for my lamp and a glass of wine, I don't care how many books get crammed into it.

>72 cyderry:...Oooooo can you put this aside for the next time we exchange a borrow bag?

>76 tututhefirst: - most definitely.

Challenge Book# 90


This was actually a re-read for me for my Ladies Book Club. It was as enjoyable the second time around as the first.

Our discussion brought up the subjects of censorship and government manipulation.

We were divided on the ending as to whether the solution was an accident or planned.

TITLE: Ella Minnow Pea★★★½
AUTHOR: Mark Dunn
GENRE: Fiction
CHARACTERS: Ella, Tassie, Mattie, Alice, Nate
Series/ Progress:
DATE READ: August 23 - August 24
NO. OF PAGES: 205
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: public library

Challenge Book# 91

I love this series because 1) is set in my neck of the woods and 2) I love wine stories. Though this one didn't concentrate as much on wine as the previous installments, I still enjoyed the trip through some of the sights in DC and a good mystery.

Lucie is reunited with an old College friend but before they get a real chance to reconnect her friend disappears and is thought to have drowned in the Potomac.

Trying to figure out what happened and why her friend contacted her, Lucie is ensnared in a mystery that could be deadly for her as well.

TITLE: Viognier Vendetta★★★½
AUTHOR: Ellen Crosby
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Lucie Montgomery, Rebecca Natale, Ian Phillips, Harlan Jennings, Sir Thomas Asher
Series/ Progress: Wine Country Mysteries 5/6
DATE READ: August 24 - August 26
NO. OF PAGES: 272
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook

Challenge Book# 92


Veronika Mays, international bestselling romance author, is returning to the Aspen Valley Inn for her sister's wedding. What they don't know is that she's bringing along a stalker with the intent to kill.

When Vernie arrives she realizes that her stalker is with her and is frightened that her sisters may be the next targets. Fortunately, the groom is a homicide detective and is determined to make sure that he doesn't have to work on his honeymoon.

I love these characters from the Aspen Valley Inn series and am glad that they will have continued life in the Aspen Valley Sisters series. The characters are fun and the descriptions of the scenery I can just about see in my mind.

TITLE: Stalked to Death★★★½
AUTHOR: Sara Robbins
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Vernie Mays, Lacey Washburn, Wyatt Graves, Tim Nelson, Jill Sanders
Series/ Progress: Aspen Valley Sisters 1/3
DATE READ: August 26 - August 27
NO. OF PAGES: 143
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook

Challenge Book# 93

The town of Hemlock Falls is in the midst of preparations for History Days when several unexpected guests arrive at the Hemlock Falls Inn. Mrs.Hallenback and her companion asked for a specific room but were given another and Keith Baumer arrived without a reservation.

Problems continue with the portrayer of the central character of the history play falling ill, a suspected food critics arrival, the death of one of the townsfolk during play rehearsal, and the disappearance of the inn manager.

Sarah Quiliam the owner needs to get to the bottom of the problems before her property is shut down and she loses her investment.

The details of the history play as well as the "Holy Rollers" arrival added a touch of humor and kept the story moving to an interesting conclusion. I had to look closely at the publication date because I was wondering where the tech items until I realized when this was written.

THANKS LINDA P! Now I have 17 more books to add to my wishlist!

TITLE: A Taste For Murder★★★
AUTHOR: Claudia Bishop
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Sarah Quilliam, Meg Quilliam, Marge Schmidt, John Raintree, Amelia Hallenback, Mavis Collinworth, Keith Baumer
Series/ Progress: Hemlock Falls Mystery 1/18
DATE READ: August 27 - August 31
NO. OF PAGES: 240
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Gift from Linda P.

Challenge Book# 94

The weather is pretty in Scottsdale so when Fairy Tale Cupcakes is invited to be a vendor at the Rodeo in Northern Arizona, Mel and Angie jump on the opportunity to escape the heat.

Taking their new refurbished Cupcake Van they arrive at the rodeo and immediately get embroiled in murder. Besides trying to investigate the death of a rodeo cowboy, Mel and Angie have to also salvage their business due to some tapering with their products.

A fun mystery - good thing I'm just eating cupcakes in my mind!

TITLE: Red Velvet Revenge★★★
AUTHOR: Jenn McKinlay
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS:
Series/ Progress: Cupcake Bakery 4/7
DATE READ: August 28 - August 31
NO. OF PAGES: 304
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook

You keep hitting me with book bullets . . .

The wine series is already one I'm reading, but I'm not as far along as you. Others sound really good, too, especially the Aspen Valley Inn series.

>81 cyderry: Glad you liked the Hemlock Falls series, Cheli. I'm up to date on that one and wish she'd publish another one.

IT'S NATIONAL READ A BOOK DAY!




Come on...join in!

I just synced up my audio so I can do some needlework while I listen and keep my eye on the Giants and Red Sox and Orioles.

>86 cyderry: I missed it!

>86 cyderry: I didn't realize that . . . But I read, anyway . . .

Challenge Book# 95

Katie Bonner is fighting the summer heat at Artisan Alley but things get worse when one of the neighboring building catches fire and its owner is apparently caught in the inferno. News comes out that the corpse was apparently shot in the head before the blaze and is unrecognizable. Was it really the owner or someone else?

Katie has to balance the AC issues in the building as well as personnel conflicts while trying to determine if the deceased was really the building owner. At the same time, her own little apartment over the pizzeria is getting hotter by the day and her hopes of ever owning a B&B are fading fast.

All the elements of the book - murder, the B&B sale, the AC problems were woven together to keep the reader moving forward anxiously trying to find the solution.

TITLE: One Hot Murder★★★
AUTHOR: Lorraine Bartlett
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Katie Bonner, Andy Rust, Ray Davenport, Ida Mitchell, Dennis Wheeler, Abby Wheeler
Series/ Progress: Victoria Square Mystery 3/3
DATE READ: August 31 - September 2
NO. OF PAGES: 256
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook

Challenge Book# 96

Carmela is dining with her beau, Detective Edgar Babcock, and on the way home, they are passing a cemetery and hear screams. They discover the body of Isabelle Black (a bride-to-be) who was dining in the same restaurant. Stabbed to death, Carmela and Edgar try to find the murderer before he escapes the vicinity. Unable to capture him, Carmela is implored by the victim's sister to find out who did this.

Carmela's inquiries lead her to several interesting scenarios as to who and why Isabelle was killed, but she has to battle a bridegroom who is somewhat uninterested and a to-be mother-in-law who appears delighted before she can find the motive as well as the murderer.

I think that this series is getting better with each book and am very fortunate that the author honored me with an advanced copy.

TITLE: Parchment and Old Lace★★★½
AUTHOR: Laura Childs
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Carmela Bertrand, Edgar Babcock, Ava Grieux, Ellie Black, Vesper Baudette, Bobby Prejean
Series/ Progress: A Scrapbooking Mystery 13/13
DATE READ: September 3 - September 5
NO. OF PAGES: 300
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: ARC from author

Challenge Book# 97


Abby MacKenzie is an ex-cop turned farmer and while delivering some of her trademark honey to pastry chef in town, she finds him dead. Not satisfied with the "suicide" finding my her ex-bosses, and hired by the victim's handsome brother to investigate deeper, Abby searches for the truth and is disillusioned by what and who she finds involved in the murder.

This the first in a new series and the characters were ones that I would like to get to know better.

TITLE: A Beeline to Murder★★★
AUTHOR: Meera Lester
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Abby MacKenzie, Kat Petrovsky, Phillipe Bonheur
Series/ Progress: Henny Penny Farmette Mystery 1/1
DATE READ: September 6 - September 7
NO. OF PAGES: 288
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: NetGalley

Challenge Book# 98

This story was chock-full of interesting developments - a murder of the bride directly after the I dos, a romantic triangle with the required amount of misunderstandings, complete confidence in the arrested friend's innocence, dysfunctional family members, and an entertaining resolution.

I wish there was more wine-related material, but it was fun.

TITLE: Murder By the Glass★★★
AUTHOR: Michele Scott
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Nikki Sands, Isabel Fernandez, Andrés Fernandez, Susan Jennings, Pamela Leiland
Series/ Progress: Wine Lovers Mysteries 2/7
DATE READ: September 7 - September 8
NO. OF PAGES:
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook

Challenge Book# 99


While visiting Glinda, Dorothy and Ozma find in the all-knowing book that in a remote area of Oz the Skeezers and Flatheads are at odds and that a war may break out. Ozma and Dorothy venture to the Flatheads first trying to prevent warfare but are captured and held prisoners until Ozma's magic helps them escape. Fearing that they need to visit the Skeezers to prevent the war, Dorothy and Ozma are trapped in an underwater bubble when the Flathead Super Dictator uses unauthorized magic and turns the Queen of the Skeezers into a swan. Fortunately, Glinda and the Wizard arrive and effect the release of all the Skeezers along with Dorothy and Ozma.

This is the last of the original Oz series and I feel that it was one of the best. Several authors have continued the tales but Frank Baum wrote no more. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my adventures in the Land of Oz and hope that future generations will visit as well.

TITLE: Glinda of Oz★★★★
AUTHOR: L. Frank Baum
GENRE: Childrens
CHARACTERS: Ozma, Dorothy, Glinda, Skeezers, Flatheads
Series/ Progress: Wizard of OZ 15/15
DATE READ: September 9 - September 9
NO. OF PAGES: 78
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook

Challenge Book# 100

I won't even begin to try to tell the tale of this depressing, dragged out tale of murder and alcoholism.

I would have abandoned the entire book 60 pages in but since it was my book club selection I had to persevere. I had it figured out very quickly and it really didn't hold my interest.

Can't figure out what the big hoopla was all about but I can tell you that I won't be going to see the movie when it's made.

TITLE: The Girl on the Train★½
AUTHOR: Paula Hawkins
GENRE: Thriller
CHARACTERS: Rachel, Tom, Anna, Megan, Scott, Det. Gaskill
DATE READ: September 10 - September 11
NO. OF PAGES: 336
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: audio book Library


SO SAD THAT BOOK #100 WAS SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT.

>95 cyderry: Oh ouch, one and a half stars? And on a nice round number, too? I won't be reading Girl on the Train myself unless I have to like you did. I didn't particularly care for Gone Girl either, so there's really no appeal for me there. Hope your next read is better!

>96 bell7: Thanks, Mary. I never read Gone Girl so I really didn't know what to expect but the lady who suggested it for book club was just over the moon about it, so I expected much more. I just seemed to me to be a very bad combination of Agatha Christie's 4.50 from Paddington, Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window and Strangers on a Train. The three individually were very good but the combo was, IMHO, horrendous.

>97 cyderry: Most of my patrons compare or contrast it to Gone Girl, so whether or not it's justified I tend to lump them together in my head. Too bad it wasn't a winner for you.

Congrats on getting to 100!

>93 cyderry: I tried that series but I didn't like it well enough to keep reading.

>95 cyderry: If I get around to reading it, I hope I like it better than you did.

I enjoyed Girl on the Train but agree it has a lot of similarity - without all the sex -- to Gone Girl (which I detested).

Yay for 100 books!

Challenge Book# 101

Gigi has started her business - Gigi's Gourmet De-lite providing diet meals for numerous residents of her new hometown. When one of her clients dies from an allergic peanut reaction, Gigi is forced to try to find out who put the peanut oil in the food, because she didn't.

There are some very interesting characters and some yummy sounding foods and fun circumstances that run through the tale.

looking forward to the next one!

TITLE: Allergic to Death★★★
AUTHOR: Peg Cochran
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Gigi Fitzgerald, Sienna Paisley, Martha Bernhardt, Detective Bill Mertz
Series/ Progress: Gourmet De-Lite Mystery 1/3
DATE READ: September 10 - September 13
NO. OF PAGES: 272
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , AlphaKit
SOURCE: Nook Stockpile

Challenge Book# 102

I love this series! No matter what nasty things happen to the residents of Henry Adams, KS they are still loving and supportive to each other, helping when others have hard times and the head do-gooder is Ms. Bernadine Brown. But don't think that Ms. Brown is a push over, no siree.

Bernadine Brown may have millions and has worked tirelessly to help the residents in the town she bought but she makes them earn every blessing by working together.

This time we see a young couple who are friends of Bernadine's adopted daughter who because of a disadvantaged upbringing are battling to stay afloat with their young offspring. They come to town at the invitation of the friend and find not only a well-paying job but a home to live in and a truck to get them around.

In the meantime, Mayor Trent July is informed that his birth mother has come to see him. Ms. Brown has to deal with the mayor of Franklin, the next town over, who is jealous of the success and revitalization of Henry Adams and whose mean spirit has the HA residents welcoming refugees.

I look forward to the next visit to Henry Adams, Kansas.

TITLE: For Your Love★★★★
AUTHOR: Beverly Jenkins
GENRE: Fiction
CHARACTERS:
Series/ Progress: Blessings 6/6
DATE READ: September 14 - September 14
NO. OF PAGES: 295
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI ,
SOURCE: LibraryThing Early Reviewers

Challenge Book# 103

Kelly Jackson has been working as an assistant to the owner of a hotel chain and now has been presented the opportunity to show what she can do when she is assigned to replace a resort manager who recently died. Little does she know what she's getting her herself into when she arrives at the peaceful Inn at Redwood Cove and finds that the GM may have been murdered.

There are a group senior citizens who call themselves the Silver Sentinels who are determined to prove that the former manager did not die accidently and they enlist Kelly's assistance and then come to her aid when mysterious events continue to happen.

I loved the setting, the characters and the mystery- great start for a new series!


TITLE: Murder at Redwood Cove★★★½
AUTHOR: Janet Finsilver
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Kelly Jackson, Daniel Stevens, Helen Rogers, Tommy Rogers, Suzie Ward
Series/ Progress: Redwood Cove 1/1
DATE READ: September 16 - September 17
NO. OF PAGES: 256
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , ALPHAKIT,
SOURCE: NetGalley

Challenge Book# 104

This was a wonderful group of short tales regarding each of the 12 main Olympian Gods and how they came to rule Mount Olympus. We hear how the main 3 (Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades) defeated the Titans, and how the areas - sky, seas, and underworld were divided up.

There were also stories of the twins of Apollo and Artemis and how Athena was born from Zeus' head, Aphrodite's marriage to Hephaestus, Hera's jealous reactions, and how Hermes acquired is miraculous shoes.

Great background for the Olympian series.

TITLE: Percy Jackson's Greek Gods★★★
AUTHOR: Rick Riordan
GENRE: Young Adult
CHARACTERS: Percy Jackson, Zeus, Hades, Posiedon, Hera, Hephaestus, Athena, Apollo, Aphrodite, Ares, Artemis, Hermes, Dionysus
Series/ Progress: Percy Jackson and the Olympians 10/10
DATE READ: September 15 - September 18
NO. OF PAGES: 256
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , ALPHAKIT,
SOURCE: Public Library

Challenge Book# 105


Bree Winthrop-Beaufort is a lawyer but her usual clients are not among the living so when her aunt asks her to help her friends daughter, Lindsey, she feels compelled to do so. Lindsey is accused of a drive by snatch and grab of an 8 yr. old Girl Scout's cookie money which has the neighborhood up in arms. When Bree goes to meet with Lindsey and her mother, she is accosted by another client - the spirit of Lindsey's father who is seeking a retrial in the Celestial Courts.

I'm not usually the paranormal mystery type but this series is my exception. I love the characters and the way the author weaves the supernatural and the natural together.

TITLE: Angel's Advocate★★★
AUTHOR: Mary Stanton
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Bree Winthrop-Beaufort, Lindsey Chandler, Probert Chandler, Carrie-Alice Chandler, Sam Hunter
Series/ Progress: Beaufort & Company 2/5
DATE READ: September 17 - September 20
NO. OF PAGES: 304
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , ALPHAKIT,
SOURCE: Nook

>104 cyderry: You need to quit finding new series. ;-) It's dangerous to my TBR list.

>107 thornton37814: Lori, I know what you mean!

Challenge Book# 106


Lexy broke up with Kevin months ago, but when he is found poisoned by one of Lexy's Cupcake Tops she is the prime suspect and must work to clear herself of all suspicions.

A cute little mystery with fun characters

TITLE: Killer Cupcakes★★★
AUTHOR: Leighann Dobbs
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Lexy Baker, Jack Parillo, John Darling, Cassie, Mona, Kevin, Jason
Series/ Progress: Lexy Baker 1/10
DATE READ: September 21 - September 21
NO. OF PAGES: 143
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI ,
SOURCE: Kindle

Challenge Book# 107


Lexy Baker is expanding her Cupcakes to be part of catering and is hired to supply treats to a bridal shower but when she arrives with the delivery she discovers the bride-to-be dead. Feeling a sense of responsibility, she starts her own investigation which does please her police detective boyfriend who is in charge of the investigation.

TITLE: Dying for Danish★★★
AUTHOR: Leighann Dobbs
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Lexy Baker, Jack Perillo, John Darling, Blake Toliver, Chastine Johnson
Series/ Progress: Lexy Baker 2/10
DATE READ: September 20 - September 22
NO. OF PAGES: 200
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI ,
SOURCE: Kindle

Challenge Book# 108

Penny has return from her career as a photojournalist to take over the family vineyard. Settling in, she is persuaded by an elderly neighbor to look into the possibility of sabotage. However, discovering a dead body in the grape crusher was not on her to do list. Feeling an urgency to discover the truth, Penny uncovers facts about the neighbors family that make her wonder if the neighbor is ready to find out the truth.

Excellent first mystery with characters I am looking forward to seeing more of. The vineyard/wine references were great.

TITLE: One Foot in the Grape★★★
AUTHOR: Carlene O'Neil
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Penelope Lively, Antonia Martinelli, Francesca Shapiro, Todd Ryan, Veronica Martinelli
Series/ Progress: Cypress Cove Mystery 1/1
DATE READ: September 23 - September 26
NO. OF PAGES: 304
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , ALPHAKIT
SOURCE: NOOK

Challenge Book# 109

At the end of the last installment, Percy and Annabeth get caught in a giant web which pulls them through an opening and they fall into Tartarus, used as a dungeon of torment and suffering and prison for numerous monsters. To survive, Annabeth and Percy must make their way through the abyss to the Doors of Death where hopefully their friends will be waiting to free them.

Percy and Annabeth's encounters in the abyss are filled with danger frequently offset by amusing interactions with monsters that aren't all bad.

Meanwhile, above, the remaining quest members are encountering their own monster problems trying to reach the Doors of Death on their side (first they have to figure where that would be.)

The story was fun and full of action - will definitely have to read the last SOON!

TITLE: The House of Hades★★★★
AUTHOR: Rick Riordan
GENRE: Young Adult
CHARACTERS: Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Leo Valdez, Hazel Levesque, Nico Di Angelo, Frank Zhang, Jason Grace
Series/ Progress: Heros of Olympus 4/5
DATE READ: September 19 - September 28
NO. OF PAGES: 597
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , ALPHAKIT
SOURCE: Audio Stockpile

Challenge Book# 110

As much as I like the characters in the Hannah Swensen mysteries, the mysteries are beginning to really be left behind in favor of the soap opera-like tales of Hannah's love life. I was glad to see that there was a new wedge in the pie, but when the murderer isn't even on the screen let alone the radar until the last few chapters, maybe it's time for Hannah and the Cookie Jar to retire.

Will I read the next, probably, just hope the mystery is better.

TITLE: Double Fudge Brownie Murder★★½
AUTHOR: Joanne Fluke
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Hannah Swensen, Judge Colfax,
Series/ Progress: Hannah Swensen Mysteries 18/18
DATE READ: September 27 - September 29
NO. OF PAGES: 368
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , ALPHAKIT
SOURCE: Library 3M Cloud

Challenge Book# 111

First in this series and it was great!

Savannah Webb returns to town because of her father's untimely death and finds that he has left her a warning that he was probably murdered and that she is in danger.

When Samantha finds her father's assistant dead as well by apparently the same cause, she contacts the police who don't take her seriously. With the help of her father's young apprentice and his "business partner" Samantha has to determine for herself, what happened and how to convince the police that there really is danger.

The characters were likeable with lots of room for growth and the plot was well executed.

Will be waiting impatiently for the next one!

TITLE: Pane and Suffering★★★½
AUTHOR: Cheryl Hollon
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Savannah Webb, Edward Morris, Jacob Underwood, Reverend Kline, Frank Lattimer
Series/ Progress: Webb GlassShop Mysteries 1/1
DATE READ: September 30 - October 2
NO. OF PAGES: 320
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , ALPHAKIT
SOURCE: NetGalley

Challenge Book# 112

There's no more time! The battle to prevent Gaea awakening is now! But the questing demigods have to first prevent all out war between the Greeks and Romans and unite to prevent the monsters and Titans from destroying the Earth as they know it.

The gods themselves can be no help (they're all suffering from Multiple personality disorder - both their Greek and Roman sides are warring) so the demigods each must complete their mission to prevent the catastrophe. Nico and Reyna are tasked with return the Athena Parthenos to Camp Half-Blood which should stop the infighting between Greek and Roman.

The rest on the Argo II must rescue Percy and Annabeth (they always seem to be in trouble) and prevent the spilling of their blood on Olympus.

This was an action finale to a fun and enjoyable series! My only disappointment was the ending seemed unsettled - not a cliffhanger - as if the author was leaving an opening for another?

TITLE: Blood of Olympus★★★½
AUTHOR: Rick Riordan
GENRE: Young Adult
CHARACTERS: Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Jason Grace, Nico DiAngelo, Leo Valdez, Hazel Levesque, Frank Zhang
Series/ Progress: Heroes of Olympus 5/5
DATE READ: September 29 - October 3
NO. OF PAGES: 516
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Library Overdrive

Challenge Book# 113

Okay, I admit it, I'd read Alice. But to my defense there really wasn't anything new that I had seen in cartoons and films. A cute little story but maybe a bit violent for kids?


TITLE: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland★★★
AUTHOR: Lewis Carroll
GENRE: Classics
CHARACTERS: Alice, White Rabbit, Mad hatter, Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts
Series/ Progress: Alice's Adventures 1/2
DATE READ: October 2 - October 4
NO. OF PAGES: 126
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Nook

Challenge Book# 114

A hurricane has blown through Sweet Briar, causing damage to several older homes and drifters have arrived to offer their services for the repairs.

Torie has cleaned up the damage in the library and heads over to check on her elderly friend, Rose. Rose's former pupil, Kenny has come to help her but Rose sends him next door to help her neighbor Martha Jane first. Then the trouble starts with Kenny being accused of robbery but when Torie shows that there wasn't any robbery and Martha Jane refuses to apologize, things look bad for Kenny when Martha Jane is found dead.

Since Martha Jane was a rich, mean, old biddy, there are plenty suspects for Torie and her Sewing Circle to sort through to free Kenny and prove that Rose is right about her former pupil.

TITLE: Pinned for Murder★★★
AUTHOR: Elizabeth Lee Casey
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Victoria Sinclair, Margaret-Louise Davis, Rose Winters, Kenny Murdock, Martha Jane Barker, Doug Hewitt
Series/ Progress: Southern Sewing Series 3/7
DATE READ: October 5 - October 9
NO. OF PAGES: 288
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Nook

Challenge Book# 115


First, I never realized that there were separate adventures for Alice and I was startled to find that one of them included Humpty Dumpty. This was a fun few hours reliving a story from childhood.

TITLE: Through the Looking-Glass★★½
AUTHOR: Lewis Carroll
GENRE: Classic
CHARACTERS: Alice, Tweedledum, Tweedledee, Humpty Dumpty
Series/ Progress: Alice's Adventures 2/2
DATE READ: October 12 - October 12
NO. OF PAGES: 126
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Overdrive, Library

Challenge Book# 116

Angie is settling in after returning to her hometown and she becomes involved with the renovation preparations of the neglected mansion in Haven Harbor. When the new owner becomes endangered because she is researching the mysterious death of a former resident, Angie takes up the investigation to find out what happened years ago.

The hints that are buried in the needlepoint of the former owner were beautifully woven throughout the mystery.

TITLE: Threads of Evidence★★★
AUTHOR: Lea Wait
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Angela Curtis, Skye West, Millie Gardener, Jasmine Gardener, Elsa Fitch, Sara Byrne
Series/ Progress: A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery 2/2
DATE READ: October 9 - October 12
NO. OF PAGES: 304
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Nook

Challenge Book# 117

Marcy is startled when she learns that her BF's husband and one of her current gentle friends have been arrested for the murder of their Frat brother. Not believing that either is capable of the deed, Marcy sets out to uncover the truth since neither one of them is talking. Keeping her needlework shop running while looking into her friends' past proves tricky but Marcy is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.

I like the way the characters interact and how the needlework shop still plays a part of the story.

TITLE: Long Stitch Good Night★★★½
AUTHOR: Amanda Lee
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Marcy Singer, Blake MacKenzie, Graham Stott, Todd Calloway, Charles, Siegel
Series/ Progress: An Embroidery Mystery 4/8
DATE READ: October 13 - October 14
NO. OF PAGES: 336
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Nook

Challenge Book# 118

Valentine's Day is approaching, the day that Charlotte and Jordan have chosen to get married but the evening of bachelorette and bachelor parties is disrupted by the murder of a friend. Postponement is inevitable, and Charlotte needs to find the motive and the murderer before they can move forward with their lives.

This was the best of the series so far - the way that the story is woven around the town's Love Festival and how Charlotte along with Jordan search to find answers for their friends is entertaining as well as heartwarming.

TITLE: As Gouda As Dead★★★½
AUTHOR: Avery Aames
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Charlotte Bessette, Jordan Pace, Devon O'Shea, Tim O'Shea, Dottie Pfeiffer, Violet Walden, Ray Pfeiffer, Belinda Bell
Series/ Progress: Cheese Shop 6/6
DATE READ: October 14 - October 15
NO. OF PAGES: 304
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Nook

Needlework and food! Always a winning combination!

Challenge Book# 119


Cooper Lee's life hasn't been going great - her boyfriend of 5 years dumped her and her parents are worried because she moved back to their home (living over the garage) so when one of her clients (she repairs copiers) invites her to her church, Cooper goes only to find that while attending a Bible class, the lady who invited her has been murdered.

Making new friends while trying to find the person who really killed her client keeps Cooper on her toes as well as helping adjust to her new circumstances.

TITLE: Path of the Crooked★★★½
AUTHOR: Ellery Adams
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Cooper Lee, Brooke Hughes, Nathan Dexter, Cindi Rolfing, Savannah Knapp
Series/ Progress: Hope Street Church (1/4)
DATE READ: October 14 - October 15
NO. OF PAGES: 304
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Nook

Challenge Book# 120


Charles Lenox and Lady Jane Grey have been friends since childhood so when the death of one of her former servants doesn't seem right, Lady Jane asks her friend to check into the circumstances for her.

Inspector Exeter doesn't want to offend George Barnard, the employer of the victim so he's perfectly happy to call the death a suicide until Charles convinces him that the death may be more than that and be critical to saving a major government problem from occurring.

TITLE: A Beautiful Blue Death★★★★
AUTHOR: Charles Finch
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Charles Lenox, Lady Jane Grey, George Barnard, Dr. Thomas McConnell, Inspector Exeter
Series/ Progress: Charles Lenox Mysteries 1/10
DATE READ: October 20 - October 22
NO. OF PAGES: 324
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Kindle/NetGalley

Too bad that Ellery Adams book isn't a Nook share one....

>125 tututhefirst: It is a Lend ME!

Challenge Book# 121


I was really worried when I started this book because being set in the 1980's when it was written, I thought that it might show age in missing technology (computers and cell phones, etc.) but was very pleasantly surprised that it really wasn't an issue.

The story is of a young Asst DA trying to get justice for 2 murder victims and having to deal with a murderer who plays against the system by faking mental disorders.

The writing was crisp and the story well-told keeping this reader on the edge of her seat while characters worked to find enough evidence for conviction along with proof of the mental illness deception.

TITLE: No Lesser Plea★★★★
AUTHOR: Robert K. Tanenbaum
GENRE: Mystery
CHARACTERS: Butch Karp, Marlene Ciampi,Mandeville Louis, Donald Walker, Preston Elvis
Series/ Progress: Butch Karp and Marlene Ciampi 1/28
DATE READ: October 23 - October 31
NO. OF PAGES: 316
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Nook

Challenge Book# 122


The Arthur Conan Doyle Estate officially authorized this Sherlock Holmes novel but somehow Anthony Horowitz’s attempt to mimic Doyle's Sherlock novels falls flat leaving the reader without the complexity of Doyle's Holmes.

Similarities are apparent - Watson as the narrator, Holmes' deductions that have to be explained and the back stories of Doyle's but the story itself was not spectacular and in comparison with other non-authorized stories with Holmes , I prefer the ones by Laurie R. King. Here, Holmes was 2 dimensional, he never really came alive.

TITLE: The House of Silk★★★
AUTHOR: Anthony Horowitz
GENRE: Mystery
CHARACTERS: Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Edmund Carstairs, Catherine Carstairs
Series/ Progress: Anthony Horowitz's Sherlock Holmes 1/3
DATE READ: October 26 - October 31
NO. OF PAGES: 392
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Audio public library

>126 cyderry:....oh good, when I catch up to that one, I can borrow?

Challenge Book# 123

TITLE: The Nature of the Beast★★★½
AUTHOR: Louise Penny
GENRE: Mystery
CHARACTERS: Armand Gamache, Isabelle Lacoste, Jean Guy Beauvoor, Laurent LePage,
Series/ Progress: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache 11/11
DATE READ: November 2 - November 4
NO. OF PAGES: 384
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Overdrive E book Public Library

I love Armand Gamache and the village of Three Pines but this time the visit with them was unsatisfactory. Somehow or other the story (taken from true life) of the finding of a old rocket launcher by a small boy who normally cried wolf, did not engage me with the feelings that have previously been evoked.

The death of the 9 year old supposedly effects all the village residents but the reactions of the villagers seem to be more toward the massive threat from the rocket launcher than anything else.

I really didn't enjoy this one as much as the other Three Pines novels because the personal interactions didn't seem to be the same.

TITLE: The Nature of the Beast★★★½
AUTHOR: Louise Penny
GENRE: Mystery
CHARACTERS: Armand Gamache, Isabelle Lacoste, Jean Guy Beauvoor, Laurent LePage,
Series/ Progress: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache 11/11
DATE READ: November 2 - November 4
NO. OF PAGES: 384
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: Overdrive E book Public Library

Challenge Book# 124


Summer Smythe has settled into her late grandmother's condo in a senior community of Hibiscus Pointe and has found a job with a cardiologist, however on her first day Dr. A drops dead at her feet.

Dorothy Westin, a senior resident at Hibiscus Pointe, takes Summer under her wing when it appears that she may be in trouble when it comes to light that Dr. A was poisoned.

So Smythe and Westin set out to find the true murderer before one of them ends up dead or in jail.

A cute little cozy with a nice mixture of characters.

TITLE: Cardiac Arrest★★★
AUTHOR: Lisa Q. Mathews
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS:
Series/ Progress:
DATE READ: November 3 - November 6
NO. OF PAGES: 272
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI
SOURCE: NetGalley

Challenge Book# 125


Jordan Bingham has been dumped by her boyfriend who left her with a bundle of debt so she needs to find a job when she returns to her hometown. With her qualifications she's perfect for the job Vera Van Alst has advertised but Miss Vera wanted a man. Jordan convinces her to be given a trial period. Miss Vera wants to find and purchase a "lost" play by Agatha Christie. As Jordan starts her research, she discovers that there are dangers lurking. When one of her contacts is severely beaten, left for dead, she realizes that the search may turn deadly.

The characters are so much fun from crabby old Miss Vera to Fiammetta the cook to Sal the area Godfather - can't wait to revisit Harrison Falls!

TITLE: The Christie Curse★★★
AUTHOR: Victoria Abbott
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Jordan Bingham, Vera VanAlst, Karen Smith, Ashley Snell, Brian Underwood
Series/ Progress: A Book Collector Mystery 1/4
DATE READ: November 6 - November 8
NO. OF PAGES: 304
Challenges: 75, Category, TIOLI , ALPHAKIT
SOURCE: Nook Stockpile

ABANDONED



I heard about this book with Sherlock Holmes' brother as the central character and was really looking forward to reading it.

However, I was doomed to disappointment. The characters were dull, very 2 dimensional, the dialogue was stilted. I couldn't even bear to continue through more than the first 100 pages.

TITLE: Mycroft Holmes★½
AUTHOR: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
GENRE: Mystery
CHARACTERS: Mycroft Holmes, Cyrus Douglas, Georgiana Sutton
DATE READ: October 24 - November 9
NO. OF PAGES: 96
Challenges: abandoned
SOURCE: Public Library

Challenge Book# 126


An unidentified body is found on the courthouse steps and the everyone in Hidden Springs is in an uproar. Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane has to try to identify the body before he can even start an investigation. At the same time, Keane is battling with a rebellious teenager. With all the players that are getting the way, the clues to the murder seem a bit out of the ordinary.

I really loved the mystery and the way that the history of the characters were interwoven into the story. The characters need a bit more fleshing out but for a first in a series it was really good.

TITLE: Murder at the Courthouse★★★½
AUTHOR: A. H. Gabhart
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
CHARACTERS: Michael Keane, Anthony Blake, Jay Rayburn, Judge Wilson Campbell
Series/ Progress: A Hidden Springs Mystery
DATE READ: November 9 - November 12
NO. OF PAGES: 336
Challenges: 75, Category, ALPHAKIT, TIOLI,
SOURCE: NetGalley

>133 cyderry: That's unfortunate. I thought I might be interested, but sounds like a dud.

Hey everyone,

I may be missing in action for the rest of the month.
My 91 year old mom had a small stroke so I'm going back and forth to the hospital.
I have time to read but not a lot of concentration and little time on line but I'll pop in when I can.
I know you all will understand.

Im so sorry that your mother had a stroke. I know you are very close to here. Sending hugs and prayers

Me, too.

Sorry to hear about your mom. I hope she is out of the hospital soon.

Mom update

Just a minute to pop in - Mom is doing much better and she is going to be moved to rehab tomorrow afternoon. She's hoping to be home for Thanksgiving, but not so sure that's going to happen.

Thank you all for your understand and support!

I hope your mum feels better with every passing day, Chèli.

Glad your mother is improving, and I wish her a speedy recovery.

I have been very bad --- in the past weeks between time spent with Mom and being a social butterfly going from party to party - I have only read 9 books. Okay, but I haven't written any reviews so I'm going to try to catch up in the next few days with short blurbs on the books I read. Stay tuned!

Challenge Book# 127

In this current day and age when presidents are either career politicians or from the military, how wonderful would it be if we had candidates that were thinking of the good of the nation and not their own pockets and careers?

Thomas Woodrow Wilson appears to have been such a man, thinking first of the citizens and their needs before his own. He was an academician who was elected Governor of NJ and from here to the White House. If Teddy Roosevelt hadn't decided that he wanted to get back in the Presidency, and hadn't split the voters, I'm not sure that Wilson would have been elected, but Wilson's presidency was at time when the nation needed his constancy and clear head.

He was responsible for the Federal Reserve Act, Federal Trade Commission, and the Federal Farm Loan Act. He also was a major player in the plans of the League of Nations at the end of World War I. I'm not sure that the man gets his just recognition.

A very informative book and the even with the volume of pages, still a good source for Wilson's bio.

TITLE: Wilson★★★½
AUTHOR: A. Scott Berg
GENRE: History
CHARACTERS: Woodrow Wilson
Series/ Progress:
DATE READ: August 24 - November 14
NO. OF PAGES: 1,134
Challenges: 75, Category, ALPHAKIT, TIOLI,
SOURCE: MCL audio

Challenge Book# 128

A Christmas Escape by Anne Perry
176 pages Net Galley

Every Christmas Anne Perry delights us with a new adventure for a minor character from her mysteries series and this year was a grand surprise where the reader meets Hester Monk's brother, Charles Latterly while he is on a vacation to Italy. Murder is evident but the settings and characters are new and unknown - great change of pace.

Challenge Book# 129

Rivals in the City by Y. S. Lee
305 pages on Nook

Mary Quinn and James Eastman have opened their own detective agency but circumstances draw them back to the past and threaten their lives as well as their relationship.

The story was great in drawing on characters from the past. Hope the next one will be out soon.

Challenge Book# 130

Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
416 pages Audiobook 12 discs 14½ hours

Historical account of the rowing team that went to the 1936 Summer Olympics in Munich and against all odds won the gold medal. The story was enriched by the personal accounts of several of the rowers.

Challenge Book# 131

If Fried Chicken Could Fly by Paige Shelton
304 pages on Nook

The first in the Country Cooking School Mystery series was fun but I had a bit of difficulty because one of the principal characters was a ghost and the interaction between Isabelle and her Grandmother and the ghost didn't fit right to the story, IMO.

Challenge Book# 132

A Chili Death by Jessica Beck
466 pages on Nook

This was a fun start for a new cozy series where Victoria and Greg Branson run the diner that was started by her grandfather. When the diner and the family livelihood are threatened by a con artist and then by his murder, the family all banns together to find the murderer and save their heritage.

Challenge Book# 133

Runaway Dolls by Ann Martin
352 pages on audiobook 5 hrs. on 4 discs

What a very cute continuation of the tales of Doll and Funcraft families. After finding the long lost baby doll for the Doll family, Annabelle and Tiffany runaway because they feel that they must protect Tillie Mae. The adventures that they encounter as well as their creative solutions to their problems kept this reader entertained thoroughly.

>146 cyderry: I didn't know there was another Y.S. Lee Agency book out there. Thanks for the heads up Cheli. I hope your Mom is doing well.

I hope you had a great Christmas. Wishing you a happy New Year!

Happy Holidays, Chelie!

Challenge #134

A Slice of Murder by Chris Cavender
336 pages on Nook

Eleanor Swift is working with her sister to keep the pizzeria open and so when she's out making a delivery and finds a dead body, she becomes a suspect.

An interesting group of characters and background and good mystery with attention-grabbing clues for a first in a series.

Challenge #135

The Sauvignon Secret by Ellen Crosby
274 pages on Nook

Lucie Montgomery is drawn into an highly unethical situation when asked to try to find a missing person while checking into the quality of grapes for sale in Napa Valley.

I thought this was one of the best in the series because of the change in venue and the details and descriptions that were peppered throughout the story. I certainly hope that the series continues.

Challenge #136

Bedford Falls: The Story Continues by Anne Morse
238 pages on Kindle Tablet

This book is the story of It's A Wonderful Life's George Bailey's grandson and how Bedford Falls was affected by George after the end of It's a Wonderful Life and his family members. We see Mary his wife still alive in her 90s and his children and grandchildren. We again see the cruelty of greed and welcome the angel Clarence with open arms.

My Ladies group read this for a December gathering and it charmed us all. My favorite read of the year!

Challenge #137

Warren G. Harding: America's 29th President by Deborah Kent
110 pages from public library

It was extremely difficult to locate a biography of our 29th president and I finally had to settle for this edition from the Children's section of the public library.

I can understand why there are few bios of this president for the simple reason he doesn't much and he was far from a stellar personailty.

Warren Harding had little education and was unsuccessful in many of his life attempts in business, however, he was a smooth talker and a ladies man and in the first election where women were allowed to vote, he seems to have won them over. Maybe it was fortunate that he died in office.

Accomplishments during his administration included the improvement and expansion the nation's highway system, licensing of radio frequencies through the Commerce Department under Herbert Hoover, the eight-hour work day became common in American industry, and appointed former President William Howard Taft as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Challenge #138

A King's Ransom by Sharon Kay Penman
776 pages on Nook

I had never read much about the reign the Richard the Lionheart so I was really looking forward to this book after reading about his experiences in the Crusades from the previous book. However, I was very bothered by the extreme viciousness in the writing regarding the torture of a 13 year old boy. I had to put the book aside for several months before I could return to the narrative, skipping his actual capture by the agents of the Duke of Austria.

The story of his captivity and negotiations regarding his release for ransom were enlightening as to the politics of that era.

Did I like it? Yes, but it really wasn't necessary to be that graphic regarding the torture for information. It lost a half star because of that.

2015 has come to a close and I really surprised myself with the number of books that I read and how well I stuck to my list and concept of catching up on my series reads. So here is how the year broke down.

New series started 30
Second in a series 17
Third in a series 16
4th or more 45
Histories 11
Fiction - misc and book club 8
Series brought current 32
Series still behind 156
Categories completed 15/15

read off the list from the beginning of the year 99/138 72%
books read from my shelves/e-readers 103/138 75%

e books read 89 64%
audio books heard 28 20%
books read 19 14%
abandoned 4 2%

New books acquired (total cost $260 - birthday $$) 61
ARCs 13
library books read 9


Best mystery of the year Devil's Bridge
Best surprise of the year Bedford Falls
Best history of the year Bully Pulpit