And I just finished book three last night! Now I neeeeeed to go to the library for book four.
The City Spies series by James Ponti is clever, heartfelt, and so much fun. 🤩 I’m enjoying how easy they are to read while not sacrificing depth.
Do you have a series you enjoy?
The creator of such beloved storybook characters for children as Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, and Eeyore, A. A. Milne was also the author of numerous dramas, essays, and novels for adults — among them, this droll and finely crafted whodunit.
In it, Milne takes readers to the Red House, a comfortable residence in the placid English countryside that is the bachelor home of Mr. Mark Ablett. While visiting this cozy retreat, amateur detective Anthony Gillingham and his chum, Bill Beverley, investigate their genial host’s disappearance and its connection with a mysterious shooting. Was the victim, whose body was found after a heated exchange with the host, shot in an act of self-defense? If so, why did the host flee, and if not, what drove him to murder?
Between games of billiards and bowls, the taking of tea, and other genteel pursuits, Gillingham and Beverley explore the possibilities in a light-hearted series of capers involving secret passageways, underwater evidence, and other atmospheric devices.
Sparkling with witty dialogue, deft plotting, and an intriguing cast of characters, this rare gem will charm mystery lovers, Anglophiles, and general readers alike. (from Goodreads)
I wasn’t sure what to expect when my husband recommended this book to me, but what I found lived up to the author name on the cover. Clever, thoughtful, and delightfully hilarious (would the author of Winnie-the-Pooh do any less?) with two compelling amateur detectives. I found it to be less of a whodunnit and more of a howwasitdun, which was still quite interesting. If I hadn’t guessed one of the twists, it would have been a five-star read, though that’s on me for being such a detective story fan. 😉 Oh, and the dedication was adorable.
Recommended to fans of Sherlock Holmes (there are plenty of satisfying references) and anything by Agatha Christie.
Lately I’ve been reading and posting a lot of mini-reviews, so I thought it would be fun to start a new series highlighting these short but sweet reviews. 😉
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a wonderful whodunnit! I enjoyed the varied cast of characters, the suspicion moving from one to another, and the twists upon twists. I seriously thought I’d figured things out and then another twist would hit me. O.o. Hercule Poirot was his fabulous self, and the policemen in this were rather clever too.
The best part of this book was the format, set across several days during the Christmas season, so I’d read a bit each day and it spread out the holiday vibes. 😉
CW: murder, lots of blood.
Can they find hope in the midst of darkness?
Kate, to keep her and others safe, is in protective custody and she doesn’t even know where. With no contact from those she cares about, questions threaten to overwhelm her. How is she supposed to trust God and have hope for the future when everything is uncertain?
Patrick is reeling from the loss his friend and the fact Kate might never return. One phone call sends Thomas and him scrambling to track down a vengeful former boss, bent on putting hundreds of lives in jeopardy. He’s in a race not only against the clock, but against the recent memories that have made him feel like a failure. (from Goodreads)
I was nervous going into this book, not gonna lie. How was the author going to follow up the last one and move the story forward? Because a lot happened in book 6. O.o. And would I find the answers satisfying enough?
I should never have doubted. ❤
My expectations were blown out of the water with a creative, heart-pounding case, strong Biblical themes that spoke directly to something I’m going through right now (like, wowwwww?!), and the touch of the entire team, even if they weren’t present in the story. I also enjoyed the new characters, Ava, Emma, and Tyler. I hope we see more of at least Tyler since I loved him immediately. 😉
I can’t share much without spoilers, but the ending is super satisfying, even if not everything is put to right. I really loved this book, and I’ll be thinking about the themes for a long time.
Best quotes: “I need hope. I need to know I have something in the future.”
God was never lost or confused. He always had a plan, a much bigger plan than any person could see.
CW: war flashbacks, bombs, grief.
Alexa Hartfield. Author, local celebrity, fashion connoisseur. She chose Fairbury for its close proximity to Rockland, its small town atmosphere, and its low crime rate.
Then someone made her life a literary cliché. A mysterious accident with a light bulb sparked an interesting idea for her latest novel—and for Fairbury’s new serial killer. The first replication infuriated her. The second left an even worse taste in her mouth. The third blasted more than her self-confidence, and the fourth beat her down so far she’s considering giving up writing completely.
Who is killing Fairbury’s citizens, and furthermore, why and how are they using her novels to do it? (from Goodreads)
Is there a way to sue for sleep loss? This book was too good, too suspenseful, and too intriguing for me to stop reading, and I must protest by reading the rest of the series. 😤😉
Only Chautona Havig could take a quirky, unique character living every author’s secret dream and imbue it with such deep themes while making it still quite fun. My heart broke as each new layer of Alexa’s backstory and complicated relationships was revealed. I enjoyed the detailed fashion and writing moments, everything about Joe, and how open-hearted Alexa was despite people’s opinions of her.
The mystery was both haunting and fascinating (hence the stolen sleep), and there was one moment that really, really shocked me.
I’m not usually one for series, but I’m hoping to try the other books in this one. 😉
CW: stalking, child neglect, chronic illness, negative family interactions, infertility and a hard backstory to it. Murders happen throughout the book in various ways, including an explosion, but with no graphic details.
There’s a serial killer on the loose, working his way through the alphabet and the whole country is in a state of panic.
A is for Mrs. Ascher in Andover, B is for Betty Barnard in Bexhill, C is for Sir Carmichael Clarke in Churston. With each murder, the killer is getting more confident — but leaving a trail of deliberate clues to taunt the proud Hercule Poirot might just prove to be the first, and fatal, mistake. (from Goodreads)
This is only my second Agatha Christie read, and it’s made me a forever fan. I can’t believe I went so long without reading her work.
First, a couple things that make her stand out in the genre. I highly appreciate the respect for life in a genre centered around death. The way side characters interact around it, we have a chance to care about the victims personally, and Poirot himself is filled with dread for the inevitable next murder… these were all especially evident in this book. I also enjoy the collaboration with other detectives/officers, and I appreciate the author’s (if somewhat flawed) attempts to speak differently regarding race, prejudice, and stereotypes of all kinds than many works of the time period.
This book was an absolute delight. I tried and failed a few times to solve the mystery myself, but was rewarded with something much more twisty and satisfying than I could have guessed. (I even fell for the accomplice storyline…) Poirot shone, and his team of amateurs was equally interesting.
I finished reading this in the middle of a stormy night which was the most deliciously spooky and cozy thing. 🧡 I’m ready for autumn and more Agatha Christie books now.
Happy Day 3 of Five Fall Favorites! I’m having so much fun adding books to my TBR that I fear it’s going to be happily unattainable. 😉
Today is a very mysterious one… a.k.a. we’re talking about the genre Mystery! *dons mysterious thinking cap and looks thoughtful when my mind is actually full of pastries* Whodunnit, was it stolen or misplaced? Is this a case of a mistaken identity or a secret one?
Today we’re sharing our top 5 mystery books… (With some bloggers choosing an alternate genre. 😉 )
The game is on!
I can only mention the first book here, but the entire series is brilliant and you should definitely check it out and be warned you may become a shipper and a diehard fan and there is no coming back from this. 😁 I love me a good amateur detective book, but this one is especially amazing for its clean content, humor, and satisfying mystery. (Read my review.)
Another classic I experienced as an adult (and I’m glad because child me would have been too spooked), and while I absolutely loved the twisty mystery, I was also exceedingly impressed with how well the author handled such a huge cast of characters. I’m kinda nerd like that. 😉 (Read my review.)
(Can we appreciate how if you read that wrong it looks like Agatha Christie did the murders?) I have been on an Agatha Christie mystery kick this year, and this second one I’ve ever read. It was absolutely fantastic, a little creepy, and still managed to place a high value on human life. (Read my review.)
I knew nothing about this book except that it was spooky and Victorian but no one told me that the characters were Jewish and it’s absolutely amazing?!! I’m a more sensitive reader, so one aspect of the special powers did gross me out, but it was mostly fine and definitely worth it. 😉 (Read my review.)
Amateur detectives for the win! This series is really quite fun (though not without its serious justice moments). My favorite aspect is how Madeline picks up detective skills as the series progresses instead of automatically being good at everything. 😉 Also, Russell. (Read my review.)
Most books are contributions by participating authors. Ships to contiguous US only. Winner will have 48 hours to respond after being contacted.
How is the party going for you? Have you found any new books you’re excited about?
Happy Book Lovers Day, everyone!
It’s been raining a bit more here lately, and autumn decorations are coming into stores, so I’m beginning to feel a little extra bookish. 😉
I’ve recently been getting into Agatha Christie novels, and I finished my second (and a new favorite!!) late last night/early this morning. It was so mind-blowingly good!
Even before I finished it, I snagged another of her mysteries on our vacation thrifting because I’m now officially a fan. 😂
Yes, I also got a DW novel. (TenRose are life. 😍😍)
Speaking of vacation, I toted my books around in the most adorable red polka book sleeves The Very Awesome Mikayla made for me. I love how safe it kept them, and it was really, really cute. I’ll definitely have to share a picture sometime.
My notebooks weren’t *quite* as fortunate, getting a little bent out of shape, so when a favorite small business had a sale, I decided to splurge and get a big book sleeve that will hopefully fit a notebook or two. 😎
This is the one I got. Isn’t it adorable? 😍
In other bookish news, I get to start a very cool buddy read, and my living room is haunted by new book stock with even more coming.
Tell me about your bookish life! I’d love to hear what you’re reading, hoping to read, needing to read, etc.
(prepare yourself for infite fangirl mode) (are you ready?) (I love this series)
This series fits the perfect balance of clean fiction, hard topics, intense action, Christian themes, and entirely lovable-to-the-max characters. I read the first few in a row, and then have been reading the others as they come out. My siblings helped me complete the series in paperback, just in time for the new release. 😉
Here are my mini reviews…
Started off with a literal BANG and catapulted me into a world I never want to leave. I loved the characters from the beginning, and their quirks made them memorable and lovable. Also, SPY STUFF.
All the political details were insanely interesting and the ship (you have to ship them, sorry, I don’t make the rules) gets even cuter. Pretty insane climax too…
A big one for character arcs and a more subtle but interesting case. 👏 I also love how each book brings a city I don’t know much about to life.
(Can we appreciate the gorgeous colors of this cover??!) This one is set in my home state, which was absolutely fabulous and made me connect to the high stakes of this one a lot more. Some tougher life topics are handled in this one, but with so much grace.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, yessssss. Also some scenes that made me declare this probably a favorite of the series, though I probably say that about each one at some point in time, so my fangirlness cannot be trusted. 😛
Another gorgeous cover, and they look absolutely adorable, arrrghhh. (Sorry, the shipping just gets worse.) This one was a gamechanger, for better or worse, depending on what you think of some bold story choices. It was so tragic but so healing, and I’m happy to have read it.
Better come soon!!! *does fangirl grabby hands*
Have you read this series? Which book is your favorite?
I pre-ordered this book and gobbled it up just days after it released. It was definitely worth waiting for. 😍
Kate and the team head to Maine to assess the possibility of a terrorist cell operating near a college campus. She has to help decide whom to trust, who’s a danger, and who’s just spouting empty threats. Of course, things are never as easy as they look, including the battles she’s facing in her own heart.
Struggling to untangle the threads of this case, Patrick finds his personal feelings clouding his judgment. With the stakes so high, he can’t get it wrong. But when the case takes a sudden turn, he knows he and the team will never be the same. (from Goodreads)
It’s been a bit since the last book, so I was over the moon excited for this one! I just completed my collection of the first five in paperback, and I can’t wait to add this one to the shelves. ❤️
I slipped back in easily to this world and the characters, and any important details I forgot were included seamlessly. The team was quite lovable, as always. I enjoyed the further character development of Brian and Logan especially, and my boys Thomas and Patrick have some big things to work through. I’m looking forward to seeing what shakes out with Kim too.
Kate was so great undercover in this one! She’s getting to be quite the natural. 👏👏 I’ve heard there’s ten books confirmed for the series in all, so I’m very excited to see where the story continues to take her.
This book had even more gravity and emotional depth than I’ve previously seen from the author, and I could feel that she poured her heart into it. I especially loved how the characters and readers were given space to feel the impact of some pretty big changes. Definitely good writing there. 😭👏
Best quotes: Thomas cleared his throat. “Brian, you’re going to play the part of a college dropout, a bum, a purposeless nobody who has just arrived to Orono.” “And with cutting words like that,” Brian said, putting a hand to his head, “I’ll have very low self-esteem when I get there.”
Maybe, this time, evil had won.
CW: terrorism, injuries (some descriptions of blood, not detailed), death. A nuanced discussion of Islamophobia.
Altogether, I will be reading book 7 the very second it comes out, because #cliffhanger 😳
Once Upon An Ordinary 