Monday, December 20, 2021

Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks

 This was a perfect read for me at this time of the year. The only downside was it made me want to go to the Disney parks RIGHT NOW.  The photographs and the stories do a phenomenal job of talking about and showing how the holidays are celebrated currently and in the past at the different parks around the world.  They discuss the different paths the decorations and events have taken and the pictures are absolutely amazing.  

Any Disney lover will find themselves smiling non-stop as they read this book.  


Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks: Celebrations Around the World from Fall to WinterHoliday Magic at the Disney Parks: Celebrations Around the World from Fall to Winter by Rebecca Cline
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

wonderful photography that will make any Disney lover smile. This book focuses on the history and photo journalism of the fall and winter holidays as they are celebrated around the world. The photography is wonderful and the reader truly gets a sense of the magic and the stories behind making the different holidays shine in the parks

View all my reviews


Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  


  1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #134
  2. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #34 a book with illustrations
  3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #147
  4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #162
  5. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #7 hobbies
  6. Pick your Poison #22-3 A book you'd share with your child 
  7. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge spanning multiple continents


Sunday, December 19, 2021

Killer, Paper, Cut

 Kiki Lowenstein #9 by Joann Campbell Slan is the next book in the series.  A Halloween fundraising crop, straightforward if not a lot of work.  That is until Kiki's employee gets stabbed during the event.   The case brings out lots of secrets and underlying bigotry.  The book is great at highlighting not everything is as it seems with people and often we think they have it easier than they do.  In general, Kiki is a trusting individual so she is shocked by the way others have kept secrets and how mean they are to people.  She finds herself trying to solve the mystery of the attack on her friend all while trying to prepare for a move and help her son adjust to his new surroundings, oh yeah and deal with morning sickness at 7 months pregnant.  If it sounds a bit overwhelming, it is.  

Kiki's fiancee, Chad Dettweiler, tells her she has a hobby besides scrapbooking and that's worrying.  I definitely found myself relating to this side of her personality in addition to her love for scrapbooking.  I really liked that the store and hobby played a bigger role in this book than they had in the past 2 books.  I also found myself rooting for Kiki to finally find some quiet and easiness in her life.  Just in case you thought things would go better, drama ensues. We are left with a cliffhanger for the next book which left me ready to start the next one even though I have plenty on my list I need to finish first.  


Killer, Paper, CutKiller, Paper, Cut by Joanna Campbell Slan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

another enjoyable book that shows Kiki and her family growing literally and figuratively. It seems like Kiki just cannot catch a break as this time she and her family are facing an imminent move and she finds herself searching for answers to the attack on her employee, Lauren. In this book new relationships develop and old ones come under scrutiny. The ending leaves the reader hanging and wanting to read the next book in the series.

View all my reviews



Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  


  1. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021  Kiki Lowenstein #8
  2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #148
  3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #163
  4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
  5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #101
  6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #138
  7. Craving for Cozies  Book #119
  8. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge50. A free book from your TBR list (gifted, borrowed, library) 
  9. Pick your Poison #3-4 A book about a haunted house 
  10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #7  Shot #4

Saturday, December 18, 2021

Group Photo Grave

 This is the next installment in the Kiki Lowenstein series by Joann Cambell Slan.  This one does get back to the roots of including the paper crafting and personnel of Time in a Bottle.  Kiki once again is trying to assist family members in clearing their names for a murder they didn't commit.  This story highlights more of Sheila's, Kiki's ex mother in law, past and relationships. Sheila and Kiki have an interesting relationship that has developed and expanded through the series.   In this book we see more of Sheila's relationship with Robbie and some of his past as well.  His professional life is brought up more in this book especially the political side of being Chief of Police.  There is plenty of drama to go around in addition to the solving of a murder.  All in all another good installment in the series.


Group, Photo, GraveGroup, Photo, Grave by Joanna Campbell Slan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This wedding does not turn out the way Kiki's mother in law, Sheila, intended it to. Despite a rough scene in the middle of the day, the reception finishes and she expects to leave on her dream cruise for her honeymoon with Robbie. Instead, they find themselves caught up in a politically motivated investigation that drags Sheila into the middle of the drama. This book develops Sheila and her history into the story more as we learn more about her HS days. She and her bridesmaids all went to CALA the same school Kiki's daughter, Anya, now attends. It seems that HS drama was not left in the past and someone seems to want to frame Kiki's family for the murder of a Plastic Surgeon. Kiki and Dettweiler attempt to help solve the murder while being forbidden to get involved publicly. As always Kiki gets drawn in and helps uncover the murderer. Another great installment in the series

View all my reviews


Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  


  1. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 yes book 8 in Kiki Lowenstein series
  2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #147
  3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #162
  4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
  5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #100
  6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #137
  7. Craving for Cozies  Book #118
  8. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #47 A book from your TBR list you associate with a favorite person, place, or thing
  9. Pick your Poison #7-1 A book with a kilt on the cover - character wears a kilt all the time in book
  10. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
  11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #7  Shot #3
  12. 52 books in 52 weeks  #


Picture Perfect Corpse

 This is the 7th book, by Joann Campbell Slan, in the series involving Kiki Lowenstein and centers around her life as an employee at a St Louis scrapbook store.  Most of the installments include many scenes at the store and discuss paper crafting, this one did not have as much.  This wraps up a building drama between Kiki and Dettweiler's pasts.   Brenda Dettweiler cannot seem to let her ex go and now she is taking it out on Kiki and blaming her for the demise of her marriage;  taking no ownership of her fault in the situation.  Kiki is also finally getting some resolution in the death of her husband George 5 years before.  The story does wrap many of those threads up while introducing more complexity into their lives.  

The subplot about Nicci - Anya's friend is a relevant one for today's society and is something that should be discussed more to help those struggling with these demons to find help.  

I know many people won't enjoy the heavier topics discussed in the books and this is definitely not in the light and cheery cozy category but I do enjoy this series and look forward to discovering how the next pieces evolve in this ongoing saga.


Picture Perfect CorpsePicture Perfect Corpse by Joanna Campbell Slan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always enjoy reading the Kiki Lowenstein books because they include my other favorite hobby- scrapbooking.

View all my reviews


Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 yes still working through series
  2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #145
  3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #160
  4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
  5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #99
  6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #136
  7. Craving for Cozies  Book #117
  8. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge 44. The book on your TBR list with the ugliest cover 
  9. Pick your Poison #24-1 A book that had been on your TBR list more than a year
  10. Medical Examiner Challenge  3 Toe Tags
  11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #7  Shot #2


The Disney Monorail

 This was a wonderful read about the history of monorails throughout the world starting as far back as the 1800s.   The tome also included much Disney lore and background information including stories of Walt and the development of the parks.  The book reveals just how passionate Walt was about incorporating innovation and development in the parks but also as influences for the world at large.   He really wanted to see a Protoype Community of Tomorrow built.  


The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the SkyThe Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky by Jeff Kurtti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fascinating history of monorails in general and a look at the deep desire by Walt to progress society using technology and innovation. Some great history and photos within this book

View all my reviews



Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  


  1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #134
  2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #144
  3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #159
  4. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #11 inventions
  5. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #18. A book about a subject you are passionate about 
  6. Pick your Poison #18-4 An illustrated book 
  7. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  That's History

Friday, December 17, 2021

Reading Randomizer

 I came across a unique challenge that is being hosted at Storygraph.  It involves random number generators to clear books off your tbr list.  You will use a list that can be sorted by author, publication date etc.  You then generate a random number and see which book that directs you to read from your list.  I used my Goodreads board that is my Want to Read.   Coincidentally I ended up with quite a number of Non fiction books on my list so that will lend itself to coordinate with the non fiction reading challenge



January Book 1: Generate a random number (1 - # of books on your TBR) and read the book that appears at that position on your TBR list. 

Perils of Paris Ana T Drew

  1. The Perils of Paris (Julie Cavallo Investigates, #5) by Ana T. Drew

January Book 2: Sort TBR list by date (published, I'm guessing) in ascending order. Generate a random number and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

A Tennis Pro to Die For Judy Moore

  1. A Tennis Pro To Die For (Cozy Mysteries to Die For, #3) by Judy Moore

February Book 1: Sort TBR list by date (published, I'm guessing) in descending order. Generate a random number and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Jackie Janet & Lee Randy Tarraborelli

February Book 2: Sort TBR list by author in ascending order. Generate a random number from 1-50 and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much Alison Hoover bartlett

  1. The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett

March Book 1: Sort TBR list by author in ascending order. Generate a random number from 50-75 and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Crepe Factor Laura Childs

March Book 2: Sort TBR list by author in ascending order. Generate a random number from 75-100 and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Lady Clementine  Marie Benedict 

April Book 1: Sort TBR list by author in ascending order. Generate a random number from 1-# of books on your TBR and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Deadly Deletion Lorainne Bartlett

  1. A Deadly Deletion (Booktown #15) by Lorna Barrett

April Book 2: Sort TBR list by author in reverse alphabetical order. Generate a random number from 1-50 and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Eight Perfect Murders Peter Swanson

  1. Eight Perfect Murders (Malcolm Kershaw, #1) by Peter Swanson

May Book 1: Sort TBR list by author in reverse alphabetical order. Generate a random number from 50-75 and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

The Thirteenth Tale Diane Setterfield

May Book 2: Sort TBR list by author in reverse alphabetical order. Generate a random number from 75-100 and read the book that appears in that position on your list.

The Seven Sisters Lucinda Riley

June Book 1: Sort TBR list by author in reverse alphabetical order. Generate a random number from 1-# of books on your TBR and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Scone Cold Killer Lena Gregory

June Book 2: Sort TBR list by title in ascending order. Generate a random number from 1-25 and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Becoming Michelle Obama

July Book 1: Sort TBR list by title in ascending order. Generate a random number from 25-50 and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Cilkas Journey Heather Morris

July Book 2: Sort TBR list by title in ascending order. Generate a random number from 50-75 and read the book that appears in that position on your list.

Dead Wake Erik Larson

August Book 1: Sort TBR list by title in ascending order. Generate a random number from 75-100 and read the book that appears in that position on your list.

Deep Shadow Nick Sullivan

August Book 2: Sort TBR list by title in ascending order. Generate a random number from 1-# of books on your TBR and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

The Fated Sky Mary Robinette Kowal

September Book 1: Sort TBR list by title in reverse alphabetical order. Generate a random number from 1-25 and read the book that appears in that position on your list.

What Remains Carole Radziwill

September Book 2: Sort TBR list by title in reverse alphabetical order. Generate a random number from 25-50 and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Three Nights in August Buzz Bissinger

October Book 1: Sort TBR list by title in reverse alphabetical order. Generate a random number from 50-75 and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Stiff Mary Roach

October Book 2: Sort TBR list by title in reverse alphabetical order. Generate a random number from 75-100 and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

The Relentless Moon Mary Robinette Kowal

November Book 1:  Sort TBR list by title in reverse alphabetical order. Generate a random number from 1-# of books on your TBR and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Farthing Jo Walton

November Book 2: Sort TBR list by ISBN in ascending order. Generate a random number from 1-# of books on your TBR and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Diamond Doris Doris Payne

December Book 1: Sort TBR list by ISBN in ascending order. Generate a random number from 1-50 of books on your TBR and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Christmas Candy Corpse

December Book 2: Sort TBR list by ISBN in ascending order. Generate a random number from 50-100 of books on your TBR and read the book that appears in that position on your list. 

Her Deepest Fear

Bonus: Read earliest added book on your list: The Flamenco Academy

Friday, December 10, 2021

The Christmas Swap

 This was an enjoyable Christmas story by Melody Carlson that I picked up by chance as a hoopla book.  In November there were hoopla freebies through my library- meaning you could borrow without it counting against your monthly allotment.  I picked this book by  because it sounded intriguing.  This isn't a genre I usually read but I did enjoy the light romance story.  Although some of it was predictable, the author did not always take the easy way out with the storyline.  The protagonist had to explain to his family why he wasn't joining them on their Christmas trip to AZ.  Instead of making everything perfectly happy go lucky there were definitely bumps in the road.  I definitely visualized this as a Hallmark Movie and then found out afterward that it was in fact made into a Hallmark movie.  I;ll have to be on the lookout when surfing through those movies.  

All in all a nice holiday story that makes you smile.



The Christmas SwapThe Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very enjoyable heartwarming book. What’s not to love about Christmas in Breckenridge. The characters are very believable- shallow Gillian, puppy dog Grant, show off Harris and sweet Emma invade West’s home over Christmas. But West has trust issues and this doesn’t reveal his true identity. The ensuing story is somewhat formulaic but enjoyable nonetheless

View all my reviews


  

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  


  1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #
  2. Pick your Poison #3-3 A book with a cabin on the cover 
  3. Backpacking Bookworm  #bbReadingChallenge2021 character on a journey


Popsugar 2022

 I will attempt the PopSugar challenge again in 22.  Hopefully I have better luck at finishing it this time.  The challenge prompts really gave me issues in 21


My goodreads tracking page can be found here


REGULAR
1. A book published in 2022

2. A book set on a plane, train, or cruise ship

    3. A book about or set in a nonpatriarchal society

    4. A book with a tiger on the cover or "tiger" in the title


    5. A sapphic book  

    6. A book by a Latinx author

    7. A book with an onomatopoeia in its title

    8. A book with a protagonist who uses a mobility aid

    9. A book about a "found family"

  1. The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher
  2. Blog Post and Goodreads Review 2/22/22
  3. 10. An Anisfield-Wolf Book Award winner


    11. A #BookTok recommendation 


    12. A book about the afterlife

    13. A book set in the 1980s

    14. A book with cutlery on the cover or in the title

    15. A book by a Pacific Islander author

      16. A book about witches

      17. A book becoming a TV series or movie in 2022

      18. A romance novel by a BIPOC author

      19. A book that takes place during your favorite season 

      20. A book whose title begins with the last letter of your previous read  

      21. A book about a band or musical group

      22. A book with a character on the ace spectrum


      23. A book with a recipe in it 

      24. A book you can read in one sitting

      25. A book about a secret

      26. A book with a misleading title

      27. A Hugo Award winner

      28. A book set during a holiday

      29. A different book by an author you read in 2021

      30. A book with the name of a board game in the title

      31. A book featuring a man-made disaster 

      32. A book with a quote from your favorite author on the cover or Amazon page

      33. A social-horror book

      34. A book set in Victorian times

      35. A book with a constellation on the cover or in the title  

        36. A book you know nothing about

        37. A book about gender identity

      1. Dumplin by Julie Murphy
      2. Blog Post and Goodreads Review 12/3/22
      3. 38. A book featuring a party

        39. An #OwnVoices SFF (science fiction and fantasy) book

        40. A book that fulfills your favorite prompt from a past POPSUGAR Reading Challenge = 2020Set in an Olympics host city

      4. Black Dog (Stone Barrington #62) by Stuart Woods
      5. Blog Post and Goodreads Review 11/7/22



      6. Advanced

        41. A book with a reflected image on the cover or "mirror" in the title

        42. A book that features two languages

        43. A book with a palindromic title
        44. A duology (1)
        45. A duology (2)
        46. A book about someone leading a double life

        47. A book featuring a parallel reality

        48. A book with two POVs

        49. Two books set in twin towns, aka "sister cities" (1)  

        50. Two books set in twin towns, aka "sister cities" (2) 

        Thursday, December 9, 2021

        Book Voyage 2022

         Another year of Reading around the world awaits in the BookList Girls Book Voyage challenge.  The schedule is the same as last year but since there were many books I didn't read it won't be a problem.  This page contains links to book lists contained on their blog so it is a great resource for ideas.  If you would like to sign up here's the link.  






        A Slice of Murder

         This is the first book in a series by Chris Cavender.   It is set in a small town outside Charlotte, NC.  The title refers to a pizza slice as that is the main setting of the cozy mystery.  Eleanor is the unfortunate delivery person who discovers a dead customer;  one who happened to have been on the receiving end of a public slap by her.   Turns out the customer is more than just a flirt who makes undesired advances.  

        He has plenty of questionable aspects to his past that come out as Ellie and her sister investigate his murder.  Ellie has a past relationship with the sheriff which is not helping her prove her innocence.  As the story progresses there are more and more suspicions that lead to more and more possible suspects.   The climax is quite dramatic and not exactly the expected villain.   The story does a great job of building on Ellie's relationship with her sister, her employees, and a friend who would like to be more than friends.  Cavender does a nice job of developing these relationships and leaves the reader wondering where things will progress in future books.  I look forward to reading more in the Pizza Lovers series.


        A Slice of MurderA Slice of Murder by Chris Cavender
        My rating: 4 of 5 stars

        great character developement, lots of suspects and a surprising conclusion

        View all my reviews



        Challenge Prompts

        The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

        .

        1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #131
        2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #143
        3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #158
        4. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #98
        5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #135
        6. Craving for Cozies  Book #116
        7. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
        8. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #78  Shot #1


        Wednesday, December 8, 2021

        Nancy Drew Challenge

         Based on the Nancy Drew books for determining prompts and the levels of the challenge to be completed.  This is hosted by Bev on MyReadersBlock  She is going for completion in 2022 but really doing it as a perpetual one which is how I plan to attack this challenge.

        Levels

        Hannah Gruen (the housekeeper): 1 - 9 books

        Bess Marvin (a delicate, feminine friend): 10 - 18 

        George Fayne(described as tomboy,friend): 19 -27

        Carson Drew (father and attorney): 28 - 35 books

        Ned Nickerson (boyfriend): 36 - 44 books  

        Nancy Drew (sleuth extraordinaire): 45 - 56 (my goal) books 


        1. The Secret of the Old Clock (1930) - read a time travel book

        2. The Hidden Staircase (1930) - OR read a book that has been hidden on your TBR list 

      7. Final Fondue (5 ingredient # 3) by Maya Corrigan
      8. Blog Post and Goodreads Review 11/21/22
      9. 3. The Bungalow Mystery (1930) - OR read a book with a house on the cover

        4. The Mystery at Lilac Inn (1930) - OR read a book where the mc stays at an inn or hotel 

        5. The Secret of Shadow Ranch (1931) - read a book with horses in the story

        6. The Secret of Red Gate Farm (1931) - OR read a book where the mc has a garden 

        7. The Clue in the Diary (1932) - read an epistolary book

        8. Nancy's Mysterious Letter (1932) - read a book with a first name in the title

        9. The Sign of the Twisted Candles (1933) - read a book where the mc uses a candle

        10. Password to Larkspur Lane (1933) - read a book with flowers on the cover

        11. The Clue of the Broken Locket (1934) - read a book where the mc receives jewelry

        12. The Message in the Hollow Oak (1935) - read a book with a tree on the cover

        13. The Mystery of the Ivory Charm (1936) - read a book with a lot of white on the cover

        14. The Whispering Statue (1937) - read a book that has been recommended to you

      10. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
      11. Blog Post and Goodreads Review 10/20/22
      12. 15. The Haunted Bridge (1937) - read a book set near a river

        16. The Clue of the Tapping Heels (1939) - read a book where the mc dances

        17. Mystery of the Brass-Bound Trunk (1940) - read a book with some kind of metal in the title

        18. The Mystery of the Moss-Covered Mansion (1941) - read a book with a very large building on the cover

        19. The Quest of the Missing Map (1942) - read a book where the mc uses a map

        20. The Clue in the Jewel Box (1943) - read a book with jewelry on the cover

        21. The Secret in the Old Attic (1944) - read a book with antiques in the story

        22. The Clue in the Crumbling Wall (1945) - read a book where the mc is a prisoner for a time

        23. The Mystery of the Tolling Bell (1946) - listen to an audio book

        24. The Clue in the Old Album (1947) - read a book where the mc uses a camera

        25. The Ghost of Blackwood Hall (1948) - read a book with a ghost in the story

        26. The Clue of the Leaning Chimney (1949) - read a book where the mc builds a fire

        27. The Secret of the Wooden Lady (1950) - read a book written by a female author

      13. Christmas Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke
      14. Blog Post and Goodreads Review 3/6/22
      15. 28. The Clue of the Black Keys (1951) - read a book with a lot of black on the cover

        29. The Mystery at the Ski Jump (1952) - read a book set during the wintertime

        30. The Clue of the Velvet Mask (1953) - read a book with a robbery in it

        31. The Ringmaster's Secret (1953) - read a book with an animal on the cover

        32. The Scarlet Slipper Mystery (1954) - read a book with a lot of red on the cover

        33. The Witch Tree Symbol (1955) - read a paranormal book

        34. The Hidden Window Mystery (1956) - read a book with a window on the cover 

        35. The Haunted Showboat (1957) - read a book that has been made into a movie

        36. The Secret of the Golden Pavilion (1959) - read a best seller

        37. The Clue in the Old Stagecoach (1960) - read a historical book

        38. The Mystery of the Fire Dragon (1961) - read a fantasy book

        39. The Clue of the Dancing Puppet (1962) - read a book with a small child in the story

        40. The Moonstone Castle Mystery (1963) - read a book with a moon on the cover

        41. The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes (1964) - read a book where the mc plays a musical instrument

      16. Jackie and Maria by Gill Paul
      17. Blog Post and Goodreads Review 5/7/22 
      18. 42. The Phantom of Pine Hill (1965) - read a book set in the mountains

        43. The Mystery of the 99 Steps (1966) - read a book with a number in the title

      19. Eight Perfect Murders (Malcolm Kershaw, #1) by Peter Swanson
      20. Blog Post and Goodreads Review 4/22/22
      21. 44. The Clue in the Crossword Cipher (1967) - read a book where a puzzle of some kind is solved

        45. The Spider Sapphire Mystery (1968) - OR read a book with a lot of blue on the cover 

        46. The Invisible Intruder (1969) - read a book with less than 50 ratings

        47. The Mysterious Mannequin (1970) - read a book by an relatively unknown author

        48. The Crooked Banister (1971) - read a book with stairs on the cover

        49. The Secret of Mirror Bay (1972) - read a book that is set near a body of water

        50. The Double Jinx Mystery (1973) - read a book with twins in it

        51. Mystery of the Glowing Eye (1974) - read a book with glowing reviews

        52. The Secret of the Forgotten City (1975) - re-read a book that you read a long time ago

      22. Encyclopedia Brown Boy Detective by Donald J Sobol
      23. Blog Post and Goodreads Review 7/28/22
      24. 53. The Sky Phantom (1976) - read a book where the mc flies on an airplane

        54. The Strange Message in the Parchment (1977) - read a hardback or paperback book (no ebooks)

        55. Mystery of Crocodile Island (1978) - read a book set on an island

          56. The Thirteenth Pearl (1979) - read a book published in 2013