Monday, October 24, 2022

Wuthering Heights

 I had not previously read Wuthering Heights somehow.  I guess it wasn't on the list of classics we read in high school and I just never picked it up.  I read it this month as our book club selection.  I must admit I understand why it is a classic and I appreciate the depth of the writing and the storytelling.  It is amazing a woman wrote this is the 1800s and I understand why it was published under a pen name.  The characters are well developed and their are some very strong willed women in the story- something I imagine was rather out of the ordinary for the time.   That being said I disliked the characters immensely.  I did not like their personalities or their morals.   I am guessing this was supposed to be the reader's reaction and it is definitely achieved.   Bronte does a wonderful job of showing the difference in the classes in the era and the frivolousness of some of the wealthy.   Modern versions of "privilege" complaints should read the classics to see the true disparity and lack of ability to rise above one's class of birth.  

The descriptions of the moors and the setting surrounding Wuthering Heights is such that it is easy to visualize the sparseness and the despair the environment can cast on the characters.   Discussion questions raise the query as to whether the moors are themselves a character in the story.   They definitely play an important role for certain.   

The aspect of the story that surprised me the most relates to observations and comments about the story as I have heard through my lifetime.  Heathcliff and Catherine are portrayed in a manner that implies this novel is a romance.   Definitely a shock if that is the reader's expectation.  Also,  I have never seen the movie but in our discussions at book club it became apparent that the original Laurence Olivier  version their are major screenplay liberties taken and characters who play a large role excluded from the plot.  It sounds as though the movie is where the misconception of the romance story originates.   

This classic definitely uses old language and reading it on kindle has many advantages as you have the built in dictionary to look up words quickly.  All in all this was a good read and I am glad to have experienced another classic but won't be running out to read those over cozy mysteries in a big hurry.  


Wuthering HeightsWuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had never read this classic before and I must admit that from hearing about the book and references over the years I would have thought it was a romance. Heathcliff and Catherine have been glamorized and romanticized in comments and definitely in cinema. Wow reading this book could not be a bigger shock to how not a romance story it really is. I truly cannot stomach any of the characters except Nelly, the narrator. The abhorrent behaviors of many of the characters make them unlikeable. That being said I totally understand why this is a classic and the level of complexity of the novel is quite apparent. Bronte obviously writes an amazing story to draw that level of emotions out of the reader even if it is a distaste versus liking the characters. Her level of descriptions of the moors and the environment definitely creating a setting of desolation and despair. I must say though that anyone who tells you this is a story of a love affair has only watched the movie for sure. A perfect dark read for the month of October.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 86 
  2. 2022TBR  #2022ReadingChallenge  # 3 Friend Recommendation
  3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #105
  4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #77
  5. Historic Fiction  #histficreadingchallenge   Book #10
  6. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub  #32 A book that intimidates you
  7. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2022  #37. Classic You’ve Avoided
  8. Beat the Backlist #BTB2022  #9 everyone has read it but you
  9. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #48 Read a classic
  10. Nancy Drew # 14. The Whispering Statue (1937) - read a book that has been recommended to you 
  11. Pick your Poison #17 a classic novel
  12. RAD challenge #aradreadingchallenge #9 Reread a Book from High School
  13. Century challenge


Sunday, October 23, 2022

A Pocketful of Pie

 A Pocketful of Pie is the 2nd Meera Patel book by Leena Clover.  As with the first book,  Gone with the Wings, I thoroughly enjoyed the references to the Indian culture both in cuisine and the family dynamics.   In this installment I found Meera to be a much more intelligent and competent character.   I appreciated this growth in her character development as well as the cooperative nature the investigation took on this time.  I found the fact that characters weren't always good/100% fault free to be a nice change to the all good/all bad approach many books employ.  These flaws and misinterpretations of actions make the characters feel real and like people we would meet in our everyday life.  All in all they make for a very good storyline.  I would say this book has its plot developed through character interaction and conversation more so than through action.  It is a good book that can be read alone but does work better if you have read the first book in the series.

The ongoing background mystery is an intriguing one as well and I look forward to reading more about that in the coming books.  


A Pocket Full of PieA Pocket Full of Pie by Leena Clover
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

cozy with lots of flavorful descriptions

Dude ranch and pecan pie; can’t get much more Southern than that. Meera Patel and friends find themselves defending the innocence of a family friend. The story had many characters and possibly guilty parties but I will say I predicted the guilty party fairly early. The story was fun and tel he banter amongst family and friends is quite enjoyable to read. The foods described in the story all sound fabulous

View all my reviews


Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  OK
  2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #104
  3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #76
  4. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #71
  5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #98
  6. Craving for Cozies  Book #89
  7. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
  8. Beachcomber Challenge  
    • Crime Scene- Park
    • Weapon- poison
    • Detectives- Meera Patel
    • Victims- Jordan Harris
  9. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 39 Shot #4
  10. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  OCTOBER- Murder or Magic

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Goodbye Cruller World

 Goodbye Cruller World is the 2nd Deputy Donut book by Ginger Bolton.   Set in WI it is a great cozy read for those with a sweet tooth and coffee lovers alike.   Bolton describes the brew of the day and the different specialty donuts they serve at Deputy Donuts.   I listened to this book on audio while on a road trip and it was so easy to visualize the food and the settings.   Emily's relationship with her cat, Dep- the namesake of Deputy Donut, is a great centerpiece to the story.   This series has a rivalry between professional detectives versus the more traditional amateur vs pro scenario.  In this case Brent willing takes assistance from Emily, but Yvonne from the state CID is the antagonistic investigator.  


The clues point at many different suspects and the storyline is well written and works through the different options.  The outcome does end up being a bit of a surprise. I look forward to reading more books about Emily, Dep and their friends.  


Goodbye Cruller WorldGoodbye Cruller World by Ginger Bolton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The characters are the stars in the Deputy Donut series and the plot is well structured. The reader is kept guessing throughout. The premise behind the Deputy Donut store and Emily’s relationship with the main characters are well thought out and intriguing. There is some fun matchmaking intertwined that makes it a fun and light plot line. The mystery itself is quite complex and the possible guilt pointed at several realistic choices. The series is engaging and I look forward to reading more

View all my reviews


Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 85 
  2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  WI
  3. What an Animal Book #51
  4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #103
  5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #75
  6. Audiobook  #2022AudiobookChallenge  #8
  7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #70
  8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #97
  9. Craving for Cozies  Book #88
  10. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
  11. Beachcomber Challenge  
    • Crime Scene- ballroom
    • Weapon- poison
    • Detectives- Emily Westhill
    • Victims- Roger Manson
  12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #53  Shot #2
  13. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  OCTOBER- Murder or Magic

Friday, October 21, 2022

Death by Intermission

 Death by Intermission is the 4th installment in the Abby McCree series by Alexis Morgan.  In this book we meet Abby's mom and get a glimpse at their relationship.   It is full of ups and downs.   When Abby's mother finds a  body and her new beau is caught up in the murder, Abby and Tripp get involved in helping clear his name.  All the while trying to convince Mrs. McCree that Chief Gage is a good police officer and won't arrest the wrong man.   The mystery is full of tension between the family members and we witness the relationship between Abby and Tripp grow as well.  The actual plot of the murder is well written and had a sub mystery that is well incorporated and logically explains the motive.  I look forward to reading more of the series and I hope Ms Morgan does not stop writing them any time soon.



Death by IntermissionDeath by Intermission by Alexis Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

enjoyable cozy with a great twist

Abby McCree is joined by her mother in solving the latest murder she is confronted with. All the usual cast of Tripp and Gage are also involved. The mystery was well structured with a great twist. The relationship between Abby and Phoebe McCree makes for a great mother daughter conflict driven story line that many readers can probably relate to in their own way. I look forward to catching up with Abby and crew in the next book

View all my reviews




Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. What an Animal Book #50
  2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #102
  3. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #69
  4. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #96
  5. Craving for Cozies  Book #87
  6. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
  7. Beachcomber Challenge  
    • Crime Scene- woods
    • Weapon- knife
    • Detectives- Abby McCree/Gage
    • Victims- Mitch Anders
  8. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 92 Shot #4
  9. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  OCTOBER- Murder or Magic


Saturday, October 15, 2022

A Plus One for Murder

 A Plus One for Murder is the first book in the Recipe for Disaster series by Laura Bradford.  I really enjoyed the divergence from the typical cozy formula found in this book.   Typically the amateur sleuth jumps into the investigation and the local law enforcement cannot keep them out of the investigation.  In this case, Emma, is a very reluctant investigator.  In fact she only gets drawn into the investigation of the death of Brian Hill once her clients and friends, Dottie and Stephanie drag her in.  They cannot help themselves as lovers of cozy mysteries and crime shows.  They want to look into the mystery and slowly drag Emma into the case.  In the more typical aspect, Emma finds herself intrigued by the investigating officer, Jack.  I am sure as the series progresses the reader will see more of this relationship's development.  


A Plus One for MurderA Plus One for Murder by Laura Bradford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a unique approach to a cozy in my opinion. Emma, the MC, is in the process of starting a new business when her client passes away unexpectedly. Sounds typical right? Well, Emma has no interest in investigating his death, in fact she repeatedly tells Dottie and Stephanie they should let the police do their job.. Dottie an octogenarian with a love for reading cozy mysteries wants to employ all the skills her protagonists do in teh books she loves. Stephanie, a new client turned friend, wants Emma to investigate Brian Hill's death because she is looking for a way out of her routine rut. As a lover of crime shows she thinks they can employee the techniques on the shows to solve the crime. Eventually Dottie and Stephanie wear Emma down and the 3 work together. The development of the relationships and partnership is entertai9ing and definitely has its humorous moments. The clues are slowly revealed and the crime eventually solved but it felt as though it was only in the latter part of the story that the mystery starts to really progress toward conclusion. If you are looking for a fast paced cozy this may not be the book for you, but if you want one that develops relationships between characters that are definitely quirky then pursue this series.

View all my reviews


Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 84
  2. What an Animal Book #49
  3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #101
  4. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #68
  5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #95
  6. Craving for Cozies  Book #86
  7. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
  8. Beachcomber Challenge  
    • Crime Scene-bar
    • Weapon- poison
    • Detectives- emma/stephanie/dottie
    • Victims- brian kelly
  9. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #91  Shot #1
  10. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  Murder

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Debonair in Death

 It would be logical to expect the 54th installment in the Murder She Wrote series to be repetitive and predictable.  I think the co-author change up helps to keep giving the series a new life.  There is more complexity to the mystery with multiple cases to be solved.  It is uncertain as to whether they are related or just occurring simultaneously.  This book also had readers revisting some of Jessica's old relationships with brief interactions with MI6 agent, Michael Haggerty, and her Scotland Yard acquaintance, George Sutherland.  They help to provide background and flashback moments but also to add to the complexity of Jessica's life.  I found myself uncertain of the guilty party until the reveal which is pleasantly surprising.  As long as they continue to make the stories intriguing I will continue to read this series


Debonair in DeathDebonair in Death by Jessica Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Definitely enjoying the newest books co written by Terry Farley Moran. They have a different pace to them than the last few written previous to her co-authoring. Fans of the tv show and cozy mystery lovers alike will enjoy this series. This particular installment felt like there was a bit of an ensemble cast puzzling out the murder of Nelson Penzell. Besides the typical collaboration with Sheriff Metzger and Doc Hazelitt, Jessica works closely with her hairdresser Loretta. They are working to prove Loretta's employee, Coreen, was not the killer. The book has a more complex plot than just the murder though. Jessica's old acquaintance, Michel Rafferty, shows up unexpectedly and adds layers of unknow to the crime and others occurring in Cabot Cove. This expanded reach of the story lines seems to be a characteristic in the tomes Moran authors. All in all a good book with intriguing motives

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 83
  2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series:9  Book #2
  3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #100
  4. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #67
  5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #94
  6. Craving for Cozies  Book #85
  7. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
  8. Beachcomber Challenge  
    • Crime Scene- store
    • Weapon- hit
    • Detectives- jessica
    • Victims- nelson penzell
  9. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #12  Shot #2
  10. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  Murder

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

A Recipe For Disaster Cozy Mystery 1 & 2

 I decided to read the first book in the Recipe for Disaster cozy series by Zanna Mackenzie when I found it in my Kindle Unlimited list.  Murder on the Menu was an engaging read and I was immediately inspired to read the next book after starting the sneak peak at the end of Murder on the Menu.   The series is set in the Cumbrian area of the lake country in England.   There are multiple different areas covered by the story.  There is a celebrity restaurant, a farming/rural element and the starting over component.   In the second story, Holiday Heist, there is a collaborative aspect to the investigation between Stella and Jack that was a pleasant approach compared to many cozies.  I look forward to reading more of this series for sure and seeing how the relationship develops.




Murder On The MenuMurder On The Menu by Zanna Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

English lake country cozy

This is the first but definitely not the last mystery I have read by Zanna Mackenzie
She weaves a good mystery with fun characters. I appreciate the relationship between Lizzie and Stella, her bff. Additionally the caution she exhibits when meeting Jack seems appropriate. I also liked the layers to the mystery and how each time it seemed solved there was another complication.


View all my reviews


Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. 2022TBR  #2022ReadingChallenge  # 
  2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #98
  3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #73
  4. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #65
  5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #92
  6. Craving for Cozies  Book #83
  7. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
  8. Beachcomber Challenge  
    • Crime Scene- restaurant
    • Weapon- stab
    • Detectives- Lizzie
    • Victims- armand
  9. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #90  Shot #1
  10. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  murder


Holiday HeistHoliday Heist by Zanna Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable novella. Liked reading more about Lizzie and Jack. Fun non murder mystery that’s a quick read. Had a great Christmas vibe to it too

View all my reviews


Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #99
  2. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #74
  3. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #66
  4. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #93
  5. Craving for Cozies  Book #84
  6. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 90 Shot #2

Monday, October 10, 2022

Sept summary

 Some how I managed to miss posting for the entirety of September.  Rather than trying to catch up with a bunch of individual posts I will just create one catch post that lists all the books read in Sept with the prompts they satisfied.  Who knows maybe I will modify the blog format for 2023 to be a weekly summary.  I was thinking I might want to take an approach where the big challenges I might list all the options a book satisfies and not just the one I selected it for.  Might switch up my approach and be more helpful for any readers looking for ideas for prompts.  


Sept wasn't a huge reading month so this won't be too lengthy at least.  


The Cider Shop RulesThe Cider Shop Rules by Julie Anne Lindsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is full of mysteries both criminal and personal in nature. Winnie and her grandmother are putting the finishing touches on Fall Festival and Civil War reenactment visitors are certainly helping business. Unfortunately the large influx of tourists also helps conceal the presence of multiple killers. I promise you will never look at pumpkin patches quite the same after reading this wonderful cozy

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are: 

  1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 77
  2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  WV
  3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series:40  Book #1
  4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #91
  5. What an Animal Book #45
  6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #61
  7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #86
  8. Craving for Cozies  Book #79
  9. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
  10. Beachcomber Challenge  
    • Crime Scene- farm
    • Weapon- hit
    • Detectives- Winnie
    • Victims- Abraham
  11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 35a Shot #1

 


Quiet in Her BonesQuiet in Her Bones by Nalini Singh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

glad I found this book as a book to complete a book challenge prompt. Singh writes and amazing thriller and develops her characters well. There is complexity within the relationships of the characters in a quiet cul de sac The doubt and uncertainty she casts on all the players is amazing. The MC is a complex character and definitely feels like an unreliable narrator. It is hard write a review without revealing plot but if you like to read suspenseful books with plenty of uncertainty this is a great read. I especially enjoyed reading about NX as it is one of my favorite places in the world I have had the opportunity to visit. The other aspect i found interesting was the relationship dynamics within the Indian family that the MC belongs to. I will definitely be seeking out more books by Singh.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are: 

  1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 78
  2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes   New Zealand
  3. AtoZ   #2022AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge   Q
  4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #92
  5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #87
  6. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
  7. Beachcomber Challenge  
    • Crime Scene- woods/house/house
    • Weapon- stab/hit/poison
    • Victims- nina rai/sarah/dr mehr
  8. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #15. A book by a Pacific Islander author
  9. Pick your Poison #64 a book known for having an unexpected twist at the end 


Christmas Cow BellsChristmas Cow Bells by Mollie Cox Bryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The descriptions of the Shenandoah Valley and countryside were idyllic and easy to visualize the setting. The small cheese farmette and the cows make for a unique twist on a typical cozy. The complexity of the mystery is well handled mixing in small community wariness of outsiders and family bonds. I look forward to reading more of this series.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are: 

  1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 79
  2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #93
  3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #70
  4. What an Animal Book #46
  5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #62
  6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #88
  7. Craving for Cozies  Book #80
  8. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
  9. Beachcomber Challenge  
    • Crime Scene-church
    • Weapon- fire
    • Victims- nancy scors
  10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #51  Shot #4



The Love HypothesisThe Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

enjoyable rom com

I really loved the vulnerability of the characters. Olive and Nick felt so real and believable it was wonderful to see characters who believed themselves to be damaged to find a frown in the other. There are some very funny moments and serious topics in this book but I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a quick and enjoyable read

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are: 

  1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 80
  2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #94
  3. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #22. A book with a character on the ace spectrum 
  4. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO # 29 Read a book with a summer romance 
  5. Pick your Poison  #68  a book written by an immigrant 
  6. Diversify your reading #DYRC22  Literary Fiction



Claret and Present DangerClaret and Present Danger by Sarah Fox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable read with a strong female character who owns a thriving business This book is full of fun Shakespeare references as well as a Renaissance Fair. Vivid costume descriptions and a varied cast of characters. Great level of suspense and an unexpected guilty party

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are: 

  1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 81
  2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series: 39 Book #1
  3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #95
  4. What an Animal Book #47
  5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #63
  6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #89
  7. Craving for Cozies  Book #81
  8. Medical Examiner Challenge 2 Toe Tags
  9. Beachcomber Challenge  
    • Crime Scene-park
    • Weapon- hit
    • Victims- minerva/ollie
  10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 32 Shot #4
  11. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO Title Play


While My Pretty One SleepsWhile My Pretty One Sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always enjoy reading Mary Higgins Clark books and this one was no exception It is always difficult to figure out a murder when the victim isn't exactly likeable. In this case the gossip columnist appeared to be missing and until her body was found no one was taking it too seriously. Except her personal shopper who happens to be the daughter of the ex NYPD police chief. Neeve Kearny had more problems than the disappearance of one of her best customers though. Someone seems to be out to harm her. After losing her mother, his wife, her father is overly determined to make sure she stays safe. Both stories intermingle quite well with quite a surprise ending. Anyone interested in NYC and/or the fashion industry will find this mystery very engaging.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are: 

  1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 82
  2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #96
  3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #71
  4. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub  ##21 Published by Simon & Schuster
  5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #90
  6. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
  7. Beachcomber Challenge  
    • Crime Scene- apartment
    • Weapon- hit
    • Detectives- Neeve Kearny
    • Victims- Ethel
  8. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 10 Shot #4
  9. Pick your Poison ##84 a book by an author you consider amazing 


The Lord Beneath the LupinsThe Lord Beneath the Lupins by Ruby Loren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked that this book wrapped up some lingering items from other books in the series. The story continued to develop the relationship between Diana and Fergus. The introduction of the New DCI added a nice layer of developing character relationships The mysteries were multiple and well developed keeping the reader thoroughly engaged. I look forward to reading more of Diana and Fergus adventures

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2022  Series:26  Book #4
  2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #97
  3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #72
  4. What an Animal Book #48
  5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #64
  6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #91
  7. Craving for Cozies  Book #82
  8. Medical Examiner Challenge  Toe Tags
  9. Beachcomber Challenge  
    • Crime Scene- basement
    • Weapon- shot
    • Detectives- diana/fergus
    • Victims- lord
  10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #30  Shot #6

Sunday, October 9, 2022

Remaining prompts through Oct

 At the half way point in the year I thought I would write a post that lists all the remaining prompts I have on any of the challenges I am participating in.  Some of the challenges do not require me to complete all prompts based upon my goals but I listed each of them nonetheless.  

  1. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes
    • States remaining:  AL/AR/DE/DC/HI/KS/KY/LA/MT/NE/NV/NH/ND/OK/SD/UT/WV/WI/WY
  2. AtoZ   #2022AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge
    • Letters remaining  Q/X/Y/Z
  3. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  
    • Letters remaining  I/O/Q/U/X/Y/Z
  4. 2022TBR  #2022ReadingChallenge  COMPLETE 10/22
    • #3 Friend Recommendation  Horse
  5. Cozy Mysteries   COMPLETE 10/22
    • #4 A Golden Age mystery
  6. Non Fiction Reader  #ReadNonFicChal   Book #
  7. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub  #
  8. Around the Year in 52 Books #
    • # 38. A book by a Latin American author  Violeta/City of the Beasts (Eagle and Jaguar, #1)
    • 39. A book from the TIME list of 100 Best YA Books of All Time Dumplin
  9. Bookworm #
  10. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2022  #
  11. Beat the Backlist #BTB2022  #
  12. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #
    • #6 Read a book that was recommended to you  Horse
    • # 29 Read a book with a summer romance Love Hypothesis
    • # 38 Dual timeline book  The Night Portrait
    • # 43  Read a Young Adult Romance   Dumplin'
    • #48 Read a classic  Animal Farm
  13. Nancy Drew #
    • #2. The Hidden Staircase (1930) - OR read a book that has been hidden on your TBR list
    • # 14. The Whispering Statue (1937) - read a book that has been recommended to you  Horse
    • # 17. Mystery of the Brass-Bound Trunk (1940) - read a book with some kind of metal in the title  The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women
  14. Nerd Daily  #NERDREADING2022 #
  15. OWLS 22  #
  16. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #
    • # 4. A book with a tiger on the cover or "tiger" in the title 
    • # 10. An Anisfield-Wolf Book Award winner A Brief History of Seven Killings
    • # 18. A romance novel by a BIPOC author Get a Life, Chloe Brown (The Brown Sisters, #1)
    • #22. A book with a character on the ace spectrum love hypothesis
    • #30. A book with the name of a board game in the title Booked for Trouble
    • #37. A book about gender identity  middlesex
    • #40. A book that fulfills your favorite prompt from a past POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
    • # 43. A book with a palindromic title  Life After Life (Todd Family, #1)/ One by One
    • 44. A duology (1) Warcross
    • 45. A duology (2) Wildcard
  17. Pick your Poison #
  18. RAD challenge #aradreadingchallenge #
    • #9 Reread a Book from High School  wuthering Heights
  19. While I was Reading  #
  20. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2022 
  21. 52 books in 52 weeks  #
  22. Unruly Reader Bingo  #
  23. Six Shooter Authors to read for 2022
    • Mildred Abbott
    • Amanda Flower/Isabella Alan
    • Winnie Archer
    • Bree Baker/Julie Anne Lindsay/Jacqueline Frost/Julie Chase 
    • Lorraine Bartlett/Lorna Barrett
    • Ginger Bolton
    • Rhys Bowen
    • Lucy Burdette/Roberta Isleib
    • Eve Calder
    • Kate Carlisle
    • Laurie Cass
    • Chris Cavender
    • Erika Chase/Linda Wiken
    • Mary Higgins Clark
    • Leena Clover
    • Sheila Connolly
    • Maya Corrigan
    • Donna Amis Davis
    • Kaitlyn Dunnett
    • Sarah Fox
    • Victoria Gilbert
    • Sally Goldenbaum
    • JM Griffin
    • Cheryl Hollon
    • Marc Jedel
    • Lizzie Josephson
    • Jennifer Joy
    • Tonya Kappes
    • Celia Kinsey
    • Kate Lansing
    • CA Larmer
    • Karen McManus
    • Alyssa Maxwell
    • Colleen Mooney
    • Chris Niles
    • Sara Paretsky
    • Paige Shelton
    • Cathy Tully
    • Lisa Unger
    • Ruth Ware