June 2026 Wrap Up

Books Read:

Beasts of Beauty by Celeste Baxendell (2021)  5/5 stars

Bewitching Fairy Tales, book 3 

This well-written no-spice fantasy is a gender-flipped version of Beauty and the Beast. This is a moving tale, full of danger, betrayal, guilt, redemption, and various forms of love. It is an engrossing and satisfying book that gutted me at times, but enchanted me throughout. (Do note that the villian and the male main character appear prominently in the second book of this series, and there is a cameo from the first book, so I recommend that the series be read in order. My review of book two can be found here and of book one, here.)

Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis (1958) 5/5 stars

This was a reread. My original review is found here.

Cinders of Glass by Celeste Baxendell (2022) 4/5 stars

Bewitching Fairy Tales, book 4

This is another well-written no-spice fantasy by an author that has become a favorite. Cinders of Glass is a retelling of "Cinderella", mixed with "The Little Match Girl", and follows Prince Cynrik, a character that appeared in the second book of this series. It is funny, exciting, and even moving a times, as it follows a plot of treason, betrayal, heartbreak, and redemption. The flawed characters make this a special book that shows that even the hardest heart can change.

Eight Faces at Three by Craig Rice (1939) 3/5 stars

John J. Malone series, book 1

This mystery is written in the screwball comedy style, with snappy dialogue and silly situations, a style I enjoy. Unfortunately, the author focused to much on drunken humor for my taste. The mystery itself was not particularly interesting, and I figured most of it out early on. This book is the start of a series, and I own several others, but I wasn't impressed enough to begin another any time soon. Rice was a popular Golden Age crime novelist, so I'm hoping the books improve as the series progresses.

Audiobooks:

Elf Prince by Tara Grayce (2020)  4/5 stars

Elven Alliance, book 7

This book tells the same story as Fierce Heart, only from Farrendel's point-of-view, instead of Essie's.  It was tender and emotional, watching first hand as he dealt with his anxiety, depression, and PTSD.  At first, I didn't think I'd read it, having read Fierce Heart just a few weeks prior, but I'm so glad I did.

Heart Bond by Tara Grayce (2023)  4/5 stars

Elven Alliance, book 8

This is a set of short stories and novellas that flesh out parts of the main story arc, or tell more about side characters.  While I was disappointed with a couple of the stories, wishing there had been more details, overall it was a wonderful collection and a great addition to the series.

Elf King by Tara Grayce (2023)  4/5 stars

Elven Alliance, book 9

Grayce finishes off this series by going far back in (series) time to tell the stories of the Elven Kings from Farrendel's grandfather up to his brother, the current King.  It was well-written,  often touching, and overall a fantastic way to wrap up The Elven Alliance. 

The Malvern Murders by Kerry Tombs (2006)  3/5 stars

Inspector Ravenscroft, book 1

This mystery takes place in Victorian England, and follows Inspector Ravenscroft, who has been sent to a health resort in Malvern after failing to capture a criminal.  While there, he becomes involved in a murder investigation involving important people of the town.  It's an interesting mystery, mostly well-written, with engaging characters, however, it wasn't particularly gripping.  Despite that, I will certainly continue the series to see what happens to Ravenscroft.

August 2020 Wrap-Up

Grace Livingston Hill

Books Read:
The Sweet Dove Died by Barbara Pym (1978)  4/5 stars
This was a reread; my original review is here.

A Daily Rate by Grace Livingston Hill (1900)  3/5 stars
This gentle Christian novel was one of Hill's earliest, and lacks the depth and maturity of those published later.  It's still a pleasant read, and the details of early twentieth-century life were quite interesting.

The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis (1940)  5/5 stars
In this intelligent and insightful book, Lewis explains, among other things, his beliefs on how pain could possibly fit in with a merciful God.

Audio Books Completed:
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow (2019)  4/5 stars
This novel of fantasy/magical realism is hard to explain without giving away the complex plot.  It is quite enjoyable, though, and while I did have a few quibbles with it, I would recommend it to those readers who enjoy that genre.

To Davy Jones Below by Carola Dunn (2001)  3/5 stars
Another light but fun Daisy Dalrymple mystery, this time taking place on a ship traveling to the U.S.  It was rather easy to figure out what was going on and why, but the characters kept it interesting to the end.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsène Lupin: Gentleman Burglar by Maurice Leblanc (1907)  4/5 stars
This is a thoroughly entertaining set of adventure stories about a "gentleman burglar" in France at the turn of the 20th century.  Similar to Doyle's Holmes stories, the fun is finding out how it was done, with the difference being that the reader is cheering for the villain instead.

Feet of Clay by Terry Pratchett (1996)  5/5 stars
This was a reread of this mystery featuring the Night Watch, Vetinari, and the Golems of Anhk-Morpork.  As is usual with the Discworld novels, it is excellently written, completely engrossing, and extremely amusing.  As is also the norm with Pratchett, it combines humor and action with bits of philosophy and deep life lessons.  Sir Terry was a true genius.

The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier (1969)  4/5 stars
Dr. Magnus Lane has created a drug which seems to cause the user to go back in time; he persuades his best friend, Richard, to test it for him.  Richard becomes engrossed in the other world, to the detriment of his life in the real world.  Du Maurier is an excellent writer, adept at creating a sense of building dread.  The plot is riveting and intriguing, and, despite this being a reread for me, I was completely drawn into Richard's story.

The Brading Collection by Patricia Wentworth  (1950)  4/5 stars
Miss Silver helps the police to discover a murderer in this well-plotted mystery.  I knew the who and how early on, but still enjoyed the slow reveal.

The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer (1946)  4/5 stars
In this light Regency romance/mystery, governess Elinor Rochdale is persuaded by Lord Carlyon to marry his dying reprobate cousin, Eustace Cheviot. Moving into the neglected Cheviot estate, the new widow finds intrigue and danger - - and eventually love.  Heyer is an excellent writer, and the meticulously researched historical details make a rich setting for the enjoyable plot.

Arsène Lupin versus Sherlock Holmes by Maurice Leblanc
(1910)  3/5 stars
Leblanc's plots are fun and interesting, but his depiction of Holmes is so far off from the canon that it's distracting.  Had Lupin squared off against an original detective, this would have been excellent; as it is, it's merely okay.

Hidden Depths by Ann Cleeves (2007)  4/5 stars
Inspector Stanhope investigates the murder of a teenager, who has been strangled, laid out in the bath, and covered with water and flowers.  While the denouement wasn't particularly surprising, the characters, backstory, and action are so well-written that it is completely engrossing and entertaining.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Did Not Finish: 
The Hidden Lives of Tudor Women by Elizabeth Norton
There was very little information given about "hidden lives"; the hours I listened to was mostly straightforward, well-rehearsed Tudor social history.  Norton flits from one woman to the next, and while she does use little known women for some of the vignettes, famous personalities are used more.  In addition, the narrator was simply terrible.  I finally had to give up.

Mrs Queen Takes the Train by William Kuhn
This was supposed to be a sweet and charming story, but I'll never know.  Kuhn started it off with an ageist description of QEII as a bumbling senior unable to use email.  After that, he gives an apocryphal story as to why she is called "Lilibet", and it just went downhill from there.

The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton
I really enjoyed the Forgotten Garden last month, as was excited to read another by Morton.  Unfortunately, more than an hour into the audio book, I was not finding my interest piqued.  I may try it again later, if her other books turn out to be good.

June 2020 Wrap-Up

Books Read:
On Being Catholic by Thomas Howard (1997)  5/5 stars
This scholarly work by the apologist Dr. Howard was both insightful and accessible.

Audio Books Completed:
The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain (2014)  4/5 stars
This is a sweet romance about a man who finds a stolen purse and attempts to reunite it with it's owner.  It's not my typical genre, but I enjoyed the writing and the style and would be willing to try another novel by Laurain.

Broken Harbor by Tana French (2012)  5/5 stars
In this grim mystery, Detective Kennedy is put on the case when a family is attacked inside their home.  With three of the victims dead, and the survivor comatose, he attempts to piece together what happened, all the while facing his own personal demons.  French is a phenomenally good writer; the characters were fleshed and believeable, and the plot was gripping.  As with the previous books in the series, not all the questions are answered, making it incredibly real.  I highly recommend French's novels.

Stagestruck by Peter Lovesey (2011)  4/5 stars
Detective Peter Diamond of the Bath CID is called in to investigate an accident in the theatre that may have been more than accidental.  A suicide follows, then a murder, and Diamond must work fast to prevent another death.  Peter Diamond became one of my favorite characters early in the series, and this one solidifies his realistic character.  Lovesey writes well and always creates an engrossing mystery.  I highly recommend this series.

Tied up in Tinsel by Ngaio Marsh (1972)  3/5 stars
Inspector Alleyn becomes involved in a murder case that takes place when his wife is at a Christmas house party.  Marsh doesn't do well in portraying the 1960s and '70s; her slang and references feel forced and the atmosphere creates the feel of a much earlier decade.  I enjoyed the characters and most of the plot, but wasn't fully convinced by either the murder or the reason behind it.

February 2020 Wrap -Up

Books Read:
Murder at the Manor: Country House Mysteries edited by Martin Edwards (2015)  4/5 stars
As with all the Poison Pen Press/British Library Crime Classics short story collections edited by Edwards, this contains a five star assortment of authors, some well known and some now obscure.  The stories themselves vary in quality, with a few duds and a few gems sprinkled among average works.  Despite that, they are all worth reading for the exposure to the authors, the variety of styles, and the various takes on the country house mystery.

The Black Rustle by Constance and Gwenyth Little (1942)
4/5 stars
In this delightful screwball comedy/mystery, Marina visits a friend's family for the weekend and becomes entangled in not one, but two murders.  The Little sisters are aces at snappy dialogue and ridiculous situations that wrap nicely around a well-plotted, engrossing mystery.  While not their best, the Black Rustle is well-written and a great deal of fun.

Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis (1958)  5/5 stars  (my review here)

Iorich by Steven Brust (2010)  4/5 stars
Vlad, still on the run from the main Dragaeran criminal organization, discovers that his friend has been arrested and, to save her life, he risks his own by a return to Adrilankha.   Iorich is clever, well-written, and thoroughly entertaining, as are all of the Vlad Taltos novels.  Brust's ability to build a realistic world is impressive, and he has created a plot that is complex, but still comprehensible and credible.

Audio Books Completed:
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz (2017) 3/5 stars  (my review here)

Soul Music by Terry Pratchett (1994)  4/5 stars
A new form of music known as "Music with Rocks In" appears on the Discworld, affecting everyone who hears it.  Archchancellor Ridcully is convinced it's alive and dangerous, while the other wizards begin to wear leather and grease up their hair.  Meanwhile, Death has disappeared, leaving his granddaughter Susan to carry on the family business.  Laugh-out-loud funny and full of tributes to classic rock-n-roll, Soul Music is entertaining and engrossing.  It lacks the poignancy of many of the Discworld novels, unfortunately, but is still the well-written, intelligent, and fun that one expects from Pratchett.

Monk's Hood by Ellis Peters (1980)  4/5 stars
When a man is murdered by a potion of Cadfael's own, he becomes interested in the death.  The man's young stepson, Edwin, is accused of the crime, but Cadfael is not convinced of his guilt -- and as Edwin's mother is Cadfael's childhood sweetheart, he has extra incentive to find the real killer.  Throughout this series, Peters writes with believable detail and creates intelligent, engrossing mysteries.  Cadfael is a delightful character and Monk's Hood is enjoyable all through.

A Caribbean Mystery by Agatha Christie (1964)  4/5 stars
While on vacation, Miss Marple becomes convinced that a man's "natural" death is anything but.  While she muses on that problem, another murder occurs, and she must race against time to stop a third.  This is a satisfying and enjoyable mystery, with excellent twists and turns, and yet with all the pieces obvious, once the reader knows the solution.  Christie is a master at false clues and deceptive happenings, and A Caribbean Mystery full of both. It is a light and easy read, but compelling and certainly worth while.

Styx and Stones by Carola Dunn  (1999)  3/5 stars
Daisy's brother-in-law asks for her help in uncovering the source of the poison pen letters in his village.  When she stumbles over a murder victim, her fiancé, Scotland Yard Inspector Fletcher, hurries down to the country to help. This cozy mystery, like the rest of the series, is mainly fluff and atmosphere, but still entertaining and peopled with endearing characters.

Did Not Finish:
The Disappearing Spoon and Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements by Sam Kean
This book is supposed to be full of fascinating stories relating to the elements and their discoverers, and suitable for the layperson.  I made it two and a half hours (five chapters), but found that when it wasn't over my head, it simply wasn't interesting. I am truly disappointed, as I had high hopes for this book.

A Spider in the Cup by Barbara Cleverly
I listened to over three hours of the audiobook, and it was so rooted in international politics that I just couldn't stay interested.

Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis

Reflections on the Psalms 
C.S. Lewis
1958
5/5 stars

Lewis discusses the Psalms as poetry and as scripture, and expresses both his enjoyment of and his difficulties with them.  He offers wise insights into how they were intended to be read, and how to read them now.   Lewis also uses the Psalms as a springboard to other observations regarding the Bible, Christianity, and Christ.  I highly recommend this intelligent but accessible book, which is illuminating while still giving the reader much to muse on.

June 2019 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

C.S. Lewis

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis  (1952) 5/5 stars
Lewis, the great Christian apologist, does an excellent job of explaining what Christianity is and isn't, why he chose it, and what the final point of it is.

The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar  (2018)   (my review here)

Lizard by Banana Yoshimoto  (1993)  2/5 stars
This is a selection of short stories by one of Japan's renowned storytellers. They are actually slices of life, without a concrete beginning or end, some even without a defined conflict. I did not connect with, nor was I even interested by, the characters or plots.  I was unimpressed with Yoshimoto's style, as well, but this could be a fault of the translation.  I hate to rate it two stars, but this was not a good match for me.

The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths (2009)  4/5 stars
When bones are found in a marsh, Detective Inspector Harry Nelson calls in forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway to determine whether it is a child that has been missing for a decade or an age-old skeleton.  Another child is abducted with links to the previous one, and Ruth becomes involved in the search at the risk of her life.

I was impressed with this mystery, even though I had solved part of it mid-way, and still found it thrilling to the end.  Both Ruth and Nelson were appealing characters, the plot was mostly sound, and the story flowed well.  I look forward to continuing the series.

The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths (2011)  4/5 stars
The skeleton of a decapitated child is discovered on a building site, and forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway is asked to give her expertise.  This leads to a decades old mystery and a threat to Ruth's life.

While it's rather improbable to think that Ruth would find herself in deadly peril just a few months after the incidents of the Crossing Places, I still enjoyed this immensely.  The prose was good, the story stayed intense and interesting, and Griffiths is deft at creating an atmosphere of suspense and unease.  I'm looking forward to reading the third in the series. (Note: These books are best read in order.)

The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths (2011)  4/5 stars
Ruth Galloway, forensic archaeologist, succonded to Serious Crimes Unit, investigates when six skeletons are found,  with hands bound and shot execution style. Scientific evidence dates the remains to World War II, and Ruth and Detective Inspector Nelson begin to uncover a secret from the past that someone will kill to keep hidden.

This, the third in the series, is well-written, intelligent, and engrossing.  Having Ruth's life threatened three times in just over a year does require suspension of disbelief, but doesn't lessen the entertainment value of this novel.  (Note: These books are best read in order.)

A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths (2012)  4/5 stars
When Ruth finds a young curator dead in his museum, it begins a case for DCI Nelson that involves suspicious deaths, drug smuggling, and the bones of ancestors.  Ruth is only tangentially involved  in this crimes in this novel, but is still a strong presence, and the reader is given more glimpses of her personal life.  Nelson's subordinates feature more prominently than he does, but this does nothing to lessen the appeal of the book.  It's well-written, intelligent, and strongly interesting.  I definitely recommend this series.  (Note: These books are best read in order.)

A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths (2013)  4/5 stars
After a colleague of forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway is murdered in a house fire, she receives a letter from him, posted before his death, hinting of a major archaeological discovery that could shake academia.  Ruth is asked to investigate his find, which leads her into contact with a dangerous underground society.  As with previous volumes of this series, A Dying Fall is well-written and attention-holding, continuing to further Ruth's personal story in addition to providing a satisfying mystery.  (Note: These books are best read in order.)

The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths (2014) 3/5 stars
While DCI Nelson is investigating a potential infanticide, forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway is excavating what may be the skeleton of a Victorian woman hanged for the same crime.  Things get worse for Nelson when a child-snatching occurs in his jurisdiction, with Ruth and her friends also involved.  This is another well-written mystery, with believable and likable characters.  The solution arrived too suddenly and without enough clues, but despite that, the Outcast Dead is another enjoyable read from Griffiths.  (Note: These books are best read in order.)

Audio Books Completed:
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty  (2013) 4/5 stars  (my review here)

Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson  (2016) 5/5 stars  (my review here)

Let it Bleed by Ian Rankin  (1995) 3/5 stars
A double suicide, followed by another suicide, leads Inspector Rebus to a plot involving politicians, industry leaders, and the establishment in general. 

Rankin writes well, and Rebus is an engaging character. However, this story is more of intrigue than mystery, and wasn't a good fit for me.

The Secret Hangman by Peter Lovesey  (2007)  4/5 stars
Inspector Peter Diamond investigates both an apparent murder/suicide, and a series of ram-raids plaguing Bath.  I love the character of Peter Diamond: he is likable, fallible, and believable.  There is a nice mix of personal and professional in this mystery, with a generally credible crime and solution.


Did Not Finish
Fragile by Lisa Unger
I listened to two hours of this novel, and nothing had happened yet.  I found it deadly dull and wasn't willing to wait any more for the suspense to begin.

Mistletoe Man by Susan Wittig Albert
This is a series, and I started in the middle; this could be why I couldn't get into it, but neither the story, nor the prose, nor the characters caught my interest.

Death on Demand by Carolyn Hart
I wasn't drawn in by the characters, plot, or writing style, and the murder seemed unnecessarily complicated and ridiculous.

Father's Day Murder by Leslie Meier
 I didn't like the family dynamics at the beginning, and though I listened for nearly two hours (all the way up to the murder), I was never drawn in to the story. It's possible that it was because I started mid-series, but I didn't connect with protagonist, either.  I generally don't like American mysteries (both the Hart and the Albert books above are also American); I don't know why I keep trying!

Letters to Malcolm by C. S. Lewis

Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer
C. S. Lewis
1964
5/5/stars

This slim volume is precisely as advertised: essays written in letter form, mainly about prayer.  Petitionary prayers, adoration, and penitence are discussed, as well as other church topics such as Communion, resurrection, the purpose of church services, and Purgatory.
As a Christian apologist, Lewis faces tough issues and gives his opinion unhesitatingly.  Due to his incredible intelligence, some of his arguments are well above my grasp.  However, he often succinctly expresses in words the thoughts that weren't concretely formed in my mind, helping me to pin down my belief on an issue.

I have to say that I didn't care for the format; simple essays would have been better than faked letters with insincere personal details.  That's only a small point, though, as the worth of the book far surpasses any minor irritations.