April 2025 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

The Greene Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine (1928)  4/5 stars

Philo Vance series, book three

Well-written, twisty, and entertaining.  

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937)  5/5 stars

Simply fantastic.  It gets better every re-read.

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright (2018)  4/5 stars

This is a well-written novel with a dual-timeline, light suspense, and a strong Christian theme.  I was able to pick out both villains, but that didn't lessen the enjoyment or the tension.  This is the second book I've read by the author and look forward to reading more.  

Dancing and Doughnuts by Rachel Kovaciny  (2018)  4/5 stars 

Once Upon a Western, book two

This is a non-magical spin on the "Twelve Dancing Princesses" fairy tale, set in Kansas in 1866, where a stranger in town is hired to solve the mystery harming a family's dance hall. The narrator's voice is believable and distinct, and the plot itself is fun and charming, and is full of historical details and atmosphere.  Overall, this well-written novel was pure pleasure. 

First Love by Ivan Turgenev (1860) 4/5 stars 

I read this novella through, and then began it again immediately. While I didn't "enjoy" the story, Turgenev is a masterful writer and the story is told through a gauze of melancholy nostalgia that is most effective and, at times, moving. I think it needs two readings -- one for the plot, and one to just enjoy the language, descriptions, and emotions.

Audiobooks Completed:

The Nile: A Journey Downriver Through Egypt's Past and Present by Toby Wilkinson (2014)  3/5 stars

I've read two other books by Wilkinson (Tutankhamun's Trumpet: Ancient Egypt in 100 Objects from the Boy-King's Tomb, 5 stars, and A World Beneath the Sands: The Golden Age of Egyptology, 4 stars) so I was excited for this one.  It didn't meet my high expectations, unfortunately, but was still interesting and generally well-written.  The format -- telling Egyptian history through geography and not chronology -- may be disconcerting to some readers, but I found it to be effective storytelling.  It will probably be much more enjoyable to a reader that hasn't already been wowed by the author, and who isn't comparing this book to his others.   (Note: I feel like the audiobook narrator did not do justice to the book, however, so I would advise reading, not listening.)

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery (1926)  5/5 stars  (re-read)

This gentle novel of fresh starts is about 29 year-old Valency who has lived under the thumb of her extended family for too long.  An unexpected event gives her the courage to step out and live life, leading to love, acceptance, and happiness.  It's a sweet, moving, beautiful book and I can't recommend it enough.

Sir Harry Hotspur of Humblethwaite by Anthony Trollope (1870)  4/5 stars

This isn't a novel that is "enjoyable" as such, but is a well-written character study with an unexpectedly engrossing plot.  Trollope is able to draw the reader fully into his world, no matter how mundane it seems on the surface.  I was actually anxious about the outcome and had to resist the temptation to read the last page to see what was going to happen.  Again, it's not a story I "liked", but I still lived it while I read it. 

The China Governess by Margery Allingham (1962)  4/5 stars (re-read)

Albert Campion series, book 17

This is a well-written, twisty novel with a main focus on family, identity and truth.  There is not a lot of mystery or crime in it, so I wouldn't recommend it as one's first Campion, but I loved the slow unfolding of the story, and it's beautiful ending.  

Did Not Finish:

I started and stopped so many this month that I couldn't keep track of them; there were at least nine, maybe more.  Most of them just weren't a good fit for the moment, but there were a few duds as well.

March 2025 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

Deadly Duo: Two Novellas by Margery Allingham (1950)  4/5 stars

U.K. Title: Take Two at Bedtime

Two well-written novellas (neither featuring Campion), with solid plots, lots of tension, and satisfying endings.

The Net That Holds Me by Scarlett Luna Strange (2023)  3/5 stars

This is a short "Little Mermaid" retelling, sweet but not well developed.

After the Armistice Ball by Catriona McPherson (2005)  4/5 stars

Dandy Gilver mysteries, book one

Taking place in Scotland in 1923, this is an intelligent, engaging, entertaining, and generally well-written mystery.  

Cloaked by Rachel Kovaciny (2017)  4/5 stars

Once Upon a Western, book one

This is a retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood", taking place in the Wyoming Territory sometime after the American Civil War.  Sixteen year old Mary Rose travels from the East to visit her Grandmother's ranch, where she makes good friends, learns to ride a horse, and begins to mature.  Her courage and love are put to the test when she meets a wolf-in-man's-clothing. 

This is a well-written YA book that is engaging from beginning to end.  It's intelligent and entertaining, with good lessons and themes running through. I'll admit that I didn't expect the violence (though given the setting, I probably should have), but aside from that, I enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to reading more in the series.

"Magic on Main Street" Series by K.M. Shea

The Lies of Vampires and Slayers (2023)  4/5 stars

The Games of Enemies and Allies (2024)  4/5 stars

The Order of Blood and Ruin (2024)  4/5 stars

This is an urban fantasy trilogy about a vampire slayer on the city's supernatural law enforcement task force who makes friends with a young vampire in her apartment building, while fighting an ancient vampire at night.  (I don't want to share much so that I won't spoil anything.)  The entire series is well-written, fun, humorous, and totally engrossing.  I absolutely loved it!

Elizabeth and Her German Garden by Elizabeth von Arnim  (1898)  4/5 stars

This was a reread; my original review is here.

The Solitary Summer by Elizabeth von Arnim  (1899)  3/5 stars

This is the enjoyable companion volume to Elizabeth and Her German Garden but is not as witty or engrossing.

Audiobooks Completed:

The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope (1867)  3/5 stars 

Chronicles of Barsetshire, book six

Princess Charlotte

This, the final book of the series, was repetitive and dragged, and felt too long by about 200 pages.  I know it may be be unfair compare it to the Palliser series (all of which were five stars for me), but the series as a whole was inferior.  If the Chronicles of Barsetshire had been my first experience with Trollope, I would not have completed the series, and probably wouldn't have tried him again.

The Lost Queen: The Life & Tragedy of the Prince Regent's Daughter by Anne M. Stott (2020)  5/5 stars

This is a well-written, thoroughly researched biography of Princess Charlotte of Wales (1796-1817).  In it Stott  discusses the doomed marriage of Charlotte's parents, Caroline of Brunswick and George, Prince of Wales (later Prince Regent, and finally King George IV), and how the terrible aftermath affected Charlotte's childhood and short adult life.  Her "rebellious" teenage years and her brief happy marriage are detailed, along with the influence of friends and relations, world events, and domestic situations.  Overall, it's easily accessible and completely engrossing, painting a living portrait of this ill-fated princess.    

February 2025 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer (1962)  4/5 stars

This is a delightful light romance, full of humor, intelligence, and convincing Regency atmosphere. 

The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer (1921)  4/5 stars

This novel of Georgian England was Heyer's first published work and, if appreciated for the melodrama it was intended to be, is thoroughly enjoyable.

The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White (2019)  3/5 stars  

The Codebreakers, book one

This is a well-written, gripping Christian romantic suspense taking place in London during WWI.  It focuses on a female codebreaker, a British secret agent, and a German spy as their paths cross and recross in dangerous situations. I have only one complaint about the book, and that is the unconvincing historical setting.  I am especially interested in this era, and as a result have read many Edwardian novels and several autobiographies by WWI military personnel and nurses. To me, the atmosphere of this book felt more like the 1940s than the 1910s, without the strong mores that define that time period.  

The Hangman by Gerald Verner (1934)  3/5 stars

Trevor Lowe series, book two

This mystery relied too heavily on coincidence to be fully satisfying, but was still generally interesting and entertaining. 

Audiobooks Completed:

Framley Parsonage by  Anthony Trollope (1860)  4/5 stars

The Chronicles of Barsetshire, book four

Another witty and engaging entry in the series, full of memorable characters and situations.  

The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope (1864)  3/5 stars
Chronicles of Barsetshire, book five

This is certainly not my favorite Trollope novel.  It lacks charm and sparkle usual with the author, and seems more like the set up for the final novel, than a finished story in itself.  I did not care for one of the main characters, Lily, and if I had been reading instead of listening, would have skimmed most of her story.  Normally, the details and minutiae of a Victorian novel is part of what I love, but this one was unnecessarily long in parts, making some of the situations tedious.  Though I did enjoy it in general, I didn't find it exceptional in any way, and certainly wouldn't recommend it as an introduction to Trollope.

Did Not Finish:

The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow

It started off so good; though I didn't fully buy it all, I loved seeing P&P from Mary's point of view and the author's language and prose was a good match for the times.  As it progressed, though, Mary made no development in character, and I began to lose interest in hearing about nothing but how she was mistreated and misunderstood.  Once I reached 39% of this 463 page book, and saw how much I had left, I went to Goodreads to read spoilers to see if I wanted to continue; I was convinced that I did not.  

January 2025 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

The Dark Wives by Anne Cleeves (2024)  3/5 stars 

Vera Stanhope series, book 11

This book didn't feel polished or well-written in the early chapters, but as it progressed the writing quality improved.  I wasn't satisfied with the investigation or with the solution, though, and felt this to be the weakest book in the series.  I can't explain any better without giving spoilers, but it just failed to be convincing.  I would not recommend it to those not already fans of the series.

Emmazel: Emma is Trapped as Rapunzel  by Kendra E. Ardnek (2022)  4/5 stars

The Austen Fairy Tale series, book three

This blend of Rapunzel and Austen's Emma was truly enjoyable and satisfying.  Emmazel's lack of confidence keeps her from perfectly matching the classic character, but I still found both the tale and the mash-up of plots delightful.  I loved how the romance worked out; it was so sweet that I teared up.  Ardnek's original world, history, characters, and magic system are continued from the previous books, and it's important to have read them to understand motivations and  incidents.  I am extremely invested in this world and excited to start the next in the series.

Snowfield Palace: The Snow Queen invades Mansfield Park by Kendra E. Ardnek (2022)  4/5 stars

The Austen Fairy Tale series, book four

This generally well-written story does a good job blending the two classics, Mansfield Park and "The Snow Queen", while continuing Ardnek's original world, history, characters, and magic system.  The book ends with unanswered questions -- not exactly a cliffhanger, but enough uncertainty to cause the reader to want to start the next one quickly.  As with the previous novels, it is important to read these in order to be able to fully understand the plot.  Overall, it's enjoyable and entertaining, while being very serious and even heavy in parts.

Thornrose Estate: Northanger Abbey discovers Beauty and the Beast by Kendra E. Ardnek (2023)  3/5 stars

The Austen Fairy Tale series, book five

The part of the book that follows Northanger Abbey is generally well-done, but Thornrose Estate doesn't follow the classic fairy tale as closely, even in spirit.  I liked the characters, and the plot was exciting, but due to the shortness of the book, there wasn't much development.  Despite the importance of the events to the entire series, this is certainly the weakest of the novels.  Nonetheless, I still enjoyed it a great deal.

A Little Persuaded: The Little Mermaid needs a bit of Persuasion by Kendra E. Ardnek (2023)  4/5 stars

The Austen Fairy Tale series, book six

This generally well-written final installment of The Austen Fairy Tales blends the two classics together quite nicely while also continuing Ardenk's original story. The characters were likable and the plot engaging, and I enjoyed it best of them all, despite not being fully satisfied with the conclusion.  I definitely recommend this series for readers who love both fairy tales and Austen, but to understand the main story arc, the books must be read in order.

The Soulless Slipper by Abigail Manning (2023)  4/5 stars

The Fairmyth Chronicles, book one

This story excellently and uniquely weaves together the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone with the fairy tale of Cinderella, all inside of Manning's original magical world.  It is well-written, with a gripping plot, likable characters, and wonderful nods to the borrowed classics.  I am looking forward to reading more of Manning's myth/fairy tale mash-ups.

Poisoned Heart by Abigail Manning (2021)  3/5 stars 

The Emerald Realm, book one

This is Manning's first published novel, and doesn't have a lot of polish or personality.  It's an average retelling of Snow White, with a few nice twists, but not particularly memorable.  I enjoyed The Soulless Slipper enough, though, that I will certainly read more by the author.

Against the Grain by Peter Lovesey (2024) 3/5 stars  

Peter Diamond series, book 22

This, the conclusion to the series, sees Diamond doing off-duty, private investigating of a possible miscarriage of justice while on holiday in the country.  While it was generally fun, well-written, and intelligent, I found neither the mystery nor the solution to be fully convincing or satisfying.  With Diamond away from Bath and out of touch with his team, the story wasn't as compelling or engaging as is usual.  The Diamond books are one of my favorite police mystery series, so I'm sad that this is the final entry, but many of the previous were excellent enough to deserve rereading.   

The Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi Stephens (2024)  3/5 stars

I really liked the characters, the strong Christian message, and the premise. I did find the investigation to be unrealistic at times and the solution not fully satisfying, though, and thought that it would have been more convincing as a whole had it been set in the author's native U.S. That said, I enjoyed the book enough that I would certainly read more by this author.

Audiobooks Completed:

Barchester Towers  by Anthony Trollope (1857)  5/5 stars
The Chronicles of Barsetshire, book two
This volume follows the principal characters from The Warden as the County of Barsetshire gains a new Bishop.  All the clerical men of Barchester (and their women) take a stand for or against the new Bishop, Dr. Proudie, and his scheming chaplain, Mr. Slope, while Mrs. Proudie vies with Mr. Slope over who will be the reigning influence of the bishopric.  Sides are again taken when a new Warden is to be picked, followed by a genteel internecine war, fought in drawing rooms and studies across Barsetshire, when a new Dean is required.  In the background love blooms, hatred flares, deception practiced, and goodness -- at last -- rewarded.

This is a gem of a novel, complex and layered, full of humor and wit, as well as sly digs at the practices of the day.  The characters are well-written, the story engaging, and the overall experience is completely enjoyable.  I'm eager to continue the series.

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton (1990)  3/5 stars 

I first read this in the 1990s and loved it.  This time, I found it to be repetitive, over-detailed, and even dull and draggy in parts.  The characters were not fleshed out and the prose was sparse in a negative way.  Despite that, when it is exciting it's a good deal of fun, and it's definitely thought-provoking.  

Doctor Thorne  by Anthony Trollope (1858)  4/5 stars
The Chronicles of Barsetshire, book three

This third of the series introduces a new set of characters to tell a story of money, society, and "worth" as viewed by outsiders.  It's another layered, witty, and intelligent novel, lighter in tone than the previous, but completely enjoyable.

Reading Wrap-Up of 2024

In 2024, I read 95 books and listened to 34 audiobooks. That's a larger-than-usual amount for me, due mainly to the last quarter of the year when I had a pinched nerve that kept me from doing anything but reading. During those three months, I read/listened to 52 books. Like I said -- I didn't do anything else!

I discovered a lot of new-to-me authors, and I'd especially like to mention Eliza Prokopovits (@elizaprokopovits) and Christina Dudley (@christinadudleyauthor). I read a complete series (six books each) from both authors, all of which I reviewed here.

I also discovered the no-spice fantasy community, especially Mary Mecham (@marymecham_author), Sarah Beran (@sarah.beran.author), and Kendra E. Ardnek (@fairytalearista), for which I am so grateful!

I read more mysteries than anything, of course, and my most read authors were Peter Lovesey (6 books), Agatha Christie (7 books), P.J. Fitzsimmons (9 books), and Patricia Wentworth (10 books).

I read 14 five-star books and did not finish at least a dozen. I began the year with a Golden Age mystery by a lesser known author but a favorite of mine, Moray Dalton, and just now finished my last book of the year, Crown and Cinder by Kendra E. Ardnek.

So, how was your reading year? No matter how many you read, as long as you enjoyed reading, it's a win!

December 2024 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren (2011)  5/5 stars (my review here)

The Upas Tree by Florence L. Barclay (1912)  3/5 stars

This is a Christmas story of sorts by one of my favorite Edwardian romance authors, about sacrifice, misunderstanding, and redeeming love.  This is not her best, as she tries to incorporate a bit of the supernatural into it which weakens the rest of the story.  Otherwise, though, it's an enjoyable, if light, novel that will appeal to those of us who appreciate this genre and the times and mores of Edwardian England.

Rest You Merry by Charlotte MacLeod (1978)  4/5 stars

Peter Shandy series, book 1 

This was a witty, intelligent mystery.  The solution wasn't fully satisfying, but I enjoyed it tremendously overall and look forward to reading more by MacLeod. 

Heads You Lose by Christianna Brand (1941)  4/5 stars

Inspector Cockrill series, book one

The six members of a winter house party become suspects when first one neighbor, then another, is found decapitated.  This is a mostly well-written mystery which, if not subtle, was still enjoyable. 

Crimson Snow: Winter Mysteries edited by Martin Edwards (2016)  4/5 stars

This is a collection of twelve short stories by Golden Age of Crime authors, many since forgotten, that take place around Christmas.  The variety is excellent, but the quality is mixed -- as is to be expected with an anthology.

To Crack a Soldier: A Nutcracker Retelling by Sarah Beran

(2023)  4/5 stars

The war is over, and it finds Alexander wounded in both body and mind.  After he witnesses a battle between a lovely ballerina and her regiment against another army with a grey mouse as their standard, he falls into the world of Faerie where he discovers that his music is the weapon the ballerina has been seeking.

In this is a delightful portal fantasy, Beran pays tribute to the classic "The Nutcracker and The Mouse King", while using her own characters, magic system, and worldbuilding. The nods to the original story are nicely done and I enjoyed making the connections.  The book does touch on serious topics, but is overall a fun and lighthearted tale with a gentle love story, likable main characters, and engaging adventure.  I found it immensely enjoyable and satisfying, and look forward to reading more by the author. 

Radical Saints: 21 Women for the 21st Century by Melanie Rigney (2020)  3/5 stars

This book consists of brief and very basic biographies of twenty-one modern female saints.  In addition, the author includes a short paragraph about the world background of the saint, two verses that resonate with that saint's particular characteristic, one quote from the saint, and a few other resources and quotes; the entire chapter per saint is around five pages.  The longest section of each chapter is called "Living Radically Today", in which the author attempts to connect the saint's calling to some incident in her life or the life of a friend.  I mean no disrespect to the author when I say this, as I am certain she put her heart and soul into these, but I found these entries to be most often tenuous and not always relatable.  It would have benefited from more details on the lives of these saints and how each one affected her world, along with more quotes (in context).  On the plus side, I was introduced to many new-to-me saints that I would like to research more in depth. 

Rose Petals and Snowflakes: Snow White and Rose Red meets Sense and Sensibility by Kendra E. Ardnek (2021)  4/5 stars

The Austen Fairy Tale series, book one

This is a delightful pastiche, and Ardnek stays true to the spirit of each story.  The sisters are very much the fairy tale sisters, but at the same time, their personalities match Elinor and Marianne nearly perfectly.  I loved finding the tributes to the classics, yet enjoyed Ardnek's original world, characters, and plot equally well.  There were times I struggled to understand the magic system, but I think that might be due more to reader than author.  Overall, it's well-written, sometimes humorous, full of heart, and completely enjoyable.  

Walk with Care by Patricia Wentworth (1933)  4/5 stars

Benbow Smith series, book three
When a politician's young secretary finds himself being framed as a blackmailer and thief, he begins his own investigation in an attempt to outwit his unknown enemies.  This is an generally well-written novel of domestic espionage, quite tense at times, and, if unrealistic, still fully entertaining.  I would recommend reading this series in order, as some characters reappear.

Crown and Cinder: Pride and Prejudice derails Cinderella by Kendra E. Ardnek (2022)  4/5 stars

The Austen Fairy Tale series, book two

This is another delightful fairy-tale-plus-classic combination.  Ardnek puts a different spin on  Cinderella and combines it nicely with Austen's famous story, all the while excellently blending it with her original plot, world, and characters.  The story continues from the first book, so they must be read in order, but it was wonderful to continue to follow previous characters and see them interact with the ones in Crown and Cinder.  I'm thoroughly invested in this world now, and am looking forward to reading the next in this series.

Audiobooks Completed:

The Beckoning Lady by Margery Allingham (1955)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Hide my Eyes by Margery Allingham (1958)  5/5 stars (my review here)

The Warden by Anthony Trollope (1855)  4/5 stars
The Chronicles of Barsetshire, book one
Original review from September 2022: Septimius Harding is an upright clergyman who is the devoted warden of a local charity.  John Bold, his young friend (and his daughter's suitor), becomes convinced that the charity is not being managed according the original intents, and involves Mr. Harding in the agony of a public debate.  

This, the first of the Chronicles of Barsetshire,  deals with a hot contemporary topic, and Trollope handles the subject well.  However, had this been the first novel I had read by him, it would probably have been my last.  Happily, I read the Palliser novels first (all six of which were five star reads for me), so I know what gems Trollope can write.  As it is, The Warden lacks the sparkle, humor, and charm of the Palliser books, and while still well-written, is not compelling.  Despite this, I will continue the series, in anticipation of great things to come.

Note: Upon this rereading, I must raise my rating to four stars.  My first reading came immediately upon the heels of the Palliser novels, and I think I unfairly compared the two.  At this point, some two years later, I can appreciate The Warden much more without the immediate memory of the other series.  I'm eagerly looking forward to continuing the Chronicles of Barsetshire now.  (counting towards The Classics Club)

Did Not Finish:

Cleopatra's Daughter: From Roman Prisoner to Egyptian Queen by Jane Draycott

Draycott has tried to write a biography of Cleopatra Selene without there being enough resources available to do so.  She relies heavily on "may have", "might be", "possibly", "probable", "assume".  The bits that are not about her, but about the world around her, were interesting, but the actual "biographical" information was not, nor was it well written.  I tried to plow on through, hoping that as Cleopatra Selene aged, more of her life would have been accurately recorded, but -- with less than 100 pages to go -- I finally gave up. 

Homecoming by Kate Morton

I have really enjoyed previous novels by Morton, but this one dragged, especially when the "nonfiction novel" was introduced.  I made it through ten hours, but with nearly eight left to go, I just could not go on.

Two Campions by Allingham

The Beckoning Lady by Margery Allingham (1955)  4/5 stars

Albert Campion series, Book 15

Campion returns to his wife's old home to attend a funeral and, later, a party, only to becomes involved in a murder investigation while he is there.

Unlike a good many of the Campion tales, The Beckoning Lady is a true mystery and not an adventure or thriller.  There are plenty of suspects, red herrings, and false scents.  The plot is engrossing, with many well-drawn characters (both old and new).  I found the solution to be most satisfying, and the build-up nicely done.  

(This one could be read without reading the previous Campion stories, but it may be confusing at times due to the recurring and returning characters)   

Hide my Eyes by Margery Allingham (1958)  5/5 stars

Albert Campion series, Book 16

An unsolved murder has gotten under the skin of Detective Superintendent Charlie Luke, to the concern of both his superiors and his friend Albert Campion.  When a surprise bit of evidence appears, it gives Luke the spark he needs to start another investigation, this time with the encouragement and help of Campion.  

In this psychological thriller, the reader knows who the murderer is early on, and waits in agony and suspense as he prepares to kill again, all the while watching Campion and Detective Superintendent Luke play a game of "hot and cold" trying to identify him.  This is one of Allingham's finest, to my mind.  It's extremely well written, deeply explores some of the characters, is emotional without being sentimental, and is quite memorable.  I had read it before, but was as impressed and moved as I was the first time.

(I generally advise reading these books in order, as many of the characters are recurring, but I think this one could stand alone.)