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.)    

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Susan May Warren

2011

5/5 Stars

It's December 22, 1949 in the small Midwest town of Frost where Dottie, the reclusive town librarian, finds the holiday season too much of a trigger for her grief. She plans to hunker down in her oversized house and not emerge until Christmas is over. A severe snowstorm drives four people into her home, however, and ruins her plans.  

Gordy is her lifelong neighbor, with whom Dottie shares an emotional past. Violet is Dottie's assistant at the library yet still a virtual stranger, who is still dealing with the reactions of her family and the town to her service during the war. Jake is a stranger to all three, and has come to Frost to give Violet some information that he dreads to share. Arnie is a local elementary school student, lost in the snow, who brings them all together into a sort of family as they wait out the storm.

The title and cover of this novel do it a disservice, making the book appear to be a light-hearted rom-com. This is far from the truth. Baby It's Cold Outside is a serious, Christian-based story of grieving, lost, and broken people, some of whom need to re-find Christ, and all of whom need to give and receive godly love.

I was surprised at just how good this book is. I cried often, and cared intensely for the characters and the outcome. Though Warren writes well, I did have to reread the first two chapters before I started the third, to make certain I knew everyone and their motives, as she revealed their pasts in such small, cryptic bits in the beginning. After that, it flowed smoothly, into a plot that was engrossing and moving. 

 In addition, Warren had obviously researched the World War II era, and was able to drop in details here and there that really added to the book, as well as giving it a realistic feel.  

Despite loving it as much as I do, I can't refer it universally, as I think  those readers not interested in historical fiction might find it hard to connect with the characters or time period.  To the rest though, I can't recommend this one enough!  I'm already looking forward to rereading it next Christmas.

November 2024 Wrap Up

Books Read:

Killing with Confetti by Peter Lovesey (2019)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Passionate Nomad: The Life of Freya Stark by Jane Fletcher Geniesse (1999)  4/5 stars

Freya Stark (31 January 1893 – 9 May 1993) was a self-taught explorer and adventurer, who became a respected Arabist and a renowned author and letter writer. Geniesse tells Freya's story in entertaining, interesting, and accessible prose, showing the many facets of her life, including her formative years, her motives, and her dreams.  Freya Stark was a fascinating, if flawed, woman, and I learned a good deal both about her, and about the world around her during her long life.

The Finisher by Peter Lovesey (2020)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Singapore Sapphire by  A.M. Stuart (2019)  4/5 stars

Harriet Gordon series, Book 1

This was an interesting, well-written, and mostly satisfying mystery taking place among the Europeans living in Singapore in 1910.  I cared for the characters and look forward to the rest of the series. 

Behold, Here's Poison by Georgette Heyer (1936)  4/5 stars

This is a solidly good Golden Age mystery with some nice twists.  While it lacks Heyer's signature witty banter, it was still quite enjoyable and satisfying.

Diamond and the Eye  by Peter Lovesey (2021)  3/5 stars (my review here)

Showstopper  by Peter Lovesey (2022)  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Letter from Briarton Park by Sarah E. Ladd (2022)  3/5 stars

This was a very light Regency romantic suspense novel.  The blurbs describe it as Charlotte Bronte meets Jane Austen, but the only similarities were superficial.  I didn't dislike it, but I feel it could have been much better with more substance, as the idea of the plot was intriguing. 

Her Fae Secret by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Beast's Magician by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars (my review here)

  

Her Forgotten Sea by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars (my review here)

    

Her Cursed Apple by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Her Enchanted Tower  by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Her Accidental Frog  by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Audiobooks Completed:

Toward Zero by Agatha Christie (1944)  5/5 stars

This was a reread of this twisty, layered, excellent example of Christie's craft.  Definitely worth five stars.

Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie (1958)  4/5 stars

This was a reread; here is my review from 2018:

In this stand-alone mystery, Jack Argyle is found guilty of the murder of his mother, but two years later his alibi is verified. Now the rest of his family are under suspicion, and the true killer will not hesitate to kill again to remain unidentified. This is one of my favorite Christie mysteries: it is intelligent, well-written, and believable. I highly recommend it.

The Hollow by Agatha Christie (1946)  5/5 stars

Poirot comes to a country house for a Sunday luncheon, only to find a woman, holding a gun, standing over a dying man.  That she is the killer seems so obvious, until the evidence comes to light.

Poirot is only a minor part of this mystery; the main focus of the plot is the inter-relations between the house party members and how those relationships led to murder.  This is one of my favorites by Christie, despite the fact that I dislike most of the characters, because the study of the personalities is so well-done.  It's a slow, leisurely story, which may be a drawback for some readers, but I was completely immersed in this intriguing and gripping tale.  

After the Funeral by Agatha Christie (1953)  4/5 stars

A most intriguing, entertaining, and engrossing mystery.  The solution was surprising and satisfying.

The Tiger in the Smoke by Margery Allingham (1952)  5/5 stars  (my review here)

Regency Magic Faerie Tales Series by Eliza Prokopovits

Eliza Prokopovits

Her Fae Secret by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars 
Regency Magic Faerie Tales, Book 1 

Eleanor and her two sisters, Anne and Sophie, have been secretly going to Faerie for years, dancing weekly at the Faerie Queen's ball.  Now, they are being introduced to Society, and the difficulty of visiting Faerie while in London attending other social events is adding stress to Eleanor -- most particularly when it forces her to deceive former Naval magician James Weston, the man who is quickly becoming important to her.

This was a delightful fantasy taking place during the Regency period in an alternate reality in which magic is practiced, and even acceptable as an accomplishment for young ladies alongside music and drawing. The romance is light and gentle, the world intriguing, and the Regency feel generally well done. Prokopovits has blended strains of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" and the Regency romance genre into her original plot and made an enjoyable and charming story.  I look forward to reading more in the series. 

The Beast's Magician by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars 

Regency Magic Faerie Tales, Book 2

Eight years ago, the Duke of Harborough was magically transformed into a beast and has lived as a recluse ever since.  Isabelle, a young woman with skill in magic, is planning for her future by looking for work as a governess, though she's not keen on children.  Harborough hires Isabelle to perform household magic to help his staff and to catalog his library.  They become friends and despite his frightening appearance, Isabelle finds herself falling in love with the man inside the fur.

In this alternate Regency England, magic is a skill that is acceptable for young women, and I love how Prokopovits explains it and utilizes it in her plot.  The characters were delightful and the plot charming.  I wasn't fully satisfied with how Isabelle was hired, it felt rushed and not fully explained, but once past that small hiccup, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the book.

  

Her Forgotten Sea by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars 

Regency Magic Faerie Tales, Book 3

Arielle is a mermaid who has become fascinated by land and humans.  She is given a chance to become a human, at a sacrifice, for a year and a day -- permanently if she marries her true love before that time.  Arielle is found and "adopted" by the elderly Lady Priscilla Farley and her niece, who proceed to introduce her to Brighton society, where she hopes to find true love.

This sweet retelling of "The Little Mermaid" happens in an alternate Regency England where fairies and mermaids exist, though unbeknownst to most of the humans, and where magic is practiced in the drawing rooms and universities.  Arielle is a likable character and I enjoyed her history as a mermaid, her life as a human, and her gentle romance.  I did feel her acceptance by the Farleys happened unreasonably quickly; I would have liked to see them grow to love and accept her, instead of the instant way it happened. There is very little magic in this one, which I missed, but Arielle's love of books in general and Jane Austen in particular was such fun that it almost made up for it.  Overall, though, I definitely enjoying novel and look forward to reading more of the series.  

    

Her Cursed Apple by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars 

Regency Magic Faerie Tales, Book 4

Bianca and Winston live on adjoining estates and have been friends since childhood.  As their friendship grows into more, Bianca's life becomes endangered and she must disappear from the world she knows before she falls victim to a fatal curse.

This is an engaging retelling of "Snow White", taking place in a magical Regency England.  I love the alternate universe that Prokipovits has created, and enjoyed the characters and plot of this story immensely.  Like the previous books of the series, it's fun, sweet, and entertaining.  Bianca's story is a bit more complex that the others, and as such, is my favorite so far.

Her Enchanted Tower  by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars 

Regency Magic Faerie Tales, Book 5

Kate has spent her life in a Norman tower, living with Mama and, since the age of twelve, seeing no others people at all, living magically sealed within the confines of her home and garden.  When Henry stumbles upon her, he becomes intrigued, then attracted, then deeply in love.  Kate reciprocates his feelings, but when Mama discovers what she views as Kate's betrayal, Kate is magically kept captive.  Henry and his sister are determined to rescue Kate, but at a loss as to how to do so.

This is a retelling of "Rapunzel", taking place in an alternate Regency England where magic, curses, and Faeries are as real as the Season in London.  It's not as deep as some of the other books in this series, but is is sweet, fun, and still enjoyable.  Prokopovits has created an engaging and interesting magical world which makes a strong backdrop for retold fairy tales.  I am finding this series delightful.

Her Accidental Frog  by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars 

Regency Magic Faerie Tales, Book 6

Hannah finds a frog who tells her he's a cursed human.  The magic prevents him from telling her who he is, so little does she know that he's her brother's best friend, Nathaniel -- the man she's loved since she was a child.  

Like the others in this series, it is set in an alternate Regency England where magic is practiced and acceptable.  The main characters are so likable and their friendship so sweet, that I found this book an absolute delight.  Prokopovits writes well, and the plot is fun and enjoyable, if light.  I enjoyed it -- and the rest -- a good deal and look forward to the publication of another of these Regency fairy tales.

The Tiger in the Smoke

The Tiger in the Smoke 

Albert Campion series, book 14 

Margery Allingham 

1952 

5/5 stars

Meg Elginbrodde is a war widow, recently engaged to be remarried.  She begins receiving recent snapshots of a man that looks the husband that was presumed dead so turns to her cousin, Albert Campion, for help.

Jack Havoc has escaped from prison and is leaving a trail of death in his wake, narrowly escaping the pursuing police, as he tries to locate a treasure he learned about during the War.

Their paths begin to crisscross, with Meg and her family becoming more and more at risk as Jack's desperation increases.  

This is not a mystery story -- most of the Campion novels are not -- but is rather a crime novel/psychological thriller.  Allingham expertly explores Havoc's mind and motives, leaving the reader on seat-edge waiting for what will happen next.  Meg's father, Canon Averill, is nearly as major a character as Havoc, and Allingham's treatment of him and his reasons for his actions is masterly and moving.  

Campion is only a minor character, so while I usually advise reading this series in order, I think this one could be safely read with no prior knowledge of the established characters; there will be a bit of confusion here and there, but the meat of the story will be unaffected.

This was a reread for me, and remains firmly my favorite of Allingham's work.  It is intelligent and well-written, completely engrossing, at times heart-rending, with an absolutely perfect ending.