County Chronicle by Angela Thirkell 4/5 stars
Two weddings, a christening, a death, and numerous parties make up the events of this 18th novel of Barsetshire, with focus on the new story of Isabel Dale, and on the continuing story of Mrs. Brandon. While Isabel meets new people, mourns an old love, and enjoys a secret career, Mrs. Brandon must deal with the miserable effects of an intolerably selfishness adult son. As with all Thirkell books, it is charming, witty, occasionally snarky, and a thoroughly delightful read. (Note: these books must be read in order.)Murder of a Lady by Anthony Wynne 4/5 stars (my review here)
The Lone Wolf by Louis Joseph Vance 3/5 stars (my review here)
Phantastes by George MacDonald 5/5 stars (my review here)
The White Cottage Mystery by Margery Allingham 5/5 stars (my review here)
Audio Books Completed:
On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle 3/5 stars
When Clare finds the comatose body of her employee at the bottom of her coffee house stairs, she is determined to discover who was responsible. This is an average book all the way around, with no sparkle to it. I was completely uninterested in Claire's personal life, and found quite a bit to be unbelievable, so I don't know if I'll continue the series or not.
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty 5/5 stars (my review here)
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan 3/5 stars (my review here)
Falco goes to Ostia to find a missing scribe, and becomes involved in searching out a kidnapping ring. As is generally the case with the Falco mysteries, it is witty, quick paced, and a good deal of fun. Davis writes well, and the details of Roman life during the early Flavian dynasty are always fascinating.
An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor 4/5/stars
During the 1960s, Barry Laverty, fresh out of medical school, takes a position as an assistant to a GP in the Irish village of Ballybucklebo. This first of a series, follows Barry as he gets accustomed to his new life. It was a light-hearted, enjoyable novel, well-written with obvious knowledge of the subject, and I look forward to the rest of the series.
Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters 4/5 stars
This is a delightful, lighthearted mystery with an intrepid Victorian woman in the center, and an Egyptian archaeological dig as the setting. I've read it before, and enjoyed Peters' engaging style and the solid plot just as much this time. It certainly comes recommended.
