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.
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
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.
