Books Read:
The American Gun Mystery
by Ellery Queen (1933) 3/5 stars
Ellery Queen series, book 6
The King's Captive by K.M. Shea (2022) 4/5 stars
It started as a fun and interesting mystery with the typical Ellery Queen set-up, but became less enjoyable and more convoluted as it progressed, and ended with an unsatisfying solution.
Printer's Error by Gladys Mitchell (1939) 3/5 stars
Mrs. Bradley mysteries, book 10
I loved parts of the book, and early on it was interesting and intriguing. Sadly, I found it to be disappointing overall and a below-average example of the author's work.
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien (1954) 5/5 stars
The Lord of the Rings, book 2
I'll admit I didn't enjoy this one as much this time around. The second half with Sam and Frodo moves more slowly than I remembered, and is much less exciting than the adventures everyone else is having in the first part. It's still a five star book, simply an amazing tale, but not my favorite of the series.
Brazen Tongue by Gladys Mitchell (1940) 4/5 stars
Mrs. Bradley mysteries, book 11
In the early days of WWII, three people are murdered in a small town. Mrs. Bradley becomes involved and eventually solves the twisty, complex case. This is another interesting, engaging, and entertaining mystery, full of clues both false and true. Mrs. Bradley's amoral personality has gradually shifted in the series, becoming more typical of the times, so it was fun to see her make another of her godlike decisions.
The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett (1983) 3/5 stars
Discworld, book 1
This was a reread and I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I have previously. Maybe from familiarity, or maybe because it was more coarse in places than I remembered. Nonetheless, while it is definitely not Pratchett's best or my favorite, it is a good deal of fun and begins a great series.
A note on the series as a whole: There are various orders you can read them in but I do feel it's best to go in chronological order the first time, even though the first three are just average. The world grows exponentially and Pratchett's talent expands enormously as the series progresses, so it's better to experience them that way first.
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| K. M. Shea |
The King's Captive by K.M. Shea (2022) 4/5 stars
Gate of Myth and Power trilogy, book 1
This no-spice urban fantasy was such fun! It's well-written, humous, entertaining, and entirely engrossing.
The King's Shadow by K.M. Shea (2023) 4/5 stars
Gate of Myth and Power trilogy, book 2
Just as good as the first book, with more emotion and humor thrown in.
The King's Queen by K.M. Shea (2023) 3/5 stars
Gate of Myth and Power trilogy, book 3
I loved this no-spice urban fantasy trilogy as a whole -- characters, plot, sweet romance -- but there were unanswered questions and unresolved issues that kept this final book from being four stars. Don't let that dissuade you from reading the series, though; Shea writes such fun books!
Magic Forged by K.M. Shea (2020) 4/5 stars
Hall of Blood and Mercy trilogy, book 1
This is a fun, engaging, and fully entertaining no-spice urban fantasy. It's the start of a trilogy, and I ate it up in two days and immediately started the next. Shea is definitely my go-to author when I need an urban fantasy fix.
Magic Redeemed by K.M. Shea (2020) 4/5 stars
Hall of Blood and Mercy trilogy, book 2
This continuation of Hazel's story was so good, adding more emotion, depth and high-stakes to the series. It's well-written, completely engrossing, and just plain fun -- so much so, in fact, that I read it in just under two days.
Magic Unleashed by K.M. Shea (2020) 4/5 stars
Hall of Blood and Mercy trilogy, book 3
This is a well-written and engrossing book, full of action, fun, and swoony moments that perfectly wrapped up the trilogy.
Audiobooks Completed:
The Wall by Mary Roberts Rinehart (1938) 4/5 stars
This is a complex mystery with a lot of false clues, circumstances, and misleading facts that kept me highly entertained from start to finish. There are readers who don't appreciate Rinehart's signature "had I but known" style, but I find it a good deal of fun.
The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories by Agatha Christie (1932) 4/5 stars
I had read some of these short stories in other collections, but certainly enjoyed the ones that were new-to-me, especially the excellent "The Witness for the Prosecution".
The Silent Pool by Patricia Wentworth (1956) 3/5 stars
Miss Silver mysteries, book 25
This follows the typical Miss Silver formula, and, though too easy to solve, is entertaining and enjoyable.
The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England by Dan Jones (2015) 5/5 stars
This is a surprisingly in-depth one-volume account of the around 250 years of Plantagenet rule in England. It's easy to follow, despite all the details, and was entertaining as well as informative.
All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie (1994) 3/5 stars
Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James mysteries, book 2
As with the first of the series, I enjoyed the writing, the plot, and the characters. I was disappointed with the solution and lack of clues, though, but will give the author another try.
Leave the Grave Green by Deborah Crombie (1995) 3/5 stars
Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James mysteries, book 3
The mystery itself was interesting, though not satisfying, but the personal relationships of the detectives ruined the series for me.
Third Girl by Agatha Christie (1966) 3/5 stars
Hercule Poirot series, book 40
Christie's later works are not always a good example of her skill and talent, as this one shows. It hinges a lot on coincidence and rambles a bit. It's still mostly entertaining, even as a reread, but not one I would recommend to new readers.
Did Not Finish:
Hangman's Curfew by Gladys Mitchell
I've been enjoying this series, but, by 38%, I was completely lost. I wasn't invested enough to start again to see what I was missing, so I decided to skip this one.
