October 2025 WrapUp

Books Read:

Darkwater by Dorothy Eden (1963)  4/5 stars

(original title The Bird in the Chimney)

This is an entertaining mystery/suspense taking place on the moors in Victorian England. It was easy to pinpoint the villian, and one thing was never answered to my satisfaction, but regardless, I found it atmospheric, enjoyable, and engrossing.

Jack by Susan May Warren (2025)  3/5 stars

The Minnesota Kingstons, book 1

This mystery/suspense/light romance begins a series about the Kingston siblings, focusing on Jack, the eldest Kingston, involving both his search for a missing person, and his reintroduction to a girl from his past.  This book connects to a previous series (apparently many of the author's books share characters), so I was lost at first as to who everyone was.  In addition, there's a side plot that seemed to be unconnected but apparently goes throughout the series, culminating in the final book. Finally, Warren uses the word "aw" numerous times throughout the book, in a way that didn't always make sense to me.  Despite these difficulties, I generally enjoyed the book, and would consider reading more of the author's books, but I would start with an earlier series to keep from being so confused about the characters and their relationships.

A Stranger's Game by Colleen Coble (2022)  3/5 stars

I was engrossed by this mystery/thriller right up until the solution, when I felt letdown because the pieces didn't all fit well.  I did enjoy it enough that I would be willing to try another by the author, though.

The Shadow Realm: A Collection of Retold Halloween Tales by  Abigail Manning (2025)  4/5 stars

This novella reinvents three classic stories (Dracula, The Invisible Man, and Pinocchio) as curses that have been cast on three female friends.  The wholesome plot follows each girl as she grows and changes for the better, overcomes her curse, and finds true love.  It's a quick and enjoyable read, full of fun, humor, and autumn vibes.

This Rotting Heart by Celeste Baxendell (2025) 5/5 stars 

Because I loved Baxendell's Ties of Starlight (another five star read -- my review is here), I started this no-spice fantasy without reading the blurb, and man am I glad I did because all the plot was a surprise for me. This well-written romantic drama is humorous, sometimes moving, and fully engrossing.  (I read it in less than 24 hours.)  Baxendell brings both the characters and her original world alive, and her creative plot is wonderful.  I highly recommend this stand-alone page-turner, and suggest you go into it blind to get the full amount of enjoyment from it.

Waiting for Willa by Dorothy Eden (1970) 3/5 stars 

This is a somewhat silly yet completely entertaining mystery/suspense.

The Deadly Travelers by Dorothy Eden (1959)  4/5 stars

Kate takes a job of escorting a seven-year-old from Rome to London.  When the little girl disappears on the train, it starts a series of dangerous adventures for Kate as she seeks to find answers.  This mystery/suspense was completely enjoyable, if far-fetched, and kept my attention gripped so that I read it in less than two days. 

A Noble Companion by Rachel Kovaciny (2024)  4/5 stars

In this is sweet, nonmagical fantasy tale, Madelena and her friend Javier go on an adventure to find a dragon's hoard to pay for her dowry.  It is well-written, entertaining, and wholesome, with a positive Christian message.  

Audiobooks Completed:

The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope (1894)  5/5 stars  (my review here)

Rupert of Hentzau by Anthony Hope (1898) 4/5 stars  (my review here)

Dr. Wortle's School by Anthony Trollope (1879)  4/5 stars

This is typical Trollope -- well-written, entertaining, and amusing.

Did Not Finish:

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

I really liked how the author tied Austen's characters together socially, but I didn't care for her interpretation of their personalities or how the plot was developing. 

Summer Lightning by P.G. Wodehouse

I hate to sound like one of his critics, but sometimes one Wodehouse IS like all the others.  I had not read this one, yet it felt so familiar that despite it often being laugh-out-loud funny, I gave up early on.

Gallows Court by Martin Edwards

I made it 65% but it turned out to be too grim, unsettling, and gruesome for my taste.