The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper

The Last of the Mohicans
James Fenimore Cooper
1826 
4/5 stars

I'm not particularly interested in American history nor American literature, so while I enjoy British books from the mid-to-late 19th Century, I've read very little by Americans. This is one of those classics that I've "always meant to read" but never thought would be interesting enough. I was wrong.

The Last of the Mohicans is exactly what one would expect if a Victorian melodrama/adventure was uprooted from Britain and placed in the wilds of North American -- a rugged tale, full of war and daring deeds, shaped by the wildness of the land.  There is an obvious love story, and one that is hidden, but the real focus of relationships is that of father-to-son and friend-to-friend.

Yes, it's dated, and at times cringe-worthy.  However, Cooper saves the word "savage" for the enemies of his hero Native Americans, the Mohicans and the Delaware, and shows a sensitivity to the Native American culture that I didn't expect. 

While I wouldn't say that The Last of the Mohicans changed my point-of-view about American literature, I will say that I was quite impressed.  I was engrossed in this adventure, was moved to tears on a few occasions, and loved it much more than I expected.  I wouldn't hesitate to read more of Cooper's novels.

January 2026 Wrap Up

Books Read:

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister (2025)  4/5 stars

This thriller gripped me from the beginning and never let go.  Was it realistic, or plausible, or even believable?  Nope.  But it was totally compelling, completely engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable.

On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White (2020)  4/5 stars

The Codebreakers, book #2 

This Christian novel of romantic suspense follows one of the characters introduced in The Number of Love (my review here).  I had really enjoyed that one, but to me, it didn't feel like WWI.  The author made a much more believable atmosphere with this book, and the plot was gripping, interesting, and even moving.  I enjoyed it tremendously.

Mr. Campion's Farewell by Mike Ripley (2014)  4/5 stars

Mr. Campion series, book 1

This is a continuation of Margery Allingham's Campion series and it felt so much like one of the original adventures that it was hard at times to remember that it wasn't.  This is the second one of Ripley's that I have read and it certainly won't be my last.

 

The Story of the Glittering Plain by William Morris 1890/1891 (first published as a magazine serial)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Israel Zangwill

The Big Bow Mystery by Israel Zangwill (1892)  5/5 stars

also published as The Perfect Crime

I absolutely loved this mystery.  The writing is witty, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, the build up nicely done, and the solution clever.  I've seen negative reviews that don't take into account the fact that this is an early locked-room mystery, written well before it was a popular trope, and that the solution would have been novel and shocking at the time.   I highly recommend it for fellow fans of Victorian novels and early detective stories.

Castle Rackrent by Maria Edgeworth (1800)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

The Ivory Child by H. Rider Haggard (1916)  4/5 stars

In this adventure, Allan Quatermain must defeat a massive god-like elephant, help a win a tribal war, and rescue an Englishwoman from an ancient cult.  It's a great yarn, well-written like all of Haggard's Quatermain novels, and even moved me to tears three times.  It was completely engrossing, and though some attitudes are dated, I enjoyed it immensely.  

Audiobooks Completed:

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1932)  4/5 stars (my review)

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1935)  4/5 stars (my review)

On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1937)  4/5 stars (my review)

By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1939)  4/5 stars (my review)

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1940)  4/5 stars (my review)

Little Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1941)  4/5 stars (my review)

Did Not Finish:

The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham

This is a popular book in my corner of bookstagram, and I was on the library waiting list for some time.  Unfortunately, I didn't care for the female main character's over-the-top naivete combined with her mature reactions to the male main character.  It's hard to explain, but suffice it to say that it wasn't to my taste.  This is a reminder to me that I've already tried it, so when it pops up on my radar again I won't feel like I'm missing out. 

September 2025 Wrap Up

Books Read:

You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego (2025)  3/5 stars

This is a fast-paced, compelling and entertaining thriller that I read in just over 24 hours.  Unfortunately, not all the pieces fit snugly and the solution wasn't believable, even by that genre's standards.  I still enjoyed it enough that I would certainly try this debut author's next offering in the future.

The Case of Alan Copeland by Moray Dalton (1937)  3/5 stars

This started off really well, with a net of lies tightening around the titular character in a way that gave a tense atmosphere to the book.  As it progressed, though, there was very little deducing, the courtroom drama was repetitive, and the solution lacked emotional punch.  Dalton is one of my favorite Golden Age crime writers, but this is not a good example of her work. 

Manor for Sale, Baron Included by Esther Hatch (2021)  3/5 stars

A Romance of Rank, book 1

This is a sweet, clean, historical rom-com and while it's not my usual genre, I did enjoy it.  As a long-time reader of  Victorian literature and nonfiction, I have to say that it definitely didn't have a convincing Victorian era feel, but it's still a fun read.

Bride by Candlelight by Dorothy Eden (1954)  3/5 stars

A young woman arrives in New Zealand to marry a man she hasn't seen in years, only to find him, his family, and his situation different from what she was expecting.  Most of the mystery was easy to figure out, but with the gothic atmosphere and prevailing sense of unease, it was still highly entertaining.

Bridge of Fear by Dorothy Eden (1961)  4/5 stars

In this mystery/suspense, a young bride comes to a new country and discovers that her husband isn't what she thought him to be.  This was a quick read, full of tension and uncertainty.  I figured out a good portion, but it was completely engrossing and entertaining.    

Cat's Prey by Dorothy Eden (1952)  4/5 stars

In this novel of suspense, Antonia travels to New Zealand to visit a cousin and receive a legacy, only to find mystery, danger, and romance.  This is a surprisingly complex story, with an engrossing plot that was highly entertaining

On the Night of the Seventh Moon by Victoria Holt (1972)  3/5 stars

A Victorian teenager, finishing her last year in a German school, meets and falls in love with a romantic stranger, opening the door to deception and danger.  This book is simultaneously silly, predictable, and a page-turner, but definitely not in the gothic genre for which Holt was best known.  It's the only book I've read by this popular author, but based on the entertainment value of this one, I'd be willing to try another.

Audiobooks Completed:

Murder at the Spring Ball by Benedict Brown (2021)  3/5 stars

Lord Edgington Investigates #1

This is a cozy mystery taking place in England in the 1920s; the atmosphere was mostly believable, except for the progressive ideas of Lord Edgington.  The plot was far-fetched and the solution required a suspension of belief that, taken with lead characters that weren't fully likable, made this just an okay read.  This is the first of what has become a well-liked fifteen-book series; I own the next in the series, so I may try it later to see if it's a better fit for me.

Trent's Last Case by E.C. Bentley (1913)  4/5 stars

This classic mystery is well-written, intriguing, and engrossing.  I can certainly see why it was so popular at publication and has remained well-regarded.

The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation by Ian Mortimer (2006)  5/5 stars

This fantastic biography is easy to follow, well-written, detailed, and fascinating.  I highly recommend it if you have an interest in medieval England. 

Did Not Finish:

Quite frankly, it's amazing I actually finished as much as I did this month, what with start-stopping so many others!

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

I didn't find her mess of a life a bit funny and before the first chapter was over, I knew it wasn't for me.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova 

She has a character disparagingly refer to Stoker as "disturbed and melodramatic", and then proceeds to one-up him with this overwrought and pretentious vampire tale.

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

This is my third attempt at Foley's thrillers.  The first one I did finish -- it was three stars; the second I did not.  I didn't make it far in this one before I decided it just wasn't for me.  This is a reminder to my future self that Foley and I just aren't meant to be.

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott

I've never read this classic, and gave it a good try.  I enjoyed the first five chapters a good deal, but was unable to stomach the brutal antisemitism of that time period.  I wouldn't hesitate to try another novel by Scott, but I don't think this one is a good fit for me.

The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin

It started off really good, but as the conflicts and drama increased, I found it wasn't a good fit for me. 

 

Six Suspects by Vikas Swarup

It appeared to be a mystery that I would love, taking place in India with a varied cast of characters, and with lots of backstory and development.  After a several chapters, though, I realized that Swarup's style, word choices, and interests were not my taste, so I gave up.

Ravenscroft by Dorothy Eden

I enjoyed the three by Eden that I read prior to this one, but an unpalatable scene ruined this one for me.

The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica

This was my second time trying and not finishing one of Kubica's books.  This is a reminder to myself that her thrillers are too full of characters with drama for me, and not to try again.

Slow Horses by Mick Herron

This is my second time trying this popular mystery/thriller/espionage series, but for some reason, I just can't connect with the plot or characters.  This is a reminder to myself to not try again.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Have I dnf'd this one or not?  I'm still not sure.  The discussion of my problems can be found here.

Top 5 Tuesday: Classics I Didn't Like

 Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Meeghan Reads 

Today's prompt is "top 5 classics I didn't like".  I don't often finish a book if I'm not enjoying it, so most books I don't like I just abandon.  Here are four that I did finish and didn't like, and one that is giving me grief right now.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë  (1847)

Why do people insist on calling this a great romance?  It definitely fits the gothic novel genre, one of my favorites, with its gloomy, dark, atmospheric plot, location, and characters.  However, rather than a love story, it's a novel of abuse -- physical, emotional, and mental -- and a perfect picture of abusive relationships. That trumps any good about it, in my opinion.  It is, in a word, icky.  

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1878)

I don't look at adultery as romantic, the prose (maybe my translation?) was not engaging, and I couldn't find anything about Anna that I sympathized with or liked.  The worst part was, when I FINALLY got to the climax and she did what I was expecting, the book just kept going.  

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare (1594)

Here is my review of it when I reread it in 2018.  I can't believe this thing is still being performed!

Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers (1934)

HOW is this so popular?  Do people say they love the book when they haven't actually read it, because they love the (so different) movie?  Mary Poppins is a horrible woman and I'd let her be alone with my children over my dead body.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (1846)

I haven't finished this one yet, so it doesn't really count, but oh my gosh, y'all. 

I don't like the Count at all; I find his obsession with vengeance appalling; I hate the use of hasheesh, the immorality of some of the characters, and his treatment of Ali and Haydée. His perfection at EVERYTHING from manipulation to info gathering to shooting with a pistol to picking out horseflesh to speaking multiple languages fluently to --  you get the picture -- is eye-roll inducing.  How could he have possibly learned all that? 

I've come so far -- I've read nearly 800 pages this past month -- and I've STILL GOT SEVEN HOURS' WORTH LEFT TO READ.  

For now, I'm setting it aside and it feels like such a relief.  If you have any advice that will make this a better reading experience for me, please tell me.  I'd hate to have wasted all the hours spent reading this. 

Top Five Tuesday: Classics I Meant to Read

Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Meeghan Reads 

Today's prompt is "top 5 classics I meant to read (but never got around to)".

1. A Passage to India by E. M. Forster  (1924)

I'm ashamed to admit this, but, as much as I love Room with a View and Howard's End, I have never read A Passage to India! I own it, I've intended to read it, I even started the audio version once, but. . . . I'm intimidated by the heavy subject matter of this famous work.

2. and 3.  The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer (c. 8th century BC)

I've read parts of both in various classes in college, and was entranced by both subject matter and verse.  This translation by Robert Fagles is supposed to be excellent, and I've intended to read it since it was given to me nearly twenty years ago.  I can't believe I've put it off so long!

4. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (1883)

How have I not read this adventure classic?  I've not even seen a movie version!  I have truly  no concept of what it's about other than there's a boy and there are pirates.

5.  Anything by George Eliot except Middlemarch

I read Middlemarch (1872) in college and loved it so much.  As a result, I've always intended to read more by Eliot and yet. . . it never happened!

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.

Spell the Month with Books: April 2023

Jana (Reviews From the Stacks) hosts a monthly event called Spell the Month with Books in which you spell the name of the month with book titles that fit the monthly theme.  For April 2023, the theme is a free choice, so I'm going with "weather" in honor of the typical April showers.  It took some doing to stick to my preference of using books I own, but here they are!

A -- At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald
P -- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
R--  Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
I --  Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Eric Larson
L -- Love Songs by Sara Teasdale

At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald (1871)

MacDonald has long been a favorite author; his fantasy influenced C.S. Lewis and for understandable reasons.  I've only read this one once, some years ago, but the feeling of cold and windy bleakness has stayed with me -- as well as the beauty of the story.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

That one particular rainy day is an important event in the lives of both Jane and Elizabeth, so this classic was an easy choice.  It's not my favorite Austen, but it's still a five-star read, and one I would recommend for those new to her novels.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (1938)

I don't want to spoil this five-star haunting, gothic tale for anyone who hasn't read it so I'll only say that if it weren't for that storm. . . .   This modern gothic tale is easy to read, beautifully written, and ever so memorable.

Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson (1999)

Though I have read and enjoyed two others from Larson, I have not read Isaac's Storm. However, since it's subtitled "A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History", it seemed a pretty obvious choice for a list about memorable weather!  Larson writes nonfiction that is accessible, intriguing, and enjoyable; I highly recommend both The Devil in the White City and In the Garden of Beasts.

Love Songs by Sara Teasdale (1917)

This Pulitzer Prize winning volume of poetry is filled with weather imagery, in addition to the evocative lyric poems so typical of her breathtaking talent.  

 

Top Five Wednesday: Book Intimidation

This week's Top Five Wednesday challenge is to list five books that I want to read, but for various reasons I find intimidating.  Here are five well-known classics that make my list.

• Ada or Ardor: A Family Chronicle by Vladimir Nabokov (1969)
  Having read Lolita and two more of Nabokov's novels and found his talent to be prodigious, I've collected a stack of others that have since gotten dusty waiting on me.  One is Ada which, due to it's reputation as Nabokov's masterpiece and it's girth of 600 pages, has always seemed intimidating.  Having looked it up on Goodreads while writing this I see that the topic is even more distasteful than that of Lolita, and I wonder if I could stomach it -- which has added even more to said intimidation!
  
  
  
  
   
  
• Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (1719)
  I was too young when I first tried to read this classic, so found the language and style overwhelming.  As a result, that impression has stayed with me and I've been hesitant to try it again.
  
  
• Orlando by Virginia Woolf (1928)
  I don't know why this book has intimidated me so much, despite my love for Woolf's other novels.  Perhaps it's the fact that it's a historical setting instead of her usual contemporary one, or maybe because it's so popular.  Regardless, I've avoided it while devouring the rest of her work.
  
  
• Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy (1895)
  I fell in love with Hardy's novels in high school, where I read The Return of the Native, Far From the Madding Crowd, and Tess of the D'Urbervilles in quick succession.  Jude the Obscure was next on my list, until a lunch table discussion revealed that my classmate has just finished it and hated it.  That put me off and I've never returned to give it a try.
  
  
• A Passage to India by E.M. Forster (1924)
  I've read and others of Forster's work, but despite being quite an admirer I've never read A Passage to India.  When I first began to read Forster, I didn't have the knowledge I now have of India's history, so I wasn't as interested in the location, and the seriousness of the subject matter scared me.  It's not so intimidating now, but I still have an odd reluctance to commit to it.
  
  
  
  
  

There are my top five -- have you read any of them?  What books do you find most intimidating?

Spell the Month with Books: March 2023

 

Jana (Reviews From the Stacks) hosts a monthly event called Spell the Month with Books in which you spell the name of the month with book titles that fit the monthly theme.  For March 2023, the theme is "spring";  I've increased the challenge for myself by only using books I own. 

My choices are:

M -- Maris by Grace Livingston Hill

A -- Absent in the Spring by Mary Westmacott

R -- (A) Room with a View by E.M. Forster

C -- Cheerful Weather for the Wedding by Julia Strachey  

H -- (The) Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Maris by Grace Livingston Hill (1938)

What is more spring-like than a wedding?* As a young-to-middle teen, I loved Grace Livingston Hill's novels, and I read them over and over again.  As an adult, I've collected all she wrote, partly for a love of the retro covers, and partly because sometimes I just need a old-timey fluff novel.  While it's been who-knows-how-long since I've read Maris, I can guarantee it's a light, gentle, and clean Christian love story. 
*(Okay, I know, it's a tenuous connection to the theme, but I struggled with this letter since I wanted to use a book I owned. It does look like it might be a spring wedding. . . )

Absent in the Spring by Mary Westmacott (1944)

This 4 star read is an obvious choice.  Westmacott was the pen name that Agatha Christie used for her non-mystery, character-driven novels.  My review is here.  It's a thought-provoking book, not exactly "enjoyable", but definitely memorable.

(A) Room with a View by E.M. Forster (1908)

This classic  begins in Florence in the spring, with the second part taking place in England a few months later.  It's a favorite of mine, and even the film is great (which is rare in a book-to-movie).   My last reread was some time ago, so I have no review to link.  I will just say that it's an unforgettable coming-of-age story, novel of manners, character study, and romance that is well worth reading.

Cheerful Weather for the Wedding by Julia Strachey  (1932)

What a stunning novella this is!  It takes place on a March wedding day, so it fits perfectly with the theme. My glowing five-star review is located here, so I'll only briefly note that it has moments of pure perfection, and that I reread it as soon as I finished the last page.

(The) Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937)

Bilbo starts his adventure in the spring, and experiences a sort of spring awakening himself, making for such a satisfying reading experience.  My last reread of this one was also some time ago, but no review is necessary for such a well-known treasure.

 

*I discovered this through Marianne from Let's Read.

February 2023 Wrap-Up

 

No physical books read this month.

Audio Books Completed:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813) 5/5 stars

I've loved this book since high school, and I enjoyed my reread immensely.  Austen's writing is witty, funny, intelligent, and perceptive, and while Pride and Prejudice is not my favorite of her works, it's still a five-star experience.

A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder by Dianne Freeman (2018) 3/5 stars

In this Victorian-era story, Frances Wynn, the American born Countess of Harleigh, finds her early widowhood to be quite a bit more exciting than her married life.  She moves to London with her young daughter, takes on the coming-out of her teenaged sister, is accused of murdering her late husband, becomes involved with a spate of high society robberies, and tries her hand at detecting.

This is a fun, light mystery, generally well-written. The prominent characters are likeable, especially Frances herself, who narrates the tale.   Historically, it is mostly accurate, though it doesn't keep the feel of the times. Plot-wise, it's not always believable nor particularly twisty or surprising, yet is still fully entertaining enough to make me want to continue the series.

A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder by Dianne Freeman (2019) 3/5 stars

The second in the Countess of Harleigh series is also fun and light, despite featuring two murders, scandal, and danger.  The same characters feature, and are as engaging as in the first book.  The solution is easy to see but it is an entertaining tale nonetheless.  The problem is that it misses the mark on Victorian atmosphere several times, with things that are just possible, but not probable, and made some of the book ring false for this armchair historian.  

A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder by Dianne Freeman (2020) 3/5 stars

In the third of the Countess of Harleigh novels, a series of accidents at a country house party begins to look like attempted murder.  As with the previous two, it's a light and fun mystery set in Victorian England, with engaging characters and an entertaining plot.  Freeman kept to the era better than she did in the second book, a gave it a more twisty story and a less obvious solution.

A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder by  Dianne Freeman (2021)  3/5 stars

The fourth of the Countess of Harleigh novels follows the style of the others, and so is a light and fun story, with likable characters and an interesting plot, and a generally authentic late Victorian atmosphere.  I had no trouble deducing the culprit early on, but that is probably due more to my 40 years of reading mysteries than to obvious foreshadowing.  Like the rest of the series, it was enjoyable but not exceptional.

Castle Shade by Laurie R. King (2021) 5/5 stars (my review here)

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King (1994)  3/5 stars
After finishing the last (so far) of the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series, I had a desire to revisit the early books.  The gist of my 2017 review (here) still stands.  It feels like fan-fiction, Russell is too perfect, and the final conflict is overly melodramatic, so technically-speaking it's not worth more than three stars (though later better-written books have earned a well-deserved five).  Despite that, I loved it like a guilty pleasure, like eating an entire box of chocolates all at once: I totally enjoyed myself, but I would be ashamed to admit it.

Did Not Finish:
The Untold History of the Potato by John Reader

Because I enjoy this type of nonfiction -- one that focuses on a person, thing, or event and uses that as the touchstone for reporting what went on around that focus -- I was excited to read this.  I listened to the audio book for two hours, but it was slow and dull and not engagingly written.  When I realized that I'd zoned out for about thirty minutes and would have to go back and re-listen, I decided I'd just rather quit.

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Heroines

Today's Top Ten Tuesday topic is "favorite heroines".  I'm a few days behind, but here we go! (These are not in any particular order.)

• Anne Shirley from the Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery.  What's not to love about spunky, good natured, generous-hearted, lovable Anne!  Watching her mature throughout the series is truly delightful.
• Anne Elliot from Persuasion by Jane Austen.  It's my favorite Austen book, and she's my favorite Austen character.  I admire her inner strength and good attitude.
• Miss Marple from various mysteries by Agatha Christie.  Nosey old lady on the outside, astute, intelligent observer on the inside; it's always fun to see how she makes connections and understands motivations.
• Mary Russell from the Russell and Holmes series by Laurie R. King.  As I've mentioned many times, I've been a Sherlock Holmes fangirl for nearly four decades now.  King writes Holmes well, and weaves in her immensely likable original character in such a natural way, that (though I started the series with low expectations) it quickly became a favorite series.  Mary is intelligent, courageous, and married to Holmes.  What more could you want?
• Vera Stanhope from the series of the same name by Ann Cleeves.  Vera is so real -- she's fallible and scarred, but still good-hearted and determined.  Plus, Cleeves is a masterful mystery writer.
• Fanny Price from Mansfield Park by Jane Austen.  This is my second favorite Austen novel.  Fanny is kind and soft-hearted, but still strong and stands up for her convictions.  I don't think this book or heroine gets enough love.
• Éowyn from the Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien.  Another feisty and brave heroine, determined to do what she feels is her duty.  
• Mina Harker from Bram Stoker's Dracula.  She endures a great trial and suffering, yet does not waver in her Christian faith, and exhibits a good deal of courage despite her fear.    
• Jo March from Little Women by Louisa Mae Alcott is another intelligent and courageous heroine, spunky and kind-hearted, and genuinely likable.
• the Lady Teldra from the Vlad Taltos series by Steven Brust.  While not the main character of any of the Vlad novels, she plays an important part.  Her gentleness and bravery are admirable and she quickly became a favorite in the series.

2022 Wrap-Up and January 2023 Wrap-Up

2022 Wrap-Up
Last year was a good year for reading.  My goal was for 75 books and despite those enormous tomes from the Palliser series I passed that, without pushing myself or stressing over it, and finished with a total of 83: 65 audio books and 18 physical books.

some of my stats from Goodreads

January 2023 Wrap-Up

Books Read:

Birthday Party by C.H.B. Kitchin (1938)  5/5 stars  (my review here)

Sherlock Holmes & the Christmas Demon by James Lovegrove (2019)  4/5 stars

This is one of the better Holmes pastiches that I've read.  There were only a few times that Lovegrove gave the great detective lines or emotions that, for me, didn't fit the canon.  The story was well-written and the mystery interesting, with enough twists and humor to keep the book engrossing and entertaining.  Lovegrove has written novels for two other Holmes spinoffs, "the New Adventures" and "the Cthulhu Casebooks", as well as two more in this particular (unnamed) set; I enjoyed the Christmas Demon enough to definitely continue to the next book, and perhaps to check out the other series as well.

 

Audio Books Completed:

The Album by Mary Roberts Rinehart (1933)  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Window at the White Cat by Mary Roberts Rinehart  (1910)  4/5 stars

The plot is complicated to explain, but it is full of drama and mystery, with good twists, funny moments, plenty of red herrings, and a satisfying solution.  It's written in Rinehart's signature witty style with much cheeky "had I but known" foreshadowing, and as such is a delight to read.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (1811)  5/5 stars
No need to write a plot synopsis, or "review" a book this well known.  It's a (4th? 5th? 6th?) reread, and I find I love it more each time.  Austen's dialogue is fantastic, and her sharp wit and (sometimes overlooked) snarky humor are often laugh-out-loud funny.  Those that see it as only a romance are perhaps missing Austen's sardonic social criticism, her main focus on sisterly love and affection (reread that final sentence), and her brilliant studies of the characters, even some lesser ones.  While it's not my favorite Austen, it's still a five-star read.

A Dead Liberty by Catherine Aird  (1986)  3/5 stars

Though full of Aird's usual wit and strong, entertaining writing, this short mystery is only average, with an easy-to-solve crime and a not-fully-convincing tying-up of ends.  

The Virgin in the Ice by Ellis Peters (1982)  5/5 stars

This is a complex and satisfying mystery taking place in the High Middle Ages, which, though a reread, held me gripped throughout.  Peters is known for her excellence, and this is a strong example of why.  The plot, the characters, and the historically accurate atmosphere all combine to make it engrossing, enjoyable, and memorable.
  

Did Not Finish:

The Wisdom of Father Brown by G.K. Chesterton
I found the first volume of Father Brown stories to be a mostly-entertaining four-star read.  These, however, did not have any sparkle or charm, despite my desire to love them.  I made it through six-and-a-half of the twelve stories and dreaded continuing, so I cut my losses and quit.

May 2022 Wrap-Up

Books Read:
The Dark Island by Vita Sackville-West (1934)  4/5 stars
This serious character study shows the life of Shirin in four episodes: one each at the ages of 16, 26, 36, and 46.  The writing is wonderful - intelligent, and gripping - but the bleak and grim themes keep it from being a book one "enjoys".  It is not a novel I would recommend universally, and probably only to fans of the author, but it was still a thought-provoking and memorable read.

Audio Books Completed:

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (1927)  3/5 stars

These are less intriguing than earlier short stories, vary in quality overall, and some in particular have not aged well.  They do contain some iconic moments, though, and are worth reading for the devoted Holmes fan, if only for completeness.

Baroness Orczy

Lady Molly of Scotland Yard by Emmuska Orczy (1910)  4/5 stars

These fun Edwardian short stories of mystery and adventure feature Lady Molly, one of the female agents of Scotland Yard. In the tales, Lady Molly often depends more on a knowledge of human nature than on physical clues, but her deductions are sensible and logical, and, for the most part, don't strain credibility.  Her devoted friend, Mary, narrates the account, and while Mary's over-abundant praise is sometimes annoying, Lady Molly of Scotland Yard is still well-written, nicely plotted, and entertaining. 

The Wintringham Mystery by Anthony Berkeley (1927)  4/5 stars

Though sometimes convoluted, this Golden Age mystery is generally well-written, completely entertaining, and quite intriguing.   

The Two Destinies by Wilkie Collins (1876)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

That Affair Next Door by Anna Katharine Green (1897)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

Lost Man's Lane by Anna Katharine Green (1898)  4/5 stars  (my review here)

The Circular Study by Anna Katharine Green  (1900)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Did Not Finish:
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (1847)
My discussion is here.

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (1857)

This is a fantastic book -- if translated by Lydia Davis -- and I was looking forward to listening to it on audio.  I found, though, that I couldn't appreciate Flaubert's painstaking, detailed writing and his stunning ability to turn a phrase by listening.  I wrote a long discussion (here) when I read it 2011, and would encourage anyone that hasn't read this classic to read that post before picking up the book.

Warriors, Queens, and Intellectuals by Joyce E. Salisbury from the Great Courses series
This is a group of 36 lectures subtitled "36 Great Women Before 1400" that, having majored in history, I was very much looking forward to hearing.  The blurb explains that these lectures will allow the listener to experience a "another side of history" by spotlighting 36 extraordinary women and how they influenced history. Unfortunately, Professor Salisbury does not do this. Instead, a woman is introduced (sometimes from sketchy sources), a bit of general background history given, then that particular historical woman is shoehorned into the discussion, often as a periphery figure.  I felt that Warriors, Queens, and Intellectuals did not live up to it's promise, nor to the quality I have come to expect from the Great Courses.

February 2022 Wrap Up

Books Read:

The 12.30 from Croydon by Freeman Wills Crofts (1934)  3/5 stars

In this reverse mystery, the reader follows the murderer as he makes his plans and concocts his alibi, then waits to see if he will be found out by the Scotland Yard Inspector.  This works well in the beginning as Crofts is a talented writer/storyteller.  As the culprit is not particularly likable, though, it's hard to feel sympathy for him as the net closes around.  Worse is that the last two chapters, when Inspector French explains how he solved the mystery, are truly dull.  Crofts used the same formula more successfully in Antidote to Venom (my review here), which I would recommend more highly.

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (1925)  5/5 stars

This was a slow, leisurely reread of a favorite.  I'd like to post profound insights, or at the least, coherent thoughts, but right now I'm basking in the memory of the mood and language.  Maybe later.

Audio Books Completed:

More Work for the Undertaker by Margery Allingham (1948)  3/5 stars

I found this Campion mystery to be a bit confusing at times, mainly due to a large number of characters.  This is probably more my fault than Allingham's, but it did lessen my enjoyment of what was otherwise a fun story.

Holmes in the Valley of Fear.

Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones (1985)  4/5 stars

After finishing this last month (my review here), I decided to reread it. Thanks to being more familiar with the referenced folk stories, and a bit of help from this blog post, I understood the novel much better.  I enjoyed it even more as a result, but still can't raise it to five stars due to my original complaint.

The Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle (1915)  4/5 stars

This is a nicely twisting story, with Holmes at his best amid a most intriguing mystery.  When that is solved, though, the tale goes back in time to the American coalfields and a secret organization that terrorized the innocent.  This grim history takes up half the novel, and was particularly unappealing to me.  Despite that, I must admit that the plot is gripping, the solutions to the two parts of the story completely satisfying, and the Valley of Fear one of Doyle's best-written.

Riviera Gold  by Laurie R. King (2020)  4/5 stars

Mary Russell and her partner/husband Sherlock Holmes reconnect with an old friend in Monaco who has been framed for murder.  While some of the pieces didn't fully fit for me, Riviera Gold is another engaging, enjoyable, and intelligent adventure in this addictive series.

His Last Bow by Arthur Conan Doyle (1917)  4/5 stars

Doyle is a first-rate short story author, and this penultimate collection is a good example of his generally well-written and always solidly entertaining work.

Did Not Finish:

Fallen Into the Pit by Ellis Peters

I'm quite familiar with the quality of Peters' writing due to reading many Cadfael mysteries.  I expected good things from this, and the prose was up to her usual standard.  The story, though, was bleak, bleak, bleak.  I might try going to the second in the series, but this one was just too depressing.

An Ambush of Widows by Jeff Abbott

I simply can not work up a bit of interest in a book when it's revealed in the second chapter that a hitman was responsible for the murder. Add to that the use of the trope-of-the-decade (a husband with secrets) and I was done. 

The Missing by Daisy Pearce

I didn't get much past the unappealing seduction scene.  In addition, *insert trope-of-the-decade complaint here*.

Sunshine by Robin  McKinley

I remember loving this when I read it nearly twenty years ago.  This time, though, it was too cheesy -- sometime cringe-worthy -- and after three hours of the audio book I had to stop.

May 2019 Wrap-Up

Books Read:
Death in Zanzibar by M.M. Kaye  (1959)  4/5 stars
In this novel, Dany is invited to visit her mother and step-father in Zanzibar for a relaxing vacation, but murder, suspense and danger follow her from England to Africa.  While at times absurdly unbelievable, Death in Zanzibar is consistently entertaining and atmospheric.  I enjoyed it much more than anticipated, and will certainly read more of Kay's mystery-adventures.

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister  (2009) 4/5 stars  (my review here)

The Imperfectionist by Tom Rachman (2010) 4/5 stars (my review here)



Audio Books Completed:
Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton  (1911)  4/5 stars
This classic tells of a love triangle between Ethan Frome, his wife Zeena, and her cousin Mattie Silver.  Wharton's skill breathes life into the characters and the location, and gives an ending that makes this sad, short novel well-worth reading.

A Medal for Murder by Frances Brody  (2010)  4/5 stars
It is 1922 in England, and Kate Shackelton is hired to recover stolen goods. However, while investigating she becomes accidentally involved in murder.   Brody weaves the story between several points of view, which works surprisingly well.   This second of a series is charming and enjoyable; I was kept interested until the end.

The Ex by Alafair Burke  (2016)  3/5 stars  (my review here)

The Tropic of Serpents by Marie Brennan  (2014)  3/5 stars
This is the second in the "a Natural History of Dragons" series, and follows Isabella as she ventures into the swamp known as the Green Hell, in search of indigenous dragons.  The world of these novels is meticulously created, making for an excellent reading experience.  The main story line was engaging, but the politics (though well-explained) caused the story to lag at times.  It was still a pleasure, and I look forward to reading more in the series.

The Guardians of the Horizon by Elizabeth Peters  (2004)  4/5 stars
Amelia Peabody Emerson and her family travel to the Sudan in order to help a friend from a previous novel, who is living in the Lost Oasis.  Murder, intrigue, and royal politics involve them in an experience that the Emersons may not survive.  I have not read all the series up to this one, and was at a bit of a disadvantage in the beginning, as I tried to make sense of who everyone was and what the previous adventure of the Lost Oasis had been.  After that, however, it turned into an exciting adventure that was a pleasure to read.

Murder at the Brightwell by Ashley Weaver  (2014) 4/5 stars
Amory Ames is invited to visit the seaside by a friend from her past, and while there she becomes involved in a murder investigation.  Set in the 1930s, this has a lovely atmosphere, a rather good mystery, and likable characters.  Amory is in a failing marriage, however, and as a result there is much angst throughout the novel.  Otherwise, I enjoyed it, and will probably continue the series.

Congo by Michael Crichton  (1980) 3/5 stars
This is an enjoyable adventure tale, following a team of scientists and their guide as they navigate the terrors of the Congo in search for diamonds.  Crichton's genius -- which is certainly not for lyrical prose -- is his ability to mesh fact with fiction seamlessly.  Even though I only gave it three stars (due to the mechanical prose), it's great escapist fiction.



Did Not Finish:
The Story Hour by Thrity Umrigar
The first narrator of this novel is a Hidustani woman living in America, whose thoughts are related in an off-putting pigeon English,  I found it impossible to believe that Lakshmi would think in such language; she would, I would assume, think in perfect Hindi.  I quit only a few pages in.

The Bridal Wreath (Kristin Lavransdatter, book one) by Sigrid Undset
According to Goodreads, I am in the minority.  I simply could not get into this book.  It was deadly dull with poor writing, and I kept wondering how it won the Nobel Prize.  Perhaps if I had stuck with it, I would have loved it, too, but I simply couldn't.

Murder on Millionaire's Row by Erin Lindsey
This Gilded Age mystery was entirely too unbelievable and lacked authentic historical atmosphere.

Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler
I'm not sure why I picked this book - - it is a retelling of the Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare's worst play - - but I did give it a try.  I wasn't impressed with the writing of what I did read, and the more I thought about the play, the less interested I became in the novel.
(My review of the play is here.)