November 2024 Wrap Up

Books Read:

Killing with Confetti by Peter Lovesey (2019)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Passionate Nomad: The Life of Freya Stark by Jane Fletcher Geniesse (1999)  4/5 stars

Freya Stark (31 January 1893 – 9 May 1993) was a self-taught explorer and adventurer, who became a respected Arabist and a renowned author and letter writer. Geniesse tells Freya's story in entertaining, interesting, and accessible prose, showing the many facets of her life, including her formative years, her motives, and her dreams.  Freya Stark was a fascinating, if flawed, woman, and I learned a good deal both about her, and about the world around her during her long life.

The Finisher by Peter Lovesey (2020)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Singapore Sapphire by  A.M. Stuart (2019)  4/5 stars

Harriet Gordon series, Book 1

This was an interesting, well-written, and mostly satisfying mystery taking place among the Europeans living in Singapore in 1910.  I cared for the characters and look forward to the rest of the series. 

Behold, Here's Poison by Georgette Heyer (1936)  4/5 stars

This is a solidly good Golden Age mystery with some nice twists.  While it lacks Heyer's signature witty banter, it was still quite enjoyable and satisfying.

Diamond and the Eye  by Peter Lovesey (2021)  3/5 stars (my review here)

Showstopper  by Peter Lovesey (2022)  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Letter from Briarton Park by Sarah E. Ladd (2022)  3/5 stars

This was a very light Regency romantic suspense novel.  The blurbs describe it as Charlotte Bronte meets Jane Austen, but the only similarities were superficial.  I didn't dislike it, but I feel it could have been much better with more substance, as the idea of the plot was intriguing. 

Her Fae Secret by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars (my review here)

The Beast's Magician by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars (my review here)

  

Her Forgotten Sea by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars (my review here)

    

Her Cursed Apple by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Her Enchanted Tower  by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Her Accidental Frog  by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars (my review here)

Audiobooks Completed:

Toward Zero by Agatha Christie (1944)  5/5 stars

This was a reread of this twisty, layered, excellent example of Christie's craft.  Definitely worth five stars.

Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie (1958)  4/5 stars

This was a reread; here is my review from 2018:

In this stand-alone mystery, Jack Argyle is found guilty of the murder of his mother, but two years later his alibi is verified. Now the rest of his family are under suspicion, and the true killer will not hesitate to kill again to remain unidentified. This is one of my favorite Christie mysteries: it is intelligent, well-written, and believable. I highly recommend it.

The Hollow by Agatha Christie (1946)  5/5 stars

Poirot comes to a country house for a Sunday luncheon, only to find a woman, holding a gun, standing over a dying man.  That she is the killer seems so obvious, until the evidence comes to light.

Poirot is only a minor part of this mystery; the main focus of the plot is the inter-relations between the house party members and how those relationships led to murder.  This is one of my favorites by Christie, despite the fact that I dislike most of the characters, because the study of the personalities is so well-done.  It's a slow, leisurely story, which may be a drawback for some readers, but I was completely immersed in this intriguing and gripping tale.  

After the Funeral by Agatha Christie (1953)  4/5 stars

A most intriguing, entertaining, and engrossing mystery.  The solution was surprising and satisfying.

The Tiger in the Smoke by Margery Allingham (1952)  5/5 stars  (my review here)

Regency Magic Faerie Tales Series by Eliza Prokopovits

Eliza Prokopovits

Her Fae Secret by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars 
Regency Magic Faerie Tales, Book 1 

Eleanor and her two sisters, Anne and Sophie, have been secretly going to Faerie for years, dancing weekly at the Faerie Queen's ball.  Now, they are being introduced to Society, and the difficulty of visiting Faerie while in London attending other social events is adding stress to Eleanor -- most particularly when it forces her to deceive former Naval magician James Weston, the man who is quickly becoming important to her.

This was a delightful fantasy taking place during the Regency period in an alternate reality in which magic is practiced, and even acceptable as an accomplishment for young ladies alongside music and drawing. The romance is light and gentle, the world intriguing, and the Regency feel generally well done. Prokopovits has blended strains of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" and the Regency romance genre into her original plot and made an enjoyable and charming story.  I look forward to reading more in the series. 

The Beast's Magician by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars 

Regency Magic Faerie Tales, Book 2

Eight years ago, the Duke of Harborough was magically transformed into a beast and has lived as a recluse ever since.  Isabelle, a young woman with skill in magic, is planning for her future by looking for work as a governess, though she's not keen on children.  Harborough hires Isabelle to perform household magic to help his staff and to catalog his library.  They become friends and despite his frightening appearance, Isabelle finds herself falling in love with the man inside the fur.

In this alternate Regency England, magic is a skill that is acceptable for young women, and I love how Prokopovits explains it and utilizes it in her plot.  The characters were delightful and the plot charming.  I wasn't fully satisfied with how Isabelle was hired, it felt rushed and not fully explained, but once past that small hiccup, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the book.

  

Her Forgotten Sea by Eliza Prokopovits (2023)  4/5 stars 

Regency Magic Faerie Tales, Book 3

Arielle is a mermaid who has become fascinated by land and humans.  She is given a chance to become a human, at a sacrifice, for a year and a day -- permanently if she marries her true love before that time.  Arielle is found and "adopted" by the elderly Lady Priscilla Farley and her niece, who proceed to introduce her to Brighton society, where she hopes to find true love.

This sweet retelling of "The Little Mermaid" happens in an alternate Regency England where fairies and mermaids exist, though unbeknownst to most of the humans, and where magic is practiced in the drawing rooms and universities.  Arielle is a likable character and I enjoyed her history as a mermaid, her life as a human, and her gentle romance.  I did feel her acceptance by the Farleys happened unreasonably quickly; I would have liked to see them grow to love and accept her, instead of the instant way it happened. There is very little magic in this one, which I missed, but Arielle's love of books in general and Jane Austen in particular was such fun that it almost made up for it.  Overall, though, I definitely enjoying novel and look forward to reading more of the series.  

    

Her Cursed Apple by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars 

Regency Magic Faerie Tales, Book 4

Bianca and Winston live on adjoining estates and have been friends since childhood.  As their friendship grows into more, Bianca's life becomes endangered and she must disappear from the world she knows before she falls victim to a fatal curse.

This is an engaging retelling of "Snow White", taking place in a magical Regency England.  I love the alternate universe that Prokipovits has created, and enjoyed the characters and plot of this story immensely.  Like the previous books of the series, it's fun, sweet, and entertaining.  Bianca's story is a bit more complex that the others, and as such, is my favorite so far.

Her Enchanted Tower  by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars 

Regency Magic Faerie Tales, Book 5

Kate has spent her life in a Norman tower, living with Mama and, since the age of twelve, seeing no others people at all, living magically sealed within the confines of her home and garden.  When Henry stumbles upon her, he becomes intrigued, then attracted, then deeply in love.  Kate reciprocates his feelings, but when Mama discovers what she views as Kate's betrayal, Kate is magically kept captive.  Henry and his sister are determined to rescue Kate, but at a loss as to how to do so.

This is a retelling of "Rapunzel", taking place in an alternate Regency England where magic, curses, and Faeries are as real as the Season in London.  It's not as deep as some of the other books in this series, but is is sweet, fun, and still enjoyable.  Prokopovits has created an engaging and interesting magical world which makes a strong backdrop for retold fairy tales.  I am finding this series delightful.

Her Accidental Frog  by Eliza Prokopovits (2024)  4/5 stars 

Regency Magic Faerie Tales, Book 6

Hannah finds a frog who tells her he's a cursed human.  The magic prevents him from telling her who he is, so little does she know that he's her brother's best friend, Nathaniel -- the man she's loved since she was a child.  

Like the others in this series, it is set in an alternate Regency England where magic is practiced and acceptable.  The main characters are so likable and their friendship so sweet, that I found this book an absolute delight.  Prokopovits writes well, and the plot is fun and enjoyable, if light.  I enjoyed it -- and the rest -- a good deal and look forward to the publication of another of these Regency fairy tales.

The Tiger in the Smoke

The Tiger in the Smoke 

Albert Campion series, book 14 

Margery Allingham 

1952 

5/5 stars

Meg Elginbrodde is a war widow, recently engaged to be remarried.  She begins receiving recent snapshots of a man that looks the husband that was presumed dead so turns to her cousin, Albert Campion, for help.

Jack Havoc has escaped from prison and is leaving a trail of death in his wake, narrowly escaping the pursuing police, as he tries to locate a treasure he learned about during the War.

Their paths begin to crisscross, with Meg and her family becoming more and more at risk as Jack's desperation increases.  

This is not a mystery story -- most of the Campion novels are not -- but is rather a crime novel/psychological thriller.  Allingham expertly explores Havoc's mind and motives, leaving the reader on seat-edge waiting for what will happen next.  Meg's father, Canon Averill, is nearly as major a character as Havoc, and Allingham's treatment of him and his reasons for his actions is masterly and moving.  

Campion is only a minor character, so while I usually advise reading this series in order, I think this one could be safely read with no prior knowledge of the established characters; there will be a bit of confusion here and there, but the meat of the story will be unaffected.

This was a reread for me, and remains firmly my favorite of Allingham's work.  It is intelligent and well-written, completely engrossing, at times heart-rending, with an absolutely perfect ending.

Four by Lovesey

Peter Lovesey

Killing with Confetti by Peter Lovesey (2019)  4/5 stars

Peter Diamond series, Book 18

Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond, Bath CID, is given an unappealing assignment - - to watch the back of Joe Irving, newly released from prison as he enjoys the wedding of his only daughter.  The reason for the urgency being that Irving, one of Bath's prominent career criminals, is about to marry his daughter to the son of the Deputy Chief Constable -- and the DCC doesn't want his new in-law to be bumped off before the wedding is through.

I'm a huge fan of this series, even if I am a few books behind, so I pushed my way through the first few disconcerting chapters.  It was worth it.  Lovesey spends most of the book building characters and setting the scene, with the mystery taking only a small part of the book, but he pulled off a well-written impossible crime with a striking solution.  I'd not recommend this as one's first Peter Diamond book (I advise reading them in order, anyway), but it was still a solid entry in this great series.

The Finisher by Peter Lovesey (2020)  4/5 stars

Peter Diamond series, Book 19

This is a police procedure mystery that follows Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond as he follows his gut and tries to prove the existence of a crime.  Lovesey is one of my favorite crime writers, and this twisty, layered plot is a fine example of why.

Diamond and the Eye  by Peter Lovesey (2021)  3/5 stars

Peter Diamond series, Book 20

A private investigator, Johnny Getz, locks on to Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond as his in to an investigation of robbery and a missing person.  Totally against his will, Diamond becomes involved with Getz on the case after it turns to murder.  With this one, Lovesey moves away from his normal format and alternates Diamond's third person account with a first person narrative from Getz.  It's a love letter to classic gumshoe stories, with Getz trying to be a hardboiled sleuth in word and deed, but not always succeeding.  I enjoyed the actual plot, but the jarring switches between points-of-view lessened the novel as a whole.

Showstopper  by Peter Lovesey (2022)  4/5 stars

Peter Diamond series, Book 21

When a missing man case leads Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond to investigate a supposedly jinxed television show, he finds that there may be more going on than just bad luck.  This is a fun, twisty, and intelligent mystery.  Lovesey does a great job with the characters and their motives, and the slow reveal of information is believable and equally well-done.  I enjoyed this one from start to finish.

October 2024 Wrap-Up

You might have noticed that I've branched into genres not usual for me of late. That's due to a three month trial of Kindle Unlimited.  I was skeptical of KU at first, thinking that I wouldn't find enough to read, but I just keep being impressed.  Several authors I already love are available on KU and I've discovered a plethora of new ones as well. It's lovely not to have to be on a wait list like at the library, and there are so many great indie authors that my library system does not offer. On the whole, I'm really enjoying KU and would recommend the free trial if, like me, you are a book borrower and don't mind not owning everything you read.

Books Read

Disinheritance by Mary Kingswood (2024)  4/5 stars

Book One of The Chaplain's Legacy Series

This Regency-era novel begins with a murder and continues with layers of family drama and a gentle romance.  While I was somewhat disappointed with the outcome of the mystery, overall, I enjoyed the story immensely and look forward to reading more by this author.

Determination by Mary Kingswood (2024)  4/5 stars

Book Two of The Chaplain's Legacy Series

This book follows a side character from the first book, and while not as layered as Disinheritance, was still well-written, entertaining and engrossing.  I was disappointed that the mystery wasn't readdressed, however, and did feel that Kingswood wasn't always true to the time period, but that didn't lessen my enjoyment or weaken the novel.

Anger by Mary Kingswood (2024)  4/5 stars

Book Three of The Chaplain's Legacy Series

Anger also follows a side character from the first book of the series, and while I didn't enjoy it as much, it was certainly well-written and entertaining.  The development of the hard-to-love main character was nicely done, and I even found myself thinking about the book when I wasn't reading.  Some of the threads of mystery from Disinheritance were mentioned, so I still have hope that it will be revisited as the series continues.  I am looking forward to the release of book four in January.

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright (2017)  4/5 stars

This novel follows two women, generations apart, who are affected by evil events that occur in the house on Foster Hill.  The author writes well overall, but excels at creating a sense of suspense and unease.  The plot is intriguing, and I found it so engrossing that I read the over-300-page book in just over 24 hours.  Based on the strength of this, her debut, I'm excited to read Wright's more recent works.

John Eyre by Mimi Matthews (2021)  5/5 stars  (my review here)

Beauty and the Beast by K. M. Shea (2013)  4/5 stars

Timeless Fairy Tales Series, Book 1

Elle falls through the glass roof of the chateau of the cursed Prince Severin and, while she is recovering from the resulting broken leg, she becomes friends with his equally cursed staff, and later, with him.  As these friendships grow, Elle is always conscious of the fact that she is lying to them all, and that the truth could bring heartbreak.

This is a well-written retelling of the traditional fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, that is charming, fun, and even moving, but, happily, lacking the Stockholm syndrome.  I enjoyed Shea's style, the gentle and even realistic romance, and the overall book experience.  I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

A Noble Purpose by Laurie Lucking (2024)  3/5 stars

This is a sweet novella, based on the fairy tale "Hans, Who Made the Princess Laugh".  Due to it's brevity, it is not particularly involved and things happen a bit too quickly.  Despite that, it's generally well-written, and I would certainly be willing to try a full-length novel by this author.

By the Light of the Setting Sun by Laura Rollins (2023)  4/5 stars

A Gentleman's Heart Series, Book 1

In this Regency romance, Alex is concerned for the wellbeing of his stepsister, eight year old Lily and determined to remove her from the stepfather he detests.  Elizabeth has just finished her fourth unsuccessful season in London, and is visiting Bath with her family, in hopes of improving her father's health.  Alex and Elizabeth meet in a most interesting situation, and a friendship is quickly formed, which turns to something warmer.  Duty, however, is uppermost in his mind, and Alex worries that he can't have Elizabeth's heart and still have Lily's safety.

This is a charming and well-written novel, with characters that I cared for immediately.  There were funny moments alongside the more serious issues, and the plot was nicely paced.  I was startled and amused at Rollins' use of the word "updo" (first recorded in the 1930s), but otherwise the feel and atmosphere of the era was nicely done. The romance was sweet, the resolution satisfying, and the book a pleasure overall.  I will certainly read more by this author.

Tempted by Folly by Christina Dudley (2022)  4/5 stars

The Ellsworth Assortment, Book One

Christina Dudley

This is a charming, witty, engaging, and well-written Regency romance.  It's closer in flavor to a Georgette Heyer novel than any other I have read.  I was immediately interested in the characters, felt invested in their story, and found the period atmosphere to be realistic.  The plot was complex enough to be absorbing, with moments both amusing and serious, and the believable family dynamic enhanced the overall experience, making me eager to continue with the series.  (I'd love to know if Mr. Ellsworth reminded anyone else of Jane Austin's Sir Walter Elliot.)

The Belle of Winchester by Christina Dudley  (2022)  4/5 stars

The Ellsworth Assortment, Book Two

This is another delightful and well-written Regency romance by Dudley.  Lily was introduced in the prior novel, and her story is similar to that of her sister, but with enough differences and detours to make it fresh and interesting.  It captured my attention immediately and I was thoroughly invested in the story, cared about the characters, and was curious as to how it would all work out in the long run.  The author has quickly become a favorite.

Minta in Spite of Herself  by Christina Dudley  (2023)  4/5 stars

The Ellsworth Assortment, Book Three

The third book of this series follows the likable hoyden Ellsworth, eighteen-yar-old Araminta, as she matures and discovers there is life to be found apart from archery and the freedom of the outdoors.  This appealing novel was a delight from beginning to end.  It was of the quality I now expect from the author: well-written, diverting, satisfying, and absorbing.  The series just gets better with each book!

A Scholarly Pursuit by Christina Dudley  (2023)  4/5 stars

The Ellsworth Assortment, Book Four

This follows the eldest Ellsworth brother, Tyrone, who has a secret business of writing love letters and speeches for less eloquent gentlemen.  When a customer wants to court Agatha, the best friend of Tyrone's twin, Tyrone begins to regret his involvement as he realizes he would like to woo her himself. 

While I didn't find this one as charming as the previous three, I still enjoyed it immensely.  It's well-written, fun, and engaging, with quite likable characters.  I did feel the ending was rushed, but that didn't affect the overall strength of the book. 

Miranda at Heart by Christina Dudley  (2024)  4/5 stars

The Ellsworth Assortment, Book Five

The fourth Mrs. Ellsworth was proposed to for practical reasons, and accepted for the same.  Now a widow at thirty-nine, she discovers romantic love for the first time, but must put her family's needs before her heart.

I loved this one so much!  It was wonderful to see Miranda, who did her duty so admirably in the previous books, find a happiness she never expected.  The writing was solid, the characters so easy to care for, and the plot delightful.  I highly recommend this series (read in order).

A Capital Arrangement by Christina Dudley  (2024)  4/5 stars

The Ellsworth Assortment, Book Six

The final installment of the series follows the youngest Ellsworth daughter, Beatrice, as she falls in love for the first time -- and suffers her first heartbreak as well.  This is as charming and delightful as the previous books, well-written and nicely plotted.  I have enjoyed the entire series tremendously, from the quotes at the start of the chapters, to the historical details, to the wonderful family dynamics.  I highly recommend the Ellsworth Assortment -- read in order -- for lovers of clean, intelligent, entertaining Regency romance.

The Phantom Hollow by Gerald Verner (1933)  3/5 stars

The Trevor Lowe series, book one

Verner borrowed a page from the Victorian melodrama with this mystery/thriller, giving the reader multiple murders, a threat painted in blood, ghost sightings, robbery, assassination attempts, kidnapping, secret identities, a quick romance, Scotland Yard, and a gentleman amateur detective.  Yes, it's a silly book, but it's also a great deal of fun.  I was interested and entertained from beginning to end, and will definitely continue the series. 

Praying with Mother Teresa: Prayers, Insights, and Wisdom of Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Susan Conroy (2016)  5/5 stars

Lovely book of the thoughts and prayers of Mother Teresa.

Audiobooks Completed

Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery (1909)  4/5 stars

Book Two of the Anne of Green Gables Series

This sweet book picks up where Anne of Green Gables stops.  While it doesn't have the full charm of the first, it is still a gentle, lovely, enjoyable book, and well worth reading.

Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery (1915)  4/5 stars

Book Three of the Anne of Green Gables Series

This lovely book follows Anne's four years at college, as she matures and finds love.  It is as well-written, gentle, and enjoyable as the previous two, and watching Anne grow up is both bittersweet and wonderful.

The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie (1928)  3/5 stars

Entertaining and well-plotted story and, despite it being a reread, still surprising.  That said, there is a point that feels too contrived to make it entirely believable.

The Big Four by Agatha Christie (1927)  3/5 stars

This is a set of interconnected short stories that tell the story of Poirot battling against a gang of international criminals, known as The Big Four.  While not Christie's strongest work, it is charmingly narrated by Hastings, giving an extra dimension of fun to the improbable plot.

Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie (1937)  4/5 stars

Well-written, twisty, and completely entertaining.  This was a reread but I still immensely enjoyed seeing how Christie wove all the strands together to make such a complex plot.

Did Not Finish

The Pennington Perplexity by Natalie Brianne

I couldn't decide if this was supposed to be an alternate universe, or if the author was making mistakes with historical accuracy.  Then, when she used the word "fall" instead of "autumn" in a Victorian London setting,  I knew that I'd spend the whole book expecting more problems instead of enjoying the story, so I stopped. 

The Wild Swans by K. M. Shea 

Timeless Fairy Tales Series, Book 2

This didn't start off as fun or charming as the first in the series, and when I realized it was going to be a love triangle (a least-favorite trope), I decided to pass, at least for now. 

The Starling and the Hatter by Annette K. Larsen

This is advertised as "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Reimagined" but after about 30%, the connection was so tenuous that I stopped looking for the character/plot tie-ins.  I made it a few more chapters, but the two POVs were not distinctive enough to be convincing, and then it became a love triangle, so I lost interest.

John Eyre by Mimi Matthews

John Eyre: A Tale of Darkness and Shadow  

Mimi Matthews  

2021

5/5 stars

This is a well-written retelling of Bronte's Jane Eyre, with the genders switched so that the governess is now a tutor, and the employer is Mrs. Bertha Rochester.  Matthews brings the original plot points and characters together in her own version skillfully, creating believable motives, emotions, and outcomes.

But that's not all there is to John Eyre.

In addition, the author has woven in another classic Victorian novel (and one of my top favorite books) to create a completely engrossing tale of horror and suspense.  (I'm omitting the name of said novel to avoid spoiling the reading experience.)  Matthews surprised me with her choice, but her excellent blending of the two was impressive. Overall, the unexpected duo made for a deliciously gothic, absolutely memorable story.

I wouldn't recommend it for every reader, and not even for all fans of Jane Eyre; however, those who enjoy a creepy Victorian melodrama will find this a pure delight.  I certainly did.

Mission Accomplished!

Today, I finished cataloging my personal library on LibraryThing, and it is such an accomplishment!  My total count came to 1346 physical books, 358 audiobooks, and 453 ebooks, not counting books that belonged to my husband alone.  

If you've not used LibraryThing, I highly recommend it.  I joined about a week after it launched in 2005, but had only piddled with it until lately, when I decided to catalog my library properly.  

Check it out and see if it's for you, and when you do, you can see what books we have in common as well!