You vote. I read.

My feelings about democracy are somewhat mixed in these post-election days, but I want to play a little game with you. I have time to read one more fat, juicy, delectable book (I think! I hope!) before having a baby and descending into that inevitable haze. So what should it be, friends?

Option 1: Hilary Mantel's A Place of Greater Safety.

I've had this on my TBR pile for ages. Colleen at Bookphilia raved about Wolf Hall. The French Revolution is one of the most compelling historical backgrounds I can think of. And I like and admire all the Mantel excerpts I've ever read.

But then recently, N surprised me with Option 2: Judith Flanders's The Invention of Murder.

I didn't know it was coming out. I ADORE Flanders, and suspect you already know how I feel about Victorians, crime, and detection. How can I possibly resist?

What should I do, and what should I read? I am yours to influence.