Teri-K’s Comments (group member since Mar 16, 2025)

Teri-K’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Sorry, as a fan I have too much knowledge of the book so I found it tricky to write questions, when mostly I want to squeeeeee with excitement! Mostly my question is: what do you think of it so far?!

I find many of Pratchett's books hard to get into, I think because they're often so disjointed at the beginning, and I don't like books that jump around to different characters. I prefer to follow one person in a story. Doing these BOMs have helped me stick with the book long enough to get past the multiple viewpoints until I can start enjoying them.

1. For the newbies: what did you expect before opening a police procedural written by Pterry? For re-readers, how does this sub-series line up in your order of preferences?

I haven't read any of this series before. I really like Tiffany Aching and the Witches series. I've pretty much learned not to expect anything in particular when I start a Pratchett book, but stay loose and go where the story takes me. :)

2. The first person we meet in this story is Vimes, meet collapsing, drunker, into the gutter... What does this mean for the story? For newbies: how do you feel about Vimes?

I had to roll my eyes. I'm heartily tired of PI/Cop stories where the MC is an alcoholic loner, a grubby man alienated from the world but still steadily doing his duty to his job. However, I expect Pratchett to turn this trope on its ear, so I'm keeping an open mind...

3. The Brethren (and I loved the elaborate exchange of codes!) have a disussion of the Lost King trope. Do you think the Supreme Grand Master will be able to find Ankh-Morpork's Lost King???

They'll probably find somebody, but who or what they turn out to be I won't even try to guess. lol

4. Carrot is our route to discovering Ankh-Morpork. Do you find this an effective way to understanding the city and its issues?

I really liked the introduction of Carrot. I perked up when he came on the scene. I find him likable and enjoyed seeing the city through his experiences.

I've been on a push to read new authors this year, so I won't backtrack for the first six months. Let's just see how many I can get from here on out. :)

New 2 U 2021
Devil May Care Level - 20+
July 1, 2021 - Dec 31, 2021

1. Roots in Texas by K.N. Casper 7/2
2. Unexpected Family by Molly O'Keefe 7/4 ****
3. The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben 7/4 *****
4. Going Om: Real-Life Stories On and Off the Yoga Mat by Melissa Carroll 7/5
5. For the Sake of Warwick Mountain by Charlotte Douglas 7/7
6. A Stardance Summer by Emily March 7/8
7. You Say It First by Susan Mallery 7/9 ****
8. One Summer in Italy... by Nanami Akino 7/10
9. The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs 7/10
10. An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten 7/11
11-13. The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice by Donna Kauffman 7/13 (All 3 authors are new-to-me.)
14. I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella 7/14
15. In Her Sights by Katie Ruggle 7/22 ******
16. Keeper of the Bride by Tess Gerritsen 7/23 ******
17. The Vampire Knitting Club by Nancy Warren 7/25
18. All They Need by Sarah Mayberry 7/26
19. The Other Side of the Wall by Simon Schwartz 8/1
20. The Innocent by David Baldacci 8/20 ****
21. Murder at Blackburn Hall by Sara Rosett 8/25 ****
22. A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn 8/27 ****
23. Mythos: The Greek Myths Reimagined by Stephen Fry 8/31 *****
24. The Year of Reading Dangerously: How Fifty Great Books (and Two Not-So-Great Ones) Saved My Life by Andy Miller 9/4
25. Characters of Shakespeare's Plays by William Hazlitt 9/13 *****
26. How to Read and Understand Shakespeare Transcript Book by Marc C. Conner 9/18 ****
27. Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry 9/18 *****
28. Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody 9/20
29. Written Off by E.J. Copperman 9/24
30. Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald 10/13
31. Love in the East by Barbara Cartland 10/15
32. Southern Charm & Second Chances by Nancy Robards Thompson 10/15
33. Through Welsh doorways by Jeannette Marks 10/15
34. Isobel - a Romance of the Northern Trail by James Oliver Curwood 10/15
35. One-Woman Farm: The Seasons of Life Shared with Sheepdogs, Goats, Woodstoves, and a Feisty Fiddle by Jenna Woginrich 10/18 ****
36. Death in Kashmir by M.M. Kaye 11/1 ****
37. Voices In The Night by Linda Randall Wisdom 11/5
38. The 39 Steps by John Buchan 11/6 ****
39. The Innocence of Father Brown by G.K. Chesterton 11/4
40. Off the Grid Christmas by Mary Ellen Porter 11/18
41. Murder in Black Tie by Sara Rosett 12/8
42. How Reading Changed My Life by Anna Quindlen 12/15
43. The Silver Shooter by Erin Lindsey 12/16

DQ - Day 5
Start: Albert sat on his narrow bed..." 76%

21. Wow, Albert has got quite the temper on him! The way he goes about ordering the wizards around and wanting to change the current ways of the Unseen University. Do you think the changes would have worked the way he intended, had he stayed? What do you think happened to Albert's staff though? Also, one has to commend the owners of the Drum though to have passed down a debt for generations.

I think Discworld is lucky that Albert didn't stick around. There probably would have been a rebellion, with magical factions developing – sounds like a mess. I'm fond of Granny Weatherwax's Headology rather than the wizard's more magical approach to problems.

22. Mort and Ysabell go on an adventure, and the changes in Mort seem to take root completely though Ysabell manages to snap him out of it. Somewhere down the line, the two of them have fallen in love. Did you expect this to happen? Do you think they are a good fit?

Well, we always knew it was a possibility. I don't feel like we've seen them together enough to know if they're a good match or not. In fact, none of the characters in this book felt as clearly drawn to me as Tiffany Aching, say, or the witches in their books. Perhaps because I've not read the others in this series yet. But I thought (view spoiler)[their marriage (hide spoiler)] was very rushed and not necessary for the story.

23. For someone who doesn't actually feel emotions, DEATH seems a bit put out with Mort, and it culminates in a fight between DEATH and Mort. Would DEATH have killed Mort? Or was he always planning to turn the hourglass around and have the boy start over?

I think he wanted to kill or be killed and Ysabell changed his mind with what she said during the fight. Because of the long pause after their conversation, I believe that's when he came up with a new plan.

24. What did you make of the ending? Was it a satisfying solution to the problem of a reality slightly out of whack? Mort tells DEATH that he has certainly learnt a lot while working as his apprentice. What do you think the most important lesson might have been?

I actually didn't love that ending. I felt it was kind of a cop-out, and was expecting something more clever, I guess.

I'm not sure what Mort learned, though he was smart enough not want to live forever. So that's something. But I will always remember "There is no justice. Just us."

25. Don't you just adore DEATH? *grin* Which was your favourite character or appearance in this book, and why?

I definitely liked Death best, though it was fun to see Rincewind and the Librarian, too.

26. Did you enjoy this book? If you've read the previous month's BOM, Equal Rites, does it compare? Or not?

I have read Equal Rites a couple of times. I liked them both, but differently. In Equal Rites I really like Esk and Simon and the whole idea of turning fairy tale expectations upside down. Plus I'm super happy to read about Granny Weatherwax at any time. Mort had Death, though. And the really interesting ideas about death and fate. So I think they're both really good.

This is my first time participating in one of the BOMs. I quite enjoyed it and look forward to doing more. Thanks.

DQs Day 4
start: "The night shed its early casualties"
end: "'Now - are we going?'" (p200 / 76%)

16. Death trying to get drunk in the Mended Drum ! I felt for him during that scene. Do you think there's a way for Death to be human ? Assuming he wasn't human before like Mort ?

I doubt that Death can become human now. It seems to me that being Death for years would change you permanently. But it's Pratchett, so who knows?

17. It seems Mort is not realizing he's changing and slowly becoming the 'grim reaper'. Even his behaviour is changing. People are noticing that "he's becoming more real. Nearly as real as Death". Is it possible that anyone can assume to role of 'Death' ? For example, as weird as it sounds, could Mort eventually reap Death's soul ?

Clearly Death has to come from somewhere, why not Mort? I'm not sure Death still has a soul. If he does it might be a relief for him to finally die.

18. "What is it called when you feel warm and content and wish things would stay that way?" (has to be read in capital letters ;)) Death finally finds a job that suits him and brings him happiness. Did you expect he would be offered that kind of job ?

I didn't foresee Death's new job, but who can predict what Pratchett will write next? I do wonder how long he'd be happy doing that. Right now it's new and different, but eventually it would be pretty repetitious.

19. Has your opinion about Ysabell changed in the meantime?

Not so much changed as we've gotten to know her better. We didn't see much of her before, and I try not to judge people or book characters too quickly. :)

20. So it turns out Alberto Malich succeeded in postponing his death for more than 2000 years and knows exactly how long he's going to live: 91 days, 3 hours, and 5 minutes. Do you think he will move on and live what remains of his life in this book? If you had the option, would you want to know how much is left in your 'lifetime' ?

It looks like he'll do anything not to die, so I suspect he'll try to stay with Death. I doubt it will work out, though.

I'm old enough that yes, I'd honestly like to know how much time I have left. It would help me make financial decisions, for one thing. I love life, and much of it is beautiful, but I have no illusions that I'll live forever. Nor would I want to. When I was younger I wouldn't have wanted to know, though.

Day 3 Questions end: "Then Cutwell sighted carefully ... [spoiler removed]" (p151 / 58%)

Q11. Do you think Mort is physically changing? When it says, "The gargoyle looked up into his face and suddenly felt like a very frightened doorknocker indeed, Mort's eyes glowed like crucibles, his expression was a furnace, his voice held enough to melt iron. It didn't know what he could do, but felt that it would prefer not to find out." - it seems these may be actual physical manifestations. With the photo Mort sees soon after with the wizard Cutwell, do you think that was originally Death in the photo before a transformation?

I honestly don't know if Mort is really changing or if other's are just changing how they see him. I do think he's projecting himself differently these days.

Q12. What do you think about the plot point where Keli is dead, but is not? Do you think this was a clever twist of the author or do you find it a confusing jumble? How will this affect the story and will Death find out what actually happened and react?

I like this idea, it's interesting and different. Playing around with it in my head I can see different ways it might work out. I like Pratchett's imagination, but I can't predict what's coming next with his books. I just go along for the ride. lol

Q13. There suddenly seems to be sign that Death may be playing matchmaker of sorts with Mort and his 'daughter'. Are you surprised, and what do you think will happen with the relationship between him and Ysabel?

I was not surprised at all. I don't know who Mort will end up with – maybe neither of them. He's still pretty young.

Q14. Do you think that before Mort was chosen by Death, that he was a normal boy? Do you think he must have some wizard properties buried or are his "abilities" gathered from being Death's apprentice? What do you think about Mort attracting death's attention - what is so special about him?

It's possible that there's something particular about Mort, but I see him his as normal, though with a great amount of curiosity and compassion. That's special enough!

Q15. Mort seems to be getting a bit homesick after his day off, and Death is changing his tune as well. What do you think about Death's new adventures to experience some human experiences, try to understand fun and how humans behave?

I understood where Death is coming from, actually. Some things people do for fun I just don't get. I wonder if Death's time is coming to an end and he's trying to gather different experiences before then. Or will he be human and he's trying it ahead of time? No idea.

Laurie wrote: "Teri-K wrote: "DQs Day 2 -
If I had to be reincarnated, I'd like to be a tree somewhere in the mountains. I could grow slowly, experiencing the world around me a little at a time, and interacting ...

This is really beautiful and peaceful. I may have to take a look at the book you mention."

Thanks! The book is amazing, with short chapters that I read one day at a time so I can think about and remember what I'm learning. Trees are awesome!

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben

DQs Day 2 -
Q6 - Mort walked through the walls a few times but couldn't when he tried to get into the castle. Why do you think this happened?

It seemed like he could do it when he needed to, but maybe not when he wanted to. Or perhaps it was like tying your shoes – it's easy when you don't think about but, when you try to figure it out it's harder.

Q7- What do you think of Ingneous Cutwell's character?

Not much so far. I did like his line about advertising. It was the perfect Pratchett line – pun combined with social commentary.

Q8 - The Abbot has been reincarnated 53 times. The concept of reincarnation is an interesting one. If you were to be born again what life would you choose?

If I had to be reincarnated, I'd like to be a tree somewhere in the mountains. I could grow slowly, experiencing the world around me a little at a time, and interacting with the other trees and creatures around me. (I'm reading The Hidden Life of Trees – it's fascinating.) I could take my time, no more rushing and hurrying to get things done or wondering if you made the right choices somewhere. Just growing where you are and watching life unfold around you.

Q9 - Death sent Mort to reap three souls. In light of how he performed do you think Mort was ready for the job?

As ready as you could be for something like that.

Q10 - Mort found Ysabelle's handkerchief in the library. Why is she reading other people's life?

Perhaps because she feels she doesn't have a life of her own. And she's lonely. It's not unusual for people to enjoy reading and imagining the characters as friends or family, the plot as their own experiences.

DQs Day 1:
1. Mort is nothing if not determined. He refuses to give up on being a “prentice” until the last stoke of midnight. Then at the very last second, Death arrives for him. Do you think Mort was quick to take the apprenticeship perhaps from feeling humiliated at the days events or was it something that truly intrigued him? Would you have been willing to work for Death?

I think Mort is wanting to be responsible and help out his family by getting a position, so basically he'll take anything. But when he meets Death his reaction shows that he's a young man with imagination and curiosity, so he's also intrigued by this possibility, not just taking it because he's desperate.

I wouldn't want to be Death. I've sat by the bedsides of people when they died, both in my family and as a volunteer at Hospices. I'm happy to hold someone's hand and help them not die alone, but I wouldn't like to be the one taking their lives, or souls, or whatever this exactly turns out to be.

2. Death has a sarcastic tone during this first section. What do you think of his fawning over Mort to ensure he gets new clothes and food and Death eating with him like a regular guy? Is he up to something sinister or does he just want to make Mort comfortable?

He's trying to treat Mort like any other mentor would, it's just awkward because he's not human so he doesn't get all the nuances right.

3. Mort may be a bit gangly and lost in his own head at times, but he seems to have a lot of compassion. Upon realizing that he was talking to Death, he asked him to spare his Dad. Later he tries to intervene and warn the King that he was about to be killed and finally on that same trip he wanted to tell the King’s daughter not to trust the Duke. What did you think of all that? Are these normal reactions to someone who is the apprentice to Death? Do you think it will continue as Mort sees more and more of Death’s duty?

I think they reveal more of Mort's character to us, as someone who does care about others – and not just his own family. How will someone with a compassionate nature react to becoming Death? Will it simply be (view spoiler)[ "a sharp blade"? (hide spoiler)] Or will he find a way to do the job with his own type of compassion? I've not read this book, but having read some other Pratchett novels, I suspect the latter.

4. What is up with the constant utterance of “Mort” every time someone calls our MC anything other than Mort or Mortimer after arriving at Death’s House and meeting Yasbell? Is there some significance to this or is it just rather annoying?! Lol!

I felt the first few times he did that he was just informing people, in case they'd forgotten his name, or didn't know it. I think it was innocently done. But about the time he meets Ysabell he starts using it to assert himself. He's not a servant, he's an apprentice with a name. He's resisting their attempts to stereotype him or squeeze him into a box of their choosing.

I was happy to see him do this. It told me he won't meekly accept whatever Death or Ysabell dish out, but is capable of standing up for himself, too. That makes him more interesting to me as a main character.

5. Mort, surprisingly, asked Death for an afternoon off. I think our dear Mort is growing up! He explains to Death that he wants to meet people for more than a few minutes. When he arrives in his own time and finds out where he is, he asks if he is near Sto Lat. He seems to have a plan when he says he wants a very fast horse. What do you think he intends? Will it work out like he plans?

I suspect he has a crush on the princess – he reacted very strongly to her one glance. I'm not sure if he wants to just watch her some more or try to interact with her.

It is significant that she seems to be the only person who "sees" him. It's a powerful thing, to be really "seen" by someone, and at the very least he wants to experience that again. It may be the first time in his life someone has looked at him that way. When you grow up with people they tend to think they know you, and thus you may feel they never see who you really are. I think that's what's happened with his family, they have an idea of who he is in their minds and don't see past that. And clearly Death, Ysabell and the others aren't making him feel noticed or appreciated. So he's seeking out that experience again.

As for whether his plans will work out, I'd suspect not in the way he expects. Yet people in Pratchett's books tend to get what they deserve or need by the end of the story, just not what they thought they were looking for. We'll see...

Great! Thanks.

Can anybody jump in and answer questions for the BOM, or is it only for folks on teams? I'm reading Mort and am enjoying reading other folks answers but would kind of like to share my ideas, too. I just don't want to jump in where I shouldn't.

Thanks.

Finished! Now that summer has arrived I make iced tea using green tea and Bengal spice herbal tea together. It's a tasy, cool summer treat. :)

Tea Time Challenge
May 2021
Goal: 18-20
Completed: 19

Option 1:
Read books that:
- have a cup or tray of tea, a tea or garden party, etc displayed on the cover,
- are set in a country or city which is historically associated with tea such as China, Japan, England, Boston, etc,
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center 5/10 Boston
- have the words tea and/or high and/or low and/or afternoon in the title or series name.

Option 2:
H Heyer Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer 5/2
E Ericson Run, Hide by Carol Ericson 5/8
R Roderick Alleyn Photo Finish by Ngaio Marsh 5/3
B Briggs Night Broken by Patricia Briggs 5/8
A The Alington Inheritance by Patricia Wentworth 5/1
L Lone Defender by Shirlee McCoy 5/9

C Center Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center 5/9
H How to Walk Away by Katherine Center 5/15
A Aimee Undercover Warrior by Aimée Thurlo 5/18
I Identical Threat by Tyler Anne Snell 5/5

E Ella Siren's Call by Jayne Castle 5/15
A Amanda The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick 5/19
R Reavis The Older Woman by Cheryl Reavis 5/4
L Lovestruck, VT series The Trouble with Picket Fences by Teri Wilson 5/11

G Graves Two Souls Hollow by Paula Graves 5/12
R Rushdan Innocent Hostage by Juno Rushdan 5/4
E Ericson The Decoy by Carol Ericson 5/17
Y York Jordan by Rebecca York 5/17

Tea Time Challenge
May 2021
Goal: 18-20
Completed: 19

Option 1:
Read books that:
- have a cup or tray of tea, a tea or garden party, etc displayed on the cover,
- are set in a country or city which is historically associated with tea such as China, Japan, England, Boston, etc,
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center 5/10 Boston
- have the words tea and/or high and/or low and/or afternoon in the title or series name.

Option 2:
H Heyer Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer 5/2
E Ericson Run, Hide by Carol Ericson 5/8
R Roderick Alleyn Photo Finish by Ngaio Marsh 5/3
B Briggs Night Broken by Patricia Briggs 5/8
A The Alington Inheritance by Patricia Wentworth 5/1
L Lone Defender by Shirlee McCoy 5/9

C Center Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center 5/9
H How to Walk Away by Katherine Center 5/15
A Aimee Undercover Warrior by Aimée Thurlo 5/18
I Identical Threat by Tyler Anne Snell 5/5

E Ella Siren's Call by Jayne Castle 5/15
A Amanda The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick 5/19
R Reavis The Older Woman by Cheryl Reavis 5/4
L Lovestruck, VT series The Trouble with Picket Fences by Teri Wilson 5/11

G Graves Two Souls Hollow by Paula Graves 5/12
R Rushdan Innocent Hostage by Juno Rushdan 5/4
E Ericson The Decoy by Carol Ericson 5/17
Y York Jordan by Rebecca York 5/17

I finished this one in July, but didn't get it posted. Sorry. I've never done the story-thing before. It was fun. Thanks!

Choose Your Own Adventure: Cat in the Hat
Duration: June-July
Level: Roguish, 16 - 20 books
Completed: 32/20 books

Option 1: Build Your Own Nonsensical Story
►With Covers and/or Titles, create your own Dr. Seuss inspired story.
My Story:
Once upon a time two people who Used-To-Be Lovers went to their Ozark Reunion and in One Fell Sweep they fell in love. For their honeymoon They Came to Baghdad and stayed at The Castle of Llyr. That night, while Learning to Walk in the Dark, they followed The Moving Finger to the Island of the Mad for an Appointment with Death, Manhunting The Cater Street Hangman, while wondering Whose Body? they had found. At the End of the Day these Partners in Crime made a Clean Sweep of the island, using their Hidden Talents to solve the mystery and then telegram back home "Having Wonderful Crime". Tired of Flirting With Danger, the couple decided to spend A Year on Ladybug Farm, working in The Cut Flower Garden as Perfect Partners.

Option 3: Cat in the Hat Spell-it-Out
Title, series, author, character’s first, last, or nick-name, narrator, translator; if a title starts with ‘A’, ‘An’, ‘The’, etc., you may skip it.

A Agatha Christie A Murder Is Announced 6/2
R Rosenblat, Barbra narrates A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman 6/7
T The Golden Ball and Other Stories by Agatha Christie 6/5
F Flash by Jayne Ann Krentz 6/26
U Unexpected Dismounts by Nancy N. Rue 7/11
L Lewis, C. S. The Magician's Nephew 6/15

I Innes, Michael There Came Both Mist And Snow 6/4
M Malone in Trial by Fury by Craig Rice 6/8
P Peters, Elizabeth Devil May Care 6/6
I Irene Delaney in Ozark Wedding by Helen Gray 6/13
S Summer Half by Angela Thirkell 6/8
H Helen Gray Ozark Sweetheart 6/8

Serious Readers Challenge - Level Four Part 2

350.
351.
352.
353.
354.

I'm in. :)
Serious Readers Challenge - Level Four Part 1

300. Komarr by Lois McMaster Bujold 8/13
301. A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold 8/16
302. Reclaiming the Cowboy by Kathleen O'Brien 8/17
303. Diplomatic Immunity by Lois McMaster Bujold 8/17
304. Clutch of Constables by Ngaio Marsh 8/17
305. Artists in Crime by Ngaio Marsh 8/19
306. Big Sky Country by Linda Lael Miller 8/20
307. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance by Lois McMaster Bujold 8/23
308. Billionaires Prefer Blondes by Suzanne Enoch 8/23
309. Logan by Linda Lael Miller 8/24
310. Dylan by Linda Lael Miller 8/25
311. Tyler by Linda Lael Miller 8/26
312. Creed's Honor by Linda Lael Miller 8/27
313. Don't Hex with Texas by Shanna Swendson 8/29
314. Family Man by Jayne Ann Krentz 8/30
315. Much Ado About Magic by Shanna Swendson 8/31
316. Silver Linings by Jayne Ann Krentz 8/31
317. A Touch of Minx by Suzanne Enoch 9/1
318. Gone Away Lake Elizabeth Enright 9/2
319. Touch Not the Cat by Mary Stewart 9/4
320. Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George 9/4
321. No Quest For The Wicked by Shanna Swendson 9/5
322. Beguilement by Lois McMaster Bujold 9/6
323. Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart 9/6
324. The Vor Game by Lois McMaster Bujold 9/7
325. Merit Badge Murder by Leslie Langtry 9/7
326. Legacy by Lois McMaster Bujold 9/8
327. Passage by Lois McMaster Bujold 9/8
328. Second Sight by Amanda Quick 9/9
329. Horizon by Lois McMaster Bujold 9/10
330. Murder, Served Simply by Isabella Alan 9/11
331. After Dark by Jayne Castle 9/11
332. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris 9/12
333. Gator Bait by Jana Deleon 9/13
334. The Wrong Rite by Alisa Craig 9/14
335. The Heist by Janet Evanovich 9/16
336. Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris 9/16
337. Trust Me on This by Jennifer Crusie 9/18
338. The Chase by Janet Evanovich 9/19
339. Born in Ice by Nora Roberts 9/19
340. Lethal Bayou Beauty by Jana Deleon 9/19
341. Swamp Sniper by Jana Deleon 9/21
342. The Body In The Transept by Jeanne M. Dams 9/21
343. The Job by Janet Evanovich 9/21
344. Swamp Team 3 by Jana Deleon 9/23
345. Trouble In The Town Hall by Jeanne M. Dams 9/23
346. Death in a White Tie by Ngaio Marsh 9/23
347. The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club by Dorothy L. Sayers 9/24
348. The Healer by Dee Henderson 9/26
349. The Scam by Janet Evanovich 9/27

Finished!
Serious Readers 2018 - Level 3

201. A Palm for Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman 6/7
202. Ozark Sweetheart by Helen Gray 6/8
203. Summer Half by Angela Thirkell 6/8
204. Trial by Fury by Craig Rice 6/8
205. The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie 6/9
206. Ozark Reunion by Helen Gray 6/9
207. Waiting for Dawn by Susan May Warren 6/11
208.The Witness by Nora Roberts 6/12
209. Murder in the Mews by Agatha Christie 6/11
210. Ozark Wedding by Helen Gray 6/13
211. The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis 6/15
212. Striding Folly: A Collection of Mysteries by Dorothy L. Sayers 6/15
213. Decision at Delphi by Helen MacInnes 6/16
214. Island of the Mad by Laurie R. King 6/17
215. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones 6/18
216. Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie 6/19
217. A Year on Ladybug Farm by Donna Ball 6/20
218. Manhunting by Jennifer Crusie 6/21
219. O Jerusalem by Laurie R. King 6/21
220. The Castle of Llyr by Lloyd Alexander 6/21
221. Bewildering Cares: A Week in the Life of a Clergyman's Wife by Winifred Peck 6/21
222. The Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein 6/21
223. By the Pricking of My Thumbs by Agatha Christie 6/21
224. Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich 6/21
225. Identity Withheld by Sandra Orchard 6/22
226. The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry 6/24
227. Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie 6/24
228. The Next Always by Nora Roberts 6/25
229. An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter 6/25
230. Deceptions by Cynthia Eden 6/26
231. Flash by Jayne Ann Krentz 6/26
232. Still Writing: The Pleasures and Perils of a Creative Life by Dani Shapiro 6/27
233. The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum 6/28
234. Around the Writer's Block: Using Brain Science to Solve Writer's Resistance by Rosanne Bane 6/28
235. Having Wonderful Crime by Craig Rice 6/29
236. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs 7/1
237. At the End of the Day by Betty Neels 7/1
238. Break In by Dick Francis 7/2
239. Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs 7/2
240. Right Ho, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse 7/3
241. The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman 7/3
242. The Magic Of Living by Betty Neels 7/5
243. Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie 7/5
244. Wildfire by Zane Grey 7/5
245. The Luck Runs Out by Charlotte MacLeod 7/6
246. Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs 7/7
247. Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs 7/7
248. Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs 7/8
249. Night Broken by Patricia Briggs 7/10
250. Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs 7/10
251. Carry on, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse 7/10
252. Unexpected Dismounts by Nancy N. Rue 7/11
252. The High King by Lloyd Alexander 7/12
253. Too Far to Say Far Enough by Nancy N. Rue 7/12
254. Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs 7/12
255. Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews 7/12
256. White Hot by Ilona Andrews 7/13
257. Wildfire by Ilona Andrews 7/14
258. Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews 7/16
259. Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews 7/17
260. One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews 7/18
261. A Vicarage Reunion by Kate Hewitt 7/18
262. Veil of Night by Linda Howard 7/20
263. Born in Fire by Nora Roberts 7/20
264. Used-To-Be Lovers by Linda Lael Miller 7/20
265. Hidden Talents by Jayne Ann Krentz 7/21
266. Unspoken Words by Mary Anne Wilson 7/21
267. Flirting With Danger by Suzanne Enoch 7/22
268. Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie7/23
269. Broomstick Cowboy by Kathleen Eagle 7/23
270. Perfect Partners by Jayne Ann Krentz 7/23
271. Wildest Hearts by Jayne Ann Krentz 7/24
272. Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard 7/24
273. Sweet Fortune by Jayne Ann Krentz 7/25
274. Trouble in High Heels by Christina Dodd 7/25
275. Garrett by Linda Lael Miller 7/26
276. Enchanted, Inc. by Shanna Swendson 7/27
277. River Road by Jayne Ann Krentz 7/27
278. Plain Outsider by Alison Stone 7/27
279. Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie 7/28
280. Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers 7/29
281. Once Upon Stilettos by Shanna Swendson 7/30
282. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb 7/31
283. Glory in Death by J.D. Robb 8/1
284. Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb 8/2
285. Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb 8/3
286. Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb 8/4
287. Damsel Under Stress by Shanna Swendson 8/5
288. The Girl Next Door by Cynthia Eden 8/6
289. The Marshal's Mission by Anna Zogg 8/6
290. Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich 8/6
291. Doctor Who: The Legends of River Song by Jenny T. Colgan 8/6
292. Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb 8/7
293. Loyalty in Death by J.D. Robb 8/9
294. The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett 8/9
295. Don't Look Down by Suzanne Enoch 8/9
296. Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold 8/9
297. Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold 8/11
298. Memory by Lois McMaster Bujold 8/12
299. One Good Knight by Mercedes Lackey 8/13

Finished. It's always fun going back to kid's books. And my grandson loved the Pippi books we read aloud! Thanks. :)

Embrace Your Inner Child Challenge
Duration: June
Level: High-School: 16 to 20 books
Completed: 16/16

Option #1: Read! Read! Read!
Read any book from the list. In case of books in a series, any book from that series counts.
1. . The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis 6/15 (Narnia Series)
2. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones 6/18 (Howl's Moving Castle Series)
3. The Castle of Llyr by Lloyd Alexander 6/21 (Chronicles of Prydain Series)
4. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren 6/26 (Pippi Longstocking Series)
5. Pippi in the South Seas by Astrid Lindgren 6/28 (Pippi Longstocking Series)

Option #3: Spell It!
Title, series, author, character’s first, last, or nick-name, narrator, translator; if a title starts with ‘A’, ‘An’, ‘The’, etc., you may skip it.
I'll spell my favorite:

L Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor 6/6
I Innes, Michael There Came Both Mist And Snow by Michael Innes 6/4
T Thirkell, Angela Summer Half 6/8
T Trial by Fury by Craig Rice 6/8
L Laurie R. King Island of the Mad 6/17
E Elizabeth Peters Devil May Care by Elizabeth Peters 6/6

W Wimsey, Lord Peter in Striding Folly: A Collection of Mysteries by Dorothy L. Sayers 6/15
O The Officer's Secret by Debby Giusti 6/6
M The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie 6/9
E Erin Benzakein The Cut Flower Garden 6/21
N The Next Always by Nora Roberts 6/25

I'm finished with this one. I couldn't find a book with a picture of a mother hugging her child. That really surprised me.
I enjoyed this. Thanks.

Mother's Day Reading Challenge
Duration: 5/1/2018 - 6/30/2018
Progress: 20/21

Option # 1: Show your love

~Read a book that features a mother and daughter(s) character(s).
Devil's Food by Kerry Greenwood 5/6

~Read a book with "Love" in the title.
Along Came Love by Carrie Turansky 5/5

~Read a book that shows a mom hugging her child(ren) on the cover.

~Read a book in which a son or daughter gives mom a present.
The Deeds of the Disturber by Elizabeth Peters 5/9
Ramses gave his mother flowers he picked in the park.

~Read a book where a character does something nice for someone else.
Cooking the Books by Kerry Greenwood 5/11
Corinna does a lot of nice things for others, including giving a job to a homeless boy.

~Read a book in which a daughter misses her mother.
A Love to Treasure by Irene Brand 5/9

~Read a book that has a baby in the story.
No! I Don't Want to Join a Book Club: Diary of a Sixtieth Year by Virginia Ironside 5/24

~Read a book with the word "mother " in the text.
The White Dragon by Anne McCaffrey 4/2
"Everyone was right willing to discuss his Lady Mother Gemma with him..." pg 55

~Read a book in which a mother protects her family.
In a Killer's Sights by Sandra Robbins 4/3

~Read a book with a heart(s) on the cover.
by Jennifer Crusie 6/21

~Read a book with a flower(s) on the cover.
by Laurie Cass 5/21

Option # 2: Spell- it -Out
Use the first letter in the book’s title, series name, author’s first or last name, character’s first, last, or nick-name, or audiobook narrator's first or last name. Also translator's first or last name.

M Marrying Mary by Betty Neels 4/1
O The Officer's Secret by Debby Giusti 6/6
T Three Blind Mice and Other Stories by Agatha Christie 5/7
H Heavenly Pleasures by Kerry Greenwood 4/3
E E. D. Baker Unlocking the Spell 4/3
R Rue, Nancy The Reluctant Prophet 5/9
S Smith, Virginia Bullseye 5/5

D Dennys, Joyce Henrietta's War: News from the Home Front, 1939-1942 5/10
A Alexander, Lloyd The Book of Three4/2
Y A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle 5/8

Finished! I got more than I expected to.

I'll play.
The Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder Squad Reading Challenge - PART I

Level: Hard-boiled P.I. - 11-20 books
Completed: 20/11

Amateur Sleuth: The amateur sleuth tries to solve the murder of someone close. Either the police have tried and failed, or misread the murder as an accident/suicide. Both the loss and need for a solution is personal.
Tailing a Tabby by Laurie Cass 7/8

Aristocratic Detective: The aristocratic detective novels are usually - but not exclusively - featuring a member of British gentry and set in Britain’s Golden Age.
Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers 8/2

Caper: A caper is a comic crime story. Instead of suave and calculating, the caper chronicles the efforts of the lovable bungler or protagonist who either thinks big or ridiculously small. Finally we get to laugh.
The Hot Rock by Donald E. Westlake 1/14

Cozy Mystery: A bloodless crime and a victim who won’t be missed. The solution can be determined using emotional (Miss Marple) or logical (Poirot) reasoning.
Miss Ruffles Inherits Everything: A Mystery by Nancy Martin 7/20

Culinary Mystery: Chef, baker, wine connoisseur; if it’s ingestible and includes recipes, it’s a culinary mystery.
Heavenly Pleasures by Kerry Greenwood 7/13

Double Act: It takes two to solve this mystery. They may be working together at the beginning, or not. Nevertheless, these partners help each other out by the end.
Earthly Delights by Kerry Greenwood 7/5

FBI/CIA/ATF: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). While the FBI, CIA, and ATF appear in many mysteries, for this sub-genre category we want books where a main character is an employee of one of these government agencies, even if they are not a field agent.
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman 4/8

Forensic Specialist: A medical examiner, forensic pathologist, forensic psychologist, forensic anthropologist, forensic entomologist…you get the idea.

Futuristic: Set in the future, whether in our world or another.
Secrets in Death by J.D. Robb 9/11

Historical Mystery: Move your mystery into the past, near or far, and you've entered the realm of the historical mystery.
They Found Him Dead by Georgette Heyer 7/14

Legal: Although popular, these tales are usually penned by actual lawyers due to the demands of the information presented.
Twenty-One Days by Anne Perry 4/26

Medical: Doctors make effective protagonists since they seem to exist on a plane far above the rest of us. As with the “Legal” sub-genre, these tales are usually penned by actual doctors due to the demands of the information presented.

Missing Person Mystery: Someone’s gone missing! However, you can find one of these in most all the other sub-genres. Finding the missing person should be the focus of the storyline.
Island of the Mad by Laurie R. King 6/17

Noir: While much PI is Noir, Noir also covers stories from the other side of the fence. Noir is a mood: gritty, bleak, and unforgiving. The usual brutality is about as far from Cozy as you can get.

Paranormal Mystery: Paranormal books involve unusual experiences that lack a scientific explanation. Some popular subjects in paranormal books are supernatural creatures, ESP, clairvoyance, ghosts, UFOs, telepathy, and psychics.
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs 8/28

Police Procedural: The police procedural emphasizes factual police operations. Law enforcement is a team effort where department politics often plays a large role. If you plan to write one of these, you need to spend time with police officers and research the tiny details which will make your story ring true. While the FBI, CIA, or other governmental agencies may make an appearance in these books and stir up the politics, they are not the main foci.

Private Eye: The PI is as much an American icon as the Western gunslinger. From the hardboiled PIs of the 30s and 40s to the politically correct investigators of today, this sub-genre is known for protagonists with a strong code of honor. They can be found all over the globe.
The Murderer is a Fox by Ellery Queen 9/17

Professional Sleuth: The professional sleuth is an amateur sleuth in a professional setting, preferably a setting which is unique and intriguing. Not only is inside information used, but solving the crime returns order to a cloistered environment.
The Falcon at the Portal by Elizabeth Peters 7/22

Proprietor Mysteries: Small business owners in mysteries are plentiful. Whether they run bookshops, bed & breakfast inns, coffeehouses, pie shoppes, or beauty shops, etc., they still like to solve a good mystery when it happens in or near their home turf.
A Wee Murder in My Shop by Fran Stewart 9/13

Romantic Suspense: Add a hefty dose of romance to a suspense and produce a romantic suspense novel. Not only does justice prevail, but love conquers all.
Secret Agent, Secret Father by Donna Young 9/8

Rooting for the Bad Guy: Not you average heroes, still you find you can’t help yourself in cheering for them.
The Burglar in the Rye by Lawrence Block 1/29

Sci-Fi: While the Sci-Fi/Sci-Fy category is a broad genre of fiction that often involves speculations based on current or future science or technology.
Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb 2/5

Scotland Yard: The epitome of the investigator needed to solve a mystery, Britian’s Chief Inspectors working for Scotland Yard are in a class by themselves.
The Unfinished Clue by Georgette Heyer 2/7

Thriller: Thrillers are characterized by fast pacing, frequent action, and resourceful heroes who must thwart the plans of more-powerful and better-equipped villains. This ride will be a bumpy one! In other words, don’t just think “spy,” as James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans falls into this sub-genre. To quote David Morrell, “As long as you have that breathlessness and sense of excitement, then they're in.”
Mrs. Pollifax and the Whirling Dervish by Dorothy Gilman 7/8

Technothriller: Technothrillers are a hybrid genre, drawing subject matter generally from science fiction, thrillers, spy, action, and war. The inner workings of technology and the mechanics of various disciplines (espionage, martial arts, politics) are thoroughly explored, and the plot often turns on the particulars of that exploration.

I'm done. I found more than I expected to!

Never Have I Ever...
Duration: 7/1/17 - 6/30/18
Level: Hot Shot (25+)
Progress: 48/25

1. … injured myself while trying to impress a girl or boy I was interested in.
❒ No - Read a book with an aloof character
Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold 7/11
The Count is aloof.

2. … had to run to save my life.
❒ No - Read a book where there are people walking on the cover
by Georgette Heyer 7/3

3.… taken food out of a trash can and eaten it.
❒ Yes - Read a book with a food in the title
The Cat Who Said Cheese by Lilian Jackson Braun
2/23

4. … cried / flirted my way out of a speeding ticket.
❒ No - Read a book with a car on the cover
by Agatha Christie 1/19

5. … taken part in a talent show.
❒ No - Read a book where the characters attend a circus, the theater, etc.
The Falcon at the Portal by Elizabeth Peters 7/22

6. … made money by performing on the street.
❒ No - Read a book with money on the cover

7. … broken something at a friend’s house and then not told them.
❒ No - Read a book with a strong group of friends
Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn 7/15

8. … snooped through a friend’s bathroom or bedroom without them knowing.
❒ Yes - Read a book that is MPG Crime
Heavenly Pleasures by Kerry Greenwood 7/13

9. … ruined someone else’s vacation.
❒ No - Read a book with a "vacation spot" like cover
by Mary Stewart 7/20

10. … walked for more than six hours.
❒ Yes - Read a book with tennis shoes on the cover
by Margaret Webb 9/24

11. … jumped from a roof.
❒ No - Read a book with a roof on the cover
by Missy Tippens 3/11

12. … shoplifted.
❒ No - Read a book tagged at least 10 times as Crime
Children of the Storm by Elizabeth Peters 7/28

13. … set my or someone else’s hair on fire.
❒ No - Read a book with a MC with red hair
Mountain Magic by Ivy Preston 7/6

14. … ridden an animal.
❒ Yes - Read a book with that animal type (horse/elephant/camel/pig) on the cover.
by P.G. Wodehouse 10/5
Horses.

15. … had a bad fall because I was walking and texting.
❒ No - Read a book where the characters exchange letters, email, text, etc
Right Ho, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse 7/7
They exchange telegrams.

16. … been arrested.
❒ No - Read a book with a "goody two-shoes" character
The Adventures of Sally by P.G. Wodehouse 8/6
I thought Sally was too good to be true.

17. … pressured someone into getting a tattoo or piercing.
❒ No - Read a book with tattoos on the cover
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs 8/28

18. … gone surfing.
❒ No - Read a book with Gone in the title.

19. … walked out of a movie because it was bad.
❒ Yes - Read a book that was made into a movie
The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde 7/2

20. … broken a bone.
❒ No - Read a book with Bone(s) in the title

21. … tried to cut my own hair.
❒ Yes - Read a book with a hairdresser character
Secrets in Death by J.D. Robb 9/11

22. … completely forgot my lines in a play.
❒ No - Read a book where the MC is in the arts (theater, singer, writer)
The Grub-and-Stakers Spin a Yarn by Alisa Craig 7/27

23. … shot a gun.
❒ Yes - Read a book with any other type weapon on the cover
by Agatha Christie 9/8
Knife on cover.

24. … had a surprise party thrown for me.
❒ Yes - Read a book with party decorations on the cover
by J.D. Robb 2/12

25. … cheated on a test.
❒ No - Read a book with Test in the title

26. … dined and dashed.
❒ No - Read a book with a chef character
Tailing a Tabby by Laurie Cass 7/8

27. … gotten stitches.
❒ Yes - Read a book partially set in a hospital
A Wee Murder in My Shop by Fran Stewart 9/13

28. … fallen in love at first sight.
❒ No - Read a book with "First" in the title
First Truth by Dawn Cook 3/11

29. … had a paranormal experience.
❒ No - Read a book that is MPG Paranormal
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs 8/28

30.… woken up and couldn’t move.
❒ No - Read a book where the main character has lost one of their senses.
Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas 1/15
Hearing.

31. … accidentally said “I love you” to someone.
❒ No - Read a book with You in the title

32. … hitchhiked.
❒ No - Read a book tagged at least 10 times as Travel

33.… been trapped in an elevator.
❒ No - Read a book with Trap in the title

34. … sung karaoke in front of people.
❒ No - Read a book with a musical instrument on the cover
by Jennifer Fallon 3/22

35. … been on TV or the radio.
❒ Yes - Read a book with a character who Is famous
Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold 7/10
Arol Vorkosigan is famous throughout the solar system.

36. … pressed send and then immediately regretted it.
❒ Yes - Read a book with a envelope on the cover
by Lawrence Block 1/29

37. … been so sun burnt I couldn’t wear a shirt.
❒ No - Read a book with the Sun on the cover
by Mia Ross 4/2

38. … had a crush on a friend’s parent.
❒ No - Read a book with hearts on the cover
by Bethany Turner 4/10

39. … been awake for two days straight.
❒ Yes - Read a book with Sleep in the title

40. … thrown up on a roller coaster.
❒ No - Read a book with Roll in the title

41. … snuck into a movie.
❒ No - Read a book that was made into a movie or TV show
My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse 7/19

42. … accidentally sent someone to the hospital.
❒ No - Read a book with a first responder character
A Heart to Heal by Allie Pleiter 7/7

43. … dyed my hair a crazy color.
❒ No - Read a book with a color in the title
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery 7/21

44. … had a physical fight with my best friend.
❒ No - Read a book with a character who is a fighter
While Still We Live by Helen MacInnes 4/2
Guerilla soldiers are definitely fighters.

45. … had someone slap me across the face.
❒ No - Read a book with a single face as the focus of the cover
by Anne Hart 9/17

46. … worked with someone I hated with the burning passion of a thousand suns.
❒ No - Read a book with an extremely happy character
High Rising by Angela Thirkell 8/21
Nothing gets Tony down.

47. … danced in an elevator.
❒ No - Read a book where the characters attend a dance
Miss Ruffles Inherits Everything: A Mystery by Nancy Martin 7/20

48. … cried in public because of a song.
❒ Yes - Read a book with Cry in the title
Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs 2/4

49. … chipped a tooth.
❒ No - Read a book with a dentist character
One, Two, Buckle My Shoe by Agatha Christie 1/13

50. … gone hunting.
❒ Yes - Read a book with wild animals on the cover
by Donna Andrews 12/18

51. … had a tree house.
❒ No - Read a book with a landscape on the cover with no visible trees
by Christopher McDougall 10/18

52. … thrown something into a TV or computer screen.
❒ No - Read a book with an electronic device on the cover
Explosive Alliance by Susan Sleeman 3/11

53. … been to a country in Asia.
❒ Yes - Read a book tagged at least 10 times as Asia

54. … been screamed at by a customer at my job.
❒ Yes - Read a book with a character who has your dream profession
Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers 8/23
Novelist.

55. … spent a night in the woods with no shelter.
❒ Yes - Read a book with a tent on the cover

56. … read a whole novel in one day.
❒ Yes - Read a book with a bibliophile character
Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers 8/11
Lord Peter is a collector of old books.

57. … gone vegan.
❒ No - Read a book with Green in the title
The Girl with Green Eyes by Betty Neels 8/14

58. … lied about a family member dying as an excuse to get out of doing something.
❒ No - Read a book about a tight knit family
He Shall Thunder in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters 7/24

59. … been to a country in Africa.
❒ No - Read a book MPG Travel

60. … seen an alligator or crocodile in the wild.
❒ Yes - Read a book with a boat or other sailing vessel on the cover
by Virginia Smith 11/17