JennH’s Comments (group member since Nov 17, 2023)

JennH’s comments from the 2025 Reading Challenge group.

Update to message #8

Progress: 3/3

Challenge completed!

Update to message #14

24/24

Challenge completed!

Ooh, I haven't done an A-Z Title Challenge in years!

I'm going for 26.

A-Z CHALLENGE
Duration: January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024

25/26

A - Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King 5/17/24
B - The Burial Hour by Jeffery Deaver 1/28/24
C - Cake and Punishment by Maymee Bell 2/5/24
D - The Dupin Stories by Edgar Allan Poe 2/25/24
E - Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson 2/24/24
F - Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano 1/16/24
G - The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer by Krista Davis 4/4/24
H - Hickory Dickory Dock by Agatha Christie 1/27/24
I - Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell 2/23/24
J - Jade War by Fonda Lee 1/23/24
K - Killer Kung Pao by Vivien Chien 2/26/24
L - The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking 2/13/24
M - Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian 1/10/24
N - NYPD Red 4 by James Patterson 1/10/24
O - One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle 2/6/24
P - People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry 1/8/24
Q- The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black 11/25/24
R - The Rose Society by Marie Lu 1/21/24
S - Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay 1/5/24
T - Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns 3/2/24
U - Unnecessary Drama by Nina Kenwood 2/13/24
V - The Vampire Knitting Club by Nancy Warren 12/17/24
W - The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories by Agatha Christie 1/4/24
X - XOXO by Axie Oh 11/16/24
Y - The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin 2/10/24
Z

I'd like to join in for 60 books.

SERIAL READER CHALLENGE
Duration: January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024

97/60

I will start 6 series this year. (# 6 books) 6/6
✔The Searcher by Tana French 12/6/24
✔Death Is Like a Box of Chocolates by Kathy Aarons 7/11/24
✔Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes by Karen Rose Smith 2/16/24
✔Murder on the Rocks by Allyson K. Abbott 2/21/24
✔Kernel of Truth by Kristi Abbott 6/23/24
✔Cake and Punishment by Maymee Bell 2/5/24

I will finish 6 series I have started before this year. (# 14 books) 9/14
Incarnations of Immortality by Piers Anthony 1/6
- 1 Bearing an Hourglass by Piers Anthony 10/7/24
✔The Folk of the Air by Holly Black 2/2
- 1 The Wicked King by Holly Black 10/15/24
- 2 The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black 11/25/24
✔Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo 1/1
- Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo 3/31/24
✔The Young Elites by Marie Lu 2/2
- 1 The Rose Society by Marie Lu 1/21/24
- 2 The Midnight Star by Marie Lu 4/25/24
✔The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee 2/2
- 1 Jade War by Fonda Lee 1/23/24
- 2 Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee 3/11/24
✔Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan 1/1
- Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan 7/7/24

I will read 2 series from start to finish this year. (# 5 books) 2/5
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo 2/2
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo 5/30/24
- Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo 7/31/24
Renegades by Marissa Meyer 0/3

I will read 13 series books that are part of a series. (# 35 books) 36/35
Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbo 1/2
- The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbø 4/9/24
Alex Cross series by James Patterson 2/3
- Fear No Evil by James Patterson 3/16/24
- Triple Cross by James Patterson 10/12/24
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon 0/1
Meg Langslow Mystery series by Donna Andrews 2/3
- 1 Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews 2/10/24
- 2 Terns of Endearment by Donna Andrews 3/7/24
Her Royal Spyness Mysteries series by Rhy Bowen 2/3
- 1 Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen 4/16/24
- 2 Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen 9/20/24
Noodle Shop Mystery series by Vivien Chien 1/2
- 1 Killer Kung Pao by Vivien Chien 2/26/24
✔Women’s Murder Club series by James Patterson 7/4
- 1 14th Deadly Sin by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 2/18/24
- 2 15th Affair by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 3/3/24
- 3 16th Seduction by James Patterson 7/28/24
- 4 The 17th Shooter by James Patterson 8/5/24
- 5 The 18th Abduction by James Patterson 8/8/24
- 6 The 19th Christmas by James Patterson 9/19/24
- 7 The 20th Victim by James Patterson 10/19/24
✔Xanth series by Piers Anthony 3/3
- 1 Esrever Doom by Piers Anthony 3/24/24
- 2 Castle Roogna by Piers Anthony 8/3/24
- 3 Board Stiff by Piers Anthony 12/8/24
✔Seaside Cafe Mystery series by Bree Baker 2/2
- 1 A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker 6/14/24
- 2 Closely Harbored Secrets by Bree Baker 10/6/24
✔NYPD Red series by James Patterson & Marshall Karp 3/1
- 1 NYPD Red 4 by James Patterson 1/10/24
- 2 Red Alert by James Patterson 5/18/24
- 3 NYPD Red 6 by James Patterson 7/19/24
✔Kebab Kitchen Mystery series by Tina Kashian 1/1
Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian 1/10/24
✔Lincoln Rhyme series by Jeffery Deaver 1/1
The Burial Hour by Jeffery Deaver 1/28/24
✔Hercule Poirot by Agatha Christie 8/6
- 1 The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories by Agatha Christie 1/10/24 (Hercule Poirot #28)
- 2 Hickory Dickory Dock by Agatha Christie 1/27/24 (Hercule Poirot #34)
- 3 Dead Man's Folly by Agatha Christie 3/1/24 (Hercule Poirot #35)
- 4 Mrs. McGinty's Dead by Agatha Christie 3/21/24 (Hercule Poirot #32)
- 5 Three Blind Mice and Other Stories by Agatha Christie 3/31/24 (Hercule Poirot #30)
- 6 Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie 6/17/24 (Hercule Poirot #36)
- 7 Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie 10/22/24 (Hercule Poirot #10)
- 8 Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie 11/3/24 (Hercule Poirot #18)
✔Coffeehouse Mystery by Cleo Coyle 1/1
Bulletproof Barista by Cleo Coyle 3/11/24
✔Cupcake Bakery Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay 2/1
- 1 Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay 1/5/24
- 2 Fondant Fumble by Jenn McKinlay 8/27/24

Other Series that I have continued: 32
Postcards from the Dead by Laura Childs 2/14/24
Sugar Coated Sins by Jessica Beck 2/15/24
Pink Lemonade Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke 2/17/24
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling 2/18/24
Stowed Away by Barbara Ross 2/23/24
The One by Kiera Cass 3/27/24
Without a Brew by Ellie Alexander 4/3/24
The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer by Krista Davis 4/4/24
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins 4/11/24
Criminal Destiny by Gordon Korman 5/4/24
Fatal First Edition by Jenn McKinlay 5/9/24
The Last Council by Kazu Kibuishi 5/9/24
Three Keys by Kelly Yang 5/27/24
Prince of the Elves by Kazu Kibuishi 5/30/24
Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo 6/29/24
A Deadly Feast by Lucy Burdette 6/30/24
Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich 8/10/24
The Stranger in the Library by Eva Gates 8/11/24
A Smoking Bun by Ellie Alexander 8/11/24
The Diva Goes Overboard by Krista Davis 9/3/24
Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells 9/15/24
Honey Drop Dead by Laura Childs 9/15/24
Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi 9/18/24
So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish by Douglas Adams 9/18/24
Murder in the Tea Leaves by Laura Childs 9/22/24
Death in D Minor by Alexia Gordon 10/8/24
C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton 10/12/24
Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo & Dani Pendergast 10/23/24
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling 11/4/24
Murder and Mamon by Mia P. Manansala 11/4/24
Board Stiff by Piers Anthony 12/8/24
The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie 12/11/24

Other Series that I have started: 12
Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns 3/2/24
Body and Soul Food by Abby Collette 3/18/24
Lightseekers by Femi Kayode 3/23/24
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark 4/10/24
Thornwood by Leah Cypess 4/13/24
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum 7/27/24
Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries by Tonya Kappes 8/10/24
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire 9/16/24
Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood 9/21/24
Sugar and Spice by Sarah Mlynowski 9/22/24
Germania by Harald Gilbers 9/30/24
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown 11/3/24

My total number of books is 60.

Oh, I love this! I love board games! I'd like to sign up for all 40.

BIBLIOPOLY

58/58

Purple Properties:
🟪 2. Purple: Read a book with a wheelbarrow, garden tool or plant on the cover or in the title.
Unnecessary Drama by Nina Kenwood 2/13/24

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary 2/13/24

🟪 4. Purple: Read a translated book originally written in a language other than your native tongue.
The Thief by Fuminori Nakamura 2/1/24
The Emissary by Yōko Tawada 2/29/24
The Black Book by Orhan Pamuk
House 1: The Thief 4/23/24
House 2: Unnecessary Drama
House 3: The Flatshare
House 4: The Emissary
Hotel: The Black Book

Blue Properties:
🟦 7. Blue: Read a book with any type of hat or head wear on the cover or in the title.
Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews 2/10/24

🟦 9. Blue: Read a book with an author or character whose sexual orientation is different from your own.
Heartstopper: Volume Five by Alice Oseman 3/3/24
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong 3/14/24
🟦 10. Blue: Read a book with any shade of blue on the cover or in the title.
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle 2/6/24

Bulletproof Barista by Cleo Coyle 3/11/24

House 1: Murder Most Fowl
House 2: One Italian Summer
House 3: Heartstopper: Volume Five
House 4: Bulletproof Barista by
Hotel: On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

Pink Properties
🌸 12. Pink: Read a book with any type of dog on the cover or in the title.
The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin 2/10/24

🌸 14. Pink: Read a book with an author or character whose nationality or birth country is different from your own.
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking 2/13/24
Lightseekers by Femi Kayode 3/23/24
🌸 15. Pink: Read a book with any shade of pink on the cover or in the title.
Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet by Crystal S. Chan 1/22/24

Pink Lemonade Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke 2/17/24

House 1: Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet
House 2: The Year of the Dog
House 3: The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well
House 4: Pink Lemonade Cake Murder
Hotel: Lightseekers

Orange Properties:
🟠 17. Orange: Read a book with a ship or boat on the cover, or involving water travel.
Stowed Away by Barbara Ross 2/23/24

Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee
🟠 19. Orange: Read a book with an author or character whose religious or spiritual beliefs are different from your own.
Terns of Endearment by Donna Andrews
🟠 20. Orange: Read a book with any shade of orange on the cover or in the title.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang 2/14/24

Rebound by Kwame Alexander 3/3/24

House 1: Front Desk
House 2: Stowed Away
House 3: Terns of Endearment
House 4: Rebound
Hotel: Luck of the Titanic

Red Properties:
🟥 22. Red: Read a book with a car, truck or bus on the cover, or involving a road trip.
The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren 2/12/24
🟥 24. Red: Read a book with an author or character whose race or ethnicity is different from your own.
The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories by Agatha Christie 1/4/24
🟥 25. Red: Read a book with any shade of red on the cover or in the title.
NYPD Red 4 by James Patterson 1/10/24

Wrapped Up in You by Talia Hibbert 2/13/24

To Ruin a Gentleman by Shana Galen 2/18/24

House 1: The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories
House 2: NYPD Red 4
House 3: The Honey-Don't List
House 4: Wrapped Up in You
Hotel: To Ruin a Gentleman

Yellow Properties:
🟨 27. Yellow: Read a book with a boot or shoe on the cover, or involving foot travel.
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker 2/17/24

🟨 28. Yellow: Read a book with an author or character who has a physical disability or impairment, an emotional or mental disorder, or a neurodivergent condition.
Murder on the Rocks by Allyson K. Abbott 2/21/24
🟨 30. Yellow: Read a book with any shade of yellow on the cover or in the title.
The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng 2/11/24
Body and Soul Food by Abby Collette 3/18/24


House 1: The Burial Hour
House 2: The Year of the Book
House 3: Mooncakes
House 4: Murder on the Rocks
Hotel: Body and Soul Food

Green Properties:
🟩 32. Green: Read a book with a thimble, sewing or craft implement on the cover or in the title.
Postcards from the Dead by Laura Childs 2/14/24

🟩 33. Green: Read a book with an author or character whose gender is different from your own.
14th Deadly Sin by James Patterson 2/18/24
Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey 2/18/24
Fear No Evil by James Patterson 3/16/24
🟩 35. Green: Read a book with any shade of green on the cover or in the title.
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano 1/16/24

House 1: Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
House 2: Postcards from the Dead
House 3: 14th Deadly Sin
House 4: Wife of the Gods
Hotel: Fear No Evil

Dark Blue Properties:
🧿 38. Dark Blue: Read a book with any type of cat on the cover or in the title.
Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian 1/10/24

Cake and Punishment by Maymee Bell 2/5/24

🧿 40. Dark Blue: Read a book that won an award. (Which one?)
Network Effect by Martha Wells 2/9/24 - Hugo Award for Best Novel(2021) Nebula Award for Best Novel (2020)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling 2/18/24 - Hugo Award for Best Novel (2001)
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark 4/10/24 - Nebula Award for Best Novel (2021)
House 1: Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder
House 2: Network Effect
House 3: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
House 4: Cake and Punishment
Hotel: A Master of Djinn

Community Chest & Chance:
🎁 3. Community Chest: Participate in one of our Group Reads. (Which month and book?)
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones 9/8/24 - September
❓ 8. Chance: Read a book from your TBR shelf within the ten highest or lowest number of ratings.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley 6/23/24
🎁 18. Community Chest: Participate in one of our Readathons. (Which readathon? List one book you read for it.)
2024 Black/Women’s History Months: Individual Readathon
15th Affair by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 3/3/24
❓ 23. Chance: Read a book from your TBR shelf among the ten oldest or newest additions.
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 11/13/24
🎁 34. Community Chest: Participate in one of our Buddy Reads or TBR Twins. (Which activity? What book did you and your twin/buddies read?)
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo 5/30/24 - May
❓ 37. Chance: Read a book from your TBR shelf within the ten highest or lowest average star rating.
Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee 3/11/24 - 4.65 stars

Utilities:
💡 13. Electric Company: Read a book with a light source on the cover.
Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay 1/5/24

🚿 29. Water Works: Read a book with any form of water on the cover.
The Rose Society by Marie Lu 1/21/24


Railroads:
🚂 6. Reading Railroad: Read a book from a celebrity book club list, such as Oprah, Reese Witherspoon, etc.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell 1/15/24
🚂 16. Pennsylvania Railroad: Read a book published under an author’s pen name.
Sugar Coated Sins by Jessica Beck 2/15/24
🚂 26. B&O Railroad: Read a book with an author or title beginning with B or O. (Author’s first or last name; title’s first main word. Omit the, and, of, etc.)
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell 2/23/24
🚂 36. Shortline Railroad: Read a book under 200 pages long.
Hickory Dickory Dock by Agatha Christie 1/27/24 - 196 pages

Misc. Squares:
🗺️ 1. Go: Read a book set on two or more continents.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry 1/8/24
💲 5. Tax: Read a book with money on the cover or in the title.
$10,000,000 Marriage Proposal by Hilary Liftin 10/23/24
🔒 11. In Jail: Read a banned or challenged book.
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson 3/25/24
🚘 21. Free Parking: Read a book of your choice. Anything goes!
Who Is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews 2/4/24
👮‍♂️ 31. Go to Jail: Read a crime fiction or true crime book.
113 Minutes by James Patterson 2/15/24
💍 39. Luxury Tax: Read a book with a gemstone or precious metal on the cover or in the title.
Jade War by Fonda Lee 1/23/24

I would like to go for all 22.

IT’S IN THE CARDS
Duration: January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024

22/22

The Fool: new beginnings, innocence, free spirit
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell 1/15/24

The Magician: willpower, desire, creation, manifestation
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo 3/31/24

The High Priestess: intuitive, unconscious, inner voice
Board Stiff by Piers Anthony 12/8/24

The Empress: motherhood, fertility, nature
The Color Purple by Alice Walker 8/2/24

The Emperor: authority, structure, control, fatherhood
Jade War by Fonda Lee 1/23/24

The Hierophant: tradition, conformity, morality, ethics
Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey 2/18/24

The Lovers: partnerships, duality, union
Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian 1/10/24

The Chariot: direction, control, willpower
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark 4/10/24

Strength: inner strength, bravery, compassion, focus
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell 2/23/24

The Hermit: contemplation, search for truth, inner guidance
Castle Roogna by Piers Anthony 8/3/24

The Wheel of Fortune: change, cycles, inevitable fate
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin 5/4/24

Justice: cause and effect, clarity, truth
Lightseekers by Femi Kayode 3/23/24

The Hanged Man: sacrifice, release, martyrdom
Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee 7/19/24

Death: end of cycle, beginnings, change, metamorphosis
Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay 1/5/24

Temperance: middle path, patience, finding meaning
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry 1/8/24

The Devil: addiction, materialism, playfulness
NYPD Red 4 by James Patterson 1/10/24

The Tower: sudden upheaval, broken pride, disaster
The Rose Society by Marie Lu 1/21/24

The Star: hope, faith, rejuvenation
Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi 9/18/24

The Moon: unconscious, illusions, intuition
Esrever Doom by Piers Anthony 3/24/24

The Sun: joy, success, celebration, positivity
The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin 2/10/24

Judgement: reflection, reckoning, awakening
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong 3/14/24

The World: fulfillment, harmony, completion
Siren Queen by Nghi Vo 8/9/24

GENRE BINGO CHALLENGE
Duration: January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024

I will try for all 25.

25/25

- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -

1 Regency Romance - To Ruin a Gentleman by Shana Galen 2/18/24
2 Anime - Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet by Crystal S. Chan 1/22/24
3 Post-Apocalyptic - The End We Start From by Megan Hunter 11/28/24
4 Historical Fiction - The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn 5/17/24
5 Space Opera - Network Effect by Martha Wells 2/9/24
6 Graphic Novel - The Lost Hero: The Graphic Novel by Robert Venditti 2/19/24
7 Science Fiction - Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells 9/15/24
8 Humor - Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews 2/9/24
9 Steampunk - A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark 4/10/24
10 Psychological Thriller - I Know Who You Are by Alice Feeney 10/27/24
11 Young Adult - The Rose Society by Marie Lu 1/21/24
12 Chick Lit - The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary 2/13/24
13 Free Space - Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian 1/10/24
14 Epic Adventure - The White Darkness by David Grann 10/22/24
15 Horror - Hannibal by Thomas Harris 12/28/24
16 Police Procedural - NYPD Red 4 by James Patterson 1/10/24
17 Paranormal - Bait and Witch by Angela M. Sanders 10/16/24
18 Magical Realism - One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle 2/6/24
19 Cozy Mystery - Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay 1/5/24
20 Dystopian - The Emissary by Yōko Tawada 2/29/24
21 Fantasy - Jade War by Fonda Lee 1/23/24
22 Science Non-Fiction - How To Be A Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals by Sy Montgomery 11/27/24
23 Biography/Memoir - Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston 10/9/24
24 Cyberpunk - Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Cory Doctorow 11/29/24
25 Middle Grade Fantasy - Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin 5/4/24

Wow, I love this!

I aim to do all 42 cases + the 8 bonus cases.

41/50

Who 7/7, What 7/7, When 7/7, Where 6/7, How 7/7, Why 7/7, Bonus 0/8

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR
Duration: January 1 - December 31, 2024

Our Unsolved Cases

Who: 7/7
Solve cases featuring a main character (sleuth, perp, victim, or suspect) in one of the below fields.
1. Military (active, veteran, or reserve duty)
The 18th Abduction by James Patterson 8/8/24 - military
2. Plants (landscaper, florist, arborist, etc.)
Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie 6/17/24
3. First response (EMT, firefighter, deputy, etc.)
A Smoking Bun by Ellie Alexander 8/11/24 - First aid team
4. Security (cybersecurity, night watchmen, bodyguard, etc.)
Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells 9/15/24
5. Travel (train driver, pilot, cruise staff, etc.)
Terns of Endearment by Donna Andrews 3/7/24 - cruise staff
6. Animal Care (zoo, veterinarian, rescue, etc.)
Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns 3/2/24 - veterinarian
7. Building (carpenter, contractor, electrician, etc.)
The Cutting Edge by Jeffery Deaver 10/30/24

What: 7/7
What makes your case distinctive?
1. An orange cover
Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews 2/10/24

2. A tree on the cover
A Deadly Feast by Lucy Burdette 6/30/24

3. A flower on the cover
The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer by Krista Davis 4/4/24

4. A number in the title
NYPD Red 4 by James Patterson 1/10/24
5. A place name in the title (city, state, etc.)
The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder 2/28/24
6. A geographical feature in the title (river, lake, etc.)
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim 1/30/24
7. A season in the title
The Winter Queen by Boris Akunin 12/21/24

When: 7/7
When did the dastardly deed take place or get reported?
1. In spring
A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker 6/14/24
2. In the second half of 20th century
We Trade Our Night for Someone Else's Day by Ivana Bodrožić 9/21/24 - 90s
3. During a trip (business or pleasure)
Who Is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews 2/4/24
4. Between noon and midnight
Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen 9/20/24
5. During a romantic celebration (engagement, wedding, anniversary)
The Guest List by Lucy Foley 6/23/24
6. In the season you were born
Murder Most Fowl by Donna Andrews 2/10/24
7. Published in a Year of the Dragon (2024, 2012, 2000, etc.)
Mrs. McGinty's Dead by Agatha Christie 3/21/24 - published 1952

Where: 6/7
Where did the dastardly deed take place?
1. In a small town or village
Without a Brew by Ellie Alexander 4/3/24
2. On a mountain
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins 7/29/24
3. In a vacation rental (cabin, resort, etc.)
Criminal Crumbs by Jessica Beck 12/28/24
4. On an island
Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson 2/24/24
5. On a train or plane
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie 10/22/24
6. Near the equator
Lightseekers by Femi Kayode 3/23/24 - Port Harcourt, Nigeria
7. Above the Arctic Circle

How: 7/7
For this category, each means of murder must be distinctly different.
For example, pistols and rifles are both firearms; knives and daggers are too similar.
1. Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay 1/5/24 - sedative and guitar (to beat over the head)
2. Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian 1/10/24 - drowning
3. Cake and Punishment by Maymee Bell 2/5/24 - skillet
4. Fear No Evil by James Patterson 3/16/24 - pistol
5. Murder on the Rocks by Allyson K. Abbott 2/21/24 - knife
6. Body and Soul Food by Abby Collette 3/18/24 - cyanide in candy
7. A Deadly Feast by Lucy Burdette 6/29/24 - anaphylactic reaction to seafood

Why: 7/7
What motivated you to choose a particular case?
1. A favorite mystery author or series
The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories by Agatha Christie 1/4/24
2. A favorite mystery subgenre
Pink Lemonade Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke 2/17/24 - culinary mystery
3. Appears in a Goodreads listopia (Which one?)
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins 7/29/24 - Can't Wait Books of 2024
4. Won a literary prize for crime fiction (Which one?)
Germania by Harald Gilbers 9/30/24 - Friedrich-Glauser-Preis Winner
5. A challenged or banned crime book
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie 11/3/24
6. A cold case (among your TBRs for over a year)
Hickory Dickory Dock by Agatha Christie 1/27/24 - since 7/7/21
7. Average Goodreads rating of 4 stars or above
Bulletproof Barista by Cleo Coyle 3/11/24 - 4.05 stars

Bonus Cases: 0/8
Would you like to track down fugitives around the globe? To earn the rank of Interpol Fugitive Investigation Specialist, first complete all 42 standard cases above, then solve a crime committed in each of the eight inhabited regions of the world.
1. Africa
2. Asia
3. Europe
4. Oceania
5. Caribbean
6. North America
7. Central America
8. South America

What a fun and creative challenge! I'd like to start off with 15 and still have to decide on my trunk.

20/15--->> 32/32

Trunk: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Branch 1: (Author) The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories by Agatha Christie 1/4/24
Leaf 1: Hickory Dickory Dock by Agatha Christie 1/27/24
Leaf 2: Dead Man's Folly by Agatha Christie 3/1/24
Leaf 3: Mrs. McGinty's Dead by Agatha Christie 3/21/24
Branch 2: (Series) Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay 1/5/24
Leaf 1: NYPD Red 4 by James Patterson 1/10/24
Leaf 2: Mistletoe, Moussaka, and Murder by Tina Kashian 1/10/24
Leaf 3: Cake and Punishment by Maymee Bell 2/5/24
Branch 3: (Genre - Mystery) Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano 1/16/24
Leaf 1: The Burial Hour by Jeffery Deaver 1/28/24
Leaf 2: Happiness Falls by Angie Kim 1/30/24
Leaf 3: Fear No Evil by James Patterson 3/16/24
Branch 4: (Setting - Transportation) Terns of Endearment by Donna Andrews 3/7/24
Leaf 1: Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee 7/19/24
Leaf 2: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad 9/20/24
Leaf 3: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie 11/3/24
Branch 5: (Book to Screen) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling 2/18/24
Leaf 1: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin 3/14/24
Leaf 2: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins 4/11/24
Leaf 3: Erasure by Percival Everett 8/1/24
Branch 6: (Closed Circle Mystery) Fatal First Edition by Jenn McKinlay 5/9/24
Leaf 1: Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire 9/16/24
Leaf 2: Royal Blood by Rhys Bowen 9/20/24
Leaf 3: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 11/13/24
Branch 7: (Plot Twist) Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson 2/24/24
Leaf 1: The Searcher by Tana French 12/6/24
Leaf 2: Death Notice by Zhou Haohui 12/23/24
Leaf 3: Criminal Crumbs by Jessica Beck 12/28/24
Branch 8: (Inspired by Real Life) Bulletproof Barista by Cleo Coyle 3/11/24
Leaf 1: The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn 5/17/24
Leaf 2: Odder by Katherine Applegate 5/26/24
Leaf 3: We Trade Our Night for Someone Else's Day by Ivana Bodrožić 9/21/24

I'm going for 3.

3/3

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU
Duration: December 1 - December 31, 2023

✴️ Your world is a reflection of you.
Read books you feel identified with.
Witches of Brooklyn: S'More Magic by Sophie Escabasse 12/3/23

✴️ Unlearn what you have learned.
Read books that make you see life in a different way.

✴️ Your path you must decide.
Read books set in places you’ve never been.
A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen 12/5/23

✴️ Truly wonderful the mind of a child is.
Read or re-read books written for a children to young adult audience.
Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol 12/1/23

✴️ Win, we shall together.
Join this month's Group Read (Brief Answers to the Big Questions) or a Buddy Read (you need not sign up in advance).

ADVENT CALENDAR CHALLENGE
Duration: December 1 - December 31, 2023

I'm going with Option A.

24/24

A) Starting on Dec. 1 and ending on Dec. 24, read a short story (or poem or essay) every day. Use stories or poems from collections, magazines, or the internet - there's lot of good short fiction available for free from many publishers.

12/1 - Slot Machine Fever Dreams by Chris Bohjalian
12/2 - Sixty-One Seconds by Jeffery Deaver
12/3 - The Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman
12/4 - Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory by Martha Wells
12/5 - Can You Feel This? by Julie Orringer
12/6 - The Case of the Missing Lady by Agatha Christie
12/7 - The House at Shiraz: A Parker Pyne Short Story by Agatha Christie
12/8 - The Adventure of the Sinister Stranger: A Short Story by Agatha Christie
12/9 - The Manhood of Edward Robinson: Mysteries by Agatha Christie
12/10 - The Affair of the Pink Pearl: A Short Story by Agatha Christie
12/11 - The Affair of the Pink Pearl: A Short Story by Agatha Christie
12/12 - The Case of the Discontented Soldier - a Parker Pyne Short Story by Agatha Christie
12/13 - The Love Detectives: A Short Story by Agatha Christie
12/14 - Zenith Man by Jennifer Haigh
12/15 - The Coming of Mr. Quin - a Harley Quin Short Story by Agatha Christie
12/16 - Just a Girl by Alyssa Cole
12/17 - A Perfect Plan by Jeffery Deaver
12/18 - The Red Signal by Agatha Christie
12/19 - Shell Game by Rumaan Alam
12/20 - Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn
12/21 - Uncharted Waters by Sally Hepworth
12/22 - Stockholm by Catherine Steadman
12/23 - The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
12/24 - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas: or Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore

I'd like to try for 5.

7/5

LET IT BE
Duration: December 1 – December 31, 2023

1. Let It Be Read a book where the protagonist accepts a change in their life OR read a book with a three-word title.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black 12/5/23

2. The Beatles Read a book featuring a band OR read a book with a two-word title.

3. Release date – 1970 Read a book published in 1970 OR read a book with a disco ball or bell bottoms on the cover.

4. Let it be, Let it be, Let it be, Let it be, Yeah, there will be an answer, Let it be, Let it be, Let it be, Let it be, Let it be, Whisper words of wisdom, Let it be Read a mystery OR read a book with 'whisper' or 'wisdom' (or synonyms) in the title
12th of Never by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 12/3/23

5. When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, Speaking words of wisdom, Let it be Read a book where the protagonist is in trouble OR read a book by a woman author.
Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol 12/1/23

6. And in my hour of darkness, She is standing right in front of me, Speaking words of wisdom, Let it be Read a book with a dark cover OR read a book with a woman on the cover.
A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen 12/5/23

7. And when the broken hearted, People living in the world agree, There will be an answer, Let it be Read a romance OR read a book where a problem is resolved in an agreeable way.
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren 12/3/23

8. For though they may be parted, There is still a chance that they will see, There will be an answer, Let it be Read a book where a person/people are searching for another person/people OR read a book involving sight.
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler 12/8/23

9. And when the night is cloudy, There is still a light that shines on me, Shine until tomorrow, Let it be Read a book with clouds or a light source on the cover OR read a book set in the future.
The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford 12/27/23

10. I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me, Speaking words of wisdom, Let it be Read a book featuring music OR read a book set in Israel.

Hi! I'm Jenn. I've been part of Goodreads for a number of years but I can't believe I only came across this group today when I was searching for 2024 reading challenges.

While I do read everything, mystery and fantasy do seem to dominate my books of choice.

I am excited and look forward to everything this group has to offer, especially the various challenges and readathons.