30.2 - Jonquil's task: It looked different the last time I was here...

[Kristina Simon]

30.2 - Jonquil’s Task: It looked different the last time I was here...
This is a two book task.

Book 1: Read a book set predominantly (at least 80%) in one community during one season of the year: spring, summer, fall or winter.
Book 2: Read a book set in the same community set during a different season of the year.

The community may be a town e.g. Cabot Cove, Celta; or a city e.g Lisbon, Metropolis; or a rural county e.g. Absaroka County. Communities on other planets, or in different realms, will work if the books describe seasons. The fictional characters, or nonfiction subjects, should physically remain in the community for the majority (80%) of the book. They can take quick trips to run errands or have trysts or interview witnesses or negotiate contracts or capture the bad guy or commune with nature, etc. But it should be your assessment that the story unfolds predominantly in the community.

The book should address events set during one season (it should not "spill over" into a 2nd season). Prologues and epilogues may be ignored.

The books may be from the same series or entirely unrelated to one another. The books may be fiction or nonfiction, any genre, any year, historic, present-day, or futuristic.

Example: New Orleans Winter - Cake on a Hot Tin Roof by Jacklyn Brady
New Orleans Summer - Jazz Funeral by Julie Smith

Required: Explain how the books fit the task when you post.

[Jonquil]

Season reference guide (dates):

Many Christmas season books start around December 1st (June 1st in the southern hemisphere) and USA summer vacation books often start in early June and end around Labor Day.

Your book may fit the task if you use Meteorological Season dates rather than Astronomical Season dates. Use either the Meteorological Season or Astronomical Season list to decide if you've found a winner, then simply list "spring" or "winter", etc. when you post.

An aside: I realize many locals discuss change with terms like mud season or rainy season and some places have little temperature difference, but let's try to work within the options in this message. :) (it's tourist season here in Nashville--just saying)

Northern hemisphere (including USA and most of Europe)
Spring: March 21 to June 20
Summer: June 21 to September 20
Autumn: September 21 to December 20
Winter: December 21 to March 20
OR use
Spring: March 1 to May 31
Summer: June 1 to August 31
Autumn: September 1 to November 30
Winter: December 1 to the end of February

Southern Hemisphere
I've read that Australia prefers Meteorological Season dates --each season is four months, but starts on the first day of on the month rather than the Equinox or Solstice and ends on the last day of the fourth month.
Spring: September 1 to November 30
Summer: December 1 to the end of February
Autumn: March 1 to May 31
Winter: June 1 to August 31
OR use
Spring: September 21 to December 20
Summer: December 21 to March 20
Autumn: March 21 to June 20
Winter: June 21 to September 20

[Jonquil]

Confirmed by recent reader:

Suspect Robert Crais Los Angeles CA Summer
The Promise Robert Crais Los Angeles CA US Winter

Dial Emmy for Murder Eileen Davidson Los Angeles CA Summer

Broken Homes Ben Aaronovitch London, England (United Kingdom) Winter

Sworn to Silence Linda Castillo Painters Mill, Ohio Winter
Pray for Silence Linda Castillo Painters Mill, Ohio US Autumn

Murder, Plainly Read Isabella Alan Rolling Brook, Ohio Autumn
Murder, Served Simply Isabella Alan Rolling Brook, Ohio Winter

Bitter Harvest Sheila Connolly Granford, Massachusetts (United States) Winter

Clammed Up Barbara Ross Busman’s Harbor, Maine Summer

Mona Lisa Eyes M.D. Grayson Seattle, Washington, US Summer

Key West Food Critic
Topped Chef Lucy Burdette Key West, FL US Winter

Blackberry Pie Murder Joanne Fluke Lake Eden, Minnesota Summer

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between location? Summer

Violet Vineyard Murder Mystery
A Vintage To Die For JM Harvey Napa Valley, CA Autumn

Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic Meghan Ciana Doidge Vancouver, British Columbia Spring

Lane's End Jill Paterson Sydney Australia Summer

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache
series #1 Still Life Louise Penny takes place in Autumn
series #2 A Fatal Grace (aka Dead Cold in UK) Louise Penny takes place in Winter
series #3 The Cruellest Month Louise Penny takes place in Spring
series #5 The Brutal Telling Louise Penny takes place end of Summer

[Jonquil]

workspace

[Kristina Simon]

This thread is now open!

[Wanda]

Would these two books be acceptabal?

High Country Fall by Margaret Maron- This takes place in the autumn but I do not know how far it goes into December.

Winter's Child by Margaret Maron- This begins in January one month after the wedding in December (which is the book between these two). If these will work then I can use the book between for another task.

Thanks

[Emily]

Can there be flashbacks? I'm looking at Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between. The synopsis says that the book takes place over 12 hours, but I'm assuming that flashbacks are involved. Would this still fit the definition of the task?

[Christine]

Would this pair of books work? Both books are set in the fictional Green Town, Illinois. According to the synopses, the first book takes place "in the summer of 1928", while the second book takes place in October.

Book #1: Dandelion Wine
Book #2: Something Wicked This Way Comes

[Jonquil]

Wanda wrote: "Would this two books be acceptabal?

High Country Fall by Margaret Maron- This takes place in the autumn but I do not know how far it goes into December.

[book:Winter'..."

Wanda- Series mysteries, especially cozy mysteries, tend to be resolved fairly quickly, so I'd feel comfortable that you're set.

[Jonquil]

Boston Kate wrote: "Can there be flashbacks? I'm looking at Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between. The synopsis says that the book takes place over 12 hours, but I'm assuming that flashbacks are in..."

Kate- It does clearly say everything happens in 12 hours, so as long as the book doesn't happen on the first/last day of the season then dreams, flashbacks, hallucinations, etc, don't change the fact that the protagonists are in that one spot during that one season.
However, if they're in a rapidly-moving vehicle for that twelve hours and leave the community-- then we have problem. Let's hope they stay put. ;)

I couldn't tell where they couple is having this discussion. Just want to be sure that you can find a second book that occurs in the same town.

[Jonquil]

Christine wrote: "Would this pair of books work? Both books are set in the fictional Green Town, Illinois. According to the synopses, the first book takes place "in the summer of 1928", while the second book takes p..."

Looks like you're set, Christine.

[Emily]

Jonquil wrote: "Boston Kate wrote: "Can there be flashbacks? I'm looking at Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between. The synopsis says that the book takes place over 12 hours, but I'm assuming th..."

Hmmm... Good point. It's supposed to be set in Chicago (if I'm not mistaken), so hopefully they don't leave the city. Guess I won't know until I read it...

[Jonquil]

Boston Kate wrote: "Jonquil wrote: "Boston Kate wrote: "Can there be flashbacks? I'm looking at Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between. The synopsis says that the book takes place over 12 hours, but..."

Glad to see it's Chicago, I was typing about location as you were typing this. :)

[Trish]

Like the way you snuck Longmire in there :-)

[Kathy G.]

I wanted these two but the seasons are not
specific exactly--- (to be approved)

Book 1- start of the school year (around Sept) summer/fall
When Calls the Heart

Book 2- Spring (by the title)
When Comes the Spring

Thanks

[Jonquil]

Trish wrote: "Like the way you snuck Longmire in there :-)"

It made me smile too, Trish. I suspect the Longmire books cover too much territory and time to qualify, but I hoped Absaroka would help clarify "community".

[Jonquil]

Kathy G. wrote: "I wanted these two but the seasons are not
specific exactly--- (to be approved)

Book 1- start of the school year (around Sept) summer/fall
When Calls the Heart

Book 2- Spring (by th..."

Kathy- I think of us as detectives as we try to match books with challenges. This match may be problematic.

The season: According to goodreads reviews of Canadian West #2, in Canadian West #1, Janette Oke describes the bride-to-be's first year of teaching. Series authors tend to be predictable. Since Oke covered such a long period of time in the first book of her series I'd guess she does the same thing in the second series book. In the blurb for book three, it says "after surviving a harsh first year in the far north" a reference to the couple's first year of marriage. Oke appears to be writing a new novel for each year of Elizabeth's life.

They look like engaging books, and it's impressive that Oke covers an entire year in less than 300 pages, but I'm afraid both books probably cover more than one season. Sorry :(

[Terri FL]

I think I found a few options and just want to double-check.

The Beginning of Spring - Set in Moscow during the Spring

Paired with either:

Lost in Moscow: A Brat in the USSR set in Moscow during the summer.

Or

Heart of a Dog also set in Moscow, and starts during the winter, and from everything I'm reading, only takes place over the next few weeks, so, still in winter.

Are any of these 3 alright? All Moscow and all different seasons.

[Jonquil]

Terri FL wrote: "I think I found a few options and just want to double-check.

The Beginning of Spring - Set in Moscow during the Spring

Paired with either:

Lost in Moscow: A Brat in the USSR..."



Terri- Nice work on [book:Lost in Moscow: A Brat in the USSR summer camp is certainly self-limiting!

In her review of The Beginning of Spring, sisterimapoet mentions "capturing that cusp at the tail end of winter before spring truly takes hold." Oops!

We're both guessing about Heart of a Dog, but at just 126 pages, I'd personally take a shot, particularly since it sounds like a quirky, quick read.

[Kathy G.]

Okay--- Thanks.
This is hard!
:-)

[Terri FL]

Jonquil wrote: "Terri FL wrote: "I think I found a few options and just want to double-check.

The Beginning of Spring - Set in Moscow during the Spring

Paired with either:

[book:Lost in Moscow: A..."

Drat, and I had thought that The Beginning of Spring was one that worked! Ok, I will try the other ones if I don't find something else. Yes, the Dog one sounds really quirky. I found out about it on a Booktopia list of strange and unusual novels, and it certainly seems to meet that criteria! Everything I could find does say it is set in winter, so, I can try to find out.

Thanks!

[Trish]

Jonquil wrote: "Trish wrote: "Like the way you snuck Longmire in there :-)"

It made me smile too, Trish. I suspect the Longmire books cover too much territory and time to qualify, but I hoped Absaroka would help ..."

On a similar note, would Margaret Coel's Wind River Reservation count as a community for the purposes of this task? https://www.goodreads.com/series/4236...

The four I've got on the TBR all conveniently mention the month in the first couple of pages - I have a September, a November, an April and a May.

[Jonquil]

Trish wrote: "Jonquil wrote: "Trish wrote: "Like the way you snuck Longmire in there :-)"

It made me smile too, Trish. I suspect the Longmire books cover too much territory and time to qualify, but I hoped Absa..."

Trish- This may be the first time I've ever had any use for my undergrad Sociology major. I actually considered listing Hillerman's (and other author's) Four Corners in the task, but thought that might be confusing. Yes, Wind River will work as a community, and Four Corners will work as a different community.

[Trish]

Jonquil wrote: "Trish- This may be the first time I've ever had any use for my undergrad Sociology major. I actually considered listing Hillerman's (and other author's) Four Corners in the task, but thought that might be confusing. Yes, Wind River will work as a community, and Four Corners will work as a different community. "

I like Tony Hillerman as well, although I've still only read the first three at this point. Leaphorn and Chee was another series I was wondering about for this task.

[Lisa M]

It doesn't help me (I wish it did!!) but I thought I would mention it if it helps anyone else..

Louise Penny's mystery series, the first few books, would work for this challenge as they centre in Three Pines a village near Quebec, Canada:

#1 Still Life takes place in Autumn
#2 A Fatal Grace (aka Dead Cold in UK) takes place in Winter
#3 The Cruellest Month takes place in Spring
#5 The Brutal Telling takes place end of Summer

Unfortunately the books I am up to in the series take place elsewhere - I think - I guess there is a limit on how many murders can occur in one village! I loooove this series and highly recommend them.

[Nicola]

Lisa M wrote: "It doesn't help me (I wish it did!!) but I thought I would mention it if it helps anyone else..

Louise Penny's mystery series, the first few books, would work for this challenge as they centre in..."

Thanks for the hint Lisa. I enjoy mysteries and these look to be highly recommended.

[Bea]

Lisa M wrote: "Louise Penny's mystery series, the first few books, would work for this challenge as they centre in Three Pines a village near Quebec, Canada."

Thanks, Lisa. I was really struggling with this task and greatly appreciate your suggestion. As my library has the first two of Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series set in Three Pines, I will be reading those. I am excited to add this mystery writer to my read list.

[Daphne]

Check out the Brother Cadfael series if anyone is struggling too.

These the ones I'm thinking about using:
1: One community in one season
Sanctuary Sparrow Spring in Shrewsbury 1140
2: Same community in different season
The Virgin in the Ice Winter in Shrewsbury 1139

The synopsis is super convenient because it generally lists the year and season the book takes place. :)

[Trish]

Bea wrote: "Thanks, Lisa. I was really struggling with this task and greatly appreciate your suggestion. As my library has the first two of Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series set in Three Pines, I will be reading those. I am excited to add this mystery writer to my read list. "

I think this task lends itself to the cozy/long-standing mystery series genres. :)

[Jonquil]

Lisa M wrote: "It doesn't help me (I wish it did!!) but I thought I would mention it if it helps anyone else..

Louise Penny's mystery series, the first few books, would work for this challenge as they centre in..."

Thank you, Lisa! You may have noticed I've started a list of books people are certain about, so perhaps we can find two for you.

[Jonquil]

Trish wrote: "Bea wrote: "Thanks, Lisa. I was really struggling with ...I think this task lends itself to the cozy/long-standing mystery series genres. :)

Those are what I'm reading before June to help unearth some candidates.

Also long-running series in urban fantasy and paranormal romance are a strong possibility since the heroines tend to defend or investigate within a specific community. I'm also catching up on some of these as "research".

[Jonquil]

Daphne wrote: "Check out the Brother Cadfael series if anyone is struggling too.

These the ones I'm thinking about using:
1: One community in one season
Sanctuary Sparrow Spring in Shrewsbury 114..."

Thanks, Daphne. I wasn't sure about Cadfael because he sometimes goes walkabout in the middle of his latest investigation.

[Jonquil]

Books don't have to be from a series, any San Francisco book will work with any other book from San Francisco, etc. Having said that, perhaps someone has recently read a book from one of these series (or any other book) and can confirm if it fits the task:

An Aunt Dimity Mystery series
https://www.goodreads.com/series/4231...

The China Bayles Herbal Mysteries
https://www.goodreads.com/series/4094...

Alexandra Cooper is a Manhattan Assistant District Attorney
https://www.goodreads.com/series/4369...

Mercy Thompson Urban fantasy
https://www.goodreads.com/series/4093...

Kate Daniels Urban fantasy
https://www.goodreads.com/series/4069...

Ella Clah, ex-FBI agent now Navajo police in Shiprock, New Mexico
https://www.goodreads.com/series/5224...

Sean King & Michelle Maxwell
https://www.goodreads.com/series/4356...

Meg Langslow
https://www.goodreads.com/series/4180...

Alex Delaware is a child psychologist. The series is set in Los Angeles.
https://www.goodreads.com/series/4142...

[Heather(Gibby)]

Has anyone read The LongPrice Quartet Series?

[Trish]

Jonquil wrote: "Also long-running series in urban fantasy and paranormal romance are a strong possibility since the heroines tend to defend or investigate within a specific community. I'm also catching up on some of these as "research"

Enjoy your "research" :-)

Jonquil wrote: "An Aunt Dimity Mystery series...The China Bayles Herbal Mysteries"

I love Aunt Dimity series, but for the purposes of this task, double check the book description. A lot of the books are set in the same Cotswold village, Finch. But there are definitely some of them where Lori is out and about elsewhere.

I think the China Bayles ones are based around a single location, if I remember rightly.

And then there are the various series which are set around a bookshop or cafe, like the Booktown and Bibliophile series:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/4532...
https://www.goodreads.com/series/4659...

Or the Charlston Tea Shop series:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/4161...

Or the two Julie Hyzy series: the Whitehouse Chef ones, and the Manor House mysteries.
https://www.goodreads.com/series/5271...
https://www.goodreads.com/series/7780...

On the Urban Fantasy side, I'd recommend any of:
Kate Griffin's Matthew Swift and Magicals Anonymous series (which link together, so folks could read one of each)
https://www.goodreads.com/series/4666...
https://www.goodreads.com/series/8514...

Plus Benedict Jacka's Alex Verus books:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/7119...

And Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London series:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/5193...

The only thing I'd say, about them, though, is you might have to search a bit to figure out what season they're in. This is London. We only have weather :-)

Being something of both a cozy addict and an urban fantasy reader, I have a habit of reading series like these. So anyone's welcome to take a look at my various cozy, crime and urban fantasy shelves for ideas. If you can't see them, just send me a friend request.

[Lisa M]

Actually can I reread books for this challenge? I would like to reread the first Louise Penny books as there is character development in which the seeds were first sown in the first books that I didn't realise was important.

[Jonquil]

Lisa M wrote: "Actually can I reread books for this challenge? I would like to reread the first Louise Penny books as there is character development in which the seeds were first sown in the first books that I di..."

Certainly!

[Sarah]

I'm wondering about The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber for a "summer" season book. It's doesn't mention summer in the description, but I read an excerpt on Amazon and it says that the class the book is based on starts around Mother's Day (May) and lasts through the summer. Would this work?

[Jonquil]

Shiraloo wrote: "I'm wondering about The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber for a "summer" season book. It's doesn't mention summer in the description, but I read an excerpt on Amazon and it says that the cl..."

Sorry, Shiraloo, Mother's Day is in spring, so The Shop on Blossom Street covers at least two seasons.

[KSMary]

I think these two books from Joanna Fluke's series will work:
Blueberry Muffin Murder (Winter) and
Lemon Meringue Pie Murder (Summer) - reader's reviews mention summer and 4th of July.

[Jonquil]

KSMary wrote: "I think these two books from Joanna Fluke's series will work:
Blueberry Muffin Murder (Winter) and
Lemon Meringue Pie Murder (Summer) - reader's reviews mention summer and..."

Mary- Are you confirming that others can confidently read these books or are asking about them?

[KSMary]

Jonquil wrote: "KSMary wrote: "I think these two books from Joanna Fluke's series will work:
Blueberry Muffin Murder (Winter) and
Lemon Meringue Pie Murder (Summer) - reader's reviews men..."

Asking about them. Thanks!

[Jonquil]

KSMary wrote: "I think these two books from Joanna Fluke's series will work:
Blueberry Muffin Murder (Winter) and
Lemon Meringue Pie Murder (Summer) - reader's reviews mention summer and..."

A helpful reviewer confirms late February for Blueberry Muffin Murder and Hannah is usually too busy to leave Lake Eden. Another thoughtful reviewer confirms summer for Lemon Meringue Pie Murder.

A personal confession that has nothing nothing to do with this task. I horde books from this series because they're so perfect for challenges requiring a specific-color book cover.

Happy reading, Mary.

[Andy]

I think this pair of books works but want to check to make sure you agree
Unspoken by Mari Jungstedt winter in Gotland
The Inner Circle by Mari Jungstedt
summer in Gotland

[Jonquil]

Andy wrote: "I think this pair of books works but want to check to make sure you agree
Unspoken by Mari Jungstedt winter in Gotland
The Inner Circle by [author:Mari..."

Andy-
The seasons look fine, let's hope that because they're on an island they'll stay put and won't head off to the mainland. I've gotten to 85% on three books and the main character just had to take off down the highway for some 20 minute errand, sigh. Good luck!!

[Lisa M]

Just to clarify - the main protagonists aren't allowed to leave the community at all for any length of time?

If so I withdraw my recommendations for the Louise Penny series. The main protagonist Inspector Gamache lives in Quebec and even though he decides to stay in Three Pines for the investigation he does need to get there at the beginning etc.

[Andy]

Jonquil wrote: "Andy wrote: "I think this pair of books works but want to check to make sure you agree
Unspoken by Mari Jungstedt winter in Gotland
The Inner Circle by..."
Well, I've got time to quickly scan them before the next season starts to check.
I've got another possibility which is also a Scandinavian setting
Midwinter Blood and three other novels are set in the four different seasons . The town is described as isolated in the blurb. Would two of these work?

[Jonquil]

Lisa M wrote: "Just to clarify - the main protagonists aren't allowed to leave the community at all for any length of time?

If so I withdraw my recommendations for the Louise Penny series. The main protagonist ..."

Lisa- The task language has now been tweaked so the protagonists wouldn't be shackled to their front porch or work station. So the Penny books should still work.

[Jonquil]

Andy wrote: "Jonquil wrote: "Andy wrote: "I think this pair of books works but want to check to make sure you agree
Unspoken by Mari Jungstedt winter in Gotland
[book:The Inner Ci..."

So the books we should love don't disappoint us in the last few chapters, I've changed the task to allow some location drift. Also, did you notice message 2 which allows you a bit of a buffer on seasons. Between the two clarifications, I suspect any of these three should now work. They look intriguing, by the way.

[Andy]

Jonquil wrote: "Andy wrote: "Jonquil wrote: "Andy wrote: "I think this pair of books works but want to check to make sure you agree
Unspoken by Mari Jungstedt winter in Gotland
[book..."
Thanks I want to do it right. Last season I read 5 books for the fiction/nonfiction same time and place one before I got two that worked