Cozy Mysteries discussion
Reading Challenges
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The Twelve Towers Challenge
Mod
TuckHelter Skelter is one of my favorite books. I read it when it first came out in paperback.
Lots of other good stuff on your lists.
Mod
I think it's similar to read "El Quijote" in original Castilian, yes, intimidating...
I am going to try to be Quick as a Bunny and reach either Cagney and Lacey or Sherlock HolmesStart Date will be today July 20, 2018.
The Twelve Towers
12 books that you've acquired most recently (from start date).
Deadly Dram
Plain Discovery
Dead Calm
Burning Ridge
The Ex-Wife
A Toast to Murder
A Fatal Collection
The Perfect Friend
11 books that you never find time to get around to or that have been on your shelves the longest (pre-choose these).
Blanche Among the Talented Tenth
A Red Herring Without Mustard
I Am Half-Sick of Shadows
Bonnie of Evidence
Fleur de Lies
Booked for Trouble
Truth or Die
Die For Me
The Last Moriarty: a Sherlock Holmes Thriller
Blanche Cleans Up: A Blanche White Mystery #3
Destined for Trouble
10 books you randomly select from your shelves (such as by using random.org -- as you go, or pre-choose.) For a little extra bit of random fun, let someone else pick them for you off your shelves. If you've already read them, they can go on category 3, or have them choose again.
Cry Wolf
Shadow Dancing
A Ghostly Mortality
Cat Shout for Joy
Designed For Haunting
A Riesling to Die
Hummus and Homicide
Historically Dead
The Final Vow
9 sequels, series continuations, or spin-offs.
Black Beans & Vice
Pasta Mortem
Knot My Sister's Keeper
Last Call
Ax To Grind
Six Feet Under
Till Death Do Us Tart
Say No Moor
8 novellas or short-stories - they can be part of anthologies, you don't have to read the whole book in this case.
A Deadly Brew
7 books that everyone seems to have read but you.
6 anticipated releases (release dates after your start date).
Chardonnayed to Rest
Tear Me Apart
Goodbye Cruller World
Shattered at Sea
Stabbed in the Baklava
Royally Dead
5 books that were recommended to you via Goodreads.
4 books that you started but never finished.
3 book that you've already read before.
2 books with covers that you don't think fit the storyline or that you don't like the covers of but everyone raves about the books.
1 book that intimidates you.
This is an interesting challenge and I've never seen it before! Think I'll start it later this year, for next 2 to 3 years.. I'll go slow :)Thanks Briansgirl!
Mod
You're welcome Jess. It looked like fun to me too, and not all challenges need be quick. Gives us time to read some of those we haven't gotten around to.
This challenge sounds fun.Duration Goal: Slow and Steady - up to 5 years
Mystery Level Goal: 30 to 49 mystery novels - Jim Rockford Award (Rockford Files)
Dates: July 22, 2018 to July 21, 2023 --- completed on August 15, 2023
Books Completed: 78 ----- Towers Completed: 12
Mysteries: 45** (Jim Rockford Award level attained)
COMPLETED - 12 books that you've acquired most recently (from start date)
1) Death of an Outsider by MC Beaton (10/4/18, bought 9/5/18) **
2) The Hot Flash Club by Nancy Thayer (11/12/18, bought 11/5/18)
3) The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman (01/12/19, bought 01/03/19) **
4) The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat by Edward K Moore (1/26/19, bought 1/3/19)
5) Accidental Heroes - Danielle Steel (01/30/19, bought 01/12/19)
6) Murder on the Prowl - Rita Mae Brown (03/13/19, bought 03/09/19) **
7) The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion - Fannie Flagg (4/25/19, bought 3/18/19)
8) Terms of Endearment - Larry McMurtry (5/17/19, bought 3/18/19)
9) Death Is Like A Box Of Chocolates - Kathy Aarons (5/22/19, bought 5/17/19) **
10) Talk Gertie To Me by Lois Winston (06/06/19, bought 05/25/19)
11) Death of a Perfect Wife by MC Beaton (06/09/19, bought 9/5/18) **
12) Christmas Cow Bells by Mollie Cox Bryan (12/8/19, bought 11/22/19) **
COMPLETED - 11 books that you never find time to get around to or that have been on your shelves the longest (pre-choose these)
1) Voice of the Eagle by Linda Lay Shuler (9/22/18, on to-read list since 1/5/16)
2) Murder Past Due by Miranda James (2/7/19, on to-read list since 1/22/16) **
3) Daughter of the Fifth Moon - Lynn A McKee (3/4/19, to-read list since 1/5/16)
4) Sprinkle with Murder - Jenn McKinlay (8/6/19, to-read since 2/29/16) **
5) Halloween Hijinks - Kathi Daley (11/1/19, on to-read since 4/2017) **
6) Room With a Clue - Kate Kingsbury (1/9/20, on to-read since 9/15/16) **
7) The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho (2/19/20, on to-read since 5/4/16)
8) The Good Friday Murder - Lee Harris (4/10/20, on to-read list since 4/2017) **
9) A Sheetcake Named Desire - Jacklyn Brady (07/12/20, on to-read list since 4/2016) **
10) Lending a Paw - Laurie Cass (07/01/21, on to-read list since 2/12/16) **
11) The Xibalba Murders - Lyn Hamilton (8/8/21, on to-read list since 4/10/16) **
COMPLETED - 10 books you randomly select from your shelves
1) Jackaroo - Cynthia Voigt (07/29/19)
2) Kinsey and Me - Sue Grafton (9/1/19)
3) there's a (slight) chance i might be going to hell - Laurie Notaro (3/30/20)
4) Bruce - Albert Payson Terhune (06/07/20)
5) The Bookish Life of Nina Hill - Abbi Waxman (07/20/20)
6) Meet a Dark Stranger - T E Huff (07/23/20) **
7) You Can't Drink All Day if You Don't Start in the Morning - C. Rivenbark (7/29/20)
8) Evvie Drake Starts Over - Linda Holmes (08/07/20)
9) Death by the Dozen - Jenn McKinlay (8/21/20) **
10) Payne Hollow by Harlan Hubbard (9/13/20)
COMPLETED - 9 sequels, series continuations, or spin-offs
1) Scone Cold Dead - 2nd in series by Kaitlyn Dunnett (8/2/18) **
2) Wicked Fix - 3rd in series by Sarah Graves (9/26/18) **
3) Aunt Dimity Takes a Holiday - 8th in series by Nancy Atherton (11/23/18) **
4) Christmas Cookie Murder - 6th in series by Leslie Meier (12/08/18) **
5) Aunt Dimity: Snowbound - 9th in series by Nancy Atherton (01/20/19) **
6) Wedding Day Murder - 8th in series by Leslie Meier (07/06/19) **
7) Repair to Her Grave - 4th in series by Sarah Graves (07/20/19) **
8) The Trouble with Turkeys - 2nd in series by Kathi Daley (11/26/19) **
9) The Chocolate Bear Burglary - JoAnna Carl (12/16/2019) **
COMPLETED - 8 Authors new to you (changed)
1) Dashiell Hammett - The Maltese Falcon (07/25/18) **
2) J.F. Englert - A Dog About Town (08/10/18) **
3) Ann Granger - The Companion (08/29/18) **
4) Vicki Delany - Elementary, She Read (10/14/18) **
5) Sea Witch - Iris Gower (08/12/19) **
6) Dead in Dublin - Catie Murphy (03/02/20) **
7) Snow Way Out by Christine Husom (12/14/21) **
8) Nooses Give by Dana Stabenow (12/28/21) **
COMPLETED - 7 books that everyone seems to have read but you
1) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - JK Rowling (10/29/19)
2) Angels and Demons - Dan Brown (3/30/21) **
3) Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck (06/07/21)
4) 1984 - George Orwell (2/28/23)
5) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (04/19/23)
6) The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie (05/22/23) **
7) The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (06/19/2023) **
COMPLETED - 6 Award Winning Books (changed)
1) Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier - National Book Award for Fiction 1938 (10/29/18) **
2) The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd - Book Sense Book of the Year Award for Paperback (2004) (03/22/19)
3) Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr - Anthony Award for Best First Novel 1994 (4/2/19)**
4) Murder with Peacocks by Donna Andrews - Agatha Award for Best First Novel 1999 (8/22/19) **
5) Still Life by Louise Penny - Barry Award for Best First Novel (11/14/19) **
6) A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny - Agatha Award for Best Novel 2007 (12/2/19) **
COMPLETED - 5 books that were recommended to you via Goodreads
1) Fer-de-Lance by Rex Stout (GR's Top 100 Mysteries & Thrillers) (4/16/19)**
2) Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki Delany (12/04/20) **
3) The White Christmas Inn by Colleen Wright (12/14/20)
4) Christmas Roses by Amanda Cabot (12/22/20)
5) The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs (01/11/21)
COMPLETED - 4 Chunksters (changed)
1) Tara Road by Maeve Binchy (02/18/19)
2) Sandstorm by James Rollins (05/28/21)
3) Map of Bones by James Rollins (02/17/22)
4) Reached by Ally Condie (09/06/2022) - 512 pages
COMPLETED - 3 books that you've already read before
1) The Sweet Running Filly by P Johnson & B Van Tuyl (01/03/19)
2) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving (10/31/20)
3) Woman in the Dark by Dashiell Hammett (6/28/23)
COMPLETED - 2 books with covers that you don't think fit the storyline or that you don't like the covers of
1) Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs (3/2/21) **
2) Revenge of the Pieman by Elisabeth Crabtree (3/4/21) **
COMPLETED - 1 book that intimidates you
The Annotated Pride and Prejudice (8/15/23)
This challenge intimidates me, but I think I will give it a go. I want to examine some of the alternative categories that have been suggested before I commit!
Oh, this is a good one! I have to do some thinking on it.
Mod
Mod
Wow. That's a challenge and a half! I'm going to use some of the alternative categories, but I'll give it a go. Most of them, I'll fill in as I go along, but I've filled in a couple of categories to start with. I'm going to aim for the Rockford Award (at least half being mysteries (M)/procedurals (P)), with a revised target of Need for Speed - 18 months. Official start date: 1 September 2018.
Overall tally: 78 out of 78
Mystery tally: 51 out of 40
Challenge Completed, 28/05/20
12 books that you've acquired most recently (from start date - 1 September 2018).
(M/P read = 6 out of 12)
M Flowerbed of State, Dorothy St James (bought 10/09/18) - 19/09/18
M Twelve Angry Librarians, Miranda James (bought 03/09/18) - 15/02/19
M Tightening the Threads, Lea Wait (bought 17/09/18) - 12/03/19
M A Dark and Twisting Path, Julia Buckley (bought 02/09/18) - 25/03/19
M Death Overdue, Allison Brook (bought 19/09/18) - 18/10/19
P Instinct, James Patterson (bought 03/09/18) - 11/12/19
The Kitchen God's Wife, Amy Tan (bought 02/09/18) - 11/11/18
Prisoners of Geography, Tim Marshall (bought 11/09/18) - 13/11/18
My Brilliant Friend, Elena Ferrante (bought 06/09/18) - 24/01/19
Spinning Silver, Naomi Novik (bought 10/09/18) - 31/05/19
The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion, Fannie Flagg (bought 14/09/18) - 13/11/19
The Gift of Rain, Tan Twan Eng (bought 02/09/18) - 11/02/20
11 books that you never find time to get around to or that have been on your shelves the longest (pre-choose these).
(M/P read = 3 out of 11)
P The Black Dahlia, James Ellroy - 22/02/19
M It Happened One Knife, Jeffrey Cohen – 11/03/19
M/P Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier - 22/08/19
M The Delegates' Choice, Ian Sansom - 16/09/19
Hitler's Olympics: The 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, Christopher Hilton - 25/09/18
The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank - 18/03/19
Anansi Boys, Neil Gaiman - 28/08/19
Station X: The Code Breakers of Bletchley Park, Michael Smith - 16/09/19
Playing for Pizza, John Grisham - 25/11/19
A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute - 04/12/19
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Dee Brown - 28/05/20
10 books you randomly select from your shelves (such as by using random.org -- as you go, or pre-choose.) For a little extra bit of random fun, let someone else pick them for you off your shelves. If you've already read them, they can go on category 3, or have them choose again. - Tower complete
(M/P read = 7 out of 10)
M A Caribbean Mystery, Agatha Christie - 09/09/18
P Negative Image, Vicki Delany - 11/12/18
M A Fatal Winter, GM Malliet - 23/01/19
M Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch, Nancy Atherton
M Killer Insight, Victoria Laurie - 28/03/19
P A Bespoke Murder
M Cat on the Scent, Rita May Brown – 24/04/19
Emma, Alexander McCall Smith - 10/01/19
Digging In, Loretta Nyhan - 31/01/19
Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes, William Drake Westervelt - 16/03/19
9 sequels, series continuations, or spin-offs.
(M/P read = 9 out of 9) - Tower complete
M Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree (Aunt Dimity, #16), Nancy Atherton - 08/09/18
M A Killer Crop (Orchard #4), Sheila Connolly - 13/09/18
M Chamomile Mourning (Tea Shop #6), Laura Childs - 15/09/18
P The Track of Sand (Inspector Montalbano #12), Andrea Camilleri - 01/10/18
M Charms and Chocolate Chips (Magical Bakery #3, Bailey Cates - 20/10/18
P Nightblind (Dark Iceland #2), Ragnar Jonasson - 16/11/18
M Something Wicked (Death on Demand #3), Carolyn G Hart - 23/11/18
P Jimmy the Kid (Dortmunder #3), Donald E Westlake - 29/01/19
The Fast and the Furriest, Sofie Ryan - 19/03/19
8 novellas or short-stories - they can be part of anthologies, you don't have to read the whole book in this case.
(M/P read = 6 out of 8) - Tower complete
P The Furthest Station, Ben Aaronovitch - 10/09/18, novella
P The Highwayman: A Longmire Story, Craig Johnson - 11/09/18, novella
P The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories, PD James - 11/12/18, short story collection
P Even Murderers Take Holidays: And Other Mysteries, Michael Gilbert - 19/12/18, short story collection
M/P A Very Murderous Christmas (ed) - 28/12/18, short story collection
M Two Tall Tails, Sofie Ryan, Sofie Kelly - 04/01/19, two novellas
A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens - 22/12/18, novella
The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway - 28/09/18, novella
7 Author(s) new to you (substitute category)
(M/P read = 7 out of 7) - Tower complete
P Cop Hater, Ed McBain - 11/09/18
P SPQR I: The King's Gambit, John Maddox Roberts - 16/10/18
M/P Of Grave Concern, Max McCoy - 15/11/18
M Forever Charmed, Rose Pressey - 03/01/19
M Paws for Murder, Annie Knox - 12/01/19
M Cat About Town, Cate Conte - 06/03/19
MPleating for Mercy, Melissa Bourbon - 26/03/19
6 anticipated releases (release dates after your start date – 1 September 2018) - Tower complete
(M/P read = 5 out of 6)
P Lies Sleeping, Ben Aaronovitch (released 13 November 2018) - 21/11/18
M The Ghost and the Bogus Bestseller, Cleo Coyle (released September 2018) - 15/01/19
M Death Waits in the Dark, Julia Buckley (release date: 6 April 2019) - 15/05/19
M Murder in the Reading Room, Ellery Adams - 12/06/19(release date: 30 April 2019)
M Wrong Side of the Claw, Leighann Dobbs (release date: 13 June 2019)
The Consuming Fire, John Scalzi (release date 18 October 2018) - 06/02/19
5 books that were recommended to you via Goodreads - Tower complete
(M/P read = 5 out of 5)
M A Deadly Row, Casey Mayes - 18/01/19
M Fixin' To Die, Tonya Kappes - 28/03/19
M The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum, Kirsten Weiss – 01/04/19
M Farm Fresh Murder, Paige Shelton - 25/06/19
M Yarned and Dangerous, Sadie Hartwell - 18/09/19
4 chunkster(s) (a book over 450 pages - substitute category) - Tower complete
(M/P read = 1 out of 4)
P Career of Evil, Robert Galbraith (574pg) - 06/12/18
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China, Jung Chang (666pg) - 07/09/18
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, JK Rowling (766pg) - 09/02/19
New York 2140, Kim Stanley Robinson (640pg) - 09/05/19
3 book that you've already read before.
(M/P read = 0 out of 3) - Tower complete
The Art of War, Sun Tzu - 18/09/18 (last read 2008)
A Wizard of Earthsea, Ursula K LeGuin - 17/10/18 (last read 1985)
The Color Purple, Alice Walker - 26/11/18 (last read 1985)
2 award-winning books (substitute category, as I couldn't figure out cover books)
(M/P read = 1 out of 2) - Tower complete
P The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, Stuart Turton (505pg) (Costa First Novel award, 2018) - 08/01/19
Under the Pendulum Sun, Jeannette Ng - 12/04/19 (British Fantasy Award for Best Newcomer, 2018)
1 book that intimidates you.
(M/P read = 0 out of 1)
The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas - 22/02/20
The Twelve Towers ------FINISHED!Levels and Duration
Quick as a Bunny - up to 2 years
Start Date: 8/14/18
Finish Goal: 8/14/20
78/78
Mysteries Read:21
Mysteries *****
12 books that you've acquired most recently (from start date).
(view spoiler)
11 books that you never find time to get around to or that have been on your shelves the longest (pre-choose these).
Pulling from my TBR shelf from 2011 through 2012
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3)
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11)
10 books you randomly select from your shelves (such as by using random.org -- as you go, or pre-choose.) For a little extra bit of random fun, let someone else pick them for you off your shelves. If you've already read them, they can go on category 3, or have them choose again.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
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8)
9)
10)
9 sequels, series continuations, or spin-offs.
(view spoiler)
8 novellas or short-stories - they can be part of anthologies, you don't have to read the whole book in this case.
(view spoiler)
7 book(s) that was borrowed or that was given to you.
(view spoiler)
6 anticipated releases (release dates after your start date).
1)
2)
3)
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5)
6)
5 books that were recommended to you via Goodreads.
1)
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4)
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4 Author(s) new to you
(view spoiler)
3 book that you've already read before.
(view spoiler)
2 Award Winning Book(s)
1)
Barry Award for Best First Novel (2007)
2)
1 book that intimidates you..
(view spoiler)
Alternate Categories:
Chunkster(s) (a book over 450 pages)
Second Chance Authors. Retry authors who you gave up on.
Wow, this really is a challenge! I'll give it a try with a bit of category switching.12 TOWERS CHALLENGE
Level & Duration
Quick as a bunny 2 years
From 8-14-18 until 8-14-20
17/49 mystery novels - Jim Rockford Award (Rockford Files)
Following are my choices, which may change.
12 books that you've acquired most recently (from start date).
1 - The Chalk Man/C J Tudor 8-19-18
2 - Stay Dead/Anne Frasier 9-18-18
3 - The White Magic Five and Dime/Steve Hockensmith 10-13-18
4 - Stealing the Bride/Mary Wine 10-14-18
5 -
6 -
7 -
8 -
9 -
10 -
11 -
12 -
11 Book sitting on my shelf the longest
1 - Deal Breaker
2 - Unholy Angels
3 - You Can't Stop Me
4 - The Wild Sight
5 - Feed
6 - When Christ and His Saints Slept
7 - Those Who Hunt the Night
8 - The Magpies
9 - The Prestige
10 - City of Echoes
11 -
10 Randomly selected from my shelves
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5 -
6 -
7 -
8 -
9 -
10 -
9 Sequel/Next in series/Spin offs
1 - Viking Wolf 10-24-18
2 - Diamond Fire 12-6-18
3 - Kingdom of the Blind 1-13-19
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5 -
6 -
7 -
8 -
9 -
8 Authors new to me
1 - A.J. Finn/The Woman in the Window 8-24-18
2 - Roz Watkins/The Devil’s Dice 9-6-18
3 -Anne Frasier/ Play Dead 9-10-18
4 - Robert Masello/The Night Crossing 9-25-18
5 - Viking Thunder 10-21-18
6 - Esi Edugyan/Washington Black 1-4-19
7 - Oyinkan Braithwaite/My Sister, the Serial Killer 1-6-19
8 - Hester Fox/The Witch of Willow Hall 1-21-19
7 Anticipated releases
1 - The Lost Man 3-14-19
2 - The Hiding Place 3-20-19
3 - Prisoner of Night 2-17-19
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5 -
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7 -
6 Books everyone has read except me
1 - The Death of Mrs. Westaway 3-25-19
2 - Romancing the Duke 4-7-19
3 - Rogue Rider 4-12-19
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5 -
6 -
5 Mystery Award Winners
1 - Magpie Murders 10-8-18
2 - Before I Go to Sleep 10-17-18
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4 -
5 -
4 Recommended on GR
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2 -
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3 Started but never finished
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2 Chunksters 450+ pages
1 -
2 -
1 Book that intimidates me
1 -
Mod
Marisa wrote: "Just a question, for "Books acquired recently", we are talking about books purchased AFTER the start of the challenge, right?"Oh wow, didn't think of that. That would mean we have to buy/borrow 12 new books between now and the end of the challenge which is certainly easy enough to do.
However I thought it meant our most recent books as the challenge moves on. So if I didn't buy any books the next year, (HAHAHAHA) I could still read the most recently purchased/borrowed books on my shelf.
The Twelve Towers ChallengeLevel: Eyes on Target - up to 3 years
From August 2018
Completed: 3/78
(view spoiler)
I'm gonna take this easy and give myself some time.
duration level = slow & steady 5 yearsmystery level = cagney & lacey : 12/75ish read
start date = october 2018
mystery/thriller genre
posting books as i read along
(view spoiler)
This looks like a long-term challenge and is quite different from others I've joined. I guess I will try for Eyes on Target (September 1, 2018 through August 31, 2021) and aspire to the Cagney and Lacey Award.12 books that you've acquired most recently (from start date).
1. Shadow Tyrants by Clive Cussler 9/22/2018
2. Playing With Matches by Julie Hyzy 9/12/2018
3. Knit One, Kill Two by Maggie Sefton 9/8/2018
4. Family Claims by Twist Phelan 9/1/2018
5. Merit Badge Murder by Leslie Langtry 10/20/2018
6. A Courtyard Corpse/u> by Sherry Lodge 11/13/2018
7. Stalking the Puzzle Lady by Parnell Hall 10/12/2018
8. Shakepeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris 10/23/2018
9. Glitter Bomb by Laura Childs 1/20/2019
10. Agatha Raisin and the Dead Ringer by Paige Shelton 10/6/2018
11. The Royal Wulff Murders by Kevin McCafferty
11/4/2018
12. Aunt Dimity and the King's Ransom by Nancy Atherton 9/15/2018
11 books that you never find time to get around to or that have been on your shelves the longest (pre-choose these).
1. The Father's Day Murder by Lee Harris 9/27/2018
2. The Labor Day Murder by Lee Harris 9/10/2018
3. All the President's Menus by Julie Hyzy 9/24/2018
4. Foreign Eclairs by Julie Hyzy 9/25/2018
5. The Diva Digs up the Dirt by Krista Davis 9/30/2018
6. You Have a Right to Remain Puzzled by Parnell Hall 10/28/2018
7. Courtyard Corpse by Sherry Lodge 11/13/2018
8. The Twelve Clues of Christmas by Rhys Bowen 1/24/2019
9. Murderous Roots by 11/25/2018
10. Mistletoe at Moonglow by Deborah Garner 11/25/2018
11. Head Case by Angela M. Sanders 11/28/2019
10 books you randomly select from your shelves (such as by using random.org -- as you go, or pre-choose.) For a little extra bit of random fun, let someone else pick them for you off your shelves. If you've already read them, they can go on category 3, or have them choose again.
1. The Book Club Murders by Leslie Nagel 10/10/2018
2. Sign Off by Patricia McLinn 12/12/2018
3. The Money Shot by Stuart Woods 10/24/2018
4. Is it Still Murder Even if She Was a Bitch by Robin Leeman Donovan 12/21/2018
5. The Royal Wulff Murders by Keith McCafferty 11/4/2018
6. Rose Hill by Pamela Grandstaff 1/10/2019
7. A Delicate Touch by Stuart Woods 1/24/2019
8. Knit One, Kill Two by Deborah Garner 9/8/2018
9. Desperate Measures by Stuart Woods 1/17/2019
10. Title Wave by Lorna Barrett 1/27/2019
9 sequels, series continuations, or spin-offs.
1. Chili con Corpses by Ellery Adams 2/1/2019
2. The Mother's Day Murder by Lee Harris 10/17/2018
3. Farewell my Cuckoo by Marty Wingate 2/8/2019
4. Sea if Greed by Clive Cussler 2/21/2019
5. Eggs on Ice by Laura Childs 2/3/2019
6. Aunt Bessie Believes by Diana Xarissa 3/12/2019
7. Chocolate Cream Pie Murder (#24) by Joanne Fluke 3/18/2019
8. Broken Bone China by Laura Childs 3/22/2019
9. Every Trick in the Rook by Marty Wingate 2/6/2019
8 novellas or short-stories - they can be part of anthologies, you don't have to read the whole book in this case.
1. Mystery Stories by Elizabeth Peters 02/14/2019
2. Dandy Detects by M. Louisa Locke 02/15/2019
3. The Dressing Table Murder by Cassandra Chan 10/18/2018
4. The Wedding of Ginger and Basil by Lee Strauss
10/4/2018
5. The Museum of Mysteries by Steve Berry 10/19/2018
6. Santa Puppy by Lynn Cahoon 1/28/2019
7. Missing Under the Mistletoe" by Kate Collins 10/2/2018
8. The Christmas Scorpion by Steve Berry 10/15/2018
7 books you have read before
1. The Benson Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine 4/17/2019
2. The Monkey and the Tiger by Robert Van Gulik
3. The Case of the Lucky Legs by Earle Stanley Gardner 4/28/2019
4. Mistletoe on Moonglow by Deborah Garner
5. Night of the Lightbringer by Peter Tremayne 10/2/2018
6. Evans to Betsy by Rhys Bowen 11/1/2018
7. Aunt Dimity's Death by Nancy Atherton 10/4/2018
6 anticipated releases (release dates after your start date).
1. Look Alive Twenty-Five by Janet Evanovich; Release 11/13/2018 Read 1/16/2019
2. Mrs. Jeffries Delivers the Goods by Emily Brightwell; Release March 12, 2019; read 3/20/2019
3. The Dead Ringer by M.C. Beaton; released 10/3/2018; read 10/7/2018
4. The Darling Dahlias and the Pointsetta Puzzle by Susan Wittig Albert; Released 10/16/2018; read 3/16/2019
5. Glitter Bomb by Laura Childs released 10/3/2018; read 1/20/2019
6. The Chocolate Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke; Release Feb. 26, 2019; read 3/18/2019
5 books by authors new to you
1. The Christie Curse by Victoria Abbott 2/28/2019
2. To Helvetica and Back by Paige Shelton 11/9/2018
3. Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris 10/23/2018
4. Amethysts and Alibis by Victoria Abbott 2/12/2019
5. The Way the Rhubarb Crumbles John Bayer 10/23/2018
4 Award winning books
1. Murphy's Law by Rhys Bowen 4/1/2019
2. Dead Man's Island by Carolyn Hart 3/17/2019
3. The Diva Haunts the House by Krista Davis 3/26/2019
4. Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear 4/15/2019
3 books that were recommended to you via Goodreads.
1. Murder on the SS Rosa by Lee Strauss 3/30/2019
2. Greenmantle by John Buchon 4/8/2019
3. Celtic Empire by Clive Cussler 3/27/2019
2 books everyone has read but you
1. The Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, et al; 3/4/2019
2. The Other Woman by Daniel Silva 5/4/2019
1 book that intimidates you.
1. Nine Dragons by Michael Connolly 4/15/2019
Eyes on Target - 3 years October 1, 2018 to September 30, 20211 to 14 mystery novels - Maxwell Smart Award (Get Smart)
15 to 29 mystery novels - Thomas Magnum Award (Magnum P.I.)
30 to 49 mystery novels - Jim Rockford Award (Rockford Files)
50 to 77 mystery novels - Cagney & Lacey Award (Cagney & Lacey)
78 All mystery novels - Sherlock Holmes Award (Sherlock)
78 All cozy mystery novels - Jessica Fletcher Award (Murder, She Wrote)
The Twelve Towers
12 books that you've acquired most recently (from start date).
11 books that you never find time to get around to or that have been on your shelves the longest (pre-choose these).
10 books you randomly select from your shelves (such as by using random.org -- as you go, or pre-choose.) For a little extra bit of random fun, let someone else pick them for you off your shelves. If you've already read them, they can go on category 3, or have them choose again.
9 sequels, series continuations, or spin-offs.
8 novellas or short-stories - they can be part of anthologies, you don't have to read the whole book in this case.
7 books that everyone seems to have read but you.
6 anticipated releases (release dates after your start date).
5 books that were recommended to you via Goodreads.
4 books that you started but never finished.
3 Author(s) new to you
2 books with covers that you don't think fit the storyline or that you don't like the covers of but everyone raves about the books.
1 book that intimidates you.
SUGGESTIONS:
If you have a tower/stack that just won't work for you (ie no unfinished books, etc.), you may take a suggested tower/stack from the list below and substitute it for one of the above. The new tower must then have the same number as the tower your replacing so the overall total stays the same at 78 books.
Chunkster(s) (a book over 450 pages)
Author(s) new to you
Second Chance Authors. Retry authors who you gave up on.
A book(s) that was borrowed or that was given to you.
Award Winning Book(s)
[Multiple lists of various mystery book awards http://stopyourekillingme.com/Awards/]
1 Oct 2018 -30 Sep 2023Slow and Steady - up to 5 years
30 to 49 mystery novels - Jim Rockford Award (Rockford Files)
most recently
1. Marigolds for Malice
2. Asking for Truffle
3. Phoenix Unbound
4. Damsel Under Stress
5. Don't Hex with Texas
6. Hummus and Homicide
7. The Frost Fair
8. The Phantom Lover
9. Raven's Strike
10. How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days
11. Fortune's Lady
12. Dream of Orchids
books that you never find time to get around to or that have been on your shelves the longest
1. Grace Under Pressure
2. Of Grave Concern
3. Recipe For Treason
4. Color Me Murder
5. Murder by the Slice
6. Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter
7. The Real Macaw
8. Frosted Shadow
9. Paso Doble
10. The Three Motives for Murder
11. Queen of Swords
randomly select from your shelves
1. Deadly Décor
2. Fire Touched
3. Charred Tears
4. Raising Chaos
5. Kitty Goes to Washington
6. The Sudbury School Murders
7. Turn Coat
8. Red Velvet Revenge
9. A Royal Pain
10. Untouched
sequels, series continuations, or spin-offs.
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2.
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5.
6.
7.
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novellas or short-stories - they can be part of anthologies, you don't have to read the whole book in this case
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
everyone seems to have read but you
1.
2.
3.
4.
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7.
anticipated releases (release dates after your start date).
1. the Diva Sweetens the Pie -- 04/30/2019
2. the Dog Who Knew to Much -- 05/07/2019
3. Coloring Crook -- 11/27/2018
4. Lionheart -- 10/15/18
5. wild Country -- 03/05/2019
6. Rebel Born -- 06/04/2019
recommended to you via Goodreads.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Author(s) new to you
1.
2.
3.
4.
already read before
1. Buffalo West Wing
2. Affairs of Steak
3. Fonduing Fathers
A book(s) that was borrowed
1.
2.
Chunkster(s) (a book over 450 pages)
1.
I've actually finished a tower - 9 sequels, series continuations, or spin-offs.This one has actually been my "default" tower, when a book doesn't fit any of the others it would usually fit in this one. Only 11 more towers to go!
Mod
I've finished two of the smaller towers, both with different theme options: 4 books borrowed or given to you:
1. Sleeping Murder by Agatha Christie 8/1/18
2. Color Me Murder by Krista Davis 8/25/18
3. To Helvetica and Back by Paige Shelton . 9/19/18
4. Dial C For Chihuahua by Waverly Curtis . 11/4/18
3 New to You Author (moved 2 down to reread books):
1. Delivering the Truth by Edith Maxwell
2. Allergic to Death by Peg Cochran . 9/14/18
3. Ghost a la Mode by Sue Ann Jaffarian . 10/27/18
This looks like fun. I think I will try this challenge.
Okay, I think I'll give this one a go - at the very least, it'll help me get done with a bunch of stuff on my TBR pile!12 TOWERS CHALLENGE
Level & Duration
Fast & Furious - 1 year
From 23rd Feb 2019 to 23rd Feb 2020
Trying for all mystery novels, but let's see how that goes!
Listing my progress below:
12 books that you've acquired most recently (from start date).
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2 -
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11 Books sitting on my shelf the longest
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10 Randomly selected from my shelves
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9 Sequel/Next in series/Spin offs
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Blood and Circuses by Kerry Greenwood2 -
The Skeleton in the Closet by Angie Fox3 -
The Haunted Heist by Angie Fox4 -
Deader Homes and Gardens by Angie Fox5 -
Sweet Tea and Spirits by Angie Fox6 -
Murder on the Sugarland Express by Angie Fox7 -
Pecan Pies and Dead Guys by Angie Fox8 -
Plague Pits & River Bones by Karen Charlton9 -
8 Authors new to me
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Southern Spirits by Angie Fox2 -
Murder in Park Lane by Karen Charlton3 -
4 -
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6 -
7 -
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7 Books everyone has read except me
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6 Anticipated Releases
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5 Recommended on GR
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4 -
5 -
4 Award Winners
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3 Chunksters
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3
2 Covers I don't like + books everyone raves about
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1 Book that intimidates me
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TWELVE TOWERS CHALLENGEDuration: Eyes on Target - up to 3 years
Start date: Jan 28, 2019
Mystery level: 52/49
Jim Rockford Award (Rockford Files)
The Twelve Towers: 10/12
Twelve books that you've acquired most recently (2019).
1. The Gun Also Rises by Sherry Harris 2/18/19
2. Pride and Prescience: Or, A Truth Universally Acknowledged by Carrie Bebris 3/02/19
3. The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn 3/19/19
4. Fields' Guide to Abduction by Julie Mulhern 3/29/19
5. Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh 4/15/19
6. Someone to Care by Mary Balogh 4/16/19
7. The Diva Cooks up a Storm by Krista Davis 4/23/19
8. Murder on Union Square by Victoria Thompson 5/18/19
9. Telephone Line by Julie Mulhern 6/30/19
10. The Essence of Malice by Ashley Weaver 7/02/19
11. An Act of Villainy by Ashley Weaver 7/09/19
12. Let's Fake a Deal by Sherry Harris 8/08/19
Eleven books that have been on your shelves the longest.
1. All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie 3/10/19
2. Still Waters by Tami Hoag 4/27/19
3. And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander 6/30/20
4. A Poisoned Season by Tasha Alexander 7/06/20
5. A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander 7/25/20
6. Some Danger Involved by Will Thomas 8/17/20
7. Blanche Cleans Up by Barbara Neely 9/02/20
8. Blanche Passes Go by Barbara Neely 9/15/20
9. The Saddlemaker's Wife by Earlene Fowler 1/02/21
10. A Family Reunion by Brenda Jackson 3/07/21
11. Death Rides an Ill Wind by Kate Grilley 8/15/21
Ten Award Winning Books:
1. Curses, Boiled Again! by Shari Randall 2/16/19 - Agatha Best First Novel 2018
2. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng 12/15/19 - Goodreads Choice Fiction 2017
3. The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen 12/25/19 - Romantic Times Fiction 2008
4. The Semester of Our Discontent by Cynthia Kuhn 6/26/20 -Agatha Best First Novel 2016
5. Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson 12/07/20 - Goodreads Choice Best History & Biography 2020
6. Mardi Gras Murder by Ellen Byron 2/28/21 - Agatha Best Contemporary Novel 2018
7. Death Dances to a Reggae Beat by Kate Grilley 5/04/21 (Anthony Best Pprbk 2001)
8. Letter From Home by Carolyn G. Hart 5/31/21 (Agatha Best Novel 2003)
9. Murder at the Mena House by Erica Ruth Neubauer 6/12/21 (Agatha First Novel 2020)
10. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid 8/01/21 (Goodreads Choice Debut 2020)
Nine sequels, series continuations, or spin-offs.
1. Driftwood Cottage by Sherryl Woods (Chesapeake Shores #5) 1/28/19
2. Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My by Denise Swanson (Devereaux's Dime Store #6) 2/08/19
3. Someone to Hold by Mary Balogh (Westcott #2) 4/14/19
4. A Most Novel Revenge by Ashley Weaver (Amory Ames #3) 5/27/19
5. A Dangerous Engagement by Ashley Weaver (Amory Ames #6) 7/13/19
6. Steamed Open by Barbara Ross (Maine Clambake #7) 7/19/19
7. Mission Impawsible by Krista Davis (Paws and Claws #4) 8/10/19
8. Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding by Rhys Bowen (Her Royal Spyness #12) 8/18/19
9. A Likely Story by Jenn McKinlay (Library Lover's #6) 8/28/19
Eight Authors new to you
1. Carolyn Haines, Them Bones 5/06/19
2. Allison Brook, Death Overdue 6/20/19
3. Terri L. Austin, Diners, Dives & Dead Ends 6/27/19
4. Jamie Brenner, The Forever Summer 7/22/19
5. Radha Vatsal, A Front Page Affair 7/30/19
6. Elizabeth Peters, Crocodile on the Sandbank 8/21/19
7. Sarah Caudwell, Thus Was Adonis Murdered 1/23/20
8. Beth Groundwater, Deadly Currents 6/19/20
Seven books that everyone seems to have read but you
1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 11/17/19
2. The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith 2/06/20
3. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 6/01/20
4.
5.
6.
7.
Six 6 anticipated releases (release dates after your start date).
1 A Dangerous Engagement by Ashley Weaver 7/13/19 (pub Sep 19)
2 Someone to Honor by Mary Balogh 10/22/19 (pub July 19)
3 Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody by Barbara Ross 5/11/20 (pub June 19)
4 Murder Flies the Coop by Jessica Ellicott 11/29/20 (pub Sep 19)
5 The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory 2/11/21 (pub July 19)
6 Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert 2/17/21 (pub June 20)
Five books that were recommended to you via Goodreads.
1. A Share in Death by Deborah Crombie 2/02/19 (Gary)
2. Louisiana Longshot by Jana Deleon 2/23/20 (Alice)
3. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory 3/09/20 (Wilhelmina)
4. Murder on the SS Rosa by Lee Strauss (QnPoohBear)
5. Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert (GR article)
Four books that you started but never finished.
1. Black Ship by Carola Dunn 11/11/19
2. The Four Agreements: by Miguel Ruiz 11/19/20
3. Excuses Begone! by Wayne W. Dyer 3/28/21
4. Why Mermaids Sing by C.S. Harris 10/29/21
Three books that were borrowed or given to you
1. Killer Jam by Karen MacInerney 4/07/19
2. Decluttering at the Speed of Life: by Dana K. White 5/28/19
3. Murder, She Uncovered by Peg Cochran 5/31/19
Two books with covers that don't fit the storyline or that ... you don't like.
1. Threads of Evidence by Lea Wait - doesn't fit the storyline
(view spoiler)
2.
One book that's a Chunkster (over 450 pp)
1. Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts 4/02/19 - 496 pp
What a great idea! This is my first challenge, and I'm excited--I'm especially enjoying getting my TBR list whittled down some as well as picking up some new favorites.I'm going for the Jessica Fletcher Fast and Furious, with 4/78 done so far. I've populated most of the towers with my choices already, and am going for these 12:
Twelve books that you've acquired most recently
Eleven books that have been on your shelves the longest
Ten books you randomly select from your shelves
Nine sequels, series continuations, or spin-offs.
Eight novellas or short stories
Seven second chance authors
Six authors new to you
Five award-winning books
Four books that were borrowed or given to you
Three books that you've read before.
Two anticipated releases (after my start date)
One book that's a Chunkster (over 450 pp)
Once I'm well along with this challenge, I think for fun I'll apply the same towers to my other favorite genre, science fiction. I've gone a little overboard acquiring ebooks and my TBR size is embarrassing, so I can use and re-use this challenge to keep me moving quickly.
message 81:
by
ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ, Cozy Mysteries Group Owner
(last edited Mar 13, 2019 09:32AM)
(new)
Mod
Oh wow, didn't think of that. That would mean we have ..."
I wouldn't want anyone to have to go out and buy books just for a challenge. Just use anything you've gotten recently. The last books you did buy, no matter how long ago that was. You could get creative if you wanted, and read library books released after the challenge start date. I have Kindle Unlimited, so I'm using a few books read after their release date.
message 82:
by
ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ, Cozy Mysteries Group Owner
(last edited Mar 13, 2019 09:33AM)
(new)
Mod
Sequels, Series continuations or spin-offs
Novellas or short storiesA=
Authors new to me
Books that you've already read before
Award Winning Books
I've had to go back on some. I pre-choose a lot and didn't get around to reading those, but read others that qualified, so having to go back and edit my towers.
Finished:THE TWELVE TOWERS, starts 7/12/18
12/12 CATEGORIES COMPLETE | SHERLOCK HOLMES LEVEL
12 BOOKS THAT YOU'VE ACQUIRED MOST RECENTLY (from start date)
1. 7/16/18 : Plain as Day (Amish Mystery #5.5), by Laura Bradford, finished 7/19 ★★★.5
2. 7/13/18 : Halloween Murder (Lucy Stone #3 and #16), by Leslie Meier, finished 8/6 ★★★.5
3. 9/6/18 : Glitter Bomb (Scrapbooking #15), by Laura Childs, finished 9/10 ★★★.5
4. 10/11/18 : Christmas Cake Murder (Hannah Swensen #23), by Joanne Fluke, finished 10/18 ★★★
5. 11/2/18 : Death and Daisies (Magic Garden #2), by Amanda Flower, finished 11/4 ★★★.5
6. 11/4/18 : Night of Miracles (Arthur Truluv #2), by Elizabeth Berg, finished 11/7 ★★★★
7. 11/12/18 : In Peppermint Peril (Book Tea Shop #1), by Joy Avon, finished 11/14 ★★★.5
8. 11/15/18 : The Whispered Word (Secret, Book & Scone Society #2), by Ellery Adams, finished 11/18 ★★★.5
9. 11/23/18 : Yule Be Dead (Victoria Square #5), by Lorraine Bartlett, finished 11/25 ★★★.5
10. 11/25/18 : Just Plain Murder (Amish Mystery #6), by Laura Bradford, finished 11/30 ★★★★
11. 12/1/18 : Killer Classics (Book Barn #5), by Kym Roberts, finished 12/2 ★★★.5
12. 12/4/18 : Murder in Her Stocking (Granny Reid #1), by G.A. McKevett, finished 12/6 ★★★★
11 BOOKS THAT YOU NEVER FIND TIME TO GET AROUND TO OR THAT HAVE BEEN ON YOUR SHELVES THE LONGEST (pre-choose these)
1. G'Day to Die (Passport to Peril #5), by Maddy Hunter, finished 7/25 ★★★
2. Rolling Thunder (John Ceepak #6), by Chris Grabenstein, finished 7/16 ★★★★
3. A Deadly Vineyard Holiday (Martha's Vineyard #8), by Philip R. Craig, finished 8/13 ★★★★
4. If Books Could Kill (Bibliophile #2), by Kate Carlisle, finished 10/11 ★★★.5
5. Thread End (Embroidery #7), by Amanda Lee, finished 10/25 ★★★★
6. Ill Wind (Anna Pigeon #3), by Nevada Barr, finished 10/31 ★★★.5
7. Lowcountry Book Club (Liz Talbot #5), by Susan M. Boyer, finished 11/5 ★★★★
8. Cold Front (Tory Bauer #5), by Kathleen Taylor, finished 11/8 ★★★
9. Black Ship (Daisy Dalrymple #17), by Carola Dunn, finished 11/26 ★★★.5
10. Play with Fire (Kate Shugak #5), by Dana Stabenow, finished 12/9 ★★★★
11. I'm a Fool to Kill You (Rat Pack #5), by Robert J. Randisi, finished 12/29 ★★★.5
10 BOOKS YOU RANDOMLY SELECT FROM YOUR SHELVES
1. Swamp Sniper (Miss Fortune #3), by Jana DeLeon, finished 7/13 ★★★★
2. Thereby Hangs a Tail (Chet & Bernie #2), by Spencer Quinn, finished 8/7 ★★★★
3. Beside Still Waters (Psalm 23 #4), by Debbie Viguié, finished 8/14 ★★★.5
4. Once Upon a Grind (Coffeehouse #14), by Cleo Coyle, finished 8/26 ★★★.5
5. North of Clever (Hannah Garvey #3), by Suzann Ledbetter, finished 10/7 ★★★.5
6. Deader Homes and Gardens (Claire Malloy #18), by Joan Hess, finished 10/12 ★★★.5
7. A Toast to Murder (Wine Lover's #6), by Michele Scott, finished 10/22 ★★★.5
8. Twelve Angry Librarians (Cat in the Stacks #8), by Miranda James, finished 10/27 ★★★★
9. The Devil's Puzzle (Someday Quilts #4), by Clare O'Donohue, finished 10/29 ★★★.5
10. Freezer I'll Shoot (Vintage Kitchen #3), by Victoria Hamilton, finished 12/26 ★★★.5
9 SEQUELS, SERIES CONTINUATIONS, OR SPIN-OFFS
1. continues series : Independence Slay (Celebration Bay #3), by Shelley Freydont, finished 7/20 ★★★.5
2. continues series : Guilty as Cinnamon (Spice Shop #2), by Leslie Budewitz, finished 7/31 ★★★.5
3. continues series : Premeditated Peppermint (Amish Candy Shop #3), by Amanda Flower, finished 9/23 ★★★★
4. spin-off : Bless Her Dead Little Heart (Southern Sisters #1), by Miranda James, finished 10/2 ★★★★
5. continues series : The Lacemaker's Secret (Chloe Ellefson #9), by Kathleen Ernst, finished 10/5 ★★★.5
6. continues series : Midsummer Mayhem (Potting Shed #7), by Marty Wingate, finished 10/13 ★★★★
7. continues series : The Colors of All the Cattle (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency #19), by Alexander McCall Smith, finished 10/17 ★★★★
8. continues series : Cinnamon Toasted (Spice Shop #3), by Gail Oust, finished 11/16 ★★★★
9. continues series : Eggs on Ice (Cackleberry Club #8), by Laura Childs, finished 12/11 ★★★★
8 BOOKS BY NEW-TO-ME AUTHORS
1. author Janel Gradowski – Pies & Peril (Culinary Competitions #1), finished 7/23 ★★★
2. author Christine DeSmet – First-Degree Fudge (Fudge Shop #1), finished 7/30 ★★★
3. author Claudia Bishop – A Taste for Murder (Hemlock Falls #1), finished 8/22 ★★★★
4. author Claire Donally – The Big Kitty (Sunny & Shadow #1), finished 8/31 ★★★★
5. author Peggy E. Edelheit – The Puzzle (Samantha Jamison #1), finished 9/18 ★★.5
6. author Diane Noble – Through the Fire (Mystery and the Minister's Wife #1), finished 9/21 ★★★.5
7. author Edith Maxwell – A Tine to Live, A Tine to Die (Local Foods #1), finished 10/14 ★★★★
8. author Cécile Chabot – The Merchant of Death (Cycle of Xhól #1), finished 10/28 ★★★
7 BOOKS THAT EVERYONE SEEMS TO HAVE READ BUT YOU
1. Deadly Heat (Nikki Heat #5), by Richard Castle, finished 9/4 ★★★.5
2. Killed at the Whim of a Hat (Jimm Juree #1), by Colin Cotterill, finished 9/9 ★★★.5
3. The Fix (Amos Decker #3), by David Baldacci, finished 9/24 ★★★★.5
4. Fun House (John Ceepak #7), by Chris Grabenstein, finished 11/12 ★★★★
5. Vengeance in Death (In Death #6), by J.D. Robb, finished 11/19 ★★★.5
6. Lord Edgware Dies (Hercule Poirot #9), by Agatha Christie, finished 11/20 ★★★
7. Her Final Breath (Tracy Crosswhite #2), by Robert Dugoni, finished 11/28 ★★★★.5
6 ANTICIPATED RELEASES (release dates after your start date)
1. The Vanishing Box (Stephens & Mephisto #4), by Elly Griffiths, finished 7/27 ★★★★ – released 11/17 in the UK, 9/18 in the US
2. The Guilty Dead (Monkeewrench #9), by P.J. Tracy, finished 8/9 ★★★★.5 –released 8/23 in the UK, 9/11 in the US
3. Shattered at Sea (Webb's Glass Shop #5), by Cheryl Hollon, finished 8/18 ★★★★ – released 8/28/18
4. Silver Anniversary Murder (Lucy Stone #25), by Leslie Meier, finished 8/24 ★★★.5 – released 9/25
5. Hitting the Books (Library Lovers #9), by Jenn McKinlay, finished 8/27 ★★★★ – released 9/11
6. Read and Gone (Haunted Library #2), by Allison Brook, finished 9/3 ★★★.5 – released 9/11
5 BOOKS RECOMMENDED TO YOU VIA GOODREADS
1. In the Drink (Mack's Bar #3), by Allyson K. Abbott, finished 8/21 ★★★.5
2. Mai Tai One On (Tiki Goddess #1), by Jill Marie Landis, finished 8/29 ★★★
3. Gnome on the Range (Gnome series #1), by Jennifer Zane, finished 9/5 ★★.5
4. Scene of the Climb (Pacific Northwest #1), by Kate E. Dyer-Seeley, finished 10/10 ★★★
5. Napoleon's Pyramids (Ethan Gage #1), by William Dietrich, finished 12/5 ★★★
4 BOOKS THAT HAVE WON AN AWARD
1. 2017 Gold Dagger Award : The Dry (Aaron Falk #1), by Jane Harper, finished 11/9 ★★★★
2. 1992 Agatha Award : The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter (Ballad #2), by Sharyn McCrumb, finished 2/7 ★★★
3. 2000 Anthony Award : The Big Sleep (Philip Marlowe #1), by Raymond Chandler, finished 2/14 ★★★★
4. 2008 Agatha Award : The Cruelest Month (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #3), by Louise Penny, finished 3/13 ★★★★
3 CHUNKSTERS (over 450 pages)
1. 593 pages : The Guilty (Will Robie #4), by David Baldacci, finished 10/4 ★★★★
2. 484 pages : The Concrete Blonde (Harry Bosch #3), by Michael Connelly, finished 10/19 ★★★★
3. 464 pages : The Final Cut (Brit in the FBI #1), by Catherine Coulter & J.T. Ellison, finished 1/23/19 ★★★★
2 BOOKS WITH COVERS THAT YOU DON'T THINK FIT THE STORYLINE OR THAT YOU DON'T LIKE THE COVERS OF BUT EVERYONE RAVES ABOUT THE BOOKS
1. cover doesn't fit storyline : The Abduction (Theodore Boone #2), by John Grisham, finished 9/11 ★★★.5
2. don't like the cover : Aunt Bessie Assumes (Isle of Man #1), by Diana Xarissa, finished 12/28 ★★★.5
1 BOOK THAT INTIMIDATES YOU
1. Royally Dead (A Stitch in Time #3), by Greta McKennan, finished 8/12 ★★★
I didn't really care for the first two in this series, so I wasn't looking forward to reading this one
***** CHALLENGE COMPLETE 3/13/19 *****
Barb wrote: "Finished:Congratulations, that's incredibly well done! Should be an extra level for such speed.
Mod
Barb wrote: "Finished:THE TWELVE TOWERS, starts 7/12/18
12/12 CATEGORIES COMPLETE | SHERLOCK HOLMES LEVEL
congrats, Barb!!
Barb wrote: "Finished:Great job, Barb! Wow, that is impressive!
Mod
Way to go, Barb! I have one book left, so I'm not too far behind you.
I'm DONE. Finished the last book last night (5/4/2019). Thanks for a great challenge Brian's Girl!
I am going for the 50 to 77 mystery novels - Cagney & Lacey Award (Cagney & Lacey) (my favorites)I am going to go for all cozy mysteries.
Quick as a bunny:
Start date: 5/14/2019
End date: 5/14/2021
Jeanne wrote: "I'm DONE. Finished the last book last night (5/4/2019). Thanks for a great challenge Brian's Girl!"Good job, Jeanne! Congratulations on being so quick!!!
Jeanne wrote: "I'm DONE. Finished the last book last night (5/4/2019). Thanks for a great challenge Brian's Girl!"Whoo hoo!!!
My challenge started one year ago today. I'm currently at 73/78 books. 5 more to go, hopefully by the end of the year. Just need to find a book that intimidates me which is kind of hard to do with cozies.
I am going to try this:How to Play:
You can choose your own time frame for finishing the challenge, but the goal is to read a total of 78 books. There are a total of twelve towers, or stacks of books. The description for each is described below and you get to choose the time you will to climb each of the towers. You may work on them simultaneously or at different times. The choice is up to you. You can start this challenge at any time. Just for your own records, mark your start date.
Rules
- Any media allowed (book, audio, ebook, graphic novel, etc.).
- A book only counts once, even if it fits more than one tower category. You choose where to put it.
- You can use books for this challenge as well as using them in other challenges. That's fine.
Levels and Duration
Slow and Steady - up to 5 years
Eyes on Target - up to 3 years
Quick as a Bunny - up to 2 years
Need for Speed - up to 18 months*
Fast and Furious - Up to 1 year.
Mystery levels
As with all of our challenges, it is not restricted to only mystery novels, however that is an option and can make it more challenging. [I had a lil fun naming the awards after tv fictional detectives, private investigators and amateur sleuths.)
1 to 14 mystery novels - Maxwell Smart Award (Get Smart)
15 to 29 mystery novels - Thomas Magnum Award (Magnum P.I.)
30 to 49 mystery novels - Jim Rockford Award (Rockford Files)
50 to 77 mystery novels - Cagney & Lacey Award (Cagney & Lacey)
78 All mystery novels - Sherlock Holmes Award (Sherlock) *
78 All cozy mystery novels - Jessica Fletcher Award (Murder, She Wrote)
The Twelve Towers
12 books that you've acquired most recently (from start date).
11 books that you never find time to get around to or that have been on your shelves the longest (pre-choose these).
10 books you randomly select from your shelves (such as by using random.org -- as you go, or pre-choose.) For a little extra bit of random fun, let someone else pick them for you off your shelves. If you've already read them, they can go on category 3, or have them choose again.
9 sequels, series continuations, or spin-offs.
8 novellas or short-stories - they can be part of anthologies, you don't have to read the whole book in this case.
7 books that everyone seems to have read but you.
6 anticipated releases (release dates after your start date).
5 books that were recommended to you via Goodreads.
4 books that you started but never finished.
3 book that you've already read before.
2 books with covers that you don't think fit the storyline or that you don't like the covers of but everyone raves about the books.
1 book that intimidates you.
SUGGESTIONS:
If you have a tower/stack that just won't work for you (ie no unfinished books, etc.), you may take a suggested tower/stack from the list below and substitute it for one of the above. The new tower must then have the same number as the tower your replacing so the overall total stays the same at 78 books.
Chunkster(s) (a book over 450 pages)
Author(s) new to you
Second Chance Authors. Retry authors who you gave up on.
A book(s) that was borrowed or that was given to you.
Award Winning Book(s)
[Multiple lists of various mystery book awards http://stopyourekillingme.com/Awards/]
Start date: 2 Aug 2019 - Eyes on Target - up to 3 years - All mystery novels-78
My stacks:
12 books that you've acquired most recently (from start date).
1. 2 Aug. 2019 Kneaded to Death by
11 books that you never find time to get around to or that have been on your shelves the longest (pre-choose these).
10 books you randomly select from your shelves
9 sequels, series continuations, or spin-offs.
8 Author(s) new to you
7 books that everyone seems to have read but you.
6 anticipated releases (release dates after your start date).
5 books that were recommended to you via Goodreads.
4 books that you started but never finished.
3 books that you've already read before.
2 books with covers that you don't think fit the storyline or that you don't like the covers of but everyone raves about the books.
1 book that intimidates you.
This sounds like a lot of fun. I’m in!Start Date: 4 August 2019
Duration: Slow and Steady (5yrs. )
Level: Sherlock Holmes ( 78 books all mysteries)
Read: 8/78
Tower 12 ~ Books Most Recently Acquired
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Tower 11 ~ Books That I haven’t found the time for/ longest on TBR
1. The Quiche of Death (Agatha Raisin #1) by M.C. Beaton
2. Postmortem (Kay Scarpetta #1) by Patricia Cornwell
✔️3. The Murder on the Links (Hercule Poirot #1) by Agatha Christie▪️December 17, 2019▪️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4. Love is Murder (Daytime Mystery #1) by Linda Palmer
5. Murder on the Mind (Jeff Resnick Mystery #1) by L.L. Bartlett
✔️6. Strawberry Shortcake Murder (Hannah Swensen #2) by Joanne Fluke▪️10/5/2019▪️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️7. Absolute Poison ( Rafferty and Llewellyn Police Procedural #5) by Geraldine Evans▪️8/24/20▪️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️8. Close Her Eyes (Inspector Thanet #4) by Dorothy Simpson▪️4/1/21▪️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
9. The Camel Club by David Baldacci
10.New York Dead by Stuart Woods
11.Murder in the White House by Margaret Truman
Tower 10~ Randomly Selected Books
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Tower 9~ Sequels, Series Continuations, or Spin-Offs
✔️1. Blueberry Muffin Murder (Hannah Swenson #3)- Joanne Fluke▪️11/4/20▪️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Tower 8~ Novellas or Short Stories
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Tower 7~ Books that Everyone Seems to Have Read
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Tower 6~ New to me authors
✔️1. Caught Dead Handed-Carol J. Perry▪️10/30/2019▪️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️2.Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost▪️11/9/20▪️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3. Death Bee Comes Her by Nancy CoCo
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Tower 5~ Books that Goodreads Recommend
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Tower 4~ Books started but never finished
✔️1. Revenge of the Wrought-Iron Flamingos (Meg Langslow #3) by Donna Andrews▪️3/30/20▪️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2. If You Can't Stand the Heat-Robin Allen
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Tower 3~ Books I’ve Already Read
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Tower 2~ Books whose covers don’t fit or whom everyone raves about but you don’t like
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Tower 1~ A book that intimidates
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I believe I'm done! Yay!I so enjoyed this.
See message 14...
Meg wrote: "I believe I'm done! Yay!I so enjoyed this.
See message 14..."
Congratulations, Meg! I have only one more to go, so I hope to be joining you shortly.
Cozy Mysteries
Books mentioned in this topic
Suede to Rest (other topics)River's Edge (other topics)
The Cairo Curse (other topics)
Resistance (other topics)
The Annotated Pride and Prejudice (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Elena Armas (other topics)Matt Haig (other topics)
John Green (other topics)
Shelby Mahurin (other topics)
Hannah Grace (other topics)
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Neither The Thirteen Problems by Miss Marple, and it's difficult to be more cozy ;) Miss Marple knew the world through her village and Father Brown knew the world through his parishioner.