Spring Challenge 2020 Exam Time - 1st September-30th November

[Phrynne, Mystery lover!]

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "The closest I'm ever going to get to PE class again is the PE in Louise Penny's name. I just enjoyed Kingdom of the Blind (as I knew I would) and reviewed it here.
[..."

Lol ! Me too Patty. Lovely review!

[Anastasia]

Finished 7. Languages. Read a book set in a country whose first language is not English A Most Peculiar Malaysian Murder by Shamini Flint
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Janine]

Finished my 6th

#11 Physical Education - Author has P&E in name
Liar by Lesley Pearse 3*

[Anastasia]

Finished 12. Religious Instruction. Read a book where a main character has a name you could find in the Bible.(Sarah) Tagged for Death by Sherry Harris
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Anastasia]

Finished 4. Geography. Read a book set in a country other than your own Majoring In Murder by Jessica Fletcher
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Rhondda]

I completed my 12 and enjoyed finding some new authors and getting to some that had been on my wish list for a while. In (COVID-19) lock down, reading about other times and places has been a good way to spend my time.
I will test myself and try for another 12 following the same guidelines.

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Well done Rhondda! And you go girl! Good for you :)

[Phrynne, Mystery lover!]

Well you got your Distinction Rhondda! Now you are aiming for a High Distinction. Good luck:) 🎓🎓🎓

[Anastasia]

Finished 2.Maths. Read a book with a number in the title
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Janine]

Finished #8 Computer Science - Read an ebook

Wake to Darkness by Maggie Shayne 3*

[[deleted user]]

I think I forgot to sign up!

1st book Geography Read a book set in a country other than your own

Bumping Off Fat Vinny: Revenge is Sweet by Dennis N. Griffin and Morgan St. James



https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://col2910.blogspot.com/2020/10/...

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Finished :)

Spring Challenge - Exam Time
Duration: 1/9/20 - 30/11/20
Level: Distinction
12/12

It's time for you to sit the Booktown School exams everyone.

6 books will get you a Pass
9 books will earn you a Credit
12 books are required for a Distinction

Choose your subjects:

1. English. Read a book set in England
Close to the Bone by Susan Wilkins 5★s 9/9/20

2. Maths. Read a book with a number in the title
State Highway One by Sam Coley 3★s 11/9/20

3. History. Read a book set in the past
Deception by Gaslight by Kate Belli 4★s 7/10/20

4. Geography. Read a book set in a country other than your own
The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves 4★s 8/9/20 England

5. Science. Do an experiment - read a book from a new to you author
On Borrowed Crime: A Jane Doe Book Club Mystery by Kate Young 3.5★s 16/9/20

6. Art. Read a book with an artistic or very colourful cover.
19th Christmas by James Patterson 5★s 13/9/20

7. Languages. Read a book set in a country whose first language is not English
Helix: Episode 8 by Nathan M. Farrugia 5★s 1/9/20 across Europe

8. Computer science. Read an ebook or listen to an audiobook.
Welcome to Ord City by Adrian Deans 2.5★s 13/9/20

9. Music. Read a book where the letters of 'music' can be found in the title or one where someone sings in the story.
The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths 4.5★s 29/9/20

10. Home Economics. Read a book with food on the cover or cooking is mentioned in the story.
A Witness to Murder by Verity Bright 4★s 10/9/20

11. Physical Education. Read a book by an author with the letters P and E somewhere in their name.
The Good Teacher by Petronella McGovern 5★s 5/9/20

12. Religious Instruction. Read a book where a main character has a name you could find in the Bible.
Shadows in Death by J.D. Robb 5★s 6/9/20 Eve

[Phrynne, Mystery lover!]

Well done Brenda!

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Thanks Phrynne :)

[Icewineanne]

Congratulations Brenda! You’re the first to finish the challenge 👍🏻

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Thank you Anne :) Everything fell into place this quarter...

[Janine]

Finished my 8th

History - Set in the Past
Revenge in Rubies byA.M. Stuart 4*

[Janine]

Finished #2 Maths (A number in the title)

Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton 4*

[Anastasia]

Finished 11. Physical Education. Read a book by an author with the letters P and E somewhere in their name. Face of Death by Blake Pierce
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Janine]

Finished #10

Home Economics - Food on Cover
Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke 3*

[PattyMacDotComma]

5. Science experiment with an author new to me, Aussie author Greg Woodland who wrote the rural crime novel The Night Whistler. Some appealing characters and some nasty ones in a very small country town.
3.5★ My review of Night Whistler

[Janine]

Finished #11

Languages - Set in a country with English as a Second Language
The Preacher by Camilla Läckberg 3*

[Janine]

Challenge Completed
Spring Challenge - Exam Time
Duration: 1/9/20 - 30/11/20
Level: Distinction
12/12

Choose your subjects:
1. English. Read a book set in England
Lost Girls by Angela Marsons READ 7/9/20 3*

2. Maths. Read a book with a number in the title
Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton READ 12/10/20 4*

3. History. Read a book set in the past
Revenge in Rubies by A.M. Stuart READ 8/10/20 4*

4. Geography. Read a book set in a country other than your own
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin READ 15/9/20 4*

5. Science. Do an experiment - read a book from a new to you author
Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower READ 9/11/20 4*

6. Art. Read a book with an artistic or very colourful cover
Spiraled by Kendra Elliot READ 21/9/20 3*

7. Languages. Read a book set in a country whose first language is not English
The Preacher by Camilla Läckberg READ 6/11/20 3*

8. Computer science. Read an ebook or listen to an audiobook
Wake to Darkness by Maggie Shayne READ 5/10/20 3*

9. Music. Read a book where the letters of 'music' can be found in the title or one where someone sings in the story
The Case of the Slain Soprano by Susan Moore Jordan READ 26/9/20 3*

10. Home Economics. Read a book with food on the cover or cooking is mentioned in the story
Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke READ 19/10/20 3*

11. Physical Education. Read a book by an author with the letters P and E somewhere in their name
Liar by Lesley Pearse READ 1/10/20 3*

12. Religious Instruction. Read a book where a main character has a name you could find in the Bible
Shadows in Death by J.D. Robb (Eve) READ 26/9/20 3*

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Well done Janine!!

[Phrynne, Mystery lover!]

Great work Janine:)

[Carolyn]

I've finished all my exams!

12/12 books

✔ 1.English - Read a book set in England
Close to the Bone by Susan Wilkins 4.5★
✔ 2.Maths - Read a book with a number in the title
Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger 4★
✔ 3. History - Read a book set in the past
Who Speaks for the Damned by C.S. Harris 5★
✔ 4. Geography - a book set in a country other than your own (Wales)
The Harlech Beach Killings by Simon McCleave 3.5★
✔ 5. Science - Do an experiment - read a book from a new to you author
Eight Detectives by Alex Pavesi 4★
✔ 6. Art - Read a book with an artistic or very colourful cover.
A Testament of Character by Sulari Gentill 4.5★
✔ 7. Languages - a book set in a country whose first language is not English (Nigeria). The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi 4★
✔ 8. Computer science - listen to an audiobook.
The Body in the Dales by J.R. Ellis 4★
✔ 9. Music - the letters of 'music' can be found in the title
The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths 4.5★
✔ 10. Home Economics - Read a book with food on the cover (cake)
Do Not Go Gentle by C.A. Larmer 3.5★
✔ 11. Physical Education - a book by an author with the letters P and E in their name.
Silent Night by Nell Pattison 3.5★
✔ 12. Religious Instruction - Read a book where a main character has a name from the Bible. (Ruth)
The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths 4★

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Great job Carolyn, you can be excused now 😂

[Phrynne, Mystery lover!]

Well done Carolyn. Move to the top of the class.

[Craig]

Interesting challenge. Just spotted this now as it's been a busy few weeks and I haven't been on GR much other than to log books etc.

Let's see where I'm at so far - thanks for the fun challenge!

1.English. Read a book set in England
TBC I read BFG to daughter on 27 August, and remarkably haven't read a book set in England since (11 novels and three other books read/listened to since, plus more partway through). From seven countries but not England.

2.Maths. Read a book with a number in the title
Second Skin by Christian White - Interesting Audible Original thriller from the award-winning Australian crime writer. More novella length, didn't quite have the character depth of his novels, but good listen

3. History. Read a book set in the past
The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton - Intriguing, genre-blending mystery set in historical sailing ships. Very good read.

4. Geography. Read a book set in a country other than your own
Murder Sees The Light by Howard Engel - Interesting old school Canadian private eye novel from the mid 1980s, set largely in Alonquin Park

5, Science. Do an experiment - read a book from a new to you author
Three-Fifths by John Vercher - outstanding 5-star read. Loved it

6. Art. Read a book with an artistic or very colourful cover.
That Monster on the Block by Sue Ganz-Schmitt - Fun kids book that was a good seasonal read with my Halloween-loving 5-year-old

7. Languages. Read a book set in a country whose first language is not English
The Forger and the Thief by Kirsten McKenzie - Intriguing historical mystery set against an epic flood in 1960s Florence

8. Computer science. Read an ebook or listen to an audiobook.
Consolation by Garry Disher superb brand new rural noir from a master of Australian crime writing

9. Music. Read a book where the letters of 'music' can be found in the title or one where someone sings in the story.
No Going Back by Sheena Kamal - The main character in this pulse-pounding thriller, Nora Watts, is a fine singer including a backing singer for professional musicians in studios etc. Several references to her singing during the story.

10. Home Economics. Read a book with food on the cover or cooking is mentioned in the story.
Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden - Outstanding debut mystery, in running for my Best of the Year list, set on a Native American reservation. Several characters end up working as chefs and related food service roles as events unfold.

11. Physical Education. Read a book by an author with the letters P and E somewhere in their name.
TBC Remarkably out of 14 books read/finished since 1 September, none of the authors have a P in their first or surnames

12. Religious Instruction. Read a book where a main character has a name you could find in the Bible.
The Law of Innocence by Michael Connelly - Excellent courtroom thriller where main character (and author both) have the first name Michael

So that's 10 out of 12 subjects covered already, I think - not too bad in the unplanned just matching what I'd already read circumstances

[Craig]

Anastasia wrote: "Finished 7. Languages. Read a book set in a country whose first language is not English A Most Peculiar Malaysian Murder by Shamini Flint[bookcover:A Most Peculiar Ma..."

Great series. I've enjoyed several of the Inspector Singh tales. Fascinating mix of the portly, at-times-comedic detective and some quite dark real-life issues.

[Phrynne, Mystery lover!]

Craig wrote: "Interesting challenge. Just spotted this now as it's been a busy few weeks and I haven't been on GR much other than to log books etc.

Let's see where I'm at so far - thanks for the fun challenge!..."


🎓🎓🎓Well done Craig and welcome to the challenge! You still have until 30th November to find the other two books:)🎓🎓🎓

[Craig]

Phrynne wrote: "🎓🎓🎓Well done Craig and welcome to the challenge! You still have until 30th November to find the other two books:)🎓🎓🎓"


I have THE SURVIVORS by Jane Harper on my TBR pile, so that'll give me the 'PE/PhysEd' one, in fact the PE is right there consecutively in her surname!

[PattyMacDotComma]

Set in a country other than my own. Set in England, I'm in Australia.

Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz is similar, but not a sequel to Magpie Murders, which I loved. This one is also clever and complex.
3.5★ Link to my Moonflower review

[Anastasia]

Finished 10. Home Economics. Read a book with food on the cover or cooking is mentioned in the story. Survival of the Fritters by Ginger Bolton
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Anastasia]

Thats me finished
Spring Challenge - Exam Time
Duration: 1/9/20 - 30/11/20

1.English. Read a book set in England
Muffins and Mourning Tea by H.Y. Hanna finished 05/09/2020 5 stars
2.Maths. Read a book with a number in the title
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich finished 06/10/2020 5 stars
3. History. Read a book set in the past
Crowned and Dangerous by Rhys Bowen finished 19/09/2020 5 stars
4. Geography. Read a book set in a country other than your own Majoring In Murder by Jessica Fletcher finished 03/10/2020 3 stars
5. Science. Do an experiment - read a book from a new to you author Pest Control by Bill Fitzhugh finished 09/09/2020 4 stars
6. Art. Read a book with an artistic or very colourful cover. Stiff Penalty by Annelise Ryan finished 12/09/2020 4 stars
7. Languages. Read a book set in a country whose first language is not English A Most Peculiar Malaysian Murder by Shamini Flint finished 28/09/2020 3 stars
8. Computer science. Read an ebook or listen to an audiobook. Death, Taxes, and a Skinny No-Whip Latte by Diane Kelly finished 16/09/2020 5 stars
9. Music. Read a book where the letters of 'music' can be found in the title or one where someone sings in the story. On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service by Rhys Bowen finished 23/09/2020 5 stars
10. Home Economics. Read a book with food on the cover or cooking is mentioned in the story. Survival of the Fritters by Ginger Bolton finished 11/11/2020 4 stars
11. Physical Education. Read a book by an author with the letters P and E somewhere in their name. Face of Death by Blake Pierce finished 15/10/2020 4 stars
12. Religious Instruction. Read a book where a main character has a name you could find in the Bible.(Sarah) Tagged for Death by Sherry Harris finished 01/10/2020 3 stars

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

[Phrynne, Mystery lover!]

Well done Anastasia. You can join Carolyn, Brenda and Janine at the top of the class!

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Great job Anastasia :)

[Craig]

11. Physical Education. Read a book by an author with the letters P and E somewhere in their name.

The Survivors by Jane Harper - Excellent, five-start standalone small-town crime tale set in a tiny beach community in Tasmania.

So that's 11/12 for me now, with just
1.English. Read a book set in England
to go

[Trevor]

Challenge finished:

1.English. Read a book set in England Blunt Force by Lynda La Plante - 3★
2.Maths. Read a book with a number in the title
The Secret of Annexe 3 by Colin Dexter - 4★
3. History. Read a book set in the past
Shepherd by Catherine Jinks - 4★
4. Geography. Read a book set in a country other than your own (France)
Red Gold by Alan Furst - 4★
5, Science. Do an experiment - read a book from a new to you author The Van Apfel Girls Are Gone by Felicity McLean - 3★
6. Art. Read a book with an artistic or very colourful cover.
Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton - 5★
7. Languages. Read a book set in a country whose first language is not English (Italy)
Blood Rain by Michael Dibdin - 3★
8. Computer science. Read an ebook or listen to an audiobook.
The Godmother by Hannelore Cayre - 4★
9. Music. Read a book where the letters of 'music' can be found in the title
A Suspension of Mercy by Patricia Highsmith - 4★
10. Home Economics. Read a book with food on the cover
Pasta Pinot & Murder by Jamie Lee Scott - 3★
11. Physical Education. Read a book by an author with the letters P and E somewhere in their name.
The Survivors by Jane Harper - 4★
12. Religious Instruction. Read a book where a main character has a name you could find in the Bible (Joshua)
The Burning Island by Jock Serong - 2★




Thanks to the moderators for another enjoyable challenge, and I mostly managed to select some good reads :-)

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Well done Trevor!!

[Jane]

Finished the 'Distinction' level of this challenge with:

9. Music. Read a book where the letters of 'music' can be found in the title : Murder in Cherry Hills by Paige Sleuth 3*

A very short and simple cozy mystery. I can see why it was free!

[Phrynne, Mystery lover!]

Well done Jane:)

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Good job Jane!!

[PattyMacDotComma]

English - book set in England.

A Chorus of Innocents (Sir Robert Carey #7) by P.F. Chisholm was another entertaining instalment in this historical fiction mystery series set in 1592 on the English/Scottish borderlands. Ah, the intrigue! Such a great way to soak up a bit of history. But mind the bloodshed!
4.5★ Link to my Innocents review

[Bea]

I had planned on reading only 6 books for a pass. However, I ended up with 11 read. Just couldn't manage the music course. Oh, well.

[Phrynne, Mystery lover!]

Well done Bea. There's still nine days left - sure you can't do just one more? ;)

[Bea]

Phrynne wrote: "Well done Bea. There's still nine days left - sure you can't do just one more? ;)"

I've checked the books I have on hand and none meet the requirement. Anyway, I am pleased...although I did have to change some books around.

[Kylie H]

Challenge now complete after a minor shuffle (book ordered online will not arrive in time ☹ ) so now looking forward to summer!

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Well done Kylie!

[Brenda, Suspense lover!]

Bea wrote: "I had planned on reading only 6 books for a pass. However, I ended up with 11 read. Just couldn't manage the music course. Oh, well."

Well done Bea...