Historical Mystery Lovers discussion
2021 Go the Distance Challenge
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Sandy's Go the Distance - Finished!
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38th readCategory: 47. A book from another group member's bookshelf.
Book: Gently Does It
Finished: 9/7
What a kind, GENTLE and dogged inspector. This is a quiet pleasant police procedural with an interesting plot. I will read others but don't expect to ever read all 46.
39th readCategory: 5. A bestselling historical mystery
Book:An Instance of the Fingerpost
My copy says 'New York Times bestseller' right on the cover.
39th readCategory: 5. A bestselling historical mystery
Book:An Instance of the Fingerpost
Finished 9/22
A fascinating book but I found it a slow read as the style reflects the period. I can not call it gripping and the murder mystery is not the prime interest, but I liked how the various narrators each interpreted, and reported, the facts from their own point of view. Even the final and most complete version is influenced by the narrator's feelings.
I appreciated the author's bios of the characters at the end as I recognized many as historical figures but others were new to me. Very interesting to think they all congregated around Oxford at the same time.
40th readCategory: 24. A book set in a religious setting (convent, abbey, vicarage, temple, shrine, etc.)
Book: The Devil's Novice
Set in Cadfael's abbey (of course)
40th readCategory: 24. A book set in a religious setting (convent, abbey, vicarage, temple, shrine, etc.)
Book: The Devil's Novice
Completed 9/23
A bit different from other Cadfael's (they do have much the same plot IMO) and a treat to be back in the abbey.
41st readCategory: 4. A book that has won an award
Midnight at Malabar House
It won the Historical Dagger for 2021
Sandy wrote: "41st readCategory: 4. A book that has won an award
Midnight at Malabar House
It won the Historical Dagger for 2021"
Did you like it enough to consider its sequel The Dying Day?
John wrote: "Sandy wrote: "41st readCategory: 4. A book that has won an award
Midnight at Malabar House
It won the Historical Dagger for 2021"
Did you like it enough to consider its sequel [..."
Haven't started yet! I wasn't thrilled with the author's other series (baby elephant) so we'll see.
41st readCategory: 4. A book that has won an award
Book: Midnight at Malabar House
Completed: 9/25
This is a very interesting look at the partition of India and Pakistan, yet another bit of history of which I know very little. I knew it was violent, but had no idea how violent.
Regarding the mystery and potential series, the lead character is extremely feisty and will need learn restraint. She has enough of a back story to be interesting but it does not take over the plot. The murder and investigation is complex, but I hope our main character doesn't always need to go rogue. I look forward to her maturing in later books.
I rated it three stars (my normal rating) and looked, unsuccessfully, for the next book in my libraries. I hope to read it sometime.
42nd readCategory: 1. Published in 2021
Book: Miss Kopp Investigates
Latest in a series I've followed from the start.
42nd read (only 10 more - I may make it!)Category: 1. Published in 2021
Book: Miss Kopp Investigates
Completed: 9/28
The youngest Kopp takes center stage in this one. A quiet, pleasant series, historically accurate, with a non-murder mystery to investigate.
43rd read Category: 25. A book with a solitary female figure on the cover
Book:
There she is, Lady Georgina, standing off to the side
Mod
Category: 1. Published in 2021.."
Almost there Sandy! You can do it!
43rd readCategory: 25. A book with a solitary female figure on the cover
Book: The Last Mrs. Summers (Her Royal Spyness, #14) by Rhys Bowen
Completed 10/10
An excellent homage to "Rebecca" with enough differences to keep you guessing. Lots of changes for Georgie and Belinda as they are now more settled. And I finished in time for the next book!
44th readCategory: 44. A book with food or drink on the cover
(how apt - to read category 44 for my 44th book)
Book:
The bright young thing on the cover is holding a champagne glass.
44th readCategory: 44. A book with food or drink on the cover
Book: Murder at Archly Manor (High Society Lady Detective #1) by Sara Rosett
Completed: 10/12
Rather a blah book; not sure when (or if) I'll continue the series
Sandy wrote: "43rd readCategory: 25. A book with a solitary female figure on the cover
Book: The Last Mrs. Summers (Her Royal Spyness, #14) by Rhys Bowen
Completed 10/10
An excellent homage to "Rebecca" with ..."
I have not read any of this series. Your description has my attention. Can the series be read out of order?
I am one who always reads in order with a very few exceptions. In this series Georgie's, and the characters around her, circumstances change over the course of the books so you would know things about their future when you read the earlier books. But I can't think of any plot spoilers for the mystery in each book. I recommend starting at the beginning. They are quick, pleasant reads. Others in the group like the audio versions better, but I prefer print in this case.
46th readCategory: 12. A book related to one of the 7 deadly sins (Greed, Gluttony, Wrath, Lust, Sloth, Pride, Envy)
Book: The Ides of April
Completed: 10/31/21
I didn't think I would be able to find an unused category for this book, but it turns out to fit 'wrath' quite well.
Loved the book, loved almost visiting with Falco and I hope to go on to the next in the series very soon.
Sandy wrote: "45th readCategory: 12. A book related to one of the 7 deadly sins (Greed, Gluttony, Wrath, Lust, Sloth, Pride, Envy)
Book: The Ides of April
Completed: 10/31/21
I didn't think I ..."
I've read all but the newest book in this series. At first, the author seemed hesitant to rely too much on Falco, wanting Albia to have her own identity. However, her family on both sides feature (increasingly) in later books.
John wrote: "Sandy wrote: "45th readCategory: 12. A book related to one of the 7 deadly sins (Greed, Gluttony, Wrath, Lust, Sloth, Pride, Envy)
Book: The Ides of April
Completed: 10/31/21
I d..."
As a Falco devotee, that is excellent news.
Updated my latest book posting as I have actually read 46 books.
47th readCategory: 39. A book with an "-ing" word in the title
Book: Speaking from Among the Bones
Completed: 11/14
This was a re-read with an eight year gap so I barely remembered a thing. Enjoyed it both times.
48th readCategory: 14. A book by an author who also writes in a different genre
Book: Murder at the Fitzwilliam
Finished: 11/14
Author also writes children's books (and much more)
Not for me, unfortunately, but there are many other books to read.
49th readCategory: 33. A book recommended in the challenge suggestions thread
Book:The Case of the Ghost of Christmas Morning
Completed: 11/28
Not recommended in the actual thread but recommend by members of the group (Poohbear and Barbara) after I read the first in the series. Looking forward to the next in the series which is due in just days.
50th readCategory: 50. A book with a body part in the title
Book: The Head In The Ice: A Bowman Of The Yard Investigation
I've read the prelude and it is quite an introduction to our detective.
I've decided to make a push to complete the challenge as I am quite close to completion.
You can do it! Historical fiction reads fast enough that a couple more by the end of the month isn't unreasonable.
True. But there are five books due for December reads in another group and five I've already borrowed from the library. Doesn't leave much time for baking cookies.
50th readCategory: 50. A book with a body part in the title
Book: The Head In The Ice: A Bowman Of The Yard Investigation
Completed: 12/4
Probably not a series I will continue.
51th read
Category: 51. A book set in Medieval times 5th- late15th C
Book: next in the Cadfael series, title to be filled in later
Interestingly, my 50th and 51st read were for those categories. This will not continue as the one I am missing is 'world event'.
51th readCategory: 51. A book set in Medieval times 5th- late15th C
Book: Dead Man's Ransom
Completed: 12/14
Another excellent book in the series. I don't recommend reading these too close together as they are quite similar, but I always enjoy getting back to Cadfael's world.
52nd read (Last One!)Category: 43. A book that includes a major world event (not a war)
Book: Death at the Fair
I won't be starting this right away, but it will be read before the end of the year.
I'm halfway through my final book at present, so glad to see someone coming in under the wire right behind me!
Mod
Well done!
52nd read (Last One!)Category: 43. A book that includes a major world event (not a war)
Book: Death at the Fair
Completed: 12/20
It was a good enough story with likeable characters but it never really grabbed me. Not sure why or if I will continue the series. I have a volume with the first three, so hope to at least read #2. On the other hand, there are many series I'm eager to continue and put off. A conundrum.
Sandy; Congratulations on completing the Challenge!
Historical Mystery Lovers
Books mentioned in this topic
Death at the Fair (other topics)Death at the Fair (other topics)
Dead Man's Ransom (other topics)
Dead Man's Ransom (other topics)
The Head In The Ice: A Bowman Of The Yard Investigation (other topics)
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Hope you enjoy it Sandy!