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2023 Independent Challenges
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Lillie's 2023 Independent Challenge
#50
The Body in the Garden 3.5 stars audiobookAnother series I've started, I really need to start keeping track. Need a spreadsheet. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow. Back to the book. A widow, of 3 years, in Regency London, overhears an argument and then a gunshot. She finds the dead body and that starts off her on the path to find the murderer. Enjoyable cozy mystery. Have the next one sitting in Libby.
#51
Station Eternity 3.5 stars printCozy mystery set in space (near future). First contact has been made with Earth, 3 humans are on a space station which is sentient. Mallory Viridian is a person whose been plagued to always be adjacent to murders and who has a hand in solving them. She fled Earth because she thinks she's bad luck for people around her and wants the murders to stop. To her horror, a spaceship from Earth is on route to the station but a disaster occurs and only half the ship survives. Was this sabotage? Was there murder involved?
Read this for book club because we had read Lafferty's previous sci-fi mystery Six Wakes (4 stars, we all enjoyed it). This one was good but it could've been tighter. If she had lost 100 pages, it would've been fantastic. Side note, I had to explain what a cozy mystery was vs other types. I mean, who are these people? lol
Lillie wrote: "#50 The Body in the Garden 3.5 stars audiobookAnother series I've started, I really need to start keeping track. Need a spreadsheet. Ma..."
Glad to hear you liked Station Eternity at least a little. I also enjoyed Six Wakes and I know I'm going to have to read this one eventually. Your side note made me laugh out loud. I had to explain to my book club (who mainly want to read mysteries by the way) what a closed door mystery was. Is there a name for people who say they like to read but don't really read? I think that's my group.
People in a book club who don't know what a cozy mystery is??? We must initiate them!
Michelle wrote: "Your side note made me laugh out loud. I had to explain to my book club (who mainly want to read mysteries by the way) what a closed door mystery was. Is there a name for people who say they like to read but don't really read? I think that's my group."Lea wrote: "People in a book club who don't know what a cozy mystery is??? We must initiate them!"
It was the weirdest thing to have to explain! And they read mysteries as well. Granted they're usually the thriller variety (I didn't even go into that subgenre) but still! It was enlightening for me as well. I've been spoiled by everyone here knowing what I'm talking about 🤷🏻♀️
That must've been an interesting conversation. I wish I could see your face when they asked that 🤣🤣🤣
I'm so behind on peoples' posts. No excuse except busy with other things & not feeling up to par. My son & I have both been a bit under the weather this week. What a great year you are having! I'm going to scroll back through and add some to my tbr. I shouldn't, but then why not!?!
Ioana wrote: "That must've been an interesting conversation. I wish I could see your face when they asked that 🤣🤣🤣"Definitely funny though I had to make sure they didn’t think I was laughing at them ;)
Martha wrote: "I'm so behind on peoples' posts. No excuse except busy with other things & not feeling up to par. My son & I have both been a bit under the weather this week. What a great year you are having! I'm ..."Feeling sick is the worst! I hope you and your son are doing better now
Sounds like a couple of "cozy" mysteries I need to check out! And I've been looking for some good scifi, so 2 for 1 there!Book clubs are great though! I'm in 2 at my library and I had to explain to someone new what "goodreads" is. What I loved is she is quite a bit younger than me, but had never heard of it.
Mod
@Patricia. Most folks think Goodreads is a site to read books for free. I don't know how many times folks on Instagram or Twitter have to be informed that it is a social media site and not an actual site to read the books. *sigh*
Patricia wrote: "Sounds like a couple of "cozy" mysteries I need to check out! And I've been looking for some good scifi, so 2 for 1 there!Book clubs are great though! I'm in 2 at my library and I had to explain to someone new what "goodreads" is. What I loved is she is quite a bit younger than me, but had never heard of it."
I'd love to see what you think of Mur Lafferty's style. Like I said, I preferred Six Wakes but interested enough to come back for the next book of her series, The Midsolar Murders. Looks like the next one will come out this fall.
Book clubs are great. I started 2, as a way to get to know the moms at my kids' elementary. One lasted about 7 years and then the moms moved on, but this second one has lasted well over a decade. Different moms have joined, some dropped but I started it when son was in kindergarten and he's getting ready to graduate now. We've had a core group of 4 that are still here.
Alondra wrote: "That does sound weird, having to explain a cozy mystery, especially to other readers. I think because so many folk are genre-snobs and don't conceive of other sub-genres maybe. "
I think they're not hardcore readers like we are. Some of them tend to focus on the newest popular books.
I have a lot of books to catch up on. I've read/listened to quite a few since last week.#52
Black Candle Women 2.5 stars audiobookThis book was alright. A book of magic, generations of women under a curse should've been fun. The narrative had alternating chapters of four women and I only cared about 2 of them. The one who had been cursed was so annoying! I could understand why she'd been cursed. As for the mother-teen daughter pair, why didn't the mother just reveal that they were cursed? Why hide it? Made no sense. But in the end, this is a debut and I'm looking forward to seeing what else she puts out.
Books #53, 56, 57
3 stars
3.5 stars
3 stars audiobooksThe detecting continues!
Book #54
Stories from the Tenants Downstairs 3 stars audiobookCollection of short stories of the tenants of an apartment building whose owners are trying to get rid of the tenants. Teacher's assistant and the would be olympic gymnast stories stood out for me. I don't think there were any awful stories, just some more fleshed out than others. I'd like to read a full length novel by the author when he puts one out.
Book #55
The City of Mist: Stories 2.5 stars audiobooksThe last release by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, think it was right after his death. Was so excited to read it because they were stories that take place in "The Cemetery of Forgotten Books" world. They were ok. This just reinforces my feelings of full length books/novellas as being better than a collection of short stories. Eh.
Book #58
The Book of Cold Cases 4 stars audiobookA good book about a blogger who researches cold cases and starts interviewing a woman accused of being a serial killer but who was found not guilty. There were elements of paranormal/horror in it but that's to be expected from this author. Not going to say anymore in case I spoil it for others.
Wow! So many in one week! Your earbuds must be melting! Glad you liked The Book of Cold Cases. I enjoyed that one. I keep thinking I need to check out more by that author.
Michelle wrote: "Wow! So many in one week! Your earbuds must be melting! Glad you liked The Book of Cold Cases. I enjoyed that one. I keep thinking I need to check out more by that author."I really enjoyed The Sun Down Motel. Similar paranormal content (view spoiler).
As for the reading, it's because we're were waiting for college decisions. The ones he was waiting for dropped last week. Actually he has one more that will be out today (please send some positive vibes, lol). It was very stressful so I distracted myself.
Michelle wrote: "Books! No better distraction!"Yup! Between college decisions and jury duty waiting room, books have been a great distraction :)
Mod
Huh!?? Never considered that all readers aren't hardcore. I live under a rock, I know, but just never thought that people only read the newer books. Mmmm
Kudos on your progress. My hubby, who is NOT a reader, recently started audiobooks and is hooked. I keep thinking I need to jump on the bandwagon; but I am still hesitant.
Alondra wrote: "Huh!?? Never considered that all readers aren't hardcore. I live under a rock, I know, but just never thought that people only read the newer books. Mmmm."As a person who loves backlists, it's something that boggles my mind. Idk who these people are, lol
Hope your husband enjoys the experience. I really only came around when the lockdowns hit and I couldn't just pop into the library. I tried ebooks but hated them. Maybe it was the eye strain? I have a nook, tried reading on a borrowed iPad, tried the phone, even the laptop. It was a no go. So either print or audio for me.
Funny how we remember how/why we first tried audiobooks...for me it was the long commute by bus, and I was getting motion sickness when reading. Never looked back.
For me, listening to music on my commute was causing me to speed. I was bored/aggitated when listening to the news, so listening to audiobooks/podcasts was the solution.
Book #59
There There 4 stars audiobookWhat a powerful collection of stories. I thought I was going to be reading interconnected short stories but it turned out to be a book with multiple narrators. We follow the lives of a number of individuals who will end up at the Oakland Powwow.The stories were almost like the ocean with its ebb and flow, like waves crashing and receding. Very absorbing.
Book #60
The Importance of Being Earnest 4 stars printWhat a lovely light contrast to the previous book. Just what I needed. I’m not used to reading a script but after the first bit, I adjusted quite easily. This left me laughing, smiling the whole way through. Definitely fun.
60 books! You're amazing Lillie! I'm glad you enjoyed There There that's one that I've been considering a while. Good to know you enjoyed it.
Michelle wrote: "60 books! You're amazing Lillie! I'm glad you enjoyed There There that's one that I've been considering a while. Good to know you enjoyed it."I guess I enjoyed it?? It felt so intense, so immediate like I couldn’t look away. It drew me in and kept me there. Just go in to it knowing that these aren’t happy/light stories, there’s lots of struggle. With that said, I’ll definitely read the author’s next book.
Book #61
A Restless Truth 3 stars audiobookA follow up to A Marvellous Light featuring Robin's sister Maud. Set wholly on a passenger ship from New York to London, Maud's mentor is murdered and Maud starts investigating to find out which magician killed her. Not quite as quirky or fun as the first book unfortunately. Still ok but I'm not sure I'll be quick to pick up the next book.
Book #62
Exhalation 2.5 stars audiobookA sci-fi collection of short stories. There were so many fantastic reviews and I went in with high expectations. It seemed as though the author was trying deliver stories with lessons for us. Though I didn't disagree with the messages, I couldn't lose myself in the stories. Some were really good and others fell flat. It was alright.
Book #63
The Marrow Thieves 4 stars audiobookWas not expecting to like/love this as much as I did. It took a bit to get the story moving but it's definitely a fun dystopian for sure. Set in the near future where the general population of North America has been affected by climate change and the cure seems to be draining the Indigenous population of their dreams. Indigenous people are on the run because the Residential schools have been resurrected so their dreams can be stolen. Was it perfect, no. But it is a fun, at times heart pounding, YA dystopian novel.
End of March wrap up: 23 books (19 audiobooks/4 print)
10 off of my challenge lists
13 shiny "new to me" books
Best book of the month:
2nd best book:
Most Disappointing book:
Overall another good month with 17 books rated 3 stars and above
I love that you read 23 books this month and most of them were really good! I'm kind of excited that I haven't read very many of these. There's lots to add to my TBR. :-)
Wow! Great month! I way behind on Ann Cleeves. Need to catch up. I'm almost caught up with Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway, so need to mix some of those in.I tried There There on audio & got confused on the different characters. I want to try it again, but probably in print this time.
You are flying through these books, wow, and they are mostly good, 3 stars and above! The problem (my problem) is that I haven't read most of them and a lot of them sound interesting. I know, a good problem to have :-)Can't wait to see what you're reading next.
Thanks everyone :) I've really been loving audiobooks and that's what a majority of my books were this past month. I've been having a hard time reading print for some reason but I've started April off with a print book, JD Robb's Encore in Death, the next Eve Dallas and Roarke mystery. So far, so good 🤞🏼
Patricia wrote: "Wow! Great month! I way behind on Ann Cleeves. Need to catch up. I'm almost caught up with Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway, so need to mix some of those in.I tried There There on audio & got confused on the different characters. I want to try it again, but probably in print this time."
I don't think I've tried Elly Griffiths yet, so I'll have to put the Ruth Galloway series on my tbr list. I hope you get to read another Ann Cleeves. I've really enjoyed the 3 series she's written. Her Shetland series seems to be concluded but luckily, for me ;), she has 2 ongoing series, Vera Stanhope and Two Rivers.
I listened to There There as well but I had restart it and really pay attention to it because I got lost as well. There are so many characters to follow and it did get confusing. I wonder if I would've given it 5 stars if I had read the print version.
Mod
Hope your husband enjoys the experience. I really only came around when the lockdowns hit and I couldn't just pop into the library...."
IDK either.... ugh!
I got used to the Kindle for Ipad and enjoy it. Of course, I think the difference for me was the fact that they are mostly Novella's or anthologies. I do NOT like reading a full sized novel on the Kindle.
Kudos on a great reading month! :)
Alondra wrote: "DK either.... ugh!I got used to the Kindle for Ipad and enjoy it. Of course, I think the difference for me was the fact that they are mostly Novella's or anthologies. I do NOT like reading a full sized novel on the Kindle.
Kudos on a great reading month! :)"
Thanks Alondra!
I have so many ebooks that I need to read. I keep getting books from Amazon First Reads and I haven't read one since June,
. I guess, one day, I'll get to the rest of them 🤷🏻♀️
#64
Encore in Death 4 stars print bookAnother fun entry into the In Death series. Eve and Roarke and the rest of the "cast" investigate the death of much loved actor.
#65
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches 4 stars audiobook A witch has been raised in the tradition of isolating themselves to protect the society. She's asked to help teach a found "family" of witches about their power. Overall sweet.
#66
The Overnight Guest 4 stars print bookA writer is hunkering down alone to write her latest true crime novel when a winter storm hits which brings with it a young child wandering by themselves. Who is the child? Where are their parents? Why are they so terrified? Read for book club. Fun.
#67
A Murder at Balmoral 2 stars audiobookI don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't this. In an alternate reality, the British Royal Family is spending Christmas at Balmoral Castle. King Eric is found dead, probably murdered. Storm is brewing outside so this is a locked room mystery. Was it the Queen? His daughters? His brother? It's up to the Royal Chef to find out.
#68
All Dressed Up: A Novel 2 stars audiobook Such a fun premise, a young couple go to the murder mystery weekend at a B&B. It promises to be so much fun, a murder mystery within a murder mystery. But it falls flat. Found it boring overall. Would not recommend.
#69
Fall of Angels 3 stars audiobookSet in 1930's London, a Detective Inspector starts to investigate a murder at an annual Christmas concert. It didn't feel cohesive as it's at times a quirky mystery and at others a more serious feminist discussion. The mystery itself was alright. Would've fared better for me if it had been one thing or the other as it wasn't integrated very well.
#70
The Littlest Library 3 stars audiobookSweet romance of an isolated young woman, who upon the death of her only family, her grandmother, up and moves after she's been laid off as a librarian. She moves into a fixer upper next to a grumpy single dad. The community is small has no library. Luckily, she has an old phone box which she makes into a small library. The town comes together and love wins. If you're looking for cotton candy, this is it.
#71
The Enchanted April 4 stars print bookThink I'm late in the game for this book. Believe there's a movie out there and I'd like to see it now after having read the book. Four ladies in 1920's England escape for a month to Italy. There they each find out a little something about themselves. A gem.
#72
Dead and Gondola 3 stars audiobookEllie has come back home to Colorado to help her sister run a bookstore. They get involved in a murder mystery after a strange encounter with a man at their book club meeting. Who was he? Who was he looking for? And why has their cashier disappeared? Another snowed in setting. Liked it, will look for the second book.
#73
Every City Is Every Other City 2 stars audiobookMaybe it was the audiobook narration but what a slog. I couldn't tell if it was trying to be hardboiled with gangsters and such. Wasn't sure what the actual mystery was. Another wouldn't recommend. Although, maybe the print version would've been better? I don't know.
#74
Playing Dead 3.5 stars audiobookBefore I say anything else, you need to be a dog person because there's a lot about dogs and training. The second book in the series, a former police detective/former PI now dog trainer, is on the scene of a murder. She reluctantly becomes involved in the case when the murder suspect asks for her assistance. I liked it quite a bit.
#75
Of Manners and Murder 4 stars audiobookNew to the Agony Aunt business, Violet has been thrust into the role when her aunt and guardian takes off for an adventure. Set in the late 1800s in London, Violet comes across a letter from a newly married woman who is scared that someone is trying to kill her. Violet then sets off to find this woman and does but as the woman's coffin is being lowered. Fun start to a cozy mystery series. Will be coming back for more.
Book #76, 77 & 78 all 3 star audiobooks
When All the Girls Have Gone, Promise Not to Tell, Untouchable
Needed an easy read/listen while traveling. This trilogy fit the bill. Krentz was one of my favorites while in my 20s. Still pick her up from time to time. Formulaic but immensely cotton candy reading. "Thriller" romances with a bit of magical realism in the last book.
April Wrap Up:15 books read (12 audiobooks/3 print)
2 off of my challenge lists (yikes!)
13 shiny "new to me" books
Best Book:
Worst Book:
Bit of a weird month. Mind on university acceptances for son, visiting universities, traveling to other coast (East Coast of US) to visit with mom and then dad. No real time to sit down and read, mind wouldn't settle down.
Still a good reading month, 12 books rated 3 stars or above:
5 4-star books
1 3.5 star book
6 3-star books
3 not so great 2-star books.
You've had an interesting month--even if some were not so great! I was the same the first part of the month but it got better. I've quit 3 audio books this month, so having a struggle there. I'll have to check out some you've enjoyed. Happy Reading!
Mod
15 books read (12 audiobooks/3 print)
2 off of my challenge lists (yikes!)
13 shiny "new to me" books
Best Book:
Worst Book: [bookcover:All Dres..."
15 books!! Woot-woot!
I think thats a great month, way to go!!
Thanks Patricia, Alondra and Alissa! Like I said above, it was a strange month as I couldn't focus enough to read print books but audiobooks seemed to do the trick. This month seems to be starting off a little better with 2 print books read.
#79
Other Birds 3.5 stars print bookA much needed beach read. A fun story with quirky characters, ghosts and a bit of magic realism. A young woman, Zoey, is spending the summer before college, on an island off of South Carolina, in a small condo left to her by her mother. There she starts interacting with reluctant fellow residents. One of the residents dies accidentally and that starts off the action. Allen's storytelling is engaging.
Book #80
Mrs. Jeffries and the Silent Knight 3.5 stars audiobookIt was good to get back to Mrs. Jeffreys and the rest of Inspector Witherspoon's household staff. This time a grumpy, miserly Baron is murdered a week before Christmas. The suspects are plentiful, including his 3 adult daughters, a distantly related cousin and the suitor of one of the daughters.
Book #81
Monkey Beach 3.5 stars print bookWe follow Lisamarie's memories as she and her family wait to find out the fate of her brother. He's been lost at sea from the fishing boat he was on. As a young indigenous woman in Canada, we follow her ups and downs. Her close relationship with her Uncle Mick is a highlight. Overall, a good book but the middle dragged a bit and I would've liked more of a resolution regarding Jimmy, Lisamarie's brother.
Book #82
Lost & Found: A Memoir 4 stars printA memoir of a woman on her grief journey that juxtaposes her journey in finding love. The first part is about losing her father, the second about finding love and the third about how she's trying to reconcile the good with the bad. Painful at times, sweet at others, and very courageous in allowing us into her life. Lovely & bittersweet.
A friend gave this to me last year for my birthday. It's taken me awhile to get to it.
Where have I been? A new Harry Hole book was published in Aug of 2022? And the new Department Q book a month later? What in the heck was I doing last year? So excited!
Carolien wrote: "You're reading such a variety!"I'm trying to but sometimes I just want to read a mystery. Which is why I have so many mysteries in my 'Free Reads' section, lol
Book #84
The Windsor Knot 4 stars audiobookAn absolutely fun cozy starring Queen Elizabeth II helping, behind the scenes, her Asst Private Secretary, Rozie Oshodi investigate a death that's happened at Windsor Castle. A Russian pianist seems to have strangled to himself but there are clues that show that he was murdered. Why was he killed? QEII and Rozie are the duo I didn't know I needed. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Book #85
The Secret, Book & Scone Society 3 stars audiobookThe first in a cozy series set in Miracle Springs, NC where 4 women, who've ended up there because of past trauma in each of their lives, form a book club where they start to begin friendships. Just as they start getting to know each other a murder occurs, one of them gets thrown in jail and the rest of the group start to investigate. I liked it.
Book #86
The Whispered Word 3 stars audiobookSecond in the cozy series, this time a young woman appears just as a customer of the bookstore is murdered. Who is this young woman? What has happened to her? Where did she come from? And did she murder the bookstore customer? Also, what's going on with the new housing development happening in town? How are they all related? Or are they? Liked this one as well.
Book #87
The Shadow Murders 3.5 stars audiobookWas so excited to see that there was another Department Q book. I wanted to love it and I'm sad that I didn't. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the primary mystery, it was the secondary mystery/storyline that I did not like at all. (view spoiler) I wish I had waited until the next one. Anyone interested in reading this, I highly recommend waiting till the next one is released.
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But that's so much fun, discovering a new good book. Happy reading!"
Thanks! I'm having a really insanely fun reading year (knocking on wood it stays that way), especially with mysteries. A lot of that has to do with audiobooks.
I'm not that great with the reviews (I mean look at Michelle, Lea, Bill and others) but I try to put a little something out there.