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The Front Parlor > 2023 - What Are You Reading?

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message 1151: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1305 comments Carolyn wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "The Reformatory by Tananarive Due The Reformatory by Tananarive Due.

The idea reminds me of The Nickel Boys "

Unfortunately,I have..."


Yes, The Reformatory and The Nickel Boys are both based on the hellish Dozier 'School' in Florida, where so many boys were murdered and buried. What an awful place. I'm not sure I could read a second book about it.


message 1152: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1305 comments I got more than I expected with Aussie author Alexander Thorpe's debut novel Death Leaves the Station. Western Australia, early 1900s, "Halfwell Station", a rural property, not a train stop. More Agatha Christie than 'outback noir', with humour to boot. Good read 😊

Death Leaves the Station by Alexander Thorpe My review of Death Leaves the Station


message 1153: by Tiziana (new)

Tiziana | 120 comments Just finished to read :
A Dangerous Past A Dangerous Past (Campbell & MacPherson 3) by Clare Jayne by Clare Jayne

Here is my 4 stars review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 1154: by Peggyzbooksnmusic (new)

Peggyzbooksnmusic | 1060 comments Finished Pendragon's Banner #2 Pendragon's Banner Trilogy by Helen Hollick. Based on the King Arthur legend set in 5th century Britain. Rated 4 stars.


message 1155: by Carolyn (last edited Nov 04, 2023 10:01PM) (new)

Carolyn | 176 comments The Caretaker by Ron Rash The Caretaker by Ron Rash is a short, poignant historical novel set in 1950s, in a small Appalachian town, it features a disfigured man who must grapple with what is the right thing to do in a difficult situation. Beautifully written and told.

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


Rosh ~catching up slowly~ (roshreviews) | 398 comments The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham
The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham
A 5 star for me after ages! Strongly recommended to fans of clean historical romance.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 1157: by Alice (new)

Alice | 6457 comments I am reading Murder at the Merton Library Murder at the Merton Library (Wrexford & Sloane, #7) by Andrea Penrose by Andrea Penrose. Ms. Penrose has done a great job with growing the characters in this series. It keeps the series fresh and makes you want to read more. She does a great job mixing the historical/scientific facts of the era into each book start with book one though. You will miss too much of the background if you just jump in with this book.


message 1158: by Jayme(theghostreader) (last edited Nov 05, 2023 03:15PM) (new)

Jayme(theghostreader) (jaymetheghostreader) | 3120 comments I will be readingThe Fairy Godmother and Club Dead


message 1159: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1305 comments "The artist" is nameless, houseless (NOT homeless), and only 17 when she sees Lola in the Mirror. Award-winning Aussie author Trent Dalton's wonderful new novel shows the precarious life of people living on the edges.
Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton My review of Lola in the Mirror with a couple of the unique illustrations


message 1160: by Rachel (new)

Rachel (arkinandco) | 289 comments Carolyn wrote: "The Caretaker by Ron Rash The Caretaker by Ron Rash is a short, poignant historical novel set in 1950s, in a small Appalachian town, it features a disfigured..."

This sounds like a wonderful work. Thanks for alerting me to it. I just put it on hold from the library.


message 1162: by Peggy (new)

Peggy | 7 comments I’m just about to finish Murder at Kensington Palace by Andrea Penrose. She’s become one of my favorite authors. She weaves small details in of scientific discoveries into this series.


message 1163: by Rachel (new)

Rachel (arkinandco) | 289 comments Dem wrote: "Finished The Scapegoat www.goodreads.com/review/show/5894700548 The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier by Daphne du Maurier

My Review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/58..."


Dem wrote: "Finished The Scapegoat www.goodreads.com/review/show/5894700548 The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier by Daphne du Maurier

My Review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/58..."


Thanks for this review. My library has it and I put it on my list.


message 1164: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1305 comments Dark Angel aka Wildflower Girls is promoted as gripping and unputdownable, but I lost my grip, skimmed to the end, and put it down quickly. D.K. Hood has a lot of fans and some very high ratings, so I guess it's just me.

Dark Angel (Special Agent Beth Katz, #1) by D.K. Hood My review of Dark Angel


Rosh ~catching up slowly~ (roshreviews) | 398 comments No. 23 Burlington Square by Jenni Keer
No. 23 Burlington Square by Jenni Keer
An interesting 'sliding doors' historical fiction, with three alternate timelines. Works quite well. Not a light read.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 1166: by Rachel (new)

Rachel (arkinandco) | 289 comments My library does not have this one but I asked to be notified if they purchase it. Thanks for the heads up.


Rosh ~catching up slowly~ (roshreviews) | 398 comments Rachel wrote: "My library does not have this one but I asked to be notified if they purchase it. Thanks for the heads up."

Most welcome. I hope your library gets a copy. :)


Rosh ~catching up slowly~ (roshreviews) | 398 comments So Late in the Day: Stories of Men and Women by Claire Keegan
So Late in the Day Stories of Men and Women by Claire Keegan
I can't recommend this story collection enough to lit fic lovers. Loved it!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 1169: by Rachel (new)

Rachel (arkinandco) | 289 comments My library does not have that one but the do have some others by her so I will give her a read.


message 1170: by Anne (new)

Anne M Kennedy (annem_kennedy) | 2 comments I have just started listening to Tombland by CS Samson - one of this Matthew Shardlake mysteries. I have read most of CS Samson's books and this is his latest. They always make me feel so cosy and comfortable when I start one as I enjoy being absorbed in the Tudor world.


message 1171: by Peggyzbooksnmusic (new)

Peggyzbooksnmusic | 1060 comments Finished Mistletoe and Murder #11 Daisy Dalrymple by Carola Dunn. Rated 3 stars. Always enjoy reading more adventures with Daisy in this cozy historical mystery series set in 1920's England. Lovely Audio narration by Lucy Rayner.


Jayme(theghostreader) (jaymetheghostreader) | 3120 comments I finished Club Dead


message 1173: by Carolyn (new)

Carolyn | 176 comments Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen by Sarah James Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen by Sarah James is a murder mystery set in Hollywood in 1943 at a Canteen for servicemen and women about to be posted overseas, set up and run by volunteers from the entertainment industry. Centred around a group of the victim's friends, the mystery was intriguing enough but I would have loved to see more historical context in terms of those who went to the Canteen - the servicemen and women and the celebrities. It seemed like a missed opportunity to me.

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


message 1174: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1305 comments Anne wrote: "I have just started listening to Tombland by CS Samson - one of this Matthew Shardlake mysteries. I have read most of CS Samson's books and this is his latest. They always make me feel so cosy and comfortable..."

I love Matthew Shardlake and the mysteries, but I can't say the Tudor world has ever made me feel anything but anxious and appalled. Mind you, I can't wait to get back and find Tombland. 😊


message 1175: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1305 comments Chris Hammer is a former Aussie journo who now writes great mysteries, often set in the hot, dry interior, as with Treasure & Dirt aka Opal Country. Excellent read and enjoyable audio as well.
Treasure & Dirt (Ivan Lucic & Nell Buchanan, #1) by Chris Hammer My review of Treasure and Dirt


message 1176: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1305 comments I always enjoy Irish writer Claire Keegan's work and her new collection, So Late in the Day: Stories of Men and Women, is a good one to start with if you haven't read her yet. Few words but big impact.
So Late in the Day Stories of Men and Women by Claire Keegan My review of So Late in the Day: Stories


message 1177: by Rachel (new)

Rachel (mimbza) | 74 comments How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue How Beautiful We Were by Cameroonian Imbolo Mbue is about the impact of an environmental disaster on a village in Africa in the 1980s and their response in trying to tackle both their own government and the American oil company responsible. This is a powerful, impacting read with an important message. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ here is my review


Rosh ~catching up slowly~ (roshreviews) | 398 comments The Man I Never Met: A Novel by Elle Cook
The Man I Never Met A Novel by Elle Cook
Don't fall for that pastel cover. This is a very emotional contemporary drama. Mostly well written. has some triggering health-related content though.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 1179: by Charles (last edited Nov 12, 2023 08:58AM) (new)

Charles Presti | 73 comments All the Light We Cannot See. Been watching the series, had to get the book. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr


Rosh ~catching up slowly~ (roshreviews) | 398 comments Charles wrote: "All the Light We Cannot See. Been watching the series, had to get the book.All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr"

How is the series? The cast is amazing!


message 1181: by Charles (new)

Charles Presti | 73 comments I can't compare books to television, but the story, setting, acting, and editing are exceptional. The protagonist is also personally compelling, as my mother was blind for the last ten years of her life. I was concerned it would be tough to relive this, but it has not turned out that way. And, by the way, who doesn't love Paris?!


Rosh ~catching up slowly~ (roshreviews) | 398 comments Thanks. I didn't want to be let down by the series. Now I have high hopes. Wasn't looking for a comparison with the book, as it was a mixed bag for me. I am going to watch the series on its own merit. The acting is bound to be phenomenal with Laurie and Ruffalo on the roster. :)
I am glad your personal connect didn't affect your experience of the show.


message 1183: by Tiziana (new)

Tiziana | 120 comments Just finished the first one in a mystery-romance series ( but you can read it as a standalone ) :
The Mistletoe Countess The Mistletoe Countess (Freddie & Grace Mystery #1) by Pepper D. Basham by Pepper D. Basham

Here is my 4 stars review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 1184: by Rachel (new)

Rachel (arkinandco) | 289 comments Rachel wrote: "How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo MbueHow Beautiful We Were by Cameroonian Imbolo Mbue is about the impact of an environmental disaster on a village in Africa ..."

I listened to that. What a sad story about colonial powers steam rolling Africans.


message 1185: by Peggyzbooksnmusic (new)

Peggyzbooksnmusic | 1060 comments Finished Anne of Avonlea #2 Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery Rated 4 stars. Joyful, heartwarming series. Lovely audio narration by Tara Ward.


message 1186: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1305 comments I've read some DARK and some LIGHT fiction recently.

I just enjoyed a return visit to Chief of Police Bruno Courrèges in southern France in Martin Walker's Dordogne Mysteries. In The Dark Vineyard, wine, food, and festivities are disturbed by sabotage and suspicious deaths.
The Dark Vineyard (Bruno, Chief of Police, #2) by Martin Walker 5★ My review of The Dark Vineyard


message 1187: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1305 comments Terry Pratchett has left us with libraries full of fun, so of course I enjoyed The Light Fantastic. Discworld is on a fatal collision course and inept wizard Rincewind is needed to stop it. As entertaining as ever.
The Light Fantastic (Discworld, #2) by Terry Pratchett 4★ My review of The Light Fantastic


message 1188: by Tiziana (new)

Tiziana | 120 comments Just finished a nice Christmas novella, a short but engaging romance with a hint of mystery :
The Christmas Knot The Christmas Knot by Barbara Monajem by Barbara Monajem

I loved it, here is my 5 stars review :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


Jayme(theghostreader) (jaymetheghostreader) | 3120 comments I finished Club Dead and The Fairy Godmother and currently reading Arrow's Flight


message 1191: by Rachel (new)

Rachel (arkinandco) | 289 comments Thanks for the heads up. I asked Libby to notify me if my library purchase the title.


message 1192: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1305 comments If you enjoy edgy fairy tales, The Lover by Silvia Moreno-Garcia might be one you'll enjoy. It's another Amazon Original Short Story.
The Lover by Silvia Moreno-Garcia My review of The Lover


message 1194: by Julie R (new)

Julie R (josie2029) I'm reading The Songbook of Bennie Lament by Amy Harmon.


message 1195: by Rachel (new)

Rachel (arkinandco) | 289 comments That is a great title. My library doesn't have it. Have you read any of her other books?


message 1196: by Rosh ~catching up slowly~ (last edited Nov 18, 2023 11:14AM) (new)

Rosh ~catching up slowly~ (roshreviews) | 398 comments Julie R wrote: "I'm reading The Songbook of Bennie Lament by Amy Harmon."

That's one amazing book! I absolutely loved The Songbook of Benny Lament. I hope you enjoy it as well. :)

@Rachel: I have also read her The Unknown Beloved. It is also quite good, but not as much as Benny Lament.


message 1197: by Julie R (new)

Julie R (josie2029) Rosh wrote: "Julie R wrote: "I'm reading The Songbook of Bennie Lament by Amy Harmon."

That's one amazing book! I absolutely loved The Songbook of Benny Lament. I hope you enjoy it as well. :)
..."


Rosh wrote: "Julie R wrote: "I'm reading The Songbook of Bennie Lament by Amy Harmon."

That's one amazing book! I absolutely loved The Songbook of Benny Lament. I hope you enjoy it as well. :)
..."


I also read Unknown Beloved and Running Barefoot by her. Enjoyed both.


message 1199: by Rachel (new)

Rachel (arkinandco) | 289 comments Julie R wrote: "Rosh wrote: "Julie R wrote: "I'm reading The Songbook of Bennie Lament by Amy Harmon."

That's one amazing book! I absolutely loved The Songbook of Benny Lament. I hope you enjoy it..."


None of those titles I am sad to say BUT there are three or four other ones I will read.


message 1200: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1305 comments If you'd like to amuse yourself for a few minutes, have a look at Laura a classic short story by Saki. It's free to read.
Laura by Saki My review of Laura with a link to the story online.


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