The Challenge Factory discussion
♦SS Archives♦
>
R14: SS Team 8 - Never Ending Story
Completion Post- Week 9Spot: 68
Blood and Circuses by Kerry Greenwood
Rating: 3 stars
Date Read: 25 March 2023
How it fits: Phryne Fisher #6
Review: Phryne is a bit bored and lonely when she finds a delegation from a carnival (including a former lover) entreating her to join the partner circus and determine the source of its recent misfortunes. At the same time Jack and his police team are investigating the murder of one of the circus performers and increase gang activity. Phryne is a bit taken with learning to stand on a cantering horse accepts as both she and Jack slowly work each side to investigate the murder.
Once at the circus and assuming a new persona, Phryne goes through a bit of an identity crisis and loses her usual confidence and independence which took a bit of the fun from her usual adventures. Lots of bad stuff goes down and not so much female empowerment though I did love Lizard Elsie. I hope that Phryne is able to find herself for the next book and realize she isn't has helpless and vain as assumed in this one.
Completion Post - Week 9Space: 68
Cherry Bomb by J.A. Konrath
Date Read: 3/26
Rating: 4*
How It Fits: #6 Jack Daniels
Review
The last book left with a cliffhanger as to who Alex Kort shot and this one opens with the funeral of Jack's fiance. Jack becomes a wanted fugitive as she chases Alex across state lines to protect those that she loves from being murdered. This was a fast paced novel with the usual spattering of humor to deflect from some of the gruesome parts of the novel.
Completion Post Week 9Spot 68
Alternate: Author 'I'
The Sweetest Remedy
Date Finished: 3/28/23
Rating: 3 stars
How it fits: Author's last name starts with I (Jane Igharo)
Review:
This was a really sweet story about a woman finding herself, her family, and love. Hannah had quite the journey to make new family connections and try to maintain them when these people are strangers. I loved all of the characters and their different dynamics with Hannah and each other. Despite all of that, I didn't get the depth of feeling I was hoping for. Although there is a lot of painful moments, they just didn't evoke much for me.
Completion Post Week 9Spot 68
The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith
Date Finished: 3/27/23
Rating: 4 stars
How it fits: #8 in The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
Review: The books in this series are comfort reads to me - not a whole lot ever happens - there is some mystery but mostly characters and love of Botswana. In this one Mma Makutsi is thinking about finding a different job, now that she has more money and doesn't NEED to work. Charlie starts a taxi business. And Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni does an investigation for the agency. I can't really articulate why I enjoy these books, and yet...
Oh, and when I've been eating poorly for awhile I just tell myself, "looks like I'm going to become a traditionally built woman." I love that phrase :) So non-judgemental.
Completion post 9 ( week o Friday ) ( Previous spot 57 )Rolled 68
Read ( Mar
Rated 5 stars
Book:
( sixth book in the soul screamers series )Pages 339
Review:
I loved this book especially the banter between the two Hudson Brothers. The jockes are the funniest things especially Tod's who knew that reapers had such a spot on sence of humor. The books just keep getting better and better you can never except what will happen next and your heart always takes a beating because of it.
Team 8 - Never Ending StoryTracking Post
Week 9 - Spot 68
Alternate - author "I"
Jen K - Review
Joeera - Review
Logan - Review
Louise - Review
Suzanne - Review
**Free pass earned: 1**
Past Bonus Points Earned: 4 -
(view spoiler)
Remaining
(view spoiler)
Rolled 4 + 3 = 7New spot: 75
Alternate: Title: 'G'
Completion Post - Week 10 Spot: 75
Primer and Punishment by Diane Kelly
Date Read: 4/4/23
Rating: 4 stars
How it fits: #5 in House-Flipper Mystery
Review:
This was my introduction to the House-Flipper Mystery series - I never felt lost and really enjoyed the book! Whitney and her cousin are refitting a houseboat - and I liked reading about all of the things they did in the process.
The mystery was also enjoyable. Since the houseboat is right next to a louder party boats, we meet a plethora of viable suspects. I found myself wanting to keep reading so that I could know the answers (always a good sign with a book). And although Whitney investigated (as one would expect in a cozy mystery) she cooperated with law enforcement and kept them informed, so I didn't have to roll my eyes at stupid decisions :) I'll be looking for other books in this series.
I'm reading The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue this week.
Completion Post- Week 10Spot: 75
Love Songs from a Shallow Grave by Colin Cotterill
Rating: 4 stars
Date Read: 4 April 2023
How it fits: Dr Siri Paiboun #7
Review: Dr Siri is 70+ year old doctor in communist Laos in the 1970's who hoped for retirement when the Party took control of the government but instead found himself appointed as the only coroner in the nation. At this point in the series, Dr Siri has a pretty solid group of colleagues and friends who are all lovely and endearing. This one was a bit different with two interwoven storylines, one of him pursuing a triple murder by epee taking place mostly in the old American and not Vietnamese quarters and in custody of the Khmer during the time of the killing fields.
The mysteries are interesting but even more so is the history of SE Asia after the overthrow of the colonists and many choosing communism. The characters are grey and complex but also fiercely loyal. I enjoy the series.
Completion Post - Week 10Space: 75
Shaken by J.A. Konrath
Date Read: 4/5
Rating: 4*
How It Fits: #7 Jack Daniels Thriller
Review
This the 7th in the Jack Daniels series which takes a bit of a different turn with Jack waking up to find herself bound and gagged and she knows who has taken her and that she doesn't have long to live. Phineas, Harry and Herb the 3 men in Jack's life team up to try to find her before her time runs out. As Jack's time slowly runs out we go back and fore between 3 time periods.
I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment of the series and can't wait to read the next in the series.
Completion post 10 week 10 Friday ( previous spot 68 )Rolled 75
Read ( April 3-4 )
Book:
( Seventh in the soul screamers series )Pages 377
Review:
This was an awesome ending to a series that i love. It had high stakes, heightened romance, and unexpected plot developments, and a satisfying emotional resolution. What i loved about this series is that each book got better and better, the stakes got highe,and the romance heated. It wax a perfect series and i never wanted it to end
Completion PostWeek 10
Space 75
Alternate: Title: 'G'
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
Date read: 4/6/23
How it fits: Title starts with G
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
Henry's journey is pretty remarkable, both his inner growth and the wild antics that take them across Europe. The love story was sweet but the conflict/obstacle felt silly and not genuine to these characters. If Monty "can always tell" then why is he so oblivious to Percy's feelings?
I really liked Felicity and Scipio as side characters. The adventures at sea were fun and seeing them have to get out of so many tough situations really drove the story forward. But I wanted to connect more than I did, and some parts felt either unnecessary or overly complicated, such as his father's backstory or the whole concept of the key which ends up as a deus ex machina to wrap up this quest. Entertaining but not my favorite.
Team 8 - Never Ending StoryTracking Post
Week 10 - Space 75
Alternate Title G
Jen K - Review
Joeera - Review
Logan - Review
Louise - Review
Suzanne - Review
**Free pass earned: 1**
Past Bonus Points Earned: 4 -
(view spoiler)
Remaining
(view spoiler)
Roll: 4 + 1 = 5New Spot: 80
Standalone or #8 in series
Alternate: Published 2021
I appreciate the standalone option this week. Visiting family this weekend. Will pick up What Moves the Dead on Monday.
Completion Post - Week 11 ThursdaySpace: 80
Don't Rock the Goat by Ellen Riggs
Date Read: 4/9
Rating: 3*
How It Fits: #8 Bought the Farm mysteries
Review
This is the 8th book in the cozy mystery series: Bought the Farm. This time Rescue mafia Cori and her team deposit 3 pregnant nanny goats with Ivy to look after at her farm just as a new batch of guests turn up. As expected Murder is not far behind and it is up to Ivy with the help of her furry friends to solve the crime. This is a humorous serious and the interactions between Ivy and her growing menagerie are magical. Looking forward to the next in the series to see what other animals show up at Runaway Farm
Completion Post- Week 11Spot: 80
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
Date Read: 11 April 2023
Rating: 4 stars
How it fits: Standalone
Review: "Sometimes it's hard to know if someone is insulting or just an American." Set in 1890, Alex Easton is a non-binary sworn soldier of Gallencia (fictional country in Europe) when they are called to the house of Usher by a childhood friend younger than Easton but close to death. Easton finds the Usher twins, an American doctor, a mushroom expert and lots of the uncanny. Easton is determined to get to the root of the illness of Madeline and her twin Roderick. The entire estate seems infected and ailing.
Based on Edgar Allen Poe's story "The Fall of the House of Usher”, it has a good thrill of creepiness throughout that I couldn't put down. I definitely want to pick up Poe's original now. I'm enjoying Kingfisher's work.
Completion Post - Week 11 Spot 80
Where Coyotes Howl by Sandra Dallas
Date Read: 4/12/23
Rating: 4.5 stars
How it fits: Stand alone
Review:
This book was a real tear-jerker, and I'm sure a much more accurate depiction of life on the frontier than the "Little House" books of my youth. Taking place in 1916, it tells the story of Ellen, who comes to Wyoming as a school teacher. When she falls in love with Charlie Bacon, Ellen embraces life in Wyoming with all of its challenges, beauty, and heartache.
The book doesn't exaggerate the extreme weather in Wyoming at all - and I cannot imagine living there 100 years ago! I think the women especially were heroes. But yes - so sad!
I'm pretty wiped out so am probably going to go to bed. If someone does the last of our 5 needed reviews and feels like rolling, that's great. Otherwise I'll roll in the morning :)
haha wow - I'm so glad you said that - I was sitting here planning my Friday. Oh dear - I AM tired. BwahahaaGuess I will not roll tomorrow. :)
Completion post 11 week 11 ( previous spot 75 )Rolled 80
Read
Rated 5 stars
Book:
( standalone )Pages 503
Review:
It's actually Thursday now! :) @Joeera - Remember to write something for the review. (I suspect you are intending to, but just in case you forgot.)
I'll check us in tomorrow after all the things are done. :)
Completion PostWeek 11
Space 80
Alternate: Published in 2021
The Bronzed Beasts
Date read: 4/13/23
How it fits: Published 9/21/2021
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
A very bittersweet ending to the trilogy! I love these characters and the magic of Forging. This one dragged a bit for me and didn't hold my attention. I enjoyed seeing how each person's journey helped them grow and find a new truth in themselves. The action was fun, but I found Ruslan to be a bit of a caricature and his particular ending felt very derivative. Some definite Indiana Jones vibes in this one.
Joeera wrote: "Completion post 11 week 11 ( previous spot 75 )Rolled 80
Read
Rated 5 stars
Book:
( standalone )Pages 503
Review:
This book was so wonderful. I thought it was all about crime but. I was presently su5hy tne warmth, love, and dramaof the story. What i really loved was the characters were portrayed by the author. L loved the relationship between the three characters ( women ) znd their romantic and intimate connections with their love interests. I especially loved jared he was my favorite
Roll: 2 + 6 = 8Spot: 88
Alternate: 88. Two Word Title (excluding articles like A, An, The) Deadly Silence, The Hunger Games
Note: Would you ladies like to use a bonus or two? I know this # only gives a series #8. I have one, but I'm fine switching if you want to change things!
I will check us in this afternoon to give you all time to respond. Let me know if you want me to add bonus. :)
We have 4 bonus points, so we could do 89, 90, 91, or 92 - any preferences there? (for Jen and future voters)
Either is fine (even 88 is fine) but would vote for 91 because then we could do a #1 or a stand alone. There may be a team over 100 this round to end it?
Logan: 90. Set anytime between 1837-1901
91. Asia
Are either of those do-able for you ?
Suzanne wrote: "Logan: 90. Set anytime between 1837-1901
91. Asia
Are either of those do-able for you ?"
I don't think she needs to do alternate anymore if we reach the 90's. We would qualify for the points.
Oh ok! Well lets do 91. I'll check us in as soon as I make the post :)
Oh right! Yes I'm good with that. I saw a team is reading for the win so we might as well use them!
So if we get that alternates point we could roll to 92?
Team 8 - Never Ending StoryTracking Post
Week 11 - Space 80
Alternate: Published in 2021
Jen K - Review
Joeera - Review
Logan - Review
Louise - Review
Suzanne - Review
**Free pass earned: 1**
Past Bonus Points Earned: 4 -
(view spoiler)
New Bonus Points earned at the roll/placement this upcoming week: (spot 91)
✸ One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate list. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90. - Earned by Suzanne (and maybe others)
✸ One point can be earned for always picking a book from the alternate list. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90. - Earned by Logan
If we use all our bonus points (alternates, the never-alternates and the 4 we earned previously) we could roll to 94. We may be able to do that if you all want. Does it help to get further for this (potentially) last week?
I'm good with the 91 for now. If we don't end this week we can have some bonus points in reserve for our last roll
Logan wrote: "I'm good with the 91 for now. If we don't end this week we can have some bonus points in reserve for our last roll"Me too
Sounds good! I have so many #1's that I should read but will probably go with the stand alone I had planned to read next to get back to the library.
Completion Post - Week 12Space: 91
Spare by Prince Harry
Date Read: 4/15
Rating: 5*
How It Fits: Standalone
Review
I don't normally read autobiographies but having listened to a sample of this I decided to download the audio and all I can say is "Well done that man". Who can forget the image of a lost young boy following his Mother's coffin and this is where the story starts for Harry. Told in his own voice this is a no holds barred tell-all of what it has been like for Harry, growing up as the "spare".
When this book was released there was a media frenzy over extracts from the book, which I can only assume was brought about by the no-holds barred account of the effect that the "papparazzi" have had over Harry's life.
There were moments of humor, I now have a vivid image of the king exercising in his bedroom; happy and tearful moments.
I have never been a fan of the media and the intrusive nature of the business. Unfortunately the media seem intent on pitting two brothers against each other, after all conflict sells.
If you haven't read this, I highly recommend it, whether you favour Kate & Wills or Harry & Meghan.
Thanks Louise. That seems intriguing - and how sad for the entire family really.
I read this one in February and it was sad.
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Spare (other topics)Heart of the Night (other topics)
The Bronzed Beasts (other topics)
Heart of the Night (other topics)
Where Coyotes Howl (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Prince Harry (other topics)Sandra Dallas (other topics)
T. Kingfisher (other topics)
Ellen Riggs (other topics)
J.A. Konrath (other topics)
More...
And nice roll!