Ruhani's 2023 Settings Challenge

[Ruhani]

Hope to update my progress through this thread.

Goal: Level #3: Doctor of History - 15 to 20 books in at least 10
categories (Goal achieved August 26!!)

Revised Goal: Level #4: History with Honors - 20+ books in all categories (revised Goal achieved November 3!!!)

Progress as at November 3
Categories: 21/21
Books: 25/20+

CATEGORIES:

✅ Ancient Egypt

✅ Ancient Greece

✅Roman Empire

✅ Early Japan

✅ Shogunate Japan

✅ Medieval England

✅ Medieval Europe

✅ Tudor / Stuart England

✅ 16th-17th Century Europe

✅ Georgian England

✅ Regency England

✅ Victorian England

✅ Edwardian England

✅ Colonial America

✅ Antebellum America

✅ American Civil War

✅ Gilded Age America

✅ British Empire (any century, countries other than England)

✅ Pre 19th Century Asia (excluding the British Empire)

✅ 19th Century Europe

✅ Early 20th Century

[Sandy]

Good luck and enjoy the challenge.

[Ruhani]

Ok, so these are the books I plan to read in 2023: 19 books, 11 categories (aiming for Doctor of History)

- Ancient Egypt
Death comes as the end - Agatha Christie
- Roman Empire
The Graveyard of the Hesperides (Flavia Albia) - Lindsey Davis
- Medieval England
Conspiracy of Wolves (Owen Archer) - Candance Robb
A Trust Betrayed (Margaret Kerr) - Candance Robb
A Twisted Vengeance (Kate Clifford) - Candance Robb
- Tudor/Stuart England
Fire Court (Marwood and Lovell) - Andrew Taylor
- Georgian England
The Dagger Dance (Lady Fan) - Elizabeth Bailey
- Regency England
Pride and Prescience (Mr and Mrs Darcy) - Carrie Bebris
Jane and the Year without a Summer (Jane Austen) - Stephanie Barron
And Dangerous to Know (Rosalind Thorne) - Darcie Wilde
- Victorian England
The Woman who spoke to spirits (A World’s End Bureau Victorian Mystery) - Alys Clare
- Edwardian England
Poison at Pemberton Hall (Vita Carew) - Fran Smith
- Gilded Age America
Murder at Marble House (Gilded Newport Mysteries) - Alyssa Maxwell
Death brings a Shadow (Gilded Age) - Rosemary Simpson
- British Empire (any century, countries other than England)
Away with the Fairies (Phryne Fisher) - Kerry Greenwood
- Early 20th Century
Treacherous is the Night (Verity Kent) - Anna Lee Huber
A Bitter Truth (Bess Crawford) - Charles Todd
The Confession (Ian Rutledge) - Charles Todd
City of Lies (Counterfeit Lady) - Victoria Thompson

With the exception of 3-4 books whose authors are new to me, what I am trying to do is to read more by authors that I have enjoyed in the past. In the past I've only tried 1 or 2 of their books and series and I want to read more of their books this year.

#1 in my list is Away with the Fairies by Kerry Greenwood that I just started today. Will keep my progress updated.

Happy reading everybody!

[Sandy]

Good Luck! I sympathize with your goal; there are many series I've liked and meant to read more.

[Ruhani]

The first two books completed in pursuit of this challenge:

#1: Away with the Fairies (Phryne Fisher) by Kerry Greenwood
Category: British Empire (any century, countries other than England)
Completed: March 10

This was very cosy with the death of a magazine columnist and the upper class Phryne Fisher joining the magazine itself to solve the mystery. But the back story was much grittier though lightly handled (in case the cosy fans would find it too much I guess). All in all I really enjoyed this story and loved the way it was written.

#2: Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie
Category: Ancient Egypt
Completed: March 11

This is a re-read of a book that I last read at least 20 years ago. I found I could remember nothing except for one particular scene. It was a quick and entertaining read

[Ruhani]

Sandy wrote: "Good Luck! I sympathize with your goal; there are many series I've liked and meant to read more."

Thank you. The last few years I have concentrated on trying out as many new series/authors as possible - there are so many good ones out there. This year it is time to enjoy the ones I love best.

By the way, I have used your format to update my completed books against this challenge. Hope this is fine with you.

[Sandy]

Ruhani wrote: "Sandy wrote: "Good Luck! I sympathize with your goal; there are many series I've liked and meant to read more."

Thank you. The last few years I have concentrated on trying out as many new series/a..."

Of course - imitation is a sincere form of flattery

[Ruhani]

#3: Murder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell
Category: Gilded Age America
Completed: March 13

I was looking forward to reading this book. Not only because I enjoyed 'Murder at the Breakers' - the first book in this series. But also because a couple of months back I read 'Consuelo and Alva' - the biography of both the daughter and mother, which referred extensively to - among other things - the Marble House. I knew then that I had to come back to this series. It proved to be an engrossing story as well and I really enjoyed this book.

[Ruhani]

#4: A Trust Betrayed by Candace Robb
Category: Medieval England
Completed: March 18

Love the characters, the setting, the atmosphere of this book. It is so smoothly written that you can go on and on reading it and you really feel the sense of menace and secrecy all around you.

[Ruhani]

#5: Treacherous Is the Night by Anna Lee Huber
Category: Early 20th Century
Completed: March 19

I actually liked Verity Kent better in this book. She seemed more mature and real. I could even see why she found Sidney attractive. That said, I loved the country house vibe of 'This side of murder' and kind of missed that domestic element in this book. This was very war-secret service-focused which is really not my thing.

[Ruhani]

#6: The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits by Alys Clare
Category: Victorian England
Completed: March 26

Well, I liked this book. The characters were nice, the setting was nice. It was written well and kept me engaged. And I would definitely read more from this author (I've already read the second book in this series and remember liking it more though it had a bit of a bizarre ending). There was just something missing from the story. It definitely had potential but I feel it didn't come together at the end as neatly as it could have done. Still, a good read.

[Sandy]

I like her Gabriel Tarverner series. He is a doctor in an earlier time period.

[Ruhani]

Sandy wrote: "I like her Gabriel Tarverner series. He is a doctor in an earlier time period."

Thank you for the recommendation Sandy. I will try it out. Is that set during the Tudor/Stuart period?

[Sandy]

Ruhani wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I like her Gabriel Tarverner series. He is a doctor in an earlier time period."

Thank you for the recommendation Sandy. I will try it out. Is that set during the Tudor/Stuart period?"

The first book, A Rustle of Silk, takes place in 1603 which is right on the dividing line!

[Ruhani]

#7: Jane and the Year Without a Summer by Stephanie Barron
Category: Regency England
Completed: April 15

Ah... I love this series and sincerely hope I would one day be able to locate the rest of the books in this series that I have not read so far (they are not available in my country and the exchange rate and shipping costs are prohibitive even if I manage to locate a used copy). The historical detail and the tone is amazing. Quite a nice mystery too. Such a treat to read.

[Ruhani]

#8: The Fire Court by Andrew Taylor
Category: Tudor/Stuart England
Completed: May 7

The historical period is evoked very well in this book and the characters are good but for some reason the story didn't really grab me. Probably because I read the audio book and my mind was wandering (?) it was a bit difficult to keep track of the characters and therefore the story. I also thought it dragged a bit towards the end. This doesn't mean that I will not read the rest of the series though - maybe I need to try reading a physical book next time

[Ruhani]

#9: Poison at Pemberton Hall: the first Vita Carew historical mystery by Fran Smith
Category: Edwardian England
Completed: May 9

A nice enough cosy mystery but indistinguishable from many others set in a country house where the protagonist is a young, upper class girl with secretarial skills hailing from a family that is no longer wealthy. I am not being disparaging - if I liked that type of book I really don't mind there being many similar books around. The thing is, this is not quite my type.

[Ruhani]

#10: The Dagger Dance by Elizabeth Bailey
Category: Georgian England
Completed: May 14

I feel this could have been a good book since the story line was good. But Lord and Lady Fan were too bizarre. Was she always this bossy? I mean, this is not the first book in the series and here she is 'Lady Fan' and pulls rank but I see that she was a lady's maid in the first book. Was she as bossy then? And how come everybody accepts that she has the authority to question people and solve the crime? I was not too happy with the last 2 or 3 historical mysteries I read that I thought I have historical mystery fatigue and need to give it a bit of a break. Then I went and checked the goodreads reviews and saw that I am not the only one who feels this way.

[Ruhani]

#11: Murder at Half Moon Gate by Andrea Penrose
Category: Regency England
Completed: July 10

Love this series. The mysteries, the people, the back story. This was not really in the list of books I had meant to read this year, but I simply can't resist a Wrexford and Sloane

[Ruhani]

#12: Jane and the Wandering Eye by Stephanie Barron
Category: Regency England
Completed: July 22

I can't get enough of this series. So good to be transported back to Jane Austen era and Jane Austen characters and Jane Austen language. This is set in Bath as well, which adds to my enjoyment as it always seemed like THE place to be in her books. I did not mean to read so many mysteries set in Regency England in this challenge but this period is so rich in well written historical mysteries that I just can't help it.

[Ruhani]

#13: The Mitford Murders by Jessica Fellowes
Category: Early 20th century
Completed: August 13

A charming enough book but the link to the Mitfords seems tenuous (does this improve over the rest of the series?) and the mystery seems to be forced into the story of Louisa's life rather than Louisa's life flowing on at the fringes of the mystery. I love the period and I love the Mitfords so I haven't given up on this series yet

[Kerri]

Ruhani wrote: "#12: Jane and the Wandering Eye by Stephanie Barron
Category: Regency England
Completed: July 22

I can't get enough of this..."
I so agree with you! This series has all the Jane Austen feels! One of my favorites and I always try to have one ready to read around Christmas.

[Ruhani]

Kerri wrote: "Ruhani wrote: "#12: Jane and the Wandering Eye by Stephanie Barron
Category: Regency England
Completed: July 22

I can't get..."

I must remember to keep one to read around Christmas without devouring all the ones I have right now. Are there any particular titles you would recommend for Christmas time?

[Helen]

Ruhani wrote: "A charming enough book but the link to the Mitfords seems tenuous (does this improve over the rest of the series?)

It depends on your point of view, Ruhani LOL. The rest of the series does unfold from Louise's perspective, that's true, because she keeps getting called in to help one (or more) of the Mitfords with a problem that the sisters find themselves heavily involved in. And Nancy Mitford trusts only Louise to help, basically. Lots of history, lots of connections to events in the lives of the sisters (played up for dramatic purposes, but true history, nonetheless).

[Ruhani]

Helen wrote: "Ruhani wrote: "A charming enough book but the link to the Mitfords seems tenuous (does this improve over the rest of the series?)

It depends on your point of view, Ruhani LOL. The rest of the seri..."

The first book was a bit of a let down but good to hear that the Mitfords are more involved in the rest of the series. Will try to find some of the later books

[Ruhani]

#14: The Mapping of Love and Death by Jacqueline Winspear
Category: Early 20th century
Completed: August 19

Such an easy read, good mystery and interesting back story depicting Maisie Dobbs' personal life and emotional struggles. I love war stories and between-the -wars settings. My second Jacqueline Winspear and definitely not the last

[Ruhani]

#15: A Rescue For A Queen by Fiona Buckley
Category: 16th - 17th Century Europe
Completed: August 26

Officially a 'Tudor Mystery', the story revolves around a plot to put Mary Stuart in the English throne but is set mostly (79% - I counted :-)) in Netherlands and Spain. So I am slotting this under 16th - 17th century Europe. An easy read with the story moving across three countries.

With this book I have completed 15 historical mystery stories set in 10 categories which means I have officially earned the title 'Doctor of History'!! Now I need to decide whether I want to go for History with Honors :-)

[Sandy]

Go for it! Why not? Lots of time left.

[Ruhani]

#16: The Graveyard of the Hesperides by Lindsey Davis
Category: Roman Empire
Completed: October 4

I've been reading Lindsey Davis's Falco series since the early 90s - it is almost certainly the first historical mystery series I read - but this is my first Flavia Albia book. It is as funny as Falco but also a lot grittier. Maybe because Albia is a woman who had a difficult childhood. Falco always moved with the plebians but I don't know how much the fate of girls who were forced to become prostitutes for instance bothered him. Flavia has more heart. I still love Falco though.

[Ruhani]

#17: The White Mirror by Elsa Hart
Category: Pre 19th Century Asia (excluding the British Empire)
Completed: October 4

Loved this locked-room type mystery set in 18th century China. So elegantly written, easy to read with great characters and engrossing story. I doubt I would have read this book if not for this challenge so thank you admins of the setting challenge 2023 for helping me discover a new and unexpected historical mystery series that I really want to continue!

BTW since I achieved History with Honors in August I am going to revise my goal to Level #4: History with Honors. 8 more categories to go!

[Ruhani]

#18: Vienna Waltz by Tracy Grant
Category: 19th Century Europe
Completed: October 12

In addition to murder mysteries and thrillers, I love reading about European Royalty and Aristocracy. This book brought both these genres together - which is probably why I found it so enjoyable. Loved the glitter, intrigue and the backdrop of the Vienna Congress (of which I knew very little before reading this book). Not the best writing or character development, but such an entertaining page turner. I am skimming through the series on goodreads and find that they quit the international stage and their lives become relatively boring as the series progresses, but hope I will be able to read the next 2-3 books where the action remains in Europe.

[Ruhani]

#19: In the Presence of Evil by Tania Bayard
Category: Medieval Europe
Completed: October 15

What I really liked about this book is that it actually showed how difficult it is for a woman to play the role of detective in social contexts where their freedom and agency is limited - as is true of most historical periods. Yet, this protagonist manages to crack the mystery and (more or less) free the suspect. I'm curious to see how the mysteries play out in the rest of the series. Will she find someone in the royal household who will ask her to solve mysteries from now on (that is generally what happens in other series)? I definitely want to find out.

[Ruhani]

#20: Claws of the Cat by Susan Spann
Category: Shogunate Japan
Completed: October 21

Loved this book, the setting, the story and the funny and memorable characters. Japan is so lovingly drawn I really want to visit and see these wonderful places (well, this takes place in 1564 but Kyoto might at least have some similar buildings remaining?) Look forward to more adventures of Hiro, Father Mateo, Luis, Ana and Gato

[Ruhani]

#21: A Stranger Here Below by Charles Fergus
Category: Antebellum America
Completed: October 23

I don't know what is really wrong with this book. The story drags a bit but the characters are good and believable but somehow I find the setting a bit dreary. There is just too much tragedy in the background for it to be an enjoyable book and if it wasn't for this challenge I doubt I would have read it.

[Ruhani]

#22: Murder in the Lincoln White House by C.M. Gleason
Category: American Civil War
Completed: October 25

A straightforward mystery that is pretty entertaining. Good to get (even a fictional) glimpse of Abraham Lincoln

[Ruhani]

#23: Cry of the Innocent by Julie Bates
Category: Colonial America
Completed: October 30

Why do so many historical mysteries have widows as their female protagonists? Because there were so many widows in that era or because widows are forced to do things that non-widows cannot do and therefore make more believable protagonists? I am not complaining though. I loved this book as I did a number of others that featured widows (Tania Bayard's Christine De Pizan, Candance Robb's Kate Clifford and Margaret Kerr, Fiona Buckley's Ursula Blanchard, Andrea Penrose's Charlotte Sloane, Tasha Alexander's Lady Emily, Katharine Schellman's Lily Adler - I can go on). I love gritty female protagonists - though Faith Clarke seemed a bit more fragile than most of the others - fainting and feeling sick and getting attacked more often than not. Still, I liked her and the rest of the characters and most of all the setting close to America's war of independence with people questioning where their loyalties lie and the whole slavery angle. I definitely want to continue this series

[Sandy]

That does sound good, and I need Colonial America for the challenge. Also, I spent a great week in Williamsburg many years ago.

Widows had much more freedom than unmarried women, so I suspect that is why they make more interesting detectives.

[Ruhani]

#24: The Ionia Sanction by Gary Corby
Category: Ancient Greece
Completed: November 2

This was funny, seemed a bit YA at times and not really my type. It was an audio book and I sort of lost concentration towards the end. Still, I raced through it because I needed to read it for the challenge - which I am almost done with - only 1 book left!!

[Ruhani]

Sandy wrote: "That does sound good, and I need Colonial America for the challenge. Also, I spent a great week in Williamsburg many years ago.

Widows had much more freedom than unmarried women, so I suspect that..."

If you like the books led by widows that I listed there, you would definitely enjoy this

[Ruhani]

#25: The Masuda Affair by I.J. Parker
Category: Early Japan
Completed: November 3

I really enjoyed this book. I don't know how the author does it but even though the story is filled with tragic incidents, it is written with such a light touch that you don't get distraught and even find that certain sections make you smile. And this had a happy ending. I was going through synopses of the books in the rest of the series and was dismayed to find that misfortune continues to follow Akitada. But hopefully they all have a happy ending - Akitada always starts off at a low point but somehow gets to a happy place at the end? I hope so and if so, I would definitely continue this series.

Incidentally, with this book, I officially complete the challenge (25 books from all 21 categories) and achieve my goal: 'History with Honors'. Look forward to the 2024 Historical Mystery Challenge.