What are you reading? 2024 Version

[Carolyn]

The Mistress of Bhatia House is another enjoyable historical mystery in this series featuring a female solicitor working in Bombay in the 1920s. The author's portrayal of British colonial India and the social problems of the times feels very authentic.

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

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

Bright I Burn by Molly Aitken

Based on the story of a woman in thirteenth century Ireland who was the first to be condemned as a witch. Had great potential but the writing approach was a bit too experimental. Might work better for Booker-style lit fic lovers.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

I am reading A Caribbean Mysteryby Agatha Christie

[Tiziana]

The Secrets of Wycliffe Manor ( Gravesyde Priory Mysteries ) by Patricia Rice

Book #1 in a mystery series set in ancient manor in England.
A light historical fiction with a touch of Gothic.

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

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman

This worked well for many readers, but I couldn't stand the contemporary timeline. The historical timeline saves the book.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[M.]

Recently I read Maria by Jorge Isaacs. It's a tale of a young man who grows up on a ranch in nineteenth-century Colombia. He is in love with his cousin Maria who lives with his side of the family. Alas, she suffers from epilepsy. The book is extraordinary for its descriptions of nature. The young man, Efrain, goes on a deer hunt and a jaguar hunt. At one point, too, a raven gets into the house and buzzes and flutters all about ominously. I'd like to reveal the devastating ending, but that might spoil it.

[M.]

This year I read The Tin Drum by Gunter Grass and wanted to say a good word for it. This book was character driven, and I loved Oskar the protagonist. If you don't love him, you might not have the patience for this very deep and intellectual work. When he stops growing at the age of three, there can be no question that his decision follows from "the desire to return to the womb." To be sure, his obsession with drumming has everything to do with that experience of gestation. I'm pretty sure Gunter Grass implies a parallel between the percussive beat of a mother's heart and a baby's love of tapping or drumming. This book is quite humorous, too. Loved the chapter involving the fizz powder—an obvious suggestion for some kind of aphrodisiac. For me, too, the ending is hopeful. Yes, Oskar is arrested by Interpol. Yes, he's committed. But at least Oskar seems to believe that he'll be going free quite soon. He is only thirty years old, and he has his whole life ahead of him. Still, we know that he's been scarred by the war. Back in the WWII era, who wasn't scarred by that epic conflict?

[Alice]

Carolyn wrote: " The Mistress of Bhatia House is another enjoyable historical mystery in this series featuring a female solicitor working in Bombay ..."

I enjoyed that book as well. Good description of India at that time.

[Alice]

I finished a very good Historical mystery The Cold Light of Day by Anna Lee Huber. Book 7 in series. One of the better one set in 1920 Ireland. Lots of discussion of Sinn Fein. Our characters keep growing and become more complex. Great series but start with book 1.

[Thomas]

I read Dark Fire by C.J. Sansom
It is a historical fiction mystery, set in 1540 England. It is book 2 in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Janice]

I am still rereading Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte, Genesis, and 2 Peter (Bible #61), ESV

[Thomas]

I read Indemnity Only by Sara Paretsky It is a US PI mystery and book 1 in the series. I like the series and recommend it. My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Set in 1980 Chicago.

[Maureen]

I read Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Donna]

I’m reading and loving The Swan-Daughter by Carol McGrath. It’s the second in the Daughters of Hastings trilogy but works well as a stand-alone.

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

I am reading Trick or Treat Murder

[Tiziana]

Just finished An Inquiry into Love and Death by Simone St. James

Set in 1924 England.
A wonderful mix of mystery (with ghosts, murder, investigation and almost espionage) and a beautiful and satisfying love story.

I really loved it and it's a perfect read for Halloween week

My 5 full stars review here :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Chris]

Finished the wonderful novel The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. The MC is a midwife in the late 1700's & is inspired by true life Martha Ballard who has been documented to have delivered over 1000 babies without the loss of a mother due to complications of childbirth. She was an ancestor of Clara Barton and one of the first female physicians in the U.S., Mary Hobart.
The novel not only follows Martha's daily life but includes a murder mystery and the victim's alleged rape charge. The author highlights the gender and power differences of the time period as the story unfolds. Excellent characterizations.

[Carolyn]

The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke is an excellent historical tale based on the trial of a woman accused of witchcraft in the 16th century in Scotland. Also woven through it is a contemporary mystery relating to a Book of Witching. The two time lines work together quite well and it's worth reading for the historical thread. Also a great pick for Halloween!

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

[PattyMacDotComma]

It's hard for me to believe that 1974 was fifty years ago!

Colum McCann's well-known novel Let the Great World Spin is a great read. Some of the characters are Irish (as he is known for writing about), but there are blacks, Latinos and others in this mixed NY neighbourhood where a tightrope walker crossed between the twin towers in 1974. YIKES!
My review of Let the Great World Spin

[Hyejin]

currently reading Mademoiselle from Armentières by Daniel Hall

[Alice]

I finished A Killer in King's Cove . I will give it 3.3. It is beautifully written, the setting is lovely (rural British Columbia), interesting time period. I like books with strong characters and supporting characters. Our main character, Lane, I was thought was boring. None of the supporting cast did anything for me either. I have a friend who loves this series. I see the following books get good ratings. Maybe if a see the book for free I will pick it up. Overall just okay for me.

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Finished Confusion #3 Cazalet family saga by Elizabeth Jane Howard. Set in 1940's England. Rated 4 stars. Looking forward to reading #4 Casting Off.

[Tiziana]

Halloween short story by Mary Lancaster.

Ghostly Lover Mary Lancaster

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

[Theresa]

Reading again...Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. I count it as historical fiction because I believe what the women went through as priestesses is probably pretty accurate for the times. For those that don't know, it is an Arthurian retelling from the perspective of women. I have read this many times since it was given to me as a gift in early 2000's. Highly recommend!

[Thomas]

I read Righteous Strife: How Warring Religious Nationalists Forged Lincoln's Union by Richard Carwardine It is not a mystery, but a scholarly book on how religious denominations reacted to the civil war, slavery and secession. I recommend it to anyone interested in how religious beliefs influenced viewpoints on the above subjects. My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

Finished Trick or Treat Murder and reading Moon Called

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Read the short graphic novel version of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving by Charles M. Schulz. Rated 5 stars and on my Favorite shelf. The original TV version will stream free on Apple+ App in USA on November 23rd & November 24th.

[Tiziana]

Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "Read the short graphic novel version of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving by Charles M. Schulz. Rated 5 stars and on my Favo..."

Love Charlie Brown and Peanuts !!!

[Thomas]

I read Robert B. Parker's Bad Influence by Alison Gaylin It is book 11 in the Sunny Randall series, but can be read as a stand alone. My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tiziana]

Regency mystery-romance : Confessions of a Dangerous Lord by Elisa Braden

My 3.5 stars review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Carolyn]

The Specimen by Jaima Fixsen is a dark historical mystery set in the gritty streets of 19th century Edinburgh.

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

[Alice]

I finished A Spy for the Redeemer by Candace Robb. This series is very good if you like Historical mysteries set in medieval times. This book takes place in 1370 York and Wales. Our two main characters Lucie and Owen are apart for most of it in separate so I don't think book worked as well. Start with book one of this series.

[Thomas]

I read 2 short stories set in contemporary India: COVID Stories from India: Long Road Home
My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And COVID Stories from India: The Abandoned Cook My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Both books by Emmanuel Bhaskar

[Thomas]

I read Isola by Allegra Goodman It is historical fiction, set in the mid 16th century, France and New France(Canada). My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Carolyn]

I read The Black Swan Mystery by Tetsuya Ayukawa a translation of a 1950s classic crime novel set in Japan because I needed a place name starting with J for a challenge. I enjoyed the snapshot of life and social change in postwar Japan but not so much all the detail about train travel and timetables!

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

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

The Night Counsellor by L.K. Pang

A great option for those who enjoy historical Gothic with an asylum as the setting.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Finished Jackaby #1 Jackaby by William Ritter. Rated 3 stars. Read on Libby Kindle & listened on Libby Audio. Enjoyed this 1st entry in a Young Adult/Paranormal/Historical mystery series set in late 19th century America. Nice audio narration by Nicola Barber.

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer

One of my all-time favourite series delivers yet another winner. Great for historical fiction readers who enjoy a dash of fantasy and Christian elements in their books.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Peggyzbooksnmusic]

Finished Joe Black: More than a Dodger by Martha Jo Black and Chuck Schoffner, a sports journalist. Rated 4 stars.
Link to my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Maureen]

I just finished A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power
4 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

The Specimen by Jaima Fixsen

One of the best historical mysteries I have read in a long time. Based on true events. Haunting and gripping!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jayme(theghostreader)]

I am reading lost dogs and lonely hearts by Lucy Dillon.

[Achol 🎀]

I’m currently reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, thoroughly enjoying it!!

[Alice]

Achol 🎀 wrote: "I’m currently reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, thoroughly enjoying it!!"

One of my all time favorites

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

The Library of Heartbeats by Laura Imai Messina

Also published as 'The Heartbeat Library'. A mellow character-driven read with some powerful themes. Don't opt for the audio version!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Thomas]

I read a dark book of translated literary fiction, The Lady of the Mine by Sergei Lebedev It is set in 2014 Ukraine, during the Russian invasion of Eastern Ukraine. There are flashbacks to WWII and the 1980s. My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Tammy]

Rereading an oldie Enchanted Afternoon by Susan Wiggs

[Tiziana]

A Minor Deception by Nupur Tustin

Cozy mystery set in the 18th century around the figure of the well-known composer Joseph Haydn

My 3 stars review here :
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

Miss Kim Knows and Other Stories by Cho Nam-Joo

If you liked this author's seminal feminist work 'Kim Jiyoung Born 1982', you shouldn't miss her latest work, a short story collection.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

Finally got to this title. It was *almost* as good as book one.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...