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Apple Cider Challenge
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🍎To play, post the list of tasks.
🍎 Unless otherwise noted, books must be at least 150 pages long.
🍎Books may only be used for one task.
🍎Post a link to the title and author and the date you finished reading it.
🍎If a challenge task gives options, say which option you’ve chosen.
🍎If the task calls for an item on the cover, include the book cover.
Books used in this challenge can also be used in other challenges.
*This is a revised version of a challenge created by Barb for Crazy Challenge Connection.
Mod
Barb
Becky
Helen
Jonquil
Julesy
Meg
Michelle
Nell
QnPoohBear
Sallie
Tari
writer
Zermeena
Mod
MAKE YOUR OWN APPLE CIDER, 9/1 – 11/30
15/15 COMPLETE
1. Read a book with a fruit on the cover
garnish on pie : In the Blink of a Pie (Maple Syrup #3), by Catherine Bruns, finished 9/9/24 ★★★★
2. Read a book with a X somewhere in the author's name (if you use the author option, tell us his/her name)
author Ellie Alexander – Live and Let Pie (Bakeshop #9), finished 9/13/24 ★★★★
3. Read a book that you previously abandoned
Mother-Daughter Murder Night, by Nina Simon, finished 9/16/24 ★★★.5
4. Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with B
author Benjamin Stevenson – Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret (Ernest Cunningham #3), finished 9/22/24 ★★★.5
5. Read a book originally published in October of any year
publ 10-22-24 : Murder on the Page (Literary Dining #1), by Daryl Wood Gerber, finished 9/5/24 ★★★★
6. Read a book from a series with 10 or more books
18 books : Among the Mad (Maisie Dobbs #6), by Jacqueline Winspear, finished 9/20/24 ★★★★
7. Read a book with an intact 23 in its total number of pages (tell us how many pages)
234 pages : Purrfect Murder (Mysteries of Max #1), by Nic Saint, finished 9/14/24 ★★★.5
8. Read a book that takes place before the 20th century
set 1833 : A Free Man of Color (Benjamin January #1), by Barbara Hambly, finished 9/10/24 ★★★★
9. Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page
historical & mystery : A Picture of Murder (Lady Hardcastle #4), by T.E. Kinsey, finished 9/19/24 ★★★★
10. Read a book set in Ohio; tell us the state
Harvest OH : Gingerbread Danger (Amish Candy Shop #9), by Amanda Flower, finished 10/1/24 ★★★★
11. Read a book set during the winter
A Merry Little Murder Plot (Library Lover’s #15), by Jenn McKinlay, finished 9/21/24 ★★★★
12. Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages
Abbey, Zach and more : Shear Terror (Sewing Studio #3), by Dorothy Howell, finished 9/4/24 ★★★.5
13. Read a book from an on-going series
A Bitter Truth (Bess Crawford #3), by Charles Todd, finished 9/6/24 ★★★★
14. Read a book that is #2 in a series
The Quartet Murders (Yorkshire Murders #2), by J.R. Ellis, finished 9/8/24 ★★★★
15. Read a book with a night scene on the cover
Malice at the Palace (Her Royal Spyness #9), by Rhys Bowen, finished 9/15/24 ★★★★
I’m in.MAKE YOUR OWN APPLE CIDER, 9/1 – 11/30
15/15 COMPLETE
1. Read a book with a fruit or vegetable in the title or on the cover OR a mystery where the victim is found in the morning.
2. Read a book that seems to fit a standard formula (tell us how) OR a book with a X somewhere in the title or author's name (if you use the author option, tell us his/her name).
by Diana Xarissa3. Read a book that you previously abandoned OR a book with a tree on the cover.
4. Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with 'B' OR a book with an unattractive cover.
by Dawn Brookes5. Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in one of the apple varieties named (Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Northern Spy, Rome Beauty; tell us the variety) OR a book originally published in October of any year.
by Debbie De Louise, who fits Red Delicious.6. Read a book with some sort of wild animal on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail; post the cover) OR a book from a series with 10 or more books.
fits both criteria.7. Read a book with an intact "23" in its total number of pages (tell us how many pages) OR a book with a container on the cover.
has 232 pages.8. Read a book with a cluttered cover OR a book that takes place before the 20th century.
9. Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page (for example, mystery and historical) OR a book written by two or more authors (ex: Cleo Coyle, Charles Todd, Joyce & Jim Lavene).
10. Read a book in which a business closes OR a book set in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan or Washington (state); tell us the state.
is set in a small town in Washington state.11. Read a book set during the winter OR a short book (less than 150 pages).
12. Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages OR a book with a character who seems sweet but turns hard/bitter by the end of the book.
13. Read a book from an on-going series OR a book with a beverage of some sort on the cover.
14. Read a book with a cap (or hat) on the cover OR read a book that is #2 or #4 in a series.
15. Read a book with a glass object on the cover (ex: jar, vase, glass, bottle) OR a book with a night scene on the cover.
Make Your Own Apple CiderSept. 1-Nov. 30, 2024
15/15
1. Read a book with a fruit or vegetable in the title or on the cover OR a mystery where the victim is found in the morning.
Murder at the Bluff Claire Harlow 9/2/24
2. Read a book that seems to fit a standard formula (tell us how) OR a book with a X somewhere in the title or author's name (if you use the author option, tell us his/her name).
The Body in the Boathouse Diana Xarissa 9/16/24
3. Read a book that you previously abandoned OR a book with a tree on the cover.
Mindy Killgrove 9/3/244. Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with 'B' OR a book with an unattractive cover.
Mascara and Murder Cindy Bell 9/8/24
5. Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in one of the apple varieties named (Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Northern Spy, Rome Beauty; tell us the variety) OR a book originally published in October of any year.
HS Northern Spy Music Mayhem Hazel Smith 9/5/24
6. Read a book with some sort of wild animal on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail; post the cover) OR a book from a series with 10 or more books.
The last book in a series of ten-Murder at the Manor Amy Grundy 9/1/24
7. Read a book with an intact "23" in its total number of pages (tell us how many pages) OR a book with a container on the cover.
Coffee cup, gravy boat
Tonya Kappes 9/22/248. Read a book with a cluttered cover OR a book that takes place before the 20th century.
More busy than cluttered lol, best I could find
Debra Sennefelder 10/3/249. Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page (for example, mystery and historical) OR a book written by two or more authors (ex: Cleo Coyle, Charles Todd, Joyce & Jim Lavene).
Death of a Gingerbread Man Lee Hollis 9/15/24 (Holly Simason & Rick Copp = Lee Hollis)
10. Read a book in which a business closes OR a book set in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan or Washington (state); tell us the state.
Kentucky Grave Deception Tonya Kappes 9/11/24
11. Read a book set during the winter OR a short book (less than 150 pages).
134-Cupcakes to Die For Kathleen Suzette 9/3/24
12. Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages OR a book with a character who seems sweet but turns hard/bitter by the end of the book.
AND THEN: There Were Bodies Peyton Stone 9/4/24
13. Read a book from an on-going series OR a book with a beverage of some sort on the cover.
I Only Haunt to Be with You Ellen Riggs 9/6/24 (Mystic Mutt Mysteries)
14. Read a book with a cap (or hat) on the cover OR read a book that is #2 or #4 in a series.
#4 in Bekki the Beautician Mysteries Pageant and Poison Cindy Bell 9/9/24
15. Read a book with a glass object on the cover (ex: jar, vase, glass, bottle) OR a book with a night scene on the cover.
K.C. Bellinger 9/18/24
I'm in!1. Read a book with a fruit or vegetable in the title or on the cover OR a mystery where the victim is found in the morning.
Trouble in Nuala 9/21/24
2. Read a book that seems to fit a standard formula (tell us how) OR a book with a X somewhere in the title or author's name (if you use the author option, tell us his/her name).
The Revolving Door of Life by Alexander McCall Smith 10/13/24
3. Read a book that you previously abandoned OR a book with a tree on the cover.
A Dish to Die For
9/10/244. Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with 'B' OR a book with an unattractive cover.
A Cruise to Murder by Dawn Brookes 9/10/2024
5. Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in one of the apple varieties named (Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Northern Spy, Rome Beauty; tell us the variety) OR a book originally published in October of any year.
The Grave's a Fine and Private Place by Alan Bradley (Rome Beauty) 9/19/24
6. Read a book with some sort of wild animal on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail; post the cover) OR a book from a series with 10 or more books.
Dark Clouds Over Nuala
9/22/247. Read a book with an intact "23" in its total number of pages (tell us how many pages) OR a book with a container on the cover.
With Vics You Get Eggroll
10/4/248. Read a book with a cluttered cover OR a book that takes place before the 20th century.
A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder 9/1/24
9. Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page (for example, mystery and historical) OR a book written by two or more authors (ex: Cleo Coyle, Charles Todd, Joyce & Jim Lavene).
A Fiancée's Guide to First Wives and Murder 9/3/24
10. Read a book in which a business closes OR a book set in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan or Washington (state); tell us the state.
Scene of the Grind Kentucky 9/29/24
11. Read a book set during the winter OR a short book (less than 150 pages).
Murder in the First Edition 10/7/24
12. Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages OR a book with a character who seems sweet but turns hard/bitter by the end of the book.
A Cruise to Murder 9/10/24
13. Read a book from an on-going series OR a book with a beverage of some sort on the cover.
Aunt Dimity, Vampire Hunter 9/20/24
14. Read a book with a cap (or hat) on the cover OR read a book that is #2 or #4 in a series.
Deadly Cruise (#2) 9/13/24
15. Read a book with a glass object on the cover (ex: jar, vase, glass, bottle) OR a book with a night scene on the cover
Cheddar Off Dead
9/2/24
I would like to give it a go:MAKE YOUR OWN APPLE CIDER: Duration 3 months
1. Read a book with a fruit or vegetable in the title or on the cover OR a mystery where the victim is found in the morning.
2. Read a book that seems to fit a standard formula (tell us how) OR a book with the letter "X" in the title or author's name.
3. Read a book that you abandoned (give it a second-chance) OR a book with a tree on the cover.
4. Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with "B" or a book with an unattractive cover (you decide).
5. Rad a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in one of the varieties named (tell us the variety) OR a book originally published in October of any year.
6. Read a book with a wild animal on the cover OR a book from a series with two or more books.
7. Read a book with an intact "23" in its total number of pages OR a book with a container on the cover.
8. Read a book with a cluttered cover OR a book that takes place before the 20th century.
9. Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page (for example, mystery and historical) OR a book written by two or more authors (ex: Cleo Coyle, Charles Todd, Joyce and Jim Lavene).
10. Read a book in which a business closes OR a book set in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan or Washington.
11. Read a book during the winter OR a short (less than 150 pages).
12. Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages OR a book with a character who seems sweet but turns hard/bitter by the end of the book.
13. Read a book from an on-going series OR a book with some type of beverage on the cover.
14. Read a book with a cap or hat on the cover OR read a book that is #2 or #4 in the series.
15. Read a book with a glass object on the cover (ex. jar, vase, glass bottle) OR a book with a night scene on the cover.
MAKE YOUR OWN APPLE CIDER, 9/1 – 11/300/15 COMPLETE
1. Read a book with a fruit or vegetable in the title or on the cover OR a mystery where the victim is found in the morning.
2. Read a book that seems to fit a standard formula (tell us how) OR a book with a X somewhere in the title or author's name (if you use the author option, tell us his/her name).
3. Read a book that you previously abandoned OR a book with a tree on the cover.
4. Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with 'B' OR a book with an unattractive cover.
5. Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in one of the apple varieties named (Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Northern Spy, Rome Beauty; tell us the variety) OR a book originally published in October of any year.
6. Read a book with some sort of wild animal on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail; post the cover) OR a book from a series with 10 or more books.
7. Read a book with an intact "23" in its total number of pages (tell us how many pages) OR a book with a container on the cover.
8. Read a book with a cluttered cover OR a book that takes place before the 20th century.
9. Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page (for example, mystery and historical) OR a book written by two or more authors (ex: Cleo Coyle, Charles Todd, Joyce & Jim Lavene).
10. Read a book in which a business closes OR a book set in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan or Washington (state); tell us the state.
11. Read a book set during the winter OR a short book (less than 150 pages).
12. Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages OR a book with a character who seems sweet but turns hard/bitter by the end of the book.
13. Read a book from an on-going series OR a book with a beverage of some sort on the cover.
14. Read a book with a cap (or hat) on the cover OR read a book that is #2 or #4 in a series.
15. Read a book with a glass object on the cover (ex: jar, vase, glass, bottle) OR a book with a night scene on the cover.
MAKE YOUR OWN APPLE CIDER, 9/1 – 11/300/15 COMPLETE
1. Read a book with a fruit or vegetable in the title or on the cover OR a mystery where the victim is found in the morning.
2. Read a book that seems to fit a standard formula (tell us how) OR a book with a X somewhere in the title or author's name (if you use the author option, tell us his/her name).
3. Read a book that you previously abandoned OR a book with a tree on the cover.
4. Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with 'B' OR a book with an unattractive cover.
5. Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in one of the apple varieties named (Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Northern Spy, Rome Beauty; tell us the variety) OR a book originally published in October of any year.
6. Read a book with some sort of wild animal on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail; post the cover) OR a book from a series with 10 or more books.
7. Read a book with an intact "23" in its total number of pages (tell us how many pages) OR a book with a container on the cover.
8. Read a book with a cluttered cover OR a book that takes place before the 20th century.
9. Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page (for example, mystery and historical) OR a book written by two or more authors (ex: Cleo Coyle, Charles Todd, Joyce & Jim Lavene).
10. Read a book in which a business closes OR a book set in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan or Washington (state); tell us the state.
11. Read a book set during the winter OR a short book (less than 150 pages).
12. Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages OR a book with a character who seems sweet but turns hard/bitter by the end of the book.
13. Read a book from an on-going series OR a book with a beverage of some sort on the cover.
14. Read a book with a cap (or hat) on the cover OR read a book that is #2 or #4 in a series.
15. Read a book with a glass object on the cover (ex: jar, vase, glass, bottle) OR a book with a night scene on the cover.
Apple Cider Challenge COMPLETED Start: Sept. 17, End: Oct. 18
Progress: 15/15
👸🏼1. Read a mystery where the victim is found in the morning.
All Princesses Die Before Dawn by Quentin Zuttion - Oct. 1
2. Read a book that seems to fit a standard formula (tell us how). The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander - typical cozy formula where the most unlikeable person is murdered so everyone is a suspect - Oct. 6
🌲3. Read a book with a tree on the cover. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees - Oct. 4
4. Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with 'B'. Jane, the Fox & Me by Fanny Britt - Oct. 7
👻5. Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in one of the varieties named (tell us the variety).
The Haunted House by Nicole Andelfinger - author's initials are found in the Jonathan variety - Sept. 18
🦦6. Read a book with a wild animal on the cover. Otter Lagoon by Mike Deas - Sept. 25
🏺7. Read a book with a container on the cover. Suee and the Shadow by Ginger Ly - Oct. 16
👑8. Read a book that takes place before the 20th century.
Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn - Sept. 17
🕺9. Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page (for example, mystery and historical). Shiny Misfits: A Graphic Novel by Maysoon Zayid - Disability and Divorce genres - Sept. 20
🌎10. Read a book set in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan or Washington (state). Turning Twelve by Kathryn Ormsbee - Kentucky - Oct. 18
🐩11. Read a short book (less than 150 pages). Waffles by Ellen Miles - Sept. 20
🍹12. Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages. If You'll Have Me by Eunnie - Sept. 28
🩻13. Read a book from an on-going series. The Maze of Bones by Ethan Young - Sept. 20
🕵🏼♀️14. Read a book with a cap (or hat) on the cover. Cici's Journal: The Adventures of a Writer-In-Training by Joris Chamblain - Oct. 9
🐺15. Read a book with a night scene on the cover.
Artie and the Wolf Moon by Olivia Stephens - Oct. 2
Make Your Own Apple Cider 🍎🍏🍎🍏Sep 01 - Nov 30, 2024
1. Read a book with a fruit or vegetable in the title or on the cover
Midnight Spells Murder 10/192. Read a book with an X somewhere in the title or author's name
X Marks the Murder 09/283. Read a book with a tree on the cover.
Death 101: Extra Credit 09/234. Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with 'B' ===> Verity Bright
Mystery by the Sea 09/225. Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in one of the apple varieties named (Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Northern Spy, Rome Beauty ==> Golden Delicious
Murder in Galway, Carlene O'Connor 09/196. Read a book from a series with 10 or more books.
Death at the Drive-In 10/117. Read a book with a container on the cover.
Mrs. Morris and the Wolfman 10/198. Read a book that takes place before the 20th century.
Silent in the Sanctuary 09/259. Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page
Murder Outside the Lines 10/2610. Read a book set in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan or Washington ==> Indiana
No Turning Back 10/05 11. Read a book set during the winter
Swine and Punishment 09/3012. Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages
Murder Is a Must 09/2013. Read a book with a beverage of some sort on the cover.
Valpolicella Violet 09/0214. Read a book with a cap (or hat) on the cover
Aunt Dimity: Detective 10/2715. Read a book with a night scene on the cover.
Trick or Treason 10/22
Mod
Duration: 3 months from start
🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎
1. Read a book with a fruit or vegetable ... on the cover
Bobbin for Answers by Melissa Bourbon 10/09/24
2. Commercial apple juice is strained to remove all sediment, pasteurized, and diluted to a particular sugar concentration, called a Brix. Preservatives are often added before bottling. In contrast, cider from the farmer's market often has nothing added, is richer and darker in appearance, better-tasting and more aromatic.
Read a book that seems to fit a standard formula (tell us how) OR a book with the letter 'X' in the title or author's name.
3. Every autumn, apples fall from branches of thousands of wild and abandoned trees, tumbling onto roadsides, pouring down hills, and rotting on the ground. Tons of fruit go to waste each year in abandoned orchards or on public land. If you locate a fraction of these, you won't even have to pay for the apples!
Read a book that you abandoned (give it a second-chance) OR a book with a tree on the cover.
4. Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with 'B' OR a book with an unattractive cover (you decide).
The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood
5. Late-ripening varieties of apples generally produce cider with a better flavor than those apples that ripen early. For even better flavor, blend several varieties together. Late ripening apples include: Red Delicious, Jonathan, Northern Spy, and Rome Beauty,
Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in one of the varieties named (tell us the variety) OR a book originally published in October of any year.
Jonathan: J H - Julianne Holmes,
6. Read a book with a wild animal on the cover OR a book from a series with 10 or more books.
Offstage in Nuala by Harriet Steel
7. Plan to have plenty of boxes, baskets, bags or other containers on hand when you begin to gather your apples. It takes a bushel of apples to make two to three gallons of cider, so if you plan to make a lot of cider, you're going to need a lot of containers.
Read a book with an intact "23" in its total number of pages OR a book with a container on the cover.
8. Read a book with a cluttered cover
Just Killing Time (A Clock Shop Mystery) by Julianne Holmes
9. If you have an abundant supply of other fruits, you might want to experiment and mix them in with your apples. Grapes, pears, and pitted peaches all make delicious cider variations!
Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page (for example, mystery and historical) OR a book written by two or more authors (ex: Cleo Coyle, Charles Todd, Joyce & Jim Lavene).
10. Because of long hours in a relatively short period of time along with the high cost of owning and maintaining the machinery, cider mills have been closing down across the country in recent years. Industry leaders estimate that there may be only about 300 still in operation, concentrated mostly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Washington.
Read a book in which a business closes OR a book set in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan or Washington (state).
11.Read
Bodice of Evidence by Melissa Bourbon
12. If cider is stored in an airtight container, its sugars will gradually be converted into alcohol. The sweet cider will then become hard cider, a favorite drink of our forefathers. In fact, it was the USA's national beverage up to about 1850.
Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages OR a book with a character who seems sweet but turns hard/bitter by the end of the book.
13. Freezing is not only easier than canning, but preserves the cider's fresh flavor better. When you fill jugs for freezing, be sure to allow room for the liquid to expand as it freezes (at least four inches at the top).
Read a book from an on-going series OR a book with some type of beverage on the cover.
14. To can fresh apple cider, glass containers are a must. It's possible to put up cider in regular one-quart canning jars, but a better idea is to use half-gallon (2 quarts) or one-gallon (4 quarts) glass jugs. You'll also need rubber-lined lids to cap the filled containers.
Read a book with a cap (or hat) on the cover OR read a book that is #2 or #4 in a series.
15. Once you've acquired the necessary jugs and their lids, canning the cider is really easy! Empty the cider into a large pot, heat almost to boiling, rinse the glass containers then warm them in a low oven (to prevent the glass from cracking), and ladle the steaming cider into the jugs. To seal the jugs, simply screw the lids firmly into place before the juice cools. Set your filled containers in a cool, dark place and tada! You're done!
Read a book with a glass object on the cover (ex: jar, vase, glass, bottle) OR a book with a night scene on the cover.
Mod
Mod
MAKE YOUR OWN APPLE CIDER, 9/1 – 11/30
15/15 COMPLETE
1. Read a book with a fruit on the cover
garnish on pie : In the Blink of a Pie (Maple Syrup #3), by Catherine Bruns, finished 9/9/24 ★★★★
2. Read a book with a X somewhere in the author's name (if you use the author option, tell us his/her name)
author Ellie Alexander – Live and Let Pie (Bakeshop #9), finished 9/13/24 ★★★★
3. Read a book that you previously abandoned
Mother-Daughter Murder Night, by Nina Simon, finished 9/16/24 ★★★.5
4. Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with B
author Benjamin Stevenson – Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret (Ernest Cunningham #3), finished 9/22/24 ★★★.5
5. Read a book originally published in October of any year
publ 10-22-24 : Murder on the Page (Literary Dining #1), by Daryl Wood Gerber, finished 9/5/24 ★★★★
6. Read a book from a series with 10 or more books
18 books : Among the Mad (Maisie Dobbs #6), by Jacqueline Winspear, finished 9/20/24 ★★★★
7. Read a book with an intact 23 in its total number of pages (tell us how many pages)
234 pages : Purrfect Murder (Mysteries of Max #1), by Nic Saint, finished 9/14/24 ★★★.5
8. Read a book that takes place before the 20th century
set 1833 : A Free Man of Color (Benjamin January #1), by Barbara Hambly, finished 9/10/24 ★★★★
9. Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page
historical & mystery : A Picture of Murder (Lady Hardcastle #4), by T.E. Kinsey, finished 9/19/24 ★★★★
10. Read a book set in Ohio; tell us the state
Harvest OH : Gingerbread Danger (Amish Candy Shop #9), by Amanda Flower, finished 10/1/24 ★★★★
11. Read a book set during the winter
A Merry Little Murder Plot (Library Lover’s #15), by Jenn McKinlay, finished 9/21/24 ★★★★
12. Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages
Abbey, Zach and more : Shear Terror (Sewing Studio #3), by Dorothy Howell, finished 9/4/24 ★★★.5
13. Read a book from an on-going series
A Bitter Truth (Bess Crawford #3), by Charles Todd, finished 9/6/24 ★★★★
14. Read a book that is #2 in a series
The Quartet Murders (Yorkshire Murders #2), by J.R. Ellis, finished 9/8/24 ★★★★
15. Read a book with a night scene on the cover
Malice at the Palace (Her Royal Spyness #9), by Rhys Bowen, finished 9/15/24 ★★★★
Mod
Congrats to all who have finished. I finished last week and finally updated message 7.
Mod
Barb wrote: "Congrats, Tari!"Thanks, Barb! Still trying to get all my challenges marked for notifications so just seeing this
Nell wrote: "Congratulations Tari and Barb! 🎉🎉"Thanks Nell!
🍎30 Days Making Apple Cider🍎1. Read a book with a fruit or vegetable in the title or on the cover -
The Dark Vineyard
Martin Walker🍎2. Read a book that seems to fit a standard formula (tell us how)
OR book with X somewhere in title or author's name (tell us his/her name).
Cynthia BaXter
Hot Fudge Murder🍎3. Read a book that you previously abandoned
OR a book with a tree on the cover.
From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life Arthur C. Brooks🍎4. Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with 'B' - Terri Blackstock
Shadow in Serenity 🍎5. Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in one of the apple varieties named (Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Northern Spy, Rome Beauty; tell us the variety)
Golden DeliciouS - Shelley Gray
Deception on Sable Hill🍎6. Read a book with some sort of wild animal on the cover (must be visible in the GR thumbnail; post the cover)
OR a book from a series with 10 or more books.
Charles Todd A Fatal Lie
🍎7. Read a book with an intact "23" in its total number of pages (tell us how many pages) OR a
book with a container on the cover.
Murder by the Slice Livia J. Washburn🍎8. Read a book with a cluttered cover
The Rent Collector Camron Wright
🍎9. Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page (for example, mystery and historical)
& written by two or more authors -
Charles Todd
A Lonely Death🍎10. Read a book in which a business closes
Danger in Plain Sight Marta PerryOR a book set in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan or Washington (state); tell us the state.
🍎11. Read a book set during the winter OR
a short book (less than 150 pages).
Linda Castillo Disappeared
🍎12. Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages
OR a book with a character who seems sweet but turns hard/bitter by the end of the book.
Never Trifle with Murder Livia J. Washburn
🍎13. Read a book from an on-going series
Hostile Intent Lynette Eason🍎14. Read a book with a cap (or hat) on the cover
OR read a book that is #2 or #4 in a series.
#2
Target Acquired Lynette Eason🍎15. Read a book with a glass object on the cover (ex: jar, vase, glass, bottle)
OR a book with a night scene on the cover.
Jackets, Jack-O-Lantern, & Justice Tonya Kappes
Cider Completed;))
MAKE YOUR OWN APPLE CIDER 9/1 – 11/30/24
15/15 DONE
1. a fruit or vegetable in the title AND on the cover Jenn McKinlayPumpkin Spice Peril 11/1
2. "X" in author's name A Cover for Murder Sue Minix 10/2
3. tree on cover Lucy Connelly 10/16
4. author name that begins with "B" Fierce Shadows Kathleen Brooks 10/19
5. published in October = Oct 11, 2022 The Plot and the Pendulum Jenn McKinlay 10/25
6. series with two or more books (Veronica Speedwell, #9) A Grave Robbery Deanna Raybourn 11/1
7. "23" in its total number of pages 232 pp We'll Always Have Murder: A Movie Memorabilia Mystery Gayle Leeson 10/26
8. a cluttered cover Leslie Langtry 10/16
9. at least two different genres on its main GR page - Fantasy, Young Adult, Witches, Paranormal, Romance, Fiction The Near Witch Victoria E. Schwab 10/24
10 set in Kentucky Rising Storm Kathleen Brooks 10/26
11. short book 142 pp A Deeper Fear Allison Brennan 10/25
12. character who drinks alcoholic beverages Murder in an Irish Pub Carlene O'Connor 9/28
13. from an on-going series (V.I. Warshawski, #16) Critical Mass Sara Paretsky 11/27
14. #2 or #4 in series (Liz Talbot Mystery #4) Lowcountry Bordello Susan M. Boyer 10/25
15. night scene on cover Allison Montclair 10/2
Nell wrote: "Congratulations writer! 👍🏽"Thanks, Nell, and for the creative reading challenges!
MAKE YOUR OWN APPLE CIDER1.Read a book with a fruit or vegetable in the title or on the cover OR a mystery where the victim is found in the morning.
Bait and Witch
2. Read a book that seems to fit a standard formula (tell us how) OR a book with the letter 'X' in the title or author's name.
3.
Read a book that you abandoned (give it a second-chance) OR a book with a tree on the cover.
4. Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with 'B' OR a book with an unattractive cover (you decide).
Julia Buckley Death in a Budapest Butterfly
5. Late-ripening varieties of apples generally produce cider with a better flavor than those apples that ripen early. For even better flavor, blend several varieties together. Late ripening apples include: Red Delicious, Jonathan, Northern Spy, and Rome Beauty,
Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in one of the varieties named (tell us the variety) OR a book originally published in October of any year.
Slashing Through the Snow
6.
Read a book with a wild animal on the cover OR a book from a series with 10 or more books.
The Diva Goes Overboard (The Domestic Diva #17)
7. Read a book with an intact "23" in its total number of pages OR a book with a container on the cover.
We Wish You a Murderous Christmas
(bowl)8. Read a book with a cluttered cover OR a book that takes place before the 20th century.
A Most Agreeable Murder
9. Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page (for example, mystery and historical) OR a book written by two or more authors (ex: Cleo Coyle, Charles Todd, Joyce & Jim Lavene).
Murder in Venice
10. Read a book in which a business closes OR a book set in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan or Washington (state).
The Murdered Matron: Doro Banyon Cozy Historical Mysteries
11. Read a book set during the winter OR a short book (less than 150 pages).
A Midwinter Murder
12. Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages OR a book with a character who seems sweet but turns hard/bitter by the end of the book.
To Capture His Heart
13. Read a book from an on-going series OR a book with some type of beverage on the cover.
Pekoe Most Poison
14. Read a book with a cap (or hat) on the cover OR read a book that is #2 or #4 in a series.
A Merry Little Murder Plot Isn't Heathcliff an adorable Santa?15.
Read a book with a glass object on the cover (ex: jar, vase, glass, bottle) OR a book with a night scene on the cover.
'Twas the Knife Before Christmas
MAKE YOUR OWN APPLE CIDER 9/1 – 11/30/24
15/15 DONE
1. a fruit or vegetable in the title AND on the cover Jenn McKinlayPumpkin Spice Peril 11/1
2. "X" in author's name A Cover for Murder Sue Minix 10/2
3. tree on cover Lucy Connelly 10/16
4. author name that begins with "B" Fierce Shadows Kathleen Brooks 10/19
5. published in October = Oct 11, 2022 The Plot and the Pendulum Jenn McKinlay 10/25
6. series with two or more books (Veronica Speedwell, #9) A Grave Robbery Deanna Raybourn 11/1
7. "23" in its total number of pages 232 pp We'll Always Have Murder: A Movie Memorabilia Mystery Gayle Leeson 10/26
8. a cluttered cover Leslie Langtry 10/16
9. at least two different genres on its main GR page - Fantasy, Young Adult, Witches, Paranormal, Romance, Fiction The Near Witch Victoria E. Schwab 10/24
10 set in Kentucky Rising Storm Kathleen Brooks 10/26
11. short book 142 pp A Deeper Fear Allison Brennan 10/25
12. character who drinks alcoholic beverages Murder in an Irish Pub Carlene O'Connor 9/28
13. from an on-going series (V.I. Warshawski, #16) Critical Mass Sara Paretsky 11/27
14. #2 or #4 in series (Liz Talbot Mystery #4) Lowcountry Bordello Susan M. Boyer 10/25
15. night scene on cover Allison Montclair 10/2
Nell wrote: "Woo Hoo!! Good job Jonquil! 🥳"wow amazing! I just started and got 6 so far.
I finally finished this challenge, with a night scene set in the Blitz, World War II London.
Helen wrote: "I finally finished this challenge, with a night scene set in the Blitz, World War II London."Wow! Congratulations! I just finished too!
Cozy Mystery Corner
Books mentioned in this topic
Murder in Venice (other topics)Slashing Through the Snow (other topics)
The Murdered Matron: Doro Banyon Cozy Historical Mysteries (other topics)
Death in a Budapest Butterfly (other topics)
The American Agent (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Julia Buckley (other topics)Kathleen Brooks (other topics)
Jenn McKinlay (other topics)
Sue Minix (other topics)
Lucy Connelly (other topics)
More...
Duration: 3 months from start
One of my favorite things about fall is fresh apple cider, preferably from a local cider mill or farmer's market. Here's a challenge based on making your own apple cider.
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1. Apple juice tastes good, it's a natural sweetener, and it's an easy source of Vitamin C. It's said to aid digestion and, when consumed in the morning, to increase body performance all day. That old adage about "an apple a day" seems to apply even to liquified apples!
Read a book with a fruit or vegetable in the title or on the cover OR a mystery where the victim is found in the morning.
2. Commercial apple juice is strained to remove all sediment, pasteurized, and diluted to a particular sugar concentration, called a Brix. Preservatives are often added before bottling. In contrast, cider from the farmer's market often has nothing added, is richer and darker in appearance, better-tasting and more aromatic.
Read a book that seems to fit a standard formula (tell us how) OR a book with the letter 'X' in the title or author's name.
3. Every autumn, apples fall from branches of thousands of wild and abandoned trees, tumbling onto roadsides, pouring down hills, and rotting on the ground. Tons of fruit go to waste each year in abandoned orchards or on public land. If you locate a fraction of these, you won't even have to pay for the apples!
Read a book that you abandoned (give it a second-chance) OR a book with a tree on the cover.
4. Blemished, bruised, and/or undersized apples don't sell well at the farmstand or in the produce department, but they make wonderful cider. Try asking commercial growers if you can clean such apples off the ground or look for Grade B apples at the farmer's market.
Read a book by an author with a first or last name that begins with 'B' OR a book with an unattractive cover (you decide).
5. Late-ripening varieties of apples generally produce cider with a better flavor than those apples that ripen early. For even better flavor, blend several varieties together. Late ripening apples include: Red Delicious, Jonathan, Northern Spy, and Rome Beauty.
Read a book by an author whose first AND last initials can be found in one of the varieties named (tell us the variety) OR a book originally published in October of any year.
6. To ensure that the apples are mature, don't harvest them until they are ripe enough to fall from the trees. Don't wait too long after they've fallen though, or you'll lose out to the local birds, deer, raccoons and other critters.
Read a book with a wild animal on the cover OR a book from a series with 10 or more books.
7. Plan to have plenty of boxes, baskets, bags or other containers on hand when you begin to gather your apples. It takes a bushel of apples to make two to three gallons of cider, so if you plan to make a lot of cider, you're going to need a lot of containers.
Read a book with an intact "23" in its total number of pages OR a book with a container on the cover.
8. After you have collected your apples, be sure they're reasonably free of dirt, insecticides, mold, and other impurities. Now it's time to take them to an old-fashioned cider mill.
Read a book with a cluttered cover OR a book that takes place before the 20th century.
9. If you have an abundant supply of other fruits, you might want to experiment and mix them in with your apples. Grapes, pears, and pitted peaches all make delicious cider variations!
Read a book with at least two different genres on its main GR page (for example, mystery and historical) OR a book written by two or more authors (ex: Cleo Coyle, Charles Todd, Joyce & Jim Lavene).
10. Because of long hours in a relatively short period of time along with the high cost of owning and maintaining the machinery, cider mills have been closing down across the country in recent years. Industry leaders estimate that there may be only about 300 still in operation, concentrated mostly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Washington.
Read a book in which a business closes OR a book set in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan or Washington (state).
11. Once you have that delicious juice in your containers, you need to keep it cold or drink it within a few days. Without added preservatives to retard the growth of micro-organisms, pure apple cider will begin to ferment in about a week if refrigerated – much sooner if it's not kept cold.
Read a book set during the winter OR a short book (less than 150 pages).
12. If cider is stored in an airtight container, its sugars will gradually be converted into alcohol. The sweet cider will then become hard cider, a favorite drink of our forefathers. In fact, it was the USA's national beverage up to about 1850.
Read a book with a character who drinks alcoholic beverages OR a book with a character who seems sweet but turns hard/bitter by the end of the book.
13. Freezing is not only easier than canning, but preserves the cider's fresh flavor better. When you fill jugs for freezing, be sure to allow room for the liquid to expand as it freezes (at least four inches at the top).
Read a book from an on-going series OR a book with some type of beverage on the cover.
14. To can fresh apple cider, glass containers are a must. It's possible to put up cider in regular one-quart canning jars, but a better idea is to use half-gallon (2 quarts) or one-gallon (4 quarts) glass jugs. You'll also need rubber-lined lids to cap the filled containers.
Read a book with a cap (or hat) on the cover OR read a book that is #2 or #4 in a series.
15. Once you've acquired the necessary jugs and their lids, canning the cider is really easy! Empty the cider into a large pot, heat almost to boiling, rinse the glass containers then warm them in a low oven (to prevent the glass from cracking), and ladle the steaming cider into the jugs. To seal the jugs, simply screw the lids firmly into place before the juice cools. Set your filled containers in a cool, dark place and tada! You're done!
Read a book with a glass object on the cover (ex: jar, vase, glass, bottle) OR a book with a night scene on the cover.