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Friday, January 05, 2018
Smart Upstairs/Downstairs Mystery a Satisfying Delight
9:17 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When Kat Holloway secures a position as cook in a fine Mayfair home, she expects to encounter the kind of drama that exists in every posh London household. What she couldn't possibly anticipate, however, is the dead body she finds in the larder on her first full day of work. Horrified by the brutal, senseless death of her pretty Irish assistant, Kat vows to seek justice for the young maid. The police might think Katie Doyle was simply collateral damage in a burglary gone wrong, but the 29-year-old cook knows there's more to the story. With the Fenian Movement in full-swing, Katie could have been killed because of her ethnicity. Or was it a lover's quarrel between the girl and her brute of a boyfriend?
If anyone can help Kat get to the bottom of things, it's Daniel McAdam, an enigmatic jack-of-all-trades. Whether he's an undercover policeman, a private eye, or something less savory, she doesn't rightly know. And yet, she trusts the charmer with the cheeky smile who makes her heart flutter every time he glances her way. With the help of some other unlikely conspirators, the duo starts their own investigation into Katie Doyle's death. Soon, however, they find themselves untangling a much bigger mystery, one that goes all the way to The Crown. Can a cook and a might-be con man stop a villainous plot before it takes place? Or will their dead bodies be the next ones stuffed into the larder?There's so much to love about Death Below Stairs, the first book in a Victorian mystery series by Jennifer Ashley, that I'm not sure exactly where to start. Clever and compassionate, our no-nonsense heroine makes for an engaging narrator. The supporting cast is just as colorful, equally as compelling. With an intelligent mystery at its core, the novel's plot chugs along at a steady pace, the upstairs/downstairs drama adding an extra layer of intrigue. Its appealing mix of mystery, history, politics, and romance creates a winning recipe of which even Kat Holloway, the most sought-after cook in London, would be proud. If you can't tell, I adored Death Below Stairs. I just downloaded the prequel, A Soupçon of Poison, and am eagerly anticipating Scandal Above Stairs, the next installment in what promises to be a thoroughly
(Readalikes: Um, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs) and violence
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Death Below Stairs from the generous folks at Berkley (an imprint of Penguin Random House). Thank you!
Thursday, January 04, 2018
Fun, Magical Debut a Promising Series Start
8:26 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Although she descends from a powerful, long-time magical family, Amber Sand is certainly not a witch. The high school senior got gypped in the sorcery category. Her "gift" is very specific and totally lame. She has the ability to see a person's true love within seconds of gazing into their eyes. While she's able to make a few bucks playing matchmaker at her mother's magic shop on Navy Pier, Amber's ability is pretty much useless. She can't even discern her own true love. How ridiculous is that?
When Charlie Blitzman comes to Amber for help, she's confused. Especially since he's not asking for romantic advice, but for her aid in finding his father's missing girlfriend. Amber can't say no. After all, Charlie's dad is the mayor and Amber's mother's best friend. It doesn't hurt that Charlie's gorgeous and the most sought-after guy at her school either. Although Amber can tell instantly that she is not Charlie's true love, she can't help falling for him. As she tries to unravel both a mystery and her growing feelings for a boy who clearly isn't meant for her, Amber will have to figure out her place in the equally confusing worlds of magic, love, and high school.
The Best Kind of Magic, a debut novel by Crystal Cestari, is a fun, light-hearted romance that highlights the everyday sorcery at work in all our lives. While I found the rules of its magical world a tad confusing, I enjoyed the story overall. It's an engrossing novel that will appeal to teens who like their contemporary fiction sprinkled with a little bit of magic. With the next book in the series—The Sweetest Kind of Fate—coming out on February 13, now is the perfect time to get caught up in Amber Sand's enchanting Windy City world. It's no Harry Potter, but the series promises to be enjoyable and engrossing.
(Readalikes: Um, nothing is coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, and mild sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Best Kind of Magic from the generous folks at Disney/Hyperion. Thank you!
Tuesday, January 02, 2018
Top Ten Tuesday: Best New-to-Me Author Discoveries in 2017
9:23 AM
In evaluating my reading year, I realized that I actually read a lot of new-to-me authors in 2017, so today's Top Ten Tuesday topic should be a breeze. Picking my ten favorites will be the tough part. While I contemplate that question, why don't you click on over to The Broke and the Bookish and join in the TTT fun? All you have to do is read a few simple instructions, make your own list, and start hopping around to different blogs. The book blogosphere is full of a variety of fun sites. It's always exciting to discover new ones and revisit old favorites. Trust me, you want in on the action!
Okay, here we go with the Top Ten New-to-Me Authors I Read in 2017:
1. Megan Miranda—I read three books by Miranda this year, so she definitely needs to be on this list. I enjoy her twisty mystery/thrillers. I have Fragments of the Lost out from the library right now and plan to read others by her this year.
2. Anna Lee Huber—Lark introduced me to this author's Lady Darby mystery series. I read the first two books last year and plan to read at least that many more this year.
3. A.J. Jacobs—Like many members of my church, I'm a *little* obsessed with family history. While at RootsTech a few years ago, I heard A.J. Jacobs speak about his goal to organize a global family reunion by researching his roots and inviting all his "cousins" to New York City for a giant get together. He's a charming and funny speaker, so I have been anxious to read It's All Relative, the book he wrote about this project. It was such an enjoyable read that I want to read more from Jacobs. I didn't get to his Drop Dead Healthy before I had to return it to the library a couple weeks ago, but I'm going to start with that one.
4. Ashley Weaver—The Amory Ames mystery series is another discovery I made this year. I read the first two books in 2017 and plan to continue with the series in 2018. I've been trying to read cleaner, less gruesome mysteries lately and these fit the bill nicely.
5. John Marsden—This Australian author is best known for Tomorrow, When the War Began, his YA dystopian series about a group of teens who are hiking in the outback when their town is invaded by an army from a distant country. The books follow the kids in their efforts to figure out what's going on and fight back against a powerful enemy. I read the first three books in the series last year and plan to finish the last four this year.
6. Jenny Colgan—I read The Bookshop on the Corner by Scottish author Jenny Colgan back in May and really enjoyed it. I'm definitely planning to read more of her books this year.
7. Hugh Howey—I've only read one book by Howey, but I really enjoyed Wool, the first book in his SILO trilogy. I'm planning to read the next two this year.
8. Emily Bain Murphy—One of my favorite books of the year, The Disappearances, is this author's debut. I don't know what Murphy has in the works, but I'm excited to read it!
9. Anne Corlett—I forgot all about The Space Between Stars when I was making my "Best of 2017" lists, but I loved this debut novel. I'll definitely be watching for more from this author.
10. Lisa Wingate—I enjoyed Before We Were Yours, Wingate's newest novel (2016), last year. I need to look for more of her books in the new year.
Who did you discover this year? I'd really like to know as I'm always on the lookout for new authors to love. Leave me a comment and I'll happily return the favor.
Happy TTT!
Monday, January 01, 2018
My Guilt-Free, Get-to-Them-if-I-get-to-Them 2018 Reading Challenges
4:47 PM
I've been absolutely horrible about completing reading challenges lately. I still enjoy joining them, however, and planning what I'm going to read to fulfill their requirements. Who cares if I never actually finish them? That being said, I'm going to sign up for four this year. Four! I know, I'm crazy. Keep in mind, though, that I'm going into them with a guilt-free, get-to-it-if-I-get-to-it kind of attitude. I'm in it for fun, not stress.
So, here's what I'm signing up for:
2018 Literary Escapes Challenge—hosted by Escape With Dollycas Into a Good Book
For this challenge, you try to read books set in each of the 50 United States, plus Washington, D.C. You also get points for the different countries you "visit" through your reading. Points earn prizes at the end of the challenge.
Since I already keep track of the states I "visit" on the right sidebar of my blog, this one's a no-brainer. Of course, I've never managed to actually read books from every state, but it's fun to try!
Full House Reading Challenge—hosted by The Book Date
For this challenge, you read books from a bingo type board. Each square has a reading theme like: Number in the Title; Under 250 Pages; Library/Bookshop Setting; etc. There are 25 spaces in all. Those who score a "full house" by the end of the challenge are eligible for book/book money prizes.
Fun! Here's what I'm planning to read:
Mystery/Thriller: The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
Historical: I Shall Be Near to You by Erin Lindsay McCabe
Over 500 Pages: Shift by Hugh Howey
Setting—Library/Bookshop: Check Me Out by Becca Wilhite
Four Word Title: Between Earth and Sky by Amanda Skenandore
Last Book Added to TBR Pile: In Search of Us by Ava Dellaira
A Classic: Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
Fantasy: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Coming-of-Age Theme: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Adapted to a Movie: The Mountains Between Us by Charles Martin
Holiday Season: Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva
Has a Plot Twist: The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton
Humor: Drop-Dead Healthy by A.J. Jacobs
Book to Improve Life: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Redemption Theme: Redemption Road by John Hart
Number in Title: The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds by Selina Shiak Chin Yoke
Under 250 Pages: Left for Dead by Jane Casey
New to You Author From Another Country: The House Between Tides by Sarah Maine
From Favorite Series: Rapture of the Deep by L.A. Meyer
Dual Timeline: Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman
NF Hobby Book: Dinner Made Easy With Six Sisters' Stuff
Children's Book: The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Shannon Hale
Book Randomly Chosen From TBR: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
Memoir/Autobiography: My Story by Elizabeth Smart
Reread: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Follow the Clues Mystery Challenge—hosted by My Reader's Block
This one looks super fun. You read mystery books that are linked together by "clues" (location, characters, method of murder, etc.). I'm going to do the "Felony" level, which requires one to read ten linked books. Since the idea is for one book to lead to another, a reading list will be created as I go. Exciting!
England Mystery Road Trip—hosted by Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks
I don't know a lot about this one except that it has to do with reading books set in England's different counties. It starts in February. I'm so down!
There you have it. Are you doing any reading challenges in 2018? Which ones are you most excited about?
So, here's what I'm signing up for:
2018 Literary Escapes Challenge—hosted by Escape With Dollycas Into a Good Book
For this challenge, you try to read books set in each of the 50 United States, plus Washington, D.C. You also get points for the different countries you "visit" through your reading. Points earn prizes at the end of the challenge.
Since I already keep track of the states I "visit" on the right sidebar of my blog, this one's a no-brainer. Of course, I've never managed to actually read books from every state, but it's fun to try!
Full House Reading Challenge—hosted by The Book Date
For this challenge, you read books from a bingo type board. Each square has a reading theme like: Number in the Title; Under 250 Pages; Library/Bookshop Setting; etc. There are 25 spaces in all. Those who score a "full house" by the end of the challenge are eligible for book/book money prizes.
Fun! Here's what I'm planning to read:
Mystery/Thriller: The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
Historical: I Shall Be Near to You by Erin Lindsay McCabe
Over 500 Pages: Shift by Hugh Howey
Setting—Library/Bookshop: Check Me Out by Becca Wilhite
Four Word Title: Between Earth and Sky by Amanda Skenandore
Last Book Added to TBR Pile: In Search of Us by Ava Dellaira
A Classic: Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
Fantasy: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Coming-of-Age Theme: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Adapted to a Movie: The Mountains Between Us by Charles Martin
Holiday Season: Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva
Has a Plot Twist: The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton
Humor: Drop-Dead Healthy by A.J. Jacobs
Book to Improve Life: Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Redemption Theme: Redemption Road by John Hart
Number in Title: The Woman Who Breathed Two Worlds by Selina Shiak Chin Yoke
Under 250 Pages: Left for Dead by Jane Casey
New to You Author From Another Country: The House Between Tides by Sarah Maine
From Favorite Series: Rapture of the Deep by L.A. Meyer
Dual Timeline: Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman
NF Hobby Book: Dinner Made Easy With Six Sisters' Stuff
Children's Book: The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Shannon Hale
Book Randomly Chosen From TBR: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
Memoir/Autobiography: My Story by Elizabeth Smart
Reread: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Follow the Clues Mystery Challenge—hosted by My Reader's Block
This one looks super fun. You read mystery books that are linked together by "clues" (location, characters, method of murder, etc.). I'm going to do the "Felony" level, which requires one to read ten linked books. Since the idea is for one book to lead to another, a reading list will be created as I go. Exciting!
England Mystery Road Trip—hosted by Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks
I don't know a lot about this one except that it has to do with reading books set in England's different counties. It starts in February. I'm so down!
There you have it. Are you doing any reading challenges in 2018? Which ones are you most excited about?
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