Below Stairs Mysteries by Jennifer Ashley

Cover design by Kim Killion. Self-Published.

Cover design by Larry Rostant. Published by Berkley (Penguin).

The main books in this series are published by Berkley, however, she has self-published several novellas in this series.

The novellas all feature a kitchen or dining table setting, and the fonts match those of the traditionally published books.

The novels all feature a woman on a staircase (to match the Below Stairs series name).

One nit is that the yellow of the woman’s dress stands out too much from the background–it doesn’t quite look like it belongs.

Kat Holloway: A Soupçon of Poison (2015), Death Below Stairs (2018), Scandal Above Stairs (2018), Death in Kew Gardens (2019), Murder in the East End (2020), Death at the Crystal Palace (2021), The Secret of Bow Lane (2022), The Price of Lemon Cake (2023),
Mrs. Holloway’s Christmas Pudding (2023), Speculations in Sin (2024), A Measure of Menace (2024)

A Deceptive Composition (2024) by Anna Lee Huber

Cover art by Larry Rostant. Published by Berkley (Penguin).

This series has the same cover artist as above, but I don’t think it’s obvious they are the same.

Lady Darby is a painter and the covers of these books often feel a bit like paintings, and though the color schemes and settings are different for every book, they still have a similar feel.

Lady Darby: The Anatomist’s Wife (2012), Mortal Arts (2013), A Grave Matter (2014), A Study in Death (2015), A Pressing Engagement (2016), As Death Draws Near (2016), A Brush with Shadows (2018), An Artless Demise (2019), A Stroke of Malice (2020), A Wicked Conceit (2021), A Perilous Perspective (2022), A Fatal Illusion (2023)

Lady Ambition’s Dilemma (2024) by Jane Steen

Cover design by Rachel Lawston & Alexandra Allden. Published by Aspidistra Press.

This book was (to me at least) quite clearly part of of the Lady Helena series, with the black silhouette, the house, and the botanical borders.

I love all the covers of this series. They are very clearly historicals, but the elements and how they are put together feel timeless.

Lady Helena Investigates: Lady Helena Investigates (2018), Lady Odelia’s Secret (2022), Lady Ambition’s Dilemma (2024)

A Scandal in Mayfair (2024) by Katharine Schellman

Cover design by Nicole Lecht. Published by Crooked Lane Books (Quick Brown Fox & Company).

This is yet another series where I love all the covers.

I only just saw that the elements of this cover are similar to that of the Lady Helena series (Silhouette, house element, botanical border) but they are also clearly different series.

Again, these covers look timeless, and are lovely.

Lily Adler Mysteries: The Body in the Garden (2020), Silence in the Library (2021), Death at the Manor (2022), Murder at Midnight (2023)

Nightingale Mysteries by Katharine Schellman

Last Call at the Nightingale (2022) The Last Drop of Hemlock (2023), The Last Note of Warning (2024)Cover design by David Baldeosingh Rotstein. Published by Minotaur (Macmillan).

Although this is the same author it’s different series and different publisher and very clearly a different time period.

I think the covers of the other series are prettier, but these are still good. They give you not just a feel for the time period (the Roaring 20s) but also place–a speakeasy in NYC.

And the art deco font and design elements also contribute to the sense of time and place.

A Grave Robbery (2024) by Deanna Raybourn

Cover design & art by Leo Nickolls. Published by Berkley (Penguin).

Yet another excellent cover in this series. I love how all the elements combine to make this clearly a Veronica Speedwell book.

Veronica Speedwell: A Curious Beginning (2015), A Perilous Undertaking (2017), A Treacherous Curse (2018), A Dangerous Collaboration (2019), A Murderous Relation (2020), An Unexpected Peril (2021), An Impossible Impostor (2022)

Who Cries for the Lost, Audiobook (2023) by C.S. Harris

Cover design by Adam Auerbach. Published by Berkley (Penguin).

I did a lot of catching up on this series this year, although I am still not fully caught up.

The mysterious element is always stronger in this series, with the feeling of fog and things lurking.

This series is one that led me to discover that I don’t like seeing photographed faces of the main characters–the model they chose at one point looked nothing like the mental image I have of Sebastian and was jarring every time I looked at it.

This is much preferable.

Sebastian St. Cyr: What Angels Fear (2005), When Gods Die (2006), Why Mermaids Sing (2007), Where Serpents Sleep (2008), What Remains of Heaven (2009), Where Shadows Dance (2011), When Maidens Mourn (2012), What Darkness Brings (2013), Why Kings Confess (2014), Who Buries the Dead (2015), When Falcons Fall (2016), Where the Dead Lie (2017), Why Kill the Innocent (2018), Who Slays the Wicked (2019), Who Speaks for the Damned (2020), What the Devil Knows (2021), When Blood Lies (2022), Who Cries for the Lost (2023)

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies (2023) by Alison Goodman

Cover design by Rita Frangie & cover illustration by Sveta Dorosheva. Published by Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin).

This is a new series and the cover is what caught my eye and drew me to look further.

The colors are gorgeous and I love the mirror image women (the main character is one of a set of twins) and the very subtle weapons.

(The Ill-Mannered Ladies)

Corpse at Captain’s Seat (2024) by Josh Lanyon

Cover design by K.B. Smith. Self-Published.

This isn’t one of my favorite covers, but it matches the series and the story, and it is well-done, especially for a self-published story.

Secrets & Scrabble: Murder at Pirate’s Cove (2020), Secret at Skull House (2020), Mystery at the Masquerade (2021), Scandal at the Salty Dog (2021), Lament at Loon Landing (2023), Body at Buccaneer’s Bay (2021), Corpse at Captain’s Seat (2024)

The Murder of Mr. Ma (2024) by John Shen Yen Nee & S.J. Rozan

I didn’t find a cover artist listed. Published by Soho Crime.

Yet another mystery set in the 1920s, with some art deco elements, but as it isn’t set in London, you don’t get the feel of crime and other things just below the surface you get with Prohibition in the US.

You also get the kung-fu elements in the cover.

(A Dee and Lao Mystery #1)

An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder (2024) by Dianne Freeman

I don’t know why Kensington won’t list the cover artist. It’s annoying.

This is probably my least favorite cover of this series, but it does accurately depict scenes from the story, as well as the time period.

Published by Kensington.

A Countess of Harleigh Mystery: A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder (2018), A Lady’s Guide to Gossip and Murder (2019), A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Murder (2020), A Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder (2021), A Bride’s Guide to Marriage and Murder (2022), A Newlywed’s Guide to Fortune and Murder (2023)

Berkley again dominates the good covers for mysteries category, but I’m delighted they have plenty of competition.

Berkley: 5
Minotaur: 3
Self-published: 3
Aspidistra Press: 1
Kensington: 1
Crooked Lane Books: 1
Soho: 1

The Books of 2024

The Mistletoe Motive (2021) by Chloe Liese

Cover illustration by Leni Kauffman, cover design by Monika Roe. Published by Kobo (Rakuten).

Nit: She is falling off that ladder.

Aside from that, I love the deep red and the stars and the snowflakes that make it a winter holiday book.

And the ridiculously tall wall of books.

Ex Appeal (2022) by Cathy Yardley

Cover design & illustration by Philip Pascuzzo. Published by Montlake (Amazon).

This matches the other book in this series I’ve read.

It’s simple, but has the important elements, such as reptiles, fish, and even computer code, and I love that the snake is making half the heart.

Ponto Beach Reunion: Gouda Friends (2022), Ex Appeal (2022)

Do Me a Favor (2024) by Cathy Yardley

Cover design by Molly von Borstel & cover illustration by Leni Kauffman. Published by Montlake (Amazon).

This is a pinch more professional looking than the previous cover, which is to be expected I think since this was published after the other series.

More interestingly (to me) although it is not part of a series, this book and Role Playing both have a similar feel, which is nice since they both feature older protagonists. Both covers have more of a cuddling feel than a hot and heavy spicy feel, which I also liked.

Hen Fever: A Sapphic Victorian Romance (2022) by Olivia Waite

Self-published.

I love this entirely because of the chicken.

Curio (2024) by C.S. Poe

Cover Art by Reese Dante. Self-published.

I’m a sucker for old photographs.

It’s a relatively simple and plain cover, but the pictures are eye catching and what drew my attention to the book.

The Siren of Sussex  (2022) by Mimi Matthews

Cover design by Farjana Yasmin. Published by Jove (Berkley).

I admit I’m slightly concerned about the size of the horse as compared to the size of the woman, I do love how competent she looks on horseback. And the swath of green fabric is eye catching and also perfect for the story.

(Belles of London #1)

Although Berkley has excellent mystery covers, as usual, they don’t even have a showing in the romance category.

Self-published: 2
Montlake: 2
Jove: 1
Kobo: 1

(Leni Kauffman: 2)

The Books of 2024

Mortal Follies series by Alexis Hall

Cover design by Regina Flath & cover illustration by Radiante Mozzerell. Published by Del Rey (Penguin).

These covers are so pretty!

I like the font face a little better on Confounding Oaths, as well as the white text on the black background, but I prefer how much cleaner the author name is on Mortal Follies, and the addition of the tag line.

But those are truly nits, since overall these are stunning covers.

Mortal Follies (2023),  Confounding Oaths (2024)

Shady Hollow Mysteries by Juneau Black

Cover design & illustrations by Perry De La Vega. Published by Vintage (Penguin).

Yes, I did discover and then tear through this entire series this year, and there is not a single thing I don’t adore about these covers. They’re cute, they’re consistent, and they show the characters without giving anything away.

LOVE!

Shady Hollow (2015), Cold Clay (2017), Mirror Lake (2020), Evergreen Chase (2021), Phantom Pond (2023), Twilight Falls (2023), Summers End (2024)

Uncanny Romance series by Lish McBride

Cover design & illustration by Jenny Zemanek. Self-published.

Another set of covers I love. I might not be a fan of faceless characters, but they work for me here, especially since the figures are smaller, and allow the other design elements to stand out.

Like the above two series, these are clearly related books, yet also clearly about two different sets of characters.

A Little Too Familiar (2022) 8/10, Rough Around the Hedges (2023)

Socially Orcward (2021) by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey

Cover by Steph Westerik. Self-published.

The pictures and design are seemingly simple, yet they give you an accurate feel of Dave the Orc, and that this book definitely does not take itself seriously.

I love it when self-published books nail the cover.

(Adventures in Aguillon)

Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms (2024) by Sarah Wallace, S.O. Callahan

Cover art by Caras Alexandra. Self-published.

Another excellent self-published cover.

It’s an accurate portrayal of the two characters and their dynamic. Although the title is a little twisty, it’s not illegible, and the background elements give a finished look to the whole thing rather working as a distraction.

I was actually surprised to discover this was self-published and not professionally published.

(Fae & Human Relations)

Murder on Hunter’s Eve (2024) by Morgan Stang

Cover design by Etheric Designs. Self-published.

Although the color changed from blue and gold to red and black, the design matches the second book and ties all three books together. It’s not a complicated cover but it’s still elegant and very well executed very eye-catching.

Lamplight Murder Mysteries: Murder at Spindle Manor (2022), Murder on the Lamplight Express (2023)

Somewhere Beyond the Sea (2024) by T.J. Klune

Cover by Chris Sickles. Published by Tor (Macmillan)

This is clearly related to the cover of the first book, with the same house seemingly teetering on the edge of a cliff, which reflects the insecure nature of the lives of the characters.

Cerulean Chronicles: The House in the Cerulean Sea (2020)

The Masquerades of Spring (2024) by Ben Aaronovitch

Cover map image by Stephen Walter, title lettering by Patrick Knowles & interior art by Giles Meakin. Published by Subterranean Press

I think I love every cover of every book in this series, and how you immediately know you’re looking at a Rivers of London story.

Rivers of London: Midnight Riot (2011), Moon Over Soho (2011), Whispers Under Ground (2012), Broken Homes (2014), Foxglove Summer (2014), The Hanging Tree (2017), The Furthest Station (2017), Lies Sleeping (2018), The October Man (2019),  False Value (2020), Tales from the Folly: A Rivers of London Short Story Collection (2020), What Abigail Did That Summer (2021), Amongst Our Weapons (2022), Winter’s Gifts (2023)

If I hadn’t discovered and read the entire Shady Hollow series, self-published books would have dominated the fantasy category.

Vintage: 5
Self-published: 5
Del Rey: 2
Tor: 1
Subterranean Press: 1

The Books of 2024

It’s been another rough year, and a lot of things have fallen by the wayside, but as I enjoy looking back at what I read through the year, I’m going to make sure I get this round-up done.

The crappy year does mean, however, that I have done a LOT of rereading. Additionally, I’ve been unable to focus, so I’ve listened to a lot of audiobooks, which makes the number of rereads even higher (since I almost never listen to a book I’ve not read before).

As of right now, I’ve read 23 books published this year and 15 books published in 2023.  67% of the books this year were rereads, which is a record for me (last year was 65%).

But I was reading, so I shan’t berate myself for my obscenely large TBR pile.

As a reminder, my ratings are based on my personal feelings about a book. It could be this was the wrong time for me to read a book, or it could be a book that is subjectively good but is really NOT for me (hello dystopias).

The round-up will start (of course) with book covers, and end with my love of statistics.

Book Covers

• Romance Covers
• Mystery Covers
• Fantasy Covers

The Books

• Audio
• Romance
• Mystery
• Fantasy
• Final Roundup

The links on this post will be updated as the posts are published.

Previous Years

• The Books of 2023
• The Books of 2022
• The Books of 2021
• The Books of 2020
• The Books of 2019
• The Books of 2018
• The Books of 2017
• The Books of 2016
• The Books of 2015
• The Books of 2014
• The Books of 2013
• The Books of 2012
• The Books of 2011
• The Books of 2010
• The Books of 2009
• The Books of 2008

Life continues to be a lot, hence the roundup for June and July, as we are well into August.

I’ve been tearing through audiobooks–I listened to seven Sebastian St. Cyr audio books, which tend to be about ten hours long. On the plus side, I’ve gone through more boxes and gotten rid of more junk AND I made jam.

But I also read new books, including some new releases.

I’ve been borrowing the Veronica Speedwell series from the library, so I had a bit of a wait for the latest book. It wasn’t bad, but I was also glad I didn’t pay list price for it as a new release.

Two other historical mystery series had new releases in June: the Lady Darby and Countess of Harleigh series. I didn’t enjoy these as much as previous books, but that might have been my frame of mind as much as anything.

What I did very much enjoy was the new Shady Hollow book, Juneau Black’s Summers End. That series is simply a wonderful escape from reality.

And I came across The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies (2023) Alison Goodman which, despite dealing with heavy topics was enjoyable. There is (of course) a romantic sub-plot but that was second to the the relationship between the sisters. Oh, and the heroines are twin middle-aged spinsters.

And I want to take a moment to note the cover for Hen Fever, which is a queer Victorian romance with chickens. That cover is gorgeous AND delightful.

Romance

• Hen Fever: A Sapphic Victorian Romance (2022) Olivia Waite 7/10
• Curio (2024) C.S. Poe 6/10

Mystery

• Chronicles of Brother Cadfael series Ellis Peters: One Corpse Too Many (1979) (#2) 9/10, Monk’s Hood (1980) (#3) 9/10, Saint Peter’s Fair (1981) (#4) 8.5/10, The Leper of Saint Giles (1981) (#5) 9.5/10
• Summers End (2024) Juneau Black (Shady Hollow #5) 8.5/10
• A Dangerous Madness (2014) Michelle Diener (Regency London #3) 8.5/10
• The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies (2023) Alison Goodman (The Ill-Mannered Ladies) 8/10
• A Deceptive Composition (2024) Anna Lee Huber (Lady Darby Mystery #12) 7.5/10
• An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder (2024) Dianne Freeman (Countess of Harleigh Mystery #7) 7/10
• A Grave Robbery (2024) Deanna Raybourn (Veronica Speedwell #9) 7/10
• Corpse at Captain’s Seat (2024) Josh Lanyon (Secrets and Scrabble #8) 6/10

Audiobook

• Sebastian St. Cyr series C.S. Harris narrated by Davina Porter: What Remains of Heaven, Audiobook (2009/2016) (#5) 8.5/10, Where Shadows Dance, Audiobook (2011) (#6) 8.5/10, When Maidens Mourn, Audiobook (2012) (#7) 7.5/10, What Darkness Brings, Audiobook (2013) (#8) 8.5/10, Why Kings Confess, Audiobook (2014) (#9) 8.5/10, Who Buries the Dead, Audiobook (2015) (#10) 8.5/10, When Falcons Fall, Audiobook (2016) (#11) 8/10, Where the Dead Lie, Audiobook (2017) (#12) 8/10, Why Kill the Innocent, Audiobook (2018) (#13) 8/10, Who Slays the Wicked, Audiobook (2019) (#14) 8/10
• An Impossible Impostor Audiobook (2022) Deanna Raybourn narrated by Angele Masters (Veronica Speedwell #7) 6.5/10

A year ago we inherited two cats. The older of the two, Shadow, is cranky had has no qualms about letting you know it.

After one particularly amusing picture, I started taking pictures of Disapproving Shadow Kitty.

There are many; here are some of the “best”.

And the picture that started it all:

Started off with nice run of new and new-to-me books, then that kinda collapsed into audio books and rereads.

Of the new books, Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms by Sarah Wallace, S.O. Callahan was fun. Regency romance, but queer and with fantasy. One characters was demi / gray-sexual and the other aromantic. The world building was very well done and I very much enjoyed the cultural differences between the fae and the humans.

I picked up the Shady Hollow by Juneau Black and finished all the books that have been published, including the two holiday novellas. The stories are fun, and even if I guess the miscreant, the mysteries are still enjoyable.

Alexis Hall  has been reissuing his Spires, including my favorite of his stories, Waiting for the Flood., which includes the companion story he meant to write but hadn’t before, Chasing the Light.

This actually took me awhile to read, because Marius starts off being a jerk to Edwin, and I adore Edwin. But I eventually finished it, and even if it will never be my favorite, Chasing the Light is very good.

I’d fallen so far behind in the Sebastian St Cyr series I needed a complete reread, so I’ve been listening to the audio books.  It’s not that the narrator isn’t good–she is–but her voice is a mismatch for what I want the story to sound like. Not so bad that I’m not enjoying the books, but I do wish the narration more closely matched what my brain expects.

Fantasy

• Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms (2024) Sarah Wallace, S.O. Callahan (Fae & Human Relations: A Regency Fantasy Series) 7.5/10

Mystery

• Regency London by Michelle Diener: The Emperor’s Conspiracy (2012) 8.5/10, Banquet of Lies (2013) 9.5/10
• A Morbid Taste for Bones (1977) Ellis Peters (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael) 8.5/10
• Shady Hollow by Juneau Black: Evergreen Chase (2021) 8.5/10, Phantom Pond (2023) 8.5/10, Twilight Falls (2023) 8/10
• Sebastian St. Cyr Audiobooks by C.S. Harris narrated by Davina Porter: What Angels Fear, Audio Book (2005/2014) 8/10, When Gods Die, Audio Book (2006/2015) 8/10, Why Mermaids Sing, Audio Book (2007/2015) 8/10, Where Serpents Sleep, Audio Book (2008/2015) 8/10
• Lindenshaw Mysteries by Charlie Cochrane: Lock, Stock and Peril (2022) 7/10, And Nothing But The Truth (2024) 7/10

Romance

• Loud and Clear (2016) Aidan Wayne 9.5/10
• Haverston Family by Alissa Johnson: Nearly a Lady (2011) 9.5/10, An Unexpected Gentleman (2011) 8.5/10
• Waiting for the Flood (2015/2024) Alexis Hall (Spires) 9/10

Well, ok, it wasn’t all flowers that kept me from my books, but we’ll focus on the positives here.

However, every book here is a reread, so I think I’ll just leave this as is. I’ve already read some new (to me at least) books for May, so take from April that these are some comfort reads for me.

Fantasy

• Big Bad Wolf Charlie Adhara: The Wolf at Bay (2019) 9.5/10, Thrown to the Wolves (2019) 8.5/10, Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing (2020) 8.5/10, Cry Wolf (2021) 8.5/10 (supernatural, mystery, queer)
• Kilty Pleasures Ella Stainton: Best Laid Plaids (2020) 7/10, Where There’s a Kilt, There’s a Way (2021) 7.5/10 (supernatural, romance, queer)

Mystery

• Lindenshaw Mysteries Charlie Cochrane:  A Carriage of Misjustice (2020)  7/10 (cozy, queer)

Audio

• Blitz, Audio Book (2022) Daniel O’Malley narrated by Moira Quirk (The Rook Files) 9/10 (urban fantasy, mystery)
• An Unexpected Peril, Audio Edition (2021) Deanna Raybourn narrated by Angele Masters 8/10 (historical, mystery)

I wanted to start posting more regular content here, I really did. But that apparently remains a goal rather than an accomplishment.

And that’s ok.

So please enjoy some flower pr0n, taken this year at the Arboreturm, Canaan Valley SP, and Blackwater Falls SP

Star Chickweed (Stellaria pubera)

Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

Twinleaf Jeffersonia diphylla

Toadshade (Trillium sessile)

Canadian Wild Ginger Asarum canadense

Large White Trillium Trillium grandiflorum

Yellow Trout Lily Erythronium americanum

Carolina Springbeauty Claytonia caroliniana

Wood Anemone Anemonoides quinquefolia

Flowering Bluets Genus Houstonia

Violets Genus Viola

Lowbush Blueberry Vaccinium angustifolium

FUTURE SNACKS!

I read two just-published books this month; both of them were part of historical mystery series I had pre-ordered and was eagerly awaiting.

Both were well-worth the wait.

Lady Ambition’s Dilemma by Jane Steen is the third book in the Scott-de Quincy / Lady Helena Investigates series.

I was a bit nervous about this, once I realized a queer character was involved. I was really pleased not to see (much) homophobia and that the subject was addressed in a way that was appropriate to the time AND appropriate to the characters.

This series has done a very good job with rep, having a neurodivergent secondary character who is as complex as Lady Helena.

Jennifer Ashley‘s Speculations in Sin was also good.

The author did something quite clever–two related novellas came out in the past several months, which put me back into Kat Holloway’s world and eager to read a new full-length book. I have series I love that I’ve fallen seriously behind on, as I’d forgotten details of previous books and hesitated to jump back in.

I read two more Shady Hollow books, which remain delightful, and then forced myself to stop. Sometimes when I read a series straight through, I get burned out, and these books are too delightful for me to let that happen.

Otherwise is was comfort rereads and audio books that would keep moving with tasks I wanted to complete.

Mystery

• Lady Ambition’s Dilemma (2024) Jane Steen (Lady Helena Investigates) 9/10
• Speculations in Sin (2024) Jennifer Ashley (Below Stairs Mystery) 8.5/10
• Shady Hollow Mysteries by Juneau Black: Cold Clay (2017) 8.5/10, Mirror Lake (2020) 8.5/10
• Lindenshaw Mysteries by Charlie Cochrane: Jury of One (2016) 7.5/10, Two Feet Under (2018) 7.5/10
• Honey Mead Murder (2023) Dahlia Donovan (Honey Bear Cosy Mysteries) 5/10

Fantasy 

• The Saint of Steel by Kingfisher: Paladin’s Strength (2021) 8.5/10, Paladin’s Hope (2021) 7.5/10

Romance

• Ravenswood by Talia Hibbert: A Girl Like Her (2018) 8/10, Damaged Goods (2018) 8.5

Audio Book

• Checquy Files by Daniel O’Malley: The Rook, Audio Book (2012) narrated by Susan Duerden 9.5/10, Stiletto, Audio Book (2016) narrated by Moira Quirk 9/10
• Winter’s Gifts, Audio Book (2023) Ben Aaronovitch narrated by Penelope Rawlins (Rivers of London) 8/10

It’s been a rough couple of years, and I’ve been crap at posting anything besides book roundups, but I’m going to try for a little more variety–no promises, because I’m still struggling, but I’m going to try.

We spent a long weekend at Canaan Valley (the first time we’d been hiking since November, which is a really long time for me) and although the weather was meh for part of the weekend, it was wonderful to be back in the woods.

By meh, I mean Saturday was either rain or this:

(Guess what Michael did.)

But we did hike, and of course we our first walk was along the Blackwater River Trail. It’s my favorite.

The beaver dam is starting to fall apart; not sure if the beavers have moved or it was just the ice melting. We’ll see in the coming months.

Since the ground was frozen Sunday morning, we decided to try to Abe Run and Mill Run trails.

Why that caveat?

Those trails are wet.

There are several boardwalks throughout that system.

Luckily the water was mostly frozen (or avoidable) so we get to enjoy this view.

And of course I sat by a creek for a bit.

February was apparently a month for mysteries, something about puzzles perhaps distracting me from the doldrums.

Lots of rereads (unexpectedly) but there were some new stories in there, including the delightful Mortal Follies, which I’d held off reading. It is an Alexis Hall romp with banter and mystery and (in this case) magic, with an unreliable narrator.

I am that knavish sprite that frights the maidens of the villagery. I am Oberon’s jester—was Oberon’s jester, that’s rather the issue. I am called hobgoblin by some and, contrary to what certain people might have told you, it is not a name I like and you shall not have good luck if you repeat it in my hearing.

I am also your narrator.

Another book I’d had on my TBR for ages and finally got around to reading was Shady Hollow by Juneau Black. Although it is a fantasy, it is really a cozy mystery whose characters just happen to be animals. Suspend your disbelief and dive into this delightful story.

Traditionally, woodland creatures are not big readers, but things changed when Lenore opened the bookshop. “Nevermore,” she said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, “will the town have to do without quality entertainment.”

This month’s audio books were the Shadow Police series, which 1) blows me away every time I read it, 2) has all the trigger warnings for all kinds of terrible things, and 3) really deserved more books.

There are two new romances, one by Cathy Yardley and one by Chloe Liese. I’m discovering that I tend to love everything Chloe Liese writes, and although I want to love everything I read by Cathy Yardley, the stories are not quite as awesome as I want them to be. Likely because Cathy Yardley’s books have a fair amount of sex, which means I do a bit of skimming, which does throw me out of the flow of the story. (As always, this is a me thing, so take that into consideration.) Essentially, I think it’s that  I can skim the boinking bits in Chloe Liese’s stories without losing the flow of what I’m reading, but the same doesn’t hold true for other authors.

Fantasy

• Mortal Follies (2023) Alexis Hall 9/10
• Paladin’s Grace (2020) T. Kingfisher (The Saint of Steel) 8.5/10

Mystery

• Shady Hollow (2015) Juneau Black (A Shady Hollow Mystery) 9/10
• Think of England (2014) J. Charles 9/10
• Proper English (2019) J. Charles 8/10
• Page & Sommers by Cat Sebastian: The Missing Page (2021) 8.5/10, Hither, Page (2019) 8.5/10
• Scott-De Quincy Mysteries by Jane Steen: Lady Helena Investigates (2018) 8.5/10, Lady Odelia’s Secret (2022) 8/10
• The Last Drop of Hemlock (2023) Katharine Schellman (Nightingale Mysteries) 8/10
• The Best Corpse for the Job (2014) Charlie Cochrane (Lindenshaw Mysteries) 7.5/10
• The Christmas Appeal (2023) Janice Hallett 6/10

“He probably thinks the police actually help people.”

“They do,” Vivian said, an edge of bitter humor to her words. “Just not people like us.”

Romance

• Two Wrongs Make a Right (2022) Chloe Liese (The Wilmot Sisters) 9/10
• Ex Appeal (2022) Cathy Yardley (Ponto Beach Reunion) 6/10

Audio

• Shadow Police by Paul Cornell narrated by Damian Lynch: London Falling, Audio Book (2014) 8.5/10, The Severed Streets, Audio Book (2015) 9.5/10, Who Killed Sherlock Holmes? Audio Book (2016) 9/10
• The Early Middle Ages, Audio Book (2004) Philip Daileader (The Great Courses) 8/10

Ridiculous. How is Jan 2024 OVER already?

The weather has been frequently crappy, and I’ve been unmotivated, so a fair amount of reading was done in January.

Just over 50% rereads, which, not really a surprise. And only three and a half books had new-to-me authors, so in that sense I had an idea of what I was getting.

There were two books I actively disliked. Once because it focused on characters I disliked the other because it was all about the boinking and didn’t have enough story to keep my interest.

But I did discover a couple new series, by authors I already liked!

I’d only read Lish McBride’s YA fantasies. Uncanny Romance is a boinking series, but I was easily able to skim those bits and enjoy the story.

I discovered Katharine Schellman’s Lily Adler series last fall and very much enjoyed it, so I decided to try this series, even though it was set in the US–historicals set in the US tend to make me skittish. I don’t like historicals that pretend slavery and segregation didn’t exist, but I have a hard time with stories that go into too much detail about sexism and racism. (I know. It’s ridiculous.)

Last Call at the Nightingale didn’t gloss over the racism and sexism and poverty of the Roaring 20s, but it didn’t dwell on it, hitting a good balance for me. (I know the world has been and continues to be awful for many people. Reading about it in detail puts me into a tailspin I have trouble escaping.) So I’ve got the next book lined up.

I ended up reading three ace romances, two of which had characters with ASD. And I ended up reading them one after another. My favorite of the lot was The Mistletoe Motive, despite the fact I generally dislike “enemies to lovers” as a trope.

Fantasy

• Uncanny Romance by Lish McBride:  A Little Too Familiar (2022) 8/10, Rough Around the Hedges (2023) 8/10
• Socially Orcward (2021) Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey (Adventures in Aguillon) 7.5/10
• Wolf Gone Wild (2020) Juliette Cross (Stay a Spell) 3.5/10

Mystery

• Last Call at the Nightingale (2022) Katharine Schellman (Nightingale Mysteries) 8.5/10
• Mrs. Holloway’s Christmas Pudding (2023) Jennifer Ashley (Kat Holloway Mysteries) 8/10
• Bodies from the Library: Lost Tales of Mystery and Suspense from the Golden Age of Detection (2018) 6/10

Romance

• A Kiss for Midwinter (2012) Courtney Milan (Brothers Sinister) 10/10
• Glass Tidings (2016) Amy Jo Cousins 9/10
• A Christmas Dance (2014) Alissa Johnson 8.5/10
• A Holiday By Gaslight (2018) Mimi Matthews 8.5/10
• The Mistletoe Motive (2021) Chloe Liese 8/10
• Shelter in Garnet Run (2023) Roan Parrish (Garnet Run) 6/10
• Stubbed Toes and Dating Woes (2023) Dahlia Donovan 6/10

Graphic Novels

• Bingo Love (2018) Tee Franklin, Joy San & Jenn St-Onge 7.5/10
• Rivers of London Vol. 10: Deadly Ever After (2022) Ben Aaronovitch, Andrew Cartmel, Celeste Bronfman, Joseph Maria Beroy 3/10

Audio Books

• Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch narrated by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith:  Foxglove Summer, Audio Book (2014) 9.5/10, What Abigail Did That Summer, Audio Book (2021) also narrated by Shvorne Marks 9/10, The Furthest Station, Audio Book (2017) 9/10, The Hanging Tree, Audio Book (2017) 9/10, Lies Sleeping, Audio Book (2018) 9.5/10, False Value, Audio Book (2020) 8.5/10, Amongst Our Weapons, Audio Book (2020) 9/10
• The October Man, Audio Book (2018) Ben Aaronovitch narrated by Sam Peter Jackson (Rivers of London) 8.5/10

 

Apropos only of books, I’ve been putting together two spreadsheets: one for books with queer rep, and the other for those with mental and physical health rep. I’ve moved the to google docs, so I may make them publicly available to view.

We’ll see.

Somewhat anti-climatic after my end-of-the-year roundup, but here it is anyway: the books I read in December.

Multiple new reads here–including two audio-first books. (I almost never listen to audio books I haven’t already read.) It most likely worked because I had a lot of organization and cleaning and sorting I needed to do.

So yay for T. Kingfisher! But it was weird hearing Khristine Hvam narrate something that wasn’t by Faith Hunter. Clocktaur War series by T. Kingfisher

Great entries into Richard Osman‘s Thursday Murder Club series and Stephen Spotswood‘s Pentecost & Parker series.

I was expecting to love The Last Devil to Die , but I’d put off reading Secrets Typed in Blood because I wasn’t certain I was in the mood for it.

There were also great continuations of fantasy series I’ve been reading. Morgan Stang’s books aren’t going to be for everyone, but I quite enjoyed them. And of course I read the latest Saint of Steel book as soon as it came out.

Mystery

• The Last Devil to Die (2023) Richard Osman (Thursday Murder Club) 9/10
• Secrets Typed in Blood (2022) Stephen Spotswood (Pentecost & Parker) 8/10
• So Shall You Reap (2023) Donna Leon (Commissario Brunetti) 7/10
• Board to Death (2023) Cj Connor (A Board Game Shop Mystery) 5/10

Romance

• Muscle Cub (2023) Slade James (Bear Camp) 7/10

Fantasy

• Murder on the Lamplight Express (2023) Morgan Stang (The Lamplight Murder Mysteries) 8.5/10
• Paladin’s Faith (2023) T. Kingfisher (The Saint of Steel) 8/10

Audio Books

• Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch narrated by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith: Midnight Riot, Audio Book (2012) 9.5/10, Moon Over Soho, Audio Book (2012) 8.5/10, Broken Homes, Audio Book (2014) 9.5/10
• Clocktaur War by T. Kingfisher narrated by Khristine Hvam: Clockwork Boys, Audio Book (2017/2019) 8.5/10, The Wonder Engine, Audio Book (2018/2019) 8.5/10
• Swordheart, Audio Book (2018/2021) T. Kingfisher narrated by Jesse Vilinsky 8/10