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Archive for '9/10'

A Scandal in Mayfair, Audiobook

A Scandal in Mayfair, Audiobook (2024) Katharine Schellman narrated by Henrietta Meire (Lily Adler Mystery #5) Set in London in 1817 Fanny hesitated, then added in a serious whisper, “My Aunt Judith would not approve of my saying saliva.” “Well, I promise not to tell,” Lily replied, not knowing what else to say. As Lily […]

The Heretic’s Apprentice

The Heretic’s Apprentice (1989) Ellis Peters (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael #16) Set in Shrewsbury, England in 1143 ‘There is no sin unless through a man’s own will, and hence the reward when we do right things also of our own will.’ Let Elave commit that to memory, and he could quote it in his own […]

Stiletto, Audiobook

Stiletto, Audiobook (2016) Daniel O’Malley narrated by Moira Quirk (Checquy Files #2) “I can summon and command wasps,” said Pawn Harriet Collinge, whom Odette suspected of being a little bit tipsy. “Roger disrupts mathematics, and Louis can draw wasps to him.” “Very cool,” said Odette. “Wait, so you can both do things with wasps? Are […]

Dead Heat, Audiobook

Dead Heat, Audiobook (2009) Patricia Briggs narrated by Holter Graham (Alpha & Omega #4) Good-bye tears your heart out and leaves it a feast for carrion birds who happen by. “Heaven forbid that we should get what we deserve,” “that is the dual gift of love, isn’t it? The joy of greeting and the sorrow […]

Fair Game, Audiobook

Fair Game, Audiobook (2012) Patricia Briggs narrated by Holter Graham (Alpha & Omega #3) Leslie learned two valuable things about the fae that day. They were powerful and charming—and they ate children and puppies. They were passed by a woman with a Pekingese coming the other way. Her little dog hit the end of his […]

Legends & Lattes

Legends & Lattes (2022) Travis Baldree (Legends & Lattes #1) In the dimming light she surveyed the interior, amidst horse apples of antiquity and the dust of neglect. She didn’t know much about buildings, but it was clear that this one needed an unbelievable amount of work. But at the end of it? Something she […]

Confounding Oaths

Confounding Oaths (2024) Alexis Hall (Mortal Follies #2) Set in England in 1815. Mr. John Caesar wants his sisters’ coming outs to go well, so they can make good matches and be taken care of. But it won’t be easy, because they aren’t quite like the rest of society. Alexis Hall comes out the gate […]

The Masquerades of Spring

The Masquerades of Spring (2024) Ben Aaronovitch (Rivers of London) Set in New York City in 1926 This novella is everything. It’s NYC during the jazz age. Prohibition, that bizarre aberration of the American spirit, could be dashed confusing to someone raised in the free and easy metrop of old London. And Nightingale has come […]

An Excellent Mystery

An Excellent Mystery (1985) Ellis Peters (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael #11) Set in Shrewsbury in 1141 As a brother of the Order I would wish to keep my hands from violence against any, but for all that, I hope I would not turn my back if I saw innocence or helplessness being abused. He looked […]

Turning Darkness Into Light, Audiobook

Turning Darkness Into Light (2019) Marie Brennan narrated by Barrie Kreinik and Raphael Corkhill Not my family, of course; if I decided I wanted to retire to a country cottage and spend my life growing roses—not even award-winning roses; mediocre, aphid-chewed ones—they would hug me and wish me well. I don’t mean that he’s ugly. […]

Galaxies and Oceans

Galaxies and Oceans (2018) N.R. Walker Grief was like the great Southern Ocean; it moved in ebbs and flows, often turbulent and rough, or peaceful and settled, and even over time when I could navigate the waters, the tide never stopped. Sometimes you have to listen to the silences. When things aren’t said. That’s where […]

Paladin’s Grace, Audiobook

Paladin’s Grace, Audiobook (2020) T. Kingfisher narrated by Joel Richards (Saint of Steel #1) “What in the name of the little household gods is that?” “An abomination,” said Stephen. “I believe the cook called it gravy.” “Gravy is not that color.” “I did not say the cook was correct.” “Can we burn them at the […]

Swordheart, Audiobook

Swordheart, Audiobook (2018) T. Kingfisher narrated by Jesse Vilinsky “Begin asking unexpected questions until everyone in the conversation starts doubting their senses. It’s a talent. Like some strange form of diplomacy that goes so far in the wrong direction that it comes out the other side.” “I am the servant of the sword,” he said. […]

Undeath & Taxes

Undeath & Taxes (2015) Drew Hayes (Fred, the Vampire Accountant #2) The sound cut off immediately, which, in retrospect, should have been my first clue that something was amiss. Children do not cease noise-making so instantaneously, as I have now learned. “Fred,” Richard called, greeting me from down the hall. He was in Sally’s room, […]

The Virgin in the Ice

The Virgin in the Ice (1982) Ellis Peters (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael #6) Set in Worcestershire, England in 1139 There had been other women, before her and after. He remembered them with gratitude, and with no guilt at all. He had given and received pleasure and kindness. None had ever complained of him. If that […]

The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant

The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant (2014) Drew Hayes (Fred, the Vampire Accountant #1) I was more than a minor klutz in my human days, so it was an enjoyable change to walk around without injuring myself. “Well, if it sweetens the pot any, I do own my own accounting […]

Monk’s Hood

Monk’s Hood (1980) Ellis Peters (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael #3) Set in England in 1138 The tide of civil war between King Stephen and the partisans of the Empress Maud had receded into the southwestern borders, leaving Shrewsbury to recover cautiously from having backed the weaker side and paid a bloody price for it. Pope […]

One Corpse Too Many

One Corpse Too Many (1979) Ellis Peters (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael #2) Set in England in 1138. This is set with the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud in the forefront of the story. In this early summer of 1138 the fratricidal strife, hitherto somewhat desultory, was already two years old, but never […]

Waiting for the Flood

Waiting for the Flood (2015/2024) Alexis Hall (Spires) This is both a reissue and a revision, with Marius’ story–Chasing the Light–added, along with bonus material and an epilogue short story. I wanted (and this is straying perilously close to analysing my own work so please take this with a mine full of salt) to explore […]

Blitz, Audio Book

Blitz, Audio Book (2022) Daniel O’Malley narrated by Moira Quirk (The Rook Files) “What is this? You’re—what? You’re—you’re scrying my family? In a cup of coffee?” “Legally, scrying is seeing the future,” said the woman. “I’m showing the present. Of a location within a 36.876-kilometer radius. Through an aperture of up to 41.34 inches.” “Is […]

The Wolf at the Door

The Wolf at the Door (2019) Charlie Adhara (Big Bad Wolf) “It’s a standing joke around the Trust that the real reason behind the coming-out was to combat the number of public indecency charges wolves rack up every year.” “You’ve got exactly twenty-seven hours and then I’m coming in there and trimming you down,” Park […]

Lady Ambition’s Dilemma

Lady Ambition’s Dilemma (2024) Jane Steen (Lady Helena Investigates) Set in England in 1883. Lady Helena is approaching the end of her mourning period, following the death of her husband in 1881. Although she still misses Justin, she is ready to return to the world–and her growing feelings for Armand Fortier also need to be […]

Stiletto, Audio Book

Stiletto, Audio Book (2016) Daniel O’Malley narrated by Moira Quirk “But where did you get my urine?” she asked. “The Checquy has samples of everyone’s everything,” said Odgers cheerfully. “Remember, during your time at the Estate, they kept taking specimens of your every fluid and solid?” “That was for scientific research!” exclaimed Felicity. “And it […]

Who Killed Sherlock Holmes? Audio Book

Who Killed Sherlock Holmes? Audio Book (2016) Paul Cornell narrated by Damian Lynch (Shadow Police) ‘Who are these people?’ said Costain. ‘What sort of gang includes old ladies, American mercenaries, prisoners called Dean Michael and South Sea islanders of limited stature?’ She had to exercise harder these days, she’d found, because her body was used […]

Shady Hollow

Shady Hollow (2015) Juneau Black (A Shady Hollow Mystery) This is cozy mystery, set in a fantasy world with intelligent animals. The characters’ resemblances to real creatures, alive or cruelly murdered, is incidental indeed. For those who feel compelled to resolve this issue before continuing with the story, you may wish to think of the […]

Think of England

Think of England (2014) K.J. Charles Set in England in 1904 (Peakholme) had been an extraordinarily modern creation at that time, equipped with the very latest innovations, with running water in all the bathrooms, heated by hot-water radiators and illuminated throughout by electricity from his own hydroelectric generator. “It was a damned business. My company […]

Two Wrongs Make a Right

Two Wrongs Make a Right (2022) Chloe Liese (The Wilmot Sisters) I picked up my first book by Chloe Liese because it was highly rated and had a female main character with ASD. I’ve very much enjoyed every book of hers I’ve read since then, although I don’t read them one after another, because they […]

Mortal Follies

Mortal Follies (2023) Alexis Hall Set in alternate England in 1841. This isn’t just a story of love and curses and betrayal and hot springs and sacrifices. It’s a story of all those things told by the most unreliable of story tellers. I am that knavish sprite that frights the maidens of the villagery. I […]

Amongst Our Weapons, Audio Book

Amongst Our Weapons, Audio Book (2020) Ben Aaronovitch narrated by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Rivers of London) before the PC on the passenger side got a chance to ask Guleed why she was loitering while wearing a hijab in a built-up area, the driver leaned forward to get a look at us and recognized me. “My dad […]

Glass Tidings

Glass Tidings (2016) Amy Jo Cousins This story is full of little things. Then he changed his mind and gave the jeans a quick hand wash in the utility sink next to the dryer, unable to stand the thought of all that blood swishing around with Eddie’s clothes in the wash. Eddie didn’t trust anyone […]

The Hanging Tree, Audio Book

The Hanging Tree , Audio Book (2017) Ben Aaronovitch narrated by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Rivers of London) She really had no idea what she was asking for, but I knew better than to try and explain. “Understood,” I said. “And Peter,” said Lady Ty, “Nightingale is not to know about this—is that clear?” “Crystal,” I said. […]

What Abigail Did That Summer, Audio Book

What Abigail Did That Summer, Audio Book (2021) Ben Aaronovitch narrated by Shvorne Marks & Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Rivers of London) “Are you wearing a collar?” “Good, isn’t it?” says Indigo. “I’m undercover as a dog. Lets me move about in the Brick in daylight.” What she looks like is a big fox wearing a collar. […]

The Last Devil to Die

The Last Devil to Die (2023) Richard Osman (Thursday Murder Club) TW: Dementia, Death of a recurring character, Grief The 4th (and most recent) Thursday Murder Club mystery finds Stephen succumbing to his battle with dementia. Stephen doesn’t always know who Bogdan is these days, but he likes his calmness. He fell asleep on Bogdan’s […]

A Kiss for Midwinter

A Kiss for Midwinter (2012) Courtney Milan (Brothers Sinister) Set in England in 1864 Jonas Grantham worked hard to rise above his beginnings and to become a doctor. He’d been seduced by the stories—the stories of John Snow saving hundreds of lives by careful observation, of men who noticed the world around them and cared […]

The Thursday Murder Club, Audio Book

The Thursday Murder Club, Audio Book (2020) Richard Osman narrated by Lesley Manville (Thursday Murder Club) “Bernard wants to be left in silence, Ron,” says Ibrahim. “That’s what he tells me.” “Fat chance of that with me around,” says Ron. “If any of this ever gets back to Kent Police, I will personally arrest you […]

Silence in the Library

Silence in the Library (2021) Katharine Schellman (Lily Adler) Set in London in 1815 Lily Adler has slowly getting back into life in London, when she received an unexpected visitor: her father. The man disapproves of absolutely everything she does–and isn’t quiet about his opinions. Although she doesn’t appreciate his demands or her presence, she […]

Fair Game

Fair Game, Audio Book (2012) Patricia Briggs narrated by Holter Graham (Alpha & Omega) He didn’t say whom he’d sworn his oath to, though Charles rather thought it didn’t matter. For one such as this fae, an oath sworn to a child was as valid as an oath sworn to a king or the pope. […]

The Bullet That Missed

The Bullet That Missed (2022) Richard Osman (Thursday Murder Club) The gang are back together (they were never apart, actually) and have decided to look into the murder of a young newscaster, partially because it is an interesting case (no body was ever found) and partially because Joyce wants to meet the man she worked […]

The Bookshop and the Barbarian

The Bookshop and the Barbarian (2023) Morgan Stang This was a delight. I kept stopping and reading bits aloud to Michael. “Well, perhaps you know them better as adventurers? Swords-for-hire? Mercenaries? Sellswords? You see, a murder-hobo is a man or woman who travels all about the land. They have no home. Their primary source of […]

The Man Who Died Twice

The Man Who Died Twice (2021) Richard Osman (Thursday Murder Club) This series is just fun, After the adventures of the last book, Joyce has perhaps become a little bored. “Do you think a dog might be good company?” asks Joyce. “I thought I might either get a dog or join Instagram.” Ibrihim also has […]

Come Unto These Yellow Sands

Come Unto These Yellow Sands (2011) Josh Lanyon It would be nice to believe in something like God. To believe some higher power with a greater purpose was concealed behind the violence and chaos. Max grunted. “Did you see any other possibilities?” “I didn’t let myself look for them.” He couldn’t afford this. Couldn’t afford […]

The Thursday Murder Club

The Thursday Murder Club (2020) Richard Osman (Thursday Murder Club) At a luxury retirement home, every Thursday, meets the Thursday Murder Club, where the four members look into unsolved crimes and try and figure them out to their satisfaction. There is Ron. Back in the days when he was in the papers, they called him […]

Joy

Joy (2017) C.S. Poe (A Lancaster Story) “It’s all the mountains,” said a booming voice ahead of me. I looked up quickly and found a huge guy grinning down at me. “S-sorry?” “You ain’t got no signal out here because of all the mountains. Folks got satellite for home Internet service.” “What happens if there’s […]

Child of a Rainless Year

Child of a Rainless Year (2005) Jane Lindskold This is an odd story–the fantastic elements are initially subtle, and initially you aren’t even sure that what you are reading is a fantasy. It is, but not one of vampires and witches, but one of subtle powers, hidden from plain sight. “(A)nything that is liminal, that […]

Thrown to the Wolves

Thrown to the Wolves (2019) Charlie Adhara (Big Bad Wolf) There are many ways to grieve— no one way less valid than the others “Being open isn’t easy for either of us. Shit, maybe not for anyone. But I work on it because, to me, you’re worth it. And you know what, Oliver? I’m worth […]

A Matter of Magic

A Matter of Magic (1988) Patricia C. Wrede (Mairelon the Magician) “(B)hey’re mixing magic at random, from the sound of it. Half of it’s Welsh, half of it’s Scottish, and half of it’s cribbed from someone’s classical education, with a few things that are entirely out of someone’s imagination thrown in for good measure. They’ll […]

The House in the Cerulean Sea

The House in the Cerulean Sea (2020) TJ Klune “It’s just that…” She stood from her desk, arms still folded. “Don’t you wonder?” “Never,” Linus said promptly. Then, “About what?” “All children, no matter their … disposition or what they’re capable of, must be protected regardless of the cost.” Jowls coughed wetly. “Do you really […]

The Missing Page

The Missing Page (2022) Cat Sebastian (Page & Sommers) Set in England in 1948 James is called to Cornwall for the reading of the will of an uncle he hasn’t seen for decades. When Leo returns from his latest mission, he doesn’t like this discovery at all. The more Leo thought about it, the less […]

Love, Marriage, and a Baby Carriage

Love, Marriage, and a Baby Carriage (2016) C.S. Poe Utterly ridiculous. I was attending a singles’ convention for special people like me to find their forever penguin partner. But after I paid the attendance fee, got a hotel room, and booked my flight, I found out it was specifically for guys and gals. Utterly silly. […]

Play It Again

Play It Again (2019) Aidan Wayne Dovid followed along with his cane. But he kept bumping into chairs. The tables were very close together, and it was hard to navigate with a cane. And a wheelchair certainly would have an even harder time. Bernice was walking pretty fast too. Dovid found himself trying to hurry […]