WWR — What We're Reading in May

Anne here, bringing you the latest reading recommendations from the wenches. There's a fair bit of crime — some cozy, some police procedural, some medieval mysteries, there's time slip and WW2, there's a delightful word exploration book, and there's even some romance! 

Pat recommends THIEF OF SOULS  by Brian Klingborg She says: I enjoy the occasional police procedural if the writing is strong and there’s a good hook. The author kept me reading,  and the setting was an unusual hook—a small town in northern China. The protagonist, Lu Fei, is a middle-aged (although they keep calling him young, he’s forty) inspector on the police force, never married, who drinks too much, and is good at martial arts. Okay, raise your hand if you’ve read that before. <G> But it all works. Young women are being murdered, their organs removed, then sewed up again. The author takes us through the workings of the police department, all the petty government hang-ups, the interdepartmental fighting, all the things we normally see in the usual Brit and American police stories, only with a Chinese twist. I had to look up the author to see how he knew these details, and he’s apparently lived in China but isn’t Chinese. Still, it felt authentic.

Inspector Lu has never married because he wants to marry for love. He quotes Confucius but he’s an independent thinker and an honest cop. You really have to like him because he tries so hard. And better yet, the author manages to keep the killer a secret almost to the point that Lu works it out. So we get to feel smart and not too annoyed with our hero when it takes him a few pages more. If you enjoy  a good police procedural and reading about China, you might want to check this out.

Andrea says: this month I seemed to be a WWII state mind, as I read two books set in the era. They were very different in style but I loved both them.

I’m a huge fan of Kate Quinn’s The Alice Network and The Huntress, and her latest novel, The Rose Code, is equally mesmerizing. It’s a heart-thumping dual timeline story set at Bletchley Park, the famous top secret British codebreaking enclave during the war, and several years after as the three heroines are forced to crack one last code . . .

It features three young women from completely different backgrounds and temperaments who find themselves thrown together as roommates after their skills at solving puzzles bring them to be part of the British efforts to crack the enemy codes—an effort that is keeping the country from defeat. Quinn gives readers a fascinating look inside Bletchley Park as she weaves a compelling tale of friendship, heartache, secrets and betrayals as each of the women struggle to define her dreams and deal with her own weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

A shocking betrayal breaks their friendships apart at the end of the war, only to have a coded message several years later force them to reluctantly come together again to catch a traitor. I couldn’t put it down!

Basil’s War by Stephen Hunter is also about codebreaking. A derring-do British agent is dropped behind enemy lines in France to retrieve an old manuscript  which holds the key to deciphering a code that will help identify a traitor. But Hunter writes it with an elegantly clever, tongue-in-cheek tone. (It’s as if Dorothy Parker and the Round Table  put their heads together and had fun concocting their own take on James Bond.)

I was laughing aloud at the situations and dialogue as Basil plays cat and mouse with the German Abwahr agents who are on his tail. The plot is so well concocted, with unexpected twists right to the end, and the dry humor make it a light and really enjoyable read.  

Christina is next.  She says: This month I’ve been obsessively reading Sarah J Maas’s series beginning with A Court of Thorns and Roses.

I’d been meaning to pick this up for a while but only started recently and when I did, I was completely hooked. It is a YA fantasy series (although probably more suitable for adults) and I was drawn into this world of mortals and high fae and simply didn’t want to leave. Yes, the books are violent, gory and graphic, with a fair amount of sex scenes (some might say too many), but the love stories are epic, the heroes to die for and the tension insane. The world-building was so subtly done, the reader is eased into it at the same time as the heroine. Every aspect was beautifully described and I felt as though I was actually there.

 

I now totally understand all the hype about this series and it’s not finished yet. At least I hope not - there are several unfinished love stories left to tell and hopefully the author will be doing that very soon. When I had to leave this world at the end of the latest instalment, A Court of Silver Flames, I felt truly bereft and the characters are still in my mind, a week later.

 

Mary Jo here, and I'm continuing to reread old favorites. This time, I'm talking about Anne George's Southern Sisters cozy mystery series.  

The stories are narrated by Patricia Anne Hollowell, a recently retired English teacher, happily married for forty years. She's petite and ladylike.  Her sister Mary Alice is five years older, claims to be 5'12" tall and 250 pounds, and is brassy, generous, and a force of nature. She three times married much older men and gave each one a child. According to Patricia Ann, they all died happy because of Mary Alice, and each one left her lots of money.

In the first book of the series, Murder on a Girls' Night Out, Mary Alice, who is also referred to as "Sister,"  impulsively buys the Skoot 'n' Boot, a country western bar she is fond of. Then the murders begin… 

I love the humor and eccentric characters as Patricia Anne is dragged along in Sister's wake, trying to correct Mary Alice's grammar and keep them both alive. There are eight books in the series and I'm enjoying them all over again.

 

 

Susan says: Words! That's one reason we read and write, isn't it - the love of words (and stories!). If you love words, I highly recommend Susie Dent, if you haven't discovered her yet - a British lexicographer whose clever knack of finding and defining odd and wonderful words has resulted in her TV and Twitter presence and a few wonderful books about words as well. I've been reading her Word Perfect: Curious Coinages and Etymological Entertainment for Every Day of the Year. Surely you've wondered about the origin, meaning, and use of words like "toff" (snob), "cakeism" (having it, and eating it), "snick-up" (17th c. term for a fit of sneezing), and "firkytoodling" (basically, foreplay). Follow along through the calendar, January 1 through December 31, or open the book anywhere - you're in for a treat! 

Aside from reading lots of words, I've been on a historical mystery kick again, and have gone back to glomming my way through medieval mysteries. I'm a huge longtime fan of Cadfael (Ellis Peters), Owen Archer (Candace Robb), and others, and I've just discovered J. G. Lewis's series about Ela of Salisbury. Lady Ela Longespee was an actual woman who took over as Sheriff of Salisbury in 1226 after her husband's death (such offices sometimes went along family lines rather than appointment, but her son was too young to take over his father's post). In Cathedral of Bones, the first book in the series, newly widowed Lady Ela learns the ropes as sheriff, helps her young children cope with loss, and solves the mysterious death of a young pregnant woman found in the river. J. G. Lewis, a medieval historian, found a brilliant concept in the life of the real Ela of Salisbury. She creates a genuine medieval atmosphere with place and character, a fine mystery, and an excellent sleuth. I'll be reading more of Ela's adventures in sheriffing! 

Anne here. I have one romance and a crime series to recommend this month.

Firstly, the romance —  HE WILL BE MINE by Kirsty Greenwood 

This a fun little romantic fantasy — not an elves-and-fairies kind of fantasy, but a slightly far-fetched but very feel good romantic story. Nora Tucker is an admin assistant from a tiny English village. Nora's parents knew the moment they met that they were soulmates. Nora's not sure she believes in it for herself — until watching a movie, she sees the new American movie star Gary Montgomery, and click! She's convinced he's her soulmate. Crazy, right? But though Nora knows it's bonkers, she has to give it her best shot and go to America to meet him.

Lots of lighthearted fun with all the feels, some good laughs and of course, a happy ending. I really enjoyed it.

The crime series is the Nikki Galena series by Joy Ellis. Set in the English Fen country of Norfolk, the series is about police detective book Nikki Galena and Joseph Easter, the police partner she is given in book one who goes from being an imposition to a friend and valued colleague. The first book is CRIME ON THE FENS and the town is being terrorized by violent gangs all wearing identical hideous masks. At the same time, a talented young student goes missing on the marsh. 

I read the entire series this month — and obviously I enjoyed them. Each book is stand alone, but the development of the various continuing characters means I recommend they be read in order. 

Also if you're a kindle reader, note that though each book is sold separately, Books 1-5 are also sold as a bundle for around $3 — the same price as one book — a real bargain, as are books 7, 8 and 9, so it's worth checking.

So that's it for our reading in May. Now it's over to you, wenchly readers. Share the books you've read and enjoyed in the last month. 

Comments

[Alice Mathewson]

Hi Andrea. I loved The Rose Code and it seemed particularly apt to have Prince Philip with a staring role. I have now got The Huntress out of the library. The Secret Bridesmaid by Katy Birchall was a lot of fun but as it was all about 'normal' weddings, it felt a little strange in these not-normal times. I read and enjoyed The Zigzag Girl by Elly Griffiths - I really love the info at the end of books like this, and a few others when authors discuss the research they have done and how the novel reflects on the reality of the time.

[Mary M.]

Something different this month: octopuses!
(Octopus is a Greek word, not Latin, hence the plural is not octopi.)

Head over to Youtube to watch some Octolab, then check out The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. These creatures, ranging from tiny to huge, though very different from us, are highly intelligent problem solvers and capable of emotional links to humans. Sy Montgomery writes wonderfully about her connection with them and a whole lot of related topics. It's like an intimate visit with a highly interesting friend and her friends. My favorite book in a long time.

[theo]

Just a quick note, Anne, but you can buy the Complete Nikki Galena series, books 1-11, for $9.99 for Kindle right now.

I'm working my way through your Perfect series and then it's on to a new JD Kirk, John Carson, Alex Smith and David Gatward. I just can't seem to get enough of the Scottish police procedural/thriller lately. :)

[Christina Courtenay]

I just watched a TV programme about them the other day, Mary - fascinating! They really are amazing creatures!

[Kareni]

I so enjoy this column and now want to read half a dozen of the books above!
**

— continued the Touchstone series and reread Caszandra, Gratuitous Epilogue, In Arcadia and Snow Day all by Andrea K Höst. I enjoyed them again. Start with the first book Stray which is FREE to Kindle readers.
— In This Iron Ground by Marina Vivancos. (Content warning for child abuse) The first Amazon review is titled “A fantastic story of recovery from abuse (oh, and it has werewolves),” and that’s a good description. The book reminds me in part of TJ Klune’s Wolfsong which is itself quite different from his more recent and better known The House in the Cerulean Sea. I think some readers might appreciate knowing that therapy is used to help the main character address repercussions from abuse. I would definitely read more from this author.
— Time Waits (Out of Time Book 1) by C.B. Lewis was an enjoyable male/male romance with a strong time travel component. I hope to read on in the series.
— Rising Star: A Roommates to Lovers Hollywood Romance (Starstruck Series) by Susannah Nix. I enjoyed this contemporary romance.
— This Is Not the End: A Polyamorous Love Story by Sidney Bell. I enjoyed this book, too.
— enjoyed The Cybernetic Tea Shop by Meredith Katz, a science fiction fantasy romance featuring an asexual woman and an AI.
— enjoyed the contemporary male/male romance Finders Keepers by N.R. Walker; I don’t think though that this is a book I’ll be likely to reread.
— read Silent Blade (The World of Kinsmen Book 1) by Ilona Andrews. This author pair (husband and wife) write books that are incredibly popular but most of them I read only once; in fact, I almost did not finish this novella. (The only Ilona Andrews books I’ve reread were a couple in The Edge series.) I do enjoy the blog that the female half of the duo keeps.

— The Night Tiger: A Novel by Yangsze Choo for my book group. I found this an intriguing read. Those who like historical fiction set in unusual locations (it’s set in 1930s Malaysia) or with an element of magical realism might enjoy this.
— quite enjoyed That Distant Dream (The Satura Trilogy Book 1) by Laurel Beckley; the only problem is that it ended on a cliffhanger and the next volume is not yet published. This seems like military science fiction but it also has a fantasy element.
— enjoyed Fire Ant (The Navy of Humanity: Wasp Pilot Book 1) by Jonathan P. Brazee which was a quick read; I’d describe it as military science fiction. This is currently FREE for Kindle readers.
— enjoyed the fantasy novella, The Solstice Kings by Kim Fielding, but I don’t expect to read it again.
— Last month I started rereading the Acton and Doyle mysteries and read the first three books. I’ve continued on and have now reread through book ten. I enjoyed revisiting them all.

— Project Hail Mary: A Novel by Andy Weir was a good read. I liked it more than Artemis but not as much as The Martian.
— completed my reread of Anne Cleeland’s Acton and Doyle books by reading the last three books. I’m done… until such time as book 14 should arrive on the scene!
— enjoyed Time Lost (Out of Time Book 2) by C.B. Lewis which is the second book in a series I recently began. I hope to read on in the series. This is a future set m/m mystery/romance that involves a company dealing with time travel.
— enjoyed rereading the m/m science fiction romances Dark Space, Darker Space, and new read Starlight by Lisa Henry.
— enjoyed When Are You? by Addison Albright which is an m/m romance with a time travel element.
— read a compilation of two m/m novels and two shorter pieces by the same author, Vows Box Set by Addison Albright. I particularly enjoyed the first novel, Til Death Do Us Part, and imagine I will reread it.

— the contemporary romance Italy Ever After by Leonie Mack; it started slow, but I enjoyed it.
— The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century by Kirk Wallace Johnson was an informative and intriguing read. I enjoyed discussing it in my first in person book group discussion in over a year!
— White Silence: An edge-of-your-seat supernatural thriller (Elizabeth Cage, Book 1) by Jodi Taylor was a gripping read, and I’ve just requested the second book in the series. Incidentally, this book is currently 99¢ for Kindle readers.
— Death Sworn (Death Sworn series Book 1) by Leah Cypess was an enjoyable (perhaps not the right word for a book dealing with assassins) young adult fantasy. I’ve requested the sequel from the library.
— Playing with Fire: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) by R.J. Blain; this was a rather over the top silly and fun fantasy romance read.
— read 140 pages of Finders (Firstborn, Lastborn Book 1) by Melissa Scott. I was enjoying it initially and then my interest waned.

— enjoyed rereading the entire Linesman trilogy ~ Linesman, Alliance, and Confluence by S. K. Dunstall. This is one of my favorite series. (I bet you didn't know that.)
— The End of Men by Christina Sweeney-Baird; what a gripping yet sobering book. The story is set in 2025, and the world suffers a plague that kills 90% of males/Y-chromosome bearers. While reading, I wondered when it was written; I see from the author’s note that it was written between September 2018 and June 2019. It’s the author’s debut novel. When I was describing it to my husband, he said he wouldn’t be able to read it given parallels with real life. I don’t know if this is a book that I’d reread, but I recommend it. I will certainly look with interest at the author’s next book.
— quite enjoyed The Love Proof: A Novel by Madeleine Henry; I found it to be a quick read.
— enjoyed the most recent Murderbot novella, Fugitive Telemetry (The Murderbot Diaries Book 6) by Martha Wells; I might have been even happier were there more Sanctuary Moon!
— stayed up late and finished Dark Light (Elizabeth Cage, Book 2) by Jodi Taylor. I enjoyed it (but not quite as much as the first book); I look forward to reading the forthcoming third book in the series. This series definitely needs to be read in order. The first book in the series, White Silence, is still on sale for 99¢.

[Minna Puustinen]

I've been reading The Mad Morelands Series by Candace Camp. Next on my list is Nala's World: One Man, His Rescue Cat, and a Bike Ride around the Globe by Dean Nicholson and Garry Jenkins.

[Sue McCormick]

Mostly I have been rereading. But I have also been exploring the Armand Gamache murders by Louise Penmny.

[Vicki L]

Mary Jo...I LOVE the Southern Sister's series. Especially the audio version narrated by Ruth Ann Phinister. They are so much fun to read or listen to.

As for my reading...I read a number of well, huh, so so (to me books). Apparently I had a run of not hitting the spot luck.

I did go on a Stephanie Lauren's Binge because I thought of one book and then ended up reading on. Read the 1st 6 Cynster books (with the Bar Cynster) then read the Black Cobra series. It was interesting contrasting the 2 series... There weren't any TSTL people in any of those books!

Recently I've read two Grace Burrowes books..How to Catch a Duke (Stephen Wentworth finally gets his story!) and Truly Beloved. I haven't quite finished Stephen's story but so far it is reading very well and I'm enjoying it. Enjoyed Truly Beloved as well.

The Daydream Cabin by Carolyn Brown was somewhat of a departure from her usual Women's Fict/Contemporary Western books. It was much grittier than usual. The h is a counselor at a 8 week program for girls who have been in trouble for DYI, cyperbulling, shop lifting, so on and so forth. Their last stop before being sent to Juvie. A scared straight, hard work, lots of counseling kind of place.

A Spy's Guide to Seduction by Kate Moore. It was only 170 pages long so I felt the h got gypped of her full starring role. But I didnt' mind that the H had a short story line. Sometimes he was a bit TSTL...grin.

Wind's of Change by Anna Jacobs. No HEA but it was a good dending because the h Miranda had finally grown into herself. She had the misfortune to be born into a very controlling family and had 26 years of bad luck as an adult to overcome plus the 20 years of abuse from her brother before she became an adult. Miranda is 46 in the book. When her father finally dies and the injustice of the will is seen...she finally starts rebelling and she ALSO finally has some wonderful luck come her way. I did enjoy the book. It was a bit slow at first but sped up a bi. I'll reread it most likely.

Yay that I ended the month on an upbeat note book wise. I'll go start my look for/buy/read list. Grin.

[Janice]

The best book I read during May (and the best for some time, actually) was The Spy and the Traitor by Ben MacIntyre - the tale of Oleg Gordievski, a KGB colonel turned double agent, who may well have prevented a world war. He was raised KGB but liked Western freedom of culture and thought (in his Russia they couldn't listen to Bach and he had to hide the books he read), and so he became a British double agent. Unlike the US's Aldrich Ames, he didn't do it for sex or money, he did it for principle. It all sounds like James Bond stuff, but it was real, Ben MacIntyre is quite a storyteller and I put several more of his books in the TBR file.

[Cindy A]

Great books here! I really want to read The Rose Code and Basil's War. I love Cadfael so The Cathedral of Bones looks interesting. I will be looking for these.

[Anne Gracie]

How interesting, Mary. I had no idea. I'm certainly going to look that up.
My aunt, when she was a very little girl, called octopuses "catapostas" and it stuck in our family.

[Anne Gracie]

Oh Brilliant — thanks Theo.
I'm hanging out for the next JD Kirk, and also started on David Gatward's GRIM series —and I think I might have added in one of the others you mentioned. I got them from Kirk's author page on amazon. I'm enjoying UK police procedurals too — as long as they don't get too grim or scary. Wimps R me

[Anne Gracie]

Sue, I'm a big fan of Louise Penny's books too, and have turned several wenches onto them. I'm a bit behind with her latest ones though, and you've reminded me, they're sitting here waiting to be read. Thanks.

[Anne Gracie]

Sounds fascinating, Janice. It's also interesting how quite a few people here have turned to non-fiction lately. I rarely read non-fiction except for research.

[Anne Gracie]

Cindy, I've just bought The Cathedral of Bones, too.
I remember buying my first — the first— Cadfael book, many years ago when I was in London. I was intrigued by the idea of a medieval mystery and I carted A Morbid Taste for Bones around with me for ages and then posted it home to Australia, along with a bunch of other books I couldn't carry — I was a student and was backpacking— and didn't want to give away because I know I'd want to reread them.

[Anne Gracie]

Wow, Kareni, you practically give us a whole WWR column all on your own every month! I haven't read most of those you've mentioned - but thank you for the list. I'm going to investigate the Acton & Doyle books.

Have you tried Ilona Andrews "Innkeeper" series, where there is "Sweep" in most titles? Both Mary Jo and I enjoy those — other wenches too, maybe, but I know MJ and I have talked about them.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Minna. That last one sounds like a non-fiction book. I'm sure I've seen something somewhere about a real life adventurer/traveller who adopted an abandoned cat and travels with it. Wonderful

[Minna Puustinen]

You can follow the travels of Dean and Nala on Youtube.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Minna, yes, that's where I must have seen it. It's a lovely, heartwarming story.
My grandfather had a cat he used to travel with—Pop went all over the country and Micky travelled with him, usually snoozing along the back of the car seat against Pop's neck. And though they stayed in all sorts of different places, Micky never wandered away. He shared everything with Pop -- even their morning porridge.

[Quantum]

I finally got to listen to some Lisa Kleypas audios. Still nothing in English on Audible UK but an Amazon supplier is now selling MP3 CDs at a reasonable price. I recommend the collection of 3 stand alones read by Rosalyn Landor: 'Stranger in my Arms' + 'Where Dreams Begin'+ 'Again the Magic' Also the first 2 'Gambler of Craven's Series together, again read by the fabulous Rosalyn Landor.

I'm also a mystery fan and may try the Nikki Galena books (Joy Ellis) when looking for something new .. thanks for the rec!

[theo]

Did you see that Kirk also has a Hoon spinoff now? I thought at first I might not like the character, but he really grew on me so I'm glad he's getting his own story. It will be out in October! :)

[Andrea Penrose]

SO glad you enjoyed The Rose Code, too, Alice. Yes, I really liked Prince Philip's role, and it seemed very true to his real persona. (And loved how Quinn handled the heartache . . .)

I loved The Huntress, too, so hope you enjoy it.

[Andrea Penrose]

I just watched the netflix documentary "My Octopus teacher", which was fascinating! This book sounds wonderful!

[Andrea Penrose]

Oooo, these sound like I would love them too! Thanks, Theo!

[Andrea Penrose]

Sue, I really like Louise Penny's Gamache series. Very interesting characters and mysteries.

[Andrea Penrose]

Thanks for the heads-up, Janice. I've really enjoyed MacIntyre's other WWII books. Fascinating history! Will put this one on my TBR list

[Andrea Penrose]

I loved them both, Cindy. So hope you enjoy them!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Vicki L, I'm glad you enjoyed the Southern Sisters books, and you've given me an idea: I have some audible credits and maybe I should get some of these in audio. I'm sure they're a hoot. *G*

[Kareni]

I read the first Innkeeper book when it was new, Anne, and I did enjoy it. I should reread it and then move on in the series.

[Annette N]

Y'all are gonna kill me. When my body is found buried under a huge pile of books, it will be the fault of all you people who are continually giving me wonderful lists of books to read.

I just finished the Golden Age Detective Stories. Wonderful for me. I am a sucker for mysteries written by such talented writers.

Hope everyone is taking care and staying well.

[Karin]

Ben McIntyre is a great writer. Someone just recommended is latest book, Agent Sonya, to me. He seems to find the most fascinating episodes in history. I loved Operation Mincemeat, definitely try that one.

[Karin]

I've been catching up with a few Louise Allen books. She has been writing Harlequin Historicals for many years, and is one of my favorite authors of that line. The tropes are all familiar, but her stories are always well written and enjoyable.
Other than that, I continue to plow through historical mysteries; Lady Darby book #7, "An Artless Demise", and Andrea Penrose's "Murder at Queen's Landing". So great to see the personal relationship between Charlotte and Wrexford progress!
I also read the latest Sebastian St. Cyr book, "What the Devil Knows". It was excellent! I usually care more about the characters than the actual mystery but this one kept me very engaged.

[Teresa Broderick]

Wow!! What a list of books. I have to laugh at the comment about being found under a huge pile of books :):) I totally get it!
I started The Rose Code but I obviously wasn't in the mood at the time and put it aside for later.
I've gone on a binge of the James Herriot books. I'm LOVING them!! Finished book three, waiting for the next two in the post.
I've also listened to The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie for a book group on GoodReads that I'm in. Really enjoyed it. I've moved onto Waverly on audio now.
I'm reading The Masqueraders by Georgette Heyer, again for a book group.
Also reading Jane Austen & Adlestrop by Victoria Huxley. I'm reading this a chapter a day because I have so much to read and it would take me a bit of time to get through this.
This has been the best month for a long time for me for reading. Getting my mojo back, finally!!

[Kareni]

Yay for getting your reading mojo back, Teresa. Happy reading!

[Anne Gracie]

Yes, I saw that. Kirk has been showing Hoon as a more interesting character, but I'm still a wee bit hesitant about a whole book for him. Kirk is such a good writer though that I'll try it, Im sure.

[Anne Gracie]

Quantum I'm so glad you were finally able to track down some Kleypas books on audio. She's one of my favourite historical romance authors — I liked her contemporaries too — and it's crazy that Audible Uk doesn't have them. My favourite series of hers is the Wallflower series.
I hope you enjoy the Nikki Galena books. She really grew on me — the books get stronger as she writes.

[Anne Gracie]

LOL Annette — friends have said the same of me. But what a way to go, eh?

[Anne Gracie]

Karen, I also enjoy Louise Allen's writing. Harlequin Historicals has some very good writers in that line — and wench Susan and I were part of it once upon a time.

And did you know that before the Sebastian St Cyr books (which I agree are brilliant) CS Harris wrote historical romance as Candy Proctor. Also well worth hunting down.

[Janice]

I read Operation Mincemeat back in the day because I had recently seen The Man Who Never Was, a movie about the same incident. Brilliant story.

Agent Sonya is in my TBR :)

Not only is this true history, it's rivetting storytelling.

[Anne Gracie]

Teresa, I'm so glad you're getting your mojo back!
And ah, The Masqueraders. Isn't the Mountain a lovely hero? It's been ages since I read it last. Might be time for a reread.
I read some of the James Herriot books many years ago when I was still living at home. My mum loved them and since I would read whatever I could get my hands on, I read them after she'd finished reading and chuckling her way through them. And I loved the original TV series of it — Siegfried was particularly wonderful.

[Constance]

Mary - I feel as if I’ve read the book, but that’s because I gave it to my husband, who, when he loves something he’s reading, is compelled to share it by reading it aloud! This time, I did not mind at all - such fascinating creatures. I did decline, however, his wish to have an octopus as a pet!

[Constance]

Mary Jo - I don’t know where Vicki lives, but I grew up in the South and Ruth Ann Phinister’s audios of the Southern Sisters is just perfect - well worth your credits! I keep one in my car and listen whenever I’m a bit homesick, which always seems to occur this time of the year!

[Constance]

Work is crazy for me right now (auditors in!), so I’ve stuck with re-reads that I know will comfort me and take me away! Margaret Maron died in February and that sent me back to read again both her Deborah Knott series and shorter Sigrid Harold series, both of which I’ve mentioned in previous comments, I believe. Deborah is a judge in North Carolina and Sigrid is a police detective in New York City. Both series have strong women, smart plots, and such excellent writing. RIP Margaret Maron. Of course, as many others have noted, this monthly report of books read only adds to my own TBR pile, as well as my credit card, and I am always amazed at the wide variety of books discussed - thank you all!

[Binnie Syril Braunstein]

I read two (new for me) books by Debbie Burns, who is all about dogs. I reread Nora Roberts' Under Currents and then her newer Hideaway. Both romantic suspense. I also read three recently re-released/expanded books by regency author Rita Boucher: The Scandalous Schoolmistress, A Misbegotten Match and The Poet and the Paragon. I'm about to re-read The Devil's Due. Susan - I loved your reference to Word Perfect. I've got to get my hands on that!

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Constance — best of luck in getting through your busy time. I haven't read Margaret Maron — I'm off to investigate her books.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks for those recommendations, Binnie. It's always fun to find a book with a dog in it.

[Teresa Broderick]

Thanks Kareni. Hope I haven't jinxed it now :)

[Teresa Broderick]

The new remake is very good Anne. Siegfried is played by Timothy West and he's excellent in the part.

[Vicki L]

Marietta Georgia...which is North West of Atlanta. The accents, the southernisms...totally correct and fun to listen to.

[Mary Jo Putney]

How lovely to be able to listen to audiobooks that waft you away home! Do you think you get a bit homesick at this time of year because it's the time of luxuriant flowers and a renewal of life? Whatever the reason, how nice to have audiobooks that take you there. I have no comparable audiobooks that take me back to Western New York. *G*