Books: May 2024
Six books this month, bringing my total to the year so far to 33 (my goal is 75)
Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid
This was the third book I've read by McDermid, each time on recommendation by someone. And sadly each time I've not enjoyed it. This is an updating of the original story by Jane Austen and I simply disliked nearly all the characters.
A Taste for Killing by Sarah Hawkswood
The tenth in the Bradecote and Catchpoll series, set in Worcester in 1145, which I very much enjoyed. I like the main characters and enjoy spending time with them, and the plot was engaging. I have done so in the past, but would continue to recommend the series to anyone who likes historical mysteries.
Death at the President's Lodging by Michael Innes
The first John Appleby story. Very convoluted and typical of something written by an academic in 1936. I've already forgotten whodunnit.
Murder Under The Sun edited by Cecily Gayford
I feel that these anthologies are going downhill. I enjoyed some of the stories, and even rereading a couple which I'd read before, but one story (by Ellis Peters) was over 100 pages long and was particularly uninteresting, which detracted from the collection.
The Stone Carvers by Jane Urquhart
Set basically in the first few decades of the twentieth century, this looks at the lives of various individuals we make their home in Canada and their offspring. It moves to the creation of the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge, and all the carving that is needed to construct the memorial. It's an interesting look at people's lives, especially in small communities to which European families have emigrated.
A Nest of Vipers by Harini Nagendra
Set in Bangalore in 1922, this is the third of the Bangalore Detectives Club. I enjoyed another look at India during this time, and the differences between the British, very proud that Prince Edward (the future Edward VIII) was visiting, and the Indians who resented his presence and the general treatment of their country. The mystery was clever and engaging.
I have also completed my 2024 Book Bingo, making good use of both Substitutes and Free Squares. My full list of books can be found here
Northanger Abbey by Val McDermid
This was the third book I've read by McDermid, each time on recommendation by someone. And sadly each time I've not enjoyed it. This is an updating of the original story by Jane Austen and I simply disliked nearly all the characters.
A Taste for Killing by Sarah Hawkswood
The tenth in the Bradecote and Catchpoll series, set in Worcester in 1145, which I very much enjoyed. I like the main characters and enjoy spending time with them, and the plot was engaging. I have done so in the past, but would continue to recommend the series to anyone who likes historical mysteries.
Death at the President's Lodging by Michael Innes
The first John Appleby story. Very convoluted and typical of something written by an academic in 1936. I've already forgotten whodunnit.
Murder Under The Sun edited by Cecily Gayford
I feel that these anthologies are going downhill. I enjoyed some of the stories, and even rereading a couple which I'd read before, but one story (by Ellis Peters) was over 100 pages long and was particularly uninteresting, which detracted from the collection.
The Stone Carvers by Jane Urquhart
Set basically in the first few decades of the twentieth century, this looks at the lives of various individuals we make their home in Canada and their offspring. It moves to the creation of the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge, and all the carving that is needed to construct the memorial. It's an interesting look at people's lives, especially in small communities to which European families have emigrated.
A Nest of Vipers by Harini Nagendra
Set in Bangalore in 1922, this is the third of the Bangalore Detectives Club. I enjoyed another look at India during this time, and the differences between the British, very proud that Prince Edward (the future Edward VIII) was visiting, and the Indians who resented his presence and the general treatment of their country. The mystery was clever and engaging.
I have also completed my 2024 Book Bingo, making good use of both Substitutes and Free Squares. My full list of books can be found here