Cheli's Mountainous Category Challenge for 2021

Hi everyone, this is my 13th annual category challenge.
This year, I made the decision that things have to change. I've been participating in the Category challenge since 2009 and have increased my number of categories each year to correspond with the year but I'm honest with myself that 21 categories was just too much so, this year I am going with something new. I'm going with the number of books to read in the categories instead. I made the definition of categories very simple so that maybe I concentrate more on the books and less on the way the books fit in categories.
This year my theme is CLIMBING MOUNT TBR. I have selected 5 categories (identified by 4 mountain ranges and a valley) to concentrate on the books that are currently sitting on my shelves, both virtual and real. I decided that I didn't seem to be making a lot of progress on catching up on series that I've already started so this year, I thought if I concentrate on specific series/authors, maybe I'll make more progress. So for each category, I will concentrate on Authors whose books I have already identified that I want to read.
The Alps Mountain Range will be for authors with initials A through E and 20 books to finish.
The Andes Mountain Range will be for authors with initials F through L and 21 books to finish.
The Himalayan Mountain Range will be for authors with initials M through R and 20 books to finish.
The Rocky Mountain Range will be for authors with initials S through Z and 21 books to finish.

Get it? 20 21, 20 21?

However, that can't be all, because as I thought, I realize that I do get some bright shiny new books or borrow from library for Book Club, so I realize that those books will fall into a valley since they aren't part of the mountains. I selected Sonoma Valley in California because it's one of my favorite places on earth.

In 2021 I'll be continuing the following formal challenges:

The 75 Book Challenge is where I can chat about my grandchildren, themes for the day or just anything I feel like as well as BOOKS.
US Presidents Challenge So far I'm still working on FDR and the Great Depression. I made very little progress the last few years so I really need to concentrate on this a bit more in 2021. Needless to say, this challenge has been extended to 2028 at least.
European Challenge - I still have 2/3 of Europe to explore. Hopefully, a few foreign countries are in my future this year - at least in books.
50 States challenge - Only five states left on the itinerary, and I'm hoping to finish this challenge in 2021.
Miscellanous monthly challenges that will help me find new things to stretch my reading include the CAT challenges, Alpha Kit - and books for my ladies' book club.

Then there are also several personal challenges that I will be endeavoring to work on in 2021.
Bookshelf Bootie - I'm trying to remind myself that when books come into to my house they need to be read soon. My goal is that 50% of new books in are read in the current year. Hopefully, that will include the books that I actually purchased as well as downloaded to my e-reader so that those books that show in my acquisition ticker on my ROOT thread will be read in a timely manner. I did manage to read nearly 50% of new books acquired in 2020. YEAH!!!
ROOT Challenge is my effort to read 84 books (7 per month at least) off my own shelves! (This includes books on my Nook/Kindle, ER & ARCs I receive for review, and audiobooks that I've downloaded in the past.) I've resolved to reduce the number of ARCs/ERs that I request so that more of the old books have priority. This resolution is very hard for me to do, but I'll try again in 2021. I did poorly in 2020 because I received 100+ books that had to be read and reviewed in the current year and I didn't keep up. Since the 4 categories only account for 82 books, the vast majority of my reading this year should be from my own books! Maybe I won't slide down the mountains too far!

When I first joined LT and took part in the 999 Challenge - I had my best reading year ever completing the 999 challenge twice with 162 books!
I really need to have that pace again or I will never catch up. But there may be a bright side - I saw somewhere that someone said that until they finished reading all the books on their TBR, they couldn't die! I like that philosophy, because I will be immortal!

I know in my heart that my book acquisitions are out of control... there is no way that I can ever read all the books in my possession in my lifetime and yet I keep getting more! I can't stop! At least it's not unhealthy like drugs or smoking or alcohol....but wait, I do drink wine while reading and eat candy and I'm not exercising, oh well.

So here we go!

Here are my categories and I am hoping to read at least the 20 or 21 in each mountain range category.

Mountains
Alps Mountains
Himalayas
Rockies
Andes
Sonoma Valley

I. The Alps - authors with initials A through E - 20 books


Probably one of the most photographed mountain ranges is the Alps. We've seen skiers ski down their slopes. We've seen castles that soar over their peaks.

Some of my favorite authors will fit in this category.

1. Lavender Blue Murder by Laura Childs
2. Page Marked for Murder by Lauren Elliott
3. Sayers Swindle by Victoria Abbott
4. One Poison Pie by Lynn Cahoon
5. Egg Shooters by Laura Childs
6. Little Bookshop of Murder by Maggie Blackburn
7. A Tourist's Guide to Murder by V.M. Burns
8. Peril in Paperback by Kate Carlisle
9. Killer Comfort Food by Lynn Cahoon
10. Big Fat Greek Murder by Kate Collins
11. A Spell for Trouble by Esme Addison
12. For whom the book tolls by Laura Gail Black
13. Under Cover of Murder by Lauren Elliott
14. The Coming of the Third Reich by Richard Evans
15. Death Gone A-Rye by Winnie Archer
16. Beware the East Wind by Barbara Barrett
17. Wolfe Widow by Victoria Abbott
18. Lethal Letters by Ellery Adams
19. Athena's Choice by Adam Boostrom
20. Where Have All the Birdies Gone? by Charlotte Elkins



Apparently, my trek across the Alps has finished so I am going to move on to the next range in the Alpine system - Apennines a range of mountains that runs the length of the Italian Peninsula.
The goal here is 21 books. so that the authors A through E will reach 20 21.

1. Writing All Wrongs by Ellery Adams
2. The Deeds of the Deceitful by Ellery Adams
3. Killer Characters by Ellery Adams.
4. Hex for Danger by Esme Addison
5. Two Wicked Desserts by Lynn Cahoon
6. Cookbook Conspiracy by Kate Carlisle
7. Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams.
8. The Book Stops Here by Kate Carlisle
9. Murder in the Bayou Boneyard by Ellen Byron
10. Flower Power by Barbara Barrett
11. Jokers Wild by Barbara Barrett
12. Murder in a Teacup by Vicki Delany
13. Murder at Mondial Castle by Issy Brooke
14. Ripped from the Pages by Kate Carlisle
15. Murder 101 by Lynn Cahoon
16. Picture Perfect Frame by Lynn Cahoon
17. Haunted Hibiscus by Laura Childs
18. Mint Condition Murder by Ellery Adams
19. Books of a Feather by Kate Carlisle
20. Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron

Hard to believe that I am actually behind on a few of my favorite authors that fall in this category. They will have top priority and could even complete the category.

Adams, Ellery

Books by the Bay(3)

✔Lethal Letters
✔Writing All Wrongs
✔Killer Characters So sad that this series has ended.

Antiques & Collectibles Mystery

✔Mint Condition Murder

Hope Street Church Mystery

✔The Deeds of the Deceitful

Book Retreat Mystery

✔Murder in the Cookbook Nook

Barbara Barrett

Mah Jongg Mystery (5)

✔Beware the East Wind
✔Flower Power
✔Jokers Wild
The Charleston Challenge
The Dragon Lady Gets Her Due

Lynn Cahoon

Tourist Trap Mystery (1)

✔Picture Perfect Frame

Cat Latimer Mystery (3)

A Field Guide to Homicide
Body in the Book Drop
A Killer Christmas Wish

Kitchen Witch (2)

✔One Poison Pie
✔Two Wicked Desserts
✔Murder 101

Farm-to-Fork Mystery (2)

✔Killer Comfort Food
A Pumpkin Spice Killing

Kate Carlisle

Bibliophile Mystery (10)

✔Peril in Paperback
✔A Cookbook Conspiracy
✔Book Stops Here
✔Ripped From the Pages
✔Books of a Feather
✔Once Upon a Spine
Buried in Books
Book Supremacy
The Grim Reader
Little Black Book

Laura Childs

Tea Shop Mysteries (3)

✔Lavender Blue Murder
✔Haunted Hibiscus
Twisted Tea Christmas

Cackleberry Club Mystery (1)

✔Egg Shooters

Here are 13 additional authors that I want to concentrate on, series begun, and the number of books that I have waiting to be read for each. As you can see there are many so hopefully, I will get caught up on a few. There are actually more authors but I had to be realistic and narrow it down, so others that may fit in this category may pop up.

Abbott, Victoria - Book Collector Mysteries (4)

✔Sayers Swindle
✔Wolfe Widow
Marsh Madness
Hammett Hex

Addison, Esme - Enchanted Bay Mystery (2)

✔A Spell for Trouble
✔Hex for Danger

✔Archer, Winnie - Bread Shop Mystery (1)
Barrett, Lorna - Booktown Mystery (10)
Berry, Steve - Cotton Malone (14)
✔Black, Laura Gail - An Antique Bookshop Mystery (1)
✔Blackburn, Maggie - A Beach Reads Mystery (1)
✔Burns, V. M. - Mystery Bookshop (1)
✔Byron, Ellen - Cajun Country Mysteries (1)
Casey, Elizabeth Lynn - Southern Sewing Circle (8)
Chase, Erika - Ashton Corners Book Club (3)
Collins, Kate -

Flower Shop Mystery (15)

Goddess of Greene St. Mystery (2)

✔ A Big Fat Greek Murder
Big Trouble in Little Greektown

Connolly, Sheila - Museum Mysteries (5)
Coyle, Cleo - Coffeehouse (10)
Davis, Krista - Domestic Diva (8)
Delaney, Devon - Cook-Off Mystery (2)
Elkins, Aaron - Lee Ofsted (2)

✔Where Have All the Birdies Gone?
On the Fringe

Elliott, Lauren - Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery (3)

✔A Page Marked for Murder
✔Under the Cover of Murder
To the Tome of Murder

II. Andes Mountains - initials F through L and 21 books to finish
The longest mountain range in the world are the Andes Mountains which run the length of the South American continent. Some of the oldest ruins found are in this huge mountain range. I definitely can find at least 21 books for this category.


1. Murder at the Arts & Crafts Festival by G.P.Gardner
2. Dead-End Detective: A Piper and Porter Mystery by Amanda Flower
3. Murder at the PTA by Lee Hollis
4. Peachy Scream by Anna Gerard
5. The Body from the Past by Judi Lynn
6. Murder with a View by Diane Kelly
7. Courting Can Be Killer by Amanda Flower
8. No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin
9. Farm to Trouble by Amanda Flower
10. Book Charmer by Karen Harkins
11. Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld
12. Cold Reading Murder by R.J. Lee
13. Ruby Red Herring by Tracy Gardner
14. A Room with a Roux by Sarah Fox
15. A Glimmer of a Clue by Daryl Wood Gerber
16. Wining and Dying by Daryl Wood Gerber
17. Lemon Drop Dead by Amanda Flower
18. Whole Latte Murder by Lena Gregory
19. Winston's War by Max Hastings
20. Beauty Expos are Murder by Libby Klein
21. Peaches and Schemes by Anna Gerard


I have scaled the Andes in South America so I am moving on to another mountain range in the southern hemisphere - the Ethiopian Highlands is a rugged mass of mountains in Ethiopia in northeast Africa. It forms the largest continuous area of its elevation in the continent, and have significant global environmental importance as being the source of some important transboundary rivers, notably the Blue Nile.
The goal here is 20 books. so that the authors F through L will reach 20 21.


1. The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication by Alexander Larman
2. The Malt in Our Stars by Sarah Fox
3. Trace Elements by Donna Leon
4. Castle Shade by Laurie R. King

Here are the authors that I want to concentrate on, series begun, and the number of books that I have waiting to be read for each. Again, there are many so hopefully, I will get caught up on some. Narrowed down to favorites and hope to get to's, so others that may fit in this category are possible.

Favorites
Amanda Flower

Amish Candy Shop Mystery (1)

✔Lemon Drop Dead

Amish Matchmaker Mystery(1)

✔Courting Can Be Killer

Living History Museum Mystery (3)

Final Reveille
Final Tap
Final Vow

Piper and Porter Mystery

✔Dead-End Detective

Farm to Table Mysteries

✔Farm to Trouble

Daryl Wood Gerber

Fairy Garden Mystery(1)

✔A Glimmer of a Clue

Cookbook Nook Mystery(1)

✔Wining and Dying

Fluke, Joanne

Hannah Swensen (1)

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder

Laurie R. King

Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes (1)

✔Castle Shade

Klein, Libby

Poppy McAllister Mystery (1)

✔Beauty Expos Are Murder

Hope to get to:

Fairstein, Linda Devlin Quick Mystery (1)
Finsilver, Janet Kelly Jackson 0
Fox, Sarah -

Pancake House Mystery(2)

✔A Room with a Roux
A Wrinkle in Thyme

Literary Pub Mystery(2)

✔The Malt in Our Stars
Claret and Present Danger

Frank, Dorothea Benton 14
French, Tana Dublin Murder Squad (1)
✔Gardner, Tracy - Avery Ayers Mystery (1)
✔Gardner, GP Cleo Mack mystery (1)
Anna Gerard

Georgia B&B Mystery (2)

✔Peachy Scream
✔Peaches and Schemes

✔Gregory, Lena All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery (1)
Gregory, Philippa - Plantagenet and Tudor Novels (13)
Hamilton, Victoria Merry Muffin Mystery (5)
✔Harkins, Karen (1)
Hechtman, Betty - Crochet Mystery (8)
✔Hollis, Lee - Maya and Sandra Mystery (1)
Hollon, Cheryl Paint & Shine Mystery (1)
Jenkins, Beverly - Blessings (2)
Laurens, Stephanie Casebook of Barnaby Adair (7) Cynster Next Generation (8)
✔Kelly, Diane - House-Flipper Mystery (1)
Lee, Amanda Embroidery Mystery (5)
✔Lee, RJ - Bridge to Death Mystery (1)
Leon, Donna

Commissario Brunetti (2)

✔Trace Elements
Transient Desires

Lynn, Judi Jazzi Zanders Mystery (2)

✔The Body from the Past
The Body in the Beauty Parlor

Himalayan Mountains - initials M through R and 20 books to finish

The Himalayan Mountain Range has the tallest mountains - Mt. Everest, the tallest. I kind of think that the most TBRs are also in this group but it may just be my imagination. However, there are great authors that are sitting on the mountaintop.


1. Wedding Bear Blues by Meg Macy
2. Murder at Chateau sur Mer by Alyssa Maxwell
3. Crown Jewels of Britain and Europe by Prince Michael of Greece
4. Night Moves by Julie Mulhern
5. Here Comes the Body by Maria DiRico
6. Long Island Iced Tina by Maria DiRico
7. Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn
8. Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua by Rose Pressey
9. Murder Can Haunt your Handiwork by Rose Pressey
10. Murder at Ochre Court by Alyssa Maxwell
11. Left-Handed Booksellers of London by Garth Nix
12. Murder at Crossways by Alyssa Maxwell
13. Murder at Kingscote by Alyssa Maxwell

Here are the 18 authors that I want to concentrate on, series begun, and the number of books that I have waiting to be read for each. Again, there are far to many for me to get to all of them but, I certainly hope there will be many read here. My favorites will definitely get immediate attention when their latest books are released, the others will be part of my catch up plans

Favorites

Mulhern, Julie

Country Club Murders (1)

✔Night Moves

Poppy Fields (6)

Fields' Guide to Assassins
Fields' Guide to Voodoo
Fields' Guide to Fog
Fields' Guide to Pharaohs
Fields' Guide to Dirty Money
Fields' Guide to Smuggling

Penny, Louise

Inspector Gamache (1)

The Madness of Crowds

Macy, Meg

Teddy Bear Mysteries (1)

✔Wedding Bear Blues

Maxwell, Alyssa

Gilded Newport (5)

✔Murder at Chateau sur Mer
✔Murder at Ochre Court
✔Murder at Crossways
✔Murder at Kingscote
Murder at Wakehurst

Raybourn, Deanna -

Veronica Speedwell (5)

✔A Perilous Undertaking
A Treacherous Curse
A Dangerous Collaboration
A Murderous Relation
An Unexpected Peril

Hope to get to:

MacNeal, Susan Elia Maggie Hope (1)
Marks, Mary - Quilting mysteries (7)
Karen MacInerney

Gray Whale Inn Mystery (7)

Berried to the Hilt
Brush with Death
Death Runs Adrift
Whale of a Crime
Claws for Alarm
Scone Cold Dead
Anchored Inn

McKinlay, Jenn - cupcake bakery (9) Library Lover's Mystery (7)
Maron, Margaret - Deborah Knott (15)
Pearson, Ridley, Barry, Dave - Peter (4)
Perry, Anne - Thomas Pitt (13) Daniel Pitt (2)
Pressey, Rose - Haunted Craft Fair Mystery (2) series abandoned

✔Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua
✔Murder Can Haunt Your Handiwork

Quincy, D. M. - Atlas Catesby Mystery
DiRico, Maria - Catering Hall Mystery (3)

✔Here Comes the Body
✔Long Island Iced Tina
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder

Riordan, Rick - Heroes of Olympus (2) Trials of Apollo (5)
Robbins, Sara Aspen Valley (6)
Rosett, Sara Ellie Avery Mystery (7)

The Rocky Mountain Range will be for authors with initials S through Z and 21 books to finish.


The major mountain range on the North American continent are the Rocky Mountains which run from the northernmost part of British Columbia, in western Canada, to New Mexico in the Southwestern United States. The Continental Divide of the Americas is located in the Rocky Mountains and designates the line at which waters flow either to the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. Will I be able to determine which way my reading will flow? I definitely can find at least 21 books for this category.

1. Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum by Kirsten Weiss
2. The Figure in the Photograph by Kevin Sullivan
3. A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas
4. The Stolen Letter by Paige Shelton
5.


Here are 18 authors that I want to concentrate on, series begun, and the number of books that I have waiting to be read for each. Again, there are far to many for me to get to all of them but, I certainly hope there will be many read here. My favorites will definitely get immediate attention when their latest books are released, the others will be part of my catch up plans

Favorites
Paige Shelton

Scottish Bookshop Mystery (2)

✔Stolen Letter
Deadly Editions

Karen Rose Smith

Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery (1)

Murder with Orange Pekoe Tea

Victoria Thompson

Gaslight Mysteries (20)

Murder on Washington Square
Murder on Mulberry Bend
Murder on Marble Row
Murder on Lenox Hill
Murder in Little Italy
Murder In Chinatown
Murder on Bank Street
Murder on Waverly Place
Murder on Lexington Avenue
Murder on Sisters' Row
Murder on Fifth Avenue
Murder in Chelsea
Murder in Murray Hill
Murder on Amsterdam Avenue
Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue
Murder in Morningside Heights
Murder in the Bowery
Murder on Union Square
Murder on Trinity Place
Murder on Pleasant Avenue
Murder on Wall Street

Jacqueline Winspear

Maisie Dobbs (7)

Leaving Everything Most Loved
A Dangerous Place
Journey to Munich
In This Grave Hour
To Die but Once
The American Agent
The Consequences of Fear

Julia Spencer-Fleming

Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne (4)

I Shall Not Want
One Was a Soldier
Through the Evil Days
Hid from Our Eyes

Others
Scott, Michele Wine Lover's Mystery (4)
Sefton, Maggie Knitting Mystery (8)
Shea, Susan C French Village Mystery (2)
Small, Bertrice Silk Merchant's Daughters (1)
Sprinkle, Patricia Thoroughly Southern Mystery (7)
Stanton, Mary Beaufort and Company Mystery (2)
Steen, Jane Scott-De Quincy Mysteries 0
St James, Dorothy Beloved Bookroom Mystery (1)
Susan Kiernan-Lewis Maggie Newberry Mysteries (18)
Swanson, Denise Chef-to-Go Mystery (1)
Taylor, Patrick Irish Country (13)
Thomas, Sherry - Lady Sherlock (4)

✔A Conspiracy in Belgravia
The Hollow of Fear
The Art of Theft
Murder on Cold Street

Trauth, Suzanne Dodie O'Dell Mystery (1)
Walker, LynDee Nichelle Clarke Mystery (7)
Washburn, Livia J. Fresh-Baked Mystery (12)
Wilhelm, Kate Barbara Holloway (10)
Willig, Lauren Pink Carnation (1)
Weiss, Kirsten

Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum(4)

✔Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum
Pressed to Death
Deja Moo
Chocolate a la Murder

V. SONOMA VALLEY

Even though I have more than 500 books on Mount TBR, I know that there will be times when I will be reading books that are not part of the mountain ranges - in essence, they will be shiny new books I couldn't resist, library books, book club selections. So if I am not reading from the mountain, I must be in a valley. My husband and I have made repeated trips from the East Coast to the California Wine Country and our favorite valley is Sonoma.

Here is where those undiscovered and undetermined books will be slated.

1. The Birth Order Book by Kevin Leman - book club
2. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo - granddaughter's class reading
3. The Wedding Tree by Robin Wells - book club
4. The Story of Arthur Truluv - book club
5. Strega Nona and the Magic Ring library
6. Strega Nona Meets Her Match library
7. Strega Nona does it again library
8. Strega Nona, Her Story library
9. Strega Nona Takes a Vacation library
10. Midnight Library by Matt Haig - book club
11. Midnight Library Book club kit by Matt Haig
12. A Caribbean Mystery - book club
13. Wine and War - WWII reading

1. One word title
2. By or about a marginalized group
3. Dark or light in title
4. Book with a character you'd like as a friend - Night Moves
5. Focus on art
6. Book with a title that describes you
7. Book you heartily recommend - Ruby Red Herring
8. A book about nature or the environment
9. Classical element in title (Western: earth, air, wind, fire, aether/void. Chinese: wood, fire, earth, metal, water) -
10. 2 or more authors - Sayers Swindle
11. Impulse read - Strega Nona and the Magic Ring
12. Love story - The Wedding Tree
13. CAT OR KIT - A Conspiracy in Belgravia MysteryKIT February
14. Set in or author from the Southern Hemisphere
15. A book that made you laugh Long Island Iced Tina
16. Suggested by a person from another generation - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane my granddaughter
17. New to you author - Birth Order Book
18. Set somewhere you'd like to visit - Wine and War France
19. History or alternate history - The Coming of the Third Reich
20. 20 or less LT members -Wedding Bear Blues
21. Less than 200 pages - Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
22. Senior citizen as the protagonist - A Tourist's Guide to Murder
23. Book with the name of a building in the title - Murder at Chateau sur Mer
24. Time in title, subject - No Ordinary Time
25. Book with or about magic -A Spell for Trouble

1ST QUARTER BOOKS READ

1. Wedding Bear Blues
2. Lavender Blue Murder
3. Murder at Chateau sur Mer
4. Page Marked for Murder
5. Sayers Swindle
6. Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum
7. Murder at the Arts & Crafts Festival
8. Birth Order Book
9. Dead-End Detective
10. Murder at the PTA
11. One Poison Pie
12. Egg Shooters
13. Peachy Scream
14. The Body From The Past
15. Little Bookshop of Murder
16. Crown Jewels of Europe
17. A Tourist's Guide to Murder
18. Peril in Paperback
19. Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
20. Spell for Trouble
21. Killer Comfort Food
22. A Big Fat Greek Murder
23. The Figure in the Photograph
24. Murder with a View
25. For Whom the Book Tolls
26. The Wedding Tree
27. Courting Can Be Killer
28. Farm to trouble
29. No Ordinary Time: Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt: Home Front in World War II
30. A Conspiracy in Belgravia
31. Book Charmer
32. Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
33. Night Moves
34. Cold Reading Murder
35. Here Comes the Body
36. Long Island Iced Tina
37. Under Cover of Murder
38. The Story of Arthur Truluv
39. The Coming of the Third Reich
40. Death Gone A-Rye
41. The Stolen Letter
42. Ruby Red Herring
43. Perilous Undertaking
44. Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua
45. Murder Can Haunt Your Handiwork
46. A Room With A Roux

2ND QUARTER BOOKS READ

47. A Glimmer of a Clue
48. Beware the East Wind
49. Wolfe Widow
50. Wining and Dying
51. Lethal Letters
52. Lemon Drop Dead
53. Athena's Choice
54. Where Have All the Birdies Gone?
55. Writing All Wrongs
56. The Deeds of the Deceitful
57. Whole Latte Murder
58. Winston's War
59. Killer Characters
60. Hex for Danger
61. Murder at Ochre Court
62. Beauty Expos are Murder
63. Two Wicked Desserts
64. Peaches and Schemes
65. Cookbook Conspiracy
66. Strega Nona and the Magic Ring
67. Strega Nona Meets Her Match
68. Strega Nona, Her Story
69. Strega Nona Takes a Vacation
70. Strega Nona does it again
71. Crown in Crisis
72. Murder in the Cookbook Nook
73. Midnight Library
74. Midnight Library Book club kit
75. The Malt in Our Stars
76. The Book Stops Here
77. Murder in the Bayou Boneyard
78. Flower Power
79. Left-Handed Booksellers of London
80. Jokers Wild
81. Murder in a Teacup
82. Murder at Mondial Castle
83. Ripped From the Pages
84. Murder 101
85. Picture Perfect Frame
86. Murder at Crossways
87. Haunted Hibiscus
88. Mint Condition Murder
89. Books of a Feather
90. Trace Elements
91. A Caribbean Mystery
92. Castle Shade
93. Cajun Kiss of Death
94. Wine and War
95. Murder at Kingscote

4TH QUARTER BOOKS READ

Beautiful pics! Good luck with your 2021 reading.

Hope you have a wonderful year scaling those mountains of books to be read!

What lovely pictures! I think keeping it simpler is a great idea - it's so easy to get overwhelmed with the number of challenges.

Have fun scaling Mt. TBR in 2021, Chelle!

Great pictures and a great idea on how to accomplish climbing the TBR pile. Unless I'm reading things wrong, it looks like you have a number of series with only 1 book to be up-to-date. I wish I could say that.

Love the images of the mountains. Wishing you luck in scaling mount TBR.

Great idea to keep it simple and use the number "2021" in a different way. Good luck with your series reading!

Chèli, wishing you a Happy New Year and the best of luck with your TBR climbing. I'll look forward to following your progress with BingoDog, too.

I love this! Happy mountain climbing!!

Great theme! My book acquisitions are out of control too . . . As you say, at least it's not alcohol or drugs!

Interesting way to organize your reading and some great pictures.

Hi Chèli, wishing you good luck as you climb Mount TBR in 2021!

Enjoy your mountain climbing, Chèli! Armchair exercise is the best!

Challenge Book # 1
Wedding Bear Blues ★★★★
Meg Macy
Category - Himalayas
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (M/P), 75 Book Challenge

Sasha Silverman and her sister, Maddie, are pretty busy leading up to Valentine's Day - not just with work at the Silver Bear Shop and Factory but they serving in the bridal for their friend Cissy who is turning into a bridezilla! Things go downhill when the best man is found murdered in a ladies' room stall at the rehearsal dinner. Oops, that puts the wedding on hold! Well, while they wait for rescheduling (and whatever changes Cissy is going to insist upon) design efforts go forward on a Wedding bear couple to be ready for the June wedding frenzy. Further wedding party issues keep Sasha and Maddie busy trying to solve the murder so that the wedding can proceed.

I love teddy bears! So to have my first book of 2021 be chock full of teddies thrilled me but the mystery kept me enthralled as well. The characters are funny and lovable. The story was well-written with clues well-hidden.

Challenge Book # 2
Lavender Blue Murder ★★★★
Laura Childs
Category - Alps
Source - OverDrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (M/P), 75 Book Challenge

Theodosia and Drayton are taking part in a old-fashioned shooting party (Indigo Tea is also catering) when they hear a shot that doesn't sound like it came from a shotgun but a revolver, so they head out to see if everything is okay. They come across their host, Reginald Doyle, shot and dead.

The days following are filled with private investigating of the people who were involved with Doyle's life as well as preparations for the Indigo Tea Shoppe's firsts of a Gone with the Wind tea and a Lavender Lady Tea. The possible suspects are frequently in the tea shop and Theo is busy checking into any connection that could be relevant to the murder.

The food that Haley provides makes your mouth water and the scents described the reader can almost smell. The regular characters are just like old friends.

I really wish there was an Indigo Tea Shoppe!

Challenge Book # 3
Murder at Chateau sur Mer ★★★½
Alyssa Maxwell
Category - Himalayas
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (M/P), 75 Book Challenge

Emmaline Cross, poor relation of the Vanderbilts and society columnist for the Newport Observer, is caught in a difficult situation when she is recruited by Senator George Wetmore's wife to discover the details that resulted in the dead body at the bottom of the steps at Chateau sur Mer, the Wetmore's home in Newport. The victim, Lilah Buford, a prostitute at the Blue Moon tavern, had been making an effort to contact Mrs. Wetmore at a polo match earlier in the day and now she was dead. What did she need to communicate with Mrs. Wetmore about? Was the matter the cause of her death? How could she have gotten into this guarded home without anyone knowing?

Emma sets out to find the answers but the manner of her investigation may endanger her livelihood if not her life.

It was great to see all the characters surrounding Emma again. The mystery was very complex as well as entertaining. The writing, as usual, was superb.

Challenge Book # 4
A Page Marked for Murder ★★★½
Lauren Elliott
Category - Alps
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (M/P), 75 Book Challenge

Greystone Harbor is preparing for their annual Fire and Ice Festival as the new year starts but Addie Greystone, owner of Beyond the Page bookstore, has preparations of her own to make. While standing outside in cold, looking at her empty display window, searching for inspiration, she is surprised by Pippi, a small dog who belongs to her friend Gloria, who never lets Pippi out of her sight. But where is Gloria. Crossing over to the Festival area, Addie finds that Gloria has fallen from a ladder and is injured. Martha, Gloria's friend arrives as the EMTs are taking Gloria to the hospital. Addie and Martha volunteer to get Gloria and Pippi's things from her home (Addie is recruited to dog sit) and while there, Addie notices that Gloria was reading a first edition of the Secret Garden - worth about $25,000.

When visiting Gloria the next day she asks Addie to bring the book to her so that she has something to occupy her while in the hospital. However, when Addie goes to Gloria's to pick it up, it's gone!

In the meantime, Martha has run into some trouble. Martha's daughter, Paige (Addie's assistant) is having custody issues with her daughter's father, and when he is found murdered outside Martha's bakery, Martha is the prime suspect.

Addie has to juggle Pippi's care, a murder investigation along with some romance of her own.

Such an entertaining story and very well-written!

Looking forward to seeing these characters again, hopefully soon!

Challenge Book # 5
The Sayers Swindle ★★★½
Victoria Abbott
Category - Alps
Source - OverDrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Jordan Bingham works for Vera Van Alst, living at her estate while helping to maintain the extensive book collection. Her main task at present is to recover the Sayers collection, eight Sayers mysteries that were stolen from Vera's collection before her employment. The local book seller, Karen Smith, had sold the books to another collector, not knowing they were stolen but she is unable to remember the details because of an attack which left her severely injured with a head injury resulting in memory loss. Jordan has been trying to help Karen jog her memory so that the new owners can be contacted to try to retrieve the books. When the buyers are located, their actions seem to be a bit strange and Jordan draws on her family to help determine what's happening and how she can get the Sayers collection back.

The twists and turns are accompanied by the less then lawful antics of her uncles, bringing a smile more than once. The characters still need some fleshing out, but the story was entertaining.

>26 cyderry: That one should be coming up soon for me on my TBR list from the library where I work. It does look like it should be coming up next month and maybe sooner.

Challenge Book # 6
Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum ★★★
Kirsten Weiss
Category - Rockies
Source - Nook
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (M/P), 75 Book Challenge

I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book. It had its moments, some interesting characters, but without the the Ghost detecting cat, and the hunky motorcycle shop owner, I'm not sure I would have made it through. The murder mystery wasn't very hard to solve, and some of the "regular" characters could stand some greater development. I might try another, but definitely not right away.

Challenge Book # 7
Murder at the Arts and Crafts Festival ★★★
G. P. Gardner
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (M/P), 75 Book Challenge

Cleo Mack, head administrator of the Harbor Village retirement community, has a lot on her plate the end of March when Fairhope, Alabama is hosting its Arts & Crafts Festival. Just before opening day, Cleo needs to check out the Art that is for sale to get something for the main lobby. She has also been invited to an anniversary dinner for her friends and her "boyfriend" has the new house being redecorated just for her.

When se returns from the anniversary dinner, she's told that Twinkle Thaw, sister of one of residents has been taken ill after her sister's birthday party. Later, Cleo finds out that Twinkle died of poisoning. Need to protect Harbor Village, Cleo sets out to find the murderer.

It's great when the protagonist is a few years older than normal and the other regulars are seniors. The story had multiple layers as well as a few good laughs.

Challenge Book # 8
The Birth Order Book: Why You Are The Way You Are ★★★
Dr. Kevin Leman
Category - Andes
Source - Nook
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

My ladies' Book Club selected this as a change of pace to start 2021 and we had a good time with it. The vast majority of the group were firstborns with a few middleborns and one baby in the mix. Mostly the group felt that the analysis stated was spot on with only a few disagreements. I, personally, didn't feel that I fit my birth order category, but everyone else said that it was definitely me. The discussion was lively and a great deal of fun and laughter ensued.

The style of writing for such a "serious" topic was light and friendly making us all feel as if Dr. Leman was speaking directly to us. Including his own family made it more personal however, he did seem to be trying to sell a bunch of other books at the same time. It was a good book for a book club to help getting to know each other better.

>32 cyderry: Fairhope! I've been there many times. I may need to try the series even if you only gave it 3 stars.

>34 thornton37814: Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, I just didn't think that the mystery was as good as the others in the series.

Challenge Book # 9
Dead-End Detective: A Piper and Porter Mystery ★★★
Amanda Flower
Category - Andes
Source - NetShelf
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (M/P), 75 Book Challenge

Was so excited about a new series by Amanda Flower - one of my favorite authors and then when I was granted an audio version to "read" that's even better! The story surrounds Darby Piper who as a partner with Samantha Porter owns a detective agency. But when Samantha is found murdered, Darby is totally thrown for a loop. Not only is she the prime suspect but instead of inheriting Samantha's part of the agency she is saddled with Tate Porter - Samantha's nephew - who seems to be a unreliable world traveler with a past. Will they be able to get along and figure out who and why Samantha met her end?

I really enjoyed the story as well as the narration by Laura Faye Smith. I can foresee a future of unusual collaborations between the two principals and know that Ms. Flower's writing will bring them even more fully alive!

>35 cyderry: I hope to start with #1 so maybe I'll be enjoying the series before I get to that installment.

>36 cyderry: Sounds like an interesting premise for that series. (I see we cross-posted. I had several threads open.)

When you have books that you really enjoyed reading, do you hold on to them or pass them on to someone else?

I always kind of think that I'm going to re-read them but rarely find time for a re-read - there are so many that I haven't read yet!

This week I was talking to my sister and she mentioned that she found an author, Mary Balogh, whose books she really enjoyed and when she told me who it was, I agreed saying that I loved her books too. Then we started talking about the Bridgerton series from Julia Quinn that's on Netflix and I said that I just loved the books. She said "They were books!!?" So I told her yeah and that she had just seen the adaption from the first book, that there were at least 7 more. I checked my catalog and found I had several on my shelf waiting for that elusive re-read. Today I boxed up all the ones that I'd already read to send to her. 14 were by Mary Balogh and the 8 first Bridgerton books. Her birthday's next week.

Happy early birthday to your sister! Great idea to pass along the books for her to read. I pass along books I've already read to my parents or my best friend, but I always tell them whether I want the books back. If I don't specifically say, though, they assume I want the books back.

Challenge Book # 10
Murder at the PTA ★★★
Lee Hollis
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (M/P), 75 Book Challenge

Sandra Wallage, the wife of United States Senator Stephen Wallage, has been elected the President of the PTA at the high school where her two sons attend, however, there doesn't appear to be smooth sailing ahead since not only has the local scandal sheet, The Dirty Laundry, targeted the Senator, but there seems to have been a murder at the school as well.

Sandra teams up with Maya, a former high school classmate/retired cop, to try to get to the bottom of who and why the Dirty Laundry is attacking.

The pace was very slow at the beginning, not sure if it was related to introduction of the characters or connecting everyone involved. A few fewer characters may have helped.

Challenge Book # 11
One Poison Pie ★★★★
Lynn Cahoon
Category - Alps
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (M/P), 75 Book Challenge

It's always fun to read about a good witch, reminding me of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North from the Wizard of Oz. In this new series, Mia Malone, a kitchen witch, has return to Magic Springs and is starting a catering business. She has an ex-boyfriend/chef who is after her recipe book, while at the same time sharing her home and business with the ex's sister. Mia's first client is murdered just before the birthday party that Mia is catering and the murder weapon could be Mia's missing chef's knife.

There is a full cast of characters that is integrated well into the story which leads to more character development.

My only question is - where is the poison pie?

Challenge Book # 12
Egg Shooters ★★★★
Laura Childs
Category - Alps
Source - NetShelf
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Suzanne Dietz decides that she's going to take a thermos of chili to her fiancé Dr. Sam Hazelet at the hospital, however, no good deed goes unpunished because while waiting to make her delivery she is a witness to a masked gunman killing the security guard and wounding a nurse. The only thing she can think to do to protect herself is to throw the thermos full of chili at the gunman. The gunman escapes, and Suzanne is labeled a hero. But she believes that the security guard was the hero and is determined to everything she can to find the killer.

The story was very well-written and the characters continue to grow. It was so much fun to be able to hear them in this audio version. The story really came to life.

Challenge Book # 13
Peachy Scream ★★★½
Anna Gerard
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (M/P), 75 Book Challenge

Nina Fleet, owner of Fleet House B&B in Cymbeline, Georgia is all prepared for the Georgia Amateur Shakespeare Players Troupe (GASP) to take up residence in her B&B for the annual Shakespeare Festival, what she wasn't prepared for was her archenemy, Harry Westcott III to be a member/director of the troupe. Calling a truce to their feud, Nina and Harry join forces when on the first day of rehearsals, Len, who was cast as Hamlet, is found dead in the garden. How did he die and are others at risk?

This was a very fun mystery with the characters continuing to b e fleshed out as well as the one time characters being very entertaining. And the dog will steal your heart!

Challenge Book # 14
The Body from the Past ★★★★
Judi Lynn
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (M/P), 75 Book Challenge

Jazzi Zanders along with her husband Ansel and cousin Jerod are starting on their next flipping project - manor type home in nearby Merlot. During demolition, they have come across a locked room. After breaking in, they find a time capsule, the room has not been open since the 70's when the teenage occupant was murdered at her high school graduation party and it was never solved.

Jazzi finds a hope chest with years of personal journals of the victim, but none of the family want anything to do with the contents. Jazzi can't seem to let Jessica's hopes die without justice and so she sets out to find out who end this young life.

What a great mystery! There were so many variants because of the time lapse since the murder but somehow this reader was completely sucked in.

I really love Jazzi and Ansel and their family dynamics. What a wonderful contrast to the mystery. Looking forward to the next one!

Challenge Book # 15
Little Bookshop of Murder ★★★
Maggie Blackburn
Category - Alps
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (M/P), 75 Book Challenge

Summer Merriweather, a Shakespeare professor, returns to Brigid's Island, NC, for her mother's funeral. Hildy Merriweather's death was completely unexpected and the more that Summer hears about her mother's last day, the more she is certain that death was not from natural causes. When there is a fire at her home and arson is determined, and then a burglary at the Beach Reads bookstore, Summer and her Aunt Agatha are sure that someone is trying to eliminate the family.

I enjoyed the mystery however, I'm not sure about the foibles of the main character. I think it would have been better without them. The Book club members needed more dimension as well as the other family members.

This was a Advanced Reader's Copy but even with that known there were a few too many grammatical and spelling errors.

Challenge Book # 16
Crown Jewels of Britain and Europe ★★★
Prince Michael of Greece
Category - Himalayas
Source - Amazon 2020
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (M/P), 75 Book Challenge

When I started watching the Crown on Netflix, I was intrigued by the flash and sparkled of the crown jewels. I purchased 3 books - Crown Jewels: The Official Illustrated History which showed all of Great Britain's crown jewels, The Jewels of Queen Elizabeth II: Her Personal Collection, and this book. I wanted to see how the British collection stood up to the rest of Europe. Europe lost. Some of the pieces from the Danish, Swedish, and Belgian were gorgeous, and the pictures in this book were so much better - more close up so that you could see the details - however, the variety and volume of Queen Elizabeth II's collection as well as the British Crown Jewels made this collection far superior to any other. I'm not sure why, maybe because of the extent of the British empire of Queen Victoria (who received much of the collection) or the acquisitions of the Russian Tsar's family jewels my Queen Mary.

Whatever the reason, if you want to see some really sparkly jewels, Great Britain has them hands down.

>47 cyderry: I will never stop finding the velvet hat inside the crown funny. I know it's for warmth in draughty old buildings and the fur rim is to cushion the wearer's head, but the velvet cushion sticking up through the metalwork just makes me giggle every time. :D

Challenge Book # 17
A Tourist's Guide to Murder ★★★½
V.M. Burns
Category - Alps
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge

Samantha is joining her Nana Jo and Shady Acres friends on a trip for a mystery tour of England - Sam to do research for her next book, the ladies just to have a good time. However, things don't start off well with forgotten passports, nearly missed planes, lost luggage, and the murder of the Tour company owner. Not that the ladies are suspects, but they do want to get involved in solving the crime. After all, they could be traveling with a murderer!

Not knowing the area/people/culture creates some interesting scenarios for this band of senior sleuths. I also enjoy the story within the story - Samantha's new book in progress. I wonder if the author will publish Samantha's writings all together at sometime.

Challenge Book # 18
Peril in Paperback ★★★★
Kate Carlisle
Category - Alps
Source - NOOK
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge

Brooklyn has been invited to the 50th birthday party of her friend Suzie's aunt Grace at her isolated country home located on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Grace had been the owner /primary designer for a computer game developer and she has taken her skills and incorporated them into the design of her retreat home - moving walls, hidden accesses and holographic changes.

One of the early "events" for the celebrations, is a séance where one of the guests is poisoned - but the poison was meant for Grace! A massive snowstorm arrives shortly after Gabriel who helps keep the remaining guests "safe" while waiting for the police.

This was so much fun - not just figuring out the whodunnit but also trying to picture the various changes as they happen.

>39 cyderry: I enjoyed the Netflix series Bridgerton, but I expect the books would make me crazy. I tend to dislike the 'romance' genre as a whole. I just can't get behind the whole idea of knowing the end before you begin with regard to happily ever after.

Challenge Book # 19
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane ★★★★
Kate DiCamillo
Category - Sonoma
Source - Public Library
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge

What a delightful story of a china rabbit and his adventures! As one who believes that stuffed animals, dolls and such do have feelings and a life somehow, somewhere, it was so much fun to read about Edward Tulane's adventures.

My granddaughter was reading this book for school and so I borrowed it from the library so that we could discuss it. With the pandemic still in our midst, phone calls and skype calls are our way of communicating and having such an amusing story to talk about was refreshing. Great for kids of all ages!

Challenge Book # 20
A Spell for Trouble ★★★½
Esme Addison
Category - Alps
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge

Alex Daniels has run into a bit of personal problems including unemployment, so she has accepted the invitation of her aunt to visit Bellamy Bay, NC and reconnect with her mother's family. During her time helping at her Aunt Lidia's herbal shop, Alex learns that she is descended from "mermaids" and is a water witch. When her aunty is arrested for a murder, Alex is determined to use her emerging powers to prove her innocent.

This was a fun story introducing Alex and her family. I can see many happy hours in the future in their company

Challenge Book # 21
Killer Comfort Food ★★★★
Lynn Cahoon
Category - Alps
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge

Angie Turner, co-owner and chef for the County Seat restaurant, has a lot on her plate literally. Besides her duties in the kitchen, Angie is battling a land takeover by a large conglomerate who want to building a soybean factory on her farm and those around her. She is the lone holdout for selling. She wants to stay on her little farm with her private little zoo. But things are getting tough - the townsfolk are anxious for the plant and new jobs and the improvements they think will come with it. However, the lawyer in charge of the land acquisition has his own problems - getting Angie to change her mind and the fact that his wife is missing. Why does the factory have to be on that piece of land? Is it all related?

Angie and her crew are a great cast of characters, people you would want as your friends. The story was interesting with sufficient twists and turns and a great ending.

Challenge Book # 22
A Big Fat Greek Murder ★★★★
Kate Collins
Category - Alps
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge

Athena Spencer works at her family's garden center keeping the books. She also helps out at the family diner on occasion. When a wedding rehearsal dinner is booked at short notice (her sister, Selene, is an emergency bridesmaid) Athena jumps in to help. But nothing can help the fact that the groom is a no-show and later found stabbed to death with her sister's hair shears. Athena is positive that Selene is innocent even as circumstantial evidence continues to point Selene's way. Enlisting the help of Case Donnelly, Athena is definite they can find the evidence unmasking the real killer.

The mystery was good, but I felt like the characters needed a bit more definition, more dimension. - right now they seem a might two dimensional. Maybe next book

Challenge Book # 23
The Figure in the Photograph ½
Kevin Sullivan
Category - Rockies
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. I'm not sure whether it was because of the beginning set in Cuba or images that it conjured but I just couldn't get with the main character or the story.

Probably was me, because the writing, though slow at times, gave the reader a good idea of the character's feelings and kept the action moving. I wasn't a fan of the shift in locale or lack of real tie-in between the Cuban portion and the Scottish portion.

Challenge Book # 24
Murder With a View ★★★
Diane Kelly
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge

Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck are house flippers but in this installment they are renovating an old motor lodge into condos. The location is close to the musical venues in Nashville so musicians may be as interested as promoters. Things, however, don't go according to plans. First day, they discover a homeless veteran squatting in Room 9 and Day two reveals the dead body of a well-known singer. The mystery of who killed the singer is filled with possibilities from a stalker, groupies, band members ,and managers and let's not forget the unknown girlfriend.

Whitney feels that they need to solve the murder before they can advertise the sale of the renovated units but that doesn't seem to be as easy as they hope.

The mystery seemed to lack a bit of spark and the characters were a bit two dimensional. I hope that the next installment will improve.

>57 cyderry: I like the cat on the cover!

>58 thornton37814: Sawdust (cat) played an important role in the book.

Challenge Book # 25
For Whom the Book Tolls ★★★½
Laura Gail Black
Category - Alps
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge

Jenna Quinn has had some setbacks - being on trial for murder and embezzlement may be more than setbacks - but being found not guilty has "freed" Jenna to search for a place to regroup and start again. Her uncle offers his home but Jenna won't get three until late. Jenna finds the key that he left for her and she settles in for the night certain that she can catchup with her uncle in the morning but setbacks keep following her - Jenna finds her uncle dead at the bottom of the steps the next morning.

The police determine that it was murder and because of Jenna's past and her subsequent inheritance, target her as the most likely suspect. Needing to clear her name once again has Jenna determined to solve the murder.

This was a really good start for a new series - the central character was very well defined, however, the secondary characters needed more fleshing out.
The setting was very appealing so I'm looking forward to another installment.

Challenge Book # 26
The Wedding Tree ★★★
Robin Wells
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge

Hope Stevens is called to Wedding Tree, LA to help her grandmother clear out her home so that she can move closer to family in an assisted living facility. Grandma Addie proceeds to tell Hope the love story of her true love during WWII and the subsequent actions that resulted.

I read this book for my ladies Book Club. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. It seemed very typical and didn't really have any great substance to the tale - just same old, same old.

Challenge Book # 27
Courting Can Be Killer ★★★★
Amanda Flower
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge

Ben Baughman is determined to marry Tess Lieb but Tess's father, Tobias, has other plans for his daughter and without his blessing the marriage will not take place. Millie Fisher, the town matchmaker, is quite found of Ben and tries to find out why Tobias is against the marriage but before the reasons are exposed Ben is killed in a fire at the Flea market. Ben was a hardworking man and Millie is certain that there was some other reason that ended Ben's life. She's certain when she starts getting threats.

Love to visit Harvest, OH and the Amish residents as they interact with the Englischers. The mystery was very well-written and the characters are superb!

Challenge Book # 28
Farm to Trouble ★★★★
Amanda Flower
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge

Shiloh Bellamy was a successful producer in Hollywood but when her father asked for her help on the family farm in Michigan, she chucks it all and heads back to her roots. Thinking that she can revitalize the farm by going organic, she signs a deal with a local developer not knowing his unscrupulous ways. When he is found murdered shortly after her return, she and her father are prime suspects. Shiloh needs to write a new script identifying the true murderer.

I liked the premise of the series but thought that the story dragged a bit at the beginning and was somewhat repetitive of some details as the story unfolded.

I love this author's books so I know this series will get better.

Challenge Book # 29
No Ordinary Time ★★★★
Doris Kearns Goodwin
Category - Andes
Source - Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge, US Presidents Challenge

2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and this book seemed a good choice to gather the information regarding the events of that time period. The start of the war in Europe was not covered in detail but only told as to how it affected the American economy and political environment. The portrayal of the lives of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and how they managed not only their private lives but the political arena (lending lease, isolationism, etc.) was extremely well chronicled. When the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, as the reader, even though I knew it was coming, i still felt the sense of shock that Americans must have felt at the time.

The details of the depravation of war time, the Japanese interment camps, the home front news were call shown in a manner that brought reality to the forefront.

Challenge Book # 30
A Conspiracy in Belgravia ★★★
Sherry Thomas
Category - Rockies
Source - Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge, MysteryKIT Challenge,

Charlotte Holmes and Mrs. Watson are still pretending that "Sherlock" is ill and that they are the go between for any clients. This story seemed a bit busy with everything that was going on - trying to help Lady Ingram find a lost love that turns out to be Charlotte's unknown half-brother, decoding a special cipher, martial art lessons, and the introduction of Moriarty all seemed too much to twist together and come up with a well-written mystery. Maybe a bit more definition and a little less "stuff" would have made this more enjoyable.

Challenge Book # 31
The Book Charmer ★★★
Karen Hawkins
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (T/K), 75 Book Challenge

This book doesn't seemed to be well titled, IMO. Yes, there is a character, Sarah Dove, who talks with books, however, she is not the main character. This story centers around Grace Wheeler who moves to Dove Pond with her orphaned niece and her former foster mother, Mama G, who has developed dementia. Grace has taken on the job of town clerk which has duties that she is not interested in undertaking. She only wants to make life easier for Mama G for the time that she has left. But because everyone in town believes that Grace is necessary to save the town from financial ruin, trickery and manipulation are involved in making her stay.

The segments that are related to Mama G's dementia and its effects were well-written and moving, however, the sections which were related to Grace as a mother to her niece and her interactions with the other town folk lack depth that would have made this a great book, now it is only pretty good. I wonder what will come in the future for the residents of Dove Pond.

Challenge Book # 32
Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ★★★★½
Jeff Gottesfeld
Category - Andes
Source - LibraryThing Early Reviewers
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (U/R), 75 Book Challenge

Living in the Washington, D.C. suburbs I have visited Arlington National Cemetery during my life, however, this small but beautifully illustrated book carries great depth in a few words. The story is told from the viewpoint of the unknown soldier who has been brought to this site to represent all the American soldiers who have died in war and were never recognized and returned to their families. The significance of the 21 steps, 21 seconds of waiting, the entire process that the guards go through is movingly told.

The tomb has been guarded non-stop since midnight July 2, 1936 by an elite group of soldiers, the "Old Guard", who believe that they are privileged to be awarded this assignment. They have never shirked their duty, not during hurricanes, blizzards, not 9/11 attacks nearby - they guard with honor.

Challenge Book # 33
Night Moves ★★★★½
Julie Mulhern
Category - Himalayas
Source - Amazon
Other Challenges - 75 Book Challenge

Ellison Russell is deliriously happy as she is now engaged to homicide detective Anarchy Jones, much to her mother's chagrin. Since Anarchy is the one investigating the death of the husband of one of her friends, maybe Ellison has stopped finding dead bodies. She has plenty of other problems to solve - a badly behaved dog, a former boyfriend moving in next door, her mother trying to change her matrimonial mind in favor of the old boyfriend, and oh, yes, a dead body.

I love, love, love this series. I don't know if it's because it's set in the 70's, the descriptions of Ellison's mother's reactions to whatever doesn't please her. It doesn't really matter because I laugh, I cry, my heart races - it's just terrific! I finish the book in a day and then I have to wait months for the next one. I will wait -IMPATIENTLY!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you, Cheli!

Challenge Book # 34
Cold Reading Murder ★★★½
R.J. Lee
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (U/R), 75 Book Challenge

Since I play bridge, I picked up this series and have greatly enjoy reading it. Combining two of my favorite pastimes (bridge and reading) is a win/win for me. This time Wendy Winchester is teaching 5 new players about the game. One is a psychic, and offers her home for the first lesson including readings for all the participants. The psychic is found dead and the town is reeling - who would do this? Was it one of the new players who didn't like what the psychic saw?

Definitely a fun read!

Challenge Book # 35
Here Comes the Body ★★★½
Maria DiRico
Category - Himalayas
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (U/R), 75 Book Challenge

So much fun!

Coming from an Italian family and having a Nonna nothing like the main character, Mia Carina, I laughed at many of the exploits of her Nonna (grandmother) and the rest of the family (part of the mob). Mia's father, Ravello, is the manager of the Belle View Catering Hall, which he is trying to run as a legitimate business (he wants to stay out of prison). He has Mia return to Astoria to be the event planner and her first one is deadly. A bachelor party with a stripper to pop out of a cake, turns into a murder investigation when no one pops out and instead a stabbed body is found within. Since Ravello had an argument with the victim previously, he's heading the list of suspects. Mia is determined not to need to visit the prison for her father (she already visits her brother - auto theft) and along with her Nonna works to find the killer.

loved it!

Challenge Book # 36
Here Comes the Body ★★★★
Maria DiRico
Category - Himalayas
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (U/R), 75 Book Challenge

I enjoyed the first in the series so much, I had to read this second one right away!

Mia Carina is still working at the Belle View Catering Hall with her father. This time Mia's best friend, Nicole, is having a baby and she has to deal with dueling baby showers. Nicole's mother is hosting the shower at Belle View Catering Hall while Nicole's stepmother, Tina, is hosting at the fanciest place in Manhattan (Nicole hates the whole idea but has to go along for her father's sake). For the shower at Belle View, Nicole is greeted by friends and family and has a great time until the Tina makes her grand entrance. Hoping that Mia will help her handle the next shower, Nicole invites her to the fancy one. The fancy shower is more a showcase for Tina than a baby shower and Nicole is so upset that she leaves early.
What Mia finds is that Belle View will need a lot of work if it plans to compete. But something isn't right here. When Mia later finds Tina floating dead near Belle View, she knows that she needs to find the murderer to keep Belle View from shutting down.

With her neighbors and Nonna helping, Mia investigates Tina's past and present to figure out who and why.

When is the next one coming? I want it now!!

Challenge Book # 37
Under the Cover of Murder ★★★★
Lauren Elliott
Category - Alps
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (U/R), 75 Book Challenge

Addie Greyborne is busy with the last minute preparations for her best friend's (Serena) wedding on board the family superyacht when she is asked by the local authorities to look at a portion of a book that was found on a body that washed up on the shore. As the local expert on books, the small fabric slice doesn't give enough information for her to make the identification but after the wedding, while perusing the yacht library she discovers the book in question. Then one of the wedding guests is found murdered the next morning and all the remaining guests are forced to remain aboard while the police investigate.

This was very interesting since all the suspects were there on the yacht and Addie was able to eavesdrop and question without having to travel around.

Love the characters and their interactions.

Challenge Book # 38
The Story of Arthur Truluv ★★★
Elizabeth Berg
Category - Sonoma
Source - Library
Other Challenges - 75 Book Challenge

I read this for my book club, I was the one who suggested it because it sounded so delightful and loving and with the pandemic still keeping people shut in we wanted something happy. Everybody loved it but me. I'm not saying I didn't like it, just that it didn't give me that happy feeling that I was looking for.

I did like the story of how Arthur befriends Maddy and takes her into his home - kind of adopting her. I also liked how Arthur never wanted to hurt his neighbor's feelings but was willing to do that if he need to to protect Maddy. Arthur was a very caring man. However, the sadness that Arthur exuded because of his wife, Nola's death dragged down my feelings as well so that by the end I had tears rolling down my face.

It was a well-written book, just not what I was looking for or expecting.

Challenge Book # 39
The Coming of the Third Reich ★★★★
Richard J. Evans
Category - Alps
Source - Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (U/R), 75 Book Challenge

I selected this book for background reading regarding World War II and my ongoing study of the United States presidents. Since I am currently "studying" FDR I felt that I needed to understand what the war was all about. Before reading this book, my total understanding of Nazi Germany was a dictator who wanted to rule the world while eliminating the Jewish people and showing the world Aryan supremacy. Wow, did I get an education! And now I know I need more information.

This book showed the dangers of following blindly the dictates of a charismatic leader who has his own agenda which may or may not be the best for all. IMO what I saw in Hitler from this book, was a man who originally wanted to free the German people from the penalties that had been inflicted on Germany by the Allies at the end of World War I. And that cause may have been valid, however, once he managed to gain power he went to the extremes of controlling everything forcing the German Jews before the war to leave or buckle under. Those that left survived, those that chose to remain were annihilated. Hitler took a fledgling democratic society and within a few short years, forced those that were not part of the Nazi party (5 major political parties) and wiped them out with violence and intimidation.

Reading of how artists and scientists were treated if they were Jewish or married to a Jew is shocking, but seeing the numbers and names of those who were involved even more so. Three of the displaced scientists—Einstein, Franck, and Schrödinger had already received the Nobel prize in physics. five more would eventually receive the prize. Artists were also driven out in a "cultural cleansing". Wikipedia states it better than I can. "In 1937 in Munich, two simultaneous events demonstrated the Nazis’ views about art. One exhibition displayed art that should be eliminated (“The Degenerate Art Exhibition”), while the other promoted, by contrast, the official aesthetic (“The Great German Art Exhibition”)." Modern artists were said to be compromising the purity of the German race and lost their jobs at galleries and such while artwork was removed and destroyed. If they remained in Germany, many ended up in concentration camps.

The revelations in this book are alarming. Similarities are noticeable with today's society. We must not let this ever happen again.

Challenge Book # 40
Death Gone A-Rye ★★★½
Winnie Archer
Category - Alps
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (U/R), 75 Book Challenge

Santa Sofia is abuzz with the news that Nessa Renchrik, the School Board President was murdered. Ivy Culpepper listens to the chatter at Yeast of Eden but when she finds that her boyfriend Miguel Baptista may be a suspect because he had an affair with her 11 years ago. The new town detective is trying to solve the murder before the Sheriff, his boss and Ivy's BFF/SIL, returns from her honeymoon. Ivy knows Miguel had nothing to do with it and sets her mind to clear him from police suspicion ASAP.

Love the main characters as well as the background. Recipes sound yummy!

Challenge Book # 41
The Stolen Letter ★★★★
Paige Shelton
Category - Rockies
Source - Public Library
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Delaney Nichols is returning from her honeymoon and rushing to her job at the Cracked Spine book store when she literally runs into a woman who looks enough like her to be an older sister. Finding that she is headed to the Cracked Spine as well, Delaney and Mary Stewart (she thinks she was Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots in a past life)walk together remarking on their resemblance. Feeling a friendship starting they agree to dine together with their husbands. After a pleasant evening, the next day Delaney is accosted with the news that the bookstore is being closed because of unsafe conditions. Barely having time to fathom this news, there is an explosion which they later find out killed Mary Stewart's husband, the man spear-heading the closure.

The story swirls around incarnations, bureaucracy and history but it is extremely fun!

Challenge Book # 42
Ruby Red Herring ★★★★½
Tracy Gardner
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (U/R), 75 Book Challenge

This was an absolutely sensational start to a new series!

I usually expect new series to be a bit slow at the beginning because of the need to introduce the characters and their relationships to each other, and there could have been a bit more background at the start, but by the time you are thoroughly involved in the multiple mysteries, the background has been peppered throughout and you have no problems connecting the dots if you are paying attention.

Avery Ayers parents were killed in an auto accident the previous year and now she is not only her sister's guardian but also in charge at the family business, Antiquities & Artifacts Appraised. Avery is starting a new appraisal project which is very high profile, and with it has comes threats, mysterious notes, break-ins, and murder. What does the Xiang Dynasty bejeweled dragon medallion have to do with this appraisal and possibly her parents death?

ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL! I couldn't put it down!

Challenge Book # 43
A Perilous Undertaking ★★★½
Deanna Raybourn
Category - Himalayas
Source - Amazon for Kindle
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (U/R), 75 Book Challenge

Veronica Speedwell, the daughter of the Prince of Wales, but unknown to the world, has been asked by Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria, to look into the conviction of her friend, Miles Ramsforth, for the murder of his mistress. She enlists the help of her colleague and friend, Stoker Templeton-Vane.

The investigation leads them into a world of Bohemian artist s and orgies as well as interaction with Stoker's estranged aristocratic family.

The mystery was well-written and the characters are developing nicely.

Challenge Book # 44
Murder Can Confuse Your Chihuahua ★★
Rose Pressey
Category - Himalayas
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (U/R), 75 Book Challenge

Celeste Cabot has an unusual talent, she is an artist who when she paints unknown to her as she paints, she inserts the spirit of a wondering soul who will then manifest itself to her. That would be okay if this didn't always happen when a murder has occurred. Because she has these ghosts hanging around she gets herself and others into some IMO stupid situations.

The mystery didn't real hold my attention and the main character for me needs a major rewrite. I will try one more in the series, but if there is no major character development, I will abandon this series. The idea is good, but the execution poor.

Challenge Book # 45
Murder Can Haunt Your Handiwork ½
Rose Pressey
Category - Himalayas
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (U/R), 75 Book Challenge

Celeste Cabot is an artist who has the uncanny ability to paint, unbeknownst to her, a picture inside her artwork of an unsettled ghost which results in their manifestation to her. They do this at a time when a murder has occurred in Celeste's area. Celeste feels that the ghosts are there to help her find the murderer and she throws herself into unusual situations that she should have just left alone.

I was really hoping that since there was a bit of a change of scenery for this craft fair (Biltmore in NC) that things would change , but, alas, same old, same old.
Celeste Cabot is the stupidest character I have ever come across in my reading of cozy mysteries and I can't tolerate her lack of discipline. She complains about her brothers always getting into trouble without thinking, this the pot calling the kettle black.

I will not be continuing this series.

>79 cyderry: You liked that one better than I did.

>82 cyderry: That one sounds dreadful. You rarely give anything 1/2 star. I know I can give that series a pass since >81 cyderry: was only 2 stars.

>83 thornton37814: Lori, For the Haunted Craft Fair series, I kept saying to myself that this character has got to get better, but it seemed she just got worse. I couldn't read and watch her stupidity anymore. The smartest thing I think she did in all three books I read, was lock the door. I really hate to give a bad review, I try to find something positive, but I just couldn't.

>84 cyderry: Hopefully your next one will be better.

Challenge Book # 46
A Room with a Roux ★★★½
Sarah Fox
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (U/R), 75 Book Challenge

Marley and her husband Brett are taking a romantic getaway in the mountains since they postponed their honeymoon. They have found what they think is the perfect spot - Holly Lodge. They have been snowshoeing and hot tubbing and have met some interesting people in this out-of-the-way B&B but things turn bad when they find the owner in a snowbank, stabbed to death.

Return home early, several of the other guests come to Wildwood Cove too. With some of the suspects in their town, Marley and Brett decide to protect their town, they need to find the murderer.

The story follows their efforts to a snowy conclusion. The regular characters are fun and the mystery was well-written.

Series - status after the first quarter
1 series abandoned
9 series continued, still books to read
12 series have had the most recent release read!
12 series were started (OMG! Why do I keep doing this to myself?)

BEST OF THE QUARTER - THERE WAS A TIE!

Night Moves series brought current
Ruby Red Herring new series started

I decided that since I really want to try to keep current on the series that I read, it might be helpful if I saw how I was doing. Not sure whether I'm encouraged or discouraged since the series kept current is the same number as new series started.

Just catching up on your thread. A busy year so far!

Challenge Book # 47
A Glimmer of a Clue ★★★½
Daryl Wood Gerber
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Courtney Kelly likes that she has fairy friends and enjoys her business of Fairy gardens and Tea shop but sometimes things are not always happy and fun. After breaking up a catfight between Wanda nd Lana in front of her shop, Courtney is hoping that they will stay away from each other but a few days later at a charity fundraiser, she finds Wanda over the murdered body of Lana holding the murder weapon. Wanda is dazed and not sure what happened. Can Courtney and her fairy friends find a way to clear Wanda of the murder?

What fun to picture the fairies whizzing back and forth trying to learn secrets from others! The characters are fun and the setting and mystery entertaining.

Challenge Book # 48
Beware the East Wind ★★★½
Barbara Barrett
Category - Alps
Source - Amazon
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Marianne, Sydney, Micki and Kat, the Mah Jongg foursome, have been asked by a friend's husband to clear his wife Portia of the murder of her catering business partner. Portia hasn't been arrested but she feels that it's just a matter of time. It seems that her partner who was also a hypnotist may have been learning secrets from her "patients" or was it someone else.

This was an interesting mystery because I have tried hypnosis and couldn't be put under. However, the characters involved may have been more susceptible.

I love seeing the ladies around the mah jongg table trying to put together all the clues. Fun, Fun, FUN!

Challenge Book # 49
The Wolfe Widow ★★★½
Victoria Abbott
Category - Alps
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Jordan Bingham loves her job. She lives with and works for Vera Van Alst, an eccentric old lady who collects books and has Jordan working to add to her collection. But things take an unusual turn when one evening a mysterious woman, Muriel Delgado, arrives at the estate and shortly after Jordan is fired and told to leave the premises immediately.

Totally confused, Jordan swiftly moves out and settles at her uncle's home but is determined to find out why she lost the best job ever. To do that she has to find out who Muriel Delgado is and what influence she has over Ms Van Alst. Having a few family members who nay or may not be members of the mob gives Jordan a few edges in her investigation of what's going on. But even mob connections don't necessarily mean that Jordan won't be in danger.

So much fun with an uncle who always seems to always screw up, disguises that are a bit over the top, burner phones, unregistered cars, crooked cops or not and characters that are out of character! The mystery is good too!

Challenge Book # 50
Wining and Dying ★★★½
Daryl Wood Gerber
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Crystal Cove is holding its 5th Annual Art and Wine Festival, where local artists submit entries for next year's poster and local wineries show off their newest vintages. Jenna Hart, owner of the cookbook nook coffee shop has entered a painting in the competition and is one of the finalists. Her friend's husband, Keller, is also. When the top competitor is found stabbed with with one of Keller's tools, Jenna jumps right in to try to find who is framing her friend.

The mystery with the art and wine references was good but this time a little on the mystery. It was pretty easy to figure out the murderer.

Looking forward to next time.

Challenge Book # 51
Lethal Letters ★★★½
Ellery Adams
Category - Alps
Source - Nook
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Olivia has gone to the church with her friend Michel for the final arrangements related to Michel's wedding in a few days. While there, workmen at the church uncover a time capsule buried in the sacristy wall. Olivia notices that there is a copper box about the size of a pair of shoes, however, when several days later she is told what the historical society discovered in the time capsule, there is no mention of the copper box. Knowing that the pastor was alarmed at the time of the discovery, Olivia is concerned at the disappearance. At the same time, Olivia has to deal with her young niece's finding of a young woman on the beach who apparently was murdered. Determining that the young victim was a friend of the Historical society leader, Olivia wonders if there is a connection. More and more clues are uncovered but who do they point to?

Love the mystery created by the time capsule being unburied. The characters and their interactions kept things interesting and the intricate plot fascinating.

Looking forward to the next one!

Challenge Book # 52
Lemon Drop Dead ★★★½
Amanda Flower
Category - Andes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Bailey King operates Swissmen Sweets with her Amish grandmother in Harvest, OH. A young Amish woman, Emily has worked with Bailey at the candy shop ever since her family shunned her because she had a baby out of wedlock. Few knew Emily's secret but now that she is happily married and expecting a baby, the town wants to help her celebrate by throwing her a baby shower. A stranger appears talking about Emily's first child and then that night the stranger is found strangled in the shop of Emily's estranged family.

Since no one knows about the stranger, Bailey takes what little she knows and starts hunting. The information and details that Bailey finds could tear apart friends and family, but can she ignore what she knows?

Terrific story, create character development, love the news that rocks all. can't wait for the next one!

Challenge Book # 53
Athena's Choice ★★★★½
Adam Boostrom
Category - Alps
Source - NetShelf Audio
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Can you imagine society 80 years from now, where a pandemic has killed all the men in the world and computers can control everything for human care from food preparation, clothing and housing all by 3 D printing and holograms? When this book started I wasn't too sure that I was going to manage to get through it, but amazingly, it hooked me and I literally couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting.

The story has all the amazing technological aspects I've noted but also a great story of a young girl, Athena, who has been put into an unusual position by the Third Core (master computer) where she has to help try to find the thieves that have stolen the research for the Lazarus Genome, an effort to bring man back from oblivion by re-populating the male of the species.

TOTALLY FANTASTIC BOOK!

>93 cyderry: >94 cyderry: I'll eventually get to both of those. I'm just way behind in series. I made a list of "next in series" books I need to work on reading. I'm hoping to be able to read some in the summer.

>96 thornton37814: I'm trying to catch up on some series - almost current with Books by the Bay.

Challenge Book # 54
Where Have All the Birdies Gone? ★★★½
Charlotte Elkins
Category - ALPS
Source - AMAZON
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Lee Ofsted has been struggling to move up the rankings of the lady professional golfers for several years managing to make enough money to play but not knowing how long she can do it with cheap motels, a car that's ready to give up the ghost and fast food. When she gets a call from Roger Finley the team captain for the Stewart Cup competition telling her that she has won the lottery position for the Stewart Cup event. Roger Finley is notably one of the best players of the day but has been having some difficulties of late. Lee will be Roger's partner and is extremely nervous that she will not have a good showing.

At the event, not only has Finley's caddie been murdered, but there has been an attempt on Lee's life as well. But why? Could it be the competition or is it more devious?

I really enjoy this series since my husband is an avid golfer. It gives me an insight to his passion. It is well written and the characters are interesting to follow.

I have finished climbing the ALPS! Please see message #2 to see where I am climbing next with my authors A through E!

Challenge Book # 55
Writing All Wrongs ★★★★
Ellery Adams
Category - APENNINES
Source - AMAZON
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Olivia Limoges and Sawyer Rawlings, finally wed, are taking their delayed honeymoon on Palmetto Island which is hosting the Legends of Coastal Carolina Festival. Their friends, the Bayside Book Writers Club, will join them in a few days. The island is full of tourists for the festival as well as a film crew for the No Quarter pirate TV show. Olivia also runs into her father/uncle who is a friend of the producer. When Olivia finds the producer's girlfriend dead on the beach one morning, the honeymoon starts to go south since Sawyer, a police chief from Oyster Bay, their home, feels obligated to get involved and help the small police force on the island.

The ghost stories of the island come in to play but why was the girl killed?

an interesting story with great characters and background.

Challenge Book # 56
The Deeds of the Deceitful ★★★½
Ellery Adams
Category - APENNINES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Cooper Lee was supposed to be getting married but because the long distance relationship failed she is a bit down in the dumps when she is asked by a friend to help plan her wedding. Reluctantly agreeing, Cooper enlists her sister Ashley to help. Ashley wants a trade of services - she'll work on planning the wedding for Cooper's friend if Cooper will get her Sunrise Bible Study group to help Ashley's friend evaluate her historic Inn as for readiness to open. The Bible group will have to suffer through elegant food, massages, just general pampering all for a good cause. But all doesn't go well because Ashley's friend's stepmother (co-owner of the Inn) dies under mysterious circumstances and Cooper's mother is a suspect!

The story was so much fun and I love the characters in this series! The generosity and love that exudes from the characters is tremendous. Certainly hope there are more coming for this series!

Challenge Book # 57
Whole Latte Murder ★★★★
Lena Gregory
Category - ANDES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Gia Morelli, owner of the All Day Breakfast Café, is supposed to go wedding dress shopping with her friend Savannah. However, Savannah, a realtor, has gone off to show an estate to Buster Clarke, an mob family member. When Savannah doesn't return for the shopping trip, Gia and her friend, Trevor go looking for her. Savannah has vanished but Buster is dead.

The entire town gathers at the café in preparations for an all-out search to find Savannah while Savannah's fiancé and Gia's boyfriend, police officers work at the crime scene. Gia has waited for news but it's time for her to join search but she finds Savannah drugged at her back door.

The feuding crime families are at Gia's door to gather whatever information they can about Bester's murder and Savannah's kidnapping but all Gia wants is to keep her friend safe. That's going to be tough when Savannah decides that she's going to find who did this to her.

The characters are fun, the writing superb! Looking for more!

Challenge Book # 58
Winston's War: Churchill, 1940-1945 ★★
Max Hastings
Category - ANDES
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

I am trying to increase my knowledge of the events that took place during World War II and in some ways this book was very helpful in that regard - especially the section about the evacuation at Dunkirk. However, I think that the book held a few too many political opinions for my liking in the overall aspect of report of the war.

I'll have to try to find another.

Congrats on scaling the Alps, Cheli. Good luck with the Italian mountains. ;)

Challenge Book # 59
Killer Characters ★★★★
Ellery Adams
Category - APENNINES
Source - Public Library Overdrive HCL
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

This is the final book in the Books by the Bay series and though it took me a while to gather the last ones, I regret that these wonderful characters will have no more adventures together.

The writing group is happy that they are together again and Olivia has offered to help Laurel find someone to repair a damaged Hummel figurine that belongs to her MIL who is dying. When Olivia goes to pick up the damaged piece she overhears a conversation between the MIL and her nurse which makes Olivia think that Laurel's husband and the nurse are having an affair. Feeling her friend should know, Olivia tells Laurel. But things for Laurel get worse when the nurse is found burned to death in her car making Laurel the prime suspect.

The development of the story is quintessential Ellery Adams - well-written, enthralling, with characters that jump from the page!

MAGNIFICENT SERIES, Miss Adams!

Challenge Book # 60
A Hex for Danger ★★★½
Esme Addison
Category - APENNINES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Alex Daniels is settling into her new life with her mother's family in Bellamy Bay, NC where she has learned that she is a water witch, possibly a direct descendant of the mermaid legend of Warsaw. At the annual Mermaid festival renowned artist Neve Ryland has created a mural of the Mermaid of Warsaw but shortly after its reveal, Neve is found dead. Alex and her family needed to protect their secrets while find out who and why Neve had been killed.

This series has some very interesting and unusual characters and the magic is so fun.

Challenge Book # 61
Murder at Ochre Court ★★★
Alyssa Maxwell
Category - Himalayas
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Emma Cross has returned to Newport to cover the coming out party for Cleo Cooper-Smith but she also has an ulterior motive as well. In NYC there was a large building in the poorer section of the city which collapsed killing and injuring many. She wants to interview the developer of the project as well as the architect. At the party, Emma is an eye witness to the electrocution of the guest of honor in a special chair designated just for her. Electricity is started to be spread to the homes of the wealthy and there are protests from the Gas company workers. When the police and the installer arrive to see what happened, both are severely injured with electrical burns. The electrocution was not an accident, but who would want a beautiful young woman to die?

Even though this series is set in the early 20th century with just the start of electrical service and no major late century technology, the mystery is compelling and the characters well-rounded. I really enjoy this series showing the struggles of a young woman who wants to make her way in world - a very early feminist.

Challenge Book # 62
Beauty Expos Are Murder ★★★
Libby Klein
Category - ANDES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Poppy McAllister has made her decision between Gia and Tim and things are not great. Telling Gia that she wants to be with him is complicated by finding out that he's married when his wife shows up! But trusting Gia when he says that he has been trying to get a divorce, Poppy goes to Tim to tell him that she has chosen Gia. Tim is not happy and forces Poppy to leave his restaurant and fires her as his baker.

Poppy and Gia have a booth at the Beauty Expo serving their gluten goodies and coffee specialties. When Poppy sees that Tim and his new girlfriend have set up a competing booth, she realizes how hurt Tim was. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Lance Rubin is also at the Expo touting his new procedures that will supposedly turn out to be a fountain of youth. But he's also a womanizer and has been trying to get Poppy to come for a "special" treatment. Coming to Dr. Rubin's procedure area with his coffee order, Poppy finds him dead on this exam table.

Who did this? why? The mystery is carefully woven throughout along with Poppy's troubles with Gia and Tim. I would have enjoyed more antics with Aunt Ginny but, alas, we had to suffer through Gia's mother's antics instead. This is one of my favorite series and I look forward to seeing Poppy realize the happiness she deserves.

Challenge Book # 63
Two Wicked Desserts ★★★½
Lynn Cahoon
Category - APENNINES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

Mia Malone is working hard to get her cooking school/ catering business off to a good start when a body is found at the back of her property. The body turns out to be a hitman, and the only connection that can be found is a witch who is staying with Mia and grandmother. Was the hitman going to kill her or was there another reason that he was there?

This s a fun new series by one of my favorite authors. The magical elements are entertaining and the characters are delightful!

Challenge Book # 64
Peaches and Schemes ★★★
Anna Gerard
Category - ANDES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/W), 75 Book Challenge

This third installment of the Georgia B&B mysteries has Nina Fleet hosting a booth at a Bridal Expo hoping to get brides to select her B&B for their venue. She is making friends with other vendors and when the final event, a wedding gown fashion show, ends with a vendor falling of a large wedding cake prop strangled to death, Nina realizes that it's one of her new friends. She had heard her arguing with her partner earlier and feels that she needs to relay this information to the police. They don't seem to be interested in the info that she has so Nina vows to find out who killed her friend.

It was entertaining, because of the interaction of the characters but the mystery wasn't that hard to solve. Maybe a bit more attention to the mystery and a little less to the humorous antics of her resident nemesis.

I have finished climbing the ANDES! Please see message #3 to see where I am climbing next with my authors F through L!

Challenge Book # 65
A Cookbook Conspiracy ★★★★
Kate Carlisle
Category - APENNINES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Brooklyn Wainwright, book archivist/restorer, is excited because her sister Savannah, a Cordon Bleu chef, has asked her to restore an old cookbook. Savannah means to give it to another chef, Baxter, who is opening a new restaurant in the city. On opening night, after a delicious gourmet meal cooked by Baxter's other Cordon Bleu alums, Brooklyn and her fiancé, Derek, return to the restaurant after a walk to give Savannah a ride home but instead they find Savannah over Baxter body holding a bloody knife and the cookbook missing . Determined to prove that Savannah was not the killer, Brooklyn and Derek start their own investigation (Derek used to work for British intelligence - handy huh?).

Brooklyn, having had made a copy of the cookbook pages, becomes enthralled by the 200 + year history revealed in the cookbook/journal. Derek notices a code on the pages, notifying his brother that works as a Cryptographer for MI6 who races to town to help break the code.

The secondary mystery of the code along with the search for Baxter's killer has the reader bombarded with clues but what do they pertain to? The murder or te reason for the code?

Wonderfully entertaining with more character development as well as new characters I hope to see in future installments.

Challenge Book # 67
Strega Nona's Magic Ring ★★★★
Tomie dePaola
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (I/N),75 Book Challenge

Big Anthony is at it again when he sees Strega Nona transformed into a beautiful young lady with the magic from her golden ring, he decides that he'll try it too. The ring transforms him into a handsome young man but when he is overrun by the young ladies in the village he cannot get the ring off to change back. He reaches Strega Nonna and vows to stay away from her magic.

So cute! I love these stories!

Challenge Book # 68
Strega Nona Meets Her Match ★★★½
Tomie dePaola
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (I/N),75 Book Challenge

From over the mountain Strega Amelia comes to visit Strega Nona and is amazed that Strega Nona has so many clients when she only uses the old ways to help them. Several days later Strega Amelia moves into the village with her new equipment and sets up shop. Slowly all the villagers stop coming to Strega Nona so she has to tell Big Anthony and Bambolona that she has no work for them. Bambolona goes to work at the bakery with her father but Big Anthony gets a job with Strega Amelia. The first weeks are fine but when Strega Amelia leaves for a few days and puts Big Anthony in charge, well, let's just say, Strega Nona was back in business shortly!

Just love these little books!

Challenge Book # 68
Strega Nona: Her Story ★★★★
Tomie dePaola
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (I/N),75 Book Challenge

This is the adorable tale of how Nona was born and became a Strega (witch) What charms me about the stories are the village (Calabria - where my Nona came from) and the fact that her Grandmother was Concetta - I had an Aunt Concetta. My heart warms with these stories.

Challenge Book # 69
Strega Nona: Her Story ★★★½
Tomie dePaola
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (I/N),75 Book Challenge

Strega Nona has been dreaming about her Grandma Concetta at the seashore and realizes that though she is in heaven, Grandma Concetta is trying to tell Strega Nona that she needs a vacation. So she leaves Bambolona to take care of her clients general needs and Big Anthony to attend to the animals and property. After some days at the seashore, Strega Nona sends gifts to her friends - bubble bath for Bambolona and candy for Big Anthony. However, Bambolona wants the candy so she switches the tags. Of course, Big Anthony, unaccustomed to bubble bath, uses the entire bottle and floats through the village.

What fun for the reader as well as Strega Nona!

>113 cyderry: My grandmother's middle name was Concetta! :) These Strega Nona books sound really cute.

Challenge Book # 70
Strega Nona: Her Story ★★★
Tomie dePaola
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (I/N),75 Book Challenge

Strega Nona has been asked to help her family by hosting her niece Angelina but it turns out to be a hard task. Angelina is a spoiled brat who only thinks of herself. She is despondent because the boy that she likes doesn't notice her, only because he is exactly like her - self-centered. Strega Nona figures out a way to make them both happy in the end.

What a delightful afternoon I spent reading the Strega Nona books. For anyone who has young children or grandchildren there are both entertaining and filled with a subtle message.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I'm hoping to read several cozies this summer. I want to begin to catch up on some of those series. Cozies tend to work well for me with all the stress at the moment. Tomie dePaola books are modern classics!

>115 christina_reads: They are such cute picture books and the stories are very amusing. I'm trying to find copies for some of my grandchildren.

Challenge Book # 71
The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication ★★½
Alexander Larman
Category -Ethiopian Highlands
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (I/N),75 Book Challenge

This book chronicles the reign of Edward VIII and the circumstances that led up to his abdication. It is filled with details of the events from various points of view - the King, Wallis Simpson, and numerous courtiers. Yes, the information is well delivered bringing the reader to the events.

However, it got to be extremely tiring to be constantly looking up words because it seemed the writer was trying to either give the reader a vocabulary lesson or he was trying to show off his own vocabulary. Maybe there should be a limit to the 5 syllable words in any book, but definitely a limit on each page. Fortunately, I had an e-book were I could automatically click on the word and get a definition. Foreign phrases were also very prevalent. Once I would look up the definitions insert those to the sentence the book moved along, however, the constant lookup caused the book to read extremely slow.

Informative, well-researched, but not well-written.

Challenge Book # 72
Murder in the Cookbook Nook ★★★★
Ellery Adams
Category -APENNINES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (I/N),75 Book Challenge

Storyton Hall is hosting a cooking competition where the challenges are all related to a book, and the chefs and TV staff are residing in the resort. Before the competition can even get started, there is a fire outside the tent, but the contest continues. The next morning the most disagreeable of the contestants is found dead vin the Cookbook Nook, a private area not to used by the guests. Why was he there? Was it an accident or did someone really dislike him enough to commit murder? As the challenges continued, so did the "accidents" - and in the end the surprise of all surprises.

I loved the twists and turns of the mystery, the chance to see Olivia Limoges and Cap'n Haviland again, and to know that the Fins at Storyton Hall are up to protecting Jane Steward and her sons from any unforeseen hazard.

Aside from the story, I do need to mention that this advanced copy that I received from NetGalley was riddled with grammatical and editing errors, something that I had never seen before. The issues did cause problems in the flow of reading because often a sentence needed to be analyzed to figure out what the author actual meant to have written. I do not believe that it was Ms. Adams error but the publishing/editing of the advanced copy.

No matter how many errors there were (I lost count after 2 dozen) the book was still a delight to read and I am looking forward to the next installment.

>120 cyderry: I hope to begin that series this summer. I have the first one according to my catalog, but I haven't read it yet.

>121 thornton37814: I've read all of Ellery Adams series and this is by far my favorite with all the book references and the uniquely named rooms at Storyton Hall.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Challenge Book # 73 and # 74
Midnight Library ★★★★½
Matt Haig
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library Overdrive and NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (I/N),75 Book Challenge

Nora Seed doesn't believe that her life has any purpose - her brother isn't talking to her, she loses her job, her neighbor doesn't need her help anymore, her cat dies. She decides to end it and that is when she enters the Midnight Library where she meets Mrs. Elm, her childhood school librarian, who explains that she has a chance to change things by looking at alternate lives where she makes a different choice than her root life. The lives that she explores are those where she is an Olympic swimmer, rock star, glaciologist, and a psychologist. Nora sees as she visits these different lives her Book of Regrets slowly dwindle but when she believes that she has found the life that she wants to stay in, she is pulled back to the library with only a short time to decide her fate.

So many times in your life you wonder what it would have been like if you had made a different decision and this book definitely makes the reader search their life and wonder what if.

Such a wonderful way to make someone believe that their decisions throughout their life have meaning, even the small ones.

Since my Book club selected this book for discussion I also got the Book Club Kit from NetGalley.

The questions that are in this Book Club Kit are extremely thought provoking fitting the book itself well. I had hoped that there would have been a bit more but the questions were extremely well done. I appreciated the additional information that was included with questions to the author of how he wrote the book.

Challenge Book # 75
The Malt in Our Stars ★★★½
Sarah Fox
Category -ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (I/N),75 Book Challenge

Sadie Coleman, owner of the Inkwell Literary Pub in Shady Creek, Vermont has arranged for romance author, Linnea Bliss, to come for a signing. Linnea will be staying with her assistant at the Shady Creek Manor, a grand historical hotel. Events are not all planned especially the death of Linnea's assistant who plummets to her death from a third story window. Was it an accident, or was she pushed? Sadie can't help thinking that if she hadn't made the arrangements for the author event the victim would still be alive. Sadie feels she needs to know the truth and is plunged into investigating since the police don't seem to be that interested.

The characters are progressing and the storyline was filled with clues and red herrings galore! Figuring it out was fun!

Challenge Book # 76
The Book Stops Here ★★★½
Kate Carlisle
Category - APENNINES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - 75 Book Challenge

The TV show THIS OLD ATTIC is visiting San Francisco and Brooklyn Wainwright has been asked to do the book appraisals for the shows that will be filming in the city. The first book that she is asked to appraise is a signed first addition of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Realizing the magnificent condition as well as the signature of the author, Brooklyn informs the owner (who paid $3 at a yard sale) of the high value and offers to make a few minor repairs that will have the book garner several thousands more than her current appraisal. The owner is ecstatic and gives the book to Brooklyn for the repairs. When Brooklyn visits the owner's shop to pickup the deposit, no check just a dead body. Is this related to the man who had attacked her in the parking lot of the theater where the show is being filmed?? Is he the real owner of the book?

Not only is Brooklyn in apparent danger but the show's host also has a stalker which is making the entire episode of THIS OLD ATTIC appraisals a bit dangerous, but have no fear, Derek Stone, Brooklyn's live-in boyfriend/security specialist is at her side and investigating who may be behind the murder as well as the other incidents at the theater.

Really enjoying catching up with Brooklyn and Derek. Recognizing old characters and being introduced to new regulars is keeping the series fresh.

Challenge Book # 77
Murder in the Bayou Boneyard ★★★
Ellen Byron
Category -APENNINES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (I/N),75 Book Challenge

Halloween has come to Cajun Country and to increase the tourists bookings at the Crozat Bed and Breakfast and other area B&Bs Maggie Crozat has developed Spooky Past packages so that visitor can get a scary holiday and vacation all in one. Maggie has also increased the amenities at the Crozat B&B by finding and hiring a distant relative for the spa. But was this a smart idea?

The mystery is full of a frightful cemetery, a wrathful Rougarou, a detective that is not exactly friendly, a talking parrot that always seems to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, multiple murders, and property line that could create major issues for the future.

All in all, a really fun read

Challenge Book # 78
Flower Power ★★★
Barbara Barrett
Category -APENNINES
Source - AMAZON
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Kat Faulkner is ready for her debut at Lombardi's Supper Club, but before she can step on the stage the Club is closed down because the new owner has dropped dead at his table. Since most of Serendipity Springs senior citizens and police force are in attendance, Sheriff Rick Formero (Kat's boyfriend) has to enlist her help in the investigation. Spending most of their time together not just interrogating witnesses/suspects but also reviewing forensic evidence, Kat and Rick have to cut off communication with Syd, Micki, and Marianne to have their partnership remain above board. Needless to say, Syd, Micki, and Marianne start their own parallel search for the truth.

I love these ladies! Not only do I enjoy the Mah Jongg references but I love their friendships and support of each other throughout. Fun mystery with fun characters!

Challenge Book # 79
The Left-Handed Booksellers of London ★★★
Garth Nix
Category - HIMALAYAS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (I/N), 75 Book Challenge

Susan Arkshaw has turned 18 and headed to London to try to find her father. Her mother is a little spacy and doesn't give Susan much info to help in the search so she is left with just a postcard from a "friend" of her father's. Before Susan can gather more information she is confronted by a young man who informs her of danger and helps her escape to where she is introduced to the Left-handed Booksellers who will protect her on her search.

Several items in this book bothered me. First, even though it is science fiction, I felt that it was a bit too graphic and frightening in some areas for the younger readers (It frightened me in spots!) and second, it was hard to follow in some areas. I felt that it could have stood a little more editing.

Disappointing for a fan of Garth Nix.

Challenge Book # 80
Jokers Wild ★★★½
Barbara Barrett
Category -APENNINES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Marianne Putnam has been selected to have her one act play - Jokers Wild - produced at the community theater in Serendipity Springs, Florida. She's thrilled, well mostly, the biggest drawback is the creep who has been hired to direct the production. When the creep is a no-show for opening night, Marianne gets dragged into searching for him and discovers the body floating in the pool.
Now a suspect, she is sidelined while her 3 friends, Syd, Micki, and Kat are paired up with Sheriff department detectives to try and find the murderer. But is Marianne safe or will she find the murderer (or he find her) before law enforcement does?

Just love how these ladies (and their husbands at times) throw their retirement aside and work to find the truth, even if they don't like the victim.

The relationships of the different couples are entertaining and keeping the action moving. Looking forward to the next one!

Challenge Book # 81
Murder in a Teacup ★★★½
Vicki Delany
Category - APENNINES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (I/N), 75 Book Challenge

Lily's Grandmother Rose is getting a visit from her friend Sandra McHenry along with Sandra's family. However, Heather, Sandra's granddaughter, has also invited the Frenches, her in-laws, who are no friends to the McHenrys. Things get a little tense and boil over when Ed French dies of poisoning and the McHenrys are lead suspects. Lily has to work fast because the poisoning took place in her tea shop and if she wants to save her business, she has to find the murderer.

This was a fun mystery and well thought out. I thought that maybe I'd missed some clues at the end but the finish was great!

Challenge Book # 82
Murder at Mondial Castle ½
Issy Brooke
Category - APENNINES
Source - Amazon Freebie
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (I/N), 75 Book Challenge

I got about halfway through this book and decided that I couldn't go any further. The "mystery" lacked depth, the characters weren't appealing, and overall, it just didn't do it for me.

Challenge Book # 83
Ripped From the Pages ★★★★
Kate Carlisle
Category - APENNINES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - 75 Book Challenge

Brooklyn and Derek are summering in Dharma (California wine country) while their apartment is bein renovated. The Dharma Commune (where Brooklyn grew up and her family lives) is having their wine storage cave enlarged but when the workmen come across a bricked up cavern, Brooklyn is the one who notices the body during the exploration. Not only is there a body which appears to be mummified, but that are hundreds of antiques and pieces of artwork. Where did it all come from? How did it get bricked up? Who is the dead man?

The ensuing search for answers was completely mesmerizing, the historical aspects interesting. And as usual Brooklyn and Derek alluring in their connection to each other and the people around them.

>131 cyderry: I generally like Delany's books. That one is on my radar already. I'm glad to see you mostly liked it.

>123 cyderry: that one's on my keep an eye out list. I heard about it on the BBC's lockdown book club and it sounded a most intriguing concept.

>134 Helenliz: I found Midnight Library totally absorbing, making me look at my own life a bit closer. First, trying to think of what it would be for me - library, video store, movie theater, restaurant - but then what were my regrets in life and were they from choices I made or things that didn't happen. Would I really want to make changes or could I be satisfied with the life that I've lived? Will I be more careful with decisions and choices I make in the future?

Absolutely fascinating.

Challenge Book # 84
Murder 101 ★★★
Lynn Cahoon
Category - APENNINES
Source - Amazon
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (C/D), 75 Book Challenge

Mia Malone has her culinary business in an old school in Magic Springs and it seems appropriate that she should cater the reunion for her mother's graduating class. Things get a bit confused when class members start trying to invoke magical spells and when head of the reunion committee is found dead in one of the old classrooms, Mia is forced to try a few spells of her own to keep her mother and grandmother from disaster.

A fun little novella to introduce Mia's mother and keep the characters growing. Looking forward to the next one.

Challenge Book # 85
Murder 101 ★★★
Lynn Cahoon
Category - APENNINES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (C/D), 75 Book Challenge

Jill Gardner attends a paint-and-sip event at the newest Main Street business where, sadly, her brushstrokes convince her that she is not another Picasso Most of the time the event is fun, sharing time with her fiancé and friends, but one couple is more into sipping than painting. Greg, her cop fiancé, keeps an eye on them and is happy to see that they will not be driving back to the B&B where they are staying. But how did the wife get back to the art shop and turn up dead the next morning? And why?

The story is filled with Jill's efforts to "help" Greg in the murder investigation as well as prepare for her BFF's wedding and start planning her own. The mystery was fun and the interactions of the characters was enjoyable as always!

Challenge Book # 86
Murder at Crossways ★★★
Alyssa Maxwell
Category - HIMALAYAS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (C/D), 75 Book Challenge

Even though Emma Cross is now the acting editor of the Messenger, she is forced to fill in as Society reporter at the Harvest Festival held at Crossways. All society is excited because eligible Prince Otto of Austria is scheduled to attend. Mrs Fish, the hostess, is horrified when the Prince is a no show but even more so when the Prince is found murdered in her garden. Mrs. Fish insists on teaming up with Emma to solve the murder and clear her name.

The mystery is further compounded by the discovery of another body on the beach who looks amazingly like Emma's brother Brady and who turns out to be connected with the Prince. When one of the young ladies at the Festival is murdered in the same manner several days later, Emma and Mrs. Fish begin to worry that others could be in danger.

This series is so interesting not just because it is well-plotted but because the research of the time period and descriptions come through masterfully. One can almost see the glitter jewels and elegant dresses

Challenge Book # 87
Haunted Hibiscus ★★★½
Laura Childs
Category - APENNINES
Source - Public Library
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (C/D), 75 Book Challenge

The Charleston Heritage society has been gifted the old Bouchard Mansion and in conjunction with a fundraiser, the society is holding a haunted house including the book signing of Willow French's book Carolina Crimes & Creepers. Timothy Neville, the Heritage Society President, isn't thrilled about the haunted house but Willow, his niece, convinced him that it would be great for her book. But things go horribly wrong when Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shoppe, sees Willow dangling from the end of a rope out of a third story window. As Willow's murder investigation starts, Theo's boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, is shot as he starts to enter Willow's apartment. Theo is determined to get to the bottom of who killed Willow as well as who shot her guy.

It's great to see that the characters brought to life with such entertaining mysteries.

Challenge Book # 88
Mint Condition Murder ★★★
Ellery Adams
Category - APENNINES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (C/D), 75 Book Challenge

Molly Appleby has made an appointment to interview a new antique dealer but when she arrives she finds a dead body. Needing to have something for her article, Molly decides that researching the life of the victim will help her to write the article as a memorial. What she finds, however, makes her wonder why the victim came to their town at all. Was there something from her past that drew her back? Why would that have endangered her?

But Molly has a mystery of her own - her long lost father has decided to appear and asks to meet with her. Her father left when she was just a baby. Can Molly forgive him? What secrets did her mother withhold that may affect her now?

The mysteries with the antiques as background are very entertaining but I feel that the characters need a bit more depth.

Challenge Book # 89
Books of a Feather ★★★½
Kate Carlisle
Category - APENNINES
Source - Amazon
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (C/D), 75 Book Challenge

Brooklyn has volunteered to help catalog the bookstore that her friend inherited as well as locating rare books which she will then get to repair and get ready for sale. She has also been solicited in a divorce trial as a book expert, If that's not enough to keep her busy, Derek, her fiancé has a friend visiting from China. The valuable books that she has in her possession may cause a security issue because when a friend of her parents is found dead in their apartment, Brooklyn feels certain that one of the books is the reason. But how do you figure which book and the link to why?

The characters intertwine so well adding their own special contribution to the mystery solving process. The setting is great and the book information is so well inserted into the story.

Challenge Book # 90
Trace Elements ★★★
Donna Leon
Category - ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (C/D), 75 Book Challenge

Inspector Guido Brunetti is again tasked with what seems to be the impossible - find out why a dying woman's claim that her husband was killed for "bad money" with no other clues or facts to help. Besides having to take baby steps to each clue, all of Venice has to deal with unseasonable heat. Where does Guido begin and will it take him to the right conclusion.

It amazes me that this series can have such great characters while also addressing social/environmental issues without seeming stuffing and boring. This time however, it seems that there wasn't enough character interaction for me.

Challenge Book # 91
Caribbean Mystery ★★★★
Agatha Christie
Category - APENNINES
Source - my shelves
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (C/D), 75 Book Challenge

In this classic Miss Marple mystery, Miss Marple is sent by her nephew during the cold weather at home to a Caribbean island to rest and recover from a respiratory illness. While there she gets involved in solving the murder of one of the other guests.

Miss Marple is amazing in her ability to see the hidden specifics of a situation and her ability to put together the clues to solve the mystery. I especially enjoyed the fact that after reading this book I realized that I didn't miss the technological advances of the past 50 years - no cellphones, no computers, no DNA, just common sense and an eye for details.

Challenge Book # 92
Castle Shade ★★★½
Laurie R. King
Category - ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (C/D), 75 Book Challenge

Mary Russell has been persuaded by her husband Sherlock Holmes to join him at Castle Bran in Transylvania, Roumania to help figure who is threatening Queen Marie and her daughter. Are the threats political or personal? Is the Castle and its staff involved or just bystanders? Are the images portrayed in Stoker's Dracula real or just being used to make the villagers and surrounding countryside nervous hostile? Will the Queen been driven away or worse?

It was so interesting to see the Transylvanian village both support their Queen while at the same time bee overcome by the superstitions of their ancient folklore. Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes never fail to solve the issues being addressed, but this time they also started addressing issues of their own.

Looking forward to Mycroft's reactions!

Challenge Book # 93
Cajun Kiss of Death ★★★½
Ellen Byron
Category - APENNINES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (C/D), 75 Book Challenge

Finally we get to the wedding of Maggie and Bo Durand along with her Grandmère and Lee Bertrand. Several weeks later the Cozart B&B is hosting the cooking crew of Chef Celebrity Phillippe Chanson who is opening a new restaurant in Pelican. Everyone is excited until the true nature of the chef comes to light - he steals recipes to take the credit for great food including Maggie's mother's recipes served at the B&B. No surprise when Chef Phillippe turns up dead but was it someone whose recipe was taken or was there some other reason.

I really enjoy the setting and characters in this series/book and only wish I could get some of the scrumptious sounding food!

Challenge Book # 94
Wine and War: The French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France's Greatest Treasure ★★★½
Donald Kladstrup
Category - SONOMA
Source - Amazon
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (C/D), 75 Book Challenge

Continuing my reading regarding World War II, I selected this book because I am an oenophile - a wine lover! I was extremely interested in finding out how the French vineyards/winemakers managed during World War II and was amazed at how much I learned.

Before the war started the 1930's saw cutbacks in shipments to the US due to Prohibition, but the winemakers and Americans manage to get around that by shipping win in crystal perfume bottles. Other tactics were also used so in ways preparing the Winemakers for the Nazi occupation. After the occupation after the men were sent off the German Army, limitations for those left behind included only German newsreels at the cinema, no American films, and
listening to American jazz was not allowed. The French food was rationed by calorie rationing 1200 per day for adults and 850 for the elderly but the restriction of no wine was the most painful for the French. Actions of subtle defiance - spilling drinks on the Germans, bad directions for German tourists, red, white and blue "accidental" displays as in clothing kept the French spirits up. The French Resistance helped to hide 100s of thousands of bottles of excellent wine while winemakers sent the poorer vintages to the German hierarchy. To prevent good wines leaving the area, Resistance would derail trains and hijack shipments. Resistance Leaders at times were even smuggled out of Occupied areas in wine barrels.

But the winemakers had other problems - their plow horses were taken for the army so that cows had to be used, chemicals/fertilizers were unable to be obtained and yet the German still required large numbers of bottles of wine to be sent to Germany each month. There were even weinfurhers who were responsible to canvas each of the major wine regions - Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne - for the best wines.

But French Army finally was able to join the fight after D-day. During the Champagne Campaign, the French troops advanced up the western side of the Rhone where the best vineyards were planted while the Americans went up the other side where the lesser wines were made. Frequently the French troops slowed down so as to prevent battles taking place in the vineyards.

The great vineyards frequently said that from 1939 to 1945 paltry wines were made but when the war ended in 1945, there was a tremendous harvest.

I was happy to read that the vast majority of the vineyards were able to survive.

This was a very well-written book with interviews from family members whose vineyards were part of the battle for French wine.

One bad note - there was a part where an American soldier from Baltimore was described as a avid Oriole fan. Sorry, the Orioles did not come to Baltimore until 1954. I know because it is my hometown team!

This would be a great book for any oenophile!

Challenge Book # 95
Murder at Kingscote ★★★½
Alyssa Maxwell
Category - HIMALAYAS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (C/D), 75 Book Challenge

Emma Cross, now the editor-in-chief of a local newspaper in Newport is having dinner with the King family at Kingscote when it is discovered that the butler has been hit by the motorcar that the Kin's drunken son had been driving earlier in the day. Mrs. King enlists Emma and her boss Derrick Andrews to find out what really happened.

Emma and Derrick use their social connections to delve into the history of the butler and why he was a target.

Enjoyable mystery with a good historical venue. The characters could use a bit more growth, they seem to in a stalemate but possibilities loom!

>141 cyderry: I'm pretty sure I added the next in that series to my list. I'm way behind on that one. I've read one or maybe two. You have several other series here I've never heard of.

>148 thornton37814: Lori, which are new to you?

I've been really trying this year to catch up on series that I really enjoy but have gotten woefully behind on.

>149 cyderry: The Byron and Maxwell series were new to me.

>150 thornton37814: I like the Maxwell series because it's set at the end of the 19th century with some modern conveniences (telephone, electricity) and the Bryon series is so New Orleans!

>151 cyderry: I might need to check it out (as if I don't have enough series already going or on my radar already).

>152 thornton37814: I know that feeling! I can't tell you how many times I've had to tell myself "No, you are not starting another series!" Somehow or other it still happens!