Cheli's Mountainous Category Challenge for 2021 Part 2

Mount TBR is shrinking but still heights to be conquered!

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.

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 - I finished the Alps and went to the Apennines, but finished that climb too, so now I'm off to the Pyrennes!

Andes - finished climbing the Andes and am now hiking in the Ethiopian Highlands.

Himalayas - finished the Himalayas now climbing the Caucasus!

Rockies - books in the Rockies are hiding but I'll get there yet!

Sonoma Valley - some very interesting visits here!

I. The Pyrennes - authors with initials A through E - 21 books

Some of my favorite authors will fit in this category.

These were read for my trek over the Alps.
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

the next range, the Apennines saw these books
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
21. Once Upon a Spine by Kate Carlisle

Now we are visiting the Pyrenees on the border of France and Spain.

1. Buried in Books by Kate Carlisle
2. Pumpkin Spice Killing by Lynn Cahoon
3. Secret Staircase by Sheila Connolly
4. The Book Supremacy by Kate Carlisle
5. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
6. Death and Sensibility by Elizabeth Blake
7. The Grim Reader by Kate Carlisle
8. Marsh Madness by Victoria Abbott
9. Little Black Book by Kate Carlisle
10. Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis
11. On the Fringe by Aaron Elkins
12. Without a Brew by Eliie Alexander
13. The Beach House by Rochelle Alers
14. Hammet Hex by Victoria Abbott
15. From Port to Rigor Morte by J.C Eaton
16. To the Tome of Murder by Lauren Elliott
17. Charleston Challenge by Barbara Barrett
18. Dragon Lady Gets Her Due by Barbara Barrett
19. The Cure for What Ales You by Ellie Alexander
20. Death on the Shelf by Allison Brook
21. Courtesy Call by Barbara Barrett

Well, I finished another range so we're off to the Scandes. The Scandinavian Mountains or the Scandes is a mountain range that runs through the Scandinavian Peninsula. The western sides of the mountains drop precipitously into the North Sea and Norwegian Sea, forming the fjords of Norway, whereas to the northeast they gradually curve towards Finland.


Can I get another range of 20 done?

1. Origin by Dan Brown
2. Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas by Lynn Cahoon
3. A Murder Yule Regret by Winnie Archer
4. A Killer Christmas Wish by Lynn Cahoon

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
✔Courtesy Call

Lynn Cahoon

Tourist Trap Mystery (1)

✔Picture Perfect Frame

Cat Latimer Mystery (2)

Body in the Book Drop
✔A Killer Christmas Wish

Kitchen Witch (2)

✔One Poison Pie
✔Two Wicked Desserts
✔Murder 101
✔Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas

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 (2)

✔Death Gone A-Rye
✔A Murder Yule Regret

Barrett, Lorna - Booktown Mystery (10)
✔Alers, Rochelle - Book Club (1)
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)

Victorian Village (1)

✔ Secret Staircase

Coyle, Cleo - Coffeehouse (10)
Davis, Krista -

Domestic Diva (8)

The Diva Wraps It Up
The Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss
The Diva Serves High Tea
The Diva Cooks up a Storm
The Diva Sweetens the Pie
The Diva Spices It Up
The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit
The Diva Says Cheesecake!

Pen & Ink (1)

✔Murder Outside the Lines

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

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.

These are the books that were read in the Andes.

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

Now I'm still exploring he Ethiopian Highlands.
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
5. Draw and Order by Cheryl Hollon
6. The Sign of Death by Callie Hutton
7. Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke
8. Booked for death by Victoria Gilbert
9. A Deadly Edition by Victoria Gilbert
10. Second Time Sweeter by Beverly Jenkins
11. Transient Desires by Donna Leon
12. Crimes and Covers by Amanda Flower
13. Claret and Present Danger by Sarah Fox
14. Marriage Can be Mischief by Amanda Fox
15. A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder by Dianne Freemann
16. Wrinkle in Thyme by Sarah Fox
17. Southern Double Cross by Caroline Fardig
18. Poppy Harmon and the Pillow Talk Killer by Lee Hollis
19. A Calculated Whisk by Victoria Hamilton
20. Bear Witness by Lark Jensen

one extra

Mistletoe Cake Murder by Lena Gregory

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(2)

✔Courting Can Be Killer
✔Marriage Can be Mischief

Magical Bookshop Mystery (1)

✔Crimes and Covers

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
Freeman, Dianne

Countess of Harleigh (3)

✔A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder
A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder
A Fiancee's Guide to First Wives and Murder

French, Tana Dublin Murder Squad (1)
Gardner, Tracy -

Avery Ayers Mystery (2)

✔Ruby Red Herring
Peril at Pennington Manor

Shepherd Sisters Mystery(2)

Behind the Frame (2020)
3. Still Life and Death

✔Gardner, GP Cleo Mack mystery (1)
Anna Gerard

Georgia B&B Mystery (2)

✔Peachy Scream
✔Peaches and Schemes

Gilbert, Victoria

Blue Ridge Library (2)

✔Deadly Edition
Renewed for Murder

Book Lover's B&B

✔Booked for Death
Reserved for Murder

✔Gregory, Lena All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery (2)
Gregory, Philippa - Plantagenet and Tudor Novels (13)
Hamilton, Victoria

Vintage Kitchen Mystery(1)

✔Cast Iron Alibi
✔A Calculated Whisk

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)

✔Second Time Sweeter
✔On the Corner of Hope & Main

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
14. Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
15. Murder by Page One by Olivia Matthews
16. Camp Jupiter Classified by Rick Riordan
19. Cluttered Corpse by Mary Jane Maffini
20. Death Loves a Messy Desk by Mary Jane Maffini

I have finished climbing the Himalayas so I am moving on to the Caucasus Mountain Range stretching from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea on the border of Asia and Europe. 21 books are the goal but not sure that there is enough time left in the year. I'm going to give a a shot.




1. Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn
2. The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny
3. Lyin' Eyes by Julie Mulhern
4. Camp Half-Blood Confidential by Rick Riordan
5. Hollywood Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal
6. Death with a Double Edge by Anne Perry
7. Chapter and Curse by Elizabeth Penney
8. It's beginning to look a lot like murder by Maria DiRico
9. Bear a Wee Grudge by Meg Macy

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 (2)

✔Night Moves
✔Lyin' Eyes

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 (2)

✔Wedding Bear Blues
✔Bear a Wee Grudge

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 (6)

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

Hope to get to:

✔, Susan Elia Maggie Hope (1)
Maffini, Mary Jane -

Charlotte Adams (4)

✔The Cluttered Corpse
✔Death Loves a Messy Desk
Closet Confidential
Busy Woman's Guide to Murder

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

Trials of Apollo (7)

✔The Hidden Oracle
The Dark Prophecy
The Burning Maze
The Tyrant's Tomb
The Tower of Nero
✔Camp Half-Blood Confidential
✔Camp Jupiter Classified

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. Dressed for Death in Burgundy by Susan C. Shea
6. Deadly Editions by Paige Shelton
7. Murder with Orange Pekoe Tea by Karen Rose Smith
8. Murder on Washington Square by Victoria Thompson
9. Murder on Mulberry Bend by Victoria Thompson
10. The Lost Girls of Foxfield Hall by Jessica Thorne
11. The Murders at Foxglove Close by Rose Temple
12. The Lure of the Moonflower by Lauren Willig
13. The Hollow of Fear by Sherry Thomas

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 (1)
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
14. Big Lies in a Small Town - - book club
15. The Secret Lives of Codebreakers- WWII reading
16. The Giver of Stars - book club
17. The Halloween Tree - book club
18. Monuments Men - WWII reading
19. The Burning Shore - WWII reading
20. Bear Stays Up for Christmas - library
21. Bear Can't Wait - library
22. Christmas Bookshop - book club
23. Christmas Pig - holiday
24. Twisted Tea Christmas- library

Well, I even managed 21 and a few more undiscovered and undetermined books!

1. One word title - Origin
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) - Camp Jupiter Classified
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

3RD QUARTER BOOKS READ

96. Once Upon a Spine
97. Dressed for Death in Burgundy
98. Deadly Editions
99. Buried in Books
100. Draw and Order
101. Murder with Orange Pekoe Tea
102. The Sign of Death
103. Big Lies in a Small Town
104. Pumpkin Spice Killing
105. Secret Staircase
106. Hidden Oracle
107. The Book Supremacy
108. Murder at Page One
109. Sense and Sensibility
110. Camp Jupiter Classified
111. Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder
112. Death and Sensibility
113. Murder on Washington Square
114. Booked for death
115. The Grim Reader
116. Murder on Mulberry Bend
117. Cluttered Corpse
118. A Deadly Edition
119. Death Loves a Messy Desk
120. Second Time Sweeter
121. On the Corner of Hope and Main
122. Marsh Madness
123. The Lost Girls of Foxfield Hall
124. A Treacherous Curse
125. Little Black Book
126. Transient Desires
127. Crimes and Covers
128. Claret and Present Danger
129. The Secret Lives of Codebreakers
130. Murder Outside the Lines
131. Giver of Stars
132. The Murders at Foxglove Close
133. Marriage Can be Mischief
134. A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder
135. The Madness of Crowds
136. Wrinkle in Thyme
137. Southern Double Cross
138. The Lure of the Moonflower
139. Poppy Harmon and the Pillow Talk Killer

4TH QUARTER BOOKS READ

140. Lyin' Eyes
141. Hollow of Fear
142. Camp Half-Blood Confidential:
143. On the Fringe
144. Without a Brew
145. The Beach House
146. Hollywood Spy
147. Halloween Tree
148. Calculated Whisk
149. Death with a Double Edge
150. Chapter and Curse
151. Hammet Hex
152. From Port to Rigor Morte
153. To the Tome of Murder
154. Charleston Challenge
155. Monuments Men
156. Dragon Lady Gets Her Due
157. The Cure for What Ales You
158. The Burning Shore
159. Death on the Shelf
160. Bear Stays Up for Christmas
161. Bear Can't Wait
162. Courtesy Call
163. Bear Witness
164. Origin
165. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder
166. Christmas Bookshop
167. Christmas Pig
168. Twisted Tea Christmas
169. Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas
170. A Murder Yule Regret
171. A Killer Christmas Wish
172. Mistletoe Cake Murder
173. Bear a Wee Grudge

Happy new thread, Chèli!

Happy new thread, Cheli - you are doing an excellent job of clearing your shelves for the new books. That's the best thing we can do with our book buying addictions - just keep them moving along. :)

Excellent work climbing three different mountain ranges! Thanks for sharing the great photos, too :)

Happy new thread! Looks like your next one will be 100!

Challenge Book # 96
Once upon a Spine ★★★½
Kate Carlisle
Category - PYRENNES
Source - Amazon
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (O/S), 75 Book Challenge

Now that Brooklyn and Derek are settling into their renovated expanded condo in San Francisco, they are exploring their own neighborhood and have found lovely shops and restaurants (good since Brooklyn can't cook!) but they are sadden when they find one of their new friends/shopkeepers dead and another injured. When it appears that the death was no accident, Brooklyn and Derek set out to find who murdered their friend and disrupted the tranquility of their home area. At the same time, Brooklyn is worried about meeting her future British in-laws and how they will get along with her former hippie parents

The interaction of the parents and how they connect was really amusing!

Love the series and the characters!

Challenge Book # 97
Dressed for Death in Burgundy ★
Susan C. Shea
Category - ROCKIES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (O/S), 75 Book Challenge

I was really hoping that the second book in this series would show an improvement of the character development, but no luck. The Characters didn't seem to really have any life and they were very 2 dimensional. Beside the lack of character development there are also too many characters to keep everything straight.

I will not be continuing this series.

I've been trying to organize my series reads a little to get me back on track with some of them. I've got far too many under way to ever catch up or complete all of them, but I'm going to try to catch up or complete a few and advance in some others. I've also got a lot of things downloaded onto my Kindle to "try" that need to be added to the list. I think I've come up with a plan that will help me accomplish this and will probably help determine categories for the 2022 challenge. It will also help me determine which series I decided to abandon so I won't even take a look at those!

I have not even begun to think about 2022 categories. I'm still just retraining myself to read at the level I had been at before.

>18 thornton37814: Lori, That was my problem too, too many series and trying to juggle them all. So I took the list and since I was working by author in the categories, I picked 5 authors that would be at the top and then the rest would be "oh, I hope I can get to them too".

So far, it seems to be working for me. I've caught up on several series that I was woefully behind on, and actually kept current on a few others. The ones that I was very far behind, I decided that I binge read in one or two months.

Right now I'm binging on Kate Carlisle's Bibliophile series. I've already done series by Ellery Adams, Lynn Cahoon, and Amanda Flower, but I still need to keep up with others that I only have one or two to read. Next on the list for binging are Barbara Barrett, Alison Weir, and Deanna Raybourn.

Good luck with your catchup!

Challenge Book # 98
Deadly Editions ★★★★
Paige Shelton
Category - ROCKIES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (O/S), 75 Book Challenge

Delaney Nichols receives a secretive invitation to participate in a scavenger hunt where the grand prize is the inheritance of Shelagh O’Connor's entire library which is filled with first editions. Shelagh had been very enamored of the Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in her youth and had even been caught portraying the character back in the 70's so when a figure is seen resembling Shelagh in her disguise of years past, and then robberies and death follow, all eyes look for Shelagh, but she's been kidnapped.

Following Delaney and the other characters as they try to decipher the clues to solve the treasure hunt and figure out who has taken Shelagh was loads of fun and very entertaining. So unique in a mystery, I loved it.

Challenge Book # 99
Buried in Books ★★★★
Kate Carlisle
Category - PYRENNES
Source - CHIRP
Other Challenges - 75 Book Challenge

Brooklyn and Derek are finally tying the knot ut because she has planned everything so well and all the details are taken care of, Derek convinces Brooklyn that it's fine for the week before the wedding if she participates in a library conference and shows off her skills as a book restorer/bookbinder. At the conference, Brooklyn runs into her two roommates from graduate school that she has not seen in years. There had been a major argument between Heather and Sara over a man (who had been Heather's boyfriend but ended up with Sara) and in the fallout, Brooklyn lost both friends. When Sara is found literally buried under crates of books in the storage area, Brooklyn is worried that Heather may have been involved because of the continued animosity between the two. Or could it have been related to the rare book that Sara had given Brooklyn as a gift?

I loved this mystery, bringing some of Brooklyn's past history to light as well as being woven together with wedding plans/wedding. My heart was pounding at the end. The characters were so fun.

I got this book from an audio book site, CHIRP - the audio version was very well done.

Challenge Book # 100
Draw and Order ★★★
Cheryl Hollon
Category - Ethiopian Highlands
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (O/S), 75 Book Challenge

Miranda Trent's business of taking tourist on a a hiking/painting excursion is busy in this book with members of the Risky Business Adventurers who are college friends who get together every year for a hiking adventure. However, what they find brings back more than memories - trouble is included. Are they all climbing toward trouble or repelling from danger?

This was an interesting little mystery but I'm not sure that the premise of the series will be sustainable. The characters as described can only go so far.

Challenge Book # 101
Murder with Orange Pekoe Tea ★★★½
Karen Rose Smith
Category - ROCKIES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (O/S), 75 Book Challenge

Daisy and her Tea Garden are helping to raise money to build a women's shelter in their small town however, there are people who are not in favor of this coming to be. Daisy has also met a new friend, Piper, who is going through a difficult time because of an electrical accident at the fertility clinic. However, during the fundraiser, masked protestors appear and the disturbance has townsfolk nervous. The lawyer representing both one of the protestors as well as the fertility clinic is found murdered and Daisy feels a need to help her new acquaintance who appears to e a prime suspect.

I really enjoy this series but I had a hard time with the connections between the Women's shelter project and the fertility clinic problems - were we just trying to get more suspects? Isn't there a better way? The two didn't seem to go together. But I still enjoyed visiting with Daisy and her family and friends.

Challenge Book # 102
The Sign of Death ★★★½
Callie Hutton
Category - Ethiopian Highlands
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (O/S), 75 Book Challenge

Lady Amy Lovell understands how William, Viscount Wethington feels when he is under suspicion in the murder of his man of affairs, after all, she has in that same position before. Together William and Amy need to find who actually killed the businessman and why. In the midst of their investigation, they have a few personal issues arise - Lord Wethington's mother has decided to move in with him (trying to get him married) while at the same time Lady Amy's father and brother arrive for a lengthy visit.

This is a fun series set in the Regency period. The characters are enjoyable and the stories well-written.

Challenge Book # 103
Big Lies in a Small Town ★★★½
Diane Chamberlain
Category - SONOMA
Source - PUBLIC LIBRARY
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (O/S), 75 Book Challenge

Anna Dale has been awarded a commission in 1940 to paint a mural in the Post Office in Edenton, North Carolina and when she arrives she is not warmly welcomed. First she is woman and she is from the North. The citizens of town felt that a local artist would be selected and aren't happy that he was not. The events which surround the painting of the mural are quite startling. But that is not all that the book is about. Fast forward nearly 80 years and we meet Morgan Christopher, a young artist in prison who is offered an opportunity to be paroled and all she has to do is restore the mural. Knowing nothing about restoration techniques, Morgan nevertheless accepts and heads to Edenton, NC for her job.

How the two timelines converge and meld with the mural taking center stage is extraordinary. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the story.

Challenge Book # 104
A Pumpkin Spice Killing ★★★★
Lynn Cahoon
Category - Pyrennes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Angie Turner of the County Seat restaurant and her staff are at a team building retreat at River Visa Veteran’s Home. While they are there only 2 veterans are in residence and the facility coordinator is not exactly friendly. Angie has taken her dog, Dom with her and Dom has decided that one of the residents is his new best friend and he will guard her while the workers do their renovations. Angie settles on taking care of the meals while the other staff are painting and cleaning. Is there a secret that will be discovered when the building is restored to good condition?

A light mystery in this novella with great characters and a dog you just want to hug!

Challenge Book # 105
The Secret Staircase ★★★★
Sheila Connolly
Category - Pyrennes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (O/S), 75 Book Challenge

This is the third and I'm assuming final book in this series. Kate Hamilton has returned to her hometown of Asheboro, MD to attempt to revitalize the area by taking the abandoned home of Victorian era Henry Barton and create a Williamsburg-like Victorian village. Constant issues arise - a hidden staircase with a dead body, and later on another death on a staircase - Kate is beginning to question if the Barton project will ever have clear sailing, but the discovery of the diaries of the former mistress of the house yields fascinating details previously unknown.

I truly enjoyed this series and it saddens me that the author is no longer with us and cannot continue to recreate the Victoria town that is Asheboro. It is a great loss to those who enjoyed Ms. Connolly's writings.

Challenge Book # 106
The Hidden Oracle ★★★★
Rick Riordan
Category - HIMALAYAS
Source - PUBLIC LIBRARY OVERDRIVE
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (O/S), 75 Book Challenge

What Fun! I love this new series about Apollo losing his "godliness" and being made human where he has to prove to Zeus that he deserves to be made a god again. Apollo is now a 16 year old with "acne and flab" which makes him thoroughly disgusted with his makeover. Having been the god of healing, prophecy, and music, Apollo is having difficulty accepting the fact that he can't even heal his own acne let alone help others. Apollo is rescued from a mugging by a feral demi-god, Meg, and together they find Percy Jackson who helps them to get to Camp Half-blood. There, Apollo finds that several of the demi-gods are missing and the Oracles are not functioning. Apollo with Meg's help must find a way to save the missing Oracles so that prophecies are available again.

This book was a great with the characterization of Apollo being a self-centered egotistical teenager who believes that Zeus, his father, just doesn't understand him and how important he is as a god. It appears that Apollo will have to prove himself by performing some heroic deeds before his father stops punishing him.

For a lover of Percy Jackson and mythology this series looks like a winner to me!

Challenge Book # 107
The Book Supremacy ★★★½
Kate Carlisle
Category - PYRENNES
Source - CHIRP
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (O/S), 75 Book Challenge

Little does Brooklyn Wainwright know that when she buys a little in the book stalls of Paris while on her honeymoon, that she is bringing home not only her hunky husband, Derek Stone ex-MI6 agent turned security specialist, but a reason that endangers both of them. The book, Ian Fleming's The Spy who Loved Me, has a secret that someone is willing to kill for.

I loved the mystery and the way that the story evolved. The characters are great.

Challenge Book # 108
Murder by Page One ★★★
Olivia Matthews
Category - HIMALAYAS
Source - NetGalley, NetShelf
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (O/S), 75 Book Challenge

the main character in this book, Marvella Harris, has moved to Peach Coast, Georgia to be the new Director of Community Engagement at the library. The locals are a bit standoffish and her lack of understanding of the local expressions has her feeling that she is in a foreign country and requires a translated. Another new resident, Jolene Gomez, the bookstore owner, is holding a book signing for local authors. When one of the authors is found stabbed to death in the storage room, Jolene is the chief suspect and Marvy promises her new friend to find out who the real murderer is.

I'm not really sure what to say about this book. It didn't seem to have a definite direction. It rambled at times and the characters were missing s sense of reality.

With the audio version it was difficult to keep track of which character was speaking - the narrator didn't seem change voice clearly.

Challenge Book # 109
Sense and Sensibility ★★
Jane Austen
Category - PYRENNES
Source - My shelves
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (J/V), 75 Book Challenge

This classic novel by Jane Austen is the tale of the Dashwood family and how the daughters, Elinor and Marianne, embody the Common sense (Sense) and emotion (Sensibility) in each of the sisters. The death of their father which leaves them homeless (he left their home to their half brother, John), is made more difficult when John's wife convinces him that the sisters don't need him to supplement their income even though John had promised his father that he would take care of his sisters. Each sister has to embrace the quality of the other sister to find their happiness.

I'm not a fan of this book. It seem to be very preachy and the characters of Elinor and Marianne very 2 dimensional. But I can check it off my ist of unread classics.

Challenge Book # 110
Camp Jupiter Classified ★★
Rick Riordan
Category - HIMALAYAS
Source - PUBLIC LIBRARY OVERDRIVE
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (J/V), 75 Book Challenge

Claudia, the Fourth Cohort's newest probatio, daughter of Mercury, has arrived at Camp Jupiter at the same time as strange events are happening. Is she to blame or can she be the hope for survival? Can Claudia's journal provide the answers? The reader goes along with Claudia to various "crime scenes" to find the answers.

Fun companion book for Apollo's trials.

Challenge Book # 111
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder ★★★
Joanne Fluke
Category - ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (J/V), 75 Book Challenge

Hannah Swensen is still trying to adjust after her "husband's" murder in the previous book. Afraid to face the condo where it happened, she is staying with her friend Norman, at his house.
The mystery this time is the murder of Mayor Bascomb, and the prime suspect is Hannah's sister, Andrea. Hannah has to find out what was the motive for Mayor Bascomb's murder and who did it.

The mysteries in this series (now at #27) have reached the point of almost being non-existent but when you are invested in the characters, the mystery isn't important. They do seem to have a few too many recipes.

Challenge Book # 112
Death and Sensibility ★★★½
Elizabeth Blake
Category - PYRENNES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

The town of York is hosting the Jane Austen Society conference at the fanciest hotel in town but things start downhill when the featured speaker Barry Wolf dies of what looks like a heart attack. But Erin Coleridge, one of the organizers, along with her friend Farnsworth Applesby think that it was poison. When the waiter from the evening of Wolf's death is found dead, Erin is even more convinced.

Erin and Farnsworth's investigation is surrounded by the Regency convention and numerous quirky characters and panel discussions.

Not sure how this series will progress with the Jane Austen theme.

You are really plowing through the books right now! You'll be ahead of me number-wise soon!

I just realized I forgot to post this!

Series - status after the second quarter so far in 2021

2 series abandoned
13 series continued, still books to read
26 series have had the most recent release read!
14 series were started (OMG! Why do I keep doing this to myself?)

BEST OF THE QUARTER - Athena's Choice

Excellent work on getting up to date with 26 series!

Just an update for everyone - my eye is recovering well but the strain of actually reading has slowed my regular book reading down but I have managed to keep my reading going with audiobooks. I've only managed 2 regular books in the two weeks since surgery but I've finished 6 audiobooks in that time. Fortunately, the library has had several of my TBRs in audio so I've been finishing off books that were on the mountain ranges with corresponding audiobooks.

I can also say that I have been trying to catch up on a few series that I have been woefully behind (more than 4 books) and I have done that on the bibliophile series by Kate Carlisle (just the one released this month left) and am now working on the Gaslight series by Victoria Thompson - 20 books at the start of the year!

Thank God for Audio books!

>39 cyderry: I decided to change up the "cozy" listens for something a little different this time. I'm listening to Girl Waits with Gun at the moment. I'm sure I'll go back to a cozy or police procedural after it though.

Challenge Book # 113
Murder on Washington Square ★★★½
Victoria Thompson
Category - ROCKIES
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (J/V), 75 Book Challenge

Sarah Brandt is contacted by the son of her next door neighbor Mrs. Ellsworth. Nelson. He is concerned about a young lady that is "down on her luck" and with whom he has had a personal relationship after meeting at the bank. When she is found murdered in the square, Nelson is the prime suspect. But was the victim who she appeared to be or was there something more to her than a naïve young woman?

This was a well-written and well plotted mystery with numerous twists and turns as well as hidden clues. Set in the early 20th century it doesn't need all the tech to keep the reader searching for answers.

Challenge Book # 114
Booked for Death ★★★½
Victoria Gilbert
Category - ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (J/V), 75 Book Challenge

Charlotte Reed inherited Chapters, a literary themed B&B, from her great-aunt Isabella and it was just the right time for a move and change. The unexpected death of her husband has left her a widow in a town that is very invasive so moving to a new location is just perfect for her to maintain her privacy and grief. However, the B&B is a bit more than she expected and Charlotte is constantly telling herself that she needs to be more communicative with her guests. When a not so nice quest is murdered during one of the Chapters' events, and Charlotte seems to be a suspect, she is determined to clear her name and find the real murderer.

This was a great start for a new series with characters that are multi-dimensional and well-written.

Challenge Book # 115
The Grim Reader ★★★★
Kate Carlisle
Category - PYRENNES
Source - CHIRP
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Brooklyn and Derek have come to Dharma in the Sonoma valley wine country where there is going to be a Book Festival. Brooklyn will be demonstrating her techniques and teaching children how books are bound. The theme for the Festival is The book Little Women and Brooklyn has been asked by the local bookseller to repair a first edition of that book. Brooklyn 's mother is the chairman of the Festival committee and she has had her hands full trying to thwart an obnoxious guy who is trying to making a fast buck and ruin the integrity of the wines made in Dharma by association. When a committee member is murdered, embezzlement discovered, and threats start flying, Brooklyn and Derek gather their families and friends to protect their loved ones and find the killer.

It was great to see not just Brooklyn's family but Derek's as well when they went into protect mode. The mothers are an absolute hoot and the food description mouth-watering. I always enjoy the descriptions of Brooklyn at work.

Challenge Book # 116
Murder on Mulberry Bend ★★★★
Victoria Thompson
Category - ROCKIES
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (J/V), 75 Book Challenge

Sarah Brandt's mother has been trying her hand at matchmaking for her widowed daughter but Sarah and her date, Richard Dennis agree that they are just friends. Richard has asked Sarah to accompany him to the Prodigal Son Mission where his late wife volunteered so that he can better understand why she went to this area of town. When Richard and Sarah are in the mission, Sarah thinks that she is not doing enough to help the poor and decides to make various donations. Along with her own time that she will use to educate the women on hygiene, she later brings some older clothes that she no longer wears.

Several days later Det. Frank Malloy recognizes the clothes and hat on a dead body as belonging to Sarah Brandt. He is devastated until the body is turned over and he sees that it is not Sarah. But how did this person get Sarah's clothes and was Sarah the target?

This mystery was very engaging because of the underlying emotions that were continually shifting between Sarah, Malloy and Dennison. Very well-written.

Challenge Book # 117
The Cluttered Corpse ★★★
Mary Jane Maffini
Category - HIMALAYAS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (J/V), 75 Book Challenge

Charlotte Adams, professional organizer, has gone to the home of Emmy Lou Rheinbeck to determine if there is away to help her with her stuffed animal collection. While there Emmy Lou is harrassed by two men (possibly mentally deficient?) but Emmy Lou, though frightened, refuses to doing anything to the men. When Charlotte comes back for a meeting the next day she is thrust into a scene of chaos where one of the men is at the bottom the stairs DEAD and Emmy Lou is saying that it's her fault. Even though Charlotte doesn't know any of these people she takes it upon herself to find out why Emmy Lou would do this or even if she did.

I really didn't like this scenario at all. Why would you put yourself in danger for people you didn't know, especially when they kept telling you to go away? This whole plot seemed ridiculous.

>42 cyderry: I have that series on my radar, and I'm glad to hear you thought it had a nice start. I don't know if I'll get to it this year, but perhaps next.

>41 cyderry: >44 cyderry: I see you are getting caught up on Sarah Brandt. I need to get back to that series. I read many of them before LT, so I'll need to figure out which of the unmarked ones for me are really unread. I'm pretty sure I've read both of those.

>46 thornton37814: I still have 20 to go on Sarah Brandt!

Challenge Book # 118
A Deadly Edition ★★★
Victoria Gilbert
Category - ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (J/V), 75 Book Challenge

Amy Webber has a few short weeks until her wedding to Richard Muir but it doesn't seem like smooth sailing because an uninvited guest at their engagement party is found murdered. While they are busy doing their jobs, handling the final wedding arrangements, fittings and such, Amy is also trying to find out if the murder was related to Richard's friend Kurt Kendrick or even her brother, Scott, who is visiting until the wedding. Things get pretty scary when Scott disappears so Amy moves forward juggling everything to solve the murder and have the perfect wedding.

The characters seem to have stagnated a bit in this one - hopefully the wedding will get them moving forward in the future.

Challenge Book # 119
Death Loves a Messy Desk ★★★
Mary Jane Maffini
Category - HIMALAYAS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (J/V), 75 Book Challenge

Charlotte Adams has been hired to help clean up the desk of a new employee without letting her know that she has been targeted as the messiest desk in town, but what Charlotte isn't prepared for is the office politics that lead not only to the murder of the office b**** but also threats to her own life.

For someone who is supremely organized, Charlotte needs to be a bit more under control. I finds it hard to believe that she can get so involved with a company/person with so little contact as in this book. I think it needed to be thought through a bit more.

Challenge Book # 120
Second Time Sweeter ★★★★
Beverly Jenkins
Category - Ethiopian Highlands
Source - Public library
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (J/V), 75 Book Challenge

The town of Henry Adams has had its troubles but the town is still growing. However, right now the citizens have to deal with the return of Malachi July, the town "grandfather" who had been caught embezzling from the town diner. Malachi wasn't prosecuted because he agreed to make restitution but the citizens are all very bothered by his attitude. When he finally comes to terms with how the townsfolk, especially the children, perceive his actions, the lessons that are learned are huge. At the same time , Gary Clark, a single father, is trying to deal with a visit from his ex-wife and his former girlfriend.

I love this series and the characters. Hope that the town of Henry Adams continues for a long time.

Challenge Book # 121
On the Corner of Hope and Main ★★★★
Beverly Jenkins
Category - Ethiopian Highlands
Source - Public library
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (J/V), 75 Book Challenge

Good things are not happening for Bernadine Brown at this point. Not only is she trying to recover from the difficulties in her relationship with Malachi July (he embezzled $70K from the diner) but her ex-husband, Leo, has "moved" to Henry Adams to try to disrupt all the good that Bernadine has accomplished in the town. Leo had originally planned to run for mayor but decided that he would just help Riley Curry with his campaign. What Leo didn't know or understand is that even though Riley was the former mayor, he was also persona non grata for the citizens in town.

The story surrounding the election and all the candidates as well as the other citizens' lives just kept me wanting more. It amazes me that more people don't rally around the BLESSINGS!

Challenge Book # 122
The Marsh Madness ★★★
Victoria Abbott
Category - PYRENNES
Source - Public library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (J/V), 75 Book Challenge

Jordan Bingham is thrilled that she will be accompanying Vera Van Alt to Summerlea, Chadwick Kauffman's estate for a luncheon where they will finalize the purchase of several first editions of books by Ngaio Marsh. Everything seems to have been perfect except that Chadwick Kauffman turns up dead the next day and Jordan and Vera are prime suspects.

The plot and antics of Jordan trying to prove their innocence is a bit over the top. I wish that some of the stereo typical mob aspects were just eliminated from this series. It would be so much better that way, IMHO.

Challenge Book # 123
The Lost Girls of Foxfield Hall ★★★
Victoria Abbott
Category - PYRENNES
Source - Public library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (J/V), 75 Book Challenge
This is the story of two strong women from different times and how their lives magically intersected.

I'm not really sure how I feel about this book. At times I wasn't sure that I wanted to continue because it seemed to just be in a repetitive loop but then other times I was on the edge of my seat because of the tension created and not having any idea of where the story was going. The two main characters were strong women - Ellie from 1939 and Megan from 2019. The use of old English names in some the areas of the book caused some confused because they were somewhat similar but unusual. I'm glad I finished it but probably won't read another by this author.

>48 cyderry: I know you can't judge a book by its cover, but that one wins with 2 cats on front! It's the one up next for me in that series.

Challenge Book # 124
A Treacherous Curse ★★★½
Deanna Raybourn
Category - CAUCASUS
Source - Public library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Stoker's (Revelstoke Templeton-Vane) former friend and expedition partner, John de Morgan, who had deserted him while stealing his wife away, has returned supposedly to London but has disappeared with the diadem found by his new partner, Sir Leicester Tiverton. Stoker must address his feelings for his former wife as well as determine what happened to de Morgan. Stoker and Veronica are enlisted to recover the diadem before the exhibition opening for the Tiverton expedition from Egypt. The twists and turns - lost hotel rooms, Anubis sightings - fill the story and carry the reader forward to an ending that is somewhat unexpected.

The series' characters are continuing to evolve, can't wait for more!

Challenge Book # 125
Little Black Book ★★★★
Kate Carlisle
Category - CAUCASUS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (F/L), 75 Book Challenge

Derek has received a rare first edition of REBECCA but the sender is unknown. Brooklyn assumes that it was really meant for her because the book needs some TLC, however when Claire Quinn arrives at their door asking about the package, matters take a different turn. Claire , an expert on antique weapons that Brooklyn worked with on THIS OLD ATTIC, is concerned about her missing aunt and the only clue she has is the receipt for the package sent to Derek. Claire becomes a target of several burly men (who later turn up dead) and she has no idea why. Derek and Brooklyn believe that a code found in the book could be the answer but the code has to be broken. Enlisting not just Brooklyn's family in Dharma but Derek's in UK, the three head to Scotland to try to find the missing aunt and solve the mystery.

Great mystery with characters coming back from previous adventures and more reveals of Derek's past. GREAT!

Challenge Book # 126
Transient Desires ★★½
Donna Leon
Category - ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (F/L), 75 Book Challenge

Two young American girls are dumped at the dock of the hospital. They are injured but who brought them and what happened? This book is missing on many plains because Commissario Brunetti doesn't really seem to that interested in "answering" the questions and the reader isn't given any reason to be invested in the outcome.

Terribly disappointing.

This series may be winding down. I have been disappointed in the last two installments. If the next one doesn't show improvement back to the normal level of plot/mystery/characters, I will be discontinuing read it.

Challenge Book # 127
Crimes and Covers ★★★★
Amanda Flower
Category - ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (F/L), 75 Book Challenge

The countdown has started for the wedding of Violet Waverly, Charming Books proprietor, and Police Chief David Rainwater. Will everything go smoothly, not likely. Several days before the wedding an unpleasant woman comes into the bookshop demanding that Violet buy a first edition WALDEN immediately. When Violet refuses, the woman leaves but that's not the end of it. After the wedding, on the way to the reception, Violet and David see a body floating in the river, and David jumps in to retrieve them. Violet recognizes the victim as the woman who accosted her about the WALDEN book. Reception and honeymoon are disrupted as well as the lives of many their friends. What happened and where is the book?

Lve the story, how the wedding and mystery are interwoven. Great series, great characters!

Challenge Book # 128
Claret and Present Danger ★★★½
Sarah Fox
Category - ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (F/L), 75 Book Challenge

Sadie Coleman, owner of the Inkwell Literary Pub, is excited that the Trueheart Renaissance Faire and Circus has finally opened. Touring the fairgrounds with her friends, Sadie has wish that she be able to see the show put on my illusionist, Ozzie Stone, but the tickets are all sold out. When Ozzie comes into the Inkwell the first evening, Sadie is delighted by the gift of two tickets for the next night's show. Sadie and her boyfriend Grayson are at the fair and having a great time until during the show, Ozzie drops dead.

The connection between Ozzie and Sadie's bartender seems a bit weak, but the overall story was fun to follow and the advancement of Sadie and Grayson's romance is spread throughout nicely.

Challenge Book # 129
Secret Lives of Codebreakers ★★★
Sinclair McKay
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (F/L), 75 Book Challenge

This book tells of the day to day lives of the codebreakers that were working at Bletchley Park during WWII and how they managed to break the Enigma Code and help end the war. It was interesting stressing the restrictions and secrecy that the codebreakers were held to, however, IMHO, there was too much discussion on office political rivalries and was frequently repetitive of who didn't like who and what who did.

Challenge Book # 130
Murder Outside the Lines ★★★½
Krista Davis
Category - PYRENNES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, (F/L), 75 Book Challenge

Halloween is meant to be a scary time but at the start of this book, we are greeted with a Human skull and scrying mirror that might just be a bit too scary for the characters who live and work at the Color Me Read bookstore in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The skull, nicknamed Harry, keeps showing up in unusual places (how did he get there?) Hilda a "psychic" keeps foretelling the discovery of bodies, and Florrie, manager of the bookstore, keeps getting caught in the middle.

This was really fun - with all the "paranormal" antics, hints that don't seem to be hints, and characters that jump in where angels fear to tread! Just loved it!

>57 cyderry: I hope I like that one better than you did when we get to it with the group read--probably next year.

>58 cyderry: >59 cyderry: I haven't started either of those.

>61 cyderry: I knew about her "Diva" series, but not this one. Do the print books have coloring sheets at the end? or is it just the cover begging to be completed?

>62 thornton37814: IMO Transient Desires really dragged. Definitely not her best book.

If I had to choose between Magical Bookshop or the Literary Pub series I would go with the Magical Bookshop, but I really like both.

Pen and Ink series - only the cover is completable as far as I know. I've only read ebooks.

Challenge Book # 131
The Giver of Stars ★★★★
Jojo Moyes
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - 75 Book Challenge

The Pack Horse Library Project in Appalachian Kentucky during the Depression was the idea of Eleanor Roosevelt. This fictional depiction of these ladies is told from the view of two main characters - Alice Wright, an Englishwoman who married a man she barely knew to escape a restrictive father - and Margery O'Hare, an independent woman that is shunned by the elite society because her father was a criminal. Two vastly different women who forge a friendship while volunteering for the WPA Packhorse Library delivering books to the poorer families in the rural area of Baileyville, KY. They are joined in the efforts by Isabelle Brady, who no one believes can even ride horse due to polio, and Beth Pinker who wants to explore the world. They also are aided by Sophie Kenworth, a black librarian who looks after her brother who was injured in a mining accident - the mine was owned by Alice's FIL.

This group of ladies all have problems but they spend their days delivering books and seeing to their neighbors. Each of their stories is unique but interwoven seamlessly taking the backdrop of the Packhorse library and giving it a method of telling the tales

The story was well-written and for the first time in a long time, I cried at the end of a book.

Challenge Book # 132
The Murders at Foxglove Close ★★★½
Rose Temple
Category - ROCKIES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (F/L), 75 Book Challenge 75 Book Challenge

Jemima Cotton, a police officer, has transferred from London to Little Cote, looking for a simpler life but before she can unpack her belongings in her new home on Foxglove Close, she is called into action for a murder that is only 2 doors down! What a way to meet the neighbors.

While conducting the murder investigation in her own neighborhood, Jemima meets all the busybodies, town drunks, and ladies looking for love outside their marriages, but who keeps killing people?

What an interesting way to introduce not just a new cozy series but the characters as well.

Great start for a new series!

Challenge Book # 133
Marriage Can Be Mischief ★★★½
Amanda Flower
Category - ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (F/L), 75 Book Challenge 75 Book Challenge

Millie Fisher, matchmaker for the Amish in Harvest OH, is caught up by the discovery of a skeleton in the ravine near her home and when it is determined that it was an Amish wife, Galilee, that had been believed to have run away after killing her husband, Millie feels that Galilee's name needs to be cleared and sets out to solve a 40 year old murder.

Tracking down clues as well as finding people that were around at the time of Galilee's death prove problematical but with the help of her friend, Lois, Millie is on the trail of the killer. Along the way, as usual, Millie has difficulties with the Harvest Sheriff (he doesn't like the Amish) as well as her goats, Peter and Philip but she does manage to keep the young couple how are having a few doubts on the path to marriage.

So much fun, the characters are great and this lady and her goats just make me smile!

Challenge Book # 134
A Lady's Guide to Gossip and Murder ★★★
Dianne Freeman
Category - ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - Amazon, Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (F/L), 75 Book Challenge 75 Book Challenge

Lady Frances is hoping to relax from the rigors of the season with her sister Lily but a friend, Mary Archer, is murdered and George Hazelton, her friend and neighbor and maybe something more?) is enlisted in the investigation into the possibility that the motive was blackmail. George thinks that Frances may be able to help and so he hands over numerous coded papers to see what she can figure out.

I enjoy this series because of the setting and the characters. The mystery was fun but the ending, not a surprise.

Challenge Book # 135
The Madness of Crowds ★★★½
Louise Penny
Category - CAUCASUS
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (F/L), 75 Book Challenge

This highly anticipated addition to the Three Pines series in many ways does not disappoint but in a few it does. The novel centers around the topic of the socioeconomic problems caused by the pandemic which could be solved by eugenics and euthanasia. The main "guest stars" Abigail Robinson, a statistician, her BFF and manager, Debbie Schneider, her surrogate mother, Chancellor Colette Roberge who has approved her coming to the local university to give a lecture on her study concerning eugenics, and Gilbert Vincent, a psychiatrist who lives in a cabin in the woods near Three Pines.

Abigail Robinson believes that her data shows that the economic issues following the pandemic would be solved if the world no longer had to deal with "injured" humans - for example cripples, children born with genetic disorders i.e. Down Syndrome, Alzheimer patients, cancer patients. When Armand Gamache is ordered to provide security for the lecture, given that the topic is controversial, he is torn between his duty and his dislike of the topic and suggestions of Professor Robinson.

Unable to prevent the lecture, Gamache does his duty, even throwing himself in the path of bullets aimed at Prof. Robinson. During the investigation of the uprising at the lecture, Armand and Jean Guy have issues. Figuring out the ensuing murder, motive and perpetrator is classic Gamache. However, the story seemed to swing back and forth between the mystery and the political angst of many of the regular characters. It didn't flow smoothly at all times. But it was still great to see and visit Three Pines again.

Challenge Book # 136
A Wrinkle in Thyme ★★★½
Sarah Fox
Category - ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (F/L), 75 Book Challenge

Marley McKinney-Collins, owner of the Flipside Pancake House, has been volunteering at the local historical museum while it relocates to a larger building. While there, she is with Jane Fassbinder, the director, when they discover love letters from the Jack of Diamonds, an 1800s thief/cat burglar. When Ms Fassbinder is found murdered and the letters are missing, Marley sets out to find the murderer and recover the letters.

This was a really fun mystery with all the references to the past. The characters are continuing to evolve and the food description leave my mouth watering.

Challenge Book # 137
Southern Double Cross ★★★
Caroline Fardig
Category - ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (F/L), 75 Book Challenge

Quinn Bellandini helps to run the family B&B with her sister, Delilah but they have a tendency to be caught up in the investigation of murders that hit close to home. This time, at a fundraiser that the Belladinis were catering, their friend's brother is caught in the crossfires of a burglary scam but it turned deadly. Sure that he is not the murderer, Quinn and Delilah work to find the real killer.

It's a fun story but I'm really not sure that there is enough motivation for these two to go to the extremes that they do.

Challenge Book # 138
Lure of the Moonflower ★★★½
Lauren Willig
Category - ROCKIES
Source - Public Library
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (F/L), 75 Book Challenge

In the final installment of the Pink Carnation series, Jane finally gets her story told. During the Napoleonic era the Pink Carnation has led a group of undercover agents to gain info for England. This time Jane herself, the Pink Carnation, has to meet the Moonflower and rescue a Portuguese queen.

As for Eloise Kelly, the modern day heroine, she is preparing to marry Colin Selwick, the owner of Selwick Hall, where she had been conducting research into the life of the Pink Carnation. Just as Eloise is handling final touches for the wedding, she receives a chest which was owned by the Pink Carnation herself. Shortly afterward, she gets a phone call threatening Colin's aunt if the "box" is not brought to a remote location. Eloise and Colin are now the agents of the Pink Carnation and the finale was totally entertaining and amusing.

Challenge Book # 139
Poppy Harmon and the Pillow Talk Killer ★★★½
Lee Hollis
Category - ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (F/L), 75 Book Challenge

Poppy Harmon was a TV actress in the 80s but now she runs the Desert Flowers Detective Agency which has been hired to protect Danika Delgado, a rising starlet and social media influencer, from a stalker. while she is filming in the Palm Springs area. The director remembers Poppy from the past and convinces her to take on the part of the hotel owner in the film.

When Poppy discovers Danika smothered in her trailer, she is reminded of a serial killer in the 80s who was never caught. Was this a copy cat killer or has the Pillow Talk killer resurfaced?

Fun characters and well-written.

Series - status after the third quarter so far in 2021

4 series abandoned
20 series continued, still books to read
29 series have had the most recent release read!
16 series were started (OMG! Why do I keep doing this to myself?)

BEST OF THE QUARTER - Madness of Crowds and Giver of Stars
I read a lot of good books in the 3rd quarter, I couldn't decide on one.

I think going to start indicating where I stand in the series if the book is part of a series.

Challenge Book # 140
Lyin' Eyes: The Country Club Murders ★★★★
Julie Mulhern
Category - CAUCASUS
Source - Amazon
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

As usual the latest Country Club murder does not disappoint!

Ellison Russell is in the midst of the final preparations for her wedding to Detective Anarchy Jones when she and Anarchy stumble upon a pair of murder victims with the help of Max, the dog. Of course, Frances, Ellison's mother, believes that it is the perfect excuse to "postpone" the wedding, if not cancel it altogether. However, when another body is found, Frances is sure that the wedding should be called off, but Ellison and Anarchy work to clear up the mystery so that the wedding can take place as planned.

I absolutely adore this series! The characters (family, neighbors, friends, and especially the dogs) are soooo much fun, I laugh so much at the stories as they progress. The only downside...now I have to wait months for the next one!

newest book in Country Club Murders series - all caught up

Challenge Book # 141
Hollow of Fear ★★★
Sherry Thomas
Category - ROCKIES
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

Charlotte Holmes is still masquerading as Sherlock Holmes - well, not really masquerading. Charlotte pretends that she is helping Sherlock who is bedridden while actually she is the detective. However, in this case Charlotte actually takes on the persona of Sherlock's brother, Sherrinford Holmes to assist Lord Ingraham who is under suspicion for the death of his estranged wife after her body is found in his ice house.

I thought that this episode felt a bit too staged - the house party spoiled by a broken cistern, body placed in the ice house to be discovered by the staff, unknown pregnancy, misidentification.

Just a bit too many coincidences.

Challenge Book # 142
Camp Half-Blood Confidential ★★★
Rick Riordan
Category - CAUCASUS
Source - Public Library Overdrive
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

Camp Half-Blood Confidential is an insider's guide to the demigod training camp The god Apollo created an "orientation video" which left much to be desired, so that the numerous questions that newcomers had needed answers and Percy Jackson and other demigods step up to do just that. Besides exploring the buildings and activity areas of the camp, the guide to Camp Half-Blood It gives facts that only the inhabitants would know. Chiron, the managing centaur, starts with a history of training based on his own experience. And, of course, Apollo himself is there to utter godly advice and words of wisdom.

Overall, an amusing addition to the series.

companion book to Trials of Apollo series - 4 more books to read

Challenge Book # 143
On the Fringe ★★★
Aaron Elkins
Category - PYRENNES
Source - Amazon
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

Lee Ofsted's old golf instructor has had an accident and needs some help at his home course on the big island of Hawaii and Lee is more than happy to help out. Her friend Peg joins her as well as her soon to be husband Graham.

The private Golf club is celebrating its 100 anniversary but things aren't going well when the Chairman of the board is found dead just before revealing the secret of the sacred oath. Did someone not want that secret revealed or was there another reason?

I'm not a golfer but my husband is and when I read this series, I have to laugh because there is no way that a "real golfer" would ever get this involved with murder forsaking his game.

Entertaining and at times challenging.

Last book in Lee Offsted series - finished

Challenge Book # 144
Without a Brew ★★★½
Ellie Alexander
Category - PYRENNES
Source - Amazon
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

The Nitro brewery, owned by Garrett and managed by Sloane, is ready to open its B&B, they are persuaded to start a little ahead of schedule when a business group's reservation at the local hotel is mishandled and they are without a place to stay. Because of a snowstorm they end up with 3 couples staying in their B&B. What is revealed as the story goes on is that there is a connection between the couples and a lone woman who is stranded by the storm.

When the stranded patron is later found dead, uncovering the connection and the murderer has Sloane and Garrett busy trying to discover exactly why the patron was here and who wanted them gone.

There were many clues so that the solution could have gone many ways but the ending was a success!

4th book in Sloane Krause series - 1 more to go

Challenge Book # 145
The Beach House ★★★★
Rochelle Alers
Category - PYRENNES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

A year ago Leah Kent left her home in Richmond to spend 2 months on Coates Island NC while her husband traveled with their 2 sons. She met 2 unusual women and together they formed a book club that solidified their friendship. Now Leah has returned leaving her husband because of his abusive nature. Now that her sons are grown she has decided that it's time for her life to change.

With the help of her friends and their families Leah has started the life that she always wanted.

I was thoroughly taken by this book and how the characters grew, not just Leah, and was glad to see that an unexpected change in circumstance can also be a change for the better.

2nd book in Book Club series - last due next year

Challenge Book # 146
The Hollywood Spy ★★★
Susan Elia MacNeal
Category - CAUCASUS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

Maggie Hope has come to Hollywood to help her friend and former fiancé, Captain John Sterling as he adjusts to the sudden death of his now fianceé, Gloria. John doesn't think that her death was an accident as the police have stated. Gloria worked for a German Nazi group and had testified against one of the chiefs in a sedition trial. The more Maggie and John look into the circumstances of the end of Gloria's life, the more they see of corruption, racism, police brutality, anti-semitism - it goes on and on.

The story was interesting but I don't think that it was on the same level as previous books. Maybe because of the subject matter and trying to fit too much into the storyline.

newest book in Maggie Hope series - all caught up

You've been busy reading!

Challenge Book # 147
The Halloween Tree ★★
Ray Bradbury
Category - SONOMA
Source - PUBLIC LIBRARY
Other Challenges - BOOK CLUB, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

Every year for October my Book Club tries to read a book that leans toward the scary Halloweenish type book so we thought that this book would be perfect.

Well, I didn't like it. I think it would have been fine as a short story stopping right where the Halloween Tree lights up with all the different Jack O-lanterns and having the kids run home. Instead it took these kids traveling through time trying to tell the history of Halloween or the day of the dead or whatever. I just didn't get it. I don't know if it's because I'm not particularly enamored of Halloween or Sci Fi but I definitely did not enjoy this book. It rambled too much, IMO.

Challenge Book # 148
A Calculated Whisk ★★★½
Victoria Hamilton
Category - Ethiopian Highlands
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

Jaymie Leighton Mueller is settling into married life and motherhood loving all the moments she spends with her husband, Jakob and her stepdaughter, Jocie. Jamie has learned to be watchful for Jocie (she is a little person) and is thrilled when, picking her up from school, she sees that Jocie has befriended a classmate who also has limitations. Jaymie introduces herself to the friends mother who asks if they might talk some other time. When they do get together, Jaymie learns that the mother is under suspicion for her husband's death 5 years prior but they are interrupted and the mother says that she will come by the cabin where the Muellers live (turns out they are neighbors in a way). The mother never shows up and will searching the wooded area with Jocie for a science project, they come across the murdered body of the mother. Jaymie is determined to find out what happened to help Jocie's friend who is now an orphan.

The writing was superb, the story entertaining and the characters were fun, however, I had a hard with the premise that 1)Jaymie didn't know anything about the 5 year old murder - she's lived in the town all her life 2) she would get so absorbed about a woman who she talked to maybe for 15 minutes total. I think it needed more of a connection between the victim and the main character.

newest book #10 in Vintage Kitchen Mystery series - all caught up

Challenge Book # 149
Death with a Double Edge ★★★★
Anne Perry
Category - CAUCASUS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

Daniel Pitt is startled one morning being awoken one morning to come and identify a body found in Mile End, a seedy section of town. The victim had Daniel's card in his pocket is the police feel that he would know the victim. Daniel is devastated when he recognizes the coat believing that he will see his friend Toby Ketteridge when the victim is revealed. But no, it's not Toby, but one of the head barrister's in the law office where he works. Giving the police the identity that they were searching for, Daniel arrives at the law offices to inform the head of chambers of the death. In trying to find out why this man was murdered, Daniel places not just himself but his friends and family in danger because the main suspect is a very powerful man.

I really enjoyed the intricacies of this mystery as well as seeing Daniel's father and mother playing minor parts in the story.

newest book #10 in Daniel Pitt Mystery series - all caught up

Challenge Book # 150
Chapter and Curse ★★★★
Elizabeth Penney
Category - CAUCASUS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

Molly Kimball and her mother Nina are still reeling from the death of her father and decide that a change is needed so they move from Vermont to Cambridge in the UK to help great Aunt Violet run the Thomas Marlowe bookshop. Aunt Violet with help from old school chums arranges to have Persephone Brightwell, a well known poet come for a reading from her new book in time for the Cambridge Literary Festival. However, right after the reading, one of the helpful chums is found murdered with one of Aunt Violet's knitting needles.

This was an excellent start for a new series - wonderful setting, relatable characters, and a well-written mystery.

I look forward to the next.

first book in The Cambridge Bookshop Series -

Challenge Book # 151
Hammett Hex ★★★½
Victoria Abbott
Category - CAUCASUS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

Jordan Bingham convinces her employer that a trip to San Francisco for her vacation can also be an opportunity for her to acquire Dashiell Hammett’s Red Harvest for her collection. Jordan flies off to San Francisco with her boyfriend Tyler Dekker where he informs her that he has been contacted by his grandmother whom he hasn't seen since he was a little boy. Unbeknownst to Jordan and Tyler, relations both his and hers will cause them a few unsettled days on their vacation to the Golden Gate.

I loved seeing Jordan without her "wicked" relatives for a change because Tyler found enough to cover that category. A fun mystery, a little romance but sad that apparently this is the end of the series.

last book in Book Collector Mystery Series -

>83 cyderry: I plan to read the next for me in the vintage kitchen series next year.

>86 cyderry: I'll also read another in this series, but I'm not caught up. I do find it fun because of her uncles.

Challenge Book # 152
From Port to Rigor Morte ★★★½
J. C. Eaton
Category - PYRENNES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

Norrie Ellington has been babysitting her family's winery, Two Witches, while her sister and hubbie have been involved in bug research (hubbie is an entomologist). Unfortunately during her sojourn at Two Witches she has been coming across a number of dead bodies, not a great thing to be known for. This time she didn't discover the body, two young boys did and since Norrie has the experience in these matter, the boys want her to tell them how to handle. Norrie is involved even though she doesn't want to be. The victim, when Norrie confirms that the boys, Eli and Stuart, didn't make it up, turns out to be manager of the seasonal laborers who has been in disagreement with Eli's father. The boys turn into fount of details/information but they get themselves into more hot water that their age would suggest.

I really enjoy this series not just for the mysteries, which are well-written, but the characters are fun and wine hints delectable.

7th book in Wine Trail Mysteries Series - current

Challenge Book # 153
To the Tome of Murder ★★★★
Lauren Elliott
Category - PYRENNES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (H/E), 75 Book Challenge

Addie Greyborne's bookstore, Beyond the Page, has been hopping ever since the Greyborne Harbor’s Historical Society announced the cooking contest where the best Civil War baked recipe will win $5,000. Addie has ordered in numerous different cookbooks related to the period and they are going like hotcakes. Juggling the inventory and sales of the shop, Addie is interrupted by a call from her cousin, Kalea, to come to her dress shop quickly. When she arrives, Kalea points to her dead boyfriend, stabbed with a hanger. Kalea had been sleeping upstairs and came down to find this! She is near hysteria but the Chief of Police, Addie's old boyfriend, seems to have it in his head that Kalea is the murderer.

Addie knows that Kalea couldn't do this, so she has to garner all her energies and find who really did this.

This is a good series with realistic characters and a nice setting.

7th book in Beyond the Page Bookstore Mysteries Series - current

Challenge Book # 154
The Charleston Challenge ★★★½
Barbara Barrett
Category - PYRENNES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (B/Y), 75 Book Challenge

The Mah Jongg ladies are at it again. Micki Demetrius, freelance journalist, has been practicing the Charleston with her dance partner, Guy Whitney, for the Charleston Challenge Dance Competition. The evening of the event, Micki's friends, Syd, Marianne, and Kat, along with their gentlemen have come to cheer for Micki and Guy. Knowing they aren't going to win, they still have a good time until the next day when they are informed that the runner up in the competition was found dead on the ballroom floor and the time of death has been set for shortly after everyone left the ballroom. Micki wants to write a story about the competition and the murdered dancer, in other investigate but not investigate. The information that Micki is trying to glean for her article may seem to Rick, the sheriff, that she is getting in the way. At the same time as Micki is searching out her story, Syd is working with the sheriff on his re-election campaign.

These are a group of feisty ladies who are determined to work out who the murderer is as well as prove that the sheriff is the right man for the job.

7th book in Mah Jongg Mysteries Series - 2 more to go

Challenge Book # 155
The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History ★★★½
Robert M. Edsel
Category - SONOMA
Source - PUBLIC LIBRARY
Other Challenges - AlphaKit (B/Y), 75 Book Challenge

This book was very interesting telling of the search and rescue of an enormous number of works of art that were stolen by the Nazis during World War II. Hitler wanted every piece of art that could get his hands on. The Germans stole paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture - approximately 100,000 works were stolen from Jews in France and it's estimated at around 650,000 pieces of art were part of the greatest art theft in history. There were 7 men that were tasked to find, save, and restore the stolen treasures to their rightful owners. Not only was the volume of their task huge but they weren't given any support willingly - no transportation, no authority and yet managed to save vast amounts of the stolen artifacts.

The art world owed these men a huge debt of gratitude.

One of the pieces that was saved was Michelangelo's Madonna and Child.

Challenge Book # 156
The Dragon Lady Gets Her Due ★★★★
Barbara Barrett
Category - PYRENNES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (B/Y), 75 Book Challenge

Sydney Bonner and her husband, Trip, are invited by one of the neighbors farther down the block to join in the holiday lighting extravaganza. Since Syd will be working on the Sheriff's re-election campaign, she thinks this is a great project for Trip to take on to keep himself busy. However, the neighbor meets a shocking end and Trip's project turns into a murder investigation with Syd riding shotgun with the sheriff while her other Mah Jongg cohorts dig into the neighborhood dynamics and who wasn't lit up by the extravaganza's leader.

I loved the way that the neighborhood lighting project/murder was cleverly woven together with the election campaign. I just love the characters and how each book seems to highlight a different charaacte4r so that we get to know them better.

But we definitely need more Mah Jongg!

8th book in Mah Jongg Mysteries Series - 1 more to go

Challenge Book # 157
The Cure for What Ales You ★★★★
Ellie Alexander
Category - PYRENNES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (B/Y), 75 Book Challenge

Sloan Krause and her partner Garrett Strong are finishing up the final touches for their new craft beer, Lemon Kiss just i time for the Maifest celebration in Leavenworth, but things aren't when Sloane is confronted by a specter from her past - a woman named Marianne who claims to be her long lost aunt and has come to warn her that she and her family are in danger. Can the danger be real? Was the murdered housekeeper at the local hotel (found in Marianne's room) really a warning that Marianne is telling the truth? Sloane is confused but will her friends and family help her find the truth?

This was a great addition to the series, taking the reader farther into Sloane's thoughts and feelings as well as bringing her background front and center.

Loved it!

5th book Sloan Krause Mystery Series - current

Challenge Book # 158
The Burning Shore: How Hitler’s U-Boats Brought World War II to America ★★★★
Ed Offley
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library
Other Challenges - AlphaKit (B/Y), 75 Book Challenge

First of all, I have to admit that my knowledge of this aspect of World War II was completely non-existent. As a history buff I thought I knew just about everything in general but I find that I was completely in error. That said, I found the information in this book very disturbing because I was totally unaware that the Atlantic seaboard had ever been breeched by the Nazis or the Pacific coast ever been attacked (Santa Barbara was shelled by a Japanese sub)

In January 1942, after the US entered the war, Hitler had the German Navy begin attacks on the merchant fleet in the Atlantic to try to starve the British of needed supplies - food, fuel, ammunition. During the first 6 months of 1942, the German U-boat fleet sunk 226 merchant ships including ships outside New York Harbor and in the Gulf of Mexico.

The book centered around two men - a Army Air Force pilot and a German U-boat captain. The AAF pilot had been training others when the attack at Pearl Harbor occurred and he was sent to the Sacramento area to assist at other training facilities. He was apparently not too happy with the assignment because he wanted to go off and fight but he realized that getting more pilots trained was essential. When the attacks off the Atlantic coast started he was reassigned to Cherry Point NC where he flew reconnaissance missions trying to protect the merchant fleet.

The German U-boat commander, besides trying to sink merchant ships, was also part of a force that laid mines at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, New York Harbor and Boston Bay as well as landing a force of saboteurs in New England. On a day in July 1942, the two men "met" when the pilot dropped a depth charge and sank the U-boat. There were 7 survivors. Many years after the war, the men met and actually became friends.

What bothered me the most about this book was that it made me realize the danger that my father had been in during this time as an officer of a merchant ship. My father never talked about his time during the war, now I wished I'd asked.

I also wonder how many other people of my generation or younger knew how close we came to being overcome in the war here on our own land. I keep remembering being told that the only time the US was attacked at home was when the British came in 1814. I wonder why this didn't count?

I keep remembering being told that the only time the US was attacked at home was when the British came in 1814.

Pearl Harbour?

>95 pamelad: I meant the mainland, because technically Hawaii at the time was just a territory.

Challenge Book # 159
Death on the Shelf ★★★★
Allison Brook
Category - PYRENNES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (B/Y), 75 Book Challenge

Carrie Singleton, librarian, is helping with the final preparations for Angela's (her BFF) wedding (she's the maid of honor). First, the venue for the bridal shower has a fire and Carrie has to find another place to hold the party so when Donna, Angela's cousin, offers her home, Carrie snaps it up, not knowing that Donna is not one of Angela's favorite people. But they get through the shower and the wedding day arrives - beautiful weather and happy couple except for an obnoxious brother of the bride and a BIL that dies face down in the chocolate fountain. Carrie has some fires to put out to get Angela to leave on her honeymoon as well as finding the murderer, hoping it is not a family member. At the same time, Carrie has been tasked to find the brother of the Library's resident ghost, so that the brother can help his daughter who abandoned 15 years ago.

Things were definitely hopping in Clover Ridge and Carrie along Dylan, her boyfriend, had a lot to find.

Fun mystery, great characters

5th book A Haunted Library Mystery Series - current

Challenge Book # 160
Bear Can't Wait ★★★
Karma Wilson
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library
Other Challenges - AlphaKit (B/Y), 75 Book Challenge

Bear has been planning a surprise for his friend Hare but he has a problem waiting to spring because he is so excited.

This cute little book reminds me of the Dr. Seuss books because of the rhyming writing. This would be a great story for young kids to help them learn patience.

Challenge Book # 161
Bear Stays Up for Christmas ★★★
Karma Wilson
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library
Other Challenges - AlphaKit (B/Y), 75 Book Challenge

Bear has been hibernating with the start of winter but he wants to be awake for Christmas so his forest friends come to his den to awake and help to decorate for the holiday.

A cute little Christmas story.

>93 cyderry: I won an ARC of that one. Now I have to go back and play catch up on the rest of the series because I enjoyed it so much.

Challenge Book # 162
Courtesy Call ★★★★
Barbara Barrett
Category - PYRENNES
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (B/Y), 75 Book Challenge

Kat's significant other, Rick Formero, is having a difficult time adjusting to his loss in his effort to be re-elected sheriff. It doesn't help that the new sheriff, Jett Carmody, is a total jerk (I'm being kind) and has created a toxic atmosphere at the sheriff's department. So there's no real broken hearts when he is found murdered in his car which had been set aflame. Because of the problems at the sheriff's department and the fact that there is no one there with any really investigative experience, the Serendipity Springs Board of Supervisors persuaded Rick to undertake the murder investigation. Rick enlists the Mah Jongg ladies - Kat, Syd, Marianne, and Micki along with their partners to assist him in gather evidence and interrogating suspects. They man the Tip lines as well as review financials, each in their area of expertise.

I really enjoy this series, not just for the Mah Jongg references, but the characters are no spring chickens! I love their zest for life even in their golden years!

We still need more Mah Jongg!

9th book in Mah Jongg Mysteries Series - all caught up

Alas, I don't think that I will complete my challenge this year. I apparently, did not divide my authors properly. Even though I have read more books this year than in any previous year, the end of the alphabet alluded me. But I still believe that it was a success because of the more than 160 books I've read so far.

But there is always 2022!

>102 cyderry: Congratulations! I'd count 160+ books as a huge success!

>102 cyderry: Yes! You've managed to shrink your TBR significantly so definitely a success. (We won't count how many you've added)

My wishes for everyone!

Challenge Book # 163
Bear Witness ★★★★
Lark O. Jensen
Category - ETHIOPIAN Highlands
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (B/Y), 75 Book Challenge

Stacie Calder, a naturalist, has what she considers the perfect job - a guide on a tour boat in the Alaskan wilderness. However, things get a little too wild for her employer when a former employee turned competitor is discovered murdered after taking none of their cruises. Stacie works with the Alaska State Trooper Initial Response Section to find out what happened and who is responsible.

I really enjoyed this book because brought back great memories of a trip to Alaska as well as being entertaining with great characters.

1st book in Alaska Untamed Mystery Series -

Challenge Book # 164
Origin ★★★
Dan Brown
Category - Scandes
Source - Public Library
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

In the past I have enjoyed this series - Robert Langdon is a great character however, in this book, the story was terribly disappointing. The writing and story jumped all around, the characters didn't seem to be consistent in their beliefs and actions, and the story seened to be running along the same formula of others in the series.

This is probably my last Dan Brown book.

5th book in Robert Langdon Series - all caught up

Challenge Book # 165
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder ★★★½
Maria DiRico
Category - CAUCASUS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Business at the Belle View catering hall is hopping and Mia Carina has to maintain her juggling act for the holiday season - not just two large events (a Sweet Sixteen party that keeps being changed ever other day and a first birthday Party with a Nativity theme including live animals) - but family obligations are rearing their heads - her estranged mother has returned and her "godfather" wants her help with a family problem. Put this all together and then add murder where it could be a family member as murderer and Mia is served up a smorgasbord of suspects.

This series is so fun! Great characters and amusing well-written mysteries!

Challenge Book # 166
The Christmas Bookshop ★★★½
Jenny Colgan
Category - SONOMA
Source - Book Club
Other Challenges - 75 Book Challenge

This is a cute story surrounding sibling rivalry and how two sisters helped an old man learn to accept what life has to offer.

The sister interactions were a bit stereotypical but it was still an entertaining read for the holidays.

Challenge Book # 167
The Christmas Pig ★★★★
J. K. Rowling
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library
Other Challenges - 75 Book Challenge

As a grown adult who still cherishes her stuffed animals and treats them as treasured friends, this story by an extremely talented storyteller touched my heart because I truly believe that if my "Bear" ever went missing I would be as devastated as Jack was when DP was tossed out the window. I believe that this story would give comfort to younger children who have lost a toy that they treasured.

I highly recommend it for parents.

>106 cyderry: That's a new series to me, but I usually enjoy Alaskan settings.

Challenge Book # 168
Twisted Tea Christmas ★★★½
Laura Childs
Category - SONOMA
Source - Public Library
Other Challenges - 75 Book Challenge

The Indigo Tea Shop is catering an event for society Grande Dame Drucilla Heyward. Unfortunately, Theodosia Browning discovers Miss Drucilla dead with a syringe sticking out of her neck. Their client's murder sets Theodosia off to uncover the truth about why this great lady died. Was it for money or related to fraud or art theft?

The mystery is well-written, intermixed skillfully with tea events such as a Nutcracker Tea and a Victorian Illumination Tea. The menus sound absolutely scrumptious and the characters, as always, are one you wish would come alive so that they could be your friends too.

23rd book in Tea Shop Mysteries Series - all caught up

Challenge Book # 169
Have a Holly, Haunted Christmas ★★★½
Lynn Cahoon
Category - Scandes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Mia Malone is planning a holiday party to showcase what her catering business can produce. However, Mia runs into a bit of a problem when the resident ghost, Dorothy, demands that Mia solve her 20 year old murder before the party starts. The only clue she has is that her grandmother knows something about it.

A fun novella for the holidays furthering the development of the characters in this newest series.

Novella 2.5 in Kitchen Witch Series - all caught up

Challenge Book # 170
A Murder Yule Regret ★★★½
Winnie Archer
Category - Scandes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Celebrity Eliza Box is having a costume Christmas party and has hired the Yeast of Eden Bread shop for some of the catering. She also hired Ivy Culpepper to photograph the event. Everyone seems to be enjoying the festivities until a scream rings out and everyone becomes aware that there is a body lying at the bottom of the cliff. The victim turns out to be a sleezy reporter who apparently snuck in to get some dirt on the guests. Did he fall accidently or was he pushed? Who would have a reason?

Murder has been determined and Ivy's photos may hold a clue but will she and the police be able to figure it before the photos disappear?

I enjoy this series mainly because of the characters and their generous spirits that shine through. The mysteries are entertaining too.

7th in the Bread Shop Mysteries - all caught up

Challenge Book # 171
A Killer Christmas Wish ★★★½
Lynn Cahoon
Category - Scandes
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Cat Latimer is hosting a group of non-fiction authors in the final writer's retreat of the year. But before even the first discussion gathering, one of the writers turns up dead in his room. Not a great start.

Did one of the other writers have a problem with the victim, was the victim followed and killed at the first opportunity, or was there something in the past that resulted in his death.?

I find this series intriguing because of the background info that is interspersed about the writing process and how it seems that writing different genres also results from a different process.

Hope this series keeps going!

7th in the Cat Latimer series - 1 more to go, new release due in 2022

>112 cyderry: I'm reading that one right now. I should finish today.

Challenge Book # 172
A Killer Christmas Wish ★★★★
Lena Gregory
Category - ETHIOPIAN Highlands
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (G/Q), 75 Book Challenge

Gia Morelli, owner of the All-Day Breakfast Cafe, has her hands full for the holiday season - besides the cafe, Mia is the Maid of Honor for her BFF Savannah, who is getting married in a few days. While Mia and Savannah are waiting for the final tasting at the caterer's, they are witness to a violent argument between a mother(bride) and son and when the mother collapses suddenly a short time later, Mia and Savannah are catapulted into the situation performing CPR. It turns out that the cake sample the bride had eaten was poisoned. learning later that the woman didn't survive, Gia and Savannah decide to try to find out why the woman was poisoned and by whom.

I absolutely love the friendship between Gia and Savannah and how they can just about read each other's thoughts. Neither is afraid to help the other if the occasion calls for it and they share that generosity with ours as well. A fun mystery, good characters, good writing.

6th in the All-Day Breakfast Cafe series - current

Challenge Book # 173
Bear a Wee Grudge ★★★½
Meg Macy
Category - CAUCASUS
Source - NetGalley
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, AlphaKit (G/Q), 75 Book Challenge

Sasha Silverman manages the Silver Bear Shop and Factory, the family business. But Sasha also manages to get drawn into murders that happen in town. This time a former rival teddy bear maker is found murdered in the woods with an axe in his back. Not only was Sasha's father, Alex, not a fan of the victim because of his business practices but he is a champion ax thrower and was seen practicing for the Highland Fling games in the area where the body was found.

Sasha is determined to found out who really axed the victim before her father is flung into jail.

As an arctophile (teddy bear lover) this not just a regular cozy mystery for me but an opportunity to cuddle up with my teddy bear and read. The people who work at the Bear Shop come across as loving their jobs. How can you not enjoy a teddy bear story!

5th in the Teddy Bear Mystery Series - current

Anybody that knows me well, knows that I love to play with numbers, and now that I've finished 2021 here are the numbers that describe the books I read in 2021.

173 books were read
10 were history related (I'm currently reading about World War II)
9 Children's books
7 were fiction non-series
4 books were abandoned

and 143 were part of a series. (why I start new series when I can't get caught up, I don't know.)

18 were the first books in a series
20 were the second in a series
17 were the third book - so I've really decided to continue the series
89 were the 4th book or farther in the series.

33 series were caught up (no books waiting to be read)
4 series were finished (there will be no more published)
2 series were abandoned

Now here are some interesting facts

of the 173 books

134 were e-books
37 were audiobooks
2 books were actually made of paper!

As for Genres....
Children's Books 9
Fantasy 2
Historical fiction 14
History 10
Mystery 123
Romance 14
Science Fiction 1

My 5 favorite books:

The Midnight Library: A Novel by Matt Haig
Athena's Choice by Adam Boostrom
Ruby Red Herring by Tracy Gardner
Night Moves by Julie Mulhern
Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld

Well, I finally finished my reviews and thoughts on 2021.
But the last thing that I didn't plan and thought was very unusual, the first Book I read 2021 was A Teddy Bear Mystery and the last book I read in 2021 was the next book in the same series. Bookended by Teddy Bears - how me!

I hope you all will join me in 2022 - https://www.librarything.com/topic/338245#

Wishing everyone, good health and much happiness and prosperity in 2022.

2021 MEME for books read in 2021

Describe yourself: The Figure in the Photograph
Describe how you feel: Without a Brew
Describe where you currently live: On the Fringe
If you could go anywhere, where would you go: On the Corner of Hope and Main
Your favorite form of transportation is: The Secret Staircase
Your favorite food is: Two Wicked Desserts
Your favorite time of day is: No Ordinary Time
Your best friend is: Book Charmer
You and your friends are: Writing All Wrongs
What’s the weather like: Beware the East Wind
You fear: Wining and Dying
What is the best advice you have to give: Beauty Expos are Murder
Thought for the day: Second Time Sweeter
What is life for you: The Secret Lives of Codebreakers
How you would like to die: Buried in Books
Your soul’s present condition: Hollow of Fear
What was 2021 like for you? Charleston Challenge
What do you want from 2022? Death on the Shelf

>120 cyderry: The answer to "how you would like to die" sounds pretty accurate for me too! :D