Seven books I own, no caption, no comment.
Seven Days - Seven Covers: 2026 - Day Six
Mar. 13th, 2026 03:08 pmSeven books I own, no caption, no comment.
Seven books I own, no caption, no comment.
Seven books I own, no caption, no comment.
Seven books I own, no caption, no comment.
Seven Days - Seven Covers: 2026 - Day Two
Mar. 9th, 2026 06:04 pmSeven books I own, no caption, no comment.
Seven Days - Seven Covers: 2026 - Day One
Mar. 8th, 2026 05:39 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
stonepicnicking_okapi reminded me about this, so I thought if I was going to take part this month, I needed to get on with it. So, seven books I own, no caption, no comment. Happy to answer questions in the comments.
Books - February 2026
Feb. 26th, 2026 04:46 pmI've read 10 books this month, which seems a little ridiculous...
The Shadow Puppet by Georges Simenon
Continuing my plan to read all the Maigret's in our library this year. A Parisian based mystery, where all is not as it seems.
Stories for Lovers edited by Lucy Evans
The latest edition in the British Library Women Writers series. These are short stories from the 1920s through to the 2000s. I enjoyed some of the stories, mostly the earlier ones.
Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd
I've read a number of books by Jess Kidd, but this is her first crime mystery. It's set in 1954 in a seaside town in Kent. It wasn't a brilliant story, although by the end I'd enjoyed it. I suspect because I'm used to reading crime novels written in the 1950s it felt a bit out of time. A second in the series is due out later this year, so I'll probably read it at some time.
Death on the Downbeat by Sebastian Farr
A Shedunnit runner up this month, which had appealed for a while. I liked the idea of the orchestra conductor being shot in the middle of a concert and the story being told in epistolary fashion, with lots of musical references. But I didn't enjoy it.
The Edge of Darkness by Vaseem Khan
The next in the Persis Wadia series, I reserved a copy as soon as I knew the library were getting them. Persis, the first female inspector in the Indian police force, has been banished to the Naga Hills. A murder is committed and events tie in with both the current unrest (it's 1951) and previous times. It's a locked room mystery with an interesting cast of characters and a lot of action. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Fra Angelico by Christopher Lloyd
Mainly talking about the over 50 colour plates of his paintings, while also providing details about Fra Angelico's life. Not my preferred style of painting, but nonetheless very interesting.
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
I'd not come across Baldwin before, so it was interesting to read his very powerful essay on the plight of black people in America in the 1960s. What's alarming is that although some things have changed, 60 years on many attitudes haven't.
The Double Turn by Carol Carnac (E C R Lorac)
The latest British Library Crime Classics book, featuring Inspector Rivers. This one was written in 1956 and features some interesting characters and a lot of twists and turns. It also gives an idea of London at the time.
The Saint-Fiacre Affair by Georges Simenon
This time ends up back in the small town he grew up in and where there are people he still recognises. Very different from the one I read earlier in the month, although both date from the same time.
War with the Newts by Karel Capek
This took me a while to get into, although even at the beginning I knew I wanted to read it. Capek, a Czech, wrote this in 1936 as an allegory on the current political situation. Some of his observations of different national characteristics are hilarious, others terrifying. If you're looking for something a bit different to read this year, then I'd recommend this. A sea captain discovers a colony of newts in Sumatra who can be trained to do various things, and things take off from there.
The Shadow Puppet by Georges Simenon
Continuing my plan to read all the Maigret's in our library this year. A Parisian based mystery, where all is not as it seems.
Stories for Lovers edited by Lucy Evans
The latest edition in the British Library Women Writers series. These are short stories from the 1920s through to the 2000s. I enjoyed some of the stories, mostly the earlier ones.
Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd
I've read a number of books by Jess Kidd, but this is her first crime mystery. It's set in 1954 in a seaside town in Kent. It wasn't a brilliant story, although by the end I'd enjoyed it. I suspect because I'm used to reading crime novels written in the 1950s it felt a bit out of time. A second in the series is due out later this year, so I'll probably read it at some time.
Death on the Downbeat by Sebastian Farr
A Shedunnit runner up this month, which had appealed for a while. I liked the idea of the orchestra conductor being shot in the middle of a concert and the story being told in epistolary fashion, with lots of musical references. But I didn't enjoy it.
The Edge of Darkness by Vaseem Khan
The next in the Persis Wadia series, I reserved a copy as soon as I knew the library were getting them. Persis, the first female inspector in the Indian police force, has been banished to the Naga Hills. A murder is committed and events tie in with both the current unrest (it's 1951) and previous times. It's a locked room mystery with an interesting cast of characters and a lot of action. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Fra Angelico by Christopher Lloyd
Mainly talking about the over 50 colour plates of his paintings, while also providing details about Fra Angelico's life. Not my preferred style of painting, but nonetheless very interesting.
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
I'd not come across Baldwin before, so it was interesting to read his very powerful essay on the plight of black people in America in the 1960s. What's alarming is that although some things have changed, 60 years on many attitudes haven't.
The Double Turn by Carol Carnac (E C R Lorac)
The latest British Library Crime Classics book, featuring Inspector Rivers. This one was written in 1956 and features some interesting characters and a lot of twists and turns. It also gives an idea of London at the time.
The Saint-Fiacre Affair by Georges Simenon
This time ends up back in the small town he grew up in and where there are people he still recognises. Very different from the one I read earlier in the month, although both date from the same time.
War with the Newts by Karel Capek
This took me a while to get into, although even at the beginning I knew I wanted to read it. Capek, a Czech, wrote this in 1936 as an allegory on the current political situation. Some of his observations of different national characteristics are hilarious, others terrifying. If you're looking for something a bit different to read this year, then I'd recommend this. A sea captain discovers a colony of newts in Sumatra who can be trained to do various things, and things take off from there.
( bingo card )
Week 4 of the Stuff I Love: Top Ten Edition promoted by dreamersdare This week's theme is Relationships in our media, but as it doesn't particularly appeal, I've gone for general stuff I love, again in no particular order.
dreamersdare This week's theme is Relationships in our media, but as it doesn't particularly appeal, I've gone for general stuff I love, again in no particular order.( Stuff I love )
Continuing with the challenge dreamersdare made, here are more top 10 series. This time I've gone for crime fiction books, and again in no particular order:
1. Malabar House series by Vaseem Khan
Set mostly in Bombay just after Independence, these are stories about Persis Wadia, the first female Indian detective, who's shunted off to Malabar House to keep her out of the way. Nevertheless she gets involved in a number of high profile cases and becomes better known. Vaseem Khan is a British writer, who spent 10 years in Mumbai. The series is ongoing and I'm currently reading the latest The Edge of Darkness which is set in the Naga Hills in north-east India. There's lots of details about the time, and gripping stories. I've also enjoyed the Baby Ganesh series, which sees an ex-detective inspector in Mumbai who is sent a baby elephant by an uncle, and the crimes he solves.
2. Maigret by Georges Simenon
There are about 75 Maigret novels. I started listening to them as audiobooks, bought a few hard copies, and am currently working my way through all the books available in our county library. The series starts in 1931 and while Maigret is based in Paris, he's fairly often in different parts of France, or visiting countries nearby. I enjoy the atmosphere and the strong sense of time and place, as well as the variety of crimes Maigret is faced with.
3. Bradecote & Catchpoll series by Sarah Hawkswood
Set in the 1140s and based in Worcester and the surrounding area, so a similar time period to Cadfael, Hugh Bradecote is the Under-sheriff and therefore a representative of the authorities in solving crimes, and he works with the vastly experience Catchpoll who is the Sheriff's Sergeant and Walkelin, the serjeanting apprentice. I like the main characters, who are very human and seek to do their best for those around them, in what can be very difficult times. The next book Act of Betrayal is out in September.
4. Jackman & Evans series by Joy Ellis
I listen to these on audiobooks. DI Rowan Jackman is a modern day detective in the Fenland of Lincolnshire (Joy Ellis' home territory) and is assisted by his sergeant, Sally Evans. There's a team of recurring characters and some interesting crimes, darker than some of what I read. Black Notice is the latest, which came at towards the end of last year.
5. Inspector MacDonald series by E C R Lorac
I've only read the books which have been republished in British Library Crime Classics, but have enjoyed those. The series begins in the early 1930s and runs through to the 1950s. I like MacDonald, who is competent and thoughtful. Most of the books are set in England, with a number in the Lake District. Once more the description of place is excellent - I'm not inclined to read through long descriptions, but these are written so that the reader feels themselves there, rather than simply admiring the view from a distance. They also give an incidental view of life as lived by most people at the time.
6. The Su Yin series by Ovidia Yu
Originally called the Crown Colony series, but with the passing of time this has become inappropriate. The first story is set in Singapore in 1936, when Singapore was under British rule, and the series moves through the Japanese occupation, and has now reached the late 1940s, with the strong demands for independence from the returning British. Su Yin isn't in the police force, but frequently (other than during the war years) works with Inspector Le Froy. The next book The Tembusu Tree Mystery is out in June.
7. The Dinner Lady Detectives by Hannah Hendy
Two late middle-aged school dinner ladies become unexpected amateur detectives in a series of cozy-ish mysteries. Lighter fare than most of the above, but I have a soft spot for the two, who are married to each other. Entertaining with plots relevant to the small town they live in. Implausible, but it all makes sense. A Curiously Convenient Device is out next month.
8. Follet Valley Mysteries by Ian Moore
These stories are not to be taken seriously, but are great fun. The murders happen in bizarre ways, and the main protagonist and foil is Richard Ainsworth, an English proprietor of a French guest house, who has pet hens who he has named after classic film stars. The latest in this series of books set in rural France is Death and Boules.
And lastly, two classics:
9. Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
The original stories. Some are better than others, but the characters of Holmes and Watson are enduring.
10. Miss Marple by Agatha Christie
An overlooked older lady with a very sharp mind and a real knowledge of how people think and behave.
Finally, an honourable mention to Discworld by Terry Pratchett. Here, I shall simply quote the Librarian, "Ook!"
dreamersdare made, here are more top 10 series. This time I've gone for crime fiction books, and again in no particular order:1. Malabar House series by Vaseem Khan
Set mostly in Bombay just after Independence, these are stories about Persis Wadia, the first female Indian detective, who's shunted off to Malabar House to keep her out of the way. Nevertheless she gets involved in a number of high profile cases and becomes better known. Vaseem Khan is a British writer, who spent 10 years in Mumbai. The series is ongoing and I'm currently reading the latest The Edge of Darkness which is set in the Naga Hills in north-east India. There's lots of details about the time, and gripping stories. I've also enjoyed the Baby Ganesh series, which sees an ex-detective inspector in Mumbai who is sent a baby elephant by an uncle, and the crimes he solves.
2. Maigret by Georges Simenon
There are about 75 Maigret novels. I started listening to them as audiobooks, bought a few hard copies, and am currently working my way through all the books available in our county library. The series starts in 1931 and while Maigret is based in Paris, he's fairly often in different parts of France, or visiting countries nearby. I enjoy the atmosphere and the strong sense of time and place, as well as the variety of crimes Maigret is faced with.
3. Bradecote & Catchpoll series by Sarah Hawkswood
Set in the 1140s and based in Worcester and the surrounding area, so a similar time period to Cadfael, Hugh Bradecote is the Under-sheriff and therefore a representative of the authorities in solving crimes, and he works with the vastly experience Catchpoll who is the Sheriff's Sergeant and Walkelin, the serjeanting apprentice. I like the main characters, who are very human and seek to do their best for those around them, in what can be very difficult times. The next book Act of Betrayal is out in September.
4. Jackman & Evans series by Joy Ellis
I listen to these on audiobooks. DI Rowan Jackman is a modern day detective in the Fenland of Lincolnshire (Joy Ellis' home territory) and is assisted by his sergeant, Sally Evans. There's a team of recurring characters and some interesting crimes, darker than some of what I read. Black Notice is the latest, which came at towards the end of last year.
5. Inspector MacDonald series by E C R Lorac
I've only read the books which have been republished in British Library Crime Classics, but have enjoyed those. The series begins in the early 1930s and runs through to the 1950s. I like MacDonald, who is competent and thoughtful. Most of the books are set in England, with a number in the Lake District. Once more the description of place is excellent - I'm not inclined to read through long descriptions, but these are written so that the reader feels themselves there, rather than simply admiring the view from a distance. They also give an incidental view of life as lived by most people at the time.
6. The Su Yin series by Ovidia Yu
Originally called the Crown Colony series, but with the passing of time this has become inappropriate. The first story is set in Singapore in 1936, when Singapore was under British rule, and the series moves through the Japanese occupation, and has now reached the late 1940s, with the strong demands for independence from the returning British. Su Yin isn't in the police force, but frequently (other than during the war years) works with Inspector Le Froy. The next book The Tembusu Tree Mystery is out in June.
7. The Dinner Lady Detectives by Hannah Hendy
Two late middle-aged school dinner ladies become unexpected amateur detectives in a series of cozy-ish mysteries. Lighter fare than most of the above, but I have a soft spot for the two, who are married to each other. Entertaining with plots relevant to the small town they live in. Implausible, but it all makes sense. A Curiously Convenient Device is out next month.
8. Follet Valley Mysteries by Ian Moore
These stories are not to be taken seriously, but are great fun. The murders happen in bizarre ways, and the main protagonist and foil is Richard Ainsworth, an English proprietor of a French guest house, who has pet hens who he has named after classic film stars. The latest in this series of books set in rural France is Death and Boules.
And lastly, two classics:
9. Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
The original stories. Some are better than others, but the characters of Holmes and Watson are enduring.
10. Miss Marple by Agatha Christie
An overlooked older lady with a very sharp mind and a real knowledge of how people think and behave.
Finally, an honourable mention to Discworld by Terry Pratchett. Here, I shall simply quote the Librarian, "Ook!"
dreamersdare has issued a challenge for February, to take part in Stuff I Love, which can be as vague as anyone wishes. Their particular challenge is a Top Ten version with a different theme each week. Further details here The first week is for Standalones in whatever media appeals.
So, my list, in no particular order:
1. Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake I've seen it twice and both times have been sucked in, both by the drama, the humour, and the tragedy. And I've written fanfic with the Prince, who has such great possibilities for his story.
2. Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker Which is such a brilliant take on the story. I've seen it once on stage and also watched the televised version.
3. Matthew Bourne's The Midnight Bell A much smaller production, with only ten characters. Based on the books by Patrick Hamilton, each character has so much potential, and I'm currently using them for drabbles for
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
small_fandoms drabblethon. I've seen it twice, both times at Cheltenham, the first time was the premiere in 2021, and then again last summer, when the new production opened. And when I got to speak to Sir Matthew Bourne - just to say how much I enjoyed it.4. Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty Another new take on a classic story, but again really imaginatively retold. I love the characters and use them in various fanfics, introducing them into other fandoms (just because I can)
5. Matthew Bourne's Romeo & Juliet Moved to the Verona Institute, the staging and the music (Prokofiev) really add to the dance. I've seen it twice - both times it's been a real gut punch.
6. Matthew Bourne's The Car Man Reworking of Bizet's Carmen, based in Harmony, a small town in central USA, which doesn't live up to its name. Still very hot and sultry. Seen it twice, the second time in a limited run in the Royal Albert Hall in London. It's touring this summer, but I'm not currently planning on seeing it again this time. (On the other hand, Cinderella will be next winter/spring's production...)
And yes, these are all standalones, in the same way that a director can direct different films, or an author write different books.
7. Casablanca because it's the best film of all time. Certain scenes always give me shivers.
8. Winnie-the-Pooh/The House at Pooh Corner Okay, two books, but two doesn't make a series. The original books by A A Milne, with the characters he created. The different toys and their own characteristics and yet, somehow or other, they all live together in the Hundred Acre Woods.
9. 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff Such a great book, which I've only recently read and wondered why I hadn't read it sooner. It's a short book, being correspondence between a young American woman and an older English bookseller, it's also a great picture of England and the States in the 1950s.
10. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson. Another book I had had recommended and finally got around to reading, and only then because there was a copy available in the library. Published in 1938 is a wonderful look at one day in the life of a down at heel governess who has the chance to life differently for a day, and not in the Cinderella sense. If you've ever thought 'I must read this one day', then do so!
Books - January 2026
Jan. 28th, 2026 12:25 pmA good start to the year as I've read 9 books.
The Dancer at the Gai-Moulin by Georges Simenon
The first of this year's Maigret books. Set in Liège and written in 1931, an interesting plot, different from those I've read. Once again I enjoyed both the story and the sense of setting.
The Man Who Didn't Burn by Ian Moore
Having read the Follett Valley series, which are humorous, I thought I would try reading the Juge Lombard stories, of which is the first. Also set in France, in the Loire Valley, this is a more standard mystery, convoluted and clever. I plan on reading the second in the series later this year.
Payment Deferred by C S Forrester
The runner-up for the Shedunnit category of books published 100 years ago (so 1926). More of a character study, not a whodunnit (that is known from when the murder happens), it's a well-written story of how events happen and the effect they have on the characters. It has a strong sense of the life of a lower middle-class clerk and his family at the time.
Still Waters by E C R Lorac
A new British Library Crime Classic publication sees Lorac's Chief Inspector MacDonald back in the Lake District. I always enjoy reading Lorac, and especially being back in the Lake District. An interesting plot, which has several layers.
A Vow of Chastity by Veronica Black
The first of the three Sister Joan mysteries I plan on reading this year, and the second in the series. Although the primary setting of a convent might seem like a cozy mystery, the crime itself is not cozy, although there is nothing graphic, which suits me. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Sky High by Michael Gilbert
The newest British Library Crime Classic release, I have been a great fan of Michael Gilbert for many years. This definitely has thriller aspects to it, which I enjoy, and account for a few late nights reading.
An Extremely Unlikely Death by Hannah Hendy
The latest in the Dinner Lady Detectives series. I'm still enjoying this series, and have noted the two books due out later this year. Qualifies as cozy crime, but a well-constructed plot, with some subtle, but effective, red herrings.
The Misty Harbour by Georges Simenon
My second Maigret, this time set in Oisterham in Normandy. I've been there a few times, since it was one of the landing beaches on D-Day. The descriptions of the harbour area in 1931 are excellent, and although it has changed in the 95 years since the book was written, I can still imagine it. Another quite different plot.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
I had this book on my reading list for this year, and when I saw the latest Goodreads Challenge included it in one of the categories, I bumped it up the list - and was delighted when it turned out to be in three categories and so counted three times. It's an interesting book, the idea is that a few people are brought to the present (book present, some decades ahead of our present) by a time machine. Each of the 'survivors' are assigned a bridge, whose job it is to assimilate them into the modern world. As the book progresses, more details are discovered, which add to the drama. Worth reading, but to me suffers from the inherent contradictions of time travel.
And here's my book bingo card so far - January is always the easiest month, since all the categories are open.
( book bingo )
The Dancer at the Gai-Moulin by Georges Simenon
The first of this year's Maigret books. Set in Liège and written in 1931, an interesting plot, different from those I've read. Once again I enjoyed both the story and the sense of setting.
The Man Who Didn't Burn by Ian Moore
Having read the Follett Valley series, which are humorous, I thought I would try reading the Juge Lombard stories, of which is the first. Also set in France, in the Loire Valley, this is a more standard mystery, convoluted and clever. I plan on reading the second in the series later this year.
Payment Deferred by C S Forrester
The runner-up for the Shedunnit category of books published 100 years ago (so 1926). More of a character study, not a whodunnit (that is known from when the murder happens), it's a well-written story of how events happen and the effect they have on the characters. It has a strong sense of the life of a lower middle-class clerk and his family at the time.
Still Waters by E C R Lorac
A new British Library Crime Classic publication sees Lorac's Chief Inspector MacDonald back in the Lake District. I always enjoy reading Lorac, and especially being back in the Lake District. An interesting plot, which has several layers.
A Vow of Chastity by Veronica Black
The first of the three Sister Joan mysteries I plan on reading this year, and the second in the series. Although the primary setting of a convent might seem like a cozy mystery, the crime itself is not cozy, although there is nothing graphic, which suits me. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Sky High by Michael Gilbert
The newest British Library Crime Classic release, I have been a great fan of Michael Gilbert for many years. This definitely has thriller aspects to it, which I enjoy, and account for a few late nights reading.
An Extremely Unlikely Death by Hannah Hendy
The latest in the Dinner Lady Detectives series. I'm still enjoying this series, and have noted the two books due out later this year. Qualifies as cozy crime, but a well-constructed plot, with some subtle, but effective, red herrings.
The Misty Harbour by Georges Simenon
My second Maigret, this time set in Oisterham in Normandy. I've been there a few times, since it was one of the landing beaches on D-Day. The descriptions of the harbour area in 1931 are excellent, and although it has changed in the 95 years since the book was written, I can still imagine it. Another quite different plot.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
I had this book on my reading list for this year, and when I saw the latest Goodreads Challenge included it in one of the categories, I bumped it up the list - and was delighted when it turned out to be in three categories and so counted three times. It's an interesting book, the idea is that a few people are brought to the present (book present, some decades ahead of our present) by a time machine. Each of the 'survivors' are assigned a bridge, whose job it is to assimilate them into the modern world. As the book progresses, more details are discovered, which add to the drama. Worth reading, but to me suffers from the inherent contradictions of time travel.
And here's my book bingo card so far - January is always the easiest month, since all the categories are open.
( book bingo )
Book Bingo 2026
Jan. 4th, 2026 02:47 pmAs usual I am joining in with kingstoken book bingo
kingstoken book bingoNon-fiction - Fra Angelico (Christopher Lloyd)
Main character over the age of 30 -
Set in a country other than your own - The Misty Harbour (Georges Simenon)
Author's Debut/First book -
Graphic Novel or Comic -
Set at a school/university -
No sex/romance - Dishonour and Obey (Graham Brack) [audiobook]
Historical (fiction or non-fiction) - The Edge of Darkness (Vaseem Khan)
Author you've never read before - War with the Newts (Karel Capek)
ebook/audiobook - Death and Boules (Ian Moore) [audiobook]
Figures without facial features on the cover - The Shadow Puppet (Georges Simenon)
Crime/Mystery - Sky High (Michael Gilbert)
Free Space -
Short Story/Novella - Stories for Lovers (edited by Lucy Evans)
Book Older than you are - Payment Deferred (C S Forester) [published 1926]
Pet or animal companion -
Female author - Still waters (E C R Lorac)
Book made into a film or TV series -
From you TBR -
Humour -
A favourite author blurbed it - An Extremely Unlikely Death (Hannah Hendy) [blurbed by Ian Moore]
First person POV - The Ministry of Time (Kaliane Bradley)
Banned Book -
YA/Children's -
Job/Profession in the title - The Dancer at the Gai-Moulin (Georges Simenon)
Substitution list:
*Over 300 Pages
*Book in Series
*LGBTQ+
*Recommended
*POC Author
*Multiple POVs
*Classic/Retelling
*Sci-fi/Fantasy
*Free Space
*Anthology/Collection
*Biography/Memoir
*Friendship
*Name in the Title
*Movie/TV Tie-in
*With a Woman Protagonist
*From the Library
*Thriller/Suspense
*Set Somewhere You've Been
*Non-Human POV
*Fairy Tale or Fairy Tale Retelling
*Under 100 Pages
*Romance Plot or Sub-plot
*Translated
*With a Blue Cover
*Horror or Paranormal
*Colour in the Title
*Seasonal Read
*Number in title
*Three word title
*Craft, Hobby or Cookbook
*Written by an author from your state or country
*Animal on the cover
*Disability or Mental health
*Read a book from the year you were born
*Mythology
*Title begins with first letter of your name
*Dystopian
*Book mentioned in another book
*Diverse reads
*One word title
*Award Winning/Bestseller
*Disabled Author
*Non-western Setting
*Set in your state/country
*Title is at Least Five Words Long
*Indigenous author
*Has illustrations (but not a comic or graphic novel)
*Re-read
Books: Looking Back, Looking Forward
Jan. 3rd, 2026 05:47 pmLooking back to 2025, I did a quick analysis of my books read into three categories:
1) Library/Non-library
40.5 library, 41.5 non-library. (49.5%/50.5%) The half book is because I started off borrowing one from the library, realised it would take me a very long time to read it, so bought a cheap second hand copy and read it over nine months. I'm definitely pleased that half my reading was library books, which is an increase on 2024.
2) Crime/Other Fiction/Non-fiction
38 crime, 35 other fiction, 9 non-fiction. (46%/43%/9%) Which will be no surprise at all to most of my friends. The proportion of crime novels has dropped to below half of my reading, which I'm pleased about, as I am keen to broaden my reading.
3) Male/Female authors
43 male, 39 female. (52.5%/47.5%) Not very much in it. For anthologies I count half each.
As usual for 2026 I have split my reading into 6 lists, with the aim being to read at least one book from each list each month. They are:
A) Library - initial list of 16 books, which allows for returning one or two unfinished
B) Library - 15 Maigret books, all the Maigret's in the library which I haven't read
C) Book shelf - 15 books, 12 last year's purchases plus 3 crime anthologies
D) Mixed Bag - 12 books, split as follows: 4 odd purchases from years ago; 3 Sister Joan mysteries; 3 Yarn Retreat mysteries; 2 Christmas presents from Son
E) Book Club - aiming for 1 per month, from Shedunnit, an online group I join occasionally, read Christie etc
F) New Books - purchased new releases or new books in the library
I have signed up for a Goodreads goal of 75 books again. I realise there are more on my lists, but there's bound to be the odd DNF and I'd rather exceed by a few books than struggle to make it.
( graphics )
1) Library/Non-library
40.5 library, 41.5 non-library. (49.5%/50.5%) The half book is because I started off borrowing one from the library, realised it would take me a very long time to read it, so bought a cheap second hand copy and read it over nine months. I'm definitely pleased that half my reading was library books, which is an increase on 2024.
2) Crime/Other Fiction/Non-fiction
38 crime, 35 other fiction, 9 non-fiction. (46%/43%/9%) Which will be no surprise at all to most of my friends. The proportion of crime novels has dropped to below half of my reading, which I'm pleased about, as I am keen to broaden my reading.
3) Male/Female authors
43 male, 39 female. (52.5%/47.5%) Not very much in it. For anthologies I count half each.
As usual for 2026 I have split my reading into 6 lists, with the aim being to read at least one book from each list each month. They are:
A) Library - initial list of 16 books, which allows for returning one or two unfinished
B) Library - 15 Maigret books, all the Maigret's in the library which I haven't read
C) Book shelf - 15 books, 12 last year's purchases plus 3 crime anthologies
D) Mixed Bag - 12 books, split as follows: 4 odd purchases from years ago; 3 Sister Joan mysteries; 3 Yarn Retreat mysteries; 2 Christmas presents from Son
E) Book Club - aiming for 1 per month, from Shedunnit, an online group I join occasionally, read Christie etc
F) New Books - purchased new releases or new books in the library
I have signed up for a Goodreads goal of 75 books again. I realise there are more on my lists, but there's bound to be the odd DNF and I'd rather exceed by a few books than struggle to make it.
( graphics )
Books - December 2025
Dec. 30th, 2025 11:48 amFinal list of the year. 8 books finished this month, bringing my total for the year to 82 - 7 above my goal.
Firstly, I continued to read for the Goodreads Challenges. Here my intention is simply to broaden my reading, but only choose something which specifically interests me, so I'm never going to complete all the sections within a challenge. For the Fall Challenge I achieved 5 out of 12, the first three being simply to read books over the months.
84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Short books category. I'm really glad I read this - it crops up every so often. The correspondence between the young American lady and the English bookseller is great and very entertaining. Thoroughly recommended to anyone looking for a short read.
The Cat who Saved the Library by Sosuke Natsukawa
Cosies category, cat sub-section. I do like a good cat book and for me this worked better than some of the others I've read this year. While the human characters have the main part, the cat has their own role to play. This is the second in the series and the first is now on my list for next year.
After which came all my Christmas reads:
Murder in Wintertime: Classic Crime Stories edited by Cecily Gayford
The last few books in this series haven't been as good, but this year I really enjoyed the selection.
Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan
Written in 1948, I found this disappointing. Normally when reading a mystery I will speed up towards the end, but this time I didn't. And to me the solution was poor and unconvincing.
The Winter Spirits: Ghostly Tales for Frosty Nights edited by Bridget Collins
I'm not always a fan of spooky stories, but these I really enjoyed. Our library has the book from the previous year, so that's also on my list.
Murder for Christmas edited by Thomas Godfrey
Lots of classic short stories. Some of which I'd read at least a couple of times before (good ones) and several I didn't know. An excellent collection.
Death Comes at Christmas edited by C.L. Taylor
A modern collection of short stories which on the whole I enjoyed. Published last year, so worth looking out for.
Death in Ambush by Susan Gilruth
This year's British Library Crime Classics Christmas mystery. I normally treat myself to this for Christmas, but wasn't impressed. Too many boring domestic details, a narrator too sure of herself (think early Hastings) and bizarre behaviour from the police detective.
For completeness, I'm also including the two audiobooks I've recently finished:
The Murder of Mr Ma by SJ Rozan and John Shen Yen Nee read by Daniel York Loh
Set in 1920s London amongst the Chinese community, I eventually enjoyed the book. It will not surprise regular readers of my posts that Lao, the narrator, annoyed me considerably.
The Four Deadly Seasons by David Hewson read by Richard Armitage
The third book in Hewson's Venetian Mysteries series. The premise is that there's an until now undiscovered autobiography by Vivaldi. The ramifications are both convoluted and deadly. I've stopped listening to a number of books Armitage narrates, since I haven't been enjoying them, but this is one series I do enjoy and get caught up in the story.
Firstly, I continued to read for the Goodreads Challenges. Here my intention is simply to broaden my reading, but only choose something which specifically interests me, so I'm never going to complete all the sections within a challenge. For the Fall Challenge I achieved 5 out of 12, the first three being simply to read books over the months.
84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Short books category. I'm really glad I read this - it crops up every so often. The correspondence between the young American lady and the English bookseller is great and very entertaining. Thoroughly recommended to anyone looking for a short read.
The Cat who Saved the Library by Sosuke Natsukawa
Cosies category, cat sub-section. I do like a good cat book and for me this worked better than some of the others I've read this year. While the human characters have the main part, the cat has their own role to play. This is the second in the series and the first is now on my list for next year.
( Fall Challenge )
After which came all my Christmas reads:
Murder in Wintertime: Classic Crime Stories edited by Cecily Gayford
The last few books in this series haven't been as good, but this year I really enjoyed the selection.
Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan
Written in 1948, I found this disappointing. Normally when reading a mystery I will speed up towards the end, but this time I didn't. And to me the solution was poor and unconvincing.
The Winter Spirits: Ghostly Tales for Frosty Nights edited by Bridget Collins
I'm not always a fan of spooky stories, but these I really enjoyed. Our library has the book from the previous year, so that's also on my list.
Murder for Christmas edited by Thomas Godfrey
Lots of classic short stories. Some of which I'd read at least a couple of times before (good ones) and several I didn't know. An excellent collection.
Death Comes at Christmas edited by C.L. Taylor
A modern collection of short stories which on the whole I enjoyed. Published last year, so worth looking out for.
Death in Ambush by Susan Gilruth
This year's British Library Crime Classics Christmas mystery. I normally treat myself to this for Christmas, but wasn't impressed. Too many boring domestic details, a narrator too sure of herself (think early Hastings) and bizarre behaviour from the police detective.
( Annual challenge )
For completeness, I'm also including the two audiobooks I've recently finished:
The Murder of Mr Ma by SJ Rozan and John Shen Yen Nee read by Daniel York Loh
Set in 1920s London amongst the Chinese community, I eventually enjoyed the book. It will not surprise regular readers of my posts that Lao, the narrator, annoyed me considerably.
The Four Deadly Seasons by David Hewson read by Richard Armitage
The third book in Hewson's Venetian Mysteries series. The premise is that there's an until now undiscovered autobiography by Vivaldi. The ramifications are both convoluted and deadly. I've stopped listening to a number of books Armitage narrates, since I haven't been enjoying them, but this is one series I do enjoy and get caught up in the story.
Books - November 2025
Nov. 27th, 2025 01:21 pmAnother 7 books read this month, bringing my yearly total to 74 - up on last year, but it all depends on length of book etc.
Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
The runner up for the Shedunnit book club read of historical novel by modern author. It looked interesting, and the time period of just after WWI should have been of interest, but the book spent a lot of time showing Maisie Dobbs' background in great detail, which, together with some very clunky explanations, put me off. The actual mystery was interesting and well solved, but not worth all the pages that needed reading.
The Retired Assassin's Guide to Country Gardening by Naomi Kuttner
I forget who recommended this, but it was excellent. Great fun, with a well plotted mystery. There's a retired assassin, ghosts, and a cat, together with several other plot twists. And it's set in Aotearoa New Zealand. Not serious but definitely fun!
Brueghel - the Complete Paintings by Jurgen Muller
My review is here
Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett
The wizards need to create a football team, with the usual confusion and creativity. The Librarian plays in goal. I've enjoyed reading several Discworld novels this year, and this one was a good way to finish.
N or M? by Agatha Christie
More of a spy thriller than a straight murder mystery. Tommy and Tuppence are deemed too old to make a useful contribution to the war (the book was written in 1941), but then Tommy is asked to help seek out a spy, and Tuppence gets herself involved. Christie's prejudices, which are greater than I think the war justified, are very apparent. And I guessed one of the plot points.
Crime in the City: The 2002 Crime Writers' Association Anthology edited by Martin Edwards
This year I bought a number of anthologies cheap, which I shall be reading over the coming year. This was the first. It does make me wonder how many of these writers will still be read in another 20 years.
Life in Secrets: The Story of Vera Atkins and the Lost Agents of SOE by Sarah Helm
The role of the SOE agents in France and the discovery of their fates was interesting, although the unnecessary loss of life was appalling. Vera Atkins turned out to be an unappealing character and I really wasn't interested in her background, especially given her share in the responsibility for the deaths, which she doesn't appeared to have accepted.
In addition, but not counted in the total, I read (twice):
Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm by Charlie Mackesy
I remain the Mole!
Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
The runner up for the Shedunnit book club read of historical novel by modern author. It looked interesting, and the time period of just after WWI should have been of interest, but the book spent a lot of time showing Maisie Dobbs' background in great detail, which, together with some very clunky explanations, put me off. The actual mystery was interesting and well solved, but not worth all the pages that needed reading.
The Retired Assassin's Guide to Country Gardening by Naomi Kuttner
I forget who recommended this, but it was excellent. Great fun, with a well plotted mystery. There's a retired assassin, ghosts, and a cat, together with several other plot twists. And it's set in Aotearoa New Zealand. Not serious but definitely fun!
Brueghel - the Complete Paintings by Jurgen Muller
My review is here
Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett
The wizards need to create a football team, with the usual confusion and creativity. The Librarian plays in goal. I've enjoyed reading several Discworld novels this year, and this one was a good way to finish.
N or M? by Agatha Christie
More of a spy thriller than a straight murder mystery. Tommy and Tuppence are deemed too old to make a useful contribution to the war (the book was written in 1941), but then Tommy is asked to help seek out a spy, and Tuppence gets herself involved. Christie's prejudices, which are greater than I think the war justified, are very apparent. And I guessed one of the plot points.
Crime in the City: The 2002 Crime Writers' Association Anthology edited by Martin Edwards
This year I bought a number of anthologies cheap, which I shall be reading over the coming year. This was the first. It does make me wonder how many of these writers will still be read in another 20 years.
Life in Secrets: The Story of Vera Atkins and the Lost Agents of SOE by Sarah Helm
The role of the SOE agents in France and the discovery of their fates was interesting, although the unnecessary loss of life was appalling. Vera Atkins turned out to be an unappealing character and I really wasn't interested in her background, especially given her share in the responsibility for the deaths, which she doesn't appeared to have accepted.
In addition, but not counted in the total, I read (twice):
Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm by Charlie Mackesy
I remain the Mole!
25 Things in 2025 - Thing #14
Nov. 14th, 2025 04:15 pmRead book on Brueghel
I had planned to finish this in September, which I would have managed had I started reading it in April, but I didn't begin until June, so I've only just finished now. But it's still done within the year.
This book has almost all the paintings by Brueghel the Elder. I had requested it as a Christmas present, and had read up on a few of the paintings, but this time I worked all through the book. The paintings themselves are wonderful - very detailed and certainly worth looking at closely. The book was semi-interesting, helpfully pointing out details not to be missed, but at the same time the theological interpretation was very much of the author and extremely narrow-minded. Every painting was examined in the same way, and I frequently disagreed with the interpretation.
Having said that, I didn't want the book for the commentary, but to have the paintings and the challenge this year was to look properly at them, so I was happy with the outcome.
I had planned to finish this in September, which I would have managed had I started reading it in April, but I didn't begin until June, so I've only just finished now. But it's still done within the year.
This book has almost all the paintings by Brueghel the Elder. I had requested it as a Christmas present, and had read up on a few of the paintings, but this time I worked all through the book. The paintings themselves are wonderful - very detailed and certainly worth looking at closely. The book was semi-interesting, helpfully pointing out details not to be missed, but at the same time the theological interpretation was very much of the author and extremely narrow-minded. Every painting was examined in the same way, and I frequently disagreed with the interpretation.
Having said that, I didn't want the book for the commentary, but to have the paintings and the challenge this year was to look properly at them, so I was happy with the outcome.
Books - October 2025
Oct. 25th, 2025 03:36 pmThe library refit has been done and looks maybe a bit better. But, they still need to replace the windows and get the new book racks put in, so it will be shut again next month, but fortunately only for a week this time.
In the meantime, this month I've read 7 books, so I'm up to 67 books for the year and should easily reach my 75 books goal.
Feast for the Ravens by Sarah Hawkswood
The next in the Bradecote and Catchpoll series. I bought this new as I was keen to read it, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in September 1145 in the Wyre Forest in Worcestershire, there's a dead body to identify and investigate and a fascinating plot, all of which give a distinct sense of both time and place.
Green for Danger by Christianna Brand
Shedunnit's book for October and one I happened to already have on my TBR shelf. My second Brand in three months and sufficient to make me decide not to read any more. I generally like war time setting, especially when written at the time (this was written in 1944) but the story felt implausible to me.
Seven Clues in Search of a Crime by Bruce Graeme
I'm not sure why I bought this book (second hand), clearly it had been recommended by someone. Although published in 1941 to me it read like a more modern novel, but written as a historical story. However the story is set in 1938 (there's mention of the Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth which was launched that year), so maybe Graeme was feeling nostalgic for a more peaceful time when he wrote the book. I quite enjoyed the story, which involves the main character working out what is happening and why, but won't be actively hunting out further books in the series.
As If By Magic: Locked Room Mysteries and Other Miraculous Crimes edited by Martin Edwards
I bought this book of short stories to read on holiday. Sadly I didn't enjoy the majority - but then I'm not a fan of locked room mysteries, and I think I've read sufficient by now to be able to work out what happened since most rely on one of three explanations.
Maigret and the Ghost by Georges Simenon
I also read this on holiday and enjoyed the story. Set in Paris it has the usual Maigret selection of suspects and the solid police work which reveal the perpetrator. I continue to enjoy the Maigret stories, as I always have the sense of being present in the location when reading them.
Green Hands by Barbara Whitton
A reprint by the Imperial War Museum, this was written in 1943 and tells the story of three land girls and their year working on farms. Although not autobiographical, it's based on the author's own experiences and really does give a good sense of what life was like. For anyone interested in the period, I would recommend this book.
The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard
Cherry-Garrard was one of those who was on Robert Scott's attempt to reach the South Pole, although he was in one of the support parties and therefore didn't get to the Pole - and consequently survived to write about it. A couple of people recommended the book and said how good it was, so I decided to try it. I read the first half last year and then the second half over the last few months this year. It's a long book, and hard going. In the end I was disappointed. Yes, it was very hard going and the men involved suffered, but they had chosen to go. There was an Edwardian arrogance which led to mistakes being made. The book was published in 1922 and very clearly reflects the attitudes behind British imperialism.
In the meantime, this month I've read 7 books, so I'm up to 67 books for the year and should easily reach my 75 books goal.
Feast for the Ravens by Sarah Hawkswood
The next in the Bradecote and Catchpoll series. I bought this new as I was keen to read it, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in September 1145 in the Wyre Forest in Worcestershire, there's a dead body to identify and investigate and a fascinating plot, all of which give a distinct sense of both time and place.
Green for Danger by Christianna Brand
Shedunnit's book for October and one I happened to already have on my TBR shelf. My second Brand in three months and sufficient to make me decide not to read any more. I generally like war time setting, especially when written at the time (this was written in 1944) but the story felt implausible to me.
Seven Clues in Search of a Crime by Bruce Graeme
I'm not sure why I bought this book (second hand), clearly it had been recommended by someone. Although published in 1941 to me it read like a more modern novel, but written as a historical story. However the story is set in 1938 (there's mention of the Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth which was launched that year), so maybe Graeme was feeling nostalgic for a more peaceful time when he wrote the book. I quite enjoyed the story, which involves the main character working out what is happening and why, but won't be actively hunting out further books in the series.
As If By Magic: Locked Room Mysteries and Other Miraculous Crimes edited by Martin Edwards
I bought this book of short stories to read on holiday. Sadly I didn't enjoy the majority - but then I'm not a fan of locked room mysteries, and I think I've read sufficient by now to be able to work out what happened since most rely on one of three explanations.
Maigret and the Ghost by Georges Simenon
I also read this on holiday and enjoyed the story. Set in Paris it has the usual Maigret selection of suspects and the solid police work which reveal the perpetrator. I continue to enjoy the Maigret stories, as I always have the sense of being present in the location when reading them.
Green Hands by Barbara Whitton
A reprint by the Imperial War Museum, this was written in 1943 and tells the story of three land girls and their year working on farms. Although not autobiographical, it's based on the author's own experiences and really does give a good sense of what life was like. For anyone interested in the period, I would recommend this book.
The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard
Cherry-Garrard was one of those who was on Robert Scott's attempt to reach the South Pole, although he was in one of the support parties and therefore didn't get to the Pole - and consequently survived to write about it. A couple of people recommended the book and said how good it was, so I decided to try it. I read the first half last year and then the second half over the last few months this year. It's a long book, and hard going. In the end I was disappointed. Yes, it was very hard going and the men involved suffered, but they had chosen to go. There was an Edwardian arrogance which led to mistakes being made. The book was published in 1922 and very clearly reflects the attitudes behind British imperialism.
Books - September 2025
Sep. 24th, 2025 09:22 pm9 books this month, which means I'm at 60 for the year. Some were started towards the end of last month, but mostly this is because my local library is shut for a (much-needed) refit for a month, so I made sure to have plenty to read.
V for Victory by Lissa Evans
I read Crooked Heart last year, and this is the follow up novel. It's set in the last few months of WWII and is just as good as the previous book, with compelling characters and an interesting plot, with the characters intertwining in very believable ways.
The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
I had the first book in the Molly the Maid series last year when it was abridged for the radio. This book was one of the Goodreads Summer Challenge books and as there was a copy available at the library I decided I'd read it (also it's shorter than the main series). It was obvious what was happening, but it was understandable why Molly was struggling with events.
Maigret and the Lazy Burglar by Georges Simenon
The library has some new Maigret editions, so I reserved a couple when I realised they were coming in and this was one of them. It's set in Paris, and is one of the later books in the series. Maigret uses his knowledge and vast experience to solve the case.
The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett
Continuing my progress with the Rincewind series. I enjoyed this more than some of the others. All the wizards are involved and the Librarian is present, which I always enjoy. I thought it was good fun, set in the Discworld's version of Australia, with all the usual inventiveness.
Death and the Conjurer by Tom Mead
A modern whodunnit, although set in the 1920s. I can see the attraction of the book, but it wasn't one which worked as well for me, but that was partly because it was a locked room mystery, which is not a genre I'm particularly keen on.
The Balkans: Nationalism, War and the Great Powers 1804-1999 by Misha Glenny
I originally borrowed this from the library, but it's over 700 pages and not something which can be read quickly, so I bought myself a cheap copy. I found it really interesting, although I did get confused with various people. It was something I knew little about, so I was glad to have read it. And yes, it took me 7.5 months to finish, because I wasn't reading it all the time. It also showed how throughout the 200 years the Great Powers only became involved when they could use it to their advantage, and that even at the end of the time they didn't seem to have learnt anything.
Small Bomb at Dimperley by Lissa Evans
I'm enjoying books by Lissa Evans, so I've set up an alert for when the library obtains new books by her. So, when they announced they'd purchased the new paperback, I put in a reservation, and fortunately it arrived before the local library closed. Set just after WWII, it was another enjoyable read. The ending was possibly to be expected, but the process of getting there was neatly done.
The Penguin Book of Murder Mysteries edited by Michael Sims
If I'd realised the mysteries were Victorian ones, I wouldn't have got the book. I had already read three of the stories elsewhere, and of those that I hadn't I only enjoyed one. I suspect if you like the style of these early mysteries you might enjoy them, but I can see why only Sherlock Holmes remains well known (and none of his stories were included).
A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories by Terry Pratchett
This was on my library list of 'to read at some time', but there was a copy in the local library, so I shot in on the last day it was open and borrowed it. Very short stories, but all highly entertaining, and definitely appealing to my slightly 'off the wall' brain.
The Goodreads Summer Challenge finished in the middle of the month and I managed 5 of the 9 categories. I wasn't planning on doing them all, just those which had books which actually appealed.
V for Victory by Lissa Evans
I read Crooked Heart last year, and this is the follow up novel. It's set in the last few months of WWII and is just as good as the previous book, with compelling characters and an interesting plot, with the characters intertwining in very believable ways.
The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
I had the first book in the Molly the Maid series last year when it was abridged for the radio. This book was one of the Goodreads Summer Challenge books and as there was a copy available at the library I decided I'd read it (also it's shorter than the main series). It was obvious what was happening, but it was understandable why Molly was struggling with events.
Maigret and the Lazy Burglar by Georges Simenon
The library has some new Maigret editions, so I reserved a couple when I realised they were coming in and this was one of them. It's set in Paris, and is one of the later books in the series. Maigret uses his knowledge and vast experience to solve the case.
The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett
Continuing my progress with the Rincewind series. I enjoyed this more than some of the others. All the wizards are involved and the Librarian is present, which I always enjoy. I thought it was good fun, set in the Discworld's version of Australia, with all the usual inventiveness.
Death and the Conjurer by Tom Mead
A modern whodunnit, although set in the 1920s. I can see the attraction of the book, but it wasn't one which worked as well for me, but that was partly because it was a locked room mystery, which is not a genre I'm particularly keen on.
The Balkans: Nationalism, War and the Great Powers 1804-1999 by Misha Glenny
I originally borrowed this from the library, but it's over 700 pages and not something which can be read quickly, so I bought myself a cheap copy. I found it really interesting, although I did get confused with various people. It was something I knew little about, so I was glad to have read it. And yes, it took me 7.5 months to finish, because I wasn't reading it all the time. It also showed how throughout the 200 years the Great Powers only became involved when they could use it to their advantage, and that even at the end of the time they didn't seem to have learnt anything.
Small Bomb at Dimperley by Lissa Evans
I'm enjoying books by Lissa Evans, so I've set up an alert for when the library obtains new books by her. So, when they announced they'd purchased the new paperback, I put in a reservation, and fortunately it arrived before the local library closed. Set just after WWII, it was another enjoyable read. The ending was possibly to be expected, but the process of getting there was neatly done.
The Penguin Book of Murder Mysteries edited by Michael Sims
If I'd realised the mysteries were Victorian ones, I wouldn't have got the book. I had already read three of the stories elsewhere, and of those that I hadn't I only enjoyed one. I suspect if you like the style of these early mysteries you might enjoy them, but I can see why only Sherlock Holmes remains well known (and none of his stories were included).
A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories by Terry Pratchett
This was on my library list of 'to read at some time', but there was a copy in the local library, so I shot in on the last day it was open and borrowed it. Very short stories, but all highly entertaining, and definitely appealing to my slightly 'off the wall' brain.
The Goodreads Summer Challenge finished in the middle of the month and I managed 5 of the 9 categories. I wasn't planning on doing them all, just those which had books which actually appealed.
Books - August 2025
Aug. 25th, 2025 12:12 pm7 books this month, so 51 for the year, 1 ahead of my goal.
Maigret and the Hotel Majestic by Georges Simenon
This month's Shedunnit book club choice (also called The Cellars of the Majestic), so I was definitely going to read it. Set mostly in Paris, although Maigret does go out of the city briefly. The usual interesting plot and excellent mix of characters.
System Collapse by Martha Wells
The latest Murderbot, which brings me up to date with the series. I enjoyed it, but for me, these later books don't quite have the feel the earlier ones had. I won't be trying to watch the series, as I have my own version of Murderbot in my head.
A Vicarage Family: A Biography of Myself by Noel Streatfield
Fictional, but based on Noel Streatfield's early life (she was the author of Ballet Shoes). Well worth reading, although the arrogance of Edwardian men of the upper and middle classes is astonishing.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The current Goodreads challenge is the Summer Challenge, and this was one of the books under the Challenge Faves category, and, since it's on my mental 'should read sometime' I read it. It was okay, but definitely not one of the genre I like, so I wasn't particularly struck. I wonder whether it's more the concept than the actual story which is why it is so popular.
War Among The Ladies by Eleanor Scott
A British Library Women Writers book, set in the 1920s at a girls' school. The insight into the lives of the teachers and their very real concerns, but also the petty nature of some of their behaviour is brilliantly observed and written. I had a real feel for how perilous life was for many unmarried women at the time.
Music of the Night edited by Martin Edwards
Short stories by the Crime Writers' Association all with a connection to music in some way. I was disappointed with many of the stories.
Stan the Killer by Georges Simenon
Three Maigret short stories. I wouldn't normally buy a book like this new, but I had some Waterstone's points so I treated myself. Three excellent stories, of the 'just one more page - oh, there's only another 10 left till the end of the story, I don't need to go to sleep yet!' variety. I passed it onto J who said, "I'll take my time over it" and like me, isn't.
Maigret and the Hotel Majestic by Georges Simenon
This month's Shedunnit book club choice (also called The Cellars of the Majestic), so I was definitely going to read it. Set mostly in Paris, although Maigret does go out of the city briefly. The usual interesting plot and excellent mix of characters.
System Collapse by Martha Wells
The latest Murderbot, which brings me up to date with the series. I enjoyed it, but for me, these later books don't quite have the feel the earlier ones had. I won't be trying to watch the series, as I have my own version of Murderbot in my head.
A Vicarage Family: A Biography of Myself by Noel Streatfield
Fictional, but based on Noel Streatfield's early life (she was the author of Ballet Shoes). Well worth reading, although the arrogance of Edwardian men of the upper and middle classes is astonishing.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The current Goodreads challenge is the Summer Challenge, and this was one of the books under the Challenge Faves category, and, since it's on my mental 'should read sometime' I read it. It was okay, but definitely not one of the genre I like, so I wasn't particularly struck. I wonder whether it's more the concept than the actual story which is why it is so popular.
War Among The Ladies by Eleanor Scott
A British Library Women Writers book, set in the 1920s at a girls' school. The insight into the lives of the teachers and their very real concerns, but also the petty nature of some of their behaviour is brilliantly observed and written. I had a real feel for how perilous life was for many unmarried women at the time.
Music of the Night edited by Martin Edwards
Short stories by the Crime Writers' Association all with a connection to music in some way. I was disappointed with many of the stories.
Stan the Killer by Georges Simenon
Three Maigret short stories. I wouldn't normally buy a book like this new, but I had some Waterstone's points so I treated myself. Three excellent stories, of the 'just one more page - oh, there's only another 10 left till the end of the story, I don't need to go to sleep yet!' variety. I passed it onto J who said, "I'll take my time over it" and like me, isn't.
