Lies, Damned Lies, and History by Jodi Taylor

Title: Lies, Damned Lies, and History (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #7)

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2016

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 320

Stars: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Scares Me

At St Mary's Institute of Historical Research, the historians don't just study the past, they revisit it. Behind the strait-laced façade of a conventional academic institution, the secret of time travel has been discovered and is being used for ground-breaking and daring historical research. The series takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride through history: from the destruction of Pompeii to the trenches of the First World War; from the Great Fire of London to the burning of the library at Alexandria; from Bronze Age Troy to the time of the dinosaurs... Meanwhile, within at St Mary's itself, there are power struggles, romances and intrigues worthy of a book in themselves.

Another heartbreaking story from the wayward characters at St. Mary’s. I knew this one was going to have something big happen and I was not disappointed. I only got about 1/3 of the way into the book before I almost put it down in sadness. Thankfully I stuck with it and was rewarded with a great story of adventure and change. Oh and the big twist at the end was priceless. Love it!

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

Next up on the TBR pile:

East of West Volume 8

Title: East of West Volume 8

Author: Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

We catch up with Death and Babylon in this eighth volume of the bestselling series EAST OF WEST. Collects EAST OF WEST #35-38

Oh my goodness! This series is really keeping me on my toes. This volume slowed the story down just a bit to spend a lot of time with the horseman, the marshal, Death, Babylon, and the Endless Nation. We get a lot of good character interplay and some great panels. Really loved this volume but I really really need to see what happens! Who wins? Who survives, who dies? What is the meaning of the Message? Really love this series.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian

Title: The Light in the Ruins

Author: Chris Bohjalian

Publisher: Vintage 2013

Genre: Historical fiction

Pages: 322

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

1943: Tucked away in the idyllic hills south of Florence, the Rosatis, an Italian family of noble lineage, believe that the walls of their ancient villa will keep them safe from the war raging across Europe. Eighteen-year-old Cristina spends her days swimming in the pool, playing with her young niece and nephew, and wandering aimlessly amid the estate’s gardens and olive groves. But when two soldiers, a German and an Italian, arrive at the villa asking to see an ancient Etruscan burial site, the Rosatis’ bucolic tranquility is shattered. A young German lieutenant begins to court Cristina, the Nazis descend upon the estate demanding hospitality, and what was once their sanctuary becomes their prison.

1955: Serafina Bettini, an investigator with the Florence police department, has her own demons. A beautiful woman, Serafina carefully hides her scars along with her haunting memories of the war. But when she is assigned to a gruesome new case—a serial killer targeting the Rosatis, murdering the remnants of the family one-by-one in cold blood—Serafina finds herself digging into a past that involves both the victims and her own tragic history.

I was expecting a historical fiction novel about a. family dealing with the aftermath of WWII. I wasn’t expecting a murder mystery pushing the narrative along. Much better than I thought it was going to be. I especially enjoyed following Serafina’s involved in the case and the glimpses of her history. The whodunit kept me guessing until the last few chapters. The reveal was wonderfully staged and described. I enjoyed this random book from my shelf.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant

Title: Rolling in the Deep (Rolling in the Deep #0.5)

Author: Mira Grant

Publisher: Orbit

Genre: Horror

Pages: 128

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR: Popsugar - Lyrics; Seasonal Series - Duology

When the Imagine Network commissioned a documentary on mermaids, to be filmed from the cruise ship Atargatis, they expected what they had always received before: an assortment of eyewitness reports that proved nothing, some footage that proved even less, and the kind of ratings that only came from peddling imaginary creatures to the masses.

They didn't expect actual mermaids. They certainly didn't expect those mermaids to have teeth.

This is the story of the Atargatis, lost at sea with all hands. Some have called it a hoax; others have called it a maritime tragedy. Whatever the truth may be, it will only be found below the bathypelagic zone in the Mariana Trench…and the depths are very good at keeping secrets.

A lovely, horrifying prequel to Into the Drowning Deep. Anyone who has read the main novel knows how this prequel is going to end, but I was still on pins and needles waiting to find out the fate of the crew on the Atargatis. And the sirens were just as horrifying (maybe even more so than the novel). A great read!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Spinning Straw into Gold by Joan Gould

Title: Spinning Straw into Gold: What Fairy Tales Reveal About the Transformations in a Woman's Life

Author: Joan Gould

Publisher: Random House 2010

Genre: Nonfiction - Fairy Tales/Folklore

Pages: 330

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

What’s your favorite fairy tale? Whether it’s “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Hansel and Gretel,” or another story, your answer reveals something significant about you, your experiences, and your soul. In this penetrating book, Joan Gould brings to the surface the hidden meanings in fairy tales and myths, and illuminates what they can tell you about the stages in your own life. As Gould explores the transformations that women go through from youth to old age–leaving home and mother, the first experience of sexuality, the surprising ambivalence of marriage, the spiritual work required by menopause and aging–her keen observations will enrich your awareness of your inner life.

Another long shelf resident that I finally decided to pick up. I enjoyed this exploration of fairy tales, but I caution that this is not for the feint of heart. The text is very dry and academic. The analysis of each fairy tale is deep and very long. And yet, I really did like the insights I gleamed from the text. If you really like fairy tales and literary analysis, pick this one up.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant

Title: Into the Drowning Deep

Author: Mira Grant

Publisher: Orbit 2017

Genre: Horror

Pages: 440

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR: Reading Assignment; Seasonal Series - Red on Cover

Seven years ago the Atargatis set off on a voyage to the Mariana Trench to film a mockumentary bringing to life ancient sea creatures of legend. It was lost at sea with all hands. Some have called it a hoax; others have called it a tragedy.

Now a new crew has been assembled. But this time they're not out to entertain. Some seek to validate their life's work. Some seek the greatest hunt of all. Some seek the truth. But for the ambitious young scientist Victoria Stewart this is a voyage to uncover the fate of the sister she lost.

Whatever the truth may be, it will only be found below the waves.

I finally got this one through my Care Exchange group and I immediately dove into the book. I couldn’t put it down, it was just too good. Horrifying, but good. I fell for all the characters we met and desperately wanted all of them to survive (but knew that some definitely would not survive). Grant gives the reader a horrifying set-up and payoff on a boat in the middle of the ocean. I was looking over my shoulder and my ceilings for monsters from the deep. Very scary! They even invaded my dreams. I love when a horror book unsettles me. I was completely sucked into this world and was so incredibly disappointed when I reached the last page. Now I must read the prequel story.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Title: Dracula

Author: Bram Stoker

Publisher: 1897

Genre: Horror

Pages: 488

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual (NPR Horror); Popsugar - Play or Musical; Mount TBR

Dracula is an 1897 Gothic horror novel by Irish author Bram Stoker. Famous for introducing the character of the vampire Count Dracula, the novel tells the story of Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England so he may find new blood and spread undead curse, and the battle between Dracula and a small group of men and women led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing.

A fun spooky reread for my October. I think it’s been at least 5 years since I last read this book and have forgotten how much I really enjoy it. I love the rich descriptions of Transylvania and The Count. I always forget the journey to the castle and the foreshadowing we get about the horror that awaits. So good! And then we get an expansion of characters featuring some truly memorable ones. Renfield! My favorite! I love every encounter with him. I sped through the rest of the book just to get to the demise of The Count. Love it!

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer

Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Author: Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer

Publisher: Dial Press 2009

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 288

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - 21st Century Women Authors; Popsugar - Vegetable; What’s in a Name - Vegetable

“I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb. . . .

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

I finally picked up this raved about book and absolutely loved it! The first 25 pages were a bit slow as we introduce the characters and the backstory. Once Juliet arrived on Guernsey I couldn’t stop reading. It was just too engaging! I fell for every single inhabitant on the island and even the ones not on the island. I love the epistolary structure of the book. It adds just a bit of fun and novelty into a great storyline. At times I was almost in tears learning about the characters. But at other times, I was laughing at the jokes and misadventures. This is a book that is going to be kept on my read and loved shelf for years to come. I’m certain I’ll be rereading this in the coming years.

Next up on the TBR pile:

An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin

Title: An Object of Beauty

Author: Steven Martin

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing 2010

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 295

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Pile

Lacey Yeager is young, captivating, and ambitious enough to take the NYC art world by storm. Groomed at Sotheby's and hungry to keep climbing the social and career ladders put before her, Lacey charms men and women, old and young, rich and even richer with her magnetic charisma and liveliness. Her ascension to the highest tiers of the city parallel the soaring heights--and, at times, the dark lows--of the art world and the country from the late 1990s through today.

This book has been sitting on my shelves for a few years and now I know why. It’s not a bad book. In fact, I think the right person would love this book. I am not that person. I just felt ambivalence toward the book and characters the entire time I was reading it. I wasn’t rushing to read the next page or staying up for one more chapter. I thought about abandoning it at one point, but pushed through to find out the end of Lacey’s story. My main issue is with the characters. None are likable or relatable. I just couldn’t get behind anyone and ultimately didn’t care what happened to them.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Extinct by Ike Hamill

Title: Extinct (Extinct #1)

Author: Ike Hamill

Publisher: 2013

Genre: Horror

Pages: 389

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - X; Seasonal Series - Creatures of the Night

Channel Two predicted a blanket of snow for Thanksgiving weekend--unusual, but not alarming for the little Maine island. What comes is a blinding blizzard, and a mass disappearance of nearly every person Robby Pierce knows. He and his family flee, trying to escape the snow and the invisible forces stealing people right from the street.

Miles away, Brad Jenkins battles the same storm. Alone, he attempts to survive as snow envelops his house. When the storm breaks, Brad makes his way south to where the snow ends and the world lies empty. Join Brad, Robby, and the other survivors as they fight to find the truth about the apocalypse and discover how to live in their new world.

I have very mixed feelings about this book. I love the world-building and the overall plot line. I loved the creep factor, especially the first 1/3 of the book. But, I just didn’t love the characters. If I had to pick a favorite, I guess I would say Brad. However, I just wasn’t a fan of any of the characters. By the end of the book, none of the characters really appealed to me. And yet, I really really wanted to find out what happens with the thing in the snow. I wanted to get a closer look at the shadow creatures and the water. And there was a big question when it came to the Chinese buffet. Who was actually in there? As I still really need answers to these questions, I’m going to read the next book in the series.

Extinct

#1 Extinct
#2 Instinct
#3 Black Friday
#4 Distinct

Next up on the TBR pile:

Florida by Lauren Groff

Title: Florida

Author: Lauren Groff

Publisher: Riverbed Books 2018

Genre: Short Stories

Pages: 275

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Stranger Read; Modern Mrs. Darcy - 2018 Award Nominee

In her thrilling new book, Lauren Groff brings the reader into a physical world that is at once domestic and wild—a place where the hazards of the natural world lie waiting to pounce, yet the greatest threats and mysteries are still of an emotional, psychological nature. A family retreat can be derailed by a prowling panther, or by a sexual secret. Among those navigating this place are a resourceful pair of abandoned sisters; a lonely boy, grown up; a restless, childless couple, a searching, homeless woman; and an unforgettable, recurring character—a steely and conflicted wife and mother.

I had heard great things about this collection of stories and decided to read it after loving Groff’s The Monsters of Templeton. Although I must say that I did like Fates and Furies at all. And so I dove into this story collection, but just couldn’t find myself loving these stories at all. I’m not a fan of Groff’s writing. Her vagueness in plot and insubstantial characters can’t keep my attention. I finished this collection, but I think I’m done with Groff’s writing…

Next up on the TBR pile:

Royal Flush by Rhys Bowen

Title: Royal Flush (Royal Spyness #3)

Author: Rhys Bowen

Publisher: Berkley 2009

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 332

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Seasonal Series - Eating Soup

Scotland, 1932. Back home until a little London scandal blows over, minor royal Lady Georgiana Rannoch has two equally important objectives. Queen Mary wants Georgie to keep the divorced, American, and entirely unsuitable Wallis Simpson from seducing the Prince of Wales, while Scotland Yard wants her to stop one of the members of the shooting party at Balmoral from turning their sights from the quails to His Royal Highness...

Another fun mystery featuring the misadventures of Georgie and the royal set. I loved the change of scenery to Scotland and the reintroduction of Binky and Fig. This mystery was tons of fun to figure out. I didn’t quite catch the connection until right before the reveal, but it was fun following the clues with Georgie.

Her Royal Spyness:

#0.5 Masked Ball at Broxley Manor
#1 Her Royal Spyness
#2 A Royal Pain
#3 Royal Flush
#4 Royal Blood
#5 Naughty in Nice
#6 The Twelve Clues of Christmas
#7 Heirs and Graces
#8 Queen of Hearts
#9 Malice at the Palace
#10 Crowned and Dangerous
#11 On Her Majesty’s Frightfully Secret Service
#12 Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding

Next up on the TBR pile:

You're the Rogue that I Want by Samantha Holt

Title: You’re the Rogue that I Want

Author: Samantha Holt

Publisher: 2016

Genre: Romance

Pages: 227

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; A to Z - Y; Seasonal Series - Rain in Background

Red never shies away from a challenge.

Never.

But when Miss Hannah St. John strides into his life demanding—yes, demanding—he help her, he’s certain she’s more challenge than even he can handle.

Hannah is determined to transport an artifact from France—one that will change everything—even if it means working with a lawless man like Red. Nothing is more important than preserving history.

Nothing.

Not even the touch of a smuggler who inconceivably makes her stomach twist.

When it becomes clear the irritating bluestocking will do anything for this blasted artifact and needs saving from herself, the earl-turned-smuggler steps in.

Carting a cursed stone across the country with a know-it-all woman is not Red’s idea of fun, particularly when their journey runs far from smoothly…so why does he find himself enjoying her company just a little too much?

I love a good fluffy romance and this was just what I needed this week. I really enjoyed the misadventures of Red and Hannah on their journey to London. A couple of the instances really were too much of a coincidence, but I still loved their reactions to everything. And a very steamy ending to the book. I might just have to pick up the next in the series.

Rogues of Redmere

#1 You’re the Rogue that I Want
#2 When a Rogue Loves a Woman
#3 Waiting for a Rogue Like You

Next up on the TBR pile:

Dollhouse by Anya Allyn

Title: Dollhouse (Dark Carousel #1)

Author: Anya Allyn

Publisher: 2017

Genre: Horror

Pages: 311

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seasonal Series - Creepy Book

A dark presence is collecting girls, deep in the forest. Two girls have vanished, and now a third. Cassie and her friends desperately search the forest for their friend, who went missing on a hike. When they find vintage dolls hanging from strings on branches, they should have turned back.
But they didn't.

The dolls lead to a crumbling mansion. Beneath the mansion lies a macabre, life-sized dollhouse that is controlled by a terrifying being. In the dollhouse, you must dance until your feet bleed, sit on the toy shelf if you're bad, and if you've been very bad, you are sent to the toy box - a pitch-dark cavern that contains beings beyond nightmares.
And now there is no escape.

As I’m still in Indiana, most of my reading is done at bedtime, but I can’t have the lights on or the kids won’t go to bed. So… I started with the As on my Kindle and picked some random read. This one starts out fairly slow, featuring four kids talking a nature hike in the bush in Australia. And then things turn extremely creepy. I’m a bit confused about the ending, but really enjoyed the horror story up until then. I wonder if the second book is a continuation or a different set of characters? I Might just have to buy it and find out.

Dark Carousel

#1 Dollhouse
#2 Paper Dolls
#3 Marionette
#4 Music Box

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen

Title: A Royal Pain (Royal Spyness #2)

Author: Rhys Bowen

Publisher: Berkley 2008

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 332

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Seasonal Series - Set in real world

London, 1932. Poor Lady Georgiana--thirty-fourth in line to the throne--has nothing to serve her Bavarian princess houseguest, even though the Queen of England has requested that she entertain her. Then there's the matter of the body in the bookshop and the princess's unwitting involvement with the Communist party. It's enough to drive a girl mad...

A fun little cozy mystery for this week. It started out slow, but once the killings started, we were off! I loved Georgie’s attempts to fake a rich household for the visiting princess complete with imposter butler, cook, and maid. But what I really want to know is who is Darcy? Or more to the point, who is he working for? Plus, what’s up with the Inspector? Very annoying man!

Her Royal Spyness:

#0.5 Masked Ball at Broxley Manor
#1 Her Royal Spyness
#2 A Royal Pain
#3 Royal Flush
#4 Royal Blood
#5 Naughty in Nice
#6 The Twelve Clues of Christmas
#7 Heirs and Graces
#8 Queen of Hearts
#9 Malice at the Palace
#10 Crowned and Dangerous
#11 On Her Majesty’s Frightfully Secret Service
#12 Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding

Next up on the TBR pile:

Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings by Jodi Taylor

Title: Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #6.5)

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2015

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 51

Stars: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Bonus Content

It's Christmas again at St Mary's and time for Max's obligatory illegal jump. On this occasion, however, they're right up against it. A loaded gun has been left behind in Ancient Egypt and it's up to St Mary's historians to retrieve it before someone accidentally blows their own head off, thus affecting the timeline for centuries to come. And as if that's not enough, Max has inadvertently poisoned Mr Markham. It's hot, they're running out of supplies, they can't find the gun, and it's all going horribly wrong. Again.

I so love these cute little short interlude stories featuring the crazy characters at St. Mary’s. This story is another fun Christmas-time adventure with a visit to ancient Egypt. I love every time Markham shows up to add to the fun.

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

#0.5 The Very First Damned Thing
#1 Just One Damned Thing After Another
#2 A Symphony of Echoes
#2.5 When A Child is Born
#3 A Second Chance
#3.5 Roman Holiday
#4 A Trail Through Time
#4.5 Christmas Present
#5 No Time Like the Past
#6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong
#6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings
#7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History
#7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out
#7.6 My Name is Markham
#8 And the Rest is History
#8.5 A Perfect Storm
#9 The Long and Short of It

Next up on the TBR pile:

What Could Possibly Go Wrong? by Jodi Taylor

Title: What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #6)

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2015

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 300

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Science Fiction

Max is back! New husband, new job, and a training regime that cannot fail - to go wrong! Take one interim Chief Training Officer, add five recruits, mix with Joan of Arc, a baby mammoth, a duplicitous Father of History, a bombed rat, Stone Age hunters, a couple of passing policemen who should have better things to do, and Dick the Turd. Stir well, bring to the boil - and wait for the bang! Join Max in the sixth instalment in the off-the-wall Chronicles of St Mary's series.

Every time I started a Chronicles of St. Mary’s book, I’m expecting a light and fluffy story. They usually start that way and then Wham! something tragic happens. This volume was no exception. And the tragedies that occurred really hit me. Full of emotion. And yet, I loved every page of this book. I love continuing the adventures of Max and her band of misfits. Such a great series.

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

#0.5 The Very First Damned Thing
#1 Just One Damned Thing After Another
#2 A Symphony of Echoes
#2.5 When A Child is Born
#3 A Second Chance
#3.5 Roman Holiday
#4 A Trail Through Time
#4.5 Christmas Present
#5 No Time Like the Past
#6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong
#6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings
#7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History
#7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out
#7.6 My Name is Markham
#8 And the Rest is History
#8.5 A Perfect Storm
#9 The Long and Short of It

Next up on the TBR pile:

Larceny and Lace by Annette Blair

Title: Larceny and Lace (Vintage Magic Mystery #2)

Author: Annette Blair

Publisher: Berkley 2009

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 276

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Eating Candy

Madeira Cutler is busy opening her new vintage clothing store in what was once the town's morgue when she discovers an intruder snooping around a bunch of bones in a body drawer. Now, she'll have to dig up more than the past to solve a crime.

Another fun cozy mystery to bid my time here in Indiana. I really do feel like I read the first book in this series at some point in the past, but the details of this second book really are not familiar. So yeah, I was went into this one with a completely open mind and really enjoyed it. I loved falling back into the hijacks of Maddie and crew. This murder mystery was extra creepy and I was really confused about the whodunit until the big reveal. I think I’ll be putting this series on my official “To Read” pile.

Vintage Magic Mystery:

#1 A Veiled Deception
#2 Larceny and Lace
#3 Death by Diamonds
#4 Skirting the Grave
#5 Cloaked in Malice
#6 Tulle Death Do Us Part

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair

Title: A Veiled Deception (Vintage Magic Mystery #1)

Author: Annette Blair

Publisher: Berkley 2009

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 246

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: A to Z - V; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - First Book in Series

The right dress can be magic; the wrong one, murder! From the national bestselling author of Sensation’s Witch series comes the new Vintage Magic mystery series, featuring Madeira Cutler. While opening her own vintage clothing shop, Maddie must clear her family’s name when her sister’s wedding festivities hit a snag: murder.

For some reason, I feel like I’ve started this book before, but I definitely don’t remember finishing it. A cute little cozy mystery featuring a murder and even a dapper ghost. I hope to have more ghostly appearances in subsequent books, but this one was a good start. Maddie is a fun protagonist and I really love the rest of the residents of Mystic Falls. I will have to pick up the next volume while still here in Indiana.

Vintage Magic Mystery:

#1 A Veiled Deception
#2 Larceny and Lace
#3 Death by Diamonds
#4 Skirting the Grave
#5 Cloaked in Malice
#6 Tulle Death Do Us Part

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

Title: The Eyre Affair (Thursday Next #1)

Author: Jasper Fforde

Publisher: Penguin 2003

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 373

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual; Reading Assignment; Seasonal Series - Eating Apple Pie

Fans of Douglas Adams and P. G. Wodehouse will love visiting Jasper Fforde's Great Britain, circa 1985, when time travel is routine, cloning is a reality (dodos are the resurrected pet of choice), and literature is taken very, very seriously: it’s a bibliophile’s dream. England is a virtual police state where an aunt can get lost (literally) in a Wordsworth poem and forging Byronic verse is a punishable offense. All this is business as usual for Thursday Next, renowned Special Operative in literary detection. But when someone begins kidnapping characters from works of literature and plucks Jane Eyre from the pages of Brontë's novel, Thursday is faced with the challenge of her career. Fforde's ingenious fantasy—enhanced by a Web site that re-creates the world of the novel—unites intrigue with English literature in a delightfully witty mix.

This book was such a delight! I immediately fell for Thursday Next and her motley crew of LiteraTecs, friends, enemies, and family. The characters are all such delights helping the plot to be even more entertaining. The overall world is way too much fun! I love the idea of literature being held to such high regard that people name themselves after various authors and characters. And then you add in the ability to jump into books. Holy moly! I am loving it so much! Way too much fun. I sped through this volume needing to know Hades’s next move and Next’s counter move. I loved visiting Thornfield and meeting Mr. Rochester. Can’t wait to read the next in the series!

Thursday Next

#1 The Eyre Affair
#2 Lost in a Good Book
#3 The Well of Lost Plots
#4 Something Rotten
#5 First Among Sequels
#6 One of Our Thursdays is Missing
#7 The Woman Who Died a Lot

Next up on the TBR pile: