Welcome to Litsy!

If you love K-dramas, especially those set in ancient Korea, you‘ll love this book.

YA historical fiction set in 1758 Joseon (now Korea); a murder mystery (four young women found dead); political intrigue (the crown prince is a murder suspect); a police investigation (an 18-year-old palace nurse & a 19-year-old police officer join forces to solve the crimes); and a romance (crime-solving means spending a lot of time together …) — Korean Canadian author June Hur juggles all these elements well in this tale inspired by true events.

This YA historical mystery, inspired by actual events, has it all—murder, palace intrigue & court politics, danger, & a dash of romance. There aren‘t a lot of options for illegitimate people in 1758 Korea but Hyeon is lucky enough to secure a job in the palace. All is well until four nurses are killed & the crown prince becomes a suspect. Working with a young police inspector, Hyeon races to find the truth. Great setting, intriguing mystery.

End of the year book sales are THE BEST! Excited to stock up on some good reads for winter. The tagged book has appeared on a number of “best of” lists for 2022 and I think I‘ll start with it.

Finished the second book in my sadly realistic #septembertbr and it was great. I loved the world - 1700s Korea, the characters, and the mystery - it kept me guessing. The love story was really well done too. Highly recommended.

My sister and I have decided to read Book Riot‘s Best Books of 2022 (so far). Jumping right in on the first available book from my library.

Not my best reading month but not s bad start to a new year of reading.

Books: 12
Pages: 3,249
Authors of color: 7
Women authors: 10
Longest: Project Hail Mary (476)
Shortest: Clap Back (21)
Favorites: The Red Palace and What Moves the Dead

The sinister atmosphere from the opening page, the strong heroine, the romance built on mutual respect, the exploration of family relationships, and some palace politics, I really, really enjoyed this newest YA, Korean historical, murder mystery form Hur. https://youtu.be/iyCfPCkf0us

In a word: fantastic. I love Hur's historical fiction and in this novel set in 1700s Joseon Korea, a palace nurse becomes involved in an investigation that might implicate the crown prince after a group of nurses are massacred. Atmospheric setting and plenty of mystery with a touch of budding romance. All the stars.

Saturday reading

1. The Red Palace, Olga Dies Dreaming, Damnation Spring, and Tender

2. I set my GR goal to 150 books

3. The Last Cuentista is the first book I finished in 2022

#WeekendReads

"Follow me," Physician Nanshin whispered, "and ask no questions."

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl