Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 26: The Clue of the Leaning Chimney | Carolyn Keene

We‘re going to become pottery experts thanks to next month‘s #NancyDrewBR !

Discussion on December 15th. All are welcome to join. Please let me know if you wish to be added/removed from the tag list.

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, MuddyPuddle, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 7h

BarkingMadRead Oh how fun! What could go wrong with pottery? 🤣 7h

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead Why do I have a sneaky suspicion we‘ll hear all about how great Nancy is at making pottery?!? 😂 7h

Ruthiella @Librarybelle What if it‘s another industrial espionage one where someone is stealing a pottery trade secret! 🤔 7h

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Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Voting is now open for #LiteraryCrew 's 2026 selections!

https://forms.gle/m7A8a3VvqrNkBaQG8

If you are interested in being tagged for the 2026 discussions, please include your Litsy handle on the form.

Lots of great titles from a variety of genres were suggested for next year, so I cannot wait to see how voting goes!

Tagging those who participated in at least one #LiteraryCrew discussion in case you are interested in next year's choices!

mcctrish, DebinHawaii, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, DrSabrinaMoldenReads, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, BethM, Deblovestoread, Teresereading, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, Sparklemn, julieclair, AllDebooks, willaful, IriDas, AnishaInkspill, Lkempf

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 3d

PurpleyPumpkin What an interesting list! Looking forward to reading together again in 2026. ☺️ 3d

DrSabrinaMoldenReads Thanks for tagging me!!! 3d

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Teresereading Great selection 2d

Sace Looking forward to the results! 2d

kspenmoll Voted! It was sooo challenging, so many good books! 2d

Roary47 Voted! 😍 2d

Librarybelle It is a great list! Some titles I had not heard of before, so it‘s always exciting to discover something new. @PurpleyPumpkin @Teresereading @Sace @kspenmoll @Roary47 2d

Librarybelle You‘re welcome, @DrSabrinaMoldenReads ! 2d

Jerdencon Just voted! 2d

julieclair Voted! Whew, that was tough. They all look good! 2d

Librarybelle Yay, @Jerdencon @julieclair ! They are great selections! 1d

35 likes12 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

It‘s time for our #NancyDrewBR discussion! I have 6 questions posted as spoilers. You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

Next month, we learn about The Clue of the Leaning Chimney which involves thievery and missing pottery experts.

BarkingMadRead, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, Laughterhp, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Enchanted_Bibliophile, TheAromaofBooks, Roary47, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze

Librarybelle @DebinHawaii @Allylu @Bren912 @bookandbedandtea @Charityann @rubyslippersreads @KristiAhlers @Jennifer3 @kwmg40 @DGRachel @Sace @JenlovesJT47 @Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures @MuddyPuddle 3d

Ruthiella I‘m just finishing the last two chapters! 3d

Librarybelle So weird—the tagging timed out on me, and so I had to post the remaining list in comments. If you‘re not tagged and should be, I‘m so sorry! Technology seems to be a little hairy today (I got bloodwork done this morning, and the system crashed on my patient account, which meant no one else could get their bloodwork done until IT fixed the issue. Yikes). 3d

Librarybelle @Ruthiella 😁 3d

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

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6. We talked about the mysteries, but let's talk about the adventures. Haunted houses and quicksand come to mind! Any thoughts on these? #NancyDrewBR

BarkingMadRead The quicksand was a bit crazy, but definitely a popular thing at that time! 3d

Ruthiella Quicksand was one of my irrational fears as a child. This book doesn‘t quite outdo the puma attack and exploding oranges in “The Moss Covered Mansion” or the submarine in “Mystery of the Lilac Inn” but it‘s still pretty good adventure-wise. (edited) 3d

DebinHawaii @Ruthiella Mine too! The quicksand was nuts! I‘m pretty sure my conviction I would get trapped in it some day was spurred on by mysteries. Also we know River Heights is the land of plenty but just how many abandoned “haunted” mansions does it have?! All have secret passages too. 🤔👻 Exploding oranges 💥🍊💥 & the wild animals & steaming pool in the evil genius‘s lair will always out crazy the other antics for me! 🤣🤣🤣 3d

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CogsOfEncouragement The quicksand made me smile. 2d

DGRachel The quicksand was definitely a standout. I enjoy a good haunted mansion with secret rooms, so I loved all of those investigations around the mansion here. And yes @DebinHawaii how many mansions can one town have?!? 🤣🤣 I don‘t think anything will top those exploding oranges, though. 2d

Bookwormjillk We all must be around the same age given how the quicksand made something click in all of our brains. It was such a thing at a certain point in my life. 2d

kwmg40 The quicksand incident was pretty exciting, though it seemed a totally random addition that didn't connect to the rest of the plot. 1d

8 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

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5. We meet up again with Togo briefly! I had to look when we last saw the dog, and it seems Togo was mentioned in The Whispering Statue book (book 14). Kind of odd we have not seen him since then.

Besides the furry character, any thoughts on the characters in this book? I did not that Bess was referred to as “plump“ a few times. #NancyDrewBR

BarkingMadRead They are way too hard on Bess! 3d

Ruthiella I liked that Hannah was pretty active in this one, physically coming to the rescue-not just staying home baking cookies and answering the phone. 😆 3d

DebinHawaii Yes & Togo 🐕 is quite the tracker-Nancy should use him more often! I also noted the Bess jabs. 😠 Good point about Hannah jumping in @Ruthiella 3d

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bookandbedandtea I loved that everyone- Carson, Hannah, Bess and George, Ned- were all involved in this one. Thanks @Librarybelle for finding out which book Togo was last in, saves me going back to check! @DebinHawaii Nancy should definitely utilize him more! He was very helpful this time. 3d

DGRachel I loved how much page time Ned, Carson, and Hannah got, and the fact that Ned wasn‘t a jerk this time. No whining about Nancy‘s amateur sleuthing, and instead being an active, enthusiastic participant. I‘m always amazed at the personal information giving out by postal workers, policemen, the DMV, and hotel staff in these books. The victims were often annoying, but I honestly never got mad at them. 👇🏻 2d

DGRachel The more obstinate they became, the angrier I got at the criminals because I saw it as a sign of how vulnerable the targets were and in the current climate, I find anger at grifters readily available to me. 2d

Bookwormjillk I was happy to see Hannah take an active part. And I even liked Ned in this one! 2d

kwmg40 I too liked the bigger role that Hannah had. She can definitely do more than cook! 1d

8 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

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4. Please tell me none of you have also invested in Three Branch Ranch!

There seem to be a lot of aspects that tie together in this one, especially with the “haunted“ abandoned house, the leaving of messages in the woods, and the trance-like state of Lola. What did you think of the mysteries in this one? #NancyDrewBR

BarkingMadRead I feel like everyone was very gullible, but maybe that was due to the time it took place! 3d

Ruthiella @BarkingMadRead Agreed. They had to be for the story to work and probably also for the 10 year old reading to also recognize the scam. I feel like that‘s why the stories are so over the top - so kids can feel like they are able to spot the truth. 3d

DebinHawaii I mentioned in the comment before that it seemed like an awful lot of effort on the crooks‘ behalf for the victims who were young working women & not making that much money. Mrs. Putney is another story with her jewels. And yes, all were so gullible. I would not have had the patience with Mrs. P that Nancy had! (edited) 3d

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bookandbedandtea @BarkingMadRead and @DebinHawaii I had trouble with how gullible all these women were. Although, to be generous, they probably wouldn't have ever heard of similar scams so maybe their lack of suspicion isn't surprising. Your point @Ruthiella, that the plots can't be too hard for their intended audience, is a good one! 3d

CogsOfEncouragement I felt sorry for these people being swindled. I agree that Nancy was very gracious with Mrs. Putney. She had to be in order to help her. Mrs. Putney was so fully convinced her husband was the one giving her directions, Nancy handled it very maturely. 2d

DGRachel I loved the way things tied together here so that nothing felt like it came out of nowhere. @Ruthiella I never thought of it that way, but that‘s an excellent point about making the stories OTT so kids had a chance to recognize what was happening. This one felt more logical to me than others in the series. 2d

Bookwormjillk This mystery was over the top but also much better than the last one so I went with it. I feel like this ghost writer must be a lot of fun at parties. 2d

kwmg40 The victims seemed very gullible to me. On the other hand, I hear of many people who fall prey to online scammers these days, so maybe it's not so unbelievable. 1d

kwmg40 Seances seemed to be very popular in the early 20th century, and they appeared in so many Golden Age mystery novels. I was surprised when I saw a local winery advertising a wine-tasting and seance event. Are seances making a comeback? 1d

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

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3. What jumped out at me in this one was the “spirit writing“ that appears in images. While not necessarily spirit photography, it's also not quite automatic writing, where the spirit channels its energy through someone to write a piece.

Brief information on both can be found in links in the comments.

But, we've seen Nancy tackle spirits and “hauntings“ before. How does this compare to other hauntings in the series? #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle https://www.sfmoma.org/read/seeing-ghosts-a-brief-look-at-the-curious-business-o...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_writing 3d

BarkingMadRead I will admit, the thieves are super creative in this one! 3d

Ruthiella @BarkingMadRead I agree. This one takes the fakery to a new level. The bad guys got greedy. They had a nice little business going, I thought, with the New Orleans “church”. 3d

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DebinHawaii It seemed like a bigger team of bad guys & yes, very creative & involved plots. It seemed like most of their victims beyond Mrs. Putney, didn‘t have all that much money to make the long game worthwhile though. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 3d

DGRachel I agree with everyone here. The con was really creative. I hate that they targeted really vulnerable people, though. Yes, they were gullible, but especially in the case of Mrs Putney, she was a grieving widow who wasn‘t thinking straight. Would she have fallen for the scam if they hadn‘t used her dead husband as manipulation? 2d

Bookwormjillk I thought it was very creative as well. 2d

kwmg40 I liked the idea of a ghost (even a fake one) in a haunted house. This book reminded me of a couple of other books on my shelves that I loved as a child: The Three Investigators and the Mystery of the Green Ghost, and The Mystery of the Green Cat, both involving eerie green things in spooky mansions! 1d

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

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2. Nancy travels a bit in this novel, venturing to New Orleans to follow a lead. We're seeing Nancy traveling a bit more over the last several books, though River Heights also seems to be quite the metropolis with a variety of transportation systems at the ready.

To get us a bit into the New Orleans flavor, here is a tourism site: https://www.neworleans.com/ .

Have you ever been to New Orleans? #NancyDrewBR

BarkingMadRead I‘ve been so many times, it‘s one of my favorite paces to visit 3d

Ruthiella Ye, River Heights is the gateway to the whole of the US apparently. I‘ve never been to New Orleans or even the South really. The closest I got was New Orleans Square at Disneyland Anaheim. 😆 3d

DebinHawaii I have not been to Nee Orleans before. It‘s on my list for someday. Nancy doesn‘t really need to travel, River Heights has it all! 😉🤣 3d

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bookandbedandtea Did planes have to stop often to refuel? I noticed that their flight to New Orleans had more than one stop and when "Mrs Egan" flew out of town they discovered that she left the plane at "one of the stops before Chicago." Sounds more like bus travel. 3d

Sace I‘ve been to New Orleans twice. Once in the 70s (I was maybe 8?) and then again in high school. It‘s beautiful and the pralines and beignets are delicious! 3d

CogsOfEncouragement I've never been, and Nancy sure hops on a plane more than I realized. 2d

DGRachel @bookandbedandtea I was puzzled by people apparently getting on and off planes like you would a greyhound bus! Sadly, I‘ve never been to New Orleans. I‘d love to go someday, but not during the summer. The South, especially the Deep South sucks in the summer - heat + humidity + mosquitoes. No, thank you. 2d

Bookwormjillk @bookandbedandtea I thought that was weird too. I have never been to New Orleans but would like to. 2d

kwmg40 I'd love to visit New Orleans one day. I wouldn't have minded if more of the story had been set there. 1d

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

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1. Welcome to the 25th book of the series! How can we be this far already in the series?!?

What are your overall impressions of this book? I thought it was better than last month's book! #NancyDrewBR

BarkingMadRead Not my fave, but not the worst 🤣 3d

Ruthiella I thought it was ridiculously fun! The séance stuff, the conveniently abandoned mansion with secret passages, and Nancy gets 1. Kidnapped 2. Knocked out AND 3. Locked in an an elevator! A trifecta! ? 3d

DebinHawaii It wasn‘t my favorite but it had it moments & it moved the NNK to 11/25 & as @Ruthiella pointed out between that & the kidnapping & trapped in an elevator was pretty lively! 🤕 3d

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DebinHawaii Also, the quicksand!!! 😱 Is this where my childhood conviction that I would sink in quicksand someday came about? 3d

bookandbedandtea This one started out fun and exciting but I felt it lost something midway. Maybe my real issue was being annoyed with how gullible the victims were. (Not very empathetic of me, I know 🫢) I loved how the whole gang was very involved. 3d

TheAromaofBooks @DebinHawaii - I wondered about this!!! The way it just suddenly was there to grab them! 😱 3d

Sace @bookandbedandtea Me too! I was chugging right along and thought I was gonna finish in one sitting, but I had to get some sleep. I came back to it the next day and the end just felt like a slog. It was a great beginning though! Just lost me around page 130. 3d

CogsOfEncouragement This one seemed creepy to me. I don't think of seances as being material for elementary school readers. I would not have liked this one at that age.
2d

DGRachel I loved it and was absolutely delighted with it. I, too, found it ridiculously fun @Ruthiella Was excited to add another #NNK to the tally (@DebinHawaii her poor brain!), and the quicksand! I howled with laughter at the quicksand. #GenXTrauma 2d

Bookwormjillk I‘m with @DGRachel and @Ruthiella I was really entertained just seeing what would happen next. I was so excited when the quicksand made an entrance. 2d

kwmg40 This was a fun one but like @bookandbedandtea and @Sace, I found myself losing interest in the last chapters, despite a good set-up initially. 1d

9 likes11 comments

Librarybelle

First Wife's Shadow: A Must-Read Gripping Domestic Psychological Suspense Crime Thriller from the Bestselling Author of I Invited Her In | Adele Parks

pick

Just when I thought I knew the direction the story was going, the story veered into a completely different direction. It‘s psychologically menacing. A few of the elements seemed a little clunky, and I suspected the final twist, but it was a very compelling listen. It also makes me happy that I have coverings over my windows at night so no one can see into my house…😂

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Librarybelle

Partners in Crime: A Tommy & Tuppence Adventure | Agatha Christie

We‘re a little over 2 weeks away from the next #ChristiesCapers discussion! I‘m seeing lots of love posted so far for Tommy and Tuppence.

I‘ll have our 2026 list of titles ready for our Nov 30th discussion. #AgathaChristieClubR3

janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, ElizaMarie, bcncookbookclub, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, Sparklemn, peanutnine, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, BookNook, AnishaInkspill, ChaptersofChaos

BarbaraJean I just picked up my copy from the library! 🎉 4d

Librarybelle Yay, @BarbaraJean ! 4d

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Librarybelle

The Leftovers | Tom Perrotta

We‘re about halfway through the month, #LiteraryCrew ! Any thoughts on the book so far?

As for 2026 voting, my goal is to open voting on Saturday, with voting running from Nov 15-29. I‘ll unveil the 2026 selections by Dec 1st.

mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, Sparklemn, julieclair, AllDebooks, IriDas, Lkempf

Sargar114 Got the audio and about halfway through. It started out quite unsettling but I suppose that is probably the point, I‘m enjoying it and it really is giving quite some good for thought. 2d

Librarybelle @Sargar114 Good to know! I was wondering too how the story will unfold. Just picked up my copy from the library yesterday. 2d

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Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

We‘re a couple of days away from our next #NancyDrewBR discussion! I‘ll post questions during the morning on Saturday (US East Coast time). Drop by whenever to join the discussion!

Ruthiella I have my copy and am about 1/2 way through. 😃 4d

Librarybelle Yay, @Ruthiella ! 4d

40 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice | Virginia Roberts Giuffre

My public library has not ordered this yet, but the college library I‘m temping at just put this on their shelves. I immediately grabbed it. Now to find time to read it…

JacqMac I started it yesterday. It‘s horrifying. I want to wrap her up in a mom hug. 7d

Librarybelle @JacqMac I would imagine. Such a horrific topic but so important to know. 7d

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Librarybelle

Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop | Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (Bookstore)

I took time off from everything on my plate to attend the 35th anniversary celebration of my favorite independent bookstore. I scored a stack of books, and I received a goodie bag and lunch for attending.

Now to actually find time to read…😂

Hooked_on_books 30 years! That‘s wonderful! 1w

Librarybelle @Hooked_on_books It is! 1w

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Librarybelle

The Wedding Vow: The BRAND NEW absolutely twisty domestic thriller for 2025 by the bestselling author of THE WRONG DAUGHTER! | Dandy Smith

pick

A friend told me her mom read this and just could not stop thinking about it…I had to try it!

This is gripping with lots of red herrings and a big surprise (at least for me). Verity‘s husband is found murdered in their home. Moving between her story and “the other woman,” the reader learns more about Verity, her husband and his behavior, and their marriage. Toxic, controlling characters. Some graphic content (description of the victim‘s body). ⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️ I am definitely going to try another by Smith. The audio was good; I was engaged the whole time. 2w

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Librarybelle

Life with Picasso | Fran�oise Gilot, Carlton Lake

Yay! My library hold finally arrived! Now…to actually find time to read and catchup with #SundayBuddyRead …😂

TheBookHippie

TheBookHippie Yay!!!! 2w

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Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

I‘m too tired to make a pretty Canva graphic for November‘s #BookSpinBingo list, so a Note on my phone and prettied up with PicCollage will have to do!

This year went downhill fast, and my reading has taken a significant hit the last couple of months. #FinishWhatYouStarted will hopefully be a good push to read the 30+ books I‘ve started this year but have failed to finish, and I really want to get in some nonfiction for Nonfiction November.

TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2w

janeycanuck Ooh, I didn‘t even think of putting any of my #finishwhatyoustarted stack on my book spin list. Smart! Good luck! 2w

Librarybelle Thanks, @janeycanuck ! And thanks for this great idea for an end-of-year challenge! 2w

51 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

The Leftovers | Tom Perrotta

November‘s #LiteraryCrew selection is a tad different than previous reads, so it adds a change of pace to our #BuddyRead . Discussion on November 30th.

Read at your own pace. I‘ll post periodic check-ins throughout the month (unless the month really slips by me). All are welcome to join us! Please let me know if you wish to be added/removed from the tag list.

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 2w

Sace I only just started Orquídea Divina yesterday ?? 2w

julieclair Looking forward to it. Poor Orquidea Divina, which I haven‘t started yet (but really want to read), will have to go to the back of the line. 🙁 2w

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Sparklemn The plot sounds like the Avengers Snap. 🙂💜 Stacking! 2w

Librarybelle I still need to get to Orquidea, @Sace @julieclair ! 2w

Librarybelle @Sparklemn 😁 2w

julieclair @Librarybelle @Sace Glad I‘m not alone! 💙💙💙 2w

Sace @julieclair @Librarybelle I‘m not very far into it but I‘m enjoying it so far! (I love magical realism). 2w

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Librarybelle

The Inheritance of Orqu�dea Divina: A Novel | Zoraida Cordova

It‘s time for the #LiteraryCrew discussion! I have 7 questions posted as spoilers; you can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag. Feel free to jump in whenever for the discussion!

I will make the official post for November‘s book tomorrow!

Karisa I‘m about 70% of the way and loving it! It‘s so different and the characters are each so quirky, vibrant! I don‘t know why I am taking so long to read this one… But I am enjoying it 😊 2w

BookNAround There is one major plot discrepancy in this book that ruined how I was feeling about the novel as a whole and it is still driving me batty. More in the next comment (hidden by the spoiler tag). 2w

BookNAround How on earth is Lazarus wearing the ring in the picture since Bolivar wears it to control him? As this is the biggest clue to Marimar‘s father and the entire plot hinges on them figuring out who her father is, I am irrationally angry about this problem. 🤬 2w

38 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

The Inheritance of Orqu�dea Divina: A Novel | Zoraida Cordova

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7. Setting plays an important part in the novel. Though the location of Four Rivers is left purposefully vague within the United States, where do you think it might be? Why? Compare Orquídea‘s experience growing up in Ecuador and her descendants‘ experience visiting decades later. ~from Simon & Schuster Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Karisa I pictured it in the Southwest like maybe Arizona. It reminded me of Flagstaff which is beautiful in a tree, forest way that is so surprisingly different than the dry beauty of the desert all around it 2w

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Librarybelle

The Inheritance of Orqu�dea Divina: A Novel | Zoraida Cordova

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6. The climax of the novel pulls all of the characters back to Four Rivers, to the base of Orquídea Divina‘s ceiba tree. Why was this the perfect location for their last stand? What did it mean for the remaining Montoyas to come together once more? ~from Simon & Schuster Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Karisa It centered the ending and their power back to home. The portal back felt a bit of a cheat move but it helped move the story along. It also brought it all back to the central character of the family, Orquidea 2w

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Librarybelle

The Inheritance of Orqu�dea Divina: A Novel | Zoraida Cordova

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5. From fathers who are absent or gone too soon to powerful men who face their downfall before Orquídea, discuss the roles of the men in The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina. How do their relationships with our protagonists affect them? ~from Simon & Schuster Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Karisa Most of the men are neutral at best. Rey is the most helpful. Mike and the other husbands just seem to be there and serve the purpose of providing babies. Lazarus, the star, unwittingly gives up his power. Enrique is a jerk who gets better. Bolivar is the true power stealing villain. Much of it turns patriarchal norms on upside which made it an interesting read for me. 2w

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Librarybelle

The Inheritance of Orqu�dea Divina: A Novel | Zoraida Cordova

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4. Though Orquídea remarried several times, her family tree is mainly populated by strong women. Discuss the role of matriarchs in the Montoya family. ~from Simon & Schuster Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Karisa Marimar does feel like the matriarch by the end even with no children of her own (or does she adopt Rhi that felt a bit unclear). Anyway, Marimar takes care of the whole family and brings them together. Orquidea is aloof but the ultimate matriarch even after her death, especially after her death (edited) 2w

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Librarybelle

The Inheritance of Orqu�dea Divina: A Novel | Zoraida Cordova

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3. Compare and contrast how each of our protagonists—Marimar, Rey, and Tatinelly—have followed their own life paths. In what ways do they each connect with their heritage? ~from Simon & Schuster Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Karisa Seeing each protagonist grow into their own best version of themselves was fun. Marimar perhaps changed the most. She was the leader of the family by the end and I was happy with the way her father subplot turned out 2w

Karisa For Rey, I wished I could see his artwork. I kept picturing paintings like Frida Kahlo surrealist style. I wanted him to make a painting series of the river god so that he would regain his strength as more people remembered him. That part reminded me of American Gods, one of my all time favorites 2w

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Librarybelle

The Inheritance of Orqu�dea Divina: A Novel | Zoraida Cordova

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2. Zoraida has brought the Montoya family so vividly to life that many readers have said they see their own family members in Orquídea, Marimar, Rey, Tatinelly, or the others; or that they wish they could befriend them in real life. Which character resonated with you the most? Why? ~from Simon & Schuster Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Karisa So many wonderful characters in this book! I liked Rhiannon the most because she was so cool. Wise beyond her years, fearless, and seemingly born in touch with her magic. I didn‘t understand how casually she seemed to get over the death of her parents though. Maybe it‘s because she could talk to ghosts but still… Tatinelly and Mike‘s deaths felt unnecessary 2w

BookNAround I liked that Tati was contented in her life and unconcerned that her magic seemed to be so unassuming compared to many of the rest of the Montoyas. 2w

5 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

The Inheritance of Orqu�dea Divina: A Novel | Zoraida Cordova

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1. The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is categorized as magical realism, but there are rules—almost laws of nature—to the magic infused in the Montoyas‘ story. What are they? What is the price they each have to pay? ~from Simon & Schuster Reading Group Guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

4 likes

Librarybelle

The Inheritance of Orqu�dea Divina: A Novel | Zoraida Cordova

How can this be the 31st??? I really dropped the ball on #LiteraryCrew reminders this time…I‘m adjusting to a new work routine while working around Zeke‘s medical needs, and down time is pretty much nonexistent. I miss reading!

Today is discussion day, and I will have questions posted sometime this evening, US East Coast time.

I realize too I never posted a November reminder; we‘re reading The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta. Official post later! ⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️ Also, today is the last day for recommendations for next year‘s reading! You can offer suggestions through this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQrP7h_AWSqNT1ksO3P64stx_f7cG9tKV_KPNE... 3w

Librarybelle Once I have the titles compiled, I‘ll send out the voting form. Lots of great titles suggested already!! 3w

Librarybelle And thanks for your patience, #LiteraryCrew ! I haven‘t been on Litsy much this month, juggling everything. A big chunk of my work obligations ends in December, but hopefully I can establish a healthier work/life/cat care balance before then! 3w

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mcctrish Even though I knew I had this, was excited to read it and knew today was Halloween and the end of the month, I still somehow forgot how that applies to my Buddy reads 🤦🏻‍♀️ 3w

Prairiegirl_reading I‘ve been moving/renovating and my reading has almost completely shut down. Life gets in the way sometimes! 3w

julieclair @Librarybelle This is one of my favorite buddy reads, but sometimes, like this month, I don‘t get the book read, even though I really want to. I have already decided to reduce the number of buddy reads I participate in for 2026, so I can do a better job of keeping up with the ones I really love. Thank you for the thoughtful way you host this buddy read. I‘m happily looking forward to great books and discussions ahead in 2026! 2w

Karisa Finished it this morning and went in for the questions. Maybe some others will eventually finish too and have a slow discussion on it (or not, that‘s ok too)😊 Worth the read if any are on the fence about it! Different, quirky, thought-provoking but warm and fun too💗 2w

Librarybelle Thanks everyone! I‘m hoping to finish this by the end of the year, @Karisa …I‘ve been looking forwards to it. @Prairiegirl_reading @mcctrish @julieclair 2w

mcctrish @Karisa I am going to read it and try and remember to go check the questions 2w

42 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

Never Lie | Freida McFadden

pick

At first I thought I had everything figured out. When the twist came, I exclaimed out loud in disbelief. McFadden‘s repetitious passages and phrases drive me crazy, but I like her books for the complete shockers. I can handle not the best written books if they can pack a punch, and hers does.

In this one, a young couple become stranded by a blizzard at a for sale house they wanted to see. They wait out the storm there and discover things…

52 likes

Librarybelle

Partners in Crime: A Tommy & Tuppence Adventure | Agatha Christie

**Update: Short story titles in comments!!!**

We‘re joining forces with Tommy and Tuppence for November‘s book! This is a collection of 17 short stories featuring the duo.

Discussion on the 30th. All are welcome to join. Please let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the tag list.

It‘s after 11pm on the US East Coast; I‘ll post the short story titles in the book tomorrow! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, ElizaMarie, bcncookbookclub, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, Sparklemn, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, BookNook, AnishaInkspill, ChaptersofChaos

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 3w

ChaptersofChaos I'll start reading tomorrow! 3w

Librarybelle Yay, @ChaptersofChaos ! 3w

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Librarybelle And here are the short stories in this collection: A Fairy in the Flat, A Pot of Tea, The Affair of the Pink Pearl, The Adventure of the Sinister Stranger, Finessing the King, The Gentleman Dressed in Newspaper, The Case of the Missing Lady, Blindman‘s Buff, The Man in the Mist, The Crackler, The Sunningdale Mystery, The House of Lurking Death, The Unbreakable Alibi, The Clergyman‘s Daughter, The Red House, ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 3w

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ The Ambassador‘s Boots, and The Man Who Was No. 16 (edited) 3w

peanutnine I'm reading Christie's books in series order and this one just so happens to be my next read, so tag me in your discussion post this time around please. Would love to discuss 😊 3w

Librarybelle Will do, @peanutnine ! 😁 3w

50 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

The Seven Dials Mystery | Agatha Christie

So sorry I did not send reminders about this weekend‘s discussion—you can tell when life is busy when you don‘t even have time to get on Litsy!

I have 5 questions posted as spoilers for our discussion of Seven Dials. You can find these on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3 .

Next month we revisit Tommy and Tuppence in a collection of stories! More info tomorrow!

janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, ElizaMarie, bcncookbookclub, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, Sparklemn, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, BookNook, AnishaInkspill, ChaptersofChaos

kspenmoll I just got the book today- sorry to be behind! 3w

Aims42 I started this but couldn‘t get into it so I bailed 😕 I have the next Tommy & Tuppence on my kindle ready to go for November 🤩 3w

Sparklemn I wasn‘t able to finish this due to distractions but will pick it up later. 3w

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TheAromaofBooks Whoops, somehow I got mixed up and read Partners in Crime instead of The Seven Dials Mystery this month 😂 Well, I am so prepared for November haha 3w

Librarybelle One less to read in November, @TheAromaofBooks ! 😂 3w

kelli7990 I haven‘t started this one yet. 3w

Librarybelle No worries, @kelli7990 ! 3w

50 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

The Seven Dials Mystery | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

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5. As this is a sequel of sort to Chimneys, we revisit with Bundle and Superintendent Battle and other characters from Chimneys. We'll see Battle again as we continue our Christie journey, but the other characters do not come back. Why do you think Christie ended their story?

Are there any comments you wish to share about the characters? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Cuilin I like Bundle but Christie already has a plucky lead in Tuppence so no need for another perhaps? 3w

CogsOfEncouragement Always fun to have a sharp woman get herself mixed up in things that others will underestimate her in. I am disappointed to hear there is no more of Bundle. I took the ending to be a set up for more of her. So be it. @Cuilin I do like Tuppence. After I read The Secret Adversary (years ago) I searched out the rest of the series at my library and was delighted with how Christie continued with Tommy & Tuppence. 3w

willaful I guess probably the critical response led to her deciding to stick with T&T. 3w

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MallenNC I can see how Bundle and Tuppence serve the same role in a story. So as @willaful said, with the positive response to Tommy & Tuppence it made sense to stick with those stories. 3w

kspenmoll I just finished- late but so sad to hear no more Bundle-what a wonderful self possessed, adventurous woman! 3w

BarbaraJean I'm joining the chorus of disappointment over there being no more Bundle stories! As others have said, it makes sense that Christie would continue with Tuppence instead, if those stories were better received. But from what we've read so far, I like Bundle better. 3w

10 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

The Seven Dials Mystery | Agatha Christie

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4. Definite spoiler ahead to those who have not finished...

One other major concern from reviewers was the reveal at the end. A few called the ending absurd. Others felt the ending did not fit with the story: says one reviewer, “There is no particular reason why the masked man should be the particular person he turns out to be.“

What did you think of the ending? Was this a believable conclusion? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Cuilin The reveal was a bit disappointing but again as Christie is playing with and testing her writing genres, she‘s also testing endings and twists. 3w

CogsOfEncouragement I liked the reveal. I'm not mad about it, nor disappointed. Likeable characters in a cozy mystery. Good fun. 3w

willaful I liked it. I think it was Christie poking fun at herself. 3w

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MallenNC I liked the description of how the person pulled of the whole scene including shooting himself. It was clever 3w

kspenmoll I was surprised- liked the end. 3w

BarbaraJean Like @CogsOfEncouragement, I'm not mad about it! I did find the reveal surprising, and some of it felt like a stretch, but I don't think I was expecting believability. It was fun! 3w

8 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

The Seven Dials Mystery | Agatha Christie

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3. Christie herself liked this novel and found it very easy to write, as she did not need to deeply plan out the mystery. She called this novel a “light-hearted thriller type.“ Do you agree with Christie's assessment of the novel?

One modern-day reviewer noted that they could tell Christie did not really plan out anything in the novel, as the plot was “immensely tedious.“ What do you think? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Cuilin It was a bit muddled. I thought it a fun light hearted caper. It was just what I needed. 3w

CogsOfEncouragement Yes, a light-hearted (cozy) mystery. Which is right up my alley. 3w

MallenNC I found the plot a little hard to follow at times but I think light-hearted mystery is a good description 3w

BarbaraJean I agree with @Cuilin that “caper“ feels more accurate. Thriller seems too strong of a word for this! I think Christie does lighthearted a lot better than thriller, especially in these early books. 3w

8 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

The Seven Dials Mystery | Agatha Christie

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2. Let's dive into what her contemporary readers thought, which was not positive. Reviewers indicated a dislike for returning back to “Gothic romances“ and not the more deductive art of her mysteries (Poirot!) and “far below her standard“ writing.

We've compared Seven Dials to Chimneys, but let's take a broader comparison to her other mysteries we've read so far. Do you agree with the reviewers' assessments? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

Cuilin I think Christie was still trying to figure out what sort of a writer she was. I would say she was still in her experimental stage. 3w

CogsOfEncouragement This didn't have some of the entertainingly shocking twists like some of her other mysteries, but I did enjoy it. 3w

willaful I think it's worn better than they expected. Reading it with knowledge of Christies work, you can see both the cleverness and the meta-ness. I feel like it was kind of a last gasp of her previous adventures and poking fun at them at the same time. Saying, “ok, I know these are dumb and I'm gonna be moving on.“ 3w

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MallenNC I liked this one but I don‘t think I‘ll remember much about it. I think it was enjoyable but as @CogsOfEncouragement said, it didn‘t have those standout twists. 3w

kspenmoll @willaful You said it all so well. This book was just pure fun for me. 3w

willaful @kspenmoll 😍 3w

BarbaraJean So interesting--this one felt more deductive to me than a lot of her earlier books. Like @Cuilin, I do think she was still experimenting. And I felt like this “recipe“ worked better than some of her earlier experiments. I could see the development of her writing--although there were similarities, she toned down a lot of the elements that didn't work well in Chimneys, Big Four, Secret Adversary, and Man in the Brown Suit. 3w

8 likes7 comments

Librarybelle

The Seven Dials Mystery | Agatha Christie

This post contains spoilers

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1. Christie returns to the characters from The Secret of Chimneys in this novel. What did you think of the book overall? How does it compare to Chimneys?

We'll get to reception of the novel next! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3

CogsOfEncouragement I have read about fifteen Christie's but I did miss out on reading The Secret of Chimneys. I liked this one, and I like Battle. 3w

willaful I think this is my favorite of her “bright young things“ books. It's funny, has a sense of humor about itself, and I like the silly romance. 3w

MallenNC I enjoyed this one. But even though I knew it wasn‘t a Poirot book I was still expecting him. I liked Bundle. 3w

kspenmoll I really enjoyed all the characters! 3w

BarbaraJean I liked this one a lot more than Chimneys, and I'm glad we got more Bundle here. Other than Bundle, I was distracted by trying to remember who else was who from the previous book! I feel like Christie played more to her strengths here. There was less international intrigue, and fewer moving pieces--it didn't feel like she was trying to do too much (as I felt with Chimneys). 3w

9 likes5 comments

Librarybelle

The Last Visitor: ANovel | Martin Griffin

pick

This has been an extremely busy week, and I‘ve barely been on Litsy! But, I was able to finish this audiobook…

A small group plan to study the seal colony on an isolated, uninhabited island and discover a body. And, they may not be alone. Tess, the MC, is a documentary filmmaker who narrates the story, interweaving a past investigation with traumatic results. Good, creepy audiobook.

64 likes

Librarybelle

Untitled | Untitled

Thanks to everyone who has already submitted title suggestions for next year's #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead group! Submissions will be accepted through October 31st, so please feel free to fill out the Google form:

https://forms.gle/9Py78BdijCaaGHfQ7

Recommend as many titles as you would like! In November, those interested in taking part in the group in 2026 can vote and add your name to the official 2026 tag list.

Thanks everyone!

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1mo

34 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Mother Next Door: A Novel of Suspense | Tara Laskowski

so-so

I think I preferred Laskowski‘s The Weekend Retreat over this one, though it‘s cool this is set at Halloween…how timely! It‘s an interesting premise—snobby moms who are hiding a terrible secret linked to a death in the neighborhood on Halloween 13 years before. There are several secrets in this one, and at least one made me wonder why the author chose to incorporate that twist. Still, a good listen and good distraction listening.

58 likes

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 25: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall | Carolyn Keene

#LittenDetectives : We‘re going to New Orleans next month! Nancy, Bess, and George track down a thief and while there, they also explore the abandoned Blackwood Hall which supposedly has…you guessed it…a ghost.

Discussion on November 15th. All are welcome to join. Please let me know if you wish to be added/removed from the tag list. #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 1mo

BarkingMadRead Can‘t wait!! 1mo

Bookwormjillk 👻👻👻 1mo

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Ruthiella Looking forward to this! 👻 1mo

Librarybelle Yay, @BarkingMadRead @Ruthiella ! 1mo

Librarybelle I‘m a bit too excited for the ghost, @Bookwormjillk . I just hope my expectations are not too misplaced! 1mo

34 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 24: The Clue in the Old Album | Carolyn Keene

Alright #LittenDetectives ! It‘s time for our #NancyDrewBR discussion! This one was a hot mess, and I think most of us feel that this is not a strong entry in the series. But, it was fun to go back to River Heights and visit with Nancy and the gang.

I have 5 questions posted. They can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.

Next month we encounter The Ghost of Blackwood Hall!?! 👻 Official post tomorrow!

35 likes

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 24: The Clue in the Old Album | Carolyn Keene

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5. There are not many adventures for Nancy in this one...though the ending with her abducted by the bad guys and thrust into a car was a little spooky. Thankfully, Carson Drew could get a helicopter on standby to rescue her! 🙄

But, overall, it just seemed like a letdown, Nancy being one step behind the bad guys in this one and driving all over to hunt down the violinist that may or may not be Rose's father. Thoughts? #NancyDrewBR

Ruthiella Overall I just found this one WIERD. 😅 The mysterious substance in the doll that gives energy is never explained. The television studios and radio stations that are easily accessible. The message in the blanket. The doll with the poison sword… 1mo

Bookwormjillk I agree. It was just really weird. How many antique shops and radio/TV stations do they have in River Heights? 1mo

CogsOfEncouragement Hiring a detective but not telling Mrs. Struthers was whack.

The helicopter got an eye roll from me too. 1mo

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DebinHawaii Dull & it was just chock full of random odd bits that never came together in a way that benefited the story. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 1mo

kwmg40 I agree with the other comments. The plot in this book was a weird mess. 1mo

DGRachel It‘s funny to be on the other side of one of these. I can totally see everyone‘s arguments, and maybe it‘s just my current mood, but I appreciated the quieter absurdity. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 1mo

9 likes6 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 24: The Clue in the Old Album | Carolyn Keene

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4. Let's move into the characters. I had a hard time feeling any sympathy for Rose--she's a child, but also not a well-behaved one!

I also found it funny that Ned was telling Nancy his lifelong dreams and was about to say that she was included in them, only for Nancy to interrupt him and talk about the mystery. 😂

Any thoughts on secondary characters? #NancyDrewBR

Ruthiella Totally! In the last book he starts going on about their future together and she ignores him /cuts him off. Clearly she‘s not interested in marriage! Rose was I guess just misdirected, but her behavior was frustrating. (edited) 1mo

Bookwormjillk Rose seemed drunk a lot of the time. Calm down Rose.

That was funny about Ned though. 1mo

bookandbedandtea Rose was annoying but I definitely felt it was the gramma's fault...kids need to be taught proper behavior. As for Ned's future plans, I like that this series shows Nancy with priorities other than marriage, especially considering how long ago these were originally written. 1mo

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CogsOfEncouragement Ned had some good boyfriend moments in this one, and then I too was amused by Nancy cutting him off.

The side character I most want to know more about is Nanny Dew. lol 1mo

DebinHawaii Rose was really annoying! 1mo

BarkingMadRead Poor Ned 🤣 Rose was a nightmare! 1mo

kwmg40 I thought it was amazing that Rose learned to play the violin so quickly. It must be multi-talented Nancy's influence. 😄 1mo

DGRachel I may be misremembering, but I feel like a lot of the children written as side characters in these are horrid little monsters until Nancy steps in to gently correct their behavior. I like that Ned wasn‘t as obnoxious in this one, and Nancy‘s abrupt change of subject cracked me up. 1mo

10 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 24: The Clue in the Old Album | Carolyn Keene

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3. The dolls deserve their own talking point! Not really a question regarding them, unless you also got a little tired about hearing about dolls like I did.

And yes...some of the earlier designs of dolls are super creepy (and kind of appropriate for this time of year).

Link in comments to a brief history of rag dolls in American history. #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle https://oldetymeartsandcrafts.com/rag-doll 1mo

Ruthiella I did want to look up that particular rag doll! Thanks for the link! 👍 1mo

Bookwormjillk I kind of skimmed over all the doll business but hearing about them always reminds me of when my brother rented an Air BnB that was actually a room in someone's house that was filled with dolls. 1mo

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CogsOfEncouragement I was unable to picture any of the dolls in any way but creepy LOL I tried. Something about a doll being on display in a collection instead of loved by a little kid turns it into something else. I definitely watched too many Twilight Zones. 1mo

Ruthiella @CogsOfEncouragement Oh yeah. Talking Tina! 😱😱😱 1mo

DebinHawaii Yep, just something creepy about dolls on display! 😱 1mo

BarkingMadRead Dolls have never really creeped me out, but I also never really understood people who collect them 🤣 of course, my gnome collection is totally normal 🤷🏻‍♀️ 1mo

kwmg40 I actually found the doll theme rather interesting and made me think of the Raggedy Ann doll I had as a child. 1mo

DGRachel @BarkingMadRead Gnome collections are absolutely normal and not anything at all like creepy doll collections. 1mo

BarkingMadRead @DGRachel whew!!😰 1mo

10 likes10 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 24: The Clue in the Old Album | Carolyn Keene

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2. Now that we're in a more lighthearted mood from Cher, let's explore the plotline for this Nancy Drew escapade, which I thought was kind of boring. I didn't read this one as a child, but I think younger me would be disappointed in it too. It's also a bit dated with thoughts on gypsies, in my opinion.

What are your thoughts on the plot?

Link in the comments is to the Hungarian Rhapsody, as played by violin and piano. #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBOivZLs7Mc 1mo

Ruthiella The plot and characters were weak.The writing tries in a 1970s way to underscore “not all Gypsies” but does not succeed. I thought the doctor knowing what poison was in the sword was ridiculous and the message in the blanket…just how long was that lady working on it? 😂 (edited) 1mo

Bookwormjillk Yup, boring. I missed the usual Nancy high adventure. The only interesting part was the poison and that happened early on. 1mo

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bookandbedandtea @Ruthiella @Bookwormjillk I was FLOORED that the doctor could identify the poison by smell and then whipped up an antidote on the spot! 😆 1mo

CogsOfEncouragement Yes, I agree @Ruthiella they did not succeed. It needed much more of a rework to erase the feeling that gypsies are no good. And yes, so glad the doctor had a good sense of smell! lol

I was also confused by the whole child bride situation being included. 1mo

DebinHawaii Yes to all this! The whole child bride thing was odd & yay for the doctor with the amazing nose! Hah! 😳😵‍💫🙄🤣 1mo

kwmg40 I too found the stereotypes disturbing, and the whole child bride thing a bit icky. 1mo

DGRachel I very much hated the stereotypes of the Romany and the child bride thing is wrapped up in that. I liked the poison dolls, though. I thought they were clever, even if the doctor recognizing it was ridiculous. 1mo

10 likes8 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 24: The Clue in the Old Album | Carolyn Keene

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1. To set the mood, I've placed in the comments an audio recording of Cher's “Gypsys, Tramps, and Thieves.“ I don't know about you, but it definitely played rent-free in my head while I was reading this one!

I thought this was the weakest of the books we've read so far. We'll break down plot, characters, etc. in the next questions, but what was your overall impression of the book? How does it compare to our prior reads? #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuA_gCMiw0E 1mo

Ruthiella I agree this was a bit of a stinker overall. I don‘t think I would have noticed as a kid, however. (edited) 1mo

bookandbedandtea @Ruthiella ditto! I'm sure child-me enjoyed this as much as any of the others but adult-me wasn't impressed by the mystery or the attitudes about the gypsies. I love that song, though @Librarybelle ! 1mo

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Bookwormjillk I wasn't impressed either. It was dated, but also kind of a little boring. 1mo

CogsOfEncouragement I agree, a little boring. Thanks for the link to the song, I am not familiar with it. 1mo

DebinHawaii Perfect song! I barely remember this one from childhood except the poison in the sword 🗡️ of the one doll. I remember that freaking me out. This definitely was not a good one! 1mo

BarkingMadRead It was fine. That‘s it. 🤣 1mo

kwmg40 I agree. This wasn't a particularly memorable installment in the series. 1mo

DGRachel I‘m completely opposite the group on this one. I enjoyed it more than most simply because it was quieter. 🤣🤣 1mo

10 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

Nancy Drew 24: The Clue in the Old Album | Carolyn Keene

This is a rather late reminder that our next #NancyDrewBR discussion is on Wednesday!

I started this one over the weekend, and I‘m kind of creeped out over the dolls! 😂

Questions will be posted by 12pm US East Coast time.

DGRachel Oh dear. I think I‘m going to be a smidge late on this one. Life is being extra lifey but I‘ll try to remember to crack it open tomorrow and at least get started. Where has October gone already?? 1mo

Librarybelle @DGRachel I know what you mean! Life is extra complicated of late. 1mo

Ruthiella Thanks for the heads up! 👍 1mo

PurpleyPumpkin So appreciate this reminder! I‘ll start this one today. 😉 1mo

42 likes4 comments

Librarybelle

The Weekend Retreat | Tara Laskowski

pick

I‘m all for rich-people-behaving badly books, especially those involving secrets and suspense. I enjoyed this one—the people are horrible, they each have secrets, and there‘s someone who wants to cause harm. Add in the locked room trope, and you get the suspense element. The audio was really good, with multiple voice narrators portraying the multiple perspectives. Great distraction listen; I‘ve already checked out another audio by the author!

71 likes

Librarybelle

Untitled | Unknown

Katherine…I almost cried when I picked this up today! Thank you for lovely books, notebook, pins, and of course the kitty toys. The boys are already playing with them!

Littens are the best, and I so appreciate your friendship, Katherine. Thank you, and please hi to Em and Poe from me.

I know I still have so many thank you and notes to write to several generous friends—perhaps I should start writing when Zeke has me up during the night! 😂

kspenmoll

kspenmoll I had this box in my trunk for ages!!!! I kept forgetting to mail it. Thanks for all you do for us, #literarycrew #ChristieCapers 1mo

Librarybelle @kspenmoll ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo

MemoirsForMe 😍😍😍 1mo

68 likes3 comments

Librarybelle

Death Behind Every Door: A Novel | Heather Graham

so-so

I picked this up because the premise sounded like a good suspense story—federal agents tracking down a killer or killers who copy the style of H.H. Holmes (who was depicted in Erik Larson‘s The Devil in the White City). But…I was bored. And the writing style was not to my taste. A joke about Hotel California was told twice to describe two separate inns. I was also a bit lost by some of the side storylines (random ghosts) and realized that ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Librarybelle ⬆️⬆️⬆️ though this was the first in a trilogy, it was in fact part of a connected set of stories from other trilogies. The audio was not my favorite—it drove me nuts the way the voice actor pronounced Culloden (I thought the first few times he said the word that he was saying Culligan). So-so read. My first time reading a Graham suspense, and I‘m not going to rush to another anytime soon. 1mo

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Librarybelle

Joined September 2016