pickThis is like watching a train wreck involving a bunch of shady people—a real show that pits 5 people against each other, but a really sick, twisted reality show with people who have done some pretty bad things in their past. I gasped a couple of times while listening to this, and I just had to keep listening. A bit banana pants, but it also shows how bloodthirsty people can be. I‘ll have to check out more by Gudenkauf; good distraction listen.
September‘s #NancyDrewBR takes us away from River Heights and into another mystery that includes the kidnapping of Carson Drew! Oh my!
Discussion on September 15th. All are welcome to join. Let me know if you wish to be added or 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, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze
Better late than never! My weekend goals for the #NetGalley #Readathon #NGG .
I will probably not make it to actually completing a book this weekend, but my account and pending reviews definitely need a thorough examination and update. I think I owe at least 4 reviews to NetGalley of books I completed the last few months, but I always find others that I read and forgot I also got from NetGalley (I have way too many books to read in my account).
Let‘s discuss Heath Castle and a missing heiress! I have five questions posted as spoilers. You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching #NancyDrewBR .
Next month, Nancy has to uncover The Mystery of the Tolling Bell, which now makes me think of Hemingway and For Whom the Bell Tolls. 😂
Official post tomorrow!
rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze5. A Chaucer reference! Nancy makes note that she learned to read Middle English, as she read Chaucer. I was amazed at this.
The other quirky element I wanted to mention was Salty, who I dearly wish we see again, and his clam song. I think I actually giggled when I read his lyrics. Something about a door-to-door clam salesman does make me wonder about product safety...
Were there any elements that surprised you or made you giggle? #NancyDrewBR
4. Think about the adventures in this one. It almost seemed like a comedic adventure when Bess was trapped because of the dogs, George was without clothes in the outbuilding, and Nancy, who decided sleuthing was better than helping George, gets locked in the tower. But, there were some creepy adventures too--bet me I'd lay on the ground of an abandoned garden!
What did you think of the adventures in this one? #NancyDrewBR
3. Did anyone else have an issue with Julianna not letting her sister know she was alive? I had hoped her accident left her with amnesia, preventing her from remembering her past. Alas, no. So crazy!
But, Nancy and friends (no Ned, who's in South America!) must find Julianna and also uncover the secrets of the castle. They meet some shady people along the way. Thoughts on the characters in this book? #NancyDrewBR
2. Now on to the story! There are not really any reported changes between the 1945 and the 1973 editions, so no matter which edition you read, we've all had pretty much the same story.
What are your overall thoughts? How does this compare to the prior books? We're up to book 22 in the series, which is so hard to believe!
1. Let's start with the setting first this time. A spooky castle with crumbling walls and secret passages would have spooked me out a bit as a kid! But, to get us into the setting, there is an older article with abandoned castles from around the world.
Maybe it was just me, but I felt the setting of the castle really added to the story this time, almost as a character. What do you think? Have you visited a castle? #NancyDrewBR
pickNancy, Nancy, Nancy…she‘s on a mission this time to find info on the rightful owner of a crumbling castle. This one has a lot of adventures and nail biting moments, plus a moment where Nancy finally gets back at Bess and George for hurting her feelings several books ago. 😂
Personally, I love Salty‘s song. It‘s a cute balm for a crappy day. 😂
Discussion tomorrow in the AM for #NancyDrewBR !
pickI feel like I‘m gravitating toward some seriously dark books in 2025—maybe my coping mechanism for the dumpster fire that is life right now?!?
This is dark and at times graphic. Dual perspectives power the reader through the book; one is the serial killer, and the other is her best friend. I also have to wonder why I felt the serial killer was more likable than the BF (if I had someone who constantly asked me if I was okay and wouldn‘t stop…
Can you believe we‘re just a few days away from our next #NancyDrewBR discussion?!? I‘m starting the book tonight. Discussion on Friday!
rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze
so-soI don‘t think Day‘s books are for me—this is the second series I tried, and it‘s another meh read for me. My IRL book group agreed. So much repetitive thoughts, and Cece, the MC, just was not a favorite of mine. I did like the wine talk, though!
I have one more series to try by Day. Is third time the charm?
#Zeke #CatsOfLitsy
pickThis was so good! Historical mystery set in Victorian England with a serial killer, an inspector with a troubling past, and a female doctor. Well written and captivating.
Trigger warnings for graphic murder scenes, child abuse and violence, and violence toward women
pickWith today‘s last story in the #NoPlaceLikeHolmes discussion group, I read the entire Holmes canon. Thanks to @dabbe and @Cuilin for leading the group.
This final collection of Holmes stories hints at Conan Doyle‘s almost reluctance to write more. Some are good, and some are not up to the caliber of prior stories. Yet, I liked the collection overall. A good way to spend a half hour reading one story at a time. #CatsOfLitsy #Xander #SebastianKitty
Well…this seems spot on for today‘s climate…
“‘One accusation is off the mark. Foreigners aren‘t the ‘criminal contagion‘ so many claim. As a policeman, I can attest to that. It takes a lot to leave your home. To start life over in a new place requires courage. It takes energy and ambition.‘”
This book takes place in 1866. The MCs fight against a prejudicial society in the UK. Very timely indeed.
so-soAnna returns to her family‘s villa in Italy many years after she was whisked away as a young girl for allegedly killing her mother. Almost immediately, weird stuff happens, and it all appears to be centered around the family necklace that has been missing since the mother‘s death. At first, I thought was a translation, as the writing structure is stilted, but upon a quick search…nope. Not a translation. It is billed as a thriller, but there are ⬇️
July went by way too fast, and I did not create my #BookSpinBingo list before the August numbers were announced! Here‘s a fast work up for August; I did not look at the announcement post yet!
August‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead selection has garnered much praise in the book world—will we agree???
Read at your own pace during the month. I will periodically post check-ins. Discussion on August 31st. All are welcome. Let me know if you wish to be added/removed from the tag list!
mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, IriDas, Lkempf
Discussion questions are posted for #LiteraryCrew ! You can find the 7 questions on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtag.
Next month, we dive into Whale Fall by Elizabeth O‘Connor. Reminder will be posted tomorrow.
Also, start thinking about title suggestions for 2026! We‘re approaching voting season!
mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Teresereading, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, IriDas, Lkempf7. Hannah Kent calls her novel a ‘dark love letter to Iceland‘ in her Acknowledgements. What does she mean by this? Did you read the novel in this way? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
6. Death is a major theme in this novel, but it is also about life and living. When
Agnes faces the day of her execution all she wants to do is live, despite the harrowing nature of the life she has endured. Do you agree/disagree? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
5. Blöndal is the real villain of this piece. His dispassionate communications with
those whom he controls are filled with venom and spite. What did you make of his
decision to lodge Agnes with District Officer Jón and his family? What do you believe
happened at Stóra-‐Borg that caused Blöndal to move Agnes to Kornsá? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
4. Are Steina, Lauga and Margrét changed by Agnes‘s time with them? Has her
fate changed theirs in any way? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
3. Fate and destiny are major themes in this novel, for Agnes seems fated to have come to the end she does. Could she have escaped this destiny? Was there a turning point in her life that she might have avoided? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
2. Agnes often comments on the ways in which she has been silenced, or had her story altered by the authorities. Why do you think she has such an anguished relationship to language? ~from publisher reading group guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
1. As we know from the Author's Note, Kent bases her book on the real life murders of Natan Ketilsson and the convicted Agnes Magnusdottir.
Link in the comments to a travel site from Iceland that gives some more background about Icelandic society and the use of punishment at that time. It's very informative!
Had you heard of this murder prior to reading? In terms of the book, what did you think overall? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
#LiteraryCrew : Discussion tomorrow! Questions will be posted either very early morning or late morning, US East Coast time (Zeke has a B12 injection appointment at the vet in the AM, so it depends upon how perky I am if I can post them prior to the appointment).
mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Teresereading, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, IriDas, Lkempf
Great discussion yesterday for # ChristiesCapers ! Feel free to keep contributing.
Next month, we have another Poirot novel and go on the quest for The Big Four. Discussion on August 31st.
All are welcome to join us! Please let me know if you wish to be added/removed from the tag list. #AgathaChristieClubR3
janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill
The #ChristiesCapers discussion questions are posted! You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtags. This is my second favorite Christie, and I hope everyone enjoyed it!
Next month, Hastings is back with Poirot for The Big Four. Official post tomorrow! #AgathaChristieClubR3
janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill8. This novel has seen quite a number of adaptations in various formats, from stage productions to the small screen (Suchet as Poirot!) and even graphic novel. If you are familiar with any adaptations, how do they compare to the original work?
As an aside, while it does not completely follow the novel, the 2000 TV production of the novel starring David Suchet as Poirot is entertaining and a must watch! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
7. Is Christie having fun with mysteries in a way? Were there moments in the book that struck you as funny or comical?~from discussion questions, Johnson Public Library #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
6. As with Christie's other village settings, King's Abbot has its share of intrigue, scandal, and secrets. Think about the characters in this novel. Was Ackroyd a worthy victim? Any thoughts on the other characters?
Caroline, Dr. Sheppard's sister, is a stand out character to me. She is a busybody, yet I think she knows quite a lot and suspects her brother. #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
5. Poirot escapes to King's Abbot for a bit of R&R, though of course he stumbles upon murder. And those blasted vegetable marrows! Think of our prior encounters with Poirot. What do you think of his detection skills in this one versus the prior novels? How well does he use his little gray cells? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
4. Before we explore other characters, I want to dive into the twist, because Dr. Sheppard plays a huge role. Were you surprised by the murderer's identity?
This was my 4th read, and I finally picked up on a comment that Dr. Sheppard makes that shows his culpability--I should have bookmarked the passage! I read this a few months ago for my IRL book club, so I cannot remember! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
3. We do not have Hastings in this novel, but instead we hear about the crime through the eyes of Dr. Sheppard. We'll explore the twist in a moment, but prior to the reveal, think about reading the narrative. Did you trust Dr. Sheppard? Did you consider him to be a reliable narrator of the story? Think about the narration and the structure of the novel--any thoughts or comments? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
2. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is considered one of the best if not the best crime novel ever. Crime Writers' Association voted it as the best in 2013, and the Mystery Writers' Association named it the 12th best novel in 1995. Participants cited the twist at the end for their voting choice.
What do you think? Is this the best crime novel or one of the best? Why or why not? #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
1. This is our fourth Hercule Poirot novel. Was this the first time you read it? A reread for you? What are your overall impressions? We'll be exploring the novel's popularity/acclaim as well as the twists and identity of the murderer in later questions! #ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3
Dinner and a movie this evening was the episode of Poirot based on this month‘s book. A good way to prepare for the discussion tomorrow! Questions will be posted before 12pm US East Coast time. Looking forward to it!
#ChristiesCapers #AgathaChristieClubR3 #Xander #CatsOfLitsy
janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill
so-soFair warning: If you were severely bullied in school, skip this one. While high school for me was not horrible, middle school was trauma. Listening to this installment of the Cupcake Bakery mystery series was a bit of a trigger, especially the first two chapters. Mel is tricked into agreeing to cater her high school reunion by her best friend Angie. Yes, tricked. And yes, her best friend, who knew everything Mel went through in high school…⬇️⬇️⬇️
Xander inspecting my weekly #libraryhaul . He‘s probably wondering if I will actually open any of these books, or if they will sit in a neat stack on my dresser. 😂
Any must reads from the stacks? I know Woodworking has received lots of love.
#Xander #CatsOfLitsy
We‘re a little over a week away from our July #LiteraryCrew discussion of Burial Rites (reminder: discussion on July 31st). Our August read gives me similar vibes from the synopsis alone. Looking forward to reading this one for the #BuddyRead !
This is a low key buddy read. I‘ll post check-ins throughout the month, and discussion is the last of the month. Please let me know if you wish to be added to or removed from the tag list.
mcctrish, mjdowens, melissajayne, Jerdencon, tpixie, LapReader, Cuilin, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, Prairiegirl_reading, Deblovestoread, Sace, CatLass007, Mollyanna, BookwormAHN, Pogue, dabbe, Sargar114, Karisa, bumpinthenight, Singout, julieclair, AllDebooks, IriDas, Lkempf
pickI think this is my favorite by Lee—a moving story about friendship, set on the Oregon Trail. It‘s beautifully written, with diverse characters and tackling the issue of prejudice for a YA audience deftly. #SundayBuddyRead #Xander #CatsOfLitsy
pickThis is a hard book to review/rate, but it‘s a pick for me.
This remarkable debut novel has themes of classism, racism, sexuality, and dominance of the wealthy, not to mention drug addiction, mental health issues, and a damaged justice system. I cannot speak too much to the actions in the book, as it would be very spoiler-ish, but it‘s a book to make you think about life and prejudice and what choice you would make, and living with that choice.⬇️
We‘re a week away from this month‘s #ChristiesCapers discussion! Who did murder Roger Ackroyd? Use your little gray cells alongside Poirot to solve the crime!
Discussion will be posted mid to late morning US East Coast time on the 27th.
janeycanuck, suvata, Aims42, MallenNC, Soscha, Cuilin, kspenmoll, BarbaraJean, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, Lizpixie, MariaW, elkeOriginal, AnneCecilie, Gissy, OutsmartYourShelf, mrp27, Larkken, Suet624, Cailey_Mac, Deblovestoread, ferskner, Marmie7, MaleficentBookDragon, majkia, Bookwormjillk, StayCurious, Teresereading, Laughterhp, Sace, RainyDayReading, Skygoddess1, Morr_Books, PathfinderNicole, dabbe, tdrosebud, MaGoose, kelli7990, TheAromaofBooks, Tineke, PageShifter, willaful, kimrenee, AnishaInkspill
Wonderful discussion so far for the Old Attic, #LittenDetectives ! Our August #NancyDrewBR involves Nancy and crew, an inheritance, and a race against time before the bad guy finds the clue in the wall.
Discussion August 15th. All are welcome. Please let me know if you to be added or 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, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze
So sorry I am late in posting today! I overslept, had things to do this morning, and today is Sebastian‘s birthday. Crazy morning!
5 questions are posted as spoilers; you can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching #NancyDrewBR .
Next month, we uncover The Clue in the Crumbling Wall. 😮
rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, JenlovesJT47, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Sace, Bren912, kwmg40, CSeydel, Ruthiella, dabbe, Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze5. We talked about the spookiness of the story, but I always like to compare the adventures in the books (what does that say about me??? 😂)
Think of the dangers Nancy faces in this one--even Mr. March had a rock thrown at him in the beginning of the book. Any stand outs this time? I'd not be happy if a spider, poisonous or not, was on the loose and approaching me. #NancyDrewBR
4. Though in the story, we do not see much of Bess and George. And in the 1970 edition, Ned is a very random insert into the story...I almost rolled my eyes thinking of the “knight in shining armor“ just happening upon Nancy in distress.
Instead, we have the Marches and Effie. Any thoughts on the secondary characters? More in the comments regarding Effie and a theory from one reader. #NancyDrewBR
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