@julesG on Litsy

The Art of a Lie | Laura Shepherd-Robinson

pick

Loved the story and especially appreciated the research about Georgian society, shops around St James's and conman schemes of that period that went into this book.

Thanks @RaeLovesToRead for "pushing" me to read this.

#audiobook

RaeLovesToRead I would spoiler tag the first bit because it was a plot twist!!!!!! So glad you enjoyed it ❤️ 4h

RaeLovesToRead (Either that or I am the only person who didn't see it coming) 4h

julesG @RaeLovesToRead you're right. Somehow I thought it was in the blurb. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ I will delete my first paragraph 2h

RaeLovesToRead ❤️ 18m

27 likes2 stack adds4 comments

julesG

The Tainted Cup | Robert Jackson Bennett

List of this year's Hugos: https://locusmag.com/2025/08/hugo-lodestar-and-astounding-awards-winners-2/

Avanders 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 1d

37 likes1 comment

julesG

Midnight Shift: The Korean Bestselling Cult Novel | Seon-Ran Cheon

pick

A vampire mystery is less about gory details or enthralling vampires and more about lonely people. Don't get me wrong, it's also about catching the murderer, but mainly it is about how lonely the individual POV characters and some of the side-characters are.

#NetGalley #ARC #MountARC

Pub date: 14 August 2025

Reggie Lonely characters… stacked. 3d

rwmg wishlisted 2d

58 likes4 stack adds2 comments

julesG

Alchemy and a Cup of Tea | Rebecca Thorne

pick

#NetGalley #ARC #MountARC

Fourth and last book in the Tomes and Tea series.

Dedication made me chuckle.

Published: 12 August 2025

This last book wraps up the series nicely, but I'm still sad this is the last book. I hope we get some spin-offs or novellas set in this universe in the future.

⬇️

julesG Picking up where the last book ended, Reyna is kidnapped. But Reyna being Reyna, she isn't very fazed about it. The only thing that irks her is that there is a strange alchemical circle under her cell. This needs investigating and leads Kianthe and Reyna to the Magicary, which leads them to rogue alchemists, which leads them to... Ha, no, not going to spoil it.

⬇️ 4d

julesG Meanwhile Tawney is swarmed with tourists hoping to visit New Leaf and get a glimpse of the Arcandor and her wife the Queen. The townsfolk isn't happy with the influx of tourists and the tourists aren't happy with how the town handles the situation. It might mean the end of New Leaf and relocation for Kianthe and Reyna. 4d

Soubhiville 😆 love the alternate title! 4d

julesG @Soubhiville me too 4d

AnnCrystal 👏🏼🤩📚💝. 4d

65 likes5 comments

julesG

Fifth Elephant (Revised) | Terence David John Pratchett

#OokBOokClub

Just a friendly reminder that we'll be reading #FifthElephant next! Dig out your books, put in your library holds, or place your orders! The next Discworld adventure continues on September 8th! Woohoo!

If anyone wants to be tagged/untagged for future posts please let me know! Happy to oblige!

#Discworld #SirTerryPratchett #TerryPratchett #PratchettPosse #ReadAlong #BuddyRead #EpicBuddyRead

julesG @dariazeoli @Soubhiville @GingerAntics @rubyslippersreads @Karkar @kwmg40 @Liatrek @khooliha @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern @Jennifer3 1w

julesG @Fortifiedbybooks @willaful @SconsinBookyBadger @Balibee146 @Deblovestoread @TheAromaofBooks @Chrissyreadit @Lizpixie @BarbaraJean @AlaMich 1w

45 likes2 comments

julesG

Jingo | Terry Pratchett

#OokBOokClub-ers, our Discworld adventure continues TODAY with #Jingo!

Looking forward to our discussion next month!

Happy reading!

#Discworld #SirTerryPratchett #TerryPratchett #PratchettPosse #ReadAlong #BuddyRead #EpicBuddyRead

julesG @dariazeoli @Soubhiville @GingerAntics @rubyslippersreads @Karkar @kwmg40 @Liatrek @khooliha @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern @Jennifer3 1w

julesG @Fortifiedbybooks @willaful @SconsinBookyBadger @Balibee146 @Deblovestoread @TheAromaofBooks @Chrissyreadit @Lizpixie @BarbaraJean @AlaMich 1w

39 likes2 comments

julesG

200 Crochet Flowers, Embellishments & Trims: Contemporary Designs for Embellishing All of Your Accessories | Claire Crompton

Humble Bundle is offering a Crochet (and Knitting) book bundle.

https://www.humblebundle.com/books/comfort-crochet-amigurumi-and-knitting-open-r...

#LitsyCrafters #HookersOfLitsy #KnittersOfLitsy

AnnCrystal 🧶🆒💝. 1w

44 likes1 comment

julesG

Murderbot Diaries: All Systems Red, Artificial Condition, Rogue Protocol, Exit Strategy | Martha Wells

My son bought Murderbot prints from Tommy Arnold https://www.tommyarnoldart.com/ and I just totally unprofessionally framed them.

AnnCrystal 🆒👏🏼☺️💝. 1w

62 likes1 comment

julesG

Feet of Clay | Terry Pratchett

#OokBOokClub

Hello friends! Open discussion is in the FOLLOWING POST marked as spoiler. Find the #FeetOfClay post & tap "show me" on the spoiler tag to join the discussion. Join whenever you can! Today. Tomorrow. Next month! The post will always be up so just tag each other & we'll jump in to discuss with you. Feel free to chat about anything!

#Discworld #SirTerryPratchett #TerryPratchett #PratchettPosse #ReadAlong #BuddyRead #EpicBuddyRead

julesG @dariazeoli @Soubhiville @GingerAntics @rubyslippersreads @Karkar @kwmg40 @Liatrek @khooliha @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern @Jennifer3 @Fortifiedbybooks @willaful @SconsinBookyBadger 2w

julesG @Balibee146 @Deblovestoread @TheAromaofBooks @Chrissyreadit @Lizpixie @BarbaraJean @alamich 2w

38 likes2 comments

julesG

Feet of Clay | Terry Pratchett

This post contains spoilers

show me

Welcome to the #OokBOokClub open discussion for #FeetOfClay feel free to discuss anything! Don't forget to tag each other in the comments so your friends can see your reply. Have fun!

#Discworld #SirTerryPratchett #TerryPratchett #PratchettPosse #ReadAlong #BuddyRead #EpicBuddyRead

julesG @BookmarkTavern @Jennifer3 @Fortifiedbybooks @willaful @SconsinBookyBadger @Balibee146 @Deblovestoread @TheAromaofBooks @Chrissyreadit @Lizpixie @BarbaraJean @AlaMich 2w

julesG @dariazeoli @Soubhiville @GingerAntics @rubyslippersreads @Karkar @kwmg40 @Liatrek @khooliha @TheSpineView 2w

kwmg40 I really enjoyed this one. I'd read this a few years ago, but appreciate it more after reading the preceding Watch books in order. I especially liked the developing relationship between Angua and Carrot, and Carrot's fascination with the Dwarf Bread Museum. 1w

See All 7 Comments

julesG @kwmg40 I'd really like to visit the Dwarf Bread Museum 1w

BarbaraJean It was interesting to read this after having read the Moist books—it's one of the first times I felt like I was reading things out of order. But I kind of like having the later books already in my head as a glimpse at the future of the golems! I loved how Pratchett uses golems to consider who counts as a person, setting that against other prejudices. @kwmg40 I love their relationship & am glad there are more books in which it can develop further! 1w

willaful I thought at first this was a little too similar to previous Watch books, but by the end I loved it. So genuinely poignant, and with so much heart and grace. Pratchett at his most humane. 1w

BookmarkTavern @kwmg40 I also really loved seeing Carrot and Angua‘s relationship, especially getting to see it from Angua‘s point of view. 7d

8 likes7 comments

julesG

Star Trek: Lower Decks, Vol. 1: Second Contact | Ryan North

pick

Collection of three stories featuring the "Warp Drive Five". All center around Second Contact with alien species.

The humour of the TV show plus popping art work in each panel.

I really enjoyed it

56 likes

julesG

Feet of Clay | Terry Pratchett

Have finished the main body of the Library Card Vest. Now I'm stuck with the ribbing, which takes ages.

#audiobook #audioknitting current #OokBOokClub read

#LitsyCrafters #ShowandTellTuesday @Catsandbooks

lil1inblue A Library Card Vest?!?!?!?! How cool is that! Good luck with that ribbing! 😍 😍 😍 2w

AmyG WOW! 2w

LeahBergen Love it! 2w

See All 11 Comments

Suet624 So cool! 2w

ShelleyBooksie Wowza!!! Excellent 2w

bookishbitch This is very cool! 2w

tpixie Incredible! 2w

AnnCrystal This is incredible 👏🏼🤩👍🏼🧶💝. 2w

julesG @lil1inblue @AmyG @LeahBergen @Suet624 @ShelleyBooksie @bookishbitch @tpixie @AnnCrystal Thank you all! 2w

Catsandbooks Looking fantastic! 🌟 2w

julesG @Catsandbooks thanks! 2w

57 likes11 comments

julesG

The 71?2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle | Stuart Turton

#SundayFunday @BookmarkTavern

This is the one I've recommended most in the past years. I absolutely loved the "Gosford Park" meets "Groundhog Day" vibes of the book.

BookmarkTavern I‘ve had this on my TBR for a while! I should get to it. Thanks for posting! 2w

39 likes1 stack add1 comment

julesG

Strange Houses: A Novel | Uketsu

pick

And I've finished.

I'm leaving a few thoughts in the comments under spoiler tags.

#buddyread @thegirlwiththelibrarybag @BarbaraBB @ImperfectCJ @AllDebooks

julesG There actually was a child 😲 2w

julesG That ending left me a bit unsatisfied. First off, the explanation of the family curse was weird. But it's supposed to be weird. Also, I hate mystery books with an open ending. Feels like I missed a clue. 2w

thegirlwiththelibrarybag How‘d you find it as an audiobook? Do they describe the floor plan or are images provided? (edited) 2w

julesG @thegirlwiththelibrarybag There was an accompanying PDF with the floor plans. But I only looked at them once. I thought the description in the text/narration was enough to create a picture in my head. 2w

56 likes4 comments

julesG

Strange Houses: A Novel | Uketsu

#BuddyRead

Started the audiobook this morning.

Should anyone want to join us, we're also discussing the book on StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/2a0342c8-7d83-4120-b3b6-3f632132978d?l...

@thegirlwiththelibrarybag @BarbaraBB @ImperfectCJ @AllDebooks

BarbaraBB I joined the buddy read but not sure when I‘ll get to the book exactly 2w

julesG @BarbaraBB That's the beauty of the buddyread, you can read the comments when you're ready. 2w

49 likes2 comments

julesG

The Way of the Househusband | Kousuke Oono

pick

Thanks to @Robotswithpersonality

I liked it, but didn't love it. It feels like I was missing some information at the beginning.

KathyWheeler My husband loves the show. 1w

julesG @KathyWheeler oh, there is a show too? I need to ask my teenagers. 1w

KathyWheeler @julesG Yes! That‘s actually where I heard about it. I didn‘t know it was a book. 1w

45 likes3 comments

julesG

Statistics For Dummies | Deborah J. Rumsey

July wrap up

30 books finished, 2 DNF'd

Eggbeater Wow, that's impressive! Nice job! 2w

Leniverse Tackling the arcs? Glad you liked Strangle Pictures! What's the one in the middle at the bottom? The cover looks familiar, but I can't make out the title. 2w

Ruthiella Nice work! 👏👏👏 2w

See All 10 Comments

julesG @Leniverse I actually read quite a few ARCs, for a change. The very last row?

One Bite With A Vampire: A Hidden Species Novel

julesG @Eggbeater @Ruthiella - Thank you! 2w

Leniverse Ah, right. I have read that one. I've read all of that series in fact 😂 2w

kspenmoll 👏🏻👏🏻 (edited) 2w

julesG @Leniverse it was recommended to me last week and the books are free with Audible subscription until 12 2w

julesG th August.... Pressed the wrong button ⬆️ 2w

Leniverse I've read them on KU. The hellhounds are my favourite creatures 🤣 2w

55 likes10 comments

julesG

How to Piss Off Men: 109 Things to Say to Shatter the Male Ego | Kyle Prue

pick

This was a short read. Great fun.

Caveat: Some things to say to piss off men might only work with men from the US, other phrases are more universal or can be tweaked for more international impact.

GingerAntics 🤣😂🤣 3w

TheBookHippie 🤭🤣 3w

TheBookHippie It‘s on HOOPLA 🎉 3w

Jari-chan Awesome 🤣🤣 2w

70 likes4 comments

julesG

Untilted | Autechre

#BookMail

Top left: total cover/title buy
Top right: Trevor Noah
Bottom right: was recommended for people who liked K-Pop Demon Hunters - it's mainly for my daughter 😉
Bottom left: wish this had a yellow cover

I'll link to the books in the comments

julesG

How to Piss Off Men: 109 Things to Say to Shatter the Male Ego

julesG

Into the Uncut Grass

julesG

The Natural History of Crime: Case studies in death and the clues nature leaves behind

julesG

Darker by Four

AnnCrystal 👏🏼🤩📚💝. (edited) 3w

56 likes5 comments

julesG

Knitting For Dummies & Knitting Patterns For Dummies | Pam Allen

#ShowandTellTuesday #LitsyCrafters @Catsandbooks

Work in Progress - Library Card Vest (pattern by Pretty Grandpa @ Ravelry)

Sorry for the bad picture I was too lazy to switch on more lights.

julesG #KnittersOfLitsy 3w

TheBookHippie Oh it is brilliant!!!! 3w

Bookwormjillk I love it! 3w

See All 10 Comments

bookishbitch I love this! 3w

AnnCrystal 👏🏼🤩 How absolutely fabulous 💝💝💝. 3w

KadaGul I love 😍 Ravelry🩵 🧶🩵🥰🩵😍🩵 3w

yourfavouritemixtape Such a cool design! I might have to try this too 3w

dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 3w

Catsandbooks This is awesome! 🌟 3w

BiblioLitten That‘s so cool!! 2w

62 likes10 comments

julesG

Eighteen: The Sunday Times Bestseller: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives | Alice Loxton

#BookMail and a letter in an actual bottle.

Book had been on my "maybe buy" list for some time, had to get it since it's a signed copy.

The letter is signed too, I guess, it's for my daughter.

AnnCrystal 🆒🍾📜📚💝. 4w

harriet838 😅 3w

68 likes2 comments

julesG

Idiot's Guides: Succulents | Cassidy Tuttle

I'm certain I've shown these two succulents before. 😉

Made the planter with a silicone mold and the tiny succulent garden (non-Lego set) was a gift from my son.

I'm currently knitting four projects on and off. I'll show pics next time.

#LitsyCrafters @Catsandbooks #ShowandTellTuesday

Soubhiville What a fun planter 😆 4w

AnnCrystal 👏🏼🤩👍🏼💝💝💝. 4w

TheBookHippie LOVE 4w

See All 7 Comments

MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm That planter is fantastic. 🤣❤️ 4w

Jari-chan How cute! 🥰 4w

dabbe 🤩😍🤩 4w

Catsandbooks So awesome! 💚 3w

57 likes7 comments

julesG

Hate Mail | Donna Marchetti

pan

#NetGalley #ARC #MountARC published in 2024

I liked the premise of pen pals having sent each other sarcastic hate mail for over 20 years.

Pan because the miscommunication was more deceitful than cute.

AllDebooks 20 years of hate mail! 😲 1mo

julesG @AllDebooks they started in 5th grade 1mo

AllDebooks @julesG blimey! 1mo

Susanita That‘s…dedication? 1mo

julesG @Susanita I think it spiraled into "raging" on paper about what's going on in life plus(!) each of them wanted to outsmart the other with insults and wanted to have the last word. So they kept on writing. The letters, though a bit disturbing out of context, didn't worry me, it was the wilfully withheld information that made me mad. 1mo

62 likes5 comments

julesG

Arcana Academy | Elise Kova

pick

#NetGalley #ARC #MountARC #audiobook

TLDR; fake engagement, dark academia, chosen one vibes, ends in cliffhanger

Full review: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/ce6cce1d-466e-47be-a2d6-dadf9b196ba3

Low pick

53 likes

julesG

Human Rites: A Novel | Juno Dawson

pick

A decent ending to the series/trilogy, but not how I expected things to end.

The story starts right where Shadow Cabinet ended - not going to spoil the ending of book two here, people who have read it know what happened. From there lots of things are going on that lead to a lot of loose ends to tie up and Dawson used a rather deus ex machina method to achieve this.

Low pick

#SeriesLove2025 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView
#NetGalley #ARC #MountARC

Bookwomble I'm liking your post, but haven't read it as I've got book 2 to read and don't want even the slightest hint of a spoiler! 😄 1mo

julesG @Bookwomble my post literally says I'm not spoiling the end of book 2. 😉 1mo

LeeRHarry You lucky duck, being able to get to this early 😊 I‘m very much looking forward to this one! 1mo

Bookwomble @julesG I do trust you not to spoiler, but I'm taking no chances! 😆 1mo

julesG @LeeRHarry it felt like Christmas came early when I got the last book in three different series as ARCs - doesn't happen often - now I'm looking forward to the audiobook, because Nicola Coughlan 1mo

65 likes5 comments

julesG

Marble Hall Murders: The BRAND NEW novel in the major hit BBC series Magpie Murders from the Sunday Times bestselling author | Anthony Horowitz

pick

Third book in the Magpie Murders series.

Susan is back in London. She's fed up with the Atticus Pünd novels. Twice she's been close to death because of them already. And now there is a new Atticus Pünd manuscript, a continuation novel by Eliot Grace. Well, a tiny peak at the first part of the manuscript can't hurt. Right?

I enjoyed this, but somehow both denouements did not come as a surprise.

#SeriesLove2025 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView

Ruthiella I also read this recently and was able to accurately identify whodunnit. His books an entertaining , for sure. 1mo

julesG @Ruthiella yeah, they are entertaining. And relatively easy to solve. 1mo

69 likes2 comments

julesG

Jingo | Terry Pratchett

#OokBOokClub

Just a friendly reminder that we'll be reading #Jingo next! Dig out your books, put in your library holds, or place your orders! The next Discworld adventure continues on August 8th! Woohoo!

If anyone wants to be tagged/untagged for future posts please let me know! Happy to oblige!

#Discworld #SirTerryPratchett #TerryPratchett #PratchettPosse #ReadAlong #BuddyRead #EpicBuddyRead

julesG @dariazeoli @Soubhiville @GingerAntics @rubyslippersreads @Karkar @kwmg40 @Liatrek @khooliha @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern @Jennifer3 @Fortifiedbybooks @willaful @SconsinBookyBadger @Balibee146 @Deblovestoread @TheAromaofBooks @Chrissyreadit @Lizpixie @BarbaraJean @AlaMich 1mo

42 likes1 stack add1 comment

julesG

Feet of Clay | Terry Pratchett

#OokBOokClub-ers, our Discworld adventure continues TODAY with #FeetOfClay!

Looking forward to our discussion next month!

Happy reading!

#Discworld #SirTerryPratchett #TerryPratchett #PratchettPosse #ReadAlong #BuddyRead #EpicBuddyRead

julesG @dariazeoli @Soubhiville @GingerAntics @rubyslippersreads @Karkar @kwmg40 @Liatrek @khooliha @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern 1mo

julesG @Jennifer3 @Fortifiedbybooks @willaful @SconsinBookyBadger @Balibee146 @Deblovestoread @TheAromaofBooks @Chrissyreadit @Lizpixie @BarbaraJean @AlaMich 1mo

BookmarkTavern This one‘s one of my favorites! 💕 1mo

38 likes3 comments

julesG

Artificial Condition | Martha Wells

A new novelette, set after Artificial Condition, is coming. For free. On Thursday. More information here: https://reactormag.com/read-a-new-murderbot-story-for-free-right-after-the-seaso...

Bookwomble Thanks for the heads up! 😃 1mo

Lindy 👀👍 1mo

TieDyeDude I have always had a problem with this site, even before the name change. I sign up for their newsletter, and I get it for a few weeks, then it stops. So frustrating because I love the site. Thanks for the info! 1mo

See All 7 Comments

julesG @KathyWheeler 1mo

julesG @TieDyeDude I used to have problems with the ebook downloads they offered. I had to use a strange work-around to get them. But haven't had any problems with the newsletter. 1mo

BookmarkTavern YAAAY! 🤩🤩🤩 1mo

bookishbitch So exciting to hear! Thanks for the link! 1mo

63 likes7 comments

julesG

Men At Arms | Terry Pratchett

#OokBOokClub

Hello friends! Open discussion is in the FOLLOWING POST marked as a spoiler. Find the #MenAtArms post & tap "show me" on the spoiler tag to join in the discussion. Join in whenever you can! Today. Tomorrow. Next month! The post will always be up, just tag each other & we'll jump in to discuss with you. Feel free to chat about anything!

#Discworld #SirTerryPratchett #TerryPratchett #PratchettPosse #ReadAlong #BuddyRead #EpicBuddyRead

38 likes1 comment

julesG

Men At Arms | Terry Pratchett

This post contains spoilers

show me

Welcome to the #OokBOokClub open discussion for #MenAtArms and #TheatreOfCruelty feel free to discuss anything! Don't forget to tag each other in the comments so your friends can see your reply. Have fun!

#Discworld #SirTerryPratchett #TerryPratchett #PratchettPosse #ReadAlong #BuddyRead #EpicBuddyRead

kwmg40 I enjoyed this one very much. I'd read it several years ago, but liked it even more on reread, mostly because I appreciated the return of Gaspode after having read Moving Pictures since. 1mo

julesG Has anyone read the short story? 1mo

See All 8 Comments

BarbaraJean Somehow I missed the tag for this yesterday! And I actually finished this one on time! 😆 I loved getting to know the Watch characters better, especially Vimes, Carrot, Detritus, and Angua. And I found so much of it uncannily relevant to current events in the USA. I just read the (very!) short story (on L-Space). I love that Carrot interviews Death as a witness! 1mo

julesG @BarbaraJean Tagging so many at once is wonky sometimes. Yes, it's a short short story, but I liked it. I even attempted reading it in different languages. 1mo

julesG Link to #TheatreOfCruelty on L-Space: https://www.lspace.org/books/toc/ 1mo

willaful @julesG I read it but I don't really remember anything other than that I enjoyed it. Oh, Barbara reminded me about the interview with Death, that was hilarious! (edited) 1mo

julesG @willaful 😁 that's like me remembering Men at Arms has Vimes' Boots Theory of Socioeconomics, his wedding and him not leaving the Watch after all. There's Carrot's first romantic encounter; and Vetinari still running the city at the end. And I could probably quote some iconic lines, both the funny and the strikingly apt ones about society/weapons/... 1mo

9 likes8 comments

julesG

The Salt Path | Raynor Winn

Interesting article in today's The Observer

https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/the-real-salt-path-how-the-couple-b...

I haven't read the book. I'm just here sharing the link.

Leniverse I almost want to un-know this information 🙈🙉 but at the same time it's so wild it becomes fascinating 1mo

Tamra Yikes, that is terrible! I hope they are guilted & shamed into making it right. Then she can write another book to recoup the 💰and no doubt she would too. (edited) 1mo

julesG @Leniverse I forwarded the link to another friend who's working at a bookshop. She's contemplating moving it to the Fiction section. 1mo

See All 12 Comments

kspenmoll Maybe I should throw this unread book in my #TBR in the trash. (edited) 1mo

Bookwomble I haven't read the book (and won't), but thank you for linking to the article. The journalist has done a short YT report which includes footage of one of the victims of Winn's embezzlement taking about the impact of her crimes, which is very moving: https://youtu.be/UY2ivdm9obY?si=VVHeC3xG3-ialRWX 1mo

squirrelbrain I saw this headline but haven‘t read the full article yet….very intriguing! 1mo

RaeLovesToRead Yikes 1mo

Bookwormjillk This is wild. Surprised someone didn‘t do a background check before filming at least. 1mo

rockpools I‘m with @Leniverse on this one. Can I not know, please? I really loved this book when I read it, so I‘m quite sad. I guess it opens the door for someone else to write the great South West Coast Path memoir…. 1mo

quietlycuriouskate Wtf? 🤬 1mo

CoffeeK8 I read this book with my bookclub and really found it off putting, maybe some of this is why 1mo

RosePressedPages I‘d never heard of this book before but wow that is terrible and fascinating 1mo

51 likes1 stack add12 comments

julesG

Strange Pictures | Uketsu

pick

Chilling Japanese Mystery fits.

Four chapters, four stories based on drawings. Are they connected? If so, how? The layers of the story are revealed bit by bit. Like a jigsaw puzzle, you see part of the picture, but the full picture can only be admired at the end.

I enjoyed puzzling out how things fit together, some things weren't clear until the end of the book.

Simple writing style, on purpose or due to the translation? Anyway, worth a read.

julesG My daughter has picked it up now, well we bought it for her in the first place. She took it to school on Friday to read in a free moment and was hooked. 😁 1mo

julesG Thanks for being part of the buddyread @sarahbarnes @ImperfectCJ @BarbaraBB @thegirlwiththelibrarybag 1mo

BarbaraBB I do think the writing was that simple on purpose. As were the illustrations. 1mo

AnnCrystal
🆒🧩📚💝. 1mo

shanaqui I've found the simple writing to be a fairly common style thing in translated Japanese and Chinese works! It sometimes makes things seem a little strange to the Western 'ear', I guess (like the style being at odds with the maturity of the themes), but I've got used to it. 1mo

70 likes2 stack adds5 comments

julesG

A Marvellous Light | Freya Marske

For the German speakers among us. The public radio SWR has made an audiobook of Freya Marske's A Marvellous Light.

https://www.ardaudiothek.de/sendung/a-marvellous-light-von-freya-marske/urn:ard:...

Jari-chan Omg really? How cool! 1mo

50 likes1 comment

julesG

Strange Pictures | Uketsu

#BuddyRead @thegirlwiththelibrarybag @BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes @ImperfectCJ @AllDebooks

Last chapter - let's see how all the dots are connected

ImperfectCJ I finished the book last night, and I'm a little underwhelmed. I think the description of the book as "mystery horror" threw me off. It doesn't seem like horror really to me. And after reading Butter, I can't help seeing the plot as at least a little misogynistic. I agree with the comment earlier wondering if there was something off with the translation, although I do like the sentence that describes rocks the size of rabbits on the trail. 2mo

julesG @ImperfectCJ misogyny unfortunately seems to still be part of Japanese culture. Maybe the descriptions of the murders is considered horror? I'd just call it a mystery. 2mo

thegirlwiththelibrarybag So tempted to read these comments - but I know I should wait 😝 2mo

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thegirlwiththelibrarybag @ImperfectCJ @julesG - it was shelved in the horror section at the bookshop but I‘d agree - it‘s a mystery. I haven‘t read Butter - is the similarity that they are both about female serial killers? 2mo

julesG @thegirlwiththelibrarybag I'd have to ask my daughter where exactly in the bookshop she found the copy, but I'd guess it was on a table with lots of Asian literature rather than the horror section. But, horror is a genre she likes too. 2mo

julesG I haven't read Butter. It was part of Camp Litsy last year and I forgot to read it in time and the comments about fat shaming and misogyny didn't really make me want to read it. It was also Waterstones book of the year but doesn't seem to have sold like fresh butter - or like warm bread rolls, or sliced bread (German phrases about something selling really well). 2mo

ImperfectCJ @thegirlwiththelibrarybag Butter was unique in that, written by a woman writer, it called out misogyny in Japanese culture while not trying to make the female serial killer likeable. This one seems to reduce women to abusers or killers or passive victims with no commentary about the contributing social structures that make them so dependent. 2mo

BarbaraBB I have finished the book too and enjoyed it for its unique form. No horror to me but an interesting mystery and very Japanese - although not as much as Butter, which I think your should read @julesG 😀 . 1mo

julesG @BarbaraBB 🤣🤣🤣🤣 after all this time, after all the piles of butter I ignored??? 1mo

BarbaraBB 🙌🏽 yes! 1mo

sarahbarnes I finished the book today and agree that it‘s not horror, but I did enjoy the mystery and puzzle aspects of it. And that it was very Japanese writing. I liked it better than Butter myself. 1mo

47 likes11 comments

julesG

Strange Pictures | Uketsu

Yes, I've just finished the third chapter. It's a very compelling read. Also, it's hot outside and I am hiding inside with cool drinks and books.

#buddyread @thegirlwiththelibrarybag @BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes

julesG It's turned into a murder mystery. I had some ideas at the beginning of the chapter - who/how/why, but thought them too far fetched. At the end of the chapter I was astonished that I only got the why wrong. 😳 2mo

thegirlwiththelibrarybag We have opposite weather at the moment - super chilly in Melbourne (I prefer this to summer) 2mo

julesG @thegirlwiththelibrarybag I'm definitely not a summer person. I'd rather keep warm than be (too) warm 2mo

See All 8 Comments

BarbaraBB Yes! Things start to fall into place. Naomi killed Miura, her husband. Yuki was his student and will marry her son one day. What‘s not clear is what horrible thing Yuki did. I guess we‘ll find out on the fourth chapter - along with the falling into place of the prologue. (edited) 1mo

julesG @BarbaraBB you should use the spoiler tag for your comment. Just in case. 1mo

BarbaraBB Sorry! I did now! 1mo

sarahbarnes Ah I missed the Yuki connection until you pointed it out @BarbaraBB. I‘m really enjoying this book even though I haven‘t guessed many of the mysteries ahead of finding them out in the course of reading. (edited) 1mo

BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes I found them out along the way too. It asked for very concentrating reading while the style and language of the book is so easy. A fun experience! 1mo

49 likes8 comments

julesG

Strange Pictures | Uketsu

#BuddyRead @thegirlwiththelibrarybag @BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes

julesG I had so many questions and theories at the beginning of this chapter. The layers of the story are slowly revealed showing the connections. At first I thought Naomi was the girl from the prologue. Then I thought Yuta's friend must be Yuki and Raku's child. Things start to make sense. 2mo

julesG We still don't know what Yuki did and why Naomi hates her so much. 2mo

julesG Did you expect the chapter to end with this kind of ending? 2mo

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thegirlwiththelibrarybag @julesG, I didn‘t expect the man to be elderly and probably not actually sinister at all? 2mo

julesG @thegirlwiththelibrarybag I thought it was the student from chapter 1. 2mo

sarahbarnes There does seem to be some kind of curse around Yuki - Raku died just a few years after she did. And who knows who the man is that Naomi murdered. @julesG no I didn‘t expect her to do that at the end of the chapter without even knowing who he is. She seems to live in fear of something that I think is related to her son‘s death and Yuki. Why did she not want to go to the police? 2mo

BarbaraBB I am studying Japanese so actually came up with the thought about the triangle being part of a kanji but that was as far as I got. Interesting that Naomi is probably the third character of chapter 1, living with Raku and Yuki. Could she be the midwife in the picture as well? 2mo

41 likes7 comments

julesG

Strange Pictures | Uketsu

This post contains spoilers

show me

#BuddyRead @thegirlwiththelibrarybag @BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes

Prologue and first chapter. What do you think?

julesG First impression: something seems to have been lost in translation. Some parts read emotionless like subtitles. 2mo

julesG Prologue: interesting start. I am intrigued how this prologue connects to the rest of the story. 2mo

julesG First chapter: okay, two conspiracy theorists. Will they find out what happened? What could Yuki's big unforgivable secret be? 2mo

See All 16 Comments

julesG I like that the story is layered, like Yuki's drawings. 2mo

BarbaraBB I‘ll start soon! 2mo

thegirlwiththelibrarybag @julesG do we think she‘s the child in the prologue? 2mo

julesG @thegirlwiththelibrarybag That was my first thought. But the scientist said the child was A and a mother herself now. Yet Yuki isn't technically a mother yet. 2mo

ImperfectCJ I enjoyed the commentary about the decreased popularity of blogs. I wonder if it's significant (supernatural?) that Sasaki can't find Kurihara at the end of chapter one? 2mo

thegirlwiththelibrarybag @ImperfectCJ, like maybe he‘s not real? 2mo

ImperfectCJ @thegirlwiththelibrarybag Or like a ghost? I'm not sure if this novel is meant to be that blatantly supernatural, though. 2mo

julesG @ImperfectCJ Oh, another layer. 2mo

BarbaraBB Just finished the first chapter and it‘s unlike any other book. So Japanese! I‘ve been wondering about the midwife. She is mentioned in the blog as a woman with experience and there‘s a whole picture dedicated to her. Plus Kurihara mentions that someone has been living with Raku and Yuki. But I am not sure how that could be related to the prologue 🤷🏻‍♀️🧐 @thegirlwiththelibrarybag @ImperfectCJ @julesG 2mo

BarbaraBB Also, her illustration is the one at the start of the chapter - and this post for that matter. 2mo

sarahbarnes @ImperfectCJ it does feel important that Kurihara seems to have disappeared at the end of the chapter. He is also the one who says there is “no connection at all” for them to the blog, which may be telling. 2mo

sarahbarnes @BarbaraBB I agree about the midwife - the title of the chapter is dedicated (inaccurately) to her picture. 2mo

sarahbarnes @julesG I‘m also really wanting to know what Yuki‘s sin was and feel like it has to be one of the connecting threads of the book. 2mo

10 likes16 comments

julesG

Strange Pictures | Uketsu

The Strange Pictures #BuddyRead starts today.

@thegirlwiththelibrarybag and I have a shared Buddyread on StoryGraph. @BarbaraBB I've tried inviting you, but can't at this moment. @sarahbarnes I hope you have your copy with you on your trip.

Let's go!

PS: link to buddyread is in the comments

julesG https://app.thestorygraph.com/buddy_reads/9986011e-6fb5-4be3-8260-0634c8a56bfd?l... 2mo

julesG Chapters get their own post, under spoiler tag 2mo

BarbaraBB @julesG I accepted your friends request. What is the title of the challenge on Storygraph? (edited) 2mo

See All 12 Comments

julesG @BarbaraBB I've sent you an invitation to the StoryGraph buddyread 2mo

BarbaraBB @julesG Thanks! I‘ve never used that feature before! 2mo

julesG @BarbaraBB @thegirlwiththelibrarybag and I are fans of this feature. We've read a few books together last year. 2mo

BarbaraBB Looks quite cool 2mo

thegirlwiththelibrarybag @BarbaraBB, it‘s really fun! Once you add the book as currently reading, the buddy read link should appear in the drop down menu with the 3 stacked dots. 2mo

sarahbarnes I did bring it! Thanks for hosting over here, too - looking forward to getting into it. 2mo

AllDebooks Oh please count me in. 😊 2mo

ImperfectCJ This book looks delightfully odd! I'm starting it today. 2mo

julesG @AllDebooks @ImperfectCJ 🎉🎉 2mo

43 likes12 comments

julesG

Statistics For Dummies | Deborah J. Rumsey

June wrap-up

Books were read and listened to. 😉

PurpleyPumpkin Amazing!🤩 2mo

50 likes1 comment

julesG

Blood Over Bright Haven | M. L. Wang

pick

Standalone Dark Fantasy with heavy topics - colonialism, exploitation, racism, misogyny, religion.

The world-building, including the magic system, was excellent.

Two MCs who clash and get along, growing through their time together.

5feet.of.fury I loved this one! It was so well done 2mo

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julesG

Strange Pictures | Uketsu

#BuddyRead

I'm proposing to start on July 1st.

We all have different reading speeds. Not bragging, I think I'll finish first. So how about I create a discussion post for every chapter and hide it with a spoiler tag?

Your thoughts, @sarahbarnes @thegirlwiththelibrarybag.

BarbaraBB This will be my next read too! 2mo

sarahbarnes Love it! Thanks for coordinating and for the invite! @BarbaraBB you should join us! 😁 2mo

julesG @BarbaraBB Your bookshop tip is the reason I got the book. You should join us. 😁 2mo

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BarbaraBB @sarahbarnes @julesG I‘d love to join! Thank you! 2mo

BarbaraBB How was your trip and the concert?? 2mo

julesG @BarbaraBB Trip was good. We went to Zandvoort before we checked into our hotel. Had fun in town, bought bags, books and boots (alliteration 🎉🎉🎉), and rubber duckies. The concert was good there were cosplaying attendees, people handing out handmade little gifts, lots of people with light sticks. People from as far as Poland were there, and also people from our own neighbourhood. 2mo

BarbaraBB Show us the books! 2mo

47 likes7 comments

julesG

When the Tides Held the Moon | Venessa Vida Kelley

Did I get this in hardback because of the illustrations? Yes, I did.

#BookHaul

DGRachel They‘re gorgeous! 2mo

TheBookHippie Oh pretty! 2mo

Texreader Love this!! 2mo

Prairiegirl_reading I totally bought this just because it‘s gorgeous too!! 2mo

AnnCrystal I've been looking for this because of the illustrations along with the storyline. Thank you for sharing 🤩📚💝. 2mo

58 likes5 comments

julesG

Waterstones Amsterdam | Amsterdam, Netherlands (Bookstore)

Books were bought while in Amsterdam, and a jigsaw. And several other things. 😁

#BookHaul

sarahbarnes I just got Strange Pictures this week! 2mo

julesG @sarahbarnes I'm trying to get @thegirlwiththelibrarybag to do a buddyread on StoryGraph with me. Are you on SG? You could join. 2mo

sarahbarnes Ah, I‘m not. 😔 But I‘m looking forward to seeing what you think of it! 2mo

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thegirlwiththelibrarybag @julesG - I managed to get to the book shop before they closed on my walk home today! 2mo

julesG @thegirlwiththelibrarybag 🎉🎉🎉 2mo

julesG @sarahbarnes We could buddyread here too I'm sure. @thegirlwiththelibrarybag What do you think? 2mo

AnnCrystal 🤩📚💝. 2mo

sarahbarnes I‘m down! I‘m going out of town next week and will probably take it along with me. 2mo

thegirlwiththelibrarybag @julesG - I‘ll follow your lead! 2mo

julesG @BarbaraBB - here they are. 😉 2mo

BarbaraBB Thanks, I‘ve must have scrolled by! 2mo

julesG @BarbaraBB happens. No problem. 2mo

49 likes12 comments

julesG

All of Us Murderers | KJ Charles

#WhereAreYouMonday @Cupcake12

Just started the #ARC which is set in a very Gothic manor house in Dartmoor.

Pub Day is 7th October 2025

#NetGalley #MountARC

Blurb ⬇️

julesG ALL OF US MURDERERS is a wicked gothic drama that follows two ex-lovers trapped in a house dripping in fear, paranoia, and possibly something far darker. Worthy of fall reading lists for its spook factor and top of list for any romance readers who can handle a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice level. 2mo

rubyslippersreads Love the vintage Gothic paperback cover! 2mo

julesG @rubyslippersreads it's perfect 2mo

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CarolynM I‘m looking forward to this, but saving it for when I need a treat😊 2mo

julesG @CarolynM were you lucky to snag an ARC too? 2mo

CarolynM My bad, it‘s showing on my Apple Books app but when I look closely I see it‘s only there as a pre-order ☹️ Lucky I have Copper Script for a treat instead😆 2mo

julesG @CarolynM That happens. I'll read Copper Script after All of us Murderers. 2mo

59 likes7 comments

julesG

Feet of Clay | Terry Pratchett

OokBOokClub

Just a friendly reminder that we'll be reading #FeetOfClay next! Dig out your books, put in your library holds, or place your orders! The next Discworld adventure continues on July 8th! Woohoo!

If anyone wants to be tagged/untagged for future posts please let me know! Happy to oblige!

#Discworld #SirTerryPratchett #TerryPratchett #PratchettPosse #ReadAlong #BuddyRead #EpicBuddyRead

julesG @dariazeoli @Soubhiville @GingerAntics @rubyslippersreads @Karkar @kwmg40 2mo

julesG @Liatrek @khooliha @TheSpineView @BookmarkTavern @Jennifer3 @Fortifiedbybooks @willaful 2mo

julesG @SconsinBookyBadger @Balibee146 @Deblovestoread @TheAromaofBooks @Chrissyreadit @Lizpixie @BarbaraJean @AlaMich 2mo

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julesG

Men At Arms | Terry Pratchett

#OokBOokClub-ers, our Discworld adventure continues TODAY with #TheatreOfCruelty (in A Blink of the Screen) and #MenAtArms!

Looking forward to our discussion next month!

Happy reading!

#Discworld #SirTerryPratchett #TerryPratchett #PratchettPosse #ReadAlong #BuddyRead #EpicBuddyRead

38 likes1 comment

julesG

The Memory Collectors: A Novel | Dete Meserve

pick

#NetGalley #ARC #MountARC

Pub Day was 20 May 2025

Four people travel back in time to relive an important memory. When they are stuck in the past after their allotted hour has run out, they wonder whether they might be able to stay in the past and change the events that made them come back. Although the four people don't know each other it is soon clear that they might actually share the pivotal moment in their lives. ⬇️

julesG What will happen if each of them tries to change the past?

The book made me turn the pages faster than I expected to. First I needed to find out what had happened on that specific night, then I needed to find out whether they could change the outcome. It's a story about grief and regret, but also about hope and forgiveness. 2mo

67 likes6 stack adds1 comment

julesG

Behind Frenemy Lines: The must-read workplace fake dating romance from Zen Cho | Zen Cho

pick

I enjoyed that both MCs were lawyers in their thirties. Their backstories, dialogue, struggles, and misunderstandings felt real. What I loved the most though was Charles' POV. It's clear early on that he is neurodiverse, for example, he seems to come across as robotic at times and has trouble reading people's emotions. This is reflected in the way his chapters are written, ⬇️

Pub Day: 03 July 2025

#NetGalley #ARC #MountARC

julesG they show the scenes as Charles sees them, no excess emotions, little to no adjectives, raw dialogue. I loved it! I want to see more neurodiverse POV like his in (romance) novels. 2mo

51 likes2 stack adds1 comment

julesG

Guards! Guards! | Terry Pratchett

Hello friends! Open discussion is in the FOLLOWING POST marked as a spoiler. Find the Guards! Guards! post & tap "show me" on the spoiler tag to join in the discussion. Join in whenever you can! Today. Tomorrow. Next month! The post will always be up so just tag each other & we'll jump in to discuss with you. Feel free to chat about anything!

#Discworld #SirTerryPratchett #TerryPratchett #PratchettPosse #ReadAlong #BuddyRead #EpicBuddyRead

37 likes1 stack add1 comment

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julesG

Joined September 2016

LibraryThing member JulesGDSide