Vivienne reads 25s - part 3

Welcome to my 2025 reading challenge. I’ve been an LT member since 2008 and this is my 12th year participating in the Category Challenge. I live in south-east British Columbia surrounded by the beautiful snowy mountains of the Western Canadian Rockies. This year my simplified plan is to read 25 books in each category - but we’ll see how that goes. This year my categories are decorated with the work of some favourite artists. I hope you will join me for chat about books - or anything else.

This is Part 3 that begins just in time to say goodbye to July and welcome August.

Tony Onley - Storm over Georgian Bay

NOT a KIT / CAT

1. Queen Macbeth by Val McDermid
   
2. Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena
   
3. Agent Running in the Field by John le Carré
   
4. Blood Moon by Garry Disher
   
5. Bruno, Chief of Police by Edward Walker
   
6. The Fall of Troy by Peter Ackroyd
   
7. The Great Dinosaur Sleepover by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Joe Bluhm
   
8. Bloody Scotland edited by James Crawford
   
9. The Sweet-Shop Owner by Graham Swift
   
10. I Love You: Recipes from the Heart by Pamela Anderson
    
11. Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Hooper
    
12. Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway
    
13. The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason, illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler
    
14. Standing by the Wall: the collected Slough House novellas by Mick Herron
    
15. Perfect little children by Sophie Hannah
    
16. Journeys to the Nearby by Elspeth Bradbury
    
17. Dinos that Drive by Suzy Levinson and Dustin Harbin
    
18. The Woman on the Island by Ann Cleeves

Joanne Gervais

RandomKIT

1. January: Eat, drink and be merry: Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
   
2. January: Eat, drink and be merry: The Dinner Lady Detectives by Hannah Hendy
   
3. February: Playing with time: The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes
   
4. February: Playing with time: The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell
   
5. March: Wishes: The Wish List by Eoin Colfer
   
6. March: Wishes: A Desirable Residence by Madeleine Wickham
   
7. April: Prime: The Trouble with Harriet by Dorothy Cannell
   
8. April: Prime: Booked for Murder by Val McDermid
   
9. May: Punctuation: The Good Thief’s Guide to Paris by Chris Ewan
   
10. June: Invasion: An Excellent Mystery by Ellis Peters
    
11. July: The Hills are Alive: In the Galway Silence by Ken Bruen
    
12. July: The Hills are Alive: Be Cool by Elmore Leonard
    
13. August: A Writer: Jennie’s Boy: A Newfoundland Childhood by Wayne Johnston
    
14. August: A Writer: The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
    
15. September: Direction in title: Southern Mail, and Night Flight by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
    
16. September: Direction in title: East of England by Eamonn Griffin
    
17. October: When I was a child: Crooked House by Agatha Christie
    
18. November: Villains: The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St James
    
19. November: Villains: The Good Thief’s Guide to Venice by Chris Ewan
    
20. December: Endings and Beginnings: The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly
    
21. December: Endings and Beginnings: Death Comes for the Fat Man by Reginald Hill
    
22. December: Endings and Beginnings: A Season for Spies by Iona Whishaw
    
23. December: Endings and Beginnings: One Day by David Nicholls

Edward Petherbridge (aka Lord Peter Wimsey) - bookstore

MysteryKIT

1. Jan: winter mysteries: Christmas Mourning by Andrea Frazer
   
2. Jan: winter mysteries: One by One by Ruth Ware
   
3. Jan: winter mysteries: Whiteout by Ken Follett
   
4. Feb: vintage mysteries: The Black-Eyed Blonde by Benjamin Black
   
5. Feb: vintage mysteries: Fell Murder by E.C.R. Lorac
   
6. Mar: espionage: The Secret Hours by Mick Herron
   
7. Apr: paranormal: The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
   
8. May: not my country: The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth
   
9. May: not my country: Cop Killer by Maj Sjöwall, Per Wahl
   
10. Jun: LGBTQ+ detectives: 1222 by Anne Holt
    
11. Jun: LGBTQ+ authors/detectives: Hostage to Murder by Val McDermid
    
12. Jul: next in a series: Void Moon by Michael Connelly
    
13. Jul: next in a series: The Highway by C.J. Box
    
14. Jul: next in a series: Police at the Station and They Don’t Look Friendly by Adrian McKinty
    
15. Aug: legal thrillers: Thirst for Justice by David R. Boyd
    
16. Sep: silver age mysteries: Death at St. Asprey’s School by Leo Bruce
    
17. Oct: police procedurals: All the Colours of Darkness by Peter Robinson
    
18. Oct: police procedurals: The Detective Up Late by Adrian McKinty
    
19. Nov: psychological: The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
    
20. Nov: psychological: Bad Move by Linwood Barclay
    
21. Nov: psychological: The Suspect by Fiona Barton
    
22. Dec: cozies: Murder at Mullings by Dorothy Cannell
    
23. Dec: cozies: Crowned and Dangerous by Rhys Bowen

Ted Harrison - Sam McGee (inspired by poem by Robert Service)

AlphaKIT

1. All year Z: Zoo Station by David Downing
   
2. Jan: S & O One Summer by David Baldacci
   
3. Jan: S & O Black Orchids by Rex Stout
   
4. Feb: G: The Girl Before by JP Delaney
   
5. Feb: L & G: Dream Girl by Laura Lippman
   
6. Mar: U & A: An Expert in Murder by Nicola Upson
   
7. Apr: E: The French Girl by Lexie Elliott
   
8. Apr: K: Heart of a Killer by David Rosenfelt
   
9. May: D: The Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson
   
10. May: I: The Island by Ragnar Jónasson
    
11. Jun: C: The Calling by Inger Ash Wolfe
    
12. Jun: Q: IQ (Isaiah “IQ” Quintabe series) by Joe Ide
    
13. Jun: C: Odd Child Out by Gilly Macmillan
    
14. Jul: W & T: The Taken by Inger Ash Wolfe
    
15. Jul: W: Still Water by Amy Stuart
    
16. Aug: J: A Litter of Bones by JD Kirk
    
17. Aug: N & J: None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
    
18. Sep: B & M: Blood Work by Michael Connelly
    
19. Sep: B & M: The Dead Ringer by M.C. Beaton
    
20. Oct: F: French Food at Home by Laura Calder
    
21. Oct: F: The Afghan by Frederick Forsyth
    
22. Oct: F: Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney
    
23. Nov: Y & H: A Scone to Die For by H.Y. Hanna
    
24. Dec: R: The Revenge List by Hannah Mary McKinnon
    
25. Dec: V: Beneath the Bleeding by Val McDermid
    
26. Dec: V: A Village Affair by Joanna Trollope

John Lowrie Morrison

ColourCAT

1. Jan: Green: Hot to Trot by M.C. Beaton & R.W. Green
   
2. Jan: Green: Murder on the Oxford Canal by Faith Martin Hillary Green series
   
3. Feb: Gold: Hurricane Gold by Charlie Higson
   
4. Feb: Gold: A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie (Golden Age)
   
5. Mar: Pink: Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason
   
6. Mar: Pink: Death on the Thames by Alan Johnson
   
7. Apr: Brown: London Calling by Edward Bloor
   
8. May: Red: To Tell You the Truth by Gilly Macmillan
   
9. May: Red: The Trinity Six by Charles Cumming
   
10. Jun: Yellow: The Closers by Michael Connelly
    
11. Jun: Yellow: Payment Deferred by C.S. Forester
    
12. Jul: White: The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
    
13. Jul: White: The Other Woman by Sandie Jones
    
14. Aug: Grey: Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman
    
15. Aug: Grey: Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger
    
16. Sep: Silver: The Second Empress by Michelle Moran
    
17. Oct: Black: The End of Her by Shari Lapena
    
18. Nov: Blue: Mapp and Lucia by E.F. Benson
    
19. Nov: Blue: The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
    
20. Dec: Purple: Pluto Rocket Over the Moon by Paul Gilligan
    
21. Dec: Purple: What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella

Peter Shostak - We have already cleared the snow off

CoverCAT

1. Jan: Let's have a tea party: With a Bare Bodkin by Cyril Hare
   
2. Jan: Let's have a tea party: Man at the Helm by Nina Stibbe
   
3. Feb: A Tree: Held by Anne Michaels
   
4. Feb: A Tree: I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
   
5. Mar: Farm Animals: Prairie Ostrich by Tamai Kobayashi
   
6. Mar: Farm Animals: Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson
   
7. Apr: A Road: The Lie Maker by Linwood Barclay
   
8. Apr: A Road: The Joy and Light Bus Company by Alexander McCall Smith
   
9. May: More than one element: The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse
   
10. Jun: Something with Wheels: Devil’s Delight by M.C. Beaton, R.W. Green
    
11. Jul: A Fruit: The Shadow of the Pomegranate by Jean Plaidy
    
12. Jul: A Fruit: The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister
    
13. Aug: A Photograph: The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
    
14. Aug: A Photograph: The Prisoner by B.A. Paris
    
15. Sep: Dogs, cats, or both: Woof: a Bowser and Birdie Novel by Spencer Quinn
    
16. Sep: Dogs, cats, or both: The Book of the Cat by Angus Hyland, Caroline Roberts
    
17. Oct: Will fit in a pocket: The First Mistake by Sandie Jones
    
18. Oct: Will fit in a pocket: Money money money by Ed McBain
    
19. Oct: Will fit in a pocket: We solve murders by Richard Osman
    
20. Nov: Celestial object: Blue Moon by Lee Child
    
21. Dec: A gift you would like: A Curious Incident by Vicki Delany

Bob Harrold - Saskatchewan Fall

NatureKIT

1. Jan: Sheep & shepherding: The Quest of the Warrior Sheep by Christine Russell and Christopher Russell
   
2. Jan: Sheep & shepherding: Pastoral by Andre Alexis
   
3. Feb: Forest, farms, grasslands: Back of Beyond by C.J. Box
   
4. Mar: Landscape: Winterkill by Jonasson Ragnar
   
5. Apr: Flying creatures: The Puffin Keeper by Michael Morpurgo illustrated by Benji Davies
   
6. Apr: Flying creatures: A Murder of Crows by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett
   
7. Jun: Oceans and rivers: Thus Was Adonis Murdered by Sarah Caudwell
   

Maurice Sendak - Where the wild things are



1. Place you've never been: The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo
2. ”Library” or "Thing" in title: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
3. Writing about writers: Death of an author by E.C.R. Lorac
4. Oldest book in your TBR: The Tempest by William Shakespeare
5. Holiday in title: Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift
6. A long title: Emily Carr and Her Dogs: Flirt, Punk and Loo by Emily Carr
7. Features non-traditional family: Hostage by Clare Mackintosh
8. Medical topic: The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan
9. The sun in title: Swallowing the Sun by David Park
10. Child is a main character: Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
11. Newly in public domain: The Crime at the Noah’s Ark by Molly Thynne
12. Author has your or relative’s first or last name: The Russia House by John le Carré
13. Read a CAT: August CoverCAT: Photography The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet
14. Totally random: Breathless by Amy McCulloch
15. Features a birth: The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
16. Nonhuman narrator: I Am Wind: An Autobiography by Rachel Poliquin, illustrated by Rachel Wada
17. Features winged creatures: The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan
18. A profession in title: The Nanny by Gilly Macmillan
19. Travel: The Good Thief’s Guide to Amsterdam by Chris Ewan
20. Recommended by a friend: Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
21. Set in your favorite season: Last Winter by Carrie Mac
22. Originally published in a language not your own: The Return of the Dancing Master by Henning Mankell
23. Hollywood! City of Bones by Michael Connelly
24. A piece of furniture on the cover: Lessons by Ian McEwan
25. Features fire: The Burning Room by Michael Connelly

Welcome to part 3 of my thread!

Happy new thread! I love many of those paintings, and was particularly struck this time by the very first one. It has a collage feel I really like.

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread -- lovely to see your art selections again!

Happy new thread!

>11 Jackie_K: Thank you, Jackie! Good point about the art, I didn't notice that.

>12 MissWatson: Thank you.

>13 christina_reads: Thank you, Christine.

>14 mstrust: Thank you, Jennifer.

MysteryKIT July: Next in a Series

Police at the station and they don’t look friendly by Adrian McKinty

Another excellent portrait of Northern Ireland in the 80’s. Sean Duffy, one of the very few Catholic members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), is facing conflict from all sides. McKinty injects his story with humour and popular culture mentions without turning it into anything other than a serious police procedural, albeit set in Northern Ireland, which makes the genre unique.

Five stars, because I can’t think of a single criticism of this exceptional detective story devised out of what was a reality for the Ulster people

July Summary
Books read: 15
Books read to date: 96

One star is very unusual, but this month I had two books having that dismal rating. Balancing it out, I had two five star books! Overall, a very good month.


I Love You: Recipes from the Heart by Pamela Anderson
Police at the Station and They Don’t Look Friendly by Adrian McKinty


Bloody Scotland edited by James Crawford
The Sweet-Shop Owner by Graham Swift


The Taken by Inger Ash Wolfe
Void Moon by Michael Connelly
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
The Other Woman by Sandie Jones
In the Galway Silence by Ken Bruen


The Return of the Dancing Master by Henning Mankell


The Shadow of the Pomegranate by Jean Plaidy
Be Cool by Elmore Leonard


Still Water by Amy Stuart


The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister
The Highway by C.J. Box

Happy New Thread

Thanks, April! I love starting a new thread, it's like getting a new notebook in school.

Happy New Thread! I love when someone starts a new thread too! I can check over what they've been reading to make sure I haven't missed making a note of anything I might be interest in.

>20 dudes22: Thank you, Betty! Yes, that's the best part of new threads - not only to see how our own reading is going, but checking the threads of others to pick up recommendations we might have missed.

RandomKIT August: A Writer

Jennie’s Boy: A Newfoundland Childhood by Wayne Johnston

Johnston describes a few months in his life when he was seven and suffered undiagnosed illness. By this time he had lived in twenty houses because his father drank the rent money and the family, with five children, were regularly evicted. Yet this is no sob story, instead a frank narrative of events, as remembered by Johnston with typical Newfoundland wit.

And happy new thread, Vivienne! Enjoying this time of catching up on your reading, 5 stars and 1 star alike.

>23 threadnsong: Thank you, and glad to see you drop by.

RandomKIT August: A Writer

The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont

A misleading title as the book has little to do with “the Christie affair” other than using it as a background detail. The story is narrated by Archie Christie’s mistress, Nan O’Day, who became pregnant (not by Archie) and was sent to an Irish home for unwed mothers where the baby was taken from her. It’s a fanciful story that often relies on coincidence.

I was undecided about reading this book because I believe Christie’s eleven-day breakdown should be left in peace but after reading a brief description I was led to believe de Gramont had a unique plot. However, If I had known that it was not a so much a variation of Christie’s disappearance, as about the infamous homes for unwed mothers in Ireland, it would not have made it to my reading list.

Happy new thread!

>26 Tess_W: Thank you, Tess! This will probably see me through to the end of the year. Isn't that a sad thought?

>27 VivienneR: It's sad that the year will be ending so soon!

MysteryKIT August: Legal Thrillers

Thirst for Justice by David Boyd

Michael McDougall, a physician with Médecins Sans Frontières in the Congo, was exasperated at the lack of aid, water, food and medicine for his patients. After a traumatic experience where one colleague was killed and another seriously injured and raped, he was returned home suffering from PTSD.

Thwarted in finding any way of helping, he decided to take action by putting Perc (used in dry cleaning) in the Seattle water supply, not enough to harm anyone, but as a warning. Based on the email alert he sent, the official evaluation of the “terrorist” was amusing in its inaccuracy. Ironically, the way he was treated by US law enforcement when he was picked up in the middle of surgery, was alarmingly similar to the methods of Congolese thugs.

This is a terrific thriller that has excellent characters and is both believable, topical and thought-provoking. Boyd is a lawyer and the courtroom scenes were first-rate.

Bingo: writing about writers

Death of an author by E.C.R. Lorac

This could be described as a mystery novel in slow motion. It takes more than half the book for the police to even decide that investigation is necessary. When reclusive author Vivian Lestrange is persuaded to meet with his publishers, his secretary Miss Eleanor Clarke shows up, claiming to be Lestrange. Her impersonation is convincing although they find it inconceivable that a woman could write crime novels so well - an insider joke by Lorac who suffered the same criticism. Later when Lestrange disappears, Miss Clarke must entreat the sceptical police to investigate.

Dialogue between two senior officers forms a large part of the narrative. This book was out of print since 1935 and its sleep-inducing tempo makes the reason obvious. If you can tolerate the pace, the denouement is more lively - relatively speaking.

AlphaKIT August: J

A Litter of Bones by JD Kirk

A Glaswegian detective arrives in the Highlands to investigate a case similar to one of his old inquiries, providing a setup for some humorous dialogue. A warning: not only are the victims small boys, but cats are involved too. Otherwise, this was a good police procedural. I listened to the audio version and delighted in narrator Angus King’s Scottish accent.

AlphaKIT August: N & J

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

Jewell keeps the reader guessing throughout this psychological mystery. Just as the plot and characters begin to appear predictable, Jewell adds a twist. And again, after changing course to new information, another twist. One of Jewell’s best.

ColourCAT August: Grey

Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman

It is so sad that history has kept events like this pretty well concealed until an author chooses to write about them. This heartbreaking book, based on the author’s mother’s experience, is focused on the infamous Quebec orphanages of the 1950s. Premier Duplessis stopped financing orphanages, and changed their designations to “lunatic asylums” for which federal funding was available. The orphans were consequently treated as “crazies” and made to work and take care of patients. Goodman tackled a difficult story with skill, a story that is emotional, sad, and infuriating.

>33 VivienneR: I'm reminded of the Magdalene Sisters in Ireland when I read your review of this book. It's horrifying that these situations for children and young women existed, yet gratifying that the truth is finally coming to light.

>34 threadnsong: Yes, it's a similar story and both cases were created by the Catholic Church. Mind you, Duplessis had a hand in it too by having children doing all the work taking care of mentally ill patients. Tragically, the truth is surfacing and causing pain all over again.

CoverCAT July: Photography

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell

Not only did O’Farrell depict Lucrezia de Medici’s personality credibly, but she brought the era to life. Alphonso II, Duke of Ferraro, the only son of a royal family, has chosen a girl to be his wife, and knowing the significance of succession, his choice is crucial. They married when she was 13-years-old. When she does not immediately become pregnant, her life is reduced in value and continues to lessen each month. It’s a chilling tale and even though the outcome is known, O’Farrell’s ending was brilliant.

Like other O’Farrell books I enjoyed this one a lot, maybe more than any other. A fabulous read!

Bingo - a place I've never been

The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo

This was a slow read. The Japanese names were all quite similar, which was confusing - many having the initial K. Added to that, the structural details of a Japanese house are unfamiliar to me furthering my confusion, that not even the map could clear up. Nevertheless I enjoyed the change of scenery and the solution was clever, worth waiting for.

CoverCAT July: Photography

The Prisoner by B.A. Paris

Unbelievable, but then when did you ever come across a mystery that was totally credible? The first half certainly kept me on the edge of my seat. A young woman, just beginning to find her feet in London, is kidnapped along with her employer and they are kept in separate pitch-black rooms. The first half was good but then it got a bit silly.

Bingo - Oldest book in my TBR

The Tempest by William Shakespeare

I listened to an audiobook of an old favourite and just right to transport me from the 36C dog days of summer. A raucous entertaining performance, second only to the stage production I saw many years ago.

ColourCAT August: Grey

Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger

An exciting tale set in the great outdoors of Minnesota. Not only did Krueger depict the forests and lakes well, but his characters are well drawn - I’m particularly fond of Cork O’Connor. This was my second book my Krueger and I will certainly be reading more.

>40 VivienneR: I'm putting this one on my WL. I've read his Ordinary Grace and liked that one.

>41 Tess_W: Good plan! I have one more on the shelf, Heavens Keep that I'm looking forward to reading. He has a flair for writing about natural territories.

Bingo Medical Topic

The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan

The Backyard Bird Chronicles was so impressive that I immediately picked up a novel by the author and it did not disappoint. Tan is an excellent writer who portrays her characters so well they are recognizable. The difficult mother/daughter relationship was understandable and relatable regardless of nationality. As Ruth deals with her mother’s possible dementia, she becomes interested in her history. A wonderful story, beautifully written.

Not a KIT/CAT

Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Hooper

A tender, sensitive story about 82-year-old Etta who always wanted to see the sea. One morning she left her Saskatchewan home, family and friends, to walk there, taking a rifle and chocolate and wearing her best boots. She left a pile of recipe cards so that Otto would know how to look after himself. Otto stayed at home and wrote letters to her, none ever posted. The events are so beautifully unlikely, like a fairy tale mixed with reality, with memories of long ago, a coyote who talks and sings cowboy songs, and the rhythmic text contributing to the feeling of fable. I listened to the audio version with Robert G. Slade’s terrific reading highlighting the dream-like quality. This debut novel is a meditation on marriage, friendship, and obliquely, the final exit. Highly recommended.



Bingo Read a CAT: August CoverCAT: Photography

The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet

I saw this book mentioned somewhere and thought the cover was perfect for this month’s category prompt. I should have remembered that old saying about not choosing a book for its cover.

The idea of swapping homes with a stranger for a holiday horrifies me and while it made a good premise for a horrifying novel the reading was disappointing. Told in two timelines, Caro and Francis have had a difficult relationship since Francis developed a drug addiction, while Caro has an affair with workmate Carl, a much younger man. While there is enough here to fill out the story, Fleet adds gratuitous sex details that add nothing to the plot. It is when the affair is over, Francis has recovered, and the couple are mending, that the house swap takes place. Has Caro inadvertently made the switch with her now former lover? Or with someone who knows about the affair? Who is staying at her house while she believes she may be in Carl’s house? This is the potential scary aspect that Fleet concedes in favour of, what, an illicit affair?

There are serious faults with this story, the treatment of a toddler child being a major one. Some concepts are introduced then not followed up. And who in the world would let their home to a completely unknown party or move into a house not even knowing the owner’s name? But the biggest failing was the uninspired ending, where Fleet appears to have either run out of ideas or just lost interest. Skip this one.

August Summary
Books read: 15
Books read to date: 111


The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell


Thirst for Justice by David R. Boyd


Jennie’s Boy: A Newfoundland Childhood by Wayne Johnston
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger
The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan
Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Hooper


A Litter of Bones by JD Kirk
Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman
The Prisoner by B.A. Paris


The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo
The Tempest by William Shakespeare


The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
Death of an Author by E.C.R. Lorac


The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet

>43 VivienneR: I've read a couple of Tan's, but not this one. Goes on my WL!

>46 Tess_W: Good, I know you will enjoy it.

AlphaKIT September: B & M

Blood Work by Michael Connelly

Terry McCaleb gets a heart transplant and the rare blood type of his and the donor makes it apparent to McCaleb that the heart came from a murder victim. Was another recipient trying to shorten the wait list for a new heart? I enjoy following Connolly’s investigations and the puzzles he creates and my interest never flags.

ColourCAT September: Silver

The Second Empress by Michelle Moran

Apart from well-known details I know little about Napoleon and nothing about his wives or family so this was interesting and enlightening. While I understand Moran created her story from researching primary sources, I am always a little hesitant to take a fictional account as fact. I enjoyed this.

>44 VivienneR: BB, I'll pick this up at the library today. I was there yesterday and somehow managed to pick up the wrong book in a series so back I go.

>50 clue: I'll be watching for your opinion, Luanne. It ended up being just a one-star read for me, although I stuck with it to the end. The house swap idea is interesting, it should have worked better.

It was the Emma Hooper book I meant, 4*

>52 clue: Sorry, I didn't scroll up far enough. I didn't quite know how to tell you to maybe think again. :))

Yes, Emma Hooper's book was lovely. You will enjoy it.

RandomKIT September: Cardinal Direction in Title

Southern Mail, and Night Flight by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Saint-Exupéry was an early aviator and delivered mail by air in the 1920s. In this novel Bernis is a pilot in love, but his true love is flying and enjoying the landscape and the loneliness of the sky.

I gave this a good try but the text was just too small to read without using a magnifying glass, which was difficult to keep up for more than a few pages at a time. It was published in the 1920s when readers obviously had better sight. I plan on finishing it over time. An interesting topic but the beautiful writing is the true star.

AlphaKIT September: B & M

The Dead Ringer by M.C. Beaton

Agatha Raisin is not my favourite character so this is a hard sell, especially that Agatha is even more annoying than usual.

>55 VivienneR: I didn't like Agatha. I gave some later installments a try and liked them better. She is still not a favorite, and I don't go out of my way to read hers.

>56 thornton37814: I agree with you, Lori. I was generous giving her 2.5 stars, I may reconsider. She was chosen because it fitted AlphaKIT and I had it on the shelf.

Not a KIT/CAT

Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway

Set in the decade between le Carre’s The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1963) and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1974). I gave up trying to connect this novel with these two bookends because my memory of le Carré’s finer details has become fuzzy with time. Instead, I read this on its own merit, and yes, Smiley appeared, recognizable, mostly unchanged.

My copy was an audiobook, which may have been the reason it didn’t resonate as well as le Carré’s novels did, or maybe my expectations were too high. However, I can’t imagine anyone other than Harkaway, le Carré’s son, capable of recreating Smiley’s world.



Not a KIT/CAT

The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason, illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler

This is an appealing story about a little ghost who was quite downhearted because he was different. Other ghosts were able to fly around in sheets while he couldn’t keep up because he was a heavy quilt. His Mom assured him that was OK. After all, his grandmother was a checkered tablecloth and his great-grandmother was an elegant lace curtain. Following a Halloween adventure that only happened because he was different, he was treated as a hero by his friends.

The distinctive Halloween illustrations created the perfect mood. I’ll never look at floaty ghosts decorating trees at Halloween without thinking of the Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt and his friends.



RandomKIT September: Cardinal Direction in Title

East of England by Eamonn Griffin

A story about a search for retribution. When Matlock was released from prison and his dad, Joe, wasn’t there to meet him, he knew there was something wrong. He suspected the Mintons who were responsible for sending him to prison have something to do with Joe’s absence and he set off to find him. Matlock is flawed but more vulnerable than threatening, and the reader can sympathize with him.

Griffin described the English seaside towns and how they have developed without sounding like a travel guidebook. I enjoyed this noir thriller and its dubious characters and will be looking for more from Griffin.



CoverCAT September: Dogs, cats, or both

Woof: a Bowser and Birdie Novel by Spencer Quinn

I grabbed this book without noticing that it’s for children. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’a a bit like the excellent Chet and Bernie series for adults. Quinn can certainly get inside a dog’s mind.

>58 VivienneR: I liked East of England and I'm glad to see that someone else has found it.

>59 RidgewayGirl: I enjoyed it. It had the best fight scene I've ever read.

CoverCAT September: Dogs, cats, or both

The Book of the Cat by Angus Hyland, Caroline Roberts

This book featuring cat art was a gift that always charms. I never fail to find an image that went unnoticed before, or one that I hadn’t paid enough attention to. Art by many well known names is accompanied by quotes from famous cat lovers.

Here are a couple of my favourites: Hockney’s painting actually shows Blanche, Percy’s elderly and more graceful mother, but the artist thought the name didn’t fit the title.


In the Shadow by Diane Hoeptner


Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy by David Hockney

Bingo - Features Fire

The Burning Room by Michael Connelly

Connelly is one of the most consistently reliable crime writers and this is no exception. Here, he is partnered with a rookie, Lucia (Lucy) Soto, to work on a 20 year old case, where the victim has just died. The title comes from their second case, a tragic fire that took the lives of children.

This was an audiobook with a markedly monotone narration by Titus Welliver, my first experience with the reader.

MysteryKIT September: Silver Age

Death at St. Asprey’s School by Leo Bruce

Although there have been suspicious happenings and eventually a murder committed there is no sign that the police detective assigned to the case is present or investigating, which seems incredible even in fiction. All is left to Carolus Deene, the academic initially asked to look into matters. This is 17th in the Carolus Deene mystery series so presumably he’s an experienced sleuth although I wasn’t impressed by his actions or by the telling.

Said to be 222 pages, but it seemed much longer. I continued with the book because I really hoped there would be a surprising Christie-style twist at the end but was disappointed there too.

Not a KIT/CAT

Standing by the Wall: the collected Slough House novellas by Mick Herron

I’ve read all of the Slough House series, only missing two of the novellas. This collection of the Slough House novellas was my opportunity to complete the series, but I couldn’t resist and read them all. Every time I read Herron’s work my admiration grows. He is pure genius at combining MI5 spies with fantastic characters in entertaining stories.

Bingo - Piece of furniture on the cover (piano)

Lessons by Ian McEwan

I have always enjoyed McEwan’s books because they are insightful, creative, and pleasing. McEwan might have considered this his magnum opus as it is an ambitious novel stretched over major events of the 20th century and some of the 21st but it did not gratify as much as others I have read by the author. Too much, too long, too meandering.

Not a KIT/CAT

Perfect little children by Sophie Hannah

I have to admit that this was repetitive to a point that I began skipping the odd page. I kept going only because I was curious about what happened to the children of an old friend who are still the same ages they were twelve years ago. Sorry to say the denouement was uninteresting.

Bingo - Sun in the title

Swallowing the Sun by David Park

Martin Waring is a curator at the Ulster Museum in Belfast where he enjoys the peace and solitude of history. His own history is a brutal childhood, the memories of which are now eclipsed by the accomplishments of his academically gifted daughter. After a tragic event, he is unable to recover and resorts to searching for those responsible among the former paramilitary associates of his youth, who have moved on to organized crime.

What might have been a lengthy meandering in misery was instead a story of the emotions resulting indirectly from his father’s cruelty. Park’s brooding novel shows a sensitive insight into the long-lasting effects of trauma and of the depths of heartache. The ending is unexpected and appropriate.

The title comes from the ancient Egyptians belief that the sun was swallowed.

I weeded a stack of books off the shelves today. Most of them read and hoping to be re-read. What puzzles me is that the stack is nearly 3 feet high, but it only left about 8 inches of shelf space. Can anyone explain that? Please?

Been there, done that. Completely understand. Have no explanation whatsoever.

>69 mysterymax: My husband said it's because "books are funny that way". As good an explanation as any, I suppose.

>68 VivienneR: - I have a bunch of shelves that I have books double stacked on, so I could see doing that. I think the remaining books decided to stretch out and relax.

>68 VivienneR: Well, seems to me it's a matter of compression!

>71 dudes22: No double stacking but I had a couple of thin books resting on top. If I'd listened, I might have heard the remaining books taking a breath. :)

>72 clue: That has to be the answer!

The books I pulled were packed up for my daughter-in-law to take to a Little Free Library at a country store she uses. She said they'd be so happy to get such nice clean, good-as-new books for a change.

>66 VivienneR: Hannah's thrillers used to make more sense and feel a lot more interesting than her newer ones. I suspect that constantly having to come up with new and more inventive ideas works against having plots that make sense.

>74 RidgewayGirl: Yes, it must be so difficult to come up with unique plots. I thought at the beginning that this was going to be a good one, but she just went on and on until I lost interest. Afterwards, I looked in my collection to find out what I'd read before by Hannah. Nothing, that was my first. I'll have a look at her older books.

Bingo - Hollywood!

City of Bones by Michael Connelly

Another great Harry Bosch story, his last case before he leaves Hollywood.

September Summary
Books read: 16
Books read to date: 127


The Book of the Cat by Angus Hyland, Caroline Roberts
The Little Ghost Who was a Quilt by Riel Nason, Byron Eggenschwiler


Standing by the Wall by Mick Herron


Blood Work by Michael Connelly
Southern Mail, and Night Flight by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
East of England by Eamonn Griffin
Woof: a Bowser and Birdie Novel by Spencer Quinn
Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway
Swallowing the Sun by David Park
City of Bones by Michael Connelly


The Second Empress by Michelle Moran
The Burning Room by Michael Connelly


Lessons by Ian McEwan


The Dead Ringer by M.C. Beaton
Perfect little children by Sophie Hannah


Death at St. Asprey’s School

AlphaKIT October F

French Food at Home by Laura Calder

I used to watch Laura Calder’s cooking show on tv where I discovered my favourite Fall pie - no not pumpkin with spices, but butternut squash flavoured with orange zest. I lost the recipe and picked up this book to see if it was included. It wasn’t, but I’m sure I can recreate it because it’s been repeated so many times in my kitchen. I did get some other recipes and it was lovely to revisit the charming Calder in print. Her food writing style is just as good as her cooking.

>78 VivienneR: - I used to make a squash pie with Blue Hubbard squash that was a recipe from a friend's aunt. I haven't made it in years, but maybe I'll get a squash this year and make it again. The "problem" is that most Blue Hubbard squash is huge.

>79 dudes22: While butternut is my favourite, I have no trouble making any kind of squash disappear - although Blue Hubbard would be a challenge! However, I have an aversion to the spice flavour of traditional pumpkin pie and find the orange zest version more to my taste.

CoverCAT October: Will fit in a pocket

The First Mistake by Sandie Jones

If you like twists upon twists, you might like this book. However, I found it just too far OTT, as far as incredibility goes. Of course we know from the beginning not to trust anyone in a twisty story, especially if written by Sandie Jones. This was not as good as The Other Woman although it might have had a lot to do with the very poor narrator here. A generous 3 stars.

Bingo - Set in my favourite season

Last Winter by Carrie Mac
Chosen because winter is my favourite season, but also, like me, it is set in a small mountain town in British Columbia.

In British Columbia, a group of children on a winter survival field trip is tragically hit by an avalanche. The story can be confusing as it opens with the time after the avalanche and concludes with life before the event. Ruby, the 8 year-old daughter of the guide, has selective mutism. The mother is bi-polar, on medication. I have no experience of either of these conditions, but Mac’s writing shows an understanding of both. It’s a heartbreaking story, well written. I will watch for more by the author.

Bingo - Newly in public domain
In Canada, books are in the public domain 70 years of more after the author’s death. Molly Thynne died in 1950, so a fairly recent addition.

The Crime at the Noah’s Ark by Molly Thynne
While heading for a winter getaway in luxurious hotel, a group of vehicles are prevented from reaching their destination by a heavy snowfall that has closed roads. Luckily a nearby inn is able to accommodate all the travellers. Naturally, they are cut off, a murder occurs, and some well-known emeralds are stolen. The novel continues in great detail (really, too much detail). Still, I enjoyed the story, the old-fashioned inn, and the early style of mystery writing.

This leaves just one blank square!

CoverCAT October: Will fit in a pocket

Money money money by Ed McBain

My first McBain, but definitely not my last. The humour and characters reminded me of Andrea Camilleri’s Montalbano novels. The story opens with a woman being eaten by a lion at the zoo, followed by other zany crimes.

>84 VivienneR: I love the 87 precinct series! I am slowly working my way through it.

>85 DeltaQueen50: I've been trying to find the source of the BB and now believe I have you to thank! I really enjoyed it and will be reading more. I love it when mystery writers add humour.

ColourCAT October: Black

The End of Her by Shari Lapena

Parents of colicky twins are exhausted and just right for stories by a woman from the past. Extortion or worse? They were all so unlikeable it was difficult to feel anything for them. Despite being almost predictable, it was a decent psychological thriller.

AlphaKIT October: F

The Afghan by Frederick Forsyth

Forsyth has created a well-researched novel that is interesting and informative. I learned more than I ever did from news reports about the beginning of the conflict. I’ve been working on this for some time because it demands attention, but so worthwhile.

MysteryKIT October: Police procedurals

All the Colours of Darkness by Peter Robinson

This begins with the apparent murder-suicide of gay lovers that makes Annie Cabbot decide that Banks should be recalled from his holiday leave - and young girlfriend - to take charge. When one of the victims is revealed to be MI6 their perception of the crime changes, confirmed when they are warned off the case, an order handed down from the upper echelons of the force. They quietly keep the investigation going and get deeper into spy territory.

Banks is caught near a midsummer terrorist attack in London, not identified but presumably represents the Oxford Circus attack known as 7/7 where 52 people died in 2005. Robinson has been known to use real life events in his stories, otherwise, this scene has no obvious purpose except to shine a light on heinous crimes where no perpetrator is brought to face justice, like the one they are investigating. It gives the story more gravitas and mystery without adding complexity to the plot.

The detectives examine a potential link to Othello, currently playing at a local theatre, which seems a bit fanciful, but works here. And although Banks’ music is usually a feature that I enjoy, it was mentioned just a little too often for me to be able to listen along and understand what Banks was feeling.

An excellent story, one of my favourites from Robinson. It has well-developed characters, a good plot, an ample dose of espionage, and an ending that was shocking yet perfect.

AlphaKIT October: F

Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney

At the family gathering to hear Nana’s plans for her will, she surprised everyone. They were meeting at the family home called Seaglass on an island, cut off until the tide changed, a perfect set up for murder. And then they were bumped off, one at a time, as their secrets are revealed, offering shades of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. I’ve never been attracted to retellings, but Feeney’s book had me enthralled. I thought I had the mystery solved but in the end I was wrong.

This is going back on the shelf to revisit when the details begin to fade in my memory. It’s worth a second reading.

>90 VivienneR: Taking a BB for this

>91 lowelibrary: Good! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Bingo - Totally Random

Breathless by Amy McCulloch

Finished last week but I didn’t get around to posting comments. I thoroughly enjoyed this mountain climbing mystery thriller, especially as the author is a mountaineer and was able to pass the experience on to the reader.

And that’s my Bingo card complete!

Congratulations on completing your Bingo card!

>94 christina_reads: Thank you, Christina. In January I doubted it would happen this year, so I'm extra pleased!

MysteryKIT October: Police procedurals

The Detective Up Late by Adrian McKinty

I’m hoping this is not “Duffy’s Last Case” but the beginning of something new. Sean Duffy is in his last days with the Royal Ulster Constabulary although he must work seven days a month as a reserve in order to qualify for a pension. His family are already in their new home in Scotland, while he travels back and forward on the ferry to solve cases. This one is a search for a missing Traveller girl, presumed to have been murdered. McKinty delivers fabulous plots and characters in this Northern Ireland series set during the “Troubles” and featuring plentiful Ulster humour.

CoverCAT October: Will fit in a pocket
I'm pretty confident that the cat would fit in my pocket, or even inside my jacket.

We solve murders by Richard Osman

The first of a new series by Osman delivers a group of oddball characters that I enjoyed even more than the Thursday Murder Club. Amy Wheeler and her father-in-law Steve take on the protection of a world-famous author, Rosie D’Antonio. The action takes the reader around the world in a series of fantastic adventures. I listened to the audiobook read by one of my favourite actors, Nicola Walker, who easily relates all the humour in her usual calm tones.

October Summary
Books read: 13
Books read to date: 140

What I would call a good reading month even though the ratings are all over the place. And I finished my Bingo card, which I consider an achievement, considering I wasn't too hopeful this year.


Journeys to the Nearby by Elspeth Bradbury


French Food at Home by Laura Calder
All the Colours of Darkness by Peter Robinson
The Detective Up Late by Adrian McKinty


The Afghan by Frederick Forsyth
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney


Money money money by Ed McBain
The End of Her by Shari Lapena
Breathless by Amy McCulloch


The First Mistake by Sandie Jones
Last Winter by Carrie Mac
The Crime at the Noah’s Ark by Molly Thynne
We solve murders by Richard Osman

Congrats on finishing your Bingo card

>99 lowelibrary: Thank you, April. I was really surprised that it happened.

RandomKIT October: When I was a child

Crooked House by Agatha Christie

No wonder this was Christie’s favourite, it has all the qualities that make a first class mystery novel. Sophia didn’t want to marry Charles until it was determined who had killed her grandfather, as the whole family would be under suspicion. My advice to Charles would have to steer clear of all the inhabitants of the Crooked House. Terrific story.





MysteryKIT November: Psychological

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

With an abundance of over-privileged young people, this seemed more like a YA novel. Not to my taste. I’ve had my fill of wealthy over-privileged people in the news recently.

Not a KIT/CAT

Dinos that Drive by Suzy Levinson and Dustin Harbin

A combination of poems, brightly coloured illustrations, and factual information about dinosaurs and ways they might like to travel. I appreciated that the real names were used, with pronunciation guides, and each dino was matched nicely with the chosen transportation. As the meaning of Brontosaurus is Thunder Lizard, riding a loud motor cycle comes naturally to this dino. I can’t say the poems trip easily off the tongue, or might be remembered easily by kids but the busy illustrations packing the pages provide a lot of entertainment.

Congrats on the bingo! I didn't complete because for some reason it became too difficult to choose a book for a square!

>103 Tess_W: Thank you, Tess. I almost abandoned Bingo at the beginning of the year because it appeared it would be impossible to find suitable books.

CoverCAT November: Celestial Object

Blue Moon by Lee Child

A good turn by Reacher becomes a violent story. Not my favourite by Child.

>105 VivienneR: - I still have a couple more to read before I reach that one. But I'll probably still read it.

>106 dudes22: Jack Reacher always provides an enjoyable read, no matter what the body count is. The opening chapters are very good.

I don't read them in order, someone mentioned that it wasn't necessary, so I take them as they become available or fit a category.

>107 VivienneR: - I don't think you really do need to read them in any order. I've been reading them in publication order because I find it easier to know which ones I've read.

>108 dudes22: Publication order is probably best because the growth of the character would be more apparent.

ColourCAT November: Blue

Mapp and Lucia by E.F. Benson

A re-read to in memory of actress Prunella Scales who died a few days ago. She made a perfect Miss Mapp in every way. Lucia and her friend Georgie are spending the autumn months in the seaside town of Tilling, renting houses from Miss Mapp, a formidable landlady. Each of the two women are determined to be the town’s leading light in what becomes a hilarious competition. Despite multiple readings, Benson’s stories are always entertaining, filled with satirical humour describing Edwardian manners and social conventions.

>109 VivienneR: - I don't think so in this case because the books move back and forth in time and aren't chronological.

>111 dudes22: I read the first 8 in the series in 2022, in very short succession (ok, binge read). In this earlier part of the series, they are all present-day and follow a larger story, with background stuff carrying over from book to book. So, I appreciated that I was reading them in order, especially as I had read most of them previously out of order. But with the strong action-thriller emphasis, I don't think this series requires reading in order to enjoy.

>112 NinieB: That's interesting, Ninie. I'll check what I've already read and try to read them in order. I get them on Overdrive through the library and had to wait about two years for the second of the series. It made me want it all the more. :)

ColourCAT November: Blue

The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins

A novel with an intriguing description: when a piece of art has been found to contain a human bone it attracts attention. The artist lived on a Scottish island cut off from the mainland for twelve hours a day. This should have appealed to me much more that it did but the time switches as well as the myriad forms of depicting the artist through email messages and diary entries made the story disjointed. I found it difficult to connect with the characters and in the end didn’t care much about what happened to them. I’ve enjoyed other books by Hawkins and will regard this as a one-off disappointment.

>114 VivienneR: - That's too bad. It sounded rather promising, but I think I'll pass on a BB this time.

>115 dudes22: You might want to have a look at it anyway, Betty. It seems I am in the minority on this one. Most readers liked it.

>116 VivienneR: -I was probably one of the few people who wasn't that thrilled by Girl on a Train so I think I'll pass. Too many other books to read anyway.

>117 dudes22: "Too many other books to read" That's the rationale I use too for weeding books.

>110 VivienneR: I love Mapp and Lucia. Years ago I was reducing my library and in a fit of idiocy got rid of all my Lucia books, so I had to buy them all again. I think they're available as free ebooks now.

>119 pamelad: Oh, you must have been kicking yourself :) I had all the Mapp and Lucia books in one print volume that I'd read multiple times but we had a minor flood and it didn't survive. I was sorry to lose it although I don't think my arthritic hands are up to holding 2000 page books anymore. E-books are so much more convenient - if the formatting is done right.

MysteryKIT November: Psychological

Bad Move by Linwood Barclay

Barclay’s debut novel about making a bad choice is one of his funniest. One bad move led to one after another… Barclay is one of my favourite mystery authors, this book cemented the opinion with many readers.

RandomKIT November: Villains

The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St James

St James is known for well-written dark stories but my interest waned when the supernatural element was reached.

AlphaKIT November: Y & H

A Scone to Die For by H.Y. Hanna

A cute cozy mystery set in Oxford where Gemma Rose has opened a tearoom after living in Australia for several years. When an obnoxious American tourist is found murdered with one of her scones stuffed in his mouth, Gemma feels obliged to investigate. Muesli, the chef’s sweet cat had a few brief appearances.

RandomKIT November: Villains

The Good Thief’s Guide to Venice by Chris Ewan

Possibly the best in the series - and the most charming villain. I wish Ewan would add to this fun series where this time mystery author Charlie Howard has his inspiration stolen - a signed first edition of Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon.

ColourCAT December: Purple

Pluto Rocket Over the Moon by Paul Gilligan

Pluto Rocket and Joe Pidge travel to the moon, an adventure that packs a lot of humour and information about space for grade school children. Fun and colourful, this graphic novel is sure to please.



CoverCAT December: a gift you would like
There are two cats on the cover, Snowball and Moriarty. I'd love the gift of one or two (or more) cats.

A Curious Incident by Vicki Delany

Gemma Doyle runs the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium in a Cape Cod town. She has “helped” police solve crimes in the past but is discouraged from becoming involved again. But then ten-year-old Lauren begs for her help to find a lost kitten. Emma found the kitten by chance, firmly establishing her reputation as a detective in the girl’s opinion. When Lauren’s mother is suspected of murder, naturally she expects Emma to investigate. I enjoyed the characters and plot of this cozy mystery a lot, especially Moriarty the bookshop cat and Emma’s dog, Violet.

MysteryKIT November: Psychological

The Suspect by Fiona Barton

Or, a red alert for parents: what not to allow your teenage children to do. It’s a tragic tale of what happened to young people on a trip to Bangkok and the worst part was that all the signs were there. It was quite drawn out but a gripping psychological mystery novel.

November Summary
Books read: 13
Books read to date: 153


Mapp and Lucia by E.F. Benson


Crooked House by Agatha Christie


Dinos that Drive by Suzy Levinson and Dustin Harbin
Bad Move by Linwood Barclay
The Good Thief’s Guide to Venice by Chris Ewan
A Curious Incident by Vicki Delany
Pluto Rocket Over the Moon by Paul Gilligan
The Suspect by Fiona Barton


Blue Moon by Lee Child
The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St James
A Scone to Die For by H.Y. Hanna


The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins

I do enjoy your summaries at the end of the month. Reminds me if I've missed something I might want to look at again. (Well - the 4's and 5's anyway)

>128 dudes22: I know how you feel, Betty! I try to read as many posts as possible although I usually don't have time to comment as often as I would like to. I love the summaries at the end of the month. I should have given Linwood Barclay's Bad Move a higher rating based on how much I enjoyed it. It was his first book and I know he got better, which explains it, sort of.

RandomKIT December: Endings and Beginnings

The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly

Another terrific crime novel from Connelly. Renee Ballard works the “dark hours” on New Year’s Eve. Bosch is her mentor.

Hard to believe this is the first book I've finished this month although another one should be finished tomorrow. Life has been busy recently and I can't blame Christmas.

RandomKIT December: Endings and Beginnings

Death Comes for the Fat Man by Reginald Hill

After a bomb blast Dalziel spends most of the book in a coma. Pascoe takes over the investigation and is caught up with the anti-terrorism group that is just as worrying as the criminals. A long, complex story filled with action and excellent characters, that holds the reader’s attention and interest.

Sadly, Sophie Kinsella died yesterday of a brain tumour that was diagnosed in 2022. I plan to read What Does It Feel Like? a novella where her character Eve suffers the same diagnosis.

>132 VivienneR: I was dismayed when I read this today. Her books had me laughing in dark times and I always turned to her for levity when I needed a boost. I will certainly miss her sense of humour and zest for life.
I look forward to your review.

>133 Cecilturtle: Yes, she could certainly lift the spirits. Talking of spirits, my favourite book was Twenties Girl featuring the ghost of her aunt.

>132 VivienneR: I read that this morning. How sad, she was so young. My favorite of her is The Undomestic Goddess, probably because it was the first book by her that I read.

>135 RidgewayGirl: Yes, too young to die. I have The Undomestic Goddess so I'll add it to December's reading list. It sounds like fun, and of course it must be - it's by Sophie Kinsella after all.

Joanna Trollope, another author that I have enjoyed reading has died. She was 82.

I have a couple of her books on the shelf and have chosen to read A Village Affair in her memory.

MysteryKIT December: Cozies

Murder at Mullings by Dorothy Cannell

Beginning before the Great War when Florence is a young maid, the story jumps ahead to a mysterious death that she investigates. A reasonable crime novel in the cosy genre, but I won’t look for more by Cannell.

>137 VivienneR: Oh, I have some of her books on the shelf, even though I've never read anything by her. The relationship to Anthony was enough to tempt me.

>139 NinieB: Yes, it tempted me too back when I started reading her books. Now I enjoy Joanna.

Two finished in the past few days but there isn't much reading going on this month, sorry to say.



MysteryKIT December: Cozies

Crowned and Dangerous by Rhys Bowen

I’ve been reading this series for a long time and chose this one to fit this month’s cozy category. I found it less fun than earlier books in the series and it may be the last one for me.



AlphaKIT December: R

The Revenge List by Hannah Mary McKinnon

Great story, had me on the edge of my seat, and I laughed at many of Frankie’s angry explosions although to be honest, they were quite serious. The story twists were convincing and kept coming. Even after my choice of suspect proved correct, there was still another twist.

ColourCAT December: Purple

What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella

AlphaKIT December: V

RandomKIT December: Endings and Beginnings

A Season for Spies by Iona Whishaw

>145 VivienneR: Good review. Taking a BB on that one!

>146 Tess_W: Wise choice, Tess. Merry Christmas!

To all my friends here on LT, best wishes for a very happy, healthy Christmas!

I hope you had a good Christmas!

Not a KIT/CAT

The Woman on the Island by Ann Cleeves

A short story, read when I had a short reading time to fill. And an interesting look at Vera’s past.

>149 mstrust: Thank you, Jennifer! Yes, it was very nice, hope yours was too!

Hullo Vivienne and so sorry I haven't checked in with you since, well, August it looks like. OTOH, I have enjoyed catching up on your reading for the past autumn up until now and >148 VivienneR: thank you for the Merry Christmas wishes! Snoopy was always my favorite of the Peanuts gang.

>144 VivienneR: How is Joanna Trollope related to Anthony? Great grand or great-great granddaughter?

>152 threadnsong: Glad to see you drop in again! Snoopy was always my favourite too.

Joanna Trollope is said to be a distant cousin, "a collateral descendant" of Anthony, sharing the same family branch but not a direct descendant.

RandomKIT December: Endings and Beginnings

This book is about a friendship / love affair over 20 years, from beginning to end. Fitting for this category.

Wishing everyone peace and happiness in the New Year - and lots of good reading.
I’m wrapping up the year because I won’t be able to finish my current book today.

The Year in Review
Books read: 164

A total of 87 rated 4 or more stars, 12 of those were 5 stars.

Of the five star books these are the ones I enjoyed most:
The Russia House by John le Carre
Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift
Police at the Station and They Don’t Look Friendly by Adrian McKinty
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
What Does it Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella

December Summary
Books read: 11


What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella
A heartfelt fictional story describing what actually happened to the author when she discovered she had glioblastoma.


The Revenge List by Hannah Mary McKinnon
One Day by David Nicholls


The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly
Death Comes for the Fat Man by Reginald Hill
Beneath the Bleeding by Val McDermid
A Season for Spies by Iona Whishaw
The Woman on the Island by Ann Cleeves


A Village Affair by Joanna Trollope


Crowned and Dangerous by Rhys Bowen


Murder at Mullings by Dorothy Cannell

Drop by my 2026 thread here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/376043#n9031583

Wow, 164 books is impressive! And about half were 4 or 5 stars...sounds like a great reading year! Looking forward to catching up with you in 2026.