Familyhistorian Tries to Keep Up in 2025 - Part 7

This thread in the mighty 75ers’ universe is a place for me, Meg, to share life happenings and recent reads. I want to be optimistic about the coming months but whatever happens, we’ll take it as it comes. Welcome fellow readers!

Sending books on their way once read is front and centre once more this year. Fingers crossed that my shelves will end up emptier rather than fuller by the end of the year.



Little Free Library

Books culled in 2025

January - 0

February - 4

March - 3

April - 12

May - 3

June - 3

July - 10

August - 3

September - 25

October - 9

BLOG



I write about genealogy and history on my blog. Follow my blog posts as I embark on another year of exploring and writing about my ROOTs (the family kind). You can see my latest blog posts at: A Genealogist’s Path to History

Challenges

Reading Through Time

Quarterly

January-March: Renaissance/16th Century

Monthly

January: Look to the Heavens - The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal - DONE
February: Colours - Black River Road: An Unthinkable Crime, an Unlikely Suspect, and the Question of Character by Debra Komar - DONE
March: Sweet, Sweet Revenge - Atonement by Ian McEwan - DONE
April: All is not what it seems - The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor - DONE
May: Fairy Tales - Fairest by Gail Carson Levine - DONE
June: People on the Move - Ticket to Ride by Winona Kent - DONE
July: Composers
August: Don't Let Yourself Get Checkmated!
September: Highlands & Islands
October: Autumn
November: The High Seas
December: Reader's Choice

List of books for challenges

Reading Through Time

January: Look to the Heavens
February: Colours
March: Sweet, Sweet Revenge
April: All is not what it seems - The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor and/or The Dark
May: Fairy Tales
June: People on the Move
July: Composers
August: Don't Let Yourself Get Checkmated!
September: Highlands & Islands
October: Autumn
November: The High Seas
December: Reader's Choice

January-March: Renaissance/16th Century
April-June: The 17th Century

Group Reads

The Crimson Petal and the White by Michael Faber - April - still working away on this

Books read in 2025

Books read in June 2025

1. From Doon with Death by Ruth Rendell
2. Murder by an Aristocrat by Mignon G. Eberhart
3. The Peepshow: The Murders at Rillington Place by Kate Summerscale
4. Lord Wraybourne’s Betrothed by Jo Beverley
5. Yours Cheerfully by A J Pearce
6. The Last Detective by Peter Lovesey
7. A Five Letter Word for Love by Amy James
8. The River Knows by Amanda Quick
9. The Good Girls Revolt: How the Women of Newsweek Sued Their Bosses and Changed the Workplace by Lynn Povich
10. Small Bomb at Dimperley by Lissa Evans
11. Disaster at the Vendome Theater by M.L. Longworth
12. The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths
13. Girl Gone Missing by Marcie R. Rendon
14. The Sirens by Emilia Hart
15. The Serpent’s Tale by Ariana Franklin
16. Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart
17. The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn & Janie Chang
18. Cher: The Memoir by Cher
19. Trouble in Queenstown by Delia Pitts
20. The Doll’s House by M.J. Arlidge
21. Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson

Books read in August 2025

1. Kills Well with Others by Deanna Raybourn
2. It Rhymes with Takei by George Takei & Harmony Becker
3. Expiration Date by Duane Swierczynski
4. Heart of Briarwall by Krista Jensen
5. The Knife Slipped by Erle Stanley Gardner
6. Heart of the Sea by Nora Roberts
7. Second Sight by Amanda Quick
8. The Blue Horse by Bruce Borgos
9. Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie
10. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
11. He’s to Die For by Erin Dunn
12. Purgatory Ridge by William Kent Krueger
13. When Women Invented Television by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong
14. Mrs. Porter Calling by AJ Pierce
15. Die Trying by Lee Child
16. American Sherlock: Murder, Forensics, and the Birth of American CSI by Kate Winkler Dawson

Books read in September 2025

1. Death of an Ex by Delia Pitts
2. Murder in Retribution by Anne Cleeland
3. Wicked Widow by Amanda Quick
4. When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi
5. Don’t Look Back by Amanda Quick
6. Funerals are Fatal by Agatha Christie
7. The Imposter Heiress: Cassie Chadwick the Greatest Grifter of the Gilded Age by Annie Reed
8. Sandwich by Catherine Newman
9. Foul Deeds by Linda Moore
10. Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin
11. The Gentleman’s Gambit by Evie Dunmore
12. A Different Kind of Evil by Andrew Wilson
13. Mrs Spy by M.J. Robotham
14. The Highlands and Islands of Scotland by Angus & Patricia MacDonald
15. Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb

Books acquired in 2025

Books acquired in July 2025

1. The Imposter Heiress: Cassie Chadwick the Greatest Grifter of the Gilded Age by Annie Reed
2. Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb
3. The Amazing Spider-Man by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
4. Not Safe After Dark by Peter Robinson
5. The Cost of a Hostage by Iona Whishaw

Books acquired in August 2025

1. Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin

Happy New Thread, Meg, and all the best to you and Sam in the months ahead.

Happy new thread, Meg and echoing Deb's wishes for you both.

Sweet Thursday, Meg. Happy New Thread. I like the topper and sentiment.

Happy new thread, Meg.

Happy new one!

Happy new thread!

Happy new one, Meg!!

>15 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah for the good wishes all round!

>16 jessibud2: Hi Shelley, thanks for the wishes and the echo!

>17 msf59: Thanks Mark, re the topper and the sentiment. I actually wrote that blurb at the beginning of the year and it certainly rings true now!

>18 BLBera: Thanks Beth!

>19 figsfromthistle: Good to see you here, Anita, and thanks!

>20 zuzaer: Thanks for the new thread wishes!

>21 RebaRelishesReading: Thank you Reba!

Happy new thread dear lady.

>2 Familyhistorian: ((((((HUGS)))))

>13 Familyhistorian: I will be curious to know how that one is as I just read one of hers.

Checking in on the new thread, Meg!

Happy new thread, Meg. Sending good thoughts for your son during his treatments and for you as you provide support.

Happy new thread, Meg!

Happy new thread Meg!

>24 PaulCranswick: Thanks for the new thread wishes and especially for the hugs, Paul.

>25 alcottacre: I didn't realize she had more books out, Stasia. Detective Aunty looked interesting and also it seemed an appropriate book to pick up in Surrey where much of the population has ties to India.

>26 MickyFine: Thanks Micky. We can both use the support!

>27 quondame: Thanks for the new thread wishes, Susan!

>28 mdoris: Thanks Mary!

Happy new thread Meg!

Happy new thread Meg.

Detective Aunty sounds good, will watch for your comments when you get to it.

New thread orisons, Meg!

Hi Meg, I thought it was time for a visit and now I find out that you are going through something very much like I am. My husband's radiation treatment is scheduled to start next week. We are going to the Cancer Clinic at the Surrey Hospital - is that the on you are going to as well?

I read Detective Aunty earlier this year, Meg, and I enjoyed it very much . I hope you do to .

Happy new thread! My copy of the book club selection for September arrived via ILL yesterday. I hope to start it this weekend, but I am not sure I'll be able to join you all as I'm scheduled to work the Sunday night of book club (unless it's been moved).

>33 humouress: Thanks Nina!

>34 charl08: Thanks Charlotte, I'll try to get to Detective Aunty sooner rather than later.

>35 richardderus: Thanks Richard!

>36 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy, I read about your husband's cancer - 3 types! I didn't know it was possible to have that many. We go to BC Cancer at Surrey Memorial too. I've spent a long time trying to find parking in that parking lot!

>37 vancouverdeb: I didn't realize you'd read Detective Aunty, Deborah. Maybe I just forgot I saw it on your thread first and it was a subliminal message that I had to pick up the book.

>38 thornton37814: You remind me that I should be continuing on with the book club read, Lori. I haven't gotten very far. I hope that you are able to join us.

>40 Familyhistorian: I hate that parking lot!!!

I've heard the parking is bad at Surrey Hospital, Meg and Judy. I've never been to the hospital, but yes, I have heard it's hard to find parking. Even Richmond Hospital is, but I've not heard of people who can't park - or need to circle around to park .Is it a long drive to Surrey Hospital for you ? I googled it last night from Coquitlam and is said 19 minutes, but that was at midnight or so. I imagine it takes a lot longer in traffic.

>43 DeltaQueen50: The only time it was any good was when we had to go in on the Monday of the long weekend in September. Then we could find parking. Any other time it's the worst!

>44 vancouverdeb: It's not that bad a drive, Deborah, but more like 30 minutes. Not being able to find parking when you get there is the hard part. The first day I just gave up and went back to Guildford Mall to park.

>44 vancouverdeb: For us, Deborah, the drive is almost an hour. Traffic and road construction slow us down. We did have to go very early one day and I was able to find parking immediately but mostly I find myself driving around for 15 - 20 mins. I'm expecting this Monday to be difficult as our appointment is for 1:00 pm.

Back atcha, Meg! Happy new thread!

>47 DeltaQueen50: That's rough, Judy. One of our appointments was for 1:00 and I was better able to find a parking spot then than when the appointment was at 10:30.

>48 drneutron: Thanks Jim!

On Saturday I met up with my walking group. We decided on a different walk in a treed area because of smoky skies. When I got home from a library run my son wasn't doing well so I took him to emergency. The hospital was going to admit him so I went to meet a friend at Bard on the Beach as planned. This time it was a performance of The Complete Works of Shakespeare, three versatile actors in a comedy run through of the bard's works. After the play I got a phone call from the hospital. My son had taken a turn for the worse, he's now in ICU. I'm sending good wishes his way but more wouldn't hurt.

Oh, Meg, your son in the ICU, I'm so sorry. I will pray for you and Sam and all good wishes. I hope things turn around in a positive direction soon. Big hugs to you and Sam, Meg.

>52 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah! It sounds like he is making some progress. I'm taking that as a positive sign. ICUs have sure gone hightech in the last 20 years and my son is in his own room! In 2004 the ICU I remember as one big room with lots of patients each one with their own nurse.

>53 Familyhistorian: That is great news. Many years ago my dad was in the ICU at VGH, as a result of complications of T Cell Lymphoma. He did have a single room - I guess that would have been 2006 , and he recovered to get out to the cardiac ward , and then back for more cancer treatment. His cancer went to his heart and lungs, unfortunately. I'm so glad Sam is making positive progress.

>54 vancouverdeb: From what I gathered since COVID ICU rooms are now single rooms. The ones at Surrey Memorial look very new. I think a lot of our health dollars have been sent to BC's biggest city. Sorry to hear of your Dad's outcome from cancer, Deborah.

Hi Meg, I am thinking of you so much and just see that Sam has been admitted to the hospital and then to ICU. I am very much wishing that the help he receives will greatly benefit him and he will be back home soon.

>51 Familyhistorian: Sorry to hear that. Glad he's making progress.

>57 humouress: Goddess walk wirh him and with you in this difficult time.

We saw "The Complete Works of Shakespeare" guys in New York many many years ago nice to see they're still around and can still raise a chuckle. "Laughter, the Best Medicine"?

Be well

Sending strength and good vibes to you both, Meg. {{hugs}}

>51 Familyhistorian: Oh dear, thank goodness Sam is in good hands. I am thinking of you both and sending lots of healing vibes and good thoughts.

>56 mdoris: Thanks Mary. I'm hoping so too.

>57 humouress: Hi Nina, thanks for the encouragement.

>58 magicians_nephew: Thanks Jim. The Complete Works of Shakespeare that I saw was put on by regular cast members from Bard on the Beach. Are there an actual troop that tours doing the Complete Works play?

>59 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley. Hugs are gratefully received.

>60 Ameise1: Hi Barbara, healing vibes are definitely needed!

>51 Familyhistorian: Indeed joining in thoughts and prayers for your son.

>63 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks Reba!

>61 Familyhistorian: There used to be a trio of guys that put on what they called "The Complete Works of Shakespeare - Abridged" as a evening of comedy. It was just wild and funny and silly with lots of slapstick and several plays done to accordion accompaniment.

The show was licensed and it tours now and again -- often run as a fundraiser. .

I thought that was what you were talking about.

>65 magicians_nephew: That sounds like fun, Jim. This was along the same lines but done by some of the regular cast members. I wonder if it was the same script.

I'm hoping the ICU stay was successful and he's past the crisis, Meg.

Thinking of you and Sam often each day, Meg . Like Richard , I am hoping that the ICU stay was successful and he’s doing better.

>67 richardderus: He's doing better but still in hospital, Richard.

>68 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah. Plans are to keep him in the hospital for now.

>51 Familyhistorian: I hope your son is doing better!

>70 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita, he's doing a bit better after his setback.

Glad to hear your son is improving, even if more slowly than hoped for.

>72 RebaRelishesReading: Right now it seems to be a case of one step forward, two steps back, Reba. We'll see how it goes.

139. Don't Look Back by Amanda Quick



Lavina Lake and Tobias March, were partners in their investigations and in other ways too. When the body of a female mesmerist and the theft of her important bracelet were discovered they were on the case in Don’t Look Back. It was a fun page turner.

>74 Familyhistorian: Reminds me that i havent read an Amanda Quick book for a while.

Maybe time to look this one up.

>75 magicians_nephew: This one is an old one, Jim. She has a newer series out where the action is set in Burning Cove, California and they are set around the 1950s.

Hi Meg, Thinking of you and your hospital visits and sure hoping every day that Sam is getting better. I am back to reading. The summer is always a slow spot for me.

140. Funerals are Fatal by Agatha Christie



I prefer the Miss Marple mysteries so I was surprised to see that the Agatha Christie mysteries I chose to reread was actually a Poirot, although he didn’t appear until quite late in this story of murders in various village households, Funerals are Fatal. It kept me entertain for the duration of the read.

I was surprised to see a cigarette ad tucked into the pages midway through the novel. It was published in 1972 and things were different back then.

>77 mdoris: Thanks Mary, Sam does seem to be getting better and bored so I took him a book to read (he doesn't read very often). I hope you are finding some interesting reads.

>78 Familyhistorian: I don't think I've ever seen an ad inside a book - other than for other books, of course.

>78 Familyhistorian: Reminds me of a cache of ancient Readers' Digest I used to read when I went to stay with my gran. Adverts can be so evocative (although boo tobacco of course).

I have been thinking of you and your son. Glad to read he seems to be improving.

I don't think I recall seeing an ad in book, Meg. Maybe. But that is unusual! I'm glad Sam is getting better , and hope he is able to be home from the hospital soon. Bored is good, I think. Not fun, but maybe a sign he is feeling better. I think of you and Sam often .

Like Deborah, I think of you and Sam often too!

>80 humouress: Some of my old Bantam Nero Worlf boks have ads bound in - sometime for other books, but sometimes for food and hotels and travel stuff.

The darn things are hard to rip out, too

>80 humouress: The ad was a surprise, Nina, but it was quite old, the publication date was in the 1970s.

>81 charl08: Old Reader's Digests were full of ads, as I remember. Thanks for the words about my son, Charlotte.

>82 vancouverdeb: I don't know if Sam will be released from hospital any time soon, Deborah. They are talking about moving him to another bed in the hospital.

>83 mdoris: Thanks for thinking of us, Mary.

>84 magicians_nephew: I've seen ads for other books in books before, Jim. But that seems more understandable. I don't recall the other kind of ads, but a tobacco ad definitely stood out but then smoking was kind of the thing to do back in the '70s. I smoked back then.

141. The Imposter Heiress: Cassie Chadwick the Greatest Grifter of the Gilded Age by Annie Reed



Back in the 1800s, banking was a lot different than it is today. When Cassie learned how to get what she wanted using promissory notes, she quickly changed her life goals. When she was on top she lived a life of indulgence but others paid the cost. I wasn’t sure whether to admire her or loath her when I read The Imposter Heiress: Cassie Chadwick the Greatest Grifter of the Gilded Age.

Is Sam still in hospital, Meg? I hope he has maybe a tablet to watch some streaming, or maybe a TV ? It must be boring. Best wishes to both of you .

>88 vancouverdeb: Yes Sam is still in hospital. He doesn't have a tablet and didn't pay for the TV to be hooked up - he says he's not much of a TV watcher. I think he spends a fair amount of time dozing and he does have his phone and a book.

>89 Familyhistorian: You never know, he might start reading.

I hope he gets better and is allowed home soon. It must be worrying for you Meg.

Happy new(ish) thread, Meg. Thinking of you and your son. Glad to hear he is doing better and hoping his recovery continues apace. Has he found any comfort in reading? I think you said earlier that he's not much of a reader.

I've been enjoying the Amanda Quick (and Jayne Ann Krentz) books since the '90s. They are fun and easy light reading and, thus, easier to read when I'm stressed or depressed or not feeling well.

142. Sandwich by Catherine Newman



My book club pick for September was Sandwich. I thought I would miss the book club meeting because I was supposed to be in Ireland. I was good with that. Now I am available for the meeting and, while the book is probably one that women going through similar life passages, getting older, having grown kids and older parents, and menopause, it was not a good read for me at this time but I finished it. So there is that. It was probably a good book for those going through these life changes and it was told with self-depreciating humour.

>90 humouress: He might, Nina, but it's slow going right now. He is making some progress and they've scheduled him for more chemo so that's a good sign.

>91 Storeetllr: I often turn to easier reads like mysteries and romantic adventures when life is stressful, Mary. I'm not sure my son will turn into a reader but you never know. Thanks for your wishes for his recovery.

143. Foul Deeds by Linda Moore



I’ve been noticing more books published by Canadian Presses lately. One of these was Foul Deeds which I probably picked up on my travels as it was published in Halifax. It was a mystery involving foul deeds (naturally). The heroin/sleuth, Rosalind was a professional criminologist who was helping to put on a production of Hamlet. The evil plot was about water, a precious commodity in danger of becoming monetized. It was an interesting story that took me down well remembered Halifax streets.

I've read that more Canadian authored books are being sold due to the problems with USA, Meg. I'm glad your son will soon be getting chemo again.

>96 vancouverdeb: It's nice to see more Canadian authors and publishers available now. Thanks, I'm glad that treatment seems to be getting back on track.

>97 Familyhistorian: Some of us are stepping up and seeking out the Canadian, and even the translated, stuff to go against the reported prevailing tide.

>98 richardderus: Good to know that, Richard. It doesn’t look like the prevailing tide is going in a good direction at this time.

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I’ve been doing adult tasks today. Maybe that result was my reward.

Hi Meg. Our trip to the hospital went quite smoothly today, and we saw his oncologist as well. I hope Sam is improving, I am sending healing thoughts his way.

144. Detective Aunty by Uzma Jalaluddin



When her youngest son was killed Kauser and her husband left Toronto for North Bay. Kauser hadn’t visited Toronto in years but now a widow with her daughter facing a murder charge she needed to go back to help. She, of course, wanted to get to the bottom of her daughter’s predicament, her daughter was looking for help with the household. Which path would Kauser follow in Detective Aunty?

>101 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy, it's so nice when everything goes smoothly, isn't it? I hope the next appointment goes that well too. Sam has improved. He's been moved from ICU and has been put back on the schedule for chemo appointments.

>102 Familyhistorian: I recently read Jalaluddin's Hana Khan Carries On and enjoyed it for the most part, so I will have to see if I can track down a copy of that one too.

I really enjoyed Detective Aunty earlier this year, Meg . Glad you enjoyed it too . I things are improving for Sam , and life is going okay for you too.

145. The Gentleman's Gambit by Evie Dunmore



I’ve enjoyed the books in the League of Extraordinary Women series and snapped up the fourth The Gentleman’s Gambit. This one featured the introverted Catriona, who supports the other women in her group in their campaign for women’s rights but wishes they wouldn’t push her into the forefront in their schemes. That’s not the only thing she has to contend with, there’s Elias Khoury, a colleague of her father’s who has his own agenda which expands to include wooing her over a chess board. Just how would this game turn out?

Unfortunately, this book didn’t appeal to me as much as the previous volumes in the series and the ending tried to wrap up things by including the couples who featured in the previous books, which left me a bit at sea as my memory of those characters was by now a bit sketchy.

>104 alcottacre: That's the first book by Uzma Jalaluddin that I've read, Stasia. I'll have to track down Hana Khan Carries On.

>105 vancouverdeb: Maybe it was your review that caused me to pick up Detective Aunty when I saw it in the drug store, Deborah. Sam has improved somewhat and I get to visit him in Surrey Memorial most days though yesterday was a challenge when the lights were out at 152nd and Guildford just as the traffic gets off the Port Mann to go into Surrey. It added an hour or more to my journey as I had to go through that intersection both ways going to and from the hospital.

Comment from your prior thread:
>85 Familyhistorian: If the Borgos are similar to Krueger, I am All In! I’m currently on the waiting list for the newest Krueger book, but he doesn’t write fast enough for me. Thanks for the tip.

Meg, I am so sorry to hear about your son’s cancer. Such a tenacious and evil disease. It sounds like he is getting good treatments and that you have some friends to support you. How nice that they helped you move him out of his apartment. I hope that he improves enough to move back in with you. It will save you that long drive and be more comfortable for him. You are both in my prayers.

Hi Meg my dear, a belated Happy New thread dear friend.

>109 Donna828: Hi Donna, I find the books of Borgos and Krueger to be in the same vein, well written thrillers with subtle messages. At least that's how I find them.

Thanks re my son's illness. He's looking forward to getting out of the hospital and being able to do things - like cook! All the positive thoughts coming his way help!

>110 johnsimpson: Thanks John!

>111 Familyhistorian: Oh yay! I'm sure you'll be relieved to have him at home again.

>111 Familyhistorian: Glad to hear your son is doing better. How nice that he's a cook!

146. A Different Kind of Evil by Andrew Wilson



This was my second time starting A Different Kind of Evil, a reimagining of the Christie mysteries with Agatha herself as the narrator. I think it was the first person narrative that put me off the first time. This time I knew better what to expect in this first of a series of novels featuring the mystery writer herself as a character. The narrative involved travel and a mostly closed cast of characters, so that was familiar as was the convoluted mystery which resulted in multiple victims. It was an interesting take on a well-known mystery subgenre.

>113 humouress: He doesn't actually have a discharge date yet, Nina, unfortunately.

>114 RebaRelishesReading: It's good to see him making progress, Reba. He'll need to get his strength up to be able to cook again but he's thinking about it. I guess hospital food is a bit hit or miss.

>116 Familyhistorian: Oh. But obviously working towards it. Best wishes to you both.

>111 Familyhistorian: That's terrific news, Meg, congrats to Sam and to you. It has to be a big burden of worry off your mind.

Better days ahead, old friend.

147. Mrs Spy by M. J. Robotham



London in the ‘60s had Maggie Flynn living with her mum and daughter while eking out a living as a “watcher” the lowest rung on the spy ladder. Her daughter was agitating for tickets to see the Fab Four but Maggie had other things on her mind after an assignment as a substitute at a safe house put her in the same room as Yuri, a defecting agent. It was something that Yuri said that reminded Maggie of her dead husband. It was a catalyst that started her questioning his death and brought her and a rag tag bunch she trusted into a no holds barred investigation that might cost them more than they bargained for in Mrs Spy.

>118 humouress: Yes, working towards it but it seems like it will take some time.

>119 richardderus: No discharge date yet, Richard but at least he's scheduled for chemo so that is going in the right direction.

148. The Highlands and Islands of Scotland by Angus & Patricia MacDonald



Because of my Scottish roots, I have a fair collection of books about the Western Isles. I have family ties to Islay and Skye. The Highlands and Islands of Scotland covered the history of both of those islands as well as other islands in the area. There were many photos of the area in the present day included.

I really enjoyed Mrs Spy too, Meg. Glad you did too. I hiope Sam will soon be home, and glad he is scheduled for more chemo.

>124 vancouverdeb: As I remember it was your review of Mrs Spy that sold me on the book, Deborah. Hopefully Sam will make it home after the chemo. They want to keep him in the hospital for that to keep a close eye on him.

149. Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb



Bonded in Death was number 60 in the series and still it packed a punch. The murder plot this time harkened back to the Urban Wars which brought Summerset and a bunch of his contemporaries into the story, especially as Roarke and Eve were putting them up at their mega home to protect them in an effort to find the connection to the past while hunting for the murderer in the present (or should I say future because it was 2061). It was another involving story in this long running series.

>126 Familyhistorian: I think her series-sustaining magic is breathtaking! Decades and dozens of books later, Eve Dallas bids fair to meet up with her future as our present!

Hoping for success on the chemo front.

>123 Familyhistorian: That sounds interesting. Have you read The Britannias? That includes some of the Hebrides.

>127 richardderus: At the end of Bonded in Death, there was a brief interview with the author. She started the series envisioning it as a trilogy. She does lots of those. Instead it morphed into a long running series very different from anything else she has done.

Thanks re the chemo, Richard.

>128 BLBera: I'd never heard of The Britannias, Beth. I found a review and I'm intrigued.

Numbers for new acquisitions are trending down. In September I added:

Disobeying Hitler: German Resistance in the Last Year of WWII by Randall Hanson
Locked in Pursuit by Ashley Weaver
Dark London by Drew Gray

150. When Falcons Fall by C.S. Harris



It has been a while since I read one of the Sebastian St Cyr books. This time I read When Falcons Fall which was set in a small English village which Sebastian and his wife, Hero, were visiting. Of course a murder preceded their visit and they were drawn to investigate each in their own way.

Tonight was the official opening of PoCo Heritage's new exhibit The Creatures of Blakeburn Lagoons. It's an interesting story, once farmland converted into two sanitation ponds (read sewage) which were subsequently decommissioned but later turned into an Ecological park.

It was a good turn out and nice to see some people who I haven't seen in a while.

I'm trying to purchase fewer books with a fair bit of success , Meg. A murder mystery is what I am reading just now. They are enjoyable .

>130 Familyhistorian: I really enjoyed it, Meg. It was one reason I wanted to visit the Orkneys during our Scotland trip.

>132 Familyhistorian: I have to pick up this series again. I will have forgotten all the characters!

>134 vancouverdeb: Yes, there comes a time when even the dedicated book buyer realizes there are a few too many tomes lying around. Best of luck with cutting back, Deborah. I've been known to enjoy a murder mystery or three myself. Hope it's a good one.

>135 BLBera: I have The Britannias on hold but it might take me a while to get it because I've paused a lot of my holds so I can actually read my own books. I wonder if I'll feel the need to visit the Orkneys after I read it. I've never been there.

It had been a long time since I read a St. Cyr novel and all I had to remember was St. Cyr and Hero. The rest of the background I picked up by hints sprinkled in the novel.

Well, this was unexpected

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>138 Familyhistorian: Wow! What a stroke of luck!! Planning on buying a lottery ticket today?

151. A Match Made for Murder by Iona Whishaw



In A Match Made for Murder Lane and Darling were in Tucson enjoying warmer weather when they were dragged into nefarious happenings there which made for an interesting mystery. In the meantime, back home in Nelson, Ames had a puzzling murder to investigate. Everything came together in the end for both investigations. It was a worthy addition to the series.

>139 RebaRelishesReading: I just wish that kind of luck would continue into the lotto buying realm, Reba. That hasn't happened yet, unfortunately.

152. Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin



After reading Detective Aunty, I read an earlier book by the same author. I was expecting Hana Khan Carries On to be another mystery but it was more a coming of age/romance. As in the other book, it was set in Toronto in the same community, but in this one, Hana Khan was trying to find her way at the beginning of her working life, while developing her own style for podcasting. In the meantime, things weren’t going so well for her community and she wanted to find a way to help the people she valued.

Happy Sunday, Meg. Finally checking in after a long delay. September was a busy one for me. I hope all is well and those books are treating you fine.

have to get my mitts on a copy of Detective Aunty

>140 Familyhistorian: I do enjoy this series.

>137 Familyhistorian: Good to know about the St. Cyr series.

153. Lady Worsley's Whim by Hallie Rubenhold



I recently watched an interview online with Hallie Rubenhold at the Edinburgh Book Festival. After that I put a few of her books on hold. One of those was Lady Worsley’s Whim which detailed the crim con case between Lord Worsley and his wife. A scandal at the time (Lady Worsley made sure that it stayed in the public eye), this recounting shows how different the laws surrounding marriage and wealth were in Georgian England. The book also recounted the aftermath on the combatants, who ran afoul of the upheaval of the French Revolution too.

>143 msf59: Nice to see you here, Mark. I'm still enjoying the books but life has gone off the rails a bit with my son in hospital. He appears to be making some progress in the right direction now.

>144 magicians_nephew: Best of luck getting with your hunt for Detective Aunty, Jim. It's Canadian so might be subject to tariff. (Who really knows?)

>145 BLBera: I remembered how much I like it as soon as I started reading, Beth. I've got the new one on order. Season for Spies is billed as a prequel.

I was surprised how easy it was to get used to the characters again when I picked up When Falcons Fall.

It has been a bit of a challenge to keep up with everything, including writing deadlines, what with going back and forth to the hospital and shopping for my son's latest requests. It must be easier to dream up wanted items when you're stuck in a bed all the time. There are also admin tasks to be done for him plus small inroads attempted into getting the stuff from his old apartment put away - that hasn't progressed very well.

Hi Meg, You have a lot of balls in the air and I am thinking of you and thinking of Sam too.

154. The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick



It seemed like an ideal solution to keep match making matrons away while he pursued his investigation into a killer. But the ladies at the hiring agency couldn’t find a woman with enough spirit for the part. That was until Miss Lodge barged in on his interview with the proprietresses. She was the ideal candidate to pose as his fiancé, or so it seemed. But it was when she became involved in his investigation that the sparks really began to fly in The Paid Companion.

>151 mdoris: Thanks Mary. I'm still managing to keep up with my meetings and stuff, although I admit I didn't go to my last in person book club. I feel like I'm constantly on the move lately.

>153 Familyhistorian: Life sounds a bit hectic for you at the moment Meg. Take care of yourself too. I'm glad that things are going in the right direction for Sam now.

Just stopping by to say that I'm glad your son is doing better, Meg, and I hope that you will soon be able to take a breather from your breakneck pace. At least you're able to read!

>154 humouress: It is hectic, Nina. Unfortunately, I've had first hand experience with the caregiver role before so know to take care of myself too although it seems a bit harder now that I'm older. Thanks for your words of encouragement.

>155 Storeetllr: Thanks Mary. Yeah, the reading helps me along so that keeps on going!

I have yet to read A Match for Murder , Meg , so thanks for the nudge. I did purchase it soon after it came out. I managed wordle in two yesterday, but like you, it does not turn into Lottery fortunes,though I only buy a ticket twice a year or so. I'll bet you feel like you are constantly on the move lately. I hope you find a some time to read and relax a bit. Take care. Caregiving is hard. Hugs, Meg.

Hi Meg, I think that was one of the best things about being retired. I could move at a slower and calmer pace. I sure hope your hectic pace eases very soon.

>158 vancouverdeb: I pulled A Match for Murder off the shelf because I just put in an order for the latest Lane Winslow, the prequel so I felt I had to justify it somehow as I have quite a few books in the series sitting on my shelves untouched. I do feel like I am constantly on the move lately!

>159 mdoris: Slow and calm sounds good, Mary, but it doesn't really describe my retirement and now I have a bunch of other things to do on top of my normal stuff! A bit of a slow down would be good.

Finally trying to catch up a bit. Hopefully your son will continue his recovery and be home soon and the pace of your life will return to its usual hustle and bustle (in a good way)!

>162 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley. It would be nice but there has been another complication and he might be in there a while longer.

155. White Out by Ragnar Jonasson



It’s been a while since I read an Ari Thor mystery. In this read, Ari was taken along on an investigation in a remote community by his old boss, Tomas. As it was almost Christmas, Ari Thor took his very pregnant wife, Kristin, with him. In a baffling case, it seemed that three women in a family, mother and two daughters had died by jumping off a cliff close to where they were living or staying. The two policemen were investigating the latest death in White Out. But all was not as it seemed in this mystery which had added tension due to the expectations for the Christmas holiday.

Well, Meg, great minds think alike , sort of. I started The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer: A Mystery by Ragnar Jonasson, same author as you just read. I had a hold on it at the library, but could not wait, so headed down to Indigo's on Broadway and Granville yesterday. I needed a good mystery and I am really enjoying this one so far. Oh, dear , another complication. I hope fairly soon you can make enjoyable bookstore trips like I did yesterday. I had to restrain myself and just purchase the one book. It was not easy.

Hi Meg! What kinds of mysteries do you read that aren't predictable (and are hopefully standalone)? I don't generally read mystery (or thriller) because the ending is too predictable.

>163 Familyhistorian: Damn! I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope the complication resolves itself and your son's recovery gets back on track.

I love mysteries but for some reason have not taken to the ones set in cold, snowy, northern climes. Maybe I should try again.

>165 vancouverdeb: It was Richard's fault, at least in my case. He did some reviews of Ragnar Jonasson's works so I had to go and borrow White Out. Maybe his reviews got you too. I'm trying to cut back on my book buys so I want books I can borrow from the library. Although I did visit the same book store in September and brought home 3 books. You did better than I did restraining yourself.

>166 The_Hibernator: I read a range of mysteries but some of them are predictable. The Ragnar Jonasson I just read fit the unpredictable category as did Detective Aunty. I like police procedurals too, like those by Peter Robinson.

>167 Storeetllr: White Out was definitely set in cold and snow, Mary. I'm glad you posted on my thread. Somehow I unstarred your thread. All fixed now.

>170 Familyhistorian: It's getting harder and harder to keep up with the threads, Meg. Oh, well, we do our best, no?

>171 Storeetllr: It would be nice if life slowed down enough that we could keep up with everything we want to do, Mary. I'm not sure if that's a sign of age or a sign of the times.

I am sorry I missed the news about your son. What happened? Glad to hear he is on the mend. 🙏🙏

>173 msf59: No problem, Mark. He's being treated for cancer.

Happy Thanksgiving, Meg! I hope you are going somewhere for dinner , and that Sam is doing okay. Do they have a Thanksgiving dinner at the hospital for Sam ?

156. Boardinghouse Women: How Southern Keepers, Cooks, Nurses, Widows, and Runaways Shaped Modern America by Elizabeth S.D. Engelhardt



It took me a while to finish reading Boardinghouse Women: How Southern Keepers, Cooks, Nurses, Widows, and Runaways Shaped Modern America. Perhaps that is because it focused for the most part on the southern US which feels remote to me. Still it did remind me a bit of the times when I lived in a rooming house although there was no communal food involved.

>175 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah. I have no idea if they have Thanksgiving meals in the hospital. Sam was released yesterday so he is home now and we will have our dinner tomorrow. We don't have any other family here to share it with. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family!

157. Slightly Shady by Amanda Quick



Lavinia had tried to set herself and her niece up with an antiquities shop in Roman until a stranger wrecked her wares and told her to leave as a killer was on her tail. A while later she met up with the stranger, Tobias March, again and so began a partnership that had them investigating crimes as they sniped at each other, a classic in the romantic genre and the basis of Slightly Shady.

>177 Familyhistorian: How nice that Sam is finally home, and in time for Thanksgiving. Enjoy your dinner together.

>177 Familyhistorian: That's really good news, Meg. Hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving celebration.

Happy Thanksgiving, Meg and what perfect timing for Sam's return. Enjoy!

I'm so pleased to hear Sam is home with you. I hope you two have an excellent Thanksgiving!

Good timing! Hope you have a lovely celebration together.

>177 Familyhistorian: Hooray for Sam coming home. I hope the weekend's been very satisfying.

Hello Meg, That is very good news that Sam is home with you and that you can together celebrate Thanksgiving. Today was a spectacular day of 100% blue sky. It was very special!

>179 humouress: >180 RebaRelishesReading: >181 jessibud2: >182 MickyFine: >183 charl08: >184 richardderus: >185 mdoris:

Thanks Nina, Reba, Shelley, Micky, Charlotte, Richard and Mary. It was nice to have him home for the Thanksgiving weekend. Not all beer and skittles though, he still has to go back to the hospital for treatment. 7:00 am Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for the foreseeable future.

I am so glad that Sam is home, and hope you enjoyed some sort of Thanksgiving dinner, Meg. Yikes, 7 am driving to SMH 3 x a week. That is early by my standards. At least the traffic should be light. Wishing both well.

>187 vancouverdeb: The traffic wasn't that light, Deborah, but most of it was going towards Vancouver. Scraping the morning frost off my car in the dark was a bit much though.

158. Dear Miss Lake by A J Pierce



In the summer of 1944 the war was winding down, not that it stopped the bombing or upheavals to daily life. Dear Miss Lake shows the reader the concerns of the staff of Women’s Friend as they first move into the country then back again to their London digs later. There was strife as men on the front were taken prisoner and the powers that be questioned the loyalty of the writers at the magazine. It was interesting seeing how things changed towards the end of the war and good to visit with the characters in this series once again.

>189 Familyhistorian: - Is this #4, then? I haven't seen it here yet but I haven't actually looked. But I will!

159. Hard Going by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles



I enjoy a good police procedural, especially ones set in Britain. Hard Going was a few books into the Bill Slider series but the first that I could borrow in tree book form. Someone had bashed in the head of a retired solicitor who lived by himself but had daily help coming in. Was it the daily or her family who did the dirty deed or someone from the solicitor’s past, perhaps from the controversial case that sent him into hiding? Slider and his fellow officers had their work cut out to figure this case out.

>190 jessibud2: It is the 4th in the series. The book I borrowed had a sticker saying NEW on it, Shelley. Maybe your library has it in by now.

I agree, scraping the frost off your car so early in the year is disconcerting, Meg.

>177 Familyhistorian: I am glad to hear that Sam was released and can enjoy Thanksgiving with the family.

Belated Thanksgiving Day wishes, Meg. So happy to hear that Sam is home, even if it means traveling to the hospital for treatments at an ungodly hour of the morning a few times a week. Sending healing vibes to him and a wish for strength to you.

>193 vancouverdeb: The frost was a surprise, Deborah. I just hope it doesn't appear tomorrow morning too.

>194 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita. It was nice that Sam was released for Thanksgiving although it's not a big family gathering. There are only the two of us.

>195 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, thanks for all the encouraging wishes you sent in our direction.

At least the past couple of day have been sunny, Meg. And tomorrow is supposed to be sunny. I'm glad you are finding time to read , and I hope you are still getting out for your walks, maybe even with your walking group. Take care.

Joining the wishes for good health results for Sam (and strength for you).

160. Death at the White Hart by Chris Chibnall



The characters and the mystery kept the pages turning in Death at the White Hart. DS Nicola Bridge was a new transplant into Fleetcombe, Dorset, lumbered with marital problems and in charge of the towns detectives who were housed in a former bank building. She was just getting to know her team when a man’s body with antlers on its head, perched on a chair in the middle of the road was discovered. A strange one and a rapid way of finding out about the local characters and pub life in the area.

>199 vancouverdeb: My walking group only meets on Saturdays, Deborah, so we haven't been getting out for many walks lately. Why does it always rain on the weekend? I enjoyed the sun that we had this week but it was very cold first thing in the morning!

>200 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks Reba. All good wishes gratefully received!

Good taste,Meg! I also enjoyed Death at White Hart earlier this year. You are right, it does seem to always rain on the weekend. We have quite a few days of rain coming. I was surprised that today turned out sunny, as environment Canada had predicted rain for today. According to Dave it has been a cooler fall this year.

I had a bad day yesterday . Two people in the public swore at me! The first time in my life that has happened . I was walking Muffin and and man walked into her leash and nearly tripped - or maybe Muffin moved in his direction on the path - it happened so fast. He shouted "Jesus Christ, I nearly tripped - where is your sense of responsibility ." I held my tongue, though I had already said I'm sorry as it happened. I thought - just shake it off , Deborah . You meet hundreds of people , the vast majority are friendly and kind. Then, I had to take Muffin to the vet for a routine exam. There was a vehicle sitting in front of Freshco, so I waited a minute and then thought, I guess he is waiting for someone to come out of Freshco and took the next parking spot I could see. It wasn't busy. The guy shouted - "You took my fucking parking spot." I got of my car and said I had no idea he was waiting for that parking spot and there are plenty of others. After the vet appointment I came home a drank a can of coke to settle my nerves. I decided I wasn't leaving the house again for fear of more hassles. Some days.. I told Dave about it when I got home and checked to see if the man have keyed my car. He hadn't . Meg, some days.

It's hard when days go like that, Deborah, especially when we least expect it. I hope today was better and any public interactions were friendly.

HI Meg, Those are some very early starts to the day for driving to the hospital. And scraping the car windows already? It seems early for that!. You are a trooper!

>204 vancouverdeb: OMG what a miserable outing you had!! I expect better from our neighbors to the north!! Share a nice cuddle with Muffin -- that might make you both feel better. Hope to have a better day today.

>205 Familyhistorian: It sure was not my day, Meg. Yesterday went as normal , thankfully. All friendly interactions.

>207 RebaRelishesReading: I felt that way too, Reba. Thanks for the sympathy. It still gets to me a little even today. I expect better from my fellow Canadians too. Muffin is very generous with her cuddles and that does help a lot.

Lots of rain ahead of us, Meg and Reba. Ah well. Tis the season, I guess.

>206 mdoris: The window scraping only happened once, Mary. After that it warmed up a bit but it's still dark on the days we go to his 7:00 am appointment. When we drove to Jim Pattison Outpatient Care in Surrey today for a blood test my son said how different it looked seeing the drive in daylight. We caught a good window in the weather too so it wasn't pouring down rain.

>207 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba, that was Deborah's unpleasant experience on that day although I had a similar experience the next day when a guy pulling a cart of stuff in the hospital (I think he was homeless) told me to fuck off when I looked at him. I wished him a good morning and then he told me to go to hell. Some people! Maybe there was something in the air in BC's Lower Mainland that made those guys miserable.

>208 vancouverdeb: I thought of your day when I encountered that homeless guy in the hospital, Deborah. I hope we both have had our fill of miserable encounters for a good long while now.

I'm not too thrilled about the weather. At least our drive over to Surrey wasn't too bad today but when I got back I decided to walk to my local library. It started out with just sprinkles but became full on rain pretty quickly.

Hi Meg, I am sorry that you and Deborah have encountered some rude and crabby people. Do you think people who were previously in institutions because of mental health challenges are now out on the street are do you think we have all become rudder and entitled to say what we feel and think? I'm sure there other explanations but it sounds pretty unpleasant and according to some news reports kind of scary!

>212 mdoris: Homelessness and mental health issues seem to be on the rise, Mary. Part of the problem was the closure of mental health institutions like Riverview near where I live. The closure happened but opening up places to treat the people who were released didn't happen.

>210 Familyhistorian: Oops sorry to confuse that and even more sorry that you, too, had an unpleasant experience.

>214 RebaRelishesReading: No problem, Reba. The experience wasn't that bad. At least he kept walking away when he was saying those things to me.