Monday, February 06, 2017

Where Is Your Bookmark? (02/07/2017)

One of the books I am in the middle of is Tessa Arlen's A Death By Any Other Name, the third book in her Edwardian mystery series featuring Lady Montfort and her housekeeper, Mrs. Jackson.




Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where participants share the first paragraph (or a few) of a book they are reading or thinking about reading soon. It is also where I share my first impressions about the book I am sharing.

Coming home after a holiday is almost as enjoyable as the holiday itself, Edith Jackson surveyed the familiar comfort of her bedroom and parlor, her eyes lingering over her beloved objects that she had collected over the years. Here it all was, just as she had left it: her small library in one corner, a pretty writing bureau by the window that she had been given by Mr. Hollyoak, the butler, to celebrate her appointment from first housemaid to housekeeper  ten years ago. She sat down in a deeply cushioned wing chair, a present to herself four years ago: a fireside chair that offered deep comfort for long winter afternoons with a good book. However humble or simple these simple objects appeared to be they nevertheless made her homecoming a welcome one.

Every Tuesday, Ambrosia from The Purple Booker hosts Teaser Teaser at which participants grab their current read, open to a random page, and share two or more sentences from that page while avoiding any spoilers.


Teaser from page 6% of A Death By Any Other Name:
Mrs. Jackson said nothing, knowing that there was more to come, but she tilted her head in sympathetic encouragement. 
"The reason why I have come here, Mrs. Jackson, is that I don't believe it was accidental food poisoning at all."

and at 13% of A Death By Any Other Name
She flipped her notebook shut, but kept a finger in place, in case she might need to refer to her notes again. And Mrs. Jackson remembered that whenever Lady Montfort wanted to forestall any arguments in the process she intended to take with an investigation, she always cited Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as if she had just had a conversation with him on the telephone. 

What do you think? Would you keep reading?  

I just love this series, especially Mrs. Jackson. She isn't ever thrilled to be dragged into these investigations of the Lady Montfort's, but she's quite good at gathering information.

What are you reading at the moment?  Is it anything you would recommend?


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Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies at Broke and Bookish.

For this week's  Top Ten Tuesday I am going with my Top Ten Secondary/Minor Characters I Wish Could Have Their Own Books.

1. Mma Makutsi from Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series ~ I am not caught up in the series by a long shot, but every book in the series in which she appears, Mma Makutsi steals the spotlight. She starts in the agency as a secretary and works her way up to assistant detective. She is diligent, loyal and hard working.

2. Jane from The Lost Garden by Helen Humphreys ~ She is such an interesting character, a lost soul as she waits for news about her boyfriend to come back from the war. She loves with all her heart.

3. Laura Wheeler from Last Words by Rich Zahradnik ~ I am quite fond of Laura Wheeler, another reporter, who, unfortunately, because of the time period, isn't being taken as seriously as her skills and intelligence deserve. She is very capable, however, and part of me hopes she shows up that patriarchy that holds women back in future novels in the series. Yes, I know she's not the main character in the series.  But one can hope.

4. Neville Longbottom from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling ~ I nearly went with Luna Lovegood because she's one of my favorite characters from the series, and I really would love a book featuring just her (with secondary roles by other familiar characters, of course). But Neville Longbottom won my heart early on in the series as well. A bit clumsy and bullied--he is a character I think many can relate to. And yet by the end of the series, he is a formidable wizard and friend. 

5. Alosha from Uprooted by Naomi Novik ~ Time spent with the mage and sword-master Alosha is too short in Uprooted, if you ask me. I want to know more about her character, where she came from and what she's been through. She seems to have a level head and sees beyond the obvious. She's a heroine I could get behind.

6. Kylie from The Gargoyle Guardian Trilogy by Rebecca Chastain ~ She's Mika's bestfriend and a journalist who knows how to wield her magic. She's a loyal friend and not afraid to jump into the fray when needed.

7. Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling ~ She's my favorite character after Hermione, and I wish there had been more of her in the books. I would love to spend more time with Luna and get to know her. She is both curious and brilliant and seems to see the world in a very Luna sort of way.

8. Noeme from Slaying Dragons by Sasha L. Miller ~ Noeme plays a major role in Slaying Dragons, and so I am not sure "minor" or even "secondary" is the most appropriate label for the character. Still, Devi is more at the forefront, and I would really like to know more about Noeme who loves her books and is always ready with a smile.

9. Any character--or even a new character!-from The Fairwick Chronicles by Juliet Dark. Please? Why hasn't the author written more set in this world?! I love the world Juliet Dark has created in this fantasy series. It's light and fun and there really needs to be more books!

10. Mycroft Holmes, brother to the famous fictional Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ~ a brilliant mind and a mystery himself, working for the government. There's much more I would like to know about him.


What secondary characters would you like to see in their own books?


© 2017, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

70 comments:

  1. I'm totally with you with Neville and Luna having their own stories. I think that could be so interesting!

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    1. Chrissi - They are both such interesting characters, and I would love to explore them more. Thanks for visiting, Chrissi!

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  2. Great Top Ten Tuesday topic! OhMyGoodness. I can't even imagine the crazy (in a good way) and intrigue a series about Mycroft's character could inspire. :)

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    1. Rissi - Thank you! I tried visiting your blog on both my phone and computer and can't seem to get through. :-( I'll try again in a few days and hope to have better luck.

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  3. I really like the first paragraph. I get a good sense of place as well as character. I'd like ro read this book.

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    1. Margot - It's a good book so far. I really like this series.

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  4. I love the opening for A Death by Any Other Name - I could easily picture the housekeeper's small space and I like that she gets a voice when all too often servants get bit parts!

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    1. Cleo - I can just picture it too. :-) She's my favorite character in the series. Well, she and Mr. Stafford.

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  5. A Death By Any Other Name sounds like a fun mystery with quirky characters. I think I'd enjoy the series.
    My Tuesday post features THE SEA BETWEEN.

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    1. Sandra - It is fun and I really like the characters. The author does a good job with the time and place of the novels too, which I think add to the character of the books.

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  6. So excited to see the new Tessa Arlen book. :)

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    1. Greg - Hurry up and catch up so you can read this one! :-)

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  7. The secondary character meme is interesting. I need to give it some thought. I am very partial into Anthony Trollope. He tended to spin off his secondary characters into main characters as he wrote many works that were part of series. Plantagenet Palliser being one of the most famous of these examples.

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    1. Brian - I like it when authors do that--write other books in a series featuring secondary characters from other books. I think you really get a good sense of the world/society the author is creating when he or she does that. Of course, it can be over done as well. Especially when it seems like it's being done more for money making purposes than for the sake of telling a good story.

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  8. I am definitely going to start Tessa Arlen's series soon. I have the first book. The intro to the new one sounds lovely and I know I'll enjoy it. As to your secondary characters - Neville and Luna - perfect!

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    1. Kay - I think you might like the series. I hope you give it a try.

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  9. You are right about Mme. Makutsi, I think. The place is the most important character, I think.

    http://readerbuzz.blogspot.com/2017/02/books-that-could-use-little-moreparis.html?m=1

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  10. I would keep reading. Sounds like some interesting characters.

    My TT from The Fixer

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    1. Laura - They are interesting. I quite enjoy this series. :-)

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  11. Love how descriptive the room is - I'd read more. Hope you are enjoying this Wendy.

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    1. Diane - It's good so far. I hope to finish today if I can sneak in the reading time. :-)

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  12. I would love books about Neville and Luna! They have so much potential for more story.
    My Top Ten

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    1. Lori - I agree! I would love to read more about both of them. Harry Potter is full of potential characters for spin offs. :-)

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  13. I would also have loved to see a story just about Luna from HP. She was such a great character. I would keep reading after your first chapter because I love mysteries. I would say that 80% of the books I read are some sort of mystery, whether it be cozy, paranormal, thriller, fantasy, etc... so much fun.
    Laura
    My FPFC Tuesday

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    1. Laura - I adore Luna. I am glad to see so many agree with me. I read a lot of mysteries too. I really enjoy them--and like you, like all kinds. :-)

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  14. Mycroft from Sherlock Holmes...nice choice.
    sherry @ fundinmental My TT

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  15. I'm not familiar with this series but I enjoy historical mysteries. I'll have to check it out. My teaser this week is from House Rules by Jodi Picoult. Happy reading!

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    1. Kathy - You might like this series then! I hope you will give it a try if you can.

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  16. Oh, I should start a list of secondary characters who deserve their own books!

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    1. Jenclair - I bet your list would be much better than mine. :-)

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  17. I need to catch up on the Arlen series! Happy reading!

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    1. Catherine - It's probably the only series I am caught up in, sad to say. LOL

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  18. Oh that loooks like a good series. I need to check out Arlen.

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    1. Beth - I hope you do. I really enjoy the books. From the time period to the characters . . .

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  19. Love your top ten; I might just do my own one of these days. I'm not familiar with the author for you intro/teaser today but I love a good mystery and will certainly look into it. Here's my link for today from Postcards from the Edge by Carrie Fisher: http://wp.me/p4DMf0-1uf

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    1. Ms. M. - Thank you! I hope you do give Tessa Arlen a try. I really enjoy her books.

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  20. Oh yeah, a book from Neville's and Luna's perspective would be so much fun! I can see a mystery series featuring both of them - what fun would this book be! I haven't read any of the other books but they all sound fun.

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    1. Athira - A mystery series featuring Luna and Neville would be good, I think. What a great idea!

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  21. From the opening lines, I can totally understand why she enjoys coming home. Such a cozy retreat!

    Here's mine: “THINGS WE DIDN’T SAY”

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    1. Laurel-Rain - Yes, I wouldn't mind returning to a home like that either. :-)

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  22. Definitely liking the sound of A Death By Any Other Name.

    I'm busy reading Hollow City, the second book in the Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children series which is every bit ... and better ... than the first book.

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    1. Tracy - It is good so far. I haven't tried the Miss Peregrine's books. One of these days. I do want to give the them a try. I am glad you are enjoying the second book!

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  23. Great list! I totally agree about Mycroft, Luna, Neville and any of the Fairwick Chronicles characters!

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    1. Melissa - Thank you! I just want more books about my favorite characters or worlds. :-)

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  24. In the latest Number One Ladies' Detective Agency book Mma Matuski gets to run the show for a bit so yes, I could totally see her having her own book! :)

    And great intro. That's a series that's on my radar!

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    1. Iliana - That is good new! I guess I will have to catch up so I can read about her experience being in charge. Thanks for letting me know. :-)

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  25. I haven't read this author, Wendy, but I really like the sound of this teaser. I can see why you enjoy the author so much. This is my TT - https://sjhigbee.wordpress.com/2017/02/07/teaser-tuesday-7th-february-2016/

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  26. Oh yeah, The Fairwick Chronicles. I don't remember all of the characters, but it would be cool to see more from that world.

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    1. Christy - I think so too. It's been awhile since I read the books, but I still think of them fondly. I can see myself re-reading them someday.

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  27. I would definitely read books about Neville, Luna and Mycroft!
    My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2017/02/07/top-ten-tuesday-95/

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  28. I would love a series about Mycroft and Luna! Both are such interesting characters I'd love to see further explored! The Tessa Arlen mystery looks really good. I have one of books but haven't read it yet. I'm really looking forward to it!

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    1. Katherine - I hope you do enjoy the Tessa Arlen book when you get to it. I know you don't especially like amateur sleuths who stick their noses where they don't belong, but I like that Arlen acknowledges this in her books through her characters, especially Mrs. Jackson.

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  29. Luna, Neville, and Mycroft - I would totally buy that! :D

    Lauren @ Always Me

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  30. Great list and the teasers sound enticing! Apparently there are a couple series on Mycroft. I did a search on Bridges/Overdrive and while they did not have them, they do list them. Mycroft Holmes Adventures by Amelia Price, Mycroft Holmes Mystery by H.F.Heard, and Mycroft Holmes by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They seem to all be ebooks, no audio books. I think AudioBook Sync had a Young Sherlock book a few years ago.

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    1. Carla - I will have to check out the series you mention. It's too bad Doyle didn't manage to give us more about him, but I suppose that's part of the allure.

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  31. I really liked the intro and teaser. This is a new to me author/series. Happy reading.

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    1. Nise' - Thank you! I hope you will give it a try someday.

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  32. I have only read one book that made your top 10 list and I obviously need to read it again because I don't even remember who Alosha is anymore.

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    1. Carole - Alosha didn't get her due in Uprooted, I think. A strong female mage, she stood out for me.

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  33. Great TTT topic and love your list, Wendy. I agree with many of your choices and wish they've their own books, too.

    I've read several good reviews about Tessa's books so I'll have to check them out.

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    1. Melody - Thank you! I really do enjoy Tessa Arlen's books. :-)

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