Monday, April 24, 2017

Where Is Your Bookmark? (04/25/2017)

I am in the middle of Hannah Dennison's A Killer Ball at Honeychurch Hall, the third in her Honeychurch Hall cozy mystery series. This is my first book by Dennison, but if this book is anything to go by, it will not be my last. I am quite enjoying getting to know Kat Stanford, antique dealer.





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.

"You are absolutely not selling William Dobson, Rupert!" The dowager countess, Lady Edith Honeychurch, was furious. Even Mr. Chips, her tan-and-white Jack Russell, seemed to bristle with indignation.
Edith's son looked pained. "Do we have to go through this again, Mother?"
For emphasis, Edith slapped her riding crop against the side of her leather boot. "As long as I am alive, this is still my house!"
"Mother," Rupert hissed and gestured to where Mum and I were standing in the doorway. "Not in front of . . . "
"The servants?" Mum chimed in cheerfully. "Don't mind us. We're always arguing--aren't we, Kat?" 

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 7% of A Killer Ball at Honechurch Hall:
"Don't! she cried and roughly elbowed me aside. I lost my balance and thrust both hands out to save my fall but fell heavily onto the top shelf. 
There was a whoosh of air and I felt myself falling, falling, a sharp pain, a deafening crack and then - - darkness. 

What do you think? Would you keep reading?  


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.

I missed last week's topic which was the Top Ten Things That Will Make Me Instantly Want to Read a Book. It ties in nicely with this week's  Top Ten Tuesday, which is is Top Ten Things That Will Make Me Instantly Not Want To Read A Book. I decided to do both--and couldn't stop at five with either one.

Top Ten Things That Will Make Me Instantly Want to Read a Book:

1. British/Scottish/Irish crime fiction~ Whether contemporary or historical, I enjoy a good novel set in the British Isles.

2. A World War I/II setting ~ There is just something about these time periods that draws me in.

3. A book with a character who shares my daughter's name ~ Silly, maybe, but for some reason, I can't help but take interest when I see a book mentioning her name.

4. Magic/Supernatural ~ Nothing attracts me to a book faster than the mention that it involves magic. Witches, shapeshifters, wizards, high fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal . . . I love anything involving magic or supernatural beings. Throw in mythology and folklore too, and I get even more excited.

5. Favorite authors or series ~ I do not even care what the book may be about. If it is by a favorite author or a part of a favorite series of mine, I instantly want to read it.

6. A banned or challenged book ~ tell me I should not read something and it makes me want to read it even more, especially if it's for so-called religious or moral reasons.

7. Emotional books (especially ones that make me cry) ~ Or what some might refer to as depressing books. These are often character driven books in which the main character faces some sort of traumatic event or giant obstacle and is forced to work through, overcome or accept it. The ending may or many not be a happy one. Sometimes it is ambiguous.

8. Books set in countries or cultures other than my own ~ I love exploring the world through books. Celebrating differences and yet also seeing how much alike we are in our experiences and thoughts and feelings. It's a reminder of just how small the world is.

9. Female leads who save themselves and possibly the day ~ There's nothing wrong with needing to be saved by someone else, including a man, but I really enjoy a story featuring a woman who is more than capable of getting herself out of tight situations more often than not.

10. When my favorite book bloggers gush and gush about a book and tell me I HAVE to read it ~ Because you know what I like.

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Top Ten Things That Will Make Me Instantly Not Want To Read A Book (or at least give it a second thought before I do):

1. An animal/pet book in which the animal dies in the end.

2. Animal cruelty.

3. Excessive violence and gore. If I know ahead of time, a book will feature either, chances are I will give the books a pass.

4. Although I do read and enjoy a number of books featuring serial killers, I am finding myself turned off more than not these days by them when the victims are all women.

5. If a character wants to lose my respect fast, committing adultery or cheating is sure to do it. I tend not to like books that feature adultery, although it won't always completely turn me off of reading a book. I do tend to avoid them, however--at least unless convinced by you all it's worth my time. This is another instance in which I have read some really good ones despite my aversion to the topic in question.

6. Incest/Sexual Abuse. It comes up in books I read and sometimes I have even sought out certain books knowing they tackled the subject (and they've been very good). Still, it's a topic I mostly avoid.

7. Books about or featuring American football, the sport or players.

8. Erotica. I prefer more story than sex in my novels. This is another area though where there might be exceptions--I just haven't had much luck with this sub-genre.

9. There are a couple romance tropes I do not like. Particularly rape to love and step-sibling romance. Both hold an ick factor I just can't get past.

10. Nonfiction titles I have absolutely no interest in. Like learning how to fly fish or (please don't hate me). . .  cookbooks.

What about you? What things will make you instantly want to read or not read a book?


© 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.

66 comments:

  1. Yes that is a good opener - I love the bristling Jack Russell - I also enjoyed your lists, especially those on the 'turn-off' pile as like you I can name some themes I avoid but conversely some that despite those themes I've really enjoyed! We book lovers are contrary aren't we?

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    1. Cleo - Thank you! Yes, we do tend to be contrary now and then. :-) It's one of the reasons I prefer not to use the word "never" when referring to books I won't read.

      I like that little dog too!

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  2. Cheating is on my list as well. I mean, I get that life is sometimes complicated, but that stuff just doesn't happen. You have to put effort into it. I am not going to like you as a character and will possibly be eagerly anticipating your downfall.

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    1. Tara - Yes, relationships can take work and are not always easy. A character who cheats has an uphill battle when it comes to earning my sympathy and respect.

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  3. The dowager countess and Mr. Chips sound like fun. :) And good teaser- sounds like she's in a bit of trouble.

    I like your list. A british setting always gets me. Magic and folklore- yup! As for the no-no's: I agree about gory books, don't need it. Same with animals being killed or dying. And #7 lol! Love that pic of the bat with the football. :)

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    1. Greg - It's an interesting group of people, that's for sure.

      I couldn't help but put in the picture with Lucille and the football. ;-) I love a British setting. Someday maybe I'll be able to visit even.

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  4. Oh this sounds like a good one! Thanks for sharing (and adding yet one more to my never-ending TBR!)!

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    1. Karen - It's good so far. I have the next book in the series to read too and am looking forward to it.

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  5. I love that opening - the ending of the quote made me chuckle. It sounds like a fun read!

    I like reading cookbooks, but I'm not very good at actually doing the recipes. But I am trying to change that!

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    1. Eustacia - Kat's mom is quite the character. :-)

      I'm a terrible cook. Kitchens tend to make me grumpy so I don't spend a lot of time in the them. LOL Seriously though, I am a decent dish washer.

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  6. I enjoyed reading your answers to the TTT questions. We share many views and although I love reading cookbooks, it's making the dishes that pose as a challenge to me, lol.

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    1. Melody - Thank you! I envy those who enjoy cooking. I'm terrible at it. I do much better with the cleaning up after.

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  7. Good teaser and opening to the cozy. Haven't heard of this series, but it sounds good. Here's my teaser/intro for this week: http://bit.ly/2pgTRDQ

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    1. Kym - This is my first foray into this cozy series, but I am really enjoying it so far.

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  8. I always want to read my favorite authors' books. I avoid certain genres simply because they don't appeal to me.

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    1. Kathy - I've a pretty good idea what I like and don't like too.

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  9. I read the first book in the series and enjoyed it. Thanks for the reminder to revisit this author and the series.

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    1. Catherine - I haven't read the first in the series yet, but I definitely want to now! I am glad to hear you enjoyed it.

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  10. Your excerpt made me smile...and I liked your Top Ten Lists...especially the ones you want to read. I also love books set in the British Isles; I feel as though I'm traveling there when I read a book set in one of the countries.

    Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

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    1. Laurel-Rain - It made me smile too. :-) I would love to travel to the British Isles someday.

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  11. This looks like a fun series, and I love the title of the book! I would definitely keep reading! Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

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    1. Monica - It is a lot of fun. I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

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  12. I like your opening paragraph. It seems like a fun.

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  13. That looks like a fun read! And I so agree about Animal Cruelty...my #1 turn off in books.

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    1. Melissa - It is! I just can't stomach animal cruelty. :-(

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  14. That mystery book sounds like such a fun read. I love both of your lists. I actually didn't include cheating but I've seen it on a few lists and I absolutely can't stand it so I wish I had added it. Such a great post today!

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    1. Barb - It is fun. I am enjoying it quite a bit. :-) There were a number of things I saw on other lists I wish I had thought to include. I think all our lists could have been longer. :-)

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  15. I'm also a huge sucker for the WW1/11 time period. It's such a fascinating era. Also pet/animal books and yes, they have to survive the book! Lots of similar items on our top tens.
    :)

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    1. Frances - Yes, I agree! It's such an interesting time period--and so rich with material for books. I'm a mess if I read a book with an animal death in it.

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  16. I agree with so many of your points on both of your lists! :-) I love a World War II read and also love reading Banned Books!

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    1. Chrissi - Thank you! There's just something about someone telling me what I shouldn't read that makes me want to read it. :-)

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  17. You make me curious about that book!!
    I love all your top ten list that make you want to read a book.
    Animal cruelty is a deal breaker for me. I cannot stand it and will avoid it the best I can. I avoided even watching the movies that featured this subject. I'm open to almost everything except this one. It is a BIG NO. :(

    Anyway, awesome list. Thank you for sharing. :)

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    1. Geybie - I hope you read it if you get the chance. It's good so far. :-)

      Thank you! I had fun putting the lists together. I don't like to watch movies involving animal cruelty either. I used to watch that show where the humane society went after animal abusers and it had me in tears every time. At least in those cases the animals had happy endings. But still, it was tough to watch.

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  18. This sounds like a fun cozy! I'll have to check it out :)

    THanks for stopping by!

    Colletta

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    1. Colletta - It is fun! I hope you like it if you give it a try!

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  19. Great list! I hate cheating as well. I don't think it is necessary in books. No erotica or step-siblings for me either. Your cozy looks great!

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    1. Carole - Thank you! I get that some types of books use adultery as a way to show a character overcoming a hardship, but even then it can be hard to take. In a romance, I can't stand it.

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  20. I agree with so many of your points about what attracts you immediately to a book and what elements assure you would avoid a book!

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    1. Jenclair - My list of reasons a book might attract me could probably go one forever. :-)

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  21. Both your lists are great! The books you never want to read made me laugh...mostly because I agree with you...especially with #8 & 9. :)

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    1. Lark - Thank you! It was hard getting started on my list of 10 I don't want to read, but by the end it was a little too easy. :-)

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  22. Great list!
    My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/25/top-ten-tuesday-104/

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  23. Urban fantasy is one of my favorite fantasy subgenres - I love seeing something new there. :)

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  24. I have the Honeychurch mysteries in my TBR forever. It looks like a great series. I love your lists!

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    1. Yvonne - I am enjoying this one so far. I would like to go back and read the ones I've missed. :-)

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  25. Wendy, this sounds like great fun. I was looking at your lists and must say "animal cruelty" affects me deeply - can't read about it in books or on the news - so disturbing

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    1. Diane - Animal cruelty seems a common dislike among us readers. It rips me up inside to hear about or see.

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  26. I am reading The Sunshine Sisters by Jane Green. I love this post!

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  27. I really like the Hannah Dennison series. I'm about to start book #4 and am really looking forward to it. So far it's been a super solid series. Great lists! I can't handle the step sibling romances or rape either and I definitely avoid anything happening to animals or children.

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    1. Katherine - I have a copy of the 4th book, which is kind of what motivated me to pick this one up to read now since it's been sitting on my to read shelf a while. It's proving to be a good choice. :-) I am glad you like the rest of the series as well! That's good news for me.

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  28. I haven't read any cozy mysteries featuring antique dealers yet. I'd probably start with the first in the series though.

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    1. JoAnn - This one is standing well on its own, but I understand. I had actually thought this was the first one initially, but it's the third, I believe. At least I won't have far back to go to start at the beginning!

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  29. I agree with all the things on your top ten list. The first part of #9 disturbs me - are there really books written on that? I would never read. It is grooming and normalizing predatory behavior. Just can't. I can't do erotica either, and I hate when I start reading something that IS erotica and it is marketed as a romance. There is a distinct difference.

    Your current read looks fabulous. I just discovered cozy mysteries within the last two years and I love them!

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    1. Charlie - I wish I could tell you that no, books like that don't exist, but they do.

      Cozies are a lot of fun. I am glad you enjoy them too!

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  30. I'm definitely with you on the Magic/Supernatural front. Fantasy is my favourite genre.

    I also love strong female leads AND I can't help but put a book on my TBR if another blogger gives it a 5 star review!

    Animal cruelty and animals dying is DEFINITELY a huge turnoff for me too! It's amazing how animals can effect one more so than humans sometimes.

    Bahaha - learning how to flyfish made me chuckle.

    Thanks for a great list!

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    1. Di - I don't feel like I read enough fantasy anymore. I really need to remedy that.

      I feel a little guilty for sometimes getting more upset about an animal death than a human one, but it does happen on occasion. I am glad I am not the only one.

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  31. I very much agree with the incest and sexual abuse. I'd rather not. But sometimes you just don't know up front.

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    1. Annemieke - Yes, sometimes you don't know. I had to read a book involving sexual abuse for a book group recently too--so there is also that reason I'll sometimes go ahead and take a chance.

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