2021 Challenge Wrap Up

I was feeling quite ambitious at the start of the year and signed up for five challenges. This post summarizes how I fared. Unfortunately, I am behind in posting reviews and so did not quite meet that commitment for each of these challenges. Any missing reviews will be posted in the near future. 

I knew before 2020 was over that I wanted to take part in a historical fiction challenge, and so when I saw mention of the 2021 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Marg, the The Intrepid Reader I knew I had to jump on board. As with many of my other challenges, this one was quite broad in the types of books I could read for it, which is always good for a mood reader like me. I signed up to do the Victorian level which meant reading five (5) historical fiction books, but changed it mid-year to the Medieval level, committing to read fifteen (15) historical fiction books.  Here is my list of the books I read for the challenge: 

1. The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

2. Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder (#1) by T.A. Willberg

3. The Russian Cage (Gunnie Rose #3) by Charlaine Harris

4. The Arrangement (Plainclothes Tootsie #1) by M. Ravenel

5. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner*

6. The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba (Cuba Saga #4) by Chanel Cleeton

7. A Peculiar Combination (Electra McDonnell #1) by Ashley Weaver*

8. Swimming Back to Trout River by Linda Rui Feng

9. Murder in the East End (Kat Holloway Below Stairs #4) by Jennifer Ashley*

10. Death at the Crystal Palace (Kat Holloway Below Stairs #5) by Jennifer Ashley*

11. The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

12. The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke (2021)*

13. The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown*

14. Down a Dark River (Inspector Corravan #1 by Karen Odden*

15. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson*

I also took part in the 2021 Nonfiction Reader Challenge hosted by Shelleyrae of Book'd Out. I enjoy nonfiction, but sometimes need a little extra push to read it. I signed up for the Nonfiction Nibbler level and planned to read six (6) nonfiction books over the course of the year. I admit it was a bit of a struggle , especially as a mood reader who found it easier to pick up a fiction book to read. I am slowly making my way through one book in particular I had hoped to read for this challenge before the end of the year but have a feeling I will be carrying it into the new year with me. I was still able to fit another one in though just in time.

1. Becoming by Michelle Obama*

2. Written in Bone: Hidden Stories in What We Leave Behind by Sue Black*

3. I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel*

4. The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown*

5. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson*

6. Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson*

I upped the ante a bit with the 2021 Poetry Challenge hosted by Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit this year with a goal to read three (3) books of poetry, which I raised to seven (7) mid-year. Although it isn't a part of the challenge, I also was hoping to put my subscription to Poetry Magazine to use by sharing about some of the stand out poems I discovered there. I did not quite manage the second part, but I feel satisfied with the books I did read. What I read:

1. What Mothers Withhold by Elizabeth Kropf

2. Passiflora by Kathy Davis

3. From the Inside: The Inner Soul of a Young Poet by Thanvi Voruganti

4. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo*

5. Anything That Happens by Cheryl Wilder

6. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson*

7. Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson*

This year's Clean Out Your E-Reader Challenge (COYER) hosted by Michelle and Berls of Because Reading Is Better Than Real Life was a year long challenge, although divided into seasons and also included a community component. 

The Winter COYER Challenge (January & February) followed the more strict COYER rules: for books to count toward the challenge, they had to be in electronic format (e-books or audiobooks). Books read had to be free or nearly free. This included review books and books under $2 (audiobooks under $5). My goal was to read four (4) books for Winter COYER:

1. One by One by Ruth Ware

2. Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder (#1) by T.A. Willberg

3. Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

4. A Glimmer of Death (#1) by Valerie Wilson Wesley

5. The Russian Cage (Gunnie Rose #3) by Charlaine Harris

6 The Wedding Date (The Wedding Date #1) by Jasmine Guillory

7. The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

The Spring COYER Challenge (March - June) had similar rules to the Winter COYER, only not only did e-books and audiobooks count, but also physical books. My goal was to read twelve (12) books for Spring COYER: 

 

1. The Gilded Ones (Deathless #1) by Namina Forna

2. The Arrangement (Plainclothes Tootsie #1) by M. Ravenel

3. The Memory Collectors by Kim Neville

4. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner*

5. Arsenic and Adobo  (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery #1) by Mia P. Manansala 

6. The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba (Cuba Saga #4) by Chanel Cleeton

7. The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday by Kiley Dunbar*

8. Shadowed Steel (Heirs of Chicagoland #3) by Chloe Neill

9. Angel of the Overpass (Ghost Roads #3) by Seanan McGuire

10. Black Water Sister by Zen Cho

11. A Peculiar Combination (Electra McDonnell #1) by Ashley Weaver*

12. Swimming Back to Trout River by Linda Rui Feng

13.  Written in Bone: Hidden Stories in What We Leave Behind by Sue Black*

14.  Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors (The Rajes #1) by Sonali Dev*

15. The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley*

16. Murder in the East End (Kat Holloway Below Stairs #4) by Jennifer Ashley*

The Summer COYER Challenge (July through September) took a more relaxed, anything goes approach. I decided against making a numeric goal this time around and instead decided to give myself plenty of wiggle room and not set any hard and fast rules. My plan was to continue clearing out some of the books on my e-reader, including ARCs, catch up on a couple of favorite series, and read at least three nonfiction books. Mostly, I wanted to have fun with my reading. In the end I did not read any nonfiction books sadly, but I did fit in some ARC and series reading. That has to count for something, right? 

1.  Death at the Crystal Palace (Kat Holloway Below Stairs #5) by Jennifer Ashley*

2. I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel*

3. The Stranger in the Mirror by Liv Constantine*

4. Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop by Rosselle Lim*

5. A Fistful of Charms (The Hollows #4) by Kim Harrison*

6. Strange Beasts of China by Yan Ge*

7. Be My Ghost (A Haunted Haven Mystery #1) by Carol J. Perry*

8. For a Few Demons More (The Hollows #5) by Kim Harrison*

9. Witches Get Stitches (Stay a Spell #3) by Juliette Cross*

10. The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

The Fall COYER Challenge (October through December) brought a tightening of the rules--but just a bit. Format and price did not matter but the books had to fall into the Scavenger Hunt List categories (unlimited books per category). My goal was to read five books that met the scavenger hunt list requirements. I think I did well with this one.

1. A Spindle Splintered (Fractured Fables #1) by Alix E. Harrow* ~ 7. Retells a fairytale or 19. a book by an author I previously gave 5 stars

2. The Ex Hex (#1) by Erin Sterling* ~ 4. Cartoonish Cover

3. Cackle by Rachel Harrison* ~ 22. One word title

4. The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows #6) by Kim Harrison* ~ 28. Strong female protagonist

5.  The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown ~ 17. Nonfiction

6. Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings (Mrs. Claus #1) by Liz Ireland ~ 6. Christmas theme

7. Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 4  by Kamome Shrahama & Stephen Kohler, translator* ~ 10. Manga

8. Down a Dark River (Inspector Corravan #1 by Karen Odden* ~ 15. book with a male protagonist

9. Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson* ~ 36. An author with three names

I added the Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge hosted by Carol of Carol's Notebook at the last minute because I had to sign up for a mystery challenge if I was participating in reading challenges for the year. I took on the Amateur Sleuth level, reading between 5 to 15 mysteries and upped the stakes mid-year to the Detective level, to read between 16 to 25 mysteries. I liked that the challenge allowed for a broad range of subgenres.

1. One by One by Ruth Ware 

2. Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder (#1) by T.A. Willberg

3. Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

4.A Glimmer of Death (#1) by Valerie Wilson Wesley

5. The Russian Cage (Gunnie Rose #3) by Charlaine Harris

6. The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins 

7. The Arrangement (Plainclothes Tootsie #1) by M. Ravenel

8. Arsenic and Adobo  (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery #1) by Mia P. Manansala

9. Shadowed Steel (Heirs of Chicagoland #3) by Chloe Neill*

10. Black Water Sister by Zen Cho

11. A Peculiar Combination (Electra McDonnell #1) by Ashley Weaver*

13. Murder in the East End (Kat Holloway Below Stairs #4) by Jennifer Ashley*

14. Death at the Crystal Palace (Kat Holloway Below Stairs #5) by Jennifer Ashley*

15. The Stranger in the Mirror by Liv Constantine*

16. Be My Ghost (A Haunted Haven Mystery #1) by Carol J. Perry*

17. The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (The Hollows #2) by Kim Harrison*

18. Every Which Way But Dead (The Hollows #3) by Kim Harrison*

19. A Fistful of Charms (The Hollows #4) by Kim Harrison*

20. For a Few Demons More (The Hollows #5) by Kim Harrison*

21. The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows #6) by Kim Harrison*

22. The Lighthouse Witches C.J. Cooke*

23. In the Company of Witches (Evenfall Witches B&B #1) by Auralee Wallace*

24. Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings (Mrs. Claus #1) by Liz Ireland*

25. Down a Dark River (Inspector Corravan #1) by Karen Odden*

Did you have any reading goals this year? What reading challenges did you take on? How did you fare?  

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© 2021, 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.

Bookish Mewsings: The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

It is the absolute shittiest day for a walk. ~ Opening of The Wife Upstairs

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

St. Martin's Press, 2021

Crime Fiction/Thriller; 304 pgs

Source: NetGalley

This novel was every bit the enjoyable read as everyone told me it would be. It was the winner of my February 2021 poll, and it did not disappoint. Touted as a modern Jane Eyre re-telling with a twist, The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins certainly has several parallels to the original Charlotte Bronte novel, but it is also a very different novel that stands well on its own--so you don't have to be a fan or to have read the Classic to appreciate and enjoy The Wife Upstairs. 

Jane Bell grew up in foster care and is trying to escape her past. She has a plan and she is determined to do what it takes to get what she wants. She has found her way into the Thornfield Estates in Alabama, a wealthy gated community, where she walks dogs for the bored housewives who have better things to do--like shop and plan charity events. No one notices the little things that disappear when Jane is around--an earring here or there, perhaps a watch or a bracelet. And no one ever questions whether Jane is who she says she is. 

Jane finds exactly what she is looking for when she runs into the recently widowed Eddie Rochester--or rather, he almost runs into her with his car. Eddie is everything Jane wants. Rich, single, and available. The two hit it off immediately and one thing leads to another. Jane's plan is working perfectly. But she is haunted by the memory of Bea, Eddie's wife, who seemed almost too good to be true, a rags to riches story, well-liked and well-loved. And then there are the questions surrounding her disappearance and death. She and her friend had died in a boating accident. It was an accident, right? 

I know I am not supposed to like any of the characters--they all are rather pretentious and self-centered, but I could not help but like Jane. Perhaps it was sympathy for all she'd been through as a child, but I also liked her grit and perseverance. There was a naivety about her, just the same. Especially when you stand her up next to the charming and polish of other characters in the novel. I also kind of liked Eddie, ever so charming and yet not quite hiding a strong approach-with-caution vibe underneath it all.  

I did not want want to put this novel down; it was such a fun read. It doesn't take itself too seriously either, which I think is part of its charm. Even when I suspected the direction the novel would go, whether I was right or wrong, I enjoyed finding out every step of the way. And I loved the ending. I was not sure how everything would turn out, but it felt right for the story Hawkins was telling us. 

Challenges Met:  Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge & Winter COYER

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© 2021, 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.

Bookish Mewsings: The Russian Cage by Charlaine Harris & The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

I sat at the table in my cabin, my sister's letter in my hand, and read it for the third time. ~ Opening of Russian Cage

The Russian Cage (Gunnie Rose #3) by Charlaine Harris

Gallery/Saga Press, 2021

Fantasy; 304 pgs

Source: NetGalley

Charlaine Harris's The Russian Cage is the third book in her Gunnie Rose urban fantasy series, set in or around the 1930's in an alternate history. It has a definite Western feel to it. The United States fell apart during the early 1900's after the worst flu epidemic the world had ever seen along with a period of depression. What was once California and Oregon is now a part of the Holy Russian Empire, the place the Romanov family fled to during the revolution. It is the last place Lizbeth wants to go, but when a letter from her sister arrives with a hidden message that Lizbeth's friend Prince Eli Savarov has been arrested, Lizbeth does not hesitate to make her way to San Diego to find out what is going on--and what she can do about it. 

The Holy Russian Empire appears to be the most advanced and wealthy of the various regions of the former U.S. readers of the series have encountered so far. Lizbeth feels out of her element, not used to the luxuries and protocols of the area. She's not at all happy having to give up carrying her guns when out and about and has little patience for the formalities of interacting with society and royalty. She is not really sure who she can trust but knows she is limited without help. She turns to her sister and an old acquaintance. 

I loved the first novel, An Easy Death, but this one is probably my favorite of the three books in the series. Lizbeth proves yet again how strong, smart and resourceful she is even when completely out of her element. She has good instincts which rarely let her down. The Russian Cage gives readers a closer look into Eli's family and the role Grigori's (magic users) hold in the Holy Russian Empire. We also get to know Felicia, Lizbeth's sister a bit more, although it is obvious there is still a lot to uncover there. She's attending school in San Diego, learning to master her Grigori abilities. 

The world building in this series is well done and interesting, from the history to the cultural and social aspects. Like the other books in the series, The Russian Cage is full of action and adventure and was an entertaining read. I had no idea what direction the story was going to take and just went along for the ride. I highly recommend reading this series in order as each one builds on the other. I enjoy spending time with Eli and Lizbeth and hope this won't be the last I see of them. 

Challenges Met:  Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge & Winter COYER &  2021 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Alexa Monroe walked into the Fairmont hotel in San Francisco that Thursday night wearing her favorite red heels, jittery from coffee, and with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne in her purse. ~ opening line of The Wedding Date

The Wedding Date (The Wedding Date #1) by Jasmine Guillory

Berkley, 2018

Romance; 320 pgs

Source: NetGalley

On her way to a celebratory evening with her sister, Alexa Monroe gets stuck in the hotel elevator with the rather attractive Drew Nichols. Their harmless flirting turns into Alexa's promise to attend not only the wedding of Drew's ex-girlfriend, but also the rehearsal dinner the night before. What could it hurt, Alexa wonders. A fake date quickly turns into a fake boyfriend/girlfriend situation. 

There is no denying the chemistry between Alexa and Drew, both physically and otherwise. They feel at ease with each other and enjoy spending time with one another. They had planned for their date to only last the weekend of the wedding, but neither is quite ready to say goodbye when the time comes. The only catch? Alexa lives in Berkeley where she works as the mayor's chief of staff and Drew is a pediatrician in Los Angeles. Where there is a will, there is a way, and thanks to frequent flyer miles and probably hefty savings accounts, the two take turns flying back and forth to visit with each other on the occasional weekends. 

As their feelings grow for each other, they both know they must end their relationship before they get too attached. For Alexa, it is the fear of falling in love and wanting more than Drew is willing to give. He made it clear he wasn't relationship material right from the start. For Drew, he does not want to break Alexa's heart, knowing that is exactly what will happen if they continue to see each other. 

It's a common trope, sure, but the characters and the magic Jasmine Guillory works to tell their story is what makes this such an entertaining romance. I found Alexa to be an extremely relatable character. I loved her charm and dedication to her work. She's clearly a smart and capable woman. Drew is easy to like as well. They both have some great supportive friends too who not only call them out when necessary but also comfort them when they most need it.

I appreciated the side stories that each character was struggling with and how they came together for each other, whether it was the diagnosis of one of Drew's young patients and how to help the boy's mother or Alexa wanting to start a project for helping at-risk teens (we need more programs like this!). 

I also really liked how Jasmine Guillory approached the interracial relationship aspects of the novel. Romance novels are expected to have that Happily Ever After or For Now ending, but it does not mean they cannot tackle more serious topics. The author does not beat anyone over the head with the challenges a couple might face, merely a mention here or there in a very natural-to-the-novel way. As simple as Alexa asking Drew if she will be the only Black person in the room, for example, or having that conversation about privilege in terms of how a Black teen is treated compared to a White teen in the same situation. These are conversations we need to see and engage in more. 

After reading Royal Holiday, the 4th book in the series last year, I was not expecting as many bedroom scenes as there were in The Wedding Date, admittedly. The Royal Holiday wasn't without, mind you, but it was significantly less in that regard. Not that I am complaining. Two different novels. Four very different characters. 

I am always curious as to how long distance relationships in romance novels will be resolved in the end. Who will have to give up what? I know, I know. It isn't about what they are leaving behind but rather what they are gaining. My mind still goes there though. I am happy to say The Wedding Date had a very satisfactory ending in that regard. 

Overall, I found The Wedding Date to be a delight to read. I was smiling just about the entire time I was reading it. Except maybe when I was crying in the sadder moments. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Challenge Met: Winter COYER

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© 2021, 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.

Where Is Your Bookmark? (Bookish Mewsings: A Glimmer of Death by Valerie Wilson Wesley / Connect 5: TBR Mysteries/Crime Fiction by Black Authors / BBHOP: Squeezing in the Reading)

A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the amazing Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.

The office reeked of nutmeg. It tickled my nose, filled my mouth, forcing its way down my throat. Funny thing about nutmeg. A dash can spice up cocoa; too much can make you sick. Determined to ignore it, I focused on the real estate listings in front of me. Yet the smell wouldn't leave. I closed my eyes, trying to block this pain-in-the-neck, useless sixth sense, but it did no good. To me, Odessa Jones, nutmeg means death. [Opening of A Glimmer of Death]

A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.

"Dessa, this is serious business. If you think your dead boss was running some kind of a scam that resulted in his murder, you need to tell the authorities."

"I will," I said in the most earnest voice I could manage. This wasn't the time to share my reservations about the good will of the police. [an excerpt at 56% of A Glimmer of Death]

A Glimmer of Death (#1) by Valerie Wilson Wesley

Kensington, 2021

Crime Fiction/Cozy/Paranormal; 240 pgs

Source: NetGalley

Award-winning author Valerie Wilson Wesley launches a thrilling new mystery series set in New Jersey, featuring a multicultural cast, and starring a caterer-turned-realtor with the gift of second sight...

In the first of a thrilling new series, one woman's extraordinary psychic gift plunges her already-troubled present into chaos--and puts her future in someone's deadly sights...

Until now, Odessa Jones' inherited ability to read emotions and foretell danger has protected her. But second sight didn't warn her she would soon be a widow--and about to lose her home and the catering business she's worked so hard to build. The only things keeping Dessa going are her love for baking and her sometimes-mellow cat, Juniper. Unfortunately, putting her life back together means taking a gig at an all-kinds-of-shady real estate firm run by volatile owner Charlie Risko...

Until Charlie is brutally killed--and Dessa's bullied co-worker is arrested for murder. Dessa can't be sure who's guilty. But it doesn't take a psychic to discover that everyone from Charlie's much-abused staff to his long-suffering younger wife had multiple reasons to want him dead. And as Dessa follows a trail of lies through blackmail, dead-end clues, and corruption, she needs to see the truth fast--or a killer will bury her deep down with it. [Goodreads Summary]

My thoughts:  Paranormal cozy mysteries are tied with historical cozies as my favorite type of cozy mysteries. I love that added touch of magic or psychic abilities. Dessa is still trying to understand her own psychic gift, not quite trusting it. She's such a great character, insightful and smart. I agree with Lennox that she has a big heart, but she is also the kind of woman who can take of herself. She's the kind of person I would like to be able to call friend--and not just because she makes such delicious sounding treats. 

There were several times throughout the novel that I wished she would just walk away from the real estate agency. Talk about a toxic work environment! Charlie really was the boss from hell. Everyone had a motive for wanting that man dead, and even I was not sure who was behind it, suspecting just about everyone at one point or another. The mystery goes deeper than just the murder a cruel boss though, and I liked that added darker layer.

Besides Dessa, I enjoyed spending time with Aunt Phoenix and Lennox. And who can resist a cat companion like Juniper? I hope I get to spend more time with these characters (and maybe meet more of Dessa's family) in future books in the series, and get to know them all a bit better. I look forward to reading more by Valerie Wilson Wesley, both her future books as well as her backlist.

Challenges Met:  Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge & Winter COYER

Have you read A Glimmer of Death? Does it sound like something you would like? 

Originally a feature called Last Year I Was Reading created by Maria from ReadingMaria. 

I liked it enough to continue on my own, but have tweaked it

 to feature Five Years Ago I Was Reading. 

(I would have gone back ten, but I read so little in 2011)

Five years ago I was finishing up reading Death Sits Down to Dinner by Tessa Arlen, the second in her series featuring Lady Montfert and Mrs. Jackson. Set in Edwardian England, this fun historical cozy mystery has yet to disappoint. 

Have you read this series? If so, what did you think? What were you reading five years ago?

Connect Five Friday is a weekly meme where readers share a list of five books, read or unread, or bookish things, that share a common theme. Hosted by the  Kathryn of of Book Date.

I cannot resist a good mystery/thriller, and the list of books I want to read is, well, huge. I thought today I would feature five mystery/thriller books by Black authors that I want to read. I have to say, it was hard to narrow it down to just five. There are many more than just these I want to read! 

Bluebird, Bluebird (Highway 59 #1) by Attica Locke 

A powerful thriller about the explosive intersection of love, race, and justice from a writer and producer of the Emmy winning Fox TV show Empire.

When it comes to law and order, East Texas plays by its own rules--a fact that Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger, knows all too well. Deeply ambivalent about growing up black in the lone star state, he was the first in his family to get as far away from Texas as he could. Until duty called him home.

When his allegiance to his roots puts his job in jeopardy, he travels up Highway 59 to the small town of Lark, where two murders--a black lawyer from Chicago and a local white woman--have stirred up a hornet's nest of resentment. Darren must solve the crimes--and save himself in the process--before Lark's long-simmering racial fault lines erupt.

A rural noir suffused with the unique music, color, and nuance of East Texas, Bluebird, Bluebird is an exhilarating, timely novel about the collision of race and justice in America. [Goodreads Summary]

A Deadly Inside Scoop (Ice Cream Parlor Mystery #1) by Abby Collette 

Recent MBA grad Bronwyn Crewse has just taken over her family's ice cream shop in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and she's going back to basics. Wyn is renovating Crewse Creamery to restore its former glory, and filling the menu with delicious, homemade ice cream flavors—many from her grandmother’s original recipes. But unexpected construction delays mean she misses the summer season, and the shop has a literal cold opening: the day she opens her doors an early first snow descends on the village and keeps the customers away.

To make matters worse, that evening, Wyn finds a body in the snow, and it turns out the dead man was a grifter with an old feud with the Crewse family. Soon, Wyn’s father is implicated in his death. It's not easy to juggle a new-to-her business while solving a crime, but Wyn is determined to do it. With the help of her quirky best friends and her tight-knit family, she'll catch the ice cold killer before she has a meltdown . . . [Goodreads Summary]

The Strivers' Row Spy (Renaissance #1) by Jason Overstreet

Stunning, suspenseful, and unforgettably evocative, Jason Overstreet’s debut novel glitters with the vibrant dreams and dangerous promise of the 1920s Harlem Renaissance, as one man crosses the perilous lines between the law, loyalty, and deadly lies…

For college graduate Sidney Temple, the Roaring Twenties bring opportunities even members of his accomplished black bourgeois family couldn’t have imagined. His impulsive marriage to independent artist Loretta is a happiness he never thought he’d find. And when he’s tapped by J. Edgar Hoover to be the FBI’s first African-American agent, he sees a once-in-a-lifetime chance to secure real justice.

Instead of providing evidence against Marcus Garvey, prominent head of the “dangerously radical” back-to-Africa movement, Sidney uses his unexpected knack for deception and undercover work to thwart the Bureau’s biased investigation. And by giving renowned leader W. E. B. Du Bois insider information, Sidney gambles on change that could mean a fair destiny for all Americans...

But the higher Sidney and Loretta climb in Harlem’s most influential and glamorous circles, the more dangerous the stakes. An unexpected friendship and a wrenching personal tragedy threaten to shatter Loretta’s innocent trust in her husband—and turn his double life into a fast-closing trap. For Sidney, ultimately squeezed between the Bureau and one too many ruthless factions, the price of escape could be heartbreak and betrayal no amount of skill can help him survive. [Goodreads Summary]

My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

When Korede's dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what's expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This'll be the third boyfriend Ayoola's dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away. She should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first. Until, that is, Ayoola starts dating the doctor where Korede works as a nurse. Korede's long been in love with him, and isn't prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back: but to save one would mean sacrificing the other...

My Sister, the Serial Killer is a blackly comic novel about how blood is thicker - and more difficult to get out of the carpet - than water... [Goodreads Summary]

Murder in G Major (Gethsemane Brown Mysteries #1) by Alexia Gordon

With few other options, African-American classical musician Gethsemane Brown accepts a less-than-ideal position turning a group of rowdy schoolboys into an award-winning orchestra. Stranded without luggage or money in the Irish countryside, she figures any job is better than none. The perk? Housesitting a lovely cliffside cottage. The catch? The ghost of the cottage's murdered owner haunts the place. Falsely accused of killing his wife (and himself), he begs Gethsemane to clear his name so he can rest in peace. Gethsemane's reluctant investigation provokes a dormant killer and she soon finds herself in grave danger. As Gethsemane races to prevent a deadly encore, will she uncover the truth or star in her own farewell performance? [Goodreads Summary]

Have you read any of these? If so, what did you think? What mysteries/thrillers by Black authors would you recommend? 

Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.

Is reading a fixed part of your morning or evening routine? (submitted by Elizabeth @Complex Chaos)

Yes! Well, in part. Reading is not really a part of my morning routine unless you count catching up on the news or sometimes on a Sunday when I linger in bed and read before finally getting up for the day. My attempts at reading a book in the morning on workdays usually result in my running late--I lose track of the time so easily.

I do try to make a point of reading during my lunch break on those workdays though. I really benefit from that mental break. It was easier in pre-pandemic days when I was working in the office full-time and could just slip away into an empty office and shut out the world for half an hour. Nowadays, it isn't quite so simple since I work from home part of the time. During my days in the office, I easily fall into my usual routine. But working from home is more complicated since my husband works from home full-time now and my daughter's schooling is all virtual. I have gotten better at finding a way to make time for lunch time reading on days I am home, although it does not always work out. 

I get really grumpy if I do not get in a little bedtime reading. Reading often quiets my mind at night and helps me fall asleep. 

What about you?

 I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!

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© 2021, 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.

Bookish Mewsings: Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder & Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

Threads of steam rose from the warm tarmac. ~ Opening of Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder

Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder by T.A. Willberg

Park Row, 2020

Crime Fiction/Historical/Thriller; 336 pgs

Source: NetGalley

When I started reading Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder, I was expecting something more along the lines of a traditional historical mystery set in 1958 with the allure of secret tunnels and a mysterious group of detectives. What I had not anticipated was a steampunk-like mystery with cool little gadgets, alchemy, a secret map, hidden rooms, and mysterious possibly-deadly tunnels. 

This was such a fun read. Marion Lane, a first-year Inquirer-in-training for Miss Brickett's Investigations & Inquiries, lives with her grandmother who thinks Marion works in a bookstore and would be better off marrying a man and enjoying domestic bliss. Little does her grandmother know, she spends her days beneath the city, learning the skills it will take for her to become an official Inquirer, wearing disguises, spying, and solving crimes.

When a letter arrives late one April night, the filing assistant who receives it ends up dead. All evidence points to Marion's friend and mentor--or so someone wants everyone to believe. At the risk of losing her place at the school, Marion sets out to clear his name. This means trying to uncover secrets dating back to World War II--secrets that more than one person would prefer remain hidden. 

I was quite fascinated by the intricate organization that is Miss Brickett's Investigations & Inquiries. It's like an entirely separate world underground. While some of the tunnels are safe, some are not--and are even forbidden. The organization steps in to solve crimes that Scotland Yard cannot or seems to be no help with. The inquirers in training are recruited from a wide variety of backgrounds, often displaying extraordinary skills in one area or another. In Marion's case, her skills as a mechanic make her stand out. It's not exactly the kind of job your average woman in the 1950's would do, and so what better place for her than at Miss Brickett's? 

The murder itself is sort of a locked room mystery, which itself was interesting, but it was the larger mystery around it--the why--that really takes this book in an unexpected direction. I thoroughly enjoyed Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder and hope there will be more. There's so much more in this world to explore! Not to mention Marion is such a great character and I would enjoy spending more time with her and her friends. 

Challenges Met:  Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge & Winter COYER &  2021 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

It's a widely known fact that most moms are ready to kill someone by eight thirty A.M. on  any given morning. ~ Opening of Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It (#1) by Elle Cosimano

Minotaur Books, 2021

Crime Fiction/Thriller; 368 pg

Source: NetGalley

Nothing is going right for Finlay Donovan. Her literary agent is on her back about finishing her novel--it's already past deadline--her ex-husband fired the nanny without a word to her, not to mention he is threatening to seek custody of their two young children, and she has a stack  of bills she cannot pay. 

While out for lunch with her literary agent, Finlay is mistaken for a contract killer when she is overheard by another customer sitting at a nearby table. The woman slips Finlay a note with a request that Finlay take care of the woman's no good husband for a price that would solve a lot of Finlay's problems. Only, Finlay is not a killer. She only writes about them. 

Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan Is Killing It had me laughing right from the start. She is relatable and funny and I couldn't help but feel for her every step of the way. Even as she made questionable decision after questionable decision and things just seemed to snowball from there. Yes, this novel is out there and unbelievable, but it was still such fun to read. It reminded me the fun I had reading the early Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich. Just as Stephanie was out of her league as a bounty hunter, so is Finlay as a hired killer. Of course, the difference being Finlay never set out to be any sort of killer. 

Seeing how Finlay would get out of each mess she found herself in was part of the fun, and I could not read this book fast enough. The characters are well-developed and interesting, from the nanny, Vero, who is not only smart but sassy as well, the bartender, Julian, and the police officer Nick, to Finlay's sister and kids. I was not a fan of the ex or the new wife, but then, I imagine I wasn't supposed to be. 

Adventure, mystery and comedy, with a hint of possible romance, make up Finlay Donovan is Killing It. I am so glad I took a chance on it. 

Challenges Met:  Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge & Winter COYER

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© 2021, 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.

Bookish Mewsings: One by One by Ruth Ware

I keep my earbuds shoved into my ears on the minibus from Geneva Airport. ~ Opening of One by One 

One by One by Ruth Ware 

Simon & Schuster, 2020

Crime Fiction/Thriller; 352 pgs

Source: NetGalley

Set in a luxurious mountaintop chalet in the French Alps, the Snoop shareholders and directors meet to discuss the future of their company. It could mean the end or the start of something new for them, depending on who has their way. A lot of money is on the line and tensions are high between all parties. When one of them ends up missing, believed to be dead in an avalanche as a blizzard blows in, it puts everyone else on edge. When one of them turns up dead, it puts doubts in all their minds. Could the first have been murder too? No one knows who to trust exactly. All they know is that there is a killer among them.

It was hard not to want to snuggle deeper under my blanket as I read One by One, the cold stormy weather coming off the pages. The novel is told from the perspective of two of the characters: Erin, the hostess and one of the caretakers of the resort, and Liz, a former employee of the company who is only there because she owns shares in the company and so has voting rights in any decision that will be made. I liked having the two viewpoints--one from the inside and one from the outside of the group. It offered unique perspectives and insight into the other characters. 

You can imagine most of the characters are not particularly likeable. Topher, the founder and leader of the bunch, is an entitled white man who is used to getting his way. Eva, the cofounder, is polished and also used to getting her way. Frankly, most of the Snoop employees fall into the privileged and entitled camp. I  could not help but feel for Liz, especially in the beginning. She seemed so out of place among the more sophisticated Snoop staff.  Erin and Danny are the resort's caretakers, Erin being the more down to earth of the two, but neither of the same elk as their guests. 

I enjoy a good locked room mystery and this one did not disappoint in the end. I admit I found the beginning to drag on a bit. It takes awhile before the action starts. Once it did however, at about 30% of the novel, it didn't stop from there. Tension was high with suspicion falling on everyone, not to mention the outside threat of the storm which only added to their predicament. The stormy isolated setting was perfect for this type of novel.

While perhaps the whodunit part was not too hard to figure out after awhile, the why of it was an interesting twist, especially as the layers were unraveled. And those seemingly trivial chapter headers .  . . Well, they are worth paying attention to as the story unfolds. I cannot say this is my favorite Ruth Ware novel. But I did find it entertaining and once I really got into it, I found it hard to put down. 

Counts towards the Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge & Winter COYER Challenge.

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© 2021, 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.