Review - A Death in Chelsea

This is a new historical mystery series.  I reviewed the first in the series, Murder in Belgravia (click here) a few months ago and now I am sharing my thoughts on the second novel in the series.

Author: Lynn Brittney

Copyright: March 2020 (Crooked Lane Books) 336 pgs

Series: 2nd in Mayfair 100 Mysteries

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Police Procedural

Main Character: Chief Inspector Beech, head of a special task force

Setting: 1915, London

Obtained Through: Library

Cover blurb:  "In the dark days of World War I, an aristocrat's suspicious suicide propels a one-of-a-kind crime-fighting team into a sordid world of blackmail, betrayal, and tragic secrets.

When the phone rings at the Mayfair 100 exchange, the news is rarely good, and this time is no exception. The Duchess of Penhere's daughter, notorious society gossip queen Lady Adeline Treborne, has been found dead in her room in what appears to be a suicide--but her family suspects foul play.

The secret Mayfair team of amateur female detectives has been restlessly awaiting their next case, and this will prove one of their thorniest. When Dr. Caroline Allardyce performs an autopsy, she is able to conclusively prove that the woman was murdered. Lady Treborne had made many enemies through her vicious gossip column, so there's no shortage of suspects.

Supported by a cadre of professional police officers, the Mayfair women launch their investigation, but there's much more to this case than meets the eye. As they venture into a world that lays bare London high life at its lowest, the team soon begins to comprehend the danger at hand--and how this tangled web of treachery could ensnare anyone who gets too close."

Chief Inspector Peter Beech is an openminded police detective who has the vision of women aiding the police and heads up the unique team.  Victoria is a female lawyer who at one point had been "dating" Beech, but that ended and now they attempt working together.  Caroline is the female doctor on the team.  She is waiting for Beech to see her as more than a friend, but just may be ready to move on.  

Rigsby is the younger male of the team and the handsome one that women seem to flutter eyelashes at despite a scar from the war.  Tollman is an older and grizzled policeman that knows more about the goings on in London and who to talk to than most anybody else alive.  Tollman takes Rigsby under his wing and begins mentoring him.  Lady Maud is Victoria's mother and provides a large house as the team's headquarters.  Billy's mom, Elsie, and his Aunt Sissy provide some comic relief and are gems in the story.  We have the addition of Mabel Summersby, a pharmacist who works with Caroline and gets into the forensic side of the investigation.  

This proved a complicated and twisting investigation that kept my attention glued to the pages.  The ensemble cast each working the investigation from different angles made the pacing a steady driving force.  The climax is tense with a standoff and quite realistic.  The wrap-up shows the team bonding and ties up all the threads wonderfully.  

I have to say that Ms. Brittney is setting a high bar in this series.  The books are rich in period detail, the characters are all layered and engaging, the plots are just intricate enough without losing the reader, and the writing weaves it all effortlessly together for an engaging and memorable book.  If you enjoy historical mysteries, then this series is a must read.

Rating: Near Perfect - A must read , buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

Review - Vampire Knitting Club

 I came across this unique book concept and thought this would be good for Halloween coming up.  This is a completely new to me author and series.  Nancy Warren has 70+ books to her credit and started with Harlequin way back in the day.  So read on to find out more about this new series featuring vampires who knit like fiends.

Author: Nancy Warren

Copyright: October 2008 (Ambleside Publishing) 258 pgs

Series: 1st in Vampire Knitting Club Cozy Paranormal Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery

Main Characters: Lucy Swift, just inherited a knit shop in Oxford

Setting: Modern day, Oxford England

Obtained Through: Purchase

Book Blurb: "At a crossroads between a cringe-worthy past (Todd the Toad) and an uncertain future (she's not exactly homeless, but it's close), Lucy Swift travels to Oxford to visit her grandmother. With Gran's undying love to count on and Cardinal Woolsey's, Gran's knitting shop, to keep her busy, Lucy can catch her breath and figure out what she's going to do.

Except it turns out that Gran is the undying. Or at least, the undead. But there's a death certificate. And a will, leaving the knitting shop to Lucy. And a lot of people going in and out who never use the door—including Gran, who is just as loving as ever, and prone to knitting sweaters at warp speed, late at night. What exactly is going on?

When Lucy discovers that Gran did not die peacefully in her sleep, but was murdered, she has to bring the killer to justice without tipping off the law that there's no body in the grave. Between a hot 600-year-old vampire and a dishy detective inspector, both of whom always seem to be there for her, Lucy finds her life getting more complicated than a triple cable cardigan.

The only one who seems to know what's going on is her cat ... or is it ... her familiar?"

Lucy Swift is an average character with a lot of potential to be more memorable.  Her grandmother, Agnes Bartlett, who is now a vampire, is fantastic as a dear older lady who is adjusting to now being a vampire. Her character was much more vibrant and spunky.  Sylvia is the vampire best friend of Agnes and they make a fun pair.  

Rafe Crosyer, vampire and leader of the local fanged residents is only described as "seriously hot".  He is known in the mortal world as an expert in book restoration and a dealer in rare books and manuscripts.  But for the book, he is a close friend to Agnes and seems to like Lucy more than a little.  Detective Inspector Ian Chisholm is the second potential romantic interest and was interesting enough for the limited time on page he received.  Nyx the kitten, her newfound familiar, is one determined cat with some abilities of her own and a fighter.  Nyx is the star of the book in my opinion.

Oxford England is presented as a quaint college town with danger lurking.  I'll be honest, it could have been anywhere in the world with a smattering of older buildings.  The specific setting wasn't utilized but it did provide an old world backdrop.

With this being the first book, time is spent setting up the premise that Agnes was killed in her shop and to save her she was turned by her best friend.  The pacing picks up once Lucy accepts this information, and she switches from mild grief to sleuth almost immediately.  

The killer reveal turns into an opportunity for Lucy to exercise her new-found witchy gifts in self-defense.  This provides a combination of danger and humor.  The wrap up ensures the continuation of Lucy's story as a knit shop owner in Oxford.

If you are looking for a mild paranormal mystery story for a little Halloween fun, this is a good bet.  The idea of knitting vampires is fun and is set up with many of the standard cozy mystery tropes to satisfy most.  This is a fun outing to while away a few hours for a little fun.

Rating:  Well Done - A fun, quick, and easy read I enjoyed.  

Here is an interview with the author writing the series.

https://youtu.be/fITDwCGf9oo?t=394

Review - King's Justice

I have followed and reviewed each of the books in the Maggie Hope series since the beginning:  

#1 Mr. Churchill's Secretary (click here)

#2 Princess Elizabeth's Spy (click here) 

#3 His Majesty's Hope (click here) 

#4 The Prime Minister's Secret Agent (click here) 

#5 Mrs Roosevelt's Confidante (click here)

#6 The Queen's Accomplice (click here)

#7 The Paris Spy (click here)

#8  The Prisoner in the Castle (click here)

Plus a wonderful interview with Ms. MacNeal (click here).  

Today I review the newest addition to the series.  Occasionally the Maggie Hope storyline is more of a regular mystery than spying and intrigue.  This is one of those times.  People expecting another great spy adventure be warned, this is a suspenseful search for a killer.

Author: Susan Elia MacNeal

Copyright: February 2020 (Berkley) 354 pgs

Series: 9th in Maggie Hope Mysteries

Sensuality: Moderate

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Mystery

Main Characters: Maggie Hope, American now British Secret Service

Setting: 1942, London

Obtained Through: Library

Cover Blurb:  "Maggie Hope started out as Winston Churchill’s secretary, but now she’s a secret agent—and the only one who can figure out how the missing violin ties into a series of horrifying murders.

London, December 1943. As the Russian army repels German forces from Stalingrad, Maggie Hope takes a much-needed break from spying to defuse bombs in London. But Maggie herself is an explosion waiting to happen. Traumatized by her past, she finds herself living dangerously—taking huge risks, smoking, drinking, and speeding through the city streets on a motorbike. The last thing she wants is to get entangled in another crime.

But when she’s called upon to look into the theft of a Stradivarius, one of the finest violins ever made, Maggie can’t resist. Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer on the loose in London, targeting conscientious objectors. Little does Maggie know that investigating this dangerous predator will pit her against a new evil—and old enemies. Only Maggie can uncover the connection between the robbery, the murders, and a link to her own past." 

Maggie, who originally started out as Churchill's Secretary and is now a Major and hasn't dealt with her emotional baggage from her many harrowing close calls with death.  She is now acting out and reckless, which I understood.  But  be forewarned, this could turn some off.  Detective Chief Inspector James Durgin is the potential romantic interest.  He is likable and thinks the world of Maggie but worries about her current state.  

1940s London is portrayed like I have never read before as we follow Maggie defusing unexploded bombs that dropped during German air raids but didn't detonate.  The bombed out shells of buildings all around captures England's suffering better than any other I have read.  

The plot of hunting a serial killer during such devastating times of hardship is intense to say the least.  The subplot of Maggie working in bomb disposal and her relationships are fraught with the tragedies of the war add to the overall serious tenor of the book.

The killer confrontation is heart-pounding, an adrenaline rush while reading.  The wrap up is tender and sets up the next book taking place in California.

This Maggie isn't the gal we fell in love with in the first book of the series. She feels betrayed by the government (see  The Prisoner in the Castle) and disillusioned after all she has sacrificed.  I think it was necessary to show how damaged the character is from everything in the last eight books. Which is a whole lot of physical and emotional damage.  I kept reading to see how she deals with her bruised psyche as well as solve the murders.  I appreciate the author giving us a realistic Maggie who struggles and falls down occasionally.  

This novel tackles a few tough issues with a deft touch, I felt.  Questions over the death penalty and conscientious objectors are pondered in the context of the story.  I appreciated bringing to light that British objectors worked in bomb disposal and other life saving areas in service to their nation.  While this is a darker story than the prior books with Maggie's emotional wounds and a serial killer to hunt, it is still a well crafted plot with excellent characterization that wraps the reader in that world.

I must give a caveat to readers who look for mistakes.  Each of these books has reviewers on Amazon who seem eager to find every teensy mistake in the minutest of details.  Yes, Maggie calls it oatmeal not porridge (she is American living in England), or the name of a hospital.  I find the nitpicking of the color of a uniform or such more to build up the reader's ego than a good appraisal of the writing and story.  Please don't read the story at all if such minute mistakes are going to outrage you.  Read a history book, not fiction.  I had to get that off my chest.

Rating:  Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

Here is a video of the author talking about this book at the Poisoned Pen bookstore.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDbKeAFCYDM

Political Mystery Books

 

Yes, (for the USA) there is an election in just a few days - if you hadn't noticed.  So, to give you something to entertain yourself besides all the ads on television (and everywhere you turn), how about some political mysteries or thrillers to read!?  Here is a listing, only a few of which I have a review, but several I have read and recommend.

White House Chef mysteries by Julie Hyzy

1  State of the Onion  

2  Hail to the Chef (review)

3  Eggsecutive Orders

4  Buffalo West Wing

5  Affairs of Steak (review)

6  Fonduing Fathers

7  Home of the Braised

8  All the President's Menus

9  Foreign Eclairs

White House Gardener Mysteries by Dorothy St.James

1  Flowerbed of State

2  The Scarlet Pepper (review)

3  Oak and Dagger

Margaret Truman  Capital Crimes (31 books)

**written by the only child of President Harry Truman!!

1  Murder in the White House

2  Murder on Capitol Hill

3  Murder in the Supreme Court

4  Murder in the Smithsonian

5  Murder on Embassy Row

6  Murder at the FBI

8  Murder in the CIA

11 Murder at the Pentagon...

24 Murder Inside the Beltway (review)

The Camel Club by David Baldacci

I've read all of these and they are great.

1  The Camel Club

2  The Collectors

3  Stone Cold

4  Divine Justice

5  Hell's Corner (review)

Absolute Power by David Baldacci  (read years ago and became a Baldacci fan.  BTW, book is better than the movie)

The First Family (King & Maxwell #4) by David Baldacci (Excellent political thriller I read years ago)

The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton (on my TBR pile)

The Manchurian Candidate by Richard Condon 

(a classic novel well worth reading today)

Our Kind of Traitor by John LeCarre

The Odessa File by Frederick Forsyth  (read many years ago, never forgot - going to reread now!)

The Society by CG Abbot (guest post)

I personally highly recommend!

Jack Ryan Thrillers by Tom Clancy

Back when they were huge hits.  Tom Clancy was the first author to get a $1 million book deal.

1  Hunt for Red October (Movie with Alec Baldwin rocks too!)

2  Patriot Games 

3  Clear and Present Danger 

4  The Sum of All Fears 

5  Cardinal and the Kremlin (follow-on to Red October)

6  The Bear and the Dragon 

7  Red Storm Rising 

8  Red Rabbit 

9  Debt of Honor 

10  Executive Orders 

11 Teeth of the Tiger 

12  Rainbow Six

Moscow Rules (Gabriel Allon #8) by Daniel Silva (read years ago, good book in the Allon series)

The English Girl (Gabriel Allon #13) by Daniel Silva (review)

I hope this list provides entertainment in this political season.  I know I have no doubt missed some, so please leave your suggestions in the comments (go ahead, share those political fiction mystery/thrillers).  These are good to read even after an election (wink).  Enjoy!

Review -A Stroke of Malice

I have been following this series since the very first.  Here are my reviews of the prior books in the series (click on the title):

1) The Anatomist's Wife
2) Mortal Arts     
3) A Grave Matter
4) A Study In Death 
5) As Death Draws Near  
6) A Brush with Shadows
7) An Artless Demise

I am very honored to have several author interviews and guest posts from Ms. Huber:
1)  2012 
2)  2014 
3)  2015 
4)  2016 
5)  2019 

Now for my review of the newest addition to the series.

Author: Anna Lee Huber

Copyright: April 2020 (Berkley) 380 pgs

Series: 8th in Lady Darby Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild and era innuendo

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Mystery

Main Character: Kierra, Lady Darby

Setting: 1832, Traquair, Scotland

Obtained Through: Publisher ( Netgalley) for honest opinion

Cover blurb: "January 1832. After enjoying a delightful few weeks with her family, expectant mother Kiera and Sebastian Gage have been invited to the Duchess of Bowmontʼs Twelfth Night party in Traquair, Scotland. Though she normally avoids such fashionable, rambunctious events, Kiera is ready to join in the festive merrymaking. But upon their arrival at the opulent estate, it becomes obvious that all is not merry in their hostess’s home. The family appears to be under a great strain, and someone seems determined to cause mayhem among the guests with a series of forged notes.

Matters swiftly turn from irksome to downright deadly when the party goers stumble upon a decomposing body in the castleʼs crypt. The corpse is thought to be the duchesses' son-in-law who had purportedly traveled to Paris more than a month earlier. It is evident the man met with foul play, and Kiera and Gage soon realize that a ruthless murderer walks among them—and may well be a member of the duchessʼs own family. And when the investigation takes a treacherous turn, Kiera discovers just how deep the killer is willing to dig to keep their secrets from ever seeing the light of day."  

Lady Darby is pregnant which makes her involvement more delicate and even puts her and the baby in danger.  Her new husband Sebastian Gage has a lot of stress because of Kiera's situation and the murderer gets too close to her.  

Bree, Kiera's personal maid and Anderley, Gage's rough spoken valet are relied upon to help them get answers. Plus there may be some feelings between the two developing.  The Duchess's family secretive, contentious, and generally unhappy.  

What is more gothic than a Scottish castle?  This has atmosphere dripping from the walls and gives the overall impression of family secrets.  Absolutely a great setting used to its fullest potential. 

Steady plotting adds to the setting to create a Hitchcock-esque reading experience that builds in tension.  The pacing is spot on and I found it hard to put down at all.

The killer confrontation is in line with the series expectation of exciting and nail-biting.  Perfection on that score.  The wrap-up provides satisfaction and a void, as I want the next book immediately.

I have come to regard this series as one of my go-to reads historical mysteries.  As soon as a new book is available, I scoop it up.  It never fails to draw me in and Kiera as the lead is more than likeable.  She is relatable while maintaining the historical accuracy, transcending the era and connecting on universal themes.  This book is a great addition to the Lady Darby canon with plenty of chills and thrills.  

I do have one concern.  Too often the magic of the series is hindered once children are born.  I've know a series to end with the birth of a child.  I am hoping this series won't suffer and Kiera is just as active in the investigation as she has been all along.

Rating:  Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Here is a short video highlighting Traquair castle, likely the setting for the book, to get an idea of the great gothic atmosphere in the book.   https://youtu.be/paSS6lPIjTw

46 Mystery Books to get in Halloween Spirit

Halloween is approaching and I thought I would do a collection of mystery books &/or series that will get us in the spooky mystery mood.  

I have broken them out by categories to better facilitate your narrowing down your reading list by preference of ghost, witch, vampire, nightmare before Christmas, or general paranormal which includes tarot, tea leaf readers, and vacationing gods etc.  

These are cozy and some a little darker than cozy, but nothing towards the horror or grizzly end.  I promise.  Most of these I have a review of at least one in the series that I have linked to for your convenience.  That review may have links to others in the series I have reviewed in the series as well.

Ghost

Wild, Wild Death (Pepper Martin Mysteries) by Casey Daniels

Sketcher in the Rye (Portrait of Crime series) by Sharon Pape

An Uninvited Ghost (Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries) by E.J. Copperman

The Last Curtain Call (Haunted Home Renovation series) by Juliet Blackwell

A Skeleton in the Family (Family Skeleton Mysteries) by Leigh Perry

Ghostly Paws (Mystic Notch series) by Leighann Dobbs

The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum by Kirsten Weis

Ghost Hunter Mystery Series by Victoria Laurie - no reviews

Witch

Witches Protection Program by Michael Okon (aka Michael Phillip Cash)

Bewitched & Betrothed (Witchcraft Mystery) by Juliet Blackwell

Mayday Murder (Wiccan Wheel Mysteries) by Jennifer David Hesse

Putting on the Witch (Retired Witches Mysteries) by Joyce and Jim Lavene

A Witch Before Dying (Wishcraft Mysteries) by Heather Blake

A Potion to Die For (Magic Potion Mysteries) by Heather Blake

Home for a Spell (Bewitching Mysteries) by Madelyn Alt

Veiled Menace (Veiled Magic series) by Deborah Blake

Charms and Chocolote Chips (Magical Bakery Mysteries) by Bailey Cates

Opal Fire (Stacy Justice Mysteries) by Barbara Annino

The Divine Circle of Ladies Painting the Town (Divine Circle Mysteries) by Dolores Stewart Riccio

The Seventh Witch (Ophelia & Abby Mysteries) by Shirley Daamsgaard

The Last Grave (Witch Hunt series) by Debbie Viguie

Storm Front (Dresden Files) by Jim Butcher

Burning Water (Diana Tregarde Investigation) PG13+ by Mercedes Lackey

Daisies for Innocence (Enchanted Garden Mysteries) by Bailey Cattrell 

Prose and Cons (Magical Bookshop Mysteries)  by Amanda Flower

Vampire

Let Them Eat Stake (Vampire Chef Mystery) by Sarah Zettel

From Fear to Eternity (An Immortality Bites mystery) by Michelle Rowen

Blood Oath (PG13+ rating) by Christopher Farnsworth

Murder in Vein (Madison Rose Vampire series) by Sue Ann Jaffarian

The Vampire Knitting Club series by Nancy Warren (review of bk 1 coming soon)

Nightmare Before Christmas:

A Christmas Homecoming (Victorian Holiday Mysteries) by Anne Perry

Mrs. Claus and the Santaland Slayings (no review)

Gingerdead Man by Maya Corrigan (no review)

General paranormal

Death and Relaxation (Ordinary Magic series) by Devon Monk

Whispers of Warnings (Change of Fortunes Mysteries) by Jessica Estevao

Who Do Voodoo? (Mind for Murder Mysteries) by Rochelle Staab

Tempest in the Tea Leaves (Fortune Teller Mysteries) by Kari Lee Townsend

An Unhappy Medium (Family Fortune Mysteries) by Dawn Eastman

Avenging Angels (Beaufort & Co. Mysteries) by Mary Stanton

Curiosity Thrilled the Cat (Magical Cats Mysteries) by Sofie Kelly

Wickedly Dangerous (Baby Yaga Mysteries) by Deborah Blake

Occult and Battery (Bay Island Psychic Mysteries) by Lena Gregory

Dogs Don't Lie (Pru Marlow Mysteries) by Clea Simon

Take the Monkey and Run (Call of the Wilde Mysteries) by Laura Morrigan

Bad Moon Rising (Murry/Kidman Suspense Thriller) by L.F. Crawford

Hard Spell - PG13+ (Occult Crimes Unit series) by Justin Gustainis

Abby Cooper: A Psychic Eye Mysteries by Victoria Laurie (no review)

Review - The Last Curtain Call

It has been since 2017 that the previous Haunted Home Renovation was published.  I’m so excited that Ms Blackwell is writing more to the series. I have reviewed each book in this series from the debut issue to the present. 

The Seventh, A Ghostly Light (click here), The sixth, Give Up The Ghost (click here), The fifth, Keeper of the Castle (click here), fourth, Home for the Haunting (click here), the third, Murder on the House (click here), the second book, Deadbolt (click here),  and the debut book, If Walls Could Talk (click here).  Plus we have several interviews and guest posts from Ms. Blackwell.  Today is a review of the newest addition to one of her series.

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Copyright: June 2020 (Berkley) 336 pgs

Series: 8th in Haunted Home Renovation Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery, Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Mel Turner, Owner of Turner Construction company

Setting: Contemporary, San Francisco

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb: “Mel Turner can’t resist the chance to bring the Crockett Theatre, a decrepit San Francisco Art Deco movie palace, back to life. But there’s a catch for Turner Construction: Several artists are currently squatting in the building, and they aren’t the only ones haunting the once-grand halls of the historic theater.…

 When one of the squatters is found dead, the police department has a long list of suspects to investigate. Meanwhile, Mel and her fiancé, Landon, are remodeling an old house for themselves, and Mel finds being on the other side of a home renovation project more challenging than she expected.

 When Mel discovers that the former owner of the Crockett Theatre died under mysterious circumstances, and that there just might be a connection to the ghost haunting her own attic, the case takes a new turn—one that could bring down the curtain for the last time.”

Mel Turner, construction renovator extraordinaire, is very down to earth and works nearly all the time.  Her life is complicated and seeing ghosts adds to that, and she has developed a fear of heights from the book before last that is definitely tested in this story.  Landon Demetrius is a visiting mathematician professor at a local university and Mel's boyfriend.  Homicide Detective Annette Crawford is back again and she is warming up to Mel, kinda sorta.  Mel’s dad, Bill, their friend Stan, and her ex-stepson Caleb get a little page-time for the story which is always enjoyable.  The squatter-artists are unique and add to the story surprisingly well.

San Francisco is always lovingly recreated in these stories.  The Crockett Theatre is a delightful backdrop with the history and gothic atmosphere it provides.  Delicious.

The plot is deceptively simple and gets more complicated as you go.  The pacing kept my interest and I breezed through the book staying up to read.  

The killer reveal is great with atmosphere and danger.  Mel shines in her match with the killer, kudos!  The wrap-up was perfect and light hearted, full of promise.  

I loved this long awaited eighth entry in the series.  It provides some fun chills and light-hearted moments, good mystery to solve, characters to grow fond of, and a great finish written in a manner that effortlessly brings it all to life.  What more could you ask for? 

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Adventure Book Tag

Today I am trying the Adventure Book Tag from Amanda over at Literary Weaponry Blog

If you have a blog and are reading this, consider yourself tagged to do this on your blog.  If you don't have your own blog, you get to know me a little better and can give your answers in the comments.  Come on, join in on the fun!  Share your love of books with us.

I will try to keep my answers to the mystery/thriller genre, but no promises.

Which character would you love to go on an adventure with?  

I will have to say Phyrne Fisher from the Miss Fischer Mysteries.  If you haven't read any of the books or seen the TV series, you are missing out.  It is set in the roaring twenties of Australia.  Love it.  There is a Miss Fisher movie out, "Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears" on Acorn channel.  I don't have it, but I may have to subscribe just to see the movie!       

Here is the trailer:  https://youtu.be/kJ1JC9ue8Y8

If you could be any character for the day, who would you be and why? 

Tough question, there are so many good heroines in the mystery genre.  But I think Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie (34th in line for the throne of England) of the Her Royal Spyness mysteries would be a fun one.

What book is on your TBR bucket list? 

I don't know why or how I haven't already read any of the Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Armand Gamache!  I know, how is that possible?  So those books are on my TBR Bucket List. 

Which book has a contemporary setting you would love to go to?

I've narrowed it down to three cozy series. The first has a magical garden by Amanda Flower - set it a small town in Scotland. The second is the Scottish Bookshop mystery series set in Edinburgh Scotland. The third is Whiskey Business mystery series set in... you guessed it, Scotland.  Are you sensing a theme here?

Which book has a fantasy/fictional setting you would love to go to? 

 Harry Potter series, I so would love Hogwarts!!  What an amazing job of world building.  Not a mystery, but I would love it.  I think I would make a good Hufflepuff student. 

 
What book or book edition would you do anything to get your hands on? 

This is tough, I don't have a burning desire for a first edition or anything like that.  Although, I wouldn't mind some print artwork from some book covers (without the titles etc., just the artwork) to frame for my home office.  Some of the book covers are so amazing.

    

Name a character who is very adventurous and daring. 

I have already mentioned Phryne Fisher, so I have to go with Charlotte Holmes of the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas.

OR there is Maggie Hope of the Maggie Hope Mystery series.  

Name the craziest or weirdest place you’ve ever read a book.

I will have to say the Post Office while in line BC (before Covid).  I got my phone with the Nook app out and began reading.  Gee, can you tell I don't do many crazy or weird things!!  I have actually read on the beach, at the pool, and in the bathtub as well.  Reading in the bathtub is so relaxing, with wine too!  How about you?

Please share your answers to these questions in the comments, particularly the last one!  I want to hear from you!