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!

Review - A Body In The Garden

I was interested in this new series when I read it would appeal to Tasha Alexander and Rhys Bowen fans, which I am.  I do believe the comparison is just.  Here is the first book in the new Lily Adler mystery series.


Author: Katharine Schellman
Copyright: April 2020 (Crooked Land Books) 327 pgs
Series: 1st in Lily Adler Mysteries
Sensuality: mild
Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Cozy, Historical Amateur Sleuth 
Main Character: Lily Adler, still grieving society widow
Setting: 1815, London England
Obtained Through: Library
Book Blurb: "London 1815. Though newly-widowed Lily Adler is returning to a society that frowns on independent women, she is determined to create a meaningful life for herself even without a husband. She's no stranger to the glittering world of London's upper crust. At a ball thrown by her oldest friend, Lady Walter, she expects the scandal, gossip, and secrets. What she doesn't expect is the dead body in Lady Walter's garden.
Lily overheard the man just minutes before he was shot: young, desperate, and attempting blackmail. But she's willing to leave the matter to the local constables--until Lord Walter bribes the investigating magistrate to drop the case. Stunned and confused, Lily realizes she's the only one with the key to catching the killer.
Aided by a roguish navy captain and a mysterious heiress from the West Indies, Lily sets out to discover whether her friend's husband is mixed up in blackmail and murder. The unlikely team tries to conceal their investigation behind the whirl of London's social season, but the dead man knew secrets about people with power. Secrets that they would kill to keep hidden. Now, Lily will have to uncover the truth, before she becomes the murderer's next target."

Lily Adler was very much in love with her deceased husband, which is refreshing.  She is also smart like Sherlock, which is necessary for this case.  Captain John (Jack) Hartley was her late husband's best friend and initially feels a sense of duty to look after Lily.  He clearly cares for her after a while.  Lady Serena Walter, Lily's dear friend may not be the same girl she remembers.  Miss Ofelia Oswald of West Indies money who is being presented into society.  Lovely and smart, she helps to find the killer of her friend.  The Bow Street Runner, Mr. Page is an interesting character and I hope to see him again in future books in the series.  Jem, an industrious messenger boy who Jack pays to be his eyes and ears is delightful.
The setting runs the gamut from London society to the rough docks.  The author describes them well and you easily feel yourself there.  The plot is twisty and involves shipping and business shenanigans that gives it realism.  The pace maintained steadily throughout.
The killer confrontation was well crafted and tension filled.  I must say, I had only slightly suspected this character as the killer.  Well done.  The wrap up is absolutely perfect, loved it.
Lily Adler is a fantastic heroine in every aspect and she may be my favorite going forward.  The writing is balanced and nuanced.  Ms. Schellman incorporates diversity with Jack being half Indian (New Delhi) and Ofelia from the West Indies naturally and seamlessly.  There is humor sprinkled for light-hearted touches.  This book is a delight from beginning to end and highly recommended if you like historical cozy mysteries.
Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Life In Books

I found this at Berries and Books Blog so I thought I would try something different.  

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.

 

1. Find a book for each of your initials

A – Arsenic and Old Paint by Hailey Lind

F – From Fear to Eternity by Michelle Rowen

H - Hexes and Hemlines by Juliette Blackwell

   

2. Count your age along your bookshelf – what book is it?

Mutti's War by M.J. Brett (a local to me author) and a true story.

3. A book set in your city/country

Mercury's Rise by Ann Parker

4. A book that represents a destination you’d love to travel to

Dressed to the Kilt (Scotland if you didn't get that hint!)

5. A book that’s your favorite color

Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell

6. Which book do you have the fondest memories of?

Sword of Shannara and Huckleberry Finn, 

7. Which book did you have the most difficulty reading?

It was a book for this blog, Marks of Cain by Tom Knox.  If you want to know why I disliked it, here is the review.

 

8. Which book in your TBR pile will give you the biggest accomplishment when you finish it?

House of Trump, House of Putin by Craig Unger (non-fiction)

Now for your answers.  I look forward to them!

Review - A Murderous Relation

I reviewed the first book, A Curious Beginning (click here), the third in the series A Treacherous Curse (click here),  and the fourth in the series A Dangerous Collaboration (click here).  I am just now getting around to reviewing the newest release in this exciting series.  

Author: Deanna Raybourn

Copyright: March 2020 (Berkley) 320 pgs

Series: 5th in Veronica Speedwell Mysteries

Sensuality: Period adult conversations

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical amateur sleuth

Main Characters: Veronica Speedwell

Setting: 1888, London England

Obtained Through: Library Find

Book blurb: "Autumn 1888. Veronica Speedwell and her colleague Stoker are asked by Lady Wellingtonia Beauclerk to stop a potential scandal so explosive it threatens to rock the monarchy. Prince Albert Victor is a regular visitor to the most exclusive private club in London, and the proprietress, Madame Aurore, has received an expensive gift that can be traced back to the prince. Lady Wellie would like Veronica and Stoker to retrieve it from the club before scandal can break. 

Worse yet, London is being terrorized by what would become the most notorious and elusive serial killer in history, Jack the Ripper—and Lady Wellie suspects the prince may be responsible.  

Veronica and Stoker reluctantly agree to go undercover at Madame Auroreʼs high-class brothel, where a body soon turns up. Secrets are swirling around Veronica and the royal family—and it is up to Veronica and Stoker to find the truth, before it is too late for all of them."

Veronica is larger-than-life, incredibly ahead of her time, stubborn, and highly intelligent with a sharp tongue and wit. In other words - incorrigible and great fun.  Stoker (Mr. Ravelstoke Templeton-Vane) is her sleuthing partner.  He is cranky and reclusive, and believes Veronica is the woman for him, even if she doesn't believe in romantic love or marriage.  Tiberius, Stoker's estranged brother, only has a small part in this outing - but it is enjoyable.  Lady Wellie has more page time in this book and she is hard to like but you begin to understand the weight on her shoulders.  Journalist J.J. Butterworth has a significant role in the story and is a welcome addition. Prince Albert Victor, who has been the subject of a few Ripper theories since around the 1970's, is portrayed well for such a controversial historical figure. Mr. Pennybaker, one of Stoker's taxidermy clients, is a breakout character.

The setting of Victorian London is always so real you can smell the coal smoke in the air.  Madame Aurore's scandalous brothel is atmospheric and titillating without being crass.  The fear over the Ripper murders becomes palpable, and for a brief moment Veronica believes she may have passed the evil incarnate on a foggy street in her adventure.  Very well done.

The plot is revealed as the adventure progresses and brings back a villain from an earlier book to reprise his plot against the throne.  The story veers and swerves as events develop and Veronica with Stoker by her side keep up the chase.  The pacing is well maintained throughout. 

The climax provided delicious tense moments like I adore.  This series sets a high bar for exciting climaxes and this book held up the tradition.  The wrap-up answered many questions and tied up remaining threads.  You will have to read it to find out about Veronica and Stocker's personal relationship - my lips are sealed.

Overall, this is yet another great Veronica Speedwell adventure placing the character in the stratosphere of unique and bar-setting heroines.  I particularly enjoy the characters, although the plots continue to be full of twists and turns.  It's the characters that endure long after the reading.  This isn't a Ripper story, the infamous serial killer is background only which is very effective.  With that said, she gives homage to the victims giving their lives context.

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

Here is a wonderful interview with the author about this book at The Poisoned Pen bookstore.  Remember those?

Catching up

Hello fellow readers.  A lot has happened in just the past six months!  A pandemic, the U.S. west coast and Colorado are on fire, shootings, demonstrations with some flare ups, and oh yeah - there is a meteor I heard headed for the Earth.  And if that were enough, it is a contentious election year in the US.

Boy, oh boy.  That is a lot going on and a lot of stress-making factors.  Aren't you glad you love to read?  Reading, the healthy escapism, to the rescue.  I know I have been reading quite a lot.  Some guilty pleasures in there too (The Nikki Heat novels that tie into the old Castle series - I know I am really behind the times on that!)  Also, re-reading Discovery of Witches.

But I have been reading a good bit of mysteries too!  I have been tending towards historical mysteries.  I catch myself talking like Victorian era ("They know not what they say, me thinks" was part of a FB post!)  Sadly, I haven't been keeping up with my reviews though.  I hope to start doing better on that.

Since I am still staying home, I am trying to write again.  That got completely sidetracked with everything.  So I am beginning on the fourth Resort to Murder cozy mystery.  Here is a little teaser, it is set at a wellness resort outside Santa Fe.  Sadly, I haven't been able to do first hand research on this.  But I am enjoying getting back into a writing routine.  

Share if you have been reading more during this crazy time and if there are a few guilty pleasure titles in the mix.  :-)  Stay safe folks.