Welcome to Litsy!

I found this in the book box, on its way home to another library, this evening. So I accidentally borrowed it. Because I need something FUN! And possibly MURDEROUS! (It has been that sort of day, all day. Top tip: never check your work emails at 10pm. You‘re welcome.)

I might use it for Rudolph: a red cover for #ChristmasCrimeChallenge (or is that a stretch too far?)

If you're looking for a murder mystery with twists, intrigue, tension, and suspicion... this ain't it. Everyone is still alive 3/4 into the story.

It was, however, a cosy slice of festive cheer. So if you can overlook the glaring lack of mystery and just enjoy it as a dinner with clashing personalities and a rustic feel, it is at least Christmassy.

Despite the festive minutiae being described, I did enjoy this more than Clement's debut.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Unfortunately I have a (for me) busy four day weekend. Tis the season…ugh 😂 Nonetheless I should be able to finish at least two of my currently reading books.

The Library Book - #Roll100
The Impressionist and Home - #10beforetheend
Impossible Fortune because my library hold came in, though it could also work for #ChristmasCrimeChallenge

I liked this but not as much as I thought I would. It was good to catch up with Cash and Wheaton again. The mystery was interesting, and the background story was poignant. However, it didn‘t completely work for me in a way I can‘t quite identify. Still, I hope there‘s a book five.

Alas, this doesn‘t fit any #ChristmasCrimeChallenge prompts I haven‘t done already.

#bookspin #serieslove2025 #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth

Read for #ChristmasCrimeChallenge “locked room”
I hadn‘t read this one before and I can see now why it‘s such a standard in the genre. The murder, the investigation, the reveal! Allll Magnificent!

For anyone who is thinking about writing a cosy Christmas mystery, I have some advice. If you're going to do a cheesy set up with festive puzzles or (in this case) characters called Colonel Colman and Reverend Teal... it does not work to start tackling highly triggering subject matter.

It doesn't matter how sensitively it is handled, the book loses its identity as a cosy and leaves you feeling sad.

CW in comments.

⭐️⭐️

Today‘s read. #ChristmasCrimeChallenge #freechoice #8

#ChristmasCrimeChallenge #RailwayDetectiveBook15
Set against the backdrop of snow & Christmas cheer in 1860, England.Frank Rodman,boiler smith for Swindon locomotive works is found dead,his headless body displayed publicly in a malicious& malevolent way. Scotland Yard Railway DI Colbeck is sent to solve this crime.In doing so he‘s confronted with many possible suspects & contradictions.Meanwhile,his boss is kidnapped while attending an army ⬇️

This book seems to be a Japanese classic, but I've only just discovered it, thanks to various Litsy challenges that inspire me to try out new authors! I really enjoyed it and will look for more books featuring the eccentric detective Kosuke Kindaichi.

#192025 #1946 @Librarybelle
#ChristmasCrimeChallenge (locked room) @Ruthiella @RaeLovesToRead
#gottacatchemall (Herdier: set in winter)

A good installment in the Falco series set in Ancient Rome. In this one, Falco travels to Germania on an imperial mission and has a number of (mis)adventures along the way.

#192025 #1992 @Librarybelle
#ChristmasCrimeChallenge (any) @Ruthiella @RaeLovesToRead