Welcome to Litsy!

Life has been so difficult lately, even more complicated with the horribleness in the world. But, at least in my tiny little part of my world, things may be getting better. May…every time I think we‘re good, we‘re not.

Thank you to everyone who expressed love and support the last few days for myself and Zeke and Xander.

Xander is back 100%; his not so good blood results are still in the back of my mind.

Zeke is slowly recovering…again. ⬇️⬇️

A good historical fiction novel that showcases the glamor of Hollywood and film along the French Riviera at the Grand Hotel, set against the backdrop of the start of WWII. There‘s romance and a thriller-esque thread woven into the storytelling. The list of who‘s who in Hollywood in 1939 is staggering, and the MC Annabel (who knows photography) mingles with them all (hence my choice for #BBRC #Adult #Paparazzi ).

Great #SundayBuddyRead choice!

This was cute. I read it in two days, and it is perfect escapism—a village of anthropomorphic animals and murder. I wasn‘t sure what to expect, but overall I enjoyed it. I liked how the author (or authors, as it is two writers under on pen name) used characteristics of each animal as the basis for the characters‘ portrayal.

I‘d read the next in the series, but maybe in a little while. #Animal #ThematicCozies #NonHumanAntagonist #52BookClub25

A whispering statue that looks like Nancy Drew. A collection of rare books that are involved in a swindle. Nancy again has two mysteries to solve, going undercover to collect the clues. This one is much better than the prior book in the series. And, like Bess, I really want a fudge sundae now.

Discussion tomorrow; questions will be posted mid- to late morning East Coast time. #NancyDrewBR

#Zeke #Xander #CatsOfLitsy

My first time reading an Ellery Queen mystery & it won‘t be the last. There were twists in this one that I did not see coming. The premise too—twelve days of Christmas, twelve gifts with a sinister undertone—is a perfect recipe for a mystery. If this were a modern day mystery, I could see the suspense playing out even more in really twisted ways.

I took this picture earlier today. #Zeke is doing very well! The meds are working! #CatsOfLitsy

Not a book-related post, but please send special thoughts for Zeke. A couple years ago, he had pancreatitis. In the last two days, he has started to exhibit the same symptoms. When he refuses yummies, you know it‘s bad.

We go to the vet this afternoon. He‘s 13 and has lost a lot of weight the last couple of days.

I love all of my cats, but Zeke has been with me since I found him in my car as a 6-8 week old. He‘s special. #catsoflitsy #zeke

I really enjoyed this first in the Shardlake series. I‘m fascinated by the Tudor era, and Sansom captures so much about the corruption from both sides during the dissolution of the Catholic monasteries in Henry VIII‘d reign. I liked Shardlake, whose hard attitude helps his methodical mind process information. A great mystery too! #ShardlakeBR #CatsOfLitsy #Vladimir #Zeke

I needed a super-fast read and a palate cleanser…Charlie and Diesel were the perfect choice!

A nasty, cruel boss, terrible department heads, and murders keep Charlie and Diesel pretty busy at the library. Sad to say a few characteristics of the murder victim are characteristics I witnessed in my library career. Yikes! Great character progression, and another good series entry!

Most of my sidekicks hovered in the background as I finished it.

Admittedly, I almost stopped reading this one after the first couple of chapters - the actions of the main character just completely baffled me, and the response of those actions by law enforcement seemed completely wrong. Cozies are not meant to be real life, but this seemed over the top even for a cozy. The narrative did get better as the story progressed. Lots of suspects and mystery elements, plus a secondary mystery. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Another great addition in the series, and a perfect palate cleansing read. Charlie and Diesel are entangled in a diary and secrets that date back to the American Civil War. The bonus short story, in which Charlie finds Diesel at the library, reminded me of my real life rescue of Zeke from my car engine at the library so long ago. I made #Zeke model for the picture! #CatsOfLitsy