This was delightful from beginning to end. I don‘t dare say much more as I don‘t want to spoil any of the entertaining reveals. It‘s well-written, has good pacing, and made me laugh out loud many times. Any book that makes me laugh so hard that I startle my dogs is a good book.

This started off strong - entertaining and interesting, but devolved into ridiculous melodrama for the last quarter. Despite being complete nonsense, I did actually enjoy it. The audiobook narration was good and as long as you accept the ridiculousness, it was a nice, light diversion from the state of the world. A soft pick that won‘t age well with its heavy use of slang.

I *may* have snort-laughed so loudly that my chihuahua was startled awake and ran out of the room to hide.

I would definitely put this in my top ten of Agatha Christie‘s books. The intro is fabulous, the characters of varying degrees of likability, and a very complex mystery. The combination of her prose and the many films that share a similar trope, made the whole novel feel cinematic. I‘m so glad I reread this for @Mitch ‘s #goldenagecrimeclub. (Also, my mom‘s collection has some of the best covers!)

I love the fact that when I plug in this title, Litsy pulls up posts for the original title: 4:50 From Paddington. It drives me nuts that her books have multiple titles. 🤪 Anywho… I was going to re-listen to the audiobook for #goldenagecrimeclub but I‘m running out of time and I read faster with my eyeballs than I do with my ears. (Also…I adore my mom‘s old copies! They smell like my favorite used bookstore)

I liked the writing style and found it engaging, to start. The story was interminable. By the time I reached the 2/3 mark, I was begging for the book to be over and practically crying at how many hours were left in the audiobook. Most of the characters were complex and well developed. I was not expecting the graphic sex between the three main characters. 😳 The book could have been great if it hadn‘t been so repetitive.

Much better than the last one - Lenny and Jonas make a great couple and the progression of their fake relationship to real relationship is believable. The villains in this story are truly horrible evil people. As with the previous entries in the series, there‘s a good plot to go along with the steamy scenes, and the whole thing is well written, even if their kink isn‘t my thing (and honestly made me a bit queasy).

It‘s been 7 years since I read book 2, but this jumped out at me when I went shopping my bookshelves for my next read and I‘m so glad. This is a well-crafted, complex mystery with interesting characters. There are a few plot points that feel superfluous and unnecessary, but overall I enjoyed it. It was exactly what I wanted to read - compulsively readable without being either fluffy or oppressive.

I love getting packages in the mail, especially when they are unexpected. Thank you @Mitch ! Is it safe to assume this needs to be hidden away until Christmas? 🧑‍🎄

This is a good primer on the history of Palestine/Israel. The early sections are dry and read like a textbook, but it becomes a faster read when we reach the era of “peace talks” in which the author was directly involved. While I had surface knowledge of many of the events, I appreciate the insights Khalidi provides. I can see why it‘s on all of the recommended reading lists. It deserves to be.

This is the second of Harrison‘s novels that I‘ve read in as many months. Her work is more horror-lite, than terrifying. There‘s plenty of humor here that keeps the plot from being dark, yet without going over into camp. It‘s a nice balance. I enjoyed the story and I really liked Vesper, the MC.

I feel like I‘ve read a lot of mediocre books this year, but when I find a good one, it‘s amazing. I loved this one. Harrow‘s writing draws you in, painting clear, vibrant images. The characters are compelling, including Starling House itself. The plot is clever and unique and I adored the ending. One of the best books I‘ve read this year.

It‘s a gray, rainy, chilly day, perfect for snuggling under a blanket to read. Starting this one, hoping to finish it today, too. It‘s due back to library on Monday and the waitlist is currently 88 people. I don‘t want to go back to the end of that line!

I‘m still not completely comfortable with dark contemporary romance and would probably melt with embarrassment if anyone I knew IRL caught me reading it, but I loved this. Even without the steamy bits, and the mafia violence, this was well-written and engaging. There‘s a well developed plot and the relationship growth between the MCs is believable. It takes inspiration from Hades and Persephone, which is something I can‘t resist.

It breaks my heart that I don‘t love this. Khan always writes about social justice/humanitarian issues and I love that her work pushes the reader to face these issues and confront their own biases. She tries to do too much in this one, though, hitting violence and prejudice against LGBTQ+, Latine, Black, and Brown communities, Islamophobia, Afghanistan, and Palestine, with the result that none of the issues get the attention they deserve.

I‘ve been looking forward to East Jerusalem Noir since I first saw it on Akashic‘s Coming Soon list in 2020. That said, it hits differently in light of the war crimes being committed today than it would have then. These are beautifully written stories that evoke feelings of grief, loss, and longing. They are haunting in their matter-of-factness. It‘s not a perfect collection, but still one of the better ones. .

I have to accept that Quincy is not for me. I love her diverse heroines. But, this is the second of her books I‘ve read, and like the first, the romance feels fake. There‘s no real chemistry between the leads and it takes itself too seriously. There‘s no humor, no banter, and no shenanigans-three things I have to have in an escapist read. I can see the right reader enjoying it - the writing is flowy and good. I‘m not the right reader.

…and now the full bingo board for me to reference throughout the month, say “oh, I should read that next”, and then read something else entirely that isn‘t anywhere on the board. 😂

#bookspinbingo

#bookspin and #doublespin for November are both soon-to-be released eARCS. Full Bingo board to come later. Considering how hard it‘s been the last couple of days to pick a book and stick with it, I‘ll honestly be shocked if I read either one. 😂

I started this today and it is the perfect, meditative escape. I just have to make sure I don‘t pick my phone back up when I set the book down. Thank you @Mitch for what is turning out to be the perfect book for my mental health. 💖

17 books finished, four of which were rereads..I was only disappointed by two, which is a definite win. Of course, this doesn‘t count the three that were so bad I bailed. 😂 I cannot decide between Divine Rivals and Liar City for my favorite read this month. They were both fantastic. #octoberwrapup

I struggled with this book early on. The writing was engaging, but it didn‘t take long for Annie‘s incessant whining and angst to get on my nerves. The book was saved by the introduction of Ralph, the spider. I loved him so much. I did like the way the book ended, but any comments on that would be spoilery, so I‘ll say no more beyond I‘m glad I stuck with it. Thanks @Chrissyreadit for the #auldlangspine recommendation.

I haven‘t read October‘s #bookspin and I‘m in the middle of the #doublespin, but I needed a distraction this evening, so I created a November list that I can ignore next month 😂🤦🏻‍♀️

This is a #blamelitsy book. It is a dark MG horror novel that deals with grief, fear, loss, and anxiety. The audiobook narration is done well, capturing the tension perfectly. I liked the characters. The Clackity is reminiscent of Tolkien‘s Gollum, and the evil spirit is truly chilling. I‘m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I was searching for a spooky season read that I knew I would enjoy and this fit the bill perfectly. V is a gifted storyteller and this MG novel is just the right amount of creepy. The audiobook narrator is great, too. Her rendition of the “bad guy” made me shudder and gave me goosebumps. Lots of fun and a quick read. Highly recommend the series. It might be okay as a standalone, but definitely works better in order.

Eep! Keith Morrison has a new podcast and he‘s reading Sleep Hollow as if it were a Dateline mystery. I LOVE Keith Morrison and this is going to be awesome.

I‘ve read this every October since it was published in 2019. Sometimes, it‘s a break between scary reads and sometimes it‘s just when I need a little pick-me-up. It‘s cute and fun and sweet. I like to think of Deja and Josie as my own personal October pumpkin patch friends. 🎃

I know I‘ve been very anti-YA for a while. That‘s because YA fantasy is usually all angsty love triangles and ordinary people destined to be the One to save humanity. This is none of those things. It‘s a gorgeous enemies-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of a war between gods. The writing is beautiful. I absolutely loved it. My only complaint is that it has a sequel that doesn‘t release until Dec 26th. I want it NOW.

This is the seventh entry in the Will Trent series. I loved revisiting the characters that Slaughter has created. She knows how to write a good edge-of-your-seat thriller. I appreciated that this one had a little less gore and graphic violence than most of the others, even though there were still moments that were horrific. Slaughter inserts enough lighter moments and laughs to make the darkness bearable.

Meh.

I loved everything about this book - the setting, the characters, the special “powers”, and all the little twists in the plot. The prose was engaging and while it look it‘s time to get going, by the 1/3 mark, I didn‘t want to put it down. The ending leaves things perfectly poised for a series and I really hope it‘s a long one. I want more of Evan, Reese, and Jamey.

I‘ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I‘ve enjoyed this alt-history western series. Harris has crafted an intriguing world with interesting characters. I don‘t know that they have a lot of depth, as most everyone‘s motivations are uncomplicated and clear, but it‘s still fun to be along for the ride. The audiobook narrator is growing on me, too.

I enjoyed this sequel much more than the first book in the series. It feels a little less misogynistic and Limerick feels a little less skeevy. The writing is compelling, fast-paced, and action-packed. I enjoyed watching Limerick outsmart the bad guys. I'm still not sure that there is enough here that sets this series apart from other thrillers to make it memorable, but it's an enjoyable way to escape reality.

The 80s setting feels like a cross between Stranger Things and Supernatural. The writing is fair, but the story drags. It‘s a book that is fine while you‘re reading, but hard to pick back up once you set it down and I considered bailing several times. The biggest issue for me is the relationship drama between 14 year old Lauren and her mother. I have no patience for teen angst. The book is atmospheric and a bit creepy, but I hoped for more.

This is a fun, flirty historical romance novella. There‘s a little heat, not a lot of depth (it‘s a novella after all), and some good-natured banter, as our couple overcomes bad behavior and a misunderstanding to reach the HEA. Overall, not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.

It is finally starting to feel like Fall in North Carolina which means it‘s time for my annual reread of this book and I can finally match my book to the mug I bought last year (or was it the year before? I can‘t remember). 🎃

(also, pumpkin beaded by my mom (I don‘t know the name of the pattern designer to credit) and the ghost crocheted by me from a The Woobles pattern)

Two picks, one so-so, two bails (not pictured), and three started (print digital, and audio). Overall, not a bad week, eve though I‘d like to have more actually finished. I‘m hoping to get through The Ghost Tree today. #bookreport

My streak of Nopes continues. I picked this up from my library for banned books week and I‘m a little sorry about that. I didn‘t expect to like Harriet, at least in the beginning, but I actually find her intolerable. I switched to audio, but I‘m just not enjoying the writing either. So, chalk another one up to just not my thing, and that‘s fine. (I do like Ole Golly, though. I‘d almost keep reading just for her)

I almost never do this, but after 40%, I jumped to the last chapter and the epilogue to write my NetGalley review. This is not a rom-com and I‘m sick of publishers mismarketing books as romance or rom-com. It's a story of a thirty-something woman's journey of discovery: how she deals with bad romantic relationships, friendships changing/ending, and a parent with dementia. This is the kind of contemporary fiction I avoid like the plague.

Y‘all! I‘m so excited. I love Taylor Brown and this book isn‘t even in the Litsy database and I just can‘t even fully express how happy I am right now. I‘m forcing myself to read some other things first, but honestly, I want to stay up all night, call in dead to work in the morning, and just read Rednecks.

This was assigned reading my freshman year of high school and I‘ve wanted to reread it for years. It is gruesome and heartbreaking. It paints the grim reality of trench warfare without any sugar coating and you can‘t help but mourn not only the loss of life, but also the loss of innocence and the fracturing of humanity. Brutal, but beautifully written. It‘s a classic for a reason.

Going into this, I just knew that it was on the ALA‘s most challenged list from the 1990s, not why it was on the list. As I read it, I kept thinking “sure can tell this was written by a man”. So, to see that it was banned by some libraries for misogyny is no surprise at all. I did not enjoy it, but I suspect that‘s more of an age-issue than a text issue. I probably would have liked it when I was the target age, but I wouldn‘t read it to kids now.

I think my favorite part of #bookspinbingo may be creating my board in Canva. 🤣🤣 Anywho…#Bookspin is the eARC of Blood Betrayal by Ausma Zehanat Khan and #Doublespin is Cackle by Rachel Harrison. Cackle also happens to be from @Chrissyreadit #auldlangspine list this year, so I‘m hoping I get to it!

I have always loved this story of a beloved rabbit who becomes real. It‘s sweet and heartwarming and always makes me cry a little. Richard Armitage‘s narration is lovely, but let‘s be honest - I‘d listen to him read the phone book. 😂

October‘s TBR is shockingly light on spooky season books. I have plenty on my shelves, just very few that are calling to me. It will be interesting to see what my wrap up looks like on the 31st. 🤔 #OctoberTBR

I‘ve had n urge to reread All Quiet on the Western Front (weird, I know), so I started that late last night. Ghosts is my library audiobook that is due back in a week, so I‘ll be listening to that next. I decided on some lighter fare for this year‘s Banned Books Week for my mental health so I may or may not relisten to To Kill a Mockingbird. #weeklyforecast

Thanks to a good final week, I finished 14 books this month. While my average rating was higher than last month, I still feel like I read a lot of mediocre and forgettable books, which makes me a little sad. The Devil‘s Playground was my favorite and The Paradox Hotel was not far behind. #spetemberstats #septemberwrapup

I surprised myself with how much I finished this week. I may start something else today, but as of right now, I have no idea what that may be. I really enjoyed Paradox Hotel, and the Will Trent novellas were fun. The Gunnie Rose audiobooks were good for listening to while I worked, and both the Bateman and Nesbo were disappointing. #bookreport

This is the second Gunnie Rose book and while it was pretty good, I didn‘t enjoy it as much as the first. It takes place predominantly in a very racist town, reminiscent of the Jim Crow South, and it is next to impossible to like any of the non-recurring characters. Still, it‘s good enough to keep my brain engaged, even if I‘ll remember very little of it by tomorrow.

Honestly, I hated all of the non-recurring characters in this one. They weren‘t even fun to hate. But, Slaughter spins a good yarn, and it‘s always interesting to watch Will Trent unravel a crime with Faith and Amanda. It‘s a low pick, for sure, but still an entertaining addition to the series.