Jean_Sexton and Her 2022 Books

The last few months have been a heck of a ride. Losing my mother knocked the stuffing out of me emotionally. Combine that with a cancer diagnosis, extensive surgery, and then radiation, and my energy to write reviews took a serious hit. The only good thing is that I didn't stop reading. It'll take me a bit to catch up writing about the 10 books I've read thus far.

So stay tuned for mysteries, romances, science fiction, fantasy, and other assorted pieces of fiction!

1. "F" is for Fugitive by Sue Grafton. Welcome back to the 1980s! Originally published in 1989, this book is set when private investigators had a lot of footwork to do. The ubiquitous Web wasn't available, cell phones weren't a thing, and proper society was a bit more straitlaced.

Kinsey Millhone is outside her usual setting, traveling to another town to solve an older mystery. The hotel she stays in, owned by her client, is a bit creepy. The client's family disturbed me as much as Kinsey. But the author plays fair with her readers, letting them solve the mystery, too, with nothing hidden from them.

The series is becoming a cozy mystery combined with the PI mystery subgenres. I like both, so the series is going to be right up my alley. If you like both, then this book should be right up yours, too. While the books can be read in any order, as with any good cozy mystery, you'll get the most out of reading them in order, so start with "A" and catch up to this one. I enjoyed this book enough that I bought the next book.

2. Timekeeper by Tara Sim. Timekeeper is a blend of steampunk and urban fantasy. The Victorian-ish world that Sim created is unique with its premise that clocks control time in the vicinity of the clock tower. If a clock is damaged, time behaves erratically. If a clock is destroyed, time stops in the vicinity, and the area is cut off from its surroundings. Timekeepers are those rare individuals who can feel time and thus fix the clock towers.

The characters are well-drawn. I feel that the mental and emotional issues are handled well for the most part. PTSD, grief, loss, and fear are integral to the story. I dinged the book by half a star because self-hurting to get attention is more serious than the book indicated, and falling instantly in love is usually far more along the lines of falling instantly in lust. Love takes time to grow.

I highly recommend this book for fans of steampunk. I bought the sequel already.

3. The Art of Deception: A Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mystery by Leonard Goldberg. This competent mystery is the fourth in the series. While it can be read as a standalone book, the series is best read in order.

The mystery in this book is who is vandalizing paintings of women. Of course, Joanna is called on to help find the slasher. The author plays fair and gives the readers the clues Joanna gets. I had a gut feeling about the vandal but no firm reasons for my suspicion until the case was solved.

The more interesting part was the cholera epidemic in the story's background. The book was published in June 2020, so the parallels to the Covid-19 pandemic were likely intended.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as its predecessors. It was good, but not brilliant. I'd suggest it for fans of the series.

4. Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn. I really wanted to love this Regency romance, I did. And I did love Penelope. But Colin ... when did Colin become a hot-tempered jerk? Perhaps we always saw him through Penelope's rose-tinted glasses.

Part of a Regency is seeing how the characters come together. This one was hard, mostly because Colin was so shallow and such a jerk. But I was satisfied when things came together.

I guess part of an author's job is to challenge preconceptions. So while I didn't love the book, I did enjoy it enough to get the next book in the series. It is recommended for fans of the steamier Regency romances.

5. Murder at Half Moon Gate by Andrea Penrose. The second in a series, Murder at Half Moon Gate depends on the reader having finished Murder on Black Swan Lane. Without that, too much of the characters' backgrounds will be lost.

The mystery in this book was a challenge, not because the author hid facts but because of all the layers of the villains. The joy in reading this was the depth of the characters and how they grew. I still think the book almost feels Victorian, but there are more Regency trappings this time.

Please start at the beginning of the series if you enjoy the Regency era and mysteries. This series is worth reading.

Wow, you have been through a rough ride, indeed. Thanks for filling us in. I hope your road gets sunnier going forward. All the best.

6. A Psalm of Storms and Silence by Roseanne A. Brown. A Psalm of Storms and Silence is the amazing sequel to A Song of Wraiths and Ruin. The latter book made it to my top five books I read in 2021. If you haven't read A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, stop here. Go read that book. Once you have finished it, pick up A Psalm of Storms and Silence.

The first book laid the groundwork for the rich world-building in this novel. There are nuanced shadings in the presentation of the history of the land. The characters are well-rounded and believable, even the villains of the book.

What matters to me is that the book explores how simple choices have immense ramifications at times. A careless word, a selfish decision, overpowering grief have consequences. For tonight, the most impressive quotation is this:

"But no cause that can’t withstand justified questioning is truly worth following. If our present can’t be sorted neatly into heroes and villains, then neither can our past. It’s good that you’re doubting the ancestors, and it’s good that you’re wrestling with what you’ve been taught. All that means is whatever path you choose, it’ll be because it’s what you truly believe, not just because someone else wants it for you."

The series is highly recommended for people who enjoy fantasy.

7. How to Catch a Unicorn by Adam Wallace. My husband gave me How to Catch a Unicorn for Valentine's Day. He succeeded in his mission to make me smile. This cute book had me looking for the unicorn on each brightly colored page. (I couldn't find the unicorn on a couple of pages, but the rainbow trail was there.)

Some folks may not like that the word "fart" appears early on. I thought it was appropriate for the setting, and it is a word that youngsters know. A simple reminder that the word isn't appropriate in your family should suffice.

If you like unicorns, this book is cute.

8. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. I guess it is time to start another long series with huge books. The Wheel of Time fits that description. And The Eye of the World is the place to start.

I confess, now that I've seen The Wheel of Time series, my mental vision of the characters is a bit older than I think they are in the book. And, of course, the book doesn't exactly flow along the same path as the series. Still, I think the book deserves reading on its own merits, so I'll try to keep the book and series apart in this review.

So much of the book seems to be common fantasy tropes, but the thing to remember is they weren't so common back in 1990 when Jordan wrote the book. Moiraine is a strong, competent leader, not necessarily that common in fantasy back then. And this battle between good and evil is challenging because of the heroes' flaws.

So I would strongly recommend this book for those who enjoy fantasy with the epic background of the struggle of good against evil. I've already bought the next book in the series.

9. The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun. My mother liked the Cat Who series. I remember that both she and I were impressed by the fact that Lilian Jackson Braun counted as a North Carolina author since Braun lived for many years in Tryon, North Carolina. So now it is time for me to start reading this series. And where better to start than at the beginning?

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards was first published in 1966, and that timeframe is obviously part of the book, as can be seen from the newsroom setting. Jim Qwilleran (not Quw, Qui, ore Wul)is a newspaper reporter. His upstairs neighbor has a Siamese cat named Kao K'o-Kung. Qwill and Koko are destined for great things I suspect since there are 30 books in the series.

Since this is the introduction of Qwill to Koko, the mystery falls squarely on Qwill to solve with Koko providing what may be clues to the case. The reader learns more about the art world in The Daily Fluxion's area, meeting some of the characters around it.

My quarrel is that I felt the author didn't play fair with the mystery. It was a complete surprise to find out "whodunit." Still, I'll be reading the next book in the series.

Suggested for those who enjoy mysteries and cats and like to start at the beginning of a series.

10. B Is for BattleBots by Andrea Gellatly. My husband introduced me to BattleBots. I love the show. Robot parts flying! Explosions! Fire! It's Robot Fightin' Time! So how could I not get him this book for our anniversary? Since he is a gentleman, he let me read the book, too.

In some ways, this is a perfect alphabet book for everyone from young fans to adults. There is the typical "B is for BattleBox," but the next sentence defines the word for younger readers. The next part shares even more information about the term. The illustrations include some of the most recognizable bots, such as Duck, Gigabyte, and Huge.

Both my husband and I loved this book. We laughed at some of it, discussed some of the pages and concepts, and are keeping it for ourselves. We'd recommend it for fans of the series or young scientists.

11. Deception: A Novel by Amanda Quick. This book had all of the things that should have interested me: an absent-minded, naive, intellectual heroine and a dashing Earl pirate. And I wanted to like this Regency romance. The earl was amusing as he masqueraded as a tutor. The romance parts felt contrived somehow, even the "steamy" parts. I expect better of Amanda Quick's novels.

Recommended for the completist.

12. Aunt Dimity's Death by Nancy Atherton. In the midst of radiation therapy, I needed a book that was an easy read, that was soothing, that was kind. I thought Aunt Dimity's Death might well suit. This mystery was perfect, a cup of hot tea on a rainy day. As a bonus, the ruminations on life and grief were perfect three months after I lost my mother, my best friend.

The book was a gentle look at longstanding friendship and newfound friends. The mystery was secondary to the story of people in a new situation. Still, the author played fair with all the facts available to the reader as soon as they are to the characters. In short, this book was a balm to my mind.

Highly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries. I've already gotten the next book in the series.

13. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. I cannot think about this book without tears in my eyes. Some of that was losing Mom to dementia. Some of it is because this is an excellent book. So bear with me on this. There are lots of emotions tied up with this review.

I had read the original 1959 short story years ago. The Hugo-winning story had much of the same impact then, but since it was more compact, perhaps it didn't let me see the rapid decrease in Charlie. The novel, released in 1966, was tied for the Nebula Award in 1967. Now that I have read it, I see why.

The book is painful to read. What is friendship, and how do we treat those who are our friends? What is intelligence without compassion? How do we view people who are less fortunate than ourselves? How does envy impact us? How does past abuse affect us? So many questions that the reader is left to ponder.

So now, I am mentally putting flowers on Mom's grave.

If you haven't read this classic, you must.

14. "G" is for Gumshoe: A Kinsey Millhone Mystery by Sue Grafton. I guess I am slow-motion binge-reading Grafton's Kinsey Millhone series. I don't allow myself to read another in the series until I have reviewed it and any other books I have read since finishing the previous one. G is for Gumshoe won the Anthony Award for Best Novel in 1991, so I had high hopes for the title. It lived up to that award, in my opinion.

After all, what is not to like? An efficient hitman who has kidnapped his son and is taking the boy along on the job. A rambling mother who has a secret. A handsome, sexy bodyguard. And Kinsey herself, on the search for the truth about the rambling mother, whilst avoiding the hitman and enlisting the help of the sexy bodyguard. Being Grafton is a remarkable storyteller, the book is a great read.

While the mystery can be read as a standalone book, it is best read in order of publication. So start with "A" and catch up! This book is highly recommended for fans of PI mysteries with a hint of cozy.

15. Chainbreaker by Tara Sim. I am honestly torn about Chainbreaker. I like most of the characters. I understand its time period, albeit with a steampunk twist. I don't like some of the attitudes expressed or the romantic portrayal of an obsessive love.

I love the characters of Danny and Colton. I don't like their obsessive love for each other leading to bad decisions. Colton's back story is well told and heartbreaking. Daphne is coming into her own. I enjoyed watching her blossom into a more confident young woman.

I think that what slowed down this middle book of a trilogy is the skipping back and forth among the main characters. The lack of focus and the obsessive-love-driven plot knocked this book down to four stars. However, I liked it enough that I have bought the sequel and will read it.

Recommended for fans of the series and readers of steampunk fantasy.

16. I'm Not Going Anywhere by Kelly Lang. This book was a gift from a friend. I read it because singer-songwriter Kelly Lang is a breast cancer survivor. It is well-written, but since I didn't know much about Kelly Lang, although she is a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, I didn't feel emotionally attached to her story.

Some warnings: the story of her treatment in 2007 is nowhere near the standard of care in 2022. I could sympathize since I underwent some of the same treatment back in 2009 when I had to have a biopsy. I was terrified when I went in for a biopsy in 2021 because of the past treatment. It was nowhere as bad; local anesthesia is common with the initial biopsy, with everyone being concerned about my pain level. Please, please don't let fear keep you from getting your scheduled mammograms.

Radiation therapy has changed since 2007. There are ways of preserving bone mass, and a decent radiation oncologist will work with a team to get it done with the patient's future wellbeing in mind. Don't be afraid of it these days.

She had horrid luck with her doctors, although that was more common a decade ago. Breast reconstruction happens far more often today and shouldn't lead to multiple rounds of surgery if done by a competent plastic surgeon.

The rest of the book had much to do with her strong faith, friends, husband, and growth as a performer, writer, painter, and comedian. There was much to admire in that. She also had some ideas about how to live a positive life, especially for breast cancer survivors.

How to rate it? I am torn. As a biography, it was fascinating. As a recent breast cancer survivor, I was appalled by the level of treatment she received. As a former librarian, it worried me that someone recently diagnosed would assume that they would get worse treatment if a celebrity got such poor treatment. It also worried me that it might frighten some women enough that they wouldn't want mammograms for fear of the diagnosis and treatment.

For the aforementioned reasons, and because I never got emotionally involved in her story, I would recommend this only for fans of Kelly Lang and for those who are also breast cancer survivors who want to read about another survivor and her journey.

Sorry that you've been dealing with so much. I hope your health is improving. I am starring your thread because I like your reviews, and some of the books need to find a way to my ever-growing to be read list.

>19 lamplight: :) Your comment just made my day! I am slowly getting better. Cancer sucks, but I beat it once, and I'll beat it again.

17. To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn. Redemption! To Sir Phillip with Love is so much better than Romancing Mister Bridgerton. I totally understood Sir Phillip Crane, although his actions weren't always admirable. I, too, have avoided activities that brought painful memories. And I understood Eloise, having seen so many of my friends happily married while I stood on the sidelines hoping for my own true love. And I understand how communicating by the written word comes so much easier than talking. In addition, this could be a description of me: "Her mother had once told her that she could catch more flies with honey than a sledgehammer, but Eloise never could learn to keep her thoughts to herself."

As with any Regency, the question is how does our couple finally get together. The secondary question for a quickly arranged marriage is how does the couple realize they truly both are in love. These are the hooks that kept my interest throughout the novel. I was quite pleased with the novel; the only problem is that I read it too quickly and far too late into the night.

This is highly recommended for folks who like steamier Regencies. It can be read as a stand-alone novel but is better read in order. I have already gotten the next book in the series.

18. Firestarter by Tara Sim. This is not an easy book to read. It is an excellently created world with believable characters that the reader comes to care for. They aren't perfect people standing on pedestals above their followers. They become the kind of characters that the reader whispers to, asking them not to make that choice, asking them to hold on just a bit longer, asking them not to leave in the middle of the story. I will issue a tissue warning for this book. Beliefs make demands on their followers; sacrifices are made for those beliefs.

I will note that some of the scenes are hard for me to read, including scenes of torture and fairly explicit violence. However, those scenes were necessary for the story and for the impact upon both the characters and the reader.

The world remains well-drawn steampunk, with the stage expanding from London and India to throughout Europe and into Africa. The innovations are believable and fit well into the era.

This conclusion to the Timekeeper trilogy is highly recommended with the caveat that the reader must read the books in order to understand and enjoy this book. So what are you waiting for? Go get Timekeeper and start reading!

19. Monster Hunter Vendetta by Larry Correia. Monster Hunter Vendetta is a guilty pleasure. Urban fantasy mixed with gun love and likable characters made for a fun read. It is over the top with an accountant who becomes a professional monster hunter in a world that officially denies (and covers up any evidence of) monsters. There are enough references to the Cthulu mythos that I kept my fascination throughout. I found myself snickering throughout it.

Is it great literature? No. However, it is like those B-grade movies that demand a soda and popcorn while watching the non-stop action and root for the main character. You worry because the actor may get tired of the character and want the character to get killed off this time, but deep in your heart, you know there will be a sequel.

This series entry needs to be read in order after Monster Hunter International. And yes, I have the next book in the series. The series is recommended for those who like urban fantasy that isn't warm and fuzzy.

20. Crime and Poetry by Amanda Flower. Let's see ...
Cozy mystery - Check!
Bookstore - Check!
Fantasy - Check!
Cat - Check!
Likable characters - Check!

Yes, I fell in love with this book. The mystery is a bit of a challenge, but the author played fair. The bookstore is fascinating, especially with the associated magic. The cat was believably catlike. And I liked the characters. So as soon as I finished this book, I bought the sequel.

I'd suggest this book for most readers of cozy mysteries. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

21. Doc: The City Life for A Country Vet by David Carlton. Doc is the fifth book (and the last as of April 2022) about David Carlton's adventures as a veterinarian. In this book, he's not quite retired but has moved away from the farms and larger animals to focus on pets. In some ways, it feels as though his sadness at that decision tinges the stories. I didn't find as many out-loud laughs in this book. Sill, I enjoyed it.

I'd suggest this for fans of Carlton's other books. The series is suitable for middle-school readers and would interest animal lovers and folks considering a career in veterinary medicine.

22. The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan. I remember when The Great Hunt was first released in mass-market paperback format. It was so thick that if you looked at it funny, the spine would break. Slowly, the pages would leaf out of the book, one by one. So yes, I got this on Kindle. No damaged spine!

The story progresses onward with some plot twists. The Seanchans' culture is fascinating in a sick, repulsive way. I can't wait to see how their interactions with others proceed. A reader does have to keep focused as this book has so many different paths it is following, with the main characters splitting up to go on separate quests. Still, I can't wait to see what happens next.

The series is highly recommended for fans of fantasy but must be read in order.

23. Uncompromising Honor by David Weber. Uncompromising Honor has this tagline: "The Salamander is coming for the Solarian League, and Hell is coming in her wake." First, if you haven't read the other books in the Honor Harrington world, don't read any further. Go read the first book in the series. Now. Seriously.

I love political intrigue, conspiracies, and military planning in my science fiction. I like getting to know the characters in the books, and for me, it makes sense that people who live as long as they do in this universe make a lot of friends over the years. Therefore, I'm not upset by the myriad of characters that are scattered through the books. There were space battles that kept me reading long after my bedtime; When I put the book down, I couldn't sleep because I needed to know what happened next!

I will issue a tissue warning (really "warnings"). I definitely needed some.

This series has grown so much over the nearly three decades since it started. I love the richness of the universe, the high ideals the lead characters aspire to, and the memorable characters who inhabit the worlds. This series is a "must-read," in my opinion, for anyone who likes military and political science fiction.

24. The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip. The world of fantasy is much poorer without Patricia McKillip in it. Hearing of her death in May 2022, I knew I needed to read her books again. I settled on The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, a book I read many, many years ago, as the first to reread. I was not disappointed. Like many classic books, as you grow, so does the story develop layers you never noticed before. It is no wonder this book won the World Fantasy Award.

Elegantly written, The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, is a short book, yet examines so many essentially human questions. What is love? What is hate? Is revenge worth it? What happens when we betray a trust? How can trust betrayed be regained? Is there ever redemption? How do we forgive others and ourselves? How do couples survive after the fairy-tale wedding?

I loved the characters. Sybel, the ivory-haired wizard, learns about love in its various forms. While she is the lead character, keep an eye on Coren. In many ways, he is the touchstone of the novel. You may need tissues while reading this book; I did.

Highly recommended for lovers of fantasy. People who enjoy Peter S. Beagle would most likely find this to be a great read.

25. Private Eye by Alyssa Day. Urban Fantasy meet Cozy Mystery. May you live long and prosper!

The lead in this series is Tess Callahan. In some ways, she's like the best friend you wish you had. She thinks things that you wish you had the nerve to say in such a sassy way. I mean things like he's "so hot that butter probably melted when he walked by the dairy case in the grocery store." You just know you need to fan yourself when someone like that walks by.

The love interest/muscle/shapechanger is Jack Shepherd. Talk about your ultimate cat fantasy; this tiger is sexy yet still comfortable as an overgrown, protective tiger housecat can be.

The book is short, so it is perfect for a summer read or when you are behind on your yearly "read X books in a year" list. It is a satisfying mystery, too, as the author plays fair with the solution.

The book is recommended for folks who enjoy cat mysteries or paranormal mysteries or fantasies with a hint of mystery. Myself, I've already gotten the next book in the series.

26. Forged by Desire by Bec McMaster. What a steamy steampunk romance! Perry is a flawed heroine, one whose flaws I understand. I understand the fear of the past, the fear that someone from your past will catch up to you and hurt those you love. I understand the power that fear has, that you may lock down emotionally, that you might do anything to keep those you love safe. Without understanding that, without being able to forgive someone for that, this book might not be all you hope for.

The wickedness in this novel is stark, in-your-face evil. The intrepid duo of Perry and Garrett (who is suffering from his own insecurities) must meet and defeat both prongs of the evildoers. And in the meantime, they must make the transition from professional partners and friends to lovers, if the romance in the book is to come to fruition.

As with all romances, the reader knows where the book will end; the joy is in the trip there. In some ways, this is an uncomfortable trip, but I enjoyed the book. I have already added the sequel (and final novel in the series) to my "to read" list.

I strongly suggest reading the London Steampunk series in order so that your knowledge of the created world grows. For folks who have read the previous three novels, I think you will like this, provided the caveats in the first paragraph don't deter you.

27. Jane and the Man of the Cloth: Being the Second Jane Austen Mystery by Stephanie Barron. This book could easily be titled The Pirates of Lyme or Jane and the Pirate King. Well, except for the fact there are no orphans to be found ...

If you don't like how Jane Austen writes, just stop here. You won't enjoy this book. This novel isn't written as a Regency romance; it is meant to sound as though Jane herself were writing the book. Since it is "edited" by Stephanie Barron, you can expect enough footnotes to explain history and background that you may not be familiar with. I found them fascinating. As they popped up in the Kindle text when I tapped on the number, it was easy to read them as I needed them. The footnotes are gathered at the end of each chapter, should you have missed one that you should have read.

I enjoyed the book. Some parts I guessed ahead of Jane; others were a surprise. In every case, the author played fair with the reader. I also enjoyed learning more about the smugglers of the time.

If you like mysteries with a hint of cozy and a heavy dose of history, this series should be up your alley.

28. Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt. What a Gothic! All the elements are here: the isolated location, an orphaned governess, an unruly child needing love, the brooding master, the mystery from his past, and the danger to our heroine. Shades of Jane Eyre, anyone? Still, Holt manages to make the story her own and perhaps makes the story even creepier than Jane Eyre.

The mystery from the past was well done! It surprised me, although the clues were all there. And the danger was terrifying for me. But as any experienced reader of Gothics knows, all will come round in the end. It is the story itself getting the heroine from the start to the finish that is the joy to read. And this book was a joy.

The book is recommended for casual fans of Gothics. If you've read lots of them, this book may seem derivative. However, since I loved it, I'm giving it five stars.

29. Monster Hunter Alpha by Larry Correia. Yes, I needed to read this. Who can resist reading an urban fantasy with a company, Monster Hunters International, dedicated to keeping humanity safe from monsters? After all, “Evil looms. Cowboy up. Kill it. Get paid.” is the mission statement from the MHI Company Handbook.

A bonus is that the lead in this book is the founder of the company. How he overcame his inner beast is explained in this novel. It was totally unexpected, as was the explanation of werewolf society. And this “situation” will challenge our hero to respond above and beyond to keep humanity safe.

I loved this book and its hero. If you like urban fantasy that includes the dark side that must be kept in check, this book is a good one.

30. The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern by Lilian Jackson Braun. I needed something to read that was a classic cozy mystery, so what better than The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern, published in 1967? There is a simplicity to the novel's era that defies words. The books tended to be more episodic; you could read the second book in a series without having to remember everything that happened in the first book. The part that wasn't simple was the solution to the mystery. While the author played fair, I didn't put all the clues together before Qwill.

This mystery involved jade, one of my favorite stones. Our intrepid reporter is assigned to cover the world of interior decorating in the local area. Of course, murder happens, and it is up to Qwill to solve it. I was fascinated by the storyline while being amused at the various names of colors used for decorating.

If you enjoy mysteries, this is a fun one.

31. The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan. The Dragon Reborn is the third book in The Wheel of Time series. Don't start with this book; instead, start with The Eye of the World.

So, you just finished The Great Hunt and want to know if you should read the next book. After all, Rand is the Dragon Reborn, and who doesn't want to know more about him. While Rand and his actions are the driving force behind the book, he doesn't appear frequently in this book. Perrin, Mat, Egwene, and Nynaeve are more in the spotlight. The young women are finally developing distinct personalities. That bodes well for the rest of the series.

Did I enjoy the book? Yes. And I will keep reading the series. So, this book is highly recommended for fans of the series.

32. These High, Green Hills by Jan Karon. When my soul needs soothing, I return to Mitford. Somehow I always find what I need in these novels. Perhaps it is because, like Father Tim, I am recently married later in life. This novel has themes of what marriage means. Perhaps it is because I have faced loss recently, as have so many during this pandemic. These High, Green Hills explores profound, unimaginable loss and mourning. Perhaps it is because of the joy in the fellowship of friends. I needed this book now.

Released in 1996, I believe the setting is earlier in the 1980s when home computers were still relatively new, and word processing was in its infancy. While there are serious moments and sad, they are leavened by humor that is always kind.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Mitford. Do start at the beginning of the series so you can watch the characters evolve. The series is highly recommended.

33. When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn. I am torn about When He Was Wicked. While it was interesting to have Francesca, a childless widow approaching middle age, as a lead character, both the characters were such ninnies at times that I wanted to knock their heads together. And sex and pregnancy (or lack thereof) being used to control and attempt to manipulate the person's partner didn't make me happy. Still, I will finish out the series.

The book is only recommended only for fans of the series.

34. Of Silk and Steam by Bec McMaster. This is the culmination of the London Steampunk series. Not only is it steampunk, it is very steamy steampunk! The lead female character is one of the rare women blue bloods who are not only nobility but vampires. Her counterpart is a traditional blue blood, albeit with some radical beliefs. Put them together, and sparks fly!

The story is a great end to the series. But I'm not willing to abandon this alternative history quite yet, so I'll be starting the series London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy beginning with Mission: Improper.

While I loved the book, it is only because I had read the others in the series. The cast of the other books appears in this one with not much background recap. Still, I loved it enough to pick up the entire next series. So start at the beginning of the series (Kiss of Steel) and finish with this excellent book.

35. Shooting At Loons by Margaret Maron. The third entry into the Deborah Knott series moves her from Colleton County (south of Raleigh) to the coast. While the court is located in Beaufort, Deborah stays in a cousin's cottage on Harker's Island.

Practically everyone in the Piedmont of North Carolina has spent time at the beach, although the Crystal Coast, located between the famous beaches of Nags Head and the beaches south of Wilmington, is one of the last ones to pull in the tourists. This book, published in 1994, does a great job of showing the tension between the traditional professions and the new tourist industry and the environmental concerns. I enjoyed the mystery, which played fair with the reader, but what really drew me in were the descriptions of the land and the people.

While each book is episodic, this one is richer if you have read the earlier books. I highly recommend it if you enjoy mysteries or general fiction with a North Carolina setting.

36. Aunt Dimity and the Duke by Nancy Atherton. Let's just start by writing that I love this book. The mystery is more of a behind-the-scenes story compared to the discovery of the characters' true selves. This book chronologically predates the first book in the series, Aunt Dimity's Death, but you don't have to read that one before this one. I love that the main female character isn't young, fashionably slim, and beautiful. She's in her 40s, a bit frumpy, and an avid gardener. She's also recovering after being dumped by her longtime lover.

There was a good amount of musing about marriage that I enjoyed, but mostly I loved watching the characters grow. The mystery was solved, and I was pleased with the results.

I highly recommend this book for fans of cozy mysteries.

Hi Jean! I'm sorry to hear that you've had a difficult time with the loss of your Mom and your cancer diagnosis.

I've had a rough several years myself but feel like I may be seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. It started when my ex-husband left me for a younger woman, concurrent with some really severe depression. Then my cat flooded my entire house, and I got hit by a car (came out lucky; only smashed my ankle and fully recovered after surgery), Covid hit, lost my Dad.... Sadly, all of this really affected my ability to enjoy reading, but I'm slowly getting back into it.

(BTW, I may be crazy ... but I think you used to play Starfleet Battles by mail with my ex?)

Anyway, I enjoyed looking through your reviews here, and I'm starring the thread too. All best wishes!

Oh, Amy! I am so sorry for all that has happened to you! Yes, I played Galactic Conquest by email with your ex, but he seems to have dropped that. I am so happy, though, that you are still around. I think "My Cat Flooded My House" might make a good children's book title, although I am sure that it wasn't a Good Thing. Feel free to give me a holler any time. Many hugs to you.

37. The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan. I have to admit these books are daunting. They are long and filled with a myriad of characters. But even so, this was worth the month it took me to read it (thank you, Covid). Jordan has done what Tolkien did with The Two Towers: split up the groups into more manageable levels and set them on separate quests. STOP HERE if you haven't read the series from the start. This series cannot be started anywhere else and must be read in order to have it make any sense at all.

You have been warned.

This book reveals the origins of the Aiel (Mat, Egwene, and Rand) as well as more about the Seanchan and the Forsaken (Nynaeve and Elaine). My favorite is the Two Rivers saga with Perrin and Faile. And there is still the Tar Valon and Min. All have complex stories, although my least favorite part was Nynaeve and Elain hunting the Black Ajah.

Fans of multi-volume fantasy series may love the series or hate it. It depends on whether the reader liked the first book. If so, then this one won't disappoint.

38. Evil Eye by Alyssa Day. Time to catch up again! Stuff ate up my time earlier.

Evil Eye is closer to novella length. However, this cozy, paranormal mystery has everything going for it, including a pirate and treasure. I love the Southern setting and the humor. The ongoing romance has the right amount of tension. And I love this idea, "Food you eat while driving doesn’t count, everybody knows this." That made me laugh right out loud.

This is the third in a series. While it isn't strictly necessary to read the earlier books, it does enhance the plot line. The series is just fun; I would suggest starting at the beginning and reading the series. I think you'll enjoy it if you like cozy and paranormal mysteries.

39. Monster Hunter Legion by Larry Correia. Is this Great Literature? No. But it is perfect for what it is: urban-fantasy pulp fiction. In this book, Sin City lives up to its name as nightmares become real. There is lots of fighting and plenty of mayhem. Part of why I love the series is that it is funny, but it also offers up gems such as "Evil can kill you, break your body, and sometimes it can even break your mind, but only you can break your spirit."

This is the fourth book in the series; start at the beginning if you like this type of rough-and-tumble, gritty urban fantasy.

40. The Cat Who Turned On and Off by Lilian Jackson Braun. This cozy mystery really held my interest. People died who I thought were important to the story. The author plays fair with the reader for the revelation of the murderer, but I didn't catch it until the end. While it is the third in a series, it can be read out of order.

I enjoyed it and will continue on in the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with cats, this series should be on your "to read" list.

41. Murder at Kensington Palace by Andrea Penrose. I am so far behind on writing my reviews. Stuff happened. But now it is time to catch up.

Murder at Kensington Palace is the third book in the series, and by now, we all know that Mrs. Sloan has a secret about her past. We also know that Lord Wrexford will protect her current secret identity. Now things come to the fore when her cousin is murdered, and his twin is accused of that murder. Will the true murderer be revealed by our intrepid amateur sleuths?

I love the mix of the Regency era social life, historical science, and the cast of characters. I also like the chemistry between the sleuths. And yes, I have already gotten the next book in the series. This book is highly recommended.

42. Up Jumps the Devil by Margaret Maron. I genuinely love Margaret Maron's works. Deborah Knott is perhaps her best character. She is so typical of the Southern women I have known. And Maron absolutely gets the culture of North Carolina.

This book has the subtext of exploring the "gentrification" of rural North Carolina. What were once fields are now upscale housing developments. Mom-and-Pop stores get squeezed out in favor of the known quantity of big-box stores. Are we losing the joy of rural life to the lure of lots of money in hand?

Of course, to really look at this, there must be a murder. And, of course, Deborah must investigate. While she does so, we learn more about her past, including her large family. The author did play fair with the reader in the reveal.

This cozy mystery series should appeal to anyone who enjoys mysteries and to those who enjoy North Carolina fiction. Highly recommended!

Stuff happened. I am back and going to finish up 2022.

43. The Abduction of Pretty Penny: A Daughter of Sherlock Holmes Mystery by Leonard Goldberg. The Abduction of Pretty Penny had me (metaphorically) on the edge of my seat. Whom do we associate with murders in Whitecastle? Yes, you are no doubt thinking of Jack the Ripper. But this is 1917. Has Jack returned? Is this a copycat?

Pretty Penny, an attractive, aspiring actress, has been abducted. But can Joanna Blalock and John Watson solve the kidnapping and recent deaths before Bad Things Happen? The author plays fair with the reader, so the question is, can it be discovered along with Joanna, or do we stumble along with her faithful chronicler?

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend the series to fans of historical mysteries or Sherlock Holmes.

44. Gate of Ivrel by C. J. Cherryh. I read Gate of Ivrel long ago and was fascinated by the story. Would the story of Morgaine and the ilin (think Japanese "ronin") Vanye resonate still, even after the 1981 original publication? The answer is a resounding "Yes!"

The qhal created a mess, and it is up to Morgaine to fix the problem by shutting down the source: gates that link various times and places. The illegitimate Vanye, tossed out on his ear for accidentally killing one legitimate son and maiming the other, ends up giving his oath to Morgaine. Will they stay together? (Well, this is a trilogy!) Will they succeed in Morgaine's quest? Stick around and find out.

This classic sword-and-sorcery book with a hint of SF background stands the test of time. Read it if you haven't already!

45. Sacred Spaces by Howard K. Batson. What a gorgeous book! From the blurb: " As you enter sacred space, you engage in an encounter with God, realizing that your significance can only be found in relationship to the infinite Creator and His people, the great cloud of witnesses."

This book has photos of the original 1890 sanctuary, relocated in 1964 to the current campus. There's a picture of the second building, which was in use from 1909-1929. It burned during the sermon in December when the congregation was getting ready to say goodbye to the building. The new building was built, with great sacrifices by the congregation in 1930, with the sanctuary dedicated in August of that same year. From the proclamation at that dedication, "We want this building to speak of our devotion and loyalty to the faith, our belief in the freedom of the human soul, the right for each to approach his salvation through faith."

This book celebrates not only the architectural details but the people who worship therein. The diversity of cultures is amazing, with people from over a dozen different nations attending.

If you want to learn more about the history of the First Baptist Church of Amarillo, the thinking behind giving our best to God in the form of gorgeous buildings, or the architecture of the building, this is the place to start.

46. Out to Canaan by Jan Karon. Mitford is one of my favorite fictional places, and I was glad to return in Out to Canaan. Perhaps it is because I have done the retirement thing twice before and unretired both times that this book resonated with me. Perhaps it is because I have known these people, or their doppelgangers, and remember them fondly. Perhaps it is because of the faith that permeates the book. I loved it.

Start at the beginning of the series. Keep on going. It is highly recommended for people who enjoy wholesome fiction.

47. The Wind Off the Small Isles and The Lost One by Mary Stewart. This book is a collection of two short stories/novelettes. The Wind off the Small Isles is comprised of two stories intertwined with mystery, suspense, and romance. The Lost One is shorter and suspenseful, with no romance. I enjoyed both.

These are really for Mary Stewart completists. I thoroughly enjoyed them, but they aren't her best. Still, even "not her best" is better than most modern fiction, so I would recommend them to those who enjoy fiction from an earlier time when there were no cell phones to help get you out of a sticky situation.

48. Prose and Cons by Amanda Flower. Who can resist a magical bookshop, a tuxedo kitty, a Poe-quoting crow, and a murder mystery? Not me! And I dove right into this second book in the series.

The mystery is challenging and plays fair with the reader. Mostly I read it for the characters, as is so often true of cozy mysteries. The twist of the paranormal is what gives this series the edge to keep my interest. Well, and Magical Bookstore!

Read the first book in the series and enjoy these cozy mysteries. I've already bought book three.

49. Mission: Improper by Bec McMaster. I loved the London Steampunk world; I wasn't ready to give it up. So here is the first book in The Blue Blood Conspiracy, which takes up soon after the ending of the original series. Haven't read it? STOP HERE! Go back and read it if you like vampires, werewolves, and steampunk. If you don't like those ideas, then I'll cut to the chase and suggest this book isn't for you.

So you've read the original five books, right? Mission: Improper features Caleb Byrnes and Ingrid Miller. Blue blood and verwulfen, whatever will come of this pairing? You know the author will have those steamy hot sparks flying!

Recommended for fans of the series.

Yep, still trying to finish up writing reviews for 2022. 50. Monster Hunter Nemesis by Larry Correia. I know I am not the target audience for this series, but I still love it! And I have always had a fondness for Special Agent Franks, who is the main character in this book. Monsters! Mayhem! And add fallen angels to the mix this time! Yes, this book inspires me to use an overabundance of exclamation points!

If you've read the other books in the series, this one will be a blast!

51! A Study in Silks by Emma Jane Holloway. What a perfect book for me. Steampunk and mystery with a touch of Sherlock Holmes are just what the doctor ordered!

This is a gritty world, one where the class divide is broad and enforced harshly. Evelina Cooper is a wonderful heroine, niece to Sherlock Holmes, and doing her best to be part of the best of Society despite her ... eclectic ... background. I loved the mystery, loved the heroine, and admired the world-building. The writer knows her craft, and it shows.

Highly recommended for fans of steampunk who enjoy a dose of mystery with a spunky main character.

>57 Jean_Sexton:

Ooh, sounds fun! Since you say Highly recommended for fans of steampunk who enjoy a dose of mystery with a spunky main character, I'm guessing you know the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger? Although that's paranormal as well.

>58 amysisson: I thoroughly enjoyed that series. :)