Joanne (copperskye) Reads in 2024 II

Past time for a new thread. I'm still winging it!

Hello and welcome! I'm Joanne. 2024 marks my 16th year on LT and my 15th in this wonderful group. I'm retired in my mid-60s, and live in Colorado with my husband and grey tuxedo cat. I also have a son who writes and teaches in Ohio. We sadly lost our almost 12 year old golden retriever to leukemia on Mar 31.

I read mostly mysteries and current fiction. I keep trying to read more non-fiction and mostly failing. I'm also trying to read more books off my shelves. Last year I read 37 of my own books, about half of my total. Unfortunately, I probably bought more than that in the same time period and need to cull my shelves.

To get an idea of what I like, some of my favorite reads of 2023 were:

Still Life
The Soul of an Octopus
Crooked Heart
Absolution
The Vulnerables
The Queen of Dirt Island
Frenchman's Creek
The Last Devil to Die
Snowdrift and Other Stories
The entire Slough House series, including The Secret Hours

Books Read in 2024

January 2024
1. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman, OTS #1, 3 stars
2. Trespasses by Louise Kennedy, OTS #2, 4.25 stars
3. What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunez, OTS #3, 3.75 stars
4. The River We Remember by William Kent Kruger, OTS #4, 4.25 stars
5. The Red Door by Charles Todd, OTS #5, 3.75 stars
6. The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier, OTS #6, 4.25 stars
7. The People on Platform 5 by Clare Pooley, OTS #7, 4 stars

February 2024
8. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, OTS #8, 4.25 stars
9. The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly, OTS#9, 3.5 stars
10. The Confession by Charles Todd, 3 stars
11. These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer, OTS #10, 4.25 stars
12. The Road from Belhaven by Margot Livesey, 3.75 stars

March 2024
13. The Overstory by Richard Powers, OTS #11, 3.75 stars
14. The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl, 4.25 stars
15. The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell, OTS #12, 4.25 stars
16. Death in the Stocks by Georgette Heyer, OTS #13, 3 stars
17. The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz, OTS #14,
18. The All of It by Jeanette Halen, OTS #15, 4 stars

April 2024
19. Charming Billy by Alice McDermott (reread), OTS #16, 4.75 stars
20. Playing with Wildfire by Laura Pritchett, OTS #17, 4.5 stars
21. The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies OTS #18, 4.25 stars
22. Table for Two: Fictions by Amor Towles, OTS #19, 4.75 stars

May 2024
23. The Last Word by Elly Griffiths, 3 stars
24. The Sentence is Death by Anthony Horowitz, OTS #20, 3 stars
25. Clear by Carys Davies, 4.75 stars
26. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler, OTS #21, 3 stars
27. The Open Space of Democracy by Terry Tempest Williams, OTS #22 4 stars
28. Coffin Road by Peter May, OTS #23, 4.25 stars
29. The Toll-Gate by Georgette Heyer, OTS #24, 4 stars

June 2024
30. A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny, OTS #25, 4.25 stars
31. Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy, 4 stars
32. Harbour Street by Ann Cleeves, OTS #26, 3.75 stars
33. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovith, OTS #27, 3.5 stars
34. Long Island by Colm Toibin, 4 stars
35. The Safe Man: A Ghost Story by Michael Connelly (audio) 3.5 stars
36. The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer, OTS #28, 4.25 stars
37. James by Percival Everett, OTS #29, 5 stars

July 2024
38. How to Read a Book by Monica Wood, 4.25 stars
39. The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell (reread), OTS #30, 4.5 stars
40. How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley, 4 stars
41. The Coast Road by Alan Murrin, 4 stars
42. Maigret's Pickpocket by Georges Simenon, OTS#31, 3 stars

August 2024
43. The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson, 3 stars
44. The Moth Catcher by Ann Cleeves, OTS#32, 3 stars
45. Puppy Brain by Kerry Nichols, 4.25 stars
46. Loitering With Intent by Muriel Spark, OTS #33, 3 stars
47. Agony Hill by Sarah Stewart Taylor, 3 stars

Sept 2024
48. Desert Star by Michael Connelly, OTS #34, 4 stars
49. The Right Sort of Man by Allison Montclair, OTS #35, 3.5 stars
50. Without Exception: Reclaiming Abortion, Personhood, and Freedom by Pam Houston, 5 stars

October 2024
51. The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn, OTS #36, 3.75 stars
52. Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer, OTS #37
53. The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
54. Dark Tales by Shirley Jackson, OTS #38, 3 stars
55. We Solve Murders by Richard Osman, 4 stars
56. The Solace of Open Spaces by Gretel Ehrlich, OTS #39, 4 stars
57. A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair, OTS #40, 3 stars

November 2024
58. Frederica by Georgette Heyer OTS #41, 4 stars
59. Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout, 5 stars
60. The Man in Black by Elly Griffiths, 3.5 stars
61. The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny, OTS #42, 3 stars

December 2024
62. Christmas Crimes at the Mysterious Bookshop edited by Otto Penzler, OTS #43, 3.5 stars
63. The Waiting by Michael Connelly, 3.75 stars
64. The Signalman by Charles Dickens. OTS #44, 3.25 stars
65. A Christmas Memory, One Christmas, The Thanksgiving Visitor by Truman Capote, (reread) OTS #45, 5 stars
66. The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie, 3 stars
67. How fear Departed the Long Gallery by E F Benson, OTS #46, 3.75 stars
68. The Toll House by WW Jacobs, OTS #47, 3 stars

My clematis only got hit by hail and snow once this year so they grew pretty well

There has been so much sadness around LT of late and I thought I should share some of my happy news. One of these little furballs will be welcomed into our home next month, much sooner than I had anticipated. This is mom, Lyra, and her eight little one-week old pups. Skye's dad, Ryder, is Lyra's great-grandfather and Copper's dad, Yankee, is her great great-grandfather. And so one more generation removed for our little boy. We're thrilled.

>7 Copperskye: Hope that I am not too early Joanne.

Happy new thread and I am thrilled at the great news of the puppies.

>8 PaulCranswick: Nope, you're perfectly timed, Paul, and welcome! I'm fairly bare-boned around here. And thank you!

>9 Copperskye: :D

Happy new thread, Joanne! Puppies!! Terrific news!

>7 Copperskye: Congrats on your puppy, Joanne! Thank you for the happy news

Happy New Thread, Joanne . I’m delighted to see you are soon to get a new puppy. They look darling.

Congratulations on the new addition to your fur family!

>7 Copperskye: Love the photo. Goldens are such wonderful dogs and I'm glad/jealous you'll be welcoming a new one to your family soon.

Reading through your read books I find a number of old favorites, some newer ones I've read and enjoyed and a few that are sitting in Mt. TBR.

Happy Friday!!

>7 Copperskye: How lovely!

>10 PaulCranswick: :)

>11 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley!

>12 norabelle414: Thank you Nora!

>13 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah, I'm looking forward to meeting them!

>14 PaperbackPirate: Thanks Pirate!

>15 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba, I love my golden retrievers! I'm happy with my recent book choices (I don't continue with books I don't like and that helps a lot). I'm trying to mix new stuff with older stuff although my library holds have recently gotten away from me and they are all new books. :)

>16 SandDune: Thanks Rhian!

Wow, a new puppy - how wonderful! Oh, I know you'll post pictures.

My clematis was amazing this year. I don't know that I got a pictire - yours is lovely!

Happy new thread.

>18 AMQS: Hi Anne! Thanks, we're pretty excited about it and yes, there may be a picture or two.

34. Long Island by Colm Toibin

This was okay but my least favorite of the Colm Toibin books I've read (Brooklyn, Nora Webster, Empty Families, and The Blackwater Lightship). It is a continuation of the story of Brooklyn's Ellis Lacey as she finds herself betrayed by her husband and his family and decides to travels back home to Ireland to give them some distance. There was a lot of inner dialog and mulling over of things, along with a female friendship that wasn't, and a lot of unresolved conflict and passivity. By the end I was glad I could leave these characters behind. Toibin writes beautifully but there was just something cold and sterile about this one.

35, Safe Man by Michael Connelly

This was a fun little ghost story, well performed by Jack Quaid and Titus Welliver. A locksmith is hired by a horror writer to open an empty safe that turns out not to be empty. I needed something to listen to while walking and this was perfect and just creepy enough to have me looking behind me once or twice.

Happy new thread! Congrats on the puppies. Very cute

Happy Saturday, Joanne. Happy New Thread. Hooray for James! And I think 5 stars is exactly right. Sorry, to hear you were disappointed in Long Island. That is on my TBR.

>7 Copperskye: Congratulations on the new pup!

>20 Copperskye: I did not care overmuch for Brooklyn, so I think I will give that one a pass.

Happy new thread, Joanne!

Congrats on the new puppy! I can't wait to see pictures and here what you decide to call him/her.

Happy new thread, Joanne! And congrats on the new pup!

>20 Copperskye: I wasn't as in love with it as some seem to be either. Good read but didn't bowl me over.

Happy new thread, Joanne. Great puppy news! Do you have a name picked out? You have been reading Heyer. She is so great.

>22 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita!

>23 msf59: Thanks Mark! I loved James! Definitely 5 stars. I was surprised that Long island didn't work for me. I hope your experience with it is different. I'll look forward to your comments when you get to it.

>24 alcottacre: Thanks Stasia! I'd say it would be smart to stay away from Long Island if you didn't care for Brooklyn. Have you read anything else by Toibin?

>25 katiekrug: Thanks Katie!

>26 drneutron: Thanks Jim!

>27 RebaRelishesReading: I'm not sure why exactly I found it to be so sterile. I felt nothing for the characters, except maybe annoyance by the end.

>28 BLBera: Thanks Beth! We have our list narrowed down to just a couple of boy names. Every time I finish a Heyer, I just want to start another. I'm so happy I finally gave her a try but sad that I missed out on sharing them with Julia who was really the one who prompted me to try them.

36. The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer

I feel as if I'm the last person to finally read this. Smart and funny with a heroine you really can't help rooting for. There is no man coming along to save Sophy (she doesn't need saving) and this is certainly not some sort of bodice ripper romance - think more a combination of historical fiction and comedy of manners. I'm so looking forward to picking out my next Heyer!

Oh, Joanne, that is WONDERFUL news about a new puppy. How cool that it has the genetic link to both Copper and Skye. I am excited for you. Golden Retrievers are great dogs. Our grand dog Maverick is a joy to have around...as long as there are no storms. We will have him (and brother Cowboy) for a week right after the 4th of July while my lucky son and family will be vacationing in Colorado.

I am on the library wait list for James. It sure is getting rave reviews. I will read Long Island some day just because I've liked his other books. I may do a reread of Brooklyn at the same time.

Oh, you aren't the last person to read The Grand Sophy, Joanne, I have it in my TBR and have had for some years. One day! I did enjoy Long Island, though I enjoyed Brooklyn more. I look forward to finding out what you name your new puppy, Joanne! Happy News.

>31 Donna828: Thanks Donna! I do admit to beginning to feel a bit anxious, though! It's been so long since we've had a puppy in the house and we had such a good helper in Copper when Skye was a baby. And little Skye was such a smart little girl - she even sat for her food right from the first day and was already practically housetrained, too. (I barely remember Copper's puppy days!) I have to remind myself that I was working full time with both of our pups. I look forward to your reactions to both James and Long Island when you get to them!

>32 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! Save The Grand Sophy for when you need a fun break from some heavier reads!

I love that you're reading the Georgette Heyer books - I think I have exhausted the ones available on audio, which is how I've really enjoyed them. I probably just need to move to print (but Richard Armitage is sooooo easy on the ears...)

>34 AMQS: Hi Anne, I can image they'd be great on audio and I like to "reread" via audio (or I did when I listened to audios more regularly). Thanks for the narrator tip - I know they can make all the difference.

>7 Copperskye: Yay for a puppy!

>30 Copperskye: And you are not the last person, I am.

Thanks to >34 AMQS: I may try it on audio! I have a long drive coming this weekend.

PS Happy new thread!

>36 witchyrichy: Hi Karen, thanks! The audios would be fun. Safe travels!

Greetings, Joanne, hoping you're well, contented, and enjoying your summer reads. *smooch*

>38 richardderus: Good morning, Richard! Happy Sunday to you. Our weather has cooled off enough that the out-of-doors can actually be enjoyed, at least for today.

I hope today finds you well!! *smooches* back at you

Hi Joanne, I second Anne. Heyer audiobooks are very good although I have read the print version first for most of them.

Enjoy your puppy.

Great news about a puppy! Got a name picked out yet, or are you waiting to see its personality?

>30 Copperskye: I love Heyers’ romances, and this is one of my favorites. Have you read Venetia yet?

I have to thank you for recommending Table for Two. I enjoyed it so much!

>40 BLBera: Hi Beth, Do you have a favorite Heyer narrator (or one to stay away from)? I would also listen after reading.

>41 Storeetllr: We have the names narrowed down to a couple. I just have to convince John that my favorite name is his favorite name. :) I haven't read Venetia yet (I've only read three so far) but I love learning everyone's favorites. The Grand Sophy was a lot of fun! I'm so glad you liked Table For Two! Have you read Towles's novels?

37. James by Percival Everett

I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would (I was never a huge fan of Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn). Smart and clever, and told with a touch of sly humor, Everett tells the story of Huckleberry Finn's "Jim" from his point of view. I absolutely loved what the author did with the dialect and that James is finally a fully drawn out character. I'm sure this will be one of my year-end favorites.

38. How To Read a Book by Monica Wood

A charming story of three people whose lives converge in the best way, told with warmth and empathy. Heartwarming and feel-good without being saccharine or mawkish. I've only read Wood's When We Were the Kennedys and Ernie's Ark and this, her latest, was a reminder that I need to get back to her.

At least it's a dry heat (9% humidity) and we have central air. :)

>45 Copperskye: You're at a fairly high elevation (not necessarily by CO standards, but in general), aren't you? That makes the 101 especially surprising (if I'm right). We're back into the 80's and 90's now which makes me more willing to leave my lovely cool house than

Joanne, you said on my thread that you have The Coast Road out from the library. If you have time to read it, it is excellent, a five star read for me. I can't wait to find out the puppy's name! :-)

>46 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba, We are at 5600' here, just a tad higher than Denver. The elevation helps to keep temps down but it also makes the sun feel hotter because there is less troposphere to protect from the sun. It's also why there is a huge difference in how hot it feels being in the sun vs the shade. I just went out to grab the mail (our house faces west) and it felt like I walked into a furnace. The several days in a row of extreme heat is very rare. Much better than all the weather woes going on around the country, though (those poor people in TX), and I don't mean to complain, only that it's unusual. I'm glad your weather has cooled off a bit!!

>47 vancouverdeb: Oh dear, I had planned to read off my shelf next, but it sounds like I need to give it a go. I can't disregard a 5 star read! Thanks, Deborah!

The Monica Wood sounds good. I have Ernie's Ark on my shelf but haven't read it yet.

>50 katiekrug: I highly recommend How to Read a Book, Katie. I loved Ernie’s Ark, too, but it’s been forever since I read it.

>45 Copperskye: Haha, first thing I thought when I saw those temps was,” At least it’s a dry heat.” Second thing was that at least the nighttime temps were in the 60s. We’ve had 90+ days here with nighttime temps in the 70s and 80s. And 80% humidity. Yuck.

I’ve not read Towles before, but I’m planning to. Which of his novels would you recommend I start off with?

>49 Copperskye: The Coast Road does look like a winner. I will keep my eyes open for that one turning up over here.

Hope the weekend is good and a bit cooler for you, Joanne.

>52 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, I don't miss that sticky heat and I know those hot nights are awful. (I'm pretty sure if I still lived in NJ I wouldn't consider summer my favorite season.) And I see next week will be warm for you, too. It's still 80F at 11pm but it should start cooling off soon, I hope.

As far as Towles goes, if you really liked the novella about Eve in Table For Two, you couldn't go wrong with Rules of Civility where she first appeared. (But know that it takes place in NYC, not Hollywood.) And I absolutely loved A Gentleman in Moscow and fell in love with the Count. Either of those are can't miss as far as I'm concerned and both were 5 star reads for me. As was The Lincoln Highway, but I don't seem to remember it as fondly as the first two for some reason.

>53 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! The weekend promises to be hot, but it's bound to cool off eventually! Hope all is well in your world and your weekend is a fine one.

Happy Saturday, Joanne. Hooray for James! Glad to see such a quality book catch fire. How To Read a Book sounds good too. I loved her Kennedys book.

ETA- I posted my mini-review of The New York Trilogy. Sorry, it couldn't be more encouraging.

>52 Storeetllr: >54 Copperskye: Towles is one of the few contemporary authors I have kept up with as I know it will be good read. I have loved all of them, including The Lincoln Highway, a wonderful road trip story, but also very different from the other two in terms of characters and even style. Table for Two is just waiting for the right moment.

Thanks, Joanne. I’ll try Rules of Civility then because I did enjoy the novella.

>48 Copperskye: Interesting point about the impact of sun at higher elevations. For a few years we had a cabin at about 5000' but it was buried in a forest so I never noticed the sun effect. I've spent the majority of my life in the SW at elevations well-below 1000' so I know about heat at that elevation and I'm ever so glad to be in the NW :)

>55 msf59: Sunny Sunday good wishes to you, Mark! People seem to either love or hate The New York Trilogy. Auster can be tricky to read but I doubt I'll give that one another try. I loved The Brooklyn Follies and Oracle Night - have you read either?

>56 witchyrichy: Hi Karen, The Lincoln Highway did seem very different for some reason.

>57 Storeetllr: I really hope you like it, Mary!

>58 RebaRelishesReading: A cabin tucked in a shady forest sounds pretty good right now! :)

39. The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Patricia B. McConnell. OTS #30, (reread) 4.75 stars

This is one of the most useful dog books I own, written by an animal behaviorist and concentrating on the looped end of the leash. It's filled with lots of very good examples and reminders about why and how to interact with dogs and train the human. Every dog owner should read this.

I own and I think I have read The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs . Poppy was such a handful as pup, that I purchased a lot of books and read a lot , despite having had two previous dogs, a border terrier and a bichon frise. I'm still waiting to hear your puppy's name!

New York Stories was my first Auster. How is the series Presumed Innocent? Worth watching? We just started "Your Honor" and it has been very good. Have you seen or heard of that one? Bryan Cranston stars.

>61 vancouverdeb: I'm hoping our new pup is only a literal handful and not a figurative one. I'm enjoying The Coast Road so thank you for your encouragement!

>62 msf59: If you ever want to attempt another Auster, I think The Brooklyn Follies is his most assessable. I haven't heard of Your Honor but I like Brian Cranston so I'll look it up. Presumed Innocent has been entertaining and a good distraction. It's on Apple.

Congrats on the puppy. What wonderful news. 😃

>64 Ameise1: Hi Barbara! Good to see you and thanks. We're excited about it!

40. How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley

The local council threatens to shut down the building housing the community center and so the senior citizen group and day care center that share the space work together to save it and each other. Similar in set up to Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting, Pooley brings together a disparate group of people with a lot of humor and heart. A very fun read!

I'm very glad you are enjoying The Coast Road , Joanne. I'd really like to read Sipsworth and I see that Reba loved it too. My library does not have it, so I might have to purchase it for my kindle.

>66 Copperskye: Looks like a fun read! Just what I’ll need during recovery.

>67 vancouverdeb: Does your library take requests? It was a sweet little read but took even slow reader me just over a day to read.

>68 Storeetllr: It absolutely would be, Mary!

They do take requests , Joanne, my library. I should put in a purchase a purchase request. They are usually very slow to get a book. I put one in this spring and I think it took about 3 months plus to get it. My sister says the same thing about the library we use - they are very slow with purchase requests. But maybe I will give it a try.

>70 vancouverdeb: I hope that works for you, Deborah. It’ll be a nice surprise when it comes in!

Please welcome our new little boy, born 5/31/24, Fly ‘N Hi Finley, or Finn, for short. He’s keeping us on our toes and giving me a good workout!

>72 Copperskye: Precious little poopiedarling! Congrats!

>72 Copperskye: What a sweetie! Congratulations!!

OMG! What a cutie pie! Nothing beats a PUPPY (except of course, a kitten;-). Welcome home, Finn. You chose well! Keep those puppy pics coming, Joanne!

Finn is a beautiful boy! Congrats all around.

Wow - a Clear personality already!

Oh , he is cute , Joanne! And I love the name Finn. Have fun!!

>72 Copperskye: awwww! Congratulations! Finn is adorable.

Ah, the long awaited pictures. Finn is so handsome. Enjoy the snuggles. I know he will keep you busy. Fun times ahead!

>72 Copperskye: Ahhhh -- he's adorable!! Please give him a hug and scratch behind his ears from me!

Tell Finn I said hi! He's so cute!! Congratulations!

>73 richardderus:, >74 norabelle414:, >75 jessibud2:, >76 katiekrug:, >77 m.belljackson:,>78 vancouverdeb:,>79 bell7:,>80 Donna828:,>81 RebaRelishesReading:,>82 PaperbackPirate: Thank you all, for your well wishes! He is a little doll.

Happy Sunday, Joanne. Hooray for Finn! Such an adorable addition. Kudos to you for dealing with a new puppy. I couldn't handle that anymore.

Finn is adorable, Joanne!

I look forward to James and How to Read a book also sounds like one I would like.

>72 Copperskye: OMG, as the kids say! So adorable!

>84 msf59: Hi Mark, He tests my patience daily but I know it’ll get easier!

>85 BLBera: Thanks, Beth! I’m sure you would enjoy them both!

>86 witchyrichy: Hi Karen, That he is! :)

>72 Copperskye: OMG! He’s adorable!!!

>88 Storeetllr: That he is, Mary! Surprising since he seems to be part land-shark…

41. The Coast Road by Alan Murrin

A very good debut novel about three women living in a small Irish town just before divorce became legal in 1994. Well told and compelling without being overly melodramatic.

42. Maigret's Pickpocket by Georges Simenon

One morning, Maigret's wallet is stolen while he rides a crowded bus. The stolen wallet is soon returned and when Maigret meets up with the thief, an even larger crime is discovered. A good entry in the series and I always appreciate how Simenon can tell a story so succinctly. And Madam Maigret is learning to drive - I love when she makes an appearance.

>90 Copperskye: Ireland's extremely long middle ages only ended in 1994?! Shocking! Theocracies are always appalling but theirs was especially so since they were so close to modernity.

Happy week-ahead's reads!

>92 richardderus: As the US walks back basic human rights 30 years later... :( I'm about to start something new, Richard, so reading should, hopefully, be looking up! Hope all is well and happy with you!!

43. The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson

I absolutely loved Simonson's The Summer Before the War when I read it last year. I should have loved this one, too, for the setting and time period and strong female characters. But I found it to be a long slog at 432 pages with too many characters and situations that seemed to go no where. Parts of it I loved which is why I kept reading it for the last two weeks and I am glad I stuck with it. The author's notes at the end explained some things that certainly may have affected the finished book and I look forward to whatever she comes up with next.

>90 Copperskye: I'm glad you enjoyed The Coast Road too, Donna. I have a paused hold on The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club at the library. Too many Booker Long list books coming in. But that is a good thing. I'm glad my library has as many as they do.

It has been a while since I checked in, Joanne, so I thought that it was high time I came by!

>94 Copperskye: I think that I liked that one more than you did. I have not yet read Simonson's The Summer Before the War although I do own it, but I loved Major Pettigrew, so I am hopeful that I love *Summer* too.

>72 Copperskye: He is so cute. Congratulations.

>95 vancouverdeb: Lots of good books to look forward to, Deborah!

>96 alcottacre: Always nice to see you, Stasia! It's funny, I read Major Pettigrew back whenever it first came out, and now I don't remember a thing about it. I know I liked it though. I should go back and read some reviews and it will come back to me. I hope you like The Summer Before the War as much as I did - something about it just hit the spot for me.

>97 Ameise1: Thank you Barbara! He is a little doll and he's keeping me busy.

>94 Copperskye: I've seen this one mentioned on other threads, Joanne, and will look for it. I still need to read The Summer Before the War. Maybe I'll read that one first.

>99 BLBera: Hi Beth! Well, I guess I'd recommend reading Summer Before before.

It took me over two weeks to read Hazelbourne which seemed too long to me but I've been reading a Vera Stanhope mystery now for a week and only about halfway through. Maybe it's me more than the books...

Sweet Thursday, Joanne. I just started The Meadow and immediately thought of you. Have you read it? If not, I think it would be just your cuppa. Just sayin'...

Hiya' Mark! I loved The Meadow!! I know you will, too. I think it was Anne who brought it to my attention. I picked up another of James Galvin's books at a library sale a year or so ago but haven't read it yet.

Then I will give you credit for putting The Meadow on my radar. Book buddies are the best. Have a good weekend. How is that new puppy?

>94 Copperskye: This book keeps showing up on my recommendation list and I have been tempted. Thanks for the review.

>103 msf59: I really should add it to my reread list, Mark! Finley is keeping us busy. It's remarkable how much bigger he has gotten.

>104 witchyrichy: I hope you like it, if and when you get to it, Karen. I loved reading of the time period it depicted!

This photo popped up in my memories yesterday. Not a terribly clear shot since we were so far away, but that’s Barack Obama accepting the nomination for President at the DNC in Denver on Aug 28, 2008. Quite a night.

>106 Copperskye: Wow! Great shot! That was quite a time! If only the good times had continued past 2016.

Happy September!

>106 Copperskye: Quite a good memory, that one.

September orisons!

>106 Copperskye: This is great!

>107 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, I'm feeling cautiously optimistic, but you know how that goes. Hard to believe it's September already!

>108 richardderus: Hi Richard, that it was! Happy almost fall!

>109 BLBera: Hi Beth, It was fun!!

44. The Moth Catcher by Ann Cleeves

This 7th book in the Vera series involved two murders in a very small enclave. It was fine but it seemed to drag.



45. Puppy Brain by Kerry Nichols

Dealing with a new puppy can be overwhelming at times. Nichols breeds golden retrievers and she knows her dogs. Both a book for what to expect and a here's what to do and why, it's very informative. I also appreciated her chapter on buying a purebred from a reputable breeder v shelter rescue.



46. Loitering With Intent by Muriel Spark

Spark seems to write with a wry wink and I thought this one, about a woman writer writing for a man hosting an autobiographical writer's group with perhaps, some nefarious goings on, was a fun one.

Stopping by to say hi, Joanne! Yes, puppies can be a lot of work. I am glad things are going well with Finley.

>111 Copperskye: I still have two books from the Vera series somewhere in the house that I haven't read yet. I'll have to look for them.
Have a nice weekend.

How is the puppy? I stopped by thinking I might see some new pics...

>106 Copperskye: Thanks for sharing that amazing picture. I am also feeling more optimistic but there is still a long way to go. And fall seems to have arrived in a hurry: I am already two weeks into the fall teaching semester.

>112 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah! Every day is a little better!

>113 Ameise1: Hi Barbara! I have the next two or three Vera books on my shelves, too.

>114 BLBera: Hi Beth! Photos? I may have one or two... :)

>115 witchyrichy: Hi Karen, Our temps are still in the 90s so its hard to think about fall, but the nights are definitely cooler so winter isn't far behind. I hope your semester goes well!!





Here's some recent Finley photos. Lucky for him he's cute! :) He's 14 weeks old now and settling in to a routine. Last week he started sleeping through the night and what a difference that has made! Puppies are hard work and I really missed not having Skye here to help with the training. I know she would have been a wonderful big sister and teacher. We started puppy kindergarten and he's doing well and it's nice to get him out among people and puppies. In a week or so, Finn will have all his shots and so soon he'll be out in the world.

He is adorable, sooooo adorable!

Wonderful pictures 😀

What a cutie!

So cute you'd probably forgive him anything :). Glad he's doing well and, yes, sleeping through the night helps a lot!!

>116 Copperskye: Oh! That face! I just want to snuggle him and give him lots of pats and rubs. I hope he gets out of the wild puppy stage soon, no matter how cute he is as a puppy.

>116 Copperskye: Thanks! You made my day. What a cutie!

Finn is really cute, Joanne! I am sure glad he is sleeping through the night. I think it just took a couple of nights for Poppy to sleep through the night. It's so hard when they cry ( and you have to get up).

>117 jessibud2:, >118 Ameise1:, >119 PaperbackPirate:, >120 RebaRelishesReading:, >121 Storeetllr:, >122 BLBera:, >123 vancouverdeb: Thanks everyone!!

47. Agony Hill by Sarah Stewart Taylor

Agony Hill is the start of a new series that takes place in Vermont during the 1960s. A police detective moves up from Boston to start work in a rural town where a new highway development is disrupting the residents. A barn fire leads to the discovery of a farmer's body - was his death another suicide or murder? The characters were well developed and the pacing was pretty good so I'll probably read the next one but I do prefer her Maggie D'arcy series.

48. Desert Star by Michael Connelly

Renee Ballard is tasked with setting up a cold case team and gets Bosch out of retirement to work as a volunteer. She needs him working on a case that involves a local politician and the hook to get him on board is allowing him to continue investigating the murder of a family that remained unsolved from his days on the force. High quality, as always with Connelly, but it's sad that Harry has gotten so much older.

I read an earlier series by Taylor and really liked it; I need to try her newer series.

Hi Joanne.
>116 Copperskye: Finn is adorable! How fun that he is going to Puppy Kindergarten. I'm guessing he will pass with flying colors!

It's kind of sad that I haven't read any Michael Connelly books. Dave likes them and has a few in his man library. I should sneak a peak!

>127 BLBera: Hi Beth, I know you've mentioned that other series but I can't seem to find it at my library. I really enjoyed her D'arcy series.

>128 Donna828: Hi Donna, He's pretty good in class although last week he was a bit of a wild man. All the pups are very cute and there's a good variety of breeds. I like the Bosch books more than his Lincoln Lawyer series but they are all good, imo. Too many books!! I can't believe that I still haven't started the Cork O'Connor series (but I intend to soon!)!

I got them from the library, Joanne. I think I read them pre-LT.

>44 Copperskye: BTW, I am reading How to Read a Book and loving it.

How's Finn?

Hi Joanne! What a treat to see sweet Finley pics on your thread! He's absolutely adorable and I have an urge to bury my face in that soft puppy fur!

You got me with Coast Road, How to Age Disgracefully, and How to Read a Book. Thank you!

Hi, Joanne, and Happy Autumn! Are the leaves starting to change yet in your neck of the woods?

>130 BLBera: Oh, I'm so glad you like it! I was charmed by it!
Finn is good. I just caught him checking out the countertops, ugh.

>131 AMQS: Of the three, How to read a Book was my favorite (I think the title is terrible) although How to Age Disgracefully was really a fun one!

>132 Storeetllr: Happy Autumn to you, Mary! I think the high country is at a peak or will be very soon but down here the leaves are only just starting to change. Mt Blue Sky (the former Mt Evans) had a very pretty dusting of snow on it this morning. It's still warm down here so it's hard to think of it being fall already.

We had a couple days of cool, rainy weather, and I’m already depressed. (Not a fan of New York winters.) Enjoy the fall color when it comes to you!

>116 Copperskye: Lovely photos.

One of my first tasks when I relocate to the UK is to get myself a pup who can help take my side against the boss lady!

I am thinking a spaniel or a beagle.

Agony Hill sounds interesting, Joanne. I'll keep it in mind.

>134 Storeetllr: No, NY winters are pretty dreary and I don't miss them. Its gorgeous here today, but a little too hot. The air conditioner just kicked on.

>135 PaulCranswick: Sounds like a plan, Paul, and either dog would make a great companion. Friends of ours had a rescue Springer spaniel, Buddy, who was a sweetheart with adults. I wonder if there is as much pushback in the UK against buying a purebred as there is here in the States.

>136 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah, I think it has some promise as a series!

49 The Right Sort of Man by Allison Montclair

The first book in a series about two very different women who open up a marriage bureau. It's just after WWII ends when they open their business but trouble comes fast when one of their clients is murdered, perhaps by her date, another client. Very witty dialog, with interesting characters in a promising series that I absolutely want to read more of.

50. Without Exception: Reclaiming Abortion, Personhood, and Freedom by Pam Houston

An exceptionally brave and very personal story of choices made in a time when all women in America had authority over their own health. Houston is never one to mince words or make excuses and this little book is so very timely. Too bad the people who should read it probably won't.

51. The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn

I was a tiny bit disappointed by this one. There was a long section that just kind of dragged for me, and in my head I kept comparing it unfavorably to Sarah Winman's Still Life. Still, it picked up when the kids grew up and I was ultimately glad to have finally read it.

52. Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer

I only discovered Heyer less than a year ago, and so far, I can absolutely say that you can't go wrong with her for sheer reading pleasure.

The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose

Following The Maid and The Mystery Guest in Prose's Molly the Maid series, this little Holiday novella was about as long as I could stand. Okay for a Holiday treat, but nothing special, and only for fans of the series.

Happy Sunday, Joanne. I have missed seeing you around. I have added Without Exception to the TBR. I am a fan of Houston. BTW- I had you down for doing a shared read of The Sentence for this month. I am starting it today.

Oh yeah- I was recently interviewed by a college student about my experiences and history on Library Thing. She asked me who my first LT friend was. You can guess my answer...😎

>141 Copperskye: You are so right about Heyer, Joanne. You are lucky because you have a lot of good reading ahead.

I loved The Whalebone Theatre.

Lots of reading done, Joanne . I read The Right Sort of Man some years ago and enjoyed it too.

>143 msf59: Hi Mark! I think I'm going to take a pass on The Sentence this month. I read the first few pages and it just wasn't clicking for me. I'm having a difficult time starting books lately. One of these days though. I'll be waiting on your thoughts.

>144 msf59: Hey, that's me! :) You were interviewed about LT?? How fun! I'm so behind on threads - I need to stop by and hear about that!

>145 BLBera: Hi Beth, As I mentioned above to Mark, I've been struggling to get books to click and so I might start another Heyer just because she is so dependable! I had expected to love The Whalebone Theatre, too, and I'm a bit disappointed in myself that I only liked it. :(

>146 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah, I'm currently finishing up the second book, A Royal Affair and liked it less. Oh well.

Hi Joanne. I hate book slumps. I guess when we read so many great books, the good ones seem kind of ordinary. And sometimes I read something that isn't great literature, but it hits the sweet spot. Reading is such a "mood" thing for me that I purposely read kind of mindless books when I have what I sometimes call "book overload". Luckily, it doesn't happen often.

Reading a favorite author is a great idea for you. Hmmm, I don't think I've read anything by Georgette Heyer. I'll give her a try sometime when I want something different from my usual reads.

Edited to add: Do you have a favorite Heyer?

>148 Donna828: Hi Donna, It's nice to see you! I still haven't found a book to read...I'm just kind of restless these days. Something will catch my fancy soon...I hope. I pre-ordered the new Louise Penny and that will arrive next week if nothing else pops up.

I never thought I'd enjoy Regency romances but there you are. I'm very new to her but I've had fun with each one. I read Snowdrift and Other Stories last December and that was a good introduction. Then These Old Shades, The Toll Gate, The Grand Sophy, and Black Sheep. The Grand Sophy (such a fun protagonist) was probably my favorite with The Toll-Gate (more adventure than romance) a close second. It's the humor and witty dialog that really surprised me. I had been looking forward to discussing Heyer with Julia but of course, never got the chance. She did leave behind thoughts on her favorites on her thread back in 2017. I printed them out to refer to and feel lucky to have found them.

I felt the same way, Joanne. I read The Right Sort of Man, and I also read A Royal Affair and I did not enjoy as much. I have not read any further in the series. I hope the Louise Penny will be just the thing to break your reading funk.

>149 Copperskye: I love The Grand Sophy and These Old Shades! Try Venetia too, another favorite, though every Heyer Regency I’ve read so far has been wonderful.

>150 vancouverdeb: Hi Deborah, I feel so cheated when that happens! The first book was such a treat. I happen to have the third one and I will try it - maybe it was just a sophomore slump!

>151 Storeetllr: I just picked up a used copy of Venetia and I'm looking forward to it!!

I hope you enjoy it! I just finished These Old Shades. It really helped to take my mind off my election anxiety.

>153 Storeetllr: That's what Frederica is doing for me, although it's taking me forever to read (that's on totally anxious me and not the book!).

Frederica is one of my favorite Heyers, Joanne.

>154 Copperskye: I can't imagine what might have been making you anxious on November 5... grim times. And Heyer is the perfect escape, but you have to be ready to escape. Take care, Joanne.

>155 BLBera: It was a fun one, Beth. I think my favorite (so far) is The Toll-Gate. Less romance, more adventure.

>156 AMQS: Hi Anne, Grim, yes. Very grim.

54. Dark Tales by Shirley Jackson

These were decent but I just didn't find any of the stories to be particularly memorable.



55. We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

I love Osman's Thursday Murder Club series. This new series and its characters will take a little getting used to. Solid though. I loved the father-in-law character but I don't know why there was a husband. Maybe he'll be fleshed out more in future installments.

56. The Solace of Open Spaces by Gretel Ehrlich

A beautiful collection of essays of life in 1970s Wyoming.



57. A Royal Affair by Allison Montclair

I loved the first book in this series, The Right Sort of Man. This second one was a disappointment. The characters went from being fun and humorous to forced and dull.

58. Frederica by Georgette Heyer

Another fun escape. I loved the family dynamics and especially young Felix.

>159 Copperskye: I've been meaning to read The Solace of Open Spaces forever! Thanks for the push!

Ooh, I put The Solace of Open Spaces on my Christmas gift list. Some books just cak=ll out someone's name, don't they? Thanks, Joanne.

>161 PaperbackPirate: Happy to help, Pirate! It languished on my shelf for quite some time.

>162 AMQS: It's a good one, Anne, and I think you'd like it!

59. Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout

My new favorite by Strout. I loved going back to Crosby, ME and visiting with Bob and Lucy and Olive and William. Such a treat and I didn't want it to end.

>164 Copperskye: I agree. I thought it was such fun having them all in the same place at same time :)

Joanne, I’m in agreement with you and Reba. Elizabeth Strout nailed it once again.

Also, you got me with a book bullet. I am looking forward to a virtual trip to Wyoming. The Solace of Open Spaces is going on my wish list for 2025.

Happy Thanksgiving!

>160 Copperskye: All the Heyer in the world is not enough to jolly us for long...so many problems, so few solutions. But it's sure worth a whirl! Her beautiful bantering sentences...well, you've inspired me to a readfest, Joanne. TYVM

Hooray for Tell Me Everything! I will try to bookhorn that one in next month, if I can land a copy.

Happy Thanksgiving, Joanne!

I have a multi-book of Heyer novels on my Kindle. Maybe now is the time!

Grateful for my LibraryThing family!

I am really looking forward to the new Strout. After Oh William, I was ready for her to be done with the Lucy Barton world. It sounds like this one is a good one.

Visitors!! Happy belated Thanksgiving all. I am thankful for this great group!

>165 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba, Yes, I loved all their interactions!

>166 Donna828: Hi Donna, I think The Solace of Open Spaces is one that you would enjoy. I hope you had a restful Thanksgiving! I'm about to heat up some leftovers - my favorite part.

>167 richardderus: Hi Richard! Yes, I think it's a big ask of Heyer to be a complete balm for our souls but just a little is all I ask. I really enjoy entering her world.

>168 msf59: Hi Mark! I was lucky to get on my library's hold list early. Enjoy when you get to it! Happy belated Thanksgiving!!

>169 witchyrichy: Pretty collage, Karen - thank you! I'm very thankful as well!

>170 BLBera: Hi Beth, I think if you are tired of Lucy (which I can see happening), there is enough character interaction that Lucy is just a part of it.

Have a great Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Joanne. xx

Hi, Joanne. Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving!

>172 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul, we did! Moving right into the Christmas season now, I guess... Hope all is well with you and yours!

>173 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, We did! Just John and I. I roasted a turkey breast with minimal sides. The leftovers, which are my favorite part, are all gone. As is, sadly, the cherry pie.

60. The Man in Black and Other Stories by Elly Griffiths

This was a pretty good collection. I especially liked meeting up with Ruth again. I would only recommend it for people who are already fans of Griffiths books.

Finley is absolutely adorable!
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

>176 tymfos: Hi Terri, Thank you so much for stopping by and thank you!! Hope all is well with you!

61. The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny

I was a little disappointed by this one. It leaned more toward thriller and Gamache more of a super sleuth than a deep thinker. Not quite what I was expecting especially after I loved the previous book.

62. Christmas Crimes at the Mysterious Bookshop edited by Otto Penzler

Like any collection, there were some here that I didn't care for and others that I really liked. I liked more stories than I disliked and enjoyed the book more as I read. Favorites were Jeffrey Deaver's The Christmas Party, Ragnar Jonasson's A Christmas Puzzle (this one was a reread for me as I have the chapbook), and David Gordon's Sergeant Santa. Overall, a fun group of Christmas crimes with a NYC and bookshop setting. It would make a great stocking stuffer for a mystery reader.

I'll add that my son visited The Mysterious Bookshop last month when he was in the city for a few days. I was a bit jealous - he doesn't even read mysteries!

63. The Waiting by Michael Connelly

I was so happy to read something that was totally immersive - just what I was waiting for! Cold cases and serial killers. Needed more Harry, though.

I'm reading very slowly lately, but thought I would come by and say hi, Joanne!

Happy Wednesday, Joanne. I am starting Tell Me Everything today. I like ending the year with a BANG!!

>179 Copperskye: This sounds like a fun one for this time of year.

>178 Copperskye: We had reverse reactions about Penny's last two. I didn't like A world of Curiosities much, but I did like this one although you are right that it was more like a thriller than some of the others.

Solstice cheer, Joanne!

>179 Copperskye: Your comment about your son made me smile, Joanne. Kyran, my son, lives in and loves London and I miss Daunt's and Foyle's and the huge Waterstones bookshops.

I wish you and your loved ones a happy and blessed festive season.

Nadolig Llawen, Happy Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Winslow and all of us wish you a very happy holidays!

Thinking of you at this time, Joanne.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you all for the beautiful holiday greetings!! I hope your days have been spent with those you love, doing what makes you happy!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday, Joanne!

Finley's first Christmas


Merry Christmas and happy New Year greeting! Wishing anyone who stops by happiness, laughter, and love in the new year! Sorry I've been so neglectful here - hope to be better soon!

Happy Holidays, Joanne. Hooray for Finley! Love that pic.

Hi Joanne!

>193 vancouverdeb: You too, Deborah!

>195 msf59: >196 karenmarie: Happy Holidays, Mark and Karen! Thanks for stopping by!

Yeah to a beautiful happy dog. And, a lovely one as well.