A slow week ...

Ghoul Interrupted (Ghost Hunter Mystery, Bk 6) by Victoria Laurie (library copy) -

Okay, time to get real.  I feel guilty every time I read one of her books (like I'm betraying my fellow readers), but I've been keeping up with this series anyway.  In doing so, I've managed to witness a miracle.  VL wrote a book with no preaching!  No lectures to us non-believers about how wrong we are and how we'll get ours!  In fact, I'll go so far as to say this is the best book in the series.  In addition to no preaching, Gilley wasn't as annoying, the American Indian theme was interesting, and I guessed the bad guy correctly.

I did a skip and jump (i.e. I read my favorite parts and the main parts) through Guardian of Honor (Summoner series, Bk 1) by Robin D. Owens.

I jumped around through Attack of the Fiend (Last Apprentice / Wardstone Chronicles, Bk 4) by Joseph Delaney.  I had checked it out thinking I hadn't read it yet and soon realized I had.  I continued to randomly jump ahead and refresh my memory so I'm better prepared to read the next book in the series.

I started a couple other things that I should finish and post soon, but for the most part I've been fighting off a reading slump.

What do Vermont, Vicarages, and Bookshops have in common? Oh just a little thing like murder...

Well-Offed in Vermont (Pret' Near Perfect Mystery, Bk 1) by Amy Patricia Meade (library copy) -

Stella and Nick are likeable; I especially enjoyed seeing how good their marriage was even when compromise was needed.  I found it interesting how they could go around asking questions and even the Sheriff had no problem sharing information with civilians.  And it was amusing how quickly these newcomers to Vermont were annoyed by the "flatlander" tourists even though they were flatlanders themselves.  I don't know what the second book will be or when it'll come out, but I'll give it a try.

The Murder at the Vicarage (Miss Marple, Bk 1) by Agatha Christie; Read by James Saxon (library Audiobook) -

It took me awhile to get through this because AudioBooks aren't always convenient - especially since the stereo in my car wasn't working.  It was interesting.  This is the second Agatha Christie book I've read now, and I was wondering if the mysteries are always told by one person but sleuthed by another.  It seems strange.  I think I'm going to continue reading vintage mysteries in Audio.  I get to enjoy the classics without the issues I run into reading the print copies.

Double Booked for Death (Black Cat Bookshop Mystery, Bk 1) by Ali Brandon aka Diane A. S. Stuckart aka Alexa Smart aka Alexa Gerard -

I've read Diane A. S. Stuckart's first Leonardo da Vinci Mystery (though I didn't post it for some reason), but I never would have suspected she was Ali Brandon if it hadn't been mentioned in the author bio at the back of the book.  It may have been the switch from historical to contemporary or something else (maybe I'm just not that observant).  Whatever the case, I'm happy to say I enjoyed this book too.  For the characters I  liked Darla and her supporting cast.  Her former cop friend was a nice source of insider police information without being too in your face.  I could believe that the current cop would trust his former partner.  Regarding the story, I guessed certain things and didn't guess others.  And as for the cat... I was just so relieved the the book didn't go into "Cats and Curios" territory.  Hamlet (the black cat) did pull out books with titles that seemed to fit the storyline, but things managed not to get too weird.

Charms, Explosives, and Thorns, Oh, My!

Pleating for Mercy (Magical Dressmaking Mystery, Bk 1) by Melissa Bourbon aka Misa Ramirez aka Melissa Ramirez (personal copy - through PaperBackSwap) -

I had already gotten this through PBS when I read review at Mysteries and My Musings prompting me to move it up on my list.  I enjoyed the story.  I thought the paranormal aspect was more prominent then I had expected from the aforementioned review, but I enjoy the paranormal aspect.  Just not so much of it as is currently flooding the market.  Anyway, some of the characters surprised me, which I guess is a good thing.  I did like Harlow.  I look forward to reading book 2, A Fitting End.

Explosive Eighteen (Stephanie Plum, Bk 18) by Janet Evanovich (library copy) -

I pretty much always enjoy the Stephanie Plum books; they always have plenty of humor and are quick reads.  This one was no different, but it did have a couple little things that weren't as great.  Not knowing what happened in Hawaii forever and a day drove me nuts, and then when it was finally explained it didn't seem as big a deal as it had been made out to be.  For a Plum book with Explosive in the title I would have expected more explosions than just the one.  I think there were more explosions in her earlier books.  And I saw less of the characters I love in this book.  Nevertheless, I still found it fun and look forward to the next.

Serpent in the Thorns (Crispin Guest Medieval Noir, Bk 2) by Jeri Westerson (library HB copy) -

Crispin Guest is a character with a lot of honor.  This may seem contradictory with his past treason, but it's all a matter of perspective.  I appreciate his holding his honor close.  I also like the way he supports and/or cares for his friends.  (Speaking of which, he's obviously passing on this loyalty to Jack, because Jack rocked in this book.)  As for the story... I guessed who the bad guy was early on.  I didn't have any idea as far as motive goes, but one line made me ultra suspicious.  I do not, however, blame Crispin for not suspecting.  He had a lot of emotional turmoil and whatnot going on in this book to distract him.  Anyway, I have the third book, The Demon's Parchment, already checked out so I should be reading that soon.

A smattering of death ...

Circle of Enemies (Twenty Palaces, Bk 3) by Harry Connolly (library copy) -

Ray Lilly visits his past life (and I'm not talking time-travel here) ... where the group he used to hang out with and steal cars with are dying.  As anticipated this book gave me a better grasp of Ray, where he came from, and what made him him (repeat intended).  This series as a whole is so intense and the magic is dark and powerful... add Ray, with his flaws and qualities, and you have a complete package.  And the ending was a great lead into future books.  Now to the big disappointment ... IT'S OVER!!!! No book 4, or at least not any time soon.  I just found this out when I was trying to find a title for book 4.  Now I'm gonna be in a funk the rest of the day.  =<  He (the author) does say he's working on a prequel with more background deets, which is cool, but still...

Death by the Dozen (Cupcake Bakery Mystery, Bk 3) by Jenn McKinlay (library copy) -

I'd already forgotten basic stuff from the previous books, which was frustrating, but the story itself was still enjoyable.  And a new character, Oz the intern, was introduced.  It sounds like he's a permanent addition, and I'm glad because he was cool.  I look forward to reading book 4, Red Velvet Revenge.

Mind Your Own Beeswax (Queen Bee Mystery, Bk 2) by Hannah Reed aka Deb Baker (library copy) -

I'll be honest... I put off reading this.  While I enjoyed book 1, I found the bullet points and text speak a tad annoying.  But I finally sat down and started and found out that... I enjoyed this story too.  It's paced well enough to keep my interest.  I guessed the murderer early, but that's never bothered me.  Only real problem was the bullets (though better this time than last) and text speak...again.  But I'll keep reading because so far the stories are enjoyable enough that they're worth the irritation.  So I will be reading book 3, Plan Bee.

A Sheetcake Named Desire (Piece of Cake Mystery, Bk 1) by Jacklyn Brady aka Sherry Lewis and Sammi Carter (personal copy - obtained via paperbackswap.com) -

You'll notice I read a lot of cozies, and I say most are enjoyable... and they are.  I wouldn't be such a huge fan of the genre if they weren't.  But the real judge of a good cozy - to me - is if it moves quickly.  I don't mean the story itself is fast paced.  Just that I can read it quickly.  The ones that take me longer to get into aren't as successful, IMO.  And all that to say this was a quick cozy.  I started it yesterday morning, I read it all through lunch, I came within the last two pages during my 15 min break, and I finished it as soon as I got home.  Success.  Not that it was perfect or anything.  For instance, Rita made a big assumption towards the beginning that I disagreed with.  And I didn't connect with some of the secondary characters like I suspect I was supposed to.  But overall, I enjoyed it.  I look forward to reading the second in the series, Cake on a Hot Tin Roof.

Cozying up with some mysteries...

Button Holed by Kylie Logan (Connie Laux, Casey Daniels, Miranda Bliss, Connie Lane, Connie Deka) (Button Box Mystery, Bk 1) (library copy) -

I have to admit I found Josie's button obsession kinda weird (which is really saying something).  But overall, I enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to trying the next in the series, Hot Button.

Liver Let Die by Liz Lipperman (Clueless Cook, Bk 1) (library copy) -

I connected with Jordan McAllister, Clueless Cook, in a couple ways: She starts with what she can find in the field she's interested in even when it's the bottom, then moves up to something better but still not quite there.  I started as a page and have moved up to clerk, but still haven't reached librarian level.  The other area of commonality is the not into cooking part.  I look forward to reading more of Jordan's adventures.

Shoulder Bags and Shootings
and
Clutches and Curses

by Dorothy Howell (Haley Randolph, Bk 3 and 4) (library copies) -

Haley Randolph baffles me.  Her work ethic is so ... nonexistent, which I absolutely can't understand (Not that I'm like co-worker Christy in Shoulder Bags and Shootings.  I would probably find that as obnoxious and annoying as Haley did).  Nor do I understand the lack of concern over the debt she has built up (I have student loans to pay and I can't stand them).

All that on top of not understanding her shopping addiction (I HATE shopping)... and yet I still enjoy these books.  I look forward to book 5 in the series, Tote Bags and Toe Tags.  I also need to look into the ebook short "Slay Bells and Satchels" ... I think I may already have it.  Otherwise I'll need to look into buying it **grumbles**.

After mentioning in my post about The Roman Hat by Ellery Queen that I might watch the Ellery Queen Mysteries DVD, I recieved some encouragement to move forward with this idea. I haven't gotten very far yet, but I have started. The main thing I'm noticing now has more to do with the actors than the story. Ellery Queen is played by Jim Hutton. I love the show Leverage which stars (among others) Timothy Hutton, Jim Hutton's son. As I watch Jim Hutton act I keep seeing these expressions I'm used to seeing in his son, and it's cracking me up. Anyway, more on my impressions later, as I get further into the show...

White House Chef and Manor House Mysteries + Book Launch Experience

State of the Onion by Julie Hyzy (personal copy obtained through Paperbackswap years ago) - I really enjoyed this.  My first thought once I read it was, "What took so long? No wonder it won awards."

Hail to the Chef by Julie Hyzy (personal copy obtained through Paperbackswap) - I enjoyed this one too.  I was glad to find that Ollie was still such a great character.

Eggsecutive Orders  by Julie Hyzy (purchased during Borders closing sale) - Gasp! She wasn't in the kitchen half the book!  It's nice getting some more detail on Bucky, I feel so/so about Ollie's mom, and Tom has become annoying.  If you can't tell by the title and cover this one takes place around Easter.  Overall, I enjoyed the story.

Buffalo West Wing by Julie Hyzy (purchased at B&N with gift card from Christmas) - Go Ollie! You stick to our guns.  Really enjoying this series and eager to meet Julie Hyzy.

Affairs of Steak by Julie Hyzy (purchased at book launch) - It was interesting to see Ollie work with someone she didn't care for.  She seems to have developed her tact.  And I have to say, I'm happy for how things seem to be moving in her personal life, even as her professional life still has some bumps.

Grace Under Pressure by Julie Hyzy (autographed gift from author with  2010 Halloween giveaway prize) - I actually started this before Buffalo West Wing and finished after he launch Saturday.  It took me longer to get into than the White House Chef series, but I still enjoyed it once I did get into it.  Grace seems to have a calmer pace than Ollie.

Grace Interrupted by Julie Hyzy (purchased at B&N with gift card from Christmas) - I liked Grace better once I was out of the Ollie craze.  The look into Civil War re-enacting was interesting.  I have to say I like Grace's assistant, Frances, even if she can be difficult.

Reading Mania and a Book Launch Party...

Over a week and a half I went on a bit of a Julie Hyzy reading spree.  I wanted to go to her book launch/chat this past Saturday, but I had only read her Artistic License before.  Fortunately, I already had most of the White House Chef and the first Manor book on hand.  So I got busy. The night before the signing I realized I didn't own Buffalo West Wing so I rushed out to B&N and bought that and Grace Interrupted.  I managed to have books 1 through 4 of the White House Chef mysteries  read and Grace Under Pressure started before the launch.  I've only been to one signing/author thing before for Sherrilyn Kenyon, so I didn't know what to expect.  It was this little bookstore crowded with people.  I brought my mother with me and she was nervous because she knew nothing about this author or her books.  It was interesting; I enjoyed hearing the talk, especially the bits about the white house.   Plus, without having to ask for myself, I managed to get a couple questions answered .  I had my newest book signed and got a picture with Julie Hyzy (which I will post to my Facebook account once I get it off my ma's cell).  It was just a fun whirl of a week (and a half).  I look forward to reading more of these series.

2012 Challenges

So 2012 is rushing in and brings with it new reading challenges.  In 2010 I bombed many of my challenges.  I've finished 2 of 4 2011 challenges so far and have found myself scrambling to finish the other two.  This year I'd like to chose challenges that, while adding a some challenge, won't have me waiting until the last minute to finish them.

Image obtained from http://all-free-wallpaper-download.blogspot.com/2011/10/new-year-wallpaper-2012.html

I'll be adding the challenges I've decided on to my new 2012 Challenges page.  But I learned this past year that I need a page for commenting and such as well, so this is it.  I'll link to them as I officially decide to participate.

Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2012 - This one should be easier for me (hence the highest level) because I read a lot of cozies... I lost count for 2011.  But I look forward to 2012 cozy reading.

Harlequin Silhouette 2012 Reading Challenge - I breezed through this challenge last January, so it's pretty quick and simple.  But it's the only time I really read Harlequin/Silhouette any more, so I'm glad Evy (Islandgirl reads Romance) decided to host it.

...[more to come]...