Mitchma's 2012 books

Elisabeth Sladen: The Autobiography
Explosive Eighteen--Janet Evanovich
A Most Inconvenient Death--Donna Fletcher Crow
Grave Matters--Donna Fletcher Crow
To Dust You Shall Return--Donna Fletcher Crow
Bless the Bride--Rhys Bowen
Ice Blue--Emma Jameson
A Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel--Mel Starr
I Love the Illusion: The Life & Career of Agnes Moorehead--Charles Tranberg
Paul Bern:The Life and Famous Death of the MGM Director and Husband of Harlow--E. J. Fleming

The Pirate Queen--Barbara Sjoholm

Welcome! Looks like a good start to the year.

Thanks. This sounds like a cool challenge, and a great way to keep up with what I've read during the year. :)

Would love to hear from others with similar reading interests or recommendations. Thanks.

Welcome! What did you think about the Agnes Moorehead bio and the Paul Bern book? I am a big classic film fan. I read a book on the Paul Bern/Jean Harlow marriage several years ago, but I don't remember much about it now...there was a mysterious other woman in the picture, an ex-wife, maybe?

If you're looking for a good book on women in classic film, A Woman's View by Jeanine Basinger is excellent, and an entertaining read.

Sandy K

Thanks, Sandy.

I enjoyed the Agnes Moorehead book. It was detailed but not smutty. Like you, I am a classic old movie fan. I hadn't realized the extent of Agnes Moorehead's career. I had seen some of her old movies and, of course, seen her as Endora. I had no idea of the massive amount of radio work she did, nor the one-woman show with which she toured the country so extensively.

Really makes you wonder about the radiation on location for that film. John Wayne, Susan Hayward, Agnes Moorehead all developing cancer. In fact, like 90 members of a 300 or so cast & crew. Makes you go, hmmmmmmmmmm.

Thanks.

Paula

A Stolen Life--Jaycee Dugard
A Trail of Ink--Mel Starr
Unhallowed Ground--Mel Starr

14 books by mid-February. Pretty good, I guess. :)

Keep hearing all this talk about the Hunger Games trilogy, so I've read The Hunger Games. Good book. Definitely addicting. Have to get the 2nd in the series now.

15. King George VI & Queen Elizabeth--Christopher Warwick

16., 17., & 18. The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay---Suzanne Collins

Really enjoyed these books. The first was definitely the best. Somewhat disappointed in the last one.

19. Every Day by the Sun: A Memoir of the Faulkners of Mississippi--Dean Faulkner Wells

20. Pardonable Lies--Jacqueline Winspear

21. Messenger of Truth--Jacqueline Winspear

22. The Mapping of Love and Death--Jacqueline Winspear

23. The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection--Alexander McCall Smith

24. Naught in Nice--Rhys Bowen
25. A Lesson in Secrets--Jacqueline Winspear

Hello! I loved the Maisie Dobbs books. It seems like you must like them as well, since you are working your way through the series. I haven't read the most recent one, yet. What do you think of the series as it goes on?

Sandy K

26. Judi Dench: With a Crack in Her Voice--John Miller

Hi, Sandy:

I haven't read the latest one yet either. I like how Maisie seems to grow & mature with each book; however, I think I am ready for her to finally settle down with James. It would certainly change her life and change her work, but that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. In fact, it would probably be very interesting to see how it would work. What are your thoughts about the series?

Sandy:

We do seem to have several book interests in common. What are some other series/authors you enjoy? Any that you highly recommend? I've read all Laurie King (Mary Russell series), Elizabeth Peters (Amelia Peabody), Margaret Maron (Deborah Knott), Nancy Atherton (Aunt Dimity), and Alexander McCall Smith (#1 Ladies Detective Agency) through the most recent books. I'm about to sacrifice my Lois McMaster Bujold Vorkosigan series to my local library in the interest of my needing more shelf space. I've requested the first C. S. Harris Sebastian St. Cyr book to see if I am interested in that series.

27. Silent in the Grave--Deanna Raybourn

28. Silent in the Sanctuary--Deanna Raybourn

29. Silent on the Moor--Deanna Raybourn

I like the spiritual aspect to the Maisie Dobbs books. I also like the influence of The Great War and its aftermath on the various characters. Just makes the books a little meatier than other cozy mysteries. Although, I'm not really sure if they would be considered cozies, come to think of it.

I couldn't get into the #1 Ladies Detective Agency. I enjoyed it, but I think I was expecting more straightforward mystery in the first book, so I haven't read any of the rest of the series. I may try again sometime.

I haven't read many current mystery series. When I was younger, I read several mysteries by Mary Roberts Rinehart, and all of the Harriet Vane books by Dorothy Sayers. I was always looking for something comparable to those and just had NO idea where to look. Being on LT has helped me to find Ngaio Marsh, another Golden Age mystery writer, and I have been reading some early Agatha Christie. For contemporary authors, I really liked the Flavia de Luce books by Allen Bradley and books by Rhys Bowen.

I'll have to check out some of the authors you listed above!

Sandy K

30. Dark Road to Darjeeling--Deanna Raybourn

I found A Lesson in Secrets at the goodwill bookstore, picked it up for me to read, then passed it on to our library. I keep hoping maybe if I donate some of the authors I like, maybe the library will buy some of the newer releases. I haven't gotten to read Elegy for Eddie yet. At the beginning of the first Maisie Dobbs book I read, I thought it was a slow starter. I decided to stick with it awhile, and I'm glad I did. I really enjoy them now. I especially like books that have characters I can get to know and care about and watch them change & grow. I ended up giving our library all of the Mrs. Jeffries books by Emily Brightwell that I had collected. I like all of those characters, how they form a family and the mysteries they investigate. I guess you would say most of the mysteries I read are very easy reads. I read biographies and history for substance.

I also loved all the Harriet Vane books by Dorothy Sayers. Have you read either of the Lord Peter Wimsey books by Jill Patton Walsh?

I also like Ngaio Marsh. Haven't read Mary Roberts Rinehart. I read the first Flavia de Luce but just couldn't get into them. #1 Detectives Agency is a little like Maisie Dobbs in that it's not straight mystery. You also get to know the characters over the course of the books. Not everyone's cuppa tea.

Have you read the Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold? They're a different genre all together, but I really enjoy them----most especially Cordelia's Honor and A Civil Campaign. I've given Cordelia's Honor several times for a birthday present or Christmas present. It's set on different planets. Cordelia is an explorer and meets Aral, who is a soldier for the Imperium. There's intrigue, some romance, and action.

Are you on Facebook? Rhys Bowen, Emily Brightwell, and Margaret Maron all have Facebook pages.

Pretty long message here. Guess I'd better quit rambling. Can you tell I can talk books all day? LOL

Take care.

Paula

I've not read the Lord Peter Whimsey books by Jill Patton Walsh--I'll have to look for those!

I haven't read any Lois McMaster Bujold, either. I have to say, I really don't like science fiction. I don't know why, I've tried over the years, but it just doesn't appeal to me. It's my husband's favorite genre, so I am familiar with a lot of sci-fi authors because he always has a few books going.

I really like biographies. I am just always interested in people and how they tick.

I really don't follow any authors on facebook. Wait, I do follow one or two...Jen Lancaster and Marci Shimoff. I should look up some fiction authors.

Sandy K

31. Dark Enquiry--Deanna Raybourn

32. What Angels Fear--C. S. Harris

33.Mrs. Jeffries Defends Her Own--Emily Brightwell

34. Lady Fortescue Steps Out--Marion Chesney/M. C. Beaton

35. Aunt Jane's Hero--Elizabeth Prentiss
36. When Gods Die--C. S. Harris

37. Why Mermaids Sing--C. S. Harris

38.Where Serpents Sleep--C.S. Harris

39.What Remains of Heaven--C.S. Harris

40. Where Shadows Dance--C.S. Harris
41. When Maidens Mourn--C. S. Harris
42. Mrs. Budley Falls From Grace--Marion Chesney/M.C. Beaton

So.... what did you think of the Sebastian St. Cyr series? I have only read on book in the series so far and some how managed to read one of the middle books in the series! I plan to get back to it and read it in proper sequence order someday soon.

At first, I wasn't too taken with them. The more I read though, the more I liked them. I enjoy books that give me a chance to get to know the characters over longer story arc. Mysteries are my favorite, and these have the mystery along with the historical setting. I enjoy that as well. The Maisie Dobbs books by Jacqueline Winspear are set between WWI and WWII. Amelia Peabody books by Elizabeth Peters go from the late 1800s to WWI.

I noticed you had the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society listed on your page? How did you like it?

Thanks for the message.

Have a good day.

Paula

Hi Paula - Good to know the series grew on you. The Maisie Dobbs series is another one that I have yet to start and I keep reading good things about that one.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society was a story I loved when I read it back in 2008 - Thanks to LT an the tag system I use I can easily find out when I read something! For me I think it was the right book for the frame of mind I was in at the time - a historical fiction piece with a focus on the island inhabitants and their visitor from the mainland. Not sure if I would give it a five star rating if I read it right now - I did at the time - but I would still give it a good rating. Overall a rather touching novel.

43. Charlotte Collins: A Continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice--Jennifer Becton

I loved The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, too. In fact, I loved it so much that I went to the goodwill bookstore and bought a copy for our library. I think I would enjoy another book continuing the story of those characters' lives.

So what genre do you mostly prefer? I'm really a die-hard mystery fan although I enjoy biographies, history, sci-fi/fantasy, some adventure, etc. Like you, I will try a book if it catches my attention. I hate to just give up on a book, but occasionally I come across one that I just can't force myself to slog my way through.

What did you think of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children? I've thought it looks interesting, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

Thanks for responding.
Have a good day.

Paula

Interesting is a good way to describe Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. It appealed to me on a number of different levels - Gothic, suspense, time travel, YA narrator - but I know it fell a bit flat or came across as over contrived for some readers. I have a weak spot for new authors and their debut novels and as such, I tend to allow them shortcomings that I don't allow seasoned authors to make. I would say overall it is a good read if you like this type of genre.

Ok. Well, that actually sounds pretty interesting to me. I will give it a try when I get a chance and let you know what I think. :)

Oh, and thanks for accepting the friend request. :)

44.My Sparkling Misfortune--Laura Lond

45. My Royal Pain Quest--Laura Lond

46. Murder on the Rocks--Karen MacInerney

47. Murder Most Maine--Karen MacInerney

48. Berried to the Hilt--Karen MacInerney
49. Death Comes to Pemberley--P. D. James

50. Child of the Mist--Kathleen Morgan

51. To Conquer Mr. Darcy--Abigail Reynolds
52. A Pemberley Medley--Abigail Reynolds

53. Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife--Linda Berdoll
54. Mr. Darcy's Diary--Amanda Grange

55. Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One--Sharon Lathan

56. Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley--Sharon Lathan

57. My Dearest Mr. Darcy--Sharon Lathan
58. The Devil in the White City--Erik Larson
59. The Chaperone--Laura Moriarty

60. In the Arms of Mr. Darcy--Sharon Lathan

61. Trouble with Mr. Darcy--Sharon Lathan

62. Mistress of the Art of Death--Ariana Franklin

63. A Man of Few Words--Katherine Woodbury
64. His Good Opinion--Nancy Kelley

65. Dearest Friend: A Life of Abigail Adams--Lynne Withey

66. Archimedes' Secret--James Paulson

67. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance--Lois McMaster Bujold

68. Killer History: Why Do They Leave All the Fun Stuff Out of the History Books?--Marek McKenna

69. The Good Knight--Sarah Woodbury

The Bard's Daughter (short story/prequel)--Sarah Woodbury

70. The Uninvited Guest--Sarah Woodbury
71. Elegy for Eddie--Jacqueline Winspear

72. Blue Murder--Emma Jameson

73. Pemberley Celebrations: The First Year--Kara Louise

74. Assumed Engagement--Kara Louise

75. Assumed Obligation--Kara Louise

76. Falling for Mr. Darcy--KaraLynne Mackrory
77. Rainy Days--Lory Lilian

78. Mrs. Robinson's Disgrace--Kate Summerscale
79. Evan Help Us--Rhys Bowen

80. Evanly Choirs--Rhys Bowen

81. Rubies of the Viper--Martha Marks

82. One Thread Pulled--Diana Oaks

83. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children--Ransom Riggs

84. Evan Can Wait--Rhys Bowen

85. Evans to Betsy--Rhys Bowen

86. Evan and Elle--Rhys Bowen

87. Isaac's Storm--Erik Larson

88. The Loyal Heart--Merry Farmer
89. Mr Darcy's Mistake--DeDeschamberger
90. The Darcys of Pemberley--Shannon Winslow

91. The Serpent's Tale--Ariana Franklin

92. Evan Blessed--Rhys Bowen

93. Longbourn's Unexpected Matchmaker--Emma Hox

94. The Murder of the Century--Paul Collins

95. War Brides--Helen Bryan

96. Shadow of Reality--Donna Fletcher Crow

97. A Modern Witch--Debora Geary

98. Witches on Parole--Debora Geary
99. Witches Under Way--Debora Geary
100. Witches in Flight--Debora Geary
Short story--A Witch Central Wedding--Debora Geary

101. A Hidden Witch--Debora Geary

102. 11/22/63--Stephen King

103. A Reckless Witch--Debora Geary
104. A Nomadic Witch--Debora Geary

105. Jeannie Out of the Bottle--Barbara Eden
106. Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore--Robin Sloan

107. Evan's Gate--Rhys Bowen

108. Death in the Floating City--Tasha Alexander

109. Lost in Shangri-La-Mitchell Zuckoff

110. The Uninvited Guests--Sadie Jones

111. A Magnificent Obsession--Helen Rappaport
112. Mr. Darcy's Little Sister--C Allyn Pierson
113. Darcys & the Bingleys--Marsha Altman
114. Truth about Mr. Darcy--Susan Adriani
115. Mr. Darcy Parries Forth in Love--John D. Ayers

116. A Noteworthy Courtship--Laura Sanchez

117. Mr. Darcy's Letter--Abigail Reynolds
118. The Buzzard Table--Margaret Maron

119. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry--Rachel Joyce

120. By Force of Instinct--Abigail Reynolds
121. A Haunting Dream--Jim & Joyce Lavene
122. Victoria's Daughters--Jerrold M. Packard

123.Last Temptation of Clarence Odbody--John Jughead Pierson

124.A Different Witch--Debora Geary

125. An Arranged Marriage--Jan Hahn
126. The Spinster's Vow--Enid Wilson

TOTAL FOR 2012: 126