It’s hard to believe that it’s October already. Another busy reading month for me, as I’m sure it is for you. Are there new books that you’re excited to read? Or are there old books that you loved so much that you return to them? Share them in the comments!
Where I live, it’s currently in the high 90s, so it still feels like summer. But I can’t wait until it’s sweater weather, when I can curl up beside my space heater, sipping hot cocoa, and reading mysteries. Logs crackling in a fireplace would be more appropriate than the dull whirl of a space heater, of course. But we don’t want to spend the money on the gas when we also have electric heating.
Historical mysteries
If you enjoy historical mysteries, here’s two that I enjoyed.
Murder at Whitby Abbey by Cassandra Clark takes us to 1398, where the disgraced nun Hildegard of Meaux journeys to Whitby Abbey to buy a relic and ends up with a possible murder to solve. Here’s my review.
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer finds us reading a “newly discovered” journal by John Watson, Sherlock Holmes’ faithful chronicler. Holmes and Watson journey to Tsarist Russia in search of answers regarding papers that purport to be an ethnic group’s plan to conquer the world. The pair confront danger, but they also confront prejudice and lies. In a world where news has a “spin” and we’re often in doubt as to what is true and what’s not, this book offers a timely reminder that lies are never inconsequential. Authenticity and truth matter. My review will be posted on Monday.
Thrillers
Another book that delves into the boundaries between the artificial and the real is Synapse by Steven James. It’s a science-fiction thriller about a future society where humans and human-like artificials exist side by side. Here’s my review.
Incidentally, James is an excellent writing teacher. I’ve learned a lot from him. He authored the award-winning Story Trumps Structure and Troubleshooting Your Novel. If you’re a writer, check out his work.
For a thriller that has a funny side (or scary, depending on your mood), try The Beijing Conspiracy by Shamini Flint. Here’s my review.
Biggest surprise (so far)
Fishnet by Kristen Innes turned out to be far different than I expected. It also deals with issues of humanity, specifically, how we treat sex workers. I was a bit conflicted on this one. That’s not a reflection on Innes’ writing at all; it’s terrific.
But I live in a country where sex work is criminalized. From what I understand, most of the prostitution in my area is driven by the opioid crisis and trafficking, not free choice. Where Innes lives is apparently quite different. I do, however, agree that all people (and that includes sex workers!) should be treated with respect and seen as people. I have a niggling feeling that this review will be difficult to write.
Still reading
I’m still reading Red Oblivion by Leslie Shimotakahara, but so far, it’s good. And by “still reading,” I mean “I just opened up the ARC and read for 10 minutes while waiting for my family to finish depositing checks at the bank.” Having the Amazon Kindle app on my phone is quite convenient, I must say.
Other upcoming reviews
This month, I’ll also be reviewing Every Stolen Breath by Kimberly Gabriel and This Poison Will Remain by Fred Vargas. Plus I’ll be participating in a blog tour for The Burning Hill by A. D. Flint. I’m excited about it.
Have you read any of these books yet? Which ones sound like something you’d enjoy?
Talk to me! What do you think?