April catches up in 2024 - the Second Quarter

Hi, I am April. I joined LibraryThing in 2015 and the Category Challenge in 2018. This year my themes are 6 LibraryThing created challenges (Random KIT, MysteryKIT, ScaredyKIT, PrizeCAT, CalendarCAT, and BingoDOG) and 9 personal challenges.
I have made some changes to satisfy my reading wishes.

I have updated the finish-the-series challenge by deleting the Percy Jackson and Robert Langdon series so I can focus solely on finishing the Alex Cross series.
I have canceled the read all the books challenge (read Stephen King and John Grisham in order)
I split the cat cozy mystery challenge into two separate challenges (Finish the series and read the series)

My reading goal is 170 books this year. I am on target having read 45 books in the first quarter.

RandomKIT - hosting April

January (Early Birds) - Birds Do The Strangest Things by Leonora and Arthur Hornblow
February (Escape or Rescue) - The Elephant Girl by James Patterson and Ellen Banda-Aaku
March (World Wildlife Day) - Still Alive by Forrest Galante
April (Enchanting Garden Visitors) - Fairies: Real Encounters with Little People by Janet Boyd
May (Art or Architecture) - Borobudur by Bedrich Forman
June (Initials)
July
August
September
October
November
December

MysteryKIT

January (short stories) - Mystery Cats edited by Cynthia Manson
February (True Unsolved Mysteries) - Murder At Teal's Pond by David Bushman
March (Historical Mysteries) - The Tale of Holly How by Susan Wittig Albert
April (Series) - Cross Fire by James Patterson
May (Golden Age) - The Boomerang Clue by Agatha Christie
June (An Author New To You)
July
August
September
October
November
December

ScaredyKIT - hosting September (Stephen King and family) and November (Things with a Bite - Vampires and Werewolves)

January (Psychological Thrillers) - The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
February (Gothic) - Greygallows by Barbara Michaels
March (True Crime) - The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson
April (Witches, Evil Spirits, and Black Magic) - Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
May (Graphic Novels and Short Works) - Vlad the Impaler by Sid Jacobson and Eddie Colon
June (Serial Killers)
July
August
September
October
November
December

CalendarCAT

January - A Chosen Destiny by Drew McIntyre - Burns Night, January 25th.
February - Uncle John's Bathroom Reader: Book of Love by The Bathroom Reader's Institute - Valentine's Day, February 14th.
March - Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe - Rob Lowe's 60th birthday, March 17th.
April - What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama - National Library Day, April 6th.
May - J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World Movie Magic: Curious Creatures by Ramin Zahed - International Harry Potter Day - May 2nd.
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

PrizeCAT

January (Long-running prizes) - The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare (Newberry Award winner, 1959)
February (A prize from your own country) - The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden (Newberry Award winner, 1961)
March (A prize that's new to you) - Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (2017 Costa Debut Novel Award)
April (Women's Writing) - Circe by Madeline Miller (2019 Women's Prize for Literature shortlist)
May (Doubling Up)
June (Booklists)
July
August
September
October
November
December

BingoDOG

01. Featuring twins
02. Epistolary or diary
✔ 03. Featuring water - Murder At Teal's Pond
✔ 04. Written in another cultural tradition - A Man and His Cat 02 - written in the Manga fashion
✔ 05. Current or recent bestseller - The Woman In Me (number #11 on the NYT bestseller list when read)
✔ 06. Topic about which you have specific knowledge - How To Train Your Humans
✔ 07. Person's name in title - Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
08. Ugly cover
✔ 09. Under 100 copies on LT - Let the Snow Begin (1 copy on LT)
10. "Big" or "little" in title
11. Paper-based item in plot
✔ 12. Food or cooking - An Invitation To Tea
✔ 13. Read a CAT - The Elephant Girl - February RandomCAT
✔ 14. Author 65 or older - Cat Under Fire (author was 68 when book was written)
✔ 15. Short story collection - Mystery Cats
✔ 16. POC (person of color) author - Redwood Court
✔ 17. Three-word title - First Lie Wins
✔ 18. Book from LT "similar library" (listed on your profile page) - Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats (in the library of MelodyCrim)
✔ 19. Set in a city - The Wives (set in Seattle and Portland)
✔ 20. Involves warriors or mercenaries - Vlad the Impaler
✔ 21. Re-read a favorite book - The Witch of Blackbird Pond
✔ 22. About friendship - Before We Were Innocent
✔ 23. Takes place in multiple countries - Still Alive
✔ 24. Only title and author on cover - George Orwell: Complete & Unabridged
✔ 25. Publication year ending in 24 - Anita de Monte Laughs Last

Kindle Challenge - Read and discard 12 books off my Kindle. Books will not count towards the challenge if they are kept.

1. Cutthroat Cupcakes by Cate Lawley read and discarded January
2. Murder At Teal's Pond by David Bushman read and discarded February
3. My Evil Mother by Margaret Atwood read and discarded in March
4. The Animal: Party At Kelly's by Chad Nicholas read and discarded in April
5. Midnight Prince by Aisha Urooj read and discarded in May

Book Bullet Challenge As of December 2023, I have 60 books on this list. The goal is to read one from each person (23 contributors). My top 3 contributors were JayneCM (11 books), christina_reads (6 books), and DeltaQueen50 (5 books).

1. The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill from rabbitprincess - read in January
2. Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot from DeltaQueen50 - read in January
3. A Man and His Cat 01 by Umi Sakurai from JayneCM - read in January
4. I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel from cyderry - read in February
5. The Dinner by Herman Koch from VivienneR - read in February
6. Hunted by Meagan Spooner from christina_reads - read in March
7. A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong from lkernagh - read in April



Book Bullets taken and read in 2024

1. Cackle by Rachel Harrison from sturlington - read in February
2. Chouette by Claire Oshetsky from staci426 - read in March
3. Vexed To Nightmare by Macabre Monday from mstrust - read in April
4. What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama from charl08 - read in April
5. Pemberly: Mr. Darcy's Dragon by Maria Grace from JayneCM - read in May

Reese's Book Club Challenge I joined Reese's book club last year. The books were an average of 4 stars, so I am continuing the challenge. I get all the books from my library, so they are not necessarily read in order.
I also want to read at least 3 books from the years before I joined the club.

✔ December 2023 - Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman read in January
✔ January 2024 - First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston read in January
✔ February 2024 - Redwood Court by Delana R.A. Dameron read in March
✔ March 2024 - Anita De Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez read in April
✔ April 2024 - The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo read in May
May 2024 - How To End A Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Books read from previous selections
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman the first ever pick in May 2017 - read in March

Let's finish the series challenge I am focusing on finishing the Alex Cross series this year.

Alex Cross series by James Patterson - remaining books as of April 1st.

Cross Fire read in April
Kill Alex Cross read in May
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross
Alex Cross, Run
Cross My Heart
Hope To Die
Cross Justice
Cross Kill (Bookshot)
Cross the Line
Detective Cross (Bookshot)
The People vs. Alex Cross
Target: Alex Cross
Criss Cross
Deadly Cross
Fear No Evil
Triple Cross
Cross Down
Alex Cross Must Die
The House of Cross releases November 2024

It's time to claws the book on these series challenge I have so many cat cozy mystery series started. I hope to finish these. Updated as of April 1st.

A Bad Luck Cat Mystery by Kay Finch
Black Cat Crossing #1
The Black Cat Knocks On Wood #2
The Black Cat Steps On A Crack #4
Black Cat Breaks A Mirror #5

Deep Dish Mysteries by Mindy Quigley
Ashes To Ashes, Crust To Crust #2
Public Anchovy #1 #3
Sleep In Heavenly Pizza #4 - releases October 22nd.

Sassy Cat Mysteries by Jennifer J Chow SERIES FINISHED
Mimi Lee Reads Between The Lines read in April
Mimi Lee Cracks The Code #3 - read in May

Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M Sanders
Witch and Famous #3
Witch Upon A Star #4
Gone With The Witch #5
The Witch Is Back #6 - releases November 26th

It's a purrfect time to read a mystery challenge I hope to read more of my cat cozy series. The next book in the series is listed.

Cat in the Stacks Mystery by Miranda James
Out Of Circulation #4

Joe Grey by Shirley Rosseau Murphy
Cat Raise The Dead #3

A Second Chance Cat Mystery by Sofie Ryan
Two Tall Tails #3.5

A Magical Cats Mystery by Sofie Kelly
Copycat Killing #3 read in May
Cat Trick # 4

Just read the Thing already challenge This challenge is for all my SantaThing and Thingaversary (April 7th, 2015) books. I really need to get them read. Updated as of April 1st.

2023 SANTATHING GIFTS
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

UNREAD SANTATHING GIFTS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS
The Crime That Binds by Laurie Cass (2022)
Getaway With Murder by Diane Kelly (2022)
Ghost of a Chance by Simon R Green (2018)
Heist Society by Ally Carter (2016)
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (2017)
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (2016)
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (2017)
A Trip With Trouble by Diane Kelly (2022)

UNREAD THINGAVERSARY BOOKS
All Around Town by Mary Higgins Clark (2021)
Mimi Lee Reads Between the Lines by Jennifer J Chow (2023) - read in April
The Secrets of Dumbledore by J.K. Rowling (2023)
What the Cat Saw by Carolyn Hart (2022)
Wolves of the Beyond: Lone Wolf by Kathryn Lasky (2022)

2024 THINGAVERSARY BOOKS
The Appeal by Janice Hallett
Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance by Ruth Emmie Lang
Cats: A Very Peculiar History by Fiona Macdonald
Cross Justice by James Patterson
Dewey the Library Cat by Vicki Myron
How To Keep A Werewolf by Fiona Bowron
How Witchcraft Saved My Life by Vincent Higginbotham
A Little Bit of Fairies by Elaine Clayton
Pay Me In Flesh by K. Bennett
Strange History by Editors of Portable Press

Read the books as they come through the door challenge This challenge is to help me lower my purchases and to read my new books as I receive them. The only books that can be bought and not counted for this challenge are the library book sales that I attend. All other books given or bought will need to be read this year. Updated as of April 1st.

CHRISTMAS 2023 GIFTS
Answers in the Form of Questions by Claire McNear
Being Henry by Henry Winkler
Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Clever, Curious Caring Cat by Amy Newmark -finished in May
Miss Peregrine's Museum of Wonders by Ransom Riggs

BIRTHDAY 2024 GIFTS
Cat About Town by Cate Conte
How To Train Your Humans by Winston & Joey - read in May
A Man and His Cat 03 by Umi Sakurai - read in April
The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith

PURCHASES 2024
Cross The Line by James Patterson
Public Anchovy #1 by Mindy Quigley
The Twelve Topsy-Turvy Very Messy Days of Christmas by James Patterson and Tad Safran
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons From The Cat by Amy Newmark - added 4/3/2024
Witch Upon A Star by Angela M Sanders - added 5/4/2024
archy and mehitabel by Don Marquis - added 5/4/2024
Dewey's Christmas at the Library by Vicki Myron - added 5/6/2024 -read in May
Dewey: There's A Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron - added 5/6/2024 - read in May
Snow Happy To Be Here by Cheryl Hawkinson - added 5/6/2024 - read in May
Telling Tails by Sofie Ryan - added 5/6/2024
Target: Alex Cross by James Patterson - added 5/6/2024
You Never Know by Tom Selleck - added 5/6/2024
You Like It Darker by Stephen King - added 5/27/2024
How To Be More Shrek by Barbara Layman - added 6/2/2024

KINDLE PURCHASES 2024
Tea Is For Trouble by Karen Sue Walker
The Five by Hallie Rubenhold - added 4/10/24
Risky Bisqueness - Elizabeth Rain - added 4/12/2024
Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon by Maria Grace - added 4/21/2024 read in May
Moonlight Beauty by Anna Santos - added 4/23/2024
Be Careful What You Witch For by Tee Harlowe - added 4/27/2024
Books and Bribes by Lucinda Race - added 4/27/2024
The Forty-Year-Old Virgin Witch by Raven Storm - added 4/27/2024
Spellbound in The Stacks by K Iwancio - added 4/27/2024
A Twisted Riposte by Alyn Troy - added 4/27/2024
Witchy Whiskers by Danielle Garrett - added 4/27/2024
Bookshop Witch by T. Thorn Coyle - added 5/3/2024
Longbourn: Dragon Entail by Maria Grace - added 5/24/2024
The Buttercross Dragon by Maria Grace - added 5/31/2024

AMAZON PRIME FREE READS (My Amazon Prime membership allows me to receive one or two books a month for free)
January - Almost Surely Dead by Amina Akhtar - read in April
January - Last Night by Luanne Rice
February - The Canopy Keepers by Veronica G Henry
March - What Is Love? by Jen Comfort
April - The Vacation Rental by Katie Sise
May - Meet Me On The Bridge by Sarah J Harris
June - Still The Sun by Charlie N Holmberg

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY SALES. I have attended one so far this year and these are the books left to read as of April 1st.
The Best of Mr. Food: Quick and Easy Recipes by Art Ginsburg
The Best of Mr. Food: Weeknight Quickies by Art Ginsburg
Bodyguard by Jessica Linden
Cat Laughing Last by Shirley Rosseau Murphy
The Cat, the Quilt and the Corpse by Leann Sweeney
Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter by Blaize Clement
The Jeopardy Book by Alex Trebek - read in April
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
The Mr. Food Cookbook by Art Ginsburg
No Escape Claws by Sofie Ryan
The True Tails of Baker and Taylor by Jan Louch
Walk The Blue Line by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann

Pick a book, any book challenge I have 6 bookcases full of unread books. I hope to read 2 per bookcase. On the 24th of each month, I will pick the 24th unread book on the shelf (from the top for the first 6 months and the bottom for the final 6 months). By the roll of the dice, the first 6 months shelf order is (case 5, case 1, case 6, case 3, case 4, and case 2) I will roll the dice again in July for the remaining case order.

January (case 5, book 24) The Presence by John Saul - read in February
February (case 1 book 24) Mysterious Menagerie by Cynthia Manson - read in March
March (case 6 book 24) Emma's Secret by Barbara Taylor Bradford - read in April
April (case 3 book 24) Stories From Other Lands by Walt Disney - read in May
May (case 4 book 24) Once Upon A Time by Arthur Rackham and Margery Darrell
June (case 2 book 24)

APRIL

Welcome to the new thread. Enjoy a light snack this month as we head into the warmer seasons.

Happy new thread! I'm in awe at the amount of books you've read already this year!

Your pictures are worth a second look! New quarter - new thread. Of course!

>19 Jackie_K: and >20 hailelib: Thank you for visiting.

>12 lowelibrary: It's time to claws the book on these series challenge - A Sassy Cat Mystery
>14 lowelibrary: Just read the Thing already challenge - Unread Thingaversary books



46. Mimi Lee Reads Between The Lines by Jennifer J Chow ★★★½

Mimi Lee is on top of the world. She has a thriving pet grooming business, the sweetest boyfriend, and a talking cat to boot. When she arrives at the elementary school where her sister Alice works, she's expecting a fun girls' night out—but instead finds a teacher slumped over in her car, dead. Alice was the last one to see Helen Reed alive, which instantly marks her as the prime suspect. Unable to sit quietly and let the authorities walk all over her sister, Mimi starts snooping and talks to Helen’s closest contacts, including one jumpy principal, a two-faced fiancé, and three sketchy teachers. The clock's ticking for Mimi to get to the bottom of yet another case with the help of her sassy but savvy cat, Marshmallow, and a cute kitten named Nimbus before her sister gets schooled.

While the book was enjoyable, I did not find the side characters as entertaining as the previous novel. Maybe it was the school setting, but most likely it was the extreme focus on two characters as the guilty parties. I am not a fan of mysteries where the killer (although this time around, it was a believable reason) is not focused on until the reveal.

Happy new thread.
I find myself in awe of your organisation - again!

Happy New Thread!

I was reminded that I was going to keep track of BBs read and received after seeing your quarterly summary - so I'll be off to go do that shortly....

In the meantime, I have taken 3 BBs from you: Stories I Only Tell My Friends (by the way - any relation to Rob Lowe?), Lovers at the Museum and Chouette. And another reminder that I need to get to Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine one of these days.

Happy new thread, I loved getting to scroll through your pictures once again!

Happy new thread! The cat pictures are such a hoot!

Love the cat pictures! I think I saw them on the last thread too because I know I've seen most of them before. Happy new thread!

Happy New Thread! That's a great looking Easter plate of goodies.

>23 Helenliz: Thank you. My son felt tortured growing up by my organizing everything. Seriously mom who alphabetizes their cans.
>24 LisaMorr: Thank you. No relation to Rob (I wish). My husband is 100% Native American. Chouette is so good and unique, my best read of the year so far.
>25 DeltaQueen50: >26 MissWatson: Thank you. You can't go wrong with cats.
>27 thornton37814: Thank you. I did recycle my threads.
>28 dudes22: Thank you. Help yourself. All treats on my thread are calorie-free.

And speaking of cats, my cats gave me the book How To Train Your Humans for my birthday.

Happy New Thread! I think it is the right thing to amend your challenges if your reading wishes change, and I hope you have fun with your new ones.

>30 MissBrangwen: Thank you. I found myself setting certain books aside to focus on others and decided to amend to reflect that.

Today is my 9th Thingaversary. I joined on April 7th, 2015.
My husband gave me a gift certificate to a book store for Christmas and I saved it for this occasion. These are the books I picked and why.
FICTION
The Appeal by Janice Hallett - a book bullet
Pay Me In Flesh by K. Bennett - I read the second book in the series last year and wanted to read the first.
Cross Justice by James Patterson - I am reading the Alex Cross series in order and was missing this one.
Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance by Ruth Emmie Lang - the back of the book intrigued me
NONFICTION
Strange History by Editors of Portable Press - from the guys behind Uncle John's Bathroom Readers
Cats: A Very Peculiar History by Fiona Macdonald - I love my cat books and who doesn't need to learn more history about them
Dewey the Library Cat by Vicki Myron - the YA version of the famous book Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World. I have read and loved both of the adult Dewey books.
A Little Bit of Fairies by Elaine Clayton - A beautiful purple and green cover that drew my attention on the shelf
How To Keep A Werewolf by Fiona Bowron - almost picked this one up when Christmas shopping
AND ONE TO GROW ON
How Witchcraft Saved My Life by Vincent Higginbotham - I picked this book up and then set it back where it belonged. I then found the book on the very next shelf that I searched (in a different area of the store). I took the book Fairy hint and brought it home.

Happy Thingaversary, April. Enjoy your books!

>33 MissWatson: Thank you.

>8 lowelibrary: Kindle Challenge


47. The Animal: Party At Kelly's by Chad Nicholas ★½

It was just supposed to be a fun party. A night drinking with friends, the kind of night you’d forget the next day. No one could have imagined that it would be the night that the Animal would return. Hunted by a monster from the town’s past, surrounded by the forest where it lives, Kelly and her friends must figure out a way to survive the night without becoming another victim of the animal that vanished twenty-seven years ago without a trace. The party started with five teenagers. They don’t all make it out alive.

This short story reads like the beginning of a cheap slasher movie. Very obvious and nothing new until the end when it announces that it is not a short story, but the first chapter of a full-length novel, one I won't be reading

Happy Thingaversary.

>9 lowelibrary: Book Bullet Challenge - 2024 Bullets bullet from mstrust


48. Vexed to Nightmare by Macabre Monday ★★½

This contains eight short horror stories from Substack. I received it as a free download provided by mstrust.

Most of the stories did not thrill me although there were three memorable stories. The best one was Julie, followed by The Hut and Gnaw. These stories are worth reading, the others you could tell were amateur storytellers.

Happy Thingaversary!

Happy thingaversary!

Happy Thingaversary!

Happy Thingaversary!

Happy Thingaversary - great haul of books to keep you going!

Happy belated Thingaversary and have fun with your new books!

>36 hailelib: >38 LisaMorr:, >39 Helenliz:, >40 pamelad:, >41 dudes22:, >42 DeltaQueen50:, >43 MissBrangwen: Thank you everyone.

>7 lowelibrary: BingoDOG - publication year ends in 24
>10 lowelibrary: Reese's Book Club - March 2024 pick


49. Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez ★★★

1985. Anita de Monte, a rising star in the art world, is found dead in New York City; her tragic death is the talk of the town. Until it isn’t. By 1998 Anita’s name has been all but forgotten—certainly by the time Raquel, a third-year art history student is preparing her final thesis. On College Hill, surrounded by privileged students whose futures are already paved out for them, Raquel feels like an outsider. Students of color like her are the minority there, and the pressure to work twice as hard for the same opportunities is no secret. But when Raquel becomes romantically involved with a well-connected older art student, she unexpectedly rises up the social ranks. As she attempts to straddle both worlds, she stumbles upon Anita’s story, raising questions about the dynamics of her relationship, which eerily mirrors that of the forgotten artist. Moving back and forth through time and told from the perspectives of both women, Anita de Monte Laughs Last is a propulsive, witty examination of power, love, and art, daring to ask who gets to be remembered and who is left behind in the rarefied world of the elite.

If you read the book without reading the blurb as I did, you will be confused about how Raquel fits into the story of Anita, since this is not explained until 3/4 of the way through the book. I had trouble finding compassion for the characters and therefore found it hard to get into the story. Probably a much more enjoyable book for a younger reader, since it deals with a lot of college-age happenings.

>15 lowelibrary: In The Door Challenge - Birthday Gifts 2024


50. A Man and His Cat 03 by Umi Sakurai ★★★★

Their little life together growing ever cozier, Mr. Kanda and Fukumaru continue to take comfort in each other. And with his kitty’s help, Mr. Kanda learns to lean on those around him bit by bit. But one day, Fukumaru finds himself being pulled out of Mr. Kanda’s arms at the vet! Fukumaru is in big trouble, and the man and the cat, who both know what it’s like to be lonely, are in tears at the thought of being separated...

I did not enjoy this one as much as the previous ones, probably because it had less Fukumaru than the others. Although Mr. Kanda dealing with his past is a part of the story, I need more of the man and his cat, not the man and his friends.

>4 lowelibrary: ScaredyKIT - Witches, Evil Spirits and Black Magic


51. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison ★★★

All the creatures of the night gather in "the Hollows" of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party...and to feed. Vampires rule the darkness in a predator-eat-predator world rife with dangers beyond imagining - and it’s Rachel Morgan’s job to keep that world civilized. A bounty hunter and a witch with serious sex appeal and an attitude, she’ll bring ’em back alive, dead...or undead.

This book has all three ScaredyKIT suggestions: Witches, Evil Spirits, and Black Magic. I bought the books years ago for the movie pun titles. This is the first in the series and I will not continue. As I get older, I am less inclined to spend time with characters I do not enjoy. The only character that I looked forward to was the pixy, Jenks. The book also introduced several characters and left the storylines unfinished.

>9 lowelibrary: Book Bullet challenge bullet from lkernagh


52. A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong ★★★★★

MAY 20, 2019: Homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is in Edinburgh to be with her dying grandmother. While out on a jog one evening, Mallory hears a woman in distress. She’s drawn to an alley, where she is attacked and loses consciousness.
MAY 20, 1869: Housemaid Catriona Mitchell had been enjoying a half day off, only to be discovered that night strangled and left for dead . . . exactly one hundred and fifty years before Mallory is strangled in the same spot.
When Mallory wakes up in Catriona’s body in 1869, she must put aside her shock and adjust quickly to her new reality: life as a housemaid to an undertaker in Victorian Scotland. She soon discovers that her boss, Dr. Gray, also moonlights as a medical examiner and has just taken on an intriguing case, the strangulation of a young man, similar to the attack on herself. Her only hope is that catching the murderer can lead her back to her modern life . . . before it’s too late.

Once I started reading this book, I was unable to stop. I loved the time travel concept, yet this book handled it uniquely, almost more of a Quantum Leaper than an actual time traveler. The mystery immediately caught my attention, and I loved how Mallory tried to conform to Victorian times while still attempting to use her 21st-century knowledge. I enjoyed the well-rounded characters and their interactions with each other. The killer turned out to be someone I did not expect, yet it was completely reasonable and well-played. I have already placed a library hold for the next one in the series.

>48 lowelibrary: Adding this to my list of book bullets :)

My husband and I decided to go to a local library's $1 bag sale today. We both came away with a bag full of books. My choices are below. Books from library sales do not count towards my In The Door challenge (read all books gifted/purchased). I may still read some of these before the end of the year.

FICTION
Breath of Magic by Teresa Medeiros
Karma by Nancy Deville
The Neighborhood by Debbie Williams an autographed copy
The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans
Savage Dawn by Cassie Edwards
NONFICTION
An Invitation To Tea by Emilie Barnes - read in April
Chicken Soup For the Soul: Life Lessons From the Cat by Amy Newmark
The Christmas Day Murders by J.B. Smith an autographed copy
Life With the Little People by Robert Johnson Perry and autographed copy
Spencer's Mountain by Earl Hamner, Jr

>3 lowelibrary: MysteryKIT - Series
>11 lowelibrary: Let's finish the series challenge - Alex Cross


53. Cross Fire by James Patterson ★★★★

Detective Alex Cross and Bree's wedding plans are put on hold when Alex is called to the scene of the perfectly executed assassination of Washington D.C.'s dirtiest congressmen and an underhanded lobbyist. Next, the elusive gunman begins picking off other crooked politicians, sparking a blaze of theories--is the marksman a hero or a vigilante? The case explodes, and the FBI assigns agent Max Siegel to the investigation. As Alex and Siegel battle over jurisdiction, the murders continue. It becomes clear that they are the work of a professional who has detailed knowledge of his victims' movements--information that only a Washington insider could possess. Alex contends with the sniper, Siegel, and the wedding, he receives a call from his deadliest adversary. The Mastermind is in D.C. and will not relent until he has eliminated Cross and his family for good.

Another good addition to the series. This one only earned 4 stars, since some things, including the ending, seemed rushed.

>15 lowelibrary: In the Door Challenge - Library Sale book


54. The Jeopardy! Book by Alex Trebek ★★★★

Are you smart enough? About to celebrate its twentieth anniversary on the air, Jeopardy! is the most exciting game on television, filled with the best and toughest quizzes ever written. The Jeopardy! Book also takes you behind the scenes to see what the show's really like. The Jeopardy! Book tells: how the show was created, what a day in the life of Jepapardy! is like, and how the board works. It also includes sample jeopardy boards to test your ability.

I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at the television show, although the material is a bit dated. The sample Jeopardy! boards were interesting although some of the information is dated. For example, when this book came out, the Prince of Wales wanted Charles and not William. They also asked for the only Beatle who had never divorced (Paul McCartney), This was true in 1990, but no longer true in 2024. However, by reading these older tests, I did learn some things and was able to get some answers correct while watching the current games.

>5 lowelibrary: CalendarCAT - National Library Day (April 6th)
>9 lowelibrary: Book Bullet Challenge - 2024 Bullet bullet from charl08


55. What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama ★★★★½

What are you looking for? So asks Tokyo's most enigmatic librarian. Sayuri Komachi can sense exactly what each visitor to her library is searching for and provides just the right book recommendations to help them find it. A restless retail assistant looks to gain new skills, a mother tries to overcome demotion at work after maternity leave, a conscientious accountant yearns to open an antique store, and a recently retired man searches for a newfound purpose. In Komachi's unique book recommendations, they will find just what they need to achieve their dreams. What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is about the magic of libraries and the discovery of connection. This inspirational tale shows how we can fulfill our lifelong dreams by listening to our hearts, seizing opportunities, and reaching out.

To make this CalendarCAT choice even more appropriate, I borrowed it from the library. Every person's story is told individually, but by the end of the book, you can pick out all the interconnections. I finished it last night and lay in bed thinking of how the characters' stories interlocked. This book arrived in my life just when I needed it as I am standing at a crossroads, just like the characters in the book. This book was just "What I was looking for".

>53 lowelibrary: That sounds lovely. I'll have to suggest it to our library.

>53 lowelibrary: - I had heard of this already and thought I had taken a BB for it, but it seems I didn't. Guess I have now.

>48 lowelibrary: Hope you enjoy it when you get the chance to read it.
>54 Jackie_K: It is a lovely book. I hope your library decides to carry it.
>55 dudes22: Hope you enjoy it.

>16 lowelibrary: Pick- a- book, any book Challenge - March pick


56. Emma's Secret by Barbara Taylor Bradford ★★½

Paula O'Neill, beloved granddaughter of Emma Harte and the guardian of her vast business empire, believes that everything Emma left to the family is secure. However, beneath the surface, sibling rivalry and discontent flare. Linnet and Tessa, her daughters, are as different as two women can be. One of them wants desperately for the empire to be hers but has a devastating secret that may put her very life in danger. Into this volatile mix walks Evan Hughes, a young American fashion designer looking for Emma Harte. But Emma has been dead for thirty years. And Evan bears an uncanny resemblance to Paula O'Neill. Troubled by Evan's presence, Paula turns to her grandmother's recently discovered wartime diaries to find the truth, and Emma comes vividly back to life.... The decades fall away. It is London in 1940: the Blitz. Emma, working hard under wartime conditions, is also holding her family together as bombs drop, sirens wail, and her sons go off to war. While she struggles with grief, her indomitability, willpower, and strength come to the fore. As the pages unfurl, Paula discovers the secret Emma took to the grave to protect others, a secret whose repercussions inevitably change lives and may shake a dynasty to its very foundations.

I knew this book was a sequel to A Woman of Substance that I read in my teens. I did not realize that this was the fourth book in the series. While the book tries to tell who all the characters are, there are too many of them, several of which only in mention, which confuses the story. The book also leaves several instances unsolved, thereby introducing the next in the series, which I will not be reading.

>7 lowelibrary: BingoDOG - food or cooking
>50 lowelibrary: Book Sale picks (not an official category)


57. An Invitation To Tea by Emilie Barnes ★★★½

When the tea hour draws near, it’s time to discover the simplicity and tranquility of sharing a cup of tea and cozy conversation with treasured friends. Ten special celebrations, including a traditional tea, a holiday tea, and a cream tea for two, are featured in this enchanting, 48–page guide to the art of the tea party.

This is a cute little book that the little girl in me, who always wanted a tea party, enjoyed. This made me wish I had someone to share a tea party with. I will be having a solo one soon.

Happy New Thread! I adore your cat pictures! And I'm getting hit with a volley of BBs!

Happy Thingaversary! A great haul of books plus another haul from the library book sale.

And snacks!

>59 VivienneR: Thank you. I hope you enjoy all the BBs you took.

>2 lowelibrary: RandomCAT - Enchanting Garden Visitors


58. Fairies: Real Encounters with Little People by Janet Bord ★½

Hordes of tiny people playing at a spot in Wales called "Fairies Bog"...an impossibly tiny shoe found in Ireland...fairy dust discovered on Mount Shasta, California...the wondrous sighting of a winged woman inside a rose. These and many more astounding accounts offer tangible evidence of the existence of fairies, dwarves, gnomes, pixies, brownies, and elves. Amazing facts include information on the healing powers of fairies, the connection between the little people and UFOs, fairy sites to visit in the British Isles, and much more!

This book is nothing as described. While the book does share some fairy encounters, the author then tries to disprove them as hallucinations or illusions. If the author is not disputing the claims, she just states "See the source book for more information". A total waste of time.

Last year I re-read 1984 by George Orwell for a challenge (re-read a book you hated in high school) and enjoyed it. So, since I have an omnibus of Orwell's novels and I have never read any other of his stories, I am reading one a month. I will count the book in my reading total when I finish the last story.

This month's story was Coming Up For Air ★★★½

The story follows George Bowling, a 45-year-old husband, father, and insurance salesman, who foresees World War II and attempts to recapture idyllic childhood innocence and escape his dreary life by returning to Lower Binfield, his birthplace. The novel is comical and pessimistic, with its views that (a) speculative builders, commercialism, and capitalism are killing the best of rural England, and (b) his country is facing the sinister appearance of new, external national threats.

This book was written in 1939, so the worries of what would occur with Hitler and WWII were eerily accurate. I would not have enjoyed this book at a younger age, since it deals with reflecting on your life, and trying to return home only to find everything has changed and nothing is as you remembered it.

>15 lowelibrary: In The Door Challenge - Amazon Free Reads 2024


59. Almost Surely Dead by Amina Akhtar ★★★★½

Dunia Ahmed lives an ordinary life—or she definitely used to. Now she’s the subject of a true crime podcast. She’s been missing for over a year, and no one knows if she’s dead or alive. But her story has listeners obsessed, and people everywhere are sporting merch that demands “Find Dunia!” In the days before her disappearance, Dunia is a successful pharmacist living in New York. The daughter of Pakistani immigrants, she’s coping with a broken engagement and the death of her mother. But then something happens that really shakes up her world: someone tries to murder her. When her would-be killer winds up dead, Dunia figures the worst is over. But then there’s another attempt on her life…and another. And police suspect someone close to her may be the culprit. Dunia struggles to make sense of what’s happening. And as childhood superstitions seep into her reality, she becomes convinced that someone—or something—is truly after her.

I was immediately drawn into Dunia's story. While the story uses flashbacks, they are used in a way that forwards the story and helps the reader figure out what is happening. I took away a 1/2 star only because I figured out the ending too soon and was hoping for a twist.

Lots of great reading here - leading to two more BBs for me: A Rip Through Time and What You Are Looking for Is in the Library.

ETA I like how you are documenting your George Orwell short story reading; I think I will do something similar for the big anthologies/collections I read.

>64 LisaMorr: I hope you enjoy your BBs. My Orwell anthology is a complete collection of his novels. I needed some way to keep track of them.

APRIL RECAP

I will not finish Circe by Madeline Miller tonight. This is my April PrizeCAT choice. Hopefully, I will finish it this week. I received my library hold on the April Reese's Book Club so I am also reading The Most Fun We Ever Had.

I read 14 books in April - 2 Kindle, 3 library loans, 1 PDF, and 8 from my shelves. I discarded 1 Kindle, 1 PDF, and 3 physical books. I also discarded 7 other books from series I do not plan to continue after my reading this month.

I read 3 book bullets but added 10 more to the list. I have accepted this will be a losing battle.

I added 11 Kindle and 1 physical book this month. I also selected 10 books for my Thingaversary on April 7th. See >32 lowelibrary: (Thingaversary) and >15 lowelibrary: for the new additions.
I attended a library bag sale this month and brought home 9 books. I have read 1 of them. See >50 lowelibrary: for the list.

I filled 2 Bingo squares this month. This leaves 8 squares left.

This month's books (in alphabetical order)
★★★★★
A Rip Through Time
★★★★½
Almost Surely Dead
What You Are Looking For Is In The Library
★★★★
Cross Fire
The Jeopardy Book
A Man and His Cat 03
★★★½
An Invitation To Tea
Mimi Lee Reads Between The Lines
★★★
Anita de Monte Laughs Last
Dead Witch Walking
★★½
Emma's Secret
Vexed To Nightmare
★½
The Animal: Party At Kelly's
Fairies: Real Encounters with Little People

MAY

A little something for all the moms and any one else visiting the thread (since all moms share).

>67 lowelibrary: Now that is a work of art!

>67 lowelibrary: The perfect platter to nibble from while catching up with the threads!

>70 lowelibrary: Nibble away

Hello April! I love your categories and pictures :-) You're reading up a storm this year!

>6 lowelibrary: PrizeCAT - Women's Writing - 2019 Women's Prize for Literature shortlist


60. Circe by Madeline Miller ★★★½

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child—not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power—the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves. Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts, and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus. But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from or the mortals she has come to love.

This book was interesting since I knew the name Circe but nothing of her story. Circe is an amazingly complicated woman condemned to life in exile, yet she is able to interact with several people in telling her story.

>53 lowelibrary: This sounds delightful! I just put a hold on the Overdrive audio version. There's a long line so I'll have about a 3 month wait.

>58 lowelibrary: If we were neighbors, I would have a tea party with you! And I have this book!

>73 cbl_tn: It is a delightful book and will be worth the wait. I truly believe the book will arrive when it is the right time for you to read it.
Thank you for offering to have a tea party with me. Hopefully, I can have one in a few years with my granddaughters, they are toddlers right now.

>7 lowelibrary: BingoDOG - a topic about which you have specific knowledge
>15 lowelibrary: In The Door Challenge - Birthday Gifts 2024


61. How To Train Your Humans by Winston & Joey ★★★★½

How To Train Your Humans is an engaging, humorous, and insightful journey into the minds and lives of cats, as narrated by two seasoned felines, Winston and Joey. The book takes readers on a fun-filled, educational, and often hilarious exploration of the feline world, filled with real-life anecdotes, expert advice, and thought-provoking reflections. Winston and Joey, leveraging their experiences and unique cat perspectives, break down complex feline behaviors and tendencies into understandable and relatable chapters. They cover everything from deciphering the various types of meows and understanding body language to exploring the transition from kittenhood to adulthood, and even reflecting on their lives with their human companions. Throughout the book, the duo maintains an enchanting blend of wit and wisdom, making it a must-read for any cat lover, whether they are seasoned cat parents, considering adopting their first cat, or simply enthusiasts of these fascinating creatures. The book is not just a guide but a celebration of the delightful mystery that is the feline, offering a heart-warming tribute to the bond shared by cats and their humans.

I found the book entertaining although more focused towards kittens and introducing them to their new homes with humans. 4 stars.

Little One (my reading companion): I am not a kitten and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I sat and smiled and reminisced on my kittenhood and all the adventures growing up. I also made Mom tell me the story of my adoption (again). Thanks, Winston & Joey for this book. I share in your dream of a world where every kitten has a home and never knows the horrors of the street. I was adopted at 3 weeks so I was a lucky one, but my fellow housecat lived in a shelter for 2 years as unadoptable until Mom took us all in and gave us forever homes. 14 years later she is a different cat, although still feisty and unadoptable in my opinion. I hope she learned from this book, although she did not listen to all of it like I did. 5 stars.

>4 lowelibrary: ScaredyKIT - graphic novels and short works
>7 lowelibrary: BingoDOG -involves warrior or mercanaries


62. Vlad the Impaler by Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colon ★★★

Two legends of the comic book industry bring to life the story of gore and lust that inspired Dracula. Vlad the man had a devilish streak-a vicious temper, a passion for women, and a thirst for revenge. Vlad the ruler was a true devil, a relentless torturer, a brutal murderer, and a paranoid leader whose megalomania would be his undoing. Responsible for the merciless deaths of thousands, this savage 15th-century ruler earned himself the moniker Vlad the Impaler. His bloody reign struck terror into the hearts of his disciples and inspired generations of vampire myths-most famously Bram Stoker's ghoulish protagonist, Dracula. However, that beloved bloodsucker doesn't hold a candle to the real-life fiend whose brutal treachery has made him immortal.

I chose this graphic novel from my husband's collection. This contains very graphically disturbing illustrations that do not hold back on the violence of Vlad and his life. I did learn some new information about Vlad's life.

>72 lowelibrary: I adored that book. I did have a pretty good handle on her story before I started, so for me it was about the journey, knowing the destination. I did wonder how it would come across to people coming to her without that knowledge.

>75 lowelibrary: so glad the cats also enjoyed the book, what a great review from all of you!

>77 Helenliz: I knew the Olympians and recognized the name of Circe, so reading the story was interesting. I have The Song of Achilles on a library hold.
I read nightly to my cats. It began as a way for me to overcome anxiety and fear of speaking aloud and became a nightly ritual of snuggles and quality time.

>2 lowelibrary: RandomKIT - Art and Architecture


63. Borobudur by Bedrich Forman ★★★½

Borobudur, the great Buddhist site in central Java, is the largest religious monument in South-East Asia. This enormous edifice is one of the most exciting archeological discoveries in the world. Its fascination lies both in its location in a secluded valley surrounded by active volcanoes, and in its immense artistic beauty and importance - the whole of the life of Buddha is depicted here in 1300 stone friezes. all carved with extremely elaborate but naturalistic sculptures. Dating from the 8th century, it was rediscovered in the 19th and is now undergoing extensive restoration.

The restorations are now done (the book was published in 1980) and the site is open to the public. The close-ups of the architecture in the book are great.

>16 lowelibrary: Pick-a-book, any book challenge - April pick


64. Stories From Other Lands by Walt Disney Productions ★★

A collection of stories derived from Disney movies and some stories on foreign (to Disney) lands.

The Disney stories were condensed and left out a lot of major scenes, so they seemed convoluted and uninteresting. The stories on the lands read like old 1970s geography textbooks (which was why I'm not too fond of geography). Would not recommend.

>11 lowelibrary: Let's finish the series challenge - Alex Cross


65. Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson ★★★½

The president's son and daughter are abducted, and Detective Alex Cross is one of the first on the scene. But someone very high-up is using the FBI, Secret Service, and CIA to keep him off the case and in the dark. A deadly contagion in the water supply cripples half of the capital, and Alex discovers that someone may be about to unleash the most devastating attack the United States has ever experienced. As his window for solving both crimes narrows, Alex makes a desperate decision that goes against everything he believes - one that may alter the fate of the entire country.

Not one of the better books in the series. This one seemed rushed and unfocused. While the kidnapping is solved, the other case was just filler material to set up the next book.

>7 lowelibrary: BingoDOG - only title and author on cover


66. George Orwell: Complete & Unabridged by George Orwell ★★★½

Last year I re-read 1984 by George Orwell for a challenge (re-read a book you hated in high school) and enjoyed it. So, since I have an omnibus of Orwell's novels and have never read any other of his stories, I am reading one a month. I will count the book in my reading total when I finish the last story.

This month's story (and the last one in the book) was Keep The Aspidistra Flying ★★★

Gordon Comstock is the main character in the novel, and his main goal is to defy the main things that society is doing - glorifying money and status. Trying to keep himself hidden from this selfish world, several bad things subsequently happen to him, leading to the major conflicts of the story. Enlivened with vivid autobiographical detail, the novel explores materialism, respectability, and the class system – relevant themes today. Through the character of Gordon Comstock, Orwell reveals his disaffection with the society he once renounced.

A tale of a man down on life, who only wants to go along without ambition. I felt the character personified what it is like to live with depression and no desire to succeed.
The other stories in the book were Animal Farm ★★★★, Burmese Days ★★★★½, A Clergyman's Daughter ★★½, Coming Up For Air ★★★½, and 1984 ★★★★.

>10 lowelibrary: Reese's Book Club - April pick


67. The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo ★★★

In this “rich, complex family saga” (USA Today) full of long-buried family secrets, Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fall in love in the 1970s, blithely ignorant of all that awaits them. By 2016, they have four radically different daughters, each in a state of unrest. Wendy, widowed young, soothes herself with booze and younger men; Violet, a litigator turned stay-at-home mom, battles anxiety and self-doubt; Liza, a neurotic and newly tenured professor, finds herself pregnant with a baby she's not sure she wants by a man she's not sure she loves; and Grace, the dawdling youngest daughter, begins living a lie that no one in her family even suspects. With the unexpected arrival of young Jonah Bendt—a child placed for adoption by one of the daughters fifteen years before—the Sorensons will be forced to reckon with the rich and varied tapestry of their past. As they grapple with years marred by adolescent angst, infidelity, and resentment, they also find the transcendent moments of joy that make everything else worthwhile.

I am finding that I have no interest in long (over 600 pages) drawn-out family sagas. This one jumps back and forth between the present and the past to tell the story of the Sorenson sisters. The book reminded me of the ups and downs of my relationships with my sisters.

>5 lowelibrary: CalendarCAT - International Harry Potter Day - May 2nd


68. J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World Movie Magic: Curious Creatures by Ramin Zahed ★★★★★

Thunderbirds and Nifflers, house elves and Hippogriffs—J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World abounds with magical creatures of all kinds. But how does a Bowtruckle come to life on the big screen? Is an Occamy a snake or a bird? And what’s the truth about Mooncalf poop? Featuring detailed creature profiles, stunning artwork, and captivating insights from the making of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and all eight Harry Potter films, these pages reveal everything fans want to know about how these creatures were created. Jam-packed with bonus material—pop-ups, lift-the-flaps, removable posters, and other goodies—this book offers young readers a thrilling backstage pass to the wizarding world.

I loved the photos and the interesting tidbits on bringing the creatures to life from the Harry Potter and Newt Scamander movies. As a Hufflepuff, I would follow these creatures anywhere even have a Hedwig and Niffler of my own.

>3 lowelibrary: MysteryKIT - Golden Age Mysteries


69. The Boomerang Clue by Agatha Christie ★★★★½

"Why didn't they ask Evans?" A cryptic question from the lips of a dying man sends two inquisitive young people on a one-way trip into terror. Fun-loving Bobby Jones and daring Lady Frances Derwent are convinced that a careless accident hides a carefully planned murder. Their investigation leads them to an elegant estate where a notorious doctor, a fragile beauty, a charming rogue, a dutiful wife, and a country gentleman are not what they seem to be...where danger is closer than they think...and death lurks at their very doorstep. The book was originally published as Why Didn't They Ask Evans?.

I did not remember reading this, so I read it in one sitting. A quick read with inept investigators, who stumbled their way through the investigation to find the culprits. I found the book very amusing and enjoyable.

>85 lowelibrary: I like this one too and have reread it a few times. There's a recent TV adaptation that I very much enjoyed as well, adapted and directed by Hugh Laurie! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14829590/

>86 christina_reads: I may have to see if I have a channel that shows it.

I added some books to my library that I will not be reading as part of my >15 lowelibrary: In The Door Challenge. My dad passed in 2010 and my mother has decided to clear his bookshelves. She gave me all his mystery novels. 25 Kay Hooper and 10 Kathy Reich books, along with two CSI novels. She also gave me 2 diabetic cookbooks.

Edited to add the number of books received.

>86 christina_reads: I agree, it was a good watch.

>89 Helenliz: A little more fun, less grimdark, than other recent Christie adaptations, I thought.

>89 Helenliz:, >90 christina_reads: I can get a trial on Britbox and will be able to watch it soon.

>9 lowelibrary: Book Bullets - 2024 Bullet from JayneCM
>15 lowelibrary: In The Door Challenge - Kindle


70. Pemberly: Mr. Darcy's Dragon by Maria Grace ★★★★★

Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley has the good fortune to be in possession of the first English firedrake egg laid in a century. Or, at least, he was until some miscreant stole it. Mr. Darcy tracks the thief to Hertfordshire. Catching the thief, however, proves to be an entirely different kettle of brimstone, especially when he encounters fellow Dragon Keeper, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn. Elizabeth Bennet’s deep connection to dragons and remarkable grasp of their lore make her the ideal companion for finding the egg. It’s too bad that from their introduction she finds Darcy arrogant, conceited, and selfishly disdainful of the feelings of others. Time is running out for Darcy to win Elizabeth’s trust and recover the precious egg before it hatches, and the fragile peace between humans and dragons is lost forever.

Thank you for this recommendation JayneCM. I loved this book so much, from the Pride and Prejudice direct quotes to the dragons, especially the dragons. I loved the gruffness of the Longbourn, the flintiness of April (great name for a dragon by the way), and the newness of the hatched egg. I was surprised that the book ended when it did (there is still so much of Pride and Prejudice to cover) and immediately bought the next one.

>8 lowelibrary: Kindle challenge


71. Midnight Prince by Aisha Urooj ★★★

Milos saves the faerie king from the witch's curse. The upset witch turns him into a frog. Now he needs a kiss from the princess, but she is on the witch's side. Will Milos stay a frog forever?

This retelling of The Frog Prince had potential, but the author made it too short at only 45 pages. The character introductions were great and I was interested in learning more about them, then boom we just wound everything up.

>12 lowelibrary: It's time to claws the book on these series Challenge - A Sassy Cat Mystery series finished


72. Mimi Lee Cracks A Code by Jennifer J Chow ★★★½

Mimi Lee just found an extra perk to being a pet groomer at Hollywoof (other than cuddling animals all day long, that is). Pixie St. James, one of Mimi’s clients and the investor behind Hollywoof, has offered her and her boyfriend, Josh, a weekend getaway at her vacation home, nestled on the beautiful Catalina Island. Arriving just outside of Los Angeles but still far enough from the hustle and bustle, Mimi, Josh, and her cat Marshmallow (who, of course, wouldn’t be caught dead in a dingy pet hotel) are excited about their relaxing weekend at the island. That is, until Pixie’s last renter, Davis D. Argo, turns up dead. Mimi and Josh’s romantic getaway immediately turns into an enormous buzzkill, especially when Pixie asks Mimi for help. The police suspect Pixie, and Mimi knows a thing or two about wrongful allegations. Mimi figures it couldn’t hurt to snoop a little since she’s already there, and soon discovers that a valuable item is missing. Except Pixie isn’t the only one in the neighborhood who has been robbed. There is something strange happening on the island, and Mimi won’t stop until she finds out what it is.

This is the current end of the series. I love Mimi and Marshmallow, but the actual crime was not interesting and easily solved. Unless the crimes improve, this was a good place to end.

>15 lowelibrary: In The Door Challenge - Christmas 2023


73. Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Clever, Curious, Caring Cat by Amy Newmark ★★★

How do cats do it? They’re surprisingly clever, ever curious, and so caring about their human staff members. When we rescue them, they rescue us back. They brighten our days, act as our therapists, and become our best friends—without saying a word. You’ll find yourself laughing a lot, tearing up at times, and nodding your head in recognition as you read these tales about the magical experience of sharing life with a cat. From hilarious to heroic, mischievous to miraculous, and everything in between. And your purchase of this book will help support the important work of American Humane, creating a better life for cats everywhere.

I read one of these stories in the Chicken Soup (cat-related books only) series nightly to my cat, Little One. We started this one in January and begin the next one this week. Reading to my cat allows extra snuggle time and helps me overcome my anxiety about reading aloud (I still have nightmares about being called on to read in school) since he does not judge when I get tongue-twisted or stutter over pronunciations.

>15 lowelibrary: In The Door Challenge - Purchases


74. Snow Happy To Be Here by Cheryl Hawkinson ★★★★★

When the Snowblatt kids, Snow-Ellen and Snow-John, ask where snowpeople come from, their parents tell them the fun-to-read, fun-to-hear tale, explaining not only how snowpeople are made but what secretly brings them to life.

The illustrations by Mike Eisberg bring this cute story to life. I was highly entertained as I learned the story of how snowpeople are made and come to life. I never stopped smiling while Mama and Papa told the children the truth. Mama explained: "it just takes a moment - they bring us to life when they smile"

>95 lowelibrary: Little One will need to give us his review when you’re done with the series!

>95 lowelibrary: Oh what a lucky cat Little One is! I love the thought of you reading to him every day.

>97 Charon07: I have asked him to consider reviewing them.
>98 Jackie_K: I enjoy the quiet us time. Sometimes we can even get Mama Cat to join us.

Here is my reading buddy (Little One on the left and Mama on the right). Excuse the mess, it was Christmas morning.

>15 lowelibrary: In The Door Challenge - Purchases


75. Dewey: There's A Cat in the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter ★★★★½

When Librarian Vicki Myron finds a young kitten abandoned in the Spencer Library return box, she nurses him back to health, deciding then and there that he will be their library cat, and naming him, appropriately, Dewey Readmore Books. Dewey loves his new home, but once he discovers the littlest library visitors who like to chase him, pull his tail, and squeeze him extra tight-Dewey begins to wonder if he's truly cut out for the demands of his new job. In the end, he is triumphant as he realizes that helping people big and small is what he is meant to do and that by sharing his special brand of Dewey love, he can be the best library cat of all.


76. Dewey's Christmas At the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter ★★★½

The holiday season is in full swing in Spencer -- the lights are twinkling, the wreaths are hung, and Christmas bells are ringing. Inside the library, Dewey longs to be part of the holiday fun and after a series of silly misadventures, Dewey finds a way to add his own special touch to his beloved Christmas tree -- and the results are Dew-rific!

I fell in love with Dewey in 2015 when I read Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched The World. These two books are the children's editions of stories from the original book. I read these books to Little One as a short break from the Chicken Soup books. We are now reading the YA edition of the story. I have asked for a kitty review when we finish. I give 5 stars to Steve James for the fabulous and realistic illustrations. His drawings bring the cat and the human characters to life.

>99 lowelibrary: Lovely cat photo!

>100 lowelibrary: I love Dewey!

>101 thornton37814: Thank you. I consider it a gift that they posed for me.

>13 lowelibrary: It's a purrfect time to read a mystery challenge


77. Copycat Killing by Sofie Kelly ★★★★★

Everyone thinks their cats are special - but Owen and Hercules have powers far beyond an adorable look or an irresistible purr. Along with their owner, librarian Kathleen Paulson, they have an uncanny instinct for solving crimes. It's been raining cats and dogs in Mayville Heights. The small town's been deluged, and the local artists' co-op is on the verge of flooding. Kathleen has been up all night helping her friends move their creations to the safety of the upstairs studio. The artwork survives, but when controversial mask maker Jaeger Merrill is found drowned in the co-op basement, Kathleen questions whether the death was accidental. After she discovers the artist was using an assumed name, she realizes she can't assume anything about him. With the help of handsome detective Marcus Gordon - and her cats' extraordinary powers of detection - it's up to Kathleen to unmask a killer.

Every time I read one of these books, I fall in love with Owen and Hercules all over again. From their magical abilities to their cat antics. The other characters are interesting and I look forward to where Marcus and Kathleen are heading.

>103 lowelibrary: I have to admit that I wasn't sure how I'd like "magical cats" when I first saw the series, but after a friend read them and loved them, I decided to give them a try. Like you, I fell in love with Owen and Hercules. I need to get to the next one. Since I finished my current "driving book," I'll be looking for an audiobook. If the next one for me is available, it might be just the thing. I won't have tons of driving time until midweek next week since I'm off next week when I drive to the cross stitch store to pick up something that came in. Then I'll have a little a little more next weekend.

>104 thornton37814: I have tried audiobooks, but I get distracted by the story and miss my exits. No driving and reading for me.

MAY RECAP

Currently reading Beauty and the Werewolf and should finish it this weekend. I am also reading my May PrizeCAT book, American Gods.

I read 18 books in May - 2 Kindle, 1 library loan, and 15 from my shelves. I discarded 2 Kindle and 2 physical books.

I read 1 book bullet but added 5 more to the list. My losing battle continues, but the books I have discovered with this challenge have been worth it.

I added 4 Kindle and 8 physical books this month. I have read 3 of the new physical books. See >15 lowelibrary: for the new additions.

I filled 3 Bingo squares this month. This leaves 5 squares left.

This month's books (in alphabetical order)
★★★★★
Copycat Killing
J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World Movie Magic: Curious Creatures
Pemberley: Mr. Darcy's Dragon
Snow Happy To Be Here
★★★★½
The Boomerang Clue
Dewey: There's A Cat In The Library
How To Train Your Humans
★★★½
Borobudur
Circe
Dewey's Christmas At The Library
George Orwell: Complete & Unabridged
Kill Alex Cross
Mimi Lee Cracks A Code
★★★
Chicken Soup For The Soul: My Clever, Curious, Caring Cat
Midnight Prince
The Most Fun We Had
Vlad the Impaler
★★
Stories From Other Lands

JUNE

My son is a huge barbecuer, so as a Father's Day tribute to him (he is the father he never had), this month's treat is savory and tasty. Help yourself to a huge portion.

Yum! I love BBQ season. 😊

>107 lowelibrary: My mouth is watering!

>108 DeltaQueen50:, >109 Charon07: Glad you enjoyed the pic.

>9 lowelibrary: Book Bullet Challenge - bullet from scaifea


78. Beauty and the Werewolf by Mercedes Lackey ★★★★

The eldest daughter is often doomed in fairy tales. But Bella - Isabella Beauchamps, daughter of a wealthy merchant - vows to escape the usual pitfalls. Anxious to avoid the “traditional” path, Bella dons a red cloak and ventures into the forbidden forest to consult with "Granny," the local wise woman. But on the way home she's attacked by a wolf - who turns out to be a cursed nobleman! Secluded in his castle, Bella is torn between her family and this strange man who creates marvelous inventions and makes her laugh - when he isn't howling at the moon. Breaking spells is never easy. But a determined beauty, a wizard (after all, he's only an occasional werewolf) and a little godmotherly interference might just be able to bring about a happy ending.

I almost gave up on this story in the first chapters, due to the mixing of so many fairy tales, but I have faith in Mercedes Lackey's writing. I am glad I kept reading, since the story just got better as it went, to the point I was not ready for it to end. This Beauty and the Beast retelling is more about Beauty and her growth and discovery of herself, which made for an interesting change. I also enjoyed the "who cursed the Beast" side plot, although I figured it out, a chapter before Bella.

>113 warriorcat77goon: gyatt damn