Cheli is mountain climbing again!

Hi everyone, this is my 15th annual category challenge.
This year, I've been participating in the Category challenge since 2009 and this year I am going with the same as last year. I'm going with the number of books to read in the categories instead. I made the definition of categories very simple so that I was able concentrate more on the books and less on the way the books fit in categories.

This year my theme is againCLIMBING MOUNT TBR. I did so well last year making a lot of progress on catching up on series that I'd already started that I want to keep going. I'm sure that there are still mountain ranges that I need to climb! The 5 categories have been identified by 4 mountain ranges and a valley will be designated to specific authors, concentrating on the books that are currently sitting on my shelves, both virtual and real as well as on my wishlist for more than a year.

The last few years I have read well over 150 books each year and I would like to keep that going, however, I will be moving in 2023 from my home in Maryland to our retirement home in South Carolina. There is a lot packing and unpacking that will be taking place, so my reading time may be cut drastically. I'm hoping to use audiobooks when my hands and eyes are otherwise occupied, but that may not always be possible. Therefore, I am setting each category to a number of books to be read. And since I will be sticking close to home for the foreseeable future - getting my house in order - I decided that mountain ranges in the USA would be appropriate.

However, that's not all, because I do get some bright shiny new books or borrow from library for Book Club, so again those books should fall into a valley since they aren't part of the mountains. This time, however, I selected the Shenandoah valley because it's close to my new home.

In 2023 I'll be continuing the following formal challenges:

The 75 Book Challenge is where I can chat about my grandchildren, themes for the day or just anything I feel like as well as BOOKS.
US Presidents Challenge So far I'm still working on FDR, I have made it to World War II but think it might take me as long to finish this era as it took the war to be fought. I did make a bit of progress but I still am on the European front so WWII will extend to at least 2024. Being unsure of how long it will take for the Pacific war and 75+ years after, this challenge has been extended to 2028 at least.
European Challenge - I still have 2/3 of Europe to explore. Hopefully, a few foreign countries are in my future this year - at least in books.
Miscellaneous monthly challenges that will help me find new things to stretch my reading include the Alpha Kit. I'll be looking for a new Book Club after I move, so I'm sure there will be books for that too.

Then there are also several personal challenges that I will be endeavoring to work on in 2023.
Bookshelf Bootie - I'm trying to remind myself that when books come into to my house they need to be read soon. My goal is that 50% of new books in are read in the current year. Hopefully, that will include the books that I actually purchased as well as downloaded to my e-reader so that those books that show in my acquisition ticker on my ROOT thread will be read in a timely manner. I did better than ever in 2022 with 60% of new books acquired in 2022 read. YEAH!!! I also purged over 200 books real and virtual in preparation for the move. My wishlist was also cut by over 100 - I just knew I'd never get to them.
ROOT Challenge is my effort to read 84 books (7 per month at least) off my own shelves! (This includes books on my Nook/Kindle, ER & ARCs I receive for review, and audiobooks that I've downloaded in the past.) Even though I've resolved to reduce the number of ARCs/ERs that I request so that more of the old books have priority, I still managed to acquire 85 books in 2022. (actually less than I expected) But I read 154 books and purged nearly 200 reducing my TBRs from 483 adjusted totals for the start of 2022 to 220. Since the 4 categories only account for 84 books, the vast majority of my reading this year should be from my own books! So I'll still be climbing toward the mountaintop this year!

I know that my book acquisitions are out of control... there is no way that I can ever read all the books in my possession in my lifetime, but I will keep trying.

So here we go!

HERE ARE MY CATEGORIES:

Blue Ridge Mountains - 43 (20+23)
Cascade Mountains - 43 (20+23)
Grand Tetons - 23
Catskills - 23
Shenandoah Valley - 20

So my goal is 152 books. Ambitious with everything else in the works, yes, but worth a try.

I. The Blue Ridge Mountains - Since I am moving to South Carolina in 2023, I decided that the Blue Ridge in my new home state would do well for one of my TBR ranges, it will be for authors with initials A through C

Some of my favorite authors will fit in this category.

1. A Deadly Deletion
2. Four Charming Spells
3. Handbook for Homicide
4. Loose Screw
5. Murder at the Spring Ball

Hard to believe that I am actually behind on a few of my favorite authors that fall in this category.
The authors I want to concentrate on are:

Favorites

Adams, Ellery

Book Retreat Mystery

Murder in the Book Lover's Loft

Secret, Book & Scone Society

★Paper Cuts

Lorraine Bartlett

Victoria Square Mystery

Dead, Bath, and Beyond
Yule Be Dead
Murder Ink
A Murderous Misconception
Dead Man's Hand

Barbara Barrett

✔Loose Screw
Death by Drywall
Homicide by Hammer

Lorna Barrett

Booktown Mystery (4)

✔Handbook for Homicide
✔A Deadly Deletion
Clause of Death
A Questionable Character

Cahoon, Lynn

Tourist Trap Mystery

Songs of Wine and Murder

Cat Latimer Mystery (1)

Caught Dead to Write

Farm-to-Fork Mystery

A Basketful of Murder

Kitchen Witch Mystery

✔★Four Charming Spells

Survivors' Book Club Mystery

Death in the Romance Aisle

Haunted Life cozy Mystery

A Medium Fate
A Medium Homecoming

Carlisle, Kate

Fixer Upper Mystery

Dressed to Drill

Bibliophile Mystery

The Twelve Books of Christmas

Laura Childs

Tea Shop Mysteries

Lemon Curd Killer
Honey Drop Dead

Ellen Crosby

Wine Country Mystery
Hoping there will be a new one soon!

Others I hope to read are:

Alexander, Ellie - Hold on for Beer Life
Andrews, Donna - Meg Langslow (30)

We'll Always Have Parrots
Owls Well That Ends Well
No Nest for the Wicket
The Penguin Who Knew Too Much
Cockatiels At Seven
Six Geese A-slaying
Swan for the Money
Stork Raving Mad
The Real Macaw
Some Like It Hawk
The Hen of the Baskervilles
Duck the Halls

Burns, V. M. - Mystery Bookshop - Hoping there will be a new one soon!
Casey, Elizabeth Lynn - Southern Sewing Circle Mystery (8)
Chase, Erika - Ashton Corners Book Club Mystery (3)
Connolly, Sheila - Museum Mysteries (4)

Razing the Dead
Privy to the Dead
Dead End Street
Digging Up History

Coyle, Cleo - Coffeehouse (11)

II. The Cascade Mountain Range are in the Pacific Northwest. I've only ever seen them from the balcony of a cruise ship, but they were beautiful. This category will be for authors with initials D through H.


1. Because I Could Not Stop for Death
2. In Farm's Way
3. Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star
4. Four Parties and a Funeral

Here are the authors that I want to concentrate on, series begun, and the number of books that I have waiting to be read for each. Again, there are many so hopefully, I will get caught up on some. Narrowed down to favorites and hope to get to's, so others that may fit in this category are possible.

Favorites

DiRico, Maria

Catering Hall Mystery

✔★Four Parties and a Funeral

Elliott, Lauren

Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery

Dedication to Murder

Flower, Amanda

Amish Candy Shop Mystery

Blueberry Blunder

Amish Matchmaker Mystery - hope there'll be one!
Piper and Porter Mystery

Frozen Detective

Farm to Table Mystery

✔★In Farm's Way

Emily Dickinson Mystery (2)

✔Because I Could Not Stop for Death
I Heard a Fly Buzz When I Died

Living History Museum Mystery (3)

★Final Reveille

Davis, Krista -

Domestic Diva (1)

The Diva Delivers on a Promise

Fluke, Joanne

Hannah Swensen Mystery

Pink Lemonade Cake Murder

Gerber, Daryl Wood- Hoping there will be a new one soon!

Hope to get to

Fox, Sarah

True Confections Mystery

Six Sweets Under

French, Tana

Dublin Murder Squad

The Trespasser

Graves, Sarah

Death by Chocolate Mystery

Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie

Gregory, Lena

Mini-Meadows Mystery (1)

Victoria Hamilton

Merry Muffin Mystery (6)

Muffin But Murder
Death of an English Muffin
Much Ado About Muffin
Muffin to Fear
Muffin But Trouble
Double or Muffin

Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder

Some Touch of Madness

Hollis, Lee

Desert Flowers Mystery

✔★Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star

Maya and Sandra Mystery

Murder on the Class Trip

GRAND TETONS


The Grand Tetons will be for authors with initials I through M

Grand Teton National Park is located 31 miles from Yellowstone National Park but is very different.

1. Body in the Buick
2. Body in the Trench
3. So Shall You Reap
4. The Doll People Set Sail

Favorites

Jenkins, Beverly - Blessings

A Christmas to Remember

Klein, Libby - Poppy McAllister Mystery

Mischief Nights Are Murder

Laurens, Stephanie

Cynster Sisters

The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh

Cynsters Next Generation

By Winter's Light
The Tempting of Thomas Carrick
A Match for Marcus Cynster
The Lady By His Side
An Irresistible Alliance
The Greatest Challenge Of Them All
A Conquest Impossible To Resist
The Inevitable Fall of Christopher Cynster
The Games Lovers Play
The Secrets of Lord Grayson Child
Foes, Friends and Lovers
The Time For Love
Miss Flibbertigibbet and The Barbarian

Lynn, Judi - Jazzi Zanders Mystery

✔The Body In the Trench
✔The Body in the Buick
The Body in the Wheelbarrow

Julie Mulhern

Country Club Murders (1)

Fire and Rain

Poppy Fields (6)

Fields' Guide to Assassins
Fields' Guide to Voodoo
Fields' Guide to Fog
Fields' Guide to Pharaohs
Fields' Guide to Dirty Money
Fields' Guide to Smuggling

Others I'm hoping to read:

Lee, Amanda - Embroidery Mystery

Thread on Arrival
Cross Stitch Before Dying
Thread End
Wicked Stitch
The Stitching Hour
Better Off Thread

Leon, Donna

Guido Brunetti

✔★So Shall You Reap

Maxwell, Alyssa

Gilded Newport (2)

★Murder at Beacon Rock
Murder at the Elms

Martin, Ann M - ✔The Doll People Set Sail
Marks, Mary

Quilting Mysteries

Gone But Knot Forgotten
Something's Knot Kosher
Knot What You Think
Knot My Sister's Keeper
Knot on Her Life
Knot of This World
Knot Ready for Murder

McKinlay, Jenn

Cupcake Bakery Mystery

Going, Going, Ganache
Sugar and Iced
Dark Chocolate Demise
Vanilla Beaned
Caramel Crush
Wedding Cake Crumble
Dying for Devil's Food
Pumpkin Spice Peril
For Batter or Worse
Strawberried Alive

Library Lover's Mystery

On Borrowed Time
A Likely Story
Better Late Than Never
Death in the Stacks
Hitting the Books
Word to the Wise
One for the Books
Killer Research
The Plot and the Pendulum

Karen MacInerney

Gray Whale Inn Mystery (7)

Berried to the Hilt
Brush with Death
Death Runs Adrift
Whale of a Crime
Claws for Alarm
Scone Cold Dead
Anchored Inn

Maron, Margaret - Deborah Knott (15)

CATSKILL MOUNTAINS


Many notable scenes have been set in the Catskills - Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving and the movie Dirty Dancing.
Hopefully I'll have some notable books by authors with initials N through Z.

Here are the authors that I want to concentrate on, series begun, and the number of books that I have waiting to be read for each. Again, there are far too many for me to get to all of them but, I certainly hope there will be many read here. My favorites will definitely get immediate attention when their latest books are released, the others will be part of my catch up plans. Some of my favorites are not expecting new books released this year, but if ones come out, they will get a priority position.


1. Blood Spangled Banner: A First Ladies Mystery
2. Fateful Words: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery
3. Fourth Enemy

Authors with no new books expected in 2023
Louise Penny
Quincy, D. M. - Atlas Catesby Mystery

Favorites

Raybourn, Deanna

Veronica Speedwell (4)

A Murderous Relation
An Unexpected Peril
An Impossible Impostor
A Sinister Revenge

Hope to get to:

Perry, Anne -

Thomas Pitt (13)
Daniel Pitt (1)

✔★The Fourth Enemy

Riordan, Rick

Trials of Apollo (2)

The Tyrant's Tomb
The Tower of Nero

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

The Ship of the Dead

Percy Jackson continuations

The Chalice of the Gods
The Sun and the Star

Percy Jackson & Kane Chronicles Crossover

The Son of Sobek
The Staff of Serapis
The Crown of Ptolemy

Robbins, Sara

The Sinister Seminar
The Poisonous Pageant
The Fatal Fundraiser
Condemn to Death
Driven to Death

Rosett, Sara - Ellie Avery Mystery (7)

Magnolias, Moonlight, and Murder
Mint Juleps, Mayhem, and Murder
Mimosas, Mischief, and Murder
Mistletoe, Merriment, and Murder
Milkshakes, Mermaids, and Murder
Marriage, Monsters-in-Law, and Murder
Mother's Day, Muffins, and Murder

Paige Shelton

Scottish Bookshop Mystery (1)

✔★Fateful Words

Karen Rose Smith

Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery (1)

Murder with Earl Grey Tea

Julia Spencer-Fleming

Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne (4)

I Shall Not Want
One Was a Soldier
Through the Evil Days
Hid from Our Eyes

Victoria Thompson

Gaslight Mysteries (21)

★Murder on Marble Row
Murder on Lenox Hill
Murder in Little Italy
Murder In Chinatown
Murder on Bank Street
Murder on Waverly Place
Murder on Lexington Avenue
Murder on Sisters' Row
Murder on Fifth Avenue
Murder in Chelsea
Murder in Murray Hill
Murder on Amsterdam Avenue
Murder on St. Nicholas Avenue
Murder in Morningside Heights
Murder in the Bowery
Murder on Union Square
Murder on Trinity Place
Murder on Pleasant Avenue
Murder on Wall Street
Murder on Madison Square
Murder on Bedford Street

Jacqueline Winspear

Maisie Dobbs (7)

In This Grave Hour
To Die but Once
The American Agent
The Consequences of Fear
A Sunlit Weapon

Others
Scott, Michele Wine Lover's Mystery (4)
Sefton, Maggie Knitting Mystery (8)
Small, Bertrice ★Silk Merchant's Daughters (1)
Stanton, Mary Beaufort and Company Mystery (2)
Susan Kiernan-Lewis Maggie Newberry Mysteries (18)
Swanson, Denise Chef-to-Go Mystery -1
Thomas, Sherry - Lady Sherlock (3)

★Murder on Cold Street
Miss Moriarty, I Presume?
A Tempest at Sea

Trauth, Suzanne Dodie O'Dell Mystery (1)
Walker, Lyn Dee Nichelle Clarke Mystery (7)
Washburn, Livia J. Fresh-Baked Mystery (12)
Wilhelm, Kate Barbara Holloway (10)
Weiss, Kirsten

Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum(3)

Pressed to Death
Deja Moo
Chocolate a la Murder

V. SHENANDOAH VALLEY

Even though I have more than 200 books on Mount TBR, I know that there will be times when I will be reading books that are not part of the mountain ranges - in essence, they will be shiny new books I couldn't resist, library books, book club selections. So if I am not reading from the mountain, I must be in a valley. Close to my new home is the Shenandoah Valley, so that's my "valley" of choice this year.

Here is where those undiscovered and undetermined books will be slated.


1. Spymistress

My thread is officially open!

QUARTER 1 - BOOKS READ IN JANUARY, FEBRUARY, AND MARCH

1. The Doll People Set Sail
2. Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star
3. Handbook for Homicide
4. A Deadly Deletion
5. Murder at the Spring Ball
6. Spymistress
7. So Shall You Reap
8. Loose Screw
9. Four Charming Spells
10. Blood Spangled Banner: A First Ladies Mystery
11. Because I Could Not Stop for Death
12. In Farm's Way
13. Body in the Trench
14. Body in the Buick
15. Fateful Words: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery
16. Four Parties and a Funeral
17. Fourth Enemy

QUARTER 2 - BOOKS READ IN APRIL, MAY, AND JUNE

QUARTER 3 - BOOKS READ IN JULY, AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER

QUARTER 4 - BOOKS READ IN OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

Books toward goal

Blue Ridge Mountains - 43 (20+23) read 5
Cascade Mountains - 43 (20+23) read 4
Grand Tetons - 23 - read 4
Catskills - 23 - read 3
Shenandoah Valley - 20 - read 1

Stopping by to wish you a wonderful year of reading in 2023. Love the amazing scenery images for your categories!

Great mountain pictures. I may pop in just to stare at them while I sip tea. Good luck with your 2023 reading and purging.

Good luck with your 2023 Challenge, Cheli!

The Catskills are my favourite photo! Have a great reading year!

What a great theme! Good luck with your 2023 reading!

Gorgeous pictures, Chèli! Happy climbing!

Hope you have a great year of mountain climbing!

I've run into a few snags for the beginning of the year - not only am I preparing to move from Maryland to South Carolina in the spring (downsizing is a B****) but I've spent 22 days in the hospital and had numerous doctor's appointments, needless to say, which have cut into my reading and reviewing time. Today I am making a conscious effort to catch up a bit.

Challenge Book #1
The Doll People Set Sail ★★★
Ann M. Martin
Category - Grand Tetons
Source - HOOPLA
Series - Doll People #4 Series finished
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (I/S), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

The Doll family are told that they are being packed up and will be stored in the attic while the human family goes on vacation and renovations are being made to the house but somehow their box is mixed up with the donation boxes and the Doll family go on an adventure across the seas. So much fun!

Challenge Book #2
Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star ★★★★
Lee Hollis
Category - Cascades
Source - NetGalley
Series - Desert Flowers Mystery #5
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (I/S), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Poppy is extremely surprised when her old rival, Serena Saunders, enlists her aid in checking out her fiancé before getting married again. However, Poppy agrees and the Desert Flowers get involved in murder and mayhem yet again.

It is entertaining to see Poppy juggle her own friends and business while trying to be supportive of a client she doesn't really like.

Challenge Book #3
Handbook for Homicide ★★★
Lorna Barrett
Category - Blue Ridge
Source - HOOPLA
Series - Booktown #14
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Tricia Miles has returned to Stoneham from a vacation she took with her BF Marshall Cambridge (he was working as a tour guide) so she didn't really get to spend a great deal of time with him. It got her thinking about their relationship. Before she has barely settled in, her store manager, Pixie, discovers a body in their dumpster and Tricia sets out to make sure that none of her friends are blamed.

Not really one of the best in the series but I still do love the characters.

Challenge Book #4
A Deadly Deletion ★★★★
Lorna Barrett
Category - Blue Ridge
Source - HOOPLA
Series - Booktown #15
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

This Booktown installment follows immediately after the previous book and it is like night and day. Tricia has received two marriage proposals in an afternoon but before she can even consider the first (from Marshall Cambridge( Marshall is run down in the street and dies.

Trying to solve his murder, Tricia uncovers secrets from his past that Marshall kept from her. She is also trying to decide if she wants to be the next Chamber of Commerce president since the last one is no longer around.

So many tangles in the story so that the ending was a complete surprise.

Challenge Book #5
Murder at the Spring Ball ★★★½
Benedict Brown
Category - Blue Ridge
Source - NetGalley
Series - Lord Edgington Investigates #1
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (I/S), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Lord Edgington has been reclusive ever since the death of his wife many years ago but decides that he is going to revive the Spring Ball but before the event can start, his daughter dies having drunk champagne meant for the entire family. Who was really the intended victim? Why after all this time?

It was a bit confusing at the start with all the characters blending together, but once they all individualized, the story and mystery were entertaining. It's great to see that mysteries can still be written that don't have to have cell phones and computers to make them work.

Challenge Book #6
Spymistress: The True Story of the Greatest Female Secret Agent ★★
William Stevenson
Category - Shenandoah Valley
Source - Public library
Series - N/A
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (I/S), 75 Book Challenge

Vera Atkins was a spy for the British during World War II. She was apparently quite forgotten in the history books until this attempt to rectify that. However, IMO, this book went into entirely too much detail and needed serious editing. The clarity for an average reader was difficult to manage - too many code names, etc. to keep track of.

I'm certain that Ms. Atkins' efforts during the war were extraordinary, however, IMO, this book was not.

Challenge Book #7
So Shall You Reap ★★
Donna Leon
Category - Grand Tetons
Source - NetGalley
Series - Guido Brunetti #32
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (I/S), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

This is the first book in the series that I could not finish. Normally, I love to spend time with Guido Brunetti and the Venetian police as well as his charming wife and family. However, in this book, there was no plot, no goal, I couldn't figure what he was searching for or why. I kept falling asleep.

Hope the next one lives up to the wonderful characters, this one didn't.

Challenge Book #8
Loose Screw ★★★★
Barbara Barrett
Category - Blue Ridge
Source - NetGalley
Series - Nailed It Home Reno Mystery #2
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (I/S), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Ro Summerfield, retired homicide detective, now partner with her daughter Val in a Reno business, is enlisted by her former partner and the police captain to assist in an investigation since there is a staffing shortage. Her daughter is also involved as a consultant. What about their business? Well, since the victim is the building inspector and Ro and Val are on hold until other inspectors can get to their project. So Ro and Val start digging into the victim's life and things are not pretty.

Complications and obstacles abound as more and more issues in the Inspection Office turn up. But is there another reason that he may have been killed?

The twists and turns were intriguing, love the characters.

Challenge Book #9
Four Charming Spells ★★★★
Lynn Cahoon
Category - Blue Ridge
Source - NetGalley
Series - Kitchen Witch Mystery #4
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (I/S), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Things are changing at Mia's Morsels - she has hired her BF's mother to bake enchanted cakes, she's hired another assistant but still things aren't exactly going smoothly. Her grandmother accidently put a spell on herself reversing her age and her new assistant appears to have some secrets, At the same time, Mahogany Medford wants Mia to find out why her mother died, All this at the same time as her catering business is expanding,

The magical aspects are woven throughout very cleverly and the food descriptions make my mouth water, Great addition to the series!

Challenge Book #10
Blood Spangled Banner: A First Ladies Mystery ABANDONED
Barbara Schlichting
Category - Catskills
Source - Barnes & Noble
Series - First Ladies Mystery #1 will not continue
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (I/S), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

I bought this book because of my study of the Presidents and thought it would be fun for a light-hearted take on the first ladies, Couldn't even get half way through, This book needed major editing, Characters were not appealing,

You are back! Lots of interesting reads up there. Most are in series I'm reading or have on my radar. I'll probably avoid the one with the magic theme.

>28 cyderry: That cover is adorable!

Challenge Book #11
Because I Could Not Stop for Death
Amanda Flower
Category - CASCADES
Source - Barnes & Noble
Series - Emily Dickinson Mysteries #1
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (J/F), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

This book was the beginning of a new series where Emily Dickinson and her house maid search to solve the murder of her maid's brother. Set in pre-Civil War New England, it was interesting to see these characters developing an investigation without technology. I am looking forward to the next installment.

Challenge Book #12
In Farm's Way
Amanda Flower
Category - CASCADES
Source - NetGalley
Series - Farm to Table Mysteries #3
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (J/F), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Shiloh Bellamy is busy in the winter trying to finalize her organic farm certification as well as determining the crops that she will plant come spring. The Fields Brewing Company is having a beer tasting and will be announcing their new master brewer (Shiloh's BFF Kristy's husband is in the running). The local ice fishing competition is also on the calendar so when Shiloh goes to check to see how her father is doing on the ice, she discovers the body of the owner of Field's brewing. Since Kristy's husband is a suspect, Shiloh feels the need to find out what happened.

I thought that this story was a little complicated - too many things going on at once but it was still a fun read!

Challenge Book #13
The Body In the Trench
Judi Lynn
Category - GRAND TETONS
Source - Amazon
Series - Jazzi Zanders Mysteries #7
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (J/F), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Normally, Jazzi is the one who gets involved with the mysterious deaths in this series, however, this time Ansel, her husband, is contacted my his uncle asking for help. One of his construction workers was buried alive when a retaining wall collapsed. But was it an accident or pre-meditated murder? Could the fact that none of the crew were particularly fond of the victim make Ansel's uncle's concerns valid?

This is a fun series with great characters and interesting situations.

Challenge Book #14
The Body In the Buick
Judi Lynn
Category - GRAND TETONS
Source - Amazon
Series - Jazzi Zanders Mysteries #8
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (J/F), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

While Jazzi and Ansel are helping a friend convert an old barn into living quarters, they are persuaded by their partner Jerod to help his Dad find out who killed his best mechanic and why. The victim, Vince, had been behaving abnormally - selling off his favorite motorcycle, convincing customers to have unnecessary work done their vehicles, and hiding things from friends and family. Jazzi spends less time on the construction site because she is pregnant and Ansel and Jerod are two very protective men.

This was an interesting mystery and fun to watch the men guard Jazzi while she digs out the clues to solve the murder.

Challenge Book #15
Fateful Words
Paige Shelton
Category - CATSKILLS
Source - NetGalley
Series - A Scottish Bookshop Mystery #8
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (J/F), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Delaney Nichols has been asked by her boss Edwin from the Cracked Spine Bookshop to host his annual tour of Edinburgh for the 5 lucky winners. Delaney isn't sure that she is truly qualified since she only moved to Scotland a few years ago but with Edwin's notes and her husband Tom with her, she takes on the assignment, Things get very mysterious when one of the tourists disappears after the manager of the B&B where the guests are staying falls or is pushed to his death while the front desk clerk is brutalized and in a coma. Should Delaney continue the tour or shut it down before more people are hurt?

I always feel as if I've really been to Edinburgh every time I visit the Cracked Spine because of the wonderfully descriptive narratives.

Challenge Book #16
Four Parties and a Funeral
Maria DiRico
Category - CASCADES
Source - NetGalley
Series - Catering Hall Mystery #4
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (J/F), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Belle View is an event center that is run by Mia Carina and her father Ravello - in an effort to have a legitimate business unrelated to their mob connections. In this story, The mobster Donny Baldano Sr. (mobster) wants his son Donny Jr. to work at Belle View to try to ascertain what he is best at outside of the family business. An independent film operation is creating a reality show, The Dons of Ditmars Boulevard, and suddenly Donny Jr. gets involved with a very pretty producer much to the disapproval of Donny Sr.

The characters and plot lines are totally entertaining and the mystery well presented. Fun series!

Challenge Book #17
The Fourth Enemy
Anne Perry
Category - CATSKILLS
Source - NetGalley
Series - Daniel Pitt Novel #4
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (J/F), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Daniel Pitt has married Miriam fford Croft, the daughter of the head of chambers at the law office where he works. Marcus, her father, has decided to retire and has made the selection for his replacement as both head of chambers and chief Barrister. Gideon Hunter has come to the law office and the first case that he accepts is representing the Crown as prosecutor in a fraud case against a wealthy, influential financier. Daniel is second seat and works to gather the evidence and testimony for the conviction, however, one witness is hit by a car and another found murder. Witnesses are also disappearing or changing their testimony.

Will Gideon with Daniel's assistance be able to convict the accused especially after Miriam is kidnapped?

Best one in the series so far, great new characters!

Challenge Book #18
A Newlywed's Guide to Fortune and Murder
Dianne Freeman
Category - CASCADES
Source - NetGalley
Series - Countess of Harleigh Mysteries #6
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (G/A), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

The Countess of Harleigh, Frances Hazelton, newlywed, has been asked by Lady Winstead to present her niece, Kate Stover, to the Queen. Since the Winstead household is in mourning, she can't do it and doesn't want her niece to forgo another season as her age increases. Frances agrees to the task especially since she will be able to aid her husband George in the recovery of a missing journal which the late Lord Winstead had willed to the British Museum. But the journal has gone missing.

The twists and turns related to negotiated Victorian society and its pitfalls only add to the entertainment of the mystery conveyed with these characters. Well-written, definitely a series to keep reading!

Challenge Book #19
Hold on for Beer Life
Ellie Alexander
Category - BLUE RIDGE
Source - AMAZON
Series - Sloan Krause Mysteries #5.5
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (G/A), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Sloan Krause and her partner in crime, Garrett Strong have been invited to a beer tasting at Confluence Brewing in another town. Confluence is a new brewery that hopes to garner the tourist trade with farm-to-table dinners in their apple orchard, along with hop field tours, overnight accommodations including beer-themed breakfasts. Since Sloan and Garrett also have lodgings at their brewery, Nitro, they want to see how Confluence handles things.

Activities seem a bit sinister with partners arguing, interns being attacked and no real brewery apparent. What's going on? Sloan & Garrett want to know what's brewing that isn't ale?

The characters are growing beautifully and it was fun to see them outside of their normal environment.

Challenge Book #20
Murder with Earl Grey Tea
Karen Rose Smith
Category - CATSKILLS
Source - NetGalley
Series - Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery #9
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (G/A), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Daisy Swanson, co-owner of Daisy's Tea Garden, is as busy as ever - helping her daughter's family move to their new home, Alice in Wonderland Tea, family celebrations as well as setting the date for her own nuptials. However, a new item is drop on her plate when she discovers a friend dead on the hiking trail, just where she was supposed to be. Apparently a hit and run, but was it?

Daisy needs to find out why her friend was killed and was she a target too?

I love this series not just for the mysteries which are so entertaining, but because the characters seem so real and the food sounds so good!

>40 cyderry: I've been meaning to try this series; I think I have the first book on my e-reader. Glad to see you're enjoying it!

>43 christina_reads: It's one of my favorites, I try to fit it in as soon as I get the newest one.

I have to laugh or I'm going to cry. The men came to install my big walk-in tub this morning and neglected to check the drainage before filling the tub to capacity. When they started the tub draining, the water started overflowing in the shower and all over the bathroom, into the master bedroom, and into the hall and master closet. I'm guessing that the house has truly been baptized now.

Apparently when the concrete guys were laying the forms for the slab, they punctured the water pipe and since nothing was going through it, there was no indication that there was a problem. Now that the line is being used fully (bathrooms, washer, kitchen) the problem has strained the hole and gone berserk! At least it wasn't the tub guys! The Toll Brothers manager says that they will cover everything. We may be able to stay while the work is done, just sleep upstairs on the sofa bed. Ah, the joys of Home Ownership!

Oh what a mess! Try to keep your head above water (and excuse the pun).

Ugh, how awful! I hope the floodwaters recede swiftly.

I commented on the other thread, so I'll just say "hi" here.

I've been so busy with boxes and settling in that what little extra time I've had for reading I didn't do the reviews immediately. So in the next few days I'm going to try to catch up.

Challenge Book #21
Gone But Not For Garden
Kate Collins
Category - BLUE RIDGE
Source - NetGalley
Series - Goddess of Greene St. Mystery #4
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (G/A), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

This installment of the Goddess of Greene St. Mysteries shares the character from Flower Shop mysteries, Abby Knight. Abby comes to town to hire Athena and her partner Case Donnelly too help clear her cousin who is accused of murdering a model during a fashion show.

I think that the plot was a little too messy, trying to fit all the characters together. There was too little of Athena and Case and too much of Abby.

Challenge Book #22
Methods of Malice
Ellery Adams, Tina Radcliffe
Category - BLUE RIDGE
Source - NetGalley
Series - Hope Street Church Mystery #7
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (G/A), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

I always enjoy a return trip to the Sunrise Bible study group and Cooper Lee. The Bible group are all taking part in the Hope Street Community Theater’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life. Several incidents occur but the rehearsals are halted when the assistant director is found murdered. Even though the group didn't know the victim well they are determined to find justice for her.

The characters are charming, down to earth, relatable, and the goodness they exude makes you want to have them as friends yourself.

Challenge Book #23
Frozen Detective
Amanda Flower
Category - CASCADES
Source - NetGalley
Series - Piper and Porter Mysteries #2
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (G/A), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Darby Piper and Tate Porter own and run Two Girls Detective Agency (Tate inherited his half from his aunt) and they are hired by Tate's former girlfriend, Cecily, to protect her husband who has been getting death threats. They are all at a ski lodge for New Year's Eve and unfortunately Darby and Tate were unable to keep Cecily's husband from a murderous end. There was loads of suspects and a smart dog that helped in the investigation.

The story was entertaining, characters were fun, a totally enjoyable experience.

Challenge Book #24
Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie
Sarah Graves
Category - CASCADES
Source - NetGalley
Series - Death by Chocolate Mystery #6
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (G/A), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Jake and Ellie have been running the Chocolate Moose for several years and suddenly across the street a rival chocolatier has opened up a shop. He has been slurring the Chocolate Moose merchandise as inferior and stealing customers. N9ot surprising he turns up dead but was is surprising the murder weapon belonged to Ellie. Jake has to work hard to find the real killer and clear her friend.

Just plain yummy!

Challenge Book #25
Murder at Beacon Rock
Alyssa Maxwell
Category - GRAND TETONS
Source - NetGalley
Series - Gilded Newport Mystery #10
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (G/A), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Emma Cross and Derrick Andrews are finally engaged to be married. Emma is a poor relation of the Vanderbilts while Derrick is from a wealthy social prominent family. They are at a dinner party at Beacon Rock, the home of the Morgans, as in JP, and while there Emma and in the company of Lucy Carnegie, discover a young woman's body washed up near the boat house. No one seems to know who she was but a small clue leads Emma and Derrick into dangerous waters to discover her identity and possible motive for her death.

I truly enjoy this series set at the beginning of the 20th century n Newport, each one highlighting one of the mansions of the rich and famous.

Challenge Book #26
Dinner, Drinks and Murder
Cat Chandler
Category - BLUE RIDGE
Source - AMAZON
Series - Gilded Newport Mystery #10
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (W/D), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Nicki Connors reviews Food and Wine sites for an online Wine paper. While having dinner at her favorite restaurant, Nicki finds the hostess stabbed in the back and face down in a bowl of pasta. Nicki feels that even though she has been told to stay out of it, she needs to find the murderer so that an innocent, elderly winemaker is not convicted of the crime.

Fun mystery, characters still need some development and expansion.

Challenge Book #27
The Diva Delivers on a Promise
Krista Davis
Category - CASCADES
Source - NETGALLEY
Series - Domestic Diva #16
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (W/D), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Sophie Winston is helping with a luncheon for A Healthy Meal when a dead man is found as the group enters the dining room. The hostess and her family become the chief suspects so Sophie is enlisted to help find the real murderer at the same time as she coordinates the Association of Ghost Kitchens. While another murder and unusual occurrences keep Sophie on her toes, she is determined to solve the mystery.

Sophie and her whacky friends are great characters and seem like old friends with each installment.

Challenge Book #28
Primer and Punishment
Diane Kelly
Category - CASCADES
Source - NETGALLEY
Series - House-Flipper Mystery #5
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (W/D), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck have decided that their flipping business is going to take on a houseboat renovation. During the work, they get acquainted with the owner of the boat "next door". Buck is also getting ready to get married so Whitney plans the bachelorette party at the houseboat while the bachelor party will also be there at another time. When the neighbor is murdered, Whitney is caught up trying to figure out why and by whom.

Love the writing style, especially the tiny chapters narrated by the cat. Fun series.

Challenge Book #29
Dedication to Murder
Lauren Elliott
Category - CASCADES
Source - NETGALLEY
Series - Beyond the Page Bookstore Mysteries #9
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (W/D), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Addie Greybourne is preparing for her wedding to Simon when an issue arises to put everything on hold. Needing something to take her mind off her disappointment, Addie decides it's time to tackle clearing the attic in the old Victorian that she inherited. Going through boxes, she discovers journals filled with questions about a cold case. At the same time, Addie's ex-boyfriend asks her help solving a murder filled with suspects.

It was great to see the characters continued development so much that they are like real friends. The plot was woven to really hold the reader until all the twists and turns are resolved.

Challenge Book #30
Murder in Tuscany
T A Williams
Category - CATSKILLS
Source - HOOPLA
Series - Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mysteries #1
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (W/D), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Dan Armstrong is a retired British DCI and is visiting Tuscany to participate in a creative writing workshop. It was a gift from his officers for his retirement. Little did he know that the majority of writers would all be from the erotic genre so he is a bit uncomfortable from the start.

The expected instructor, a retired writer, is found dead shortly after the start and the local police learning of Dan's background ask him to do some "undercover" investigating.

There are numerous twists and turns but the ending is extremely satisfying.
Looking forward to the next one.

Challenge Book #31
Poaching Is Puzzling
Daryl Wood Gerber
Category - CASCADES
Source - NETGALLEY
Series - Cookbook Nook Mystery #12
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (W/D), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

Crystal Cove is holding a crossword puzzle tournament - a puzzle is given out every day with local shops giving out prizes to those who complete them. There is also a 3 day contest where the speed competition for each of the more intricate puzzles is taken into account.

When one of the cruciverbalist (crossword designer) is murdered Aunt Vera is a prime suspect due to a past involvement. Jenna feels certain she can figure who did it before Aunt Vera is hauled off to jail.

Love how Ms. Gerber brings all the characters to life giving all the ingredients needed for a joyful read.

Challenge Book #32
Death Comes to Marlow: A Novel
Robert Thorogood
Category - CATSKILLS
Source - NETGALLEY
Series - Cookbook Nook Mystery #12
Other Challenges - ALPHAKit (W/D), ROOT Challenge, 75 Book Challenge

This second Marlow Murder Club installment is a good locked door mystery. Sir Peter Bailey, a local aristocrat, invites Judith to a pre-wedding party at his estate. Sir Peter is scheduled to marry his former nurse, Jenny. Judith witnesses an argument between Peter and his son. Peter goes inside, Jenny goes to her room, and the son leaves. A loud crash is heard shortly after, and the guests have to break down the door. They find Peter dead - smashed by a large bookcase that fell on him.

Judith and her friends, Becks and Suzie, follow numerous clues to prove how Sir Peter died and who was responsible.

Very entertaining with lots of clues spread throughout.

Lots of good reading going on here! I'm trying to play catch-up on threads today.

I can't believe how far behind on writing reviews I am, so I'm just going to list the books with their star ratings. I can't catch up now. Some I need to do full reviews for NetGalley, those are the only ones I'm going to work on.

Vowing to do better in 2024.

✪ NetGalley reviews

April books read:
✪Steeped in Malice★★★★
Caught Dead to Write★★★½
Deadly Delights★★★

May books read:
First Hit of the Season★★★
Fire and Rain★★★★
Dressed to Drill★★★★½

June books read
✪Pink Lemonade Cake Murder★★★
✪Murder in the Book Lover’s Loft★★★★
Lemon Curd Killer★★★½
FDR★★★
A Brew to a Kill★★★½
✪Blueberry Blunder★★★½
✪Board to Death ½

July books read
The Gown ★★★½
✪Paper Cuts★★★½
✪A Treacherous Tale:★★★½
Nurse's Secret ★

August books read
✪Songs of Wine and Murder ★★★½
✪Murder Most Royal★★★★
✪Mischief Nights Are Murder★★★★
✪Death in the Romance Aisle★★★½
✪Murder at the Elms★★★★

September books read
Clause of Death★★★★
Verity ★★★★
✪A Cryptic Clue★★★★
Murder's No Votive Confidence★★★
Elementary, She Read ★★★
Body on Baker Street ★★★★

October books read
Mistress of the art of Death★★★★½
The Bear and Her Book★★★★
Honey Drop Dead★★★★
Death by Drywall★★★★
Lindbergh Nanny★★
Homicide by Hammer★★★½
Babbling Brook Naked Poker Club★★★★
The Cat of the Baskervilles ★★★
The Distant Hours★★

November books read
✪Lantern's Dance★★★★★
✪Caught in the Traminette ★★★★
✪Murder with Chocolate Tea★★★½
A Scandal in Scarlet ★★★
Body in the Wheelbarrow★★★½
✪Murder in Chianti★★★★

December Books read
✪MURDER IN A CUP★★★½
✪Murder on the Class Trip★★★½
✪Murder Marks the Page★★★★
✪Take the Long Way Home★★★½
✪A Christmas to Remember★★★½
Fresh Snow on Bedford Falls★★★★★
Killing Me Softly★★★★½
Twelve Books of Christmas★★★★

I was very surprised as I put in the stars to realize that I had some great reads at the end of this year - 2 5★s and 2 4½★s. That's pretty rare for me.

My favorites of course, were the 2 5 stars - The Lantern's Dance (the latest Mary Russell series - loved it!) and Fresh Snow on Bedford Falls - I read it the day after Christmas which was the perfect time, taking up the story from It's a Wonderful Life. If you need a Christmas story, it's terrific.

As for reaching my goals - I didn't do very well.
I wanted to read 152 books and
I barely made it half way.

Real life definitely threw me numerous curveballs - 31 days in the hospital, packing up and moving 700+ miles from MD to SC, unpacking, problems with the new house that had to be addressed, travels back to MD several times, and the pièce de résistance - COVID.

Through all these trials, it was very difficult to concentrate on reading, I can only hope that 2024 is a much simpler and peaceful year.

I would have liked to make it to 125, but even with my surge of children's books before Christmas, I didn't make it. I will hit 121 for certain and possibly 122 or 123. Actually I've thought of one I don't remember being here that I ordered and read, but apparently did not review, so I guess I'll hit 122 for certain and 123 if I finish an audio book on the ride home and 124 if I finish a book (print or e) before then.

>66 cyderry: Sounds like you still did a great job with the challenge, especially given the year you've had! I hope 2024 is calmer and more peaceful!