2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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Matt's 40 books of 2017
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Monica
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Jan 01, 2017 12:48PM
My goal of 2016 was 25 and I ended up going pretty far over that so I figured a more ambitious goal was in order for this year. I'm about to start work on my graduate thesis though so I may hit well under the goal this year.
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Okay three days in and I'm about half through the first one Duck the Halls by Donna Andrews. (Cozy mysteries are a major guilty pleasure and her books are quickly becoming a favorite. I'll have to stock up on them to help get through the semester.) How the Victorians Invented Murder is next on my to read list.
Book 1: Duck the Halls - Donna Andrews Meg Langslow, married mother of a pair of adorable twin boys, finds herself in the middle of Christmas themed chaos. When a local check is taken out of commission by an animal themed prank, Meg is put in charge of helping them carry out their Christmas plans by borrowing rooms from other churches. More pranks follow, causing multiple churches to temporarily close their doors, further complicating Meg's job. Despite the town being plunged into chaos, they manage to come together to carry out everyone's plans. Oh yeah and there is also a murder.
Andrew's writing of small town life never fails to charm; everyone knows everyone else and the sense of comradery that comes from this is heartwarming. The main flaw of the book lies in the handling of the murder itself. Treated almost as an afterthought, it takes place later on in the book than one one would expect. Additionally, Meg openly acts in ways that could be seen as interfering with a police investigation, though this behavior seems to be expected of her in the town.
Ultimately, it is a sweet story that is an excellent winter read. It brings to mind the warmth of the season and is best enjoyed with a nice cup of hot chocolate with plenty of marshmallows.
Book 2: The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime- Judith Flanders
Book 3: A Dark and Stormy Murder - Julia BuckleyBook 4: Killing Bridezilla - Laura Levine
