Done! At Betram's Hotel

Unlike most months where I procrastinate about starting my Miss Marple title, I actually picked it up on the 1st, and had it finished by the 2nd of October!  Shocking, I know ;-D

I was really surprised that I found this book better than the adaptations, as the final three books in the Miss Marple series are not generally the TV adaptations I go to when I need a Miss Marple fix.  This gives me hope that the final two books, Nemesis and The Sleeping Murder, will not be boring, or annoying (as I found The Murder at the Vicarage to be!).

Since I'm still not spending much time online (this is only the third time I've booted up the computer since I moved!) it will be a while before I begin to post a few reviews on what I've been reading for the past couple of weeks.  Fingers crossed that I can upload something else in the next week or so.

So until next time, my lovelies...

It can't be October already!

Seriously, I can't have been in this house for almost a month!  There are still boxes stored in the garage and stuff spread out throughout the house with only a vauge idea of where they will finally go - and I'm freaking out about the hours of unboxing and decorating that need to be done before Christmas.  So with that deadline foremost in mind, I fired up the desktop and put on a movie and spent most of this morning in the spare room trying to bring a little bit of order to what will be the 'library' and sewing room.  It was so messy that I nearly twisted my ankle trying to get past the boxes that had been conveniently dropped just past the door and forgotten.  It's now nearly 1pm and I'm quiting for the day so I can go grab some lunch and either continue reading my October Miss Marple, At Bertrams, or (most likely) whack in a season of The Vampire Diaries and veg out for the rest of the afternoon.

Looking out over the farmland behind my place!

On the reading front, I finished my September Miss Marple in a few hours.  Enjoyed it more that I thought I would, but I can't believe how much the Miss Marple TV adaptations play fast and loose with the source material.  I'm down to my final three books for the year, and while some books were adapted quite closely - others... only vaguely.  Hopefully in the future the BBC will remake all the Marples in the style of And Then There Were None as that was beautifully designed and filmed.

Apart from these two Agatha Chrisite's, I have only started reading the All Souls Trilogy as October means Halloween Reads is back on again.  Like the LOTR trilogy for fantasy fans, I think this has become a yearly reread around this time of year.  I love the way the story unfolds over the trilogy, and while I don't think it ended with all my questions answered, I do love reading A Discovery of Witches and Shadow of Night.

Couldn't resist these gorgeous Halloween Jack-o-antern lights!

Luckily my first lot of Book Depository orders have arrived at the new address.  One is a bind up of the first two Aunt Dimity books that I ordered last month only to have the order cancelled and refunded as they were out of stock of this very book.  However, when I saw it recently I ordered it again and managed to get a copy! (It's now out of stock again).  The final book in the Kylie Chan series arrived as well, can't believe that Black Jade is the final time we'll see these characters.  Thankfully there are nine books in the series that I can reread any time I get the urge to see Emma and Xuan Wu, but still, I'll miss them.

Still having trouble finding all the books I'd like to read soon as the bookshelves are a total mess (and I won't be unpacking any more 'book' boxes until I get the current mess under control), so I'll go with whatever strike the Halloween spirit in me.

Until next time, 

Book Review || The Body in the Library

The Body in the Library
Miss Marple #2
Agatha Christie

Originally published in 1942 (Review edition reprinted in 2002)

HarperCollins, mass market, 272 p.
ISBN: 0-00-712083-4

It's seven in the morning.  The Bantrys have awoken to find the body of a young woman in their library.  She is wearing evening dress and heavy make-up, which is now smeared across her cheeks.

But who is she?  How did she get there?  And what's the connection with another dead girl, whose charred remains are later discovered in an abandoned quarry?  The alarmed Bantrys invite Jane Marple to solve the mystery, before tongues start to wag. . . 

Yes, I know I'm so late in reviewing my February pick for A Year of Marple, but honestly I just wasn't feeling it last month.  However, with the lovely stormy weather I'm enjoying for Easter, it is finally cosy mystery time.  So with that in mind, I picked The Body in the Library up last night and powered through, finishing it in one session... yeah me!

I will state right off the bat that I have always loved the TV adaptations of this particular book, however unlike Murder at the Vicarage, I also enjoyed the original story itself.  So it wasn't a great surprise when I had to scramble to find some paper so I could jot down some notes to myself.  Such is the life of a reader.

... and this is why I usually have an old envelope, or two, handy!

The 1950's feel of the book is very much present.  Clothing and class distinctions are very much of the era, which is no surprise given it was written over 70 years ago.  If you are not familiar with some of the rigid, and tightly held to, prejudices of the day, then you may not pick up on some of the underlying, and subtly hinted at, tensions (such as Colonel Bantrys reactions before and after the revelation of Basil Blake's past injury) but it shouldn't detract from the overall storyline if you are not.

In regards to Christie's style of writing itself, one of the things I enjoyed was the multiple POVs - which was surprising as I usually hate that! - and while there are quite a few differences between the TV adaptations and the novel, it wasn't enough that I couldn't cope with the shift in the storyline.  I was, however, quite surprised to see how little a part Basil Blake played in the novel, and yet this character's involvement with Ruby Keene is always at the forefront of any adaptations investigation into who killed the her.  Strange, but true.

Speaking of characters.  I adored seeing more of Sir Henry Clithering.  He is such a dear.  I love this character as he isn't as pompous or arrogant as the other males that deal with Miss Marple tend to be.  The retired former head of Scotland Yard could have been an arrogant cross between Inspector Slack and Conway Jefferson in personality, but instead we have a shrewd yet personable gentleman - just what you need when dealing with Miss Marple.  He understands her, which is a step up from the other neanderthals in the police force, and is demonstrated when he asks her for the "Village parallel, please".  Such a pity that he didn't end up in the 2004 adaptation with Geraldine McEwan.

The other main characters were well done, and played off each other nicely.  There was not one particular character that was horrible, or that I hated - although Inspector Slack comes close as I really do not like his attitude - and yet if you did not know anything about the story, there is nothing to give the culprit away either.  The scene with Basil Blake confessing to Miss Marple about his drunken prank seems to come out of the blue, plot wise, and there is also a few snippets from Raymond Starr that I have never seen in an adaptation.  Was this a very well crafted whodunit, or a story that is missing elements?  I'm still not sure which, but I had a good time anyway.

This would be a great book to start with if you like classic whodunits, or are curious about the Miss Marple universe.  There is more action and odd tangled threads that should appeal to mystery readers. 

I hope enjoyed my review of The Body in the Library.  It was a fun read, and I'd love to know what you though of the book, or any of the adaptations.

The next book in my A Year of Marple is The Moving Finger, which I hope to get up during the week.

Until next time, my lovelies.

 

New in March

I've been a tad tardy with my book hauling this month - seasons 1-7 of Castle has been taking up way too of my free time lately.  However since I'm expecting the last of my book order to arrive before the end of next week, I thought it would be a good time to revisit what's new in my library.

Okay, as you know I pre-ordered copies of Marked in Flesh and Fire Touched.  Marked in Flesh, by Anne Bishop, arrived and looked fabulous once it was beside the first three books in the series (read it before lunch the following day! Review up soon-ish)  However, Fire Touched, by Patricia Briggs, never arrived {see HERE for more}.  Still miffed over that one so I'll move on.

Not long after that bookish drama I picked up two Miss Marple's at my local newsagents.  Talk about a lucky break as I needed them to add to my A Year of Marple book collection.  Still have a few more titles to pick up, but I think I'll have to resort to Book Depository for them.

And finally, I recently ordered the mass market edition of Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews - I'll now be up to date when the new book in the series is released later this year! - and Perdido Street Station by China Mieville.  This is definitely my 'wildcard' book for the month as I have never read any thing by him, but after watching more than a few BookTube reviews that recommended this book in particular, I thought I'd give it a go.

So, this is what's new to my shelves in March.  I hope you found something new that you might like to check out.  What did you add to your shelves this month?  Let me know below as I'd love to find some new authors ;-D

Until next time,

 

Picks for February

It's the start of the month, so it is time to choose the next book in my Classic a Month as well as the next book in my A Year of Marple challenges.

For the classic I ended up going with The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.  I have seen the amazing movie by Baz Luhrmann.  The world he envisioned was so beautiful and full of colour.   Can't wait to see what I think of the book, and if it evokes a similar response for me.

The next book in my A Year of Marple is The Body in the Library.  Perhaps my favourite adaptation, along with The Mirror Crack'd, I am a looking forward to reading it, but a little hesitant because of my reaction to The Murder at the Vicarage.  I really did not like reading the story from anyone else's POV.  All the adaptations, whether on TV or a movie, are always from Miss Marple's POV.  I am having trouble following the story through another characters eyes.  

So, those are the next two books in my self-imposed book challenges for 2016.  I still haven't cracked open Gone with the Wind yet.  I'm a little worried about that brick ;-D

Until next time,

Book Review || The Murder at the Vicarage

The Murder at the Vicarage

Miss Marple #1

Agatha Christie

Originally Published: 1930

My edition: 2002 Signature Collection edition

HarperCollins, mass market pbk, 380p., b&w ill.

ISBN: 0007120850

"Anyone who murdered Colonel Protheroe,' declared the parson, brandishing a carving knife above a joint of roast beef, 'would be doing the world at large a favour!"

It was a careless remark for a man of the cloth to make.  And one which was to come back to haunt him a few hours later - when the Colonel is found dead, shot through the head in the clergyman's study. . .

Well, to be brutally honest, I enjoyed the adaptations more.  I disliked seeing the world, both the village of St. Mary Mead, and it's inhabitants, through the eyes of a rather dour, insecure, and fuddy-duddy character like Len Clements.  He is not a very likable character (to me), and I just found it to be a rather tedious book to slog through.  What should have taken a few hours was stretched to nearly 2 weeks!

In regards to other characters, I do love Miss Marple.  She can do no wrong, and whatever the format, I adore her.  However, most of the remaining characters were unlikable enough that if I wasn't a fan of the adaptations (and knew what happens), then I would have a whole host of characters to throw under the proverbial bus as suspects.

A special mention must be given to Lettice Protheroe, who was just as annoying as portrayed in the adaptations, not to mention Inspector Slack, who I found extremely arrogant, and who is exactly who was needed as a contrast to the seemingly incompetent Miss Marple. 

The murder/mystery aspect of it was rather good.  It doesn't help that I already know who did it, but the book was different enough from the adapations that I wasn't bored.  Some of the characters seemed superfluous, but I suspect that they are there mainly as potential suspects.  The addition of Raymond West, Miss Marple's nephew, was unexpected - he isn't in the adapations - so I was pleasantly surprised . . . until he opened his mouth.  Bit of a bummer that.

So while I did not have the reading experience I was hoping for, I am glad I picked up this book.  Could have been a 5 star read, if only it was from Miss Marples POV.

That's all for my quick review of The Murder at the Vicarage.  Let me know if you agreed with me, or if you loved - or hated - the book, I'd love to hear your thoughts about this.

Until next time,

 

Off to a great start

Last night's reading quandary... went with Copper Beach

After a blah reading month in December, I was surprised to find that January has been a huge reading months so far.  Although I've only read 4 new books, I have re-read 2 series to far!  Yes, I had a case of the I-must-read-that-again's, and devoured both the Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh, and the Arcane Society/Harmony series by Jayne Ann Krentz (Jayne Castle).

"This is how we blog from bed, blog from bed, blog from bed..."  using EvieNyxx as the keyboard holder

I have been aided in this reading frenzy since due to the fact that I've been laid up for a little while with a bad back, and achilles tendonitis.  Not good for everyday chores that need to be done - don't even start with the vacuuming or hanging out the washing! - but reading books by the handful has helped me pass the time and forget about all my aches and pains.

On the Murder at the Vicarage front, I'm still making my way through at a snail's pace.  Up to page 72 now.  We have a murder, and now with the introduction of Inspector Slack (still an arrogant asshat), it should become a faster read.

My classic for the month, Playing Beatie Bow, is still sitting on top of the basket, waiting for me to pick it up.  Will have to get on that soon as January is just flying by.

Have three new books that should arrive in the post later this week.  Ordered Les Miserables (I know, but I just couldn't resist it), and two of the four books I was missing in the Psy-Changeling series, Shield of Winter and Shards of Hope.  Want to get them all finished before the next release later this year.

Surrounded on all sides by cats!  This is Phrynekinns.

Have a huge stash of books on lay-by in town that I will be picking up later this month, but they will need a post of their own there are so many of them.  Then my self-imposed book ban goes into effect.  I can only buy books that are part of a series that I am already reading - and not the start of a new series - and no stand alone books either, unless they are for a book challenge.  Thrift shop books are a no-go, and unless I get books as gifts, my one and only 'splurge' will be the annual Bookarama held in October.  Thankfully I read a lot of series, so I'm not going to be totally book deprived.

So, that's all from me.  I hope you're having a great January and curling up with a good book.

Until next time,

First week gone already!

Hello fuds and duds!

I can't believe that the first week of 2016 has already gone.  It seems the older I get, the quicker it goes... {I really need to have a stern word with Father Time 'bout that}.  I was hoping to do more posts this year, but the carpal tunnel in my wrists, especially the right one, is putting this in doubt.  Hard to type with a wrist brace on, yet very painful without.  Will do my best however to get something up every now and then ;-D

On the book front, I've been busy re-reading Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series.  Haven't touched it in nearly 2 years, but for some reason I had to read all ten books that are currently on my shelf (while putting the missing four on my wishlist!).  While I still have favourites (Lucas, Vaughan, Clay, Tally, Sascha, Sienna, Judd, etc), I have been enjoying every book.  Just borrowed Heart of Obsidian from my library - the only Nalini Singh book they had! - and have got a few more on Inter-library loan (ILL) just in case I can't find a copy in the mean time.  Can't wait to see what happens next.  Perhaps I'll start re-reading one of my other guilty pleasure series, paranormal romance of course, to pass the time.

In regards to my self imposed classics challenges, 'a year of Marple' has officially started, and although I'm only about 40 something pages in, I'm eeking it out.  It is so different from the adaptations that I've seen - and love! - because the POV is not from Miss Marple's perspective.  I suppose it will take me a while to get used to that, but seeing the world through the Vicar's eyes isn't that enjoyable at the moment.  He's a bit of a prat and I really don't like him that much.  Does not bode well for the rest of the book, but I hope that it improves once the hunt for the murderer is afoot.

My classic for the month is Playing Beatie Bow, and I won't be cracking that baby open until I've finished the Miss Marple.  Will try to get my hands on a copy of the 80's movie adaptation.  I have vague memories of it from Year 8 English.  More than a few moons ago. 

That about wraps up my reading week.  I will be ordering a few books tomorrow (3 at most) that I need to keep going with a series, or for my challenges.  Can't wait to get a few of them under my belt so that I feel more comfortable with mandatory reading lists.  Usually I'm just a read-what-you-feel kinda girl.

Anyway, I hope you're had a wonderful start to the year.

Until next time,

 

2016 Book Challenges

Looks like this is the year for self imposed book/reading challenges.  I have a couple of the books that I'd like to get to this year, and hopefully by posting this list it will give me the motivation to finally read them!

First challenge is...

This really needs to happen.  I have loved the TV adaptations (first with Joan Hickson, then Geraldine McEwan and Julia McKenzie) for so long that I can't believe that I haven't actually read any of the books... even though I own most of them!  So embarrassing.

T5W - Favourite Fictional Cities

Yah, I'm actually getting a topic posted on a Wednesday!  This hasn't happened in quite a while, so I will enjoy the buzz while it lasts.

This week we are delving into our bookshelves to find out top fictional cities (or towns).  I found this a tad tricky as most of my books take place in either an alternate history/parallel world, or are set in actual places.  So, after much contemplation - and only a little bit of crazed panic - here are my top 5 fictional cities.

"A sprawling city of marble and glass spread out in every direction; its elegant lines exquisite under the razor-sharp burn of the sun.  Dark-leafed trees provided soothing patches of green on both sides of the gorge that cut a massive divide through the city, while snow-capped mountains ruled the skyline.  There were no roads, no high-rises, nothing to disturb the otherworldly grace of it."

 As soon as I read this description of the Refuge, I just wanted to visit.  It sounds so beautiful, full of ancient buildings, and artworks.  It appears in the second book in the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh, and is a wonderful introduction to the secret stronghold of the angelic race.

Welcome to St. Mary Mead, home of the deceptively benign Miss Jane Marple.  I do love a good English murder mystery, and have been in love with this quaint little village since the 80's when I used to watch the Joan Hickson movies with my mother.  Since it such a treasured childhood memory, I couldn't not include St. Mary Mead in a T5W list somewhere.

PS - Don't eat or drink anything during your time in St. Mary Mead... just to be sure ;-D

Follow the yellow brick road... follow the yellow brick road... follow, follow follow....

Okay, got a bit carried away there.  Such happy memories as I've read the book, and watched the 1939 movie more than a few times ;-D  Loved the Emerald City, and after watching the most recent adaptation, OZ Great and Powerful, their interpretations of the Emerald City are amazing.   

Ah, the Green Dragon

Who would pass up an opportunity to visit any of the places from The Lord of the Rings/Hobbit world?  I picked out Hobbiton and Rivendell because they are the places that I find the most interesting - as well as appeal to me because I have trouble visiting big, loud, noisy, smelly cities (allergies).  I loved the Peter Jackson sets, and if I ever get the chance, I'm going to go over and visit the Hobbiton set ;-D

Perhaps the most amazing, and imaginative world after Middle-Earth.  I am only a recent convert to the Discworld series, but having grown up in a household where there were more than a few books in the series floating around, I was no stranger to it.  Ankh-Morpork sounds so interesting, and crazy, that I'm always fascinated whenever I watch the DVD's {Hogfather, Going Postal, Colour of Magic}, and I love the Dickensian feel to the Discworld. 

Can't believe that there is going to be no new Discworld adventures.

And on that slightly depressing note, thank you for checking out my T5W post for this week.  Did I include your favourite fictional city in my list?  Let me know in the comments ;-D

T5W was created by the lovely Lainey over at GINGERREADSLAINEY and I'll include a link to the Goodreads group {HERE} if you would also like to participate. 

Until next time,