Stacking the Shelves #100

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. It's a place to showcase any books I have purchased, borrowed, or been lucky enough to have been given an advance copy of. Hope you find something that looks interesting to you or that makes you remember a favorite book you need to finish. Happy reading y'all!

Path in the Dark by J.R. Tomlin (A Medieval Mystery)

Kindle purchase: $2.99 this week

This author has several series set in medieval Scotland and this is the start of a brand new series but with fictional characters and a mystery theme. Her other series focus on real characters from history but this is the first I'm aware of that has fictional ones. Robert the Bruce plays a part in it though, so real historical characters are present. It will be interesting to see how she works a mystery into the time and setting. 

The Imprisoned Princess: The Scandalous Life of Sophia Dorothea of Celle by Catherine Curzon

Kindle purchase: $2.99 this week

I had heard of the story of Sophia Dorothea before but never delved into the details. This is the only straight history book I've seen of the scandal although Jean Plaidy wrote one about her life called, The Princess of Celle, that is hard to find now. I thought this looked original and interesting and was on sale for a great price this week. 

Mystery Mile by Margery Allingham (Albert Campion Book Two)

Kindle purchase: $0.51 this week

I have book one from this series and now book two is on sale this week. I have yet to read the first in the series but this author is a famous one from the Golden Age of Detective mysteries and I really need to give it a go soon. I thought since book two was so cheap I'd go ahead and get it. Campion tries to keep a judge and his family safe from a sinister, elusive gangster in this classic mystery. 

A Lady's Guide To Etiquette and Murder by Diane Freeman (A Countess of Harleigh Mystery Book One)

 

Publication Date:

June 26, 2018

Genre: 

Cozy Mysteries, Historical Mysteries

Length:  

272 pages

Series:

Countess of Harleigh Mysteries

Book description courtesy of Goodreads:

In this exciting historical mystery debut set in Victorian England, a wealthy young widow encounters the pleasures, and scandalous pitfalls, of a London social season.

Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, enjoys more freedom as a widow than she did as a wife. After an obligatory year spent mourning her philandering husband, Reggie, she puts aside her drab black gowns, leaving the countryside and her money-grubbing in-laws behind. With her young daughter in tow, Frances rents a home in Belgravia and prepares to welcome her sister, Lily, arriving from New York, for her first London season.

No sooner has Frances begun her new life than the ghosts of her old one make an unwelcome appearance. The Metropolitan police receive an anonymous letter implicating Frances in her husband’s death. Frances assures Inspector Delaney of her innocence, but she’s also keen to keep him from learning the scandalous circumstances of Reggie’s demise. As fate would have it, her dashing new neighbor, George Hazelton, is one of only two other people aware of the full story.

While busy with social engagements on Lily’s behalf, and worrying if Reggie really was murdered, Frances learns of mysterious burglaries plaguing London’s elite. The investigation brings death to her doorstep, and Frances rallies her wits, a circle of gossips, and the ever chivalrous Mr. Hazelton to uncover the truth. A killer is in their midst, perhaps even among her sister’s suitors. And Frances must unmask the villain before Lily’s season, and their lives, come to a most unseemly end.

My Thoughts:

This has been in my Kindle for a long time and I just decided to give it a try. It was a cute cozy mystery with fun characters and really worked in that turn of the century feel with the setting, social mores, and fashions. I enjoyed Frances, her sister, and all their drama with introducing Lily to high society in order to hopefully land a husband. It was funny when attention was drawn to Frances's American ways vs the English expectations. And the introduction of George made it clear they'd be solving more cases together in future stories. 

Overall a decent first book in a cute series that reminded me a lot of the Rhys Bowen series, Her Royal Spyness. The ending wasn't terribly surprising but did keep me guessing throughout the book and without giving it away I'll say that it will be interesting to see how they work in the fallout in subsequent books. I liked the main character, she was witty and kind and so that makes me want to see what happens to her!

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Time Traveler's Guide to the 13th Century by W.B.J. Williams

 For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, A Time Traveler's Guide to the 13th Century, by W.B.J. Williams. This caught my eye on Net Galley because it specifically features the 1200's, a time I used to find boring and pointless to study but now I love. 

So much happened that we don't realize and when I delved into the reigns of King John, King Henry III, and Edward I, I started to wonder why it is overlooked. This book covers history during the same time period but includes the world at the time, not just England.

If you love medieval history this book is for you!

History, Medieval History

October 15, 2026

Book description courtesy of Net Galley

Step into the world where Europe's first great universities flourished, philosophers and poets reshaped the medieval imagination, caravans carried silk and spices from China to Cairo, and mighty cities like Venice and Hangzhou dazzled travelers with wonders now lost to time. Journey through the bustling streets of Paris, Budapest, Constantinople, Baghdad, Timbuktu, Lalibela, Mayapan, and Cahokia, and visit the legendary courts of emperors, sultans, and kings. This richly researched guide by the author of the historical fantasy The Garden at the Roof of the World takes the traveler on an unforgettable tour of the sights, beliefs, dangers, and marvels of a world known today mostly through ruins and chronicles, bringing the 13th century to life with the excitement of a grand adventure.

Unlike traditional medieval histories focused primarily on Europe or Asia, this immersive guide spans the entire world, from Europe and the Middle East to Africa, Asia, and the Americas, to reveal the interconnected global web of the 13th century's diversity and splendor. A blend of history, travel, and forgotten chronicles, it invites readers to discover a medieval age far larger, richer, and more fascinating than most people imagine. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Love Just For Their Gorgeous Covers

 

This week's theme for Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is a cover freebie choice and I went with, "Books I love just for their gorgeous covers." This is something that I find ridiculous but here we are! Seriously, I am a sucker for beautiful covers although I won't buy it if the subject is completely boring to me but there are many books that draw me in simply because the covers are so engaging. 

Click on the picture to go to Goodreads to find more information about the book.

Click on the book title for my review if I've read and reviewed it on my blog.

1. Murder in an Irish Castle by Verity Bright- It is hard to pick just one of these books for a beautiful cover choice. They are all stunning but this one was a favorite for its Christmas theme.

2. A Christmas Vanishing by Anne Perry- Another Christmas cover that I find gorgeous. I've finished all of Perry's Christmas books now but some I'd like to re-read. 

3. Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie- This has been on my TBR list for awhile. I love the snow mixed with the purple and blue font. It is so striking.

4. The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency by Lydia Travers- I love everything about this cover from the plaid skirt to the car to the green grass. It says Scottish Highlands for sure! It is hard to pick from her novels because all the books have amazing covers.

5. Trouble in Nuala by Harriet Steel- I fell in love with this cover the minute I saw it. Who doesn't love these elephants? And the story, set in 1920's Ceylon is so unique. Anothe series I want to get back to reading soon.

6. Murder at the Mena House by Erica Ruth Neubauer- I've read several from this series and her covers are always beautiful and really do a great job of representing the time and place of the book.

7. Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman by Tessa Arlen- I haven't read this one yet but I loved the Downton Abbey type house and water reflection all set at twilight. 

8. The King's Commoner by David Field- I love all the covers in this Tudors series but this one is especially beautiful with the purple background and fancy font.

9. The Alpine Christmas Mystery by Benedict Brown- This author has so many beautiful covers but this one with the snow and gorgeous mansion is my favorite. 

10. Murder On the S.S. Cleopatra by Sara Rosett- This is one of my absolute favorites. I can almost imagine myself going down the Nile on this boat a hundred years ago. 

Stacking the Shelves #99

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. It's a place to showcase any books I have purchased, borrowed, or been lucky enough to have been given an advance copy of. Hope you find something that looks interesting to you or that makes you remember a favorite book you need to finish. Happy reading y'all!

A Rare Benedictine: The Advent of Brother Cadfael by Ellis Peters (The Chronicles of Brother Cadfael Book 0.5)

Kindle purchase: Free with points or $2.99 to by this week

I need to read this one before I continue with the series as it is the prequel and explains how Brother Cadfael went from Crusader to monk. I have been collecting these over the years and the library has them all but I am glad I could find this one for free.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare 

Libby borrow: Free

I am returning to my teaching job after almost a full year off due to medical issues. I am a reading specialist and am so excited to get back to teaching kids to read! This book came up in the Libby America 250 celebration book list and it made me want to read it again. Looking forward to sharing it with my kids too. It is about a young girl, Kit Tyler, who tries to survive her harsh Puritan community in Colonial America. 

Water Under the Bridge by Jason Vail

Kindle purchase: Free with points or $2.99 to buy this week

The cover and title of this book caught my eye. It was published this year and is by an author I'd featured before for his other series. When I read the summary and saw it was a murder mystery set in Henry VII's England I had to check it out. The main character is in hiding from the King and imprisonment and works undercover to solve the murder of a friend in medieval London. 

 

Trouble On a Country Lane by Isabella Bassett (Lady Caroline Murder Mysteries Book 4)

 

Publication Date:

June 15, 2023

Genre: 

Cozy Mysteries, Historical Mysteries

Length:  

240 pages

Series:

Lady Caroline Murder Mysteries

Book description courtesy of Goodreads:

Beautiful, rich and young, for Lady Caroline, life is an easy road trip full of adventure. But when the road ends with a dead body, things quickly get complicated.

England, 1925 It’s summertime in England, and for Lady Caroline and her nimble roadster, life is as breezy and full of promise as a winding country road. Unfortunately, on the way to the latest party, the road ends with a body. And when a guest at the party dies next, Lady Caroline finds herself at a dead end. Now, devious mothers with grand designs, mysterious American busybodies, and unhelpful uncles all seem to conspire to keep Lady Caroline from uncovering the truth. With a befuddled police force, Lady Caroline must take the investigation into her own hands and unravel this frustrating tangle of events, lest the course of her life be changed forever. 

Trouble on a Country Lane is Book 4 of the Lady Caroline Murder Mysteries series. In the glamorous world of 1920s Europe, money and privilege rub shoulders, and greed, envy, and murder are never far behind. Follow Lady Caroline, intelligent and witty, with a fondness for breaking rules, on a fun romp through the golden age of murder mysteries. Each book contains the requisite eccentric characters, fun historical tidbits, and puzzling murders with no gore or gloom.

My Thoughts:

One of the reasons I have loved this series was the character of Uncle Albert. Early on I started realizing he wouldn't factor in much in this story and was disappointed. But it turned out to be a really fun read anyway! I also had put off reading this one because it takes place in England and part of the enjoyment of the series has been the exotic locations. But again, it was a fun story and included some history that intrigued me enough to look up more information about it. 

Lady Caroline spends most of the story at a country manor house trying to figure out why an American family is so keen on buying it and marrying their daughter off to one of the English sons residing there. In doing so she finds two murders to solve and has to do so while agonizing over her encounters with her love interest, James. She uses her skills honed in cases past solved with her loveable, bumbling Uncle who happens to play a very small role here but she visits him in one chapter. While the premise and time period are a common theme in these cozies, I thought this one was a lot of fun. I enjoy this series and plan on continuing with it. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Rivals at Ashmore Castle by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles (Ashmore Castle Book Five)

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Rivals at Ashmore Castle, by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. I've read the first book in this series, The Secrets of Ashmore Castle, and enjoyed it and she has written another more famous series detailing British history from medieval times to World War II. This book set at the beginning of the 20th century looks like the perfect read for Downton Abbey fans like me! I need to continue with the series soon.

Historical Fiction

August 13, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

England, 1905

At Ashmore Castle, scandal is never far away...

When a train crash rocks Ashmore, unlikely heroes emerge - and old secrets begin to stir. Kitty is still finding her feet at the castle, though her sharp-tongued mother-in-law and the old earl's dark secret threaten her newfound confidence. Richard is certain he'll never love again now that Molly has sailed for America - until a new arrival catches his eye.

Downstairs, hearts and tempers are just as tested. Mr Moss nurses a quiet heartbreak, new footman Frederick isn't all he seems, and someone from Afton's past returns with unfinished business.

Meanwhile, Nina is facing motherhood and marriage with mixed feelings, Rachel's love life is teetering on disaster, and Alice's artistic ambitions lead her into dangerous territory.

From whispered secrets to forbidden passions, life at Ashmore Castle is full of surprises - but as rivalries flare and loyalties shift, the harmony of the castle is more fragile than ever.

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I HAD to Have Immediately but Still Haven't Read

This week's theme for Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is Books I HAD to have immediately but still haven't read. Okay this one makes me laugh....because it's a looonngggg list with me! And I suspect with most of my blogger friends. And teacher friends. Anyone who loves to read and loves books and loves to browse books is always buying, borrowing, getting gifted books they have no time to read. So why do we keep doing this???

I have really tried to work on this this past year. To weed out what I know I won't ever read and focus on those that I know I'll like if I can just get going. The internet and apps have ruined me over the years. And my Kindle....too many choices. So here is my very short list that could be a mile long of books I just had to have but haven't gotten around to reading yet.

Click on the title to go to Goodreads to learn more about the book.

1. Midsummer Mysteries by Agatha Christie

2. A Court of Betrayal by Anne O'Brien

3. The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherfurd

4. Blood Royal by Eric Jager

5. Plantagenet Princesses by Douglas Boyd

6. Eleanor of Aquitaine by Alison Weir

7. The Castle of Kings by Oliver Potzsch

8. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

9. Simon the Coldheart by Georgette Heyer

10. Blood On the Tracks (Railway Mysteries) Edited by Martin Edwards

Stacking the Shelves #98

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. It's a place to showcase any books I have purchased, borrowed, or been lucky enough to have been given an advance copy of. Hope you find something that looks interesting to you or that makes you remember a favorite book you need to finish. Happy reading y'all!

The Bangalore Detectives Club (Bangalore Detectives Club Book One)

Hoopla Digital Borrow: Free

I love mysteries and I love books set in India so this one looked like a win. It is a 1920's cozy murder mystery series which is not hard to come by but books set in India definitely are! This features a married doctor's wife turned sleuth who works to find out who murdered someone at a fancy country club. It will take her to the highest and lowest parts of society.

The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett (The Lymond Chronicles Book Two)

Kindle Deal: $1.99

This is a book that many have praised and so it is considered somewhat of a classic to me. Set in 1500's Scotland written in the 1960's it traces the story of the Crawford family and the main character's attempt to save his Scottish homeland from English invaders. 

Countenance of War by J.R. Tomlin (The Black Douglas Trilogy Book Two)

Kindle Deal: $2.99

I have book one in this series and have read another by this author. She has several series set in medieval Scotland and this one concerns the Black Douglas, a real Scottish warrior named James who fights Edward I's attempts to conquer Scotland.