Stacking the Shelves #101

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 Big Four by Agatha Christie (Hercule Poirot Book Five)

Libby: Borrow, free audiobook

I have really neglected Agatha Christie this year. So it's time to get back into the latest Poirot book. I have enjoyed listening to her books while commuting or doing chores and so this one was next in line. Unfortunately, I've read nearly all the books for Read Christie 2026 so this one is not on that list. It was originally a series published in the paper and then cobbled together into a book. Looking forward to catching up with Poirot and Hastings in this very different book about espionage. 

The Greatest Traitor: The Life of Sir Roger Mortimer by Ian Mortimer 

Hoopla Digital: Borrow, Free

I have always been fascinated by the marcher families in medieval times. The Mortimers are part of that story and so this looked interesting. Ian Mortimer is known for being a great researcher and although I may not read every single page I'm sure I will get the gist of his life. And it's free with Hoopla so win win!

Anna Komnene and the Alexiad: The Byzantine Princess and the First Crusade by Ioulia Kolovou

Kindle purchase: $2.99 this week

Anna Komnene is remarkable for her time. She is a rare woman, being the only Byzantine female historian and modern researchers are lucky to have her material to draw from even a thousand years later. I heard a lot about her when I was listening to the History of the Crusades podcast years ago. This book caught my eye because it was on sale this week and I haven't seen many books about her life before. 

 

A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain by Marc Morris

 

Publication Date:

May 6, 2008

Genre: 

History

Length:  

480 pages

Series:

None

Book description courtesy of Goodreads:

This is the first major biography for a generation of a truly formidable king – a man born to rule England, who believed that it was his right to rule all of Britain. His reign was one of the most dramatic and important of the entire Middle Ages, leading to war and conquest on an unprecedented scale, and leaving a legacy of division between the peoples of Britain that has lasted from his day to our own.

Edward I is familiar to millions as ‘Longshanks’, conqueror of Scotland and nemesis of Sir William Wallace (‘Braveheart’). Yet this story forms only the final chapter of the king’s astonishingly action-packed life. Earlier Edward had defeated and killed the famous Simon de Montfort in battle; travelled across Europe to the Holy Land on crusade; conquered Wales, extinguishing forever its native rulers, and constructing – at Conwy, Harlech, Beaumaris and Caernarfon – the most magnificent chain of castles ever created. He raised the greatest armies of the English Middle Ages, and summoned the largest parliaments; notoriously, he expelled all the Jews from his kingdom. The longest-lived of all England’s medieval kings, he fathered no fewer than fifteen children with his first wife, Eleanor of Castile, and after her death he erected the Eleanor Crosses – the grandest funeral monuments ever fashioned for an English monarch.

In this book, Marc Morris examines afresh the forces that drove Edward.  His relentless character, his Christian faith, and his sense of England’s destiny; a sense shaped in particular by the tales of the legendary King Arthur. He also explores the competing reasons that led Edward’s opponents (including Llywelyn ap Gruffudd and Robert Bruce) to resist him, and the very different societies that then existed in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The result is a sweeping story, immaculately researched yet compellingly told, and a vivid picture of medieval Britain at the moment when its future was decided.

My Thoughts:

I've been on a mission the last couple of years to learn more about the 1200's. It just interested me because it seemed like there wasn't much in the way of history or historical fiction about those years and I wondered why. Sharon Penman's Welsh princes trilogy and Jean Plaidy's Plantagenet saga covers the time period but I'd never even heard of Simon de Montfort prior to those books. I'm an American so that is probably not unusual but still....once I started reading about that whole time of him and Henry III, I wondered how on earth there wasn't more written about them. Their stories are fascinating. 

So after I'd exhausted all I could find on Henry and Simon, I moved on to Edward, the next King in line. And his life is incredible too. Marc Morris does a great job of telling his story and including all the details of his early life, friction with his parents and relatives, involvement with battles as a young prince, and his reign while conquering Wales and Scotland (basically). It it a well researched, interesting story but at times it did get super detailed on some things I wasn't as interested in. In order to write a thorough biography of a King you have to discuss battles in detail to some degree and cover all aspects of the subject's life. Morris definitely does that. I was glad I'd read Plaidy's more fictional, yet historically accurate account prior to this book so I was more invested and understood what was happening. 

Morris's book felt like I was taking a history class with a narrative style. Sometimes I just want the facts, without fictional characters or dialogue, but it has to have a personal touch as well or it becomes too dry. I think he did a great job with this. 

I enjoyed this book on a topic that is rarely given the attention it deserves. Morris has clearly done his time covering all the parts of Edward's life. He has other biographies on Kings John and William I that I'm sure are good as well. It is worth your time if you want to know more about this period. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Castles: A Fortified History by Dan Jones

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Castles: A Fortified History, by Dan Jones. He doesn't need introducing to us medieval history buffs as Jones is one of my favorite authors and podcasters on all things middle ages. This book traces the history of the world's most famous castles and includes drawings and photographs. Known for wonderful research, I'm sure Jones won't disappoint with a unique story about each fortress. 

History, Medieval History

November 3, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Castles have been built to defend humanity for millennia—from the walls of Troy in the Bronze Age and the desert bastion of Krak des Chevaliers in Syria; to Windsor Castle and the Tower of London; to Himeji in Japan and Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. They have inspired terror and passion, foiled conquering forces, and been deployed as the ultimate expression of wealth, status, and supremacy.

In Castles, Jones leads readers on a journey through the many eras of castle-building and across continents as each stronghold tells a unique story of power, politics, and survival, revealing the shifting tides of warfare, the rise and fall of empires, the resilience of people under siege, and the flourishing of new ideas.

Blending rich storytelling, deep research, and beautiful original illustrations, Castles is an epic story of why humans build fortifications and how they powerfully capture our imagination. With Jones's trademark scholarship and flair, he shows how defiance, endurance, and ambition have been carved into the landscapes we've inherited.

Book Series I Want to Catch Up On

This week's theme for Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is "Book series I want to catch up on." My first thought when I saw this was.."just ten??" Lol, I am notorious for starting a series and getting sidetracked by another one. I had to struggle to pick the top ten. I usually like the books I read and genuinely want to know what comes next with the characters but there are just too many choices out there!

1. The Welsh Princes Trilogy by Sharon Kay Penman

2. Lady Eleanor Swift by Verity Bright

3. The Century Trilogy by Ken Follett

4. The Wars of the Roses by David Field

5. Miss Ashford Investigates by Vivian Conroy

6. Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane by Kelly Oliver

7. Lady Caroline by Isabella Bassett

8. Cadfael Chronicles by Ellis Peters

9. Charlotte and Thomas Pitt by Anne Perry

10. William Monk by Anne Perry

 

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.