Currently Reading
The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt
A triumph—a genuinely new story, a genuinely new form.
—A. S. Byatt, The New Yorker
The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt is my “official” first book of 2023. It requires focus, so I read it in the morning, and have another one on the nightstand.
(‘m loving this book, and find something to highlight on every page, but I never want to stop reading to go get the Post-Its. It’s also appropriate because I’ll be traveling to England later this month and having a very brief time in London, where The Last Samurai is set.
Under Lock and Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian
First in a new series, Under Lock and Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian is my easy read. It was an impulse purchase a few months ago, probably because I kept meaning to try the author’s Accidental Alchemist mysteries, but then it was already up to six books, and this is only the first one so far (aside from this Christmas short story, only 99 cents right now!)
Currently Not Reading
Whenafter by Terri Bruce
The problem with reading a novel in serial form! 😉 I have to wait till Friday for the next chapter to be released on Patreon!
Recently Read
Santa Shortbread by P.D. Workman
I got Santa Shortbread as a Christmas freebie e-book, but because it’s #12 in the series, I felt a bit like a stranger in the little town of Bald Eagle Falls. I didn’t know the characters coming into it and I don’t read mysteries for the puzzle aspect, so if you’re a cozy reader, I suggest starting with book one, Gluten-Free Murder, which you can try for free if you sign up for the author’s newsletter. The author also has a great blog, with book recommendations and recipes.
Currently Listening To
The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith
More London reading! I’ve been waiting a while for The Ink Black Heart (#6 in Cormoran Strike series) to come through from the library. I’ve been listening like mad since realizing it’s 32.7 hours long! (Also, I’ve just foolishly borrowed Gideon the Ninth again at the same time, which I never got to finish before because it expired.)
Recently Listened To
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub was not what I expected, but I ended up loving it.
I somehow managed to avoid knowing anything about the book going into it. You might want to avoid any and all reviews if you’re spoiler-averse and like reading a book with as few preconceived notions as possible. (I feel that this way I am reading the book as the author intended, but some may say I take it to an extreme.)
This post is linked to “It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?” hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Check out the link-up party there for more book lists!
Intriguing assortment of books. I have the first five Cormoran Strike books on my Kindle but have only read the first. One day I’ll tackle the series. I read that book by Gigi Pandian and have the sequel on my review stack. I’ve listened to some long audiobooks but don’t think I’ve ever listened to one more than 30 hours long. I hope you enjoy all you books. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Whenever looks interesting, as does Under Lock & Skeleton Key. I hope you enjoy reading this week!
Majanka @ I Heart Reading
Curious about the Last Samurai. And the Emma Straub too, honestly. Beautiful cover for Whenafter.
Happy New Year! I didn’t know there’s a new Galbraith novel out. I only read the first one, and my husband i think read the first two, but we’ve been enjoying the Strike TV series.
I like that you’re reading books set in London before you visit 🙂
I haven’t ever read an Emma Straub, but I know her books are really popular – I should give her a try.
Enjoy your books this week –
Sue
Book By Book
Happy New Year! I listen to the Cormoran Strike books, haven’t read any of them in print. The narrator is great!
I’ve been having a run of good books lately! Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for visiting! I keep calling it Whenever, too, but it’s Whenafter. 😉 Now I need to go see if I typed it wrong in my post and fix it!
This Time Tomorrow is popular right now. I hope you get to finish Gideon the 9th
Wishing you a great reading week
Yeah, some people like serials so they can come back each week for a new installment. Others not so much! lol Happy reading. Here’s my first review of the year: http://www.lyndonperrywriter.com/2023/01/first-review-of-year-mystery.html
I am glad you are enjoying The Last Samurai. It does sound really good! I’ve been wanting to try Gigi Pandian’s books too. I hope you are enjoying Under Lock and Skeleton Key. I hope you continue to enjoy your reading, Laure, and have a great week!
It looks like you had a productive week. I think I would like to read The Last Samurai, but alas, my library doesn’t have a copy!
I’m glad you’re enjoying The Last Samurai! “Requires focus” is definitely the right description though, haha!