Book Tags

Mothers Day Book Tag

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Happy Friday bookish people! This Sunday is Mother’s Day and this time last year I did the mother’s day book tag, what I thought would be interesting would be to do the same tag again this year and see if my answers were at all similar to what I said last year or not.

I hope you all enjoy my book tag!

Best friend: pick characters in a book whose friendship you admire most

I would have to say Judith, Suzie and Becks in the Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood

Comfort: what’s a book that always puts you in a better mood

this answer still has to be the lady in the Tower by Marie Louise Jenson – I LOVE this book!

Doesn’t give up: What’s a book you were tempted to DNF but instead finished

Actually that would be the book I am reading now, the Accidental Medium by Tracy Whitwell, the beginning was very boring and I didn’t get on with the writing style. Now I am more into the story so I am glad I continued reading.

Selfless: What’s a book you had to sacrifice for

The very secret society of irregular witches, I had to put down a signed version of this book because it was on my christmas list but luckily my mum got it for me.

Love: What’s your favourite love story

Currently it is Emma by Jane Austen – you’ve got to love a classic

Homemaker: If you could live with a fictional family where would you go?

Thorn Manor in the margaret roegerson books definitely.

Forgiving: Name a character you hate but you would eventually have to forgive

my answer is the same as last year, Eli Ever from Vicious by V E Schwab

Teacher: A book that has taught you things that will stay with you forever

Still the same as last year, Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Dedication: What is a book that you would dedicate to your Mum

Haven’t they grown – isn’t that what a mother thinks every year looking at their children

Book Reviews

Book Review: Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens

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Happy Monday bookish people! I hope you all enjoy my book review of Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens.

I will give star ratings to four categories and I will write a little bit about each one. I will try to keep this review as spoiler free as possible.

Murder Most Unladylike Plot:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

This book follows Daisy and Hazel at Deepdean school, they are friends (who definitely have small arguments) who end up embroiled in a murder mystery when they find the body of their teacher, but then it suddenly disappears. I enjoyed the slightly cosy mystery feel that this book had, it was nice to see it from a younger child’s perspective than all the adult murder mysteries I read. It was still complex and a great mystery though which made it even better.

Murder Most Unladylike Character:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The novel is written from Hazel’s perspective. I liked her because she had an organised and investigative mind, she always looked for every avenue that could be and needed to be explored. Even though she is afraid she knows what she is doing is important. In this first book in the series I did not like Daisy, she is bossy and full of herself and it really grated on me throughout the novel. I know that is her character flaw but she barely listened to Hazel’s ideas and for a whole series I think I would find that hard to continue reading.

Murder Most Unladylike Writing and Dialogue:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I think generally the writing in this book is pretty good, it feels young but that is the age range it is catered to. Otherwise I don’t have a lot to say about the writing.

Murder Most Unladylike Overall:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I gave this book four stars overall because it was an enjoyable mystery, and I am interested in reading more of the series.

Blurb/Synopsis:

1934. When Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong set up a secret detective agency at Deepdean School for Girls, they struggle to find a truly exciting mystery to investigate. (Unless you count the case of Lavinia’s missing tie. Which they don’t.)

But then Hazel discovers the body of the Science Mistress, Miss Bell – but when she and Daisy return five minutes later, the body has disappeared. Now the girls have to solve a murder, and prove a murder has happened in the first place before the killer strikes again (and before the police can get there first, naturally),

But will they succeed?

And can their friendship stand the test?

I hope you enjoyed my book review!

Book Tags

Medieval Queens Book Tag

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Happy Friday bookish people! I hope you are all having a lovely day today, I am bringing you a book tag – the Medieval Queens Book Tag! I found this tag on onebookmore.com

1. Empress Matilda: choose a book with a protagonist who stands their ground

2. Eleanor of Aquitane: choose a book or series in which the heroine has more than one romantic relationship

3. Eleanor of Castille: choose a bittersweet book

4. Isabella of France: Choose a book where the romance overtook the plot

5. Philippa of Hainault: choose a book set at a University

6. Joan of Navarre: choose a book about witches

Book Reviews

Book Review: Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson

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Happy Monday bookish people! Today, I am bringing you my book review for the new novella set in the world of Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson.

As usual, I will give star ratings to four categories and I will write a little bit about each one. I will try to keep this review as spoiler free as possible.

Mysteries of Thorn Manor Plot:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

This short book is a follow up to the novel, Sorcery of Thorns, it follows Elisabeth and Nathaniel as they embark on their relationship together. In this new story the gardens and house of Thorn Manor have turned against the residents and are magically keeping them locked inside the house. I found this story extremely fun and engaging, I loved being back with the sorcery of thorns characters, it is one of my favourite books and this book still had that mystery element but in a much cosier way.

Mysteries of Thorn Manor Character:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

In this follow up you get to know the characters on a deeper level, they reveal more of their pasts. Especially Nathaniel who was very secretive in Sorcery of Thorns, it was also nice to see a lighter side to him. Elisabeth was her usual hot headed and interesting self which was great.

Mysteries of Thorn Manor Writing and Dialogue:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

There’s not much more I can say here, Margaret Rogerson is one of my favourite writers, her style of writing is engaging and magical and everything I would want in a fantasy novel.

Mysteries of Thorn Manor Overall:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I gave this book four stars overall, simply because I wanted more! Give me all the sorcery of thorns novellas, I would read them all.

Synopsis:

All sorcerers are evil. Elisabeth has known that as long as she has known anything. Raised as a foundling in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among the tools of sorcery—magical grimoires that whisper on shelves and rattle beneath iron chains. If provoked, they transform into grotesque monsters of ink and leather. She hopes to become a warden, charged with protecting the kingdom from their power.

Then an act of sabotage releases the library’s most dangerous grimoire. Elisabeth’s desperate intervention implicates her in the crime, and she is torn from her home to face justice in the capital. With no one to turn to but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, and his mysterious demonic servant, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy. Not only could the Great Libraries go up in flames, but the world along with them.

As her alliance with Nathaniel grows stronger, Elisabeth starts to question everything she’s been taught—about sorcerers, about the libraries she loves, even about herself. For Elisabeth has a power she has never guessed, and a future she could never have imagined.

I hope you all enjoyed my book review!

Monthly TBRs

March TBR

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Happy Friday bookish people! It is March, the BEST month. Of course, I am biased, it is my birthday month and my Guide Dog’s birthday month – which makes it the best.

I have a variety of books on my TBR for this month and a lot that I am very excited about.

The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell

Your Turn To Die by Sue Wallman

Gwen and Art Are Not In Love by Lex Croucher

The Plague Letters by V L Valentine

Pandora by Susan Stokes Chapman

A Little Bit Country by Brian D Kennedy

Finale by Stephanie Garber

Murder on the Christmas Express by Alexandra Benedict

Blood and Honey by Shelby Mahurin

Bingo Hall Detectives by Jonathan Whitelaw

Paris Dallencourt is about to crumble by Alexis Hall

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

Kingdom of the Cursed by Kerri Maniscalco

What are you all planning on reading in March?

Monthly Wrap Ups

February Wrap Up!

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Happy Tuesday bookish people! It is already the end of February so of course it is time to do this month’s wrap up.

I had a much better reading month than in January, I have been finding that I am enjoying it more. Whether that is because of the books I have been reading or just because February was a relaxed month (in comparison to January that is).

So, onto the wrap up!

Sense and Second Degree Murder by Tirzah Price – I did not read this one – it is one of those books where I really want to read it too much that I am scared to read it

Murder at the house on the hill by Victoria Walters – I did not read this book

Winterhouse by Ben Guterson – I did not read this

The Accidental Medium by Tracy Whitwell – I did read this well, currently I am reading this but it will be finished by the end of the month

Everyone in my family has killed someone by Benjamin Stevenson – I did not read this

Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson – I did read this and spoiler alert, LOVED it.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor – I did not read this

Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens – I did read this

The Stolen Heir by Holly Black – I did not read this

Book Lovers by Emily Henry – I did not read this

The Agency of Scandal by Laura Wood – I did not read this

Murder on the Christmas Express by Alexandra Benedict – I did not read this

The very secret society of irregular witches – I did read this (my favourite book this month)

Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey – I did not read this

So, from my TBR I read 4 books and I also read A Study In Charlotte by Brittany Cavalaro which means I read five books this month!

What did you all read in February, did you enjoy them?

Book Reviews

Book Review: A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar

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Happy Monday bookish people! I hope you are all having a good day today. I am excited to be bringing you my book review for A Million to One.

I will give star ratings to four categories and I will write a little bit about each one. I will try to keep it as spoiler free as possible.

A Million To One Plot:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I was first interested in this book because it mentions the Titanic, which is one of my biggest interests, and then when I saw that it featured four girls coming together to commit a heist I was sold. I bought it and read it the first day it came out in my local bookshop. I loved most of the elements that came together in this book, it really has that high tension dramatic twists feature that you need in this kind of book.

A Million to One Characters:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The four main characters in this book are Emilie, hannah, Violet and Josefa. I have to say I loved Josefa’s character, she was methodical and intense and really knew how to lead a group. Violet on the other hand, for me personally, I really did not get along well with her character. I thought she was antagonistic for no reason and this frustrated me to no end while reading the book.

A Million To One writing and dialogue:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I’m not sure what age range this book falls into but the writing style is a little young in the words and the pacing but at some points the actions do not match this younger age style.

A Million to One overall:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I gave this book four stars because I really enjoyed it and I was not expecting the ending.

Blurb/Synopsis:

Adiba Jaigirdar, author of one of Time‘s Best YA books of all time, gives Titanic an Ocean’s 8 makeover in a heist for a treasure aboard the infamous ship that sank in the Atlantic many years ago.

A thief. An artist. A acrobat. An actress. While Josefa, Emilie, Hinnah, and Violet seemingly don’t have anything in common, they’re united in one goal: stealing the Rubaiyat, a jewel-encrusted book aboard the RMS Titanic that just might be the golden ticket to solving their problems.

But careless mistakes, old grudges, and new romance threaten to jeopardize everything they’ve worked for and put them in incredible danger when tragedy strikes. While the odds of pulling off the heist are slim, the odds of survival are even slimmer . . .

Perfect for fans of Stalking Jack the Ripper and Girl in the Blue Coat, this high-seas heist from the author of The Henna Wars is an immersive story that makes readers forget one important detail— the ship sinks.

Book Tags

Valentine’s Day Book Tag!

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Happy Friday bookish people! I hope you all enjoy my valentines day book tag!

Stand Alone book you love

The starless sea by Erin Morgenstern

Dystopian book you love

I am not really into the dystopian genre but I like the scythe series which I think fits this genre.

A book that you love but nobody talks about

The left handed booksellers of london by Garth Nix

Favourite book couple

Scarlett and Julian from Caraval, Thomas Cresswell and Audrey rose Wadsworth from stalking jack the ripper and Emilia and wrath from kingdom of the wicked, I can’t decide between the three of them.

A book other people love but you haven’t read yet

Most of the Sarah J Maas collection, specifically a court of mist and fury

A book with red on the cover

The first one that comes to mind is From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L Armentrout.

A book with pink on the cover

Love on the brain by Ali Hazelwood

You were given a box of chocolate what boyfriend or girlfriend would have given them to you?

Thomas Cresswell from the stalking Jack the Ripper series

You are single on valentines day what book would you read? what tv show and movie would you watch?

Ooh okay, book: Book Lovers by Emily Henry, Tv show: Friends, Movie: almost definitely something Disney related

You are in the book store. All of a sudden you get shot with an arrow what new release will you love?

Finlay Donovan Jumps the gun by Elle Cosimano

That is it for this book review, I hope you all have enjoyed it! What answers would you have given?

Book Reviews

Book Review: Love in the time of serial killers by Alicia Thompson

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Happy Monday bookish people! I hope you are all having a good day today. I am excited to be bringing you my book review for Love in the time of serial killers by Alicia Thompson.

I will be giving star ratings to four categories and writing a little bit about each one. I will try to keep it as spoiler free as possible.

Love in the time of serial killers plot:

Rating: 3 out of 5.

This book is about Pheobe, a PhD student studying true crime who becomes suspicious of her new neighbour. I will be honest I was expecting a lot more tension from the whole ‘is he dangerous’ plotline than there actually was. For me, it ended way too quickly because I would have liked a development from this suspicion into actually trying to figure out if he is and from there the romance could bloom as they say but the book decides he isn’t dangerous only a few chapters in. I did like the PhD plotline, I mean I am also doing a PhD in crime fiction so I saw a lot of similarities between myself and Pheobe in this bit.

Love in the time of serial killers characters:

Rating: 2 out of 5.

I am actually struggling to write this bit because I can’t remember much about the characters, I wasn’t invested in them or what happened to them enough to actually remember them.

Love in the time of serial killers writing and dialogue:

Rating: 3 out of 5.

The writing in this book was good, it was clear and well structured. I did like the pacing of it in terms of the length of the chapters.

Love in the time of serial killers overall:

Rating: 3 out of 5.

I gave this book three stars overall because it was okay, it definitely was not the worst book I have read but I don’t think it was for me.

Blurb/Synopsis:

Turns out that reading nothing but true crime isn’t exactly conducive to modern dating—and one woman is going to have to learn how to give love a chance when she’s used to suspecting the worst.

PhD candidate Phoebe Walsh has always been obsessed with true crime. She’s even analyzing the genre in her dissertation—if she can manage to finish writing it. It’s hard to find the time while she spends the summer in Florida, cleaning out her childhood home, dealing with her obnoxiously good-natured younger brother, and grappling with the complicated feelings of mourning a father she hadn’t had a relationship with for years.

It doesn’t help that she’s low-key convinced that her new neighbor, Sam Dennings, is a serial killer (he may dress business casual by day, but at night he’s clearly up to something). It’s not long before Phoebe realizes that Sam might be something much scarier—a genuinely nice guy who can pierce her armor to reach her vulnerable heart.

Book Tags

Cupid Book tag!

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Happy Friday bookish people! I hope you’re all having a good day today. As it is February I thought it would be fun to do some Valentine’s themed book tags, starting with the Cupid Book Tag I am doing today – which I found on rootingbranches.com.

What’s the perfect sweets to eat while reading?

I don’t usually eat while reading but if I did I would be more partial to a biscuit then to sweets.

What is a song that reminds you of your favourite romance or your favourite romantic song?

Hmm… my favourite romance book would be Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell but I don’t really know a song that could link to it but my favourite romance song is probably So Good it hurts by Olivia Lane.

If you were to go on a perfect reading date where would it be?

That is a very good question, I think it would be somewhere overlooking water, a river or something but it would only work in the spring because I hate bugs, anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I will not be outside in a field when there are bugs around.

What’s the best friendship you have read in a book?

Another very difficult question, I think I would have to choose Kellen and Reichus in the Spellslinger series be Sebastien de Castell.

Create the perfect bouquet for your favourite book or character

I would have to choose Sorcery of thorns by margaret rogerson, Nathaniel would bring Elizabeth a bouquet of roses made form pages of books that he would have haphazardly glued together.

What romance do you not necessarily need a whole sequel for you just want to check in on them and make sure everything is okay?

By the book definitely, I adored that book and I would love to know what has happened between the characters since the book ended.

What date in a book or movie do you wish you could go on yourself?

Strangely I have read this question and every book/movie date I know of has left my mind. Instead why don;t you all answer this question in the comments, what date would you want to go on?

What is your favourite nickname from a romance?

I can’t think of an answer for this one either!

Most anticipated romances of 2023?

The secret service of tea and treason by India Holton which is being published in April of this year.

That is it for this book atg, I hope you have all enjoyed it!