What are you reading? December 2013

Misfit · Post by **Misfit** » Mon December 9th, 2013, 3:31 pm

[quote=""Madeleine""]Oh yes!

[/quote]

Hehe. So far it's all historical and little romance at all. Frankly, the details of the Apache raid at the first chapters would probably set off the stomachs of today's more PC minded readers. I have the new e-book edition from the library, so don't get to revel in that glorious cover

Brenna · Post by **Brenna** » Mon December 9th, 2013, 3:31 pm

The Serpent and the Pearl by Kate Quinn. Ok so far.

Misfit · Post by **Misfit** » Mon December 9th, 2013, 6:30 pm

[quote=""Berengaria""]Oh, no! I have it on a special pile of books TBR!

[/quote]

Your mileage may vary. There just isn't enough info on Elizabeth the person, so all Weir is left with is reciting the chroniclers and quoting poems and verse written for her, along with endless pages of household expenses, who has her master of horse and how much he was paid. On and on and on and on and on.

annis · Post by **annis** » Mon December 9th, 2013, 9:47 pm

Re-reading the earlier Phryne Fisher mysteries, set in jazz-era Melbourne and starting with Cocaine Blues. Have been watching the fabulously stylish TV series "Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries" and thought it would be fun to go back and catch up with the Kerry Greenwood books it's based on.

Phyne, btw, is pronounced "frinnee" - the original Phryne was an infamous, ancient Greek courtesan noted for her beauty.

princess garnet · Post by **princess garnet** » Tue December 10th, 2013, 1:32 am

Tudor by Leanda de Lisle (NF)
Borrowed a library copy of this book. So far, so good. On to part 2!

emr · Post by **emr** » Tue December 10th, 2013, 8:13 am

Moonraker's Bride by Madeleine Brent, not sure when this book is set, maybe end of 1800s. Very nice so far.

Prof.Hirata · Post by **Prof.Hirata** » Tue December 10th, 2013, 11:05 am

I'm reading already the fifth novel in succession by Ingrid J.Parker about Sugawara Akitada, a government official in the Heian peiod (794-1185) in Japan solving cimes - The Hell Screen. Absolutely absorbing! Alongside with crime story I.J.Parker magically weaves in the everyday background, twists and turns of personal life etc. I feel myself the member of the Sugawara family, I rejoice and grieve with them, admire beautiful Japanese landscapes and all that jazz. And this thanks to Mrs. Parker's subtle fictive talent.

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » Tue December 10th, 2013, 12:24 pm

[quote=""Prof.Hirata""]I'm reading already the fifth novel in succession by Ingrid J.Parker about Sugawara Akitada, a government official in the Heian peiod (794-1185) in Japan solving cimes - The Hell Screen. Absolutely absorbing! Alongside with crime story I.J.Parker magically weaves in the everyday background, twists and turns of personal life etc. I feel myself the member of the Sugawara family, I rejoice and grieve with them, admire beautiful Japanese landscapes and all that jazz. And this thanks to Mrs. Parker's subtle fictive talent.[/quote]

Oh! Now that is interesting. I wrote my thesis on Heian Japan, and have never heard of this author before. Thanks for mentioning!

Nefret · Post by **Nefret** » Tue December 10th, 2013, 5:23 pm

Finished Lionheart. Can I have the new book yet?

MLE (Emily Cotton) · Post by **MLE (Emily Cotton)** » Tue December 10th, 2013, 5:29 pm

I'm going through my re-read of Mary Stewart's Merlin/Arthur books. Crystal Cave, still brilliant. Hollow Hills holds up well. I am now on the Last Enchantment, and noticing that she has let the plot slow down to a crawl. The beautiful scenery descriptions drag for want of enough reason to notice them -- I'm thinking, "what, is this a travelogue?"

Also reading Janet Evanovitch Visions of Sugarplums for book group. This is not my cup of tea. It was supposed to be funny, but so far, everything sounds contrived to the point of kitsch.

My, I'm getting grumpy and curmudgeonly in my old age.