Historical Mystery Lovers discussion
2021 Go the Distance Challenge
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Peggyz Go the Distance Challenge 2021
PROMPT #17:An author of color.
A Necessary Evil #2 Sam Wyndham
by Abir Mukherjee
Finished 01-09-21
Rated 5 stars. Love this fascinating, gritty series set in 1920's India.
Very intrigued by A Necessary Evil. sounds like a good find! definitely adding it to my list this year.!
Kerri wrote: "Very intrigued by A Necessary Evil. sounds like a good find! definitely adding it to my list this year.!"Kerri; Hope you will enjoy this as much as I have!
Kerri wrote: "Very intrigued by A Necessary Evil. sounds like a good find! definitely adding it to my list this year.!"Kerri, it has become one of my favorite series. Hope you try it.
PROMPT #40: A book with a Muslim character: Sergeant Habibullah
A Madras Miasma
#1 Superintendent Le Fanu
by Brian Stoddart
Finished 01-16-21
Rated this 3 stars. A gritty historical mystery set in 1920's India. Although the narrative and dialogue seemed stilted what I enjoyed most was the cultural and historical references. The murder mystery had potential but the big reveal at the end was predictable. This is the first in a series so it does have potential.
PROMPT #11:A book with an intriguing first line.
The Silver Pigs #1 Marcus Didius Falco by Lindsey Davis
I read that long ago - what is the first line?Never mind. I read your comment under 'suggestions'. And remember the line now.
PROMPT #11:A book with an intriguing first line:
"When the girl came rushing up the steps, I decided she was wearing far too many clothes."
The Silver Pigs #1 Marcus Didius Falco by Lindsey Davis.
Finished 01-25-21
Set in 1st Century Rome and Britain. Rated 3 stars. Enjoyed this although it seemed to drag in the middle. Not sure if I'll continue this series as I have so many other series on my TBR list.
PROMPT #33:A book recommended in the challenge suggestions thread; message #2
Medicus #1 Gaius Petreius Ruso by Ruth Downie.
PROMPT #33A book recommended in the challenge suggestions thread; message #2.
Medicus #1 Gaius Petreius Ruso by Ruth Downie.
Finished 02-08-21
Set in 2nd century Britannia. Rated 3 stars. Enjoyed this more then the 1st book in the Falco series by Lindsey Davis so might read more of Ruso & Tilla's adventures.
PROMPT #16: A book with a real historical figure: Francis BaconDeath by Disputation #2 Francis Bacon by Anna Castle
PROMPT #16A book with a real historical figure: Francis Bacon
Death by Disputation #2 Francis Bacon
by Anna Castle
Finished 02-14-21
Rated 3 stars. Set in late 16th century during the reign of Elizabeth. A little slower plot then #1 but I still really enjoy this series. Witty dialogue and realistic historical settings.
PROMPT #25; Solitary female figure on coverThe Widows Guild
#3 Francis Bacon by Anna Castle
Finished 02-21-21
Rated 4 stars. A warning: This episode does dwell on the religious persecution of Catholics which some readers may find disturbing.
PROMPT #52: A book with water on the cover.Murder at the Brightwell
#1 Amory Ames by Ashley WeaverFinished 02-26-21
Rated 3 stars. Found this entertaining so will probably continue the series.
PROMPT #21: A cozy historical mysteryDeath Comes to the Village #1 Kurland St. Mary by Catherine Lloyd
PROMPT #21: A cozy historical mysteryDeath Comes to the Village #1 Kurland St. Mary by Catherine Lloyd
Finished 03-08-21
Rated 3 stars. A quick, easy and very entertaining read! Looking forward to #2 Death Comes to London.
PROMPT #30: A book set during war time; WWIIPoppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders #1 A Woman of WWII by Tessa Arlen
Finished 03-16-21
Rated 3 stars. Somewhat predictable although entertaining. Poppy is a feisty, likeable main character and I think this series has potential.
PROMPT #29: Title includes character's namePoppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers #2 A Woman of WWII by Tessa Arlen
Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "PROMPT #16A book with a real historical figure: Francis Bacon
Death by Disputation #2 Francis Bacon
by Anna Castle
Finished 02-14-21
Rated 3 stars. Set in late 16..."
I read the first one a while back and enjoyed it a lot, and this one is sitting on my kindle glaring at me reproachfully. Have you read any of Anna Castle's "Moriaty" series set in the victorian era, turns the dynamic between Moriaty and Holmes on it's head rather?
Jacqui wrote: "Peggyzbooksnmusic wrote: "PROMPT #16A book with a real historical figure: Francis Bacon
Death by Disputation #2 Francis Bacon
by Anna Castle
Finished 02-14-21
Rat..."
Jacqui; I enjoyed #1 Francis Bacon so much and ended up buying the series for Kindle when the individual titles were on sale a while ago. Just checked & I do have #1 Moriaty on my Kindle! Forgot:) I'm sure it will work for one of the prompts in this challenge.
And I forgot I have the first Francis Bacon on my kindle but recognized the cover. I should read it for this challenge. I read the first Moriaty and only gave it two stars, I don't remember much about it by now.
Sandy wrote: "And I forgot I have the first Francis Bacon on my kindle but recognized the cover. I should read it for this challenge. I read the first Moriaty and only gave it two stars, I don't remember much ..."
Sandy; Hope you enjoy the Francis Bacon if you read it for the challenge! I have so many books on my Kindle (free & low price) as my family usually gifts me gift cards. Plus have access to 2 libraries
and Hoopla. Challenges help to trim down the TBR list :)
(First post in message 24) PROMPT #29: Title includes character's namePoppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers #2 Woman of WWII by Tessa Arlen
Finished 03-30-21
Rated 3 stars. Another entertaining installment in this new series.
PROMPT #44: Food or Drink on cover
A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder #1 Countess of Harleigh by Dianne FreemanFinished 04-19-21
Rated 3 stars
Very entertaining mystery read with witty dialogue and a charming neighbor for the Countess. Only reason I didn't give this 4 stars is it dragged in the middle. But I definitely want to read #2 just to see were the romance leads :)
PROMPTS #26: Alliteration in titlePublish and Perish #4 Francis Bacon by Anna Castle
Finished 05-14-21
Rated 4 stars
Very much enjoying this series!
Link to my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
PROMPT #50: Body part in titleRattle His Bones #8 Daisy Dalrymple by Carola Dunn
Finished 05-24-21
Rated 3 stars
Total books read: 13
I read this series set in 1920's England when I want an easy read :)
PROMPT #42: book with question word in titleWhere the Dead Lie #12 Sebastian St. Cyr by C.S. Harris
Finished 06-16-21
Rated 4 stars
Well written "dark" series set in 1813 London. In this episode Viscount St. Cyr is investigating murders of street children. A reminder that even today our society turns a blind eye to those who are in most need of our compassion and charity. Best to read in order to understand relationships and political maneuverings.
PROMPT #45: favorite authorSmoke and Ashes #3 Wyndham and Banerjee by Abir Mukherjee
Finished 06-28-21
Rated 5 stars
This has become one of my favorite series. Gritty series set in 1920's India. Great dialogue and fast paced plot. Some twists that took me by surprise.
The ending is somewhat of a cliffhanger so glad that #4 Death in the East is available from the library for Kindle.
PROMPT #2: Set in multiple countries (India & England)Death in the East #4 Wyndham and Banerjee by Abir Mukherjee
Finished 07-03-21
Rated 5 stars
Another excellent entry in one of my favorite series.
PROMPT #43: Major world event not a war: 1930's world wide Great DepressionA Few Right Thinking Men #1 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
Finished 08-24-21
Rated 5 stars
Takes place in early 1930's Australia
Link to my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
PROMPT #4: Won Award - Davitt Award for Best Adult Novel (2012)A Decline in Prophets #2 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
Finished 08-28-21
Rated 5 stars
I'm hooked on this series!
Link to my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Total books read: 18
PROMPT #48: Set in Southern Hemisphere; AustraliaMiles Off Course #3 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
Finished 09-07-21
Rated 5 stars
In my opinion this series gets better with each episode!
Link to my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Total books read: 19
PROMPT #1: Published 2021: July 6, 2021The Hollywood Spy #10 Maggie Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal
Finished 09-11-21
Rated 3 stars
First half dragged although the second half was much more engaging with some intriguing plot twists.
Link to my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
PROMPT #37: related to 4 Horseman of the Apocalypse (Death)Death Wears a Mask #2 Amory Ames by Ashley Weaver
Finished 09-17-21
Rated 3 stars
Fun murder mystery set in 1930's London with witty dialogue. A nice series to read when in the mood for something not too serious.
PROMPT #14: Author writes in different genre - MythologyPaving the New Road #4 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
Finished 09-21-21
Rated 5 stars
Fantastic entry in this series set in early 1930's.
Link to my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
PROMPT #8: Set in city that has hosted the Olympic Games - London,UKGentlemen Formerly Dressed #5 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
Finished 10-16-21
Rated 5 stars
Another fantastic entry in what is becoming one of my favorite series.
Total Challenge completed: 23
PROMPT #35: Mode of transportation on cover: Airplane
A Murder Unmentioned #6 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari GentillFinished 10-20-21
Rated 5 stars
Love this series. Especially like that the author doesn't "info dump". This episode gives more information on the personal lives of the Sinclair family (which are complicated!) Wonderful characterizations with a lot of interesting history.
Total Challenge completed: 24
Prompt #12: Related to one of the 7 deadly sins (Greed, Gluttony, Wrath, Lust, Sloth, Pride, Envy) Greed or LustGive the Devil His Due #7 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
Finished 11-03-21
Another fantastic entry in this series set in 1930's Australia.
Rated 5 stars.
Total challenge completed: 25
Prompt #20: Plant on cover
A Dangerous Language #8 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari GentillFinished 11-06-21
Rated 5 stars
Link to my short review (no spoilers):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Total challenge completed: 26
PROMPT #27: Real place in titleShanghai Secrets #9 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
Finished 11-09-21
Rated 5 stars
In my opinion this gritty series set in the 1930's is the perfect blend of mystery, history, dialogue and characterizations.
Total challenge completed: 27
Historical Mystery Lovers
Books mentioned in this topic
The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog (other topics)The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog (other topics)
The Shadows of Men (other topics)
The Shadows of Men (other topics)
The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Abir Mukherjee (other topics)Elizabeth Peters (other topics)
Elizabeth Peters (other topics)
Sulari Gentill (other topics)
Sulari Gentill (other topics)
More...
1. FINISHED 09-11-21; Published in 2021: July 6,2021; The Hollywood Spy #10 Maggie Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal
2. FINISHED 07-03-21; A book set in multiple countries; England and India; Death in the East #4 Sam Wyndham by Abir Mukherjee
3. A book with a lamp on the cover
4. FINISHED 08-28-21; A book that has won an award; Davitt Award for Best Adult Novel (2012); A Decline in Prophets #2 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
5. A bestselling historical mystery
6. A locked room mystery
7. A book that has been made into a movie or television show
8. FINISHED 10-16-21 A book set in a city that has hosted the Olympic Games (London,UK); Gentlemen Formerly Dressed #5 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
9. Finished 11-22-21; A book with an animal on the cover or in the title; The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog #7 Amelia Peabody by Elizabeth Peters
10. A book randomly selected from your historical mystery TBR
11. FINISHED 01-25-21: A book with an intriguing or inspiring first line "When the girl came rushing up the steps, I decided she was wearing far too many clothes."; The Silver Pigs #1 Marcus Didius Falco by Lindsey Davis
12. FINISHED 11-03-21: A book related to one of the 7 deadly sins (Greed, Gluttony, Wrath, Lust, Sloth, Pride, Envy); Give the Devil His Due #7 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
13. A book with a female detective
14. FINISHED 09-21-21: A book by an author who also writes in a different genre; Mythology; Paving the New Road # 4 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
15. A book with a country setting on the cover
16. FINISHED 02-14-21: A book with a real historical figure; Francis Bacon; OWN; Death by Disputation #2 Francis Bacon by Anna Castle
17. FINISHED 01-09-21; A book by an author of color; A Necessary Evil #2 Sam Wyndham by Abir Mukherjee
18. FINISHED 11-28-21; A book set in the '20s of any century (except the 21st); 1920's India; The Shadows of Men #5 Wyndham & Banerjee by Abir Mukherjee
19. A book with a disabled character
20. FINISHED 11-06-21: A book with a plant in the title or on the cover; A Dangerous Language
21. FINISHED 03-08-21; A cozy historical mystery; Death Comes to the Village #1 Kurland St. Mary by Catherine Lloyd
22. A book with gothic elements
23. A debut novel
24. A book set in a religious setting (convent, abbey, vicarage, temple, shrine, etc.)
25. FINISHED 02-21-21; A book with a solitary female figure on the cover; The Widows Guild
26. FINISHED 05-14-21; A book with alliteration in the title; Publish and Perish #4 Francis Bacon by Anna Castle
27. FINISHED 11-09-21; A book with the name of a real place in the title; Shanghai Secrets #9 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
28. A book by an author who uses a pseudonym
29. FINISHED 03-30-21; A book with a title that includes a character's name; Poppy Redfern and the Fatal Flyers #2 A Woman of WWII by Tessa Arlen
30. FINISHED 03-16-21; A book set during wartime; WWII Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders by Tessa Arlen
31. A book with a "Clue" weapon on the cover or in the title (rope, revolver, candlestick, lead pipe, dagger or knife, wrench)
32. The first book in a series you have not read before
33. FINISHED 02-08-21; A book recommended in the challenge suggestions thread; message #2; Medicus #1 Gaius Petreius Ruso by Ruth Downie
34. A book set in a time period you are unfamiliar with
35. FINISHED 10-20-21; A book with a mode of transportation on the cover (carriage, horse, ship, train, automobile, etc.); Airplane:
36. A book written by an author with your initials
37. FINISHED 09-17-21; A book related to one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse (death, disease, famine, war) Death Wears a Mask #2 Amory Ames by Ashley Weaver
38. A book related to William Shakespeare
39. A book with an "-ing" word in the title
40. FINISHED 01-16-21; A book with a Muslim character: Sergeant Habibullah; A Madras Miasma #1 Superindendent Le Fanu by Brian Stoddart
41. A book connected to a specific season
42. FINISHED 06-16-21; A book with a question word in the title (who, what, where, why, when, how); Where the Dead Lie #12 Sebastian St. Cyr by C.S. Harris
43. FINISHED 08-24-21; A book that includes a major world event (not a war); 1930's world-wide Great Depression; A Few Right Thinking Men #1 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
44. FINISHED 04-19-21; A book with food or drink on the cover; Library Kindle A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder
45. FINISHED 06-28-21; A book by one of your favorite authors; Smoke and Ashes #3 Sam Wyndham by Abir Mukherjee
46. A book with a royal character
47. A book from another group member's bookshelf
48. FINISHED 09-07-21; A book set in the Southern Hemisphere; Australia Miles Off Course #3 Rowland Sinclair by Sulari Gentill
49. A book linked to one of the four elements (earth, water, wind, fire)
50. FINISHED 05-24-21; A book with a body part in the title; Rattle His Bones #8 Daisy Dalrymple by Carola Dunn
51. A book set in Medieval times
52. FINISHED 02-26-21; A book with water on the cover;