In the last week of October, I probably read more books than in the past 3 months. So I’m really hoping that my reading/ blogging blues are finally over. There’s a lot to record and catch-up with, all those blogposts that I missed — still need to get up to speed there! In the meantime, here’s a bunch a mini-reviews / reading wrap-up for October 2021.
The Last Legacy by Adrienne Young
This was so good. Bryn returns to her mother’s family after years and finds herself struggling to adjust to their, ahem, gangster ways. The book is set in a remote shipping town and the world-building and characterizations are excellent. There is some YA suspension of disbelief required at places, but it’s an intense and zippy read.
Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
A light-hearted retelling of Twelve Dancing Princesses. It’s targeted at a much younger audience, but I liked the Germany-inspired settings and the interesting knitting references/ historical background. Thanks to Nicole for sending this my way!
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution (Movie)
Thanks to Cathy for this rec. This movie is like a backstory for why Sherlock Holmes distrusted women so much (well, except Irene Adler maybe). A cocaine-sodden Holmes is duped into psychotherapy — with none other than Freud! I loved the first half, the second half has some unnecessary adventuring. But overall, very thought-provoking. After all, what is therapy but also detection?
Black Hat, White Witch by Hailey Edwards
This one’s about a black magic practitioner who is trying to go clean after a run-down with a psychotic serial killer. It wasn’t as tense as I’d expected and it also reminded me too much of Patricia Briggs’ Deat Heat. Still, iff you’re looking for new Urban Fantasy to read, Edwards’ work is a safe bet.
The Bride of Newgate by John Dickson Carr
Lady Caroline marries a deathrow convict to hastily get hold of her inheritance. But then the convict is pardoned due to political reasons and Caroline is stuck with a husband she didn’t want. With such a great premise, how did this book turn into such a terrible potboiler? Ugh. The characterizations were so florid and fake-scandalous that I just couldn’t care about the actual mystery plot.
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
A snarky and hilarious but also realistic diary written by 14-year old Catherine in England in the medieval 1290s. Catherine is approaching the marriageable age but she just wants to be free. Now, if only her odious family would listen… Seriously, I just died laughing over this coming of age book.
What was your October 2021 like? Hoping everyone managed to do at least one Halloween thing. Let’s catch up!
12 replies on “Mini Reviews / October 2021 Monthly Wrap-Up”
I’m glad you enjoyed Princess of the Midnight Ball! I like it for a fun comfort read, though it is aimed at a young YA audience I feel. Still, sometimes that hits the spot.
Now I’m off to check on some of your other picks—I’m always on the lookout for another good urban fantasy author!
I love the idea of mini reviews, but don’t get to it enough! I know l still need to make a post header for that on the new template….
I think Catherine, they call Birdie – might be the one from your mini reviews I will enjoy the most!
My week is a bit crazy, hope yours are better!
Princess of the Midnight Ball is one I still need/want to read! 🙂
I have to say, I like the sound of Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman. I’ll have to check it out.
Ohh, a five star short review for Catherine – I shall go and look at that.
Lynn 😀
I love Karen Cushman’s books. I met her at a conference, and she’s so wonderful to talk to.
I’ve just downloaded a copy of Princess/Midnight Ball, and I see that it’s the first in a YA series. I hope I like this enough to read the rest! I’ll let you know.
I read some Jessica day- George a few years ago. Her MG Tuesdays at the castle series I think it was called. they were fun. 🙂
I remember enjoying Catherine, Called Birdy too. Always a treat to find an historical story that feels so fresh!
A post with a good bunch of mini reviews, this is so inspiring, I so need to follow your example!!
I haven’t read any of these, but I may consider the last one, a I love histfic set in the Middle Ages. Enjoy your November reads.
I had no idea there was a movie of The Seven Per Cent Solution – I might have to look that up!
Lauren @ Always Me
Looks like you’ve had a run of great books (well almost all!). I love the premise for Catherine Called Birdy – that sounds like a great read!
John Dickson Carr is an author I haven’t thought of lately, although there was a summer when I read many of his books.
Catherine Called Birdy is very funny. I don’t like it when historical fiction is anachronistic but I liked this, although have not reread recently.