Tag Archives: book group books

The Monday Check-In ~ 9/29/2025

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My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

I’m back! My husband and I just spent a week in Hawaii… pure relaxation! Our trips tend to be go, go, go all the time — whether daily hikes or road trips or running from point A to point B to point Z. This time, though… we basked in the glory of having no plans other than enjoying the beach, the sun, the waves, and good food.

We basically spent every day swimming, walking on the beach, and reading by the pool, then headed out in the evenings for casual to nicer dinners — and even made it to a terrific Cirque du Soleil experience!

I loved getting some time away (and it also was a great way to celebrate my birthday)!

What did I read during the last week?

I have a LOT of catching up to do when it comes to reviews. Meanwhile, here’s a look at everything I’ve read since my last Monday Check-In post two weeks ago:

Silver and Lead (October Daye, #19) by Seanan McGuire: Fantastic addition to one of my all-time favorite series! My review is here.

Alone in the Wild (Rockton, #5) by Kelley Armstrong: This series is SO good! I’ve been trying to pace myself, but it’s hard to resist reading straight through. My review of book #5 is here.

Reviews to follow later this week:

The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell: Cute Austen-inspired romance with a time-travel twist.

Green Rider by Kristen Britain: Just as good as everyone says! I’m so happy that I finally took the time to read this terrific fantasy.

A Pirate’s Life for Tea (Tomes & Tea, #2) by Rebecca Thorne: Sad to say, this cozy fantasy is so-so at best.

Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding: Even more Austen! This contemporary retelling of Emma was lots of fun as an audiobook.

Pop culture & TV:

My reality competition shows all started this past week, and I’m behind! I didn’t watch a single thing while we were away, so over the next few days, I’ll be looking forward to starting the new seasons of Survivor, The Amazing Race, and Dancing with the Stars.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Lucy Undying by Kiersten White: This wasn’t on my priority reading list for fall, but it somehow suited my mood last night when I was ready to start a new book, so here we are! This Dracula retelling/reinvention is off to a good start.

Now playing via audiobook:

Where You’re Planted by Melanie Sweeney: I don’t remember where I first heard about this book, but my library hold came in and I decided to grab it! I should be starting this audiobook today.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

  • Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 73%. Up next: Chapters 31 and 32.
  • The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 45%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

boy1

The Monday Check-In ~ 9/15/2025

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My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

It’s been a busy week, and I have another hectic week coming up… but after that, a week off! I won’t be posting a Monday Check-in post next Monday — my husband and I will be heading out of town for a mini-vacation, and I can’t wait to relax, refresh, and (of course) do lots of reading.

Meanwhile, for today’s dose of cuteness:

I came into the living room yesterday and found the kitty cat like this. Apparently, he made himself a blanket fort! Awwwwww.

Online amusement:

Terrific article in the New York Times by Joe Hill about experiencing Salem’s Lot (by his dad) at much too young an age: So You Think Stephen King Has Scared You? Try Being His Son.

On a different note… I’m sure this has circulated plenty among book lovers, but I stumbled across this for the first time, and felt so seen:

What did I read during the last week?

Road Trip With a Vampire by Jenna Levine: Super silly wrap-up to an entertaining vampire romance trilogy. My review is here.

My Theodosia by Anya Seton: Historical fiction, published in 1941, about Aaron Burr’s daughter. If not for the fact that this was a book group selection, I probably would not have stuck with it. My review is here.

First-Time Caller by B. K. Borison: This contemporary romance was fine, but not particularly special. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m all caught up on Severance. What a weird, amazing show! Can’t wait for season 3, whenever that might be.

Fresh Catch:

One new book:

The Poisoned King (Impossible Creatures, #2) by Katherine Rundell: The first book of this middle grade series was terrific, and I’m looking forward to starting the 2nd!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Silver and Lead (October Daye, #19) by Seanan McGuire: The newest book in one of my all-time favorite fantasy series!

Now playing via audiobook:

Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding: I needed a new audiobook to start today, and this one was available from the library right away. I’m always up for a Jane Austen retelling! It looks pretty charming… we shall see.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

  • Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 62%. Up next: Chapters 27 and 28.
  • The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 41%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Book Review: My Theodosia by Anya Seton

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Title: My Theodosia
Author: Anya Seton
Publication date: 1941
Length: 418 pages
Genre: Historical fiction
Source: Purchased
Rating:

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Anya Seton’s bestselling first novel, originally published in 1941, captures all the drama of the short life of Theodosia Burr (1783-1813).

Theodosia’s father is Aaron Burr–Thomas Jefferson’s vice president, most famous for his great duel with Alexander Hamilton. With charm and tenderness, he holds sway over young Theodosia’s heart, but his arrogance forces her to choose between the man he insists she marry and her love for a young soldier who will turn out to play a decisive role in her father’s fate. Persuaded by Aaron that she will soon be crowned princess of the Kingdom of Mexico as a result of his treasonable plans, she is received like royalty on Blennerhassett Island, only to end up trying to exonerate him as he awaits trial in a Richmond jail, repudiated by his fickle son-in-law and friends.

Theodosia remains a haunting figure in American history, still lovely, still imperious, never vanquished.

To be honest, the name Theodosia would have meant nothing to me before the Hamilton era… and of course, once my book group selected this historical novel about Aaron Burr’s daughter, this was all I could think of:

My Theodosia opens with Theodosia Burr’s 17th birthday. She’s the pretty, vivacious daughter of Aaron Burr, a man with unlimited ambitions and the highest of standards for his beloved daughter. He oversees every aspect of her upbringing, demanding excellence in her studies, perfect beauty, and social graces to help move all his own machinations forward.

She was flesh of his flesh, an infinitely dear projection of himself.

As Theo will soon learn, while he loves her immensely, he’s also keenly focused on making sure that her future marriage will be advantageous for him, including providing a source of wealth to keep his expensive lifestyle afloat and help propel him into the Presidency.

Theo, meanwhile, adores and idolizes her father, while also basking in the attention and admiration that surrounds her. While she may not want the marriage Aaron decides upon, she obeys her father’s wishes in this as in all things. By age 18, Theo is married to Joseph Alston, a wealthy plantation owner from South Carolina who has the funds and the political clout to further Aaron’s political ambitions.

My Theodosia follows Theo through the ten years between her marriage and her untimely death, with Aaron’s life and scandals as the backdrop to all of Theo’s own feelings, desires, and plans. No matter what else occurs in her life, her father always is her priority, to the detriment of her marriage and her security. Key events, such as the Hamilton duel, happen mainly off the page, and we experience these through Theo’s eyes, as she worries for Aaron, rushes to his defense whenever she can, and makes his well-being and reputation her primary objectives.

1941 edition

Reading this book over 80 years after its original publication, I found it difficult to enjoy. Theo and Aaron’s relationship is problematic and dysfunctional in so many ways. Theo’s overriding dedication to Aaron feels unhealthy, and his focus and molding of her is disturbing.

He did not quite admit it to himself, but he would have opposed any match with a man whom she passionately desired. He had no intention of transferring her devotion from himself to another. Her worship was the sweetest thing in life.

Most difficult for me as a modern reader is the casual racism that permeates the book. We might expect a slave-owner such as Joseph (and the rest of his family) to hold abhorrent views, but even Aaron and Theo, supposedly more enlightened New Yorkers, use the n-word freely and invoke all sorts of degrading and disparaging language in reference to the slaves and servants of color in their lives. I suppose some might argue that the author was attempting to evoke the prevailing attitudes of the time she was portraying, and perhaps that was more acceptable at the time of publication, but reading the book today, it’s awful — no two ways about it.

Portrait by John Vanderlyn, c. 1815–1820

While the storytelling style is immersive, I often found myself wondering about sources and historical accuracy. There’s a brief author’s note, but it doesn’t shed much light on how much of the story is substantiated through historical documentation and how much is embroidered or speculative. (For example, the idea that the passionate yet unfulfilled love of Theodosia’s life was Meriweather Lewis is, as far as I can tell, an invention of the author’s and is not supported by historical evidence.)

1976 paperback edition

My Theodosia was Anya Seton’s first novel. I understand that many of her subsequent books are quite beloved. However, based on my experiences with My Theodosia, I don’t feel particularly compelled to explore her works any further.

As for My Theodosia itself, I can’t say I particularly recommend it. On the one hand, it’s an informative look at the life of a woman I knew nothing about, and through her, a look into the character and life of Aaron Burr beyond his Hamilton-related infamy. On the other hand, the racism, sexism, and uncomfortable father-daughter relationship make this an unpleasant reading experience overall. If not for my upcoming book group discussion, I most likely would have put the book aside and not finished it.

I’d be curious to hear from anyone who’s read other books by Anya Seton. Are there any you recommend? And if you’ve read My Theodosia, I’d love to hear your perspective as well.

Purchase links: Amazon – Audible – Bookshop.org – Libro.fm
Disclaimer: When you make a purchase through one of these affiliate links, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

The Monday Check-In ~ 9/8/2025

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My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

I went back to work last week after a week out sick, and was (mostly) happy to be jumping back in. I’m still getting my strength back, but feeling better day by day. I got outside and managed to fit in some walking and active time in general over the weekend, and that helped a lot too.

What did I read during the last week?

Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong: A fun, smart romance from a favorite author. My review is here.

There Is No Ethan: How Three Women Uncovered America’s Biggest Catfish by Anna Akbari: Fascinating, disturbing non-fiction. My review is here.

Pug & Kisses by Farrah Rochon: Adorable doggie-friendly romance set in New Orleans. My review is here.

The Shocking Experiments of Miss Mary Bennet by Melinda Taub: The Austen/Frankenstein mashup I never knew I needed! So much fun. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

I’m about halfway through the 2nd season of Severance. Overall, I’m really enjoying this show, even though the most recent episodes I watched seemed to drag a bit. (Or maybe that was just my mood at the time… ). In any case, I should be wrapping it up in the next few days.

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Road Trip With a Vampire by Jenna Levine: I enjoyed this author’s previous two vampire books, and this one is off to a good start!

Now playing via audiobook:

First-Time Caller by B. K. Borison: I’d been on my library’s hold list for a while, and finally got a chance to borrow this audiobook. Just getting started!

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

  • Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 57%. Up next: Chapters 25 and 26.
  • The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 40%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

boy1

The Monday Check-In ~ 9/1/2025

Posted in The Monday Check-In by

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My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

Wait, where did the summer go? I know, I know… technically, it’s still summer for a few weeks, but let’s face it: Once September roles around, we all know it’s really autumn, right?

Well, last week was not great — I was mainly building back my strength after a nasty stomach bug from the week before. Lots of bland food, lots of rest… with the silver lining that I managed to read a lot, but otherwise, not really a whole lot of fun!

Onward! It’s nice to have today off (Labor Day), and I’ll be back at work tomorrow.

What did I read during the last week?

I posted three review for books previously read, then also read and reviewed a bunch more!

First, for the books I read the previous week:

Click the links below to see the reviews:

Next, new books read and (mostly) reviewed:

Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne: Sweet cozy fantasy, with books and tea! My review is here.

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna: Magic and found family, woven into a delightful tale. My review is here.

Play Nice by Rachel Harrison: Creepy story of demons, sisters, and (shudder) influencers. This is one wild book, and I couldn’t put it down My review is here.

Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong: A fun, smart romance from a favorite author. Review to follow.

Pop culture & TV:

I know I say this every week, but it’s true! Outlander: Blood of My Blood continues to be terrific! Well worth checking out.

On the other hand, every time I watch a new episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty, I can feel a few brain cells shriveling up and dying. This show is so bad!! But… sigh… there are only three episodes to go, so I know I’ll see it through to the end.

I’m still loving my free AppleTV+ trial. This week, I decided to check out Severance. I’m only a few episodes in, but yeah, I’ll be sticking with it. I also watched the first episode of Chief of War, which is so well done… but really, really brutal. I think I’ll continue, although the level of violence may become a problem for me

Elsewhere… it’s the little things that make a geek’s heart beat faster, and for me, that includes the excitement of the New York Times adding a new game!! Last week, they introduced Pips — I was skeptical at first (I always prefer word games), but it’s really growing on me. Has anyone else tried it? If so, what do you think?

Fresh Catch:

No new books this week.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

There Is No Ethan: How Three Women Uncovered America’s Biggest Catfish by Anna Akbari: I don’t typically go for non-fiction, but wow — this is a fascinating story. I can’t put it down.

Now playing via audiobook:

Pugs & Kisses by Farrah Rochon: I always enjoy this author’s books, and this dog-friendly follow-up to last year’s adorable Pardon My Frenchie is definitely hitting the spot for me.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

  • Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 51%. Up next: Chapters 23 and 24.
  • The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 38%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

boy1

The Monday Check-In ~ 8/25/2025

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My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

It’s been a tough week — I came down with some sort of virus that kept me knocked out for days, and I’m still not quite back on my feet yet. Yuck. Less said, the better. (While awake, I did manage to read a lot, so there’s always a silver lining! But I was too foggy overall to do any posting or write reviews — hopefully I’ll catch up in the week to come.)

The kitty decided to grant me the favor of his company while I was mostly in bed for a few days. Lots of pillows and cozy blankets available, and he chose to sit on…

… my laptop.

Cats.

What did I read during the last week?

The Hebrew Teacher by Maya Arad: Interesting collection of three novellas that are thought-provoking and timely. I read this book before I got sick, so I managed to post a review — you can see it here.

Rich Girl Summer by Lily Chu: Really enjoyable audiobook, narrated by the amazing Phillipa Soo! Review to follow.

The Compound by Aisling Rawle: Kind of like Love Island, Big Brother, and The Hunger Games in a blender… really weird and compelling. I’ll definitely be writing a review for this one!

Watcher in the Woods (Rockton, #4) by Kelley Armstrong: As expected, another excellent installment in a great series. Review to come.

Pop culture & TV:

Outlander: Blood of My Blood continues to be terrific!

I managed to wrap up The Gilded Age — what a great season! Now I need to figure out what to start next…

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

After reading Hemlock & Silver as an ARC, I knew I needed a copy of my own! Love the acid-green edges.

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne: Still in the early chapters, but I think the light, cozy tone is just what I need right now.

Now playing via audiobook:

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna: I started this audiobook early last week, and then life got in the way. I may just switch over to print — I’ve liked what I’ve heard so far, and I do want to see where the story goes, but I just haven’t been up to audiobooks since I started not feeling great.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

  • Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 46%. Up next: Chapters 21 and 22.
  • The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, continuing our LOTR adventure. Progress (relative to the entire LOTR opus): 36%.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

boy1

The Monday Check-In ~ 8/18/2025

Posted in The Monday Check-In by

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My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

My son’s birthday was last week — my “baby” is a young adult, and a wonderful human being! We had a really nice family dinner out at a new-to-us restaurant, and he mainly did birthday things with his friends (which, believe it or not, is more appealing than hanging with his parents!)

Other than that, I had a busy workweek, a bunch of running around over the weekend, but also time to dance and be outdoors, and I consider that a win.

In Little Free Library news, I was amused to see that at some point while I was out and about, someone must have stopped by, taken a bunch of books, added a few more, and then completely reorganized and neatened up my shelves. Works for me!

What did I read during the last week?

Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell: Some very clever writing and a unique premise, but ultimately, this book fell flat for me. My review is here.

The King’s Messenger by Susanna Kearsley: Excellent historical fiction from one of my must-read authors. My review is here.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway: I subbed this classic in for my Classics Club Spin book this time around, and I’m glad I did. My thoughts are here.

Elsewhere on the blog:

It’s been a while since I’ve joined a new meme — and this past week, I decided to play along and try the Birthstone Book Cover meme, hosted by Books Are the New Black. I had a lot of fun putting together a gallery of peridot book covers. Check it out, here.

Pop culture & TV:

Still loving the new Outlander spin-off show, Blood of My Blood. Three episodes have aired so far, and it’s fantastic.

I finished all of Ted Lasso last week, and it’s leaving me a bit mopey. I loved that show! Now I’m trying to catch up on The Gilded Age, and then I’ll probably either start Chief of War, Severance, or the new season of Wednesday.

Fresh Catch:

I ordered the new deluxe edition of Every Summer After by Carley Fortune, and it arrived this week.

It’s gorgeous, it’s signed (!!), and I love the packaging as well:

The Ripped Bodice — bookseller located in NY & LA

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Hebrew Teacher by Maya Arad: I just borrowed this book from the library, after learning about this author via from Davida at The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog. Really enjoying the writing so far.

Now playing via audiobook:

Rich Girl Summer by Lily Chu: This author’s audiobooks are always a treat, and the narration is fabulous. I have another hour or so to go, and I’m loving it.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

  • Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. I hate to say it, but this book is starting to feel like a slog. Still, it’s for my book group, so I’m sticking with it. Progress: 40%. Up next: Chapters 19 and 20.
  • The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s newest reading journey, continuing our LOTR adventure. This time around, we’ve decided to split any chapters over 15 pages, so this week we’ll be reading and discussing chapter 1 and the first half of chapter 2. Looking forward to diving in!

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

boy1

The Monday Check-In ~ 8/11/2025

Posted in The Monday Check-In by

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My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

It was a busy week, but then I had a lot of time to myself over the weekend to regroup and relax. I did a bit of organizing, neatened up my Little Free Library (and discarded a few books that were in absolutely tatters and had been taking up space for too long already), and even treated myself to a pretty manicure!

My son is away for a few days, and his aloof kitty-cat is suddenly glued to my side. He usually just spies from the hallway to keep tab on the humans, but now that I’m his only companion, he’s even watching TV with me!

(I do think he’ll ditch me as soon as my son gets back… but it’s nice while it lasts!)

Good neighbor shout-out:

When I went out for a walk yesterday before meeting up with a friend, I stuck my ID and a credit card in a pocket… and later discovered that pocket didn’t close securely, and my items were gone. I went out again to retrace my steps, had no luck, and then came home to find that someone had slid my ID and card under my front door. Thank you, anonymous kind neighbor!!

Elsewhere on the blog:

I shared a post over the weekend about cleaning up my ARC obligations and TBR lists. Anyone else feeling bogged down by reading commitments?

What did I read during the last week?

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher: Terrific fairy tale retelling with a bit of a horror bite. Highly recommended! My review is here.

Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady and The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander: I wrote a two-fer post comparing these two battling bookshop books! Check it out, here.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: It was kind of fun to listen to this audiobook and revisit the Twilight story again after all these years… although the farther along I got, the harder it was to ignore the ridiculousness of it all. Still entertaining, though.

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill: A fast-paced thriller that doesn’t quite work, although it’s still an engaging read. My review is here.

The Last Wizards’ Ball (Gunnie Rose, #6) by Charlaine Harris: A satisfying wrap-up to a terrific six-book series. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Outlander excitement! The first two episodes of the new Outlander prequel/spin-off series dropped this week, and I loved them! Check out the trailer for Blood of My Blood:

Beyond that, I’ve been continuing my Ted Lasso binge, and have just one episode left before I finish season 3. It makes me kind of sad to think I’ll be out of episodes… but I guess I’ll just have to join the crowd and wait for season 4!

I managed to catch up on all but one episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty, season 3 (on Prime Video). I’m basically hate-watching at this point (this is NOT a good show), but I think I’ll continue to the end, mainly because I’ve read the books and want to see if the show ending matches the book ending.

And then… not sure what I’ll start next, but I’m leaning heavily toward Chief of War (more AppleTV+).

Meanwhile, I’ve fallen down a Youtube rabbit hole and have been watching every video clip I can find from the recent production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl (starring Cynthia Erivo as Jesus, Adam Lambert as Judas, and Phillipa Soo as Mary Magdalene). Here’s one clip — but if you’re a fan, it’s well worth the time to go look for more!

Fresh Catch:

One new book this week:

Dear Lord Akeldaa & Parasolverse Ephemera by Gail Carriger: A lovely hardcover edition from Subterranean Press, filled with all sorts of extras and goodies related to the Parasolverse!

Other than that… Amazon was offering triple Kindle reward points for two days this week, so I treated myself to the next few Rockton e-books from my wishlist. (But I’m forcing myself to hold off before starting the next one… there are so many other books in my queue!)

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell: I picked up a copy of this book on a whim several months ago, and I’m just now getting around to reading it. It’s SO weird… but oddly good!

Next up:

The King’s Messenger by Susanna Kearsley: My book group’s pick for August — and we’ll be chatting with the author later this month! I always love her books… excited to start this one.

Now playing via audiobook:

My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell: My summer Classics Club Spin book! I’m getting close to the deadline, so it’s about time that I started this book.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

  • Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 36%. Up next: Chapters 17 and 18.
  • The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s shared reading journey, starting next week!

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Book Review: The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill

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Title: The Mystery Writer
Author: Sulari Gentill
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Publication date: March 1, 2024
Length: 368 pages
Genre: Thriller
Source: Library
Rating:

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

A literary thriller about an aspiring writer who meets and falls in love with her literary idol—only to find him murdered the day after she gave him her manuscript to read.

There’s nothing easier to dismiss than a conspiracy theory—until it turns out to be true

When Theodosia Benton abandons her career path as an attorney and shows up on her brother’s doorstep with two suitcases and an unfinished novel, she expects to face a few challenges. Will her brother support her ambition or send her back to finish her degree? What will her parents say when they learn of her decision? Does she even have what it takes to be a successful writer?

What Theo never expects is to be drawn into a hidden literary world in which identity is something that can be lost and remade for the sake of an audience. When her mentor, a highly successful author, is brutally murdered, Theo wants the killer to be found and justice to be served. Then the police begin looking at her brother, Gus, as their prime suspect, and Theo does the unthinkable in order to protect him. But the writer has left a trail, a thread out of the labyrinth in the form of a story. Gus finds that thread and follows it, and in his attempt to save his sister he inadvertently threatens the foundations of the labyrinth itself. To protect the carefully constructed narrative, Theo Benton, and everyone looking for her, will have to die.

The Mystery Writer was my book group’s pick for July, and as with many of our group reads, it’s unlikely that I would have picked this one up on my own. Unfortunately, while many of our book group books end up being surprise hits for me, this one just didn’t quite work, despite some clever hooks and unusual story beats.

Theo Benton, approximately 20 year old, drops out of law school in Australia to show up at her older brother Gus’s home in Kansas. Gus and Theo were both left trust funds by their American grandfather, requiring them to become lawyers in order to inherit. Gus did, and is a partner in a local practice. Theo, however, has realized that she doe not want to become a lawyer; instead, she wants to write. Gus agrees that she can stay with him while she pursues her writing goals.

As she starts writing at the cafe where she’ll soon become a regular, she encounters another writer — an older man whom Theo eventually identifies as successful author Dan Murdoch. Theo and Dan form a friendship, and he takes an interest in her writing, offering her tips and encouragement. Finally, when Theo finishes her manuscript, she gives it to Dan to read. He’s enthusiastic, but declines her request to send it to his high-powered literary agent. And the very next day, Theo discovers that Dan has been murdered.

Theo and Gus become entangled in the unfolding mystery as more murders occur — and the two of them appear to be the connection between all the dead bodies. With the police focusing on them and their lives in danger, Theo takes a drastic step to keep them safe.

That’s about enough plot summary to get the general gist without getting into spoiler territory. The plot revolves around convoluted conspiracy theories, and hinges on Theo making some truly ridiculous decisions. So many elements require a complete suspension of disbelief that it becomes harder and harder as the book progresses to take it seriously in the slightest.

Survivalists and preppers, Australian hippies (“ferals”), crazed fans, sinister secrets of the publishing world… there’s a lot going on, and yet, not much of it makes any sense. Theo’s ability to sit down and pound out a potential bestseller over the course of a few months doesn’t feel credible, and neither is her connection to the writer whom she just happened to stumble across. Her gullibility in dealing with the agency felt like a breaking point for me (as was her brainless decision to give someone the address of the secure location where she was hiding out). If not for the book group commitment, I likely would have quit somewhere in the middle.

Still, I finished the book. The story itself moves quickly and it’s a fast read, so I was able to get through it without too much effort. At some point, I felt invested enough to want to see it through and see how it all wrapped up.

I can’t say that I actually recommend The Mystery Writer. There are some interesting facets to the story, but overall, it’s simply not believable and strains much too hard to make it at all convincing. I just didn’t buy it.

PS — Why did the publisher stick this cover on the book? There are no typewriters involved in this story! Feels like a lazy way to say “hey, this book is about a writer!”

Given my lukewarm to not-so-great reaction to this book, it may seem like a contradiction to say that I’d still like to read more by this author! Having read some interviews and other materials on the writing process for this book, I get what she was trying to do, even if I didn’t especially love it. I’d be willing to try again with another of her books, possibly her upcoming new release, to see if a change of topic works better for me.

Purchase links: Amazon – Bookshop.org – Libro.fm
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The Monday Check-In ~ 8/4/2025

Posted in The Monday Check-In by

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My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

It’s August! My summer travels are already over, but I’m trying to still squeeze in some outdoor time and appreciate the (slightly) slower pace at work while so many other people are taking time off. The fall rush is not far away!

A cuteness update: The kitty found a favorite new hang-out. We think he just likes to be able to look down on all of us puny humans.

What did I read during the last week?

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill: A fast-paced thriller that doesn’t quite deliver, but still makes for a fast, engaging read. Review to follow.

Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman: Loved this audiobook! Which wasn’t a surprise — I also really enjoyed the previous two by this author. My review is here.

Sisters of Fortune by Esther Chehebar: I had high hopes for this book about a trio of Syrian Jewish sisters in a tight-knit Brooklyn community… but sadly, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. My review is here.

This Fallen Prey (Rockton, #3) by Kelley Armstrong: This series continue to be excellent! It’s going to be hard to make myself take breaks and read other books, rather than continuing straight through. My review is here.

The Last Wizards’ Ball (Gunnie Rose, #6) by Charlaine Harris: Finished during my Sunday walk — review to follow later this week.

Pop culture & TV:

Still exploring (and bingeing) with my free trial of AppleTV+! I’ve now finished season 2 of Ted Lasso — still loving it! I’m going to catch up on a few other things*, then dive straight into season 3.

*… such as The Summer I Turned Pretty, season 3 (on Prime Video) — although based on watching one episode so far, I’m not sure I actually care enough to finish the series.

Since my book group recently finished Fellowship of the Ring, I took time this past week to watch the movie… probably my 4th or 5th time, but it’s always glorious.

Fresh Catch:

No new physical books this week… but there were a few great price drops on Kindle that I couldn’t resist, including Fredrik Backman’s newest. (Still available for $1.99, I believe, so go grab it if you’re interested!)

Retail therapy — (non-bookish) product placement time!

Over the weekend, I posted photos (and purchase links) for cute UV hoodies and other outdoor protective wear. I’m loving my new butterflies-and-flowers top!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher: This twisted/alternate version of the Snow White story is off to a great start!

Now playing via audiobook:

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: Don’t mock me! After driving through the town of Forks on my recent road trip, I was reminded of how all-absorbing this series was way back when, and thought it might be fun to revisit it. We’ll see… I’m just starting it today.

Ongoing reads:

My longer-term reading commitments (current and coming up):

  • Villette by Charlotte Brontë: Group classic read, two chapters per week. Progress: 31%. Up next: Chapters 15 and 16.
  • My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell: My new Classics Club spin book! I’m putting it here as a reminder to myself to make time for it this summer — the target date to finish this spin challenge is August 24th. This week’s update: Still haven’t started this one! I need to get moving…
  • The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien: My book group’s shared reading journey, starting up in two weeks.

What will you be reading this week?

So many books, so little time…

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