I'm excited to say that I've decided to join the 12th Annual Canadian Book Challenge. Yes, it's well on it's way (see below), but I think I can read 13 Canadian books by the end of June, 2019. My inspiration was Tracy at Bitter Tea and Mystery.
1. What is the Canadian Book Challenge?
Created by John Mutford at the Book Mine Set a decade ago and hosted by him for its first 10 years, the Canadian Book Challenge is an annual online reading challenge in which participants from Canada and around the world aim to read and review 13 or more Canadian books in a one year span: Canada Day to Canada Day. Reviews must be posted online and participants are asked to share links to their reviews with other participants. This event is now hosted by Melwyk at The Indextrious Reader.
There is more info in the FAQ on the official page. Check it out if it sounds like something you'd like to do.
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After I read Tracy's post, I decided to take a quick look on my Kindle and also on a couple of websites to see what Canadian books I might have lurking. I did remember that 'the biggie' for me would be Louise Penny's new book, Kingdom of the Blind, (already preordered).
Also, I recently read Judy Penz Sheluk's 1st Marketville Mystery, Skeletons in the Attic. The 2nd book in the series, Past & Present, has just come out. Set in Canada and I already own it! That works.
I thought of Entry Island by Peter May, which I could reread. I could also reread Vicki Delany's Molly Smith books, set in British Columbia. Sadly, I don't think Vicki's going to be writing any more of those.
There are several mystery series set in Canada that I've meant to try (I'm listing the first book):
Kelley Armstrong's Casey Duncan Books - City of the Lost
Barbara Fradkin's Amanda Doucette Books - Fire in the Stars
Maureen Jennings' William Murdoch Books - Except the Dying
Inger Ash Wolfe's Hazel Micallef Books - The Calling
R.J. Harlick's Meg Harris Books - Death's Golden Whisper
M.J. McGrath's Edie Kiglatuk Books - White Heat
By the way, the Left Coast Crime Mystery Conference (which I'm not going to be able to attend, though I'd love to) will be in Vancouver, Canada in March of 2019. It's called Whale of a Crime. Lots of good authors will be attending!
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I haven't even started thinking of books that aren't mysteries, but I know that there would be many of them. I'm going to have fun with this and hope you'll all enjoy my Canadian journey. Who knows where I might end up?
I think this is going to be a lot of fun with both you and Tracy doing this too. I've bookmarked this post as there are some series there which I think I might want to look into. I've ordered a couple of non-fiction books to read as well after surfing Goodreads last night. My shelf on there has taken on a life of its own. LOL!
ReplyDeleteThe Mystery Conference in Vancouver would be wonderful. A dream trip would be to ride the Canadian Pacific to get to it. Dream on.
Yes, I wish you could attend the mystery conference. I wish I could. Ha! I agree that riding the train to get there - one day maybe. Good luck to you in filling your shelf on Goodreads.
DeleteHave fun with the challenge.
ReplyDeleteI definitely will.
DeleteDon't forge Brenda Chapman's Stonechild & Rouleau series! One of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteNoting that author and series down. Thanks, Jenclair.
DeleteHave fun with it, Kay. Sorry not to see you in Vancouver next year.
ReplyDeleteVicki!! Thanks for stopping by. I so wish I could attend in Vancouver, but it's just not in the cards this year. I do plan to try to come to San Diego in 2020. Won't make Malice this year either. Going to a conference with my husband instead. Sure I can't talk you into another Molly book? OK, cozies it is. :-)
DeleteOh, great choices! Some of my recent fave Canadian mysteries include the Inspector Ramirez series by Peggy Blair, the Eddie Dougherty series by John McFetridge, and the Lane Winslow series by Iona Whishaw. Glad to have you along on the Canadian Reading journey :)
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I do appreciate the time you take to head up this challenge. And I love the fact that you are suggesting additional books and series for me. With librarians, it is always the way, right?
DeleteI am very glad you decided to join in on this challenge. You have mentioned several series I had not heard of and some I have read (parts of). I would like to read more of Vicki Delany's Molly Smith series. I read the first book in Brenda Chapman's Stonechild & Rouleau series (mentioned by Jenclair) and I have the 2nd one -- Butterfly Kills. Right now I am reading Peter May's Entry Island.
ReplyDeleteI'm just delighted that you decided to join and rope Cath and I in with you. We will have a good time, right? Will look forward to what you think about Entry Island.
DeleteI was involved in this challenge a few times, but never read the whole amount. You probably know this, but Vicki D has a cozy series - the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't read the Anne of Green Gables books, I highly recommend them. Also, the late Stuart McLean did some wonderful writing. The Robert Rotenberg books are excellent! I loved Stuck by Stacey D. Atkinson. Kilmeny of the Orchard by Lucy Maud Montgomery - not an Anne book. Remembering the Bones by Frances Itani. And of course, Bachelor Brothers' Bed & Breakfast!!
Yes, I did know that Vicki had a Sherlock cozy series. I saw her talk about it at Malice Domestic last year on a Sherlock panel. It was a lot of fun. I have not read the Anne of Green Gables book - ever. Maybe now is the time to try them. And thanks for suggesting others.
DeleteSounds like fun! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI will, I will. :-)
DeleteOh what fun! Several of my favorite authors are from Canada (Louise Penny being one) and I'm looking forward to seeing who you read.
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought it sounded fun and several of these were books that I was thinking of reading or rereading anyway.
DeleteSounds like a fun challenge! I'm really looking forward to Louise Penny's new book, too!
ReplyDeleteI always want to immediately start her new books or hoard them, waiting a bit. It's a decision I make each time. LOL
DeleteI don't think I've ever joined this challenge and of course now I'm tempted! Unfortunately I don't think I've been doing all that great with my challenges this year. Anyway, I think you're going to love the Maureen Jennings series. I've read a few of her books and love them. I don't know why I haven't followed up with that series. Good luck with your challenge!
ReplyDeleteI've watched all the TV adaptation seasons about Murdoch. Wonder how I'll think the books compare. We shall see.
DeleteGood for you! I'm a bit interested, but right now my mind is on nonfiction, which seems to be a good distraction for some reason. I can't seem to focus on novels, but when I get back to them, I'd really like to spend some time reading Louise Penny's books. I've only read the first two and they were good, but they didn't pull me into to the series. I also want to reread Bachelor Brothers' Bed & Breakfast, which I'm hoping will give me a few laughs. I could always reread the Anne of Green Gables series, too. Hmmm... maybe I will give this challenge a try.
ReplyDeleteMaybe think about it in the new year. As to Louise Penny, I hope the overarching story will grab you, but I do know that not every series or book is for everyone. Right? LOL
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