What I've been reading in September and October...

Hi there!  Thought I would share a quick update on my September and October reading because we are getting well into November already.  Amazing, right?  OK, I did read 20 books during September (8 books) and October (12 books).  I was happy about that.  My goal for 2026 is 100 books, but I'm not sure I'll hit that number.  We'll see.

I have been making my way through Jenn McKinlay's Cupcake Bakery Mysteries and actually read 11 of them during the Sept/Oct time period.  I don't read all that many mysteries that are considered 'cozies', but this one hit me just right over the fall period.  Yes, there were crimes and murders, but there are also some lovely sounding recipes and the characters are fun, talented in many ways, and are a big family who love each other and are there for each other.  There are 16 books in the series and I am about halfway through #16 right now.  It's called Fondant Fumble and it was published in 2024.  Jenn has a bunch of series and also writes standalone books, so not sure when or if there will be more, but I've had a good time reading them all.

I also read the first two books in Michael Connelly's new Catalina Island series.  The third book is coming out in 2027.  The first one is called Nightshade and the second is Ironwood.  We talked about Nightshade at Mystery Book Group in October.  I liked the books, maybe not as much as the Harry Bosch or Renee Ballard books, but I'm willing to give Detective Sergeant Stilwell a chance to grow more on me.  I will say that some 'familiar' faces do show up in the second book, which was a lot of fun.

I really enjoyed Jennifer Graeser Dornbush's latest in her 'Coroner's Daughter' series.  It's #6 and I was able to meet Jennifer at an author event last year at the Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale.  Lots of fun.  Jennifer is herself a 'coroner's daughter' and she was very interesting to listen to.  I have read all the books and I like the way Jennifer tells a story and like Dr. Emily Hartford, her main character.  Walking On White is a tale set in a snowstorm in Michigan and it has all the 'brrr' qualities plus some crimes.  Can't wait for the next!

Lastly, I'll talk about Lucy Foley's new 'Miss Marple' mystery, Murder At The Grand Alpine Hotel.  This continues the tales of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, her friend Dolly Bantry, and others as they visit a posh hotel in the Swiss Alps.  Naturally, there is a murder and a blizzard and multiple characters who could have 'done it'.  Ha!  Miss Marple has long been a favorite sleuth for me and I've read all the Christie books and stories about her.  I did like this one well enough.  No, Foley's Miss Marple isn't exactly the same, but that's OK.  It's a nice tribute to the Marple created by Dame Christie.  Would I read another Foley 'Miss Marple' book?  Yes, I would.  The author had some interesting things to say about her research.  It was nice to see Miss Marple get to explore a part of the world we hadn't seen her in.

OK, have you read any of these books or tried any others by these authors?  I'd love to know.  I'll hopefully be back next week to do another update.  Thanks for stopping by!