Another month has passed and I feel like life has come to a standstill. I don’t really know why I have been feeling down lately, but I think it might be the weather combined with the fact that I’m still recovering from a rather nasty infection I had a few weeks ago. In any case, one thing remains the same; I’m reading a lot. More than usual because I don’t feel like doing anything else. I haven’t written anything new in weeks. I’m spending less and less time on social media. Books are the only thing that makes me happy right now. Sounds rather depressing when you say it out loud, but there it is. Anyway, I just wanted to post a quick update about what I have been reading in case someone is looking for a recommendation. And of course, you are welcome to share your reads with me. I love to hear from my followers and friends. Take care and be safe.
I started my month with one of my favorite books, Murder in Three Acts by Agatha Christie. If you have read my previous monthly updates, you know how much I know Hercule Poirot mysteries. They are my absolute favorite and this book is no exception.
Three seemingly unrelated deaths happen and now Hercule is on a quest to, not only find a link between them but also to unmask the killer. As he puzzle over this mystery, we get to know each character a little better, and when the truth is uncovered, it comes as a complete surprise. And very satisfying, I must add.
As a reader, I don’t actively try to solve the murder mystery as I read. Instead, I just lay back and let the lead detective do his work. Hercule Poirot has yet to disappoint me. I loved the way this book is written, enjoyed the mystery, and overall found it thoroughly entertaining. It’s a five stars read for me and I definitely recommend it to all mystery lovers, hoping you enjoy it as much as I have.
After that, I read three books in Hercule Poirot’s short stories. They are quick and fun mysteries. I often pick up one of these in between my main reads. Usually, I listen to the audiobooks of these. And my next main read was another one of Agatha Christie’s mysteries; One, Two, Buckle My Shoe. Yet another five stars read. I have noticed that I’m reading a lot of her books this year. Thankfully, she wrote so many that I still am not done with all of her works. A few of her other mysteries I read this month include; Sad Cypress, Short stories in The Labors of Hercules series (I think there are 12 or 13 short stories in this series), Evil Under the Sun, and Four and Twenty Blackbirds. Most of these books are four or five stars reads for me.
Other Murder Mysteries I Read in May
Agatha Christie is not the only mystery writer I love. I’m actually quite fond of murder mysteries, especially the cozy ones. In May, I discovered a few new-to-me authors. And read a few I already love and admire. North Western by Jordan Elizabeth is quite a unique murder mystery in the sense that it is also a ghost story. It’s set in the old West. I quite enjoyed the rural setting of the tale and loved how it unfolded; keeping me on my toes and second-guessing who the murderer might be. The end came as a surprise and overall, I think it’s a great story. Especially if you are looking for a quick and satisfying read, this is for you. A five stars book indeed.
A new mystery writer I discovered this month is Melissa Erin Jackson. A Facebook friend recommended her books to me. Some of them are available on Youtube as free audiobooks. I listened to three of her mystery books. I love how the main character is a modern-day witch. I also enjoyed the main character’s romantic entangles and family dynamics, but mostly, I loved the mystery side of the stories. The three books are; Pawsitively Poisonous, Pawsitively Cursed, and Pawsitively Secretive. There are two more books in the series and I’m looking forward to reading them. Each book is a complete mystery story but there is also an underlying story that continues. Still, you can read these as standalone.
Caught Witch Handed by Cathrine Waltan is another witchy mystery I read in May, but sadly, I didn’t enjoy it enough to recommend it. Then, there is Hex and the Single Girl by Valrie Frankel. Both books are fun reads, with romance and mystery. Not to mention interesting characters that will have you smiling.
My last mystery of the month was Murder on Girl’s Night Out by Anne George. This is another audiobook that I listened to on Youtube. I enjoyed the story but not enough to continue with the series.
Some Romance Novels, Too
I read five romance novels in May 2022. Two are religious romances and three are historicals. They are all interesting stories with likable characters. I gave them either four or five stars.
- Improper Relations by Janet Mullany
- Mr. Bishop and the Actress by Janet Mullany
- A Matter of Temptation by Stacy Reid
- A Love Song to Cherish by Josie Riviera
- Candleglow and Mistletoe by Josie Riviera
In May, I also read my very first graphic novel. I requested it on NetGalley mostly on a whim and I’m so glad that I did. Black Mass Rising by Theo Prasidis is a wonderful story with beautiful art by Judie Muir. It is supposed to be horror but I didn’t find it scary at all. I loved it for the supernatural/fantasy element. It’s a unique vampire story. The cover was the first thing that attracted me to this story. And I’m glad that I got to read it because it’s a great story with beautiful art. I am not a fan of Dracula. And still, I enjoyed this story. Loved the twist at the end. My only complaint is that it ended abruptly. I felt as if there should be more to this tale, and there might be. I’d definitely keep a lookout for a volume II. I gave it four out of five stars.
Finally, Wishtress by Nadine Brandes. This book is not out yet and I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley. This is my only Young Adult Fantasy read of the month. And it is amazing, and by that, I mean amazingly annoying. (Ops!) No, but seriously, I couldn’t find a single likable character in this whole thing. That doesn’t however, mean I didn’t like the story because I absolutely loved it. It’s a sad story set in a tragic world where people either have Talents or they want them. Why though, is anyone’s guess for it seems that having a Talent just makes your life all the more difficult and your choices all the more important. They will not only affect you but also the ones around you.
And in this twisted world, which is much like ours, there are two people with Talents trying to survive in the best possible way. Although they are not doing a very good job of it, that’s what the story is all about. It’s one of those beautiful tales that will make you cry and throw things at walls. So, get ready for an emotional ride. Every backstory is filled with tears. Every character is fighting in vain. Every figure of authority is cruel and power-hungry. And almost everyone is a hypocrite. Yet, among all of them are two souls who are constantly learning from their mistakes and attempting to do better. And they are the main characters. A Wishtress and a Talented. It’s their story and it’s wonderful in its own twisted way. I loved every minute of it and kept turning the pages until the end. And what an awesome ending it is, too. All in all, I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to all readers, especially those who are not afraid of a little darkness. Because only after you have endured it, you can reach the light that will last. It’s a five stars read for me.
I also re-read one of my own short stories. I do that often. I don’t know if I should love my books as much as I do, but sometimes I feel as if I’m writing for myself only. (Ops!) Check out The Mirror, a Snow White retelling.
I love reading more than anything else in the world. It’s very rare for me to go without reading, even when I’m busy with studies or work. I read every day, usually before going to bed. It’s just who I am. I eat and breathe books. I like to contemplate about all the things written on pages. There is nothing more beautiful than knowing that you’re not alone in the world, books give us that.
In addition to reading a lot, I also read everything, except non-fiction. I love novels, novelettes, novellas, short stories, and flash fictions. I love all kinds of books, paranormal, romance, historical, contemporary, psychological thrillers, murder mysteries, romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, chick-lits, steampunk, science fiction, young adult, new adult, adult, and everything in between. Usually, I switch between genres to keep things interesting.
Which is your favorite genre to read or write in?
Mines are the 
This is something I started doing fairly recently. I start more than one book at a time and then read them simultaneously. It helps me not to get bored when stories slow down. I read so much that for one book to hold my attention is just not possible unless it’s a quick read and I can finish it within a few hours.
I must confess, at times, I’m known to post about books on social media more than actually reading a book. It happens, I can’t help it. I follow a lot of authors and fellow readers and they post the most amazing book related stuff, it’s bound to get distract you from your reading. But, let’s face it, talking about books is a different kind of fun. Don’t you agree?
Have you ever noticed how reading makes you feel better? When I feel gloomy I pick up a romantic comedy and all my worries are forgotten. When I feel depressed I go out and shop for books and just like that, I’m a happy person once again. When I feel lonely I rearrange my bookshelves and time flies away. There is so much of my happiness that depends on books. I wonder if it’s a healthy thing or not? Then I decide, who really cares? As long as I have books to read I’m happy and time me, that is all that matters. Books for life!
Between The Pages Of A Book 