Where Is Your Bookmark: My Bookish Mewsings on Schooled in Murder & Other Friday Fun

This week I finished reading Victoria Gilbert's Schooled in Murder and wanted to share my thoughts on the book along with a of couple excerpts with you. 

Along with this mini review, I am linking to both Book Beginnings, a meme in which readers share the first sentence of a book they are reading, hosted by Gillion of Rose City Reader and First Line Friday hosted by Carrie of Reading is My Super Power, as well as Friday 56 hosted by Anne of My Head is Full of Books, in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading.  

I stumbled over several things in my thirty-two years of life, including my words and a few relationships, but never a dead body. [opening of Schooled in Murder]

               ★                    

Zach’s expression grew stony. “You’re still going to pursue that, despite the threats?” 

I looked him in the eyes and smiled. “Of course. Why else would I be here?” [excerpt from 56% of Schooled in Murder]

Schooled in Murder (Campus Sleuth Mystery #1) by Victoria Albert

Berkley, 2025; 304 pgs  

Mystery/Cozy

Source: The publisher via NetGalley

My thoughts: I read and enjoyed the first book in Victoria Gilbert’s Blue Ridge Library cozy mysteries, which I understand has a connection to this new series. Not having read more of that series didn’t stop me from enjoying Schooled in Murder, and I don’t really think reading one before the other is necessary. This new series is set around Virginia’s Clarion University, featuring mystery writer Jennifer Dalton who heads up the university’s writing center. She also happens to be a published mystery author, whose knowledge comes in handy when she decides to help clear the name of a student accused of murdering a professor on campus. Jenn teams up with her friend, Brianna, the school librarian, and Christine, a cafeteria manager, as well as the university’s psychologist, Zach Flynn, to solve the crime. Jenn and her co-amateur sleuths come up with a list of suspects, all of whom have various motives for wanting the professor dead. The investigation becomes even more complicated when another body is found, with everyone wondering if it is another murder or just an accident. There’s also the fact that someone doesn’t like that Jenn is sticking her nose where they don’t think it belongs. 

Schooled in Murder was an enjoyable cozy mystery with an interesting cast of characters. While not exactly trained in investigations, Jenn’s long standing mystery book series gives her a slight edge in knowing what to look for in their real life murder mystery she and her friends are now investigating. I really liked the inclusion of a cafeteria manager sidekick. She can provide a different perspective, not to mention may be able to get information others aren’t able to given how people seem to overlook those in service positions like hers. Despite there being plenty of suspects, Jenn never lost sight of the possibility that Mia, the student accused of the murder, could still be the killer, even if she didn’t want it to be true. I thought that was smart on Jenn’s part, trying to stay objective while acknowledging her own bias. She wasn’t without her blind spots though. I cannot say too much about the mystery itself without risk of spoiling the whodunit, but I will say there were aspects of the mystery that seemed pretty obvious, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the author did that on purpose. There’s something meta about a mystery author writing a mystery with a protagonist who is also a mystery writer.  

There is a thread of romance in the novel, which was well played. What starts out seeming to be annoyance with each other subtlety takes a more teasing note as the novel progresses, so when Jenn finally acknowledges her attraction to Zach, it comes naturally. The mystery was solid and had some tense moments. The university setting was a great backdrop for this story, touching on literary snobbery, misogyny, and a bit of academic politics.  I found it to be an entertaining read all around. I look forward to seeing what direction Victoria Gilbert takes the series next. (And maybe I should continue with the Blue Ridge Library cozy mysteries in the meantime!)

Does this sound like something you would enjoy? If you have read it, what did you think? 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. It is hosted by Linda Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell and Jen from That’s What I’m Talking About. Join in by answering this week's question in the comments or on your own blog.

What book have you most recently re-read? Did your opinion of the book change?

I re-read Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver in December to refresh my memory for a book club meeting that was held this month. I had initially read the hardcover version of the book over the summer and decided to revisit the story via audiobook the second time around. It’s the first time I have re-read a book in the same year (at least one that wasn’t a children’s book). I loved it both times.

I am close to finishing re-reading On the Edge by Ilona Andrews for Anne’s COYER Ilona Andrews' Edge and Inn Keeper read-a-long. I was not as smitten with On the Edge as I had been with the Kate Daniel series by Ilona Andrews, but I did enjoy it the first time around. It is not a book I likely would have picked to re-read had it not been for the read-along. But since the first time I read it was in 2010, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to refresh my memory. Surprisingly, I remember quite a bit of it! My opinion of the novel so far hasn’t changed too much, although I find myself more critical of some aspects and yet admiring the world building a little more.

Are you a re-reader? What was the most recent book you re-read? 

Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.

Have you participated in Sheila’s FIRST BOOK OF THE YEAR? [submitted by Submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver’s Review]

I did not this year, but I have in the past, including convincing my husband and daughter to join in a couple of years in a row and even my mom one year. Sharing with other readers what book we plan to read first in the new year is a fun tradition to be a part of. I love seeing what books everyone else starts the year off with! 

Do you participate in the First Book of the Year event? What was your first book of the year?

 I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!

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© 2025 Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Goals and Plans for 2025

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely Jana at The Artsy Reader Girl.

This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic is Bookish Goals and Plans for 2025. I thought I would keep in simple this year, but it appears I may be biting off more than I can chew. The fun is in the reading though, and if I meet my goals it's a bonus!

Read more nonfiction ~ I am joining Shellyrae at Book'd Out in her 2025 Nonfiction Reading Challenge as a Nonfiction Grazer. I plan to read (and review) at least six nonfiction books this year.  Some of the books I am considering include: 

Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times by Gregory Boyle
Our Moon: How Earth's Celestial Companion Transformed the Planet, Guided Evolution, and Made Us Who We Are by Rebecca Boyle

Gender Queer: A Memoir by Angela Cartwright

Finding Me by Viola Davis

Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America's Suburbs by Benjamin Herold

I've Tried Being Nice: Essays by Ann Leary
Unbecoming a Lady: The Forgotten Sluts and Shrews Who Shaped America by Therese Oneill
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan

Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City by Jane Wong

Read at least three books my daughter recommends to me ~ Mouse and I have very similar tastes in books, and I can't wait to see what she picks for me again this year.

Continue catching up on my series reading project ~ A never-ending project considering how many series I am in the middle of and all the news ones I start. Last year I told myself I would catch up with both Kim Harrison's Hollows series (as of right now, I need to read 3 books to catch up) and Shannon Messenger's Keeper of the Lost Cities series (I am two behind), which I did not manage to do. I am closer though at least. This year I for sure will do it. That is, if my daughter will let me read her copy of Unraveled (Keeper of the Lost Cities #9.5). I am also interested in the COYER Ilona Andrews' Edge and Inn Keeper read-a-long hosted by Anne of Books of My Heart. I have read a few of the books in the two series, but look forward catching up with them, and maybe re-visit a few of the books along the way. Unfortunately, chances of my being able to participate in the group discussions are slim due to scheduling, but it's still a good excuse to finally get caught up! 

Read and review my TBR List Poll winner each month ~ At the beginning of each month, I list three books from my TBR for you to vote on, and then I read the winner. It's fun to see which book my blog visitors pick of the three choices each month. This past year I didn't always get around to reviewing the books I read, but this year I will make more of an effort to do so.

Book Clubs ~ I am declaring this year as my Year of Book Clubs. It's true that I have a propensity to overcommit as evidenced by the many years I overdid it on reading challenges (but they all sound so good!). And as a mood reader who has difficulty sticking to reading plans and lists, you'd think I would have learned my lesson. I join one book club at the local bookstore and enjoy the experience so much that suddenly I want to join them all. I am not joining them all. But there are four I would like to be a part of, time and schedule (and mood) allowing. I am not sure this is a goal as much as a plan, hence the addition of "plan" to the topic title.

Historical Book Club ~ I joined this group through my local independent bookstore last fall. It is a small group, so far just three of us, but as someone who leans towards shy around people I don't know well, it proved to be the perfect starter size. (Upcoming reads: Temple of Fortuna by Elodie Harper, The Reformatory by Tananarive Due, and Ida, In Love and Trouble by Veronica Chambers)

Mystery Book Club ~ Because I love mysteries. (Upcoming reads: Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen, The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett, and Murder by Degrees by Ritu Mukerji)

Cellar Door Book Club ~ I joined this group for their October meeting and look forward to reading more with them. (Upcoming reads: The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende, and Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt)

Diverse Romance Book Club ~ I was on the fence about this one simply because four book clubs is a lot and, while I enjoy romance, it's not often my go to genre (although one can argue it has become one of them in recent years). After attending my first meeting of the group last week though and enjoying the company and discussion, I want to try to fit it in too. (Upcoming reads: Hearts UnBroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith and The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava)

Bookish Bingo ~ I thought it would be fun this year to take part in Chapter Break Bookish Bingo, matching the books I read to the categories on the monthly bingo card. "The monthly winner will be the person with the most marked squares. None of that across, diagonal, up and down, corners stuff. Just the number of squares." It is just something fun to do without any real pressure. And it might help in those moments when I am not sure what to read next.  

Storygraph and Goodreads Goal ~ To read one book. I did it! Go me!

 What are your reading goals and plans for this year?  

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© 2025, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Weekly Mewsings: Wind and Fires, Book Clubs & Reviews

I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer and The Sunday Salon (TSS) hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz  where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. I am also linking It's Monday! What Are you Reading? hosted by Kathryn of Book Date where readers talk about what they have been, are and will be reading.

Texts, messages, and phone calls from distant friends and relatives have been coming in all week asking if my family is safe from the fires in Southern California. We are, fortunately. Seeing photos and videos of the devastation in and around L.A. County is horrific. So much loss. Firefighters from all over, including other countries, have come to help the local firefighters. Their efforts are greatly appreciated and they are in our thoughts constantly. I can't help but think of those who have lost their lives, have been displaced, and all those animals . . . It breaks my heart. There are also stories of people coming together, offering support, and doing what they can to try and ease of some the misery these fires have caused. Those stories give us a glimpse of hope amidst the tragedies. 

On a much smaller scale, my county is on high fire alert due to the high winds and dry brush. Parts of the county have been without power for days due to preemptive shut downs because of the fire risk. Fortunately, our neighborhood wasn't impacted by the power outages, but businesses and neighborhoods just down the road from us and some of our friends and coworkers in the town over cannot say the same. We are expecting the Santa Ana winds to pick back up again today and, I imagine, threats of continued and new power outages are coming. 

Otherwise, it was a fairly normal week for me and my husband with work and school for Mouse. The cats took it easy, although I did hear them chasing each other around the house not to long ago.

What have you been up to? For those of you suffering through extreme weather conditions, please be safe and check in so we know you are okay. 

My slow read of the month is Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande, which I am stretching out over the month. It is just as good as those of you who have read it told me it was. With aging mothers and my husband and I getting up there in years, it is a timely read. 

On my e-reader, I am reading Schooled in Murder (Campus Sleuth Mysteries #1) by Victoria Gilbert. I have enjoyed other books by the author and am not surprised I am liking this one too!

What are you reading right now?

My TBR List was the idea of Michelle at Because Reading, and while Michelle has not been hosting this monthly event for some time now, it's one of my favorite traditions that I cannot bring myself to give up. It's just too much fun! The 1st Saturday of every month, I will list 3 books from my TBR pile I am considering reading and let you vote for my next read during that month. My review will follow (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise).

Thank you to everyone who voted in this month's TBR List Poll. I am glad I let you choose between these three great titles for me because I was having such a hard time deciding for myself. Regardless of which book won, I still plan to read the other two at some point down the road. 

Twenty-seven people weighed in and The Mystery Guest (Molly the Maid #2) by Nita Prose won with 14 of the votes, followed by Misery Hates Company (Marigold Manners #1) by Elizabeth Hobbs with 9 votes, and 4 votes went to After the Ocean by Lauren E. Rico. I really enjoyed the first book in Nita Prose's series and look forward to reading The Mystery Guest. It's up next!

Thank you to everyone for voting in this month's TBR List poll!

What are you reading next? 

I finished a record (for me) three books this past week: 

Sandwich by Catherine Newman, narrated by Nan McNamara

Harper Audio, 2024

Fiction, 5hr 43min (236 pgs)

Source: Library

From the beloved author of We All Want Impossible Things, a moving, hilarious story of a family summer vacation full of secrets, lunch, and learning to let go.

For the past two decades, Rocky has looked forward to her family’s yearly escape to Cape Cod. Their humble beach-town rental has been the site of sweet memories, sunny days, great meals, and messes of all kinds: emotional, marital, and—thanks to the cottage’s ancient plumbing—septic too.

This year’s vacation, with Rocky sandwiched between her half-grown kids and fully aging parents, promises to be just as delightful as summers past—except, perhaps, for Rocky’s hormonal bouts of rage and melancholy. (Hello, menopause!) Her body is changing—her life is, too. And then a chain of events sends Rocky into the past, reliving both the tenderness and sorrow of a handful of long-ago summers.

It's one precious week: everything is in balance; everything is in flux. And when Rocky comes face to face with her family’s history and future, she is forced to accept that she can no longer hide her secrets from the people she loves. [Publisher's Summary]

This was my first book narrated by Nan McNamara, and she did a wonderful job capturing the voice of Rocky. I felt like I was right there on the beach with Rocky, as a friend, listening to her share her memories and her hopes and fears for her children, husband, aging parents, and herself. Rocky's story resonated with me. She is not much older than I am. As the daughter of a senior parent and the mother of a teen, I could relate to so much of what she was going through. I cannot tell you the number of times I cried out, "Yes!" when she described the challenges of menopause, both physical and mental, because I am right there too. I have read articles and an entire book about menopause, but nothing has hit home quite as much as Sandwich did. 

While Rocky's two children are out of the nest and mine is about to enter high school, I could appreciate the waves of nostalgia that came over her with the growing independence of our children as they move on with their lives without their us. I wanted more from Rocky in terms of her relationship with her husband, Nick, feeling at times he got the short end of the stick. But how true is that in many families with children? It was realistic, even if I would have liked for something more. I really like Nick and how supportive he was of Rocky and all she was going through. With all her doubts and even the secrets she kept from him, he stands by her. On the other end is seeing our parents age and trying to figure out exactly what our role is in that. Fortunately my mother is honest and open with me about her health issues, while, in the book, Rocky discovers her parents haven't entirely been with her on that front. Author Catherine Newman adeptly captures the dichotomy of the person in the middle--both the child and the mother at the same time. 

There were aspects of the novel I was less enamored with, including storylines I wish had been explored more or perhaps differently, but overall, I really liked the book. This is more of a character driven novel that is likely not to appeal to everyone. It is the story of a middle-aged woman reflecting on her life, both the present and past. I enjoyed getting to know her family through Rocky's eyes as much as I did getting to know her.  by Sandwich had me laughing and crying throughout. I am glad I took a chance on it. 

Million Dollar Demon (The Hollows #15) by Kim Harrison
Ace, 2021
Fantasy; 464 pgs
Source: From the Publisher via NetGalley

To save the city, Rachel Morgan will need to show some teeth in the next Hollows novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison.

The new master vampire of Cincinnati has arrived . . . and she wants Rachel Morgan out. No matter where Rachel goes, Constance is there—threatening Rachel's allies, causing city-wide chaos, and, to add insult to injury, even forcing Rachel out of her current quarters. Ever since Rachel found a way to save the souls of vampires, the old undead's longtime ascendancy has been broken. Now Constance sees eliminating Rachel as the key to consolidating her own power.

Rachel has no desire to be enthralled or killed—and she's terrified of what may become of the city if Constance forces a return to the ancient ways. But even a witch-born demon can't stand against the old undead—at least, not alone. And if Rachel refuses to claim the role of Cincinnati's master demon, the city will tear itself apart, taking her and all those who stand beside her with it. [Publisher's Summary]

Million Dollar Demon wasn't quite as action-packed as previous novels in the series, but my favorite witch demon got no reprieve from having to be on top of her game in this 15th installment. Rachel considers herself a loner and does not want to be anyone's leader nor does she want to put her friends at risk. She is the kind of person who will try to take everything and everyone on herself before she asks for help, even when her friends and supporters are practically falling over themselves to support her. I love the high energy of this series and I am quite attached to the characters. I miss Ivy, but I have enjoyed getting to know the newer side characters. And it's always good to spend time with Jenks and David. I continue to be impressed with Kim Harrison's world building in this series and can count on each book to thoroughly entertain me. 

The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang
Mira, 2024
Fantasy/Historical; 312 pgs
Source: Own TBR

“What if I told you that the feeling we call love is actually the feeling of metaphysical recognition, when your soul remembers someone from a previous life?”

In the year 4 BCE, an ambitious courtier is called upon to seduce the young emperor—but quickly discovers they are both ruled by blood, sex and intrigue.

In 1740, a lonely innkeeper agrees to help a mysterious visitor procure a rare medicine, only to unleash an otherworldly terror instead.

And in present-day Los Angeles, a college student meets a beautiful stranger and cannot shake the feeling they’ve met before.

Across these seemingly unrelated timelines woven together only by the twists and turns of fate, two men are reborn, lifetime after lifetime. Within the treacherous walls of an ancient palace and the boundless forests of the Asian wilderness to the heart-pounding cement floors of underground rave scenes, our lovers are inexplicably drawn to each other, constantly tested by the worlds around them.

As their many lives intertwine, they begin to realize the power of their undying love—a power that transcends time itself…but one that might consume them both.

An unpredictable roller coaster of a debut novel, The Emperor and the Endless Palace is a genre-bending romantasy that challenges everything we think we know about true love. [Publisher's Summary]

When I found out the Diverse Romance Book Club at the local independent bookstore I frequent was going to be reading and discussing The Emperor and the Endless Palace at their January meeting, I decided to pull it off my TBR shelf and give it a try. I had been putting off reading it because I had read a few reviews about it that gave me pause. And I have to admit, after reading the first two chapters, I nearly did call it quits. What was I in for, I asked myself. But I kept going and am glad I did. 

I am also very glad I decided to attend the book club discussion because this is one of those books that left me with questions and thoughts that I wanted to discuss with others. We all seemed to have similar thoughts on the book. While only one of us gave it a full thumbs up, most of us were somewhere in the middle. 

The three narratives, although seemingly separate, had common threads throughout them. The idea of two people linked by fate and love, reincarnated through several lifetimes may not be a new one, but it was interesting to see the direction author Justinian Huang took it. The first story, of the emperor and the accountant are based on real historical figures (a love that brought down the first Han Dynasty). Other characters from that story were also real life people. The history buff in me could not help but go down that rabbit hole for awhile. The second story is based on a classic folktale written in the 1700's by Pu Songling. It was actually this story that initially hooked me  in the novel. I have a soft sport for fox spirit stories, of which this is one. The third story is set in modern day Los Angeles, a mix of glamor and raves, eventually taking us to Thailand. 

It is hard to say which story was my favorite among the three. It started out as the middle story. I felt terrible for He Shican, especially when his father turned him out because of his interaction with another man. And then that awful betrayal that came later that made me so mad. But somewhere along the way, I became more attached to Dong Xian and Liu Xin's story. How much of this well-manufactured plan of the Grand Empress Dowager Fu's would come to fruition? And what of the intimidating Commander Jujun, who was always hovering? River, from the present day story, though, was perhaps my favorite of the characters introduced (and Calvin, one of those characters you like so much you hope won't turn out to be bad). I wanted to get to know his sister more--but alas, she wasn't the focus of the story (I heard a rumor she may be a protagonist in the next book). River comes across the mysterious Joey at a party, and, as a result, finds himself in dangerous situations as he attempts to find out more about the elusive but very attractive man. 

The author doesn't make it obvious which of the two lovers are who within each story, although sometimes it was more clear to see than at other times. Much of the book club discussion centered around discussing the connections of the various characters, even beyond the two main ones, and also other themes throughout the book. There's mention of a curse, which we all felt left us with more questions than answers. 

I came away from The Emperor and the Endless Palace appreciating the overall novel. Each of the stories examines love, betrayal and heartache. This novel is spicy, although not as much as you might think after reading the opening chapters. One of the questions raised during the book group was if this really counts as a romance novel because, well, at the risk of spoiling the novel, it doesn't have the happy ending romances are known for. Perhaps there will be another book that will provide that happy ending? Or maybe not. As one member suggested, perhaps the happy ending we would expect is not the same as the happy ending that the characters see for themselves. 

If you haven't yet, check out my thoughts on A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara!

Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think? 

My family and I have resumed our watching of Doctor Who, completing season 14, and started Agatha All Along, which I am excited about finally seeing. 

What have you been watching lately?

Following in the footsteps of Deb of Readerbuzz, who shares three good things in her Sunday Salon posts, I thought I would try to do the same. With all the worries and stressors in life, I want to highlight some of the good, even the seemingly small stuff. 

1. I met my Storygraph and Goodreads goal of reading one book for the year. Yay!

2. Our communal mailbox had been broken into sometime in the last week or two, which means I having to drive out to the main post office to pick up the mail. It's not close and with work and school, getting there when it's open is a challenge. Our mail person surprised us yesterday by delivering almost two week's worth of mail to us. I'm pretty sure it was because we had a few packages that wouldn't have fit in our mailbox anyway, but it was still really nice of them. 

3. I attended my first Diverse Romance Book Club meeting at the local indie bookstore, where we discussed Justinian Huang's The Emperor and the Endless Palace. Tomorrow I will be attending another of the store's many book clubs; the group will be talking about Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. I am really looking forward that discussion as it was my top read of 2024. 

I hope you have a great week! Let me know what you have been reading!

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© 2025, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.n.

Where Is Your Bookmark: My Bookish Mewsings on A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer & Other Friday Fun

Along with this mini review, I am linking to both Book Beginnings, a meme in which readers share the first sentence of a book they are reading, hosted by Gillion of Rose City Reader and First Line Friday hosted by Carrie of Reading is My Super Power, as well as Friday 56 hosted by Anne of My Head is Full of Books, in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading.  

I tapped the address on my file with the lid of the pen I'd been chewing on. [opening of A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer]

               ★                    

My apartment was trashed. Not in its usual untidy way, but in a way that said someone had been here rummaging through my things, making my mess into their own mess. Even the air smelled different; tinted with something light and fruity.  

. [excerpt from 56% of A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer] 

 

A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer (S.C.Y.T.H.E Mystery #1) by Maxie Dara

Berkley, 2024; 352 pgs  

Mystery/Paranormal/Cozy

Source: The publisher via NetGalley

Sometimes it takes working with the dead to start living.

Kathy Valence is forty-two, mid-divorce, and pregnant with her ex's baby. She's also a modern-day grim reaper employed by S.C.Y.T.H.E. (Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences), but frankly that's the easiest part of her life right now. Or at least it was, until her latest client's soul goes missing.

When she finally tracks down seventeen-year-old Conner Ortiz, he angrily denies he died of natural causes, despite what his file says. He insists that someone at S.C.Y.T.H.E. murdered him, and he demands Kathy find out who and why.

Kathy has only forty-five days to figure out what happened to Conner and help him move on before the boy's soul is doomed to roam the Earth as a ghost forever. She’s forced to rely on the help of her retired mentor, her almost ex-husband—and some sneaky moves by Conner himself. This is the wildest case of her career. . .and one wrong move could cost Kathy her job, not to mention her life.

My thoughts: If the cover and title weren't enough to convince me to read this one, a grim reaper protagonist definitely did the trick. I took to Kathy right away. She's rather unassuming and ordinary in some respects. The kind of person that the wrong people might underestimate. Which, of course, they do in this mystery, which I found well plotted with the right amount of action and intrigue. I especially enjoyed seeing the bond between Conner and Kathy grow once Conner realized Kathy wasn't the enemy and that she really was going to help him find out who killed him. I enjoyed the banter between the two characters. Kathy becomes the mother that Conner wishes he'd had when he was alive. 

Kathy isn't the kind of person who normally steps outside the rules, but she has a good heart and a strong sense of what is right. The reader sees Kathy come into her own in this novel, not just in her role as a grim reaper, but also in her personal life. She's been holding her soon to be ex-husband at arm's length their entire relationship, loving him, but keeping a big part of herself, including her career, from him. She's afraid if he knows the truth about her, if he sees the real Kathy, he will be disappointed. Simon was one of my favorite characters in the novel. He isn't perfect, but he only wants Kathy to be happy. As Kathy comes to terms with becoming a mother, trying to find out the mystery behind Conner's death, and save Conner's soul, I was completely taken in by this funny and heartwarming mystery. The paranormal elements only added to my enjoyment of it. I cannot wait to read what the author comes out with next.

Does this sound like something you would enjoy? If you have read it, what did you think? 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. It is hosted by Linda Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell and Jen from That’s What I’m Talking About. Join in by answering this week's question in the comments or on your own blog.

What are your blogging/reading goals for the new year? 

I am refraining from making any specific blogging goals this year. I hope to actually post reviews of most of the books I read and perhaps blog a little more regularly, but I make no promises. I am still considering my reading goal options this year and hope to have something ready to post by Tuesday. I do know I want to give Chapter Break Bookish Bingo a try, and this seems like the perfect time to jump in. It looks like fun and is easy to do. I am not so much aiming to complete the entire board, just see where my reading takes me and hopefully cross out some of the categories along the way. 

Have you ever played Bookish Bingo before?  What are your blogging and reading goals this year? 

Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.

January is National Hobby Month. Do you have any pastimes or interests other than reading that go well with your love of books and literature? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

Does book blogging count? And book clubs? Both go well with reading, especially if I get to talk about the books I read. I like seeing the books I read on the little and big screen--or even on stage--whether to compare or just to see the stories brought to life in other formats.  I also really like listening to music--which is a form of poetry if you think about it--the lyrics and/or the notes telling a story all of their own. I enjoy and take comfort in journaling, whether about books or life or writing a poem. I have a small collection of book related items--gifts that have been given to me mostly. Earrings or a necklace with the quote from a favorite book, or perhaps a sticker with the same. Images of cats holding or sitting on books, maybe in the form of a figurine. I mean, cats and books do go well together, after all! I have book related Christmas ornaments and t-shirts. Even a baseball cap letting everyone know Pemberley is the place to be. I may not be a risk taker, but interest wise, I do like learning new things as well as exploring the past through history. I would love to someday travel to more book-related places around the world. I enjoy traveling. I enjoy seeing art and taking in the world around me. There are stories everywhere. Inside and outside of books. 

What are some of your interests and hobbies outside of reading yet fit in well with your beloved books? 

 I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!

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© 2025 Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Weekly Mewsings: Wishing You a Happy New Year (Please Vote in my January TBR Poll!)

I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer and The Sunday Salon (TSS) hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz  where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. I am also linking It's Monday! What Are you Reading? hosted by Kathryn of Book Date where readers talk about what they have been, are and will be reading.

I am linking up Stacking the Shelves hosted by Marlene of Reading Reality a meme in which participants share what new books came their way recently.  

Happy New Year! I am not sure I am ready for 2025, but here we are. My husband and I enjoyed dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and then spent a quiet New Year's Eve together. Mouse was off celebrating with a couple of friends. Anjin and I caught sight of the fireworks lighting the night sky as we drove to pick up Mouse shortly after midnight. It was back to work all too soon for us after the holiday. 

I actually posted this week! If you haven't already, check out my 2024: A Year In Review post. You might also be interested in my other recent posts: 

Where Is Your Bookmark: My Bookish Mewsings on The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco & Other Friday Fun

Books Read in 2024 (by rating)

First Sentences 2024

I am still considering possible reading goals for this year. They will likely include book clubs and adding more nonfiction to my reading. 

What have you been up to? Did you do anything special to bring in the New Year? 

Finished Recently:

On my e-reader ~ The House with the Golden Door (Wolf Den Trilogy #2) by Elodie Harper

From the library ~ Neon  Gods (Dark Olympus #1) by Katee Robert, narrated by Zara Hampton-Brown & Alex Moorcock

Reading Now: 

On my e-reader ~ Million Dollar Demon (The Hollows #15) by Kim Harrison

From the library ~ Sandwich by Catherine Newman, narrated by Nan McNamara

Print ~ Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande

Print ~ The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang

What are you reading right now?

My TBR List was the idea of Michelle at Because Reading, and while Michelle has not been hosting this monthly event for some time now, it's one of my favorite traditions that I cannot bring myself to give up. It's just too much fun! The 1st Saturday of every month, I will list 3 books from my TBR pile I am considering reading and let you vote for my next read during that month. My review will follow (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise).

Welcome to a new year of reading! I always struggle with which books to choose for each month's poll, trying to guess my reading mood ahead of time and make it fun for you as well. I am leaning toward a mystery and these three sound especially appealing right now. Which one do you think I should read? 

Misery Hates Company (Marigold Manners #1) by Elizabeth Hobbs

A young woman is invited to a mysterious relative’s estate and winds up entangled in a murder investigation in this witty historical mystery that pits the gothic eeriness of Crimson Peak against the comic absurdities of Cold Comfort Farm.

Miss Marigold Manners may be steeped in the etiquette of her old-money, Boston family, but she is also an accomplished, modern woman and an avid student of archaeology who can handle any situation with poise. When the death of her parents leaves her too destitute to pursue her academic career and she receives a letter from a distant relative on Great Misery Island, Marigold decides she must do what any person of superior sense and greater-than-average curiosity she mounts her trusty bicycle and heads up the craggy, fog-shrouded coast of New England for a date with fate. Marigold arrives at Hatchet Farm, a moldering, gothic pile of a house inhabited by relatives so mired in the sins of the past, they have no future. She sets out to modernize the recluses with a brisk, ruthless efficiency, but her well-intentioned plans to manage their lives leads to malice—and murder. When Ellery Hatchet is found dead in the garden of the estate, Marigold finds herself accused. She must enlist the help of an eccentric, colorful cast of friends and found family to save herself—and everything she holds dear. As secrets are uncovered and lies exposed, the question of “who done it” turns into “who didn’t do it?”, and Marigold must face a truth that shatters her steely poise and shakes her very sense of self. [Publisher synopsis]

 

After the Ocean by Lauren E. Rico

How do you find your way back when you’ve left yourself behind? A painful unsolved mystery resurfaces after decades of confusion, sending one woman and her daughters on a journey of redemption in this emotional story about intergenerational trauma, family, and the beauty of Puerto Rico for fans of Nina LaCour, Xochitl Gonzalez, Elizabeth Acevedo, Annette Chavez Macias, and Julia Alvarez.

Thirty years ago, young music student Emilia Oliveras married her dream man. Their Caribbean honeymoon cruise was idyllic—until the night Paul disappeared from their ship, presumed drowned. Reeling from loss, Emilia was horrified when his wealthy, vindictive family tried to railroad her as a gold-digging murderer. She escaped home to Puerto Rico and then across the country, where she became Emily Oliver, suburban wife and mother of two. Still, the trauma and secrets of her past ruined her second marriage, and created a disconnect with, and between, her grown daughters, Meg and Gracie. But now, a mysterious phone call suggests Paul alive and well . . . Emilia immediately delves into a search, no matter the cost. Unknown to her, Meg and Gracie are following close behind, each on a search of her own. . . . A gifted musician, Meg wants to understand why she's always felt like an imposter, raising self-sabotage to an art form. And Gracie, soon to discover that she’s Paul’s daughter, is fleeing yet another shattered relationship, hoping the truth can shed light on her choices. As Karen and her daughters’ paths converge, they will be forced to see each other anew, reconcile their mistakes and misunderstandings, and find a way to forgiveness—for a chance to both uncover Paul’s fate, and shape their futures on their own terms . . . [Publisher synopsis]

 

The Mystery Guest (Molly the Maid #2) by Nita Prose

Molly Gray is not like anyone else. With her flair for cleaning and proper etiquette, she has risen through the ranks of the glorious five-star Regency Grand Hotel to become the esteemed Head Maid. But just as her life reaches a pinnacle state of perfection, her world is turned upside down when J. D. Grimthorpe, the world-renowned mystery author, drops dead—very dead—on the hotel’s tearoom floor.

When Detective Stark, Molly’s old foe, investigates the author’s unexpected demise, it becomes clear that this death was murder most foul. Suspects abound, and everyone wants to know: Who killed J. D. Grimthorpe? Was it Lily, the new Maid-in-Training? Or was it Serena, the author’s secretary? Could Mr. Preston, the hotel’s beloved doorman, be hiding something? And is Molly really as innocent as she seems?

As the high-profile death threatens the hotel’s pristine reputation, Molly knows she alone holds the key to unlocking the killer’s identity. But that key is buried deep in her past, as long ago, she knew J. D. Grimthorpe. Molly begins to comb her memory for clues, revisiting her childhood and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion where she and her dearly departed Gran once worked side by side. With the entire hotel under investigation, Molly must solve the mystery posthaste. Because if there’s one thing she knows for sure, it’s that secrets don’t stay buried forever. [Publisher synopsis]

Thank you to everyone for voting in this month's TBR List poll!

What are you reading next? 

My family was good to me this year. I got several books for Christmas, both print and e-books: 

The Empire of Gold (The Davevabad Trilogy #3) by S.A. Chakraborty

Apprentice to the Villain (#2) by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Exit Strategy (Murderbot Diaries #4) by Martha Wells

Fugitive Telemetry (Murderbot Diaries #6) by Martha Wells

The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, illustrated by H.J. Kihl (graphic novel originally published in 1947)

Unbecoming a Lady: The Forgotten Sluts and Shrews Who Shaped America by Therese O'Neill, illustrated by Lisa Jonté

The Dead Take the A Train (Carrion City #1) by Cassandra Khaw & Richard Kadrey

I've Tried Being Nice by Ann Leary

Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City by Jane Wong

The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman

Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think? 

My husband and I recently watched Cross, based on James Patterson's Alex Cross suspense/thriller series, and thought the series was very well done. We found ourselves needing to take a break from it in between episodes though because the subject matter was so disturbing. I expected that though, having read several books in the series years ago. We are currently in the middle of watching the third season of Lincoln Lawyer, based on Michael Connelly's Mickey Haller books. It continues to be one of our favorite television shows. 

What have you been watching lately?

Following in the footsteps of Deb of Readerbuzz, who shares three good things in her Sunday Salon posts, I thought I would try to do the same. With all the worries and stressors in life, I want to highlight some of the good, even the seemingly small stuff. 

1. Mouse introduced Anjin and me to the musical concept album Epic by Jorge Rivera-Herrans, which is based on Homer's Odyssey; the three of us have been listening to it together. It's really good, and I recommend it! 

2. I re-organized my bookshelves and donated books to my mom's community library. Any she isn't able to take will go to the public library. I always find it hard to give up books, but it also brings some relief. Not to mention, I like the process of organizing my shelves.

3. When I was looking into getting a library card from a neighboring county to see if I could get access to Libby (California allows state residents to get library cards anywhere in the state, although some you have to go to in person), I discovered that my county now offers access to the app too. They had gotten rid of it in 2023. Perhaps enough people complained and they decided to offer it again? Whatever the reason, I am grateful for another avenue to get books. I have been happy with Hoopla and Cloud Library, but it's nice to have another option!

Nina and the pink cat

I hope you have a great week! Let me know what you have been reading!

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© 2025, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.