Chrissy

Having enjoyed the others in the series, I think you will enjoy Misty Falls, it has one or two potential tangents that could be explored a little in one of the later books (I'm hoping for at least a few more, ending with a huge Benedict plus others party!) . Stung is on my wishlist, and I will keep an eye on the price, so as soon as it drops a little it will be mine!

Thank you Muggle Not, that has gone straight to the top of my wish list (a.k.a will probably be bought soon list!). I have not read any of his books, although I know he has a good reputation, so I look forward to this.

9) We Were Liars by E Lockhart Although I am pretty sure that this is a YA novel, I felt it was one of those books that just happens to have young adults in it, and can be read as a book outside YA fiction. It is a story that unfurls around the central character of Cadence Sinclair, the oldest grandchild in the the wealthy and often petty Sinclair family, and their annual summer trip to the family island. The Guardian newspaper (UK) describes it as Without discussing the plot I think this just about sums it up. I had no clue as to what the story was about until I actually read it, which I think helped me enjoy it to it's fullest. You are compelled to read on as the hints and clues to what is going on and was going on are intriguing. It is beautifully written, being both descriptive and refreshing. And isn't the word Cadence wonderful as a name? ETA I had noted down a few of Cadence's description of her near aged cousins as I found them delightful; Mirren; Sugar, curiosity and rain. Johnny; Bounce, effort and snark Gat ; Contemplation and enthusiasm. Ambition and strong coffee.

5) Finding Sky (+ Challenging Zed) by Joss Stirling 6) Stealing Phoenix by Joss Stirling 7) Seeking Crystal by Joss Stirling 8) Misty Falls by Joss Stirling I thought I would jot a few words down that would pretty much cover all of the books I have read from Stirling's Savant series. I had bought the latest book, and decided to work my way through the series from the beginning just before I read the new one. I love the central premise of the books with the talents and connections. This idea being so captivating carries the stories along nicely, making them an enjoyable quick reading experience. They are each easily consumed YA books, I am not a fan of too much romance in my reading, but have found these aspects to be bearable in this series, as the romance bits tend to signal a resolution of sorts and lead onto or into action scenes where the newly formed / found relationship adds new aspects to the often action packed closing chapters. Finding Sky introduces us to the talented Benedict family and the world of Savants. Into this world enters Sky, with her shadowed and missing past. She sees the youngest Benedict, Zed as the school bad boy, but becomes inexplicably fascinated by him. Danger lurks nearby for the two when they finally get to know each other properly. Zed's talented family are targeted by an equally talented criminal family, who see Sky as an means of getting to them. Stealing Phoenix takes place in London where a Benedict brother finds himself the victim of a surprising thief. Without family since her mother died, Phoenix has learned not to trust and to keep her head down so as not to attract attention from anyone, especially those she lives with. Why and what has she been told to steal from this young man specifically? Seeking Crystal finds us with savant sisters living in Venice, one of whom considers herself to be a dud of sorts. When given the task of arranging a Hen Party, Crystal thinks she has made the the perfect sophisticated arrangements for her sister. So when she awakens on a Venetian island and discovers her fellow 'hens' are missing, there is a race against time to find them. Misty Falls allows the reader to taste the downside of savant life, when the talent of Misty makes her life often so very difficult, especially when she doesn't quite have the control over her talents as she (and her family) would hope. Someone is killing young savants, so the community are on high alert to keep their youngsters safe. The question is whether their talents will hep them in this or attract the wrong kind of attention. I especially enjoyed Misty Falls because it delved deeper into the variety of savant talents and what they can mean for the bearer. Additionally it looked at the darker side of the savant experience from a conspiracy theories through familial acceptance. I am looking forward to further books.

4) Five Red Herrings by Dorothy L Sayers Set in a community of resident and visiting artists in south west Scotland, a much loathed artist has been found dead. He has fallen out with so many it is tricky to work out who carried out the murder when so many had good motives. The holidaying Lord Peter gets himself involved in the action from its earliest stages, and is able to test his theories of who the murderer is alongside the local police. This is probably my least favourite of the series, but only because of a couple of chapters that endlessly it seems give the reader the various theories of the assembled group as to who did what, and how. The title itself is a give away as to why this is the case is tricky, with five men having great motives and awkward alibis.

I love Wil Wheaton, so this is going straight onto my wish list.

I'd have said it was more of a squidgy pancake than a hat.

3) Strong Poison by Dorothy L Sayers A great story that introduces us to Harriet Vane, the woman who unwittingly captures Lord Peter's heart. Phillip Boyes has died from Arsenic poisoning. He was, until very recently, the boyfriend of Harriet Vane but she had ended their relationship through anger and feelings of humiliation. Was she angry enough to kill him? He had visited her just before being taken seriously ill. Who would benefit from his death if it wasn't at the hand of Harriet? The cousin who shared every bit of his last meal? His publisher? Or perhaps the devoted friends, certain of his genius leading to great returns? If Lord Peter is to save Miss Vane he must get to the bottom of events. This is a wonderful story that makes good use of the female characters, even Harriet herself who claims only a handful of scenes in the book. There are twists and turns throughout, and some terrific peripheral characters pretty much in every chapter.

A photo of some beautiful flowers in a jar, sent with a loving message.

I hope that the doctors can sort this out for her Virginia.

I would suggest starting from the beginning. The regular characters develop across the books so it is nice to read that.

It feels like a great start Poppyshake, it really does. I do enjoy the Sayers' books, and it has been quite a few years since I read my way through them, so I am really enjoying doing this. I may make a detour or two en route though, just to shake it all up a bit. Vintage is a great word for the series I think, although I do consider Dorothy L Sayers pretty darned cool and modern in a lot of her writing, as her characters are defined by their well drawn personalities, their foibles and as much as their strengths and women are 'allowed' to be multi faceted beings. Having said that, the are occasions of 1920's language that talks of race, class and faith in terms that at the very least jar with one's sensibilities and beliefs. I guess these moments are at least not included to be deliberately controversial, but speak authentically of their time. I do recommend them, whether it's a vintage read or a decent crime read one is after.

Thanks Kay. 2) The Unpleasantness At The Bellona Club by Dorothy L Sayers I decided to head straight into another Lord Peter Wimsey story, so next in the series was this one. Following a visit with his dying sister, General Fentiman is found dead. The General had suffered with a heart condition for years, so surely his death was not a surprise? No one would have thought more of it had there not been a proviso in the wills that was dependent upon the timing of each death. Aside from the development of the plot and the characters in this 1928 novel, I found the many references to the Great War (World War One) both fascinating and touching. Sayers clearly had great sympathy and understanding for the post war suffering of those who served. It is a depth to the story that is unexpected but seamlessly included. (I have already started on my next Sayers book )

Great stuff! I adored Groot already (I even cheered when he kebabbed a line of baddies), but baby Groot? OMG!!!!!! In which case Gaia, I can honestly say "I am Groot!".

You caught me in the middle of changing it!

I just watched Guardians Of The Galaxy. It is 100% not something husband would want to watch, so I decided to watch it while he was not here. I went in with absolutely no knowledge or expectations - Loved it!

I hope you enjoy a wonderful reading year. Do you have any reading plans, or are you reading whatever takes your interest each time?

Thank you. I'm just pondering my next read now, so fingers crossed I get it right!

1) Lord Peter Views The Body by Dorothy L Sayers Nine short stories with Lord Peter at the centre of each. They vary in length, and none are entirely predictable, which is surprising because I read this collection a few years ago!. My plan is to work my way through the Wimsey series, interspersing them with other books. Can't wait!

Have a wonderful reading year.

Have a wonderful year of reading Diane. I will keep an eye out for your wishlist books!

The lists look great. Have a lovely reading year.

Have a great reading year John.

Enjoy your reading in 2015, I so love reading your reviews.

I hope you enjoy your reading this year Kat.