Kell

Teaser Tuesday 1. Grab your current read 2. Open to a random page 3. Share two “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page 4. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) 5. Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! My teaser: Synopsis: Hermann Kermit Warm is going to die. The enigmatic and powerful man known only as the Commodore has ordered it, and his henchmen, Eli and Charlie Sisters, will make sure of it. Though Eli doesn’t share his brother’s appetite for whiskey and killing, he’s never known anything else. But their prey isn’t an easy mark, and on the road from Oregon City to Warm’s gold-mining claim outside Sacramento, Eli begins to question what he does for a living-and whom he does it for. With The Sisters Brothers, Patrick deWitt pays homage to the classic Western, transforming it into an unforgettable comic tour de force. Filled with a remarkable cast of characters-losers, cheaters, and ne’er-do-well from all stripes of life-and told by a complex and compelling narrator, it is a violent, lustful odyssey through the underworld of the 1850s frontier that beautifully captures the humor, melancholy, and grit of the Old West and two brothers bound by blood, violence, and love. What I think of it so far: I’m only a couple of chapters in, but I’m enjoying it so far. I’m completely new to the western genre (the closest I’ve come to reading any westerns is The Little House books by Laura Ingles Wilder when I was a kid). I’m not sure why I’ve always avoided this genre, but I have – there you go. Perhaps this novel will completely turn me around and I’ll find myself grabbing all the westerns I can find. I’ve already been considering reading Lonesome Dove… Top Ten Tuesday Top Ten books I'm excited to read in 2012: Snuff by Terry Pratchett This is the 39th book in the Discworld series and I’ve not had the chance to read it yet. I’m especially excited because it’s a Vimes book and I love him best of all! Heat Rises by Richard Castle The third Nikki Heat novel. Yes, I know Richard Castle himself is actually a fictional character from a TV show, but the books are pretty good and I can hardly wait to continue with the series. Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm by Brian M Bendis and Richard Castle A graphic novel of one of the fictional crime fiction novels by the fictional crime fiction novelist. I know, it sounds complicated, but I think this will be excellent! Birthdays for the Dead by Stuart MacBride A stand alone novel from the Scottish King of Gritty Crime Thrillers? Yes, please! I adore MacBride’s work (and can vouch for him being a very nice guy too), so I’m dying to get my hands on this. Shatter the Bones by Stuart Macbride the seventh Logan McRae book. This series keeps getting better and better. Seriously, if you haven’t read anything by this author, start with Cold Granite and then grab the rest as quickly as possible to play catch up! The Kingmaker’s Daughter by Philippa Gregory The next in the Cousins’ War series. There isn’t even a cover shown anywhere for this yet! This series is seriously good and I was afraid it was at an end after The Lady of the Rivers, but it seems I was joyfully wrong! Praetorian by Simon Scarrow Eleventh in the Romans series (which starts with Under the Eagle). Another series that starts high and continues to rise. If you like historical fiction, read these. If you’re into Roman historical fiction, you probably already have! Thirteen by Kelley Armstrong The aptly titled thirteenth book in the Women of the Otherworld series, which is probably my favourite paranormal/supernatural urban fantasy series ever. Where the Devil Drives by Christopher Brookmyre I adore Brookmyre’s wicked-dark sense of humour – it’s absolutely pitch-black. His writing and plotting are also so tight you could bounce a coin off them. This one appears to be a stand alone novel and I know very little about it. I only know I’m desperate to read it! Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake Are you kidding? From the moment I first saw this raved about on a blog (and then on about a dozen other blogs too) this book got me excited. I am determined I’ll read it this year!

@ Inver - Well, I do try - LOL! @ Chaliepud - I came across a mention of Sky (she's in the first bok, isn't she?) tonight, but so far not reading the previous book isn't hampering my enjoyment of it. It's a very nice idea and so far it's very nicely handled. I ven smiled at a brief reference to Newcastle and Aberdeen.

Xan watched the Harry Potter film for the first time today and loved it. He even discussed it with Dale afterwards and again in his bed - LOL! He's becoming quite the little film buff, my lad.

Yes - I've only read one or two of them and still love it.

And now I've been really naughty and downloaded the complete Sherlock Holmes collection to my Kindle ot re-familiarise myself with all the cases so I can play at case spotting when I rewatch all the episodes. How much of a geek does that make me? LOL!

You'll be pleased to know that next week's episode is called The Hounds of Baskerville.

I'm thinking I'll probably watch it again - along with last season too. I watched it at the time and loved it, but I think I'd like ot see them a second time. Incidentally, Dr Watson's blog has been updated as per the episode. Check it out HERE.

Argh! No! I thought Stealing Phoenix WAS the first in the series! Will have to pan that idea and go back to read the first one now. Thanks for the heads up! Or would it be OK as a stand alone, do you think? I'm guessing not, but it's always worth asking... ETA: Having just looked at the synopses for both novels, they seem to be about different characters, so I'm going to chance it and go ahead with Stealing Phoenix. Fantastic Fiction doesn't seem to mention them as part of the same series, which is odd if they are - they're just listed as novels by the author with no series mentioned.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? Philippa Gregory – The Women of the Cousins’ War (S/AZ/BL) This one’s non-fiction, which I don’t usually read, but I adored the Cousins’ War trilogy and found the women featured in them to be very interesting and wanted to find out more. As I also love Philippa Gregory’s writing, the publication of this book seemed the perfect opportunity for me to delve a little deeper. Patrick deWitt – The Sisters Brothers (G/AZ/BL) I don’t usually read westerns, so this one is something completely different for me and so far (only a couple of chapters in) it’s pretty good. I already like Eli Sisters and am wary of his brother. I think I may well become something of a convert to the western genre if I enjoy this one. I’ve been thinking of trying Lonesome Dove too… Joss Stirling – Stealing Phoenix (K/G/BL) I’ve seen this one all over the blogosphere and it always seems to have positive reviews, so it was a no brainer including it on my reading list as a cross over for two challenges. Just started it, so I can’t really comment yet. I’m looking forward to getting into it though, so watch this space! Cover Crazy - Howards End is on the Landing by Susan Hill What I love: Are you kidding? It’s very beautiful book spines, what’s not to love? I also adore that the title and author’s name is presented as those of one of the books on the front cover – they are unobtrusive and look natural, and not contrived. And look – even the “tag line” is included as the “title” of the next book. How cool is that? The whole cover gives a look and feel of old books that have sat on your shelf a while, which is the whole idea of this book – picking up those long neglected tomes and re-reading them. Genius! I bought this one with some of my Xmas money and can hardly wait to crack it open! Synopsis: This is a year of reading from home, by one of Britain’s most distinguished authors. Early one autumn afternoon in pursuit of an elusive book on her shelves, Susan Hill encountered dozens of others that she had never read, or forgotten she owned, or wanted to read for a second time. The discovery inspired her to embark on a year-long voyage through her books, forsaking new purchases in order to get to know her own collection again. A book which is left on a shelf for a decade is a dead thing, but it is also a chrysalis, packed with the potential to burst into new life. Wandering through her house that day, Hill’s eyes were opened to how much of that life was stored in her home, neglected for years. “Howard’s End is on the Landing” charts the journey of one of the nation’s most accomplished authors as she revisits the conversations, libraries and bookshelves of the past that have informed a lifetime of reading and writing. Musing Monday What is/are the first book(s) you’re reading for the new year? Philippa Gregory – The Women of the Cousins’ War Carried over from the end of December as I’d only just started it. Patrick deWitt – The Sisters Brothers My first foray into westerns… Joss Stirling – Stealing Phoenix On my new Kindle.

Well, watched it. LOVED IT! The writing on this show is absolutely superb. The casting is spot on, and I adore the little things they slip in that hark back to the Victorian version of Sherlock we all know and love (that hat, anyone? LOL!). The updated Sherlock is such a perfect blend of the original stories with a modern take and I love how they show everything that Sherlock notices. I can hardly wait for next week's episode and am already on a serious downer thinking about how there are only two more episodes to go!!!

I think you probably should, Michelle - just in case there's anything in the new series that alludes to the last one... Besides, it introduces the characters so well.

Same as all the old book activity threads - a new thread for the new year. So, what books have you been reading today? Have you bought any? Borrowed any? Let everyone know!

Season 2 of Sherlock starts tonight at 8.10pm on BBC 1 with an episode entitled A Scandal in Belgravia (a twist on A Scandal in Bohemia). So, tonight we have the appearance of the one woman who has confounded and intrigued Sherlock - Irene Adler. I'll be watching. Anyone else?

I made the same decision - if the books are only a couple of quid or less, I'm happy to get them on Kindle, but I'm not willing ot pay the same as I would for a hardback. So far the most expensive book I've bought was £2.15, but the majority have been eitehr under a quid or free.

I hope you'll enjoy it - I found it quite enchanting. I'll be carrying over The Women of the Cousins' War: The Duchess, the Queen and the King's Mother by Philippa Gregory which I've barely started. It's a hardback I got for Xmas. My next physical book will most likely by Cinder by Marissa Meyer in paperback, and on the Kindle, I'll probably go for Captain Wentworth's Diary by Amanda Grange, as I've just finished Darcy's Diary by the same author and loved it.

I am SO loving my new Kindle - I thin kI read faster on it than I do with physical books - perhaps the fractiono f a second saved by not having to physically tur a page and then settle your eyes at the top of the next page adds up significantly, when I don't have to move my eyes and just press a button. Are you enjoying your Kindle app?

I know the new year doesn't technically start till tomorrow, but that's my new thread all set up and ready to go. I'm carrying over one book from 2011 which I've barely started, but the rest will all be new starts for 2012. As you can see, I'm taking part in several reading challenges, but lots of my choices overlap, which makes things much easier and not such a daunting prospect! In 2011, I aimed to read a book each week for a total of 52, but managed to surpass it by quite a lot, finishing on 90 books, which I could hardly believe! I am, however, remaining realistic and aiming once more for 52 as my manageable target. If I beat it, I'll be happy. If I beat 2011's total, I'll be extremely pleased! So, let the new year of reading commence!

DECEMBER BOOK ROUND-UP Thanks to getting a Kindle from Santa, my reading this month was rather more than I expected as I find I read faster on the Kindle than with physical books. Perhaps it’s purely because I don’t lose that second when I physically turn the page – I just press the button and continue reading uninterrupted. Anyway, here’s the round-up for the last month of the year… RATINGS: 1/5 Dire – don’t waste your time 2/5 OK, but nothing to write home about 3/5 Very good – worth a read 4/5 Excellent 5/5 Superb – read it immediately! BOOKS FINISHED: 81. Melissa Marr – Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely 1) - 2/5 First in the Wicked Lovely series. It’s alright, but nothing to write home about. I’ve read rave reviews of this series all over the place, so I might give it a chance and read the second one, but there wasn’t anything particularly original about it other than it’s fairies instead of sparkly teenaged emo vampires (I’m sure you get my drift). The female lead is a good deal stronger than the “heroine” of the aforementioned sparkly vamps series, so that’s something in its favour at least. Actually, if I awarded half stars, I might add that extra half here, but I don’t so it has two stars only. Still, the series might get better… 82. Sarah Singleton – The Poison Garden - 3/5 I enjoyed this one, but not as much as I thought it would. It got a little garbled in the middle with all the garden stuff, but straightened itself out again pretty quickly. Singleton has a wonderful way with words and the situations she describes almost leap off the page, so I’ll definitely be reading more of her work. 83. Maureen Johnson – The Name of the Star - 4/5 This one was a zippy-fast read and I loved it! I’m a bit of a Ripper-ologist (not an expert, but I know an awful lot about the Ripper case and have read many books on th subject as I find it so fascinating). It’s a rip(per)-roaring read (sorry, I couldn’t resist a very poor pun there) and it lends itself well to short bursts of reading without losing anything by it. An excellent start to the series – I’ll be picking up the others for sure! 84. Julia Golding – The Middle Passage (Cat Royal novella) (Kindle e-book) - 3/5 I’m quite sad to have finished all the Cat Royal books as I’ve enjoyed them a great deal. I sincerely hope Golding decides to write Cat’s further adventures at some point, as I’m sure she’ll continue to have an exciting life packed with all manner of adventures. This one occurs between the last two books and is available for free download. 85. Michael Mullins – 8 (Kindle e-book) - 4/5 Did I ever mention I adore reworked fairytales? Well, this one doesn’t just retell a tale – it rhymes too! It’s incredibly short, but incredibly funny, and tells the untold story of the 8th dwarf (called Creepy) who was forced to live in the cellar but managed to save Snow White’s life several times (not that he ever got any thanks for it!). Mullins is an author to watch in the future if this is anything to go by! 86. Bettie Sharpe – Ember (Kindle e-book) - 5/5 A different view of the Cinderella story which turns what we think we know upside down. I have to say it is utterly brilliant! I’ve always loved reworked fairytales, but this one really is excellent. The subversion of the characters we all know and love works so well here that Sharpe has instantly become a new favourite author of mine! Ember is an innovative and inventive piece of fairytale fantasy that is anything but fluffy. There are some sex scenes and some naughty language, sl this one is strictly for the adults. It’s under a quid, so if you have a Kindle, download it NOW! If you don’t have a kindle, you can also read it free on the author’s website. 87. Cody Young – Scandal at the Farmhouse (Kindle e-book) - 4/5 Young is another author who is fast becoming a favourite of mine. I reviewed another of her novels (American Smile) a few months ago and am pleased to say that this historical romance lives up to the style that worked so well ni her period-hopping modern novel. The writing is lively, the characters bursting with energy and the passion smoulders so much I’m surprised my Kindle didn’t burst into flames! 88. Brian McGillowy – The Stolen Child (Kindle e-book) - 2/5 This was another short read but was rather disappointing. In fact, it was so uninspiring, I can’t even remember any of the character names and there were precious few of them. The idea is solid enough, but the execution is poor. If you have an hour or so to kill and have it on your Kindle, by all mean try it, but don’t go out of your way for it. 89. Amanda Hocking – Hollowland (Hollows 1) (Kindle e-book) - 3/5 I’d seen this one recommended all over the blogosphere and couldn’t resist downloading it to my Kindle, especially as it’s currently FREE! Well, how could I turn down a bargain like that? It certainly lived up to the glowing reviews. I don’t usually like zombie stories so much, but this one is engrossing and gives a plausible explanation for the shambling undead. It also helps that I like the characters a great deal and desperately wanted them to succeed! It’s also left tantalisingly open for a sequel… 90. Amanda Grange – Darcy’s Diary (Kindle e-book) - 4/5 One always worries, when reading a spin-off from a well-loved classic, that the characters will not be done justice and one cannot fail but to be severely disappointed. Sometimes, however, one finds those fears are comlpetely unfounded when a gem such as this is presented. It is nothing more than the retelling of Pride and Prejudice, told from Mr Darcy’s point of view ni diary form, but it is an exercise in exquisite execution. Darcy’s pride and offhand manner are captured perfectly and it’s refreshing to see the motivation behind many of his actions, as well as those moments we didn’t see in Pride and Prejudice, when Darcy was elsewhere. Highly recommended. BOOKS STARTED AND CONTINUING INTO THE NEW YEAR: Philippa Gregory – The Women of the Cousins’ War One of the books I got for Xmas. I enjoyed the Women of the Cousins’ War trilogy so much I couldn’t resist bucking my trend of not reading non-fiction for this. I’m not very far into it yet, but what little I’ve read has been very interesting and promises to be as entertaining as the historical fiction it inspired. BOOKS ABANDONED UNFINISHED: Muriel Marbery – The Elegance of the Hedgehog – ABANDONED I really wanted to like this one a whole lot more than I actually did. The writing is undeniably beautiful and the characters are poignantly real, but I felt I was waiting forever for something to happen. I initially laid it to one side as I was so busy over the Xmas period, fully intending to come back to it, but I found myself making excuses to avoid it and starting other books instead. Finally I admitted to myself that I will most likely never finish it. However, I’ll keep hold of it for a little while in case I change my mind. Sarah Singleton – Heretic I got this one from the library and just ran out of time. I may get it out again at some point in the future, but I have so many new books from Xmas that I’m dying to read, it may well be some time before that happens… Wishing you all loads of excellent reading 2012!

What great books did you hear about / discover this past week? Share with us your FRIDAY FINDS! By following links to blogs taking part in various memes, I’ve heard about so many great books it would be impossible to list them all. I’m also a regular visitor to our local library and am always eagerly awaiting newly published books by my favourite authors. However, here are the ones that really stood out for me this week and for which I’ll be looking out on future book acquisition expeditions: Michelle Moran – The Second Empress C W Gortner – The Queen’s Vow Madeline Miller – The Song of Achilles Kelley York – Hushed David Pinner – Ritual Kathleen O’Dell – The Aviary Jonathan Auxier – Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes They’ve all gone onto my wish list!

Thank you, Julie.

I adored Inkheart. Inkspell was pretty decent, but nowhere near as good as Inkheart. As for Indeath, I couldn't even finish it - I was so disappointed as the trilogy had such a brilliant start! And I agree, Dustfinger is a fantastic character - I love him dearly.

Awww, shucks - you've made me blush now! Than kyou for the compliment. The Rules For Life samper has been insanely popular. I'm currently planning something along similar lines which will hopefully be ready for release in a month or so...

BOOKING THROUGH THURSDAY What were your favorite books of 2011? My favourite reads of 2011, all of which were five-star reads, were: Frances Hodgson Burnett – A Little Princess Frances Hodgson Burnett – The Secret Garden Emma Donoghue – Room Cornelia Funke – Inkheart James Long – Ferney Bettie Sharpe – Ember(Kindle e-book)

W... W... W... Wednesdays * What are you currently reading? * What did you recently finish reading? * What do you think you’ll read next? What are you currently reading? Sarah Singleton – Heretic One I picked up from the library and have just started. Literally just started, so I can’t really make any comment on what I think of it just yet. I’ve enjoyed both the other books I’ve read by this author, though, so I expect to like this one too. The subject matter (a young girl being accused of witchcraft during Tudor reign) is one that interests me a great deal. Philippa Gregory – The Women of the Cousins’ War This one’s non-fiction, which I don’t usually read, but I adored the Cousins’ War trilogy and found the women featured in them to be very interesting and wanted to find out more. As I also love Philippa Gregory’s writing, the publication of this book seemed the perfect opportunity for me to delve a little deeper. Bettie Sharpe – Ember (Kindle e-book) A different view of the Cinderella story which turns what we think we know upside down. I’m about 30% of the way through this and I have to say it is utterly brilliant! I’ve always loved reworked fairytales, but this one really is excellent. If it continues as well as it’s gone so far, Sharpe will become a new favourite author of mine! It’s under a quid, so if you have a Kindle, download it NOW! If you don’t have a kindle, you can also read it free on the author’s website. What did you recently finish reading? Maureen Johnson – The Name of the Star (Shades of London 1) - 4/5 This one was a zippy-fast read and I loved it! I’m a bit of a Ripper-ologist (not an expert, but I know an awful lot about the Ripper case and have read many books on th subject as I find it so fascinating). It’s a rip(per)-roaring read (sorry, I couldn’t resist a very poor pun there) and it lends itself well to short bursts of reading without losing anything by it. An excellent start to the series – I’ll be picking up the others for sure! Julia Golding – The Middle Passage (Cat Royal novella) (Kindle e-book) - 3/5 I’m quite sad to have finished all the Cat Royal books as I’ve enjoyed them a great deal. I sincerely hope Golding decides to write Cat’s further adventures at some point, as I’m sure she’ll continue to have an exciting life packed with all manner of adventures. This one occurs between the last two books and is available for free download. Michael Mullins – 8 (Kindle e-book) - 4/5 Did I already mention I adore reworked fairytales? Well, this one does just that – and it rhymes! It’s incredibly short, but incredibly funny, and tells the untold story of the 8th dwarf (called Creepy) who was forced to live in the cellar but managed to save Snow White’s life several times (not that he ever got any thanks for it!). Mullins is an author to watch in the future if this is anything to go by! What do you think you’ll read next? Marissa Meyer – Cinder (Lunar Chronicles 1) Bought with some of my Xmas money – I intend to continue on my reworked fairytales bent with this one. I’ve seen it all over the blogosphere and all reviews have been very positive. And it has an awesome cover too!

I began the day with Naked Heat On my way to work I saw The Red Queen and walked by The Secret Garden to avoid The Puppet, the Professor and the Prophet but I made sure to stop at The Night Circus In the office, my boss said, Wicked Lovely and sent me to research The Poison Garden At lunch with Ferney I noticed Ash under The Black Book of Secrets then went back to my desk, Spellbound Later, on the journey home, I bought The Diamond of Drury Lane because I have Fallen then settling down for the evening, I picked up The Notebook and studied Her Fearful Symmetry before saying goodnight to Ottoline and the Yellow Cat