ten things tuesday

I'm on book 29 for the year (so far!) and thought I would recommend ten:

1) Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz:  a book within a book surrounded by a mystery!  A clever homage to the golden age of detective fiction.

2)  The Queen of Poisons by Robert Thorogood: the third installment of the Marlow Murder Club.  There were moments I thought I had it figured out--but I didn't!

3)  Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley: A chance encounter that brings Iona and regular commuters on her train together, they form an awkward bond--that turns into a delightful found family.

4)   Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack:  I loved the premise of Eleanor wanting to kill off the male protagonist of her blockbuster book series and the slapstick-esque series of events that ensue.  I can't wait for more in the series!

5) Within Arm's Reach by Ann Napolitano is a beautiful book about how family dynamics change over time.

6) The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett: I loved the format of this book:  transcripts of email, snail mail, podcasts, text messages, WhatsApp messages, a YA book, and so forth.  Guessing who is reliable and who is leaving a trail of lies was also fun.  Ultimately, it's a book about book writing and researching.  The main character is true-crime writer, Amanda Bailey who is investigating a cult led by charismatic Gabriel Angelis. 

7) By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult: this is a fascinating premise.  And it's well-crafted.  The historical sections were my favorite parts.  I was moved to tears.

8)  The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan is set during WWII outside of London but it is a tale of resilience and friendship.  Borderline sentimental.  Definitely a book club pick.

9)  The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon: the title says it all.  Enlightening.

10) Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams: This installment of the Bromance Bookclub series tackled serious issues and had the humor to off-balance the heavy themes.  The secondary characters were featured in previous books and felt like old friends.  I wasn't sure I would like the friends-to-lovers trope but I liked the characters of Alexis and Noah so much that I was rooting for them the whole time.  And Beefcake made my day!