Hey adventurer!
It’s the end of November, and it’s getting cold in here. Well, at least in Finland. Since winter lasts many, many months, this blog post is going to be a part of a weekly series (YouTube included).
Originally, I wanted to talk about spicy romances, but I figured, since this is a series, I would spice it up by mixing in different genres. After all, I think a good book can keep anyone warm regardless of genre. Today’s post holds books I’ve read and authors I was introduced to, thanks to the 52 Book Club Challenge.
Mystery
1. Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
I’ve read this book as an option for prompt 16, “The Author has won an Edgar award”. I didn’t know what exactly to expect, and I’ve had a blast. It was fun, interesting, and entertaining throughout.
We follow Vera Wong. Her husband passed away, and her son grew up and moved away. Vera Wong doesn’t have a lot going on in her life, but she owns a tea shop and has a curious mind. That curious mind thrusts her right into the middle of her own investigation when she finds a dead man in her tea shop. The story unfolds from there.
2. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
I’ve read this book as an option for prompt 25, “Breaks the fourth wall”. Once again, I had no clue what to expect, and once again, I had a blast. I absolutely loved that our MC kept talking to us, the readers of his story. The book does get dark, so please keep that in mind and check your trigger warnings.
We follow Ernest Cunningham, and everyone in his family has killed someone, including Ernest himself. He has to join a family reunion in a remote ski resort. The family dynamics are not great, to say the least. The story unfolds from there.
Romance
3. Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
One of the best reads this year for me. This book I’ve read as an option for prompt 27, “Features a Magician”. I can’t describe the cozy, cute, fun, and charming vibes of this book. But it is all of those things for me.
We follow Theodora Ettings, who was cursed by a fairie and only has half a soul as a result. The story is set in Regency England, and Theodora has no sense of fear or embarrassment. As you can imagine, things might get scandalous. We meet Lord Sorcier, who discovers Dora’s condition, and thus the story unfolds.
4. Swordheart by T.Kingfisher
If there is a book T.Kingfisher writes, at this point in time, I am convinced I will love it. This book I’ve read as an option for prompt 29, “Shares universe with prompt 28”. Another one of my favorites this year. Adventurous, romantic, and funny.
We follow Halla, who unexpectedly inherited her uncle’s estate. Unfortunately, she has some pretty nasty relatives who want her money. While locked in a room, Halla finds a sword and unsheathes it, and a man called Sarkis appears. He is an immortal warrior and sworn to protect anyone who is wielding the sword. The story unfolds from there.
5. Enchantra by Kaylie Smith
This book I’ve read as an option for prompt 22, “Found family trope”. It’s the spiciest book on the list today, so if you are looking for an adventure with spice, this one is it. It’s the second book in the Wicked Games series, but I don’t think you have to read Phantasma to understand what’s happening in Enchantra. While I enjoyed Phantasma, I found the story and overall characters much more intriguing here.
We follow Genevieve Grimm, who feels alone ever since her older sister (FMC in Phantasma) became the head of the family. Genevieve accepts a sudden invitation to join a friend of their mother in Italy. She expects some outings and good company. Instead, she finds someone who is being very rude to her when she arrives and throws her out of the house. Luckily for us Genevieve doesn’t take no for an answer and accidentally forces her way into some weird game. The story unfolds from here.
I hope you enjoyed this list of mystery and romance and I hope it does warm you up this cold season.