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The Mysterious Disappearance of the Reluctant Book Fairy
Janet Shore was the sickly, most easily overlooked daughter of a brood of eight boisterous children. But Janet’s tendency to fall ill and her natural penchant for devouring stories in her sickbed reveal a most extraordinary ability: the power to fully immerse herself in a book—in mind and soul, if not in body. By tethering her wrist to a suitable anchor in the real world and with the recitation of several key words, Janet can spend hour after hour in whatever literary plot has stolen her fancy.
But such a power is an enticing thing, and that which tempts the desires of the masses is sure to bring overwhelming fame to its bearer. Where can someone so well known escape for peace and solitude?
A DEATH SENTENCE STORY: original shorts about deadly books from the world's best crime writers.
85 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2014
4 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth George
102 books5,466 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Susan Elizabeth George is an American author of mystery novels set in Great Britain. Eleven of her novels, featuring her character Inspector Lynley, have been adapted for television by the BBC as The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.
She was born in Warren, Ohio, but moved to the San Francisco Bay Area when she was eighteen months old. She was a student of English, receiving a teaching certificate. While teaching English in the public school system, she completed an advanced degree in psychology.
Her first published novel was A Great Deliverance in 1988, featuring Thomas Lynley, Lord Asherton, a Scotland Yard inspector of noble birth; Barbara Havers, Lynley's assistant, from a very working-class background; Lady Helen Clyde, Lynley's girlfriend and later wife, of noble birth as well; and Lynley's friends Simon and Deborah St. James.
This Elizabeth George is distinct from the other author named Elizabeth George (Christian author).
Series:
* Inspector Lynley
Susan Elizabeth George is an American author of mystery novels set in Great Britain. Eleven of her novels, featuring her character Inspector Lynley, have been adapted for television by the BBC as The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.
She was born in Warren, Ohio, but moved to the San Francisco Bay Area when she was eighteen months old. She was a student of English, receiving a teaching certificate. While teaching English in the public school system, she completed an advanced degree in psychology.
Her first published novel was A Great Deliverance in 1988, featuring Thomas Lynley, Lord Asherton, a Scotland Yard inspector of noble birth; Barbara Havers, Lynley's assistant, from a very working-class background; Lady Helen Clyde, Lynley's girlfriend and later wife, of noble birth as well; and Lynley's friends Simon and Deborah St. James.
This Elizabeth George is distinct from the other author named Elizabeth George (Christian author).
Series:
* Inspector Lynley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 26, 2024
(B+) 77% | Good
Notes: Littered with literary esoterica, it's about fleeing reality, virtual insanity and how people hardly read books anymore.
Notes: Littered with literary esoterica, it's about fleeing reality, virtual insanity and how people hardly read books anymore.
September 20, 2018
this is a brief and playful light fantasy novella/long story that will appeal to all you booklovers who appreciate the capacity of books to deliver pleasurable escapism. in this case, the escapism is quite literal as annapurna, née janet shore, discovers she possesses a very specific power.
janet is a sickly child growing up in langley - a town on whidbey island in washington state, where she lives with seven siblings and two parents. during her long bedridden, book-filled bouts of various illnesses, she discovers that, given a book which moves her to strong emotion, she can actually enter the book's world as an active participant. she can kiss the prince, attend the tea party, battle the pirates. all she needs is a tether to bring her back, a place of solitude from which to begin, and a book with
a story that provided her with enchantment, excitement, terror, thrills, or any other physical or emotional connection to it.
she is content to keep this skill to herself, until the day her best friend monie reardon misreads To Kill a Mockingbird, and janet's outrage is so great, she sends monie (consensually, of course) into the book. all she needs to do is open the book to the desired scene, spread it over her friend's chest, and utter the magic words:
welcome me welcome me welcome me home along with five other words whose revelation here would be far too dangerous to the reader of this tale.
and while her friend's body remains behind, her animus is off in the pages, seeing firsthand how wrong she was about bob ewell. (incidentally and as a caution - there are a lot of spoilers to books in here - To Kill a Mockingbird, Jude the Obscure, Rebecca, and to a lesser extent Middlemarch, Far from the Madding Crowd and probably some more i am forgetting. those first three are doozy-spoilers, though, for those of you who have not yet read them) monie returns from her voyage better informed, and eager to do it again. and also very blabby about it.
which puts janet in high demand among the teen set. initially, she accommodates their requests, sending them into the age-appropriate worlds of harry potter and Twilight until her inner book-snob takes over with a declaration of "Hey! Try reading a decent book for once" and she begins editing their selections.
So tedious, repetitive, and downright pedestrian did the demands for literary travel become that Janet began sending individuals where she felt they best belonged which, as you can probably imagine, was not a popular move - sending girls into Jane Eyre instead of bellaland, boys into the company of the argonauts instead of wizarding school.
which brings me to my first question, and i recognize that it is silly to question what is meant to be a fun bauble of a story, but i have to ask - how does this, um, work? we are told that the book needs to evoke "enchantment, excitement, terror, thrills, or any other physical or emotional connection to it," but is that for the sender or the sent? because if the sender, then janet would probably not have had any luck ever in sending kids into that vampire romance, but if it is the sent, then she would never have had any luck in pushing her own tastes on them, because they wouldn't understand the context of what she was showing them and could have no pre-existing emotional connection. which is a silly quibble, but i am genuinely interested, since the paradox will recur later.
so, janet grows up, leaves home - education, failed romance, travel, commune living, from which she re-emerges as annapurna, returns to her hometown and accepts the position of town librarian at the urging of monie reardon herself, now monie reardon pillerton. and monie, restlessly married, mother of four, would like to go on another book-trip, please.
and of course, the secret of annapurna's gift gets out again, and people come from miles away to escape into a good book. with thehelp strongarming of a woman whose cause is causes, annapurna manages to put it to good use raising money for charities, presented as "the Rick Steves of the imagination." but she's still got opinions, boy. she still criticizes the taste of others and manages to squeeze in little jabs at e-readers and amazon and popular bestsellers like that book Pray, Eat, Vomit.
and that's all you will get for plot from me. the rest of this space will be devoted to me and my opinions of annapurna's opinions. might get ranty, who knows?
the readers' advisor in me does not like one bit how judge-y she is about which books she will or will not consider when sending someone in. when she does it as a kid, it's fine - it's adorable really, because at that age, you want to be challenging your peers and opening them up to new reading experiences with books they might not know were enjoyable and not just boring books for grown-ups. and i get that it would have been frustrating to have people ask for harry potter and Twilight over and over and that the urge to steer people towards "good" books is strong and that's all fine when you're a kid and before you know any better, but when she does it as an adult, as a LIBRARIAN, well, that's just wrong. maybe libraries on teeny islands are different (and judging by The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, bookstores are at the very least) but she shoulda had that trained right out of her. (not that she has had any formal librarian training, but still! librarians - represent! ) if grown-ass people want to go into Fifty Shades of Grey and see all the eye rolling and lip-biting for themselves well so be it, and while i haven't read harry potter myself, i think that that would probably be a fun place to visit, right? because that's a big distinction here - books people read vs. books they would want to visit. Jude the Obscure is in my top three alltime books ever, but why on earth would i want to visit it? so i could watch jude get a pig penis thrown at him?? so i can watch him be miserable in a variety of places?? so i could see father time? hell, no. i would want to go into Island of the Blue Dolphins and spear a devilfish with karana, to snuggle with her dog, to see that whalebone fence for myself. and don't tell me i can't because it's not up to your elitist standards, lady. don't try to force me into austen's balls because trust me, you do NOT want me in that world. i would scandalize the lot of 'em. and i would start by giggling over the word "balls."
but annapruna is steadfast in her personal tastes, (which again begs the question - how does this work??), and she "firmly refused to accommodate" many requests, stating primly "I will not deal in trash," refusing entrée into the The Da Vinci Code, or "danielle steele" (which is honestly the most frequently misspelled name ever; why is that?), and declaring "There would be only one vampire and Bram Stoker was his godlike creator." which is rude, since that book, while it is good for what it is, is pretty low on action, because - epistolary. i would so much rather experience Salem's Lot, or Sunshine instead of "dearest jonathan." unexpectedly, Dune seems to have made the cut, so phew i guess. go, sandworms! and although it's not annapurna who says this, there's still a judgment by another character about poirot and miss marple being "terminal dullards" that i'm putting in the same stewpot as annapurna's judgments under the blanket of "authorial sass."
rock me, ranganathan
in any case, this is a really enjoyable book, one that you the reader should feel free to read or not read, as your taste dictates. don't let anyone tell you what to read. and if anyone does, yell "NO!," then go, and then tell an adult.
come to my blog!
janet is a sickly child growing up in langley - a town on whidbey island in washington state, where she lives with seven siblings and two parents. during her long bedridden, book-filled bouts of various illnesses, she discovers that, given a book which moves her to strong emotion, she can actually enter the book's world as an active participant. she can kiss the prince, attend the tea party, battle the pirates. all she needs is a tether to bring her back, a place of solitude from which to begin, and a book with
a story that provided her with enchantment, excitement, terror, thrills, or any other physical or emotional connection to it.
she is content to keep this skill to herself, until the day her best friend monie reardon misreads To Kill a Mockingbird, and janet's outrage is so great, she sends monie (consensually, of course) into the book. all she needs to do is open the book to the desired scene, spread it over her friend's chest, and utter the magic words:
welcome me welcome me welcome me home along with five other words whose revelation here would be far too dangerous to the reader of this tale.
and while her friend's body remains behind, her animus is off in the pages, seeing firsthand how wrong she was about bob ewell. (incidentally and as a caution - there are a lot of spoilers to books in here - To Kill a Mockingbird, Jude the Obscure, Rebecca, and to a lesser extent Middlemarch, Far from the Madding Crowd and probably some more i am forgetting. those first three are doozy-spoilers, though, for those of you who have not yet read them) monie returns from her voyage better informed, and eager to do it again. and also very blabby about it.
which puts janet in high demand among the teen set. initially, she accommodates their requests, sending them into the age-appropriate worlds of harry potter and Twilight until her inner book-snob takes over with a declaration of "Hey! Try reading a decent book for once" and she begins editing their selections.
So tedious, repetitive, and downright pedestrian did the demands for literary travel become that Janet began sending individuals where she felt they best belonged which, as you can probably imagine, was not a popular move - sending girls into Jane Eyre instead of bellaland, boys into the company of the argonauts instead of wizarding school.
which brings me to my first question, and i recognize that it is silly to question what is meant to be a fun bauble of a story, but i have to ask - how does this, um, work? we are told that the book needs to evoke "enchantment, excitement, terror, thrills, or any other physical or emotional connection to it," but is that for the sender or the sent? because if the sender, then janet would probably not have had any luck ever in sending kids into that vampire romance, but if it is the sent, then she would never have had any luck in pushing her own tastes on them, because they wouldn't understand the context of what she was showing them and could have no pre-existing emotional connection. which is a silly quibble, but i am genuinely interested, since the paradox will recur later.
so, janet grows up, leaves home - education, failed romance, travel, commune living, from which she re-emerges as annapurna, returns to her hometown and accepts the position of town librarian at the urging of monie reardon herself, now monie reardon pillerton. and monie, restlessly married, mother of four, would like to go on another book-trip, please.
and of course, the secret of annapurna's gift gets out again, and people come from miles away to escape into a good book. with the
and that's all you will get for plot from me. the rest of this space will be devoted to me and my opinions of annapurna's opinions. might get ranty, who knows?
the readers' advisor in me does not like one bit how judge-y she is about which books she will or will not consider when sending someone in. when she does it as a kid, it's fine - it's adorable really, because at that age, you want to be challenging your peers and opening them up to new reading experiences with books they might not know were enjoyable and not just boring books for grown-ups. and i get that it would have been frustrating to have people ask for harry potter and Twilight over and over and that the urge to steer people towards "good" books is strong and that's all fine when you're a kid and before you know any better, but when she does it as an adult, as a LIBRARIAN, well, that's just wrong. maybe libraries on teeny islands are different (and judging by The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, bookstores are at the very least) but she shoulda had that trained right out of her. (not that she has had any formal librarian training, but still! librarians - represent! ) if grown-ass people want to go into Fifty Shades of Grey and see all the eye rolling and lip-biting for themselves well so be it, and while i haven't read harry potter myself, i think that that would probably be a fun place to visit, right? because that's a big distinction here - books people read vs. books they would want to visit. Jude the Obscure is in my top three alltime books ever, but why on earth would i want to visit it? so i could watch jude get a pig penis thrown at him?? so i can watch him be miserable in a variety of places?? so i could see father time? hell, no. i would want to go into Island of the Blue Dolphins and spear a devilfish with karana, to snuggle with her dog, to see that whalebone fence for myself. and don't tell me i can't because it's not up to your elitist standards, lady. don't try to force me into austen's balls because trust me, you do NOT want me in that world. i would scandalize the lot of 'em. and i would start by giggling over the word "balls."
but annapruna is steadfast in her personal tastes, (which again begs the question - how does this work??), and she "firmly refused to accommodate" many requests, stating primly "I will not deal in trash," refusing entrée into the The Da Vinci Code, or "danielle steele" (which is honestly the most frequently misspelled name ever; why is that?), and declaring "There would be only one vampire and Bram Stoker was his godlike creator." which is rude, since that book, while it is good for what it is, is pretty low on action, because - epistolary. i would so much rather experience Salem's Lot, or Sunshine instead of "dearest jonathan." unexpectedly, Dune seems to have made the cut, so phew i guess. go, sandworms! and although it's not annapurna who says this, there's still a judgment by another character about poirot and miss marple being "terminal dullards" that i'm putting in the same stewpot as annapurna's judgments under the blanket of "authorial sass."
rock me, ranganathan
in any case, this is a really enjoyable book, one that you the reader should feel free to read or not read, as your taste dictates. don't let anyone tell you what to read. and if anyone does, yell "NO!," then go, and then tell an adult.
come to my blog!
July 2, 2015
Sometimes a story just hits all the right buttons... A librarian with the magic power to enable people to literally visit the worlds conjured up by their favorite books? There was no chance I wasn't going to love it.
Sometimes having a mystical power comes with more baggage than anticipated. Jane Shore, known throughout elementary school for her talent, leaves her small town and reinvents herself as hippie/traveller Annapurna. But a library job lures her back 'home' - where (after a comedic scene fully worthy of Connie Willis) an old acquaintance pushes her into trying to cash in on her abilities.
This is a fantasy, but it's got the bones of a cozy mystery.
And... I can't say too much, but if you're a fan of Dorothy Sayers, you HAVE to read this story. HAVE TO, I say!
Many, many thanks to Open Road Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to read. As always, my opinion is solely my own.
Sometimes having a mystical power comes with more baggage than anticipated. Jane Shore, known throughout elementary school for her talent, leaves her small town and reinvents herself as hippie/traveller Annapurna. But a library job lures her back 'home' - where (after a comedic scene fully worthy of Connie Willis) an old acquaintance pushes her into trying to cash in on her abilities.
This is a fantasy, but it's got the bones of a cozy mystery.
And... I can't say too much, but if you're a fan of Dorothy Sayers, you HAVE to read this story. HAVE TO, I say!
Many, many thanks to Open Road Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to read. As always, my opinion is solely my own.
July 18, 2021
This really should have been 5 stars, but I had to account for the frustration caused by Janet’s persistent weakness. She had no ability to say no! She definitely should have had a business, but she could have charged exorbitantly more, and had no need for Mildred to be involved. I was content with the ending.
January 1, 2025
I love this series so much and this was one of my favorites. I don’t know the author at all, but she seemed very adept at getting a story told with only a few strokes. A joy.
September 13, 2015
Janet Shore, aka Annapurna, the titled Book Fairy, is a quiet, unassuming person with a wonderful ability, wonderful if one is a lover of books. She has been blessed with the ability to travel to or send others into the world of their favorite books. And when she was young she did this with childhood friends in secret, often deciding for them (if they happened to choose a book that didn't seem quite good enough) on one that would be better. Then she grew up. Her life changed and she left this talent behind until, well, one day, it was awakened.
What a delightful tale this is, a long short story, short novella, full of bookish magic. To say much more would be to tell too much I fear. There is love of books and reading here. Love of the eccentric and humanity and a certain wistfulness.
I recommend this as a fun, magical read for book lovers.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
What a delightful tale this is, a long short story, short novella, full of bookish magic. To say much more would be to tell too much I fear. There is love of books and reading here. Love of the eccentric and humanity and a certain wistfulness.
I recommend this as a fun, magical read for book lovers.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 30, 2015
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
I should note that this is the first work by Elizabeth George that I have read. When PBS showed the Inspector Lynley mysteries, I tried to watch them, but I found them to be well acted (I mean look at that cast), but rather boring.
After reading this short story, perhaps I should give the series a try.
This short story, a longish short story (though there is not a wasted or unneeded word) details the life of Janet Shore (aka Annapurna) who has the ability to take yourself and others into novels.
I know what you are thinking. You are thinking, well it’s like that series by Jasper Fforde. Well kinda, but not really. For George’s story is securely anchored in our world, and the tone is different, far different than everyone’s favorite Thursday.
On of the charms of the story is Janet’s role as book/reader matchmaker while she is a book snob. Why, for instance she wonders, should one read Twilight when Dracula beckons? In many ways, the story is love poem to the books (and bookstores) that are overlooked by those rushing into the latest fad. It is also a love story about the power of books to take readers away from all that.
And it is about the evils of excesses, not so much reading, but other types.
The ending is brilliant.
Strongly recommended. A short eBook well worth the cost.
I should note that this is the first work by Elizabeth George that I have read. When PBS showed the Inspector Lynley mysteries, I tried to watch them, but I found them to be well acted (I mean look at that cast), but rather boring.
After reading this short story, perhaps I should give the series a try.
This short story, a longish short story (though there is not a wasted or unneeded word) details the life of Janet Shore (aka Annapurna) who has the ability to take yourself and others into novels.
I know what you are thinking. You are thinking, well it’s like that series by Jasper Fforde. Well kinda, but not really. For George’s story is securely anchored in our world, and the tone is different, far different than everyone’s favorite Thursday.
On of the charms of the story is Janet’s role as book/reader matchmaker while she is a book snob. Why, for instance she wonders, should one read Twilight when Dracula beckons? In many ways, the story is love poem to the books (and bookstores) that are overlooked by those rushing into the latest fad. It is also a love story about the power of books to take readers away from all that.
And it is about the evils of excesses, not so much reading, but other types.
The ending is brilliant.
Strongly recommended. A short eBook well worth the cost.
July 6, 2015
I've been a fan of Elizabeth George's mystery novels for several years and consequently I was excited about this new story. The title and the series's name "Bibliomystery" made me expect a crime novella. It turned out that I was mistaken. After the first few pages I thought I wouldn't like the story too much because of that and also because it is set on Whidbey Island and has a (however small) supernatural element like Elizabeth George's YA series (which I don't appreciate that much). But I soon began to enjoy the story. It is written in a beautiful way with lots of allusions to other literary works. It reminded me a bit of Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next books, just without so much humour.
It made me think which story I would like to live. I have to admit that this was pretty difficult for me. I like novels full of suspense, but living through one probably wouldn't be my kind of thing. I also enjoy classics but I don't want to miss most of the modern comforts. Chick-lit and romance can get very dull after some time. So what is left? Feel free to comment and tell me which story you would pick. I'm very curious!
(I received a free digital copy via Netgalley/the publisher. Thanks for the opportunity!)
It made me think which story I would like to live. I have to admit that this was pretty difficult for me. I like novels full of suspense, but living through one probably wouldn't be my kind of thing. I also enjoy classics but I don't want to miss most of the modern comforts. Chick-lit and romance can get very dull after some time. So what is left? Feel free to comment and tell me which story you would pick. I'm very curious!
(I received a free digital copy via Netgalley/the publisher. Thanks for the opportunity!)
April 29, 2016
This story is not a mystery, but a fantasy for fiction readers. I wish I have the magical power that the main character possesses. With that premise, it should be an easy 4-5 star.
I only give 3 star because I don't like the first half of the story. The depressing background is too long, and it makes the best part of the story is too short for my taste.
I only give 3 star because I don't like the first half of the story. The depressing background is too long, and it makes the best part of the story is too short for my taste.
July 1, 2015
While many of us can figuratively lose ourselves in a book, Jane Shore has the ability to literally do so. As a girl, she learned that she could tether herself to reality and simply step inside the pages of a book to experience her favorite scenes and stories. Jane shared this ability with some of her friends, but as she grew older she stopped stepping into the pages of great novels and became a librarian.
Until one day when her path crosses an old friend who encourages Jane (who moved away and lives under a new name) to use her gift for profit. As Annapurna (love the name), they sell the opportunity for people to lose themselves in timeless works of literature.
I've been a big fan of Elizabeth George and her Lynley mysteries for a while now. So when the opportunity came along to check out an original story, I jumped at it. This wonderful novella is a lot of fun and while it's not quite a hard-hitting mystery that George usually delivers, that doesn't make it any less of a delight to read. I especially enjoyed some of the rules that Jane and her partner set up for what books or even scenes from books can be visited. Jane won't allow readers to step into E.L. James' novels, there are no love triangles and there is only one vampire worthy of meeting (and it ain't a sparkly one!).
A quick, delightful read The Mysterious Disappearance of the Reluctant Book Fairy makes me curious to see what other offerings the Bilbiophiles series has. And seeing that there is an entry from Laura Lippman, I can predict where I might land next.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Until one day when her path crosses an old friend who encourages Jane (who moved away and lives under a new name) to use her gift for profit. As Annapurna (love the name), they sell the opportunity for people to lose themselves in timeless works of literature.
I've been a big fan of Elizabeth George and her Lynley mysteries for a while now. So when the opportunity came along to check out an original story, I jumped at it. This wonderful novella is a lot of fun and while it's not quite a hard-hitting mystery that George usually delivers, that doesn't make it any less of a delight to read. I especially enjoyed some of the rules that Jane and her partner set up for what books or even scenes from books can be visited. Jane won't allow readers to step into E.L. James' novels, there are no love triangles and there is only one vampire worthy of meeting (and it ain't a sparkly one!).
A quick, delightful read The Mysterious Disappearance of the Reluctant Book Fairy makes me curious to see what other offerings the Bilbiophiles series has. And seeing that there is an entry from Laura Lippman, I can predict where I might land next.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2015
[I received a copy through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.]
A delightful novelette about a woman with the power to send herself (or others) into scenes from books, complete with many references to many well-known works—although they aren't always directly named. The beginning and ending tie in a somewhat grave way, but there are also plenty of semi-comedic moments in between, from the parts of the narrative focused on Janet to the ones involvie Monie. Not to mention Mildred, who was somewhat annoying, yet with good sides as well.
The story is too short to involve lots of progressive character development. However, it manages to deal with quite a few questions in little time, especially when it comes to Janet's power and how it turns her life upside down. Of course, human nature is bound to ruin a lot of things. Of course, too, some people do manage to wake up, and realise that the dream has turned into a nightmare.
The various pot-shots at some books, at what "trash" is or isn't, made me smile, as well as reflect upon the value we bring to literature in general. For instance, the only vampire story allowed in here is Bram Stoker's, while romance also gets its share of "I refuse to send you in there, try this instead". While I would mostly agree with such judgments on those books, it still makes one wonder. As Mildred puts it, one's man trash is another's treasure...
Somehow, I wish this had been longer. Nonetheless, this book was very pleasant and enjoyable to read. 3.5 stars.
A delightful novelette about a woman with the power to send herself (or others) into scenes from books, complete with many references to many well-known works—although they aren't always directly named. The beginning and ending tie in a somewhat grave way, but there are also plenty of semi-comedic moments in between, from the parts of the narrative focused on Janet to the ones involvie Monie. Not to mention Mildred, who was somewhat annoying, yet with good sides as well.
The story is too short to involve lots of progressive character development. However, it manages to deal with quite a few questions in little time, especially when it comes to Janet's power and how it turns her life upside down. Of course, human nature is bound to ruin a lot of things. Of course, too, some people do manage to wake up, and realise that the dream has turned into a nightmare.
The various pot-shots at some books, at what "trash" is or isn't, made me smile, as well as reflect upon the value we bring to literature in general. For instance, the only vampire story allowed in here is Bram Stoker's, while romance also gets its share of "I refuse to send you in there, try this instead". While I would mostly agree with such judgments on those books, it still makes one wonder. As Mildred puts it, one's man trash is another's treasure...
Somehow, I wish this had been longer. Nonetheless, this book was very pleasant and enjoyable to read. 3.5 stars.
September 29, 2018
THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF THE RELUCTANT BOOK FAIRY (BIBLIOMYSTERIES: #23)
WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH GEORGE
2015, MYSTERIOUSPRESS.COM/OPEN ROAD (93 PAGES)
GENRE: MYSTERY, SUSPENSE, NOVELLA, FANTASY
Rating: 3.5 STARS
This is my second BiblioMysteries (Short Tales about Deadly Books) novella and I really enjoyed this whimsical tale. Jane Shore disappears in the background of her eight siblings and always seems to fall ill. It is during one of these spells she learns she has the ability to really immerse herself into a book. She can send herself and others into plots and characters of any book. Her quiet life is soon turned upside down when her secret is discovered…
I liked the premise of this story as this would be the superpower I would most like to covet. The chance to be a character or see the plot of your favourite story unfold would be so cool (except maybe Hunger Games or A Game of Thrones). George is a great writer that keeps you engaged and wanting more from this short piece.
***I received an eARC from the AUTHOR/PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
*It appears that this novel is not available to purchase anymore.
My Novelesque Blog
WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH GEORGE
2015, MYSTERIOUSPRESS.COM/OPEN ROAD (93 PAGES)
GENRE: MYSTERY, SUSPENSE, NOVELLA, FANTASY
Rating: 3.5 STARS
This is my second BiblioMysteries (Short Tales about Deadly Books) novella and I really enjoyed this whimsical tale. Jane Shore disappears in the background of her eight siblings and always seems to fall ill. It is during one of these spells she learns she has the ability to really immerse herself into a book. She can send herself and others into plots and characters of any book. Her quiet life is soon turned upside down when her secret is discovered…
I liked the premise of this story as this would be the superpower I would most like to covet. The chance to be a character or see the plot of your favourite story unfold would be so cool (except maybe Hunger Games or A Game of Thrones). George is a great writer that keeps you engaged and wanting more from this short piece.
***I received an eARC from the AUTHOR/PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
*It appears that this novel is not available to purchase anymore.
My Novelesque Blog
July 6, 2015
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I already knew Elizabeth George from her Lynley-series, which I admit I liked watching better than reading. Or perhaps I just read the wrong book of the series, that's also a possibility. However, this sweet short story is completely different.
I won't tell too much about the story, but it's about the book fairy, who can let herself and others experience the books in a far more real way. I know many booklovers who also love to read about fellow readers (myself included) and this booklet works really good. The story was very interesting, although I didn't really understand the classification as a mystery. So the story was a bit different from what I expected.
Would recommend! I might even try another Lynley-book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I already knew Elizabeth George from her Lynley-series, which I admit I liked watching better than reading. Or perhaps I just read the wrong book of the series, that's also a possibility. However, this sweet short story is completely different.
I won't tell too much about the story, but it's about the book fairy, who can let herself and others experience the books in a far more real way. I know many booklovers who also love to read about fellow readers (myself included) and this booklet works really good. The story was very interesting, although I didn't really understand the classification as a mystery. So the story was a bit different from what I expected.
Would recommend! I might even try another Lynley-book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
June 5, 2015
Bibliomysteries latest short written by Elizabeth George follows Jane Shore, a woman with the phenomenal ability to jump in and out of books becoming the character of her choice. Even more amazing is that she has the ability to send others into novels to do the same. Such a gift should remain a treasured secret, for what would happen if the whole world knew?
Interesting choice for the Bibliomystery series as I would most definitely not label this a mystery. This is a fun, well written fantasy short.
For those who enjoyed this I recommend the Thursday Next Series by Jasper Fforde, a fantastic fantasy/mystery series that shares the “jumping into literature” premise.
*Thank you to netgalley for this review copy*
Interesting choice for the Bibliomystery series as I would most definitely not label this a mystery. This is a fun, well written fantasy short.
For those who enjoyed this I recommend the Thursday Next Series by Jasper Fforde, a fantastic fantasy/mystery series that shares the “jumping into literature” premise.
*Thank you to netgalley for this review copy*
July 20, 2015
I didn’t like it. The writing style was convoluted, and the sentences too long and involved. In some cases, I had to read a sentence several times to understand it. The story structure was all wrong, with half the text a backstory, and the story itself, when it finally started, was boring. I didn’t sympathize with any of the characters and even had trouble determining who the protagonist was. In any case, she didn’t solve her problem; her friend came up with the solution. The book was supposed to be funny, but I’m guessing. It wasn’t funny. It wasn’t anything, and the tension didn’t exist at all. The only asset of this book – it was short. That’s why I finished it. I just decided to DNF, when it ended.
October 24, 2015
Annapurna (a/k/a Janet) is a librarian with a Special Ability. Mildred is an Indomitable Force. Add one indie bookstore with money woes, adventure-seekers with deep pockets, a best friend who can't keep a secret, and a dollop of literary opinions. Voilà - fifty pages that will leave you laughing and yearning for a friend named Annapurna.
Janet has always been able to lose herself in a story. Literally. Not as a character, already written, but as a participating extra. As a sickly child, she drank tea alongside Alice in Wonderland, tried on Cinderalla's slippers, and climbed down Rapunzel's hair. Her secret was never meant to be public. Ah, but after she settled an argument with her talkative friend by transporting her to a pivotal scene beneath an oak tree in To Kill a Mockingbird, she became a very popular girl indeed.
Years later, she has long eschewed her talent, and has spent 15 years travelling the country in a school bus with folks who want to duplicate "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert." Her now-married friend, Monie, entices her back to her hometown; a library job is the lure, but a desire for temporary escapes from her dullard husband is the real motivation. Monie really, really needs a trip to the terrace at Monte Carlo where Maxim proposed to Rebecca's nameless successor. (The delicious scene with Mrs. Danvers will have to wait.)
Enter the Indomitable Force, a stalwart fundraiser for local causes. She learns about the Special Ability. Enough said.
(Janet, by the way, is not a pushover. She has always sent people into books they had not requested, because a trip on the Argo is better than a game of quidditch, n'est pas? She insists on Dracula instead of trips with glittery vampires, refuses all requests for Danielle Steel, and acquaints many with The Scarlet Pimpernel and Pemberley.)
Elizabeth George has concocted a wicked funny book, a total delight. Will you think about "Being John Malkovich" and larks by Jasper Fford? Of course. That's part of the fun.
Five stars for a book that's short, but oh, so savory.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Janet has always been able to lose herself in a story. Literally. Not as a character, already written, but as a participating extra. As a sickly child, she drank tea alongside Alice in Wonderland, tried on Cinderalla's slippers, and climbed down Rapunzel's hair. Her secret was never meant to be public. Ah, but after she settled an argument with her talkative friend by transporting her to a pivotal scene beneath an oak tree in To Kill a Mockingbird, she became a very popular girl indeed.
Years later, she has long eschewed her talent, and has spent 15 years travelling the country in a school bus with folks who want to duplicate "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert." Her now-married friend, Monie, entices her back to her hometown; a library job is the lure, but a desire for temporary escapes from her dullard husband is the real motivation. Monie really, really needs a trip to the terrace at Monte Carlo where Maxim proposed to Rebecca's nameless successor. (The delicious scene with Mrs. Danvers will have to wait.)
Enter the Indomitable Force, a stalwart fundraiser for local causes. She learns about the Special Ability. Enough said.
(Janet, by the way, is not a pushover. She has always sent people into books they had not requested, because a trip on the Argo is better than a game of quidditch, n'est pas? She insists on Dracula instead of trips with glittery vampires, refuses all requests for Danielle Steel, and acquaints many with The Scarlet Pimpernel and Pemberley.)
Elizabeth George has concocted a wicked funny book, a total delight. Will you think about "Being John Malkovich" and larks by Jasper Fford? Of course. That's part of the fun.
Five stars for a book that's short, but oh, so savory.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2016
Normally, I only read and review mysteries. This is not a mystery, although the title and fact that it's author, Elizabeth George, has more than a few mysteries under her belt might lead one to believe it is. Sometimes, though, you read something that is so marvelous you just have to share it, and The Mysterious Disappearance of the Reluctant Book Fairy is one of those things.
This is the story of Janet (later Annapurna), a young girl with a most unusual ability: She can place herself smack-dab into the middle of books. Any page, any scene she wants is hers to experience. As she grows up, she hones this talent and eventually begins to transport her friends into their favorite stories as well. Things go well until college, when an unfortunate event spurs Janet to run away from everything, change her name, and shun her gift. Then, circumstances take a turn. She returns home many years later, attempting to lead a quiet life; but a special gift like this won't stay dormant forever. Things quickly spin wildly out of control and Annapurna (formerly Janet) finds herself trapped by her unique power-with no escape in sight.
This is a short story, not a novel, but it packs a lot into its 93 pages. The premise is mesmerizing. Hasn't every reader wished they could, for just a moment, physically be part of the stories in their favorite books? Perhaps assist Sherlock Holmes with an investigation or join Ellery Queen on a trip to Wrightsville? George's writing is whimsical, her characters are delightfully dynamic, and the plot is engrossing. I am truly glad to have stumbled upon this captivating short story. *
* I received a free copy of this eBook from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of Janet (later Annapurna), a young girl with a most unusual ability: She can place herself smack-dab into the middle of books. Any page, any scene she wants is hers to experience. As she grows up, she hones this talent and eventually begins to transport her friends into their favorite stories as well. Things go well until college, when an unfortunate event spurs Janet to run away from everything, change her name, and shun her gift. Then, circumstances take a turn. She returns home many years later, attempting to lead a quiet life; but a special gift like this won't stay dormant forever. Things quickly spin wildly out of control and Annapurna (formerly Janet) finds herself trapped by her unique power-with no escape in sight.
This is a short story, not a novel, but it packs a lot into its 93 pages. The premise is mesmerizing. Hasn't every reader wished they could, for just a moment, physically be part of the stories in their favorite books? Perhaps assist Sherlock Holmes with an investigation or join Ellery Queen on a trip to Wrightsville? George's writing is whimsical, her characters are delightfully dynamic, and the plot is engrossing. I am truly glad to have stumbled upon this captivating short story. *
* I received a free copy of this eBook from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2022
3.75
carino carino :)
carino carino :)
June 19, 2015
Review: THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF THE RELUCTANT BOOK FAIRY by Elizabeth George [Bibliomysteries Series]
What a joy 'twould be to literally [and literarily] partake of a book--any book! What happiness to not just observe, but to participate with the fictional characters in their settings! Jane Shore, sickly sixth child of eight, has known that joy all her life. Not only can she enter fictional worlds, she can cause others to do so also. But in a life that otherwise has not much to recommend, exists the temptation to do more than a mere temporary visit.
What a joy 'twould be to literally [and literarily] partake of a book--any book! What happiness to not just observe, but to participate with the fictional characters in their settings! Jane Shore, sickly sixth child of eight, has known that joy all her life. Not only can she enter fictional worlds, she can cause others to do so also. But in a life that otherwise has not much to recommend, exists the temptation to do more than a mere temporary visit.
August 22, 2015
Humorous, short but complete, this little tale will appeal to lovers of great literature. I was amused to note the refreshing change in style from Elizabeth George's Inspector Linley novels.
I particularly recommend this short story to Tracey (because it all takes place on a little island near hers), and Claude (because I know she'll enjoy guessing the books by only the names of the characters)!
I particularly recommend this short story to Tracey (because it all takes place on a little island near hers), and Claude (because I know she'll enjoy guessing the books by only the names of the characters)!
July 12, 2015
This short and bittersweet story about a person who put herself and others actually into a story is a little bit of a guilty pleasure for bibliophiles. I like that she rejects pop literature and recommends classics.
September 5, 2015
Glad I read it. It was a lot of fun. Thank you Sarah, for recommending it to me.
May 24, 2023
A title so long for such a short book. A perfect little rainy day read about a woman that can transport herself and others into a book world to escape the realities of day to day life. Despite being a part of the Bibliomysteries series, it’s not a mystery and more of a magical realism story. The premise was cute and kept me interested, but my biggest critique comes from some of the judgement the main character has for the people who use her services (Twilight is mentioned a few times as a book the MC will not transport readers to). Overall, a quick fantasy-esque read. 3.5⭐️
July 6, 2022
A woman who can jump into books by a magic chant, gets into a profit making book travel industry. Its cute, but there isn't anything mysterious about it. As an avid reader, it was fun for me to read about the different books that were jumped into.
October 6, 2024
Peccato.
L'idea iniziale del potere di Janet di "entrare" fisicamente nei libri per rivivere determinate pagine meritava a mio avviso miglior fortuna,, ho sempre apprezzato la scrittura di Elizabeth George, ma questo racconto breve non entusiasma e non coinvolge.
Consigliato a chi ama riconoscere i libri da un accenno di trama (ce ne sono molti piuttosto noti) e a chi non disdegna una breve incursione nel fantasy.
L'idea iniziale del potere di Janet di "entrare" fisicamente nei libri per rivivere determinate pagine meritava a mio avviso miglior fortuna,, ho sempre apprezzato la scrittura di Elizabeth George, ma questo racconto breve non entusiasma e non coinvolge.
Consigliato a chi ama riconoscere i libri da un accenno di trama (ce ne sono molti piuttosto noti) e a chi non disdegna una breve incursione nel fantasy.
July 2, 2015
Have you ever thought what it would be like to actually BE in a book you’re reading – I mean a character you especially like and want to experience just what that character is feeling and thinking?
Think about this for a minute! How cool to be anyone in a novel or play and BE THAT PERSON! Who would you be? Would you make a list and then begin knowing what it really means to be in someone else’s shoes?
That’s exactly the gift that Jane Shore, ‘the reluctant book fairy’, has been given…at first she only lets her friends know…but when the main fund raiser for their small community finds out about this gift and lets the world know….
That’s the premise of this superbly written tale about too many too close encounters with swarms of people, wanting to be the literary character of their dreams if only for a few minutes….and what happens?
You’ll have to jump into this richly written and often satirical tale of readers gone wrong!
Think about this for a minute! How cool to be anyone in a novel or play and BE THAT PERSON! Who would you be? Would you make a list and then begin knowing what it really means to be in someone else’s shoes?
That’s exactly the gift that Jane Shore, ‘the reluctant book fairy’, has been given…at first she only lets her friends know…but when the main fund raiser for their small community finds out about this gift and lets the world know….
That’s the premise of this superbly written tale about too many too close encounters with swarms of people, wanting to be the literary character of their dreams if only for a few minutes….and what happens?
You’ll have to jump into this richly written and often satirical tale of readers gone wrong!
September 30, 2016
The Mysterious Disappearance of the Reluctant Book Fairy...the main character loves books (a girl after my own heart) and she discovers she has a fantastic ability of transporting herself and her friends into the literary world, to live and breathe scenes from books. Now that just sounds a-ma-zing!!!!
I just wish the whole story grabbed me like the concept had. With a lot of short stories, they have to grab you straight away and unfortunately this didn't instantly grab me. It wasn't until half way through reading that my attention was taken.
The story was very descriptive, so there was a lot crammed into the 50 pages of the book. I did guess what would happen at the end unfortunately. It wouldn't put me off trying any of the Inspector Lynley mysteries from Elizabeth George as I think the writing style would suit the longer novel.
Many thanks to Open Road Integrated Media, MysteriousPress.com and Netgalley for giving me this ebook in return for my honest review.
I just wish the whole story grabbed me like the concept had. With a lot of short stories, they have to grab you straight away and unfortunately this didn't instantly grab me. It wasn't until half way through reading that my attention was taken.
The story was very descriptive, so there was a lot crammed into the 50 pages of the book. I did guess what would happen at the end unfortunately. It wouldn't put me off trying any of the Inspector Lynley mysteries from Elizabeth George as I think the writing style would suit the longer novel.
Many thanks to Open Road Integrated Media, MysteriousPress.com and Netgalley for giving me this ebook in return for my honest review.
September 29, 2024
Interesting concept that every devoted fan of literature would want to try. You have the ability to transport yourself into any book choosing any character you want to be. Something to think about - what book and who would you want to be?
June 7, 2015
This was an interesting story. The whole premise was very unique. It was a very quick read.
I enjoyed her inspector Lynley books, so I had to give this a try!
I enjoyed her inspector Lynley books, so I had to give this a try!
June 8, 2015
An intriguing idea and a beautifully vivid setting. I'm a total sucker for stories about books.
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