Historical Mystery Lovers discussion
2021 Go the Distance Challenge
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Rachel's 52 in 2021
These are books I might want to read in 2021 and prompts they could fit. I felt the need to try and organize my ideas. Post 1 will be the books I actually use for the challenge. 🎧 📖 1. Published in 2021
2. A book set in multiple countries
3. A book with a lamp on the cover
4. A book that has won an award
5. A bestselling historical mystery
6. A locked room mystery
7. A book that has been made into a movie or television show
8. A book set in a city that has hosted the Olympic Games
9. A book with an animal on the cover or in the title
10. A book randomly selected from your historical mystery TBR
11. A book with an intriguing or inspiring first line
12. A book related to one of the 7 deadly sins (Greed, Gluttony, Wrath, Lust, Sloth, Pride, Envy)
13. A book with a female detective
14. A book by an author who also writes in a different genre
15. A book with a rural/countryside setting on the cover
16. A book with a real historical figure
17. A book by an author of color
18. A book set in the '20s of any century (except the 21st)
19. A book with a disabled character
20. A book with a plant in the title or on the cover
21. A cozy historical mystery
22. A book with gothic elements
23. A debut novel
24. A book set in a religious setting (convent, abbey, vicarage, temple, shrine, etc.)
25. A book with a solitary female figure on the cover
26. A book with alliteration in the title
27. A book with the name of a real place in the title
28. A book by an author who uses a pseudonym
29. A book with a title that includes a character's name
30. A book set during wartime
31. A book with a "Clue" weapon on the cover or in the title (rope, revolver, candlestick, lead pipe, dagger or knife, wrench)
32. The first book in a series you have not read before
33. A book recommended in the challenge suggestions thread
34. A book set in a time period you are unfamiliar with
35. A book with a mode of transportation on the cover (carriage, horse, ship, train, automobile, etc.)
36. A book written by an author with your initials (RG)
37. A book related to one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse (death, disease, famine, war)
38. A book related to William Shakespeare
39. A book with an "-ing" word in the title
40. A book with a Muslim character
41. A book connected to a specific season
42. A book with a question word in the title (who, what, where, why, when, how)
43. A book that includes a major world event (not a war)
44. A book with food or drink on the cover
45. A book by one of your favorite authors
46. A book with a royal character
47. A book from another group member's bookshelf.
48. A book set in the Southern Hemisphere
49. A book linked to one of the four elements (earth, air, water, fire)
50. A book with a body part in the title
51. A book set in Medieval times
52. A book with water on the cover
Here I figured I'd given this a lot of thought!Planning on a couple of Falco titles for it as well. Southern Hemisphere I have this one slotted in (also works for author of color): A Beautiful Place to Die.
John wrote: "Here I figured I'd given this a lot of thought!Planning on a couple of Falco titles for it as well. Southern Hemisphere I have this one slotted in (also works for author of color): [book:A Beauti..."
That book looks good. It looks like it would also work for several other prompts. Plus it might fit a slot in my ATW challenges. Thanks for the recommendation!
You have given it a lot of thought. I also plan to read my last two Falcos. I'm thinking of deciding on a book and then finding the category. John, your recommendation sounds interesting. Rachel, what is your ATW challenge?
Sandy wrote: "You have given it a lot of thought. I also plan to read my last two Falcos. I'm thinking of deciding on a book and then finding the category. John, your recommendation sounds interesting. Rachel, w..."I also joined the Around the World in 80 books group earlier this year and participate in some of the challenges in that group.
It's likely that I have given this too much thought and things will change but I keep finding books I want to read and know I won't remember them later on.
Last year I set up a "maybe" TBR list specifically for the challenge and added possible books as I found them.
I pasted the list into a Word document where I've slotted in a proposed title for most categories. When I finish reading each book, I'll add a new post to my thread as well as marking that category with a ✅ on the list.
I added my notes to a second tab on an Excel spreadsheet. I listed all the prompts with columns for my final choices. I listed possible choices next to each prompt. The first tab has the rules.
49. A book linked to one of the four elements (earth, air, water, fire)Book: The Burning Issue of the Day by T.E. Kinsey
With so many books to read this year it was hard to know where to start but I really want to read my next Lady Hardcastle. This book meets the prompt because they are asked to solve an arson.
49. A book linked to one of the four elements (earth, air, water, fire)Book: The Burning Issue of the Day by T.E. Kinsey
Date read: 1/1/21
2. A book set in multiple countriesBook: The Silver Pigs by Lindsey Davis
This book meets the prompt because it is set in Rome and Britain.
2. A book set in multiple countriesBook: The Silver Pigs by Lindsey Davis
Date read: 1/3/21
Now I know why Sandy loves this series It was a wonderful 5 star read! I put in a request for the next one in the series. When Falco goes to Britain it brought Ruth Downie's series to mind and makes me want to read Terra Incognita next.
I envy your read of Falco for the first time. I have two to go. I haven't the heart to read them and wave good bye to the father and pick up with the daughter..
Sandy wrote: "I envy your read of Falco for the first time. I have two to go. I haven't the heart to read them and wave good bye to the father and pick up with the daughter.."It is so hard to say goodbye to any favorite series.
31. A book with a "Clue" weapon on the cover or in the title (rope, revolver, candlestick, lead pipe, dagger or knife, wrench)Book: Terra Incognita by Ruth Downie
31. A book with a "Clue" weapon on the cover or in the title (rope, revolver, candlestick, lead pipe, dagger or knife, wrench)Book: Terra Incognita by Ruth Downie
Date read:1/4/21
Another great entry in the Ruso series. I am especially enjoying seeing how a relationship evolves between Tilla and Ruso.
35. A book with a mode of transportation on the cover (carriage, horse, ship, train, automobile, etc.)Audiobook: Murder On The Ballarat Train by Kerry Greenwood
I started the Audio version of this book to listen to on my drive to and from work yesterday.
11. A book with an intriguing or inspiring first lineBook: The Essence of Malice by Ashley Weaver
"If my husband didn't die attempting this foolishness, I was going to kill him myself."
11. A book with an intriguing or inspiring first lineBook: The Essence of Malice by Ashley Weaver
Date read: 1/7/21
38. A book related to William ShakespeareBook: Much Ado About Murder by Simon Hawke
This is the 3rd book in the Shakespeare and Smythe mystery series.
38. A book related to William ShakespeareBook: Much Ado About Murder by Simon Hawke
Date read: 1/7/21
This book has similar things going on that we are currently experiencing. Due to the plague and riots in London the city council closed playhouses and actors are out of work.
32. The first book in a series you have not read before: Book: Thirteenth Night by Alan Gordon
Date read: 1/9/21
I enjoyed this book and will read on in the series. I wanted to read it last year but never got around to it. It is a retelling of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night set in Medieval times.
The idea of a fool's guild who are spies was really interesting to me and reminded me a bit of the manga series Fairy Tail. One of the jesters named Feste is sent out to solve a murder in this first book.
3. A book with a lamp on the cover: Book: The Women of Baker Street by Michelle Birkby
Date read: 1/9/21
I was sorry to see that there are no more books in the series. I really enjoy how Michelle Birkby has Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Watson working together to solve mysteries.
27. A book with the name of a real place in the title: Book: A Dead Man in Malta by Michael Pearce
Malta is in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily.
27. A book with the name of a real place in the title:Book: A Dead Man in Malta by Michael Pearce
Date read: 1/10/21
This is the first time I have read a book from the series and I really enjoyed it. I hope I can get a chance to read more but the library only has one other. I do plan to try Michael Pearce's other series which takes place in 1900s Cairo.
52. A book with water on the cover:Book: Death Beside the Seaside by T.E. Kinsey
Date read: 1/11/21
This is probably my favorite in the series so far. It was very action packed compared to some of the others. I am now ready to read The Fatal Flying Affair once it is my turn from the library.
35. A book with a mode of transportation on the cover (carriage, horse, ship, train, automobile, etc.)Audiobook: Murder On The Ballarat Train by Kerry Greenwood
Date read: 1/12/21
This is the first Phryne Fisher book I have heard as an audiobook. I really enjoyed the narration and already have the next couple to listen to. I think I prefer listening to Miss Fisher to reading.
12. A book related to one of the 7 deadly sins (Greed, Gluttony, Wrath, Lust, Sloth, Pride, Envy):Book: The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie
Date read: 1/12/21
I had not read a Miss Marple book before and I like her better than Poirot. I wasn't sure which prompt to use until I finished the book.
44. A book with food or drink on the cover:Book: The Fate of a Flapper by Susanna Calkins
Date read: 1/13/21
This is still one of my favorite series. I really hope there are more in the future.
Rachel wrote: "40. A book with a Muslim character:Book: The Mouth of the Crocodile by Michael Pearce"
Have you read other in the series? The first has been on my TBR for awhile and this could be the time to start.
Sandy wrote: Have you read other in the series? The first has been on my T..."
I haven't read any others in the series. My local library only has 17, 18 and 19 from the series available and I choose this one because it mostly takes place in Sudan. I wanted to read the first one in the series but didn't want to purchase it. I did enjoy the book.
40. A book with a Muslim character:Book: The Mouth of the Crocodile by Michael Pearce
Date read: 1/14/21
I like this author. I have now read a book from two series he has written and enjoyed them both. This story takes place mostly in Sudan.
Rachel wrote: "Sandy wrote: Have you read other in the series? The first has been on my T..."
I haven't read any others in the series. My local library only has 17, 18 and 19 from the series available and I ch..."
I know libraries can't have everything but not being able to get the first usually stops me from starting a series. Even more so when you would have to buy 16 books. Luckily there are many series on my TBR.
34. A book set in a time period you are unfamiliar with:Book: The King's Hounds by Martin Jensen
Date read: 1/18/21
That is certainly a time and place that is unfamiliar to me as well. I'll add it to my 'maybe' list.
Sandy wrote: "That is certainly a time and place that is unfamiliar to me as well. I'll add it to my 'maybe' list."When I saw the book I thought the same thing. It takes place in Oxford and there are Danes, Saxons and Vikings involved. I don't know of other books that are set during this time period. The story itself was good but I wasn't blown away by it.
16. A book with a real historical figureBook: An Accidental Corpse by Helen A. Harrison
Date read: 1/20/21
Based on the death of Jackson Pollock. It's a fairly short story (under 250 pages) and I enjoyed it more than the first in the series which I did not finish.
51. A book set in Medieval timesBook: Jester Leaps In by Alan Gordon
Date read: 1/21/21
Second book in the Fool's Guild series.
47. A book from another group member's bookshelf.Book: Murder on Astor Place by Victoria Thompson
Date read: 1/23/21
Found on Robin's "bookshelf". This is a fast paced read and I will probably read on in the series.
30. A book set during wartimeBook: Olive Bright, Pigeoneer by Stephanie Graves
Date read: 1/24/21
I don't know if this is a stand alone book or the first in a series. If it is a series I will read more. Having Olive helping the war effort using pigeons was really interesting.
42. A book with a question word in the title (who, what, where, why, when, how)Book: Why Didn't They Ask Evans? by Agatha Christie
I actually started this book awhile back and have been reading it while my Kindle charges. I have about 100 pages left so should finish it soon.
26. A book with alliteration in the titleBook: The Arnifour Affair by Gregory Harris
I am also currently reading this book. It is good so far.
42. A book with a question word in the title (who, what, where, why, when, how)Book; Why Didn't They Ask Evans? by Agatha Christie
Date read: 1/25/21
26. A book with alliteration in the titleBook; The Arnifour Affair by Gregory Harris
Date read: 1/25/21
I enjoyed this first book in the series.
7. A book that has been made into a movie or television showAudiobook: The Green Mill Murder by Kerry Greenwood
I started listening to the audio version yesterday.
Historical Mystery Lovers
Books mentioned in this topic
The Sign of Death (other topics)The Sign of Death (other topics)
Dead Man's Chest (other topics)
Karolina And The Torn Curtain (other topics)
Karolina And The Torn Curtain (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Callie Hutton (other topics)Kerry Greenwood (other topics)
Maryla Szymiczkowa (other topics)
Kate Danley (other topics)
William Ritter (other topics)
More...
1. Published in 2021
2. A book set in multiple countries
3. A book with a lamp on the cover
4. A book that has won an award
5. A bestselling historical mystery
6. A locked room mystery
7. A book that has been made into a movie or television show
8. A book set in a city that has hosted the Olympic Games
9. A book with an animal on the cover or in the title
10. A book randomly selected from your historical mystery TBR
11. A book with an intriguing or inspiring first line
12. A book related to one of the 7 deadly sins (Greed, Gluttony, Wrath, Lust, Sloth, Pride, Envy)
13. A book with a female detective
14. A book by an author who also writes in a different genre
15. A book with a rural/countryside setting on the cover
16. A book with a real historical figure
17. A book by an author of color
18. A book set in the '20s of any century (except the 21st)
19. A book with a disabled character
20. A book with a plant in the title or on the cover
21. A cozy historical mystery
22. A book with gothic elements
23. A debut novel
24. A book set in a religious setting (convent, abbey, vicarage, temple, shrine, etc.)
25. A book with a solitary female figure on the cover
26. A book with alliteration in the title
27. A book with the name of a real place in the title
28. A book by an author who uses a pseudonym
29. A book with a title that includes a character's name
30. A book set during wartime
31. A book with a "Clue" weapon on the cover or in the title (rope, revolver, candlestick, lead pipe, dagger or knife, wrench)
32. The first book in a series you have not read before
33. A book recommended in the challenge suggestions thread
34. A book set in a time period you are unfamiliar with
35. A book with a mode of transportation on the cover (carriage, horse, ship, train, automobile, etc.)
36. A book written by an author with your initials (RG)
37. A book related to one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse (death, disease, famine, war)
38. A book related to William Shakespeare
39. A book with an "-ing" word in the title
40. A book with a Muslim character
41. A book connected to a specific season
42. A book with a question word in the title (who, what, where, why, when, how)
43. A book that includes a major world event (not a war)
44. A book with food or drink on the cover
45. A book by one of your favorite authors
46. A book with a royal character
47. A book from another group member's bookshelf.
48. A book set in the Southern Hemisphere
49. A book linked to one of the four elements (earth, air, water, fire)
50. A book with a body part in the title
51. A book set in Medieval times
52. A book with water on the cover