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2023 - Settings Challenge
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Diana's 2023 HM Settings Challenge
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Have read 2 additional books in the Lady Darby mysteries series by Anna Lee Huber. Book 4 in series: A Study in Death
Category: Georgian period (1831), Scotland
Completed: Jan.25th
Kiera (Lady) Darby accepts a commission to paint the portrait of Lady Drummond, who dies mysteriously. Kiera becomes involved in solving Lady Drummonds murder with the help of fiancé Sebastian Gage. Plenty of possible suspects kept me guessing to the end.
(Since some characters resurfaced from previous books made me decide to do re-reads of books 1-3).
Book 5 in series: As Death Draws Near
Category: Georgian period (1831),Ireland
Completed: Feb. 24th.
While on honeymoon in England, Kiera and Sebastian receive a missive from Lord Gage (Sebastian's father) requesting they look into the suspicious death of a distant relative of the Duke of Wellington. They travel to Ireland and Rathfarnham Abbey and become involved in solving not one, but two murders of nuns.
Very interesting backdrop of the civil unrest in Ireland in this one.
(Read this one after doing the re-read of books 1-3)
I really enjoy the pairing of Lady Darby and Sebastian Gage as investigative partners. They compliment each other wonderfully; chemistry between them is perfect. Each book also gives us a bit more insight into their individual backgrounds, revealing details about the secrets they each keep. Supporting characters woven in and out of the various books lend just the right amount of flavor.
Also did a re-read of books 1-3 in Lady Darby mysteries by Anna Lee Huber. Read during the two weeks between books 4 and 5. Good refresher for me. Loving the series, and the characters of Kiera and Sebastian all the more. Book 1- The Anatomist's Wife
Category: Georgian period, (1830) Scotland
Introduced to the characters of Lady (Kiera) Darby and Sebastian Gage. After the death of her husband, Sir Anthony Darby (the anatomist) , Kiera has taken refuge at her sister' home Gairloch Castle. When a guest is murdered in a most gruesome manner Kiera becomes involved (after being suspected) in solving the crime. She aids fellow guest and inquiry agent Sebastian Gage. Their relationship which begins fraught with tension showcases their individual talents as well as how they complement each other. Wonderful setting, mystery and cast of characters. A great debut.
Book 2- Mortal Arts
Category: Georgian period, (1830) Scotland
A few months after book 1 ends, Kiera and Sebastian become involved in solving the mysterious disappearance of a young lady from a neighboring estate of the Dalmays. William Dalmay, once Kiera's art tutor, had been missing for 10 years, but it turns out that he had been committed to an insane asylum by his father during that time. Recently released, he is living at the estate and a prime suspect in the disappearance (murder?) of the the young lady. Poor Will's incarceration makes for some sad reading at times. Nefarious characters involved in this mystery. Continuing development of Kiera and Sebastian's relationship.
Book 3- A Grave Matter
Category: Georgian period, (1830) Scotland
Lady Darby (Kiera) is back at Blakelaw House (her childhood home) while attending the Hogmanay Ball. Nearby graveyard caretaker is shot upon discovering the removal of corpse/bones of a local Earl. Kiera enlists Sebastian's help to solve the mystery and soon two more sets of bone removal cases are connected to this, all asking for ransom to return the bones. Quick moving mystery with introduction of more colorful characters. Relationship between Kiera and Sebastian develops both professionally and personally, while not always smooth going.
Read two additional books in the Ursula Blanchard series by author Fiona Buckley. Book 11 read in Jan 2023, Book 12 just finished.Book 11-A Rescue for a Queen
Category: Tudor (Elizabethan) England (Feb 1571)
Ursula Blanchard escorts foster daughter Margaret to the Netherlands for her upcoming betrothal and wedding. Accompanied by trusted servants Roger Brockley and Fran Dale, she quickly becomes involved in matters of espionage (a plot to put Mary Queen of Scots on the throne). Also encounters her greatest enemy and a mysterious person from her past.
Thoughts- wanted to enjoy this book so much, given the mysterious character that resurfaced, but he seemed to be used and then dismissed in such a way that I don't know why the author bothered. In addition almost just a series of Ursula gets herself (and her servants) into some situations from which she could barely escape. More espionage but not really mystery as we now why and almost how those she is investigating do what they are doing.
Okay but not as interesting and attention holding as past books.
Book 12-A Traitor's Tears
Category: Tudor (Elizabethan) England (July 1573)
Two years later, Ursula Blanchard is back in England raising her infant son on her Surrey estate. She becomes involved in solving the murder of neighbor Jane Cobbold when manservant Roger Brockley is accused of the crime. The plot thickens with an additional murder and the realization that both are connected somehow to espionage and affairs of the state.
Thoughts- I enjoyed this installment a bit more as tried and true characters like Brockley, Dale, Cecil, and now Walsingham appear at length. Moved quickly and murder plots quite involved. However, writing seemed a bit stretched with the characters repeating things that we (the readers) already know, to others. Still interesting, but definitely not as strong as the first few books in the series.
Read the first two books in the Hugh de Singleton series by Mel Starr. Book 1- The Unquiet Bones
Category: Medieval England 1370s
Hugh de Singleton, after having trained in Paris, begins his practice as Surgeon in Oxford, England. After successfully treating Lord Gilbert Talbot he is offered position of Surgeon for his castle and nearby village of Bampton. It is when Hugh is called to examine some bones found in the castle cesspit that the mystery begins. Bones of a girl, Hugh must find out whose they are and how they got there.
I was engrossed in this book, Hugh's life as a Surgeon, the setting of Bampton and Lord Gilbert's castle, and the detailed and realistic descriptions of life during the Medieval times and its people. Many interesting characters support the storyline, but of course my favorite is Hugh himself. I really like his careful, yet human, way of going about his investigation. Also high on my list is the way his surgical practice and the area of medicine in his day is described.
Book 2- A Corpse at St. Andrew's Chapel
Category: Medieval England, 1370s
In this second book, Hugh de Singleton has officially been made Baliff to Lord Gilbert after having successfully solved the mystery of the bones (and related crimes) in the first book. He also has his surgical practice on the side (not a daily demand in the small village).
Hugh must solve the mystery of how/why Alan the Beadle of Bampton (who watches should anyone violate curfew) was murdered and left by the hedge near St. Andrew's Chapel.
Along with other injuries, his throat has been ripped out. In solving his murder, we accompany Hugh as he becomes further acquainted with the locals, questioning many. Lots of suspense in this second book as Hugh himself is targeted. In addition, Hugh rides his trusty steed Bruce to Oxford to consult with former teacher Master Wycliff. While there, he meets the lovely Kate (daughter of shop owner Robert Caxton whom he treats medically) and a possible love interest (after having lost out to Lady Joan in the first book).
Love everything about this series and definitely look forward to reading more installments.
March 2023- Have now successfully read in three categories, and currently reading Book 3- Trail of Ink- Hugh de Singleton mysteries by Mel Starr. This will be my tenth book so upon its completion I will have the Bachelor's level complete. Moving on to the Master's level.
Finished listening (audio version) to: What Angels Fear- Sebastian St. Cyr Book 1 by C.S. Harris
Category: Renaissance England, circa 1811
In this first book of the series, Sebastian St. Cyr is introduced, as a suspect in the brutal murder of a young woman whose body is found in the chapel of a church. As a fugitive, running for his life, he takes on various disguises to investigate and clear his name.
Mystery with political intrigue is how I best describe this book. Sebastian is an interesting character with more to him than this first book reveals, which kept me somewhat interested. I did find his revisiting and requestioning others he suspects to be drawn out. Interesting twist at the end as to the actual murderer.
I have to admit to not caring for the Kat Boleyn character (a love interest from his past) in that I couldn't gather why/what exactly draws him so deeply to her. It could also be that I have had more than my fill of the "glorified prostitute" character that the main leading man falls for, and she is one, but her way of life doesn't seem to phase him at all. Young boy, Tom, helps him out and he's okay. I liked the Lovejoy character, Jarvis makes a great villain and definitely want to see more of his daughter Hero.
Mixed feelings about this series based on this first book. Will think about more books in the series, but not right now.
Diana wrote: "Finished listening (audio version) to: What Angels Fear- Sebastian St. Cyr Book 1 by C.S. Harris
Category: Renaissance England, circa 1811
In this first book of the series, Sebastian St. Cyr is i..."
I love the series and encourage you to continue. There is a lot of dramatic backstory.
Book 3- A Trail of Ink, by Mel StarrCategory: Medieval England, 1360s
In this the Third Chronicle of the series Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon (and Baliff) comes to the aide of Master John Wycliff in finding his stolen books. At the same time, he has returned to Oxford also in hope of courting the lovely Kate Caxton (daughter of the bookseller). However, he must compete for her affections with Sir Simon Trillowe, who proves to be not quite the charmer that he seems. This installment was a bit lighter on the mystery, but still enjoyable as the relationship between Hugh and Kate develops. I continue to enjoy the wonderful time period detailed setting descriptions, vocabulary and the like. A wonderful depiction of Medieval England.
Book 4- Unhallowed Ground, by Mel Starr
Category: Medieval England, 1360s
In the fourth chronicle of the series Hugh de Singleton (now married to the lovely Kate) is back in Bampton. Thomas ate Bridge is found hanging from a tree near the village. It is assumed he took his own life, but Master Hugh (along with Kate) find evidence that he may have been murdered. The more that Hugh investigates, the more he discovers how many in the village (many he regards as friends) had a motive since Thomas is not at all well liked having hurt so many people. Hugh soon finds himself in a moral dilemma as some he calls friends are among the suspects.
A great entry into the Chronicles, more mystery and being with Kate adds a spark to the investigation; really like their relationship.
Book 5- The Tainted Coin, by Mel Starr
Category: Medieval England, 1360s
In the fifth chronicle of the series, we find Hugh de Singleton (pleasantly married to the lovely Kate) and enjoying life in Bampton. However, when a badly beaten man is found dying near St. Andrew’s Chapel Hugh is called in. The dying man is a traveling merchant, who holds a mysterious coin hidden his mouth. While in search of the assailants, as well as the origins of the mysterious coin, Hugh (and his groom Arthur) nemesis Sir Simon Trillowe (more bitter than ever) resurfaces to complicate matters. Another fast moving and suspenseful entry.
Book 3, 4, and 5 of Hugh de Singleton chronicles read April/early May. Status: 13 books, 4 categories.
Have been remiss in my postings so going back to earlier this year, with two more installments read in the Hugh de Singleton Chronicles.Book 6- Rest Not in Peace by Mel Starr
Category: Medieval England, 1360s-1370ish
This story takes place mostly in Bampton Castle in 1368. Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff for Lord Gilbert is called to the castle to determine the cause of death of one of Lord Gilbert’s guests, Sir Henry Burley. As Hugh investigates, and discovers foul play, possible suspects include Burley's wife, Lady Margery, his daughter, and both of Sir Henry's knights. When a second death occurs under Lord Gilbert's roof the tension increases and the suspense builds. As always, I enjoyed Hugh's approach to investigation and equally the atmosphere richly provided in detail of the medieval period.
Book 7- The Abbot's Agreement by Mel Starr
Category: Medieval England, 1360-1370
In this installment, Master Hugh and assistant Arthur are making their way towards Oxford when they discover a young Benedictine's dead body, not half a mile from the nearby abbey.
The abbey's novice master confirms that he is John, one of three novices that had gone missing four days previously. Even though there has been a recent plague, that was not the cause of death, rather he has been stabbed in the back. As a result, the Abbot commissions him to solve this mysterious murder/death.
Upon investigating, Hugh gets more than he bargained for when he discovers untoward happenings going on in the Abbey and when he gets too close to the truth, gets accused of heresy himself. Suffice to say, another wonderful installment. Looking forward to more.
Read these two books in May-June of this year.
I read the following books, of the Victorian England time period, as noted. Similar themes and character makeups. Read in September.The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits by Alys Clare
World's End Bureau of Victorian Mysteries #1
London, England 1880
This book introduces private investigator Lily Raynor and her newly hired clerk Felix Willbraham as they are hired by Ernest Stibbins who claims that his wife's spirit guides have warned her that someone is out to harm her. Initially skeptical, Lilly attends a seance at the Stibbins home but soon discovers that Albertina (the wife) truly is in danger and as she gets further into investigating, so is Lily herself.
Do women missing (and dead) in the area have something to do with the danger? Lily and as he grows beyond being just a clerk, Felix, soon have their hands full. They work well together, both being intelligent and capable, compliment each other wonderfully. Enjoyed this first book in the series and look forward to more.
Murder in Postscript by Mary Winters, Lady of Letters #1
London, England 1860
Widowed countess and stepmother Amelia Amesbury lives a secret life as advice columnist Lady Agony a London penny paper. Calm on the surface, until a lady’s maid writes Amelia convinced her mistress was murdered- and then is murdered herself. Amelia is soon involved and determined to solve the case.
Before too long, Amelia puts her own life on the line as she begins to unravel quite the mystery. She is helped by her best friend, as well as a handsome marquis (who we hope to see in future books). I really liked the Amelia character, young but mature enough to lend an air of credibility to her smart and inquisitive approach. Look forward to the next book in the series.
Read four books in the Rosalind Thorne Mysteries series. These take place in Regency England time period, early 19th century.Author: Darcie Wilde
Main Character is Rosalind Thorne, "privy to society's secrets and scandals". Almost ruined after her Baron father abandoned her and her mother, Rosalind has managed to survive by managing the affairs of society's most influential women.... which involves her in...
Book 1- A Useful Woman- to help her aunt (and society club) Rosalind becomes involved solving the murder of aristocrat Jasper Aimesworth at famous establishment Almack's. Her list of suspects soon include some of her patronesses as well as her own former suitor, who is now the wealthy Lord Casselmaine. The introduction of Bow Street Runner Adam Harkness aides in her investigation.
Book 2- A Purely Private Matter- with her "useful woman" reputation well established, Rosalind is approached by society member Margetta Seymore, whose husband has been receiving letters claiming his wife has been unfaithful with an actor (and supposed father of the child she is expecting). Rosalind is to discover who is behind sending the letters, but when actor Fletcher Cavendish is found dead, the mystery turns into murder. Once again, Bow Street Runner Adam Harkness aides in her solving the murder mystery.
Book 3- And Dangerous to Know-Rosalind is hired by Lady Melbourne to recover a packet of highly sensitive letters of interest to the famous poet Lord Byron previous lover of Lady Melbourne's daughter-in-law. As Rosalind takes up the position of Lady Melbourne's secretary at her country estate she soon learns from Bow Street Runner Adam Harkness that an unidentified woman was found dead in the courtyard, presumably poisoned. Now tasked with helping Adam solve the murder as well, Rosalind discovers a web of secrets and blackmail and her own life is on the line.
Book 4- A Lady Compromised - Rosalind is invited to Cassel House (estate of her former suitor who is now Duke of Casselmaine) to help the Duke's sister Louisa with her wedding plans. Soon Rosalind is involved trying to prove that Louisa's friend Helen's brother William's supposed suicide was not a suicide at all.
Read in late Sept/Oct.Book: In the Company of Fools by Tania Bayard
Time Period- Medieval Europe, 1396 Paris
Scribe Christine de Pizan is shocked when the Duke of Orleans' fools find an abandoned baby in the palace gardens. She wonders if there was a plan to substitute the child for the queen's own baby daughter and blame the Duchess of Orleans, Valentina Visconti.
"Accused of being a sorceress, Valentina is the victim of much slander and has powerful enemies at the palace, where rumours of witchcraft and superstition run riot. Convinced of the duchess's innocence, Christine is determined to uncover the truth, and soon makes a number of disturbing discoveries. Could the palace fools be the key to unlocking the mystery?"
Very engaging in the picture it paints of the French court and all of the political maneuvering. Interesting how it all comes about and Christine solves the mystery, however I felt that there was too much attention given to some other characters involvement and not being familiar with previous books (and those characters) wanted the focus more on Christine solving it herself. Also the fools were a bit overdone towards the later part of the book. Not sure if I will read any other books in the series.
Running status: 6 categories, 22 booksMaster's level accomplished.
Read 3 books in the Kate Clifford Mystery series by Candace Robb.Time period- late 14th century England.
Read from June-August.
Book 1- Service of the Dead-After the death of her husband and the need to secure her financial independence, Kate turns one of her properties near the minster into a guest house for prominent visitors to the minster. She also quietly rents discreet bedchambers to the wealthy, powerful merchants of York for nights with their mistresses.
But the brutal murder of a mysterious guest and the disappearance of his companion for the evening threatens all that Kate has built. She must solve this murder mystery to save herself from scandal.
Really like Kate, strong female character, as well as her relationship with cook Berend, and the others. Plus love the two wolfhounds.
Great setting with the political unrest between Richard II and Henry
Book 2- A Twisted Vengeance- 1399- When Kate's estranged mother Eleanor Clifford returns to York after the suspicious death of her second husband, Kate does her best to keep her distance. However, when one of the beguines in her mother's house of sisters is accosted by an intruder and later there is a murder of one of her mother's servants, Kate is pulled into mystery and intrigue.
Book 3- A Murdered Peace- 1400- Kate's relationship with her mother has stabilized, but then her trusted friend and cook Berend has disappeared (run off in the night). At the same time, Lady Margery, a friend, has secretly arrived looking for shelter as she is wanted for her husband's part in the King's uprising. Kate is pleased when Berend returns, but then he is accused of murder of one of the local merchants. She must prove his innocence and in the meantime she begins to mistrust Lady Margery's story. Her strengthening relationship with Sir Elric (of previous book) is jeopardized as she tries to help her friends.
I really like this series and was hoping for a fourth installment as the ending left some unanswered questions that definitely could be fleshed out in another book, but doesn't look like there will be one.
Update to status: 6 categories, 25 books.
Diana wrote: "Read 3 books in the Kate Clifford Mystery series by Candace Robb.Time period- late 14th century England.
Read from June-August.
Book 1- Service of the Dead-After the death of her husband and the ..."
This series sounds very tempting ...
Level #1: Bachelor of History - 3 to 10 books in at least 3 categories
Level #2: Master of History - 10 to 15 books in at least 5 categories
Level #3: Doctor of History - 15 to 20 books in at least 10 categories
Level #4: History with Honors - 20+ books in all categories
CATEGORIES:
- Ancient Egypt
- Ancient Greece
- Roman Empire
- Early Japan
- Shogunate Japan
- Medieval England
- Medieval Europe
- Tudor / Stuart England
- 16th-17th Century Europe
- Georgian England
- Regency England
- Victorian England
- Edwardian England
- Colonial America
- Antebellum America
- American Civil War
- Gilded Age America
- British Empire (any century, countries other than England)
- Pre 19th Century Asia (excluding the British Empire)
- 19th Century Europe
- Early 20th Century
Challenging myself to the Masters level 10-15 books in at least 5 categories