The 104 Book Challenge - 2012 discussion

I've been thinking about the Agatha Christie mysteries, so I decided this year I would re-read them. Starting with the earliest, I've gotten through....

1. The Mysterious Affair at Styles A good first book, and introduces M. Poirot.

2. The Secret Adversary Introduces Tommy and Tuppence, who are really my favorite Christie sleuths. Considering these were written in the 20s, it's a fabulous period piece and still a fun read.

3. Murder on the Links Enh. It's supposed to be a fabulously plotted mystery (and it is), but the Hasting character (so fun in the BBC) gets kinda tiring in the novel. Definitely a twisty mystery - and none of the "cheating" that sometimes leaks into Christie's later novels.

4. Ghoul Interrupted It's odd to me that I can get paper versions of books cheaper than Kindle version (store discretion on pricing is easier, I guess). It's a fun series. This one fits in with the other ones.

I need science fiction or disease related books appropriate for seventh graders. Things like Fever 1793 , Deadly, or Running Out of Time . Harder reads okay, too, as long as it's still PG appropriate.

All suggestions appreciated!

It's odd to me that I can get paper versions of books cheaper than Kindle version (store discretion on pricing is easier, I guess).

I recently read that the bookstores don't have the same pricing agreement for e-books as they do for print books, so the publishers get to set the e-book price. Of course they're going to milk it for all it's worth now that e-books are taking off. Luckily, I can do either format, but I am utilizing my library for new releases when possible.

Mary wrote: "I need science fiction or disease related books appropriate for seventh graders. Things like Fever 1793 , Deadly

Have you looked at Across the Universe by Beth Revis? Also, kids seem to the the Maximum Ride series. The Angel Experiment by James Patterson is the first book. That has to do with scientific testing on children giving them wings and other powers. I also liked the book Enchantress from the Stars by Sylvia Engdahl which is more Science Fiction. Kathy Reichs has also started a new YA series. I the think the first one is Virals and it has some gnarly scientific testing gone astray with some exciting suspense filled adventures.

very cool!! Thank you so much. I hadn't thought of the Maximum Ride books, and I've never heard of the Revis or the Enchantress book. Amazon has the latter paired with The Gammage Cup one of my all-time favorite books, and it's a Newbury Honor, so that's looking great. I have Virals, and love Kathy Reichs, but haven't pre-read it yet to see if it's suitable.

5. The Man in the Brown Suit Thought I remembered this book, and was completely wrong. While a tad on the far-fetched side, it's a fun read. Action goes from England to Africa. I liked this one a lot.

6. The Golden Ball and Other Stories I was going to read these chronologically, but somehow ended up with this 1971 collection in with my 1920s mysteries. These short stories aren't really mysteries, but are some romance, some adventure, and some occult - one (Hound of Death) is almost LoveCraftian. (and I *love* Lovecraft. Maybe I should re-read all of his stuff, too, this year..... hmmm... less pages than Christie, but, boy, his prose is a lot denser!!)

Mary wrote: "very cool!! Thank you so much. I hadn't thought of the Maximum Ride books, and I've never heard of the Revis or the Enchantress book. Amazon has the latter paired with [book:The Gammage Cup|158..."

Hmmm...On second thought, I think Across the Universe might be better for older kids. Sorry, I had forgotten one scene that I just remembered. It isn't really bad but might be a bit much for that age group. I think the others will work though. Good Luck.

S'ok. I pre-read almost everything anyways. It's still nice to hear about some books I've managed to miss!

Okay, I've been reading and not updating. Time to fix that. I finally managed to find my stack of books that I read on vacation last year. Too bad I can't sneak them on this year's list!!

7. (YA 1) Virals Fun book - read while looking for infectious disease books for 7th graders. I would recommend this probably for 9th grade and up.

8. (YA 2) The Eleventh Plague Same reason for reading this one. This is suitable for 7th graders, but never really talks about the plague. Lots of action in beginning and 7/8th through the book, draggy through the middle.

I've managed to finish the 1920s Agatha Christies. I enjoyed most of them, but I don't know that I'd recommend them all. Many have the mastermind overtaking the world plot or spy subplots. But then again, they'd just lived through a war. This decade tended to be "fizzy" with the characters being blithe and determined with a stiff upper lip. (Compare to Maisie Dobb series - which I also love - which has much more sturm und drang. Curiously, Christie lived through the time, and the Maisie Dobb series is a contemporary American author...)

9. The Secret of Chimneys Old manor house who-done-it. Farfetched, but oh so fun.

10. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd One of the books that put Christie's name on the map, so to speak. Definitely worth reading.

11. The Big Four A little dated, but interesting. More vignettes strung together than a straight through novel.

12. Partners In Crime Tommy & Tuppence short stories. Fizzy and fabulous! Christie spoofs various detective stories - including herself. I remember PBS had an adaption of these stories (like, back in the 80s....) I love these. Possibly an acquired taste, because both my parents dislike them. Also, curiously, the fourth Christie book in a row where there's a house named "The Laurels." Either a popular tree, a popular name, or an inside joke?

13. The Mystery of the Blue Train solid and good. Not one of my favorites. A good example of having a clue that must fit in order to solve the mystery.

14. The Seven Dials Mystery Murder! Secret Societies! Repeat characters from Secret of Chimneys! Again, a little far-fetched but fun.

15. Poirot Investigates Collection of short stories - each good, but it took me five other books to wade through them all.

On to the 30s!

16. River Marked Got this as my reward for finishing 2nd Q grades, and devoured it immediately. Love the series, love the writing, love that it's still good. (Sad that Briggs doesn't write high fantasy any more. *sigh*) Re-read several parts after finishing because I just liked it that much. Love that the character gets married, love that it's a realistic relationship, love that some questions are answered, love that it deals with the fae, love that it sets up the sequel for something with the vampires. (I know the next one's out, but I don't buy-or read- hardbacks for myself).

17. (YA 3) Tuesdays at the Castle I adored this book. The writing is just fun, and the plot is fresh and interesting for young fantasy. My daughter (8) also read it and loved it too. I think this is only the author's fourth book - I'm definitely checking out the others. Highly recommend to 2nd -6th.

Mary wrote: "17. (YA 3) Tuesdays at the Castle I adored this book. The writing is just fun, and the plot is fresh and interesting for young fantasy. My daughter (8) also read it and loved it t..."

Hey, glad you and your daughter got to experience this great book.

Okay, Rooks, you've inspired me to get crackin' on the updatin'. Plus, school's out, so I finally have time....

First, the kid stuff...

18. (YA 4) Monster High Pre-read this for oldest child, decided it was still a bit too sophisticated for 8 years old. She does love her Monster High, though!

19. (YA 5) Deltora Quest Complete Series Bindup Read them as separate books, but really it all adds up to one novel. Oldest child LOVES Emily Rodda books, and this series does not disappoint. Children's high fantasy that's more advanced than BeastQuest (which oldest child also devours). Fun story, with some twists I didn't see. Upper Elementary age reading.

Then the non-Christie books...

20. The End of Molasses Classes: 101 Extraordinary Ways for Parents and Teachers to Get Kids Unstuck Okay, I find the guy inspiring and he rekindles some enthusiasm for teaching. However, I have some fundamental philosophical differences - namely the place that rewards have in the education system.

21. The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules For Discovering the Successful Student In Every Child But... liked it enough to check out this earlier book. Essentially (no pun intended) advocates that teachers can help students develop citizenship through enforcing manners and rules at schools. Hard to argue with that.

22. Beauty and the Werewolf Okay, love Mercedes Lackey, will continue to buy books that she (by herself) writes, yet have been disappointed in the last three (including this one) or so. Puzzling, because I still like the writing and the characters. I think I finally identified that it's how she uses story structure. Rising action goes on too long, followed by a too-quick climax and practically no falling action. Um.... still talking about reading, I swear....

And on to Christie!! I'm one shy of finishing up the 1930s.

23. Murder at the Vicarage INtroduces Miss Marple, and I'm sooo glad to get away from Hercules Poirot for a little. I like this one.

24. The Sittaford Mystery Ugh. Ugh, ugh, ugh. I remembered this one as soon as I started - mainly because I hate it so much. Stupid. Stupid, stupid, and annoying main characters. I only remember one other Christie I hate more than this one, and I haven't gotten to it yet.

25. Peril at End House This one, however, I like very much. Pleasantly surprising ending without cheating.

26. Lord Edgware DiesThis is good. Good example of how Christie uses the psychology of characters.

27. Why Didn't They Ask Evans? I like this one a lot. Fizzy again, with chipper main characters (not Poirot), and an interesting plot / denouement. Also, I remember the 1980 movie version of it - interestingly enough, starring the actress PBS later used as Tuppence in the Tuppence and Tommy shows.

28. Murder on the Orient Express A Poirot mystery, a classic, and deservedly so. Can't say anything else without spoilers. What's fun is to see in later novels of this decade, Christie has characters referring to this incident when they talk to Poirot.

29. The ABC Murders And following up a classic - another classic!! Again, well worth the read, but difficult to discuss without spoiling. Another Poirot.

30. Death in the Clouds And then the streak fizzles a little..... Not bad, interesting characters with again the psychology being important. Kind of suffers as it's the next one after the last two biggees.

31. Three Act Tragedy Again, not bad. Again, not stellar. Again, psychology is important. Unique motive for murder.

32. Murder in Mesopotamia Narrated by a nurse, and again not bad. Acts a bit like a period piece because of the archaeology. Christie starts showing a pattern here of who the guilty one is (ie, fourth book or so of the 1930s where a particular kind of character is the murderer).

33. Cards on the Table I like this one. Essentially a closed room mystery where the murderer has to be one of four people. Poirot again, and the first full length of Ariadne Oliver, the mystery writer. Supposedly Christie portraying herself.

34. The Mysterious Mr. Quin I love this collection of short stories. More romances than mysteries in the sense that each has the air of the supernatural about them.

35. The Thirteen Problems Collection of Miss Marple short stories. I like all of these, too. I really remember there being more Miss Marple books, but there's only these two in the 1930s.

36. Death on the Nile Again Poirot, again a classic, again deservedly, and again uses psychology. The plot devices of this one show up later in a few more of her books.

37. Dumb Witness A Poirot one, not big or splashy, but again I enjoyed this one. has a rather nice dog in it, too. Good ending, also.

38. Appointment with Death Again, Poirot, but interesting - this is a different kind of mystery, more unique than some others. Maybe because it's not set in England. Psychology of the characters is again very important. Not a really showy mystery, but I like this one.

39. Hercule Poirot's Christmas As opposed to this one. I remember I hated it, just didn't remember why until the last few chapters. Major cheating (in my opinion), but still better than the Sittaford mystery. This rests third from the bottom for Christie mysteries for me.

40. Murder is Easy Okay, I remember loving this one, and I remember loving the TV movie of it (starring the Incredible Hulk!! You know, the real one - Bill Bixby! Apparently the 1980s were very formative years of tv for me....) I liked this one re-reading it (even with remembering all of it), but as an adult, the romance between the main characters was pretty flat where Christie has done it better. One and done detectives, not Poirot or anyone.

41. Parker Pyne Investigates Another collection of short stories I'm very fond of. Again, not mysteries per se so much, but an interesting set up.

Okay - almost done the 30s! One more novel, two collections of short stories (though I can't find one....)

and one last YA

42. (YA 6) Troubletwisters Read to see if it would fit sci-fi unit (it doesn't). Still, really enjoyed it as a children's fantasy (probably 10 and up) and it was actually page-turning exciting in some parts. I'll definitely read the sequel and I'm intrigued to see what else Garth Nix has done.

And time to add some more before I scoot off on vacation.

43. (YA 7) Numbers Read to see if okay for 7th grade - it's not; probably not for under 9th grade. Very interesting premise - girl sees numbers over everyone's head, and the significance is intriguing. Then halfway through the book the story fizzles - it's like the author really wanted to write the sequel and had to make the second half fit to get there.

44. (YA 8) Real Mermaids Don't Hold Their Breath Cute. Middle-school series that I had read the first book of, and this fits in with the first - frothy and nothing serious with occasional flashes of cleverness. There is a nice relationship between the main character and her best friend.

45. The Jackal's Head The first of Peter's "mystery" books. A complete comfort read - the equivalent of chocolate pudding - sweet, tasty, easy to devour and wonderful. She also writes fiction/romance books under the name of Barbara Michaels. Love them all.

46. Unnatural Issue FINALLY, a Lackey book I enjoyed as much as her earlier work. This book continues the elemental masters series - each book a loose reworking of a fairy tale in Victorian / Edwardian London. This is Deerskin, but set at the beginning of WWI with some really nice historical detail. No problems with story structure in this one, and I liked it start to finish.

Mary wrote: "And time to add some more before I scoot off on vacation.

43. (YA 7) Numbers Read to see if okay for 7th grade - it's not; probably not for under 9th grade. Very interesting premise - girl sees..."

What? Peters has written a YA and I didn't know it? I love her Amelia Peabody series. I am glad to know what you thought of it.

I haven't read any of the elemental masters series of Lackey. Do I need to read them in order or can I just pick Unnatural Issue up and read alone?

Nanci wrote: "Mary wrote: "And time to add some more before I scoot off on vacation.

43. (YA 7) Numbers Read to see if okay for 7th grade - it's not; probably not for under 9th grade. Very interesting premis..."

Sorry to take so long - just got home. Jackal's Head isn't Young Adult, but is so much fun. As for Lackey's series, there are characters that carry over, but it doesn't interfere with the enjoyment of each book. Unnatural Issue is good, as is the Fire Rose and the Serpent's Shadow.

Found some I had missed recording:

47. (YA 9) Museum of Thieves I enjoyed this very much, though I wish the author had created a better balance between explaining the world and the action happening. Ending suggested there will be a sequel which I would be glad to read.

48. Duke Sucks: A Completely Evenhanded, Unbiased Investigation into the Most Evil Team on Planet Earth Picked this up at a friend's house (she's from NC) and read it all the way through that afternoon because it was pretty funny.

49. The Dead Sea CipherContinuing with my Peters binge - this has a lot of themes we see in later stuff - young love, archaeology, and Christian philosophy. While some parts are dated (it *was* written in 1969) - like the discussion of the Beatles - other parts hold up fine - like the discussion of the holy land.

50. The Camelot Caper This was okay, but not as good as the other two Peters I devoured. The England details are nice, and the two main characters are fine, and it's all very frothy and fun. It's also the introduction of John Smythe (of the Vicky Bliss novels) though he's not quite recognizable.

51. Fair GameHow do I get around buying hardbacks? Buy the Great Britain paperback a year before release here!! Briggs is really one of my favourite authors - and this one continues in the Mercedes universe focusing on the Alpha/Omega pair. It's a fantastic story with good character development and an ending that will have repercussions throughout the novel's universe (truly a gamechanger). Can't say what without spoilers, but *man* am I looking forward to more. This happens almost immediately after River Marked. Read in order. Read all of them. Then go read her other fantasies (all high fantasies, most of them duologies, all with strong female characters).

52. Nightshifted Just picked this up at the bookstore because the cover/blurb caught my attention. Another vampire/werewolf/zombie universe story but with indications that there's originality in how it's set up. Main character (female) is fairly well drawn, though the sexy-time parts seem a little forced. Interesting enough I stayed up late to finish it, and the sequel may already be out.

Ok! Halfway through! I better pick up my pace, and get around to finish up more of my Christies.

And two more I had read to see if they would work for 7th grade:

53. (YA 10) My Name Is Not Angelica While this lacks development, that is all the events are presented in a string, it very clearly paints a pictures of the events of a pre-colonial slave revolt on a sugar plantation. I would like to use this for my early American history class for 7th grade.

54. (YA 11) Alexander Hamilton: The Outsider Whereas I would say this is more 5th/6th grade. Informative, but kind of dry. I think it would be a hard read (boring) for the appropriate audience. It did definitely outline Hamilton's life, and I learned some things, but I don't think kids would enjoy it.

55. Kitty Steals the Show Newest entry in the Kitty the Werewolf series. Kitty's over in London for a supernatural conference, and she pokes around in the European structure of vampires and werewolves. The overreaching story gets some more development, and more time is spent on developing Cormac's character. I enjoyed this, but wasn't blown away.

56. (YA 12) Cindy Ella Screening this for older child (she likes fairy tale mash ups such as Fairest of All), but it's more an 8th-9th grade audience. Nothing wrong with it, but a little more sophisticated (ie, dating) than stuff I normally hand her. I had completely forgotten that I had read this, which is probably the most telling comment I could make about it.

57. Madam, Will You Talk? I love the fiction/suspense/modern gothic genre as written by Elizabeth Peters (aka Barbara Michaels) so I wanted to try another author. It's a little dated (written in 1955) and a tad sexist (written in 1955) but not so much to keep me from enjoying it - plus a little amusement at some conventions that have changed such as how much the main characters chase down smokes. This takes place in France and is about a women who gets caught up in the middle of a family intrigue. I will read more of her books.

58.(YA 13) Pish Posh Read this one, and I didn't dislike it, but can't really endorse it. I think the author wanted to span genres (realistic fiction / fantasy / snark) and instead it was just kind of confusing and odd. The little girl main character is interesting, but the story doesn't ring true. Upper Elementary.

59. (YA 14) Heist Society Whereas this one is firmly placed in the fantastical realistic fiction (real world rules but characters that wouldn't really happen). Main character is a third-generation thief wrestling with conscience vs. family. Characters are well-drawn, willing suspension of disbelief makes it enjoyable. Liked it enough I got the sequel.

60.Uncommon Criminals Liked this one, too. Took the characters further on in their development, and set the stage for the third one. Which I will get when it's out in paperback.

61-64. (YA 16-18) The House with a Clock in Its WallsThe Figure in the ShadowsThe Letter, the Witch and the Ring The original John Bellairs trilogy. I remember loving this for the spookiness when I was eight - true spooky occult, not like the Goosebumps stuff. A friend's 12 year old was reading them, so I had to re-read. Still spooky and very cool. Good for 8-13 depending on their tolerance for creepy. Set in the 50s, but the main characters are still easy to relate to, and all three plots go well. My favorite is the first, the creepiest (in my opinion) is the third.

oops. can't count.

64. And Then There Were None This finishes out the novels of the 30s for Christie. Whew! Again, deservedly a classic. I imagine everyone knows this story now, but if you've only seen the movie, know it's a different ending (and better, I think).

65. The Night of Four Hundred Rabbits Moving on with Elizabeth Peters. This one is a little more dated with the drug references, but it's a fun read and includes some nice details of Mexico City's archaeology.

66. Skein of the Crime Definitely a cozy mystery. I find the mysteries are getting slighter, easier to figure out, and the characters' actions seem forced to provide future plot points. Of course, having said that, I actually cared about the characters when I finished reading, so I'll probably at least read the next one.

67. Home for a Spell Still enjoying this series. Plot advanced for the characters, but is more encapsulated for the book and less for the overarching "big bad thing approaching" plot.

68. Wild Wild Death Still liking this series - mainly because Pepper gets to keep growing as a character. This one takes place in Southwest (hence the title) and it's a decent mystery. Advances the characters, and I'm glad to see there's another after this one. Better to read this series in order.

69. Carved in Bone Liked this one an awful lot. It's the first, and held up well. Characters showed local flavor without feeling like stereotypes, and the mystery held up. Lots of forensic science, which I like, and they moved the main character along far enough that his hang-ups (which were starting to get annoying) shouldn't interfere in future novels. Will definitely try more in this series.

70. Pay Me in Flesh Got this in a monthly kindle sale. Wasn't bad, but I can see why it was included. Main character is a zombie (plus), but then there's enough plot / conspiracy theory / bad stuff happening crammed into one book that it gets jumbled and rushed. Would've been better stretched out to a couple of books. Enjoyed the character enough that I'd read another.

71. Raven Calls I almost stopped reading this series three books ago (Thunderbird Falls because the main character was so annoying. Turns out, it was just setting the stage for character growth and development. The main character is (finally) maturing and it fits into the world and plot line well. This ends on a cliffhanger, so I was glad I had the next one cued up and ready to go.

72. Spirit Dances This follows Joann to Ireland, and it was a nice change of pace. Further character development, further plot development, good handling of time loops, and enjoyed the book even with my favorite (Michael) being mostly MIA. Looking forward to the next book.

73. Wicked Circle And here's an example of how to rush character development. I understand that due to plot the characters need to change and develop, but this seemed rushed and unrealistic (which is saying something when dealing with werewolves, witches, and vampires). One of my favorite things about this series was it was avoiding the eternal, never-ending, romantic triangle of woman-werewolf-vampire. And then this book plunges itself straight back into it. *sigh* I'll probably read the next one, but my expectations are severely lowered.

74. Hidden , Chaotic, Darkest Powers Bonus Pack three novellas all by Kelley Armstrong (hey Kelley - when's the next Nadia book coming out??) First (my favorite) is a novella set with Elena, Clay, and the kids. and is a nice stand alone story. The second is one from an anthology which fills in back story for Karl (werewolf) and girlfriend, and the third is backstory for the YA Darkest Powers trilogy - and would probably make much more sense if I had read that first. Liked them all, though.

I love reading your comments on the books you read. It makes me want to read the same ones. Once I whittle down my booklist, I think I will start on some of yours.

Hey, thanks! I enjoy hearing what everyone thinks of their books, too.

Hope everyone on the east coast weathered the storm ok.

75. Dead Man's Mirror Three novellas - all the "locked door" style mysteries. All three pretty good - the first, Dead Man's Mirror, is the most dated - it's almost like watching a 1930s play. The second, Murder in the Mews is a very well-crafted, clever, mystery with an interesting motive. Many versions of this collection carry this one as the title. The third story is an interesting character study, but didn't stick with me.

76. The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories Last of the short stories for the 1930s. Variety of detectives - Miss Marple, Hercules, Poirot, and Parker Pyne. Enjoyed them, but nothing really stood out.

77. The Seventh Sinner Back to an Elizabeth Peters. This one is very dated (too much depends on hair styles and clothing fashions) to the early 70s. Also features Jacqueline Kirby, who is my least favorite Peters sleuth. At least as this is her first appearance (and she's not the POV character) she's not as annoying as I remember her later being. I feel like this is one of Peters' more obtuse mysteries. I enjoyed it, but it's not one of my favorites.

78. Sad Cypress As opposed to this book, which is one of my favorites and the whole reason I started my Agatha Christie kick this year. I must've read this book at least five times, and I still loved it. I forget that it's actually a Hercules Poirot mystery. I just adore the main character and the philosophical musing on relationships throughout this book. She probably wouldn't hit the same chord so strongly with everyone, but it's also a great mystery. This is my favorite Christie, and probably in the top five of her best mysteries in my opinion.

79. Changes Eh. As stated before, I really, really, like early Mercedes Lackey. I didn't dislike this, but it seemed... looonnng..... When compared to Arrows of the Queen, Lackey's first Valdemar novel, the plot is so slow to develop. Plus, the characters dither and stew and finally get around to action, and the main plot of the series advances about five pages. Did she outgrow her editor? Did she decide she can indulge her philosophical and social-economic ideas? I don't mind some exploration of society and government, but it starts to get a bit didactic and a tad anachronistic (such as the introduction to the Valdemar "CSI" team). But what the heck, it's her world, and it's still fun to read stories placed in it.

And pressing forward with the 40s Christies...

80. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe A Hercules Poirot, and not bad. A little more political, and very good handling of red herrings.

81. N or M? The return of Tommy and Tuppence, who I love. Now parents with adult children, they get re-involved in war espinoge (sp?). Very interesting to contrast the tone - the first, set in WWI is very fizzy and flip. This one is more thoughtful and urgent, thought the characters retain their humor and fun.

82. Evil Under the Sun I remembered liking this book when first read it (admittedly, that was like 30 years ago). I still admired this - she takes many seemingly unimportant facts and arranges them to make sense - but it's very close to one of the short stories I just recently read, so it wasn't very surprising. There's an interesting teenage character in this one, though.

I've now found that the next mystery (A Miss Marple, thankfully) was in an anthology I apparently gave away - so I'll have to run to the bookstore between parent conferences and cooking the turkey this week. Darn! I have to go to the bookstore!

83. The World Needs Your Kid: Raising Children Who Care And Contribute It takes me forever to read non-fiction. I tend to leave them in a room and read only a page or two at a time when I happen to be in that room with a spare minute. This was very interesting and had short chapters that lent itself to my read two pages and wander away. It is meant to support and promote the authors' charity Me to We, whose goal seems to be to start world change by making sure children are involved globally. Some very heavy topics, but also very moving.

Well, I've been chugging away at the 1940's Christies:

84. The Body in the LibraryMiss Marple, and a "locked door" cozy of a mystery. It's pretty well handled and a "comfort food" read.

85. Five Little Pigs This one's pretty cool - Hercules Poirot gets to figure out a murder from 16 years ago. Has to gather five witness reports (hence the title) and the cross-referencing solves the crime.

86. The Moving FingerI always think of this as the first Miss Marple (it's the third) - maybe because she only shows up in the last third for like ten pages. However, I still really like this one; narrated by a male and set during the war, but no plot points hinge on it.

87. Towards Zero I had blanked on this title, but I remembered the plot as soon as I started reading it. This is a really good mystery. The conceit is that mysteries start with a murder when so much story has gone before it. Therefore, this story builds up to the time the murder takes place.

88. Sparkling Cyanide I remember liking this one better than I did re-reading it. Wasn't bad, but it didn't seem to have as much depth as others. The other title is Remembered Death - a young girl is discovering things about her sister's suicide from the previous year.

89. (YA 19) Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King Older child got this series for Christmas. This is the first, and deals with how the Guardians of Childhood come into being (so this is the second epic battle with Pitch - the movie is set in modern day with the third epic battle against Pitch). I liked this very much, but it's not perfect - some things are a little too cute or too wink-wink - like the protective spirit with the wand being called Nightlight. Still highly recommend this book, and my daughter wants me to read the other two which is usually a good sign.

90. Elemental Magic: All-New Tales of the Elemental Masters Collection of short stories - none bad, a few really good. Increase in enjoyment the further in the collection I read. All set in Lackey's universe of elemental magic, but not all in Edwardian England. Overall okay, but I wish I'd bought it for the kindle.

91. (YA 20) The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee Third in the series - again probably best for 4th-6th grade. The kid characters are fun and relatable (though probably a little bit too mature and knowledgeable)and it sets the stage for the fourth book.

92. Death Comes As the End Another Christie, this time set in Ancient Egypt. Pretty good, and a fun (time) period place.

93. The Hollow Second book that I didn't remember the title but remembered the entire plot as soon as I started reading. Interesting characters, good plot. There are a few overt slurs - such as calling a character a "jewess" (as a pejorative term) and a dessert is called a "nigger in his shirt". Very jarring, though probably not to a 40's audience. (I have also recently read some speculation that Christie was rather antisemitic. *sigh* unfortunate if true.)

94. The Labours Of Hercules Christie collection of short stories - with the conceit that Hercules Poroit is trying to do a modern series of ten labours - connected to those in antiquity (ie, rumors are the many-headed hydra, etc..) A little bit of a stretch, but all solid short stories.

95. Vision Impossible Another in the psychic series. Abby gets caught up in a spy operation with her CIA fiance. Not a particularly challenging mystery, but it was entertaining and I'm looking forward to the next one.

96.Taken at the Flood Christie has now made it to the end of WWII and this deals with a woman returning to her little village and what's happening with her extended family. I remember this one for some odd characterization at the end - but the mystery is fairly good.

Augh! So close!! At least I got further than last year....

..And the last two I finished yesterday, getting me through all the 1940's Christies:

97. The Witness for the Prosecution Another collection of short stories. The titular one is fairly famous, since she made it into a play and it turned into a movie. Known for its twist ending. I didn't really enjoy the other stories - especially since the last one was a re-working of Dead Man's Mirror.

98. Crooked House Whereas this was a breeze to read as it's one of my favorites. Strong ending, no "name" detective. Interesting characters, too. Also, my copy is a 1960 edition from my dad, and the book cost $.35. If only that were still true!