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The Flame Bearer (the Last Kingdom Series, Book 10)
The Flame Bearer (the Last Kingdom Series, Book 10)
Bernard Cornwell | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The continuing story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, who, since the first story in the series ([b:The Last Kingdom|68527|The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Stories, #1)|Bernard Cornwell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1407107780s/68527.jpg|881821] has been dreaming of recapturing his ancestral home - a home that was originally stolen by his uncle afollowing Uhtred's capture by the Danes in that first novel, and is now owned by his cousin.

The series as a whole has dealt with the forging of what ias now knwon as England, with Alfred (the Great) palying a key role in the earlier novels, and with the later novels dealing with events following his death. Although he is a pagan and Alfred was a Christian, Uhtred has played a key role in many of the events depicted - mostly (as with nearly all of [a:Bernard Cornwell|12542|Bernard Cornwell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1240500522p2/12542.jpg]'s novels) all based on or around real historical events.

I say mostly, as this is one of the few rare exceptions (being nearly all fiction), with the author himself admitting as much in the Afterword to this particular tale.
  
A Literal Mess
A Literal Mess
J. C. Kenney | 2019 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Strong Debut
Allie Cobb has returned home to Rushing Creek, Indiana for her father's funeral. While his death wasn't a surprise, it has still hit her hard. She's not prepared for tragedy to strike her small town a second time when the body of Thornwell Winchester is found. He was one of Allie's father's literary clients, and also the father of Allie's best friend, Sloane. When Sloane becomes the police's chief suspect, Allie steps in to find out the truth. Can she do it?

This book is more serious in tone than many of the cozies I read, but given what brings Allie home, that is completely appropriate. I never found that overwhelming, and the book doesn't dwell on it. After all, this is a mystery, and it isn't long before we are off meeting Thornwell and the potential suspects. I was intrigued by the red herrings and enjoyed the twists as we headed toward the logical climax. The suspects are strong, but I was really impressed with the series regulars. They have pasts and baggage that brought them to the page fully formed. I'm interested to see how that dynamic plays out as the series progresses.
  
Fatal First Edition
Fatal First Edition
Jenn McKinlay | 2024 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder Aboard a Moving Train
This book starts out in Chicago, where Lindsey Norris and her husband, Sully, are attending the annual archivist convention. Lindsey is having a fantastic time, and that includes the train trip back home to Connecticut. Quite a few of the attendees are also on the train. However, when Lindsey wakes up the next morning, someone is dead in the compartment next to her and Sully. Does it have anything to do with the valuable first edition that Lindsey stumbled upon during the keynote address?

One thing I love about cozy mysteries are the familiar locations and characters, so I was happy to see this book found an excuse to spend a lot of time at home while continuing the plot. The series regulars gave us some great laughs. Meanwhile, the plot zigs in a different direction part way through, and I was hooked as a result. Unfortunately, it did make the climax a bit rushed, although it was still logical. Fans will be pleased with this entry in the series. If you haven’t started these books yet, you’ll be happy you changed that.
  
Mad Men  - Season 1
Mad Men - Season 1
2007 | Drama
Mad Men is one of the first and only series I binge-watched. The first episode had me sucked in, after Don Draper's work day, for him to walk into his suburban home with the family that you didn't know existed until the last few minutes. It was so good, and I was hooked. I think that this season was probably the best, and gave us the gift that is Betty Draper shooting the birds in her nightgown. The costumes were period perfect, and Peggy was definitely my favorite female character.
  
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Courageous (The Lost Fleet, #3)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Having succesfully taken command of the Alliance fleet that has changed considerably since his time (in the first book), and having survived a near-mutiny (in the second book), the Alliance fleet continues to head for home in this, the third installment in Jack Campbell's 'The Lost Fleet' series.

Previously mentioned in the earlier books, the possibility of unknown alien intelligence becomes more pronounced in thsi one, particularly towards the end of the novel. It's becoming increasingly likely that Humans (spilt between the Syndicate Worlds and the Alliance) are not alone, after all ...