The Golden Age of Murder: The Mystery of the Writers Who Invented the Modern Detective Story, Martin Edwards
A fascinating, highly readable group biography of the men and women who transformed Golden Age (inter-war) detective fiction in the UK and beyond. Full of details about two of my favorites, Dorothy L. Sayers and Agatha Christie. To review for Shelf Awareness (out April 28).
Wintersmith, Terry Pratchett
Trainee witch Tiffany Aching steps into a dance with the titular spirit of winter, and disaster ensues till she (and the Nac Mac Feegles) can figure out how to fix things. Funny and clever, but a little hard to follow.
The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
I love the story of Mary, Colin, Dickon and their hidden garden – and there’s no better book to reread while I’m watching for spring. Old-fashioned and beautiful.
Lowcountry Bombshell, Susan M. Boyer
Private eye Liz Talbot takes a case involving a Marilyn Monroe lookalike and her crazy cast of hangers-on. Meanwhile, Liz’s personal life is getting complicated. Not as good as Boyer’s first mystery, but still fun.
The Truth According to Us, Annie Barrows
Layla Beck, pampered senator’s daughter, is sent to Macedonia, West Virginia, as a WPA writer in 1938. Boarding with the Romeyn family, she uncovers more than a few secrets – and learns a thing or two about truth and history. A big-hearted Southern novel; warm and charming. To review for Shelf Awareness (out June 9).
Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs, Heather Lende
After a near-fatal bike accident, Lende muses on faith, grief and small-town Alaska life while recovering slowly (and continuing her work as an obituary writer). The title comes from her own mother’s final instructions. Wise and moving.
Lady Thief, A.C. Gaughen
The sequel to Scarlet finds Robin Hood’s band dealing with court intrigue, a dangerous archery tournament and the slippery Prince John. Gripping and well told, though I found Scarlet (the heroine) frustrating at times.
Jane of Lantern Hill, L.M. Montgomery
Jane Stuart never knew she had a father – until he asks her to come spend the summer with him on Prince Edward Island. One of my favorite spring books – I love smart, practical, capable Jane. And I love the descriptions of PEI.
Most links (not affiliate links) are to my favorite local bookstore, Brookline Booksmith.
What are you reading?
cakes, tea and dreams 
Just added The Truth According to Us to my list! I’m on nonfiction at the moment – The Art of Possibility and I Can’t Complain, but I need to add a new fiction piece. The problem with reading mostly on the kindle is I can’t take a fun photos like this for my book reports! (also, possibly contributing to the ultimate downfall of actual books, but I try to pretend I’m not since I got it for Christmas…)
Oh, I liked I Can’t Complain. And I don’t always get it together to take a book photo, but I’m proud of myself when I do!
I finished The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro last night. It’s the first time I’ve read any of his work and I’m really not sure what to make of it.
The Secret Garden is my FAV and I still listen to the 1990 (or 91?) Tony nominated musical often. My mom took me to see it on Broadway when I was in 8th grade and I will never forget it.
I loved Jane of Lantern Hill, too, and you’re right – it’d be the perfect spring read!
The Golden Age of Murder looks really good. Sayers and Christie are two of my favorite authors as well. Christie really had such a fascinating life and I don’t know a much about Sayers but I love her books. Especially the ones featuring Harriet. Love your blog and your book recommendations. A friend shared your blog with me and I’m so glad she did.