Today I'm joined by my friend Sophie Burkhardt to talk about our love of mysteries. Sophie shares a little about the history of detective fiction and mystery novels, and we discuss our most loved (and hated) of the genre. 

It's time for a sneak peek of what's to come on the podcast in October. This month it's all about mysteries. I'll share some of my favorite mystery novels (and detectives), and sit down with a friend to discuss our love of the genre.

A beloved children's classic about a bear of very little brains, the wonderful Winnie-the-Pooh, is the subject of today's episode. I've just read for the first time, in their entirety, Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. And now, I'm tempted to spend my autumn evenings dreaming of a visit to the Hundred Acre Woods with that lovable bear as my guide and a little smackerel of something delicious to eat.

Affiliate links to Bookshop.org of books mentioned in this episode:

Winnie-the-Pooh

The House at Pooh Corner

When We Were Very Young

Now We Are Six

The Red House Mystery

The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh

September marks the second anniversary of this podcast. To celebrate that milestone, I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes peek at the podcast.  I talk about my inspiration for the podcast, technical aspects, and what to expect in the future.

Fathom Magazine article

I'm back today to share a sneak peek of what's to come on the podcast in September. I have some plans that I'm very excited about, and I can't wait to share them with you.

Gifts, grace, and one decadent meal today I'm sharing about Babette's Feast. Isak Dineson's masterpiece of a short story. My first impression of Babette's Feast was lukewarm, but it is now one of my favorite stories. Listen as I share why in today's episode. 

Affiliate link on Bookshop.org to Babette's Feast.

From talking foxes, trickster trolls, princes under enchantments, and many happily ever afters, I've been under the spell of fairy tales lately. Today I'm sharing one of my recent favorites, East of the Sun and West of the Moon. A Norwegian fairy tale with hints of Beauty and the Beast and the Cupid and Psyche myth.

The Literary Life episode on fairy tales.

Bookshop.org affiliate link to Nordic Tales.

Today I'm sharing a sneak peek of what's to come on the podcast in August. This month I'll be talking about two fairy tales--one is an older story and one I think of as a modern literary fairy tale. Enjoy today's sneak peek!

I recently had my mom here for a visit, and we took the opportunity to sit down and chat about one of our favorite writers for pleasure reading, Mary Stewart. Her novels are light, full of mystery, suspense, and romance, and are an all-around delight to read. It is a fun conversation, and I hope you enjoy it.

STV Mary Stewart Interview

Friends and adventure. The two seem to go hand in hand in the best books, throw in a mix of good humor and heart, and the book is near perfection. That is what you will find in Adventures With Waffles by Maria Parr, today's book recommendation. It is a charming and fast-paced story of two unlikely friends who get into the most hair-raising adventures.

Recipe for Norwegian Waffles

Affiliate links to Bookshop.org:

Adventures With Waffles

Astrid the Unstoppable

Heidi

The Maggie B.  

Bread and Jam for Frances

Stuart Little