Being Bookish

Yes, we're back here again, with another cosy mystery, but I had to admit I couldn't stay away from the genre for too long because this sort of book has a lot to offer, whether you're into crime or character-driven plots. Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murders is the latest offering from Jesse Q Sutanto, the creator of The Four Aunties series, a YA cosy crime and matchmaker duology (so far). In it, she introduces us to Vera Wong, a 60-year-old Chinese mother who runs a tea shop in San Francisco's Chinatown. When she finds a dead body in the middle of her tearooms she knows that she has to help the police solve whodunit. Along the way, she makes new friends and proves to her son that she's not quite over the hill yet. Find out what I thought of this 2023 cosy mystery in this spoiler-free review.

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Cosy crime playlist

Johanna Lindsey started writing historical romance in 1977 and by the time she passed away in 2019, she had released 50 novels. In this episode, I take a look at her books, specifically her Malory-Anderson series and what made them great, what has changed and what I loved about them. Her books were the epitome of what made a bodice ripper, especially when you look at the earlier covers, and there is definitely something to be said for the steamy chemistry between a lot of her main protagonists. For me, these books were an escape from the dreary every day of a teenager who grew up in a small village in rural 1980s England.

Thank you to Lorraine from Once Upon a Nightmare for saving my bacon this week. Though this is the 1997 film, it is based on the book by Lois Duncan (an author I loved in the 1980s). This week's episode was beset with audio issues, I interviewed indie author Claudia Klein, and the best laid plans...

Anyway: I Know What You Did Last Summer is the classic 1990s slasher film, four beautiful American teens get themselves in trouble driving inebriated on a deserted highway and accidentally knock someone down and cover it up. A year later everything is all forgotten...until someone with a hooked hand and a desperate need for revenge decides to come calling...Please note this episode is not my usual 100% family-friendly fare...so continue with caution.

Where to find Claudia

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Where to find Lorraine

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The Podcast

This week Being Bookish has gone to the movies with my guest, Lorraine from Once Upon a Nightmare. I've hit a bit of a reading slump, but this is still book talk as The Devil Wears Prada (2006) is itself based on a book by Lauren Weisberger which was originally released in 2003. So join us as we talk about what we liked and didn't in this film, how we would both probably fare in the fashion industry and all other things Prada in our review.

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Practical Magic

Where you can find Lorraine

Twitter

Instagram

Once Upon a Nightmare Podcast

Fantasy is not a genre that I read all that often. However, having recently been reintroduced to it, I decided to delve in feet first with this novel by New Zealand-based author AK Mulford.

The High Mountain Court was released in 2021. In a world ruled by the Fae, witches live in fear, hiding their true abilities terrified that the witch hunters will find them. Remy has been in hiding for 13 years, ever since her family and friends were massacred by the King of the Northern Kingdom. When she is discovered by Prince Hale, she isn't quite quick enough to escape and gets convinced to join him and his friends on their quest...

So, what did I think of this debut? Did it bring me into the fantasy world enough that I will return? Give this spoiler-free review a listen and find out if the book is one you'll want to try for yourself.

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Clytemnestra

If you've been here for a while you'll know how much I love a good Greek Myth retelling, and here we have another one. The story of Helen of Troy's older sister, Clytemnestra. All but ignored in traditional myth, her story is a long, sad and colourful one that makes up the central tale in Casati's debut novel.

Find out what I thought in a 100% spoiler-free review.

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Elektra

Circe

The Spanish Love Deception

Istória - the candles

Practical Magic - you may know the film, but did you know it's a 1995 book? This week I am talking with a guest, Lorraine from Once Upon a Nightmare about this book and how it compares to the film - does it come out on top? So join me and Lorraine as we find out more about Gillian and Sally Owens and the lives they've built for themselves.

Featured episodes

The Body

Misery (1987)

Warhammer 40k (The Eisenhorn Omnibus)

Skyward

Weyward

Lorraine's links

I Know What You Did Last Summer

Once Upon a Nightmare

Twitter

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TikTok

If you know me you'll know that I love cosy crime, and also have a huge amount of affection for the TV series Death in Paradise. When I saw The Marlow Murder Club on the shelves in my local book shop - just as I was feeling I needed to buy a new book (nothing new there), I had to pick it up. So, what did I think of this book by the creator of Death in Paradise? Did it fail to impress? Was it too much like other books already on the market, or did it hit the nail on the head? Check out my spoiler-free review to find out.

Featured episodes

Death in Paradise

The Thursday Murder Club

Agatha Raisin

Phryne Fisher Investigates

Weyward is a story of women, witches, power, and internal strength. A novel about three women from one family line who go against the grain, fighting against their personal situations to improve their lives and find their inner power. A recent release and a debut from author Emilia Hart, it's a tale as old as time, poignant and powerful. To find out what I thought of this book, released on the 2nd of February give this spoiler-free episode a listen.

It's another new book this week, Really Good, Actually by ex-Schitt's Creek writer, Monica Heisey. A study (filled with pathos and humour) of divorce and moving on in the modern age. Maggie is 29, in a dead-end job and after just 608 days of marriage, she is getting divorced. What follows is a journey of self-discovery and learning in this January 2023 release.

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Delicacy by Katy Wix

Godkiller by Hannah Kaner