Good morning, all, and happy Monday!
A couple of months ago, I started this weekly book challenge hosted by E. @ Local Bee Hunter’s Nook called #5OnMyTBR, and I really enjoyed the exercise. It occurs every Monday when they post about 5 books on their TBR. You can learn more about it here or in the post announcing it.
This week’s theme is Historical. I have to admit, I read a lot of *pseudo* historical books (historical fantasy, mystery, etc), so you may judge me on the lightness of the history. But I can’t help myself. Always interested in recommendations for more serious history, also.
1. Murder on Cold Street, by Sherry Thomas
- Why I’m Excited: This is book five of the Lady Sherlock series, and I have no doubt I will love it as much as prior books. Set in Victorian England, the series not only gives Sherlock buffs a great pastiche, but it also does a great job of showcasing social mores of the time.
- Bonus: This is one of my instant preorders, so it is sitting on my shelf waiting for me to read it.
2. The Lions of Fifth Avenue, by Fiona Davis
- Why I’m Excited: While I don’t normally read straight historical fiction, Fiona Davis is an exception. I got to read The Address as an ARC and I loved it, and I preordered Lions as soon as I read the synopsis. A 1913 radical women’s suffragist group? AND it is set in the New York Public Library?! I am so in. Also a huge fan of her split time narrative style. A good gateway into historical fiction.
3. The Library of Legends, by Janie Chang
- Why I’m Excited: I don’t know if anyone else sees a trend, but I love books where books play a central role. I don’t know much Chinese history, but this sounds captivating – student refugees traveling in order to save a collection of ancient collection of myths from being destroyed by Japanese bombers. This is fairly recent history (1937), so I will probably do some historical research before reading.
4. Women of the Dunes, by Sarah Maine
- Why I’m Excited: Sarah Maine is one of those authors I haven’t read much of, but what I have read I’ve loved. She sets her books in Scotland in the outer islands (love!) and have the split narrative style I love. and strong female protagonists, yes. This one is split between 9th century Viking times, a current archaeological dig, and a Victorian murder. A little confused, but all amazing.
5. Bellewether, by Susanna Kearsley
- Why I’m Excited: Susanna Kearsley is another author who I haven’t had much experience with, but whose split narrative historical novels are delightful. She also throws in a dash of magical realism, so how can you beat that? I am a big fan of ghosts that aren’t horror, and the idea of a doomed romance from Civil War era New York sounds like fun.
- Bonus: It’s set on Long Island! Represent!
That’s all for this week, folks! Come chat with me – any thoughts?
Books for the Beach 