What We're Reading When We Need It Most

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Lovely Reds and readers, I can't think of a better time for a What We're Reading shout out. Because we are all readers (or we wouldn't be here, right?) books are what we turn to in tough and contentious times. They comfort us, inspire us, keep us (mostly) sane, and sometimes just offer a big dose of much needed escapism. 

Since I'm going first, I have to confess that I've been struggling to focus on fiction lately. For several years I've made notes in my weekly planner of what I'm reading and listening to, but when I checked today, the last few weeks of the "Reading" space were quite shockingly sparse.

The two books that have been standouts for me lately, however, are both non-fiction: Stanley Tucci's WHAT I ATE IN ONE YEAR: (and related thoughts,) and Ina Garten's BE READY WHEN THE LUCK HAPPENS. Both are fascinating and thoughtful, and of course I had to look up every London restaurant Tucci mentions and add it to my London to-do list, so I guess you could call that research!

I've done better on the "Listening" side: I am now on book #9 of Rhys's Royal Spyness novels, all of which I had read as they came out but I had never listened to the audio versions! (Luckily for me I mostly don't remember who-dun-it!) The narration is fabulous and I highly recommend both for anyone new to Lady Georgie or to Georgie fans who have not discovered the audio versions.

A note from my daughter Kayti here–she highly recommends OUR KIND OF GAME by Johanna Copeland, so much so that she asked me to include it here. (And gave me her copy, so that's next up on my to-read pile.)

How about you, dear Reds?

LUCY BURDETTE: I’m not reading well either Debs, which I attribute to pre-election doom scrolling. But now I’ve put myself on a news moratorium for the sake of sanity, so hopefully I get back to it. I still have a big pile to work through for the contest I’m judging. Sigh…

Meanwhile, I took time out for two light reads with nothing to do with politics. One was Ina Garten’s BE READY WHEN THE LUCK HAPPENS. She is so inspiring and dogged–it makes me want do-overs in my own life! I haven’t cooked many of her recipes, but I’ll start now. Second was Jenny Colgan’s CLOSE KNIT, set on her fictional island of Mure in Northern Scotland. I love these books–wonderful community, intertwined with families and some romance. Plus the most appealing setting! I think I missed some earlier ones, which I’ll go back to read. There are 7 Mure books so start at the beginning. This isn’t exactly a series but she focuses on different characters as they go along. 

I cannot wait for WE THREE QUEENS!!! 

DEBS: A big second on Lucy's recommendation! I adored CLOSE KNIT, and would suggest starting with the previous book, THE SUMMER SKIES, if seven books sounds daunting. which is set in the same wonderful community with its interwoven cast of characters. (I didn't actually realize that these two books were considered as part of the Mure series, so, yes, go back and start at book #1 if you like the whole package!) Also, I listened to the audio versions of these and they are terrific.

HALLIE EPHRON: I’ve been out of commission for nearly two weeks with “walking” pneumonia, though even walking has been a struggle. Only now getting my energy back. Finally able to read… or listen, as the case may be, since I’m in the middle of the audio book, Robert Thorogood’s THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB. It snagged my interest because of course I’m a huge fan of the Thursday Murder Club series, and we know how these things come in waves. 

It’s got one of the most engaging opening scenes I’ve read in a long time… an older woman with a ton of personality (and no need for a man in her life) goes skinny dipping in a river and hears a gunshot. Definitely geared toward those of us in the older set who appreciate a well constructed “traditional” mystery. And the narrator, Nicolettte McKenzie, is excellent.

RHYS BOWEN: I’m glad others are finding it hard to read. I’m enjoying an advance copy of Patti Callahan Henry’s upcoming book THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND. I really enjoy her books. ONCE UPON A WARDROBE was one of my favorite books in the last five years. I enjoyed THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEE and this one seems to be equally compelling. A vanished mother, a briefcase with a secret language coming to light years later. Just what I need right now. Then maybe I’ll work my way through Jenn’s Romcoms again. I’m looking forward to her paranormal one!

JENN McKINLAY: Thank you, Rhys! THE ROSE ARBOR was the highlight of my summer and you know I can’t wait for the next Lady Georgie! I just finished THE SECRET LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE and loved, loved, loved it. I also recently read THE SHEPHERD KING duology by Rachel Gillig, which was fantastic - a sort of dark fantasy/fairy tale mashup. And now I’m reading THE SERIAL KILLER’S GUIDE TO SAN FRANCISCO by Michelle Chouinard, which I’m enjoying very much. And now I’m adding CLOSE KNIT to my TBR because I love Jenny Colgan.

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN:  Oh, what a perfect idea, Debs–as I always say, it’s always safe inside a book! So, what books am I inside?

Trust me on this:  PONY CONFIDENTIAL.  It’s Black Beauty meets Watership Down meets Nancy Drew–IF Nancy Drew was a pony. Yes, one of the POV characters is a pony. Now–I know, it sounds ridiculous and twee, but it is HILARIOUS. Christina Lynch has walked an impossible tightrope, and done it with style and heart and with a nod to The Odyssey. It’s terrific.

And THE HITCHCOCK HOTEL by Stephanie Wrobel. Six college friends are summoned to the spooky inn/hotel by their ex-classmate and now inn-owner Alfred Smettle. And the hotel has BIRDS. And glasses of milk. And showers.  It is wonderful!

Finally, THE LAST ONE AT THE WEDDING by Jason Rekulak. I honestly neglected things I was supposed to do to read this. He is incredibly talented.

Next, I am eagerly awaiting the new Nita Prose and the new Elle Cosimano, two absolute auto-buys.

And Hallie, I am loving THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB  on Masterpiece Theater! 

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I’m rereading COMING HOME by Rosamund Pilcher. Her novels are always the best sort of getaway for me: all quiet, well-ordered rooms with fresh flowers and peaty whiskey in shining decanters.

I’ve also been taking a dive into the current crop of romcom/womens fiction. It’s interesting to me how these books have many of the same elements of 90s chick lit, but put together in such a way as to feel fresh and new. My faves so far have been BEHIND EVERY GOOD MAN by Sarah Goodman Confino and NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT by Annabel Monaghan. The heroines get their guy eventually, but you know they’ll be perfectly fine without the guy, which makes it even better.

For my science fiction reading, I’m taking another swing at ARTEMIS by Andy Weir. I loved his first and third books (The Martian, Hail Mary) but couldn’t get into his sophomore effort. Let’s see if I get past the first two chapters this time.

DEBS: I am so intriqued by PONY CONFIDENTIAL! And I would love to dive into a Rosamund Pilcher novel I haven't read. So many good suggestions here!

How about it, dear readers? What books are getting you through the days?