The Appleton Case, by Diana Xarissa (2015). These are the first lines of Chapter 1:
"Where are we exactly?" Joan asked in a calm voice.
"We're right here," Janet answered, waving the map in the air. "At least I think we are."
"We're right here," Janet answered, waving the map in the air. "At least I think we are."
About the Book:
The Markham sisters — Janet and Joan — have just purchased a small bed and breakfast in Derbyshire. But very soon after acquiring Doveby House, Janet finds herself doing some sleuthing. Just how did the previous owner, Margaret Appleton, die? Margaret's son isn't happy that he was left out of his mother's will, but what's he so desperate to get inside Doveby House to find? And are there really ghosts in Janet's bedroom, the library and the coach house?
Initial Thoughts:
I love that opening because it sounds so much like the hubby and myself when we're traveling. I'm really bad at directions, never know where we are, and have a terrible time reading maps. And yet I'm always the one doing the navigating.
I picked up this cozy mystery mainly because I needed an author whose last name starts with X for one of the Library Thing challenges I've got going. Never have read anything by Diana Xarissa before, but so far I'm enjoying this one. It's the first book in a series, which is nice since I usually jump into a series in the middle and have trouble figuring out relationships, etc.
And it's very short — just over 100 pages — so should be a quick read. Which is also good, since I'm still several books away from my 50-book goal for this year and still hoping to get there.
How about you? Do you do much reading during the holidays? Or have you abandoned all things bookish for all things merry-merry? I usually don't get a lot of reading done during December, but I'm hoping to improve on my record this year....so, back to the books.
Happy Friday, everyone! And have a lovely weekend.
Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Friday. As she says, the idea is to post the first sentence (or so) of the book you're currently reading, along with any first impressions or thoughts you have about the book, the author, etc. It's a wonderful way of adding new books to your must-read list, and a chance to connect with other readers and bloggers.
I really enjoy a good cozy during the holidays...or any time of the year, actually. This one has a gorgeous cover, and I like the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.
I love cozy mysteries! And yes, I do read a lot during the holidays -- to get away from all the merry merry. However, this year I am doing much better with the holidays and I am enjoying it. Usually it is a hot mess but this year is better. I will look into this book -- it looks good -- I can identify since I have no sense of direction either and Hubs is always saying I am holding the map upside down. Hubs won't do GPS but that is another issue.
ReplyDeleteI manage to find plenty of time to read in the holidays, especially now that I am retired. I bought one of the Anne Perry Christmas novels, short so is a novella I think. That is in the cozy mystery theme.
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