As I warned you, this covers July and August. My next review post will be an autumn one round about the beginning of December although I may review individual books in the meantime.

Viewing:

Nothing extraordinary but some satisfying programmes.

The Election and assorted discussion programmes. No stars but they did occupy a lot of screen time.

Breathtaking**** itvx Chilling drama based on actual experiences of hospital staff at the height of the Covid epidemic.

Suranne Jones: Investigating Witch Trials.**** Ch 4. No new information for me, but lots of good location photography and an interesting parallel with current conspiracy theories. I think Suranne is a great actor but I’m not keen on her presentation style.

Vienna Blood ****  Season 4. BBC Disappointing. The rather contrived use of Max in Rheinhard’t head while Max was in a coma put me off.

We’re currently watching The Turkish Detective, which we haven’t yet finished, and Sherwood, which is still ongoing, both on BBC. Both are excellent so far.

Reading:

Some highly recommended series.

The Queen’s Gamble by Chloe Garner ***** Further adventureswith more interesting discussion on themes such as culture clash, loyalties, independence and so on. This was the last in the current The Queen’s Chair series and ended with Stasia’s wedding and a cliffhanger so I was bereft.  I therefore tried Surviving Magic**** At a sixth form college for magic Valerie has to learn to survive. Despite appearances, this in no way resembles Harry Potter. I shall be following the series (of the same name) but don’t think the characters are quite as instantly engaging as the ones in The Queen’s Chair.

Ties that Bond by Linzi Day***** Also House Party**** and then Code Red*****  Lovely stories in the Gretna Green series. I like the mix of magic and modern tech. The first one’s all about the weddings. If you subscribe to Linzi’s newsletter you also get extra epilogues which are not essential but are good to read. The second book here is an amusing novella that acts as a bridge to Code Red which deals with the Picts and dragons and takes the entire series well out of the cosy fantasy genre (which it’s billed as…) into quite violent and very exciting territory. Niki is an enchanting heroine and I hope her romance progresses well.

Guardians of the Poor by Jackson Marsh.***** Also, Keepers of the Past***** and Agents of the Truth***** Re-reads, all in the Larkspur Mystery series,  even better since I read the Clearwater Mysteries and got up to speed on the main characters’ back stories. Reviewed previously but I do want to repeat my recommendation for both series, which blend a group of homosexuals in nineteenth century London and Cornwall with some Victorian melodrama and some plot lines based loosely on historical events and personages.

The Ghost in the Hall *****, The Boy in the Locked Room*****, and The Dog in the Alley***** by KM Avery. Excellent paranormal crime books in the Beyond the Veil series, the title of which refers to the Beyond the Veil Investigation Agency. with really well developed characters and world. (I read the third out of sequence because it was on offer and it is really the fourth.) The world building is excellent.  A pandemic has given rise to mutated humans with either shifter or magical abilities. There are mm romances, fascinating ghosts and a number of endearing characters.

Once an Alpha by Kaje Harper***** A sort of prequel (written later) to the Hidden Wolves series and it has made me want to re-read them all. I suspect a knowledge of the series improves the experience but the book does stand alone. All the books feature werewolves with a complex society, alongside humans. Eventually, the werewolves are ‘outed’ and their traditions, especially a non-acceptance of same-sex relationships,  inevitably have to change but in this first book that is not the case.

The Magus of Hay*****, Friends of the Dusk***** and All of a Winter’s Night***** by Phil Rickman. All in the Merrily Watkins series which combines police cases with paranormal investigations by an Anglican exorcist alongside a developing family saga with some ongoing romances.These are all re-reads and I have previously reviewed the books. I just want, again, to repeat the recommendation. Having Merrily’s Border, a book of information about Herefordshire with superb illustrations has made the re-read a true pleasure.

A Heart full of Headstones by Ian Rankin.*** Disappointing end to the Rebus series. Knowing the ending I will no longer enjoy re-reading earlier volumes. It was probably inevitable and all both in character, and extremely well written, but still… I’ve included it here for readers who have followed the career and life of Rebus in Edinburgh.

I have also been reading this year’s Carnival of Mysteries series by multiple authors. I’m doing so partly for pleasure but also for PRG reviews, and will review the entire series here when I’ve finished it.

And some standalone books too:

Highly recommended:

Blood in the Machine by Brian Merchant***** A brilliant non-fiction book which I will review in greater depth separately. It deals with the nineteenth century Luddites and the current anxieties about big tech and AI.

And very enjoyable:

The One that Got Away by Nicky James. **** Satisfying mm romance between a detective and a victim whose suspicions of further stalking are not initially believed.

Echo Road by Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh. **** Authors collaborate to bring together their ‘famous’ detectives (Mercy is FBI and Bree is a sheriff) in a competent serial killer case. There is no romance since both main characters are in established relationships, detailed in previous books.

Incidentally, I notice all this month’s recommendations are equally divided between books that feature mm romance and books that don’t. This must say something about my tastes but I’m not sure what!

Viewing – mostly non-fiction

 Apart from D Day and elections…

The excellent:

7 Times Larry the Cat caused mischief ***** BBC iplayer. Delightful 15 minute compilation of clips about the Downing Street cat – a great relief from wall to wall serious TV!!

And the very good:

On thin ice ****BBC iplayer. Putin v Greenpeace. The story of the activists temporarily imprisoned in Russia. Gripping, but could have been shorter. It was six short programmes over three nights so didn’t need constant ‘previously’ material.

The Fall: The Skydive Murder**** Ch 4 Really gripping. Explored both coercive control and the problems of gathering evidence.

Archaeology: A Secret History**** Ch 4. Nice look at the history of archaeology rather than just what archaeologists find!

Dead Calm**** BBC iplayer. Chilling look at how Europe, especially Greece, deals with ‘boat’ people/

Can AI Steal Your Vote? **** Ch4. Chilling experiment with floating voters who were all influenced as planned.

Deadloch Amazon Prime Video ****. Crime series set in Tasmania. Alongside the crimes being investigated there is a satirical element with a near-parody of police procedurals, feminism, small towns, etc. .

Reading

The five star excellent ones:

The Queen’s Shadow by Chloe Garner***** I’m still enjoying the series and am impressed at the amount of ‘philosophy’ appears in Stasia’s thoughts and conversations. Stasia needs to protect the princess but thing go badly wrong and she has to hide in Cazia, a sort of artists’ colony. The Pixies’ Rebellion. *****More problems for Stasia and the guard. A lot of great culture clash discussion and also in depth exploration of how relationships can work whilst both parties retain independence.

To dream of the dead by Phil Rickman.***** Good as ever.  Floods, a dismembered councillor, digs in Hereford and Ledwardine. Frannie and Annie get together in this one. Then The Secrets of Pain***** which is very complicated and not my favourite but still gets five stars. SAS, Romans (Mithraism), cock fighting, Frannie injured, migrant workers. Three horrific murders, linked but not by the same murderers. The House of Susan Lulham. **** Novella expanded from a short story. I think it suffers from the lack of the usual supporting cast but is still a good read.

Negative Exposure by Jackson Marsh ***** Someone is blackmailing Silas and things get difficult when everyone retreats to the country in view of a flu epidemic. The Clearwater Inheritance***** All characters now have satisfactory backgrounds and I can re-read the Larkspur Mysteries which I enjoyed first time around but will have more depth now.  1892**** is a novella, set after the Larkspur series, which clarifies the background stories of some of the minor characters. I enjoyed it, because of the explanations, but was less impressed by the structure which was a kind of homage to the Canterbury Tales.

In the Dragon’s Lair by Joy Lynn Fielding. ***** More dragon shifters, and again, just enough drama and potential drama to counteract the sweetness of the romance. A delightful story set in Bath. Rufus’ brother Nate meets Alex, of the Cornish dragons, while they both try to work out what is going on in the Fortesque banking family. .

And the other highly recommended:

The Claws of Winter by Nazri Noor**** Another series I’m enjoying though it’s much lighter. Jack and Xander have to rescue the fairy queen – perhaps… I love Noor’s world building. The sex scenes on the other hand seem a little unnecessary at times. I think this is the last in the series but quite hope for more.

Skeleton Crew by Jordan Castillo Price**** I always enjoy reading about Vic and Jacob. This time they’re trapped in the basement of the research building during a freak storm.

Human Rights: Robot Wrongs by Susie Alegre**** Quite good discussion, by a human rights lawyer, of the perils of AI or rather the people who invent and spread it. A bit repetitive at times.

Midlife in Gretna Green by Linzi Day**** An endearing heroine and some fresh and well explained magic in this delightful story. No romance, just magic and drama. Painting the Blues in Gretna Green****. Lovely sequel – the mix of magic with modern technology is fascinating. Will continue with the series – the characters are great.

The weather has been poor but the plants haven’t minded at all!

Viewing

The Responder. ***** BBC. Martin Freeman acting brilliantly in this second series. Violent at times and occasionally depressing. The viewer can end up unsure whether they’re watching fiction or a documentary.

Through a Glass Darkly: The Salman Rushdie knife attack **** BBC Harrowing account of the incident and Rushdie’s recovery. I already knew a lot of it having read in-depth reviews of his book ‘Knife’ but if you haven’t, watch this! Followed by:

The Satanic Verses 30 years on.**** BBC Presented by a Muslim journalist who explored the way the fatwa etc. shaped attitudes to Islam including views among the Muslim community and people who had left the faith. Interesting and well done.

We’ve been watching, with varying degrees of shock/horror/etc, the Post Office Inquiry, the Covid Inquiry and the Infected Blood Scandal Inquiry. All streamed on BBC Parliament.

Reading

A lot of wonderful books this month, possibly because I stuck mainly with known and trusted authors!

The superb:

Home from Nowhere by Jackson Marsh.***** Starts to introduce some of the characters who will appear in the later series. Main focus, Jasper, who is ‘rescued/poached’ from Kingsclere. He is a talented musician and his parentage is the mystery. The next volume, One of a Pair ***** follows Jasper and his love for Billy even when it seems the Atlantic might separate them. A murder mystery holds the key to a happy ending.

The Prayer of the Night Shepherd by Phil Rickman***** Jane is working for the Stanner Hotel and gets involved with a group of spiritualists, the Chancery family, and the arguments about the source of Conan Doyle’s hound of the Baskervilles. The Smile of a Ghost***** Ludlow. Mumford retires and his nephew falls from the castle tower. Two possible non-paranormal explanations. The Deliverance ‘panel’ gets off to a rocky start. The Remains of an Altar***** Merrily and Lol are involved with Elgar enthusiasts in the Malverns while Jane finds a ley line in Ledwardine. The Fabric of Sin***** Mystery, murder and rape in and around a Templars’ church and farmhouse. Lol’s Boswell suffers. Jane risks driving unaccompanied and decides to go for archaeology.

I should point out again that I am re-reading the Merrily Watkins series alongside the book of photographs of the area plus accompanying text by Phil Rickman. It’s great to have what is effectively an illustrated version!

The Queen’s Seal by Chloe Garner***** Stasia has o use her merchanting skills to defeat the enemies of the queen. Short story at end with a focus on Spike and his crew of rogues and thieves – didn’t enjoy it much and won’t follow that series but will continue with this.

Death in the Spires by KJ Charles***** Totally gripping murder mystery set in Oxford round about 1900. Surprising ending.

Teas’d by Vin George***** Not often I give five stars to a novella but this is a delightful interlude in the Evergreen Council series. A riddle-strewn task set for Charlie by Dalziel serves to entertain whilst adding immeasurably to the character development not only of the main characters but minor ones too, such as Pavel. Reviewed in slightly more depth for PRG.

Point of Hopes by Melissa Scott and Lisa Barnett***** A re-read, for a review for Scott. I love the Astreiant series. I lost my print copies in the fire and was thrilled to find this being re-released and up for review. I hope the rest of the series follows. Brilliant world building and a slow delicate romance set among fascinating crime investigations on another world where astrology rules all lives.

And the excellent:

Taking a risk by Barbara Elsborg**** is a short story prequel to her novel Fen**** Well written mm romance (Ripley and Fen) which had just enough drama to lift it out of the ‘sweet’ category but not enough to make it a thriller. Sequel/extra epilogue is Fen and Ripley in Japan**** which happens before the epilogue of Fen, and recounts the longed-for trip.

A Clap of Thunder by Nazri Noor.**** Jack and Xander go to Verdance (fairyland) to ensure Cathee’s invasion is not too violent.

And Nothing but the Truth by Charlie Cochrane**** Nicely competent police procedural with Adam and Robin in the background as the established pairing. Hamish is the new dog… I mourn Campbell. A man whose wife died of Covid is found murdered in the woods.

Model Citizen by Lisa Kasey**** Exciting introduction to Haven Investigations and a hint about the next volume – which I hope to read. Oliver is a model who takes over his brother’s PI firm with help from close friends and Kade, who was in the marines with the brother. (Just checked price of next volume and will wait in hopes for sale…)

Finding their roots by Tris Lawrence**** Intriguing start to a paranormal romance series. Reviewed in more depth for Scott.

The periwinkles in our garden came out for the end of April.

Viewing

Superb:

Blue Lights Season 2 BBC***** Police drama set in post-troubles Belfast.

And very good:

Traces season 2 bbc**** Could have done with a better recap of season 1 but otherwise good. Scottish crime drama based on novels by Val McDermid..

Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens bbc**** Interesting – and some of it nostalgic for me. I would perhaps have liked either fewer gardens or more concentration on one or two, perhaps in an extra programme.

Himalaya: Michael Palin bbc**** Explores in typical friendly detail all the countries that have parts of the mountain range within their borders. I now know exactly where Bhutan is…

The Cuckoo my5**** Gripping family drama, well produced and acted.

Dogs behaving very badly Ch5 **** We love this series which shows some dogs with weird behaviour but really concentrates on changing the behaviour of the owners.

Reading

Superb:

How Immigration Really Works by Hein de Haas***** Excellent book pulling together all the strands I was aware of but hadn’t really put into a coherent whole. Don’t suppose politicians will take any notice. (I bought this for my OH for Christmas.)

Fallen Splendour by Jackson Marsh***** Next in the Clearwater Mysteries. This time Silas’ sisters are in danger but so is Silas. Bitter Bloodline by Jackson Marsh***** More Victorian melodrama with mm slant. Henry Irving and Bram Stoker star as possible victims of a crime. Artful Deception***** More Victorian melodrama and Quill might now be in the past and at the bottom of a mine.

The Faerie’s Secret by Chloe Garner***** Worthy sequel to The Queen’s Chair. Stasia and friends escort the princess to the mountains. The Rogue’s Bargain***** is book 3 and there’s a first hint of slow burn romance which is welcome.

The Wine of Angels by Phil Rickman.***** Re-read. Following entire series again in conjunction with Merrily’s Border. Apples and cider in Herefordshire. Then on to Midwinter of the Spirit ***** Hereford Cathedral is under threat. What on earth were ITV thinking when they messed it about for TV?? Crown of Lights ***** Betty and Robin, practising pagans, buy an old farm with a ruined church. Witchcraft meets fundamentalism but there is also some criminal abuse. Cure of Souls ***** Merrily has two cases, one in a hop yard where Lol is staying and the other involving Amy, a girl from Jane’s school. The Lamp of the Wicked *****  One of the darker novels, based partially around the Wests in Gloucester.

Beware of Psychics by Holly Day***** (ARC) Box set of three stories (two short novels and a novella) based in a shifter/psychic world. I sent an in-depth rave review to PRG.

Liberty by Alexandra Caluen*****  (ARC) reviewed for Scott. Really good ‘older main characters’ mm romance with a lot of excellent background detail on careers, hobbies, etc.

And an excellent fanfic:

Heartbreak Hill by Pale Rider ***** https://archiveofourown.org/works/54643969

Fandom: Hill Street Blues. MM romance (Bunz/LaRue) Extremely well written story with explicit sex that furthered both character and plot and was, for once, readable. An interesting exploration of an affair that started almost accidentally and opened one character’s eyes to his bisexuality and the other’s to his need for permanence. All set against the usual atmosphere and typical action of the show and the minor (for this story) characters. Recommended if you ever watched the show but one tip (from the writer) which certainly helped me, was to read the endnotes first for re-orientation. 

And some other highly recommended books:

Criminal Past by Gregory Ashe**** Maybe slightly too violent even for this pair but very exciting – I woke up one morning wondering how on earth they would solve the problem.

Spring Rains by RJ Scott**** Nice to see how the main characters from previous books were doing. Lots of drama, both past and present as Chris and Noah get together.

Hand of Glory by Nazri Noor**** Another adventure for Jack and Xander but it’s still the fae who are invading, this time at the Greyhaven Gala. A strong subplot concerning a proposal and a choice of ring.

The Gargoyle and the Romance Writer by Chloe Archer**** (ARC) reviewed for Scott. Well structured and written sweet friends to lovers romance with selection of paranormals,

It must be clear from the above that I am currently working my way through a few highly recommended series and in the case of the Merrily Watkins books, for the second time.

The violets in our garden think it’s spring. The wind and rain from storm Kathleen are not so sure.

Viewing

Worth finding on the streaming services.

The Great Pottery Throwdown ch4***** I love the way we learn a lot about ceramics whilst cheering on the competitors.

Lost temples of Cambodia ch 4***** Fascinating. I knew, of course, about Angkor Wat but not the other temples.

Death in Paradise Season 13 bbc.**** Very formulaic but I enjoyed it. The finale was satisfying. However, I miss Marlon and am irritated by Dwayne.  

Reading

The excellent

Lovers at the Museum by Isabel Allende***** Intriguing and beautifully written short story about a couple found frolicking naked in the ‘Guggenheim in Bilbao overnight. An Amazon free read otherwise I might never have discovered it.

Heir of Uncertain Magic by Charlie N Holmberg ***** Whimbrel House Book 2. A lovely sequel to Keeper of Enchanted Rooms. I like the deliberate dissonance between the manners and prudishness of the AU Victorian era and the mayhem of the magic and murder. I looked forward to book 3. Boy of Chaotic making.***** And it was equally exciting. Owein has a chance to regain his humanity.

Deviant Desire by Jackson Marsh***** First of the Clearwater Mysteries so the focus was Archie and Silas. Exciting and beautifully written as usual.  Twisted Tracks***** follows straight on. Excellent though I can’t say I quite understood the train sections. Unspeakable Acts***** follows with another thrilling story set mostly in the theatre. For reasons unknown I started with the Larkspur Mysteries which actually follow the Clearwater ones, so I was already aware of some of the characters and delighted to read their stories.

The Queen’s Chair by Chloe Garner***** Brilliant fantasy adventure with a fascinating heroine. Stasia, third and ‘spare’ daughter, moves with her father to a new country where she becomes an unofficial assistant to the queen. Will follow the series.

And the very good.

Outlaw Dragon by Steve Turner**** Good sequel to Rebel Dragon but some of the journeying got boring at times. So I read Heretic Dragon*** Still on their travels… and for much of the time the dragons were AWOL. Not sure I’ll continue.

An Iron Fist by Nazri Noor**** Nice story in the Arcane Hearts series. Maybe Jack will get the Artificers Guild going again. Dwarves and mines in Norway this time.  Followed by A Velvet Glove by Nazri Noor.*** This book was set largely in Xander’s old school, and there were too many gods, demons, etc. Not quite to my taste though I still like the main protagonists. 

Breadcrumbs by Kim Fielding**** Well written mm contemporary version of the Babes in the Wood story. Johnny and Zimri.

Stitches by Amanda Meuwissen**** and The Bard and the Fairy Prince***. Tales of the Gemstone Kingdoms 2 and 3.These were ARCs, reviewed in more depth for PRG.

.

Viewing

The excellent

Pinocchio – Guillermo del Toro.***** Amazon Prime Video. Weird and wonderful. About as far from Disney as you can get. Or any other retelling for that matter. Totally memorable.

My Policeman ***** Amazon Prime Video. Brilliant acting and direction. Sad but perhaps ultimately hopeful story of a love triangle in homophobic 50s UK. Tom, Patrick and Marion waste a lot of their lives which is maybe the main message. Stellar cast. Based on the true story of EM Forster. Would watch again. (And that’s infrequent for me!)

And the very good

Secret Life of the Safari Park Ch4.**** We really got to know some of the animals.

Art of Persia **** BBC Samira Ahmed. Fascinating but not quite as good as her Pakistan series because there was less interaction with local historians etc. This wasn’t explained but could have been due to language difficulties or even political ones.

Tabby McTat **** BBC Delightful animated version of the Julia Donaldson tale

Britain’s Human Zoos ****Ch4 Novelist Nadifa Mohammed explores the shocking history of the people the British brought to UK from the empire for entertainment and forensic science.  Fascinating and horrifying. I wanted a lot more information – maybe a whole series – so it loses a star. That’s down to the people who commissioned the programme, not the presenter or the material. The period covered also saw people with differences used as entertainment e,g. The Elephant Man, so it tells us something very unsettling about human nature.

Reading

The excellent

After Midnight by Blake Allwood***** Great contemporary mm version of Cinderella. Lots of action and angst and good characters in Dillon and Dominic.

Zenith by Eli Easton and RJ Scott***** A final gripping crime mystery for Gabriel and Tiber. This time it’s personal.

The Red Dragon of Oxford by Joy Lynn Fielding***** Lovely introduction to her Wings over Albion series. Reviewed for PRG in more depth.

Changes coming down and Changes going on by Kaje Harper***** Great story in two volumes about a threesome – a rancher, a hockey player and a cop. Superb characterisation including minor characters. Really gripping thriller elements.

Midwinter Marriage by KL Noone***** Only a long short story but so good I’ve saved it to reread next Christmas. Paranormal, mm, historical.

Heart of Stone by Johannes T Evans.***** Wow! Perfectly delicious story about a vampire with ADHD and an autistic secretary in late eighteenth century Birmingham.  UST unresolved until the final chapter. The period detail and the gripping romance element are fabulous. I’ve always preferred werewolves but this might convert me to vampires.

Cursebreakers by Madeleine Nakamura***** Gorgeously detailed fantasy thriller which might will fail because it’s overpriced. Reviewed in more depth for PRG.

The Prince and the Ice King by Amanda Meuwissen*****Lovely and intricate mm retelling of Beauty and the Beast with addition of the myth of Kind Midas. Reviewed in more depth for PRG

The Family Man by AJ  Rose***** Excellent crime novel (FBI analysts on track of serial killer) with slow burn romance between team leader and new agent. Will look for sequels. Reviewed in more depth for PRG

And the very good

Candlenight by Phil Rickman**** I think this was a re-read though I didn’t realise until I reached the final chapters. Gripping supernatural thriller with an ambiguous ending. Incredibly good writing but it ends up as horror which is not to my taste.

Culture Warlords by Talia Lavin**** Interesting investigative journalism exploring the subject but I would have liked more about the far right online in countries other than US. They were only mentioned briefly.

A Stroke of Brilliance by Nazri Noor**** KU A good sequel to A Touch of Fever. Xander and Jack are a great couple and I love Lore, the AI. Will definitely continue with the series.

Rebel Dragon by Steve Turnbull **** Good introductory volume to The Dragons of Esternes which I will be following. (I’m currently reading vol 2) Kantees, as a slave, should not be riding Sheesha, but he seems to think otherwise.

Fill the Empty Spaces by Karenna Colcroft. **** Interesting exploration of grief. Slow burn romance with paranormal elements. Well written. Reviewed in more depth for PRG

My daughter’s dog likes to oversee reviews when he visits.

TV

Nothing five star but some really watchable stuff.

Mr Bates vs The Post Office: the real story **** (itvx) fascinating and horrifying

Malta: the jewel of the Med**** (Ch 5) Too much emphasis on the sea and not the inland history. Some  questionable assertions. The history goes back much further than they suggested. May not watch the next episode.

Paddington 2 **** Some delightful acting from famous actors makes this endearing and watchable.

Death in Paradise Christmas Special**** (bbc iPlayer) Formulaic but very pleasant comfort viewing! A new season starts this week.

Wild Scandinavia: **** (bbc iPlayer) Eye candy and gorgeous.

Vera Season 13**** (itvx) Good as ever.

Revenge: Our Dad the Nazi Killer **** (bbc iPlayer) An Australian programme: fascinating.

Books

I started with some of my Christmas presents – the first three of the five star reviews were gifts for which I was truly grateful.

Merrily’s Border by Phil Rickman***** The photos, mostly by John Mason, are superb in this companion to the Merrily Watkins series. I now want to re-read the series. Fortunately, I have it all in ebook format!

When Sorrows Come by Seanan McGuire***** Wonderful as always. The series has reached October’s wedding. I have no idea if there are to be more volumes but if not I shall be bereft.

What is a doctor? by Phil Whitaker***** Underlined and expanded on all we’ve heard from a pharmacist friend and read in Whitaker’s own articles in New Statesman.

Claw’d by Vin George***** A great sequel to Fang’d. This series almost converts me to vampires as a theme rather than werewolves though one of the main characters is both.

Becoming Ted by Matt Cain***** Starts with Ted’s husband leaving him and then follows him through his dream of becoming a drag queen. So glad this was great as I bought it for someone else for Christmas before reading it myself!

Then there were a number of excellent books:

Lessons in exposing a deadly alias by Charlie Cochrane.**** A short novel featuring the Cambridge Fellows solving a case. Delightful as usual with lots of period research. It was nice to return to the pre WW1 days with substantial appearances by Jonty’s parents.

Sheriff of the Creek by Sue Brown.**** Nice story in the collaborative Collier’s Creek series. JD and Ben have a romance but also some drama from Ben’s ex. However, I was disappointed in some of the other books in the series, by other authors – sweet but unmemorable.

Matrimonial  Merriment by Nicky James**** Not the thriller we’re used to but the run-up to the wedding. Interesting and amusing.

A touch of fever by Nazri Noor**** Rather zany mm romance incorporating magic users, mythical beasts, and a hidden city that visits various places in the world… I loved the concept and quite liked the main characters. Might follow the series. (Arcane Hearts)

Miracle by RJ Scott**** Book 7 in the very good Single Dads series. In this case it’s actually a single uncle… Some really gripping plot points but I wanted to know more about Arlo’s desire to study architecture and about Zach’s story (the actual dad) which I gather is only available in another series so I felt slightly cheated.

As usual I read some books for review purposes – I review regularly for PRG and Scott’s OWI. Some were excellent.

Ogres and other Dating Dilemmas by TJ Nichols.***** Fabulous addition to the Mytho series (book 8) which gives us new viewpoints of familiar events and lots of detail about Troy and Sean and their romance. I went on to buy and read Weddings and other One Night Stands**** Nice novella that alternates quite steamy sex with interesting dialogue and thoughts about adapting to different cultures.

Flashes by KL Noone *****Excellent and varied book of short stories and flash fiction many of them on fantasy or sci fi themes. 

And some ARCs were very good.

Voice and Transform by Sean Ian O’Meidhir & Connal Braginsky**** Well written and there was sufficient info for a new reader who hadn’t read the first two in the Nüwa Crossing series. Too much magic plus demons for me personally but it was reasonably exciting watching Theo and Robbie cope whilst growing their relationship over the course of the two books.

Spark and Tether by Lilian Zenzi **** Brilliant sci fi – though the prologue is unnecessary and in some ways spoils total engagement with the story so it loses a star.

Fanfic

I’m very behind on fanfic reading – possibly because of the reviews I’m doing. All I’ve managed is:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/52719703 Mouselet’s Christmas Adventure by Small_Hobbit and other small additions to the Marylebone Monthly Illustrated. This is my comfort reading over the holiday season.

Various ficlets by another friend, kat_lair, writing on Dreamwidth. I have no idea whether or when these works will be transferred to her AO3 account (MistressKat) but she has been writing in Grimm, HP, and WoT. And other fandoms that don’t appeal to me as much.

We had whippets as houseguests for Christmas. Pippa, the fawn one, is an angel. Milo is high maintenance.

Viewing

I keep saying Christmas TV was rubbish – all repeats of things I didn’t want to watch first time around. Then I look back on my viewing…

Highly recommended if you can access them:

The Australian Wars ***** BBC  Afascinating and horrifying account of the wars between settlers and native Australians in the nineteenth century.Made in Australia with plenty of contribution, not least awesome presentation, from the ‘losing’ side.

Dr Who Christmas Special***** BBC Exciting introduction to the new incarnation of the doctor.

Vigil season 2 (BBC)***** A great follow-up to the first series – this time set in the middle east rather than on a submarine – but I kept expecting Rose Lesie to say ‘you know nothing…’

Vera: The Rising Tide (Christmas Special)***** ITVX  There’s a new series coming up. I really like the detective, and the locations are part of my childhood so appeal!

Petite Maman***** A delightful French film about love, grief and new beginnings. The twins who play the two girls in the story are brilliant young actresses. Available on All4 for about a month then can be bought or rented quite cheaply on Amazon. Highly recommended.

Also recommended though not quite as highly:

Dr Who Anniversary Specials (3 programmes)**** Nice to havenewstories featuring old friends as a December prequel to the Christmas Special.

Mog’s Christmas (Ch 4)**** I kept laughing out loud but think I actually prefer the book. Yes, it’s a children’s animated film but has plenty to amuse adults.

Shetland****BBC The new post-Jimmy look is interesting, with Tosh in charge but assisted by a detective originally from the island but recently from the Met.

Festive Pottery Throwdown**** CH 4 Nice, and very festive, but I think I prefer getting to know contenders over a few weeks. There’s a new series starting. I’m not usually into reality shows but this one teaches a lot about pottery and its social context as well as the art involved, which is fascinating quite apart from the competition.

I don’t currently mention things I don’t recommend but had to say:

Home Alone** This was my first viewing ever of the iconic Christmas film and I was bored stiff. 

Reading

I did a lot of reading. (Whilst the holiday season was pleasant, we didn’t go anywhere and didn’t do much. )

Highly recommended:

Cosy and chill by Jacke Keswick**** Lovely story about setting up a new store, mixed with magic. I was initially disappointed that it turned out to be Richmond in Surrey and not Richmond in Yorkshire but once I’d adjusted my mental map I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Also A Knight to Remember**** Introduces a new series about a security team. Grant**** is the first in the series. Excellent, and a relief from all the Christmas syrup. I’m looking forward to Rylan which is imminent.

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske***** Superb paranormal mm romance set in Edwardian London. Must read the sequel.

The Happiness Project by Suki Fleet***** Excellent novel exploring various ways to be different.

Also recommended:

Wolf Gift by TJ Nichols.**** Nice novella with a witch/shifter bonding. I must seek out the rest of the series. Wolf Heart**** was also good.

Rejoice Dammit by Kaje Harper**** and Where the Heart is.**** Two really nice novellas from a trusted author. A Midnight Clear also by Kaje Harper**** As usual, a common trope (second chance) made poignant and different by a great writer.

It’s Cold Outside by Suki Fleet (on their website)**** Sweet – I do hope we meet this pair, as half-promised, as adults. Light up the Dark  also by Suki Fleet**** Brilliant writing. Fascinating concept. I’d have liked more detail at the end about how the deception had worked but Cai and Nicky are a great couple and I loved the story.

Once upon a Christmas House by AD Ellis**** Nice Christmas mm romance, saved from over-sweetness by the suspense of the reality TV show competition. Well written.  I read a few more by this author but although they were readable they blurred, like so many seasonal stories.

The Ghost of Grape Lane by Mark Richards.**** Excellent seasonal short story in the Michael Brady series.

The Winter Spirit by Indra Vaughn.**** Excellent and ‘different’ Christmas ghost story.

And two I read as ARCs for more in depth review elsewhere: (I review for two review sites)

Ash Believes the Impossible by Kim Fielding**** Delightful mix of mundane and fairyland when Ash meets Clay

Yule. Tales for the Winter Solstice ed. Eno, Allingham and Tulio****. Stars are for the quality of the stories (mostly ff) but this is a very short book on sale at a very high price.

For fanfic, as usual, I’ve been reading Small-Hobbit’s contributions to the Marylebone Monthly Illustrated which place various talking animals in the world of Holmes and Watson. https://archiveofourown.org/works/52123444   is a Christmas Supplement and there is more delight to follow.

I started reading various Star Trek stories but abandoned them all.

Not a real hedgehog… This is a flat decorative paving slab in our garden after a particularly frosty night.

Nothing to report for viewing. We’ve been watching series that won’t finish till after November. I abandoned Jamie’s Five Ingredient Meals (Ch 4) after following two of the recipes and being less than impressed with the results.

Books:

Lots to recommend this month. I’ve been uploading stuff to my Kindle and going through it fairly methodically. I think I’m nearly at the end of the things I truly meant to read though there are still a couple of ‘book bundles’ lurking. I also did some review work and borrowed my usual number from KU.

Starting with Secrets by Jackson Marsh**** Not quite the usual five stars because it ends on a number of cliff hangers and I have had to borrow the sequel while the very complex plot is still fresh in my mind. Archer has been left a treasure hunt by his mother and godmother. It is meant for pleasure but attracts hostile actions and ends up with danger for all. Sequel: The Larkspur Legacy. ***** A thrilling and complex ending to a wonderful series that mixes mm romance and crime with historical research. And now I have to go back to the very beginning and read the Clearwater Mysteries.

A Wolf’s Resistance by TJ Nichols.**** Good WWII historical paranormal romance. Just a novella but worth reading and unlike a lot of this author’s work it’s a standalone.

When the law needs help by Jackie Keswick**** Nice trio of shorts about the ongoing investigations into crime by Jack and Gareth. They probably only make sense in the context of the Power of Zero series but I thoroughly enjoyed them so if you’ve read the rest, read these!

Little Magic by MJ O’Shea. Books 1-3**** Light mm romance but the magic is intriguing, with a focus on charmed food and instant transportation. The small town communities and all their inhabitants, magical and mundane, are lovingly developed.

Chance to be King by Sue Brown**** Plenty of angst in this romantic thriller. A film star and a writer meet when the star rents a cottage from the writer. But someone is the target of extreme hate. Hidden Mate by Sue Brown**** Second book in the Sapphire Ranch series about shifters escaping hunters with the help of their human mates. An exciting story about the sheriff who is a closeted shifter and his mate who heads the human team trying to protect everyone. Rogue Mate.**** Continues the story of Sapphire Ranch with a rogue wolf and one of Eli’s team.

Where Foxes say goodnight by Sam Burns**** Exciting and well written paranormal/thriller/romance, with a haunted house, a screen writer without a plot, and two brothers who need somewhere to stay.

Perfectly Imperfect Pixie by MJ May**** Delightful. I really cared about Phil and Sedrick and the magical world was very detailed and interesting. So I got the sequel: Perfectly Perfect Pixie****. This time it’s a vampire who falls for a pixie but the werewolves are still around. Exciting story and the world is beautifully thought out and developed.

Mandatory Repairs by Elle Keaton**** Well written romance with thriller elements set in the countryside. Max has ‘retired’ after making a fortune in the IT industry and wants to help his newly discovered half sister Robin. He meets Nash, a local, but they have to overcome threats from a mysterious source.  This is in the Collier’s Creek series by various authors and I now intend to read the rest.

Silence of the Missing by Rick Reed **** An excellent novel. Sam loses his first love, Jeb, when they are just thirteen. In the present day his husband Marc is missing, but Jeb may have turned up. This is a psychological thriller with an interesting and satisfying conclusion after lots of twists and turns.

End of the Line by Nicky James**** Intriguing story and romance. It took me a while to empathise with the MCs because I wasn’t sure whether they were going to turn out to be villains. However, I have now borrowed book 2 Lost at the Crossing**** Still great writing and a gripping story centred round an elective mute but I’m not sure I can cope with the amount of tension! The main characters of the books, a found family, are ‘rail riders’ in Canada.

The Blue Monsoon by Damyanti Biswas**** Nicely complex sequel to The Blue Bar with more murder set in Mumbai..

Please Tell Me by Mike Omer**** Exciting thriller. A psychotherapist is involved in helping to solve a case about a serial killer. There is a suggestion of mf romance for Robyn but this is not really the focus of the story though it does lead to her rescue when things go wrong. I didn’t foresee the ending so the various red herrings were well placed.

Parker’s Forbidden Mate by Blake R  Wolfe**** The amount of sex made it just a novella but quite a pleasant one. Parker finds a human mate. I think the series will do the same for his friends so probably won’t bother. (Read for reviewing.)

Comfort and Joy by Nicki Bennett**** Good Christmas short story (read for review purposes) with a lot of historical detail about nineteenth century English Christmas traditions, interwoven with romance between Marcus and his valet. Recommended for your Christmas list.

I also got round to some of the fanfic lurking on my computer. If you haven’t read any of Brumeier’s work, just dive in, regardless of fandom, on AO3, but for this month I want to recommend It Ain’t Paranoia**** which has a thriller element in an AU with John (Stargate Atlantis) as a TV investigator, and Spellbound**** with John and Rodney(SGA) in a magical ‘world’ which has sent me searching for the prequel.

I read quite a bit – and abandoned quite a bit too – in Teen Wolf and can only recommend Don’t Speak by fatale**** Stiles has been made aphasic by a hostile alpha group and the whole concept and how he and others dealt with it was fascinating.