What are you reading or listening to right now? Happy September from Copenhagen! Pouring with rain today, so what better time to sit down with a hot cuppa tea and give you an update on books and podcasts? The nights are drawing in and I love curling up with a good book—sometimes on paper, sometimes on audiobook. All my books come from our local library (and the Libby app). Free, easy and no clutter, woo hoo!
Here are this week’s reads and listens:
“Murder Most Antique” by E. C. Bateman. I’d already read the first in the series, “Murder at the Auction House,” and really enjoyed the narration. Set in Stamford, a charming English market town with its many medieval churches, these books capture all the niceties (and the quirky murders—ha ha!) of English country life. If you’re a fan of cozy crime, cream teas and the vibe of Midsomer Murders / Inspector Barnaby, I think you’ll really enjoy them.
I really wanted to enjoy “Murder by Definition” by Susie Dent. I think she’s fantastic on TV (such a clever cookie, with all her lexicographer and etymologist brilliance!). The book started well but I found it began to drag with pages and pages devoted to definitions and historical tidbits that didn’t add much to the actual mystery. From what I can gather, the idea to write a fiction mystery was suggested to Susie Dent, rather than coming from her own passion, and perhaps that’s why it felt so flat for me.
I’ve just downloaded this audiobook today—“Emotionally Weird” by Kate Atkinson. I discovered her a few years ago and absolutely love her Jackson Brodie series—solid 5 out of 5 stars from me. The Brodie books aren’t cozy crimes as they often deal with heavy drama, tragic events, and human suffering. But they’re sprinkled with enough comic moments that they never feel depressing, and I found the audiobooks highly entertaining! A TV series starring Jason Isaacs (narrator of some of the audiobooks) has been made but I haven’t yet worked out how to watch from Denmark. It is on my Wishlist! This Kate Atkinson book, “Emotionally Weird,” sounds quite different from her crime novels, so let’s see how I get on with it!
And last one for today is a podcast I’ve recently discovered—“Breaking the News” from the BBC Sounds website. It’s Scottish satire on current affairs: sharp, funny, and full of banter from a panel of comedians. Just a warning though—there’s strong language and even stronger Scottish accents, ha ha! So you might find it a bit of a challenge to follow what’s being said…
Do you like ebooks, audiobooks or do you have to hold a book in your hand? My hubby has a huge book collection but recently decluttered a whole boxful because I was going to one of our Swap Parties. Go him! A timely reminder that we don’t need to hang on to things for our “fantasy life.” If you’ve got shelves of books you know you’ll never read—or cookbooks you never use—why not pass them on? Someone else can enjoy them, and you’ll free up both space and mental energy. A win win all round!
Reading is one of my daily non-negotiables. In the Flylady system, self-care is essential. It’s not selfish! Making time for reading or listening to an audiobook is a wonderful way to rest and recharge. Even ten minutes reading while you eat lunch, or a chapter in bed before you switch off the light, can bring you a little bit of hygge to your day. So what are YOU reading or listening to right now? Is it time for a little bookshelf declutter in your home or a trip to your library? Moominpappa at our local library seems to enjoy Agatha Christie as much as I do!
And don’t forget to join me on YouTube tomorrow! We’ll be doing some autumn planning together. Whether you dread autumn (like me!) or absolutely love it, we’ll make sure you have a plan to enjoy the season and make the most of it!
Hugs
Diane in Denmark
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15 Comments
Add Yours →Love your blog! And your vlogs! Yes I have to mentally prepare that autumn is beautiful but a long winter is coming…:)
Hi Diane! I am reading Antoine Laurain’s books one after another! My first was The Red Notebook, but I’ve since read The Readers’ Room and Vintage 1954. They are short books, quick reads, and full of Paris life and interesting characters. I recommend!
I am looking forward to Autumn months because I live in a desert climate and it is extremely hot in the summer (still is!)
We won’t get cooler weather for awhile yet and I am envious of those who are noticing the changes in temp, falling leaves, rain (!) and changes in light. I’ll put up my fall decor once the Equinox arrives next Monday, just to pretend we are in the thick of it!
Audiobooks always for the car and chores and physical books for at bedtime! Right now am listening to “The Goal” for some professional development and reading “Where the Crawdads Sing” with “An Ancient Witches Guide to Modern Dating” queued behind it. My book collection is something that I am not willing to declutter (a little light pruning only), I have a library set up on built-in oak shelves in place of a TV room. My parents had the same and we all as a family would go and choose books and spend time talking about them together and pulling the ones we recommended for someone else off the shelves, one of my favourite things growing up!
Hi Diane, thank you for your very cosy and hygge email. Books are brilliant aren’t they, I love curling up on the sofa with a brew and a good book. I’m currently listening to The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – I’ve never read/listened to an Agatha Christie before and am really enjoying all the twists and turns in the plot. I feel like there are a lot of red herrings and I’m trying to figure out who the murderer is before Poirot reveals all… Happy reading 📚✨🧡
Thanks for all the audio and reading suggestions! I cannot do without audio books anymore when doing my chores. This has been a game changer thanks to you:-) I am currently listening to Peter Grainger audiobookss, brilliantly read. I finished the DC Smith series and started a new series. Also love cozy crimes so will listen into the ones you mentioned in the coming autumn months…
I’m reading Jan Karin’s Mitford Series- I’m the only upper middle-aged Christian woman in the world who has yet to devour them- and each book has been delightful! Plenty of hygge, lots of humor, even tears in book 2; all together a beautiful experience. I highly recommend if you are looking for a series of feel-good reads and lovable characters!
Hi Diane! I am reading The Rules of Magic on my own and for the book club I am in I am reading The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. I am like you and don’t love the fall but this seasonal reading, and lightning a few candles, helps me lean into the season.
Thank you for the Fall cozy reading suggestions. Fall is my favorite season so i am looking forward to the hygge tips tomorrow. I had just finished looking at another list of suggestions and had borrowed and tagged in the Libby app when your post popped up. I tend to listen to audiobooks since I sit in front of 3 computer screens all day for work. I will read on tablet if not available as audiobook and pick-up paperbacks from local Free Little Libraries (great for picking and dropping off). I have saved the first E.C. Bateman in the Libby app (I love M.C. Beaton books). Currently, just started “Spells For Forgetting” by Adrienne Young (audiobook) and The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Lindle. Also save for future Fall reading “The Pumpkin Spice Café” by Laurie Gilmore.
Thanks for the book suggestions. I really love the Midsomer Murders series. I just looked up EC Bateman for the ebooks at our library and none available yet. I did find Kate Atkinson’s first book, so I e-borrowed that. Excited to read it. Right now I’m reading Onyx Storm, the last of a trilogy by Rebecca Yarros. When I started on it, I didn’t realize it was a romantasy; thought it was just fantasy. Now am committed so am going to finish this last one and that’s probably it for me in romantasy. Reading outside the box!
Thanks Diane I love audiobooks so the books by E C Bateman sound great. I’ll definitely be looking at those books. The end of winter can’t come soon enough for me (Canberra Australia). We get a taste of Spring and then it gets cold again but it’s a lovely day today so I’m going to get out and enjoy it 😁.
Hi Diane. I dread Autumn too. Wish I could hibernate until January! My answer was to visit our son in Tasmania, but he’s not there any more. I love Kate Atkinson’s books too, especially Jackson Brodie, and enjoyed the TV series. Loved ‘Emotionally Weird’ though it was very different. Hope you enjoy it. 🌹🎉😍
Just found the miniseries you mentioned based on the Brodie Book Series it’s called Case Histories and available to stream on Acorn TV – so far it’s excellent! Thank you for the recommendation.
I have been reading the Magpie Murders series by Anthony Horowitz. I am on The Moonflower Murders. Just realized they are also on PBS Masterpiece here in the United States. I love the mix of a modern story that ties to a book. Fun reading!
Oh I love buying books!! So much easier than traipsing back and forth endlessly to the library. I’m very very proud of my collection. And yes- turning pages is a MUST. Soothes my soul and makes the reading experience so much more tactile and meaningful. I collect rare and antique books which delight my heart and calm my spirit because of their age and character. You’re holding history right in the palm of your hands. My collection is very intentional and carefully curated. Libraries might be nice for some people, but my books are like friends to me. And my sisters, friends, and family love that part of my life🩷
Elizabeth in St. Louis Missouri
Rah rah rah, I just started Death at the Auction based on your recommendation. I am enjoying it so far. Have you read The Marlow Murder Club series by Robert Thorogood? UKTV and PBS in the USA made it into a TV series. The first season is based on the first book and the second deason is the second book. The third season won’t be shown until 2026. The books are a little different and give more background info on the characters.