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