May 2024 was a fairly good reading month for me. The reason it was a good month is thanks to audiobooks.
Four of the books I read were audiobooks. Normally, I am not a huge audiobook listener, but this month, I listened to them while working in the yard, around the house, and exercising. All of that added up and I was able to listened to four books.
May Reads
I am sharing a few thoughts on each book. If you want more details, click on the title of the book for my full review.
Fiction
ABC Murders by Agatha Christie. I am slowly reading all the Hercule Poirot books. This was my most read in the series. I listened to the audiobook, which is becoming my favorite way to read the Hercule Poirot books.
Billy Boyle by James R. Benn. This book was published in 2006. It is the first book in the Billy Boyle series. It is part WWII history and part mystery.
The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan. I love Jennifer Ryan’s writing, so when I heard that she had a new WWII book out, I knew that I wanted to read it.
Deadly Scandal by Kate Parker. This is the first book in The Deadly Series. It is a historical mystery series set in WWII England. There were a few things about this book that I did not like, but overall it was a good mystery read.
Deadly Wedding by Kate Parker. This is book two in the deadly series. I picked it up immediately after reading book one. I think I liked book two better than book one.
Nonfiction
The Egg and I by Betty MacDonald. I really enjoyed this 1945 memoir set in Washington State during the late 1920s and early 1930s.
The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians by James Patterson. I love books about books, so I was excited to read this one. It is a book of essays and articles written by booksellers and librarians. Overall, it wasn’t what I was expecting. I liked about half the chapters. In my opinion,May the other chapters were fine, but not great.
What did you read in May?
I listened to my first Agatha Christie this past week. Murder on the Orient Express seems to be the most well known, so it felt like a good place to start. I enjoyed it but at the same time, am not sure I’m a good mystery reader. There’s so much crime and murder in real life, I don’t know how to read it light-heartedly as entertainment. It’s a struggle for me to separate the two. I’ll probably try another one anyway. Of the rest of the Hercule Poirot books, which would you most recommend?
My other books for May:
– How to Walk Into a Room by Emily P. Freeman. I’ve read her other books, so thought I’d enjoy this one but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting.
– One Tough Mother by Gert Boyle. Living in NW Oregon near your old stomping grounds, this one has been on my list for years and didn’t disappoint.
– The Stellar Debut of Galactica McPhee by Alexander McCall Smith. Book #17 in the Scotland Street series. It’s okay, not as good as some of the others, but being this far into a series, I kind of feel like I have to keep going.
– The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristen Harmel. I ‘m halfway through on audiobook and am enjoying it so far.
– Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. Also on audiobook. It’s been on my TBR list for years and has been pretty good. Not a lot of new information for me, but enjoyable none-the-less.
I always appreciate seeing what you’ve been reading. Thanks for continuing to share! You’ve led me to many new authors I’d not tried before and Jennifer Ryan and Betty MacDonald will now be added to my list.
I can see why people don’t love murder mysteries. I would not want to read them all the time, but for me they are a fun break for other types of reads. So far The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is probably my favorite Poirot book.
I am so glad to hear that One Tough Mother is good. I have it in my to be read stack and will definitely move it to the top. We enjoy similar books, so I am sure I will enjoy it. I have heard great things about How To Walk Into a Room.
Thanks for sharing what you have been reading. I always love to hear what you are reading too!
I also heard that “Secret Lives” was a bit of a letdown, so I’m glad you confirmed that. It’s normally something I’d gravitate toward.
One of my favorite May books was Mari in the Margins by Rebecca Gomez.
I have never heard of Mari in the Margins. Off to look it up. Thanks for the recommendation.
I’ve discovered Agatha Christie this year and loving it!