Number of books read: 10
Number of rereads: 2
Number of physical books: 5
Number of ebooks: 2
Number of audiobooks: 3
Number of ARCS: 2
5* reviews: 2
4.5* reviews: 0
4* reviews: 2
I feel like the end of this month has been super stressful. I didn’t do as much reading as I’d intended to between Christmas and New Year. In fact, I almost didn’t make my reading challenge. I was sure that I wouldn’t finish it and there’s a chance that I still might not. I have a few pages left on my current read. It’s taken much longer than I’d expected. Fingers crossed I can fit it in before midnight.
A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS BY MATT HAIG
It seems as though everyone is on the Matt Haig bandwagon except me. I’ve only ever read Notes on a Nervous Planet and I wasn’t a fan. It mostly seemed like oversimplified and hackneyed soundbites. I just didn’t do what I expected it to. I decided that I should give his fiction a chance, so picked up this audiobook. It went better than I thought but I can’t say I’m rushing out to read more.
AN ENGLISH MURDER BY CYRIL HARE
The first of many festive murder mysteries, this Cyril Hare is a great example of the golden age of crime fiction. As someone who is a massive Agatha Christie fan, I do think that my expectations are a little higher for these kinds of stories, so I was maybe a little harsh. Still, it was a charming little read that was perfect for the holiday season.
As soon as I pre-ordered this book, I knew that it was going to be one of my favourites of 2021. Not only did I get the hardback edition but I bought the audiobook. This meant that I could experience Stanley Tucci reading his own words. I think this made the whole experience more engaging. I always try and listen to memoirs read by the writer. It adds something unique.
Obviously, I picked this up for the adorable cover art and because I wanted a super cute festive read. This short and sweet kid’s book was perfect. The story is pretty straightforward but it will keep young readers entertained. The illustrations are just beautiful.
ESCAPE ROOM BY CHRISTOPHER EDGE
This was a book that I requested on NetGalley because I was interested in the escape room concept. After the disappointing Reprieve, I was hoping to find a book that used it more effectively. It didn’t go in the direction that I expected but I think it was an interesting read. Certainly, one to look out for next year.
CINDERELLA GOES TO THE MORGUE BY NANCY SPAIN
I haven’t published my review of this yet but this was another festive murder mystery that I was looking forward to. It sounded fun and a bit sill. Who wouldn’t want to solve a murder at the pantomime? It didn’t quite go as I expected but it was a fine way to spend some time before Christmas.
THE PARIS APARTMENT BY LUCY FOLEY
Another NetGalley book that I was interested in. I’m not a massive Lucy Foley fan but I wondered if the Paris setting would improve her story. I got a bit bored of the isolation of her previous thrillers. I admit that I liked this more than either The Hunting Party or The Guest List. However, it didn’t exactly blow me away.
THE MAGIC FINGER BY ROALD DAHL
I can’t remember ever reading this book when I was a child but it’s possible that I did. When it was clear that I needed to find some short reads to make my reading challenge, I decided to pick this up. It’s fun. I still don’t remember having read it but I’m glad that I finally have.
ESIO TROT BY ROALD DAHL
I love this super sweet tale of love and tortoises. We read it when I was a kid and I bloody loved it. Mostly because of the funny words. Nowadays, I think Mr Hoppy is just a fantastic man and I’m here for the romance of it all.
DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD BY ROALD DAHL
When I initially wrote this post, I thought that I’d have enough time to finish my current read Death Comes At Christmas by Gladys Mitchell. Unfortunately, my New Year’s Eve plans changed last minute and I knew that would never happen. Not with the sheer amount of pig chat that was inevitably going to happen. So, I kept my Roald Dahl streak going and fit in a final audibook before midnight.
Yipee ki-yay, motherbooker 
You just can’t go wrong with Dahl’s kids books! They’re magic 😀
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Definitely. No matter how old I get, I still get that magical feeling when I read his books.
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