Mary 90: My Very Best Recipes by Mary Berry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Having been a fan of Mary Berry’s for quite a while, I’ve gleefully settled in to watch many of her shows. When this book was published I found myself wishing for a copy.
My Kindle copy is a wonderful way to settle in with a cuppa to read not only recipes and tips and tricks but some history, too. The photos are wonderful – not just food but friends and family.
This collection is perhaps the cream of the crop. Mary’s favorites. And for those who wonder, there is are conversion charts in the back and she does provide measurements that non British cooks can use.
No excuses! 😀
Mary does what she has always done; provide solid information and instruction along with a sure guiding hand for those who might be a little overwhelmed. She makes cooking and baking easy.
This is my only Mary Berry cookbook. Am I tempted to see what else she has in store? You bet!
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Category: Books
From The Reading Table: Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library
Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am a long time fan of the video versions of Mrs. Christie’s works but, for me, reading the actual books drove me crazy. The audio versions were, and are, much enjoyed and appreciated.
When I came across this audiobook I decided to give it a try. It seemed like the perfect combination of cozy with just enough Christie to be interesting.
I wasn’t wrong.
I consider this a good entry point for folks who might want to learn more but aren’t really ready to dive into the original texts. There’s just enough background from the Christie canon to connect the dots while the actual story is peopled with interesting characters and a layered mystery.
For a while I was afraid I had a version of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd on my hands but, thankfully, not. Instead what I found was an interesting trail of bread crumbs that finally finished with some clever plot twists and turns.
It is well worth the listen, or the read.
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From The Reading Table: Murder in Purple and Gold
Murder in Purple and Gold by Lindsey Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The return to Rome by Flavia Albia and company brought an adventure that not only provided an escape from potential family upset (Pregnant? Me?) … (Where’s our stuff? And where is Rhodan?) and added an unexpected investigation into the murder of a driver from the Circus Maximus.
I have to admit I really enjoyed this installment. The many layers provided necessary relief while the mystery was mostly confusing until the later chapters when clarity arrived.
Recently I watched some tours of the Circus Maximus in Rome which were useful reading this adventure.
Davis does an interesting job stringing story arcs across several books. She also does an admirable job tying things and people back to earlier books both in the Flavia Albia series but the Marcus Didius Falco series.
Long time fans of the series should enjoy this one.
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From The Reading Table: Spade & Archer…
Spade & Archer: The Prequel to Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon by Joe Gores
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve listened to the Old Time Radio show, Sam Spade, for years. It is one of my favorites. Howard Duff did a great job of bringing Spade to life.
When I came across Spade & Archer recently I thought I might give it a try after seeing many glowing reviews. They were right.
Scott Brick, who I have listened to on many adventure series, almost made me think I was hearing Howard Duff again in the role.
The story is well thought out and each section ties perfectly with what preceded it. Honestly, I had times when I thought I was familiar with a particular story line. I particularly appreciated the way every location was made to feel real.
I enjoyed learning more about the back stories and how Spade seemed to know everyone everywhere. While Effie, that amazing secretary, did not sound like the Effie I’d heard for years, I found I enjoyed this version very much. That lady has a head on her shoulders!
I strongly urge you to give this one a try and to give the old radio series a try, too.
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From The Reading Table: The Homefront Sleuths
The search for new authors / books is a constant effort but one that can be rewarding. I recently came across the Homefront Sleuths series on audio and am hooked!
Set in 1940s England, the books center around a group of friends / neighbors in a small Kentish village. They are a diverse and interesting collection of folks and their stories are anything but boring. So far, at least. LOL!
Check out the website by clicking HERE.
From The Reading Table: The Librarians
The Librarians by Sherry Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve been a fan of Thomas’ Lady Sherlock series since it began and I’ve dipped my toe into one or two of her other books, so I felt I was reasonably able to understand the way her stories unfold. After reading several reviews, however, I left this book on my Wishlist far longer than I should have.
Sherry Thomas is not a ‘cookie cutter’ writer. Her characters, plots, and story telling are rich, diverse, and not a little complicated. Also, she isn’t afraid to do a deep dive into back stories and explanations where necessary.
That being said, I ended up going through this audio book more than once to make sure I hadn’t missed anything – and I’m pretty sure I have but that will encourage another listen.
What starts out appearing simple and ordinary quickly shifts into that space where the reader notices something is amiss. Actually quite a few things are amiss.
Each of the librarians has his/her own unique story and situation. Their backgrounds are diverse. Many have at least one thing in common; an acquaintance with one person in particular.
As the individual stories unfold the main mystery starts to unfold, too and when combined the reader is treated to the reality that each character has his/her own response and reaction. From what I’ve seen in the comments this seems to unsettle some folks.
Thomas always gathers the various strings of her plot lines and not only manages to resolve the main mystery but the individual character’s situations, too.
If you like a well plotted mystery and interesting characters but aren’t afraid to stretch the imagination a bit if necessary, I think you will find this book well worth the time.
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From The Reading Table: I Love Suggestions!
I’ve been reading Charlaine Harris’ blog and books for a Very Long Time. I enjoy her books and I enjoy her reading list.
I always look forward to her latest blog where she shares her reading list. I always get some great suggestions for my own To Be Read List.
Her January 5, 2026 blog post has some great information, not to mention inspiration. Click on the link and see what you think.
From The Reading Table: Clean In 15
Clean in 15: Create a Clean & Happy Home in Minutes by Iwan Carrington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve been a long time subscriber to Mr. Carrington’s YouTube channel and have followed along as this book was created.
I thought I knew what to expect when the book came out. I am already half way through and am gobsmacked. I don’t think he missed anything.
I love the color coding as it makes things easier.
The organization is excellent.
While he does provide what I call ‘things to think about’ regarding acquisition of tools and cleaners, he also provides recipes for cleaners (etc) you can make yourself. And those are easy to do and cost effective. If you know Mr. C, those are his hallmarks.
He has included information on the symbols and labels that we see on pretty much everything.
And, yes, he provides routines for actually cleaning in 15 minutes or so. But not just for the inside of the house. Mr. C has added the outside areas to his list of routines.
The book is designed to go in with your cleaning supplies for handy reference and is easy to maneuver to find the information you need when you need it.
I knew this book would be a great tool for anyone who needs to know how to clean pretty much anything. I was not disappointed. I also think this book would be a great gift for those who are embarking on their first home (campus dorm, first apartment, etc.). As one who has been cleaning for longer than I care to admit, I think it is an excellent resource for folks like me.
This is one of the handiest books you will ever own.
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From the Reading Table: Emily Cherry Cozy Mysteries
Emily Cherry Cozy Mysteries #1-10 by Donna Doyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have to admit Emily Cherry has been a much enjoyed and appreciated cozy companion lately. i actually took my time with it rather than rushing through.
I came across the full series available on Audible and decided to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by the development of all the characters and the way that Emily decided to stretch herself rather than stay stuck.
The books are not long. The narrator does a credible job. The subject matter made me want to actually read Emily’s blog.
All in all, a nice, comforting cozy listen without a lot of noise or language. While each book is available on its own, I suggest going for the full set (10 books) so you can enjoy the full series.
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From the Reading Table: A Most Efficient Murder
A Most Efficient Murder by Anthony Slayton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m not sure how I discovered this book but it has been on my Audible Wishlist for a while. Recently I decided to give it a go and, I have to say, I rather enjoyed it.
While there is a definite Christie vibe (think Roger Ackroyd), it is very unlike anything I’ve read or listened to as a Cozy British Mystery. To be honest, that is a huge plus. No sweet young thing with no life experience saving the day. No dry as old cardboard story line.
What we have is subtle humor, characters that are not quite over the top, a rather interesting story (or should that be stories?) with a bit of a surprising ending.
This is one of those mysteries where I sit back and let the author take me where he wants me to go, as opposed to me trying to outwit him by figuring everything out as I go. I’ve discovered that when I approach books in this manner they are more enjoyable and less stressful.
What starts out as a celebration of an 18th birthday ends up with at least 2 murders and quite a bit of misdirection thanks to some well designed interference by at least 1 of the characters. At least one.
Things are not always what we are told and neither are the participants in the plot.
Worth the listen, or the read. I enjoyed it enough to add Book 2 to my wishlist.
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