A Dragon Rider’s Guide to Retirement: Dragons of Safe Haven, Book 1 by Julia Huni
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A friend recommended the book and when I found it on Audible (not to mention in a sale) I grabbed it.
I want more, please!
The story is a nice cozy collection of magical folk, dragons and such. Written in a way that is relaxed and enjoyable. I like that the main characters are retired rather than just starting out. Their adjustment away from old ideas and ideologies while dealing with the results of injury and aging is, frankly, engaging.
This carries over to the rest of the inhabitants of the island. We’ve encountered them before in less than pleasant circumstances but here they are much more likeable and a bit unexpected.
As you go through the story you can’t help but get hints of where this series might go but the location, Safe Haven, feels exactly that.
Overall a good book with the potential to become a good series.
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Category: Audiobooks
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: 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: 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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From The Reading Table: Southern Spirits
Every once in a while I enjoy a cozy mystery. I found this one thanks to an Audible sale and liked it enough to tag the rest of the series.<br /><br />Verity is smart (mostly), sassy, determined, and tends to get herself into situations that…scare the wits out of her. Any anyone reading along. Not your generic Damsel in Distress. Ditto her friends and family, not to mention the location of the story.
I like the characters, which don’t feel cookie cutter to me (hoping that continues). I love the skunk. IYKYK. The twists and turns could be a tad confusing but everything seems to even up at the end. The ghosts are some of the most realistically portrayed characters I’ve come across in a long time. Their stories are relayed sympathetically rather than being cliche.
So far, I am enjoying this and looking forward to more.
From The Reading Table: Rereading Miss Moriarity, I Presume?
Lately I have gone back to reread (in my case relisten) to the entire Lady Sherlock series to date. I’ve enjoyed the experience but more importantly I discovered details I had not noticed before…
Miss Moriarty, I Presume? by Sherry Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have been revisiting this series lately and when it came time to listen to this book again, I admit, I wasn’t too enthusiastic. It wasn’t a favorite when it first came out. I had assumptions based on what I ‘thought’ the story told bur as the relisten (audio book) progressed, I realized I had either missed or not remembered things correctly.
Big Mistake.
Sherry Thomas’ writing can be very visceral. This particular book is a great example.
The encounter with Moriarity left me exhausted and wound so tight I couldn’t breath for a few minutes. Clearly, I had absorbed the reactions from Charlotte and the group. Then again, the addition of a gattling gun in Sherlock’s bedroom was a bit…
The discovery of a rather important but carefully, craftily noted detail had gone unnoticed until this relisten. Moriarity himself reports to someone higher??????!!!!!!
O.M.G.
Learning this after listening to the entire series many times left me pondering what I might expect with the next book in the series (which can not come fast enough).
This book is an amazing adventure. We have the opportunity to learn more about our key players and discover things that are surprising and intriguing. It is also early enough in the series for me to realize just how carefully crafted the entire series is, not just the individual books.
Clearly, this is a much bigger puzzle than I originally thought.
Moriarity likes to maneuver and manipulate everyone. There are no lengths he will not go to. Pitted against not only his daughter but Charlotte & Company the game becomes far more deadly and the plotting becomes extremely ambitious.
Taken after reading the rest of the series you begin to understand the stakes and contemplate what Charlotte has been planning. Prepare to have your mind boggled!
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