ShortBookandScribes October 2024 Reads
Goodness me, November is here. Soon be Christmas 😬🤭
I started the month as I ended September, with Scottish island books. I ended up with three in a row: Ghost Story in September and then The Blue Hour and The Book of Witching last month. As it happens, Scottish islands are one of my most favourite book settings so that’s all good with me.
I was lucky enough to receive a lovely book package from Rachel Quin and HQ in October containing Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency by Josie Lloyd and some gorgeous extras. I particularly love the cosy socks, perfect for the season.
October was also a special month as the 25th was the eighth anniversary of me starting this blog. I’ve posted 1,830 posts in that time which I think is pretty respectable. I think there was one year when I posted every day (sometimes more than once) and it was exhausting!
So to October’s reads – I was hoping for nine and only managed eight but I enjoyed them all – click on the titles for my reviews.
The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
I thought this was absolutely brilliant. A Scottish island, a country house, a touch of mystery and a bohemian feel. Atmospheric, edgy, thrilling and absorbing.
The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke
The mysterious and magical Book of Witching links two timelines, one in the current day when Erin is found badly burned on an Orkney beach and the other when Alison Balfour is awaiting trial for witchcraft.
Rachel meets a man on her commute who sends a frisson of excitement through her. When she wakes from a coma to find her husband is dead she can’t remember a thing. This book has as many layers as an onion and is incredibly fast-paced and twisty.
Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency by Josie Lloyd
Miss Beeton runs a household management agency. When she places Enya as a housekeeper she doesn’t expect that she will soon be dead. Alice turns into an unlikely detective in this clever and delightful cosy crime read.
A Christmas Wish at Woolworths by Elaine Everest
The residents of Erith find that their beloved Woolworths store may be under threat of closure so they pull together to try and prevent it. A lovely instalment of a series I love, bringing together community spirit and friendship.
The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond by Louise Davidson
Julia Pearlie takes a position as companion to Olivia Richmond, a young woman with supernatural powers. This is an atmospheric and compelling read set towards the end of the Victorian era. I thought it was a fantastic debut.
The Palace Dressmaker by Jade Beer
This story is centred around Meredith, who worked on dresses for Diana, Princess of Wales in the 1980s and ’90s, and Jayne, Meredith’s neighbour. A story which combines the glamour of royal life with the realities of ordinary life.
Solstice by Helen Steadman (review to follow)
The third in the Widdershins trilogy. Can Rose Driver survive accusations of witchcraft? The witch hunter is back.
I’ve also posted about my Harper Collins Book Haul and some Recommendations for Spooky Season.
What was your favourite read in October? I’d love to know.
I’m still trying to make up my mind as I haven’t put my wrap-up together yet, but I think it will be The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller. I haven’t written my review of it yet either!
It’s not one I’m familiar with but I’ve looked it up and I like the sound of it. I do enjoy a ‘minutiae of life’ novel.