Blog Without A Name

Happy Holidays

So!  The boss is giving us a half-day today, on account of we worked on the Solstice.

I was raised in the tradition of gift-giving and trees and special music and family gathering and so on for December 25, and some of those practices form part of my personal traditions.  I like to send cards, so I send Solstice cards. I like the tree decorating thing, but we have cats, and I still have ornaments that belonged to my grandmother, so — we forego the tree, though we do have greens in the house in the shape of fresh wreathes.  Since I love to distraction Things That Light Up, we have glass trees to accompany the ceramic Christmas tree Steve’s mother made him years ago.  We have a special meal, or two, or three, and take some time off — how much depending on how near the nearest deadline looms — to read, play Scrabble or cards, watch a movie, whatever.  It’s a nice break in routine, and who doesn’t need a break?

All of which is to say — happy holiday to those who celebrate; happy weekend to those who have one; happy day to those for whom these next few days are days-in-the-life.

Stay safe.  Remember to tell the people you care about that you love them.  Raise your face to the sky and smile at the stars.  Be kind, and be happy.

Books read in 2021

81  An Unsuitable Heir, KJ Charles (e) (Sins of the Cities #3)
80  An Unnatural Vice, KJ Charles (e) (Sins of the Cities #2)
79  An Unseen Attraction, KJ Charles (e) (Sins of the Cities #1)
78  Mystery Mile, Margery Allingham (e) (Albert Campion #2)
77  The Bride of the Blue Wind, Victoria Goddard (e) (The Sisters Avramapul #1)
76  Ruin of a Rake, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #3)
75  The Soldier’s Scoundrel, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #1)
74  The Lawrence Browne Affair, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #2)
73  The Matzah Ball, Jean Meltzer (e)
72  The Seventh Bride, T. Kingfisher (e)
71  Lady Whilton’s Wedding, Barbara Metzger (e)
73  Holly Jolly Diwali, Sonya Lalli (e)
72  Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings, Ursula K. LeGuin (Catwings #3)
71  Prisoner of Zenda, Anthony Pope (e)
70  Henchmen of Zenda, KJ Charles (e)
69  Half-off Ragnarok, Seanan McGuire (e) (Incryptid #3)
68  A Night in the Lonesome October, Roger Zelazny (re-re-re-&c-aloud w/Steve)
67  Good Night, Mr. Holmes, Carole Nelson Douglas (e) (Irene Adler #1)
66  Band Sinister, KJ Charles (e)
65  Iron Widow, Xiran Jay Zhao (e)
64  The White Mountains, John Christopher (e) (Tripods #1)
63  Paladin’s Hope, T. Kingfisher (e) (Saint of Steel #3)
62  Creatures of Light and Darkness, Roger Zelazny (re-re-re-&c-read) (e)
61  Midnight Blue Light Special, Seanan McGuire (e) (Incryptid #2)
60  The Widows of Malabar Hill, Sujata Massey (e) (Perveen Mistry #1)
59  Sixty-Five Hours, N.R. Walker (e)
58  Silver Silence, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #16) (re-read)
57  His Sacred Incantations, Scarlett Gale (Warrior’s Guild Book #2) (e)
56  Any Old Diamonds, KJ Charles (e)
55  Think of England, KJ Charles (e)
54  Fast Women, Jennifer Crusie (re-read)
53  The Goblin Emperor, Katherine Addison (re-re-read) (e)
52  Mouse and Dragon, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (#3 in the Space Regencies internal arc of Liaden Universe®)(e)*
51  Scout’s Progress, Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (#2 in the Space Regencies internal arc of the Liaden Universe®) (e)*
50  Witness for the Dead, Katherine Addison (e)
49  The Kingdoms, Natasha Pulley (e)
48  His Secret Illuminations, Scarlett Gale (Warrior’s Guild Book #1) (e)
47  Logan’s Run, William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson (re-re-re-&c-read)
46  The Hellion’s Waltz, Olivia Waite (Feminine Pursuits #3) (e)
45  The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows, Olivia Waite (Feminine Pursuits #2) (e)
44  Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
43  Subtle Blood, KJ Charles (Will Darling #3) (e)
42  Welcome to Temptation, Jennifer Crusie (Dempsey Family #1) (re-read) (NOTE: Yes, I read the Dempsey books “backward.” I read them that way the first time, too.  Plus, I prefer #2 to #1 by an ooomph of an inch)
41  Faking It, Jennifer Crusie (Dempsey Family #2) (re-read)
40  Angel of the Overpass, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #3) (e)
39  Upside Down, N.R. Walker (e)
38  Network Effect, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #5) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
37  Exit Strategy, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #4) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
36  Rogue Protocol, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #3) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
35  A Dead Djinn in Cairo, P. Djèlí Clark (e)
34  The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting, KJ Charles (e)
33  Artificial Condition, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #2) (e)(Steve read to me)
32  All Systems Red, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #1) (e) (read to Steve)
31  Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain
30  Stranger Planet, Nathan W. Pyle (Strange Planet graphic collection #2)
29  Foxes in Love, Toivo Kaartinen
28  Strange Planet, Nathan W. Pyle (Strange Planet graphic collection #1)
27  What Abigail Did that Summer, Ben Aaronovitch (e)
26  Sizzle, Jennifer Crusie (e)
25  Tangle of Need, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #11) (read aloud w/Steve — and this catches us both up)
24  The Secret Language, Ursula Nordstrom (re-re-re-oh-hell-who-can-count)
23  Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e)
22  The Rose Cottage, Mary Stewart (e)
21  The Girl in the Green Silk Gown, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #2) (e)
20  What the Devil Knows, C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr #16)
19  Last Guard, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling/Trinity #21) (pre-pub copy provided by the author; read aloud with Steve)
18  Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters (e)
17  The Consorts, Melissa Addey (e)
16  Brightfall, Jamie Lee Moyer (e)
15  Spider Woman’s Daughter, Anne Hillerman (e)
14  Wild Sign, Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #6) (e)
13  Marian Halcombe, Brenda W. Clough (The Thrilling Adventures of the Most Dangerous Woman in Europe #1) (e)
12  The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics, Olivia Waite (read aloud w/Steve)
11  An Easy Death, Charlaine Harris (Gunnie Rose #1) (e)
10  Paladin’s Strength, T. Kingfisher (Saint of Steel #2) (e)
9   Strange Bedpersons, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
8   The Sugared Game, KJ Charles (Will Darling #2) (e)
7   The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman (Practical Magic #2)
6   Smoke Bitten, Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #12) (e)
5   Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #8) (read aloud w/Steve)
4   Hostage to Pleasure, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #5) (read aloud w/Steve)
3   Anyone but You, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
2   Mine to Possess, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #4) (read aloud w/Steve)
1   The Duke and I, Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #1) (e)

NOTE:  I’ve started to list the series, if any, a particular title is part of, as well as its place in series, if known.

*Yes, yes, it’s a sad thing, an author reading her own stuff for fun, but there it is — I recently had to proof Local Custom, the first of the threesome, and found it, err, compelling, and I had the two follows on the phone, so here we are.  For the record, I’m having fun.  The trilogy runs thusly:  Local Custom, Scout’s Progress, Mouse and Dragon.

Books read in 2021

80  An Unnatural Vice, KJ Charles (e) (Sins of the Cities #2)
79  An Unseen Attraction, KJ Charles (e) (Sins of the Cities #1)
78  Mystery Mile, Margery Allingham (e) (Albert Campion #2)
77  The Bride of the Blue Wind, Victoria Goddard (e) (The Sisters Avramapul #1)
76  Ruin of a Rake, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #3)
75  The Soldier’s Scoundrel, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #1)
74  The Lawrence Browne Affair, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #2)
73  The Matzah Ball, Jean Meltzer (e)
72  The Seventh Bride, T. Kingfisher (e)
71  Lady Whilton’s Wedding, Barbara Metzger (e)
73  Holly Jolly Diwali, Sonya Lalli (e)
72  Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings, Ursula K. LeGuin (Catwings #3)
71  Prisoner of Zenda, Anthony Pope (e)
70  Henchmen of Zenda, KJ Charles (e)
69  Half-off Ragnarok, Seanan McGuire (e) (Incryptid #3)
68  A Night in the Lonesome October, Roger Zelazny (re-re-re-&c-aloud w/Steve)
67  Good Night, Mr. Holmes, Carole Nelson Douglas (e) (Irene Adler #1)
66  Band Sinister, KJ Charles (e)
65  Iron Widow, Xiran Jay Zhao (e)
64  The White Mountains, John Christopher (e) (Tripods #1)
63  Paladin’s Hope, T. Kingfisher (e) (Saint of Steel #3)
62  Creatures of Light and Darkness, Roger Zelazny (re-re-re-&c-read) (e)
61  Midnight Blue Light Special, Seanan McGuire (e) (Incryptid #2)
60  The Widows of Malabar Hill, Sujata Massey (e) (Perveen Mistry #1)
59  Sixty-Five Hours, N.R. Walker (e)
58  Silver Silence, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #16) (re-read)
57  His Sacred Incantations, Scarlett Gale (Warrior’s Guild Book #2) (e)
56  Any Old Diamonds, KJ Charles (e)
55  Think of England, KJ Charles (e)
54  Fast Women, Jennifer Crusie (re-read)
53  The Goblin Emperor, Katherine Addison (re-re-read) (e)
52  Mouse and Dragon, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (#3 in the Space Regencies internal arc of Liaden Universe®)(e)*
51  Scout’s Progress, Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (#2 in the Space Regencies internal arc of the Liaden Universe®) (e)*
50  Witness for the Dead, Katherine Addison (e)
49  The Kingdoms, Natasha Pulley (e)
48  His Secret Illuminations, Scarlett Gale (Warrior’s Guild Book #1) (e)
47  Logan’s Run, William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson (re-re-re-&c-read)
46  The Hellion’s Waltz, Olivia Waite (Feminine Pursuits #3) (e)
45  The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows, Olivia Waite (Feminine Pursuits #2) (e)
44  Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
43  Subtle Blood, KJ Charles (Will Darling #3) (e)
42  Welcome to Temptation, Jennifer Crusie (Dempsey Family #1) (re-read) (NOTE: Yes, I read the Dempsey books “backward.” I read them that way the first time, too.  Plus, I prefer #2 to #1 by an ooomph of an inch)
41  Faking It, Jennifer Crusie (Dempsey Family #2) (re-read)
40  Angel of the Overpass, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #3) (e)
39  Upside Down, N.R. Walker (e)
38  Network Effect, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #5) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
37  Exit Strategy, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #4) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
36  Rogue Protocol, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #3) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
35  A Dead Djinn in Cairo, P. Djèlí Clark (e)
34  The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting, KJ Charles (e)
33  Artificial Condition, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #2) (e)(Steve read to me)
32  All Systems Red, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #1) (e) (read to Steve)
31  Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain
30  Stranger Planet, Nathan W. Pyle (Strange Planet graphic collection #2)
29  Foxes in Love, Toivo Kaartinen
28  Strange Planet, Nathan W. Pyle (Strange Planet graphic collection #1)
27  What Abigail Did that Summer, Ben Aaronovitch (e)
26  Sizzle, Jennifer Crusie (e)
25  Tangle of Need, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #11) (read aloud w/Steve — and this catches us both up)
24  The Secret Language, Ursula Nordstrom (re-re-re-oh-hell-who-can-count)
23  Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e)
22  The Rose Cottage, Mary Stewart (e)
21  The Girl in the Green Silk Gown, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #2) (e)
20  What the Devil Knows, C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr #16)
19  Last Guard, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling/Trinity #21) (pre-pub copy provided by the author; read aloud with Steve)
18  Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters (e)
17  The Consorts, Melissa Addey (e)
16  Brightfall, Jamie Lee Moyer (e)
15  Spider Woman’s Daughter, Anne Hillerman (e)
14  Wild Sign, Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #6) (e)
13  Marian Halcombe, Brenda W. Clough (The Thrilling Adventures of the Most Dangerous Woman in Europe #1) (e)
12  The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics, Olivia Waite (read aloud w/Steve)
11  An Easy Death, Charlaine Harris (Gunnie Rose #1) (e)
10  Paladin’s Strength, T. Kingfisher (Saint of Steel #2) (e)
9   Strange Bedpersons, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
8   The Sugared Game, KJ Charles (Will Darling #2) (e)
7   The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman (Practical Magic #2)
6   Smoke Bitten, Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #12) (e)
5   Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #8) (read aloud w/Steve)
4   Hostage to Pleasure, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #5) (read aloud w/Steve)
3   Anyone but You, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
2   Mine to Possess, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #4) (read aloud w/Steve)
1   The Duke and I, Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #1) (e)

NOTE:  I’ve started to list the series, if any, a particular title is part of, as well as its place in series, if known.

*Yes, yes, it’s a sad thing, an author reading her own stuff for fun, but there it is — I recently had to proof Local Custom, the first of the threesome, and found it, err, compelling, and I had the two follows on the phone, so here we are.  For the record, I’m having fun.  The trilogy runs thusly:  Local Custom, Scout’s Progress, Mouse and Dragon.

Books read in 2021

79  An Unseen Attraction, KJ Charles (e) (Sins of the Cities #1)
78  Mystery Mile, Margery Allingham (e) (Albert Campion #2)
77  The Bride of the Blue Wind, Victoria Goddard (e) (The Sisters Avramapul #1)
76  Ruin of a Rake, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #3)
75  The Soldier’s Scoundrel, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #1)
74  The Lawrence Browne Affair, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #2)
73  The Matzah Ball, Jean Meltzer (e)
72  The Seventh Bride, T. Kingfisher (e)
71  Lady Whilton’s Wedding, Barbara Metzger (e)
73  Holly Jolly Diwali, Sonya Lalli (e)
72  Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings, Ursula K. LeGuin (Catwings #3)
71  Prisoner of Zenda, Anthony Pope (e)
70  Henchmen of Zenda, KJ Charles (e)
69  Half-off Ragnarok, Seanan McGuire (e) (Incryptid #3)
68  A Night in the Lonesome October, Roger Zelazny (re-re-re-&c-aloud w/Steve)
67  Good Night, Mr. Holmes, Carole Nelson Douglas (e) (Irene Adler #1)
66  Band Sinister, KJ Charles (e)
65  Iron Widow, Xiran Jay Zhao (e)
64  The White Mountains, John Christopher (e) (Tripods #1)
63  Paladin’s Hope, T. Kingfisher (e) (Saint of Steel #3)
62  Creatures of Light and Darkness, Roger Zelazny (re-re-re-&c-read) (e)
61  Midnight Blue Light Special, Seanan McGuire (e) (Incryptid #2)
60  The Widows of Malabar Hill, Sujata Massey (e) (Perveen Mistry #1)
59  Sixty-Five Hours, N.R. Walker (e)
58  Silver Silence, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #16) (re-read)
57  His Sacred Incantations, Scarlett Gale (Warrior’s Guild Book #2) (e)
56  Any Old Diamonds, KJ Charles (e)
55  Think of England, KJ Charles (e)
54  Fast Women, Jennifer Crusie (re-read)
53  The Goblin Emperor, Katherine Addison (re-re-read) (e)
52  Mouse and Dragon, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (#3 in the Space Regencies internal arc of Liaden Universe®)(e)*
51  Scout’s Progress, Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (#2 in the Space Regencies internal arc of the Liaden Universe®) (e)*
50  Witness for the Dead, Katherine Addison (e)
49  The Kingdoms, Natasha Pulley (e)
48  His Secret Illuminations, Scarlett Gale (Warrior’s Guild Book #1) (e)
47  Logan’s Run, William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson (re-re-re-&c-read)
46  The Hellion’s Waltz, Olivia Waite (Feminine Pursuits #3) (e)
45  The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows, Olivia Waite (Feminine Pursuits #2) (e)
44  Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
43  Subtle Blood, KJ Charles (Will Darling #3) (e)
42  Welcome to Temptation, Jennifer Crusie (Dempsey Family #1) (re-read) (NOTE: Yes, I read the Dempsey books “backward.” I read them that way the first time, too.  Plus, I prefer #2 to #1 by an ooomph of an inch)
41  Faking It, Jennifer Crusie (Dempsey Family #2) (re-read)
40  Angel of the Overpass, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #3) (e)
39  Upside Down, N.R. Walker (e)
38  Network Effect, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #5) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
37  Exit Strategy, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #4) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
36  Rogue Protocol, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #3) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
35  A Dead Djinn in Cairo, P. Djèlí Clark (e)
34  The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting, KJ Charles (e)
33  Artificial Condition, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #2) (e)(Steve read to me)
32  All Systems Red, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #1) (e) (read to Steve)
31  Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain
30  Stranger Planet, Nathan W. Pyle (Strange Planet graphic collection #2)
29  Foxes in Love, Toivo Kaartinen
28  Strange Planet, Nathan W. Pyle (Strange Planet graphic collection #1)
27  What Abigail Did that Summer, Ben Aaronovitch (e)
26  Sizzle, Jennifer Crusie (e)
25  Tangle of Need, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #11) (read aloud w/Steve — and this catches us both up)
24  The Secret Language, Ursula Nordstrom (re-re-re-oh-hell-who-can-count)
23  Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e)
22  The Rose Cottage, Mary Stewart (e)
21  The Girl in the Green Silk Gown, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #2) (e)
20  What the Devil Knows, C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr #16)
19  Last Guard, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling/Trinity #21) (pre-pub copy provided by the author; read aloud with Steve)
18  Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters (e)
17  The Consorts, Melissa Addey (e)
16  Brightfall, Jamie Lee Moyer (e)
15  Spider Woman’s Daughter, Anne Hillerman (e)
14  Wild Sign, Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #6) (e)
13  Marian Halcombe, Brenda W. Clough (The Thrilling Adventures of the Most Dangerous Woman in Europe #1) (e)
12  The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics, Olivia Waite (read aloud w/Steve)
11  An Easy Death, Charlaine Harris (Gunnie Rose #1) (e)
10  Paladin’s Strength, T. Kingfisher (Saint of Steel #2) (e)
9   Strange Bedpersons, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
8   The Sugared Game, KJ Charles (Will Darling #2) (e)
7   The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman (Practical Magic #2)
6   Smoke Bitten, Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #12) (e)
5   Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #8) (read aloud w/Steve)
4   Hostage to Pleasure, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #5) (read aloud w/Steve)
3   Anyone but You, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
2   Mine to Possess, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #4) (read aloud w/Steve)
1   The Duke and I, Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #1) (e)

NOTE:  I’ve started to list the series, if any, a particular title is part of, as well as its place in series, if known.

*Yes, yes, it’s a sad thing, an author reading her own stuff for fun, but there it is — I recently had to proof Local Custom, the first of the threesome, and found it, err, compelling, and I had the two follows on the phone, so here we are.  For the record, I’m having fun.  The trilogy runs thusly:  Local Custom, Scout’s Progress, Mouse and Dragon.

Watch the skies!

We are now on Story Watch!

“From Every Storm a Rainbow,” by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller may appear as soon as this afternoon at Baen.com.

“…Rainbow” is a Sinit Caylon story, and here’s a snippet to keep you easy until the whole thing posts:

The comm signaled twice, bringing Sinit to an awareness of the hour. She moved to cut the connection, but too late.
“Good morning, Sinit,” came the cool, firm voice. “Did you enjoy a good sleep?”
“Aelliana,” she said, tears starting to her eyes. “Mizel has gone to Low Port.”

Monday catch-me-up

When last we saw Our Humble Narrator, she had acquired a vehicle, and skirted an accident of someone else’s devising.

Having acquired a Vehicle of My Own, I of course have since remained sedately at home.

We did have a crew in from the Dump Guys to take a scant pick-up truck load of junk out of the garage and rearrange the Necessary so that both cars could actually fit inside.  This turned out to be good timing, and Tinsori was not subjected to the indignity of sitting out in the snow during our recent little inch/two inch showers.

Some who read here may be pleased to know that writing has been going on.  Steve is hard at work on the sequel to Fair Trade.  That’s due at Baen this summer.

I’m working on a novel set at Tinsori Light — the a follow to Trader’s Leap and Accepting the Lance.  It’s about 15,000 words and moving in a forwarder direction.  The characters in one narrative line really want to Talk About It, while the other set of characters are being shy.  Well, it’s early days; they’ll come around eventually.  In the meantime, I’ll sit with the talkative set.

It seems we will be having a Quiet to Very Quiet Yule here at the Cat Farm and Confusion Factory, which is nothing very out of the ordinary.  December’s a good month to stay inside, up here in the northlands.

So, there’s all the news I have at the moment.

Everybody stay safe.

 

 

Books read in 2021

78  Mystery Mile, Margery Allingham (e) (Albert Campion #2)
77  The Bride of the Blue Wind, Victoria Goddard (e) (The Sisters Avramapul #1)
76  Ruin of a Rake, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #3)
75  The Soldier’s Scoundrel, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #1)
74  The Lawrence Browne Affair, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #2)
73  The Matzah Ball, Jean Meltzer (e)
72  The Seventh Bride, T. Kingfisher (e)
71  Lady Whilton’s Wedding, Barbara Metzger (e)
73  Holly Jolly Diwali, Sonya Lalli (e)
72  Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings, Ursula K. LeGuin (Catwings #3)
71  Prisoner of Zenda, Anthony Pope (e)
70  Henchmen of Zenda, KJ Charles (e)
69  Half-off Ragnarok, Seanan McGuire (e) (Incryptid #3)
68  A Night in the Lonesome October, Roger Zelazny (re-re-re-&c-aloud w/Steve)
67  Good Night, Mr. Holmes, Carole Nelson Douglas (e) (Irene Adler #1)
66  Band Sinister, KJ Charles (e)
65  Iron Widow, Xiran Jay Zhao (e)
64  The White Mountains, John Christopher (e) (Tripods #1)
63  Paladin’s Hope, T. Kingfisher (e) (Saint of Steel #3)
62  Creatures of Light and Darkness, Roger Zelazny (re-re-re-&c-read) (e)
61  Midnight Blue Light Special, Seanan McGuire (e) (Incryptid #2)
60  The Widows of Malabar Hill, Sujata Massey (e) (Perveen Mistry #1)
59  Sixty-Five Hours, N.R. Walker (e)
58  Silver Silence, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #16) (re-read)
57  His Sacred Incantations, Scarlett Gale (Warrior’s Guild Book #2) (e)
56  Any Old Diamonds, KJ Charles (e)
55  Think of England, KJ Charles (e)
54  Fast Women, Jennifer Crusie (re-read)
53  The Goblin Emperor, Katherine Addison (re-re-read) (e)
52  Mouse and Dragon, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (#3 in the Space Regencies internal arc of Liaden Universe®)(e)*
51  Scout’s Progress, Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (#2 in the Space Regencies internal arc of the Liaden Universe®) (e)*
50  Witness for the Dead, Katherine Addison (e)
49  The Kingdoms, Natasha Pulley (e)
48  His Secret Illuminations, Scarlett Gale (Warrior’s Guild Book #1) (e)
47  Logan’s Run, William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson (re-re-re-&c-read)
46  The Hellion’s Waltz, Olivia Waite (Feminine Pursuits #3) (e)
45  The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows, Olivia Waite (Feminine Pursuits #2) (e)
44  Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
43  Subtle Blood, KJ Charles (Will Darling #3) (e)
42  Welcome to Temptation, Jennifer Crusie (Dempsey Family #1) (re-read) (NOTE: Yes, I read the Dempsey books “backward.” I read them that way the first time, too.  Plus, I prefer #2 to #1 by an ooomph of an inch)
41  Faking It, Jennifer Crusie (Dempsey Family #2) (re-read)
40  Angel of the Overpass, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #3) (e)
39  Upside Down, N.R. Walker (e)
38  Network Effect, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #5) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
37  Exit Strategy, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #4) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
36  Rogue Protocol, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #3) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
35  A Dead Djinn in Cairo, P. Djèlí Clark (e)
34  The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting, KJ Charles (e)
33  Artificial Condition, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #2) (e)(Steve read to me)
32  All Systems Red, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #1) (e) (read to Steve)
31  Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain
30  Stranger Planet, Nathan W. Pyle (Strange Planet graphic collection #2)
29  Foxes in Love, Toivo Kaartinen
28  Strange Planet, Nathan W. Pyle (Strange Planet graphic collection #1)
27  What Abigail Did that Summer, Ben Aaronovitch (e)
26  Sizzle, Jennifer Crusie (e)
25  Tangle of Need, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #11) (read aloud w/Steve — and this catches us both up)
24  The Secret Language, Ursula Nordstrom (re-re-re-oh-hell-who-can-count)
23  Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e)
22  The Rose Cottage, Mary Stewart (e)
21  The Girl in the Green Silk Gown, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #2) (e)
20  What the Devil Knows, C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr #16)
19  Last Guard, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling/Trinity #21) (pre-pub copy provided by the author; read aloud with Steve)
18  Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters (e)
17  The Consorts, Melissa Addey (e)
16  Brightfall, Jamie Lee Moyer (e)
15  Spider Woman’s Daughter, Anne Hillerman (e)
14  Wild Sign, Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #6) (e)
13  Marian Halcombe, Brenda W. Clough (The Thrilling Adventures of the Most Dangerous Woman in Europe #1) (e)
12  The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics, Olivia Waite (read aloud w/Steve)
11  An Easy Death, Charlaine Harris (Gunnie Rose #1) (e)
10  Paladin’s Strength, T. Kingfisher (Saint of Steel #2) (e)
9   Strange Bedpersons, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
8   The Sugared Game, KJ Charles (Will Darling #2) (e)
7   The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman (Practical Magic #2)
6   Smoke Bitten, Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #12) (e)
5   Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #8) (read aloud w/Steve)
4   Hostage to Pleasure, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #5) (read aloud w/Steve)
3   Anyone but You, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
2   Mine to Possess, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #4) (read aloud w/Steve)
1   The Duke and I, Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #1) (e)

NOTE:  I’ve started to list the series, if any, a particular title is part of, as well as its place in series, if known.

*Yes, yes, it’s a sad thing, an author reading her own stuff for fun, but there it is — I recently had to proof Local Custom, the first of the threesome, and found it, err, compelling, and I had the two follows on the phone, so here we are.  For the record, I’m having fun.  The trilogy runs thusly:  Local Custom, Scout’s Progress, Mouse and Dragon.

Books read in 2021

77  The Bride of the Blue Wind, Victoria Goddard (e) (The Sisters Avramapul #1)
76  Ruin of a Rake, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #3)
75  The Soldier’s Scoundrel, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #1)
74  The Lawrence Browne Affair, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #2)
73  The Matzah Ball, Jean Meltzer (e)
72  The Seventh Bride, T. Kingfisher (e)
71  Lady Whilton’s Wedding, Barbara Metzger (e)
73  Holly Jolly Diwali, Sonya Lalli (e)
72  Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings, Ursula K. LeGuin (Catwings #3)
71  Prisoner of Zenda, Anthony Pope (e)
70  Henchmen of Zenda, KJ Charles (e)
69  Half-off Ragnarok, Seanan McGuire (e) (Incryptid #3)
68  A Night in the Lonesome October, Roger Zelazny (re-re-re-&c-aloud w/Steve)
67  Good Night, Mr. Holmes, Carole Nelson Douglas (e) (Irene Adler #1)
66  Band Sinister, KJ Charles (e)
65  Iron Widow, Xiran Jay Zhao (e)
64  The White Mountains, John Christopher (e) (Tripods #1)
63  Paladin’s Hope, T. Kingfisher (e) (Saint of Steel #3)
62  Creatures of Light and Darkness, Roger Zelazny (re-re-re-&c-read) (e)
61  Midnight Blue Light Special, Seanan McGuire (e) (Incryptid #2)
60  The Widows of Malabar Hill, Sujata Massey (e) (Perveen Mistry #1)
59  Sixty-Five Hours, N.R. Walker (e)
58  Silver Silence, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #16) (re-read)
57  His Sacred Incantations, Scarlett Gale (Warrior’s Guild Book #2) (e)
56  Any Old Diamonds, KJ Charles (e)
55  Think of England, KJ Charles (e)
54  Fast Women, Jennifer Crusie (re-read)
53  The Goblin Emperor, Katherine Addison (re-re-read) (e)
52  Mouse and Dragon, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (#3 in the Space Regencies internal arc of Liaden Universe®)(e)*
51  Scout’s Progress, Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (#2 in the Space Regencies internal arc of the Liaden Universe®) (e)*
50  Witness for the Dead, Katherine Addison (e)
49  The Kingdoms, Natasha Pulley (e)
48  His Secret Illuminations, Scarlett Gale (Warrior’s Guild Book #1) (e)
47  Logan’s Run, William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson (re-re-re-&c-read)
46  The Hellion’s Waltz, Olivia Waite (Feminine Pursuits #3) (e)
45  The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows, Olivia Waite (Feminine Pursuits #2) (e)
44  Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
43  Subtle Blood, KJ Charles (Will Darling #3) (e)
42  Welcome to Temptation, Jennifer Crusie (Dempsey Family #1) (re-read) (NOTE: Yes, I read the Dempsey books “backward.” I read them that way the first time, too.  Plus, I prefer #2 to #1 by an ooomph of an inch)
41  Faking It, Jennifer Crusie (Dempsey Family #2) (re-read)
40  Angel of the Overpass, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #3) (e)
39  Upside Down, N.R. Walker (e)
38  Network Effect, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #5) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
37  Exit Strategy, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #4) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
36  Rogue Protocol, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #3) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
35  A Dead Djinn in Cairo, P. Djèlí Clark (e)
34  The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting, KJ Charles (e)
33  Artificial Condition, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #2) (e)(Steve read to me)
32  All Systems Red, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #1) (e) (read to Steve)
31  Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain
30  Stranger Planet, Nathan W. Pyle (Strange Planet graphic collection #2)
29  Foxes in Love, Toivo Kaartinen
28  Strange Planet, Nathan W. Pyle (Strange Planet graphic collection #1)
27  What Abigail Did that Summer, Ben Aaronovitch (e)
26  Sizzle, Jennifer Crusie (e)
25  Tangle of Need, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #11) (read aloud w/Steve — and this catches us both up)
24  The Secret Language, Ursula Nordstrom (re-re-re-oh-hell-who-can-count)
23  Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e)
22  The Rose Cottage, Mary Stewart (e)
21  The Girl in the Green Silk Gown, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #2) (e)
20  What the Devil Knows, C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr #16)
19  Last Guard, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling/Trinity #21) (pre-pub copy provided by the author; read aloud with Steve)
18  Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters (e)
17  The Consorts, Melissa Addey (e)
16  Brightfall, Jamie Lee Moyer (e)
15  Spider Woman’s Daughter, Anne Hillerman (e)
14  Wild Sign, Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #6) (e)
13  Marian Halcombe, Brenda W. Clough (The Thrilling Adventures of the Most Dangerous Woman in Europe #1) (e)
12  The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics, Olivia Waite (read aloud w/Steve)
11  An Easy Death, Charlaine Harris (Gunnie Rose #1) (e)
10  Paladin’s Strength, T. Kingfisher (Saint of Steel #2) (e)
9   Strange Bedpersons, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
8   The Sugared Game, KJ Charles (Will Darling #2) (e)
7   The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman (Practical Magic #2)
6   Smoke Bitten, Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #12) (e)
5   Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #8) (read aloud w/Steve)
4   Hostage to Pleasure, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #5) (read aloud w/Steve)
3   Anyone but You, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
2   Mine to Possess, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #4) (read aloud w/Steve)
1   The Duke and I, Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #1) (e)

NOTE:  I’ve started to list the series, if any, a particular title is part of, as well as its place in series, if known.

*Yes, yes, it’s a sad thing, an author reading her own stuff for fun, but there it is — I recently had to proof Local Custom, the first of the threesome, and found it, err, compelling, and I had the two follows on the phone, so here we are.  For the record, I’m having fun.  The trilogy runs thusly:  Local Custom, Scout’s Progress, Mouse and Dragon.

Books read in 2021

76  Ruin of a Rake, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #3)
75  The Soldier’s Scoundrel, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #1)
74  The Lawrence Browne Affair, Cat Sebastian (e) (The Turners #2)
73  The Matzah Ball, Jean Meltzer (e)
72  The Seventh Bride, T. Kingfisher (e)
71  Lady Whilton’s Wedding, Barbara Metzger (e)
73  Holly Jolly Diwali, Sonya Lalli (e)
72  Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings, Ursula K. LeGuin (Catwings #3)
71  Prisoner of Zenda, Anthony Pope (e)
70  Henchmen of Zenda, KJ Charles (e)
69  Half-off Ragnarok, Seanan McGuire (e) (Incryptid #3)
68  A Night in the Lonesome October, Roger Zelazny (re-re-re-&c-aloud w/Steve)
67  Good Night, Mr. Holmes, Carole Nelson Douglas (e) (Irene Adler #1)
66  Band Sinister, KJ Charles (e)
65  Iron Widow, Xiran Jay Zhao (e)
64  The White Mountains, John Christopher (e) (Tripods #1)
63  Paladin’s Hope, T. Kingfisher (e) (Saint of Steel #3)
62  Creatures of Light and Darkness, Roger Zelazny (re-re-re-&c-read) (e)
61  Midnight Blue Light Special, Seanan McGuire (e) (Incryptid #2)
60  The Widows of Malabar Hill, Sujata Massey (e) (Perveen Mistry #1)
59  Sixty-Five Hours, N.R. Walker (e)
58  Silver Silence, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #16) (re-read)
57  His Sacred Incantations, Scarlett Gale (Warrior’s Guild Book #2) (e)
56  Any Old Diamonds, KJ Charles (e)
55  Think of England, KJ Charles (e)
54  Fast Women, Jennifer Crusie (re-read)
53  The Goblin Emperor, Katherine Addison (re-re-read) (e)
52  Mouse and Dragon, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (#3 in the Space Regencies internal arc of Liaden Universe®)(e)*
51  Scout’s Progress, Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (#2 in the Space Regencies internal arc of the Liaden Universe®) (e)*
50  Witness for the Dead, Katherine Addison (e)
49  The Kingdoms, Natasha Pulley (e)
48  His Secret Illuminations, Scarlett Gale (Warrior’s Guild Book #1) (e)
47  Logan’s Run, William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson (re-re-re-&c-read)
46  The Hellion’s Waltz, Olivia Waite (Feminine Pursuits #3) (e)
45  The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows, Olivia Waite (Feminine Pursuits #2) (e)
44  Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
43  Subtle Blood, KJ Charles (Will Darling #3) (e)
42  Welcome to Temptation, Jennifer Crusie (Dempsey Family #1) (re-read) (NOTE: Yes, I read the Dempsey books “backward.” I read them that way the first time, too.  Plus, I prefer #2 to #1 by an ooomph of an inch)
41  Faking It, Jennifer Crusie (Dempsey Family #2) (re-read)
40  Angel of the Overpass, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #3) (e)
39  Upside Down, N.R. Walker (e)
38  Network Effect, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #5) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
37  Exit Strategy, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #4) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
36  Rogue Protocol, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #3) (e) (read aloud w/Steve)
35  A Dead Djinn in Cairo, P. Djèlí Clark (e)
34  The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting, KJ Charles (e)
33  Artificial Condition, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #2) (e)(Steve read to me)
32  All Systems Red, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #1) (e) (read to Steve)
31  Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain
30  Stranger Planet, Nathan W. Pyle (Strange Planet graphic collection #2)
29  Foxes in Love, Toivo Kaartinen
28  Strange Planet, Nathan W. Pyle (Strange Planet graphic collection #1)
27  What Abigail Did that Summer, Ben Aaronovitch (e)
26  Sizzle, Jennifer Crusie (e)
25  Tangle of Need, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #11) (read aloud w/Steve — and this catches us both up)
24  The Secret Language, Ursula Nordstrom (re-re-re-oh-hell-who-can-count)
23  Fugitive Telemetry, Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #6) (e)
22  The Rose Cottage, Mary Stewart (e)
21  The Girl in the Green Silk Gown, Seanan McGuire (Ghost Roads #2) (e)
20  What the Devil Knows, C.S. Harris (Sebastian St. Cyr #16)
19  Last Guard, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling/Trinity #21) (pre-pub copy provided by the author; read aloud with Steve)
18  Tipping the Velvet, Sarah Waters (e)
17  The Consorts, Melissa Addey (e)
16  Brightfall, Jamie Lee Moyer (e)
15  Spider Woman’s Daughter, Anne Hillerman (e)
14  Wild Sign, Patricia Briggs (Alpha & Omega #6) (e)
13  Marian Halcombe, Brenda W. Clough (The Thrilling Adventures of the Most Dangerous Woman in Europe #1) (e)
12  The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics, Olivia Waite (read aloud w/Steve)
11  An Easy Death, Charlaine Harris (Gunnie Rose #1) (e)
10  Paladin’s Strength, T. Kingfisher (Saint of Steel #2) (e)
9   Strange Bedpersons, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
8   The Sugared Game, KJ Charles (Will Darling #2) (e)
7   The Rules of Magic, Alice Hoffman (Practical Magic #2)
6   Smoke Bitten, Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #12) (e)
5   Bonds of Justice, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #8) (read aloud w/Steve)
4   Hostage to Pleasure, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #5) (read aloud w/Steve)
3   Anyone but You, Jennifer Crusie (read aloud w/Steve)
2   Mine to Possess, Nalini Singh (Psy-Changeling #4) (read aloud w/Steve)
1   The Duke and I, Julia Quinn (Bridgerton #1) (e)

NOTE:  I’ve started to list the series, if any, a particular title is part of, as well as its place in series, if known.

*Yes, yes, it’s a sad thing, an author reading her own stuff for fun, but there it is — I recently had to proof Local Custom, the first of the threesome, and found it, err, compelling, and I had the two follows on the phone, so here we are.  For the record, I’m having fun.  The trilogy runs thusly:  Local Custom, Scout’s Progress, Mouse and Dragon.