Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag 2024

Every year, I like doing this tag. All my reviews are linked. The tag was created by @EarlGreyBooks‬ and @chami-readlikewildfire3646‬ on YouTube.

1. Best book you’ve read so far this year.
Conspirata by Robert Harris (Cicero #3)

Watch my review of the trilogy. This was a phenomenal historical fiction series. I can’t wait to read other novels by Robert Harris.

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far this year.
Snow Place for Murder (Mountain Lodge #3) by Diane Kelly

3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to.
Brie Careful What You Wish For (Grilled Cheese #4) by Linda Reilly

I enjoyed books 1 and 2. Unfortunately, 3 was a disappointment. But I’m excited to read book 4. I love the community that Reilly has created.

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.
Mrs. Claus and the Nightmare Before New Years (Mrs. Claus #5) by Liz Ireland

This book comes out on September 24, 2024. I have adored every novel in the series, so I can’t wait to read this one. I wish it was out already aha. Reviews: Book 1, Book 2, Book 3, Book 4

5. Biggest disappointment.
Myrtle, Means, and Opportunity (Myrtle Hardcastle #5) by Elizabeth C. Bunce

I loved the other 4 books, so I looked forward to reading book 5. Unfortunately, I thought it dragged in a few places and was not as tightly plotted as the other novels. The dialogue was also hard to understand because it was written in dialect. If I found it so challenging, how would a middle school reader be able to understand it? Nevertheless, I love the series and hope that Bunce comes out with book 6 this year. It’s an auto-read series for me. Here is my overview of the first 4 books.

6. Biggest surprise.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Precious Ramotswe runs the first female detective agency in Botswana. There are mysteries running through the book, but it’s more like a collection of short stories rather than a traditional novel. I love the way that Mma Ramotswe approaches the different cases. Her personality is larger-than-life. I can’t wait to read more in the series.

7. Favorite new (debut or new-to-you) author.
Sheri Richey.

I’ve enjoyed her Spicetown series. The first book was so cozy that I’m itching to reread it this year. Other review: Book 2

8. Newest fictional crush.
Sid, the ambulatory skeleton in the Family Skeleton series by Leigh Perry. He’s such a fun, nerdy character. I read the series for him. His friendship to Georgia Thackery is everything.

Reviews: Book 1, Book 2, Book 4

9. Newest favorite character.
Lt. Joe Leaphorn in the Leaphorn and Chee mysteries by Tony Hillerman.

I am invested in his character, after reading Skinwalkers this month. His vulnerability as the husband to a woman who’s losing her memory was touching.

10. Book that made you cry.
None. I rarely cry when reading books anymore. I used to, however, when I was younger.

11. Book that made you happy.
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

The protagonist, a 60-something Chinese American teashop owner, is an outrageously funny character. She makes so many social faux pas, but thinks that her way is best. I loved her voicy character and would read other books with her as protagonist.

12. Most beautiful book you’ve received or bought so far this year.
Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte