Surprised at My Reading for 2024, Definitely a Free Range Mood Reader

While typing this post, my thoughts are that my reading year was lackluster, as I had started and stopped so many books. However, ambivalence left me as I looked over the list of each book. I was pleased with the assortment and quantity of books that I read or listened to in 2024.

In 2024, I kept a note on my phone with books that were completed that year. This started as a a mild curiosity in January but became more important to me as the year progressed. What fun it was to think back as I read those books at different points of the year.

My reading style has never been planned or rigid, as I have always been a mood reader. Whenever I lay down a rule to myself that I will read this book or that, my natural inclination is for my attention to wander. I honestly could spend hours looking at books, reading about books, reviews and of course bringing the books home. These books often came my way at library book sales, our neighborhood lending library, strolling the library shelves and those that I bought used online.

As the year was ending, I discovered that I read 32 books, of which 5 of those were audio books. 2024 found me embracing podcasts and audio books during my commute and walks. Walking was far more interesting and pleasurable while listening to 'A Room with a View" by E.M. Forester, and podcasts like The Queens Reading Room and Dedicated with Doug Blunt. In addition, I discovered BookTube and enjoyed discovering new authors and interesting content creators. By now, it is patently obvious that I am not an early adopter in any sense of the word!

That being said, I also had significant lapses in my reading this year. Those times when reading just was not 'working' and I did not finish the books. There are a pile of books with bookmarks nestled in stasis until I come back to them, hopefully.

Since, I went to the trouble of actually tracking the books I read in 2024, I am sharing the list of books below. So without further ado, here are my 2024 books and some of my most enjoyable reads for the year.

Around the World in 80 Days - Jules Verne (audio book) Enjoyed this book immensely and found the story riveting. I highly recommend this book full of adventure.

The Alice Network - Kate Quinn

A Peaceful Retirement (Fairacre) - Miss Read

Farewell to Fairacre - Miss Read

What is there to say about Miss Read? I have been enjoying her books for years. It was a sad day to finish the series, but will likely reread when I need to go hide in a kinder and gentler world.

Secret Garden- Frances Hodgson Burnett (previously read-audio this year)

One of my favorite books of all time. I had lent my copy to someone and decided to listen to the audio book. Actually listening to the story (versus reading and the movie) provided a new enjoyment of the book and I could visualize the wild Yorkshire moors.

Seven Sisters- Lucinda Riley

The Storm Sister - Lucinda Riley

Angel Tree - Lucinda Riley

Butterfly Room - Lucinda Riley

I discovered a new author to me this year by happenstance as I was trolling the library shelves. Lucinda Riley was a fabulous storyteller. Sadly she passed away a couple of years ago, so I am pacing myself with her books so that I can enjoy them longer. Everyone I recommended Lucinda Riley to this year told me how much they enjoyed the books.

A Dog's Life- Peter Mayle

This came into my life at book sale and oh what fun. If you are an animal lover and need a quick and light read- look no further. Also, it reminds us that animals can be much nicer than many humans.

Lake News - Barbara Delinsky

A neighbor recommended this book and it was the first by this author for me. The story was entertaining and think it would be a lighter summer read. I have yet to read another by this author, but perhaps will do so soon.

Coronation Year - Jennifer Robson

Interesting read set a specific time during Queen Elizabeth's II coronation. A little mystery and intrigue and mayhem and a good story.

Cheerfully Yours - A.J. Pearce

Dear Mrs. Byrd - A.J. Pearce

What can I say? I am a huge fan of A.J. Pearce since I started this series. Will read the next book in the series this year.

A World of Curiosities- Louise Penny

Ah, Inspector Gamache...one left in the series for me to read. Please read this series in order- believe me it will make a difference in understanding all of the dynamics.

A Sea of Memories - Fiona Valpy

This is my third book from Fiona Valpy and will read more. She writes wonderful stories that are a fabulous escape.

Mrs. Buncle- D.E. Stevenson (audio book)

Oh what a great romp through the intricacies of the British village during the interwar years. Sheila, the main character, writes a bestselling 'fictionalized' book about the residents of her village. Hilarity ensues as there is an attempt to uncover the author by many of the residents. Great fun...and I plan on reading the other books in the series.

Hidden Depths - Ann Cleeves (Vera Stanhope mystery)

Inimitable Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse (audio book- be prepared to laugh out loud)

I laughed out loud so many times while listening to this book. I could see High Laurie and Stephen Fraser as Jeeves and Wooster in my minds eye.

The Address - Fiona Davis

I really enjoy how each book by this author is set around a landmark in New York City. This story left me thinking how life had not been easy for women in the past.

The Witches Tree - M.C. Beaton

The Dirty Duck - Martha Grimes

Inspector Richard Jury and one of his his compatriots, Melrose Plant appear in this outing. Each book title is named after a pub in England and I am reworking my way through the entire series again, as it feels like visiting old friends.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles - Agatha Christie

Need I say more? The first outing of the amazing Hercule Poirot.

The Berry Pickers - Amanda Peters

One of the best books of my reading year and I highly recommend.

Murder and the Moogies of Magpie Road - Kate High

This book found its way into my hand in a charity shop in England and have discovered a new author who writes a just a good mystery with a very likeable heroine, and her friends and animals. This outing with the author will not be my last.

The Mistletoe Murder - P.D. James

A wonderful Christmas read with short stories featuring Adam Dalgliesh. Also, be certain to catch the series Dalgleish on Acorn TV.

A Room with a View - E.M. Forester (audio)

The Comfort of Ghosts - Jacqueline Winspear (sadly the last installment of the Maisie Dobbs series)

This series first came on my radar about 13 years ago and I have been a dedicated fan since then. This series is very thought provoking and really makes you think and feel compassion for the characters. I shall definitely miss Maisie, Billy Beale and the whole cast of characters.

Christmas Secret - Anne Perry

If you have not ready an Anne Perry Christmas story, please do next year. These books are full of characters from her 'full' book series. There is always an underlying lesson that we are fallible people who are ultimately redeemed by grace.

The Twelve Clues of Christmas: A Royal Spyness Mystery - Rhys Bowen

This installment found Georgie staying at a manor house in the south west of England during Christmas and people start dying in the most mysterious ways. Luckily she has her beau Darcy and her grandfather to assist. Enjoyable and light reading.

A Single Thread - Tracy Chevalier

Although generally I am not a super fast reader, I was engrossed with this book and finished in two days. Being a woman who was surplus after the generation of men lost after World War I, the main character begins to take stand for her own independence. Learn about bell ringing in cathedrals and broiders who make the wonderful kneelers and cushions for the cathedral.

So this was my year of bookish adventures in 2024. I hope that you enjoyed your year of reading and perhaps heard of a new author or series here. Happy reading my friends!