Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme is hosted by Marcia's Bookshelf for the month of May.  Visit her site to see what others received book-wise over this past week.

What a fine set of books I have had arriving last week and today!  I was lucky enough to get a profit-sharing bonus and so was able to treat myself to some new books this month.

The World of Downton Abbey, by Jessica and Julian Fellowes - this really needs no explanation as I know that virtually anyone who visits my blog is probably as big a fan of this series as I am. According to Amazon, "this gorgeous book--illustrated with sketches and research from the production team, as well as on-set photographs from both seasons--takes us even deeper into that world, with fresh insights into the story and characters as well as the social history."


Bringing up the Bodies, by Hilary Mantel - sequel to Wolf Hall, which I loved.  Gee, I wonder how it turns out?  Will Anne manage to sweet talk her way out of the mess she's in this time?  I loved the writing, and was surprised by how Mantel was able to turn my aversion to Cromwell into empathy.

The Solitary House, by Lynn Shepherd - a perfect companion book for the Claire Tomalin bio of Dickens that I'm slowly making my way through.  While it's been maybe a decade since my last reading of Bleak House, I am really looking forward to find out how Shepherd uses some of the BH threads in her own story tapestry.  I still prefer the title of the UK version of the book, Tom-All-Alone's, but what do I know about marketing?  I enjoy Shepherd's Murder at Mansfield Park and am ready for another dose of detective Maddox, albeit a later generation.

My Particular Friend, by Jennifer Petkus - written by a fellow JASNA Denver/Boulder member, I can't wait to read how Jennifer melds an Austenesque setting and tone with a Sherlock-Holmesian tradition.  Here's the Amazon blurb to whet your appetite:

Miss Charlotte House will not admit impediments to marriage, not even when those impediments include scandal, blackmail and even a duel to the death. With the help of her particular friend Miss Jane Woodsen, she deduces all that happens in Bath—both good and ill—and together they ensure that true love’s course runs smooth, even though both friends have suffered tragedies that prevent their own happiness. These six affairs, set in Bath, England, during the Napoleonic War, are inspired by the creations of both Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Jane Austen.

Deadly Currents, by Beth Groundwater - first in a mystery series by a fellow Colorado author, this takes place along the Arkansas River, one of my favorite places in my gorgeous state.  Hoping to find a new mystery series to follow and love!

Sir William Knighton: The Strange Career of a Regency Physician, Charlotte Frost - the author sent me a copy, which arrived last Friday.  I started it immediately and am finding it so interesting.  A great little bio for anyone interested in Regency life and times.

Happy Summer everyone...let the reading commence!