This meme is hosted by Sam over at Taking on a World of Words. A similar meme, This Week in Books is hosted by Lipsyy Lost and Found.
Why not join in? Just answer the following three questions in a post and then put a link to that post in the Comments over at Taking on a World of Words.
The questions are:
- What are you currently reading?
- What did you recently finish reading?
- What do you think you’ll read next?
As always, clicking on the cover image will take you to the book’s Goodreads page.
1. What I’m reading at the moment
The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild
The blurb and the cover drew me to this and so I was really pleased to get by NetGalley request approved. Having part of the story narrated by a painting is certainly interesting 🙂
The blurb: When lovelorn Annie McDee stumbles across a dirty painting in a junk shop while looking for a present for an unsuitable man, she has no idea what she has discovered. Soon she finds herself drawn unwillingly into the tumultuous London art world, populated by exiled Russian oligarchs, avaricious Sheikas, desperate auctioneers and unscrupulous dealers, all scheming to get their hands on her painting – a lost eighteenth-century masterpiece called ‘The Improbability of Love’. Delving into the painting’s past, Annie will uncover not just an illustrious list of former owners, but some of the darkest secrets of European history – and in doing so she might just learn to open up to the possibility of falling in love again.
2. The last books I read
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
I really enjoyed my second ever Christie and recommend it to anyone wanting to pick up a murder mystery classic. Here’s my full review.
The blurb: The tranquillity of a cruise along the Nile is shattered by the discovery that Linnet Ridgeway has been shot through the head. She was young, stylish and beautiful, a girl who had everything – until she lost her life. Hercule Poirot recalls an earlier outburst by a fellow passenger: ‘I’d like to put my dear little pistol against her head and just press the trigger.’ Yet in this exotic setting’ nothing is ever quite what it seems...
AND
Glass Sword (Red Queen #2) by Victoria Aveyard
Hmn. This was ok. There were a lot of good things happening here: good plot, great new characters… but all of them are over-shadowed by an increasingly self-centered first-person narrator. Shame. Here’s my full review.
The blurb: To avoid all spoilers for Book 1, if you’d like to read the blurb, please click on the cover image to go to the book’s Goodreads page.
3. What I’ll read next
Moriarty (Sherlock Holmes #2) by Anthony Horowitz
I read the first of Anthony Horowitz’s new Sherlock stories – The House of Silk – at the end of February. I enjoyed it and my copy of Moriarty has been calling to me ever since.
The blurb: Sherlock Holmes is dead.
Days after Holmes and his arch-enemy Moriarty fall to their doom at the Reichenbach Falls, Pinkerton agent Frederick Chase arrives in Europe from New York. The death of Moriarty has created a poisonous vacuum which has been swiftly filled by a fiendish new criminal mastermind who has risen to take his place.
Ably assisted by Inspector Athelney Jones of Scotland Yard, a devoted student of Holmes’s methods of investigation and deduction, Frederick Chase must forge a path through the darkest corners of the capital to shine light on this shadowy figure, a man much feared but seldom seen, a man determined to engulf London in a tide of murder and menace.
Have you read/are reading any of these? What are you reading? Let me know! 🙂
Making the most of being at my parents’, I used a jar of my mum’s excellent homemade lemon curd as the filling for a lovely lemon sponge cake.
Claire Huston / Art and Soul
The Improbability of Love seems very special. I’m more attracted to Sherlock Holmes though.. I’ve always been fond of anything Sherlock and Poirot, I really like this genre. I hope this novel is as good as the first and then I might give it a go myself.
My WWW:
https://thebelgianreviewer.wordpress.com/2016/04/06/book-list-www-wednesday-06-04-2016
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I love Sherlock stories and I’ve enjoyed the 2 Poirot I’ve read so far. I was so happy that the first Anthony Horowitz take on Sherlock was good because when authors try to do their own versions of a classic it often goes wrong!
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Omygod you’re reading Christie?? Gosh, you gotta read And then there Were none. And Murder at the Orient Express. I used to devour Christie’s novels when I was younger, and darn do I miss reading her books.
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Murder on the Orient Express was my first one, and only last year! (I’ve still no idea how it took me so long to read her books!). I saw the BBC Adaptation of And Then There Were None at Christmas, which is the only reason why it’s slightly lower down my TBR. I’ve been recommended The Body in the Library… but it might all come down to which ones my library has available 🙂
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I used to read And Then There Were None repeatedly years back, so when I watched the adaptation just recently, I could only gush and gush about it. The adaptation was superb and it made me fall inlove at the book over again.
There’s still a lot of AC novels I haven’t tried out, now that I think about it. Maybe I should start on Christie again..
PS. READ THE ABC Murders. NO PRESSURE, BUT JUST DO IT
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Right! Off to Goodreads to put that on my TBR now before I forget 🙂
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I really like the cover of The Improbability of Love, it’s very pretty! Happy Reading!
Here’s my WWW.
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To be honest, I think that’s what sold me at first! 🙂
I’m a bit behind on WWWs today (crazy morning) but I’ll visit your post asap.
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I’m a sucker for a pretty cover!
No worries! I posted mine much earlier today as I’m busy tonight and knew I’d forget otherwise! 🙂
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Great post, I felt similarly about The Red Queen- didn’t quite live up to the hype as much as I thought it would! The Improbability of Love sounds really good 🙂 pretty cover too! http://snazzybooks.com/2016/04/06/www-wednesday-6-april-2016/
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I love the cover of The Improbability of Love. I saw on Goodreads that there’s a different, more abstract cover which just isn’t as pretty at all. This one will do a much better job of luring readers to the book! 🙂
Red Queen and Glass Sword make me feel a bit sad because there’s so much good stuff in there. If only the author had used more than one point of view I think it would have made both books a lot more enjoyable.
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i felt exactly the same about mare in glass sword–she was so narcissistic, it drove me insane!
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I’m so glad it’s not just me! SO self-centered and selfish and ugh!! I might consider reading book 3 IF, and only if, Aveyard uses multiple narrators. At least that way we’d get a break from Mare’s moaning.
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yeah, i’m split on whether or not i want to continue because the plot was really good
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The Improbability of Love sounds really interesting/unique!
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It is, although I think there’s a bit too much crammed into one book. I’m torn because the writing is good and I just love the bits when the painting is “talking”, but there’s just too much going on! I’m going to try and finish tonight or tomorrow so I can review tomorrow evening.
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I’ll definitely check out your review when it’s posted! 🙂
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Death on the Nile is on my list to read! I’m reading And Then There Were None at the moment though!
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I want to read that one too but it’s been pushed down my list since I saw the BBC adaptation and Christmas and now know “whodunnit”. Makes me a little less eager to read it, but I do want to get to it one day!
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I didn’t know the BBC did an adaptation so I’m going to look into watching it after I finish the book!!
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It’s very good! (I can’t compare it to the book, but as a bit of drama in its own right it was excellent. The acting is superb and it was really creepy!).
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I can’t wait to see it then!
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OK, now I’m hungry. Thanks for that Claire. And Happy reading! https://ireadboooks.wordpress.com/2016/04/06/www-wednesday-april-6-2016/
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Thank you! The cake was very nice 🙂
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I am glad you liked the Agatha Christie.Heading over to read the review.I have never read anything by the author although our library has a whole collection of her books.Happy Reading.
https://dwgitau.wordpress.com/2016/04/06/www-wednesday-5/
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Our library has a large collection of her books too. I can’t believe it too me so long to read any of her books.
I’ll head over to your post asap… just catching up with WWW posts 🙂
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All of these books look great! After reading my first Christie novel, I am definitely adding her to my list of must-read authors. I can’t wait until I can pick up some more of her novels. I am nervous about reading Glass Sword. Like you, I wasn’t a big fan of the first book and was hoping for more with the sequel but it sounds like it’s falling flat.
Oh my goodness, that sponge cake looks so delicious. My mouth is seriously watering. I love seeing all of your baking creations!
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Thank you! The cake was lovely. Strangely, I think I’d always opt for the lemon over chocolate option. It’s so much lighter.
That said, I’m back to a chocolate bake this week 🙂
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Glass Sword wasn’t my favorite either. I thought there was too much action and a hard to handle self-centered character to even have a plausible story.
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It such a shame. I think the series had great potential. If we had different character viewpoints I think it might have made the whole thing more enjoyable and plausible.
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Lots of beautiful covers this week!
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I’m such a sucker for a nice cover. I think that’s what lured me to The Improbability of Love!
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Nice covers do definitely make it easier to pick out potential good books.
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The Improbability of Love sounds like an interesting read. I’ll be watching for your review!
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It is certainly quite different, although I think the author’s tried to cram too much into one book! Hoping to get it finished and get a review up tomorrow 🙂
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Sometimes putting a lot into a book works, sometimes it doesn’t. There’s a fine line.
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Ahhhh I need to get my hands on Glass Sword! I was surprised how much I liked the first one.
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If you liked the first one then you’ll like Glass Sword. The plot is stronger and there are some interesting new characters.
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I’m intrigued by The Improbability of Love and the idea of a talking painting! I think this is one I’ll be adding to my wishlist. Your lemon sponge cake looks delicious – I have a craving for cake now! 🙂 Hope you enjoy reading Moriarty this week, it sounds like a good read.
Thanks for stopping by my WWW earlier:
https://rathertoofondofbooks.wordpress.com/2016/04/06/www-wednesdays-5-april-2016/
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Thank you – the lemon sponge cake was lovely. I’ll definitely be making that one again.
Hopefully I’ll have a review up for The Improbability of Love tomorrow. The bits narrated by the painting are probably my highlights 🙂
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I’ll keep an eye out for your review – I’m really intrigued by this book and the idea of a painting as narrator.
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The Improbability of Love sounds really intriguing, narrated by a painting, that is novel!
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Exactly! And I’d say the bits narrated by the painting are the best parts of the book. The voice is just so distinctive. And French! 🙂
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The Improbability of Love sounds really interesting. I’ll definitely have to check that one out. I want to read more Agatha Christie. I’ve only read one book, need more! I still haven’t gotten around to reading Glass Sword. I really need to. I really loved Red Queen, so I’m curious to see how Glass Sword turns out. I’ve seen mixed reviews on it though. YIKES!
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Hopefully I’ll have a review of The Improbability of Love up tomorrow (not too much further to go with it).
I think if you loved Red Queen then you’ll like Glass Sword. The readers who haven’t liked Glass Sword so much seem to all have had issues with Red Queen too, so I think you’ll be ok 🙂
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Really curious what you think of moriarty.
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I’m looking forward to it. The first book was still narrated by Watson, but Moriarty has an American narrator and Holmes is absent (or so we’re led to believe) so it’ll be interesting.
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Well it’s certainly a different take on things.
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The Improbability Of Love sounds really interesting, I hope you enjoy it! I can totally agree with you on Glass Sword; her character just becomes way too annoying in the sequel. I hope you’ll enjoy your books this week! That lemon cake looks delicious by the way, but then again I love anything lemon. 🙂
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I love all lemon desserts. They’re so light and refreshing while chocolate options can be a bit heavy 🙂
I’m hoping to get The Improbability of Love finished tonight or tomorrow and a review up tomorrow evening. I haven’t made up my mind about it yet!
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Very true! My lemon brownie recipe is one of my favorites during the summer months. 🙂
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I saw The Improbability of Love at Waddesdon Manor (a National Trust house) not long after it was released, and it was a signed copy. I think it was there because the Rothschild’s had something to do with the house…I was really tempted to buy it but the thought of my already over-stacked shelves put me off! I didn’t know there was a talking painting in it 😉
Thanks for visiting my WWW – https://bookboodle.wordpress.com/2016/04/06/www-wednesday-april-6th
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Funny you should say that because I did think, “I wonder if she’s connected to *those* Rothschilds” (not that I know much about them other than that they’re an old, incredibly wealthy family!).
The bits where the painting narrates the story are the best. I hope to finish it tonight/tomorrow and get the review up tomorrow afternoon 🙂
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Well I don’t know for sure but it’s not exactly a common name 🙂
Will look forward to it!
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I’ve just been doing some digging and yes, she is definitely one of *those* Rothschilds. Absolutely minted!! Apparently they’re one of the richest families in the world! Blimey.
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Mmmm she could have self-published then lol 😉
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Exactly! But, of course, she has tremendous connections in publishing industry so didn’t need to.
She also directs films and serves on the board of several charities/arty things. That’s the kind of life I’d like if I didn’t actually need to work! haha! 🙂
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How the other half live…money goes to money they say!
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Ahh, Horowitz’s new Holmes books continue to sound so good. I really need to get through my current pile of library books so I can go hunting for them. The Improbability of Love also sounds very interesting, so I’ll wait eagerly for your review of it.
Thanks for visiting my WWW post, and happy reading!
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I love a good detective story and if it involves Sherlock, all the better! 🙂
Hopefully I’ll have finished The Improbability of love and have a review up tomorrow evening 🙂
Happy reading!
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I had lots of things to say about the books, and then my eyes landed on that lemon sponge cake. I blame you for my sudden need of sugar! 🙂
I always have trouble with books involving art. Theft is the most recent example, I put it down before reaching page 100. Maybe it has to do with the fact I am not all that sensitive to art.
Happy reading!
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I loved that lemon cake. I’ll be making it again!
There is A LOT of arty business and detail in The Improbability of Love… so maybe best to avoid it 🙂
Happy reading!
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Can you send some my way? 😀 I WILL be trying your recipe very soon! (I still have to make scones first!)
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I’m always wary of the newer Sherlock Holmes books but I know I shouldn’t be. I’m just an Arthur Conan Doyle fan who’s afraid to branch out beyond the original stories.
You always make the tastiest-looking cakes!
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Thank you 🙂 This lemon cake was particularly delicious!
I’m looking forward to the second “new” Sherlock book because it’s not narrated by Watson and it takes place during the period when Holmes is supposedly dead.
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Haven’t come across the improbability of love but it sounds like an interesting story. I always love books that are a bit different so can’t wait to see what you think.
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It’s certainly different! I’m hoping to finish it tonight or tomorrow morning and then get my review up tomorrow evening 🙂
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I totally get what you mean about Glass Sword! It could’ve been so much better if it weren’t for the little things (okay, Mare being a thousand times more annoying wasn’t exactly little, but whatever) that made it.. not that good.
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Exactly! I liked the plot and secondary characters more than Red Queen. Such a shame! 😦
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I think I’m reading Glass Sword next, but I’m not looking forward to it as much as I was. 😦
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If you enjoyed Red Queen then it’ll be fine! 🙂 But if you already found Mare a bit annoying then it may be a bit disappointing 😦
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I liked Red Queen, but I did think Mare had some annoying moments. I was hoping that she was going to be developed more in the sequel. 😦
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I’m glad you liked Christie so much! I really need to pick her up soon. Happy reading and thanks for participating in WWW Wednesday!
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It’s great! I’m looking forward to getting round reading some Miss Marple 🙂
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Apart from Mare being annoying, it was a good book right? And even the book name calls to me MORIARTY! 😂😂
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Yes. If we’d had a break from Mare being selfish and moaning all the time, I think I’d have enjoyed it much more because there was plenty of action, drama and the other characters are good. So if you don’t have a problem with Mare, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
I know what you mean about Moriarty. Just his name on its own sounds sinister and exciting 🙂
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I’ve put Improbability of Love on my TBR list! Looks like another good one! And will read your Glass Sword when I’m finished the book. Can’t wait – to be finished and see what you think!
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The Improbability of Love is an interesting one. It’s good… but too long and tries to do too much in one book. Review up later today! 🙂
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The Improbability of Love sounds interesting! 🙂 Have a good reading week ahead. ^^
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It is! I learnt quite a bit about art, although it does drag on… review up later today!
Happy reading 🙂
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Hmm I’ve heard mixed reviews on glass sword, but nevertheless I’m still excited to read it 😉
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Some readers don’t seem to have a problem with Mare’s narration. In which case, it would be a brilliant read! 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!
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