I just finished Lute by Jennifer Thorne. I picked this up for the Judge a Book by its Cover bingo square. It wasn't too bad. I liked how atmospheric and creepy it was, and how the world felt broader than the book's immediate setting. There was one aspect that I felt was very poorly done, but it's a bit of a spoiler so I won't go into detail.

Now I'm reading Slow Horses by Mick Herron. I'm surprised by just how faithfully the show followed this book. There are some differences of course, but many scenes feel practically copy/pasted. This will get me the Jerk with a Heart of Gold square.

Squres still remaining: independent author, saddle up, and cozy read. Open to recommendations for all 3, but especially saddle up!

[–] misericordiae@literature.cafe 3 points 15 hours ago (2 children)

Glad you're liking Slow Horses!

Open to recommendations for all 3, but especially saddle up!

Two short things I read and liked, that'd work for Saddle Up: Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono (also works for cozy), and River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey (hard mode!). If neither of those sound interesting, maybe look at The Country Under Heaven by Frederic S. Durbin; it's still on my TBR, so I can't recommend it, but it looks like it might be fun? Beyond that, I'd argue that driving/piloting counts for Saddle Up, so anything featuring aviators, professional drivers, or mech pilots should also work.

[–] pancake@sopuli.xyz 2 points 10 hours ago

I loved the Kiki studio ghibli film so that sounds like a great option! I hadn't even thought about broomsticks. Thank you for the recommendations!

[–] JaymesRS@piefed.world 3 points 13 hours ago

Kiki is a great suggestion, I’m “mad” I didn’t think of it.

[–] JaymesRS@piefed.world 2 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

I’m mainly a fantasy reader so your mileage may vary, but His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik was a lot of fun when I read it years ago. It’s basically what if there was a dragon Air Force during the Napoleonic Wars.

Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers and Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree were both super fun and cozy.

If you prefer a more mysterious bent, The Maid by Nina Prose and The Dog Sitter Detective by Antony Johnston were both fun.

[–] pancake@sopuli.xyz 2 points 10 hours ago

I'm mostly a fantasy reader too so those suggestions are perfect. I've been meaning to read more by Naomi Novik and give Becky Chambers a try, so good to know they both have options that can help me reach bingo!