Oof, that was a busy week! I’ve been making up for it so far this weekend by lazing around: I don’t usually wait so late in the day to compose my weekend post. So without further ado…
Books acquired this week
I didn’t do much shopping while I was in London, since it was a flying visit, but while I was waiting for my train home in the evening, I did pop into Hatchard’s in St Pancras International. I actually had some credit for free books on my Waterstones card, and of course you can use that at Hatchard’s too.
In other words, it was inevitable! I got a few new non-fiction books:
I’ve been looking at the first two for a bit, the first because of my interest in fashion history, and the second because I love that kind of popular history. As far as The Black Death goes… well, given I was in London to receive my MSc in Infectious Diseases, it seemed only right, since the book was right there and so appropriate.
I did pick up a couple of fiction books I’ve been curious about, as well:
I’ve been curious about The Murder at World’s End since I saw it in the shop and then only a couple of days later saw Mogsy’s (very enthusiastic) review; I dove into that one almost right away, and I’m enjoying it so far. Thistlemarsh is one I’ve mostly seen on people’s wishlists, and haven’t seen many reviews (if any?) for yet.
Posts from this week
I didn’t post quite as much this week as usual, since there was no Let’s Talk Bookish prompt, and I was too busy on a couple of days. Still, there’s plenty to round up even so! Reviews first:
- Fantasy mystery: The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society, by C.M. Waggoner (3/5 stars, “liked it”)
- Mystery: Murder at Gulls Nest, by Jess Kidd (3/5 stars, “liked it”)
- Non-fiction: Boring Postcards USA, by Martin Parr (3/5 stars, “liked it”)
- Romance manga: Do You Really Want Only a Meal? vol 2, by Yasu Tadano (3/5 stars, “liked it”)
- Fantasy manga: Delicious in Dungeon, vol 1, by Ryoko Kui (2/5 stars, “it was okay”)
As ever, some of these reviews have been waiting in the wings for a while, since I have a huge backlog of reviews written and not yet posted, and I try to mix things up rather than dump sixteen reviews of a manga series in one go, ahaha.
And of course, there were other posts this week:
- Fantasy with Friends: Future Classics
- Top Ten Tuesday: Power Couples
- What Are You Reading Wednesday
- April Reading Wrap-Up
Really, I think I kept busy enough around here, ahaha.
What I’m reading
It’s been a mixed week, reading-wise; I read quite a bit last weekend, and then only 20 minutes or so per day for the last couple of days. As ever, I have a sneak peek at the books I’ve finished this week which I plan to review:
Lots of non-fiction, as you see! I’m hoping to settle down to some fiction this weekend and finish S.L. Huang’s The Water Outlaws, and I’ve already found myself quite drawn to The Murder at World’s End, so I’ll probably focus on those two. I do want to read more of Kate Strasdin’s Dressing the Queen… and I’ve vowed to finish Gareth Russell’s Queen James as well.
Quite the stack I have before me — oh nooo, what shall I do, etc.
Hope everyone’s got a fun and/or relaxing weekend planned!
Linking up with Reading Reality’s Stacking the Shelves, Caffeinated Reviewer’s The Sunday Post, the Sunday Salon over at Readerbuzz, and It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? at The Book Date.
I’ve also seen Thistlemarch on a couple of anticipated releases lists but am yet to read a review. I’ll be interested to see what you think!
Keira @Keira’s Bookmark recently posted…April Book Haul | Stacking the Shelves
I hope to get round to starting it soon! I’m very curious.
I’m currently reading nothing but nonfiction right now. I do not know why, but I have been finding the world to be a difficult place lately and I think I need to find some lighter reading that will help my mood.
Deb Nance at Readerbuzz recently posted…The Sunday Salon: A Nature-Filled Week: City Nature Challenge and Migration Celebration, What the Owl Knows and The Book of Birds
I know that feeling. I read non-fiction a lot when I’m overwhelmed, for some reason, but it has to be the right sort of thing!
World history through music sounds fascinating, enjoy!
Emma @ Words And Peace recently posted…Six degrees of separation: Owls
Fingers crossed it’s good!
I hope you’ll have a good time with Murder At World’s End! Thistlemarsh is also one I’ve been seeing around a lot, and I want to check it out too.
So far so good! I want to start Thistlemarsh soon, probably… but we’ll see.
That is an interesting mix. I like the look of the Black Death and The Murder at World’s End.
I haven’t been to St Pancras in years.
Have a great weekend!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
My post:
https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/2026/05/02/stacking-the-shelves-149/
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog recently posted…Netgalley Book Review – This Weekend Doesn’t End Well For Anyone by Catherine Mack – (AD PR PRODUCT)
I’m enjoying The Murder at World’s End so far! I really need to make some more time for it today.
The Village Library Demon Hunting Society sounds like something I would like
I found it fun!
I need to read Thistlemarsh soon, I’m so behind with review books! So hopefully this month I’ll share my thoughts. I hope you find lots of time to read this week
I’ll be curious to see what you think!
I love the look of Dressing the Queen – your visit to London sounds like fun. And I happen to be on the final lap of Thistlemarsh – it’s been an interesting read:). Have a great week.
I started it on the train and I’m definitely enjoying it — I’ve learned a few interesting things!
My friend recently traveled to London and went to Hatchards, where she bought me a book. Lol. She said she couldn’t go there without bringing me something home!
Probably the big flagship store! I didn’t make it there this time, alas, but it’s pretty big.
I can’t believe it’s May already and there are so many releases this month. It’s going to be several weeks of busy.
Anne – Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
If I get a non-busy week this year anytime I’ll be surprised, haha!
The History of the World in 50 Pieces sounds so fascinating. I like learning about history when it doesn’t focus on wars.
My Sunday Salon: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2026/05/sunny-sunday-salon-may-3rd.html
Anne@HeadFullofBooks recently posted…Sunny Sunday Salon — May 3rd
I’m enjoying it so far, though I’m not sure how much it’s all going to link up… or stick with me, somehow I’ve drawn a blank on where it’s gone so far.
The Thistlemarsh book has a beautiful cover. Looks like some great reading in your future. The Black Death Global history sounds fascinating.
Olivia recently posted…Weekly Reading Update 5-2-2026
Here’s hoping, hehe!
Congratulations on the degree! The Black Death book seems inevitable.
Exactly, hahaha. It was calling to me!
I’m so glad you had some credit on your Waterstones card and could get some free books!
Jinjer recently posted…Prayers and Miracles
I was very pleased, ahaha.
These all look great! excited to hear more about them.
Steph recently posted…Spotlight w/ Giveaway! Holloway by Elana K. Arnold
Thanks for dropping by!
I’m also very curious about Murder at World’s End and Thistlemarsh! Also the black death nonfiction sounds very interesting, it’s a topic I like learning about too so adding to my tbr. Congrats on your your MSc!
Veros @ Dark Shelf of Wonders recently posted…Reading Wrap-Up & Monthly Reset: April 2026
I had fun with The Murder at World’s End, haven’t started on Thistlemarsh yet!