2022 Reading List

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BOOKS & STORIES I FINISHED READING IN 2022

95) The Mousetrap

~ by Agatha Christie

This is the famous, long-running play by the great mystery writer. I had read the play before, but it was fun to read it again!

94) They Do It With Mirrors

~ by Agatha Christie

Also published with the title Murder with Mirrors. Miss Marple assists Inspector Curry in solving this one. (Miss Marple is really the one to figure it out, of course!)

93) A Dish of Orts

~ by George MacDonald

A popular crossword puzzle answer, an "ort" is a small morsel of left-over food after eating a meal. The author's "dish of orts" is a collection of essays, sermons, articles, etc. on a variety of subjects. I feel like a more well-read individual now.... Okay, that's a "Ha ha" of sorts, especially since some of the entries were a little too "deep" for me! But they were enjoyable for the most part.

92) When Words Matter Most: Speaking Truth with Grace to Those You Love

~ by Cheryl Marshall and Caroline Newheiser

A good book for all women to read. It has lots of Scripture references throughout. Four especially helpful chapters discuss Scripture passages that offer Truth for the Worried, Weary, Wayward, and Weeping. (I made notes in my phone!)

91) The Whole Life: 52 Weeks of Biblical Self-Care

~ by Eliza Huie and Esther Smith

This is a re-read for me. (See #53 in my 2021 book list!) The authors made brief videos (usually a couple minutes) each week during 2022 — so a chapter a week. I followed along on their social media site, highlighting my copy of the book and writing out Scripture in the margins. Good stuff.

90) In Lieu of Flowers: A Conversation for the Living

~ by Nancy Howard Cobb

This is a memoir of sorts. The author writes about the deaths of her parents and close friends. Although it is not from a Christian perspective, there is a spiritual component present in the book. The author does write beautifully. (I learned of this book from reading #80 below.)

89) The Postmodern Pilgrim's Progress: An Allegorical Tale

~ by Kyle Mann and Joel Berry

The book's cover adds the following under the authors' names: The Minds Behind The Babylon Bee. This book is a fun read (of course!) and it has a great message.

88) The Carols of Christmas: Daily Advent Devotions on Classic Christmas Carols

~ by Alan Vermilye

This devotional is intended for 28 days, but I did it in four! The author uses four songs over the four weeks: 1) O Holy Night, 2) I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, 3) O Little Town of Bethlehem, and 4) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. He gives a history of the song on the first day of the week, then he does six days of devotionals based on selected lyrics from the song. I enjoyed reading the entire content for each song in one sitting.

87) Women of the Word:  How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds

~ by Jen Wilkin

This was a re-read for me. I like her five "P" approach. Study with 1) Purpose, 2) Perspective, 3) Patience, 4) Process, and 5) Prayer.

86) Mrs. McGinty's Dead

~ by Agatha Christie

This mystery novel was also published with the title Blood Will Tell. The sleuth in this one is Hercule Poirot, who gets a little help from the mystery writer Ariadne Oliver.

85) The Fireballer: A Novel

~ by Mark Stevens

I can't recommend this book because of the vulgar language, but I have to say that I did enjoy the storyline. (Why do books and movies need to contain bad language? Are people upset if a movie does not contain bad language?) The story is about a pitcher that throws so fast that batters rarely hit off of him. But he is haunted by his past. The one Christian character in the book is represented favorably.

84) Jack of Spades

~ by Christopher Greyson

This is #10 in the author's Detective Jack Stratton series. I hadn't read a novel in this series for a while, so it was fun to read about the characters again. The ending of the book set up #11.  Can't wait!

83) The Rose Code: A Novel

~ by Kate Quinn

I love reading about Bletchley Park and the code-breaking that went on there during WW2. This historical novel has some characters that are based on real-life people, the most famous being Prince Philip. Despite some mildly "racy" scenes, I really enjoyed this story.

82) The Leper in the Church: Stories From the Unclean Unseen

~ by Lathan W. Craft

The cover of the book shows the word "Unclean" crossed out, so that's how I've represented the title above. The author discusses how those suffering from mental illness are the modern-day lepers. I read this on my Kindle, and the book could have used a bit of editing! But there was some good insight as far as the overall content goes.

81) Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders

~ by L. David Marquet

Everyone who supervises employees (or hopes to someday) should read this book! It's so good. Side note: I would like to see inside a submarine. (While it's docked. Not when it's out to sea!)

80) Where the Light Gets In: Losing My Mother Only to Find Her Again

~ by Kimberly Williams-Paisley

When the author's mother is diagnosed with "primary progressive aphasia" (PPA) — a rare form of dementia — the entire family is affected in ways they weren't prepared for. This memoir should help other families that face similar situations. (The author is the actress who played Steve Martin's daughter in the movie Father of the Bride.)

79) A Murder is Announced

~ by Agatha Christie

A Miss Marple mystery. I correctly suspected who was guilty! 

78) The Day Boy and the Night Girl: The Romance of Photogen and Nycteris

~ by George MacDonald

I loved this story. It reminded me of the song Morning Side of the Mountain by Donny and Marie!

77) Crooked House

~ by Agatha Christie

In the author's Foreword to this novel, she says it's one of her own special favorites. Even though her most famous sleuths do not appear in this story, it may be one of my favorites, too.

76) The Trimmed Lamp: And Other Stories of the Four Million

~ by O. Henry

This collection of short stories contains The Last Leaf. I first learned of this particular story from a piece in WORLD Magazine. I wanted to read the story for myself, and it subsequently inspired me to read all of O. Henry's short stories. (I'll be working on this for a while!)

75) The Pilgrim's Progress

~ by John Bunyan; revision by Alan Vermilye

The sub-title of this version is, A Readable Modern-Day Version of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.

Like the preceding entry below, I read this book many years ago (although I don't recall the version). What a wonderful "re-read" of a timeless classic! I am slowly working through the Bible study guide that Alan Vermilye wrote to go along with this version.

74) 1984

~ by George Orwell (pseudonym of Eric Blair)

I read this book many years ago but, given the times we currently live in, I decided to read it again. The word that comes to mind is, "Eerie." There are definitely similarities between Oceania and our present-day world.

73) David Elginbrod

~ by George MacDonald

Several years ago I purchased The Complete Works of George MacDonald on my Kindle. It is a large body of work, which I neglected for a long time. Before last year I had read only one of the titles... yes, only one! I now am reading it through, while also reading other things (as you can see below). This novel, David Elginbrod, contained inspirational and sympathetic characters. I cared about what happened to them. I really enjoyed the story.

72) Arena

~ by Karen Hancock

My niece Kaelen gave me the 20th Anniversary Edition of this novel. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down! It won a Christy Award... well deserved.

71) Surviving Schizophrenia, 7th Edition: A Family Manual

~ by E. Fuller Torrey, M.D.

A dear friend has suffered many years from schizoaffective disorder, and she showed me this book. I'm so glad I read it, as it's helped me understand some of the things she experiences and struggles with.

70) The Complete Fairy Tales

~ by Hans Christian Andersen

I'm not sure that all 168 entries should be classified as fairy tales (!), but it certainly was an enjoyable mix of reading. Three of the stories that I bookmarked in my Kindle version: The Emperor's New Suit, The Ugly Duckling, and The Pen and the Inkstand.

69) Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine

~ by Mike Michalowicz

Someone told me they are considering implementing the system outlined in this book, so I decided to read it myself. Interesting concept. I may try a variation of it on our personal finances to see how it all works.

68) A Book of Strife in the Form of The Diary of an Old Soul

~ by George MacDonald

The daily entries in this diary are of the poetry genre. Understanding poetry is not a strength of mine! I would say that I got the gist of at least 70% of them. The entries are very moving and inspiring, and I'm glad I persevered in reading until the end.

67) Dig Deeper: Tools for Understanding God's Word

~ by Nigel Beynon & Andrew Sach

The authors share 16 "tools" for studying the Bible. I was familiar with most of their ideas already, but it's always nice to be reminded. A nice little book.

63, 64, 65, & 66) The Prince Warriors Series

~ by Priscilla Shirer, with Gina Detwiler

The four books, in order:

1. The Prince Warriors
2. The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion
3. The Prince Warriors and the Swords of Rhema
4. The Winter War

The first three books constitute a trilogy, and the fourth book is a sequel to the trilogy. I purchased this wonderful series to give to my grandsons, Eli and Adam. As usual, I read the books first. I loved them! From the case the books came in: "... this epic series follows a group of young friends as they discover the unseen world of Ahoratos. There they must fight together as Prince Warriors, using their armor to battle unimaginable dangers and learning to face a very real enemy."

62) Taken at the Flood

~ by Agatha Christie

Also published under the title There is a Tide. There is more than one mysterious death in this one, but Hercule Poirot is up for the challenge.

61) Another Gospel?: A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity

~ by Alisa Childers

Oh, this book is so, so good. I highly recommend it!

60) The Four Million

~ by O. Henry

A delightful collection of short stories, mostly about ordinary people in the city. This collection includes the story, The Gift of the Magi.

59) The Hollow

~ by Agatha Christie

This novel was previously published as Murder After Hours. Who killed Dr. John Christow? Hercule Poirot and Inspector Grange are on the case!

58) Staying in the Race

~ by Sue Thomas, with "Thumbs"

See #55 below.  Published 10 years ago, this is about the author's journey with being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

57) At the Back of the North Wind

~ by George MacDonald

This is a lovely story about a sweet young boy named Diamond who meets the North Wind! The novel is interspersed with some interesting rhymes and story-telling, too.

56) The Legendary Casey Jones and Other American Folktales

~ by Geoffrey Thomas

In addition to Casey Jones, the author also tells of Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit, Johnny Appleseed, and Pocahontas. There are 10 chapters of separate folktales in all. A unique thing about this book is the author's commentary regarding the folktales; he ties them to the Christian life. I bought this to give to the grandkids but wanted to read it first, of course! 😊

55) Silent Night

~ by Sue Thomas, with S. Rickly Christian

The author was the inspiration for the TV show Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye (which aired in the early 2000s). This book is her auto-biography, which was written a decade before the TV show.  She has a fascinating life story.

54) Sparkling Cyanide

~ by Agatha Christie

This novel also was published with the title Remembered Death. A year after Rosemary's death, originally ruled a suicide, her widowed husband believes she may have been murdered.  The sleuths in this one are Colonel Race and Chief Inspector Kemp.

53) Towards Zero

~ by Agatha Christie

This was also published under the title Come and Be Hanged.  No Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot in this one, although Hercule Poirot is mentioned by the character of Superintendent Battle. Battle works with his nephew, Inspector Leach, in order to get to the bottom of this puzzling murder.

52) Annals of a Quiet Neighborhood

~ by George MacDonald

I loved reading this novel, which is presented as a memoir by Mr. Walton, the parish preacher. He is surrounded by lots of interesting characters whose stories intertwine with his. His musings are insightful and sermon-like. Many inspiring words in this book!

51) Signal Moon: A Short Story

~ by Kate Quinn

This made me think of the movie Frequency, but in this short story World War II meets the year 2023. I enjoyed it! Caution: some colorful language.

50) Five Little Pigs

~ by Agatha Christie

This mystery novel had been previously published with the title Murder in Retrospect. A young woman hires Hercule Poirot to find the truth regarding a murder her mother was convicted of committing 16 years prior. Will Poirot rise to the challenge?  (What do YOU think?)

49) The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door

~ by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon

This book was mentioned in an article in WORLD Magazine, so I decided to read it. It has challenged me to try to get to know my neighbors better, and hopefully I will take up the challenge!

48) The Body in the Library

~ by Agatha Christie

Miss Jane Marple is the sleuth in this one! The author's Foreword provides an interesting insight into the genesis of this particular novel.

47) Evil Under the Sun

~ by Agatha Christie

I have decided never to vacation where Hercule Poirot is vacationing. Somebody is always murdered! At least the great detective is already there to solve the case.

46) Not Your Average Nurse: The Entertaining True Story of a Student Nurse in 1970s London

~ by Maggie Groff

The author, Maggie, is married to my mother's cousin Jay. I read this book to my mother over the course of several weeks. We loved it! 

Finished! ~ June 17, 2022

45) Faithfully Different: Regaining Biblical Clarity in a Secular Culture

~ by Natasha Crain

This is a great, timely book. I started following the author's Facebook page and joined a related Facebook group. I've already gifted copies of the book to two other people. I'm going to start re-reading my copy with pencil, highlighter, sticky-notes, etc. at the ready. Recommendation: Read this book!

44) One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

~ by Agatha Christie

This novel also was published with two other titles: An Overdose of Death and The Patriotic Murders. Hercule Poirot works with Chief Inspector Japp on this complicated case.

43) Sad Cypress

~ by Agatha Christie

Hercule Poirot solves the case and even serves as matchmaker!

42) Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure

~ by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

This book contains a series of 21 sermons the author delivered before September of 1964 (which is when he wrote the Foreword to the book). These could easily have been current sermons. Timeless. This book is a keeper.

41) The Secret Notebook of Sherlock Holmes

~ by Liz Hedgecock

This is a collection of fun, light, short stories featuring Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick, Dr. Watson. Enjoyed it!

40) The Case of the Dubious Bridegroom

~ by Erle Stanley Gardner

This is the "second one" referred to in #39 below. Still pictured the actors in their respective roles. Still so fun!

39) The Case of the Lazy Lover

~ by Erle Stanley Gardner

A few years ago I watched every episode of the Perry Mason TV show. But until now, I had never read one of the many mystery novels featuring his character. I enjoyed reading this book very much, and I admit it: I was picturing Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale, and William Hopper in their respective roles the whole time! (For the uninitiated: the roles are Perry Mason, Della Street, and Paul Drake.) I borrowed this book through Kindle Unlimited, and I now am reading a second one that is available through Unlimited. So fun!

36, 37, & 38) The Sunshine Cove Cozy Mysteries #4, 5, and 6:

    #4 - Highlighters and Upheaval

    #5 - Christmas Carols and Lipstick Perils

    #6 - Foundation and Temptations
~ by Ava Zuma

See #31 below. All six of the installments were in the same Kindle Unlimited file. Although I read the first three books on their own with other books interspersed between them, I decided to read the last three one right after another. I didn't realize until these last three that these novels are set in South Africa! I never did warm up to the main character, Celia Dube, but some of the other characters were enjoyable. If there are any more books in this series, I will skip them. Sorry, Celia!

35) Appointment With Death

~ by Agatha Christie

Before closing his hotel room window, Hercule Poirot overhears someone say, "You do see, don't you, that she's got to be killed?" And so another adventure begins!

34) Spies, Lies, and Algorithms: The History and Future of American Intelligence

~ by Amy B. Zegart

This was a fascinating book with lots of footnotes. (The footnotes and back matter take up almost half the book.) I doubt that the author has the same political leanings that I do, but I am impressed by her experience and knowledge. And I admit I'm a little envious of her career path!

33) Dumb Witness

~ by Agatha Christie

This book was also published with the titles, "Poirot Loses a Client" and "Mystery at Littlegreen House." Hercule Poirot does his thing once again. My favorite character in this one was Bob the dog!

32) The Things God Put on My Heart: Prayers, Devotions, and Messages Inspired by the Holy Spirit

~ by Brooke Richards

Brooke and I go to the same church, and I currently attend a women's study that she is leading. The opening sentence of the Introduction to the book: "This devotional journal is a glimpse into my personal journey as I deepen my relationship with Jesus." And that's what it is! 💗

31) New Nails and a Nasty Nightmare (The Sunshine Cove Cozy Mysteries #3)

~ by Ava Zuma

See #28 below. The main character, Celia, was more likeable in this book, so I guess I'll go on to the fourth installment after I've finished some other books I am currently reading.

30) Postern of Fate

~ by Agatha Christie

This is the last of her mystery novels featuring Tommy and Tuppence Beresford. (I do enjoy those characters!) I believe it's also the last mystery novel she ever wrote, although there were a couple published after that had been written years before.

29) Find Your Leadership Voice In 90 Days : How to show up, speak up, and stand out with confidence

~ by Kadi Cole

Borrowed this book through Kindle Unlimited. I didn't read it over 90 days; I read it in a week or so. Written from a Christian perspective. Some good, practical advice, as well as what I'm calling "Rah! Rah!" encouragement.

28) Eyebrows and Evil Looks (The Sunshine Cove Cozy Mysteries #2)

~ by Ava Zuma

See #25 below. I didn't really care for the main character, Celia, in this second book. Since these books don't take too long to read, I will give this series one more chance with the third installment. If I feel the same way after that, I will cut Celia loose.

27) By the Pricking of My Thumbs

~ by Agatha Christie

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes...." (from Macbeth by Shakespeare). Tuppence Beresford's intuition kicks in when she meets Mrs. Lancaster, so she (Tuppence) decides to investigate while her husband is away. Tommy then has to do some sleuthing, too. I enjoy the Tommy and Tuppence stories. 

26) How to Understand and Apply the New Testament: Twelve Steps from Exegesis to Theology

~ by Andrew David Naselli

A companion book, if you will, to the OT book I read earlier this year. (See #14 below.)  Different author. Naselli's style is a little more user friendly, but this book is still challenging. A worthwhile endeavor for me.

25) Makeup and Mayhem (The Sunshine Cove Cozy Mysteries #1)

~ by Ava Zuma

The main character of Celia Dube is a makeup consultant. Widowed with two sons, she is grateful to have a job where she can make her own schedule. This also leaves her time to do some sleuthing, which may or may not be a good idea! The "Cozy Mysteries" in the series title is on target. Easy, quick read. There are five more in the collection that I borrowed on my Kindle, so I will intersperse them with reading Agatha Christie.

24) Murder in Mesopotamia

~ by Agatha Christie

Hercule Poirot solves it again! Nurse Leatheran (a great character) is the narrator of this story.

23) Cabbages and Kings

~ by O. Henry

This collection of short stories intertwine with each other. The setting is the banana republic of Anchuria. Some interesting characters!

22) God's Pursuit of Man

~ by A.W. Tozer

Wow. I encourage everyone to read this.

21) What the Bible is All About

~ by Henrietta C. Mears

A lovely handbook. Originally published around 1953, the "present day" issues she mentions are relevant today. In the first chapter there is a poem presenting the books of the Bible in order; I memorized it!

20) N or M?

~ by Agatha Christie

Mystery novel featuring Tommy and Tuppence Beresford. They are now middle-aged with two adult children, so they now are ready for more adventures. This story takes place during WWII.

19) Partners in Crime: A Tommy & Tuppence Adventure

~ by Agatha Christie

Married couple Tommy and Tuppence temporarily take over a detective agency in order to help law enforcement solve a case. But along the way, they solve several other cases as well. This book could be considered a book of short stories, although they do have a flow to them. Very fun. 

18) Aging with Grace: Flourishing in an Anti-aging Culture

~ by Sharon W. Betters and Susan Hunt

This is a lovely book by two Christian ladies who speak from experience. They present case studies from Scripture. They also include testimonies by other women who have flourished.

17) The Codebreakers: The Comprehensive History of Secret Communication from Ancient Times to the Internet (Revised and Updated)

~ by David Kahn

There is a reason I describe these Reading List pages using the words "Finished Reading." This book is almost 1200 pages long! (About 200 of those pages are notes.) I probably started reading it off and on over three years ago, and I finally made a schedule to get the remainder of it read. I wanted to read this book because of my interest in cryptography/cryptanalysis, and I learned quickly that this book is not for the faint of heart — hence the length of time I've been reading it. The book is very detailed. And it is very good. I learned a lot, but I'm glad that I don't have to take a test on it!

16) They Came to Baghdad

~ by Agatha Christie

I wasn't sure I would like this one since there is no Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple. But I really enjoyed it! Victoria Jones (the main character) is delightful.

15) Adulting for Jesus: A Book about Purpose, Trusting God, & (Obviously) Burritos

~ by Kristin Weber

I loved this book! I even e-mailed the author to let her know.  😊

14) How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament: Twelve Steps from Exegesis to Theology

~ by Jason S. DeRouchie

It is good to read books that challenge us, and this book certainly did. It is like a textbook, and I got a lot out of it. (I admit that I didn't fully grasp some of it since I haven't studied Hebrew.)  To examine the twelve steps, the author uses the framework of TOCMA: Text to Observation to Context to Meaning to Application.

13) Death in the Clouds

~ by Agatha Christie

This was also published as Death in the Air. The murder is committed on an airplane. Hercule Poirot and Inspector Japp work together to solve this one.

12) The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

~ by Kim Michele Richardson

Such a lovely novel! The setting is mid-1930s Kentucky. I had never heard of methemoglobinemia nor Pack Horse librarians, so I learned a lot from reading this fictional story. The author did a lot of research and it shows. A sequel is coming out in May; title is The Book Woman's Daughter.

11) Three Act Tragedy

~ by Agatha Christie

This Hercule Poirot mystery was first published as Murder in Three Acts. It features a secondary character, Mr. Satterthwaite. Unlike #9 below, I didn't figure anything out in this one!

10) 50 Ethical Questions: Biblical Wisdom for Confusing Times

~ by J. Alan Branch

After a few pages in the way of introduction, the author presents 50 questions. There are four brief sections for each question: Defining the Issue, Biblical Ethical Principles, Suggested Moral Stance, and Questions for Reflection. A very concise, useful book.

9) Peril at End House

~ by Agatha Christie

I like all of her mysteries, but I enjoy those with Hercule Poirot the most. While reading this one, I actually figured out something before Poirot did! Trying not to let it go to my head.... 😁

8) Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl

~ by Lysa TerKeurst

Copyright 2009, so written before some of the family difficulties the author has experienced. I do like how vulnerable she is in her writing. Heartbreaking and encouraging at the same time.

7) The Sittaford Mystery

~ by Agatha Christie

This was also published as The Murder at Hazelmoor. Inspector Narracott and Emily Trefusis are the sleuths in this one.

6) Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Across America With Einstein's Brain

~ by Michael Paterniti

The author of this memoir lives in Portland, Maine, which is probably how I first learned of this book (although I don't remember for sure). There was controversy surrounding the removal of Einstein's brain after his autopsy. The author takes a road trip in the late 1990s with the pathologist that performed the autopsy, and Einstein's brain is along for the ride! This is a bizarre, quirky, yet interesting memoir.

5) There's No Free Lunch: 250 Economic Truths

~ by David L. Bahnsen

Insightful book. It's made up of quotes, followed by the author's musings on that quote. Everybody should read this!

4) The Seven Dials Mystery

~ by Agatha Christie

Superintendent Battle appears in this one, along with a brilliant young woman that goes by Bundle. I enjoyed the characters! Lots of humor and a good mystery.

3) The Mystery of the Blue Train

~ by Agatha Christie

Hercule Poirot does it again!

2) The Book of Signs: 31 Undeniable Prophecies of the Apocalypse

~ by David Jeremiah

Published in 2019. Great, interesting, informative book by Dr. Jeremiah. He believes we are close to the Rapture. I'm ready!

1) The Spy Who Came In from the Cold

~ by John le Carré

Although this was the author's third novel, it was "the first to earn him international acclaim" (per the back cover of my copy of the book). I love good spy stories with twists, so this was fun to read. I sometimes had trouble keeping the characters straight but I persevered. I'm going to encourage Lew to read this one.