The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley

Just like the first book in this series, Flavia de Luce embarks on an adventure to solve a mystery.  Everything about her delights me.  I think it has to do with her being a little sneaky while still maintaining her goody-girl image.  The mystery in this story unfolds at a good pace, keeping you interested till the end. 

Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman

I chose this book because it’s about a teacher, and I’m a teacher, but it turned out to be so much more.  I love it when authors are able to tell a story inside a story.  The main characters attempt to solve a mystery that happened at the boarding school years before.  A little mystery, a little magic, and a priceless read.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

What a breath of fresh air!  There are jewels on nearly every page of this delightful mystery.  I’m always drawn to adult books written about children, and Flavia certainly did not disappoint.   I was hooked from the first page, and am so glad that this is only the first book in the series!

Truly, Madly: A novel by Heather Webber

This book will always hold a special place in my heart as my first ARC. Fortunately, it arrived December 16th 2009, the day before we left for Christmas in Cabo.

Review:
I usually enjoy a little magic in my books or TV. Truly, Madly reminded me of the canceled ABC series called Pushing Daisies; a little magic, a little mystery, and a little romance. The main character, Lucy Valentine, discovers that her ‘special talent’ of finding lost objects is useful in solving mysteries. A member of a matchmaking family, she also has to contend with the family business while her parents are out of town. I thought the premise was cute, and the novel was a good crossover between romance and mystery. Truly, Madly has the potential to become a charming little series.