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readinglocker.bsky.social @readinglocker.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

The Language of Cannibals (A Mongo Mystery) by George C. Chesbro DNF about 1/4 of the way, not really my thing and book 8 in the series, but I wanted to highlight it because it is the first book I've read with a Little Person as a main character. Interesting plot and characters, worth checking out.

Book Cover of "The Language of Cannibals: A Mongo Mystery" by George C. Chesbro (book 8 in the series). Mongo, an investigator, must investigate the death of a friend in a small town in the Hudson River Valley. If that was not enough, he must face an unexpected threat from an old enemy and deal with an extreme political conspiracy.

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readinglocker.bsky.social @readinglocker.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo How many times can one relatively short book rip out my heart, destroy it, and then heal it and put it back? Answer: 6. This book for children has a grown adult crying! And the illustrations are amazing. Please read. 10/10 stars

Book cover of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, showing the front of a brick or stone house with a door on the right side and a light hanging above the door. A small rabbit wearing red is walking toward the door. The story follows a toy rabbit made of china and rabbit fur. He is loved by a little girl named Abilene, but one day, while on a ship out at sea, Edward the toy rabbit is accidentally lost overboard. From there, we follow his tale over the years as he is loved and lost by many people and the lessons he learns along the way.

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readinglocker.bsky.social @readinglocker.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher I love books that do not pull punches with kids! This book is dark, but it is brilliant, and I think many kids will appreciate its message. As Kingfisher said, most kids can handle darker stuff than most adults want to give them. 9/10 stars

Book cover for "A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking" by T. Kingfisher (also known as Ursula Vernon), with a dark background and gold swirls around the gold lettering. Also features a gingerbread man holding a sword. The story follows 14 yr. old Mona, a girl living with her aunt and uncle and helping them to run a bakery in a city where magic is a touchy subject. Despite being a "magicker" herself, Mona doesn't pay much mind to how most people view magic as she does not think her ability to be very strong or anything special. When she finds a strange girl dead on the bakery floor, Mona is flung into a terrifying adventure where she must learn the power of bread and the weakness of an army.

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readinglocker.bsky.social @readinglocker.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen A cute little kid's graphic novel involving plant homunculus(es? y?) who garden vegetables with their Witch. A vampire moves nearby, and it's the most cowardly of them all who has to face him. Lovely artistry with a good story of hidden strength. 8/10 stars

Book cover image of "Garlic and the Vampire," a children's graphic novel story by Bree Paulsen. Garlic and her fellow vegetable friends are homunculas beings created by a friendly witch, and they spend their days gardening and selling their produce. The main character, Garlic, is a very anxious character, but when a potential vampire moves into the nearby castle, it is up to her to face him.

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readinglocker.bsky.social @readinglocker.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Recently Read: A Quiet Life in the Country by T.E. Kinsey Not the best mystery, but I loved the chemistry between the two mains. The dialogue was the best and worst part. Clever writing, but the book was dialogue-heavy with no atmosphere. Fun book, but what was with that ending? 5/10 stars

Image of the book cover to A Quiet Life in the Country: A Lady Hardcastle Mystery by T. E. Kinsey. A quaint story of a widow of indeterminate age and her maid (also of indeterminate age) moving to a quiet country village in hopes of finding a peaceful life after a (muchly hinted at) wild life of intrigue and daring-do. Lacking in atmosphere, lower quality mystery, but high in chemistry between characters with believable friendship and (mostly) amusing wit.

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readinglocker.bsky.social @readinglocker.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Recently Read: How to Slay a Dragon by Cait Stevenson A useful research resource for all your fantasy needs. Short, to the point, with a comedic flair. Sometimes almost too concise, but an excellent starting point for personal research. 7 out of 10 Stars

Book cover picture. How to Slay a Dragon: A Fantasy Hero's Guide to the Real Middle Ages by Cait Stevenson

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readinglocker.bsky.social @readinglocker.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Recently Read: Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green A fascinating look at history and how a largely misunderstood, ignored, and forgotten illness shaped the world. It did weaken a bit in the middle but ended strong. 8 out of 10 stars! Content warning: swearing, all-ages suffering

Cover of "Everything Is Tuberculosis" by John Green, showing a yellow field with black lettering spelling out the title, author, subtitle, and acolaids of the author. In the center is a red circle with the subtitle, "The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection." There is also a small circle off to the side indicating that this particular cover is from a Large Print copy.

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readinglocker.bsky.social @readinglocker.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

First Bluesky post, hope I do it right! Recently read: Brigands and Breadknives by Baldree Good fun, engaging world, captivating characters, but the plot tended to drag. 7 out of 10 stars! Content warning: Lots of swearing.

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