I know the last thing I should be talking about is books I want to buy (or borrow) and read, particularly with this week bookended by posts about books I bought at a recent library sale (second post coming soon), but I can't help myself. Besides, this way I can have my list in one easy to find place rather than on multiple pieces of paper and I can keep adding to it.
First, I've heard through the grapevine that Sarah Waters is working on a new book. No details as yet forthcoming except that it is set in 1920s London. My favorite period. I can't wait to hear more. If you've heard any scrap of information please do share. I still have Tipping the Velvet to read (maybe this summer), but I've been holding off. Once I've read it, that's it. I'll really have to wait until she writes more.
Although November seems so far away (and am in no hurry for fall when spring has only just arrived), that's when Katharine McMahon's new book is due out. Season of Light is set in 18th century Paris.
There are reissues of Winifred Holtby, Stella Gibbons, and Mary Stewart's books to look forward to. Take a look at Lyn's blog, I Prefer Reading, to see the very lovely cover designs. Did you click through (go on, I'll wait here for you). I'm a sucker for a nice cover. Although I already own a few books by Mary Stewart I'm already trying to decide which ones with those cool retro Vogue covers I'm going to indulge in. Am thinking The Moonspinners would be a nice addition to my collection and a Greek setting sounds pretty nice as well. The Holtby's are due out later in the spring and the Gibbons's not until the fall.
I've been reading, and thoroughly enjoying Elizabeth Speller's The Return of Captain John Emmett, which is due out in July. It's another post-WWI mystery set in England. I like it so much that I was happy to see that Speller is coming out with a new book in May, The Strange Fate of Kitty Easton. I'll have to order from the UK, but I think I won't be able to wait a whole year for it to come out here.
Jenn Ashworth's A Kind of Intimacy was one of the best books I read last year, so I am pleased to see she has a new one coming out in May (May is going to be a dangerous book buying month I can see), Cold Light. I've heard it is slated to be published in the US, but I'm not sure when.
I should be busy reading Natasha Solomons's Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English, but my curiosity has already been piqued by her forthcoming Novel in a Viola, which is due out in just a few weeks. If you want to be tempted by this one, too, read this interview. I love the idea of the inspiration for the story being a 'ghost village'.
Of course there is the new collection of short stories by Daphne du Maurier I've already mentioned, The Doll, that I'll include here as well.
I've fallen very behind in the Lady Julia Grey mysteries. The Dark Enquiry is coming out this summer. I had better hurry and catch up. I've been saving these books as well, as they are such great escapist reads.
Now I only wish Clare Langley-Hawthorne would come out with a new Ursula Marlowe mystery. Am only sorry (and very disappointed) that Penguin is no longer publishing her mysteries.
What else? What am I missing from my list? Is there anything special you're waiting for?