Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday is on tour! That's right-- my favorite weekly meme is out and about. For the entire month of October you'll be able to find Mailbox Monday on she reads and reads. If taking a look at the books other people discovered in their mailboxes intrigues you, and if you'd like to participate, this just might be the meme for you. Thanks for hosting, Avis!

The weather is very slowly cooling off, and I find myself wanting to do things like work out in the garden and cook. I don't particularly enjoy doing these things; they're just easier to accomplish when the temperatures don't resemble those of a blast furnace!

This past week, I sent 5 books to new Paperback Swap (PBS) foster homes, and I received 4. Here's the scoop on the four books I received:

1. Cobwebs and Cream Teas by Mary Mackie (Alibris). "When Mary Mackie's husband became Houseman at Felbrigg Hall, one of the stately homes of Britain's National Trust, she suddenly found herself Assistant Drain-Clearer, Doorbell-Answerer, Flower Arranger, and Rodent Exterminator. But leavening all the hard work were the exciting discoveries and the certainty that life would never be dull again."
2. Midwinter of the Spirit by Phil Rickman (PBS). "An early winter slices though the old city of Hereford, a body is found in the River Wye, an ancient church is desecrated, and there are signs of a dark ritual on the hill overlooking the city. Meanwhile, reports of psychic unrest in the city’s cathedral speak of an undying evil lying close to the heart of the Church of England. In this second electrifying tale, exorcist Rev. Merrily Watkins must tread in places where an intangible malevolence thrives uncurbed by the forces of law and order. Over the years, Phil Rickman has won high acclaim for his chilling supernatural tales, including Celtic thrillers as well as the Reverend Merrily Watkins Mysteries, featuring Britain’s first female exorcist. Meticulously researched, rich in historic detail, these atmospheric procedurals are all cracking–good reads." 
3. Getting Old Is Murder by Rita Lakin (PBS). "She’s not Miss Marple. Her friends are no Charlie’s Angels. Nevertheless, 75-year-old Gladdy Gold and her gang of eccentric Fort Lauderdale retirees are out, about, and hunting down a killer–one who is silently stalking them. Selma Beller was the first to go, but Gladdy and her neighbors never suspected murder until another of their friends died in an eerily similar way. Now a handsome young detective won’t listen to them, Hy Binder won’t stop telling them dirty jokes, and crazy old Greta Kronk is doing everything humanly possible to make herself into a suspect. But amid the endless rounds of poolside kibitzing, early-bird specials, bittersweet memories, and interminable grocery-shopping trips, Gladdy and her gals are about to discover how the murders are being committed. And when it comes to catching this culprit, time really is running out…."
4. Holy Hell by Elizabeth Sims (PBS). "Lillian Byrd is a small-time reporter with a flair for making big-time mistakes--so her investigation into the disappearances of women around the Detroit area might not be the best idea. But when one of the victims turns up dead and Lillian recognizes the curiously mutilated corpse, she is in too deep to get out. After simultaneously blowing the case for the police and revealing herself to the killers, she is completely on her own. Can she catch the murderers before they catch up with her?" 

Given my penchant for stately homes, Cobwebs and Cream Teas sounds like a natural. I'm giving the Merrily Watkins series another go, having had mixed emotions about the first. Getting Old Is Murder sounds as though it could be a hoot, and I'm looking forward to new-to-me author Elizabeth Sims.

What about you? Can you recommend any of these, or are they new-to-you as well? Do tell, because I value your opinions!

Now comes the fun part... traveling all over the Internet checking out the books all the other participants have received!