Posted on by Angela

Angela’s Bookshelf: The Codex Arcanum 1888 by Tasmin Turner

This was a free download from Net Galley in exchange for a book review. 

When an anonymous donation of documents arrives at the British Museum, documents clerk, Clara Whitmore, is charged with the task of cataloguing and documenting each item. She undertakes the task with curiosity and enthusiasm as the documents are both mysterious and intriguing. Of particular interest is a leather-bound book which is quickly labeled the Codex Arcanum 1888-x. This codex contains mysterious symbols and language that Clara is charged with translating and deciphering. News of this codex soon reaches esoteric and influential people, and Clara finds herself among new friends and acquaintances. She must learn to navigate and decipher friend from enemy as well as decipher the codex. When it becomes clear that people will kill to get the codex, Clara must do whatever is necessary to protect herself and the codex, but can she be sure who to trust?  

The Codex Arcanum 1888 by Tasmin Turner is the first book in a series of the Alchemical Chronicles. This book follows the story of Clara Whitmore and how she came to obtain the codex and her experiences surrounding and understanding the book. Turner writes from Clara’s point of view and does an excellent job of staying true to Clara. There is no hopping from one point of view to another.  

There are some problems with objects and characters appearing out of nowhere and in places where they did not originate. For example, two characters may be seated in armchairs in front of a fireplace when all of a sudden one is rearranging items on a desk. Or a group of four previously introduced, may go to lunch and suddenly a fifth joins them without warning. It is things such as these that in the early chapters had me going back and trying to find out where I missed something only to find I had not. These issues seemed to clear up in the latter chapters but were irritating early on. 

There was no foul language or sex scenes in the book. There was one murder and it was not explicit. The murder took place “behind the scenes” as it was and not witnessed by the main character. 

I enjoyed the book even with the flaws that were distracting. I had a little trouble discerning what the book was about. The Codex Arcanum 1888 picked up speed following the murder as it gave the character something to do, and the distractions early on seemed to disappear as the real book began. The book found strength and purpose, and the author was skillful in handling the remainder of the book. I would be interested in reading the second book in the series. 

I would rate The Codex Arcanum 1888 3 out of 5 stars primarily because of the acrobatic characters and objects which could prove confusing. I look forward to seeing more from Tasmin Turner. I would recommend this book to anyone ages 16 and up. 

Posted on by Angela

First Reading Choices 2026

Sometimes we make choices without really thinking about them. Other times we agonize over a choice or decision, wanting to be sure to make the best one. I wanted to do that with my reading list for the year. So many books and so little time. Yet, almost without realizing it, I made my choices. Some of them I started last year and carried over to finish.  

I wonder if anyone else is like me. I figure probably not. Most people probably just pick up a book and start reading. Oh no. I have to make a production out of it in my head. I mean I can’t just grab a book. What if I grab the wrong one? Then the whole year is off on the wrong foot, and the tone is set. It must be just right, see. The right book can set the tone for the whole year of reading. Anyone with me? No? I was afraid of that.  

Of course, your reading plan can go off the rail at any time. Last year I started with Killing the Witches by Bill O’Reilly. I usually like this series and looked forward to reading this book. I was disappointed. As I was by The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. That ending, really?  Big disappointment there. I was also disappointed by The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden. So much so, I didn’t even finish it. My year was redeemed with other books such as Little Buried Secrets by Cheryl Bradshaw, Soulbound by Bethany Adams, When Birds Fall Silent by Shana Frost, Raven Black by Ann Cleeves and the four books I read by Brandon Sanderson. I’m not going into a review of each of the books, but I enjoyed them and would read another by each of the authors.  

My beginning list contains authors I have never read or heard of before, except for one, I have heard of Robert Whitlow but am not sure I have read any of his books, so it will be fun to read his newest, Witness Protection.   

So, here are my first five selections for the 2026 reading year. 

Death on the Doorstep by Mary Lancaster 

Codex Arcanum 1888 by Tasmin Turner 

Witness Protection by Robert Whitlow 

Super Moon Protocol by J.T. Fluhart 

Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness 

Of course I have already finished Death on the Doorstep, by Mary Lancaster and you can find my review here on All for One. Not on the list is the third Mistborn book by Brandon Sanderson, Hero of the Ages. I started it last year and need to finish.  I usually read a couple of chapters in bed before I turn out the light, which is why it has taken me so long to finish. I am currently reading Codex Arcanum 1888 by Tasmin Turner and Super Moon Protocol by J.T. Fluhart. I am enjoying both books although they are very different in tone and structure and language. I am enjoying one more than the other but more on that later. I will give my review on both when I have finished them.  

How do you select your books? Do you line them out for the year? Or do you wait and see what comes out and go from there? Maybe a mix of the two?  

What makes the grade? Are there any topics or genres that are off limits? What sections do you pass right over in the bookstore?  

I hope all of us say that the one book above all others that is on the list without question is our Bible. May you be blessed as you read the Word of God this year. If you need ideas where to start, there are abundant options online to choose to get you started. The Bible app always has some good reading plans. If you are new to Bible reading, then I hope is the year you start.  

Let me know your choices. I look forward to hearing from you. 

All for One 

Angela 

Posted on by Angela

Angela’s Bookshelf: The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill

It has been said that there is a novel inside of everyone. I do not know how true this is, except the publishing houses are still able to produce books each year whether digital or print. Bookstores still exist. There are still readers still hungry for words. So, maybe, there is some truth to the saying. I do believe there is a desire that wells inside a person to write. It burns from somewhere deep within. And it is unshakeable. Sometimes a single class or a single book is all it takes to light the fuse or for the bug to bite.

Theodosia Benton is in this class. She knew she wanted to write. The trust her grandfather had set up for her and her brother, Gus, was an obstacle. The trust existed for them to attend law school. If they chose another path, the trust was forfeited. Her brother, Gus, completed his law degree. Theo had tried, but she left law school and went to her brother’s home in Kansas.

Theo found, however, that Gus needed some domestic help. She needed to treat her writing as any other day job. She needed to find an office outside of his house. She found Benders. A bar by night and a café by day. It became a haven for other writers. It was here she met Dan Murdoch. Dan was another writer, but one of success and fame. They quickly formed a friendship, and he became her mentor.

When she finishes her novel, she asks Dan to introduce her to his agent. He refuses saying they aren’t right for her. Dan did not appear at Benders the following morning or throughout the day. Theo tries to contact him but can get no answer. At his house, door is ajar, so she goes in calling for Dan. She slips and falls and, in the darkness, realizes that she has slipped in the blood of the dead Dan Murdock.

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill is a fast paced novel full of twists and turns. It follows the publishing path of Theodosia Benton and her interaction with published author Dan Murdoch. When she is accused of his murder, her brother, Gus Benton, does everything to stay ahead of legal battles to keep Theo out of jail.

I loved this book. The plot was original. It is not the simple murder mystery. Theo gets caught in a web of deception that takes time to untangle. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fresh and original mystery. There is some sex and some use of language that may be offensive; however, it is not overused.  This book is suitable for ages 16 and up. This is a top shelf read. Four and a half out of five stars (4.5 out of 5) because of language.

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Angela