Weekend Reads (Magpie Murders and Geekerella)

I read these two delightful genre books over the weekend.

The first is Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz. It's actually a murder mystery inside a murder mystery -- the main character is an editor, who gets the latest manuscript from her star author, the final book in a murder mystery series he's been writing.  We get most of that manuscript, then... complications ensue. If you like old fashioned Agatha Christie mysteries crossed with some postmodernist shenanigans -- in other words, exactly my sweet spot -- you will enjoy this!

The second novel I read, Geekerella by Ashley Poston, is a super charming and adorable love letter to fandom. Reminded me of the equally charming Queens of Geek, as well as my unpublished young adult novel, which has one or two similar plotlines! The Cinderella formula just works, even though it is a bit odd that Cinderella apparently exists in the Geekerella world (it is referenced at the end) and yet the story is so on the nose  -- down to the glass slipper.  I also noticed moments that paid homage to that great Angelica Huston classic, Ever After.  (The main character's name, Danielle, seems like one.) This one is recommended for nerdy YA fans who enjoyed Queens of Geek.

It's always nice to have a fun page turner going over the weekend. This time I got two!