For the past few months, I’ve been getting more and more anxious. Most of that comes from the raging pandemic and my attempts to avoid catching it; although some of it also springs from missing activities that used to be common. Those activities include having family over to visit and eat a meal, going out to dinner at some favorite restaurants, as well as more uncommon activities like a weekend trip to the beach or mountains, a shopping trip to the Dekalb Farmer’s Market where you can find all manner of fresh vegetables and ethnic foods not available even in the larger grocery stores.
One of my favorite ways of dealing with anxiety, particularly that over which I have no control, has been to find a book and spend some time reading. Of course, I love a good mystery book, and sometimes they can actually ratchet up the tension, at least for a short time. Still, I looked around to see what I could find, and focused on the perfect match for me. An Extravagant Death by Charles Finch is the fourteenth book in the Charles Lenox series; but don’t let that stop you, even if you haven’t read any of the other books in the series. This book is a stand alone with no discernable ties to previous books in the series.
If you are looking for a good book, whether to escape, or just to enjoy, I would recommend you consider this one. While it’s a murder mystery, it takes place in a slower time, and that gives it a slower flavor that is enjoyable. Also, it’s written in the style of books from the golden age of mysteries where there is more emphasis on the detection and not so much on the details of murder. That makes it an easier book for relaxed reading.
Click here for my full review of the book.
As for the anxiety, things are getting better. I’ve now been able to get my first vaccine shot, so I’m that much closer to being able to return to a more normal life. I’m looking forward to being able to get back into the gym, have my daughter and her family over for dinner, all those things i haven’t done for the past nine months. Until I get the second shot, though, I’ll continue to stay home most of the time, and that means more reading. Considering that, it can’t be all bad. Happy Reading!
