Cosy Book Chat - My Recent Reads! Autumn books, a sweet & spooky romance and classic crime 📚 ❤️ 🍁

Hello and happy Friday! Today, I'm settling down to a cosy book chat and sharing my recent reads, from classic golden age crime books, to brilliant books to read during autumn. Which book would you most like to read from the ones I discuss?
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BOOK CLUB: I host the Comfort Book Club with my Mum, and every month we pick a comforting read and discuss it on the last Friday of the month. Everyone is very welcome to read along with us. Learn more about the Comfort Book Club (and see upcoming reads) here: mirandasnotebook.com/the-comf...
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LINKS:
(affiliate links used for Blackwells)
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Death on the Down Beat by Sebastian Farr (press copy): blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Hare House by Sally Hinchcliffe:blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Hare House Waterstones edition: www.waterstones.com/book/hare...
Nella Last's War (press copy): foxedquarterly.com/shop/nella...
Patience by John Coates: persephonebooks.co.uk/product...
The Fly on the Wheel by Katherine Cecil Thurston (press copy): www.manderleypress.com/shop/p...
Death of Jezebel by Christianna Brand (press copy): blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Agatha Christie by Lucy Worsley (press copy): blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:51 - The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
03:50 - Death on the Down Beat
05:54 - Hare House
11:06 - Nella Last's War
15:03 - Patience
19:03 - The Fly on the Wheel
22:45 - Death of Jezebel
24:40 - Agatha Christie

[@MirandaMills]

Happy Friday! Today, I'm settling down to a cosy book chat and sharing my recent reads, from classic golden age crime books, to brilliant books to read during autumn. Which book would you most like to read from the ones I discuss?

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I’m here for recommendations and lovely home decor vibes. My TBR is expanding faster than the Universe.

[@cyndielake4092]

There was a movie done a few years ago called Housewife 49 based on Nella Last. I absolutely adored this movie and it was very well done.

[@rhondadownes207]

The books all sound wonderful but I would have to say that The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches sounds intriguing and I’m looking forward to reading the descriptions of the house, especially since you mentioned it reminded you of the house in Practical Magic. I would rewind and pause that movie in so many different scenes just so I could see and study different parts of their lovely, cozy house. I, also, think Lucy Worsley is so interesting and I am definitely looking forward to reading her book about Agatha Christie. It sounds like a perfect autumn read. Your dress is beautiful and it looks lovely on you! I hope you have a relaxing weekend! 🙂🍂📚☕️

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much, Rhonda! I think you'd enjoy the house in the Very Secret Society too! Enjoy your weekend xxx

[@mitzireadsandwrites]

Wow! Your beautiful dress and the background is giving me all the autumnal vibes. 🍂
Thanks so much for sharing your recent reads. Many of these sound interesting, but especially the Agatha Christie biography.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you, Mitzi! Autumn is definitely in the air here! xxx

[@heatherjordanna]

You're so lovely! I could listen to you talk about books all day ♡

[@sbbaruah6230]

🎯🌺Greetings Miranda,,Aah,all these books that you have suggested for autumn season reads,sounds excellent.
Great narratives indeed ! But that book Hare House is very striking with its plot
construction,,theme & the focus on the
character development.Sounds like a wonderful psychological novel for great
contemplation & discussion.Love that
gorgeous flower vase & your lovely elegant dress.Appreciate your lovely art
of expression to all your viewers.Thank you & much goodwishes.Have a blessed
day ahead.! 👍♾️💐

[@moominesque6081]

Thank you for the video! I always add a few more books to my list after watching one of your videos - you always talk about such a lovely selection!

[@MirandaMills]

I'm so glad! Thank you xxx

[@nicolemarie011]

You are so lovely. I've added Hare House to my cart, look forward to reading it. Thank you for sharing!

[@bookish_views]

What a lovely list of books, I’m so keen to get my hands on your first book though The very secret society of irregular witches ❤️ Sounds perfect for autumn 🤎

[@MirandaMills]

Hope you manage to get a copy and enjoy it, Raffaela! x

[@sandyokey7728]

It’s always such a treat sitting down to watch your videos. I want to read Hare House and also Nella Last’s War. The latter especially because it sounds heartwarming and anything that reminds you of Donna is definitely at the top of my list 💕 I also love your dress, it’s really beautiful 🥰

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much, Sandy! Those are both such interesting reads xxx

[@karenwhite2601]

Another thank you for the book recommendations. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches sounds just my cup of tea. Also thanks for the link for Manderley Press, I have ordered The Last Kings of Sark to take on holiday with me. I found it when I was looking at The Fly on the Wheel.

[@MirandaMills]

You're very welcome. I'm so happy you're enjoying them! The Last Kings of Sark sounds like a great read for your holiday too!

[@isamandrino9082]

I have ordered Agatha Christie 's biography and am looking forward to receiving it ; I had enjoyed the one written by Laura Thompson and hope this new one will bring some new lights on AC and photos too.

[@TheAnnapavlova]

I absolutely love your channel Miranda. You (and your mum 🙂) have helped me be swept away in stories for months and months, and I'm very grateful to you. I love this video too and can't wait to read L Worsley's Agatha Christie biography! I'd be really grateful to know where your beautiful dress and pendant are from. They are both so lovely. I seem to always love the dresses you choose and would love it if you linked those in the description boxes too, if you wanted to! And the mugs and stationary! Haha! Everything's lovely 🙂

[@heathermarie3820]

I've been waiting for this!!!

[@alishasiddle213]

Hi Miranda, I’m very interested inthe Secret Society of Irregular Witches which sounds wonderful, especially because I love practical magic so much! I’m very intrigued by the Hare house too. Both of these books sound like perfect autumnal reads. I must say your dress is beautiful and looks so elegant. X

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! You're right, both those books make super autumn reads in very different ways! xxx

[@sm-k5513]

Thank you for another lovely and informative video, Miranda! I would like to read Nella Last's memoirs. I grew up listening to my mum's stories about life under the German occupation in the Netherlands and can't get enough of the social history of that period.
Lucy Worsley's biography of Agatha Christie will also be a 'must read' for me. Like you, I have also read her biographies of Queen Victoria and Jane Austen and enjoyed them very much!

[@carosbookcase]

Patience is on my list of books to get. I'm intrigued by The Fly on the Wheel. The Manderley Press books are simply lovely. I haven't read any Agatha Christie biographies and I love Lucy Worsley (who doesn't?), so I think I'll have to find myself a copy. By the way, your dress is gorgeous! It's such a lovely style and pattern on you.

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much, Caro! Both Patience and The Fly on the Wheel are such great reads! I always love Lucy Worsley too! xxx

[@fionahart2806]

I have really enjoyed your videos this summer, and appreciate having The Garden Museum pointed out to me, having missed it as a local for many years! I am behind with my reading, still on Father- I notice there is a film of it with Max vin Sidow and Carole Drinkwater, I don't know if it is any good?

[@MirandaMills]

Looking up the film you mention, it's definitely not based on the von Arnim book! It's a completely different story. So glad to have introduced you to The Garden Museum - such a lovely place! xxx

[@hello_from_nic2998]

I cannot tell you how happy I am to know you also read my beloved new discovery The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. 😍 It's such a treat hearing you talk about it ❤️

[@rae_of_sunlight]

Loved hearing about your recent reads. Your dress is so beautiful and autumnal!

[@Manders3900]

I love your channel so much! It's so quietly cute and warm and sweet!

[@melaniebonello3798]

Miranda, I always enjoy your videos! Also, Your dress is so pretty and has the "Fall" vibe.

[@andraste6746]

I really want to read the Agatha Christie and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

[@sinu931]

Thanks for so many wondeful recommendations! I just ordered the witch book and hare house, they should be here tomorrow alongside persuasion for next month's comfort book club. Your channel is a godsend, keep up the great work ❤️

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your support and your very kind words! Happy reading!! xxx

[@stacyharrell-mathers9543]

Warm greetings Miranda,
I am reading Lucy Worsley's book and it's fascinating to find out the details of Agatha Christie's eventful life. Thank you for your lovely recommendations. You are inspirational, every detail is on point...mural, flowers, books, dress, mug, quite cozy indeed!💐

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video xxx

[@clairethackray82]

Thank you, just ordered Hare House after your recommendation x

[@MirandaMills]

You'll have to let me know what you think of the ending! xxx

[@pamelapoet9]

I'm all the more excited now to dig into the Christie biography, and to Nella's Last War, which just arrived in the post. The backdrop you have artfully curated is so gorgeous--the vase, the bouquet, the fold-out card. A lovely celebration of fall. I just love this time of year. I hope you're enjoying a wonderfully autumnal week!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your very kind support, Pamela! It's always so appreciated. I hope you enjoy Nella Last; I find iit such a moving and interesting memoir. This is such a beautiful time of year - hope you're having a lovely start to autumn too! xxx

[@bunkinbunkin]

Loving the vids again Miranda 😊 great recs, esp mysteries for this time of year😁. Your dress is gorgeous!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you!! 😊

[@ingertsvard6731]

Thank u Miranda for once again making my TBR stack higher!📚
Just want to say that your dress is beautiful. Have a great weekend with lot of good books.📖

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much 🧡

[@suzy8109]

There are some lovely seasonal book recommendations here, Miranda. I have a autumn getaway to the Lake District coming up soon and I shall be enjoying a lot of long walks and then curling up by the fire with some good books ... so this video was particularly timely for me. Thank you so much.

[@MirandaMills]

That sounds so idyllic! The Lake District will be so beautiful in the autumn. Enjoy!! xxx

[@jasonlow8029]

Many thanks, Miranda, for the wonderful catch-up. I am currently reading 'The Fly on the Wheel' (I found a second-hand Virago Modern Classics version) and I am loving ❤️ the story too. And I shall order Patience from Persephone (hope I too will have patience with the main character 😃). Have a great weekend. Best wishes, Jason

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much, Jason! So glad you're enjoying The Fly on the Wheel (I have it in a old Virago too!), and I hope you find Patience a fun read - will look forward to your thoughts on it! xxx

[@lindaklinedinst9236]

Hi Miranda
Looks like you have read several good books - they all sound good - I love Agatha Christie and her Books. The Book that you mention before the Agatha Christie Book - that sounds really good. You are Blessed to have these Books and to read them.
I am reading “A Peculiar Combination” by Ashley Weaver. This is a Library Physical Hardback Book - it is really good. It is a Mystery. I love this Book.
I hope that you will get to spend the weekend Reading the Agatha Christie Book. I am hoping to read more in my Library Book over the weekend. I have 7 more Books on Hold through my Library.
Take care & Happy Reading
❤️🤗🔰📚📖☀️❤️

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you! Enjoy your reading weekend xxx

[@neellustrations]

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is my TBR too! very much looking forward to it :)

[@MirandaMills]

It’s lots of fun!

[@alisonbarrow5711]

I am really tempted by the Nella Last book and the slightly foxed edition looks wonderful.The late and great Victoria Wood played Nella in housewife 49 in a tv drama I seem to remember.I always enjoy your videos Miranda and find them a lovely comforting watch thankyou so very much

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your very kind words! The Nella Last book is such an interesting read xxx

[@sally-t5s]

I am so intrigued by the sound of Patience. I really must get a copy. The Fly on the Wheel sounds wonderful! I shall definitely read that too. Like you, I also cannot wait to hunker down with Lucy Worsley's Agatha Christie this autumn. Such great picks, Miranda. Thank you.

[@MirandaMills]

I so enjoyed reading both books, and it's been lovely reading the Agatha Christie bio this weekend xxx

[@jurioish]

BEAUTIFUL dress and lovely pendant!

[@lindaklinedinst9236]

The Fly On The Wheel by Catherine Cecil, Death Of Jezebel by Christiania Brand, Agatha Christie by Lucy Worley all sounds good to me. I have one other book by Lucy Worsley. I can’t think the name of it right now.
Take Care & Happy Reading ❤️🤗🔰📖📚❤️

[@MirandaMills]

great choices! xxx

[@marty9011]

I really enjoy " Nella Last's War ". Have read it a couple of times. It is so interesting with many small but telling incidents showing what the war was like.
I'm always sorry that 1944 is missing. I'm looking to find my own copy.

[@MirandaMills]

Yes, I always wish I could read the 1944 entries too!! Such a great shame they were lost xxx

[@glendaslanina9939]

Hello Miranda. I am very much looking forward to the Agatha Christie biography. I, too, love Lucy Worsley’s writing as well as her videos. By the way, your autumnal dress is beautiful 🍂

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much, Glenda! I’m really enjoying the Agatha Christie bio so far!

[@teresaparkins1255]

Hello Miranda, I had been thinking about Lucy Worsley's "Agatha Christie" and it is definitely going on my shopping list now as well as The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, which sounds a fun read for Autumn. It's great having totally catholic reading tastes as you are bound to come across gems you would otherwise miss. I'm currently re-reading Alexandra Harris's "Weatherland" so these two books will slot into the reading pile easily (I find it easier to read more than one book at a time when they are very different - that way they don't get confused in my mind). Happy Friday, Teresa 📚🍂

[@MirandaMills]

Thanks so much, Teresa! Those are both fun and very different reads. 'Weatherland' is such a good book too! Enjoy your weekend xxx

[@nancyfritz1827]

Your dress, flowers and background are beautifully autumnal. I would love to read all of the books you mentioned - "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" and "Death on the Downbeat" are on top of my list.
I send my condolences to you, your Mom and the people of Great Britain on the death of Queen Elizabeth. She was such a remarkable woman and I very much admired her. As I watch the coverage, my heart goes out to her family - it is so poignant to view their combination of grief and strength.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much for your kind words, Nancy! ❤️

[@lucybalt7312]

Thank you Miranda. I haven’t read any of the Nella Last books but I did see an excellent tv dramatisation based on her diaries starring the wonderful Victoria Wood. Lucy Worsley’s bio of Agatha Christie is Number 1 on my wish list - did think of putting it on my Christmas list but I don’t think I can wait that long! By the way, beautiful autumnal colours in your dress 🥰

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much! I so recommend the Nella Last books too. I was very excited for the Lucy W bio too!! Xxx

[@debkuppusamy7912]

Lucy Worsley’s book really intrigues me- I very much love Agatha Christie

[@MirandaMills]

I'm really enjoying it so far!

[@susanfisher4344]

I just got Nella Last’s War and I plan to read it at the beach next week. And I can’t wait to read Agatha Christie. I loved Lucy Worsley’s bio of Jane Austen and I am sure this one will be just as good!

[@MirandaMills]

Enjoy Nella Last! I’m so looking forward to the Agatha Christie bio 📖

[@LostinTimeWithKatie]

I just found your channel and I’m so glad I did! 😍 Your taste in books is wonderful as well as your aesthetic. I’m in love with that background! 💐 The Fly on the Wheel is the book that intrigued me the most in this wrap up. I’ve been interested in Patience for awhile as well, so it was great to hear your thoughts on it. ☺️

[@mrs_alder_reads]

Hi Miranda - I have also been reading Nella Last and found it so enjoyable and insightful, I plan to curl up and watch the Victoria Wood adaptation this weekend. Picnic at Hanging Rock, Father, Still Life and Appointment with Venus have all been highlights recently and I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my copy of Lucy Worsley’s biography of Agatha Christie. I have my copy of Fly on the Wheel so will put that aside as a treat for spring. Thanks again, I always look forward to your videos as we share such similar reading tastes!

[@MirandaMills]

All such good reads!! Watching the Nella Last adaptation this weekend sounds an excellent plan! 📚🍂🧡

[@DianeC1975]

You've had a pretty good reading month so far. I like the sound of Nella's Last War and Lucy Worsleys book. I'm reading Marple ( short stories) a new release by various authors. And also R.C. Sheriff Fortnight in September. Both very good. I'm relieved because I've been having a slumpy year of reading. Anyways, as always love your lists. 👍🤗💕

[@MirandaMills]

Marple does look interesting! It’s on my wish list! Enjoy your reading ❤️📚

[@ginamarie1920]

@Diane C - I am very keen to read that new Marple book!

[@nancyfritz1827]

I just finished "A Fortnight in September" and loved it.

[@RupertRochester]

This is a fantastic channel, thank you Miranda 😀💯

[@lindenreads]

Practical Magic is one of my favourite movies, so I will have to give The Very Secret Society a read! 🎃

[@MirandaMills]

Oh I think you'll enjoy all the cosy / cottagecore / witchy aspects of the book a lot then! xxx

[@naomihickman5098]

Thank you Miranda, this was such a great video, full of inspiration! “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches”, sounds a perfect autumnal read, and I’m also especially keen to read the Agatha Christie biography and “The Fly on the Wheel”. I love all the visual details in your video as well as the book recommendations - the wallpaper, flowers, jug, your lovely dress, all so beautiful.

[@bon037]

Great recommendations! Thank you so much for your videos. You are such an inspiration. ❤️

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much! ☺️💛📖

[@LS-qq4zc]

I do like your videos but I watch just as much for that fabulous wallpaper! (So jealous)

[@mariaprodromou6230]

Looking forward to this😀

[@mariacristinabuenoasensio3071]

"Patience" is going to be my present for my Birthday. Absolutely hooking plot to me. Thank you so much for this marvellous and inspiring video, full of great suggestions and with an impeccable and amazing atmosphere around you. And I loved your comments about your mum, I was sure that Donna was like that. Simple wonderful in all aspects.

[@MirandaMills]

Happy Birthday, Cristina! Hope you get lots of bookish joy on the day! Patience is such a fun read 😊 xxx

[@mariacristinabuenoasensio3071]

@@MirandaMills a big THANK YOU to you, dear Miranda ❤️

[@malenehjarnaa1443]

Tak!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your support; it's much appreciated! xxx

[@lomazowr1]

Wonderful chat the setting your gorgeous dress.Enjoyed your recommendations wonderful way to end the week a video chat.💕

[@ginamarie1920]

@Rhonda Lomazow - Doesn't Miranda have the most beautiful dresses? While not in line with BookTube, I would love to see a closet tour.

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much! xxx

[@juliequick5526]

I have found your recommendations the most in sync with my likes of any book tuber. I’m just sorry I only found you recently! I want to read all these, especially the Lucy Worsley as I love her writing too. I’m just finishing my PDJames reread project with The Private Patient and hope to finish this tomorrow. Where to go next…..! Have a super weekend 💖

[@MirandaMills]

That’s lovely to know, thank you! How fun to do a P D James reread; that sounds a super bookish project. Isn’t the Private Patient a good autumnal read, or am I remembering that wrong? 🍂💛

[@juliequick5526]

@@MirandaMills You are right! It starts in autumn and ends just before Christmas. Happy reading 💖💖💖

[@bluumz-n-veg]

Thanks so much for another great video! And special thanks for including critiques as well as praises of the books. What other readers DON’T like about a book is just as helpful and important to me as what they DO like. Also, letting us know of the “discussion-ability“ of a book and suitableness for book club reading is much appreciated. And I, too, loved Nella Last’s World War II memoirs!
Happy September wishes to you and your mother Donna!
PS- I always love seeing that mural in the background. Is it painted or is it wallpaper?

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you! The wallpaper is hand-painted from around 1930.

[@carmencarpio8296]

Hello Miranda. It would be great if you make a "read-with-me" video to enjoy while we read at home.

[@maryflaherty7096]

I just found you a couple days ago. Love it

[@PokhrajRoy.]

‘Death on the Downbeat’ sounds a bit like ‘See How They Run’.

[@amy8458]

Hi Maranda, Just found your channel on a recommendation from GinaStanyerBooks. Will check out The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Here House, Nella Last's War and Patience.

[@maureenthatcher4501]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much for your very kind support! ❤️

[@lahlahful]

Great recommendation s.

[@asan1050]

ThanksMuch!

[@barbarahelgaker390]

I love the Nella Last books and that looks like a super edition, must look for it.

[@MirandaMills]

It’s a gorgeous edition! I really enjoyed reading such a lovely volume ❤️

[@bettedubois9925]

Thanks

[@MirandaMills]

thank you so much for your kind support! xxx

[@mimizorz76]

Hi Miranda, I've been watching your older videos and stumbled upon this one. Your dress looks gorgeous. May I ask where is it from? Thanks.

[@catholicpeaces6257]

Where is your dress from?! So feminine -you look beautiful!

[@susanfisher924]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you very much for your kind support, Susan! I so appreciate it! 💛

[@kuhelide6488]

Thanks

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your support! ❤️

[@karenwhite2601]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your kind support, Karen! It's very appreciated. xxx

[@dawnlee1243]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your support! ❤️

[@noreenhenderson6637]

Thanks!

[@MirandaMills]

Thank you so much for your support! ❤️