weekend getaway

Because nothing says 'I'm going to crush this weekend' like a new book and a comfy spot to read.

Gothic Adventure on the Yorkshire Moors with the Brontës in 'The Diabolical Bones'
Gothic Adventure on the Yorkshire Moors with the Brontës in 'The Diabolical Bones'
In this Gothic mystery novel set on the snowy moors of Yorkshire, the Brontë sisters take a break from writing poetry to poke their overly-curious noses into the dark history surrounding a hidden bundle of bones.
Take a Life-Changing Road Trip From Chicago to Mexico City with 'Caramelo'
Take a Life-Changing Road Trip From Chicago to Mexico City with 'Caramelo'
Our heroine Lala is an astute observer. She'll take you on a virtual trip to Mexico City. You'll smell the corn roasting, hear the music dance in the air, and get caught up in all kinds of (excellent) family drama.
Take a Big Bite of Delicious Family Drama with 'Number One Chinese Restaurant'
Take a Big Bite of Delicious Family Drama with 'Number One Chinese Restaurant'
February 12, 2021, is Chinese Near Year and begins the Year of the Ox. It's a time to feast on good-luck foods and look forward to spring. In this novel, the loving but troubled Han family is also on the brink of change.
Plunge into Espionage and Romance in Post-WWII Paris and London with 'Spitfire'
Plunge into Espionage and Romance in Post-WWII Paris and London with 'Spitfire'
Livy Nash has been in a muddle since the war ended, alive but not really living. Her days are spent proofreading, her nights with a bottle for company. Then Ian Fleming invites her into a dangerous game of espionage.
Explore an Edwardian Manor and Mysterious Fens in the Gothic Novel 'Wakenhyrst'
Explore an Edwardian Manor and Mysterious Fens in the Gothic Novel 'Wakenhyrst'
The heroine of this super-gothy Gothic novel is a combination of Jane Eyre, Alice in Wonderland, and Wednesday Addams. There's also a secret diary, a maybe-haunted painting, and a murder. What more could you need?
Embark on a Quest from Yakushima Island to Tokyo in the Magical Novel 'Number9Dream'
Embark on a Quest from Yakushima Island to Tokyo in the Magical Novel 'Number9Dream'
This sweeping adventure will whisk you away with a charming hero to two remarkable destinations: Yakushima Island's dense cedar forests draped with lush moss and the kinetic energy of neon-and-karaoke Tokyo. Buckle up!
There are Deadly Chills and Thrills in Fjällbacka, Sweden with 'The Ice Princess'
There are Deadly Chills and Thrills in Fjällbacka, Sweden with 'The Ice Princess'
'Tis the season of snow and ice, so let's embrace the frosty weather with this thoroughly chilling mystery set in a tiny fishing village on Sweden's east coast. Bad actors getting their comeuppance is so comforting.
Ring in the New Year at a Glamorous Costume Party with 'The Snow Ball'
Ring in the New Year at a Glamorous Costume Party with 'The Snow Ball'
This slim novel is a scintillating, titillating celebration of the breathlessness, devil-may-care sensibility, and desperate optimism of New Year's Eve. Put on a mile-high wig, grab a mask, and prepare to be seduced.
Romp Through Russian Folklore and History with a Fiery Heroine in 'Deathless'
Romp Through Russian Folklore and History with a Fiery Heroine in 'Deathless'
This beautifully odd novel is not a holiday story, but it's perfect for this time of year. A mashup of Russian folklore, fantasy, and history, it features a cast of unforgettable characters led by our heroine Marya.
Meet the Dignified and Heartbroken Hero of the Novel 'Last Night at the Lobster'
Meet the Dignified and Heartbroken Hero of the Novel 'Last Night at the Lobster'
It's just four days until Christmas, and it's Manny's last night working at the Red Lobster that's the center of his life. This quiet story is vast in its emotional scope and sense of place — sweet, sad, and dignified.
Visit 1703 London and Be Dazzled by the Artifacts in 'The Cabinets of Barnaby Mayne'
Visit 1703 London and Be Dazzled by the Artifacts in 'The Cabinets of Barnaby Mayne'
Escape to 18th-century London and meet Cecily, our intrepid heroine who's curious about the world of botany and solving a murder in equal measure. Yes, she's a bit of a troublemaker, in the very best, charming way.
Two Dramatically and Delightfully Different Stories to Celebrate Thanksgiving
Two Dramatically and Delightfully Different Stories to Celebrate Thanksgiving
Readers' choice: A charming story about the joy and disaster of family togetherness — or a spooky novel about Thanksgiving weekend in an empty dorm with a Ouija board and group of misfits. Both are tasty options.
Visit 1899 NYC for an Unusual & Tender Immigrant Story in 'The Golem and the Jinni'
Visit 1899 NYC for an Unusual & Tender Immigrant Story in 'The Golem and the Jinni'
This weekend, escape to turn-of-the-century New York and meet two unlikely new friends: a Jewish golem from Poland and an Arab jin from Egypt. Their history divides them; their adventures will bring them together.
Walk the Cobbled Streets and Possibly Haunted Hallways of Brussels in 'Villette'
Walk the Cobbled Streets and Possibly Haunted Hallways of Brussels in 'Villette'
This is a challenging and odd Victorian novel by Charlotte Brontë. But if you invest in it a bit, it will pay you back in spades with atmosphere, vivid descriptions of Brussels, and an ending you'll never forget.
Tokyo is a Sinister Setting for the Twisty Thriller 'The Devotion of Suspect X'
Tokyo is a Sinister Setting for the Twisty Thriller 'The Devotion of Suspect X'
This can't-put-it-down book is an exhilarating cat-and-mouse game. We know who did it! Now we're watching the culprit try to outplay the intelligent detectives who are on his tail. Deliciously, painfully suspenseful.
Take the Train to Transylvania to Re-Enact the Romance and Drama of 'Dracula'
Take the Train to Transylvania to Re-Enact the Romance and Drama of 'Dracula'
This weekend, indulge in all things Dracula. Read the novel! Listen to the audio dramatization! Put on the play! Along the way, you'll armchair travel to Romania, Hungary, Whitby, London, and more with a fanged friend.
Travel to Styria and Be Seduced by the Perilously Alluring 'Carmilla'
Travel to Styria and Be Seduced by the Perilously Alluring 'Carmilla'
Oh, Carmilla! She's beautiful and slinky and, perhaps, not as innocent as she seems. Which makes this vampire story a suspenseful, atmospheric romp through dark bedrooms, chilly drawing rooms, and misty mountains.
Watch Your Back and Suspect Everyone in Agatha Christie's Shocking 'Crooked House'
Watch Your Back and Suspect Everyone in Agatha Christie's Shocking 'Crooked House'
If a rich older man is murdered, his much younger, very curvaceous, and maybe promiscuous wife must be guilty. Right? Not so fast! Agatha Christie makes everyone a likely suspect and keeps you guessing 'til the end.
Trip the Light Fantastic in the Snazzy Jazz Age with the Comics in 'Flapper Queens'
Trip the Light Fantastic in the Snazzy Jazz Age with the Comics in 'Flapper Queens'
If you've ever daydreamed about dancing the night away to hot jazz in a speakeasy, this is the book for you. Packed with vibrant full-page comics from barrier-busting women cartoonists, it's a time machine to the '20s.
It's a Rip-Roaring Sea Adventure with a Lady Pirate in 'Cinnamon and Gunpowder'
It's a Rip-Roaring Sea Adventure with a Lady Pirate in 'Cinnamon and Gunpowder'
You might not expect a story of kidnap and pirates to put tears in your eyes and wings on your heart. But you've likely never met pirates like Mad Hannah Mabot and her sometimes surly and surprisingly sensitive crew.
Hunt for Gold and Make Lifelong Friends on a Big Adventure with 'Cryptonomicon'
Hunt for Gold and Make Lifelong Friends on a Big Adventure with 'Cryptonomicon'
Sometimes you just want to get lost in a cinderblock of a book, and when you do, we recommend this sweeping story of adventure, intrigue, WWII, lost gold, longtime friendship, and love in all its forms. Plus Einstein!
sharing is caring!

Wanna help us spread the word? If you like this page, please share with your friends.

our mission

Strong Sense of Place is a website and podcast dedicated to literary travel and books we love. Reading good books increases empathy. Empathy is good for all of us and the amazing world we inhabit.

our patreon

Strong Sense of Place is a listener-supported podcast. If you like the work we do, you can help make it happen by joining our Patreon! That'll unlock bonus content for you, too — including Mel's secret book reviews and Dave's behind-the-scenes notes for the latest Two Truths and a Lie.

get our newsletter

Join our Substack to get our FREE newsletter with podcast updates and behind-the-scenes info — and join in fun chats about books and travel with other lovely readers.

no spoilers. ever.

We'll share enough detail to help you decide if a book is for you, but we'll never ruin plot twists or give away the ending.

super-cool reading fun
reading atlas

This 30-page Reading Atlas takes you around the world with dozens of excellent books and gorgeous travel photos. Get your free copy when you subscribe to our newsletter.

get our newsletter
Sign up for our free Substack!
follow us

Content on this site is ©2024 by Smudge Publishing, unless otherwise noted. Peace be with you, person who reads the small type.