Books read in August

Network Effect, Fugitive Telemetry, and System Collapse by Martha Wells
I continued my Murderbot Diaries reread and final read the last book, System Collapse, which I had somehow missed when it was first released. This last book seemed slightly less effective than the rest.

The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey
This first new novel in a new series is very complex with seemingly endless alien species and a lot of possibility.

The Court and Kitchen of Elizabeth, Commonly Called Joan Cromwell, the Wife of the Late Usurper author unknown
Published in 1664, about the first half of the book is a scathing critique of Cromwell's wife in general and as being very unfit for the management of such a prominent household. So it was a bit contradictory when the recipe section contained the typical recipes for someone of that standing, featuring typical recipes richly flavored with herbs and expensive spices.

Cozy Crochet by Melissa Leapman
A fairly basic intro-to-crochet book but there were some sweater and hat patterns I might want to try.

A Daily Exercise for Ladies and Gentlewomen by John Murrell
A 17th c. cookbook writer, this one was well-written and focused on candy, biscuits, preserving fruit, and fancy sugar work.