The first book cover is for the U.S. version where the book has not yet been published. The second cover is for the British edition. That one was published on July 1st of this year. Wherever and whenever you purchase your novels, I recommend this title.
Ms. Hallett tells her entire tale through documents. These include emails, texts, reports, character lists and more. Some may not like this format but I found it intriguing as I observed the characters revealing themselves. With the help of a list of the members of the amateur dramatic society to refer back to, I was able to keep track of everyone.
There is a lot going on here and, at times, readers will wonder how it could all possibly resolve. No spoilers so just a bit on plot. An amateur dramatics society is putting together a production of All My Sons which places all of the main characters in proximity. The head of the society, Martin, has a granddaughter Poppy. Readers are informed that Poppy has cancer and that a good deal of funding is required via crowd sourcing to fund her treatment. Is this legitimate?
Poppy’s doctor may not be the upstanding practitioner that she claims to be. She has connections to two other characters, Sam and Kel. Africa is something that they have in common. But…all does not appear well among them.
There are numerous other subplots and much is made of the characters interrelationships. Who is not whom they appear to be? Does everyone lie? To what does the book’s title refer?
When there is a murder, an already complex plot becomes more so. Will the two young law students assigned to go through all of the documents be able to solve the case? Read this one to find out.
I had wanted to read this book ever since I saw it on a British book site. The pages turn very quickly and I frequently found myself wanting to read just one more entry.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this title. All opinions are my own.
From the Publisher (British)
The standout debut thriller of 2021 that delivers multiple brilliant twists, and will change the way you think about the modern crime novel.
*** WATERSTONES THRILLER OF THE MONTH *** *** THE SUNDAY TIMES CRIME BOOK OF THE MONTH *** *** THE NO.4 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ***
We currently live in a rather fractured and partisan world in which, it seems to me, we often lose the ability to disagree without being disagreeable, to attempt to understand another’s perspective and to venture out of communicating only with those with whom we already know that we will agree. How did we get to this point? Is it where we want to be? If, those reading this post recognize that there is work to be done but need help getting there, please pick up this book.
David Brooks has written a work that cries to be read by just about everyone, including the mental health community, politicians, the person who is a friend, a parent, a partner, and so on. He has synthesized a great deal of research on how to relate to others while also sharing some of his personal experiences with the reader.
Brooks observes that, despite being a reporter, he did not always communicate well outside of his professional role. In some ways, he wrote this title for himself as well as the reader.
Some of the topics artfully explored include how to really see another person and to listen to them, what gets in the way of that, whether a person wants to be an “illuminator” or not, defense mechanisms, talking about the hard things, understanding what empathy really is and much more.
The number of highlights that I have added to my copy of this book reminds me of how much I was left to ponder. Book clubs, teachers, social workers and others, read this book and then talk tabout it. It will be worthwhile.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is the perfect book to pick up as one gets ready to go on summer vacation. It offers a reminder that summers do not always go as planned but, nonetheless, can be marvelous.
Bridget is planning a perfect time away with her new romantic partner. She does all that she can to make her country home ready for him but…
Bridget is surrounded by family and friends, sometimes more than she expected. Her adult children arrive with their stories and issues, her best friend (Will) comes to stay, and there are also Bridget’s father and sister in prime roles. What will happen to all of them over the course of the novel?
In addition to the engaging plot, I liked the music background of the story. It makes the title of the novel apt and open to more than one meaning.
Bridget’s father is very well known in musical circles. Bridget, herself, is part of a trio with Will. Their experiences enliven the plot.
This summer there are surprises and memories. Share in them by picking up this excellent summer read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Description:
from the publisher
“A fiercely funny tale of family, friendship, and later-in-life love.” —People
“Poeppel has created a story that is well thought out, well plotted, well written, and fully developed. A delightful novel that celebrates the messiness and joy to be found in real life.”—Kirkus Reviews(starred review)
“A hilariously heartfelt, witty novel.” —Woman’s World
The award-winning, “quick-witted and razor-sharp” (Taylor Jenkins Reid, New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six) author of Limelight and Small Admissions returns with a hilarious and heartfelt new novel about a perfectly imperfect summer of love, secrets, and second chances.
Bridget and Will have the kind of relationship that people envy: they’re loving, compatible, and completely devoted to each other. The fact that they’re strictly friends seems to get lost on nearly everyone; after all, they’re as good as married in (almost) every way. For three decades, they’ve nurtured their baby, the Forsyth Trio—a chamber group they created as students with their Juilliard classmate Gavin Glantz. In the intervening years, Gavin has gone on to become one of the classical music world’s reigning stars, while Bridget and Will have learned to embrace the warm reviews and smaller venues that accompany modest success.
Bridget has been dreaming of spending the summer at her well-worn Connecticut country home with her boyfriend Sterling. But her plans are upended when Sterling, dutifully following his ex-wife’s advice, breaks up with her over email and her twin twenty-somethings arrive unannounced, filling her empty nest with their big dogs, dirty laundry, and respective crises.
Bridget has problems of her own: her elderly father announces he’s getting married, and the Forsyth Trio is once again missing its violinist. She concocts a plan to host her dad’s wedding on her ramshackle property, while putting the Forsyth Trio back into the spotlight. But to catch the attention of the music world, she and Will place their bets on luring back Gavin, whom they’ve both avoided ever since their stormy parting.
With her trademark humor, pitch-perfect voice, and sly perspective on the human heart, Amy Poeppel crafts a love letter to modern family life with all of its discord and harmony. In the tradition of novels by Maria Semple and Stephen McCauley, Musical Chairs is an irresistibly romantic story of role reversals, reinvention, and sweet synchronicity.
Advance Praise
“Amy Poeppel’s charming Musical Chairs made me laugh out loud. Poeppel has a remarkable talent for creating the very best kind of mayhem. Drunken dinner parties, a runaway cat, brilliant musicians, a tattooed florist, drop dead gorgeous twins, crumbling old houses, beautiful Connecticut, secrets and lies—and finally—a wedding, the true hallmark of any delicious comedy. Reading this book was such a pleasure.” —Marcy Dermansky, critically acclaimed author of Very Nice “What kind of writer is Amy Poeppel? Warm, generous, funny, and full of surprises. In her third novel, a large, musical family (and their many friends, lovers, and groundskeepers) assemble in the shabby chicest corner of rural Connecticut over the course of one long, hot summer. What ensues is part classical French farce, part touching family comedy, and 100% page-turning delight. Cue up some chamber music, pull out a lawn chair, and prepare to binge read this gleefully entertaining novel.” —Stephen McCauley, author of My Ex-Life
“In this funny, profound, and brilliantly alive novel about all the messy, wise and wonderful chords that love can strike in our lives, Poeppel gathers together fathers and daughters, old flames and new sparks, music, writing and gardening, to explore what it really means to feel at home, and how life can open you up in ways you never saw coming. Set against the backdrops of Manhattan and the Connecticut countryside, Musical Chairs is profound, delicious and soul-stirring.” — Caroline Leavitt, New York Times Bestselling Author of Pictures of You and Is This Tomorrow
“Full of Poeppel’s signature charm and wit, Musical Chairs is a romantic-comedy-of-errors with a smart, edgy twist on the possibilities that might be revealed in life’s third act. Touching, full of humanity, and the absolute definition of ‘compulsively readable!’” — Suzanne Rindell, author of The Other Typist
General fiction-Mystery & Thriller-Sci Fi & Fantasy
For me, three stars Description
For me, three stars 🌟🌟🌟but I note that those who enjoy this genre, will most likely rate it more highly.
Pub date: 17 March 2026
My thoughts:
I had never read a book by Ava Morgyn until I saw this one. Here is an ambitious story that crossed genres and does so successfully. Come for the atmosphere, the suspense, the characters, the romance and the plot.
This book will be welcomed by those who enjoy a dark tale with magic. This is not my usual genre but I do respect that the book was well done.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-St. Martin’s Griffin for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Description:
from the publisher
Rebecca meets The Craft in this dark, atmospheric novel of one witch rediscovering her power while on the run from another willing to kill her for it.
From the USA Today bestselling author of The Bane Witch!
Judeth Cole has always had certain uncanny abilities. But when she arrived at Solidago, her grandfather’s estate by the sea, she was forced to keep them secret. There she lived a harsh life under his rule and the haunting legacy of her late grandmother, Aurelia. Until the fateful day she ignited a fire with her magic. It was the last time she saw her family alive.
Seventeen years later, she’s living in Seattle as Jude Clark, and failing at life, when she makes a last detour through her favorite bookstore, selecting a book to read as she waits to die. But when she pulls it from the shelf, an invitation to her for a clandestine midnight meeting slips out.
Jude is quickly swept up into a world of secrets and magic, discovering a circle of powerful new companions led by the mysterious, enigmatic Arla. The source of their magic, Arla tells her, is an entity, trapped and bound, that they call The Fathom. But Jude swiftly realizes Arla wants this power all to herself, and that she’s willing to kill for it.
Terrified, Jude turns to Levi, the handsome bookseller who’s seen her at her worst. With his help, she begins a research journey that leads her all the way back to Solidago, the house she swore to never return to. Now, the Fathom threatening to break free and Arla on the hunt, Jude must finally face her past to save her future.
Ava Morgyn’s Only Spell Deep is a novel that takes readers on a journey into a dark, glittering world of magic, a place where power should never be caged and misplaced trust can have deadly consequences.
“Only Spell Deep is beautifully written and richly immersive, weaving a gothic atmosphere with supernatural tension in a story about reclaiming one’s power in more ways than one and unraveling generational trauma. Morgyn builds a world that feels both mythic and real, where gods walk among us and the most terrifying magic is the kind passed down through blood. This novel cast a lasting spell on me. I was all in.” – Katy Foraker, author of Memories, Lies, and Other Binds
“Only Spell Deep is a dark parable of feminine rage and power, blending horror, fantasy, and mythology seamlessly into the streets and hidden places of modern-day Seattle. With gorgeous prose, Ava Morgyn weaves a spell of her own and gives us a courageous heroine to root for.” – Alyssa Palombo, author of The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel
Editorial Review:
From Library Journal
Fans of Alix E Harrow and Anne Rice will enjoy Morgyn’s story of a young woman embracing her power and overcoming her dangerous family legacy.
Like many, I was an avid fan of the original Upstairs, Downstairs television series. From this experience I had a clear picture in my mind of Eaton Square and what it might be like to live there. In these pages, I got to see how close I was as I learned about the many famous and infamous people who called Eaton Square home.
This book is organized by address as it covers many residents of the Square. It also includes history on the location. I was especially interested in reading about Diana Mosley as I have recently read several Mitford biographies. That said, they were many others persons of interest in these pages.
Those who enjoy British history/social history with a down to earth vibe will want to give this title a look.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Description:
from the publisher
Windsor biographer Alexander Larman takes you behind the doors of Eaton Square, London’s most sought-after address.
In the classic PBS series Upstairs, Downstairs, the aristocratic Bellamy family lived at the fictitious 165 Eaton Place, a grand home in one of London’s most beautiful garden squares just minutes from Buckingham Palace. But, what really goes on behind the beautiful, polished doors of one of London’s most sought-after addresses?
In The Secrets of Eaton Square: Sex, Scandal and Infamy on the Road to Buckingham Palace, Alexander Larman opens those doors wide to the scandalous social and political history of Eaton Square that begins in the eighteenth century and runs right up until today. With a cast of characters that includes everyone from Neville Chamberlain, Joachim von Ribbentrop (the lover of Wallis Simpson), Diana Mitford, Vivien Leigh, Margaret Thatcher, and even James Bond, Larman’s book brings Eaton Square alive.
The list of luminaries and the powerful who lived on the square goes on and on today, from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Charles Saatchi to today’s parade of Russian oligarchs whose money has given the area a new moniker: “Red Square.” No matter what it is called, Eaton Square remains an iconic byword for moneyed luxury and glamorous discretion that, at times, is the playground of off-duty royals. Let Alexander Larman unlock the doors of Eaton Square for you. He has all the keys…
Editorial Reviews:
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
London’s Eaton Square has been the home of prime ministers, Hollywood celebrities, Nazi sympathizers, and one enduring murder mystery, as revealed in this delightfully gossipy if occasionally plodding account from historian Larman (Power and Glory).
lIBRARY JOURNAL
Larman (The Secrets of Eaton Square) delivers a thrilling book, blending juicy London gossip, keen social insight, and sweeping history into a page-turner about Belgravia’s wildest address, from swampy Five Fields to its scandalous ghosts. The witty, propulsive British prose fuses tabloid snap with scholarly heft, instantly grabbing history buffs, scandal fans, and London lovers. Originality of text and illustration crackles through house-by-house takedowns of rogues such as dueling Alvanley, profiteers of enslavement Bernal and Codrington, and oddball philanthropist Peabody, busting Victorian propriety myths via trial docs, diaries, and scurrilous pamphlets. The excellent illustrations pop with maps of the failed balloon launch, Grosvenor portraits, dueling pistols, and artifacts that bring the scandals to life and make them feel chaotic. The brilliance of the design and format shines with crisp chapters, embedded notes, and punchy epigraphs, ideal for print or digital. VERDICT Larman’s book will hook royal watchers as he unearths Eaton Square’s glittering grim side with sly urgency.–Lawrence Mello
I have been reading Anne Perry’s novels since the very first in her Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series was published many years ago. This book’s protagonist is Charlotte and Thomas’s son, Daniel, an attorney. This is the seventh book that features him. Note for those who are new to Perry; there are also the Monk Elena Standish series.
It is so hard to know that there will be no more books by Ms. Perry as she died a couple of years ago. She was an author whose books were always must reads for me. I, and other readers, will miss her.
So, it was a bit elegiac for me to pick up Death Times Seven, knowing that it would be my last encounter in Perry’s world. That said, I dove right in.
There are several challenges for Daniel in the pages of this historical mystery. His friend and fellow lawyer, Toby, is faced with a horrific tragedy and some questions about exactly what happened to his parents and Daniel is there for him. In another story line, there is a case in the Old Bailey that Toby was defending. Daniel will become involved in that as well. Daniel’s wife Miriam will also have a role in these pages, something that fans of the series will welcome.
I recommend this book to those who already know Anne Perry’s novels. Those who are new to her books, may want to start one of the series in order. They will undoubtedly catch up and then read this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 14 April 2026
Post first published on 6 April 2026
Description:
from the publisher
Two violent crimes challenge the investigative skills of young Daniel Pitt and his wife, Miriam, in the final novel of iconic mystery writer Anne Perry’s beloved Daniel Pitt series.
“A towering achievement from a towering talent—superb!” —Jeffery Deaver, author of the Colter Shaw series
1913: Junior attorney Daniel Pitt must step in for his friend, fellow attorney Toby Kitteridge, whose parents have been brutally attacked. Toby’s mother is dead and his father, a village vicar, is barely alive. With Toby returning to the family home in rural Ipswich, struggling with grief and disbelief, Daniel remains in London to substitute for Toby and defend Peter Ward, on trial for the sexual assault and murder of a young woman.
Daniel is convinced that Ward is innocent, yet the evidence seems to prove otherwise. Eager to assist, his pathologist wife, Miriam fford Croft, offers her forensics expertise and exposes a community of fellow pathologists who may have purposefully omitted information from their autopsy reports. Despite Miriam’s involvement in the case, Daniel finds himself distracted by his desire to help Toby, who is too distraught to investigate the attack on his parents. And when the evidence points to Toby’s father as the killer of Toby’s mother, Daniel faces two of the greatest challenges of his young career: proving the innocence of both Peter Ward and Reverend Kitteridge. One mistake in London and a blameless man will hang. One mistake in Ipswich and Toby’s father will go to prison for life.
Death Times Seven, the seventh and final novel in Anne Perry’s Daniel Pitt series, was completed by Victoria Zackheim, an author and editor as well as Perry’s close friend. Rich in intrigue and courtroom drama, this engrossing novel marks a fitting finale to the career of an author widely praised as the queen of historical crime fiction.
This title was first published a number of years ago and is being reissued.
I was drawn to this book when I saw Pooh on the cover. As someone unfamiliar with Taoist principles, I was interested to learn more and was curious to see what Pooh would teach me. As a person who loves Winnie, I was eager to find out.
I found this book to be interesting and engaging. I enjoyed the many extracts from the Pooh stories. The author integrated these with teaching about the Tao. I very much liked some of the principles that were described.
Hoff writes in an engaging style. I like how there are conversations between the author and Pooh in these pages.
This is a nice book to read a bit of each day.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster-Simon Element for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Description:
from the publisher
Experience the gentle character of Winnie-the-Pooh through the lens of ancient Taoist principles, illustrating how simplicity, humility, and naturalness lead to a happier and more harmonious life.
First published in 1982, The Tao of Pooh introduces the principles of Taoist philosophy through the gentle humor and familiar world of Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne. Rather than offering an academic study, Benjamin Hoff examines these core ideas in an engaging and accessible way.
At the heart of the book is the concept of living in harmony with the Tao—the natural way of things. Pooh, with his unpretentious and sincere outlook, embodies the principle of wu wei, or “effortless action.” He does not strive to be clever or ambitious. Instead, he responds naturally to life as it unfolds. In contrast, characters such as Rabbit, Owl, Eeyore, and Tigger reflect common human tendencies toward overthinking, worry, gloom, or restless energy.
Blending storytelling with philosophical insight, Hoff presents Taoism as a path of simplicity, authenticity, and inner balance. Illustrated with E. H. Shepard’s original drawings, The Tao of Pooh remains a timeless and inviting guide to finding wisdom in the uncomplicated, natural self.
Editorial reviews:
“Hoff explains the central tenets of Taoism and further illustrates them with familiar excerpts from The House at Pooh Corner stories, Chinese proverbs, maxims, and tales from Lao Tzu and others. The result is at once thought-provoking and charming.”– “Library Journal”
“Hoff’s classic introduction to religion places A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh characters in fictional scenarios to explore the ideas behind Taoism, bringing Western familiarity to an Eastern philosophy that might seem, at a cursory glance, a bit difficult to grasp. Hoff draws clear parallels between Milne’s characters and the central tenants of Taoism.” –Publishers Weekly (starred review).
Anyone who has read a book by Elly Griffiths and who then sees a new title by her will immediately snatch it up (as I did). Those who have never read books by her are missing out. Griffiths’ series featuring Ruth Galloway is one of my favorite ever. I have also enjoyed her stories featuring Harbinder and the ones set in Brighton.
So…I was very excited to see that Griffiths had a first book out in what will be a new series. I loved it.
This title does require some suspension of disbelief as it includes time travel (a much more common trope these days). However, I enjoyed spending time in each of the time periods while waiting to see how the stories would come together.
Much like Ruth, Ali is an idiosyncratic and highly likeable protagonist who solves murders. Griffiths has many characters surrounding her in both the Victorian and modern eras.
I think that the author researched the historical period well. Many details bring that time to life.
This atmospheric read is highly recommended to mystery lovers. I will be reading the next book soon.
By the way, the top cover is for the U.S. edition. I prefer the second which is the British one and that is the one that I purchased.
Post first published on 8 May 2026
Description:
from the publisher
“A pleasure from finish to start.” —Anthony Horowitz
“Fresh and exciting, with both humor and thrills, Griffiths’ first book in her new series knocks it out of the park!” —Shari Lapena
Some murders can’t be solved in just one lifetime.
Ali Dawson and her cold case team investigate crimes so old, they’re frozen—or so their inside joke goes. Nobody knows that her team has a secret: they can travel back in time to look for evidence.
The latest assignment sees Ali venture back farther than they have dared before: to 1850s London to clear the name of Cain Templeton, an eccentric patron of the arts. Rumor has it that Cain is part of a sinister group called The Collectors. Ali arrives in the Victorian era to another dead woman at her feet and far too many unanswered questions.
As the clock counts down, Ali becomes more entangled in the mystery, yet danger lurks around every corner. She soon finds herself trapped, unable to make her way back to her beloved son, Finn, who is battling his own accusations in the present day.
Could the two cases be connected? In a race through and against time, Ali must find out before it’s too late.
Next in the series:
This book has been published in the U.K. and releases later this year in the U.S.
Have you ever wanted to be a member of a book club? How about one where the four members always buy the books but don’t read them and, rather, use the book club as the raison d’estre for regular get togethers? If that premise appeals and, if you like stories about the complex lives of women, this is one to read.
There are four women who are the main characters in these pages, but the story is really Polly’s in many ways. Readers follow her on a difficult fertility journey and get to sit in on some of her classes at the private girls’ school where she teaches English. They also get to know her in her marital and family relationships, as well as in her friendships. There is a kind of kitchen sink of issues as, along with infertility, Polly’s father has cognitive impairment and a DNA test upsets her homeostasis.
Readers also get to know a philanthropist, a therapist and a lawyer. These are Polly’s good friends, each of whom has their own issues. For example one of the women is facing a tough cancer diagnosis.
This novel is well written and engaging. It will be welcomed by those who enjoy stories about women. There is a reason why Quindlen’s books are generally must reads for me.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 24 February 2026
Post first published on 9 March 2026
Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description:
from the publisher
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Quindlen is as observant and as wonderfully readable as ever, attuned to women’s lives and the nuances of their voices.”—Jennifer Weiner, The New York Times Book Review
A woman confronts the surprising results of an ancestry test and begins to question the meaning of family and friendship in this wise, tender novel teeming with life—from the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author of After Annie
No one knows you like your book club.
High school English teacher Polly Goodman can talk about everything and anything with the women in her book club, which is why they’ve become her closest friends and, along with her veterinarian husband, the bedrock of her life. Her students, her fraught relationship with her mother, her struggles with IVF—Polly’s book club friends have heard about it all.
But when they give Polly an ancestry test kit as a joke, the results match her with a stranger. It is clear to Polly that this match is a mistake, but still she cannot help but comb through her family history for answers. Then, when it seems that the book club circle of four will become three, Polly learns how friendships can change your life in the most profound ways.
Written with Anna Quindlen’s trademark warmth, humor, and insight into the power of love and hope, More Than Enough explores how we find ourselves again and again through the relationships that define us.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 