This is a chapter book that has illustrations; I think that kids will enjoy them. These pen and ink drawings tie in nicely with the text. Middle schoolers will also enjoy the story, as narrated by a cat, if they are comfortable with the spookiness level.
As an adult, I love how clever this book is. Of course, kids may not realize this, but Licorice is a retelling of Rebecca. Adults will notice the references, as for example, an address of Manderley Road and the story’s opening lines. There are also familiar names like Max. This made it a fun title for me as I have read and re-read Rebecca.
This new take on a well-known title could be enjoyed by both adults and kids.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Description:
from the publisher
A feral tabby cat is finally adopted by a loving family at 5 Manderley Road, only to realize that her new home might be haunted by the cat who lived in the house before her. Spine-chilling and heartwarming, funny and charming, Licorice is a purrfect retelling of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca for young readers, by award winning author Kara LaReau.
A young and frightened kitten is brought into a new household.
A boy named Max is trying desperately to get over the loss of his former beloved pet.
But ghosts don’t always enjoy being forgotten.
Sometimes they have to make their presence known.
In her cage at the Mount Charles Animal Shelter, Kitty has no other choice but to be the captive audience of the opinionated Bunny Van Hopper. But it’s better than the woods. Kitty can still remember the rain that came and swept everything… everyone… away. Here, at least she has food and company, even if Bunny’s words scare her.
And then Max appears at the shelter. Max has adopted all sorts of pets over the years. Rumor has it that he treats all of his pets with care and kindness. And of all the animals at the shelter, he actually chooses her—a scrawny and scared kitten. Kitty is going to be home at last. But she can’t seem to get Bunny’s words out of her head as Max takes her away in her carrier…
“You’re going to regret this! I just know it!” Bunny Van Hopper cries. And perhaps Bunny is right…
There is a scent lingering in the house on 5 Manderley Road. The scent rises from every chair leg, every carpet fiber, every throw pillow, even inside the bathtub. Everything smells like Licorice. It is the strongest upstairs in Max’s room, almost overpowering. If the smell isn’t enough, Duchess, the family’s old parrot, won’t let Kitty forget that she is a replacement. And soon, Kitty finds herself trapped in the long shadow of the cat that came before her. But is it just a shadow? Or is there something really there on the other side of it…haunting her…
Licorice is a fantastically kid-friendly book full of mystery and suspense, for fans of Kate DiCamillo, Katherine Applegate, and Aaron Reynolds.
From the Publisher:
Editorial Reviews:
*”LaReau retells Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca for young audiences with a feline protagonist… A purrfectly fresh and fun take on a beloved classic: bewitching, mysterious, and thoroughly engrossing.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
*”Moments of genuine creepiness alternate with cozy instances of domestic life across Kitty’s wistful narration which perceptively considers the dichotomy between the freedom of the outdoors and the safety of a kept life….A satisfying emotional arc and hopeful resolution make this an appealing tale for animal lovers and mystery readers alike.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“A twistingly haunted story about the power of finding your own place; an excellent addition to middle grade collections” — School Library Journal
I wanted to read this book from the moment that I learned about it so, thank you NetGalley for this enjoyable read (all thoughts are my own).
I knew that the author was a therapist so was interested in how her day job connected with this new writing experience. Indeed, Perry offers some psychological insights to the reader. For instance, she gives a pretty clear differential diagnosis for suicide. Yes, there is a question of suicide for the victim but I would describe this as a cozy mystery.
Here are eccentric characters, a fairly grumpy protagonist, a depiction of life in a village and some crime solving. Anyone who likes their mysteries on the light side will, I think, want to give this one a look.
Many thanks to Crown Publishing and (again) NetGalley for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Post first published on 08 August 2026
Description:
from the publisher
A small-town psychotherapist draws on all her knowledge of the human psyche to solve the murder of a patient in this warm and witty mystery novel—by a real psychotherapist turned #1 internationally bestselling author.
“Bears all the hallmarks of a Richard Osman-style cozy: a small community with a picturesque setting; prickly-but-lovable middle-class types who turn to crime-solving in later life. An enjoyable blend of mystery and gentle satire.”—The Guardian
Living in idyllic coastal Sussex, Patricia Philipps enjoys her quiet life—walking the cliffs, shouting at poorly disciplined dog owners, telling tourists to keep their distance from the crumbling cliff edges, and cold-water swimming.
Then a body washes up near Beachy Head, upending her carefully curated life as she discovers the deceased is one of her clients—her “Three O’Clock,” in fact.
The police chalk it up to suicide, but Pat sees things differently. She reads people. She understands them—their lusts, their loves, their quirks, their ticks, their tells, their deepest desires. She looks, she listens, she watches. And she never jumps to conclusions. After all, she spends her days listening to secrets, resentments, fantasies, and motives. She’s certain someone wanted Henry Clayton dead.
With her chaotic best friend Pritchard (part-time poet, full-time meddler) in tow, Pat swaps the therapist’s couch for the crime scene. It’s time to unpick the lies, untangle the egos, and catch a killer hiding in plain sight.
From the Publisher:
Excerpts from the author’s interview with the BBC
Of her new release, she said: “It’s a cosy crime novel for people who like to lose themselves in a book and for people who like a good page turner.”
Shrink Solves Murder is for everyone, she said, but particularly those who enjoy Agatha Christie and Richard Coles novels.
“There are some similarities between me and my main character but she’s much grumpier than me. I’d make a useless sleuth,” said Perry.
From Penguin Books Australia
The warm, witty and wise crime caper by the nation’s favourite therapist
***THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR***
**OVER THREE MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE**
‘Fantastic book: wickedly witty, with delightful, quirky characters and a cracking plot’ JACQUELINE WILSON ‘An assured and hugely enjoyable murder mystery debut. It’s brilliant!’ RICHARD COLES
What Waterstones says:
The bestselling author of The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read delivers a deliciously witty and warm crime caper, as psychotherapist Patricia Philipps swaps the therapy room for sleuthing after one of her patients whose secrets she is extremely familiar with ends up dead.
Her 3 o’clock just became a murder case…
When a body washes up near Beachy Head, the Police chalk it up to suicide — a tragic but not uncommon end in these parts.
But local psychotherapist Patricia Philipps isn’t convinced.
The victim? Her three o’clock patient, Henry Clayton. The cause? Supposedly self-inflicted. The truth? Pat suspects murder and she’s trained to spot what others miss.
After all, she spends her days listening to secrets, resentments, fantasies and motives. And she’s certain someone wanted Henry Clayton dead.
With her chaotic best friend Pritchard in tow (part-time poet, full-time meddler), Pat swaps the therapy room for the crime scene. It’s time to unpick the lies, untangle the egos and catch a killer hiding in plain sight.
Shrink Solves Murder is a warm, witty and wise crime caper from the nation’s favourite therapist.
Anyone who enjoyed Coyne’s novel Frank and Red will be jumping for joy when they come across his newest book. I think that he will easily bring new readers aboard as well.
Coyne brings a group of young boys and a most unusual nun together in a story that taps into nostalgia, friendship, adventures and relationships (both among friends and the older generation) with a mix of laughter and emotion. This is all very well done.
It is very easy to recommend this novel. It will appeal to many.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Description:
from the publisher
Sister Francis is an unlikely nun.
She’s sixty, sweary, drives like a lunatic and smokes like a stacked chimney . . . and she runs the Blessed Assumption Boys Club.
Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan are four best friends from the Whittle council estate with little to do but get up to no good. After a run-in with local bullies, they discover the crumbling, forgotten club and find themselves in the company of the most remarkable person they will ever meet.
Set against early 1980s Britain, THE TROUBLE WITH SISTER FRANCIS is a funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking story of unlikely heroes, quiet rebellions, fierce loyalty and unexpected hope.
And at the centre of it all lies a long-forgotten journal that might just change everything.
A heartwarming and hilarious new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of FRANK AND RED
‘This might just be my feel-good read of the year . . . prepare to be transported back to the early 1980s and to lose your heart several times on the way back ‘ JANICE HALLETT
‘Matt Coyne is a genius. I defy you to read this book without smiling, laughing and weeping’ CLARE POOLEY
‘A nostalgic masterpiece . . . A funny, heart-warming and heartbreaking story of ordinary heroes, quiet rebellions and unexpected hope’ WOMAN & HOME
‘I cannot express how much I enjoyed this gorgeous story . . . I also snort-laughed on more than one occasion.’ JENNIE GODFREY
‘We promise this nostalgic book will reduce you to tears – of heartache and laughter . . . it’s a masterpiece’ SUNDAY POST
‘Matt Coyne is an extraordinary storyteller . . . everyone needs this heartwarming novel in their lives’ SARAH TURNER
The Dentist is the first book in Sullivan’s series featuring Detective George Cross. He is an interesting character who sees the world through the prism of his autism. Sullivan does an excellent job of bringing the reader into George’s perspective and way of working. Readers also get a sense of how challenging autism can be.
In addition to George, I enjoyed spending time with the other members of the squad. They give the book that police procedural quality.
In these pages are murder, suspects and a possible link to an old crime. Will George’s methodical persistence help him to solve the case? (Yes, as this is the first in a series and I think readers will want to pick up some of the others after finishing this one). The fun is in watching what unfurls.
I very much enjoyed this title. Each of the following books also has a profession in the title. Watch out for who the dentist is here and who the others are in the rest of the series. For example, there are the teacher, the politician and the tailor to name a few.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic Atlantic Crime for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 21 October 2025
Post first published on 22 April 2026
About the book:
from the publisher
The first book in Tim Sullivan’s bestselling series starring the brilliant Detective Sergeant George Cross, with over 1,000,000 copies sold, now published for the first time in the US
George Cross is on the autism spectrum. He struggles with simple daily interactions but his single-mindedness, attention to detail and fierce persistence make him the most successful detective in the Bristol station with a 97% conviction rate.
When the body of an elderly homeless man is discovered on the edge of Clifton Downs, George insists on scrutinizing the smallest details, even after his fellow officers dismiss the murder as an act of random violence. As he delves into the dead man’s past, he discovers a connection to a case that has been cold for fifteen years. The same tragedy that led to the victim’s homelessness may have also led to his death. Despite skepticism from his colleagues, including his partner Josie who as usual is both exasperated by and protective of George, he is determined to solve both cases – and finally arrest the murderer who has roamed free.
A “perfect detective for our time and for all time” (Stephen Fry), George Cross has been embraced by authors, booksellers, reviewers, and readers across the UK. The Dentist marks the launch of Tim Sullivan’s brilliant series in the US, where it is certain to find a wide audience.
About the Author:
Tim Sullivan is an acclaimed screenwriter, whose credits include A Handful of Dust, starring Kristen Scott Thomas, Where Angels Fear to Tread, starring Helen Mirren and Helena Bonham Carter, Jack and Sarah (which he also directed) starring Richard E Grant, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen and Letters to Juliet, with Amanda Seyfried. He is also a Television director whose credits include Sherlock Holmes and Cold Feet. He has written extensively in Hollywood in both live action and animation, working with Ron Howard, Scott Rudin and with Jeffrey Katzenberg on the fourth Shrek movie. He has now embarked on a series of crime novels featuring the autistic, and brilliantly persistent DS George Cross. The Dentist is the first in the series. Tim lives in North London with his wife Rachel, the Emmy award-winning producer of The Barefoot Contessa and Pioneer Woman.
Editorial Reviews:
Praise for The Dentist:
One of Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2025
One of Kirkus Reviews Best Mysteries and Thrillers of 2025
“Sullivan has created a wholly three-dimensional protagonist, equal parts charming and maddening”—Library Journal (starred review)
“Excellent… Sullivan strikes gold his first time out, injecting investigative scenes with a cinematic flair and firmly establishing Cross as a quirky, lovable lead.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Crime-fiction fans will keep guessing until the very end and thoroughly enjoy Sullivan’s complex plotline and mosaic of characters that propel the story to its thrilling conclusion”— Booklist (starred review)
“A satisfyingly complex police procedural”—Washington Post
“You’ll crave more George Cross once you’ve finished this meticulously wrought police procedural”—Air Mail
“A multifaceted murder puzzle anchored by a compelling pair of sleuths”—Kirkus Reviews
For many, just seeing the name Richard Osman on a novel makes it an automatic buy. After all, he combines good plotting, interesting recurring characters, and humor, all in one neat package. While I honestly prefer The Thursday Murder Club series, I would never pass up the joy of reading one of Osman’s books. The We Solve Murders titles seem a bit more like capers than the Thursday Murder Club. They also offer a good amount of armchair travel.
Here is the second in the series. The familiar trio is back, each with their skill set, and they are soon off to meet with a dodgy character in Italy. He will start our three off on adventures across a differing geographic locale in each of the book’s five sections. Readers should simply go along for the ride and watch what unfolds. Fans will then be eager for whatever Osman title comes next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for this title. I was thrilled to receive it and all opinions are my own.
Description:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Osman’s globe-trotting series “We Solve Murders” returns with the thrilling new mystery, We Chase Shadows.
Back together. Back on the case. And back to solving murders . . .
At sunrise, high in the Italian hills, a body is found on the steps of a beautiful private villa. On the body is a threatening note, signed by a mystery man.
Back at We Solve Murders HQ, Amy, Rosie, and Steve leap at the chance to take on their first proper case. So what if their new client seems to have his own reasons for avoiding the police? All they need to do is uncover who left the note, and then find them. Simple.
But once they start digging, the suspects keep piling up: there’s Sweden’s most-wanted criminal, a canny ex-wife and a fierce business rival – yet the murderer keeps evading them. And as the trio chase a villain through the shadows, danger travels closer to home . . .
Between Italy and Palm Springs, via Barcelona and Steve’s village pub, can the team catch an elusive killer who knows EXACTLY where to hide?
From the Publisher:
Editorial Reviews:
Praise for We Chase Shadows:
“The crew of We Solve Murders returns for another murder mystery in this sequel that is arguably better than the first. When a body is found outside a private Italian villa, an investigation takes Amy, Rosie, and Steve across the world as they try to catch an elusive murderer. Extremely fun, and as always, Richard Osman will leave you guessing until the very end.” —Town & Country
“Gather ‘round, amateur sleuths — Richard Osman has a new book.” —People
“Osman is in fine form with this spry sequel to We Solve Murders. . . The adventure that ensues is brimming with Osman’s trademark wit and brio, and his characters delight. . . Keep Amy, Steve, and Rosie’s adventures coming.” —Publishers Weekly
“Osman sets the pieces in motion with his usual charm and deadpan humor… As the friends zip around the world, the case becomes pleasantly complicated, and Osman wraps things up with a bang. It’s a pleasure spending time with Osman’s quirky detectives, who are much more capable than they seem.” —Kirkus
“A romp across continents. . . Osman provides his signature tongue-in-cheek humor, while giving readers more insights into the lives of his characters. Some readers may think they see the big picture and the solution to the mystery, but there are so many turns and so much fun, the whodunit is the least of the book’s charms.” —Booklist
Sarah Morgan has a knack for writing involving stories with good characters. In her latest book, I enjoyed getting to know Imogen (even if she exhausted me) and Dorothy. Their lives change over the course of the novel and readers will always be hoping that these changes are for the better. Readers will also hope that each is able to be honest about their backstories.
Imogen works hard, really hard, like all the time hard. She is very good at the event planning that she does until…
Dorothy has experienced sadness with the death of her husband. She feels fortunate to have a daughter and granddaughters even if her daughter feels that Dorothy is too close to Imogen.
What brings these women together? How do their stories intersect? Find out in a book that kept me wanting to read more. Now, I will wait impatiently for what this author writes next.
Recommended to readers who like holiday stories and women’s fiction.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Those who are unfamiliar with the Psalms or those who are interested in a new, often literal, translation of them, may want to give this title a look. Those who study the Bible, will decide if they think this translation does them justice. However, in my opinion, you don’t have to be religious to want to see what these ancient texts say. They are often quoted and some familiarity with them is part of a broad education.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Baker Books for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Description
A literal translation that offers fresh insight into the Psalms
The psalms are the inspired prayers and praises of God’s people. When we study and pray them, they change us–we are shaped by Scripture to think about God the way the psalmists did, and their words become the overflow of our hearts. But much of what makes the psalms so powerful is embedded in the structure and artistry of the original Hebrew–features that most English translations, by rendering the psalms according to the conventions of English poetry, inevitably obscure.
This translation takes a different approach. Intentionally literal and transparent to the underlying Hebrew, James M. Hamilton Jr.’s rendering lets the structure of the original show through–allowing readers to encounter the psalms’ language and form in ways most English translations don’t permit. Rather than smoothing the Hebrew into fluent English verse, Hamilton holds back and lets the poetry speak on its own terms, preserving and displaying the features that define it: ● Repetition–the deliberate recurrence of words and phrases that creates emphasis and rhythm in Hebrew verse ● Parallelism–the matching or contrasting of lines that is the defining feature of Hebrew poetry ● Symmetry and contrast–the balanced structures that give individual psalms their shape and coherence ● Amplification–the movement from statement to expansion that deepens meaning across a psalm’s arc
The result is a translation designed for pastors, students, and serious lay readers who want to peer into the actual words of the psalms and understand how they work.
This new and distinctive translation is ideal for those who, like the blessed man of Psalm 1, aspire to meditate on God’s Word day and night–and want to do so with greater fidelity to the words the psalmists actually wrote.
I often enjoy dual time line novels and so was quite interested in this story that takes place both in the 1960s and earlier. I was intrigued by the connection to Lizzie Siddal, the muse of whom I have heard, and the Pre-Raphaelites. It was definitely interesting to watch as the two stories came together.
Those who enjoy historical fiction, books that talk about books, and those who enjoy reading old diaries, as well as those, who enjoy a mystery, may want to give this title a look.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Description:
from the publisher
A hidden diary. A story that’s waited a hundred years to be told . . .
1960, New York.
Emilia Rinaldi restores broken books for a living. She knows how to bring lost stories back to life.
The one story she cannot repair is her own.
Then an unexpected gift from her late mother arrives — an antique music box containing a faded photograph and a torn page from the diary of Lizzie Siddal, the tragic Pre-Raphaelite muse and wife of Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Emilia follows the clues to Rome. To an abandoned villa left by a grandmother she never knew. To a collection of rare and beautiful books, hidden in a church crypt through the war . . . And a secret buried for generations.
As Emilia pieces together her own past, Lizzie’s diary reveals another story. Two Rossetti paintings. One genuine. One a flawless forgery.
Separated by a century, the two mysteries are bound together. And when Emilia finally discovers the truth, she must decide whether some stories are meant to be preserved . . . or buried forever.
A spellbinding, dual-timeline, historical mystery of family secrets, set between Victorian London and 1960s Rome, is perfect for readers of Kate Morton, Evie Woods, Fiona Davis, and Lucinda Riley.
About the author:
from the Amazon website
M. A. McLaughlin (Marty Ambrose-McLaughlin) writes historical mysteries with women’s fiction elements. She is an award-winning, multi-published author of four historical mysteries set mostly in Italy, drawing on her background in nineteenth-century literature. Marty completed her M.Phil. at the University of York (England) and teaches creative writing at Florida Southwestern State College.
She has edited the FSW literary journal, served on student scholarship boards, and is a member of The Byron Society, Historical Novel Society, Florida Writers Association, Mystery Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. She currently resides in SW Florida with her husband, retired news-anchor, Jim McLaughlin, and their golden Labrador rescue pup, Luna.
She has also given numerous workshops in the U.S. and abroad on all aspects of creating/publishing a novel; her new novel, The Secret Diary of Rome will be published by Joffe Books in September, 2026.
Greta Perks was once the shining star of the iconic Maple Gold coffee commercials, everyone’s favorite TV wife and mom. Now fame has faded, that once-glittering career a distant memory. Her marriage is on the rocks, her teenage daughter is distant, and she can’t even book any acting jobs.
When Greta stumbles upon a mysterious coffee shop serving a magical brew, she wishes for the perfect life in those past Maple Gold commercials. Next thing she knows, she’s waking up in the idyllic town of Mapleville, where the sun always shines and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and second chances fill the air. Given the opportunity to live the life she dreamed, Greta is determined to rewrite her own script. But can life ever be like a coffee commercial? And what will happen when Greta has to choose between perfection and real life, with no turning back?
Start reading:
2005
MAPLE GOLD COFFEE COMMERCIAL SCRIPT
VOICEOVER: ‘Maple Gold is here for endings and new beginnings . . .’
The scene opens with a young woman, Greta, standing on the pavement, waving as a car pulls away. She’s holding a small cardboard box.
GRETA (WHISPERING): ‘Bye Mum.’
She turns to face a pretty white house, straightens her back and smiles bravely. She’s ready to enter a new phase of her life—moving into her first home.
The front door is ajar, and she enters a hallway, then a sitting room. We can see there are more, bigger boxes sitting around the place, sealed and ready to unpack.
VOICEOVER: ‘It’s here for the good times and the even better ones . . .’
Greta looks apprehensive but takes a moment to take in her new surroundings. She switches on the kettle and opens a cupboard, disappointed to find it empty.
She spies her name written on the side of the box she carried in and opens it. Inside is her old teddy bear and a jar of Maple Gold coffee, a gift from her mum. Greta takes the jar out, becoming misty-eyed as she makes herself a cup of coffee. Wrapping her fingers around the cup helps her to feel more at home.
The doorbell rings, and she opens the door to find a group of her new neighbors gathered outside. They present Greta with flowers and another jar of coffee as a welcome present. It’s Maple Gold, of course.
They all laugh, and she invites them inside for coffee.
A CAPPELLA GROUP (SINGING): ‘You’re always at home with Maple Gold.’
Chapter 1
Present Day
GRETA PERKS LOVED three things in life more than anything—her family, the thrill of performing, and a fine cup of coffee. When she could combine all three, it was as satisfying as a frothy cappuccino on a cold day. But recently, a happy home life and sparkling career seemed to be slipping through her fingers.
‘I wish you could stay longer,’ she said, glancing between her husband, Jim, and their daughter, Lottie, as coffee cups clattered in the background. ‘Tonight’s important to me.’
She’d volunteered to be the guest speaker at Brewtique’s monthly Coffee Lover’s Night Out, talking about her acting career. It had been a while since she’d last performed in public, and her nerves were jumping around like frogs in a pond.
Jim offered her a smile. ‘I wish we could, too. But I promised Lottie I’d get her back to school.’ He passed Greta a shopping bag like it was a peace offering. ‘Just brought a few things you might need . . .’
‘Talent show rehearsal,’ Lottie muttered, not looking up from her phone. ‘Total waste of time.’
Greta and Jim shared a glance, a silent understanding of the challenges of raising a fifteen-year-old together while living apart.
‘A talent show? Sounds fun.’ Greta gave Lottie’s arm a quick reassuring rub. ‘What are you doing? A show tune, or a monologue? Perhaps even a Shakespeare sonnet?’
Lottie shrugged a disinterested shoulder.
Greta’s spirits dipped a little. ‘Well, whatever you do, I bet you’ll be great,’ she said.
‘We’ll grab a burger afterward, then I’ll drop her back at your place.’ Jim opened his mouth slightly, as if wanting to say something more. ‘Stay safe returning to your car tonight, okay?’
Greta nodded, hoping for a word of encouragement, perhaps a ‘good luck,’ ‘break a leg,’ or even a quick hug. But Lottie was already heading toward the door.
Jim’s fingers lightly brushed Greta’s arm, but didn’t linger.
Then he turned and followed their daughter outside.
Through the window, Greta watched as her family dashed across the road without her. She smiled brightly and waved, even though her stomach was twisting.
‘Drop her back at your place.’ The words stung like a paper cut.
She and Jim were over four months into a trial separation, with just a few weeks left until their self-imposed New Year’s Eve deadline. At that point they’d agreed to make a final call on the future of their marriage.
It didn’t seem as clear-cut as Greta had hoped. What had once felt like a simple decision—to try to rebuild their marriage or let it go—now felt tangled with uncertainty. After almost twenty years together, was she still in love with Jim? Was he still in love with her?
Greta peeked inside the bag, her mood lifting when she saw Jim had brought her herbal throat lozenges, a new notebook, and a spare pen.
Outside, the wet, grey pavement was the same color as the inky November sky, and she suddenly craved a rich mocha.
Greta turned to face the room. In half an hour, the place would hopefully be buzzing with people. She was determined to deliver an entertaining talk, even if it wasn’t exactly her kind of coffee shop.
She preferred cozy spaces where she could curl up with a good book, sipping coffee from mugs the size of plant pots. The type of place that served homemade rocky road and had a corner dedicated to board games.
Brewtique, on the other hand, had industrial-style light- bulbs and blackboards showcasing quirky concoctions, such as rhubarb and custard lattes. A pink neon coffee cup on the wall cast an eerie pink glow on her face. The spindly branches of a Christmas tree on the counter looked like they’d been pecked by crows.
Her long-time agent, Nora, had applauded Greta for spotting Brewtique’s Facebook post asking for local speakers. ‘Putting yourself forward shows brilliant initiative, darling. Well-done,’ Nora had gushed. ‘You never know who might be in the audience. Any exposure could help give your career a little boost. Plus, it’s a great way to plug your acting classes.’
A boost? Greta knew her career needed a defibrillator. If one human year equals seven dog years, the same rule definitely applied to actors out of the spotlight. She felt like her career had been on pause for too long, and she was ready to hit Play again.
Greta missed the camaraderie on set, filming the iconic Maple Gold coffee commercials she’d starred in with Jim and Lot- tie a decade ago. Nothing compared to the soar of her senses when the director called, ‘Action,’ and everything clicked into place. She longed to find that spark again, not just for herself, but in the hope of pulling her family back together again.
If Greta was honest, she also missed the attention. Champagne on ice in a silver bucket, fans queuing around the block for her autograph, and the occasional limousine whisking her to grand events had been cherries on top of the cake. Those memories felt almost unreal now, as if they belonged to someone else.
The students she’d coached since then seemed to enjoy her acting classes, but it wasn’t the same. Guiding nervous amateurs through voice projection techniques or stage presence didn’t give her the same buzz as stepping in front of a camera or an audience. Hopefully, tonight would rekindle some of that feeling, proof she still had something to offer.
The sound of dropped cutlery pulled her out of her thoughts. Greta turned to see Brewtique’s owner, Josie, rushing around, a dusting of flour in her hair. Meanwhile, her young pink-haired assistant, Maisie, dawdled in a corner, glued to her phone.
‘Need a hand with anything?’ Greta called out.
‘Oh gosh, no.’ Josie shook her head frantically. ‘You’re the talent. I’m just running a bit late with everything . . .’
‘Are you sure? I’ve already prepped for my talk.’
Josie bit her lip, tempted. ‘Well . . . setting up the refreshment table would be helpful, while I get changed. I’ve just popped fresh brownies in the oven. Maisie knows to keep an eye on them.’ She gave Greta a pointed look. ‘She’s new here.’
‘Sure,’ Greta said, catching her drift. ‘Leave it to me.’
Greta set out coffee cups with vigor, arranged cookies on plates, and laid out napkins. Her pulse quickened when she saw the time. ‘Maisie!’ she called out. ‘We need to hurry. There’s only fifteen minutes left until showtime.’
The young woman barely raised her eyes. ‘Didn’t your family once star in some coffee ads or something?’ she asked. ‘One day, I’ll get discovered like that. Want to see my latest TikTok audition?’ She held out her phone.
‘Yes, we starred in them.’ Greta briskly polished a spoon on her apron. ‘I’ll look at your clip later. Now, please check all the glasses. Some of these are scratched, and Josie said you’re in charge of the brownies…’
When Josie reappeared wearing fresh clothes, she glanced out of the window and sighed. ‘Looks like we’ve got a smaller crowd than usual.’
‘How many are you expecting?’ Greta asked, joining her. ‘Six or seven. I’ve just checked my messages and had quite a few cancellations. Christmas is coming, and it’s the Strictly Salsa final on TV tonight.’
Greta chewed her lip. Disappointment was part of an actor’s life—the rejections, the scathing reviews, and the occasional inappropriate behavior from a director she’d once respected. She hadn’t expected a theatre-sized crowd, but six?
‘An intimate gathering,’ she said with a nod. ‘I’ll make it work.’
Josie welcomed the guests inside. When they were settled down around tables with coffee and cake, she launched into her introduction.
‘Welcome to the monthly Brewtique Coffee Lover’s Night Out. We’ve been fortunate to hear some incredible stories from our speakers this year—conquering Mount Everest, training guide dogs for the blind, and a brain surgeon who worked in war-torn countries. And tonight we’ve got the former star of the Maple Gold coffee commercials. Let’s bid a warm welcome to our special guest, Greta Perks.’
No pressure, Greta thought, smiling brightly as she stepped forward.
‘G . . . good evening, everyone,’ she started, feeling woefully out of practice. ‘Thanks for coming.
‘I’m going to tell you a story about how I became the face of the Maple Gold coffee commercials. Yes, for ten years, I was the lady who made you believe coffee could make your life perfect.’
A few chuckles rang out, and Greta soon found her flow. She paced up and down, commanding the little coffee shop as if starring in a West End theatre production.
‘Did you know that Maple Gold was born in 1950, as a humble roastery in the back streets of London? Over the years, it became a household name, beloved for its delicious blends and vintage appeal.’ She leaned in, as if sharing a secret. ‘And who wouldn’t want to live in Mapleville, the idyllic town from the commercials? The sun always shone, the grass was emerald green, and the whole town thrived on cups of Maple Gold.’
She took out her phone and played the jingle.
When you wake at sunrise,
and open your eyes.
You’re ready to start your day, the Maple Gold way.
You’re always at home with Maple Gold.
From the faraway looks on a few faces, it seemed like nostalgia was working.
‘I locked eyes with my love interest, Jim, when he painted my garden fence in the commercial, and things went a bit further off-camera,’ Greta said with a wink. ‘We got married and then had Lottie, our own little star. We were such a happy family, on-screen and off . . .’
She paused as a twinge of sadness crept in, like how bitter- ness stays on the tongue after an espresso. A screech of metal chair legs against wooden floorboards made her flinch.
A woman in the audience called out, uninvited. ‘Are you guys still working?’
Greta blinked, the question taking her by surprise. ‘Yes, everything’s going wonderfully,’ she said, feeling guilty at embellishing the truth. ‘Jim’s still gracing the stage and screen,
Lottie’s currently rehearsing for a school Christmas talent show, and as for me . . . well . . . I run some excellent acting classes, if anyone is interested?’
A few seconds of silence followed before more questions flew at her like arrows.
‘How’s Lottie?’
‘Where’s Jim?’
‘How do you feel about Maple Gold replacing you with a different family?’
‘Does Lottie resent you putting her on-screen at such a young age?’
‘Those are some great, um, deep questions,’ Greta said with a swallow. She grabbed her notes, hurriedly trying to recover her thread. ‘I think my talk will cover most of them . . . Now, where was I?’
Then, suddenly, the shrill scream of the smoke alarm pierced the moment. Greta jumped and spun around to see smoke billowing from the oven.
Josie shouted out over the bleeping alarm. ‘Maisie. Did you forget about the brownies?’
Maisie’s head snapped up, her eyes widening when she noticed the grey clouds. ‘Oops.’
A flurry of activity broke out.
Maisie darted behind the counter and yanked open the oven door, waving her arms as the grey smoke curled out. ‘It’s fine. Totally under control.’
Josie grabbed her oven gloves and pulled out the tray. The burnt brownies looked like steaming lumps of coal, and she tossed them into the sink.
Greta rushed over to help, spinning on the tap so the brownies spat and sizzled. She threw open the front door to let in some fresh air, then grabbed a tea towel and wafted it in front of the smoke alarm until it stopped. ‘Is everyone okay?’ she called out.
An elderly couple had already put on their coats and scuttled outside. The remaining four guests had drifted toward the buffet table, their focus now on cake rather than conversation. Greta followed them, trying to salvage what was left of the evening.
One man wrapped cake into a napkin and slipped it into his pocket. A couple of women wearing matching blue anoraks conversed loudly.
‘I didn’t recognize Greta at first, did you? She’s put on quite a bit of weight,’ one said.
‘I know. Age isn’t kind to some ladies,’ her friend replied. ‘Ahem.’ Greta stood beside them and picked up a cookie.
‘I’m forty-five and proud of it,’ she said, biting it into it. ‘Worth every extra pound, don’t you think?’
The women paused with their cakes suspended mid-air, before nodding sheepishly.
Greta attempted to spark interest in her acting classes, but the attention was elsewhere, mostly on the kitchen, which looked like it had been trampled by a herd of buffalo.
She joined Josie at the door, wearily bidding goodnight to the guests as they filtered out.
‘Sorry everything didn’t go to plan. I can’t thank you enough,’ Josie said. She handed Greta a brown envelope containing her small fee. ‘I’m not sure I’m cut out to run a coffee shop . . .’
Greta mustered a tired smile. After tonight, she felt the same way about performing in public.
She said goodnight, then called Lottie while trudging to her car, leaving a message on her voicemail. ‘Hi, sweetheart. I’ll be home soon. Hope your rehearsal went well.’
Rain pelted down, and Greta hunched her shoulders against the cold. The streets were empty and quiet, and icy droplets snaked down her neck, making her shiver. In the dark, she noticed a hunched figure approaching, and Jim’s warning about staying safe echoed in her mind. She tried to swerve, but the person bumped her arm.
Startled, Greta dropped her car keys and stooped to pick them up. When she looked up, a woman in a long, dark coat stood over her. Her face was part hidden by a voluminous hood, and long tendrils of her damp white hair hung down. With a quick muttered apology, the stranger handed a piece of paper to Greta and hurried across the road.
As she stood up, Greta’s heart thudded in her chest. Under the dim street lamp, she uncurled her fingers and glanced at the flyer. It was probably just a pizza menu, but the vintage-style design caught her eye. It featured an illustration of a white rabbit and the words ‘Looking for the Perfect Blend?’ Beneath it was an image of a jar with the label ‘Drink Me.’
She gripped the flyer tighter, unsure what it was even promoting. A strange feeling of curiosity rippled through her body. Looking for the perfect blend? In her life, she most certainly was.
She climbed into her car and tossed the flyer onto the passenger seat. Sitting there for a moment, she flopped her head against the steering wheel as the evening’s events raced through her mind. Was she ever going to get her life back on track?
With a deep sigh, Greta turned the key in the ignition and waited for the engine to rumble to life. The light from the street lamps twinkled orange in the raindrops on the wind- screen, and she released the handbrake.
Phaedra Patrick is the bestselling author of several novels, including The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, which has been translated into twenty-five languages worldwide. Her second novel, Rise and Shine Benedict Stone, was made into a Hallmark movie. An award-winning short story writer, she previously studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organizer and communications manager. Phaedra lives in Saddleworth, UK, with her family.
I have read and enjoyed a number of novels by Ms. Patrick and was very excited to learn about this new book. I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
Patrick poses a situation to which readers will relate. Indeed, like her protagonist, many of us wonder about the life choices that we make. We ponder what we have chosen and have curiosity about the options that we did not take. What if we could make a change? What if something (more) perfect was out there? Patrick takes this concept and creates this story about a woman who is looking for more.
As the story opens, Greta and her husband are separated and their daughter is going through a difficult phase. As if all this were not enough, the once golden actor in a coffee commercial can barely gather an audience of six nowadays.
What will happen to Greta and those around her when, via a bit of magical realism, Greta’s life changes? What will she want for herself? How will she get to where she truly wants to be? Find out in this novel.
This book will, I think, be enjoyed by the author’s many fans and should garner her some new ones.
Many thanks to everyone at HTP for the invitation to this blog tour.
I have read every book that Hallett has written starting with the novel that is a kind of prequel to The Silent Appeal (that book was The Appeal). Both of these books feature The Fairway Players and many characters from the first book are here again. That said, it is possible to read The Silent Appeal on its own.
Hallett has devised her own style in writing her books. I once heard her speak about this which was a terrific experience. In any event, this book consists not of a straightforward narrative, but rather of a series of documents of varying types that are being reviewed by two young lawyers. They have their work cut out for them.
I can honestly say that trouble seems to find the Players, as is true here. Who will be killed? Who will be responsible? What other subplots will readers follow before all becomes clear?
This is a rather long novel but Hallett’s fans won’t mind that at all. They will happily follow the characters as they try to decipher the plot.
In my opinion, Hallett has succeeded with her new novel. I do note that there are many, many characters but there is a helpful list included for readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Description:
from the publisher
From “modern Agatha Christie” (TheSunday Times, London) Janice Hallett, a follow-up to her blockbuster novel The Appeal, featuring the Fairway Players as they find themselves embroiled in murder, blackmail, and betrayal as they mount their latest theatrical production.
Welcome back to Lower Lockwood. The Fairway Players return with Sarah-Jane and Kevin MacDonald as committee cochairs. This year, they have chosen to stage Agatha Christie’s The Hollow. But auditions aren’t their only problem: Sarah-Jane’s sister, Nicky-Rose, is suddenly back in town under mysterious circumstances, having sold her home in Barbados, left her business providing entertainment on cruise ships, and moved back into their mother Carol’s house.
As always, they’re short on men, and new Player Fran Elroy-Jones enlists a young married couple and the husband’s cousin to join. But no one wants to play the part of the hated Gerda, leaving Kevin and Sarah-Jane with no option but to reach out to an old member they know would be happy to perform in any role.
As with any production, tensions run high, and our intrepid lawyers Femi and Charlotte are tasked with uncovering exactly what happened on the opening night of The Hollow—and whether the correct person has taken the blame.
Editorial Reviews:
“[A} mystery as clever as any Dame Agatha ever devised. This will delight the author’s fans.” —Publishers Weekly
“The whole thing is enhanced by Hallett’s sly observational humor and sense of the absurd—and how it applies to the deluded, self-regarding and back-stabbing characters she brings so amusingly to life.” —The New York Times Book Review
“Fans familiar with Hallett’s quirky epistolary style—the entire story is told via texts, WhatsApp messages, and emails—will know to expect guffaws, surprises, cringe-worthy moments, high drama, and catastrophe… Readers will be just as puzzled as the two lawyers charged with figuring out the truth and bringing the baddies to justice—until all the clues fall into place and the curtain falls on another successful Fairway production.” —Booklist
“Hallett writes another tightly wound whodunit told via emails and text messages as in The Appeal and deftly adapts her storyline to mimic the style of Christie’s play, making this a clever and very entertaining read.” —Library Journal
Note:
My reviews of other titles by this author may be found on my blog.
