To say the most important thing first…I LOVED this book and highly recommend it. Yes, there are many, many novels currently being published that are set in WWII. I have read and enjoyed many of them. Still, even if you feel WWII fiction fatigue, give this one a chance.
The Rose Code’s main setting is Bletchley Park. As most know, this was an important location for those who broke codes and helped to win the war. Into this setting come three women:
Osla: She was a debutante before the war took her to BP but she has always wanted to do more and to be seen as more than this. Osla had a haphazard upbringing by a neglected mother but she moves in society’s highest circles; her godfather is Mountbatten and she knows a certain Phillip very well.
Mabel, renamed (by herself) as Mab: She grew up in Shoreditch where expectations for her were low. Coming to BP allows her to do and become more.
Bethan/Beth: She has lived in the shadow of a domineering mother but BP allows her particular genius and talents to flourish. She has a laser like focus and a great talent for the work she does.
What happens to these three and the events and people around them form the core of this immersive read. There are romance, joy, friendship, traitors, hardship, mystery and more contained in the pages of the story. It will engage readers who will wish that the book were even longer than its hefty length.
I listened to the audio of this title. The narrator was fantastic. She created each of the characters with their own voice.
Whether you like to read or listen, put this one on your TBR list.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Ann Cleeves is the author of many wonderful mystery series. She is, perhaps, best known for Vera but my favorites are the Jimmy Perez titles. Note that there are also series featuring the bird watchers named Palmer, and the Inspector Ramsays which were earlier and the more recent Matthew Venn books.
When Wild Fire was published, I thought that was the last time that I would read about Jimmy. I was sad about that so imagine how thrilled I was when I heard about this new title. When I received it from NetGalley, I was ecstatic.
Readers do not have to have read the other books to enjoy this one but whether the earlier entries are read before or after this one, they will offer readers a lot of pleasure. I recommend them all.
The story picks up with Jimmy and pregnant Willow who are now living and working in Orkney, whereas they had earlier been in Shetland. This gives them a fresh start but they will feel very much the same to fans of the books who will enjoy catching up with the couple and their young son.
This time, there is a lot of history about Orkney and an archaeological dig is an important setting in the story. When the first murder occurs, it is very personal to Jimmy as the victim is someone with whom he grew up. Jimmy is challenged to maintain his objectivity while also mourning. He needs to interview Archie’s wife Vaila and her parents among others. The killings do not stop at one murder. Readers can trust that Jimmy and Willow will work very hard to restore peace and order.
The settings in this book are beautifully brought to life. The important artifacts in the story are made vivid in the reader’s imagination. The characters are equally well described and are plentiful.
This book offers everything that a mystery lover of traditional stories could want. Those who already follow this series will be delighted and there may be new fans for Cleeves here.
Kirkus Reviews states: “A first-rate mystery full of historical detail and descriptions of a beautiful place.” I concur.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 30 September 2025
Some others in this series:
Note that there are reviews on my site for the author’s other series featuring Vera Stanhope and the one with Matthew Venn.
A twisty, tender and wise look at how secrets can transform the powerful—and sometimes problematic—bond between mothers and daughters, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery. When Shannon gets engaged, her beloved mom, Cindy, is the first person she wants to tell—and the last. Cindy’s engaged, too, and has already hinted at a double wedding. The image of a synchronized bouquet toss with her mom fills Shannon with horror. She’ll keep her engagement a secret until Cindy’s I-dos are done.
Victoria has never been proper enough for her mother, Ava, so she stopped trying. She lives on her own terms and amuses herself by pushing Ava’s buttons. Ava loves but doesn’t understand her stuntwoman daughter. When a movie-set mishap brings Victoria home, Ava longs to finally connect.
Chance brings the four women together at a wedding venue, where a shocking secret comes tumbling out. Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby—then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.
On Sale Date: November 4, 2025
9780778387268, 0778387267
Hardcover
$30.00 USD, $37.00 CAD
Fiction / Family Life / Siblings
368 pages
Start reading:
How does the horse look?
Victoria Rogers pressed her good arm to her very bruised, almost broken ribs. “Dad, don’t,” she said, trying to stay as still as possible. “You can’t be funny. It already hurts to breathe. It wasn’t a horse.”
Her father frowned. “I was told you were thrown off a horse.” “I was thrown out of a truck.”
“Then how’d you get the black eyes?”
“The ground was a little bit pissy when I hit it and punched me back.”
There wasn’t a part of her that didn’t hurt. The good news was that now that the medical staff had determined she didn’t have a head injury, they were going to give her drugs to help with the pain. She’d already said she didn’t want any of that weak-ass pill stuff. She wanted a nurse to give her a shot of something that would work instantly and let her rest. Because in addition to the bruised ribs, requisite scrapes and contusions, she had a broken left leg and a sprained wrist. Her previously dislocated shoulder also throbbed, but that was kind of the least of it.
As she lay in her hospital bed, feeling like death on a tortilla, she had the thought that maybe stunt work wasn’t for her. Injuries came with the job, but this was the third time in five years she’d landed in the hospital. The first time she’d messed up, so that was on her, but the other two had just been plain bad luck. The incident with the truck had come about because one of the tires had blown, causing the however many ton vehicle to jump the curb—an action that had sent her flying up and over the side. Gravity, being the bitch it was, had flung her onto the sidewalk. Hence the injuries.
Her father studied her, his brows drawn together in concern. “None of this makes me happy,” he told her.
The incongruous statement nearly made her laugh. She remembered—just in time—that her ribs wouldn’t appreciate the subsequent movement and they would punish her big-time.
“Today isn’t my favorite day either,” she admitted, trying not to groan. “I didn’t wake up with the thought that I should try to get thrown out of the back of a pickup.” Although technically getting thrown out of the truck had been the stunt. Just not when it had happened and without warning or a plan.
“I’m worried,” her father told her.
“I’ll be fine.”
“This time.”
She winced, and not from pain. “Now you sound like Mom.”
Her father, a handsome man only a few months from his sixtieth birthday, brightened. “Thank you, Victoria. That’s such a nice thing to say.”
Given her weakened condition, she let that comment slide. Honestly she didn’t have the strength to deal with it right now, even though she knew her father understood exactly what she’d been saying. He was only pretending to not get it.
“If you’re going to act like that, you should go,” she said, then amended what could be construed as a catty comment into something more kind. Mostly because she only had the emotional energy not to get along with one of her parents, and her mother had already claimed that prize. “Besides, they’ll be bringing my drugs any second. I plan to surrender to sleep, so I’m not going to be very conversational.”
As if to prove her point, one of the nurses walked in with a syringe. “Ready to feel better?” he asked cheerfully.
“Yes, and let me say, you’re my favorite person ever.”
He winked. “I get that all the time.”
He slowly injected whatever the medication was into her IV. Victoria drew in a shallow breath as she waited to feel that first blurring of the edges of the pain. Modern medicine was a miracle she intended to embrace.
The nurse left. Milton took her good hand in his.
“I’ll let you rest,” he told her. “But I’ll be back later tonight.” He squeezed her fingers. “Tomorrow, when you’re released, I’m taking you home.”
Ugh. Victoria knew that her father wasn’t talking about the pretty condo he’d bought her when she’d turned twenty-one. Instead he meant the house where she’d grown up. The one where her mother still resided.
“I don’t need to move back,” she protested, feeling the first telltale easing of the pain. “I have a few bumps and bruises.”
“Along with a broken leg. And what about your ribs? You can barely move without wincing.”
“I have zero pain tolerance. I’m a total wimp.”
He frowned. “You’re tough and stoic. If you’re showing signs of pain, it’s bad. You’ll stay with your mother and me until you’re well enough to be on your own.” He pointed at her. “I mean it, Victoria. You don’t get a vote.”
Her father was rarely stern with her, so his sharp tone warned her he wasn’t kidding. And she knew from twenty-four years of experience that arguing with the man would get her nowhere. Milton didn’t take a stand very often, but when he did, he was the immovable object.
“I wish you loved me less,” she murmured, feeling a little floaty and stumbling over her words. “Okay, I feel drugs. Let me enjoy the experience of breathing without, you know, wanting to die.”
Oh, baby girl. You’ve always been difficult.”
“I know. It’s one of my best qualities.” Her eyes drifted closed. “Love you, Dad.”
“Love you more.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you tonight.”
SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that shape women’s lives―family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree―40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. She’s passionate about animal welfare, which shows in the many quirky animal characters she has created. Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband and adorable poodle. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.
It is blog tour season at HTP. I am delighted to be on the tour for this new book by Susan Mallery. I was intrigued by this story about mothers, daughters, adoption, weddings, secrets, family and love. The pages most definitely turn. Fans of the author (and those for whom this will be their first by her) are in for a treat.
Meet Me in Monaco feels like the perfect title for right now. It is a gentle, romantic story that will allow its readers to escape daily life. Much of the book is set in France with its beautiful towns and countryside. And then, of course, readers also spend time in Monaco itself.
The background for the story is Grace Kelly’s wedding to Prince Rainier but Sophie and Jim are also prominent characters for whom readers want the best. Sophie is a parfumier with a beloved family business that is facing financial ruin. The man she is to marry does not always seem right for her. Jim is a photographer assigned at times to follow Ms. Kelly. Jim is divorced and the woman in his life is daughter, Emily.
Sophie meets Jim when he chases Grace into Sophie’s store. From this beginning, readers will spend time with the three and with the others who surround them, all the while hoping for fairy tale endings.
The book follows a typical narrative structure with the addition of interspersed news articles. These are fun to read and help readers to feel that they are witnesses to the action.
This novel was written by two authors who worked very well together. It was impossible for me to detect who was writing when.
I highly recommend this novel for those who need a bit of feel good time.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
I did not know who Alice Marble was before I started reading this absorbing historical fiction by Jenni Walsh. Now I know that I won’t forget who this talented athlete and woman was.
Alice was growing up poor. Her father had died and older brothers had left school to help support the family. One of these brothers sparked Alice’s interest in tennis, even though it was because he wanted to channel her away from what he perceived to be the less ladylike sport of playing ball.
Alice had raw talent, drive, ambition, spirit but not the resources of some of the well heeled players against whom she was matched. She got a lucky break when “Teach” noticed her. She went on to work so hard at her game. Readers will find themselves rooting for Alice and hoping for her success in both tennis and life.
However, as can be gleaned from the title of this book, Marble did more than play tennis. What was her work during WWII? How much of a difference did she make? What was the rest of her life like? Read this one to find out.
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will, I think, enjoy getting to know Alice Marble. Tennis fans, too, are in for a real treat. I very much liked this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for this title. All opinions are my own.
The Old Success follows The Knowledge, a book that I really enjoyed. The Old Success is not quite as good but will still be welcomed by fans of Richard Jury and his eccentric circle of friends. Old readers, for example, will probably love Melrose’s latest attempt to get at his aunt. You do not have to have read all the books in the series to pick this up but it may help to know a bit about the cast. In this novel, there are three murders. One takes place in the Scilly Islands, one in Exeter Cathedral and one on a family estate. Are they linked, and if they are, what is the connection? As usual, there are characters who are children and essential to the story. In this case, the reader meets Zillah and Zoe. What did they witness? What is their connection to the bigger mystery surrounding the deaths? The title of the book comes from the name of a pub, as is usual for Martha Grimes. Those in the pubs are witnesses and friends, including a retired police officer who solved all his cases. There is also his granddaughter who is talented at working with horses. Quite a mix. Of course, all is solved. I read this book quickly. I rate it at 3 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance read in exchange for an honest review.
Welcome back Richard Jury and Co! After reading The Man with a Load of Mischief, I always looked for books in this series. Then, I moved away from them…not sure why, the books or me. But, I will tell you that I very much enjoyed The Knowledge. All of the trademarks are here; characters including Wiggins, Melrose Plant, Diane, etc. and of course the preternaturally smart, cunning and ingenious child(ren). On top of this there is Africa, Art, Astrophysics, the Stars and murder, all of which line up as perfectly as an eclipse. If you enjoy traditional British style (author is American) mysteries with a twist, read this novel!
The Secret Garden is a well-known children’s classic. The story of a young orphan, a mansion on the moors, a crippled young boy and others is a hopeful one. The novel has been presented in different formats including a recent movie with Colin Firth, a cookbook and this graphic novel version.
All of the elements of The Secret Garden are here. The illustrations are evocative and true to the story. The dialogue covers the plot well. All in all, this title is a welcome addition to the classic version of the story. I recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
A new novel from this author is always most welcome! What I love about this series is not so much the mysteries, although those are well constructed, but the relationships among the characters and the ways in which the city of Venice is brought to life. Guido and Paola seem so real and affectionate with one another; they have a marriage that many would envy. Watching Guido and Paola with their children is a treat as is reading about their latest family dinner. Guido’s relationships with his extended family and work colleagues are also brought vividly to life.
In this book, a friend of the family who is elderly wants to adopt an adult male to be his heir. Will you as the reader feel empathy for this lonely man? All around wonder if this adoption is a good plan but he is determined and undeterred. Is this what leads to his and one other’s death? What are the reasons for what is happening? How are families constructed? They are not all like Guido’s.
For fans of Donna Leon, the chance to spend time with her will be a delight. New readers will also enjoy the book and will probably then look to read others in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this good read. The opinions are mine alone.
Jennifer Ryan has become one of my favorite writers of historical fiction and here she has written another successful WWII set story. In The Underground Library, she follows three main and many auxiliary characters.
Juliet has gotten her dream job, even if it may only be because the men are away. She is now the Deputy Librarian of the Bethnal Green Library. (Look it up for some great photos). She hopes to liven up the rather staid premises with a book club, children’s story hour and more. What will she contribute to the project that is the title of this book?
Juliet lives with a landlady and it turns out that she knows the other boarder. Juliet used to have no respect for him. Will her feelings change?
Katie has been working in the library while waiting to attend university. She becomes a friend and colleague to Juliet. However, Katie faces a serious crisis. Will she be okay?
Sophie lived a nice upper middle class life in Germany before the war. She has become a Jewish refugee in London. Sophie works for an incredibly mean spirited man and some in London view her in a rather prejudiced manner. She finds solace in the library. Will Sophie get a chance at something better? Will she ever be reunited with her family?
Readers also get to know a number of the library’s patrons. These include two older sisters and the rather bold Marigold. All of them interact over the course of the story including, of course, the three main characters.
The author does a good job of depicting wartime London. The descriptions of bombing raids, Anderson shelters and running to the underground for safety are all well portrayed.
This is a novel that will be enjoyed by those who like books about books, women’s fiction and WWII set stories. The pages definitely turn.
Look for all of Jennifer Ryan’s novels starting with The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir. They offer engaging reads.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Meet Me in Monaco feels like the perfect title for right now. It is a gentle, romantic story that will allow its readers to escape daily life. Much of the book is set in France with its beautiful towns and countryside. And then, of course, readers also spend time in Monaco itself.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 