The Barbizon

The Hotel That Set Women Free

by Paulina Bren

There was a time when young women moving to New York City spent their first weeks (or longer) at the Barbizon Hotel. The guests were both famous and not. All were looking for a place that a female could safely and uncontroversially stay. Everyone from Grace Kelly to Sylvia Plath spent time there, beginning after WWI. The building is still there but, of course, is no longer the same.

It was a place of rules. For example, no men were allowed upstairs. But, even so, it offered a welcome sense of freedom to its residents.

Those who are interested in the social history, the roles of women and the city of New York will find that this title is interesting and informative. It is also somewhat nostalgic and, for that reason, may give readers a pleasant escape.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

A Charming Irish Cozy Mystery

by Catie Murphy

Dead in Dublin is Catie Murphy’s first entry in what I think will be a new and enjoyable cozy mystery series. Fans of that genre may want to give this one a look. In it, an American who drives tourists around Dublin becomes involved in a murder investigation. Many of the elements that cozy lovers appreciate are here; there is the Irish setting, not too much blood, an interesting case, a Garda officer and…two puppies. So, enjoy some armchair travel and a relaxing read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

NOTE: THIS BOOK’S E EDITION IS CURRENTLY JUST NINETY-NINE CENTS!

Put this on your TBR pile: Trace Elements A Comissario Guido Brunetti Mystery by Donna Leon

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsJanuary 21, 2020

MY EARLIER REVIEW

Where I live, the weather is currently cold and the days are short.  When Trace Elements takes place during  a summer in Venice, it is as hot as hot can be.  Clothes are sticking, meals need to be light and our detective, Guido Brunetti is mystified by the tourists who want to be in Venice at this miserable time.  I could feel the heat and the need to drink mineral water.  All of this is to say that Ms. Leon is a master at creating her scenes and characters.  When Brunetti was eating his cheese and salad,   I salivated.  When I followed this essentially good man throughout the story, I wanted to know him and his colleagues as real people.  When Brunetti was with his wife, Paola, I wanted a marriage like theirs.  All of this adds verisimilitude to a novel that, in parts, is deeply tragic.

Tue story begins when Brunetti and a female colleague go to visit Benedetta, a women in hospice care, who is dying a miserable death from cancer.  Readers will feel great sympathy for this character’s suffering.  Before she dies, Benedetta presents Brunetti and Claudia Griffoni with something to investigate.  They learn that Benedetta’s daughters are about to become orphans as Benedetta’s husband recently died in a crash.  Was his death an accident? If it was murder how, if at all, does it relate to his job?

In Trace Elements (an apt title), the crime as it relates to Venice feels all too plausible.  Ms. Leon has done her research and written a believable and sad tale of human corruption and its consequences.  Wrong actions happen but the reasons for them differ.

This title is the latest entry in Donna Leon’s long running series about Guido Brunetti.  It is a most excellent novel and I recommend it highly.

#TraceElements #NetGalley

www.nytimes.com/2021/03/05/books/review/crime-fiction-windsor-knot.html

A Novel

by Rhys Bowen

Rhys Bowen is well known and loved by mystery readers for her Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness series. She has also begun writing a number of historical novels. The Victory Garden is, I think, the second of these.

The story is set during WWI. A young woman meets a cheeky Australian pilot. What will happen in their relationship and how will it impact Emily’s life?

During the war, Emily becomes a land girl. She finds a journal that intrigues her with the powerful properties of herbs. How will this discovery impact her life moving forward?

From this brief outline, the talented Ms. Bowen weaves her story. If you are a fan of the author, consider giving this or another of her standalone novels a try.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A big summer read: Big Summer A Novel by Jennifer Weiner

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsJune 6, 2020

MY EARLIER REVIEW

A new book by this author is always welcome and this title is no exception.  Big Summer is a summer read but one with a bit of food (apologies for the pun) for thought.  Protagonist Daphne has spent much of her life struggling with her weight and the impact this has on her self-esteem.  As the novel opens, she is an “influencer” who is feeling better about herself.

Daphne lives with a roommate she likes and has caring and supportive parents.  She cares for two children whom she likes, and maintains all of her social accounts.  But…her life is about to change.

When Daphne was in 6th grade, she enrolled in the private school where her father taught.  While there, she made some good friends including her current roommate.  She also came under the spell of Drue.  Drue seemed to have everything that Daphne wanted and when Drue offered her friendship, even a flawed one, Daphne was willing to accept this.  Of course, she subsequently got hurt as happens when one cedes to the desires of a mean girl.

After a period of about 6 years, Drue comes back into Daphne’s life again seeming to offer Daphne something but, of course, also wanting something.  What will happen moving forward?  No spoilers so you will have to read the book to find out.

This book touches on some issues that matter:  the importance of family, the nature of friendship, self-acceptance and self-esteem are some of them. Another is what it means to live life by social media posts.  Never hitting readers over the head, Ms. Weiner just invites them to think while they enjoy a Big Summer.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#BigSummer #NetGalley