Mary Kirk, Bessiewallis Warfield, Diana Spencer…their stories entwine in this historical novel that is largely based on truth. It is a page turning and fascinating look at life in America and Europe from 1912 until 1997.

Mary and Wallis became friends in their teens; Wallis married an American pilot; Mary married a French pilot. Wallis divorced and subsequently married Ernest Simpson. You probably all know who her third husband was… but do you know who Mary married next? I won’t spoil the book by telling you.

Mary and Wallis’s stories come alive in a glittering London. The story of Alex and Rachel, who are impacted by Diana’s death, takes place in 1997. Choices are made by all with implications and consequences. I truly enjoyed this book and suggest it highly to fans of historical fiction.

www.nytimes.com/2021/12/06/books/review/best-thrillers-2021.html

by Jessie Burton

Medusa is listed as a YA book by its publisher, Bloomsbury. I believe that adult readers will also enjoy this retelling of the ancient Greek story.

Jessie Burton does a wonderful job of bringing Medusa to life in a way that will help readers to understand and have empathy for her complex character. Medusa’s voice shines through. She has a revelatory style and often speaks directly to the reader.

Many know to associate with Medusa with snakes. Here the snakes are very much alive and each has its own personality. The difficulties of Medusa’s unwanted transformation are beautifully presented.

Other mythological folks come into this story. There are Perseus, Zeus, Poseidon and others including Medusa’s sisters. Thus, a whole world is created.

In addition, this book is illustrated. Adults may enjoy this as how often do we get to read and also see depictions of a story? This is something that is not generally found in books directed to adults.

I highly recommend this title. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A Daniel Pitt Novel

by Anne Perry

Anne Perry is a prolific writer of historical mysteries; she has written a number of series including the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels, the books featuring Monk and Hester, her Christmas novellas, and the new Elena Standish series, among others. This novel is part of a spinoff; it features Daniel Pitt who is Charlotte and Thomas’s son. For those who may not know, Thomas Pitt rose through both the police service and Special Branch. He is wise and was always ably assisted by his emotionally keyed in wife in his cases. Daniel is a barrister who combines some of the best traits of each of his parents.

Death with a Double Edge is book number four about Daniel. This time, someone in Daniel’s chambers has been viciously murdered. At first Daniel thinks that the victim is his good friend and associate Toby. However, it was not Toby but another lawyer who had borrowed Toby’s coat. Who was the intended victim? Why was he in such a dangerous part of London in the early hours of the morning? Was his death related to his work or his personal life? Daniel is tasked with finding out. At the same time, Daniel is concerned for how this situation will impact the head of his chambers, Marcus fford Croft, and the head’s daughter Miriam. Miriam is someone ahead of her time and a person who is important to Daniel.

All will be resolved of course but there will be issues along the way. Some of the seamier aspects of life in early 20th century London will come to light.

I enjoyed this latest novel by one of my favorite authors. Anne Perry can tell a good tale. She is also insightful and understands something about human nature.

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

A Novel

by Louis de Bernieres

I was drawn to this novel by its beautiful cover. Also, while I had never read a book by this author, his name was familiar to me.

This is a novel about people who are trying to find meaning in their lives. They survived WWI when many others did not. This has left them with questions about what life should be like.

Each character in this story is well described and filled out. Readers will have empathy for Rosie, Daniel and the others as they struggle.

This novel has been called ‘sweeping’ and I think that is an apt description. Immerse yourself in this one. Note that it is the second in a trilogy although it can be read without having read the first novel. Readers may well want to read all three titles though.

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

Unto Us a Son Is Given by Leon

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.

#UntoUsASonIsGiven #NetGalley

A Novel

by Anne Perry

#AChristmasLegacy #NetGalley

Anne Perry began writing her Christmas novellas back in 2003. I think that “A Christmas Legacy” is the nineteenth of this ongoing collection.

These books are ones to enjoy every year. Each features a favorite character from one of Ms. Perry’s series. This year readers will spend time with the intrepid Gracie. Long term readers will know that Gracie had been a servant to Charlotte and Thomas Pitt. She became one of the family and often helped in solving cases. Gracie left service when she married one of the police officer who worked for Thomas.

As this novella opens, Gracie is the mistress of her own home. She has a children whom she adores. All seems well. However, when Millie, the daughter of someone well-known to Gracie, seeks help, there is no way that Gracie will refuse.

As a result, Gracie temporarily finds herself back “in service.” What is going on in the home where she works? Why is food disappearing, especially sweets? Who is a mysterious party that is hidden from view? Why is the family having so much difficulty?

Readers will enjoy spending time with Gracie as she works all of these questions out. She is a most likeable character.

Please note: those who have never read books by Ms. Perry can still enjoy this title.

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