Month: March 2022

It’s a small state but a lot goes on there: Ocean State

by Stewart O’Nan

Narrated by Sara Young
#OceanState #NetGalley

I very much wanted to read/listen this book in part because I am originally from the Ocean State. The story sounded intriguing and multilayered.

Often in mysteries, there is a murder and the reader waits to find out “whodunnit.” In Ocean State, listeners know from the start that there was a murder and who committed the crime. The book goes on to tell the story of the family of the teen murderer from multiple points of view.

The narration for Ocean State is crisp and clear. The reader tells the story well.

I am sad to say though that I did not have enough time to hear the whole book before the expiration date. I will follow up by either purchasing or requesting this one from the library.

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

What do you know: The Ultimate Guide of Random Facts

Boredom-busting Trivia That Will Impress Your Friends

by Cerebrum Publishing

#TheUltimateGuideofRandomFacts #NetGalley

Those who love trivia and arcane facts (or who hope to make millions on Jeopardy one day) will enjoy this book. There are many questions here and they involve everything from fill in the blank to multiple choice to matching questions, to questions.

Categories include movies, celebrities, history, food, classic literature and more. If answering questions or just getting some new information appeals to you, give this one a look. It could be used for a fun pub quiz or family quiz night.

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

Is it what she deserved: Death of a Busybody

A British Library Crime Classic

by George Bellairs

Mystery fans are undoubtedly familiar with the “Golden Age” of detective fiction. Writers including Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, Josephine Tey were popular then and remain popular today. Of course, there were many others writing during these years, of whom one was George Bellairs. Readers who enjoy this time period in mystery writing will want to give this title a look.

This novel has all of the key features of the stories of that time. Readers can tell this from the first page when a character named Rev Ethelred Claplady is introduced. There follows a murdered busybody along with a Scotland Yard inspector.

There is also the small village where much transpires. Sound good to you? If yes, read this and other entries in the series both of Bellairs book and the British Library.

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

Will he follow: In His Father’s Footsteps

A Novel

by Danielle Steel

#InHisFathersFootsteps #NetGalley

Daneille Steel has been writing novels for many years. She has been highly successful with her titles regularly becoming bestsellers. Readers know that they will find a story that makes them turn the pages and one that has some emotional resonance.

In this novel, the subject is surviving the Holocaust and trying to make a new life. This is difficult for the couple in the story and also has implications for their son. Jakob and Emmanuelle, make a life together after the war. It is based on hard work after they are able to come to America. Will they be able to put their past in a less fraught place and will they achieve the “American Dream?” What of their son? He faces his own obstacles but no spoilers so I will not say more.

Those who enjoy historical fiction and/or women’s fiction should enjoy this title. It is hard though to be reminded of the very real issues involved with war and survival, especially in light of current events.

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