War and mystery: The King’s Justice A Maggie Hope Mystery by Susan Elia MacNeal-an e book bargain

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsFebruary 25, 2020

I have been reading the Maggie Hope mysteries since the first title, Mr. Churchill’s Secretary, was published in 2012.  The King’s Justice is the ninth in this historical mystery series.  Any of the books can be read as a standalone but readers of the series will relate to familiar characters including members of Maggie’s family.

The King’s Justice is a complex tale.  By the time that this story takes place, the stresses of war and Maggie’s work life (currently as a bomb disposal expert) are taking their toll.  Maggie is smoking and drinking too much and pushing for intimacy in a relationship where it does not appear wanted.

Into this tense and chaotic life come new challenges.  A Stradivarius violin has been stolen.  Will it be connected to the bigger cases of the novel?

Maggie is working with many Italian conscientious objectors in the UXB squad.  Why are they disappearing?  Are they dead or alive? Where would they go? Who is responsible for what is happening?

As if this were not enough, an imprisoned serial killer from a prior case wants to see Maggie.  He tantalizes her with the possibility of helping to solve another serial murder case that is being investigated, the one dubbed the Jimmy Greenteeth case. Readers will gradually watch the aspects of the story come together.

The author has done her research and posed some big questions.  I learned a lot about how the Italian community  in Britain was treated during WWII.  There are also questions raised as to what justice is or should entail.

There are big themes here and a story that reads very quickly.  My time with Maggie and her circle was well spent.  I already am looking forward to where the author will takes me in the next novel in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.  I honestly recommend all of the books in this series.

#TheKingsJustice #NetGalley

#DoYourBest #NetGalley

Bear Grylls, the very well-known adventurer, has here written a book in which he shares some of his expertise. The result is a title packed with information in its over 350 pages. Chapters include everything from How to be a Scout and How to be an Adventurer to How to be You. These sections are followed by one called Useful Stuff That Just Might come in Handy (indeed!).

The book opens with a welcome in which Bear signs off as “your friend.” He is truly welcoming as he encourages kids to use this book in whatever way and/or order makes sense to them. He gives permission to get the book dirty and messy. He hopes that this is a title that will be kept and used for many years. I love how he encourages kids to face life fearlessly and with a spirit of adventure.

This title is nicely illustrated and filled with information and inspiration. Even just a few pages in, learn all the things that can be done with a neckerchief. Learn how people have coped with adversity with Nelson Mandela as just one example.

I highly recommend this book. Even though it is for kids (possibly), there is much that could benefit an adult as well. For a start, take a look at the section on what makes a good leader.

Note: The title is connected with and references the Scouting program.

Many thanks to Nicholas Brealey/Hodder & Soughton U.S. for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 28 September 2023

From the Publisher

#TheHoneymoonAffair #NetGalley

Books by Sheila O’Flanagan consistently offer just what a reader in search of relaxation needs. There are good characters, a story that keeps the pages turning and some luxurious settings. In this story, I also liked the literary quotes that begin each chapter.

Izzy is broken hearted as the novel begins. She was all set to be married in a gorgeous island venue when her fiancé concludes that he is not ready to settle down. Rather than give up the honeymoon trip, Izzy travels with her cousin to a resort that sounds amazing.

There is a well known author, Charles, staying there. He was once in a relationship with his agent Ariel who continues to represent him. Working on his forthcoming novel while holed up in this paradise, Charles meets Izzy. The lives of these three characters then keep readers engaged.

What will happen to each of them? Will Izzy or Ariel have a long term and more permanent relationship with Charles? If not, where will each of their lives take them?

I enjoyed that, in addition to the relationships, readers learn about the work of each character. Charles who had big success illustrates that writing the next books can be a challenge. Ariel offers insight into the life of a literary agent while Izzy taught me a lot about inspections at ports.

This book will be welcomed by fans of the author and those who flock to women’s fiction titles.

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

This title was published in May 2024

Jodi Picoult

#ByAnyOtherName #NetGalley

Where does the title come from? Find out below. Think too of the different meanings it might have.

Picoult is an author who does not write the same book twice. That said, she has a knack for writing interesting novels that are often quite topical (school shootings, abortion and more).

In this latest work, Picoult examines ways in which women’s work is often taken to be less valuable. How might this play out in two time periods? Turn the pages to find out.

In the earlier time period, Picoult postulates that Emilia Bassano was never credited but wrote many of Shakespeare’s plays. Could this be true?

The world of her and Shakespeare’s time is very authentically portrayed here. Picoult did her research. Details of clothing, education, women’s roles, the power of men and more come alive.

Emilia faced many obstacles after her father died and her mother left her. She was educated but faced many constraints. How did she survive?

In the present day, Mel, who is a budding playwright, faces many challenges. She has learned that Emilia was a relative and has written a play about her. How are their lives the same and different? How do they each face their creative obstacles? Read this long novel to find out.

Be sure to look at the notes at the back of the book. There are lots of details on Shakespeare related references.

Those who are already fans of the author will likely buy this book. I hope that those new to her will also pick this up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Title answer: Romeo and Juliet. Think 🌹

Pub date: 20 August 2024

An e book bargain today

The summer is not quite over yet! Here is a fun book for those last lazy days whether at the beach, on the porch or in the AC.

Phoebe writes greeting cards for a living. It has all gone a bit sour as her latest romance ended with her partner getting ready too marry someone else (the nerve!). So, this Brit goes to visit her wealthy sister in LA. Readers will enjoy watching how her California dreams come true.

Lindsey becomes friendly with Bel who has a massive crush on Ren. In a modern take on Cyrano, Phoebe tries to move this relationship forward. But…who would make the best couple? Read this one to fine out!

The descriptions of LA, food, houses, beaches, etc are all designed to give readers a great armchair travel experience. There are times to laugh and also some moments of deeper emotion.

All in all, a pretty perfect summer read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 05 September 2023

PW calls this one a treat.

From the Publisher

No Strangers Here

A Riveting Dark Irish Mystery

by Carlene O’Connor

An e book bargain

#NoStrangersHere #NetGalley

No Strangers Here is the first entry in a new series by Carlene O’Connor. It is the start of some titles by this author that move away from the cozy genre.

Dimpna is a vet who left Dingle (where she grew up) a number of years ago. During the time she was away, Dimpna raised a son from whom she has kept a very big secret, married but found that scandal surrounded her husband, and was left struggling. She decided to return to Dingle, where a man had been murdered, her parents were suspects, it wasn’t clear if an old friend could be trusted, and more.

The body is found with a message. Does it mean what Dimpna thinks it might? How deeply will she be drawn into events and what will it be like to see an old friend with police connections as well as interact with the detective on the case? As can be guessed by this description a lot goes on in these pages.

I enjoyed this book. I will look forward to the next in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 October 2022

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for No Strangers Here

“This solid series launch from O’Connor takes a more somber approach to crime solving than her Irish Village mysteries…O’Connor adds plot twists that many won’t anticipate. Judicious use of Irishisms (“I swear to ye”) adds color. Readers will eagerly await what happens next in County Kerry.”
—Publishers Weekly
 
“Exciting, convoluted, and rich with compelling characters, this is the best of O’Connor’s Irish mysteries to date.” —Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW
 
“Known for her cozies, O’Connor moves into darker territory here. For fans of Louise Penny.”
—Library Journal

NOTE: A free sneak peek is available on Amazon.

The best books of 2024 — our critics’ top 11 reads

https://www.thetimes.com/article/91616c4d-ae74-431c-842e-50d357da91e7?shareToken=e23de52673c4135089caa610858b9249

Our ten favourite novels — we could read them every summer

https://www.thetimes.com/article/757b5ab9-55cb-4acc-9d5f-db084c722453?shareToken=9b3c05992022ee2661dab6b38053a50c

To celebrate 50 years of the Sunday Times bestseller list, we have calculated the nation’s most popular books over the past five decades — how many have you read?
— Read on www.thetimes.com/magazines/culture-magazine/article/top-100-sunday-times-bestsellers-50-years-ndnkjkp60

B Is for Belonging

by Shannon Anderson

This alphabet book that is about belonging features compassionate words for all of the letters. For example G is for gifts (not material ones), K is for kindness, R is for relationships, and U is for understand.

This title is cheerfully illustrated with children of many backgrounds. The text is simple but well able to inspire conversation.

This is a terrific alphabet book. It encourages children to understand themselves and others.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Teacher Created Materials-Free Spirit Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐