Everything You Need to Know about Health, Property, Investment, Leisure, Work, Pensions and Tax

by Jonquil Lowe

#TheGoodRetirementGuide2025 #NetGalley

This guide has been published yearly for quite a while now. It remains a good and comprehensive resource.

I do want to note about this title is that it is geared toward British readers. For that reason, some of the specifics may not be as useful for those from other countries. However, that said, there are many good things to think about here and with a bit of research, readers can most likely find similar resources in their own countries.

There are a number of chapters that have to do with finances, including budgeting, pensions, tax and more. I like that there other sections that look at options for life as a retiree; for example, there are sections on leisure activities including adult education, the arts, dance, museums and more. There are also chapters on starting a business and even one on looking for paid work or living abroad. In addition, there is a detailed section on health.

This is a book that includes a lot. Readers can tackle it by going straight through or by focusing on areas of interest.

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

Pub date: 03 January 2025

Reference

320 pages

2024 AGATHA AWARDS PRESENTED
The Agatha Awards, named in honor of Agatha Christie, are nominated and voted on by Malice Domestic fans. The Agatha Awards honor the traditional mystery — books best typified by the works of Agatha Christie. The 2024 Awards (given in 2025 for books published in 2024) were presented April 26, 2025, during Malice Domestic 37. Our congratulations to the winners (listed first in each category) and to all of the nominees.

poisonedpen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/BN-May-25.pdf

#DaysattheMorisakiBookshop #NetGalley

This book was so easy for me to love. It is short (under 200 pages) and a paean to what books, bookshops and reading can mean to people.

Two of the main characters are a twenty-something young woman who has been hurt in a relationship and has, as a result, left her job. She goes to stay with an uncle who has taken over the family used bookstore.

When Takako first arrives, she has no interest in reading but one night all that changes. Through her, readers discover the excitement and sweetness that happens when the world of books opens to a person.

The neighborhood where the bookshop is located is a real one. I would love to go there.

This book is filled with quotable moments. For example:

It was as if, without realizing it, I had opened a door I had never known existed…It was as if a love of reading had been sleeping somewhere deep inside me all this time, an then it suddenly sprang to life. ..And there was no danger Id run out of books…It made me feel like I had been wasting my life…

Anyone who loves books and/or books about books, read this one. You won’t be sorry.

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

Pub date: 04 July 2023

A Wartime Story of Courage, Friendship, and Betrayal

by Matthew Goodman

#ParisUndercover #NetGalley

I have read a lot of WWII set historical fiction but not so many true stories. For this reason, I was intrigued by Matthew Goodman’s book. It did not disappoint.

According to Kirkus Reviews, there was a movie made that was based upon the two women about whom this book has been written. Of course, movies have the ability to alter things in a way that non-fiction titles do not. The author critiques some earlier accounts of the lives of the women he writes about here. But, he also does much more.

Goodman tells the story or two women, the American was Etta and the British woman was Kate. They helped many Allied servicemen make their way back to Britain from France. Doing this was treacherous and risky.

What happened to Etta and Kate? Find out in this well written, absorbing work of non-fiction that is very readable.

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

Pub date: 04 February

History

448 pages

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Of the countless books written about the French Resistance, Paris Undercover stands out as a true original: a riveting, masterfully researched exposé of the explosive reality behind the story of two women imprisoned by the Nazis for helping Allied soldiers escape from behind enemy lines. When one of the women is released early and publishes a falsehood-filled memoir, this portrait of courage and friendship morphs into a heart-pounding tale of betrayal that is impossible to put down.”—Lynne Olson, author of Madame Fourcade’s Secret War and Empress of the Nile

“With elegant language and his trademark meticulous research, Matthew Goodman peels back the layers of mythmaking to reveal a riveting true story that reads like a movie script and showcases the power of humans to persist in the face of overwhelming odds.” —Elizabeth Letts, author of The Perfect Horse

In Barbara Delinsky’s newest novel, one week changes lives as relationships are re-examined, rekindled and renewed.

One week-usually not much happens in that amount of time but, for the characters in this novel, past and present come together as old hurts, along with family secrets and relationships, surface along with questions about a disappearance.

Protagonist Mallory lives with her thirteen-year-old daughter Joy in New York where she has a busy life as a photographer.   Mallory’s camera allows her to both be creative and to look at the world through her own (literal) lens.  Mallory’s sister Anne lives in the Rhode Island town that Mallory left behind. Anne cares for her father, runs a (delicious sounding) breakfast restaurant, The Sunny Side Up and tries to decide what she wants from a relationship.  Third sister Margo has also left town and lives in Chicago with her family.  The three sisters reunite at the shore.

Also in Rhode Island is Mallory’s boyfriend from her younger years.  They had a serious falling out when Jack’s mother disappears from Mallory’s father’s boat, not to be heard from for over twenty years.   What happened to her?  What was the involvement of Mallory’s father?  Did he cause her death?  Did she die? Will he talk?  This is one of the big mysteries of the novel but there are others including the question of Mallory’s paternity.

I grew up in Rhode Island where the book is set.   To me the town seemed generic though, like any beach town, not especially RI-ey.  However, the town was charming and readers will wish that they could visit there.

This is a solid novel that kept me turning the pages.  It was not my favorite book by this author but I definitely enjoyed it and do recommend it to those who enjoy women’s fiction.  I preferred Ms. Delinsky’s last novel, Before and Again but that just means that you could read both!

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

Before and Again…how does what happens, mistakes that we have made, impact our view of the past, our present and our belief in the future? These big issues are fictionally brought to life in Barbara Delinsky’s newest novel.
Early on in the book, the reader learns that a moment of inattention led to the death of the protagonist’s daughter, Lily. Any parent can, but does not want to, imagine what this could mean. The reader watches as Maggie tries to move on and start fresh but…can/should the past be denied? A concurrent theme involves Grace who has secrets and stories of her own. In addition, Grace’s son is accused of computer hacking and the consequences of his act may impact his future, just as Maggie and Grace are impacted by their pasts.
I found the characters to be sympathetically drawn and would recommend this book to readers of women’s fiction.

About the book (from the publisher):

What would you do if you thought your coworker was getting away with murder—literally?

Dolores dela Cruz has been dying to spot one in the wild, and he fits the mold perfectly: strangler gloves, calculated charm, dashing good looks that give a leg up in any field . . . including fields of unmarked graves.

The new office temp is definitely a serial killer.

Jake Ripper finds a welcome distraction in his combative and enigmatic new coworker. He hasn’t come across anyone as interesting as Dolores in a long time. But when mere curiosity evolves into a darkly romantic flirtation, Jake can’t help but wonder if, finally, he’s found someone who really sees him, skeletons in the closet and all.

Until Dolores asks Jake’s help to dispose of a body . . .

A morbidly funny and emotionally resonant novel about the ways life—and love—can sneak up on us (no matter how much pepper spray we carry).

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for this opportunity. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 29 April 2025

384 pages

About the Author:

Kate Posey lives in British Columbia with her family. Serial Killer Games is her debut novel.

My thoughts:

Kate Posey went all out in this, her first novel. It is a combo of mystery, romance and comedy.

I found this title to be quirky and unique. It was not my usual kind of read but I applaud what the author was able to accomplish.

Editorial Reviews:

“This compelling blend of romance and mystery is beautifully written and utterly unique—let the games begin!”—Joanna Wallace, USA Today bestselling author of You’d Look Better as a Ghost

“The dual perspectives let readers see the inner workings of the characters and their relationship when fate pushes them together. Throughout the novel, there are fun references to classic horror, plus clever chapter titles. The story gets more complicated as it moves along, while the well-written banter between Dolores and Jake is enjoyable. A humorously gruesome love story with a murder in the mix.”—Library Journal

From the Publisher:

Lisa See has written many works of historical fiction yet this is the first book of hers that I have read. It won’t be the last.

Ms. See tells an absorbing story and one that is filled with historical detail and, numerous characters and aspects of Chinese culture. Her settings come to life so gorgeously. Early in the book, the protagonist is traveling to Shanghai. I could feel her seasickness and claustrophobia. I think I was as eager as she was to get outside for some air. The author’s words made this voyage so vivid.

Characters are a strength of this writer. They are complex, multidimensional, interesting and relatable, despite the fact that they lived long before us. For example, the protagonist’s mother dies very early in the story. I had been admired her and was upset when she collapsed. The why of this was historically accurate and tragic to those of our present day. I could feel the daughter’s grief. Another example… a concubine was living in the home. She, too, was not a cardboard figure but rather a woman with feelings, education and a wish to help this grieving girl.

These are examples from early in the book but so much more follows. This is a long and involving novel. Along the way, readers will learn much about the China in the 1400s.

Readers are introduced to Yunxian and her friend/colleague Meiling . Yunxian has a life in which she tries to balance her love of medicine with the traditional women’s roles of the time. Readers will hope that she can achieve all that she wants.

Highly recommended to fans of historical fiction. I know that I will now read more titles by this author.

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

Pub date: 06 June 2023

368 pages

From the Publisher

An e book bargain for 04.24.2024

Four stars ****

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.

From the publisher:

#FifthAvenueGlamourGirl #NetGalley

Readers will be drawn to this book by its inviting cover. They will stay to read the story.

Estee Lauder became one of the best known women in the cosmetics industry. Now her name is attached to companies, charities, exhibits and more. Once, though, she was a woman trying to find her way.

As this story opens Estee is selling face creams and treatments out of a not very deluxe beauty parlor. Readers learn that she is the main support of her husband and young son, Leon. Estee is fortunate to have ambition and a strong belief in her self and her products. She will need those qualities.

At this salon, Estee meets a young woman who is down on her luck. Gloria has a father who committed the sorts of crimes that nowadays we would associate with someone like Madoff. Her difficulties and bad publicity cause Gloria to take on this new name. She also has to navigate so much more than she was raised to do in her life of wealth and elegance. Horrors! The first job of this formerly wealthy woman is as a shampoo girl.

This story about Estee is told through Gloria’s eyes. It is also the story of Gloria. Read along as these two women find their way in 20th century America.

This book is recommended to readers of both historical and women’s fiction. It is definitely worth a look to see how the real Estee and fictional Gloria are entwined and help one another.

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

Pub date: 25 April 2023