I love to read, recommend books and open the world of reading to others. I tutor to ensure that the next generation of readers will know the joys of a good book because their reading skills have improved. I am an avid reader, especially of mysteries and fiction. I believe that two of the world's greatest inventions were the public library and eyeglasses!
Curtis Sittenfeld is a nimble author whose novels are each unique. I have read her takes on both Laura Bush and Hilary Rodham Clinton; while each had a similar subject in a president’s spouse, the books were definitely not the same kind of story twice. I also read Eligible which was a Jane Austen update. There is always a voice of its own in her works dating back to Prep.
This title is a lighter one in the Sittenfeld oeuvre. Many will think that there is some resemblance to SNL here. There are writers, a comedy sketch show with celebrity guests and other aspects that reference late night television. However, there are also the characters and relationships and they are Sittenfeld’s own. These folks include Sally who has not been lucky in love and has been having “hook ups” instead of commitments. She watches as a co-writer, Danny, who is described as not too well put together appearance wise, become involved with someone “out of his league.” Why do things turn out this way for men more than women?? What happens when guest host Noah comes on the show and what will happen between him and Sally over time? Read this one to find out.
Many have adored this book. I liked it. I could not quite enter its world and pushed a bit to finish it. That said, I think this will be a very popular read this spring and summer.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book is a wonderful debut novel that will be enjoyed by mystery and music aficionados. The author knows his classical music and this adds authenticity to an engaging story.
Ray wants to be a violinist, even if his family lacks enthusiasm for this choice. Ray plays a fiddle that he inherited from a relative; there is more to this instrument than is at first know, but you need to read the book to know what the secret is.
How successful will Ray be? Again, read to find out and to find out the fate of the violin.
Here is a mystery, a thriller, a story with a terrific protagonist, music and a black man navigating the world of classical music. What a combination!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub Date 01 Feb 2022
rom the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
A Good Morning America GMA Book Club Pick!
The Seattle Times’s Most Anticipated Books of the Year • Goodreads: Most Anticipated Mysteries and Thrillers • Medium: The Most Exciting Book Releases of the Year • Pop Sugar: 35 Must-Read Thrillers and Mystery Books to Keep You Chasing Clues • The Millions: Most Anticipated Books of the Year • A Publishers Weekly Top Ten Mystery/Thriller • Book Riot: The 15 Best New Mystery Books
“Slocumb imbues his character’s life with so much authenticity in the details, details that anyone who has played a stringed instrument, or played in a professional ensemble, will recognize. . . . Where Slocumb shines … is in the passages where he shows Ray’s grit. . . . [Brendan Slocumb] has plenty of brio to share with readers as well as listeners.” —NPR
“Such a page-turner . . . a musical bildungsroman cleverly contained within a literary thriller. . . . Slocumb isn’t too different from his protagonist: a natural. He easily conjures the thrill of mastering a tough musical passage and the tinnitus-like torture of everyday racism.” —The New York Times
“When I opened Brendan Slocumb’s debut novel, The Violin Conspiracy, I was immediately transported to a place I’d never been, surrounded by characters I’d never met. In the crowded world of fiction, that’s no small accomplishment. . . . Slocumb has orchestrated an engaging and suspenseful story about an aspiring musician and his great-great-grandfather’s violin. . . . The Violin Conspiracy is so wonderfully written, especially its descriptions of music, that at times I questioned whether I was reading or listening to a concert. . . . Slocumb is equally adept at suspense, whether he’s conveying the ticktock of the main mystery or the heart-pounding, fist-clenching realities Ray has to face as a young Black man in America. This novel, which will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page, is sure to be a favorite in 2022.” —The Washington Post
A True Story of Four Moms, Two Bodies, and One Mysterious Cold Case
by Chuck Hogan
#TheCarpoolDetectives #NetGalley
I confess that I do not really read true crime although I would list crime and mystery fiction as a great love. I find the world way too full of bad things already so choose fictional murders for my pleasure reading. Still, I felt a prickle of curiosity when I received an invitation to read this one. It certainly turned out to be interesting.
The Publisher’s Description:
A lot of us like to think we could solve a mystery. Can these four moms actually do it?
In 2020, Marissa, Jeannie, Samira, and Nicole find themselves at a familiar crossroads: when motherhood takes charge of their lives, they begin grappling with their own identities. Their thriving careers seem like a lifetime ago, and as their children become more independent, they struggle to find purpose. But when they meet at a bowling night fundraiser for their kids’ school, they discover a shared interest in true crime that crystalizes around a mysterious double homicide that took place in their hometown a decade earlier: A couple in their 60s vanished overnight from their home and mysteriously shuttered their family business, leaving millions of dollars unaccounted for. Initially believed to have absconded with the money, they went from suspects to victims when their bodies were discovered in their car at the bottom of a steep ravine. And then the case turned cold.
But what if the moms could solve it? What if they could bring a killer to justice and give closure to a grieving family?
The four women have no connection to the case and no law-enforcement background, but the determined group find themselves in incredible and often dangerous situations–digging for evidence in prohibited ravines, scouring potential crime scenes for blood splatter, and sifting through pages and pages of dense police files. As they get more and more entangled in this complex investigation, they also find themselves in real danger—and with information that could blow the case wide open.
An emotional and often terrifying odyssey through a DIY criminal investigation, The Carpool Detectives is the ultimate wish fulfillment for any true crime fanatic, an absolutely thrilling read for armchair sleuths and mystery fans alike.
My thoughts:
This book read quite a bit like fiction. The four women did something remarkable in investigating this case, beginning with a somewhat naive Marissa (not her real name) wanting to explore the events and drawing in some other moms as well. I don’t think that I want to be a real investigator but this book will, I think, appeal to many who long for exactly this.
Kirkus Reviews describes this book as a “Riveting read about real-life Nancy Drews that seems destined for the big or small screen.”
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this title. All opinions are my own.
I am not a person who generally wins giveaways but, for once, I really lucked out. I was given a copy of this title through Goodreads and what a good read it was.
I read the first collaboration of these authors when they told the story of Belle Greene and the Morgan Library. That was a good read but I think that this new book is even better.
In these pages, readers spend time with Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. Each has a life story with unique experiences. Both had struggles for acceptance, although in different ways. Each wanted to make a difference in the world; readers will, I think, agree,that they succeeded in that regard.
Although this book is written by two authors, it flows seamlessly. I enjoyed the way that many chapters were set up so that first there was one about either woman, followed by the same day’s experience for the other.
Big issues are explored here along with telling a work of historical fiction. This is a book both of its time and ours. I recommend it highly.
What a treat it is to have a new Cathy Kelly book to read. This Irish author has brought me much pleasure over the years with her stories about realistic characters and the challenges that they face, as is the case here.
Rose was a well-known therapist who made a name for herself on TV-until she disappeared from viewers’ screens. She has been living on a Greek island where, with the help of two of her closest people (her sister and brother-in-law), she hopes to run successful week long therapy retreats.
To this beautiful villa come six people who either want a new start or who feel that one is being imposed upon them. These guests include a woman with serious anger issues, another who has been dealing with addiction, a woman adrift, a husband and wife, and a scientist who may be an enabler.
What will happen as these people become known to themselves and to each other? Will Rose be able to help them? Will she, herself, in return be helped in the process? Readers will want to know.
Kelly excels at creating her characters. I feel like I knew each one.
In addition, the setting is beautifully described. If it were possible to visit the location of this book, I would! Corfu seems idyllic.
Fans of Kelly will certainly want to read this. Some new fans for the author will also be found, I think.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Pub date: 26 February 2026
Description:
from the publisher
Six people gather on a fabulous Greek island, each one hoping that ten days in the sun, writing their life stories, will magically fix their lives.
Rose Talisman is pinning it all on a fresh start.
Five years after her career as a tv therapist ended in one catastrophic instant, she is opening a retreat in Corfu. The understated, luxurious Villa Artemis is surrounded by wild pines and sea views.
Just six guests. One week. Time for Rose to help them face their secrets – and move forwards.
But Rose has staked everything on the retreat. It has to work – or she loses it all. And people’s secrets have a way of revealing themselves in ways no one expected.
Nobody’s past is staying hidden for long…
Will that include Rose’s, too?
‘A triumph […] vivid and wise and uplifting’ Marian Keyes
Whether or not a reader is already aware of EBB’s poetry, here is a book to savor. There are more than 100 poems by her in these pages-a good reminder that she wrote so much more than the very well known “How Do I Love Thee?”
Following the introduction, this title is organized by topics, each of which has its own introduction. These sections include Love; Death and Spirituality; Social Justice; and, Women’s Rights and Feminism. Some of the many poems is followed by a critique for readers who want a deeper understanding of the work.
Here is a book that brings EBB’s poetry to life for readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the Gemini Books Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 17 February 2026
Post first published on 15 January 2026
Description:
A curated collection of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poetry that explores the personal, political and intellectual depth of this pivotal Victorian poet.
From the intense affection of ‘How Do I Love Thee?’ to the powerful social protest in ‘The Cry of the Children’, the lyrical beauty of Barrett Browning’s poetry continues to fascinate modern readers.
In this evocative introduction to Barrett Browning’s work, over 100 poems are organised into thematic sections, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of her perspectives on life, liberty and love.
Perfect for fans of feminist literature and poetry, this collection celebrates the pioneering legacy of Barrett Browning as a talented poet, social reformer and independent woman.
To start: This book offers a visual delight. The illustrations (woodcuts) are just gorgeous throughout. I will return to this book often just to admire them.
The concept is rather brilliant too. This collection evokes the season and, at the same time, introduces kids to many different ways of composing poems, everything from the sonnet to a haiku and so much in between, including forms of poetry that were new to me. Helpfully, readers can find the poem’s style on the bottom of the pages. In addition, each style is described at the end of the book.
This title is listed as one for children but I think that there is much for adults to enjoy here as well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for this title. All opinions are my own.
Poetry and the beauty of nature combine for this breathtaking celebration of the year.
In this stunning combination of wordcraft and woodcuts, readers meet the changing seasons with thirteen poems, all in different poetic structures, from award-winning Dutch author Bette Westera. Each season opens with a haiku, following with the season’s months and their poems. Readers will dance into March with a rondel for a newborn lamb, wave in the August wind with a five-line tanka for a summer sunflower, snuggle in for December with a limerick for all those who stayed home instead of going south…
Exquisite woodcut art from Henriette Boerendans, an artist making her US and UK debut, showcases the wonder of the natural world. Back matter offers further details about the poems’ structures—offering the perfect opportunity for young writers to write their own sonnet for February or quatrain for September. Translated from the Dutch by David Colmer.
Poetic types spotlighted:
Haiku
Rondel
Acrostic
Double dactyl
Pantoum
Elevenie
Tanka
Quatrain
Diamante
Rondelet
Limerick
Stacking Poem
Sonnet
Creating the book:
from Amazon
Bette Westera has written over fifty books for children, including Fast Cheetah, Slow Tortoise and the Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book Later, When I’m Big (both Eerdmans). She has also translated books by Dr. Seuss, Astrid Lindgren, and Julia Donaldson into the Dutch language. Bette lives in the Netherlands, where her books have received two Golden Pencil awards and six Silver Pencil honors. Visit her website at bettewestera.nl.
Henriette Boerendansis an Amsterdam-based printmaker and illustrator. Poems for All Seasons is her English-language debut. While walking in nature together one day, Bette and Henriette brainstormed new projects and came up with the idea for this book. Follow Henriette on Instagram @henriette.boerendans and visit her website at boerendans.com.
David Colmer is an Australian writer and translator of Dutch and Flemish literature. He has translated over eighty books throughout his career, including I’ll Root for You, A Pond Full of Ink, and Fast Cheetah, Slow Tortoise (all Eerdmans). His work has been honored with many awards, including the PEN Translation Prize and the Dutch Foundation for Literature’s James Brockway Prize, which recognizes a translator’s body of Dutch-language poetry. David lives in Amsterdam.
From the Publisher:
“Boerendans’…work throughout is masterful. The book’s design is innovative, while the verse is thoughtful and immersive….A remarkable collaboration.” ―Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)
This book is very adorable. It will bring a chuckle for adults as they read it with kids.
The illustrations are bright and inviting. The text is simple but effective.
I found this book to be so cute!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 03 March 2026
From the publisher:
When you’re a cat, you answer to no one!
Cats are quiet like ninjas, masters of hide-and-seek, and they aren’t afraid of anything! Why wouldn’t you want to be a cat? Well, maybe there’s one reason…
This funny and unexpected story celebrates all the reasons our furry friends are the coolest and why it would be fun to live like one!
This book follows on the first Beattie Cavendish novel, Beattie Cavendish and the White Pearl Club. Those who enjoyed that book, and those who like detective/spy stories will want to give this one a look. It offers a fun read that requires just a bit of suspension of disbelief.
I enjoyed the characters, the time period and the trip to Scotland. The plot was also engaging.
I am certainly be wondering what Beattie will do next! Hopefully, there will be a third book in this series.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Allison & Busby and Amber Jupp for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Description:
from the publisher:
1949. The Cold War is tightening its grip, spies lurk in every shadow, and the race for the atomic bomb is reaching a deadly pitch.
When GCHQ operative Beattie Cavendish is sent to a pivotal listening station in a remote corner of the Scottish Highlands, she finds a base in chaos – its commander missing, its mission compromised, and whispers of a German spy ring closing in. But Beattie’s task takes a darker and more personal turn when her uncle vanishes nearby, leaving behind a chilling note: I know who you really are.
With private detective Patrick Corrigan at her side, Beattie must uncover the truth before snow and secrecy seal them in. For here, betrayal runs deep, and no one is who they seem.
From the publisher:
1949. The Cold War is intensifying and rumours abound that the Russians are close to creating an atomic bomb.
Beattie Cavendish, special operative for a covert section of GCHQ is sent to Scotland, to a listening station in the Highlands at Kilbray. Beattie’s arrival is greeted with suspicion by the station’s staff. She faces an uphill battle to turn things around. When Beattie discovers that her uncle Howard, who lives nearby, has gone missing, she becomes convinced his disappearance is more sinister. She learns Howard has been visiting a remote Highland lodge used during the war to hide out of favour special operation executive officers. As she delves deeper, there is no one she feels she can trust except for private detective Patrick Corrigan. But Corrigan has troubles of his own as he needs to get out of London after crossing the Kutsnetsov brothers, a pair of notorious Russian gangsters.
As the snow begins to fall hard and fast, Beattie realises the search is putting her life and that of Corrigan’s in danger, and that the answers she is looking for lie buried in her wartime past.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 