A Novel

by Linda Castillo

The Burning is the sixteenth entry in the series that began with Sworn to Silence in 2009. I have always been intrigued by these novels with their connection to the Amish community and way of life.

Burkholder, who was raised in the Amish world, is called in on a grisly case. An Amish man, who had been excommunicated, was burned alive. What kind of man was he? What led to his cruel demise? Why are the people he knew so reluctant to speak?

To make matters worse, Burkholder’s brother may have a connection to this case. How will she find the truth and uncover a killer? Could she have to hold her brother responsible?

Readers can trust that, while it will not be easy, Burkholder and her colleagues will figure things out. Join them as they do.

This book offers an involving read. Note that it is not a cozy title but, rather, a dark story. For those who like gritty and suspenseful stories, this entry in the series is definitely worth a look. That said, many feel that this is a series best read from the beginning. However, those who hop in here can always then go backwards.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 09 July 2024

From the Publisher

Molten Mud Murder is published by the excellent Poisoned Pen Press, a small press that is dedicated to mystery fiction. This is author Johnson’s first novel and the first in a projected series.

American protagonist, Alexa, is a forensics examiner whose specialty is teeth. She has come to New Zealand on a fellowship, falls in love with the country and wants to stay longer. She manages to insert herself into the murder case involving a city counselor.

What I struggled with a little: Alexa took many risks that felt plot driven. Some mysteries, such as what happened to her friend, Mary, were not fully solved. Perhaps that is for another book.

What I liked: The setting on the North Island of New Zealand and the ways in which the landscape is brought vividly to life. The information about tribal Maori customs and rituals. That there was a back story for Alexa. The hint of romance between her and Bruce, the Senior, a term for the chief detective. The details on forensic examination.

This mystery should appeal to armchair travelers, lovers of New Zealand and those who enjoy action packed mysteries. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this proof in return for an honest review. I look forward to the author’s next book.

I reviewed this book as you can see in my archive. Library Journal recommends it highly.

A Novel

by Jennifer Saint

Narrated by Naomi Frederick

Jennifer Saint is one of the best writers of Ancient Greek stories with feminist viewpoints. Her latest novel will be welcomed by anyone who has read her other books and it will also, hopefully, introduce new readers/listeners to her works.

Hera was at the pinnacle. She was the sister of Zeus and was involved in the toppling of their father. As often happened siblings married so she was also the wife of Zeus. Hera has come through the ages to be seen as a difficult figure. This may be true-however, Hera had many reasons to feel aggrieved as readers/listeners will learn in this story.

In these pages get to know this goddess of marriage and fertility. Learn about the ways in which Zeus treated her and the consequences of his actions and attitudes.

This audio version is very well done. The narration is crisp and easily engages the reader.

I very much enjoyed Hera. She is not always likeable but Saint always kept me involved in her story.

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

Pub date: 13 August 2024

Also by Jennifer Saint

You won’t forget her: Ariadne

Highly recommended: Elektra by Jennifer Saint

#Oxford #NetGalley

When I think of Oxford, i imagine the “dreaming spires”…Dorothy Sayers (Gaudy Night)…C.S. Lewis…Morse (and his Lewis)and more. Oxford is a place that conjures images in people’s minds.

Whether a person has been to Oxford and wants to go back virtually, wants to know more of its history, or just wants to explore the city virtually for fun, this book is a good resource.

Rice covers the history of Oxford beginning with monastic Oxford (up to 1536) and makes his way to the era of Modern Oxford (1945 to now). He also looks at hotels, streets, houses and more.

The illustrations and maps in this book make it a completely enjoyable experience for book lovers. There are so many and they are just lovely. It can be tempting to look at the art and skip the text but that would be a mistake.

I highly recommend this title to anyone who has an affinity with Oxford. They are sure to enjoy it.

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

Pub date: 16 April 2024

My review:

When I saw the cover for this book, I thought that it would be a typical, light, women’s fiction read. That is not the case at all! This book is much more than that. Protagonist Loveday, who does work in a bookshop, is a unique, idiosyncratic, hurt young woman who does not trust easily. There are reasons for this as the reader learns. She is tattooed with quotes from her favorite novels, has a painful backstory, is bright and someone the reader hopes for. All of the characters from Nathan, to Rob, to Annabel, to Archie, to Loveday’s family are vividly portrayed and each has an important role in her life. This book is definitely worth reading in my opinion. I was inspired to look for the author’s other novels upon completing this. Thanks NetGalley and St. Martin’s for this excellent read.

Miss Benson’s Beetle A Novel by Rachel Joyce

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsAugust 14, 2020

Miss Benson’s Beetle is by the author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a book that I very much enjoyed.  So, I was excited to receive this e galley from the publisher.  The book does not disappoint.

As has been true in her other novels, Rachel Joyce is a mistress of creating quirky characters for whom readers will care.  The beginning of the novel introduces Miss Benson.  What teacher will not identify with her ‘losing it,’ even if they might not take the actions that she does?

From this unlikely beginning Miss Benson goes on the quest of her lifetime, to the New Caledonia, in search of a rare golden beetle.  Readers learn what led to this obsession and of the tragedies in Miss Benson’s past.  Accompanying Miss Benson is the irrepressible Enid Pretty who has her own back story.  There is also another less savory and wounded character whom Miss Benson did not hire when she met him.

This is a story about doing what one dreams of in life.  It is about embarking on a journey without knowing how it will end.  Isn’t this a universal of going on journeys and taking risks?  Readers will become attached to the story and character and will immerse themselves in Miss Benson’s world.

This is a novel that has both humor and heart.  I highly recommend it.

Pub date:  November 24, 2020

#MissBensonsBeetle #NetGalley

Four stars ****

Emerson, Thoreau, Alcott (Bronson and Louisa May)…Margaret Fuller? Most readers of American fiction and essays know the first few names on this list. They may be less familiar with Margaret Fuller. However, by the time that readers close this book, they will fully appreciate her life with its successes, challenges and tragedy.

Young Margaret was a highly intelligent child, whose father took her education most seriously. When he died, Margaret was left feeling that she needed to support her family. She did that while also being part of the transcendentalist movement and more.

One aspect of the book that I really liked was the way in which icons became human. For example, early in the novel, Margaret visits Emerson and his second wife. Waldo, as Margaret is invited to call him, engages in a flirtation with Margaret. It is in moments like this, that readers get to look at great American figures in a new and less iconic way. Similarly, as the story opens, Thoreau is a young man working for the Emersons, and just beginning his writing career. Bronson Alcott is running a school, while Louisa May is still a child.

Pataki has written a number of works of historical fiction. She has another success on her hands here.

Many thanks toNetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

From the publisher:

I just read this book. I enjoyed all of the baking aspects in the plot. Jennifer’s secret is one that has been used many times which was slightly disappointing. All in all, this was a good read though.

In “Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame,” Olivia Ford whips up a sweet confection about a septuagenarian cook with reality TV dreams.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2024/01/29/books/review/mrs-quinns-rise-to-fame-olivia-ford.html

A Novel

by Phaedra Patrick

#TheYearofWhatIf #NetGalley

Phaedra Patrick writes stories with heart and warmth. She creates characters with whom readers will enjoy spending time in stories that are about human relationships.

In The Year of What If, protagonist Carla has tried to live life through her mind and logic, rather than with her heart. That heart led her to a first marriage that did not last. Carla subsequently went, against the grain of her family that believes in portents, card readings and more, to form a dating agency based on evidence and careful matches. BUT…what if Carla’s premise is wrong?

Carla is engaged to marry someone with whom she has a very close match. Tom is kind, good and mostly a very safe partner. However, for reasons that readers will learn, Carla starts to think back on relationships that she had during her one time of breaking free when she traveled abroad. Watch for what she then does.

Who should Carla be with? How should she decide? Readers will want the best for her as they read this novel.

Carla and the other characters engage the reader. This is a good choice for an enjoyable summer escape. It will appeal to Ruth Hogan fans.

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

Pub date: 25 June 2024

Look for Phaedra Patrick’s previous charming bestsellers!

Just published: The Little Italian Hotel

They are not always neat: The Messy Lives of Book People

Check it out: The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick

Now out: The Secrets of Love Story Bridge A Novel by Phaedra Patrick

Others:

• The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
• Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone