It is hard to believe that this is the 32nd book about Guido Brunetti. Donna Leon s going strong in her 80s. Personally, I would like this series to continue forever.

Leon has created one of the most human, humane and likeable of detectives. I admire Brunetti for the man that he is; he is an honest Commissario, and a good husband, father, coworker and friend.

Regular readers of the series will enjoy watching Guido troll through his bookshelves. What to keep in the space that he shares with Paola? Books also feature into the plot when a Sri Lankan man is murdered. He had an eclectic collection including titles on Italy’s political unrest in the 80s.

Regular readers will also enjoy finding out something new about Alvise, one of the police officers. Leon shows here that she can grow her characters. I very much enjoyed getting to know Alvise better.

And, for regulars, there is the mouthwatering food. Readers have shared many a good meal with Brunetti, Paola and their two children.

One last thing for the series aficionados…it takes a while for Elettra to be present. What conference has she gone to? Will she come back and do what she always does best?

Those who have never read a novel by this author are in for a treat. Just think of the backlist! Know that it is possible to read this novel as a standalone.

What led to the murder? How does this connect with a palazzo where someone Guido knew years ago lives? Will justice be served?

I highly recommend this book and series. Bravo, Donna Leon.

Publishers Weekly notes, “As usual, the rich backdrop of Venice complements the well-designed plot. Leon shows no signs of losing steam.” So true!

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

This title was published in March 2023.

From the Publisher

For young readers

I was excited to see this on sale. It is the author’s most recent book.

www.nytimes.com/2023/03/30/books/review/sophomore-books.html

www.nytimes.com/2023/03/30/books/new-books-april.html

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/03/31/books/booksupdate/song-novels-quiz.html

www.nytimes.com/2023/03/30/books/review/why-sarah-bakewell-tends-to-avoid-thrillers-and-mysteries.html

There is an exhibit about this family at New York City’s Jewish Museum

The Royal Lover’s Guide to London

by Angela Youngman

Travelers (whether armchair or in real time) and those who are intrigued by royals now and in the centuries past will very much enjoy this guide. It is filled with photos and short entries. Organized geographically, readers will be able to plan a nice route for sightseeing.

For example, in chapter 2 on Kensington and Chelsea, there is information on the Albert Memorial, Bluebird Cafe (Harry went there), Chelsea Physic Garden, Kensington Palace and the Diana, Princess of Wales Fountain, among others. Each entry has helpful information including hours, underground stations and websites. Each featured neighborhood includes many suggestions of places to go; I liked that there were many to do with food and drink, as well as sites.

This is a wonderful guide to the city. I plan to take it with me when next I travel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this title. All opinions are my own.

by Nona Willis Aronowitz

#GrowingUpPowerful #NetGalley

The text on the cover lets readers know what will be found inside. This is a guide to “keeping confident when your body is changing, your mind is racing and the world is…complicated.” Here is a tall order but the Rebel Girls are as ever able to help.

There are chapters in this title on the brain, the body, being a valuable person in one’s family, the strength in connection and, hope for making the world a better place. There are also additional resources and sections on the book’s creators and experts.

To give a better sense of the book’s contents, the brain chapter has, among other things, a quiz asking about perfectionism and entries on stress, the blues and loss. Readers are told that therapy can help. The chapter ends with an ask the experts section. Each additional chapter is equally well set out.

This is a terrific resource for girls of ages roughly 8 to 14. Buy it for kids that you know. They will thank you! I give it my very highest recommendation.

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

Pub date: 09 May 2023

#RomanticComedy #NetGalley

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.

Pub date: 04 April 2023