“It made you want to resign as a member of the human race.”—Edna Ferber on the trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann. The trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann for the kidnapping and death of Charles Lindbergh Jr. was a national spectacle. Media flooded the New Jersey town of Flemington. Hordes of sightseers arrived, trying to get…

Mariah Fredericks on The Heartbreaking Details of Historical Fiction — CrimeReads

The Queen

Her Life

by Andrew Morton

Royal followers know Andrew Morton. He wrote a book on Princess Diana that rocked the monarchy. He has also written books on Elizabeth and Margaret, as well as one on Wallis Simpson. In addition to writing popular biographies, Morton is an academic historian.

The timing of this book will surely lend it attention as it comes out not long after Elizabeth’s death. It is what I would call a popular biography. It is easy to read and engagingly written. A full biography of the queen is here, from her earliest days on.

It was poignant to read about some well-known aspects of the monarch’s life including her romance with Philip and her happy days as a young bride in Malta with their funerals still in mind. The abdication and her father’s death are also more sad in light of another heir taking to the throne now.

This book covers many years and episodes in Elizabeth’s life and the lives of those around her. While I don’t think that this book breaks new ground, it is a very good biography and one that I think readers will enjoy.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

A Novel

by Deborah Crombie

#AKillingofInnocents #NetGalley

My only wish is that Deborah Crombie wrote faster and more frequently. Her Gemma Jones and Duncan Kincaid mysteries are among my very favorites. This American author writes a terrific British set series. I have been reading them ever since the first title, A Share in Death, was published in 1993. Over time, the characters and their relationships change and develop, keeping readers riveted. For full enjoyment, the books could be read in order but that is not strictly necessary; enough backstory is provided to keep a new reader from being lost.

In this, the 19th, entry, a young doctor has been murdered and hers is but the first, not the only, death. Sasha had friends and family. She also had a complicated work relationship with one of the nurses at her hospital. The case is brought to both Duncan and Gemma along with their teams. It goes to Duncan because of the murder and Gemma because of there being knife crimes.

Readers get to know Sasha’s family which includes a brother with some tricky history. They also get to know her artist roommate; she too has a brother who may well be suspicious. Sasha was supposed to have been meeting him on the night that she was murdered.

Regular readers of the series will be delighted to catch up with Duncan and Gemma’s children. They will also be interested in finding out how Doug (Kincaid’s team) and Melody (Gemma’s) are doing after the events of the previous books.

The book and series are just a delight. Mark your calendar for this title’s release date!

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

Pub date: 07 February 2023

368 pages

List Price: $28.99 (hardcover)

Who Stole Mr. T?

by Dustin Brady; Deserae Brady

Narrated by Emily Eiden

Are you planning a trip for the holidays? Will you be with a first to third grader (or so) ? If yes, this book could make an enjoyable listen and would pass some time for them.

Here is a story of a girl detective and her dog. Will they discover who is responsible for a turtle napping? Of course they will but the fun is in the listening.

The narrator does a good job and has a child like voice so it feels as if she is speaking directly to kids. She will help them to solve the case.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this audio title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 18 October 2022

I enjoyed and reviewed this.

I have a friend who highly recommends these Barchester novels. FREE

I enjoyed and reviewed this light read.

Very popular among my read reviews

by Tim DeRoche, Daniel González

#whimsyandwoe #NetGalley

This collection has the potential to turn kids who turn up their noses at poetry into poetry fans. The works included here are unique, sometimes odd and often funny. They are accompanied by cartoon-like illustrations. Most kids are sure to chuckle at ntries such as The One Man Band.

This title is definitely worth a look.

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

Pub date: January 24, 2023

Advance Praise

“This illustrated collection of verse indulges in fairy-tale absurdity and is sufficiently zany to have children and adults squealing with glee… A rare work of pure, unbridled fun.”
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Amusing, campy, gorgeously illustrated, and generously preposterous, DeRoche’s collection is a worthy addition to any middle-schooler’s bookshelf. Great for fans of Shel Silverstein and Lemony Snicket.”
— Publishers Weekly BookLife Reviews, “Editors’ Pick”

From The Short List:

Other e book bargains:

FREE

I enjoyed this one and reviewed it.

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

by Jonquil Lowe

#TheGoodRetirementGuide2023 #NetGalley

The first thing that I 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. 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 2023

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kogan Page Ltd for this title.  All opinions are my own. 

The Writer’s Journey

In the Footsteps of the Literary Greats

by Travis Elborough

This book’s author chose an appealing and interesting topic. Where do writers go, do these places offer inspiration and what are their journeys like?

This book features beautiful photos and content about the travels of everyone from Maya Angelou to Jane Austen; from Lewis Carroll to Agatha Christie; from Fitzgerald to Flaubert and so many more, ending (alphabetically) with Virginia Woolf.

I think that this book would make a wonderful gift for the holiday season. I would like to buy the hardcover copy for myself. Read it in order or just move directly to a favorite author.

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