also note:

Amazon is offering ten free books in conjunction with World Book Day. These are e books.

by Lynda La Plante

I recently listened to a MasterClass that featured actress Helen Mirren. She, of course, became well known for playing Jane Tennison in TV’s Prime Suspect.

However, before Jane came to television, she was a character in a wonderful series by Lynda LaPlante. The Dirty Dozen is the fifth book about her.

Read along as Jane tries to/does make her place in this man’s world of the 1980s. She is a good detective but those around her do not always applaud her workplace successes. No spoiler, but Jane is tough. Watch as she works on a big case.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre USA for this title.

This book was published on 16 April 2020.

Watch a tiny bee bring the world to bloom

by QED and Jennie Webber

This book has the most lovely illustrations; anyone who has ever enjoyed being in a garden will delight in them. They are gentle and colorful.

The accompanying rhyming text explains how bees help nature. Any child who has been afraid of bees could benefit from seeing the work that the bees do; they may then be less afraid. That said, any young nature lover could certainly enjoy this title.

The back of the book includes information on different types of bees and pollination. This gives a chance to learn even more.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-QEB publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

This book was published on 05 Apr 2022.

The No-Regrets Retirement Roadmap

by Anthony C. Delauney

This guide will truly help its readers to have fewer regrets when they retire. It is packed with helpful information and is written in a way that makes those without Econ degrees able to understand it. The use of example couples helps to drive home its points.

This book can be read in any order or used as a reference on particular subjects. I went first to the section on Social Security. The information very much went along with other sources that I have read. This made me feel that the title was reliable.

Included are sections on foundations as for example, your vision. There are then chapters on taxes, protecting your nest egg, finding a financial planner and more.

I recommend this guide to those who want to understand more about retirement considerations, even if retirement is way in the future!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Mascot Books for this helpful guide. All opinions are my own.

This book was published on 12 April 22.

A Novel

by Chris Pavone

I very much enjoyed Chris Pavone’s first book, The Ex-Pats. His subsequent books have been worth reading but the first is still my favorite.

In this newest book, Ariel Price wakes up in Lisbon one morning and finds that her life is about to/has irrevocably change(d). Where her husband should be, he is not What has happened to him and why? Where is he? Who is he with? Is it up to Ariel to figure all of this out?

Ariel tries to find answers moving up from hotel security to the American Embassy and more. She realizes that she does not even know why she and her spouse were in Lisbon so finding answers is not easy.

Readers of thrillers may well enjoy this title. They will wait to see how the plot turns come out and how Ariel survives them.

Some reviewers have adored this book. Others have described it as tedious in spots. I am in the middle. Read it and see what your own opinion is.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Farrar, Strauss and Giroux for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title will be published on 24 May 22.

by Rosemary Simpson

The Dead Cry Justice is the sixth entry in Ms. Simpson’s historical mystery series, following on Death, Diamonds and Deception. A new book, the seventh, will be published in November 22.

This story takes place late in the 19th century when women are (finally) able to go to law school. Protagonist and heiress, Prudence, is the daughter of a judge. She is trying to decide if she wants to become a lawyer and what it will mean to her detective practice and relationships if she does.

In the meantime, life takes over. Two children are missing. Watch as fictional and real life characters including Jacob Riis and Nellie Bly try to get to the bottom of things.

This title has chosen a good time period, an interesting place (New York City) and characters who interrelate. Fans of the series will welcome this title. New readers can start here but they may then want to go back to be introduced to Prudence and Co. from their fictional beginnings.

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

This book was published on 30 November 21.

A peek at the cover for the seventh book: