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!
Family life lessons in far flung places (a travel memoir)
by Kate Wickers
#ShapeofaBoy #NetGalley
I found this book to be quite delightful! The author is a wonderful storyteller who makes each of her destinations come fully to life. She also has a terrific sense of humor and an ability to describe the realities of being a parent. At times, I smiled or cringed remembering what it was like to have a young baby. At others, I had to remind myself that the author made it through a difficult experience because, of course, she had published this book.
Ms. Wickers is an adventurer. She worked as a travel writer and loved exotic places before becoming a parent and has happy memories of travels with her family when she was a child. The author wanted to show her own children amazing places and took her first son on his first trip when he was just three months old. Some of the destinations that the growing family visited included Israel and Jordan, Borneo, Sri Lanka, Japan and Cubs. This is a family that is ready to take on all that life offers.
I recommend this enjoyable book. It will be liked by travelers, both armchair and real, as well as parents. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this fun read.
In the vein of Anne Perry, Charles Finch, and Will Thomas, Karen Odden’s richly atmospheric new mystery introduces Scotland Yard Inspector Michael Corravan as he investigates a string of vicious murders that has rocked Victorian London’s upper crust.
London, 1878. One April morning, a small boat bearing a young woman’s corpse floats down the murky waters of the Thames. When the victim is identified as Rose Albert, daughter of a prominent judge, the Scotland Yard director gives the case to Michael Corravan, one of the only Senior Inspectors remaining after a corruption scandal the previous autumn left the division in ruins. Reluctantly, Corravan abandons his ongoing case, a search for the missing wife of a shipping magnate, handing it over to his young colleague, Mr. Stiles.
An Irish former thief and bare-knuckles boxer from London’s seedy East End, Corravan has good street sense and an inspector’s knack for digging up clues. But he’s confounded when, a week later, a second woman is found dead in a rowboat, and then a third. The dead women seem to have no connection whatsoever. Meanwhile, Mr. Stiles makes an alarming discovery: the shipping magnate’s missing wife, Mrs. Beckford, may not have fled her house because she was insane, as her husband claims, and Mr. Beckford may not be the successful man of business that he appears to be.
Slowly, it becomes clear that the river murders and the case of Mrs. Beckford may be linked through some terrible act of injustice in the past—for which someone has vowed a brutal vengeance. Now, with the newspapers once again trumpeting the Yard’s failures, Corravan must dredge up the truth—before London devolves into a state of panic and before the killer claims another innocent victim.
Praise for Down a Dark River:
“A harrowing tale of unbridled vice that exposes the dark underbelly of Victorian society.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A page-turner.” —New York Journal of Books
“[A] finely crafted story.” —Seattle Book Review “Impossible to put down.” —Historical Novel Society Review
“Superbly written . . . fast paced suspense.” —Mystery and Suspense Magazine
“A must read for mystery fans!” —Charles Todd, New York Times bestselling author of the Inspector Rutledge mysteries
“Odden’s latest is intricately plotted and filled with a cast of wonderful characters, including a worthy and relatable hero.” —Anna Lee Huber, USA Today bestselling author
“Sparkling prose, vivid description, a haunting and satisfyingly complex story . . . Down a Dark River is a must read for fans of any genre of crime fiction.” —Edwin Hill, author of The Secrets We Share
“Gritty, compelling and vividly written . . . Like Anne Perry, Odden demonstrates a commanding grasp of authentic period detail.” —Susanna Calkins, author of the Lucy Campion historical mysteries and Speakeasy Murders
“No one does Victorian England like Karen Odden . . . Fans of Anne Perry and Charles Finch will welcome Inspector Michael Corravan.” —Mariah Fredericks, author of the Jane Prescott mystery series
“This terrific Victorian mystery [is] absolute catnip for those missing the William Monk mysteries of Anne Perry.” —The Poisoned Pen Bookstore
“This twisty-turn-y mystery introducing a new and charismatic detective will delight readers also looking for well-researched history.” —Susan Elia MacNeal, New York Times bestselling author of the Maggie Hope series
“A spellbinding, brilliantly plotted Victorian murder mystery, Karen Odden’s Down a Dark River features a fascinating and relatable detective, a cast of complex characters, powerful prose, exceptional attention to historical detail, and enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat until the last astonishing page. Highly recommended!” —Syrie James, bestselling author of The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte
Readers of Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe will be delighted to meet up with their old (character) friends in this second novel set in Texas. Piper, the mayor, and her Texas Ranger are back along with the widows and a number of other folks from the first novel including Pecos and his young bride. For those who have not read Breakfast, there is a lot of information given to catch you up; however, for a more leisurely read, take the books in order.
In part, this title tells the story of Marcie. She was a character in the first novel too, but comes into her own here. Marcie is a singer who made the mistake of getting involved with the wrong man. She expects little to bad things from relationships. Will it be any different with Brand?
Readers also meet Jesse, a young widower. He takes excellent care of his three children and his farm but can he hope for more in life? Will he find love with the baker of the most perfect scones?
Spending time in the locations and with the characters make for a relaxing read. Travel to Texas; readers will want to stay for a while.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Kids who love cats and drawing will have fun with this book. It shows how to draw any number of cats in steps that are clear and easy to follow. Pick from the curled up cat, the grumpy kitten, the sleeping cat, the surprised kitten and many more. Have a child you know get out their pencils and paper and get to it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is a sweet, beautifully illustrated story for all ages. It offers a gentle reminder to find the joy and color in life. Mr. Gray, who is appropriately named, unavoidably gets to know Frieda Frolic. This changes his life in the best of all possible ways.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
I have long been a fan of Peter Lovesey’s Peter Diamond mysteries. I started with the first, The Last Detective, many years ago and am about to read the twentieth, Diamond and the Eye. I was first attracted to these novels by their setting in Bath and have grown to love the irascible Diamond and those around him. I have not yet read the Bertie mysteries but am sure that one day I will.
Cause for celebration is that Lovesey has written his 100th (!) short story. A number of these have been compiled into this collection by Lovesey himself. Lovesey begins with an introduction, where he notes that his first short story is from almost fifty years ago. Much to his surprise, Ruth Rendell complimented it. He has written so many since then. Lovesey describes short story writing as a gift that he gives to himself between his longer works.
Readers will enjoy seeing which stories are included here. I am glad to report that there is one Peter Diamond story, A Three Pie Problem.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this collection. All opinions are my own.
Other opinions:
“Lovesey delivers crisp dialogue, effortless narration, appealing characters, ingenious plots, and effervescent whimsy . . . A thoroughly entertaining compendium of the best of the best by one of the best.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“A celebratory display of the many things an accomplished veteran can do with the short mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews
I enjoy reading mysteries so was eager to see if I could solve the cases in this title. I knew going in that I was no “super sleuth” but I felt ready to try. The stories are a bit challenging to be sure. Luckily the author offers some fictional assistants to the reader. There are also two levels of puzzles which allows for choices about which cases to solve. Each short story also includes a hint at the end. My hint would be “never forget to pay attention to details.”
Those who enjoy a challenge could have some fun with this title. Good luck!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 