Are you now, or were you ever, a mother with young children? If yes, did you feel that you received the support that you needed from your partner? Did you want not just help but proactive assistance? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, you may well identify with Nora Spangler.

Nora has a four-year-old, is pregnant and it is her year to become (or not) partner in her law firm. She is trying her best but is overwhelmed. Nora loves her husband (she says) but some days is incredibly irritated by him.

So…Nora and Hayden look at a house that is for sale in an upscale community. Interestingly, the husbands there are way more helpful than usual. The women all have these incredibly high powered jobs. What is going on here? Do Nora and Hayden want to live here? Will they?

Also, what about that arson that killed Penny’s husband. Nora is investigating it thinking about a wrongful death suit. Is it that or is it murder?

There are many threads running through this novel. I have seen mixed reviews but I found it to be a book that I enjoyed. Make up your own mind. Give this one a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

From the publisher:

Welcome to Ferry Lane Market

Book 1 in a brand new series by the author of bestselling phenomenon THE CORNER SHOP IN COCKLEBERRY BAY

by Nicola May

#FerryLaneMarket #NetGalley

Sometimes I just want to read a book that will provide a nice escape. It’s fine if the characters face some challenges but there are days where knowing all will end well feels really welcome. This story about Ferry Lane Market just fits the bill.

Main character, Kara, is one of those people who puts the needs of others first. What will happen when she has a chance to change that pattern? Read this story to find out. You will probably then want to move right on to the second entry in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Lorna Doone is free.

www.nytimes.com/2021/11/12/books/review/best-illustrated-childrens-books.html

www.nytimes.com/2021/11/12/books/review/new-crime-fiction.html

nyti.ms/3DfBqCU

nyti.ms/3qsb3Gf

nyti.ms/3EYMULn

by Colleen Cambridge

Those who enjoy mysteries will most likely recognize the name Mallowan in this book’s title. For those who don’t know, Mallowan was the name of Agatha Christie’s second husband. Two facts…He was younger than Agatha and was an archaeologist.

This book is delightful and clever. The Mallowans are characters in the novel but do not dominate the story. It is a take on the English country house murder and is told with warmth and a nod to those who know their mysteries. For example, readers will observe Agatha getting the brainstorm that later results in The Body in the Library.

The book’s conceit is that Agatha’s housekeeper, Phyllida, is an old friend. Because of this, they chat often and do not maintain a strict employer/employee relationship. Phyllida is the amateur detective for the case. She is an astute observer even as she ends up in some trying situations.

The Mallowans host a house party. The murder victim does not appear to be whom he said he was. Photos that he possessed are found and these include all of the guests at the party. What was the victim after? Who murdered him? Why? Read the story to find out.

Both this book and Murder at Greenway were recently published. Each has some connection to Agatha Christie. I preferred this novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.