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!
Sloane faced an unthinkable loss when her sister died (not a spoiler as readers learn this early in the story). She is engaged to a somewhat pompous fiance who has an over involved family and often make Sloane feel inferior. On top of all this, Sloane’s parents are not the easiest people.
Sloane escapes into her work as a librarian although that also has it challenges. One of these is an older gentleman who enjoys mentally fencing with Sloane. Will these two change each other? Will others also be drawn in? Readers may know the answer but will still, I think, enjoy this book. It gives voice to some of what is important in life.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this title. All opinions are my own
Daphne Overture is a professor at a fictional, very selective institution of higher learning where she studies and teaches French Colonial history. Daphne has been highly successful but keeps her head down at her college; she is just one of a handful of Black professors and is even sometimes called by the first name of one of the other ones!
Luckily for both Daphne and the reader, she has strong (if sometimes annoying to her) family connections and good friends. Readers will enjoy getting to know all of them.
Daphne had a paperback book, Papillon. Readers learn early on that it was taken from her, most likely by a professor named Sam who has been murdered. How? Why? What is the connection between this book and a murder? Is the book related to Sam’s work on prison conditions?
Along with getting involved herself, Daphne gets to know a former police officer who is now a bookstore owner. Readers will hope that they find romance, I think.
Along with the characters and the plot, I loved the academic setting. The ins and outs, the competitiveness, the appearance of the physical college , the threats by some in the hierarchy against others, plagiarism, students taken advantage of by professors and more all make for compelling reading.
This book also highlights the experiences Daphne has regarding race on her campus. It offers a reminder of a need to do better.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Soho Press-Soho Crime for this title. All opinions are my own. I truly hope that this title is the first in a series.
Pub date: 01 July 2025D
From the publisher:
A college history professor must solve her superstar colleague’s murder before she becomes the next target in this funny, romantic debut mystery, perfect for readers of Janet Evanovich, Kellye Garrett, and Ali Hazelwood.
As a newly minted junior professor, Daphne Ouverture spends her days giving lectures on French colonialism, working on her next academic book, and going on atrocious dates. Her small world suits her just fine. Until Sam Taylor dies.
The rising star of Harrison University’s anthropology department was never one of Daphne’s favorites, despite his popularity. But that doesn’t prevent Sam’s killer from believing Daphne has something that belonged to Sam—something the killer will stop at nothing to get.
Between grading papers and navigating her disastrous love life, Daphne embarks on her own investigation to find out what connects her to Sam’s murder. With the help of an alluring former-detective-turned-bookseller, she unravels a deadly cover-up on campus.
This well-crafted, voice-driven mystery introduces an unforgettable crime fiction heroine.
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for History Lessons
A New York Times Editors’ Choice A Library Journal Mystery Debut of the Month
“History professor Daphne Ouverture might be your next favorite unsuspecting sleuth.” —USA Today
“History Lessons brilliantly mixes pointed satire, fabulous characters (especially Daphne’s two besties) and a thoughtful meditation on whose fortunes get to rise, and whose are ground down on the altar of power.” —Sarah Weinman, The New York Times Book Review
“Wallbrook has crafted a campus mystery that’s both propulsive and cerebral. The book blends classic whodunit pleasures with a reflective exploration of race, power and who gets believed. Also: ‘Drag Race’ jokes, squirrel riots and a simmering romance with a bookish ex-cop. Top marks.” —The Seattle Times
“Clever, quirky, and full of heart, History Lessons is a cozy mystery for the academics and romantics among us.” —Shondaland
What a beautiful, complex, heartbreaking and uplifting novel this is! I rate this story about C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman highly.
Many people know who C.S. (Jack) Lewis was. The first thing that often comes to mind is his children’s (Christian) book series about Narnia. But of course he was and accomplished so much more than this. An Oxford and later Cambridge professor, a writer on many Christian topics, a heartbroken child who lost his mother, a caretaker for a brother whom he loved deeply and a believer in four types of love. (Readers will learn about these in reading the novel.) C.S. Lewis was also a veteran, a person loyal to his commitments and a friend to many including Dorothy Sayers and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Joy Davidman Gresham Lewis was a child of an exacting father, a highly intelligent and well-educated woman, a wife to the dysfunctional Bil, a mother to beloved sons Davy and Douglas, a writer, editor, poet and more. She lived her life fully and complexly.
How did these two, one British and the other American come together? Readers learn fairly early in the novel that Joy had a profound and life changing religious experience. This led to her writing to C.S. Lewis. No spoilers so readers must go to the novel to learn about Joy and Jack’s uniquely evolving relationship.
The settings of the book are so beautifully evoked, both in New York and Vermont, also in London and Oxford. Oxford, in particular, is so lovingly described that Anglophiles will truly rejoice at the sections of the book that are set there.
The full meaning and impact of the title, Becoming Mrs. Lewis, becomes deeply affecting the deeper one travels into Joy’s world. It was a very clever name for the novel, even as it is deceptively simple.
Becoming Mrs. Lewis is published by a press that describes itself as one that publishes “stories that inspire, illuminate, and transform. Stories that captivate the imagination, enlighten the mind, and strengthen the spirit.” They are the right ones for this title. The novel made me think about the complexity of life choices and the meaning of many kinds of love. It has inspired me to learn more about these two remarkable people.
In this paperback edition of the book, there are many extras. These include a map of Oxford, comments by the author, a bibliography, a timeline, discussion questions and more.
I found the novel to be one that did not read especially quickly but I enjoyed the time that I spent with it. The end definitely touched my emotions.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this amazing read!
While reading Jane Austen’s novels not so long ago, I remembered that I had not yet read Jane Austen at Home, even though I have had this title for quite some time. Well, this was just the right moment to read it as it has offered yet another lens through which to see P and P and its author.
Lucy Worsley is known to many because of her tv appearances. She is also a writer, and a good one. This title is a biography of Jane Austen that focuses on the many places where she spent time and the importance of home. (Perhaps she was in advance of Virginia Wool’s A Room of One’s Own.). Ms. Worsley reminds the reader that it was often through marriage that women secured a safe place to live. This is one reason that Charlotte Lucas chooses her husband in P and P.
Throughout this book was an engaging read. I highly recommend it to Austen fans.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is a very cute alphabet book that has delightful illustrations of animals and their environments. Just a few of these critters include a dormouse, a hedgehog, a Norway lemming, a puffin, a wildcat and, of course, many more as there are 26 in all.
What gives this title a bit more is that there are simple hide and seek activities for each entry. This adds a fun element to this book.
I think this one will make a welcome addition to family bookshelves.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Finch Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 20 March 2026
Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description:
from the publisher
Let’s go on an adventure through Europe. Hidden within the forests and mountains, within the snow or seas what will you find? European animals are hiding from your eyes. What do they look like? What sounds do they make? From A – Z, can you find the European animals with me?
Louise Penny previously wrote a thriller with Hillary Clinton. This time, she and Mellissa Fung are writing together and the result is electrifying.
The plot of this book is way too convoluted to fully describe in a review. I also would not want to give too much away as the story should be freshly discovered by the reader. Just know that there are a global set of extremely unexpected events, political machinations, a fear of what comes next that is palpable and people who are both good and bad.
The settings are very well described. Readers will feel that they are in DC, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and more as the pages turn. Readers will remember foods, tastes, smells, Xian soldiers, noodle shops, bakeries and a museum, to name just some of the locations.
This is a story of those who want to try to do what is right even when the odds are against them. Readers will watch as characters’ true selves become known for both better and worse. It can take time to know who is on what side.
In addition, however, this is a book about the power of family and other relationships and the immense importance of these bonds even when there are great challenges. There are sisters/brothers, husbands/wives, parents/children and bonds of brotherhood and shared beliefs. There are also relationships between world leaders. This aspect of the book, while perhaps not as thrilling, will linger with the readers.
I recommend this novel most highly. My admiration for Penny has increased again. Kudos as well to Fung whose fingerprint is everywhere in these pages.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 12 May 2026
Post first published on 14 March 2026.
Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description: This gives away some of the plot!
from the publisher
A fast-paced, all-too-real thriller featuring a mother and daughter caught in a global reckoning where family, loyalty, and power collide.
Alice Li, a first-generation Chinese American and former food blogger, has long lived in the shadow of her mother, Vivien Li— a Tiananmen Square dissident turned world-renowned human rights activist and passionate advocate for a free and democratic China.
When security and fire alarms go off simultaneously all around the world, setting off a panic, the signal is traced back to China. As world leaders scramble to respond, Vivien and Alice are called to the White House in hopes Madame Li can interpret the Chinese intentions. But why involve Alice?
If China isn’t behind the attack, Vivien warns, someone even more dangerous is pulling the strings. Mother and daughter must join together to overcome their estrangement if they have any hope of preventing global catastrophe. From DC to Ohio to Hong Kong, they work to prevent the next attack, along the way decoding an ancient legend and uncovering a secret language invented by women, for women.
The Last Mandarin is an electrifying study of absolute power and voracious greed, political terror and personal conviction. But it is also an intimate examination of choice, of sacrifice, of memory and myths, both cultural and personal. It is the story of a mother and daughter, as well as a compelling international thriller about the precarious balance of power across the world, and within a family. And what happens when both break down.
In a world ruled by power, even family can be a weapon.
From the Publisher:
Editorial reviews: This also gives away some plot details
Ethel is 73 years old. She can play the senior citizen card when needed but there is so much more to this vibrant woman. Ethel has retired from the FBI but her quick brain, skills, and schemes are as fresh and effective as ever. Get to know her in this enjoyable mystery/caper about murders and shenanigans affecting the Supreme Court.
The author juggles a lot in terms of a complicated scheme in which it takes a little while for readers to figure out what is going on. There are senators, supreme court justices and their clerks, the FBI, Ethel’s relative and friends along with all living in a DC that comes to life here. There is a serious issue underpinning the story that has to do with a Supreme Court’s pending decision on precious metals and mining. The issue feels quite timely.
Those who enjoy cozy thrillers (is there such a thing?) are certain to want to read this one. There is an earlier title in the series as well and I hope that there will be a third to come.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Benjamin Stevenson offers his fans a Christmas mystery. Favorite characters are back and the pages turn.
This time, Ernest’s ex-wife has been accused of murder. Ernest lies to his current partner Juliet in order to help Erin whose explanation for what occurred does not sound all that believable.
A magician becomes central to the case. Interestingly, a relative mentioned him to Ernest as a kind of wedding entertainer. Said magician also will get Ernest ever more deeply involved when Ernest attends his show.
There is murder along with a wry narrator in this very enjoyable entry in the series. Interestingly it is set up like an advent calendar which adds to the fun.
Recommended for mystery lovers and those who enjoy holiday themed stories.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Anyone who has read books by this author will want to read this new title (and if readers have not read her earlier novels, I highly recommend them). Some characters and places from the earlier works are in The Parisian Chapter, especially Lily, Odile and the wonderful American Library in Paris.
This novel tells an involving story through many characters. They include , in addition to Odile and Lily, Lily’s close friend Mary Louise, a young man in whom Lily becomes interested, authors, and the many who work at the library, are on the board, or attend events there.
I recommend this audio book to anyone who enjoys stories set in Paris with believable characters who have dreams.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 05 May 2026
Description:
from the publisher
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library and Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade, a charming and “richly populated” (New York Journal of Books) novel about two small-town girls with big dreams who move to Paris to become artists. But dreams don’t just come true. They require nurturing, as do friendships.
Paris, 1995: It’s been five years since Lily Jacobsen and her best friend Mary Louise arrived in Paris from their small town of Froid, Montana. Determined to establish themselves as artists, they shared a tiny walkup and survived on brie and baguettes. But when Mary Louise abruptly moves out, Lily feels alone in the city of light for the first time and needs a new way to support herself. She lands a job as a programs manager at the American Library in Paris, following in the footsteps of Odile, her beloved French neighbor in Montana who told her stories of heroic World War II librarians when Lily was growing up.
At work, Lily meets an extraordinary cast of characters—including her favorite writer, struggling students, haughty trustees, and devoted volunteers—each with their own stories…and agendas. In the library’s attic, Lily discovers a box of archives that may be a link to Odile’s own Parisian chapter.
This “stirring and rich with detail” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author) story is a love letter to the power of literature, the life of the artist, the importance of friendship, and leaving home only to find it again.
The Librarians is the first book that I have read by Thomas who will now become one of my favorite authors. Her earlier books were historical mysteries, I think, while this one is contemporary.
There were many things that I loved about this title. Scenes set in libraries appeal to me most definitely. I also very much enjoyed getting to know the four main characters and their backstories.
Readers meet Astrid, who has hidden something about her identity; Hazel, who has left behind a tricky past involving her husband; Sophie, who did something that she should not have but had reasons for it; and last, Jonathan who has taken time to accept his identity.
When two murders occur, there are complex links and actions binding these four librarians to one another. Who killed a man who ghosted Astrid only to reappear? Why was a woman who came to an evening event at the library found murdered that very night? What is it like for characters when people from their pasts reappear? Finding out will keep readers turning the pages.
Spending time in this book’s worlds (Austin, Singapore, Madeira), with its characters, and in its timeline made for a very fun read.
I am eager to see what Ms. Thomas does next.
Kirkus Reviews states: “This knockout mystery mixes the camaraderie of The Thursday Murder Club with the chic family and romantic drama of Crazy Rich Asians. Thomas’ virtuosity shows in this fast-paced and intricate yet emotionally moving mystery.” True.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
What a beautiful, complex, heartbreaking and uplifting novel this is! I rate this story about C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman highly.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 