Murder in a Scottish Shire by Traci Hall

This is the first entry in what, I think, will be a series. The things that I loved most in this cozy mystery were the setting, the characters and the knitting. The story takes place in a small Scottish town that, aside from murder, sounds like an idyllic place to live. The protagonist, Paislee, is surrounded by family and friends. She runs Cashmere Crush, a friendly shop, for wool and knitting.
As often happens in mysteries, there are two murders. As an amateur, Paislee annoys the detective but…of course, finds the killer. I was pretty sure that I knew who this was and I was right. There is a clue that really points to the perpetrator.
This is a good book if you just want something easy and distracting. There is Scottish dialect which tries to add authenticity but can also be distracting.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book that I have read by this author who has written a number of successful thrillers. The premise was intriguing. A high school student was murdered in a cave. Who did it? Why?
The case is not solved at the time. Now, a number of years later a new clue has been found and the case is being re-opened. During the initial investigation, the investigator was the father of one of the victim’s friends. Now, in the current time line, the detective is that daughter and friend, Maggie. She is heavily pregnant and volunteers to review the old files and work on the case.
I liked the setting of this story. However, I found that there were characters who were most unlikable including the victim’s sister, Nola, and the victim’s boyfriend from the time, a bully and abuser. I found that I did not enjoy the book as much as I had hoped because of these characters to whom I did not want to relate. I did want to see the case resolved however.
If you like your stories on the darker side, this may be for you. It was a tad too much for me.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

A Novel

by Jane Harper

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021   

The Survivors was my first encounter with a novel by Jane Harper although I have several of her books in my TBR pile. I only regret that it took this long to spend some time with this excellent author.

The Survivors is a bit of a slow burn of a book. It is set on Tasmania in a small community that is heavily impacted by the sea around it. The location with its small town, the beach, the caves and more is brought to vivid life. (Interestingly, I read that the author often thinks of place as one of the first things when she embarks on a novel).

There are many characters and they have numerous interconnections. Some are alive and some, who are no longer living, are those who were important to the novel’s characters in the past. Past tragedies, mysteries and disappearances all have their parts to play. There is also a murder in the present.

A sculpture called The Survivors was commissioned after a disaster at sea. But…there are other survivors as well. So, think about the title as you read.

This is a complex, rich novel and one that I highly recommend. I listened to it and the narration was very good. The male reader had the Australian accent that perfectly matched the story that he was reading.

Whether in book or audio format, I recommend this one highly.

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

A Novel

by Anne Perry

#AChristmasLegacy #NetGalley

Anne Perry began writing her Christmas novellas back in 2003. I think that “A Christmas Legacy” is the nineteenth of this ongoing collection.

These books are ones to enjoy every year. Each features a favorite character from one of Ms. Perry’s series. This year readers will spend time with the intrepid Gracie. Long term readers will know that Gracie had been a servant to Charlotte and Thomas Pitt. She became one of the family and often helped in solving cases. Gracie left service when she married one of the police officer who worked for Thomas.

As this novella opens, Gracie is the mistress of her own home. She has a children whom she adores. All seems well. However, when Millie, the daughter of someone well-known to Gracie, seeks help, there is no way that Gracie will refuse.

As a result, Gracie temporarily finds herself back “in service.” What is going on in the home where she works? Why is food disappearing, especially sweets? Who is a mysterious party that is hidden from view? Why is the family having so much difficulty?

Readers will enjoy spending time with Gracie as she works all of these questions out. She is a most likeable character.

Please note: those who have never read books by Ms. Perry can still enjoy this title.

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

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Jill Mansell is one of my favorite writers of women’s fiction. Her books are gently humorous and heart warming. Her characters are likeable, there is romance and the stories flow.

Mixed Doubles was initially published a number of years ago. It was Ms. Mansell’s ninth book. She has gone on to write many more. I am including this information in the event that a reader has already read this title and does not want/need to buy it again.

The story takes place in the late 90s and features three friends. Liza, Dulcie and Pru all have relationships and lives that are being sorted out. Trust Ms. Mansell to keep readers engaged and to pull together all of the story’s threads.

Although this book is long, it reads quickly. It is recommended for those seeking a quick, entertaining and escapist read.

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