Murder in Chianti by Camilla Trinchieri

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsJune 13, 2020

For some reason, during the corona virus pandemic, I have been spending a lot of time in virtual Italy reading mysteries that are set there.  My guides, until I read this novel, were Donna Leon and her Inspector Brunetti, and Andrea Camilleri and his Detective, Montalbano.  Their novels feature an engaging protagonist, beautiful locations and, VERY IMPORTANT, delicious food.

So, I was curious about this book set in Tuscany and happy to receive an ARC.  I was not disappointed.  This novel, the start of a new series, and its detective, fit right into the sub genre of Italian police stories.

The protagonist of Murder in Chianti is widower and former New York City police detective, Nico.  He has moved to Chianti following the death of his wife, Rita.  Rita has a cousin in Chianti who owns a restaurant, one source of the delicious sounding food in the novel.  Food wise, I would give a lot to get breakfast where Nico does each day.  I also would like to sample some of the alcohol mentioned in the book, especially the red wines.

Around Nico are the police officers who want his help in solving a case, Perillo and Daniele.  The murder of the story has ties with the past.  The victim left Italy a number of years ago and became a successful vintner in California.  Why did he return to Italy?  How does this visit lead to his death?  Who will be hurt as the case is solved?

This was a very readable book and one that I enjoyed.  I recommend adding it to your TBR list.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an hoenst review.  I look forward to the next novel in this seris.

Eve’s Ducklings

by Maria Monte

#EvesDucklings #NetGalley

All little Eve wants is to touch the ducklings that she sees when she goes on walks with her grandfather. Sadly for her, they are not interested and Eve is discouraged. Will she find a way to get a bit of what she wants? This sweetly illustrated title will provide the answer.

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

A Novel

by Ruth Hogan

#TheMoontheStarsandMadameBurova #NetGalley

Pub Date 21 Sep 2021  

I absolutely adored Ruth Hogan’s novel, The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes, so I was quite eager to read The Moon, The Stars and Madame Burova.

Around the plot, Ms. Hogan looks at some emotionally resonant issues. These include identity, race, the nature of love, how to treat others and also how to treat one’s self. All is skillfully done and is not too heavy handed.

Madame Burova’s mother, Shunty Mae, was a reader of tarot cards, palms and crystal balls. Her daughter, Imelda (aka Madam B) has taken on her mother’s vardo and profession. She is very good at it and her booth becomes a confessional for many. In the present, Imelda Burova is considering retirement; in the past she led an active life.

Imelda spent time at Larkin’s, a family holiday camp, when she was a young woman. There were many people and acts there. Imelda was close to Jeannie, a talented young singer and to Cillian Burke, a man who was of great importance to her. Readers will find out how Cillian influenced the title of the novel. Also at the camp is Vivienne; she wants Cillian and is used to taking whatever she feels that she needs.

In the present, Billie’s parents have recently died. She finds something out in a note that her father left her. This leads her to connect with Imelda and connect they do! In the present, Imelda offers Billie some answers and all the wonderful aspects of the kind of person she is. Readers will root for both of them.

This book is not a cliffhanger. It is a slow-ish read that I enjoyed and recommend. Not quite as good as Sally but very good nonetheless.

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

Broken Ground by Val McDermid

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsNovember 18, 2018

#BrokenGround #NetGalley

Val McDermid writes a number of series; of them all, the Karen Pirie novels are my favorites. Broken Ground is the newest of these.
I enjoy Karen. She is a quirky woman who has faced a significant loss and is still recovering. In this novel, she gingerly considers a new relationship. She is an old fashioned copper who cares about justice and what is right. She is loyal to those on her team who are still learners.
Karen is the head of the Historical Cases Unit in Scotland. Spending time with her, the members of her team (including her adversaries) and her cases is always time well-spent. In this novel, there are several stories; one relates to events of WWII, another to a serial rapist, and there is also a present day murder. Each of these plots is explored satisfactorily.
I finished this book today and am already looking forward to what happens next in the series. I highly recommend both this book and the series.

Many (!) thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this satisfying read.

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Pub date: August 24, 2021

#IrisApfel #NetGalley

I first learned about Iris Apfel from a documentary. It was delightful to spend time watching this feisty and original senior citizen. Now, a favorite series, is telling Iris’s story to young readers. She will help them to see that the most important thing that a person can be is themself!

Readers will learn that Iris was interested in fabric and fashion from a young age. Both were used by her in order to express herself vividly and uniquely. Her design instincts for homes took her as far as the White House. When Iris was 84 a collection of her fashion was put on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Quite a life!

Iris achieved a lot. Most appealing are her spirit and sense of fun. Hopefully, young readers will find her story inspiring. It is well told in this entry of the series and accompanied by delightful illustrations.

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

Short Stories

by Rosamunde Pilcher

Pub Date 27 Jul 2021

Readers, have you read this author’s most beloved book, The Shell Seekers? If not, I recommend it for its’ characters, settings and stories. It tells the story of an artist’s daughter both in the present and during WWII. I confess to having read this book more than once. I also liked Winter Solstice and September. September has some characters from The Shell Seekers in it.

As a reader of Pilcher’s novels, I was delighted to receive an ARC of this collection of short stories. There are fifteen stories in all and they are introduced by another favorite author of mine, Lucinda Riley. A few of the stories included are Anniversary; Jonathan; A Touch of Magic, and of, course, A Place Like Home.

Rosamunde Pilcher (sadly, no longer alive) was an author who knew what kinds of stories her readers wanted and she delivered them. These are quiet, good reads just perfect for when a reader has a bit of time and is looking for a “nice” read. I recommend the collection.

Those who already are familiar with RP will be glad to have this gift of stories. New readers may be encouraged to read her longer novels.

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

poisonedpen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MBookNotes_07-2021.pdf

by Anna Lee Huber

#MurderMostFair #NetGalley

Pub Date 31 Aug 2021   

Those who have read the earlier entries will be eager to get their hands on this title which is number five in the series. The books are best read in order but, if a reader is willing to accept spoilers from the earlier novels, they can read in any order.

First, the cover. I love the period feel to each of the covers in the Verity Kent series. They beautifully evoke the time period and character of what is inside the book.

Readers know (or find out) that Verity has had several earlier adventures which evolved from her work during WWI. Because of the Official Secrets Act, Verity’s family has no idea of all that she has experienced. Her mother, especially, judges her daughter. Readers may be surprised (as her mother would be if she knew) to learn that so much has happened to this young woman who is in only her early twenties.

In this novel, readers become better acquainted with Verity’s family. Her great aunt Ilse, who is German, arrives on Verity’s doorstep unannounced. What has brought her to England? How will she manage being in England where she is often viewed as an enemy despite her advanced age? Who has she seen? What does it mean? How do events in the present relate to Verity’s connection with her aunt when the war was on-going? Are the repercussions from that time about to cause trouble?

Verity decides to leave London early for the Christmas holidays, feeling that this will be better for her aunt. This allows readers to spend time with Verity’s parents and siblings in Yorkshire. Some of these relationships are less than ideal. Readers will also get to know some in her community including old friends, and new vicars and their wives.

When a murder occurs Verity and her dashing husband, Sidney, are on the scene and ready to solve the crime. Readers will try to figure things out right along side them.

I very much enjoy this series and highly recommend this latest entry. Alas, now it will be at least a year before I can catch up with Verity and Sidney again.

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