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Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna

A Novel

by Mario Giordano

Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna is the fourth entry in what I find to be a rather quirky series. There is a lot happening in this one with exorcism, a dead nun and an extraordinarily attractive priest. Then, of course, there is Poldi, actually not Italian but Bavarian. Readers of the series know that she is very busy in Sicily though.

Fans of Poldi will welcome this book with its humor and action. It is not for everyone though in my opinion. Those wanting a very traditional mystery may be disappointed.

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

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Exceptional…While the plot, which involves the theft of a statue of a Black Madonna, is satisfyingly packed with danger and surprises, it’s the digressions on Sicilian history, the Italian mentality, and Poldi’s pronouncements on life and sex that provide readers with some laugh-out-loud moments as well as food for thought. Those who appreciate the intelligent silliness of S.J. Perelman will want to see more of the sexy, quick-witted Poldi, who won’t take guff from any man, including the pope.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Poldi’s devil-may-care attitude and Nephew’s witty, self-deprecating narration are as entertaining as ever, but this series’ fourth entry is anchored by Poldi’s evolution as she faces both her future and her conflicted past.”—​Booklist

by Clara McKenna

#MurderatBlackwaterBend #NetGalley

I wanted to read this title from the moment I saw the cover. Readers learn that pictured are an American woman and an aristocratic Englishman.

This historical mystery features an obnoxious Lord who is murdered. Who did it? Why? How will it impact our engaged couple?

This book provided an entertaining read. It can be read as a standalone but readers may find that they need to cat cup a bit so they might want to begin with the first in the series.

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

by Samantha Newman

This title retells the story of Cinderella in a most funny and entertaining manner. In the beginning of the book, the story follows somewhat traditional lines but all of this changes when Cinderella meets her hard of hearing fairy godmother. Fairy godmother does what she thinks that she is being asked but…not exactly!

This book has engaging illustrations and main characters who become empowered. It is a delightful read.

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

A sequel will be published this year!

Dear Mrs. Bird is an engaging and warm first novel. Readers who enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society are almost certain to rate this book highly. Mrs. Bird is an out of touch editor at a woman’s magazine during WW II who is responsible for the agony column. Sadly, she deems most letters “unsuitable” for answering. Enter Emmy; young, naive, and trying to cope with bombs and disasters in London. She begins to answer letters as Mrs. Bird and you need to read the book to learn what happens. This novel at first seemed like it would be light but it has substance. Themes of love, friendship and how to relate to others all have their place. I highly recommend Dear Mrs. Bird! I would like to write her a fan letter. Thanks for this read NetGalley.

Little Men is free.

by Linda Davick

So many children dream of being in a club with their friends, making titles that feature kids who are part of one very popular. This title is sure to be enjoyed by its’ intended readers.

This beginning chapter book is filled with humor and sly illustrations. It starts with tongue in cheek descriptions of the members of the Gumball Club. The members mostly all live in Periwinkle Towers; they hope to build a tunnel to connect their building with the home of the member who does not live there. From the opening of the story, readers get a sense of these friends and their world.

In this entry in the series kids will eagerly wait to find out if buried treasure will be discovered. They will also watch as the friends have some issues. Will they work things out?

This is a quirky, cute title. Young readers may well enjoy this one.

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

This title is published by the wonderful Poisoned Pen Press. PPP is affiliated with the superb Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Arizona. Both are worth exploring. I note that the store publishes a fantastic monthly newsletter.

As can be seen by the cover, this book is in the cozy genre. It is the second in the author’s series and can be read as a standalone. There are many elements to like within; there are a bookstore, food and likeable characters. And…of course, murder and an amateur detective. Fans of the genre should definitely consider this one.

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

Hymns from Homer to Proclus

by Barry B. Powell

This title is very well thought out. It begins with sections on aspects of poetry including meter and performance. There are also guides to the spelling of ancient names and places. Some illustrations and maps are also to be found within these pages.

Readers may already know that a hymn is a song and one that is generally addressed to, and about a god. There are many included here.

This title is organized by god enabling readers to see what different poets said about each one that is found here. I learned that these oral poets often included stock phrases, some I already knew and think are beautiful, as for example, the “wine dark sea.”

This title is published by an academic press. It is a volume that calls for the reader’s attention. I look forward to spending considerable time with it.

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