Trio is a rather rollicking 1960s set novel that details the lives of a number of characters who come together to work on a movie. Readers quickly begin to wonder if the movie can successfully be made as there are so many issues; some are the personal backstories of the characters, while others involve the theft of film, changes to scripts and more. There is a comic feel to much of what transpired but with some pathos underneath.

Following is a brief guide to some of the characters;

Talbot is a movie producer, married but with other proclivities. It is possible that his partner in movie making is ripping him off.

Rodrigo was known as Reggie but has aspirations for his image that lead to a name change. He is married to Elfrida but has a wandering eye.

Elfrida has written a couple of well received novels, only to then face writer’s block. Will she be able to write a novel about Virginia Woolf’s last day while she, our author, drinks to excess?

Anny and Troy are the stars of the movie. Anny’s ex is a wanted man and she may be implicated. Many of her partners have roles to play in the story.

Around the people, there are parties, theft, a cameo by Leonard Woolf and numerous subsidiary characters.

Is this book a satire? A series of character studies? A suspenseful read? Those who read this one, will each decide.

The cover of this title is appealing and invites the reader to engage. It is simple and colorful. I liked it very much.

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

A WWI mystery-Murder in Belgravia by Brittney

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsDecember 28, 2018

This is the first novel in a new historical mystery series set in Britain during WWI.  The premise centers on the formation of a new detective unit which includes both men and women.  The two women are a doctor and a woman who took law courses but, since she was female, could not obtain a degree.  The men are forward thinking officers of the law.

The story centers on the death of a returning soldier who may have been murdered by his wife.  A lot is thrown into the mix including scenes set in upper class homes, hospitals and brothels.

This was an interesting book with characters who were quite likeable.  I look forward to the next in this Mayfair 100 series.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-galley.  The opinions are my own.

Stargazer

A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel

by Anne Hillerman

Many mystery readers recognize the name Hillerman. It is shared by father, Tony, and daughter, Anne. Both are authors of excellent mysteries that draw on Native American themes. Anne took on the characters of her father’s novels, the well known Leaphorn and Chee, among others.

Spend time in the southwest among the Navajo as Bennie reconnects with an old friend’s brother whom she tries to help. This causes friction with Bennie’s husband, the long running series regular Chee. This leads to Joe Leaphorn’s involvement as well.

Those who already enjoy this series will be delighted to spend time with them again. New readers may well find that they want to go back to the beginning and have an enjoyable journey through the many earlier titles.

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

A guided journal to discover simple pleasures every day

by Emine Rushton

Pub Date 11 May 2021  

I was drawn to this title by both the cover and the concept. The author, early in the book, shares a quote from Alan Watts which states, in part, “The meaning of life is just to be alive;” it is not to run and run and run. So, this is a journal to help one to slow down and experience life, rather than chasing after the next thing. In that spirit, this book includes things to do and think about in order to have that kind of life, 365 entries in all. Some are original ideas for me, others I already knew but that is okay. Readers can choose what they want to take and leave the rest, hopefully after a few deep breaths. Fill in the pages and have a memento of this time in life.

By the way, the illustrations are lovely. They very much enhance the text.

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

The title of Flynn Berry’s latest book has two meanings. The novel’s protagonist, in one scene, mentions the apple variety known as the Northern Spy; however, more significantly Northern Spy refers to those who are spying in Northern Ireland.

This absorbing novel tells the story of sisters Marian and Tessa. Tessa is a new mom who passionately loves her son. She works for the BBC and as the novel opens is not involved in the sectarian conflict. However, much happens after Tessa sees her sister in footage of an IRA robbery. Questions are raised: did Marian want to be there or was she a victim? As the answers spool out, readers learn a lot about the conflict, recruitment to the IRA, informers and the complexities of the choices that the characters are asked to make.

Ms. Berry is skilled at showing how a person can be recruited to the IRA bit by bit. She gives life to the beliefs that motivate the characters who see sectarian violence as the way to achieve a united Ireland. In doing this, Ms. Berry offers a suspenseful novel characters that readers will care about.

I do think that elements of the plot required suspension of disbelief. That having been said, I recommend this one!

Poppy Harmon and the Pillow Talk Killer

by Lee Hollis

#PoppyHarmonandthePillowTalkKiller #NetGalley

Lee Hollis is the author of several cozy mystery series. These include the stories that follow Maya and Sandra, starting with Murder at the PTA; and those following Hayley Powell, beginning with Death of a Kitchen Diva. The series with Poppy Harmon is this author’s newest and Poppy Harmon and the Pillow Talk Killer is the third in this series. The book can certainly be read without having started with title number one.

Poppy is of a certain age (something that I liked), was an actor and now enjoys her work as a private detective. She is based in Palm Springs, CA. In this novel, Poppy is on a set for the first time in many years. She is undercover and there to keep an eye on a young starlet, Danika, who is being stalked. But, uh-oh, Danika is killed in Joshua Tree National Park.

Readers can be sure that Poppy and her cohorts will solve the case. Will they find that it is connected with an earlier crime, that of the Pillow Talk Killer? Cozy lovers may enjoy solving this one right along with them.

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

by Melody Lockhart

This is the second entry in an appealing chapter book series for young readers who like stories that are imaginative and magical. In the first book, Rosie and Kat were introduced as was the enticing forest where much of the book takes place. The first time around, Rosie was adjusting to a new home; this time Kat is learning to be a big sister. Rosie now is more comfortable in her new home and, along with her friend, Rosie, is back in a story about friendship and more. This time the special creature is a dragon! And this dragon needs help. Will the girls be able to provide it?

This is a title that will encourage young readers to pick up a book…and won’t that make the adults happy?

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

Those who enjoy cozy mysteries will want to look at this extensive preview featuring titles by Ellie Alexander, Eve Calder, Cate Conte, Donna Andrews, Meri Allen, Eve Calder, Sheila Connolly, Hannah Dennison, Jess Dylan, Leonard Goldberg, Carolyn Haines, Kylie Logan, Allison Montclair, S. C. Perkins, Ashley Weaver. The excerpts are each several chapters long giving readers a chance to decide if a book is for them. Find out if a favorite author has a new book forthcoming and maybe find a new favorite as well!

Just some of the author’s whose books I want to read include Hannah Dennison, Carolyn Haines, Kylie Logan, Allison Montclair, S.C Perkins and Ashley Weaver. How about you?

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this wonderful compendium. All opinons are my own.