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Mutts Go Green

Earth-Friendly Tips and Comic Strips

by Patrick McDonnell

I have adored the Mutts comic strip ever since the first time that I read one of Patrick McDonnell’s sweet entries. He has a way of universalizing human experience through his animal characters.

In this collection, the focus is our earth and the environment. Mixed in with the comics are suggestions for things that we all can do for our planet. Mr. McD is not (too) preachy and he makes many good points. And, of course, readers will get to spend time with Mooch, Earl and all of their friends. I defy anyone not to smile at times as they dip into this book.

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

From the publisher:

The P.G. Wodehouse is free.

Pub Date 04 May 2021

The Bookshop of Second Chances is a light women’s fiction novel. The title tells readers a lot; yes, there is a bookshop (and one that I wish I could visit) and yes, there are second chances. So, if this appeals to you, take a look at this book.

Readers learn early on that Thea has been dumped by her husband…and not just that, her (former) best friend is now living in her house. Luckily Thea has another good friend, Xanthe, who is there to help and to travel with Thea to Scotland. Why are they going there? Because Thea has inherited a relative’s house and, get this, it was left to her because her relative remembered her as a person who loved to read. Won’t that make book lovers hope for a surprise inheritance?

So, Thea begins a new life in Scotland. She makes some friends and begins to work in Edward’s bookshop. He is a somewhat crusty individual but the two slowly become friends. Will they become something more? Read the book to find out.

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

Kawaii Kitties

Learn How to Draw 75 Cats in All Their Glory

by Olive Yong

Kawaii is a style of art that is adorable and endearing, whatever its subject. That said, those who love cats are certain to enjoy this title. It features felines at play, being curious, eating and more. Those who spend time with this book will learn how to draw many delightful cats. Each of them, as for example, the observer or the runner is broken down into easy to follow steps for making one’s own drawing. The book even includes a couple coloring pages at the end. Plus, I enjoyed the cartoons. All in all, a great resource for cat doodlers.

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

War and mystery: The King’s Justice A Maggie Hope Mystery by Susan Elia MacNeal

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsFebruary 25, 2020

I have been reading the Maggie Hope mysteries since the first title, Mr. Churchill’s Secretary, was published in 2012.  The King’s Justice is the ninth in this historical mystery series.  Any of the books can be read as a standalone but readers of the series will relate to familiar characters including members of Maggie’s family.

The King’s Justice is a complex tale.  By the time that this story takes place, the stresses of war and Maggie’s work life (currently as a bomb disposal expert) are taking their toll.  Maggie is smoking and drinking too much and pushing for intimacy in a relationship where it does not appear wanted.

Into this tense and chaotic life come new challenges.  A Stradivarius violin has been stolen.  Will it be connected to the bigger cases of the novel?

Maggie is working with many Italian conscientious objectors in the UXB squad.  Why are they disappearing?  Are they dead or alive? Where would they go? Who is responsible for what is happening?

As if this were not enough, an imprisoned serial killer from a prior case wants to see Maggie.  He tantalizes her with the possibility of helping to solve another serial murder case that is being investigated, the one dubbed the Jimmy Greenteeth case. Readers will gradually watch the aspects of the story come together.

The author has done her research and posed some big questions.  I learned a lot about how the Italian community  in Britain was treated during WWII.  There are also questions raised as to what justice is or should entail.

There are big themes here and a story that reads very quickly.  My time with Maggie and her circle was well spent.  I already am looking forward to where the author will takes me in the next novel in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.  I honestly recommend all of the books in this series.

#TheKingsJustice #NetGalley

Peter Pan is free!