by Val McDermid

This book is something new and different for one of my favorite authors. She has broken barriers before, as for instance, with her Lindsay Gordon mysteries which may have been the first to have a lesbian sleuth. Many love her Tony HIll and Carol Jordan mysteries, while I am a huge fan of the Karen Pirie novels and stand alones including A Place of Execution and The Vanishing Point. Now, Ms. McDermid is publishing her first graphic novel.

The story is about a reporter and her friends (and their food truck) who go to a music festival (kind of like Glastonbury). But, something goes horribly wrong, as many people become ill and others try to figure out how this has happened and what it means. To me, the subtext is definitely Covid.

I really wanted to like this darkly illustrated story, but I did not find that it sufficiently drew me in. That said, maybe it was just me, as Val McDermid is an extraordinary writer.

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

A Novel

by Rhys Bowen

Rhys Bowen has written several beloved mystery series, including the stories about Molly Murphy and the “Royal Spyness” novels. Readers may be less aware of her novels that relate to WWII, of which The Venice Sketchbook is one along with others including The Victory Garden and The Tuscan Child.

This dual timeline story is an immersive read. Readers share in romance, things to be discovered, keys, sketchbooks and more. Also kudos to the author for bringing the city of Venice so vividly into being in these pages.

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

I love the chapter titles in this book. Here are just a few: You Can’t Leave Your Hat On; Troubled Dreams; To the Barricades and Natural Wonders. There is wit here too, as, for example, the section with leaving one’s hat on is actually about nudes. There are ten chapters in all and 100 artworks discussed.

The author’s goal was to include both well and lesser known artists. She also wanted to cover a wide time period. Both the selections and commentary held my interest.

A feature of this book that I very much liked was about links. These include the topics “see this, visit this, read this, watch this, listen to this and like this? try these.” These greatly add to what readers can get from the book itself.

I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to know a bit more about history. It is very well done.

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

A Detective William Warwick Novel

by Jeffrey Archer

Jeffrey Archer is a prolific writer. Here readers can spend time with his Detective William Warwick in the third entry in this series. The book can be read without having read the first two titles but readers may well want to take a look at those as well.

There are several intriguing plot strands in this novel. One has to do with an undercover investigation that becomes complicated by the personal relationships that are involved. This hits close to home for those involved.

Also in this story is the trial of a drug baron. This case also comes very close to Warwick because his father and sister are involved in the prosecution. And then there is the friendship in which Warwick’s wife gets involved.

Sound like a lot? Luckily Archer is an experienced author who is well able to hold all of the plot lines together.

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

A Barker & Llewelyn Novel

by Will Thomas

Pub date: April 13, 2021

Dance with Death is the 13th novel in the series featuring Barker and Llewelyn. It is 1893 in this historical mystery. The two enquiry agents are tasked with helping to keep Tsar Nicholas safe while he is in London for a wedding, accompanied by his mistress. In a case of mistaken identity, a British prince is attacked. Will the Tsar remain safe from those who wish him harm? What will happen along the way? Read this engaging story to find out. While readers are at it, they will enjoy spending time with the real life personages who make appearances in the novel.

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

A Novel

by Brenda Novak

The Bookstore at the Beach is the second title that I have read by Ms. Novak, following her earlier novel, One Perfect Summer. As was true of that book, this is a long (448 pages) story that is filled with plot and character.

Readers follow and get to know the lives, struggles and joys of three generations of women from one family. The oldest is Mary. She runs a bookstore in a small town and leads a fairly insular life. Mary is not a risk taker. Why? What happened to her in the past that formed her attitudes and character? No spoilers so you have to read the book to find out.

Next up is Autumn, Mary’s daughter. She has come with her two children to spend time with Mary over the summer. Readers learn early on that Autumn’s husband has been missing for nineteen months, most likely related to his travel in Ukraine. Should Autumn hold on to hope that he will come back or…should she again become involved with her high school crush who lives in the town where Autumn is summering?

Finally there is Taylor, Autumn’s daughter. She was feeling numb and engaged in sexual activity without using birth control. Is she pregnant? If yes, how will this define her life? There is also a strong plot line about Taylor’s friendship with Sierra as Taylor wonders if she is in love with her.

The author holds onto all of the many plot strands without losing any of them. She tells a story that has some depth and that held my interest.

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

Uneasy Lies the Crown (Tasha Alexander)

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsAugust 10, 2018

Uneasy Lies the Crown follows last year’s excellent, A Death in St. Petersburg.  This time, Lady Emily and Colin are trying to keep the (very) new king safe from possible threats.  There have been several murders with each corpse dressed as an historical king.  Is this meant as a direct threat to Bertie or is there something else going on?

In tandem with this plot is a story set in the 1400s.  This is the tale of a brave knight who fights for his king and his relationship with his wife.  This earlier historical tale is connected with Colin’s ancestors.

This book will be welcomed by those who read each book by Tasha Alexander as it comes out.  That having been said, I thought that last year’s entry was stronger.  I look forward to seeing what comes next. Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur books.

#UneasyLiesTheCrown #NetGalley

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