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www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/01/05/books/review/literary-buildings-quiz.html

#HeidensIliad #NetGalley

This translation of the Iliad offers a read with clarity. The language seems simple and straightforward. I think that readers who are afraid of taking on this classic will feel comfortable starting this version.

This is a good translation. However, I personally prefer the one by Emily Wilson.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bruce Heiden-Palmetto for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 15 March 2026

Description:

from the publisher

This unique new translation of the Iliad from a leading Homeric scholar is a work of poetic art that renders the voices of Homer’s narrator and characters with vividness, variety, and drama. It is the perfect choice for oral recitation. Read the Iliad aloud with friends or classmates and discover the power of Homer’s masterpiece as it flows from your own lips.

Bruce Heiden is Professor Emeritus of Classics at The Ohio State University, where he taught for almost 40 years. His many research publications on Greek and Latin poetry include Homer’s Cosmic Fabrication: Choice and Design in the Iliad (Oxford University Press 2008). Vignettes from this translation have previously appeared in Literary Imagination, Southwest Review, and the Norton anthology The Greek Poets: Homer to the Present.

An e book bargain

To Catch A Thief has to be one of my favorite movies of all times. Every time I watch it I escape into a good plot, good characters and an amazing setting in France. I had never read the novel upon which this popular film is based, so was thrilled when it was available on NetGalley.

I very much enjoyed this version of the story. It is suspenseful and stands the test of time. I highly recommend it. Jewel thieves, beware!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 01 April 2025

This is the fifteenth entry in this long running series that began with A Beautiful Blue Death. That first book was published in 2008 and Finch went on to create an excellent historical mystery series.

This title has everything that readers look for in Finch’s books. Lenox has a complex case to solve, and of course will do so. Perhaps even more enjoyable though, is spending time with the characters, including Lenox’s wife Lady Jane, and other family members and friends.

This book will be welcomed by those who favor historical mysteries. Those who already know the series will be delighted. Those new to it will be happy to discover the backlist after reading this one.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 04 November 2025

Post first published on 5 January 2026

Description:

from the publisher

NAMED ONE OF THE WASHINGTON POST‘S TEN BEST MYSTERY NOVELS OF 2025 and THE LOS ANGELES TIMES’ BEST FALL MYSTERIES!

Against the vividly drawn backdrop of Victorian London, amateur sleuth Charles Lenox must unlock a mystery concealed in the architecture of the city itself, in this new novel from acclaimed author Charles Finch.

It’s 1879, and Lenox is convalescing from the violent events of his last investigation. But a desperate letter from an old servant forces him to pick up the trail of a cold case: the murder of an apothecary seven years before, whose only clue is an odd emblem carved into the doorway of the building where the man was killed. When Lenox finds a similar mark at the site of another murder, he begins to piece together a hidden pattern which leads him into the corridors of Parliament, the slums of East London, and ultimately the very heart of the British upper class.

At the same time, Lenox must contend with the complexities of his personal life: a surprising tension with his steadfast wife, Lady Jane, over her public support of the early movement for women’s suffrage; the arrival of Angela Lenox, a mysterious young cousin from India, with an unexpected companion; the dizzying ascent of his brother, Sir Edmund Lenox, to one of the highest political posts in the land; the growing family of his young partners in detection, Polly and Dallington; and the return of the problems that have long bedeviled one of his closest friends, the dashing Scottish physician Thomas McConnell.

Featuring a beloved cast of characters, a top-notch puzzle, and Finch’s trademark humor and richness of historical detail, The Hidden City is a novel by a master at the top of his form.

From the Publisher:

An e book bargain today

#HowtoSolveYourOwnMurder #NetGalley

It is hard to believe that this is Kristen Perrin’s first novel. She writes with an assured hand and keeps readers turning the pages in her take on a traditional mystery.

The story-Frances Adams was a teen growing up in the sixties when she went to see a fortune teller. She was given a very detailed and particular warning of things to watch out for. Much of her subsequent life was spent trying to evade her own death by nefarious means. On this night, Frances was with her friends Emily and Rose. They have roles to play in the story.

Frances had a niece and grandniece who are living an eccentric London life as the story opens. When Annie is summoned to meet with Frances’s lawyer in the small town where Frances has an estate, off she goes. There she meets Walt, the attorney and his relative, Oliver. She also encounters the annoying Elva and her family.

Not a spoiler because this happens early in the story, Frances is found dead. Who will inherit her money? Who killed her? Find out in this very enjoyable novel.

It is easy to recommend this title. Hopefully, Ms. Perrin will keep writing twisty, fun mysteries.

Many thanks to Penguin Group-Dutton for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 26 March 2024

From the Publisher

“The pace is quick, the red herrings are plentiful, and Annie’s growth from timid wannabe writer to confident sleuth is beautifully rendered. Combining elements of Agatha Christie, Anthony Horowitz, and Midsomer Murders, this is a richly entertaining whodunit from a promising new talent.”—Publishers Weekly

“Perrin juggles characters and clues with aplomb, sketching in the past via teen Frances’ journals and immersing readers in the present through Annie’s determined, good-hearted point of view. Readers will root for her as she gains hard-won confidence in this entertaining exploration of family secrets.”—BookPage

How providence and loss helped shape “The Lord of the Rings.”
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/opinion/tolkien-grief-lord-rings.html

#TheWorldsGreatestDetectiveandHerJustOkayAssistant #NetGalley

On the day that I am writing this, Tully’s novel is an e-book bargain so I wanted to make readers aware of it.

I ejoyedthis long (400 pages or so) traditional mystery. The two protagonists come together with little in common-the detective has been successfully solving cases for many years while the assistant is still finding her way. Still, Aubrey and Olivia develop respect for each other as they solve Aubrey’s latest case.

A wealthy socialite has died at an amazing sounding resort on the shores of Lake Champlain. Was Victoria murdered or did she commit suicide? One of Victoria’s children wants to know. Not everyone agrees, however, that the case should be investigated.

Tully creates a wide cast of characters/suspects. They include family members, employees, friends, guests, resort staff-just so many.

One thing I enjoyed is that some of the early chapters in the book featured parts of New York City that I know well. This helped me to picture scenes even more than usual.

The book moves slowly but was not boring. I enjoyed this title and will surely read the next in the series that comes out later in 2026.

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

Pub date: 08 July 2025

Post first published on 4 January 2026

Description:

A brilliant Boomer detective and her ambitious Gen Z assistant try to get along in this delightful feel-good mystery.

Olivia Blunt is thrilled to be hired as assistant to the nationally renowned investigator Aubrey Merritt. She longs to become a valued contributor to the great detective’s work, but Merritt is a difficult, exacting boss, and the learning curve is steeper than she expected.

After weeks of boring computer work, Olivia is finally invited to join Merritt on an important case. On the night of her sixty-fifth birthday party, Victoria Summersworth somehow fell over her balcony railing to her death on the rocky shore of Vermont’s Lake Champlain. She was a happy woman—rich, beloved, in love, and matriarch of the preeminent Summersworth family. The police ruled her death a suicide, but Victoria’s daughter Haley thinks it was murder.

Merritt and Olivia soon discover that the Summersworth family is complicated web of lies, ambitions, and resentments. As the list of suspects grows, Olivia makes one apparent mistake after another. When she blunders into a truly dangerous situation, she realizes Merritt might be right: she might be in over her head with this whole detective thing…or she might be unravelling a mystery even bigger than the one they started with.

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From the Publisher:

Editorial Reviews:

“This novel succeeds through memorable characters at odds with each other (and sometimes themselves) across generational divides. A solidly entertaining read, especially for lovers of traditional mysteries.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A traditional mystery full of quirky characters and humorous situations… The ending may be totally surprising as Aubrey delivers quite the denouement in the tradition of Agatha Christie.”
—FirstClue

“This is a classic wealthy-family whodunit centered on a funny and smart pair of women who are opposites in just about every way. Readers will love spending time with this investigatory duo.”
—Library Journal

“Readers will be eager for a sequel”
—Publishers Weekly

#AwaytoSeeMarthasVineyard #NetGalley

The authors of this title have been going to the Vineyard for thirty years so they are wonderful companions for a virtual visit. The artwork is colorful, textured and catchy, while the observations in the text show why the island is a special place.

This book is truly lovely. I will enjoy paging through it many times. It would make a good gift for anyone with a connection to Martha’s Vineyard, or who enjoys escaping through a book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The Collective Book Studio for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 24 March 2026

Post first published on 3 January 2026

Description:

from the publisher

A poetic and painterly tribute to Martha’s Vineyard, Away to See captures the beauty, stillness, and spirit of this iconic coastal destination through lyrical prose and vibrant, full-color paintings.

With 46 original works by Paul Norwood and reflective vignettes by Liz Norwood, this contemplative gift book invites readers to pause, reflect, and truly see. It’s the first in a series that lives at the intersection of art, travel, and mindfulness—offering sensory journeys through beloved places around the world.

Longtime summer residents Paul and Liz share their favorite island experiences and illuminate its slower, quieter side: the astonishing seascapes, the spirit of community, and the joy found in everyday details.

Why Readers Treasure This Book:

• Sensory Travel Experience: Evokes the rhythm and essence of island life through expressive artwork and poetic language.
• Local Insight, Universal Appeal: Created by longtime residents with an intimate understanding of Martha’s Vineyard’s landscapes and culture.
• A Fresh Take on Travel Books: Blends fine art, reflection, and narrative—offering more than a typical guidebook or photo collection.
• Display-Worthy Format: Small, elegant casebound hardcover—perfect for coffee tables, gift shops, or coastal home libraries.

Whether you’re an armchair traveler, art lover, or island local, Away to See: Martha’s Vineyardis a meditative escape that celebrates slowing down, looking closer, and savoring the world around you.

Phryne Fisher is a woman who lives her life the way that she wants and does not apologize for it. Readers may be familiar with her from other books in the long running series. Others may know Phryne from her TV exploits in Miss Fisher’s Mysteries on Acorn TV. Either (or both) ways or even if a reader does not already know her, it is worth while spending time with this protagonist. (Those new to the series do not have to have read the other books but will just have to accept that they do not know all of the characters’ backstories.)

A lot (!) is going on in this book. It opens with a scene that may well jar current sensibilities as an Asian character is called something maybe appropriate to the time of the story but not to our times. Why was this raid done? Was it successful?

At the same time, there are other subplots. Phrnye’s adopted daughters are volunteering at an institute for the blind where someone may indeed be turning a blind eye to discrepancies in the books. Also, why has one of Phryne’s daughter been locked in the music room?

Phrnye find a body (as she tends to). Is this connected to opium pipes that were found in a garden? Who is sending Phryne poisoned pen notes about her personal life (she does have a habit of taking lovers of whom Jeoffrey appears to the the latest)? What is happening with her Asian lover? And to her relationship with police officer Jack?

There are also two women (lovers) who have escaped their institution. Who are they working (and dancing) for?

Will all of these plot lines come together? It will be a test of Ms. Greenwood’s abilities but she has done it before. Follow her lead in 1920s Melbourne where the story takes place. It is an enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 November 2023

Wow! Lady Emily has made it to her nineteenth case in this long running historical mystery series. While I have not read every one, I have enjoyed a number of them.

Here, I welcomed the time spent with the recurring characters. The plot is a dual time one with readers going from the early 20th century, to Roman Britain. It is one of those situations where readers have to trust the author and count on her ability to tie things together.

Who killed Victoria? Why did the King get involved? Will the case get solved (yes)? Find out fans of the author and maybe some new readers as well.

How it starts: Victoria Goldsborough was wearing white that evening, satin shimmering like pearls. (I was ready to read more!)

Kirkus Reviews observes “Plenty of motives and a surprise ending… [with] a bit of British Roman history woven into the mystery.”

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for this title.

Pub date: 23 September 2025

Post first published on 2 January 2026

Description:

from the publisher

Lady Emily investigates the murder of a glamorous debutante in the next irresistible mystery of Tasha Alexander’s New York Times bestselling series.

London, 1907: When the Season’s most accomplished and elegant debutante, Victoria Goldsborough, collapses and dies at her engagement ball, the great and good of London Society prepare to mourn the tragic loss of an upstanding young woman. But all is not what it seems, and after a toxic beverage is revealed to be the cause of death, the king himself instructs Lady Emily and her husband Colin Hargreaves to unearth the truth.

Who would want to harm one of the most popular women of the year? Is it her fiancé with whom she had an unusually brief courtship; a rival for his affections bitter at being cast aside; her best friend who is almost certainly hiding a secret from Colin and Emily; a disappointed suitor with a hidden gambling habit; or a notorious jewel thief who has taken a priceless tiara from the Goldsborough home? When a second debutante succumbs to poison, the race is on to find a ruthless killer.

Emily and Colin’s investigation leads to a centuries old tomb in the center of London with a mysterious link to another death dating back to Roman times and the violent reign of Boudica, ancient Britain’s fearsome warrior queen. As the stakes rise and the clock ticks down, Emily must find the killer before they strike again.

About the Author:

Tasha Alexander is the author of the Lady Emily novels, a historical suspense series, as well as a novella and a stand-alone novel. She studied English literature and medieval history at the University of Notre Dame. Her work has been nominated for numerous awards and has been translated into more than a dozen languages