#AQuestionofBetrayal #NetGalley

Anne Perry is a prolific writer of historical mysteries. Long term fans have gotten to know the Pitts in two series. They have also spent time with Monk, Hester and Rathbone and have read seasonal mysteries featuring these characters and those around them. In addition, Ms. Perry wrote a four book series set in the period leading up to WWI. In her latest entry in her newest series, Ms. Perry writes yet another most excellent story of intrigue, love, betrayal and loyalty; all these in the build up to WWII. A Question of Betrayal follows last year’s Death in Focus, the start of a new and fresh series by this author.

A Question of Betrayal may be read as a standalone but will be most enjoyed by those who read last year’s first in the series. Again, readers watch as (a now wiser) Elena works for the intelligence service, sent with her camera and wits to Trieste to rescue an agent and secure vital information. The man she is to rescue is someone from her past. No spoiler here…read the book and you will soon find out. Although, readers feel secure that Elena should emerge safely as the last page is turned, Perry manages to make the book suspenseful.

Elena’s older sister Margot has a greater role to plan in this title as compared to the first. What she learns will tie in to the case that Elena is working on and also connects to a close friend of their grandfather. Her trip to a friend’s wedding in Germany as the power balance is shifting is vividly brought to life.

The story is set as the Nazis build up power. Many want to prevent this and yet is it possible? Ideals matter to these characters as readers will see. Turn the pages as they spend time in Trieste, Berlin and Britain in this wide ranging story.

Following a long and successful career, I admire Ms. Perry for setting out to do something new. The result is nothing less than splendid.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

by The Editors of New York Magazine

pub date: October 20, 2020′

Whether you live in New York, have visited or, would just like to know more about this city, this eclectic title may pique your interest. In it, the editors of the iconic New York Magazine share all sorts of information on this metropolis.

The introduction points out the ways in which Manhattan has constantly adapted and changed. For example, as the editors point out, South Street once contained warehouses while Soho had factories. Now, these neighborhoods are filled with trendy shops and restaurants. Industries changed also; once there were no longer so many factories other industries thrived here including publishing and finance. And so it goes, in this constantly evolving city. Get to know it through this title which takes innovation as its theme.

The book is arranged with alphabetical entries. so, for example, A has everything from Abstract Expressionism (which began here), to the Algonquin Round Table to the Automat and more. There are so many entries in this book. Readers can go in order or dip in and out. They will find something interesting wherever they land. Just a couple of others from the beginning of the alphabet are Big Bird and the Crossword puzzle.

This book would make a good gift for anyone who loves the city or wants to know more about it. With its many illustrations and entries, it is an entertaining read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Just two today. During a time in my life when I was trying to come to grips with something, I found Kushner’s book to be very helpful.

Pele

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Here is yet another winning entry in a wonderful series of short biographies for little people. This time the story of Pele, one of the most iconic soccer players ever, is told in simple text with engaging illustrations. Children will learn that with a combination of family support, talent and hard work it is possible to do amazing things in both sport and life!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#Pele #NetGalley

25 Easy to Score Tests that Reveal the Real You

by Haulwen Nicholas

#TheBookofPersonalityTests #NetGalley

Are you a person who likes to take personality tests? Are you looking for a fun way to learn more about yourself or to reinforce what you might already know or suspect? If yes, this book is for you.

Included are 25 tests. Some of those included are: Are You an Introvert or an Extrovert?; Are You Honest with Yourself?; What is Your Stress Type?; What Type of Rule Breaker Are You?; What is Your Role in Your Family? and more.

The author of this book notes that when she did the well-known Myers-Briggs test, it validated who she knew that she was. She found that to be helpful. These personality quizzes may do that or they may teach you something new about yourself.

The book begins with some background on personality including sections on Freud and Jung. Then, there are the quizzes. I enjoyed doing them and reading what my aggregate score for each meant.

This book is entertaining and may provide readers with some helpful insights. I recommend it for those who are fans of these tests.

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

ABC for Me: ABC What Can I Be?

YOU can be anything YOU want to be, from A to Z

by

Jessie Ford

This delightfully and inclusively illustrated alphabet book encourages children to think big. There are so many things that they can dream of, everything from A’s Astronaut to C’s Costume Designer to G’s Game Developer to L’s Landscape Architect and many more until Z’s Zookeeper. This is a great addition for an alphabet book collection. It would make an excellent baby gift.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#ABCforMeABCWhatCanIBe #NetGalley

More Photos and Fun Facts about Tropical Reef Fish

by Tam Warner Minton

The author of this title clearly loves tropical fish. Tam has traveled the world to visit reefs in places including Australia, Ecuador. Indonesia, Africa, Mexico, Thailand and more.

Tam’s book is filled with detailed photos of the fish faces that were encountered and facts about them. The author encourages the children who read this book to learn more about ocean ecology and ways that they can help the planet. There are also many fun facts.

If you know a child who would like to see eels, puffer fish, trigger fish and more, this beautifully photographed book is a good resource.

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

Lots of choices here. I’ve reviewed the Mansell, the MacNeal and the Letts. I recommend Dorothy Sayers for lovers of traditional mysteries from the 30s. The JoJo Moyes books in the three book series, of which this is one, are best read in order. Hope you see something that you like!

An Amory Ames Mystery

by Ashley Weaver

A Deception at Thornecrest is the seventh title in Ashley Weaver’s series about Amory Ames, her husband Milo, and those around them. This time, Amory is pregnant and enjoying a sense of peace as she waits for her new arrival. But, of course, peace is not what she gets.

Just when it seems that Amory and Milo’s relationship is on track, after some ups and downs in previous entries, a woman appears claiming to also be married to Milo. If that weren’t challenging enough, of course there is a murder. This time it takes place on the day of the Springtide Festival.

How will it all be resolved? Read the novel to find out. Both new and long term readers of this British historical mystery series will welcome spending time with Amory and Milo.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

So many choices today. I highly recommend Bel Canto, Gaudy Night and Heaven, My Home. For light reads, there are Jill Mansell and Jodie Thomas. There are many Donna Leon book bargains although I have included just one. The Widows of Malabar Hill is the first in a new historical mystery series. Enjoy!