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

When We’re Too Old to Get the Chairs Reupholstered

by Judith Viorst

#MakingTheBestOfWhatsLeft #NetGalley

I suspect that Judith Viorst has been writing for longer than some of the readers of this post has been alive. Now in her nineties, she is as insightful and incisive as ever.

As many who are in their last fifth (the years between 80 and 100, and some of my friends who are older than I by a decade or more) know, aging is filled with indignities and wisdom. Viorst so manifestly shares both with her audience.

For the less than ideal, she notes the number of “ologists” (various medical specialists) who take up her time. Viorst writes about the big things that were taken from her (her husband) or that she had to let go of (her beautiful DC home), with poignancy. But there is also humor in these pages which readers should know.

This book has made me think deeply. I highly recommend it. I also recommend a piece of her advice though readers may already know it; don’t wait too long to say the things that you need to and to show how you feel about the people in your life.

Pick this one up for yourself or someone you know. You will be the better for it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 01 April 2025

by Gemini

#ThePocketLovePoems #NetGalley

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here is a lovely collection of poems that affirm and explore love in its many guises. The poems are organized into chapters titled, Eternal Love, Romantic Love, Doomed Love (not so good for Valentines perhaps), and Sexual Love.

Within this short title, are poems that will be both new and old to readers. I found the opening one by Anne Bradstreet to be quite lovely and that was only one of my favorites. Just some of the other poets whose work I read in this book were Christina Rossetti,Emily Dickinson, Kahil Gibran, Langston Hughes, and Sappho.

Readers will find their own favorites in these pages. This book will be enjoyed by those who are drawn to poetry, love and relationships.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gemini Books Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 04 February 2025

An e book bargain

#thatnightinthelibrary #NetGalley

I read and enjoyed this author’s first, The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, so was intrigued by this second novel set in the world of books.

Here is a locked room mystery that fans of that genre will enjoy. However, they may feel differently in going into libraries for a while.

A group of friends hopes that a night in the library will be transformative and it is…just not in the way that they hoped.

This is a suspenseful read. Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 11 June 2024

The first book:

What could go wrong in: The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections

#AMurderMostFrench #NetGalley

Four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This series began with last year’s Mastering the Art of French Murder. This second title is every bit as delightful.

Here is an historical mystery set in post WWII Paris. It features a fictional protagonist, Tabitha, and a friend of hers. That friend is the larger than life Julia Child. Together the two become involved in murderous situations.

This time, chefs should beware what they drink. Not too far into the novel, two have died after imbibing what should have been very special vintages. Tabitha and Julia are on the case even if the police inspector (and possible romantic interest for Tabitha) does not want their help.

What I like best in this book (and in the first one) is the evocation of Paris. When Tabitha and Julia visit a market it is easy to visualize the food and want to start cooking. And speaking of which, every time Julia is around food, and that is often, the book is so much fun.

Highly recommended to those who are foodies, those who love Paris and those who like historical mysteries. I hope there will be a third book soon

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

Pub date: 23 April 2024

#ThePresidentsWife #NetGalley

I am a great fan of historical fiction. I find it intriguing to look into the lives of people who lived before us. Ms. Wood previously wrote a novel where she told readers about the woman who was responsible for the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge. Now, she has turned her attention to Edith Bolling Galt Wilson. The story is a fascinating and involving one that gives readers insight into the United States and President Wilson. Nowadays, Wilson has been called to task for some of his views. Here readers get to meet him, being introduced to him when he was a fifty-something year old widower and the head of the nation. All this, as WWI was looming.

As the novel opens, time has moved forward. Edith is revisiting the hotel where she spent her honeymoon. It is now the 1940s. She wonders if she could have done more, been more influential and altered history in a better way. Readers will watch as she made her decisions.

SPOILER (though many know this): Edith is well known for having been very influential in Wilson’s presidency, especially when he became ill. She took over decision making in many ways at that point.

I became very involved with the time and people in this novel. I started looking up photos, Wilson and Edith’s wedding coverage and more. Clearly, the author was able to intrigue me.

Recommended for fans of historical fiction. Anyone who read The First Ladies will most likely enjoy this one as well.

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

Pub date: 15 August 2023

Four stars ****

I am a fan of a number of mysteries set in Ireland. Of course, there is Tana French. There are also Dervla McTiernan and Andrea Carter to name just two of my other favorites. Carlene O’Connor is another author whose new series , I am excited to read. This is the second title of those and it is a bit less cozy than some of the author’s other longer running series.

This is a story that can be read for its Irish setting, the characters and the mystery itself. The book opens when meteor showers/shooting stars are coming; some believe that they will bring good luck while others are not so sure. Readers can guess which predictions will be true.

The first victim is an elderly man while the second is a voluptuous young woman. She is camping with a group and the detective, Cormac was involved with one of them. How will that come back to haunt him?

In addition to the mystery there are backstories. Dimpna’s father has Alzheimer’s while Cormac’s mother has motor neuron disease and is failing. These personal situations impact the characters but do not keep these two from figuring out what has transpired.

This is a solid mystery and one that is worth a look.

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

From the Publisher

Broken Ground by Val McDermid

#BrokenGround #NetGalley

Val McDermid writes a number of series; of them all, the Karen Pirie novels are my favorites. Broken Ground is the newest of these.
I enjoy Karen. She is a quirky woman who has faced a significant loss and is still recovering. In this novel, she gingerly considers a new relationship. She is an old fashioned copper who cares about justice and what is right. She is loyal to those on her team who are still learners.
Karen is the head of the Historical Cases Unit in Scotland. Spending time with her, the members of her team (including her adversaries) and her cases is always time well-spent. In this novel, there are several stories; one relates to events of WWII, another to a serial rapist, and there is also a present day murder. Each of these plots is explored satisfactorily.
I finished this book today and am already looking forward to what happens next in the series. I highly recommend both this book and the series.

Many (!) thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this satisfying read.

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Our columnist on the month’s best new releases.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/books/review/new-crime-novels.html