The Killings at Kingfisher Hill

#TheKillingsatKingfisherHill #NetGalley

by Sophie Hannah is an e book bargain

#TheKillingsatKingfisherHill #NetGalley

The Killings at Kinfisher Hill is the fourth mystery that Sophie Hannah has written with the permission of the Agatha Christie estate. The books feature Hercule Poirot. They are stand alones so can be read in any order.

This book, along with the others in the series, have an old fashioned feel. They have some Christie trademarks with traditional settings, intricate plots and some interesting characters. Readers know that with the help of his “little grey cells,” Poirot will solve the case.

There are a number of threads to the story. In one, a young woman refuses to initially board a coach because she has been told that she will be murdered if she sits in seat seven. What will happen to her whether she sits there or not?

Poirot has a conversation with a mysterious woman on this same coach. She tells him that she has murdered someone and regales him with the tale while remaining anonymous. Who is she? Did she do what she said? How will Poirot find out?

Then there is Helen. She has confessed to a murder but it is not clear that she actually killed the victim. Did she? Why if she did, and why confess if she did not?

And…who is the second murder victim? Why were they murdered? HOw does this connect with the first murder in the story?

Thank goodness that Poirot is around to bring order to the case and the reader’s world. Fans of traditional mysteries and/or Agatha Christie will enjoy this case. Can your “little grey cells” figure it out?

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

An e book bargain-Come celebrate: An Island Wedding

A Novel

by Jenny Colgan

An Island Wedding is the fifth title in the series that began with The Cafe by the Sea. Each of the books is set on the small island community of Mure, a spot that feels pretty idyllic.

Readers who have followed the folks who live on Mure will surely be happy to find that there is a new book. While the stories are best read in order, Ms. Colgan thoughtfully provides an introduction to the characters and places, so this book could be read and enjoyed by new readers too.

I was happy to again spend time with Flora, her baby, her fiance, her family and her friends. It was nice to revisit the hotel and see what was happening there. I also enjoyed the plot about Saif, a refugee doctor who has found a new beginning for himself and his children on Mure.

There are wedding plans here, daily life and a few surprises. How will Flora and Joel’s wedding, one that they planned to be “micro” compare with that of Olivia who has returned to Mure for an extravaganza? Will love triumph? Relax and enjoy as you find out. Enjoy a (virtual) vacation in Mure, that magical island between Scotland and Norway as the pages are turned in this light read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this title. All opinions are my own.

Falling in Love with a Traveling Cat: Mofusand’s 1st Illustration Book!

by JUNO, Mofusand

#FallinginLovewithaTravelingCatmofusand #NetGalley

Cat lovers will rejoice when they pick up this title. It is so very, very cute and adorable!

Watch the cats as they plan a trip, pack and travel. It is sure to bring a smile to the reader’s face.

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

Pub date: 01 October 2024

Ace, Marvel, Spy

A Novel of Alice Marble

by Jenni L Walsh

#AceMarvelSpy #NetGalley

I did not know who Alice Marble was before I started reading this absorbing historical fiction by Jenni Walsh. Now I know that I won’t forget who this talented athlete and woman was.

Alice was growing up poor. Her father had died and older brothers had left school to help support the family. One of these brothers sparked Alice’s interest in tennis, even though it was because he wanted to channel her away from what he perceived to be the less ladylike sport of playing ball.

Alice had raw talent, drive, ambition, spirit but not the resources of some of the well heeled players against whom she was matched. She got a lucky break when “Teach” noticed her. She went on to work so hard at her game. Readers will find themselves rooting for Alice and hoping for her success in both tennis and life.

However, as can be gleaned from the title of this book, Marble did more than play tennis. What was her work during WWII? How much of a difference did she make? What was the rest of her life like? Read this one to find out.

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will, I think, enjoy getting to know Alice Marble. Tennis fans, too, are in for a real treat. I very much liked this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 14 January 2025

Five stars *****

From the Publisher

An e book bargain-Will she find it? Miss Benson’s Beetle A Novel by Rachel Joyce

Miss Benson’s Beetle is by the author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a book that I very much enjoyed. So, I was excited to receive this e galley from the publisher. The book does not disappoint.

As has been true in her other novels, Rachel Joyce is a mistress of creating quirky characters for whom readers will care. The beginning of the novel introduces Miss Benson. What teacher will not identify with her ‘losing it,’ even if they might not take the actions that she does?

From this unlikely beginning Miss Benson goes on the quest of her lifetime, to the New Caledonia, in search of a rare golden beetle. Readers learn what led to this obsession and of the tragedies in Miss Benson’s past. Accompanying Miss Benson is the irrepressible Enid Pretty who has her own back story. There is also another less savory and wounded character whom Miss Benson did not hire when she met him.

This is a story about doing what one dreams of in life. It is about embarking on a journey without knowing how it will end. Isn’t this a universal of going on journeys and taking risks? Readers will become attached to the story and character and will immerse themselves in Miss Benson’s world.

This is a novel that has both humor and heart. I highly recommend it.

Pub date: November 24, 2020

#MissBensonsBeetle #NetGalley

What’s inside: The Secret Book of Flora Lea (Patti Callahan Henry)-an e book bargain

Patti Callahan Henry’s novel, Becoming Mrs. Lewis, is one of my favorite books of all time. I similarly loved Once Upon a Wardrobe. Now I want to read every title of hers. So, I was very happy to spend time with this novel.

The Secret Book of Flora Lea is a book that I enjoyed very much. I found that I wanted to read it slowly so as to savor the story and the time that I got to spend with the characters. I also delighted in the many literary references that were scattered through these pages. (Mecklenburgh Square, a pen of Virginia Woolf’s and many more)

Henry creates a fully realized world in this novel, both in her characters’ pasts and presents, but also in Whisperwood, the special place that two sisters shared in their imaginations.

This is a story with a timeline during WWII and another that begins in 1960. In the 30s, Flora and her older sister, Hazel, are sent to the countryside to keep them safe from London’s bombs… but something happens to Flora. This leaves Hazel alone and bereft. How and why did Flora disappear…and what is the meaning of a book that Hazel “borrows” from her employer? Readers, start here and then you will want to keep going.

This is the sort of novel that will resonate with its readers. I think that they will both like and admire Hazel as she goes on a quest. I highly recommend this one.

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

Pub date: 02 May 2023

An e book bargain:

The History of Medicine in Twelve Objects

by Carol Cooper

We all go to see a doctor at some time. But, do we ever think about the implements and objects that they use? The discoveries that have helped with diagnoses and care? Each has a history. In this book, readers get a deep dive into twelve of these. Can you guess what any of them are?

Well, to name a few…the bone saw, the microscope, the stethoscope and obstetric forceps. Find out about these and others in this fascinating look at discoveries in the medical world. For each, there is a photo or illustration and a lot of information on the object.

This book would make a good gift for budding medical professionals and others interested in the history of medicine.

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

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

To Catch a Thief by David Dodge

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 thieve…beware!

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

Pub date: 01 April 2025

Now out: What To Do When Mistakes Make You Quake

This book could be just the right one for an adult to share with a child as the new year begins. Learning how to cope with making mistakes is a life skill that will give back so much to kids. The need to be perfect can really hold a child back.

Spending some time with this book will, I think, be helpful to those worried kids. It may just be helpful to some adults as well.

This book is organized as a workbook. There are cartoon like illustrations that make the chapters feel accessible.

Learning that it is okay to make mistakes and that they can even be important to learning is vitally important. I hope that this book will help some kids to not only accept but embrace the ways in which mistakes can lead to growth rather than shame.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Magination Press-the American Psychological Association for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Hedgehog’s Dilemma

by Toon Tellegen

#TheHedgehogsDilemma #NetGalley

This title has been very popular in the Netherlands where it was first published. It is a short (less than 200 pages) book that has some whimsical illustrations in addition to the text.

The publisher notes that this read will likely be enjoyed by adults who picked up The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and His Horse. There is a similar use of animals who take on human emotions.

If you are like the hedgehog, or know someone who is, this one could be for you. It is for those who want to be close to people but sometimes let doubts get in the way.

This is the first in a projected series.

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

Pub date: 01 April 2025