#ThePeculiarGardenofHarrietHunt #NetGalley

This is a haunting story set in the Victorian era. There are tropes for the sorts of sensational novels that some Victorians loved at that time along with this author’s unique voice and some magical realism in these pages.

Harriet does indeed have a peculiar (unusual and unique) garden that she loves. She will see how this important spot determines aspects of her life over the course of the novel.

Harriet, like many a Victorian heroine, has found herself alone in the world. When the story begins, readers know that her father is absent but don’t know why. Being a woman alone was a challenge in that era although Harriet does not seem to mind this. However, events conspire that lead her to marriage, plots and sinister events. What will happen to Harriet? Will she have a happy ending?

This book will be enjoyed by those who are interested in the period and who are willing to suspend some disbelief. Here is an original and intriguing read that I enjoyed.

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

Pub date: 03 December 2024

From the Publisher

#ABafflingMurderattheMidsummerBall #NetGalley

This one is from my backlist…

Jazz music, summer balls, country houses, isolating weather, guests and…murder. All of these make for an entertaining read in this second novel in the Dizzy Heights series. Lovers of traditional mysteries will, I think, enjoy this one. The characters, the setting, the music, the food, the solving of the case all result in a good and relaxing read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK-Thomas Mercer for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in 2022

Molten Mud Murder is published by the excellent Poisoned Pen Press, a small press that is dedicated to mystery fiction. This is author Johnson’s first novel and the first in a projected series.

American protagonist, Alexa, is a forensics examiner whose specialty is teeth. She has come to New Zealand on a fellowship, falls in love with the country and wants to stay longer. She manages to insert herself into the murder case involving a city counselor.

What I struggled with a little: Alexa took many risks that felt plot driven. Some mysteries, such as what happened to her friend, Mary, were not fully solved. Perhaps that is for another book.

What I liked: The setting on the North Island of New Zealand and the ways in which the landscape is brought vividly to life. The information about tribal Maori customs and rituals. That there was a back story for Alexa. The hint of romance between her and Bruce, the Senior, a term for the chief detective. The details on forensic examination.

This mystery should appeal to armchair travelers, lovers of New Zealand and those who enjoy action packed mysteries. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this proof in return for an honest review. I look forward to the author’s next book.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/16/opinion/reading-novellas-short-novels.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

#DavidBeckham #NetGalley

Here is another entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series. The stories are perfect for young readers who learn about kids who aspired and got to do what they most wanted. That was certainly the case for David Beckham.

Kids will learn how David persevered and how much he loved soccer. Sports fans should enjoy learning about his accomplishments.

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

Pub date: 21 January 2025

When I was in grade school, I read a biography of Elizabeth Blackwell who, as many know, was the pioneering woman physician. I was reminded of her and the other bold women in medicine who struggled to find their places in what was a male dominated profession for many years. Mary Jacobi helped to change that narrative.

GP Putnam-I knew his name because of his work as a publisher. I did not know that he had a daughter named Mary Jacobi. She achieved a great deal as is related in this well told work of nonfiction that focuses on both her personal life and her accomplishments. Educated at the Sorbonne (a feat in itself), Jacobi went on to trail blaze for women in medicine.

Anyone interested in women’s history and the history of medicine will, I think, want to give this title a read. It was quite interesting.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 03 December 2024

#AChristmasDeliverance #NetGalley

Every year, Anne Perry can be counted on to write a Christmas novella. These shorter books make for nice gifts to her fans. They offer an absorbing read for when something short and seasonal is needed.

This year’s book brings back Scuff. He is now studying medicine and holding things together at the clinic while Doctor Crowe is distracted. Crowe is concerned about what he has seen happening to a rich patient whom he treated in the past. He fears that Ellie is being forced into a marriage. What is the truth?

At the same time, Scuff has his own girl to watch out for. She is Mattie and she needs to feel cared for. Scuff will do his best to be sure that nothing bad happens to her or to Doctor Crowe.

Because this is a seasonal story, readers can feel confident about how things will work out. The joy is in following the people and the plot as they turn the pages.

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

Pub date: 08 November 2022

From the Publisher

The Other Bennet Sister A Novel by Janice Hadlow

Let me just say at the outset that I adore this book.  If you are a Jane Austen fan, definitely take a look at this title.

The other Bennet Sister is Mary.  If you have read P and P, you know how she is portrayed there.  In this title, readers will get to know Mary so much better.  I felt for her immediately as some of the first things to come up in the novel had to do with being a middle sister, bookish, needing glasses, not feeling pretty (enough) and not necessarily wanting to go to parties.  I could identify with these!  I also relate to Mary’s efforts at self improvement as she approaches the piano and her father’s library.  Watching Mary figure out her life while spending time with other members of the Bennet household made this a wonderful read for me.

I think that Ms. Hadlow has captured the tone of Jane Austen.  Mr. B is still sardonic, Mrs. B is a bit empty headed and the sisters are very much themselves.

Another plus of this title for me is its length.  At 480 pages it is a novel to sink into.

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

#TheOtherBennetSister #NetGalley

A Novel

by Anna Johnston

#TheBorrowedLifeofFrederickFife #NetGalley

If, for any reason, a reader did not see this book when it first came out, take a look now. I imagine that there are people on holiday gift lists for whom this would make a perfect read.

Life has not been going so well for this novel’s older protagonist. Frederick is lonely and alone. When a chance event, allows him to take on the identity of Bernard, he is grateful. This takes Frederick to a care home where he is delighted to, in fact, be cared for. He also uses his lovely personality to offer some joy to others.

One employee at the home, has many reasons to be unhappy and mistrustful. Will Frederick successfully cast his magic over her? What will happen to these two and others in the home? Will Frederick’s deception be discovered? Find out in this book. It does take on some difficult issues but also offers an emotional and uplifting read.

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

Pub date: 10 September 2024

From the publisher:

From the Publisher

#EveryoneThisChristmasHasaSecret #NetGalley

Benjamin Stevenson offers his fans a Christmas mystery. Favorite characters are back and the pages turn.

This time, Ernest’s ex-wife has been accused of murder. Ernest lies to his current partner Juliet in order to help Erin whose explanation for what occurred does not sound all that believable.

A magician becomes central to the case. Interestingly, a relative mentioned him to Ernest as a kind of wedding entertainer. Said magician also will get Ernest ever more deeply involved when Ernest attends his show.

There is murder along with a wry narrator in this very enjoyable entry in the series. Interestingly it is set up like an advent calendar which adds to the fun.

Recommended for mystery lovers and those who enjoy holiday themed stories.

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

Pub date: 22 October 2024