We Three Queens is the latest in Bowen’s delightful Royal Spyness series. There is no need to read the books in order but anyone who enjoys one of these will no doubt want to suss out the others.
Lady Georgiana (better known as Georgie) was born to a member of the royal family. As this story begins, she is being asked to open her home to cousin David’s true love, Wallis. A new mom, Georgie is not eager to host a difficult houseguest but acknowledges that she has no choice. Indeed, Wallis is not happy with the accommodations or company.
Wallis’s present is meant to be a secret while David tries to secure their future as royals. However, Wallis may be compromised since Georgie’s godfather has invited a movie crew to the estate. Bit by bit, they encroach on life inside the house, not just the grounds.
There will be much chaos in this traditional mystery story. No spoiler so will be a bit vague. Readers will find some people missing and even a murder. Georgie will have her work cut out for her. Readers will be glad that she does and will enjoy following her investigations.
Here is another solid entry in a good series. I can’t wait to see what Georgie will be up to next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
I saw a lot about this book before I began reading it myself. I wondered if it could possibly live up to the hype-the good news is that it does. This title will be enjoyed by readers who like a somewhat quirky premise, interesting characters, a well-portrayed time and place, and, of course, a good (if outrageous) plot.
I don’t want to give much away but will say that the housekeepers have quite a scheme in mind. Readers will long remember them; they include Mrs. King who was dismissed from her job and Mrs. Bone who runs some dodgy enterprises. Rounding out the group are Jane and Jane (really), Hephzibah and Alice. Each of these woman has a backstory and a needed skill set; these may well intrigue the reader.
In addition to the housekeepers, there is the owner of an ostentatious home and his daughter. Wilhelm recently died and his daughter is not really mourning. Who was he? What does she want? Readers will discover some surprising connections.
There are many twists and turns in this story and suspension of disbelief is called for. What will happen on the night of a very big ball in Edwardian England? Who are the guests and how will they be affected? Will the housekeepers get their revenge? Read this one to find out!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
I read and enjoyed The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir so was thrilled to be offered this e-galley from NetGalley and the publisher.
This novel takes place during WWII. I duly note how many recent historical novels have taken place during this era. Nonetheless, I found this to be one that was a good read.
The novel’s protagonist, Mrs. Braithwaite, (a woman of a certain age), has tried to live her life very much in accord with convention and awareness of social status. She is dethroned from her position as head of the WI early in the book. Over the subsequent course of the novel Mrs. B changes from an unlikable character to a woman with more nuance.
Mrs. B’s emotional and real journeys put her in contact with the unassuming Mr. Norris. Together they move away from their comfort zones, begin thinking more of others and have adventures. Yes, belief must be suspended but one roots for them nonetheless.
There are several story lines that show Mrs. B’s emotional growth. One has to do with a young teacher injured in a bombing raid while another takes place during the blackout in a supposedly safe haven that becomes flooded. The reader also comes to understand Mrs. B’s biography and how it led her to be the person that she was.
There are spies and plots along with counter plots and a depiction of war-torn London. There are the beginnings of a gentle love between the protagonists and other hearts that have been broken.
Mrs. Braithwaite reminds me a bit of Mrs. Bird, the eponymous character in one of 2018’s debut novels. However, unlike Mrs. Bird, Mrs. Braithwaite has the capacity to change.
I enjoyed this novel. Again, thanks to NetGalley and publisher.
Several years ago, I listened to a Master Class featuring Collins. I enjoyed learning about his writing process in a series of insightful episodes.
Following this, I read the poet’s collection Whale Day. Now, I have spent time with Water Water, reading a poem a day so as to savor this collection of sixty poems.
Some people veer away from poetry fearing that it is too highbrow or that they won’t understand a verse. Collins is not like that. His poems are written in, what I find, to be a direct and clear style. Readers can choose those that they prefer but they will not feel bewildered overall. The poems often reference every day life and end with something to ponder. So many are worth the reader’s time.
It is easy to recommend this collection.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this title. All opinions are my own.
Louise Penny is an author whose books I eagerly read. Wanting some escape, I recently picked up this one from my backlist. A newer book, The Gray Wolf, was just released.
Once I starting reading, I could not stop. Every spare minute had me wanting to read this tense and intense story. I found myself fearing for some of my favorite characters and hoping that Penny would let them live.
Three Pines, Penny’s fictional village, has been a place of refuge to its residents. However, series stalwarts, Gamache and Beauvoir among others are stressed by the appearance of siblings Fiona and Sam. The two have a disturbing history. While the Gamaches have tried to help Fiona, Sam has been left to flounder. How will their presence affect others, especially perhaps the niece of another series regular, Myrna. Readers also meet a minister who is new to Three Pines; it will take an astute reader to figure out more about him.
The events of the book reference an earlier one entitled The Nature of the Beast. It is not necessary to have read this prior to A World of Curiosities but those who have will feel the full shock of this book’s events.
Note that the title of the book references a painting that exists. It is an integral part of the plot.
Readers learn more about Gamache’s back story including his relationship with the complicated, surly Amelia Choquet. Devoted readers, I think, always enjoy these insights which include flashbacks to when Gamache and Beauvoir first met.
I will note that the ending was frenetic and a bit over the top. That said, Penny’s fans will not want to miss this excellent entry in the series.
Outstanding Praise for A World of Curiosities
ONE OF WASHINGTON POST’S BEST MYSTERIES AND THRILLERS OF 2022 ONE OF PEOPLE MAGAZINE’S BEST FALL BOOKS ONE OF AARP’S BEST FALL BOOKS ONE OF CRIMEREADS’ MOST ANTICIPATED FALL BOOKS ONE OF BARNES & NOBLE’S BEST BOOKS OF 2022 ONE OF BUSTLE’S MOST ANTICIPATED NOVEMBER 2022 BOOKS
“Simply outstanding… Penny’s gift for intelligent and transcendent storytelling delivers light, bringing themes of forgiveness and redemption to society’s darker moments.” —Christian Science Monitor
“Penny delves into the nature of evil, sensitively exploring the impact of the dreadful events she describes while bringing a warmth and humanity to her disparate cast of characters that, unusually for a crime novel, leaves you feeling better about the world once you’ve finished.”–The Guardian
“Another superb achievement… Penny weaves together all these narratives–the series of modern-day killings, the decade-old bludgeoning murder and the haunting artwork that has remained shrouded in mystery across the centuries–with a master’s deft hand.” —BookPage (starred review)
“For Penny, the novel is a narrative tour de force, drawing brilliantly on some dark moments in Québec history and leading Gamache and the residents of Three Pines to a hard-won, thoroughly unsentimental recognition that forgiveness is our most powerful magic.” —Booklist (starred review)
“Virtuoso… blends nuanced characterization with nail-biting suspense…This tale of forgiveness and redemption will resonate with many.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Penny’s 18th Gamache novel is intense as the detective digs deep into his own fears. The darkness in this intricately plotted story forces readers to search for contrasting moments of hope.” —Library Journal (starred review, and Pick of the Month)
I read and enjoyed The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir so was thrilled to be offered this e-galley from NetGalley and the publisher.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 