July wants to know what happened to her mother. It is a mystery that has needed solving for many years.
July knows some things. Watch for them as they are enumerated. Ponder what it means to July to have received significant info on her tenth birthday. Will her quest to learn about her mother give her what she needs? Read this one to find out.
I received a sample of this title. It intrigued me enough to get me to buy the book. Hopefully it will appeal to you as well.
Many thanks to Random House UK, Vintage | Harvill Secker and NetGalley for this sample. All opinions are my own.
Samuel Burr has written a lovely book and one that I very much enjoyed. Here is a story about friendship, community, figuring out one’s life and the ways in which life might puzzle us.
The premise is that Pippa, a superb cruciverbalist, wants to form a group for those who love puzzles in all their guises. This leads to the collection of characters and eccentricities that fill these pages.
When Pippa was well past child bearing age, a child was left on her doorstep. He was in a hatbox (pay attention to this). Pippa took on parenting him as did the other fellowship members (each of which has a special talent). The time comes when Clayton, now grown, goes on a quest to learn more about his origins. Readers and he learn much in the process.
Readers will hope for Clayton’s happiness. They may be surprised by some of the details of the story. For example, Pippa adored Danielle Steel and had all of her novels. Her friend Nancy frequently reread them as well. Will this be significant? What other clues will Clayton find as he tries to solve what might be his biggest puzzle?
Anyone who enjoys a touching story should reach for this one. Those who loved The Wishing Game as much as I did will find much to enjoy here as well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Vintage Anchor-Doubleday for this title. All opinions are my own.
I do note that in the beginning it was a bit difficult to keep the characters straight. Readers can trust that it will all come together and don’t need to worry about this.
This title was published in April 2024.
From the publisher:
READERS GUIDE
Teeming with heart, humor, and lovably eccentric characters, The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers is a moving, wildly clever, and life-affirming triumph about finding one’s place in the world.
Right up until her death at age ninety-two, life was a fabulous puzzle for crossword doyenne Pippa Allsbrook. The missing piece was Clayton. He’s the infant she found tucked in a hatbox twenty-five years earlier and raised among the brainiest, quirkiest extended family a boy could imagine: the riddlers, jigsaw artists, maze designers, and codebreakers in Pippa’s collective, the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers.
It’s so like Pippa to leave Clayton with one last puzzle: that of his own personal history and the fates that led him to the Fellowship. For Clayton, this is his chance to figure out where in the world he belongs. Clue by clue, he’s also discovering more about Pippa’s past and where his future lies. Like all great puzzles, it won’t be simple. But nothing worth solving ever is. The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers is a poignant and exuberant debut novel about finding human connections at the crosswords of life.
The following questions are designed to enrich your book club’s discussion of The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers and illuminate its themes of family, secrets, and coming of age—no matter how late that might be.
Questions and Topics for Discussion
1. In Pippa’s Fellowship, she found her people. In what ways does the Fellowship mirror the communal experience and commonalities of your own reading group?
2. One of the first challenges for the Fellowship (and for readers) is the cryptogram on page 40. How many of you tried to solve it before reading on? And in what ways does the solution—In the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take—reflect the journeys of the characters?
3. On page 5, Pippa describes finding the infant Clayton as “miraculous” and a “solution she’d spent a lifetime searching for.” To what problem in Pippa’s life is his appearance a solution?
4. At first, Clayton bristles at the idea of Pippa’s game “from the beyond the grave” (on page 9) Why does Pippa think Clayton still needs to be challenged?
5. The motto of Pippa, the cryptic queen, is Veni, Vidi, Solvi—I Came, I Saw, I Solved (on page 23). That certainly sums up the Fellowship, but how does it also apply to life?
6. Though brilliantly skilled, Pippa says that in her younger years she always felt invisible. In what ways does establishing the Fellowship finally make her feel seen?
7. The puzzles, mazes, and brain games of the Fellowship aren’t just for enjoyment’s sake; they help, as Pippa says on page 31, to make “sense of the world around us.” How is that true of the word games you yourself indulge in for fun?
8. On the one hand, Clayton is intrigued about following his mother’s clues toward the discovery of his past. That’s understandable. But do you also understand his apprehension?
9. Clayton, having been raised among people considerably older than him, dresses, feels, and acts older than he is. In what ways does he still have growing up to do? Other than his biological parenthood, what aspects of life has he yet to learn and discover?
10. Operating in a man’s world, Pippa took joy in confounding people’s expectations of her. When was the last time you confounded someone else’s expectations? How did it play out for you?
11. One of the reasons for the Fellowship partaking in puzzles is the pleasure of routine. What routines do you have in your life? What are the ones you’re unconscious of? Aware of? And those you can’t imagine living without?
12. Why do you think Clayton has difficulty in making human connections? In your own life, even in this reading group, are you eager to make new connections? Or do you tend to wait for someone else to do the connecting?
13. Clue words during Clayton’s quest include adventures, appearance, dared, anger, remorse, and anew. How did they apply to Clayton in his quest?
14. Ultimately, Pippa just wanted Clayton to find a zest for life. Why did she think he’d lost it? How did she help? In what ways did Clayton help himself on his journey of self-discovery?
15. In the end, Pippa wonders if there is one clear path to happiness or, as Earl the mazemaker puts it on page 321, it’s a matter of “moving forwards or backwards, sideways even.” How true is that of Pippa’s and Clayton’s journeys?
16. Before reading the novel, were you already a “gamer”? Or were the cryptograms, word games, crosswords, mazes, and brain teasers something new for you?
Suggested Reading
Other Recommended Novels Miss Benson’s Beetle, Rachel Joyce The Thursday Murder Club, Richard Osman River Sing Me Home, Eleanor Shearer A Single Thread, Tracy Chevalier Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus The Book of Secrets, Elizabeth Joy Arnold Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Nonfiction for Further Reading Why We Remember, Charan Ranganath, PhD Attached, Amir Levine, M.D., and Rachel S. F. Heller, M.A. The Charisma Myth, Olivia Fox Cabane Who Do You Think You Are?, Michelle Brock Incognito, David Eagleman
The author of this cheerfully illustrated book speaks directly to her young readers. She engages them with information, questions and things to think about.
Wonderful Me is a positive and affirming look at the ways in which kids can/can learn to take good care of themselves. The topics covered include everything from sleep to friendships and much, much more.
This book provides an excellent resource for its intended audience. It deserves a spot in home and school libraries.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
I have been a fan of Erica James for many years. I count on her new books to offer me a welcome diversion from my everyday life. Swallowtail Summer is now a favorite for me.
Ms. James notes that she was inspired to write this story after hearing a group of long term friends talking. It led her to wonder what it would be like if a spanner (my word) got thrown into the mix. From there, she created a novel with good characters and a lovely setting.
Three men and their wives have known each other for many years. There is Alastair whose wife Orla recently died. What happened to her? How will this reverberate? There are then Simon and Sorrel. Sorrel has had a long term crush on Alastair. How will this reverberate? Then there are Frankie and her Danny. Danny has recently had a heart attack. The adult children of S and S and F and D also are part of the story.
What will happen when Valentina comes into this group? A lot (!) will be stireed up.
This is a long and involving story that at moments reminded me a bit of Rebecca (DuMaurier). I was sorry to see it end.
With Agony Hill, Ms. Taylor begins a new and compelling series. It follows on her recent four books that took place in both the States and Ireland. I had hoped that there would be a fifth title in the series that began with The Mountains Wild but sadly that is not to be (at least for now? I can hope).
That said, Agony Hill is a terrific series launch. I have so much admiration for how the author has created an entirely new world and set of characters in this story that takes place in Vermont in the 1960s. I
Franklin Warren has relocated to rural Vermont where he will be a detective. It is clear from early on that he has a backstory and a life that has included some complications. Warren is glad to be in a new community. However, challenges come to him even on his very first day.
A “back to the land,” eccentric and difficult farmer by the name of Weber has died in a fire on his land. It appears that it may have been suicide as the door is locked from the inside of the building. (Of course, veteran mystery readers will know to not trust this). Hugh has left behind a young widow, four sons and a baby on the way. How will they manage? Has Hugh provided for them at all? Hugh’s brother certainly hopes not.
This becomes a case for Warren to investigate. There is also a second fire death early in the book. (no more spoilers here). It will be complex and interesting as events unfold.
While there are many characters in this story, another one to notice is Alice. She too has a history. Her life has not been limited to her beautiful gardens.
All in all, this was an absorbing story. I spent much time reading it instead of doing other things that may have needed doing.
Fans of this author and those new to her will both enjoy this one. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 06 August 2024
From Kirkus Reviews:
VERDICT The author of the Maggie D’arcy mysteries (A Stolen Child) launches a historical mystery series with a compassionate, vulnerable detective and a setting so vividly described it could be a character. Julia Spencer-Fleming fans will want to try this one.
The unnamed protagonist/narrator of this book is a ghostwriter. (It was when sitting down to write this that I realized she was never named. Kind of clever since a ghostwriter is a person who is meant to be anonymous when her work is published.) The job requires an ability to seamlessly fit into the subject’s life in an unobtrusive way. This time, the ghost has been asked to write the biography of Dorothy Gibson. Dorothy recently lost a presidential election. A bit like Hillary Clinton, it was felt that she had a low likeability rating. The biography is meant to give a new look at who she is.
The narrator quickly heads up to Maine where Dorothy lives in a gorgeous, somewhat isolated home. There she settles in and meets the staff including Dorothy’s personal assistant and various security personnel, at least one of whom is quite good looking.
Early in the book, Dorothy and our narrator go out to buy some wine. While at the store, they are accosted by a woman with a somewhat unique way of earning money. When she asks Dorothy for a selfie, Dorothy agrees. Most unfortunately soon after, Vivian dies. It emerges that her death was not suicide but…murder! (of course)
Dorothy and the narrator will be on the case. There will be a few twists before all becomes known.
The narrator of this book has her own unique, sometimes snarky spin on the world. She is most likely neurodiverse. She can be funny and seems to know a lot, perhaps from spending time learning so much about her subjects when ghostwriting. Readers will hope that she is a good detective too.
This book will be enjoyed by its readers. They will likely hope for a second book by the author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 23 January 2024
Praise for The Busy Body: A Publishers Marketplace Buzz Books Selection A January 2024 Library Reads Pick A February 2024 IndieNext Pick
“Given Kemper’s knowledge and admiration of Agatha Christie—he cohosts the podcast All About Agatha—it isn’t surprising that he displays a similar flair for clever cluing and crafty characterization, not to mention the ability to throw in a killer plot twist at the end that would make Dame Agatha proud. Fans of David Handler’s equally entertaining Stewart Hoag series or those in search of a modern take on classic crime fiction will snap up this stellar mystery debut, which delivers an addictive mix of Dorothy Parker’s waspish wit and Agatha Christie’s deft hand at ingenious plotting.” —Library Journal STARRED REVIEW
The “other” Windsor Girl is Princess Margaret, known to many because of the successful tv series, The Crown. This book is another way to gain perspective on Margaret, those around her and the times in which she lived. Readers will move through the sedate 40s right up to the 60s.
The narrative includes a mix of historical and fictional people and a wide variety of both royal homes and places where Margaret spent time. The most prominent of the fictional characters is Vera who becomes a lady in waiting to Margaret, thus giving her a fly on the wall perspective to royal life. Her story is one of making choices after coming under the royal gaze. Are the choices that she makes ones that she will regret?
The underpinning of the novel is the impact that being A princess but not THE princess had on Margaret who garnered less attention and found it difficult to establish a meaningful life. She often wanted what she could not have and did not want what was there for her.
In my opinion, this novel started a bit slowly but is worth staying with until the end. The skill of the author is such that I kept hoping for Margaret to have the life she yearned for, especially in her relationship with Group Captain Peter Townsend, all while knowing what happened historically.
This book can provide a bit of escapism as we all are in our homes dreaming of having a more exciting life. I rate it at four stars.
Virginia Kantra has written two novels that retell Little Women in a contemporary time period. I enjoyed both. When I saw this book and recognized both the author and Dorothy Gale’s name, I knew that I wanted to read this one. I am so glad that I did!
Anyone who has read The Wizard of Oz will enjoy feeling like an insider as they pick up on references and themes from Baum’s beloved classic. However, those with no familiarity with Oz at all can still relish this novel.
This is a story of dealing with situations that don’t go as one wished and then figuring out how to move on, grow and live one’s life. Readers will surely be hoping that Dorothy works things out and finds some happiness.
I loved the virtual trip to Dublin, the references to other books and Dorothy (Dee’s) story and those of the other characters. Highly recommended for fiction readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Picasso’s art was revolutionary and transformative. It’s not that he didn’t know how to paint as the “masters” did; it was that Picasso was searching for something else, something new. In the process he created and fragmented art works in a way that was unique. Searching, getting together and pulling apart also figured prominently in his relationships.
In this engrossing historical novel, Mackin brings Picasso and some of the women in his life into focus. The story is told through the lens of a journalist who spends time with Sara Murphy (also a well-known woman). What she uncovers impacts her own life as well.
I think that readers will enjoy this title set in the 1950s (think McCarthy in part) and looking back at the 20s. In addition to spending time in a glamourous world, they will also get to know the narrator as she tries to paint her own life in the way that she wants.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book is a wonderful debut novel that will be enjoyed by mystery and music aficionados. The author knows his classical music and this adds authenticity to an engaging story.
Ray wants to be a violinist, even if his family lacks enthusiasm for this choice. Ray plays a fiddle that he inherited from a relative; there is more to this instrument than is at first know, but you need to read the book to know what the secret is.
How successful will Ray be? Again, read to find out and to find out the fate of the violin.
Here is a mystery, a thriller, a story with a terrific protagonist, music and a black man navigating the world of classical music. What a combination!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub Date 01 Feb 2022
rom the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
A Good Morning America GMA Book Club Pick!
The Seattle Times’s Most Anticipated Books of the Year • Goodreads: Most Anticipated Mysteries and Thrillers • Medium: The Most Exciting Book Releases of the Year • Pop Sugar: 35 Must-Read Thrillers and Mystery Books to Keep You Chasing Clues • The Millions: Most Anticipated Books of the Year • A Publishers Weekly Top Ten Mystery/Thriller • Book Riot: The 15 Best New Mystery Books
“Slocumb imbues his character’s life with so much authenticity in the details, details that anyone who has played a stringed instrument, or played in a professional ensemble, will recognize. . . . Where Slocumb shines … is in the passages where he shows Ray’s grit. . . . [Brendan Slocumb] has plenty of brio to share with readers as well as listeners.” —NPR
“Such a page-turner . . . a musical bildungsroman cleverly contained within a literary thriller. . . . Slocumb isn’t too different from his protagonist: a natural. He easily conjures the thrill of mastering a tough musical passage and the tinnitus-like torture of everyday racism.” —The New York Times
“When I opened Brendan Slocumb’s debut novel, The Violin Conspiracy, I was immediately transported to a place I’d never been, surrounded by characters I’d never met. In the crowded world of fiction, that’s no small accomplishment. . . . Slocumb has orchestrated an engaging and suspenseful story about an aspiring musician and his great-great-grandfather’s violin. . . . The Violin Conspiracy is so wonderfully written, especially its descriptions of music, that at times I questioned whether I was reading or listening to a concert. . . . Slocumb is equally adept at suspense, whether he’s conveying the ticktock of the main mystery or the heart-pounding, fist-clenching realities Ray has to face as a young Black man in America. This novel, which will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page, is sure to be a favorite in 2022.” —The Washington Post
The “other” Windsor Girl is Princess Margaret, known to many because of the successful tv series, The Crown. This book is another way to gain perspective on Margaret, those around her and the times in which she lived. Readers will move through the sedate 40s right up to the 60s.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 