9 Intriguing British Mystery & Crime Novels Set in Contemporary London – GREAT BRITISH BOOK CLUB

As much as we love historical fiction or modern novels set around the British coast or countryside, there are times when what we really want is a good modern
— Read on greatbritishbookclub.com/british-mystery-crime-novels-set-in-contemporary-london/

Is it worth it to be: The It Girl by Ruth Ware

Because I heard her speak…

I’m really not sure why I never read a book by this author before. Having spent time with The It Girl, I will now always be looking for her new releases. I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy psychological thrillers.

The It Girl could be described with words that are used too often for thrillers, words like compelling, page turner, claustrophic (at times) and suspenseful. All would be true. What the author also does is create settings that live and become a part of the story, be it the the impressive Oxford colleges or neighborhoods in Scotland. Ms. Ware, in addition, brings characters to fully, sometimes scary, realized life.

This is a dual time line novel. The early time period centers on the student days of a group of friends. These include the wealthy, privately educated April and the girl who isn’t sure she really belongs at Oxford, Hannah. There are also one other woman, Emily, and the men who include Hugh, Will and Ryan. All come together as term begins when they play a rather tense game of strip poker.

One of these students, the It Girl, is murdered. Another testifies at the trial of the man accused of the crime. BUT…what if there was a miscarriage of justice? How will looking into this impact the lives of those who remain?

In the present time line, there have been couplings, a pregnancy, careers, attempts to move on in life and more. How will it be when a group that was once so close is in contact again? What if one of them is guilty?

The suspense is truly intense, enough to almost make me want to put the novel down at times. Publishers Weekly stars this one and I can really see why. Make it part of your summer reading.

Many thanks to NetGallery and Gallery Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 12 July 2022

Can you solve it? The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels (Janice Hallett)

Since I heard her speak…

This is Hallett’s fourth novel, following The Appeal, The Twyford Code, and The Christmas Appeal. In all of these, as in this newest book, Hallett tells a story in her own way. This time, there are text/What’s App messages, transcriptions of meetings, emails, looks at websites and more. In this way, Hallett builds her story and allows it to unfold for readers in a true “show, don’t tell” manner. The result is an absorbing read and one that kept me riveted.

The Alperton Angels were a cult. There was a murder in which they were implicated as well as ritual suicides. There were only three survivors. One of these was a baby at the time and is turning 18 as the story opens.

Journalist Amanda is researching the Angels for a true crime book. The reader follows her as she tries to learn as much as she can. Along the way, this means that readers hear from police officers, social workers, other writers (especially Oliver), her transcriptionist and many more. Don’t forget to go back to the prologue. It sets everything up.

This is a book that keeps the reader engaged. It is easy to recommend it and Hallett’s earlier stories. I look forward to whatever she writes next.

In giving this book a starred review, Publishers Weekly states “Hallett’s fans and newcomers alike will relish this brilliantly constructed and eminently satisfying mystery. ” I concur.

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

Pub date: 23 January 2024

Can you crack: The Twyford Code (by Janice Hallett)

Will The Appeal appeal to you? The Appeal by Janice Hallett

There is trouble ahead: The Christmas Appeal (Hallett)

Schedule — Hamptons Whodunit

Schedule — Hamptons Whodunit
— Read on hamptonswhodunit.org/schedule-24

Back for a second year, this festival has a great group of authors. Yesterday, I was excited to hear Ruth Ware interviewed. Next up was Janice Hallett whose Aperton Angels I just read. Hearing about their lives and the ways in which they approach their writing was intriguing.

I recommend this weekend. Hopefully,it will be back next year.

Note too that Easthampton is lovely.

Out now: Flower Finding

Three stars ***

Anyone who regularly walks in nature may come across wild flowers. They certainly can be enjoyed just as is in the moment. However, sometimes or some people may want to know more about what they are seeing. For those walkers and times, this book may be welcomed.

Sections include Meeting the Wildflowers; When, Where, and How to Find Wildflowers; What to Do with Wildflowers; and, What Flowers Can Teach Us. For identifying flowers, the book is divided into U.S. geographic regions which is helpful.

The author knows her wildflowers and shares a lot of information. The book has illustrations of the flowers but no photos and I am not sure if the colors are always correct; there are a lot of pinks here. For some, a color photo may be most helpful while for others this book could feel just right.

I loved the reminder to be an observer of nature. For me, that is especially true at this time of year.

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