This book can definitely be enjoyed on its own merits. It is a reissue of a title by this author who is credited with teaching quite a lot to Ian Fleming. Here she tells her own thrilling tale of espionage and derring do.
The story takes place in 1938 at a difficult time in the world. A schoolmaster is recruited by the Foreign Office and accepts an assignment. How will he fare? find out in this good read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Muswell Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 14 March 2024
Note that a couple of her books are free for the Kindle.
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.
Reading this book after not having read a title by this author for a while, I am reminded of the reasons for her success. She knows how to tell a story that engages the reader without asking anything in return except to sink in and enjoy the story.
This novel takes place in the late 1950s when things were (somewhat) different for women. Cotillions were still quite popular in some circles and invitations to balls were a coveted mark of belonging and status. Here is a story of several young women who agree to go to the first ball in Versailles that is inviting Americans, forty young women in all.
Readers meet Amelia, a college student with aspirations to become a lawyer. Her widowed mother convinces her to accept. There is Felicity, another college student, an overweight young woman who adores her studies at MIT. She agrees to please her parents. There is also a young women, Caroline, whose parents are prominent in the movie business and, finally, a young New Yorker, Samantha, whose father is quite rich and overprotective; she has a medical issue.
Peek into the lives of these characters pre Versailles. What will happen to them and their families as they get ready to go to France and once they are there? Readers will keep turning the pages to find out.
Anyone looking for a fun read with its peek at high society will, I think, enjoy this title. It was a perfect holiday read for me.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine for this title. All opinions are my own.
The cover of this boook will draw readers right in. Here, there are already ideas about the role of art. Open the book and read the beginning section on some points about the importance of art. Next find a beginner’s history of art. It starts with Ancient Art and moves right through up to Contemporary Art.
Throughout, this book is appealingly and colorfully illustrated. Adults (and some kids) will enjoy seeing what is on each page. For example, at the very beginning, readers can see Monet at work.
The text is full of information and features many places and cultures. It does not overwhelm but, I think, offers enough to intrigue children.
I wish that someone had gifted me a book like this when I was younger. Even as an adult I love it. I learned a lot in these pages. Very highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and DK Children for this title. All opinions are my own.
The hot books of summer 2024 as chosen by the editors of Publishers Weekly. Picks for fiction, mystery, memoir, romance, children’s books, YA, graphic novels, picture books, middle grade
— Read on best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/summer-reads-2024/
What book lover could resist the cover of this title? A Love Letter to the Library is just delightful and an ode to a special place. Children will get a good look at all the joys that can be found here.
Both the text and vivid illustrations pay affectionate tribute to a special place. Get this one for any budding reader and enjoy it together.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Soucebooks Kids for htis title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 