It is time to follow: The Bone Track (Sara E Johnson)

I very much enjoyed this author’s first book, The Molten Mud Murder. I liked the New Zealand setting, the attention to culture and, of course, the story itself. Now, Ms. Johnson has had four books published with a fifth coming out in June.

In The Bone Track, the author brings everything that I loved about her earlier book to the novel. This time, Alexa, a forensic investigator is hoping to spend time hiking the Milford Trail with her brother. Of course, their plans are disrupted. There are historic bones to be examined but, unfortunately, also bones that are more modern. This leads to an investigation. There is also an additional murder so Alexa is kept quite busy.

I recommend this entry in the series and all of the books by this author. They offer something a bit different. Anyone who has enjoyed novels by the Australian Jane Harper will want to give this New Zealand set series a try.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 15 February 2022

The Lantern’s Dance (Laurie R. King)

#TheLanternsDance #NetGalley

It has been close to thirty (!) years since Laurie R. King’s first Holmes and Russell novel, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, was published. When I read this first in the series, I enjoyed viewing the Holmes canon through a new lens. Having recently read some Doyle works for a class, I was excited about spending time with King’s version of him, along with the inimitable Mary and other of his family connections.

This time the story is a fun one. I loved that there was a storyline about Damian Adler (yes, think of Irene) and his family. Where have they gone? Why did they flee? Holmes wants to find out.

Mary stays behind and in looking around the empty house, she finds some coded journals, along with memorabilia of a Holmes relation. Always up for a challenge, she will try to decipher these documents.

There is all of this plus India in the novel. King handles everything skillfully making this another terrific entry in a series that continues to intrigue.

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

Pub date: 13 February 2024

From the Publisher

Leslie S. Klinger says, “Masterful….”A new Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes mysteryPublishers Weekly says, “The elaborate family lore King has constructed for Holmes impresses…”
The Washington Post says, “…an intriguing mystery.”

It is indeed: A Murder Most French (Colleen Cambridge)

#AMurderMostFrench #NetGalley

This series began with last year’s Mastering the Art of French Murder. This second title is every bit as delightful.

Here is an historical mystery set in post WWII Paris. It features a fictional protagonist, Tabitha, and a friend of hers. That friend is the larger than life Julia Child. Together the two become involved in murderous situations.

This time, chefs should beware what they drink. Not too far into the novel, two have died after imbibing what should have been very special vintages. Tabitha and Julia are on the case even if the police inspector (and possible romantic interest for Tabitha) does not want their help.

What I like best in this book (and in the first one) is the evocation of Paris. When Tabitha and Julia visit a market it is easy to visualize the food and want to start cooking. And speaking of which, every time Julia is around food, and that is often, the book is so much fun.

Highly recommended to those who are foodies, those who love Paris and those who like historical mysteries. I hope there will be a third book soon

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

Pub date: 23 April 2024

Books matter: The Underground Library (Jennifer Ryan)

#TheUndergroundLibrary #NetGalley

Jennifer Ryan has become one of my favorite writers of historical fiction and here she has written another successful WWII set story. In The Underground Library, she follows three main and many auxiliary characters.

Juliet has gotten her dream job, even if it may only be because the men are away. She is now the Deputy Librarian of the Bethnal Green Library. (Look it up for some great photos). She hopes to liven up the rather staid premises with a book club, children’s story hour and more. What will she contribute to the project that is the title of this book?

Juliet lives with a landlady and it turns out that she knows the other boarder. Juliet used to have no respect for him. Will her feelings change?

Katie has been working in the library while waiting to attend university. She becomes a friend and colleague to Juliet. However, Katie faces a serious crisis. Will she be okay?

Sophie lived a nice upper middle class life in Germany before the war. She has become a Jewish refugee in London. Sophie works for an incredibly mean spirited man and some in London view her in a rather prejudiced manner. She finds solace in the library. Will Sophie get a chance at something better? Will she ever be reunited with her family?

Readers also get to know a number of the library’s patrons. These include two older sisters and the rather bold Marigold. All of them interact over the course of the story including, of course, the three main characters.

The author does a good job of depicting wartime London. The descriptions of bombing raids, Anderson shelters and running to the underground for safety are all well portrayed.

This is a novel that will be enjoyed by those who like books about books, women’s fiction and WWII set stories. The pages definitely turn.

Look for all of Jennifer Ryan’s novels starting with The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir. They offer engaging reads.

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

Pub date: 12 March 2024

Book Review: ‘Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame,’ by Olivia Ford –

I just read this book. I enjoyed all of the baking aspects in the plot. Jennifer’s secret is one that has been used many times which was slightly disappointing. All in all, this was a good read though.

In “Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame,” Olivia Ford whips up a sweet confection about a septuagenarian cook with reality TV dreams.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2024/01/29/books/review/mrs-quinns-rise-to-fame-olivia-ford.html