What is: The Curse of Penryth Hall (Jess Armstrong)

This book has generated a fair amount of buzz. It won a first mystery contest sponsored by the publisher along with the Mystery Writers of America. It is also an Amazon Editor’s Pick and a title that I have seen on some best books of the year lists. Kirkus Reviews states that this book is “An intriguing and altogether enchanting mystery.”

So…is it for you? It will be if you like gothic novels and old, rundown family homes/fortresses. You will like this one if you like a Cornwall setting and the 1920s time period. This book will intrigu thosewho want to spend time with an unconventional heroine who was a rebel and inherited a fortune upon the death of her parents. If you like a troubled marriage and mysterious (possibly even supernatural) deaths, turn the pages. And there is more.

The Curse of Penryth Hall is a fun and intriguing read. I enjoyed the getting to know Ruby and those around her. A lot goes on. Not all may be fully tied up but this is still a pretty good first novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 05 December 2023

There is trouble ahead: The Christmas Appeal (Hallett)

Any reader who enjoyed Hallett’s The Appeal will undoubtedly be thrilled by the return of the Fairway Players. This time they are working on a Christmas panto, Jack and the Beanstalk (and oh, that stalk!) Once again, there is trouble ahead in this uniquely told tale.

Two young attorneys, known to readers of the first book, are given a series of documents and asked to figure out what evil deed(s) may have transpired. Readers can try to solve the case as they read the documents along with Femi and Charlotte.

I loved the snarkiness of aspects of this novella. Anyone who has ever gotten an overly braggy Christmas letter from a friend or family member will grimace in recognition at the one that starts the story. The responses to it are pretty funny.

Those who enjoy Christmas mysteries and who are looking for a quick read will, I think, enjoy this book. I did.

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

This book was published in October 2023

From the Publisher

The Christmas Appeal

The Glory of Designs by Women (It’s About Time) – The New York Times

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute reimagines the record of fashion, celebrating designers known but also those long, and wrongly, forgotten.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/12/07/arts/design/women-designers-met-museum.html

THINK about this if you read The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard by Natasha Lester. Reviewed on my blog

Now out: Leo Messi

Even people who don’t know much about soccer are probably familiar with the name Leo Messi. He is probably the (or certainly one of the) greatest soccer players ever. Messi serves as an inspiration to all kids who enjoy this game.

In this latest entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series find out about Messi’s early years and his route to greatness. It is an inspiring story. In addition, those who are interested will find additional resources at the end of the book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions re my own.