What was: The Spanish Diplomat’s Secret (Nev March)

This is the third entry in the historical mystery series that began with A Murder in Old Bombay. This new book can be read on its own but those who want to know more about how Captain Jim Agnihotri and his wife Lady Diana Framji met and came together as a couple (despite their rather different backgrounds), will I think want to read the first novel.

This story is really a very large, locked room mystery. Jim and Diana are on a ship bound for England when there is a murder. Given his background, the captain pleads for Jim’s help in solving the case before the cruise is over.

Who was the Spanish diplomat? Why was there a murder? Will Jim find the answers and the culprit (readers can be pretty certain that he will)? Furthermore, what has been troubling Diana?

This story will be enjoyed by those who gravitate toward historical mysteries. It is an interesting read albeit a bit slow at times.

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

This title was published in September 2023

What happens when there is a: Death at a Scottish Wedding (Lucy Connelly)

#DeathataScottishWedding #NetGalley

Here is the second in a series, following on An American in Scotland. Those with a fondness for traditional mysteries set within the UK will want to take a look at both of these titles.

The American in Scotland is Dr. Emilia McRoy who is starting to feel more at home in her new country. She is invited to attend a multi day wedding celebration and accepts.

Most fortunately, Dr. McRoy is a coroner and a constable owns the wedding venue, a castle. So, when everyone gets snowed in and a murder occurs, investigators are right there.

This novel uses a familiar mystery trope, that of a group of suspects who are isolated from the rest of the world. There are a number of twists and turns. Find out both who the victim was and “whodunnit” in this enjoyable mystery. I look forward to the next entry in the series.

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

Pub date: 09 January 2023

Now out: Bird Book for Kids

This book is perfect for young nature lovers. It is both a coloring book and a terrific source of information on many bird species.

Start with the introduction that is full of interesting facts. Then a child may color wherever their fancy takes them. Each bird species has several pictures to fill in, along with information about them.

I very much like this book. Even as an adult, I learned a lot in these pages.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist Z Kids for this title. All opinions are my own.

Five stars *****

What happened during the: Lost Hours (Paige Shelton)

This title is the fifth in experienced mystery writer Paige Shelton’s Alaska based series. Shelton has written the Scottish Bookshop series, among others.

Lost Hours is an appealingly complex story. In it, protagonist Beth is working out her family relationships and feeling more at home in Alaska. When she goes on a boat trip to see the glaciers, she sees much more including a troubled woman on the shore.

Is this woman, Sadie, being truthful? What, in fact, has happened to her and who is she? Both Beth and the reader will want to know.

This book can be read as a standalone. That said, I suspect that many readers will want to spend more time with Beth and will go back to the first four books. This is especially true because of Beth’s own history. Readers will want to know more details about her experiences.

I definitely enjoyed my time in Alaska! I also liked the character development and the story.

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

Pub date: 06 December 2023