What makes it: The Fatal Folio (Elizabeth Penney)

This is the third book in a traditional mystery series. A few things that I like about it:

Books/bookstores, academic and literary matters

The English setting in Cambridge

The characters and a bit of romance

The mystery/murder itself and all of the suspects

This time, a newly discovered Gothic manuscript is part of the story. Who was the author? Is he a relative of Molly’s boyfriend?

When a murder occurs on Guy Fawkes night, a professor comes under suspicion. He had given the victim a bad grade and had been threatened by him. This professor is related to (the protagonist and amateur sleuth), Molly’s boyfriend. Is he guilty? There are certainly other suspects.

Readers will feel confident about the case being solved. The fun is in watching events unspool and spending time with the book’s cast of characters.

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

Pub date: 24 October 2023

It’s a requirement: Must Love Flowers (Debbie Macomber)

#MustLoveFlowers #NetGalley

In a note to her readers, Debbie Macomber says that she tried retirement but discovered it was not for her. Rather, what she wanted to do was continue telling stories. This book is the result and it is one that her fans will surely enjoy. It has all of the elements of a classic Macomber story, good characters, a plot that engages, and a feeling of satisfaction when the last page is turned.

This is the story of several people who find each other and offer one another the chance to again embrace life fully. There is widow Joan who misses her husband every day. Joan has two sons but they are often busy with their own lives. Next is a young girl who misses her deceased mom. Maggie’s father is an alcoholic and she wants to begin a life away from him as she studies for her nursing degree. (Joan’s son is one of her customers at the Starbucks where she works to fund her studies). Third, there is landscaper, Phil. His loss is that of his daughter.

Will these three come together and help each other to move forward? Readers will have a pretty good idea of the answer but that is not the point. This is not a novel that is read for suspense but, instead, one for those who like a nice story and a bit of thoughtful escape.

I first read Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series. I just progressed from one to the next and enjoyed them all. Readers who want what she offers will be delighted with this new book and her backlist.

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

Pub date: 11 July 2023

Now out: Anne Dares

Five stars *****

This is the newest, (and fifth) of Kallie George’s books about Anne (of Green Gables). Each is a beautifully illustrated chapter book for young readers. They are all true to the spirit of the originals and, hopefully, will lead kids to the those titles.

This time, several incidents from Montgomery’s story, are retold. It is the part of the book when Anne is invited to a party at the home of her very best friend, Diana. But, of course, troubles generally follow Anne, as they do here. What happens when a mean girl provokes Anne? What are the consequences of a very daring dare? Will Anne be able to right things, stay with Matthew and Marilla and move on to a new and happy experience? Young readers will enjoy finding out.

This is another delightful retelling featuring Anne of Green Gables. I most definitely recommend it and the entire series. They could make a perfect holiday gift.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada-Tundra for this title. All opinions are my own.

Now out: Only in New York

Five stars *****

This kids’ book is part of an excellent series on all fifty states. This time, readers learn a lot about New York. So much is packed into this short book. There are many locations to visit, as for example, New York City, Long Island, the Catskills and more. There are also museums, foods, animals, festivals and even a section entitled Weird, Weirder and Weirdest.

This book will make many want to come for a visit. Adults and kids can use this title to plan their visit to the Empire State. It is well illustrated and packed with facts and ideas.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

only in new york
only in new yorkonly in new yorkonly in new york
only in new york