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.

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