Now out: Murder on the Christmas Express

Four stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This mystery will remind readers of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. It uses the well known mystery trope of putting people together somewhere from which they can not escape and with a serious killer in the mix. In this book, there is a disparate group traveling on the overnight train to Fort William. What a group they are! There is a (constantly on her media) instagrammar and her rather awful boyfriend; a group hoping to make it in a trivia contest; a recently retired police officer; a member of the CPS: an elderly mother and son who have a cat named Moustache; a young woman named Ember; train crew and more. It takes a while for the first murder to occur although it is acknowledged on the very first page of the book. More trouble and chaos will ensue before the train is again in motion following its derailment. The book’s protagonist has a bit of a complex backstory. Readers will hope that she is able to make it to her daughter and new granddaughter soon and unscathed. As a bonus, this book is peppered with puzzles. I think that these extras are trademarks for this author. I enjoyed this title. Readers of locked room mysteries will enjoy trying to solve the case. Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

What will be: The Proof of the Pudding (Rhys Bowen)

TheProofofthePudding #NetGalley

I have only recently begun reading this long running series and am so glad to have immersed myself in Georgie’s world. This newest book has everything within its pages that makes these titles so delightful. I enjoy the characters, especially Darcy (what a name, straight from P &. P) and Georgie. They are currently eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child, although Georgie is not too eager to experience labor.

As the story opens Queenie, who series regulars know, is up in arms at losing her position as cook to a French chef…that is, until she meets him and wants to be IN his arms.

As Georgie hosts her big dinner party, readers meet the odd Sir Mordred. He has a poison garden, among other things. It is obvious that trouble will follow. The fun is in going along for the ride with this author.

Highly recommended to those who enjoy sparkling historical mysteries. Readers can’t go wrong with this one..

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

Pub date: 07 November 2023

The Principles of Philosophy

Four stars ****

This book offers a good introduction to an important and relevant subject. The author characterizes philosophy as an underpinning to how we understand ourselves and the world around us (in a continuous exploration). The book is divided into ten sections. These include the principles of nature, knowledge, metaphysics, logic, ethics, language, mind, aesthetics, politics and religion. There is also a list of additional suggested readings. The author writes in an approachable way. I like that each chapter begins with a section of questions to focus the reader’s attention. It is also nice that there are illustrations. Readers can learn a lot from this title. Read in order or dip in based on your interests. Budding philosophers (and humans) take a look at this excellent introduction to the field. It is worth your time. Many thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Now out: The Principles of Psychology

Four stars ****

Psychology is reportedly one of the most popular subjects that students want to study. Adults too are often fascinated by the idea of learning more about how they “tick.” This title provides a good introduction to many topics. Some of the areas that are discussed in this title include Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Personality Psychology and Sport Psychology. Other sections cover Neuropsychology, Social Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology, Forensic Psychology and Occupational Psychology. Each chapter includes illustrations, charts, photos and Of course the text. Within these sections is a very good summary of each topic. The book can be read in any order. Highly recommended for those who want an overview or review on this topic. Remember though, that readers should not try to diagnose their own psychological disorders. Many thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

A lot happens in Williamstown and its environs in this twenty-second in the series: Murder in Williamstown (Kerry Greenwood)

Phryne Fisher is a woman who lives her life the way that she wants and does not apologize for it. Readers may be familiar with her from other books in the long running series. Others may know Phryne from her TV exploits in Miss Fisher’s Mysteries on Acorn TV. Either (or both) ways or even if a reader does not already know her, it is worth while spending time with this protagonist. (Those new to the series do not have to have read the other books but will just have to accept that they do not know all of the characters’ backstories.)

A lot (!) is going on in this book. It opens with a scene that may well jar current sensibilities as an Asian character is called something maybe appropriate to the time of the story but not to our times. Why was this raid done? Was it successful?

At the same time, there are other subplots. Phrnye’s adopted daughters are volunteering at an institute for the blind where someone may indeed be turning a blind eye to discrepancies in the books. Also, why has one of Phryne’s daughter been locked in the music room?

Phrnye find a body (as she tends to). Is this connected to opium pipes that were found in a garden? Who is sending Phryne poisoned pen notes about her personal life (she does have a habit of taking lovers of whom Jeoffrey appears to the the latest)? What is happening with her Asian lover? And to her relationship with police officer Jack?

There are also two women (lovers) who have escaped their institution. Who are they working (and dancing) for?

Will all of these plot lines come together? It will be a test of Ms. Greenwood’s abilities but she has done it before. Follow her lead in 1920s Melbourne where the story takes place. It is an enjoyable read.

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

Pub date: 07 November 2023

In the Form of a Question

Three stars ***

Anyone who is a fan of Jeopardy most likely knows who Amy Schneider is. She shared aspects of her personal life over the course of her many (and profitable) wins on the show. Those who would like to know Amy better can spend time with her in this book.

The chapters are titled in true Jeopardy style. A few of these are How Did You Get So Smart? When Did You Know You Were Trans? What’s it Like Having ADD? How did You and Genevieve Meet? and many more.

Those who want to know primarily about Jeopardy may not be fully satisfied with this title. Readers need to know going in that that this book is about Amy’s life and that Jeopardy was just one part of it.

This title will, I think, be welcomed by those who have faced some/any of the same life experiences that Amy has. She seems candid about everything and may well leave some of her readers feeling less alone.

This is a book for adults as Amy points out in the introduction. She notes that many kids may have watched her on Jeopardy but that they are not her audience. She gives hope that she will perhaps one day write a book for them.

So, if you are curious about this Jeopardy phenom, give this one a look.Many thanks to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for this title. All opinions are my own.