Highly recommended: The Raging Storm by Ann Cleeves

Audio Book

Hardcover edition

#TheRagingStorm #NetGalley

Ann Cleeves is a true master of the mystery genre. From her early series featuring Inspector Ramsay to her Birdwatcher series, and then on through the Vera and Jimmy Perez novels, she has entertained me for hours. Her latest protagonist is Matthew Venn; here we have the third in that series.

Matthew has a somewhat complex history. His parents were part of a (fringe) religious group that he felt he needed to leave. Matthew was not comfortable with the Brethren’s beliefs and knew that his partner Jonathan might never succeed in being fully accepted by them. Series readers have followed Matthew as he engages in his new life. That said, this book could be read as a standalone.

The Raging Storm is a complex mystery with many characters, relationships and plot threads. The story takes place in the small community where Matthew had grown up. Readers spend time with his team, a sometimes competitive group, and with Matthew and Jonathan. Jonathan, by the way, is a very loving and tolerant spouse.

There are also all of the people in the community and they make for a large group of suspects. The (first) victim was a well-known sailor and a second murder occurs (no spoilers so not naming this person) as well. In addition, there is a disappearance. There are many interrelationships here.

Settings in the book are well described. There are emergency workers on the lifeboat group heading out to sea, members of the yachting club, houses that are falling apart and more.

Why did the first victim, Jem, return to the community? Who did he plan to meet? Why did he choose to spend his time there in a broken down hut? Was there a special reason for the location of his body and the next one?

This book has a slow burn. It is long (400 Pages) and involving. I recommend The Raging Storm most highly (though my heart will always belong to Jimmy Perez of another series).

I toggled back and forth between the print and audio editions of this title, reading when I was home and listening while on the go. This worked perfectly for me. The narration of the audio book was crisp, clear and easy to follow.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 05 September 2023

Now out: Forget Me Not

FOUR STARS ****

A talented wedding planner who doesn’t believe in weddings…a florist whose last name is Bloom; what a set up for an entertaining story of two who were once in a relationship and now meet up again.

Since Ama and Elliot are both hired to work for an influencer couple who are getting married, they are back in contact. Will things go better this time? Will the wedding they work on be a success? Read this one to find out.

Publisher’s Weekly notes that there is a fair amount of cursing here. I don’t know that this will bother many readers but just in case…Otherwise, here is a light read that many may enjoy. Recommended for fans of second chance romances.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

Forget Me Not
Forget Me Not
Forget Me Not
Forget Me Not

Have you ever considered: Quitting by Julia Keller

Julia Keller has been a journalist and author of mystery/suspense titles. (I adore the rather gritty West Virginia set series). She has also earned a PhD. Now in this title, Keller is inviting readers to rethink their reactions to the word that is the title for this book. Is it always wrong to quit? Why were so many of us raised to believe this? Why do we think that quitting is a moral failing? (of course I don’t include harmful behaviors in this assessment). Are there times when quitting is the bravest or most right decision? Explore…

Spend time with Ms. Keller. Hear what she has to say on the subject both on a scientific and anecdotal basis, and then think about this for yourself. It will be worth your time.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in April 2023.

From the Publisher

Quitting
QUITTING
QUITTING
QUITTING
QUITTING

Get out the binoculars: A Field Guide to Backyard Birds of North America

#AFieldGuidetoBackyardBirdsofNorthAmerica #NetGalley

I can only identify a handful of birds; they are the most simple ones-robin, bluejay, cardinal, red tailed hawk, pigeon, and maybe a few more. I hear birds all the time though and sometimes seeone flying by. With this guide, I will be better able to identify what i see.

The book begins with an introduction and a helpful section called Bird Finder at a Glance. The latter showed me that I knew a bit more than I credited myself for and has pictures of many breeds. Following this is a section on Bird Life where there is information on everything from feathers, to nests, to songs, courtship and much more. The next section is titled Making the Most of Birding which is filled with good advice. Also included is a catalog of US backyard birds and even a logbook.

This comprehensive and well illustrated books will be welcomed by novices and even some experienced bird watchers. It is a good resource.

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

Pub date: 12 September 2023