A favorite author on: Wandering Through Life (Donna Leon)

#WanderingthroughLife #NetGalley

Readers of my blog know that I am a great fan of Leon’s Brunetti series of Venice-set mysteries. Both the books and the TV series have been so enjoyable. (The TV show episodes got me through some of the early days of Covid. I found Brunetti having dinner looking out at the canals so grounding in that time.) I love the character that she has developed in him; Brunetti sees so much corruption yet remains a good man, a good husband, a good father and a good friend. I have found the books to be ones that I am always eager to read.

That said, Wandering Through LIfe is not chefly about Brunetti, but rather about Brunetti’s creator. In these pages, Leon shares stories about her own life. I enjoyed getting to know her and her wandering ex-pat life, though to be fair, she spent many years in Italy. Leon has lived in a many places including the U.S. (with time on a farm), Iran, and, some other countries as well. In her 9th decade, she now lives in Switzerland.

This book has chapters of varying lengths. They cover many facets of Leon’s life. Keep an eye out for the story of Leon’s doctoral dissertation. It is just one of many interesting stories that are contained within these pages. This is a lovely and lively memoir and one that it is easy to recommend.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 19 September 2023

Now out: Dead on Target

R.W. Green has carried this series forward in a way that I think Ms. Beaton would have approved. He presents Agatha in a way that feels very close to how readers got to know her in the original series. This title is the thirty something in the long running books to feature Ms. Raisin.

This time Agatha can be as annoying as ever as she challenges what her nemesis police foil believes to be an accidental death. What led to a death at the village fete? Find out in this crafty and fun read.

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

Calling all doodlers: Mini Kawaii Kitties (Olive Yong)

#MiniKawaiiKitties #NetGalley

I find Kawaii drawing to be appealing and sweet in general and that is certainly the case here. The book opens with sections on what kawaii is, how to use the book, tools and more. Next come the adorable kittens. Artists can learn to draw them at playtime, while being curious, in food related scenarios, and more. The directions are clear and will help doodlers to make satisfying illustrations. Truly delightful.

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

Pub date: 17 October 2023