Can you solve: The Mystery of the Missing Mum

by Frances Moloney

#TheMysteryoftheMissingMum #NetGalley

This book is so appealing that adults may want to read it, even though it is a children’s title. The illustrations in the cartoon style are delightful and the text is an easy read.

The author’s note lets readers know that Jake’s mum has a mental health condition. It is portrayed in the pages that follow in a sensitive manner. This could lead to some helpful conversation in families.

Jake is a good narrator. I like how he directly addresses the reader and I adore his use of all caps. They let readers key into the feelings of the story.

Will Jake find his mum? How will he go about solving his case? What else will happen to him over the course of the book?

Readers will admire Jake and kudos to him for his resilience. This title is ecommended for young chapter book readers.

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

This title was published in November 2022.

From the Publisher

mum
ashbynorupblogger

Now out: An American Beauty

The “American Dream” is based on the notion that, with hard work and grit, one can succeed. For many years, the success was about men and, of course, there were all of those “robber barons” with names like Carnegie and Morgan. But, what about women? Could they make their way up? Yes, sometimes with the right marriage and maybe sometimes with that same grit. How will Arabella achieve this?

Here is an historical novel about a young woman who was working in a gambling parlor when she caught the eye of a wealthy railroad baron. The two became involved in an affair and Collis Harrington helps Arabella to move to New York and establish a new life there.

What happens to these two forms the basis for this novel that is grounded in some truth historically. Will Arabella achieve all that she wants, especially if this includes wanting social acceptance and not just money? Read this one to find out. An American Beauty may put readers in mind of The Gilded Age mini series but that is no bad thing. It is a book with which to relax and maybe dream.

Many thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Who is: Standing in the Shadows by Peter Robinson

#StandingintheShadows #NetGalley

My first Peter Robinson book was his first, Gallows View. From this beginning, through a total of twenty-eight titles, I have happily followed Inspector Banks wherever he had led me. The cases have always been intriguing and I loved getting to know Banks, his (ex) wife, parents, brother, children, colleagues and friends. Readers can also learn a lot about music in the series. Those who haven’t read any of the novels have a real treat in store.

Most sadly, Standing in the Shadows, is Robinson’s final book as he died earlier this year. His last book is one to be proud of; it earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and a high recommendation from me.

The novel unspools in a dual time line. In the earlier period, a young woman has been murdered. Was she killed by the notorious Yorkshire Ripper or was something else in play? How will her ex cope when he has struggled with the end of the relationship?

In the present, Banks has a corpse to deal with. It was discovered on the site of an historical dig but the bones are not ancient Roman ones.

Watching a master like Robinson pull the story together is a real treat. I was so sorry when I turned the last page. I think that I will need to go back to the beginning and reread the series as I am not ready to bid Banks farewell.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 11 April 2023

The first book is now $1.99 in its e book version.

Enjoy these: Games and Rituals by Katherine Heiny

#GamesandRituals #NetGalley

Sometimes readers want long, immersive novels while, at other times, they may just have enough free time to indulge in a short story. For those short story times, Katherine Heiny offers a rich collection.

Here is a fabulous collection of eleven stories. A few of the titles that intrigued me and that I read first included Games and Rituals (since this is the title of the book), Pandemic Behavior (because its title resonated) and Bridesmaid Revisited (as I wanted to know if it would link in some way to the novel, Brideshead Revisited).

Heiny is a true master of description. This includes her talent for evoking both characters and their settings.

Those who enjoy short stories may want to use their next break to read a story here.

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

Pub date: 18 April 2023

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Heiny approaches her disarmingly charming characters with tenderness, empathy, and humor, even (perhaps, especially) when they meander outside the bounds of good behavior. Lighthearted and amusing yet deeply resonant, these stories offer sly insights about human connection and can, in the space of a single sentence, take your breath away….For Heiny fans and those just discovering her naughty, generous-spirited fiction, this collection is bound to spark considerable joy. It’s a keeper. With this irresistibly amusing, bighearted collection, Heiny again proves she is a master of the short story form.”
—Kirkus,starred review