Mystery readers will adore getting to know Bert and Mamie, those Americans from Ohio. Many will hope that this is the start of a series.
The couple goon a cruise to Africa, motivated by Bert’s wish to take the trip. It is 1939 and readers probably know what this means about the state of the world. Things are not good.
What will happen when Mamie witnesses a murder? Yes, readers can imagine that she and Bert will figure things out; the fun is in getting there in this entertaining read.
Recommended to mystery readers, those who like historical crime and armchair travelers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is the author’s second novel, following on the well regarded Violin Conspiracy. I very much enjoy that these are music based stories. Think the world of composing is quiet? Well, not exactly when it may turn out that someone who claimed authorship of some works, may have had no right to do so.
What did Josephine Reed compose in the 1930s? What was her relationship with another composer named Delaney? Why is one of Delaney’s relative contacting protagonist Bern Hendricks? Who else will be involved as things become complicated? Will wrongs be righted? What is the role of race in the story and its events? Read this enjoyable, thoughtful sophomore work by the author to find out.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Anchor Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Advance praise for Brendan Slocumb’s Symphony of Secrets
“Music lovers will revel in Symphony of Secrets, a novel that is at once a celebration of music and also a cautionary tale about legacy, privilege, and creative genius.” —Nita Prose, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid
“Absolutely brilliant! Once again, Slocumb’s consummate skills are on vivid display as he gives us a fascinating page-turner that slips back and forth in time and seamlessly blends a heart-pounding thriller, a heartfelt look at family and quiet heroism, and a searing exposé of issues stretching from deep in our country’s past to the very present. The ‘secret’ of his title is apt indeed. And as for the cast: nobody creates rich, fully formed characters like Brendan Slocumb. Some books we finish and move on. This one will stay with you long after you turn the final page.” —Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author of The Bone Collectorand Hunting Time
“A twisty, mesmerizing mystery—Brendan Slocumb’s writing is like music itself, dancing elegantly from the page.” —Danya Kukafka, bestselling author of Notes On An Execution
“With Symphony of Secrets, Slocumb has woven an incredible thriller about music, genius, history, and greed—and how easily innocent passion can turn to dangerous, deadly obsession. You won’t be able to put it down until the last note!” —Peng Shepherd, author of The Cartographers
The Flames is a complex and well written historical fiction title that tells the story of Egon Schiele, the times in which he lived in Vienna, the women who surrounded him, and some scandals. Sound like a lot? It is but the research and assured writing of Ms. Haydock leaves readers in good hands.
Four women tell their stories; each of them longs for significance with the artist. There are those who are neighbors, relatives and models with each contributing to the narrative.
Schiele had a short life but it was certainly one that was packed with incident. The times were also intense.
I recommended this title for those who like historical fiction, complicated characters, art and, long and immersive reads.
Many thanks to NetGalley and ABRAMS for this title. All opinions are my own.
The illustrations in this title are absolutely lovely. There seem to be some collages here with ppealing people and scenes. The author’s interpretation of “shape” is very broad and moves well beyond triangles or squares to amorphous shapes like wind or certain emotions.
I liked this book but feel that the concept may slightly confuse some as the shapes leave the literal to become emotions or ideas. Nonetheless this is a title that an adult and young child could enjoy together and that could prompt some good talk.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
C. S. Harris is the bestselling author of the Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries, set in the first decades of the 19th century, as well as several other series. Her research is impeccable, and what’s more, she captures the romance, energy, intrigue, and spirit of a chaotic time in British history. In her latest, Who Cries…
Movie lovers and fans of Audrey Hepburn may now the movie Sabrina. This is the film that inspired this novel’s title and some of the story line. Much like Sabrina, Emma has grown up on a luxurious estate where her parents are servants/staff. Also, as in Sabrina, there are two men who capture Emma’s interest. Henry is the grandson of the estate’s owner while Leo is the son of the estate owner’s driver. Will she find true love with either of them?
The story takes place in the present with many chapters that detail the past and Emma’s experiences as she grew up. Emma was not immune to tragedy but neither were Henry or Leo. Leo and Emma discover something rather unsavory about Leo’s grandfather; are they right about his connections in the past? Also, what happened to beloved cook Fleur? A niece of Fleur’s also wants to know.
When the story opens, the grand estate is part of a plan for a luxury housing development. Emma is aghast and goes to an open house to learn more. She would like to prevent the sale. While there, Emma is reconnected with Leo and meets Fleur’s niece. Readers, the pages just turn from here as relationships build along with the plot.
I very much enjoyed this novel. Fans of women’s fiction with some historical context, should mark their calendars for this title’s release date.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
There are many parenting books out there but they are generally geared to the early years through adolescence. Job done? Not really and certainly not for everyone. Especially in our current age, parenting does not seem to end with the completion of school. Instead, parents seem to be ever more involved with and concerned about their children.
Worried about their job prospects? Relationships? Mental health issues? Are you estranged? Not sure what to say as you become a grandparent and watch your child parenting? These are the sorts of issues that keep parents on edge but not sure what to do. Should one parent their adult child (how is that for an oxymoron though the author explains why he chose it.) and intervene and, if so, how? For those who want some thoughtful assistance, here is one highly regarded author who wants to help.
As one example, someone I know found the advice on what to do if you are not so sure of your child’s romantic partner to be spot on and very helpful. Suddenly there was something to contemplate and/or do about a situation rather than spinning mentally.
The advice and vignettes in this book will be welcomed by readers. Those who are parents of twenty and thirty year olds will leave these pages feeling a bit more certain about how they want to proceed and when.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is one of my favorite series for young readers and listeners. Often I already know the person who is being profiled but, in this instance, I did not. I am so glad, though, to have spent time with Olive.
Olive’s story is inspiring. She came to Britain from Jamaica. She went on to fight to right the wrongs that she saw. For example, she spoke out against police brutality and was arrested and mistreated as a result. Olive was not deterred however. She went on to fight for housing and opened a Black community bookstore. As if that were not already enough, Olive fought for Black and Asian women. How was she honored? Read this title to find out. The message that a person needs to stand up for their beliefs will resonate with idealistic young people.
As is true with the books featuring little people with big dreams, the illustrations are well done. They enhance the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
I have a tendency, at times, to buzz around and need to stop to breathe. That is what I hoped would happen when reading this title and, yes, it did.
The author shares some of the insights that can be gained from the gardening profession and how this work connects with mindfulness. Redwood acknowledges the influence of the well known Thich Nhat Hanh who has had a deep influence on those practicing mindfulness. There are quotes from Hanh in the text.
The book is organized by seasons, beginning with spring. Readers first spend time with the snowdrop and then learn about a mindfulness activity that can be done while pruning. The book goes on to offer gardening tips and ways to practice mindfulness in this setting.
I am not lucky enough to have a garden but I visit a botanical garden regularly. I will try to take some of these practices and insights with me when I next walk there. After reading this book, I also know that I would like to visit Chalice Well Gardens near Glastonbury Tor, a peace garden, where the author is employed.
This book offers a chance to step back, breathe and contemplate. It is part of what i think will be an excellent series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 