Stig Abell on his first crime novel — and the best books to read at Easter

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ac7653e6-cd63-11ed-85a8-caaa67d15364?shareToken=e95bbbab5a45d44064a5dddc817fbc36

Walking Literary London

by Stephen Browning

This book is exactly as described. Included are 11 London walks that offer pedestrians glimpses of this most literary of cities. Each walk highlights both fictional and actual figures. For example, walk 5 includes Pall Mall, Picadilly and Mayfair. A few of the streets in this walk include St. James Street, Berkeley Street and Bruton Street, among others. Mention is made of those who belonged to the Reform Club including Anthony Trollope, Arnold Bennet, Conan Doyle, Thackeray and others; that is just one of many neighborhood stops.

There are photographs and maps for each walk. I also really liked that walking conditions are noted.

Both real and virtual travelers will be impressed by the rich history that is revealed in these pages.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this title. All opinions are my own.

Atlas of the Unexpected

Haphazard discoveries, chance places and unimaginable destinations

by Travis Elborough

#AtlasOfTheUnexpected #NetGalley

The subtitle of this intriguing book is Haphazard Discoveries, Chance Places, and Unimaginable Destinations. Ready to explore? Start turning the pages.

I was drawn into this work right away, simply by looking at the dotted world map. How interesting to see just how widely scattered the finds were. Topics covered include Accidental Discoveries, Strange Roots, Haphazard Destinations, Cavernous Locations, and Serendipitous Spaces. Within each group find things like Vaseline, The Dead Sea Scrolls, Chess City, Uros Floating Islands and the Lascaux Caves; there are so many choices within this title. Each entry is pretty fascinating.

Recommended for those with eclectic and inquiring minds.

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

This book was published in 2018.

I read, liked and reviewed this.

I read, liked and reviewed this.

Good history and reviewed by me

I’ve heard a lot about this and just bought it.

“Birnam Wood,” by the Booker Prize winner Eleanor Catton, is a fast-moving ecological novel and a generational cri de coeur.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/03/13/books/eleanor-catton-birnam-wood.html

New romance novels brim with shining, seductive, beautifully crafted sentences.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/03/20/books/review/new-romance-novels.html

clerihews
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/03/30/books/review/why-sarah-bakewell-tends-to-avoid-thrillers-and-mysteries.html

This brightly illustrated title follows a group of animal friends on a beautiful spring day. They see animal babies, observe the weather, go in a hot air balloon and more. Surely, a lovely day.

The physical copy of this book is interactive which should add to a child’s enjoyment. It could make a nice gift for a young one.

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

It is hard to believe that this is the 32nd book about Guido Brunetti. Donna Leon s going strong in her 80s. Personally, I would like this series to continue forever.

Leon has created one of the most human, humane and likeable of detectives. I admire Brunetti for the man that he is; he is an honest Commissario, and a good husband, father, coworker and friend.

Regular readers of the series will enjoy watching Guido troll through his bookshelves. What to keep in the space that he shares with Paola? Books also feature into the plot when a Sri Lankan man is murdered. He had an eclectic collection including titles on Italy’s political unrest in the 80s.

Regular readers will also enjoy finding out something new about Alvise, one of the police officers. Leon shows here that she can grow her characters. I very much enjoyed getting to know Alvise better.

And, for regulars, there is the mouthwatering food. Readers have shared many a good meal with Brunetti, Paola and their two children.

One last thing for the series aficionados…it takes a while for Elettra to be present. What conference has she gone to? Will she come back and do what she always does best?

Those who have never read a novel by this author are in for a treat. Just think of the backlist! Know that it is possible to read this novel as a standalone.

What led to the murder? How does this connect with a palazzo where someone Guido knew years ago lives? Will justice be served?

I highly recommend this book and series. Bravo, Donna Leon.

Publishers Weekly notes, “As usual, the rich backdrop of Venice complements the well-designed plot. Leon shows no signs of losing steam.” So true!

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

This title was published in March 2023.

From the Publisher

For young readers

I was excited to see this on sale. It is the author’s most recent book.