My only wish is that Deborah Crombie wrote faster and more frequently. Her Gemma Jones and Duncan Kincaid mysteries are among my very favorites. This American author writes a terrific British set series. I have been reading them ever since the first title, A Share in Death, was published in 1993. Over time, the characters and their relationships change and develop, keeping readers riveted. For full enjoyment, the books could be read in order but that is not strictly necessary; enough backstory is provided to keep a new reader from being lost.
In this, the 19th, entry, a young doctor has been murdered and hers is but the first, not the only, death. Sasha had friends and family. She also had a complicated work relationship with one of the nurses at her hospital. The case is brought to both Duncan and Gemma along with their teams. It goes to Duncan because of the murder and Gemma because of there being knife crimes.
Readers get to know Sasha’s family which includes a brother with some tricky history. They also get to know her artist roommate; she too has a brother who may well be suspicious. Sasha was supposed to have been meeting him on the night that she was murdered.
Regular readers of the series will be delighted to catch up with Duncan and Gemma’s children. They will also be interested in finding out how Doug (Kincaid’s team) and Melody (Gemma’s) are doing after the events of the previous books.
The book and series are just a delight. Mark your calendar for this title’s release date!
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.
I read a number of intriguing reviews on this title, so was eager to read the book. It did not disappoint.
The novel tells the story of two artists, Anna in the 1940s and Morgan in 2018. Around them is famous, recently deceased artist, Jesse. The most impressive feat in the novel is the way in which the author connects their stories.
Anna wins a contest to create a mural in a small southern town. Northerner Anna has many experiences in Edenton, culminating in a major event.
In the present, Morgan is trying to atone for past poor decisions. Around each of these characters are many others who come to life.
This story is partly a meditation on family (good and bad), race, community and more. The author cleverly adds to the story with diary entries and newspaper stories.
Readers of women’s fiction and others will enjoy this novel that so excellently portrays its places and characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchangefor an honest review.
I have enjoyed every novel that I have read by Ms. Reay beginning with Dear Mr. Knightley. She wrote several Austen adjacent books that were fun reads and has also written novels in other genres. Every book has offered an immersive read.
The English Masterpiece drew me right in. I loved the art world background, protagonist Lily, and the mystery around that Picasso. I also very much liked that readers entered Lily’s world and got to know her family.
Diana made for an interesting foil to Lily. She saw something in Lily and promoted her despite their rather different backgrounds. Diana is extremely upset and rattled by something Lily says at an exhibition opening. Will these two come to terms?
Will it turn out that Lily is correct about a painting’s provenance? Will she be able to continue to do the work that she loves?
Those who enjoy historical fiction set in the more recent past, stories about art, and those who are both new and old readers of this author will enjoy this story in my opinion. I most definitely recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 10 June 2025
Description
“Art . . . London . . . Seventies Glam . . . Yesss, please. The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay has ALL the goodies–especially for historical fiction lovers and art aficionados . . . Buckle your seatbelt as all hell breaks loose.” –Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of The Goddess of Warsaw
Set in the art world of 1970s London, The English Masterpiece is a fast-paced read to the end, full of glamour and secrets, tensions and lies, as one young woman races against the clock to uncover the truth about a Picasso masterpiece. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Ariel Lawhon.
As the recently promoted assistant to the Tate’s Modern Collections keeper Diana Gilden, Lily helps plan a world-class Picasso exhibit to honor the passing of the great artist–and she’s waited her whole life for this moment. The opening is beyond anyone’s expectations–the lighting, the champagne, the glittering crowd, and the international acclaim–until Lily does the unthinkable. She stops in front of a masterpiece and hears her own voice say, “It’s a forgery.” The gallery falls silent.
Lily’s boss, Diana, is polished perfection, schooled in art, and descends from European high society. She’s worked hard to become the trusted voice in London’s modern art scene and respected across the Continent. The Tate’s Picasso Commemorative is to be her crowning achievement, featuring not only the artist’s most iconic and intimate works, but a newly discovered painting–one she advised an investor to purchase. But when Lily makes her outrageous declaration, suspicion and scandal threaten everything Diana has achieved, as museums and collectors across Europe, already doubting most post-war acquisitions, fall into chaos and rumors of a world-wide forgery run wild.
All Lily has ever wanted is to follow in Diana’s footsteps and take the art world by storm in her own right. Yet one comment puts not only her own career at risk but also her mentor’s. Unless . . . Was she right? With the clock ticking and the clues starting to pile up against her, Lily must uncover the truth behind the Picasso before she loses not only the career she’s always wanted, but her freedom.
Block off your calendar and lose yourself in The English Masterpiece, a thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end from the author who brought you The London House and The Berlin Letters.
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
‘A taut and thrilling game of cat and mouse ensues in Katherine Reay’s THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE, a story of reality, illusion, and imposters set in the winding streets of seventies London. Reay is a master at the top of her game!’ — Bryn Turnbull, author of THE BERLIN APARTMENT
‘An exhibit honoring the recently deceased Picasso and an alleged forgery at the Tate sets the stage for this historical page-turner. Just when you think the stakes couldn’t get any higher Reay ratchets up the tension even more. With an eye for the telling details, this author transports the reader back to London in the 1970s. Art lovers and historical fiction fans alike will find this book impossible to put down.’ — Renee Rosen, USA TODAY bestselling author of LET’S CALL HER BARBIE
Many readers will recognize that the title of this historical mystery refers to Julia Child and her classic cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. And indeed, most happily, Julia, her husband (Paul), and sister (nicknamed Dort) are all found in these pages. There is also a fictional character, Tabitha, who is nowhere near the cook that Julia is but who is a good friend to her.
The story takes place in the late 1940s in Paris so I was immediately inclined to like this book. The opening has Julia trying to figure out what is wrong with her mayonnaise. Soon, she will have much bigger problems. After a party at her apartment, a body is found in the basement area of Julia’s flat. The victim was a guest and the knife used to kill her came from Julia’s kitchen. Therese also was employed at the theater where Dort works.
Tabitha, the book’s amateur sleuth, has a father who was in the police. This makes her wanting to solve the case feel credible. She has come to Paris to spend time with her grandfather and his partner who becomes like an uncle to her. They add color and relationships to the story.
This book was entertaining and fun. I liked the setting, the characters, the food and the story. Kudos to the author. She has also written a series featuring Agatha Christie’s housekeeper showing how versatile she is. I have enjoyed her contributions to the historical mystery and recommend this title. I hope that this is the start of a series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 25 April 2023 Mark your calendar
And the next in the series
This series began with last year’s Mastering the Art of French Murder. This second title is every bit as delightful.
Here is an historical mystery set in post WWII Paris. It features a fictional protagonist, Tabitha, and a friend of hers. That friend is the larger than life Julia Child. Together the two become involved in murderous situations.
This time, chefs should beware what they drink. Not too far into the novel, two have died after imbibing what should have been very special vintages. Tabitha and Julia are on the case even if the police inspector (and possible romantic interest for Tabitha) does not want their help.
What I like best in this book (and in the first one) is the evocation of Paris. When Tabitha and Julia visit a market it is easy to visualize the food and want to start cooking. And speaking of which, every time Julia is around food, and that is often, the book is so much fun.
Highly recommended to those who are foodies, those who love Paris and those who like historical mysteries. I hope there will be a third book soon
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
The cover of this book drew me right in. The illustrations offer a fun opportunity to name the city represented by each symbol.
For each featured city, there are illustrations and comments on them. For example, kids will see the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Chrysler Building and more. Some of the other cities included are Rio, Paris, Moscow and Tokyo, among others.
I am not sure how kids will receive this book. The illustrations are well done and the text offers some facts. However, this title seems more like a jumping off point. If a child is interested in a particular place, I think that they may then want to look for additional resources.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press -Applesauce Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Pub date: 15 November 2025
About the book:
From the publisher
Discover the world’s most captivating cities in this beautifully illustrated voyage through diverse cultures, iconic landmarks, and vibrant histories.
This stunning book takes you on a thrilling adventure across 16 unique cities, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the romantic canals of Venice. Step into the heart of each location and experience the richness of life unfolding in markets, plazas, alleys, and towering skyscrapers.
Each page invites you to guess, search, and discover the hidden wonders that make these cities truly extraordinary, offering a fun and interactive experience for readers of all ages. Kids will develop a deeper appreciation for global diversity. Perfect for curious young minds and lovers of travel, this book is your passport to new skylines, hidden corners, and vibrant neighborhoods.
When a Native teenager vanishes from her small town—a place with dark ties to an elite historical society—archaeologist Syd Walker is called to investigate…from bestselling author Vanessa Lillie.
From USA Today bestselling author Vanessa Lillie comes a chilling new Syd Walker mystery that unearths both bones and buried truths. THE BONE THIEF (Berkley Hardcover; October 28, 2025) is a riveting thriller set in Narragansett, Rhode Island, where the disappearance of a Native teenager and stolen skeletal remains pull archaeologist Syd Walker into a tangled web of privilege, history, and violence that refuses to stay in the past. Perfect for fans of C. J. Box and Nevada Barr, Lillie delivers a gripping, atmospheric novel that blends page-turning suspense with an unflinching look at contemporary Indigenous struggles.
About the book:
From the publisher
In the hours before dawn at a local summer camp, Bureau of Indian Affairs archaeologist Syd Walker receives an alarming call: newly discovered skeletal remains have been stolen. Not only have bones gone missing, but a Native teen girl has disappeared near the camp, and law enforcement dismisses her family’s fears.
As Syd investigates both crimes, she’s drawn into a world of privileged campers and their wealthy parents—most of them members of the Founders Society, an exclusive club whose members trace their lineage to the first colonists and claim ancestral rights to the land, despite fierce objections from the local tribal community. And it’s not the first time something—or someone—has gone missing from the camp.
The deeper Syd digs, the more she realizes these aren’t isolated incidents. A pattern of disappearances stretches back generations, all leading to the Founders Society’s doorstep. But exposing the truth means confronting not just the town’s most powerful families, but also a legacy of violence that refuses to stay buried.
From the national bestselling author of Blood Sisters (a Washington Post Best Mystery of the Year and Target Book Club pick) comes a new Syd Walker novel that proves the sins of the past are destined to repeat until the truth is finally unearthed.
About the author:
Vanessa Lillie is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation and the author of the USA Today bestselling Blood Sisters and suspense novels Little Voices, For the Best and coauthor of the Young Rich Widows series. Vanessa hosts an Instagram Live show with crime fiction authors and was a columnist for the Providence Journal. Originally from Northeast Oklahoma, she lives on Narragansett land in Rhode Island and is proudly Two-Spirit.
Editorial Reviews:
“A riveting, thought-provoking, must-read mystery—a perfect blend of truth and fiction that resonated with this reader for days after reading the last action-packed page.” —Mystery & Suspense Magazine
“Lillie goes even deeper and darker than she did in the previous installment, folding powerful questions about who gets to write history into a crackling mystery plot.” —Publishers Weekly
“Lillie delivers a multi-layered plot that skillfully weaves history and culture into the suspenseful.” —Sun Sentinal
My thoughts:
I very much enjoyed Lillie’s first novel and was eager to read her second. I was not disappointed. As was true of the first title, this book is one that offers an immersive read with meaningful characterizations, an interesting plot and an awareness of the importance of justice.
I was intrigued by the setting since I know the area in which the story is set. That helped me to immediately place myself within the story.
I also liked the way in which Lillie gives readers perspective on the indigenous people in the story. It is good to be able to learn a bit while reading.
Welcome back to Syd. Hopefully book three is in the works.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Dual narratives currently appear to be popular in historical fiction. The recent novel, The Gown, uses this structure. These books offer the perspective of the present while exploring an earlier time and demonstrating that, whatever the period, characters look for meaning, relationships and safety.
In this enjoyable novel by Julia Kelly, the reader gets to know Cara in the present and Louise during WWII. The device that links them is the diary that Cara, an antiques expert, finds when she is evaluating the objects in the home of a character with a link to Louise.
When the novel opens, Louise is living with her parents and is a dutiful daughter who dreams of one day moving to California with its sunshine and greater educational opportunities. However, her present is WWII Cornwall where she meets and falls for Paul. The evolution of their relationship is a key part of the novel.
The war provides Louise with the opportunity to enlist and leave her small community. She becomes an “ack-ack girl.” According to the website The Female Soldier, ack-ack girls “were members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) that helped operate Anti-Aircraft Guns in the defense of Britain from German bombing raids during World War 2.” Louise becomes an integral member of an integrated male/female unit. She writes extensively to Paul while in the service. Will they have a happily ever after? You will need to read the novel to find out.
Cara, following a recent divorce, is giving most of her attention to her job until she meets a neighbor. Their relationship evolves. Will they have their happy ever after?
Throughout the book, Cara discovers Louise through her diaries, just as the reader does. These entries form an integral part of the narrative.
There are other stories as well, especially that of Cara’s grandmother who does not want to talk about her wartime life and who appears to be harboring a secret. Cara wants to know all that she can while her grandmother is alive to tell her. Will she find out?
Each of these narrative threads is handled well by the author and I very much enjoyed reading this novel. I experienced more of what it was like to live in London during wartime and connected with the characters and their stories. My only caveat would be that some of the physical romance feels a bit formulaic while it is the relationships that are more interesting.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I recommend Light Over London to those who enjoy historical novels set during the second world war.
Other reviews:
“Kelly weaves an intricate, tender, and convincing tale of war and romance with skill and suspense.” (–Publishers Weekly)
“Kelly deftly balances intrigue with mystery and historical detail in her latest novel… A charming imagining of the historical gunner girls.” (–Kirkus Reviews)
“Kelly has crafted two convincing, conflicted heroines in Cara and Louise, and the resolution of Louise’s romance is satisfyingly empowering. Hand this to fans of Jennifer Egan’s Manhattan Beach (2017) and other tales of the vital roles played by women in wartime.” (–Booklist)
A twisty, tender and wise look at how secrets can transform the powerful—and sometimes problematic—bond between mothers and daughters, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery. When Shannon gets engaged, her beloved mom, Cindy, is the first person she wants to tell—and the last. Cindy’s engaged, too, and has already hinted at a double wedding. The image of a synchronized bouquet toss with her mom fills Shannon with horror. She’ll keep her engagement a secret until Cindy’s I-dos are done.
Victoria has never been proper enough for her mother, Ava, so she stopped trying. She lives on her own terms and amuses herself by pushing Ava’s buttons. Ava loves but doesn’t understand her stuntwoman daughter. When a movie-set mishap brings Victoria home, Ava longs to finally connect.
Chance brings the four women together at a wedding venue, where a shocking secret comes tumbling out. Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby—then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.
On Sale Date: November 4, 2025
9780778387268, 0778387267
Hardcover
$30.00 USD, $37.00 CAD
Fiction / Family Life / Siblings
368 pages
Start reading:
How does the horse look?
Victoria Rogers pressed her good arm to her very bruised, almost broken ribs. “Dad, don’t,” she said, trying to stay as still as possible. “You can’t be funny. It already hurts to breathe. It wasn’t a horse.”
Her father frowned. “I was told you were thrown off a horse.” “I was thrown out of a truck.”
“Then how’d you get the black eyes?”
“The ground was a little bit pissy when I hit it and punched me back.”
There wasn’t a part of her that didn’t hurt. The good news was that now that the medical staff had determined she didn’t have a head injury, they were going to give her drugs to help with the pain. She’d already said she didn’t want any of that weak-ass pill stuff. She wanted a nurse to give her a shot of something that would work instantly and let her rest. Because in addition to the bruised ribs, requisite scrapes and contusions, she had a broken left leg and a sprained wrist. Her previously dislocated shoulder also throbbed, but that was kind of the least of it.
As she lay in her hospital bed, feeling like death on a tortilla, she had the thought that maybe stunt work wasn’t for her. Injuries came with the job, but this was the third time in five years she’d landed in the hospital. The first time she’d messed up, so that was on her, but the other two had just been plain bad luck. The incident with the truck had come about because one of the tires had blown, causing the however many ton vehicle to jump the curb—an action that had sent her flying up and over the side. Gravity, being the bitch it was, had flung her onto the sidewalk. Hence the injuries.
Her father studied her, his brows drawn together in concern. “None of this makes me happy,” he told her.
The incongruous statement nearly made her laugh. She remembered—just in time—that her ribs wouldn’t appreciate the subsequent movement and they would punish her big-time.
“Today isn’t my favorite day either,” she admitted, trying not to groan. “I didn’t wake up with the thought that I should try to get thrown out of the back of a pickup.” Although technically getting thrown out of the truck had been the stunt. Just not when it had happened and without warning or a plan.
“I’m worried,” her father told her.
“I’ll be fine.”
“This time.”
She winced, and not from pain. “Now you sound like Mom.”
Her father, a handsome man only a few months from his sixtieth birthday, brightened. “Thank you, Victoria. That’s such a nice thing to say.”
Given her weakened condition, she let that comment slide. Honestly she didn’t have the strength to deal with it right now, even though she knew her father understood exactly what she’d been saying. He was only pretending to not get it.
“If you’re going to act like that, you should go,” she said, then amended what could be construed as a catty comment into something more kind. Mostly because she only had the emotional energy not to get along with one of her parents, and her mother had already claimed that prize. “Besides, they’ll be bringing my drugs any second. I plan to surrender to sleep, so I’m not going to be very conversational.”
As if to prove her point, one of the nurses walked in with a syringe. “Ready to feel better?” he asked cheerfully.
“Yes, and let me say, you’re my favorite person ever.”
He winked. “I get that all the time.”
He slowly injected whatever the medication was into her IV. Victoria drew in a shallow breath as she waited to feel that first blurring of the edges of the pain. Modern medicine was a miracle she intended to embrace.
The nurse left. Milton took her good hand in his.
“I’ll let you rest,” he told her. “But I’ll be back later tonight.” He squeezed her fingers. “Tomorrow, when you’re released, I’m taking you home.”
Ugh. Victoria knew that her father wasn’t talking about the pretty condo he’d bought her when she’d turned twenty-one. Instead he meant the house where she’d grown up. The one where her mother still resided.
“I don’t need to move back,” she protested, feeling the first telltale easing of the pain. “I have a few bumps and bruises.”
“Along with a broken leg. And what about your ribs? You can barely move without wincing.”
“I have zero pain tolerance. I’m a total wimp.”
He frowned. “You’re tough and stoic. If you’re showing signs of pain, it’s bad. You’ll stay with your mother and me until you’re well enough to be on your own.” He pointed at her. “I mean it, Victoria. You don’t get a vote.”
Her father was rarely stern with her, so his sharp tone warned her he wasn’t kidding. And she knew from twenty-four years of experience that arguing with the man would get her nowhere. Milton didn’t take a stand very often, but when he did, he was the immovable object.
“I wish you loved me less,” she murmured, feeling a little floaty and stumbling over her words. “Okay, I feel drugs. Let me enjoy the experience of breathing without, you know, wanting to die.”
Oh, baby girl. You’ve always been difficult.”
“I know. It’s one of my best qualities.” Her eyes drifted closed. “Love you, Dad.”
“Love you more.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you tonight.”
SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that shape women’s lives―family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree―40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live. She’s passionate about animal welfare, which shows in the many quirky animal characters she has created. Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband and adorable poodle. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.
It is blog tour season at HTP. I am delighted to be on the tour for this new book by Susan Mallery. I was intrigued by this story about mothers, daughters, adoption, weddings, secrets, family and love. The pages most definitely turn. Fans of the author (and those for whom this will be their first by her) are in for a treat.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 