An early book by this author

7, A Lady Hardcastle Mystery

by T E Kinsey

#TheFatalFlyingAffair #NetGalley

Think you know them? Emily Hardcastle and her maid, Florence, are not exactly who they appear to be. What else are they up to? Follow their adventures in this seventh entry in an historical mystery series that is loved by many readers.

It is 1911. A test pilot has met an untoward fate with his parachute. Emily’s brother wants Lady and maid to investigate and so they do.

This is just a nice, enjoyable read. It is not too demanding but I mean that in a good way.

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

Pub date: 03 December 2020

Last year’s historical fiction was all about the 60s, baby, while this year’s features more from the 1950s, the long 19th century, and the 1970s. I have bad news for Gen-Xers and Xennials: the 1990s are now historical fiction, and there’s plenty coming out about the tail end of the 20th century and the havoc…

25 Historical Crime, Mystery, and Horror Novels to Look Forward To In 2023 — CrimeReads

#TheEdgeofSummer #NetGalley

Readers may be surprised/intrigued to learn that best selling author of women’s fiction, Viola Shipman, is actually the pen name of a male author. He has a keen eye and ear for the kinds of stories that readers of this genre very much enjoy and this title is no exception.

I loved the way in which sewing is entwined in this story. Each chapter has a sewing term at the top. This connects with the protagonist’s mother having been a seamstress. When Miss Mabel tragically dies (of Covid), her daughter Sutton travels to Michigan. She hopes that this will help her to learn more about her mother, a woman who did not like talking about herself or her family. How will two Bs-buttons and a character named Bonnie add to Sutton’s understanding? Will life in Michigan offer what she needs?

This is an involving and well told story. I recommend it. Readers will root for Sutton and hope for a happy ending.

Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 12 July 2022

I enjoyed and reviewed this.

FREE

A Delicious and Charming Cozy Mystery

by Valerie Burns

#TwoPartsSugarOnePartMurder #NetGalley

Life was not going according to plan for Maddy. She was stood up by her groom to be, but she has also inherited a house, a dog and a business from a great aunt. So, off Maddy goes to the Midwest. This is a big change for Maddy who is not a baker; luckily help is on the way from the aptly named Baker Street Irregulars. Things seem to be looking up until there is a murder. Who did it?

This book has many elements that cozy readers want; the small town, the characters, the mystery and a bit of humor. I also always enjoy baking. All in all, an enjoyable read.

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

Pub date: 30 August 2022

And from this week’s The Short List

Tales of Whimsy, Verses of Woe

by Tim DeRoche, Daniel González

This collection has the potential to turn kids who turn up their noses at poetry into poetry fans. The works included here are unique, sometimes odd and often funny. They are accompanied by cartoon-like illustrations. Most kids are sure to chuckle at ntries such as The One Man Band.

This title is definitely worth a look.

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

A Heartwarming Texas Love Story

by Jodi Thomas

#SundayattheSunflowerInn #NetGalley

I have previously read and reviewed several of this author’s novels including Picnic in Someday Valley and Breakfast at the Honey Creek Cafe. The books are set in small town Texas and are very keyed in to the kind of stories that women’s fiction lovers enjoy. There are good characters who have intertwined lives, romance and enough plot to keep the reader turning the pages.

This story is the fourth in the series. There is one character who is seventeen and another who is sixty. There is also a restaurant owner and a man in law enforcement. Will these two get together? What other romances will there be?

All of the characters move through this town that they love as they figure out what they want. Readers will love the town and the folks who live there too. This is excellent escapist fare.

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

Pub date: 26 April 2022

A Swinging Sixties Mystery

by Teresa Trent

#TheTwistandShoutMurder #NetGalley

This mystery is set in the early 1960s. As can be seen from the cover, the job options for women included teacher, nurse and/or a secretarial job (hence the typewriter). Dot chooses secretarial school, little knowing where this will lead her.

Dot is busy. She gets to know women in an elite club in order to help her father’s political campaign. This exposes her to many things, some of which are not pleasant. When mayhem and murder ensue, will all be resolved satisfactorily? Find out in this cute mystery with an adorable cover.

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

Pub date: 04 January 2022