What caused: A Death in Chelsea by Lynn Brittney

#AdeathInChelsea #NetGalley1

This book is the second in an historical mystery series set in 1920s London. The twist is that a group of women are instrumental in solving the crimes. They work with a traditional male detective.

In this entry, a woman is dead. Was she hanged or was it murder? Most mystery aficionados know the answer to that and will want to read on. The victim, Lady Adeline, was a reporter of society’s doings but it is unclear how she came about her knowledge. What is clear is that she had enemies. Who is responsible for this death and why was she murdered?

This book will be enjoyed by those who like historical crime stories in which women are active in solving the case.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane/Mirror Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 14 March 2019

I previously reviewed the first in this series. There are four titles in all.

A WWI mystery-Murder in Belgravia by Brittney

What is: All About Us by Tom Ellen

#AllAboutUs #NetGalley

This story has a premise that will appeal to many readers. Author Tom Ellen gives his protagonist the chance to go back in his life (literally) where he can decide once more how he wants to live his life and with whom. What will he decide? What would you do if you had such an opportunity? Is it ever too late to live the life one wants? Interestingly, protagonist Ben is given a special watch by a stranger in December; readers will perhaps therefore think of Scrooge and the Christmas Carol. The Christmas setting adds to the book’s appeal. Those looking for a light book about life choices and loves may want to give this one a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 13 October 2020

Have fun with:

Animal Opposites

by Nikolas Ilic

#AnimalOpposites #NetGalley

This is a most adorable and well illustrated book of opposites for toddlers. Two of my favorites include inside and outside with a chick and its shell, and wet and dry with an unhappy wet cat followed by a dry kit under an umbrella. All of the pages are cute and engaging. I wonder which ones a child you know will most enjoy!

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

Pub date: 07 February 2023

Now out: The Best American Magazine Writing 2022

This yearly anthology always offers some good reads. A wide range of publications are included as are a number of categories. So, from the New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, Harper’s, AARP and more as sources. Just two of the writers are Ann Patchett and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar. An example of a category is Winner-Essays and Criticism or Finalist-Service Journalism. Dip in and out as one wishes. Always walk away having read something interesting and worthwhile.

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

Do you know: Why the Museum Matters by Daniel Weiss

#WhytheMuseumMatters #NetGalley

I have very much enjoyed taking classes in art history. They are a wonderful way to learn about both topics-art and history. Integral to these classes are visiting museums and seeing art works virtually when that works best. Clearly, museum’s holdings offer the material for these classes. A class that I took on museums themselves also examined the role of the museum in society; it can be complex as is also shown in this well written book on why museums matter.

The author is connected to the Metropolitan Museum in New York City. He offers a well thought out look at his topic. Weiss notes the important role that museums have played in society, in part, because they make something accessible to not only those who are very wealthy. He also examines some of the current issues that museums are facing. These are financial and at times ethical.

Readers will find chapters on the antecedents of the art museum, a look at America and museums and, finally, a look at evolving and preserving in order to keep these institutions vital. Weiss is an accessible writer and one does not need previous background to engage with this title. I recommend it.

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

Pub date: 29 November 2022