A new biography by Natalie Livingstone focuses on several generations of the banking family’s wives and daughters, documenting their passions for politics, science and music, all abetted by wealth and social connections.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2022/10/23/books/review/the-women-of-rothschild-natalie-livingstone.html

The year’s notable fiction, poetry and nonfiction, selected by the staff of The New York Times Book Review.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/22/books/notable-books.html

There’s something for everyone in this season’s bumper crop of novels set in other times and places.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2022/12/02/books/review/new-historical-fiction.html

poisonedpen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/BN-Dec-22.pdf

Great Short Books

A Year of Reading—Briefly

by Kenneth C. Davis

This book is a wonderful resource. It will have readers adding new titles to their wish lists or perhaps having a moment’s nostalgia for a book previously read. There are over fifty books featured. Just a few of those mentioned are Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Charlotte’s Web by E B White, Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton and Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie. As can be seen, there are classics, popular fiction and even some children’s books.

For each title, there are sections. These include First Lines, Plot Summary, About the Author, Why You Should Read It, and What to Read Next. Each of these included much that is detailed and informative.

This is a book that bibliophiles and those who want good reading suggestions are sure to enjoy. Highly recommended.

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

Review

“An exciting guide to all that the world of fiction has to offer in 58 short novels — from The Great Gatsby and Lord of the Flies to the contemporary fiction of Colson Whitehead and Leïla Slimani — that, ‘like a first date,’ offer pleasure and excitement without commitment.”
—The New York Times Book Review

“Anyone who’s eternally time-strapped will treasure Kenneth C. Davis’ Great Short Books. This nifty volume highlights 58 works of fiction chosen by Davis for their size (small) and impact (enormous). Davis delivers readerly insights and plenty of literary trivia in this handy guide. Outside of extra time, it’s the perfect gift for busy bibliophiles.”
—BookPage

All aboard for the puzzling Christmas mystery of the year

by Alexandra Benedict

#MurderOnTheChristmasExpress #NetGalley

This mystery will remind readers of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. It uses the well known mystery trope of putting people together somewhere from which they can not escape and with a serious killer in the mix.

In this book, there is a disparate group traveling on the overnight train to Fort William. What a group they are! There is a (constantly on her media) instagrammar and her rather awful boyfriend; a group hoping to make it in a trivia contest; a recently retired police officer; a member of the CPS: an elderly mother and son who have a cat named Moustache; a young woman named Ember; train crew and more.

It takes a while for the first murder to occur although it is acknowledged on the very first page of the book. More trouble and chaos will ensue before the train is again in motion following its derailment.

The book’s protagonist has a bit of a complex backstory. Readers will hope that she is able to make it to her daughter and new granddaughter soon and unscathed.

As a bonus, this book is peppered with puzzles. I think that these extras are trademarks for this author.

I enjoyed this title. Readers of locked room mysteries will enjoy trying to solve the case.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 01 February 2023

The Alternative Travel List

by DK Eyewitness

GoHereInstead #NetGalley

This book would make a great holiday gift for a person who likes to travel, even if that person is you. It is filled places to go that are a bit less traveled.

This title is organized by subjects including Ancient and Historical Sights; Festivals and Parties; Great Journeys; Architectural Marvels; Natural Wonders; Art and Culture, and Captivating Cities. For each well known destination, an alternative is offered. To give an example, the first suggestion in the book is to go to the Pyramids of Saqqara and Dahshur, instead of the Great Pyramids. Or, think of Avebury, instead of Stonehenge or the Wellington Fringe instead of the Scottish festival. These are just a few of the 100 ideas.

This beautifully illustrated book is a terrific resource. I want to get out of my armchair (travel) and go away.

Many thanks to DK Eyewitness Travel and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 27 Sep 2022

EDITION	Hardcover
ISBN	9780744061093
PRICE	$25.00 (USD)
PAGES	224

Enjoyed and reviewed by me

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Part of a series set in the U.S. National Parks

This author is always good for a cozy read

Part of a good light series for cat lovers

The judge on “The Great British Baking Show,” whose new book is “Bliss on Toast,” recommends “The Joy of Cooking” along with M.F.K. Fisher and Elizabeth David: “Both the latter are a real pleasure to read.”
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2022/12/01/books/review/the-writing-is-as-good-as-the-food-prue-leiths-favorite-cookbooks.html

www.nytimes.com/2022/12/02/books/review/new-psychological-thrillers.html