A lot happened in: 1989 by Val McDermid

#1989 #NetGalley

1989 is the second in this new series by Val McDermid, following on last year’s 1979. Protagonist Allie Burns works for a newspaper and the term “intrepid” most aptly describes her as a reporter.

Allie has moved ahead in some ways since the conclusion of 1979, much as one would over a ten year period. No spoilers though so that readers who love Allie can catch up with her on their own.

This novel reflects some of the tragedy and chaos of the period. As the book opens the Lockerbie bombing has just happened, AIDS is raging and the Berlin Wall still stands. The homophobia and blame that victims of AIDS faced is heartbreakingly described.

One plot line follows Allie as she pursues a story about an AIDS drug trial. This takes her into East Berlin and gives readers a chilling feel for what it was like to live there.

There are many characters here from mogul Ace whom someone wants to kill, his daughter Genevieve, scientists, the Stasi, Allie and her partner and many more. Readers will like some of these characters more than others.

I liked this book quite a bit but I would still say that this author’s Karen Pirie books are my favorite. That said, I love that McDermid is a writer who tries new things and her depiction of the period feels most accurate. I also enjoyed spending time with Allie. I look forward to what comes next in 1999.

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

Pub date: 11 October 22

Is it safe for: The Night Women by Sara Blaedel

Here is book four in the Louise Rick series although the author notes that it is set in an earlier time in her protagonist’s life. The book is set in Copenhagen, giving me my first mystery read in this city.

A woman is found dead and Louise is on the case. She also has an abandoned baby on her hands. Are the two linked? How? Who has committed a rather grisly crime? Is organized crime involved? What follows is a bit dark but nonetheless engaging. Lovers of Scandi crime will want to give this one a look.

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

Pub date: 02 January 2018

Note that this book was previously published under the title Farewell to Freedom.

Trooper at the Beverly Hills Hotel

by Susan McCauley

#TrooperattheBeverlyHillsHotel #NetGalley

How can you resist this cover? This title will be adored by both children and adults who know what it means to love a dog and be a recipient of that dog’s love. This book is based on a true story. It is beautifully illustrated and nicely written.

Trooper lives in Montana but needs to travel to California when his owner needs open heart surgery. Trooper faces his fears in getting on the plane and goes on to charm everyone at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Readers will be charmed as well.

Luckily Trooper’s owner gets better and they are able to return to Montana. There is a nice message through Trooper about how friends can be made in more than one place.

The end of the book includes photos of the real Trooper and other information. Adults may be a bit teary as they read this.

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

Pub date: 22 November 2022

She changed history: Wallis in Love by Andrew Morton

Wallis Simpson’s name has come up quite a bit lately. Of course, the recently deceased Elizabeth II would never have been Queen were it not for Wallis. There are also those who have compared Wallis with Megan Markle. Both found a man unhappy with royal life and moved him away from what had always seemed to be his destiny.

For those who would like to know more about Wallis, this title offers a good read. Morton has the ability to write biographies that read almost like novels. The pages definitely turned for me. However, readers should note that they may well leave this book not liking its subject.

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

Pub date: 13 February 2018

Pick up this one: The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2022

by Jess Walter; Steph Cha

#TheBestAmericanMysteryandSuspense2022 #NetGalley.

Every year I look forward to the new edition of this excellent anthology series that offers its audience the opportunity to read some of the best mystery stories written in the past year. There are authors that I know in these pages, as for example, S.A. Cosby, Lauren Groff, Gar Anthony Haywood, Leslie James and Kristin Lepionka among others. However, joyfully, there were lots of new writers (to me) to get to know as well.

Steph Cha introduces this collection with some tough reality; at the time of her writing we were still struggling with Covid and what, to many, has been a bleak political landscape. She notes that one way that people cope is to look to fiction, and readers will do exactly that as they pick stories to read from the choices in these pages.

The introduction is excellent and detailed. The information on individual authors and their stories will help readers know where to begin, if one does not want to read in order. Walter also urges fans of the genre to also look to the honorable mentions for more good reads.

This title is one that lovers of mysteries will want to view. They will leave with an appreciation of those who write stories for us.

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

Pub Date 01 Nov 2022

Cat Family Christmas

Pub Date 08 Nov 2022

Here is an adorable book for the advent season. I received an e galley of this title so did not have the fun of lifting the flaps. I am sure that kids will love doing that. This title is so sweetly illustrated and shows the anticipation of the cat family as they await the holiday and prepared.

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

#CatFamilyChristmas #NetGalley