Would you join: The Marlow Murder Club

A Novel

by Robert Thorogood

Readers who devoured Richard Osman’s two mysteries are pretty sure to enjoy The Marlow Murder Club. It has many similar good eccentricities while telling its own story.

As in Osman’s novels, our woman on the scene is a pensioner. Eccentric Judith Potts is in her seventies. She may be a little too fond of whisky. She sets crossword puzzles to earn money, lives in an inherited property and observes everything around her. She is also intrepid.

One night Judith hears a shot. Her neighbor Stefan is dead. It is quickly established that Stefan was murdered. His character is less clear; there are those who saw him as a good and kind man and others who did not. What was the nature of his association/relationship with an antiques business and Elliott, its proprietor? How, if at all, is Stefan’s death connected to another victim, a well-liked taxi driver named Iqbal? And, what about the people Judith gets to know along the way? There are a mysterious redhead, a dog walker and a vicar’s wife among others. It all crescendos in a satisfying story.

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

Pub date: 03 May 2022

Can one get away with: Bending the Paw

by Diane Kelly

Bending the Paw is the ninth title in this canine themed mystery. The story features a dog and her partner. Join them in a stormy Fort Worth as they work to solve their latest case. There is blood, lots of it, and a missing husband but no corpse. What’s up? Read this one to find out. Also, watch out for the crooked contractor. The pages turn easily as readers follow Megan (human) and Brigit (our cover dog) and, for readers who enjoy this one, there are many more, beginning with Paw Enforcement.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 27 October 2020

Some e book bargains for 4.18.22

Part of a much loved series
The children’s classic
Remember the twelve tonsillectomies?

And some weekly e book bargains that are the first in series

JK Rowling’s mystery series under the name Galbraith. A new book comes out later this year.
An India based historical mystery series featuring a strong woman.
First in the Grace Valley trilogy
I have read and reviewed a number of titles in this WWII based mystery series
A book by Jenny Colgan is good for when you want to relax
A dual time line mystery series; this is the first.
First in the series by the mother/son team

Welcome to a new series by one of my favorite authors: Death in Focus (Perry)#DeathInFocus #NetGalley

This title is an e book bargain for the week of 4.18.22

joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews's avatarJoyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

Kudos to Anne Perry! She is not an author who rests on her laurels. Ms. Perry recently started a series with Daniel Pitt, son of long-term series regulars Thomas and Charlotte and now, she has started a series featuring Elena Standish. This novel takes place as Hitler is rising to power in Germany.

The characters in the family…Elena is an aspiring photographer. Her sister Margot was widowed shortly after marrying during WWI. Grandfather Lucas was in MI6 during WWI and maintains his connections. His wife, also was active in the war. Then there are Elena’s parents Charles and his wife Katherine. He is a diplomat; she is American. There are many characters not in the family, from the Jewish population in Berlin to the Brownshirts to those who are busy plotting and to Cordell at the British Embassy.

The settings in the novel are vividly described. The book opens in…

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If you need help: Math Practice Tests for the ACT

by Vibrant Publishers

#MathPracticeTestsfortheACT #NetGalley

The college application process can just be so stressful. If seems unfair for kids’ fates and egos to be so caught up in this labyrinthine process.

Some teens are able to take the college admission tests without panic. Others need practice. Those who do will find this book of eight complete practice tests (and answers) to be a good resource. It is a book that has no frills but does just what it promises.

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

Pub date: 16 June 2022

Would you like to remember: How to Live Like the Little Prince by Stéphane Garnier (Translated from the French)

#HowtoLiveLiketheLittlePrince #NetGalley

I only came to The Little Prince as an adult. Twice I then read it for classes and each time got more from it. I also saw an exhibit at the Morgan Library on the author and learned more about his (too short) life and works.

The Little Prince is an iconic and beloved work. It has been translated into at least 300 languages according to this title’s introduction. The author, whhose personal style permeates the book, notes that we all could benefit from remembering the joys and imagination of our childhoods, something that The Little Prince encourages us to remember.

So, how does a person live like The Little Prince? The chapter headings give some hints. An individual would figure out How to Be Understood by Others; How to Connect to Others; How to Take Time to live, How to Accept Being Understood and more. Some of these others include How to Protect Your dream, How to Love and How to Be Rich in What you Have. Even now, I have not listed all of the sections. Clearly there is a lot to think about here.

This title can be dipped into when inspiration and/or remembering is needed. It would also make a lovely gift for the right person.

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

Pub date: 12 April 2022

Miss Kopp Investigates

by Amy Stewart

#MissKoppInvestigates #NetGalley

The Miss Kopp adventures began with Girl Waits with Gun and is now up to entry number seven. This is an historical mystery with strong female characters.

It is now the winter of 1919. The Kopp sisters are reuniting from locations as far away as France. These women are intrepid. This time Fleurette needs money so is posing as “the other woman” in divorce cases. She finds even bigger problems than supposed infidelity however.

Will the case be solved? Will everyone remain safe? Will you want to read more about the Kopp sisters after this (spoiler: you will)?

Enjoy this book. It is a fun one.

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

Pub date: 07 Sep 2021

She really does: Bella Loves Bugs

A Fact-filled Nature Adventure Bursting with Bugs!

by Jess French

#BellaLovesBugs #NetGalley

Kids, meet Bella. You will have lots of fun with her as you learn more about bugs. Join Bella as you learn about caterpillars, ants. bees, butterflies and more. There is a lot packed into this cheerily illustrated title.

I was very impressed by the quantity and quality of the information in this title. I highly recommend it to young entomologists and their adults.

Many thanks to Quarto-Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 19 Apr 2022