I read and enjoyed this author’s earlier book about Carrie Soto but loved this one even more! I underlined a number of passages as I read, something that I don’t always do, because there were some very moving paragraphs (for example when Joan talks about god and the universe).
This is a story about a group of astronauts in the 1980s. Some women are in the group but they are still a rarity. The training of all is well depicted with attention paid to what was at stake for the early classes of females in the field.
Readers also get to know those around these astronauts. Many have families who come into the story.
Three characters in this book kind of melted my heart. They are Joan, Vanessa and Frances. Joan and Vanessa are astronauts while Frances is Joan’s niece.
SPOILER:
Joan and Vanessa are in a relationship. This occurs at a time when it was not considered acceptable. Joan’s awakening to her orientation and sexuality are beautifully evoked.
BACK FROM SPOILER:
Early in the book, readers learn about something that is going on with one of the missions. The suspense of this was so convincingly described that I could hardly bear it. Readers will understand this if they read the book, I think.
All in all, kudos to TJR for a masterful work. Five stars from me.
Nita Prose’s first novel, The Maid, introduced the interesting hotel maid Molly. She will make readers appreciate the folks who do this work for their comfort. Molly was around murder in that book and history repeats itself here.
The murder takes place in the hotel’s newly refurbished and elegant tea room. The victim is a wildly popular mystery writer with a fan club. He was at the hotel to share an important announcement. Of course, he died before the speech and all of his cue cards are missing.
It turns out that Molly had a connection to this victim. She brings her unique intelligence and set of skills to figuring out what happened. Along the way, readers are treated to many of her aphorisms and get to enjoy her relationship with her grandmother among others.
I was lucky enough to hear the author speak at a mystery conference last year. She acknowledged the difficulties of writing a second book when the first was well received. In my opinion, Ms. Prose did a find job here.
Those who like a traditional mystery with an untraditional protagonist will enjoy The Mystery Guest. This book can be read on its own but readers who like Molly will probably want to read that first book as well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book was published in November 2023
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Heartwarming . . . Like Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple, who’s rendered invisible because she’s an old woman, Molly and her grandmother are not seen because of the kind of work they do. In this affecting and socially-pointed mystery series, however, invisibility becomes the superpower of the pink-collar proletariat.”—NPR
“[Molly] returns in The Mystery Guest, which builds upon The Maid’s many charms. Prose peppers the mystery with sly jokes about the vagaries of crime writing, but Molly’s voice remains central and moving.”—The New York Times
“Molly is a singular character—she’s intelligent, unfailingly honest and the epitome of a professional maid—and readers will enjoy checking into the Regency Grand to follow her and her exploits.”—BookPage
As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I knew that I wanted to read it. The book fully delivered on what I was hoping for.
This is a beautifully written account of the life and family (several generations) who live and work on a farm in the Lake District. Start at the beginning with Helen’s reflections which are beautiful and insightful. Go on to read the whole book.
The author knows that she is lucky to live in such a beautiful area but also acknowledges that she, her husband, four children and animals have good times and challenges. All are recounted well.
In addition to the narrative, there are some lovely line drawings in these pages (starting with the hens). There are also many recipes.
Readers who enjoy memoirs, stories about women and/or who fantasize about a rural life, here is just the book for you (or someone on your holiday list). I really enjoyed it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Horizon for this title. All opinions are my own.
Here is the first entry in a promising new cozy series. The protagonist, is Rick who goes by the nickname Chase; he is a retired detective whose partner died not long ago. Chase continues to miss him.
Chase has made plans to go on a walking tour in England. Also on the tour is his very good friend Billie, a retired librarian. They are two in a group of travelers. The most obnoxious of these has been threatened and indeed is murdered.
This is not a locked room but there is the concept of a contained group of people who come together. Who had the strongest motive? Will Chase be drawn in the solve the murder? Of course! The fun is in watching how things go.
I enjoyed getting to know Chase and Billie. I did indeed find the victim to be obnoxious and I enjoyed my virtual trip to England. Recommended for cozy fans who like their mysteries with some armchair travel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
The Old Success follows The Knowledge, a book that I really enjoyed. The Old Success is not quite as good but will still be welcomed by fans of Richard Jury and his eccentric circle of friends. Old readers, for example, will probably love Melrose’s latest attempt to get at his aunt. You do not have to have read all the books in the series to pick this up but it may help to know a bit about the cast. In this novel, there are three murders. One takes place in the Scilly Islands, one in Exeter Cathedral and one on a family estate. Are they linked, and if they are, what is the connection? As usual, there are characters who are children and essential to the story. In this case, the reader meets Zillah and Zoe. What did they witness? What is their connection to the bigger mystery surrounding the deaths? The title of the book comes from the name of a pub, as is usual for Martha Grimes. Those in the pubs are witnesses and friends, including a retired police officer who solved all his cases. There is also his granddaughter who is talented at working with horses. Quite a mix. Of course, all is solved. I read this book quickly. I rate it at 3 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance read in exchange for an honest review.
Getting starred reviews in Kirkus, Publishers Weekly and Booklist is quite a feat, even for an author as loved as Applegate. So, do I think that all of this praise is deserved? YES. This is simply a lovely book.
Find out why Pocket Bear was so named and why his eyes were so placed. Find out his history and where he has been. Also get to know one grumpy cat. Come to love them and others in this beautiful story that is about deep feelings like bravery and love.
This book is geared for kids 8 to 12 years of age. The chapters are short and there are some illustrations. That said, grownups may enjoy this one too. It might make for a good bedtime story.
Note: The word love is oft repeated in this review but I think that it belongs everywhere that it appears.
Many thanks to Macmillan’s Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Pub date: 09 September 2025
About the book:
From the publisher
Meet Pocket, created as a good luck charm for soldiers going into battle, whose bravery and loyalty lives on long after the war.
From Katherine Applegate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Odder and The One and Only Ivan.
Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his becoming: the glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm.
Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. He and his best feline friend Zephyrina, known far and wide as “The Cat Burglar,” have seen it all, and then some.
An unforgettable tale of bravery, loyalty, and kindness, Pocket reminds us all that love comes in many forms (sometimes filled with fluff), and that second chances are always possible.
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
**INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** An INDIE BESTSELLER A Publishers Weekly Bestseller A Junior Library Guild GOLD STANDARD Selection An Amazon Best Book of the Month
★ “Newbery Medalist Applegate weaves a gently sophisticated tale that considers the trauma brought about by war on those forced to endure it. Zephyrina’s grudging first-person POV injects humor into tender and eloquent narrative sequences, which Santoso expertly complements with detailed grayscale illustrations depicting moments such as Pocket’s loving creation and a midnight conference of toys. Across brief yet rousing chapters, this treasure of a book evokes laughter, tears, and introspection in equal measure. “–Publishers Weekly, starred & boxed review
★ “Applegate’s writing is exquisitely nuanced; she couches profound themes in accessible language that depicts relatable situations. Gentle, generous Elizaveta and Dasha poignantly underscore the human impact of wars. Santoso’s enchanting, delicate, black-and-white illustrations bring the timeless feeling of a classic to this hopeful, humanizing story of the distressed looking out for each other. Poignant and heartwarming.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “On its surface, this Toy Story–esque tale is a gentle fantasyadventure with a dash of mystery, but Applegate adds layers that give the story meaningful depth. The history of teddy bears is deftly stitched into the narrative, and the echoes of war quietly reverberate through the tale in unexpected ways. Soft graphite chapter illustrations reflect the story’s sweetness in charming detail, while Zephyrina’s narration adds a memorable and comic touch to this salute to friendship and second chances. ….Applegate’s books are reliably wonderful…”–Booklist, starred review
I recently spent a semester reading Emily Wilson’s translation of the Iliad. I hope to one day read her rendition of the Odyssey. In the meanwhile, I adored this book. It is written for children ages 9 to 12 but anyone could enjoy it, in my opinion. It offers an excellent introduction to this important work.
The illustrations are bright, engaging and pair perfectly with the text. I also really like all of the introductory material that the author includes. She lets readers know that Odysseus was a complex character who sometimes did not speak honestly. She also points out that, while readers can make their own decisions about his veracity, they can enjoy the spirit of this story. It includes many adventures including the story of the Trojan Horse.
I highly recommend this edition of the classic.
Many thanks to NetGalley and DK-DK Children for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 23 June 2026
Description:
from the publisher
Voyages across the sea, man-eating monsters, witches, gods, and goddesses: The Odyssey is the ultimate adventure story.
Take a journey across the sea and follow the heroic, catastrophic, and sometimes downright gruesome tales of the Greek king Odysseus in this modern retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey. A story of trickery, lies, and perseverance, watch as Odysseus is tested to the limits by the Cyclops; sirens; and lots of meddling, angry gods.
Written by self-proclaimed Greek myth nerd, and host of the Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby! podcast, Liv Albert brings this ancient Greek Epic to life. Liv’s version of The Odyssey portrays Odysseus as he really was: a complex man who did many great things … and just as many bad. Littered with historical facts, maps, and family trees, Liv brings all of her knowledge and expertise to this future classic, making it the only version of The Odyssey you’ll ever want to read.
From the Publisher:
Editorial Reviews:
About the Author:
Liv Albert is the creator and executive producer of the top rated ancient history podcast, Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby. Liv studied English Literature and Classical Civilizations and regularly speaks at universities across North America about the wide world of Greek mythology and history. She has authored many pieces on Greek mythology, including the best-selling title Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook. Her retelling of The Odyssey is her first children’s book.
Hazem Asif is an illustrator who has worked internationally across various markets including publishing, film, and academia. He’s collaborated with Google, Harper Collins, Bloomsbury, The Lancet HIV, and the Doha Film Institute.
Perfect for curling up with on a winter’s evening, this book engaged me right from the start. Six bakers arrive at a Vermont estate to compete on a baking show that fans of the Great British Baking Show will recognize right away. However, what if unlike on the GBBS, all did not go well and the issues were not only with the bakes? What if, Instead, murder and mayhem occur during the competition? The bakers are a captive audience so there are also echoes of Agatha Christie, along with Mary Berry, in these pages.
The bakers all have their stories and get to tell them as each narrates sections of the book. They range from a former foster child to a retired nurse, from a self made millionaire to a math teacher, along with a young pie maker and a construction worker. There are other characters as well. These include baking show host and owner of Grafton Manor, Betsy Grafton, the new co-host, Archie, the conniving Melanie and others. How do these characters backstories impact their actions? Who will be murdered and why? Find out, even as you enjoy the baking challenges.
Simon & Schuster’s Editorial Director describes The Golden Spoon as “this wonderfully atmospheric debut” that is “one of the most satisfying puzzles I have read in ages.” I concur. This novel is written by an assured writer who tells an involving story. I highly recommend this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this title. All opinions are my own.
Those who read the first two novels by Abell will be delighted to see that there is now a third book to enjoy. Here are many familiar faces including Jake (who continues to live off the grid), Livia (his romantic interest), Diana (Livia’s daughter), Rose (not quite on the narrow path) and, Martha and Aletheia, whom Jake knew when he was a full time police officer. There is also a new police detective for Jake to get to know. Why is there someone new? Those who’ve read the earlier novels will know but those new to the series can just accept this and move on.
This time the plot centers on an archaeological dig and the goings on there. Someone is sending poison pen letters and wants the dig to stop. REALLY wants it to stop. A murder takes place. Was it because of the dig or for other reasons? There are many involved with the excavation of an ancient Roman site. Are they involved in nefarious events as well? Read this one to find out.
In addition to offering up a good story, I like how Abell comments on Jake’s physical world. The setting very much comes to life.
Recommended to those who already know Jake and to those who enjoy British set mysteries.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for this title. All opinions are my own
Like many, I have been drawn to works by Vermeer in the museums that I have visited. Paintings like “Young Woman with a Water Pitcher” have left me fascinated. To me, that work invites the viewer to imagine the life of that young woman. What does she see at the window? What is her life like? With whom does she live? I think that Vermeer invites those seeing his paintings to imagine their own answers to these questions.
I was excited to see that, what appears to be, a definitive biography of Vermeer has just been published. It places Vermeer and his works firmly within his own time and historical context. There are many reproductions of works in this book. These definitely enhance the reader’s experience.
This title will, I think, appeal to scholars. However those who simply enjoy Vermeer’s art may well want to take a look at this book as well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Company for this title. All thoughts are my own.
Pub date: 07 April 2026
Description:
from the publisher
This revelatory biography persuasively addresses the two great unresolved questions about Vermeer?why did he paint his pictures, and what do they mean?
One spring day in 1683, a notary’s clerk in Delft entered the home of the late Magdalena Pieters van Ruijven and stumbled upon one of the wonders of the seventeenth-century world: twenty paintings by Johannes Vermeer. Rather than dispel the mysteries of Vermeer’s life, this discovery merely gave rise to more questions: How had this one Dutchwoman come to possess the majority of the master’s work? And why have these images—among the most beautiful, even sublime, in the history of art—defied explanation for so long?
Following new leads and drawing on freshly uncovered evidence from Dutch archives, acclaimed art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon fills these long-standing gaps in art history, presenting a dramatic and transformative new interpretation of Vermeer’s life and work. Dixon considers Vermeer holistically, placing him in his complex historical, social, religious, political, and artistic context in order to understand what spaces he occupied in his life and how the texture of these spaces inspired his paintings and distinguished him from his artistic contemporaries. Dixon also interrogates the nature of Vermeer’s relationship with the Van Ruijven family, which was unlike any other known relationship in that time period, and discusses how this dynamic shaped his artistic practice.
Rich with piercingly direct descriptions of Vermeer’s paintings, Graham-Dixon’s biography is full of revelations. It upends the master’s enigmatic reputation and depicts him instead as a pioneer of the early Enlightenment, a pacifist who was deeply affected by the wars and religious conflicts of the Dutch Republic and allied to a radical movement driven underground by persecution. In Vermeer: A Life Lost and Found, Dixon does what countless art historians and scholars before him failed to: he brings Johannes Vermeer, renowned for his use of chiaroscuro, out of the shadows and into the light.
About the Author:
Andrew Graham–Dixon is an art historian, biographer, and broadcaster. He was for many years the main art critic of the Independent and The Sunday Telegraph and is the author of the award–winning biography Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane. He lives in East Sussex.
From Kirkus Reviews:
British historian Graham-Dixon draws on archival sources to create a richly delineated portrait of Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer (1632-75) and the political and religious turmoil that shaped his life. The author focuses the biography on two overarching questions: “Why did he create his paintings? What did they mean to their creator, and to those for whom they were painted?”…A well-researched, penetrating investigation.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 