There was a time in England when Cambridge grads became traitors; among the most famous of these men were KIm Philby, Guy Burgess, Anthony Blunt and Donald Maclean. They hid in plain sight, not suspected for a long time because of their social class and educations. They were idealistic to start with but some devolved into alcoholism and of course, many defected.

This novel takes place within the time frame of these spies in the late 40s and early 50s. One of the spies, Guy Burgess, is even a character in the novel.

Two sisters Iris and Ruth are the book’s protagonists. When the story opens, Ruth is successfully running a modeling agency in New York. She and Iris have not spoken for many years. Readers will find out why when they read the novel.

When the two were still close, they lived in Rome during part of WWII. While there Iris falls madly in love with Sasha Digby. She makes the decision to follow him wherever he goes and, not to spoil anything they eventually make a big move. Readers will find out why.

One day, Ruth gets a call for help from Iris. She heeds it and this leads to the most exciting events of the novel.

Also in the story is Lyudmilla, a very conforming Russian. Where does she fit in the story and how do her life and the Digbys’ lives intersect? Again, read to find out.

Beatriz Williams has written an absorbing story here with an excellent plot twist. Events unfold; this is not a James Bond like read but it is a good one. The settings and characters shine.

Think about the title as you read. See how close you come to guessing some of the story’s resolutions. Enjoy the novel as you do. It makes for a good read.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Williams has a sure hand in this deceptively quiet novel, told from the perspective of three different women. She expertly shifts between family drama and a suspenseful espionage plot, and makes every word and note count.” — Library Journal (starred review)

www.nytimes.com/2021/06/17/books/review/9-new-books-we-recommend-this-week.html

Martin Edwards has edited and written the introductions to a number of short story collections published by Poisoned Pen Press. Often these titles look back to the “golden age” of mystery fiction.

This title includes fifteen tales in all. Some of the authors whose works are included are Arthur Conan Doyle, G.K. Chesterton, Agatha Christie, Josephine Bell and Michael Gilbert. Readers may recognize that these authors are British and that this book is titled Continental Crimes. Yes, it is true that all of these authors set stories in other parts of Europe.

Sometimes readers want to immerse themselves in long novels. There are other times when a short story is just right. For those times, this is a welcome collection.

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

Reclaim Joy

A guided journal to discover simple pleasures every day

by Emine Rushton

#ReclaimJoy #NetGalley

was drawn to this title by both the cover and the concept. The author, early in the book, shares a quote from Alan Watts which states, in part, “The meaning of life is just to be alive;” it is not to run and run and run. So, this is a journal to help one to slow down and experience life, rather than chasing after the next thing. In that spirit, this book includes things to do and think about in order to have that kind of life, 365 entries in all. Some are original ideas for me, others I already knew but that is okay. Readers can choose what they want to take and leave the rest, hopefully after a few deep breaths. Fill in the pages and have a memento of this time in life.

By the way, the illustrations are lovely. They very much enhance the text.

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

I recently read A Peculiar Combination, the first entry in this author’s new series. That left me wanting to go back to read earlier novels of hers. The Essence of Malice is one of these. It is the fourth entry in her 1930s set series featuring Amory Ames and her husband Milo. It will undoubtedly delight her many fans and create some new ones for this popular writer.

This time around Milo hears from his old nanny who needs his and his wife’s help. The perfumer for whom she works has been murdered. The investigation takes Amory and Milo to Paris.

What follows is a fairly traditional mystery with a variety of suspects. There are also a dangerous situation or two facing our intrepid protagonists. Readers know that all will be resolved. Once it is , they will then want to go on to read all of the other titles in the series.

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

Editorial Reviews:

“The scent of murder and betrayal fills the Paris air . . . Weaver, a librarian, has a deft touch with the 1930s’ upper-class repartee. The climactic surprise makes this the best of her mysteries to date.”―Kirkus Reviews

“Sparkling…the power skirmishes between these equally clever spouses shine throughout.”―Publishers Weekly

“The fourth addition to this lively historical series is one of its best with an evocative 1930s Parisian setting and an unexpected surprise climax.” ―Library Journal (starred review)

#TheNightHawks #NetGalley

pub date: June 29, 2021

Elly Griffiths is currently writing three different mystery series. There are the stories (historical) set around Brighton and the Harbinder novels in addition to those about Ruth, Nelson, Michelle and those around them. While I would happily read anything that Ms. Griffiths writes, I admit to a special soft spot for the stories about Ruth. Last year’s book featuring her as been nominated for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. I hope she wins.

A lot going on in this title. There is a mysterious and scary dog who apparently lives in a pretty horrible house in the middle of nowhere. Unlike with Holmes, this dog does bark but it is unclear why he is frequently sighted and to whom he belongs. He does terrify people though.

The farm where this beast has been seen is the site of two deaths. Was there a murder/suicide or was this a crime committed by an outsider? The murdered doctor is a singularly unlikable character. He has intimidated his wife and children and has been doing some mysterious research with fatal results. Which unsavory aspect of his life led to his demise?

The Night Hawks of the title are a group of men who go hunting for metal objects. Their finds include bodies, both historical. Some of these men have connections with the doctor and his family. Does that make them suspects?

Ruth also has a new colleague with whom to contend. What is in his past? Will Ruth rue having hired him? Where will he fit in the events of the story?

Around all of this, are Ruth, Nelson Kate, Michelle and their relationships. Where will they be by the end of the book?

Readers who are fans should absolutely rush out to get this 13th title in the series. I recommend it highly for its local geography, the people and the story itself.

Many, many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

The Birthday Almanac

Discover the meanings, symbols and rituals of your day of birth

by Claire Saunders

#TheBirthdayAlmanac #NetGalley

This is a fun, lively book on birthdays for kids. Contents include a chapter on zodiac signs, birthstones, flowers and more, followed by a section for each month that includes activities too, and then, finally, a section of birthday trivia.

Kids and adults will enjoy looking at the information that relates to their date, day and year of birth and will also enjoy looking up the details for people they know. The book includes several types of signs, among them Chinese ones and Celtic ones along with the more familiar Aquarius, etc. There is also information on birthstones and flowers by month. Each section describes personality characteristics for each category.

This book provides an entertaining look at personality traits, traditions and customs that center on when a person was born. The illustrations are very bright, lively and engaging. I highly recommend this one for kids.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Dorothy Simpson began writing her Inspector Thanet series in the 1980s; she published fifteen titles in all. Those who enjoy Ruth Rendell’s Wexford novels may, I think, want to read all of the entries in Ms. Simpson’s series as well.

Inspector Thanet is a good man. In the stories he solves murders, is involved in the lives of those who work for him, and is a good husband and father. The characters grow over time, for example, Mike who works for Thanet advances in his career and relationships over the course of the series.

In this entry, a doctor has seemingly committed suicide. What happened? Read this one to find out and then see if you want to read others in the series.

The books show their age a bit but nonetheless, I think that readers may enjoy them.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.