I reviewed Square Haunting and recommend it.

A Daniel Pitt Novel

by Anne Perry

Anne Perry is a prolific writer of historical mysteries; she has written a number of series including the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels, the books featuring Monk and Hester, her Christmas novellas, and the new Elena Standish series, among others. This novel is part of a spinoff; it features Daniel Pitt who is Charlotte and Thomas’s son. For those who may not know, Thomas Pitt rose through both the police service and Special Branch. He is wise and was always ably assisted by his emotionally keyed in wife in his cases. Daniel is a barrister who combines some of the best traits of each of his parents.

Death with a Double Edge is book number four about Daniel. This time, someone in Daniel’s chambers has been viciously murdered. At first Daniel thinks that the victim is his good friend and associate Toby. However, it was not Toby but another lawyer who had borrowed Toby’s coat. Who was the intended victim? Why was he in such a dangerous part of London in the early hours of the morning? Was his death related to his work or his personal life? Daniel is tasked with finding out. At the same time, Daniel is concerned for how this situation will impact the head of his chambers, Marcus fford Croft, and the head’s daughter Miriam. Miriam is someone ahead of her time and a person who is important to Daniel.

All will be resolved of course but there will be issues along the way. Some of the seamier aspects of life in early 20th century London will come to light.

I enjoyed this latest novel by one of my favorite authors. Anne Perry can tell a good tale. She is also insightful and understands something about human nature.

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

From the publisher:

The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 2

New Books to Make Your Heart Race

by Brian Klingborg; Ashley Weaver; Ragnar Jonasson; Mary Dixie Carter; Joanna Schaffhausen

Pub date: 04 May 21

This is a book that will encourage young girls to think, explore, have friendships and be independent. What more can we hope for as a gift to the girls that we know? This title is broken down into a number of Let’s Be sections including scientists, trailblazers, athletes, artists, builders and chefs. It seems like a collection of all the best sorts of girl scout badge activities with each section including a wide variety of ideas. I so wish that someone had given me this title when I was young! But wait…I can still try some of these things out and you can too.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this nicely illustrated book. All opinions are my own.

Under Discussion

The Encyclopedic Museum

by Donatien Grau (editor)

A few years ago, I took an art history class and learned what an encyclopedic museum was. It is generally a large institution that has the goal of covering much art, everything from the ancient Egyptians through the most modern of modern art. There are those who love these large institutions and others who have offered critiques. This book looks at a variety of opinions on this topic. It is divided into sections on the Origins and Practice of Encyclopedic Museums; Encyclopedic Museums Around The Globe; and Methodologies and Potentials of the Encyclopedic Museum.

Those interviewed in the book include Grayson Perry, Thomas Campbell, Max Hollein and Kwame Anthony Appiah among others. Thus a wide range of views are included.

This book should be of interest to art historians, educators and museum goers.

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

A Novel

by Camilla Sten

This novel follows documentary film maker Alice as she investigates a mystery with ties to her own past. How did nine hundred (!) people disappear leaving only two vulnerable survivors? What will be uncovered in a search for the truth? What will happen if there is no going back?

This is author Camilla Sten’s first novel to be translated into English. She is the daughter of Viveca Sten, according to something that I saw. I have enjoyed Viveca Sten’s Sandham mysteries a great deal. This novel by Camila Sten was not in my usual genre as it is horror related. That makes it a bit difficult for me to evaluate. I would say that I do not really enjoy horror. However, if you are a fan of mysterious disappearances and can take in some horror, give this one a look.

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

Trouble and a Storm: Death on Tuckernuck by Francine Mathews

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsMay 31, 2020

Francine Matthews is the talented author of two mystery series.  As Ms. Matthews, she writes the Merry Folger series and, as Stephanie Barron, she pens a series with Jane Austen as the protagonist.  I have always preferred the Nantucket based series.

I had not read a book by this author for a number of years but the return was satisfying and easy.  I remembered the characters, loved the settings and expected a good mystery.  The author did not disappoint.

Throughout this novel, weather was a main character.  There was a huge hurricane  striking the island.  As someone who has been at home for weeks, the awesomeness of Mother Nature really struck me.

Tuckernuck, the island named in the title of this book, is off the coast of Nantucket.  It is a real place that sounds very beautiful.  Much of the action of the novel takes place here.

I don’t want to give any spoilers but suffice it to say that there are murders that need to be solved.  Readers may think, early on, that they have figured everything out and may even think of putting the book down…Don’t. There are sufficient complications to keep you turning the pages.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.  I enjoyed spending time with this series, an old favorite, again.

#DeathonTuckernuck #NetGalley