A repost: Jacqueline Winspear: How I Became A Mystery Writer While Breaking Every Rule — CrimeReads

Before I embarked upon my first ever fiction, I was a writer of non-fiction, of articles, essays, and anything else I could think of to get published. To keep a roof over my head, I also had a day job in outside sales, which gave me an income and a framework to my day, and…

Jacqueline Winspear: How I Became A Mystery Writer While Breaking Every Rule — CrimeReads

Now out:

Together Again

A Story About Joy

by Kochka

#TogetherAgain #NetGalley

This is a book that has simple, yet charming illustrations. Young listeners will get to know Elliott as he eagerly awaits his half-sister’s arrival. Waiting for Lucy seems to take so long but…oh, the joy of reunion. This is an uncomplicated book, for the youngest children, that is about happiness and anticipation. There is a helpful section for adults at the end.

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

Get to know Inspector Lavender: Murder in Park Lane

The Detective Lavender Mysteries

#MurderInParkLane #NetGalley

There is a murder in Mayfair, that posh London neighborhood. It appears to be a locked room mystery. What happened to David MacAdam? He was thought to be a businessman. Was there more to him? Does this have bearing on his death? Why is there a second murder?

All of this plot unfolds in the 1830s with Inspector Lavender, a Bow Street Runner, and his Constable, Woods. The personal lives of the two are a nice addition to the story. This is a mystery that is more toward the cozy (as compared to the truly violent) genre. It provides an enjoyable read.

Note that this is part of a series. However, it can be read as a standalone.

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

Now out:

Breathe Deep, Little Sheep

A Calm-Down Book for Kids

by Jessica Lee

#BreatheDeepLittleSheep #NetGalley

This title has absolutely adorable and appealing illustrations of both young and adult animals. These should bring a smile to the face of both the child and adult who are looking at this book together. Further, seeing animals and not children may make it easier for children to engage with a book about anxiety.

This is a book to read with a child who is experiencing a bit of anxiety or to read with a child way before those feelings arise. There are gentle suggestions of things to try when a child is overwhelmed. The message that something can be done should be reassuring to a child. Practice right along with the child that you know and let them know that we all need to calm ourselves at times.

This is a book that has a number of suggestions. They do not have to all be done at once. Perhaps a child can pick something to try based on the pages that most appeal to them.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. It is an excellent resource.

Meet her: Jane Austen’s Best Friend

The Life and Influence of Martha Lloyd

by Zoë Wheddon

#JaneAustensBestFriend #NetGalley

First of all, the cover of this book is so appealing. It made me want to open the book and spend time reading it. Then, of course, it is intriguing to think about getting to know a friend of Jane’s. Isn’t that just who all of her readers would like to be?

In this title, Jane’s friendship with Martha Lloyd is explored. Those looking to become better acquainted with Jane, her world, her interests, and the people to whom she felt close, will enjoy taking a look at this title. Chapters include Fun and Frolics; Home Sweet Home; Our Chawton Home; Anything You Can Do, and more.

The author clearly cares deeply abut her subject. She tells readers that she, herself, grew up at Chawton House and she is a relative of the Austen family. She has done her research and it shows.

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

Who will be caught? A Witch Hunt in Whitby

The Kitt Hartley Mysteries Book 5

by Helen Cox

#AWitchHuntinWhitby #NetGalley

Pub Date 15 Apr 2021  

This is the fifth entry in a series about Kitt Hartley. She was formerly a university librarian but now is an amateur sleuth. I look forward to reading other entries in this series.

In this outing, there is a serial killer in Yorkshire. Oddly, the victims are all warned eleven days before their deaths. Things really heat up when a friend of Kitt’s is targeted. Kitt and her friend Grace are on the case.

I thought it was interesting to have a serial killer in a series that I had thought was a cozy. Still, readers may well enjoy this title and the earlier titles as well.

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

An e book bargain for 3.22.21

The Dark Angel (Ruth Galloway Mysteries Book 10)
My earlier review of this title:
As soon as I finish reading a Ruth Galloway mystery, I long for the next one to come out.  I very highly recommend the series.  The characters are quirky, the relationships complicated, the settings well described and…the mysteries are good too.
In this latest novel, Ruth, a forensic archaeologist, travels to Italy.  She is accompanied by her friend Shona, Shona’s son and Ruth’s daughter, Kate.  Nelson, a police inspector and Cathbad, a Druid (yes!) eventually travel to Italy as well. The Italian town setting is eerily described.
Ruth has come to Italy to offer an opinion on ancient bones but bones from WW II also come to light.  There is intrigue and murder.  All is eventually solved.
Best of all, there are the relationships; Ruth and Nelson, Nelson and Michelle, Michelle and Tim, for the adults and other relationships between parents and their children including Ruth and Kate, Nelson and Kate and Michelle and Laura.
While the mysteries are good, it is quirky, eccentric Ruth and her relationship with Nelson that I most eagerly follow.  If you have read the series, rejoice in this latest entry and, if you haven’t, start from the beginning and rejoice in discovering a fine series.