A Mystery

by Elle Cosimano

Finlay Donovan is overwhelmed. She has two children, is trying to finish a novel, has issues with her ex…and so it goes. Not easy!

One day someone overhears a conversation and the next thing Finlay knows, she is involved in a potential contract killing. How will our heroine manage to survive? Find out in this engaging, witty and entertaining novel. Many have given it excellent reviews including the New York Times, Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal and more. Try it for a different read.

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

A Kate Shackleton Mystery

by Frances Brody

One of my favorite things about the Frances Brody books is the wonderful, period evoking, cover illustration. I have enjoyed them over the twelve titles in this series and, of course, I have also enjoyed reading the novels.

Kate Shackleton is British, a widow and an investigator. The series is an historical one and, in this entry, the reader finds Kate is in 1930. A murder takes place at a brewery. Why was the victim killed? What other lives will be impacted? Leave it to the intrepid Kate to sort it all out.

While this title is part of a series, I think that the books can be read in any order. Those who enjoy a cozy mystery may well want to pick this book up.

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

The Vineyard at Painted Moon

A Novel

by Susan Mallery

Mackenzie Dienes made a close friend, Stephanie, when she was in college. Over time, Mackenzie married Stephanie’s brother, Rhys, and she began working for Rhys’s mother, Barbara at the family winery. For sure, Mackenzie knows her grapes and the business yet she is always an employee, never a full partner in the company.

Mackenzie at first thought that she had everything that she could possibly want with her marriage, home and career. However, big cracks began to appear. A slight spoiler…Mackenzie and Rhys realize that they cannot stay together any longer. What will happen to Mackenzie? Will she find the life that she wants and what will she have to go through to get there? Read the book to find out.

I give this book a solid three stars. I did not find myself so immersed that I couldn’t wait to get back to the story to read more.

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

by Ruby Boukabou

Pub Date 31 Mar 2021

To me, Paris is a magical city. The first time that I visited, I could not believe that I was standing in front of so many places that lived in my imagination. On that first trip, I cried when I left the city; that is how much being there had meant to me.

Of course now, travel is much more complicated and I don’t see a trip to the City of Light in my near future. So, I was delighted to come across this book that allows for a lovely virtual visit. Early in the book, there is a helpful architectural timeline that helps readers to recognize the styles and periods in Paris’s history. From there, some of the topics covered in this title are cafes, restaurants and bars; train stations; Metro entrances; churches; museums, public parks, cemeteries and more. Also included are hotels and information on shopping. In addition, there is a helpful section of sell-guided walking tours. Throughout, the book is filled with photos that bring Paris to life. .

Take a look at this guide. Dream of when it will be possible to visit again.

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

The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters

by Andrew Morton

Andrew Morton is, of course, famous for writing THAT book about Princess Diana. He definitely has found his place as a chronicler of the lives of British royalty. This time, he turns his eyes to the famous siblings, Elizabeth and Margaret. Royal watchers and watchers of The Crown will no doubt very much enjoy this title. It chronicles the princesses from their early family life and right on through the ways in which the sisters’ paths diverged. Readers will also, no doubt, enjoy the many photos in this book. They include a copy of a letter written to the PM by Margaret, detailing her relationship with Peter Townsend.

This book will definitely appeal to its intended audience. Give it a look if you are one of them.

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

by Kwei Quartey

This book offers readers the chance to again spend time with Emma Djan as it follows on this author’s earlier novel, The Missing American. This time Emma is looking into what happened to a fashion icon. Sadly, Lady Araba is murdered. Our female PI is asked to look into the case. She thus becomes involved in a complicated situation with many suspects and issues. Who killed Lady Araba? Why? Readers will keep turning the pages to find out.

One thing I really enjoyed in this novel was the setting in Ghana. It offered a chance to immerse the reader in the life of the people and their communities.

This book has received high praise from Publisher’s Weekly and others. Give it a look!

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

I also reviewed the first two books listed here on my blog.