Death at a Country Mansion

A Smart British Mystery with a Surprising Twist

by Louise R. Innes

I tend to enjoy mysteries set in England. Sometimes I am looking for something by Ann Cleeves or Anne Perry or Susie Steiner or Peter Lovesey. Other times, I am looking for a more cozy mystery, the sort that offers a relaxing read for a troubling time. This title suits that latter category.

This is the first in what I think will be a new series. It is set in a small British town and features an amateur detective who in her more regular life is a hair stylist. She heeds to call to solve the case of her best friend’s mother, a well known opera star, who is murdered.

This book has interesting characters, murder, an art thief and a bit of romance. Definitely just what the cozy reader craves!

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

by Corrinne Averiss

#LOVE #NetGalley

This picture book tells the story of Tess who is starting school. She has always felt cocooned in love at home and wonders what it will be like to venture out into the world with no family member in her classroom. Tess’s mom assures her that there is a string (invisible) that always will keep them together. But…what happens when a little something goes wrong? Will love remain strong? No spoiler, of course it will.

This picture book has inviting illustrations and highlights the love of parents, siblings and grandparents. It shows that school is a benign environment with kind teachers and children. All of this is positive. I do think that young children will be reassured by this title. Literal young children may need a bit of help to understand a metaphorical string though.

At its core this is a story about coping with separation anxiety and the worry new situations can pose for children. Hopefully, this book’s audience will find its message empowering and encouraging.

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

Pub date: 19 Jan 2021

A Novel

by Rachel Givney

This novel requires substantial suspension of disbelief. If you are not able to accept this, it may take you longer to become immersed in this title or it may not be for you.

In the opening of the story, Jane Austen (yes, that Jane) is twenty-eight years old. She is living in Bath with her family and she is a bit of a free spirit. Jane, though, is also acutely aware that she is not married and that marriage is expected of her. She meets someone who invites her to the Pump Room which is a location for proposals; however, the proposal never takes place. What is Jane to do? Well, in this author’s imagination, Jane travels to the future.

In (our) the present, Jane finds herself on a film set for a movie of Northanger Abbey. Of course, she does not at first understand that she is in a new time zone/period. She meets an actress, Sofia, and that actress’s brother, Fred, for whom she feels an attraction.

What will happen to each of these characters? Will readers enjoy being in 1820s England and the present day country? Will the characters find (or reawaken) a true love? Will Jane stay in (her) future or travel back in time to remain one of the most beloved of English authors. Read the book to find out.

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

Really good choices here. I’ve read and reviewed the Huber titles and The Secret, Book and Scone Society.

I have reviewed this one and recommend it.

by Marty Wingate

To begin with, a disclaimer: I have loved the city of Bath (England) ever since spending time there as an exchange student. So, I was very excited to have the opportunity to read this mystery set in one of my favorite places. The good news is that I did enjoy the setting but I also enjoyed this cozy mystery for other reasons.

The protagonist of this two book series is likeable as is her romantic interest. The book is one that loves the mystery genre as tribute is paid to Dorothy Sayers and especially her novel Murder Must Advertise. That Sayers title and this novel both have a murder victim who dies falling down a spiral staircase. There are suspects and a case to solve by our amateur sleuth.

This title is recommended to those who enjoy a cozy mystery. It was an easy read which I mean in a good way; this was a book for those who would like to relax for a bit.

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

#MurderIsaMust #NetGalley

Understanding Coronavirus

by Mary Lindeen

The folks at Sesame Street know a lot about kids and it shows. This book will be welcomed by families that are trying to figure out the best ways to talk to their young children about the virus. It is simple, matter of fact, includes lots of basic information, offers suggestions of activities and ways to keep healthy and more. All this, with photos of real adults and kids and those lovable Sesame Street characters. Highly recommended for its intended audience.

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

Pub date: January 1, 2021