100 Challenging Cross-Fitness Brain Exercises

by Pierre Berloquin

#SherlockHolmesPuzzlesLateralBrainTeasers #NetGalley

The author of this puzzle book has been specializing in Sherlock Holmes related challenges. This one with lateral thinking puzzles offers 100 chances for readers to test their wits.

The book begins with a discussion of what lateral thinking is and then come the puzzles. They were a bit different for me as there was not always one clear solution. So, that has to be accepted in order to enjoy what follows. Let your inner Watson out and see how you do!

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

by Dorothy Simpson

In the 1980s Dorothy Simpson wrote a number of mystery/police procedural novels featuring Luke Thanet. Some have recently been reissued. This is welcome news to the author’s fans and a chance for new readers to enjoy stories that feature a likeable and recurring cast of characters.

Thanet is a good man who cares deeply about his cases, his family and his colleagues, especially Mike with whom he works closely. In this entry, Thanet is looking forward to a break but it is not meant to be. Instead he becomes involved in the case of Charity Pritchard and the religious grooup within which she has been raised. What happened to her? Who is responsible?

If you like traditional mysteries and don’t mind that the titles might seem a tiny bit dated (but so are all those glorious 30s mysteries), consider giving this book and series a try.

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

All mystery plus one historical fiction about Zelda Fitzgerald. Enjoy.

Your House, My House

by Marianne Dubuc

The illustrations in this book are absolutely sure to charm! See the details of the animal families living in the apartment building. There are mice in triple bunk beds, the fox family eating breakfast and a hedgehog reading a book among others beginning their days. The illustrations change as the day goes on but remain completely adorable. As the day progresses, there will be a birthday party for rabbit, a fox will become a sibling and a cat family will move in. So much excitement.

This book is a winner. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Five stars

Kitty and Dragon

by Meika Hashimoto

This beginning reader is playfully illustrated in a cartoon like style. The text is just right for early readers and has enough repetition and familiar words so that readers will feel competent as they make their way through the three stories in the book.

In the first, readers will find out why Kitty wanted a new home and how she met Dragon. Was she afraid? Can their friendship work? No spoiler really to say that they are perfect for one another and attentive to each other’s needs.

In the second story, children see how Dragon cares for Kitty when she gets a bad cold while in the third Kitty and Dragon try to find the right balance between messy and neat. All three stories look like fun, humorous reads for the book’s intended audience.

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

Four stars

A Pretty Deceit

by Anna Lee Huber

#APrettyDeceit #NetGalley

Anna Lee Huber began the Verity Kent series with This Side or Murder. A Pretty Deceit is the fourth novel to feature her. The books are best read in order as otherwise readers will be exposed to some spoilers.

These historical mysteries take place in the WWI time period and its aftermath. Both Verity and her husband served in the war and continue to serve as they sleuth.

In this latest entry a lot is going on. Sidney and Verity visit Verity’s aunt where they learn about the disappearance of a maid and the death of an estate worker. They are also involved with the activities of a nefarious enemy from earlier entries. How will these plots connect? What will happen?

As all this unfolds there are friendships, the aftermath of war (especially for Verity’s cousin who is now blind), artwork forgeries, letters in code and more. Regular readers of the series will enjoy following what happens. They will also enjoy Verity and Sidney’s relationship.

I love the way that the covers of the Verity Kent mysteries draw readers in. The artwork showcases the period and the characters. Good cover art does matter.

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

I’ve reviewed The Masterpiece, White Houses and Closed Casket. Several others here I have read and a few are in my TBR pile. Enjoy.

www.nytimes.com/2020/10/25/books/best-agatha-christie-books-murder-mystery.html