A long list of good authors in this one: MatchUp by Lee Child, Sandra Brown, C. J. Box, Val Mcdermid, Peter James, Kathy Reichs, Diana Gabaldon, Steve Berry, Gayle Lynds, David Morrell, Karin Slaughter, Michael Koryta, Charlaine Harris, Andrew Gross, Lisa Jackson, John Sandford, Lara Adrian, Christopher Rice, Lisa Scottoline, Nelson DeMille, J.A. Jance, Eric Van Lustbader

This anthology of mystery stories has an entertaining conceit…what would it be like to match up authors and their detectives in a story?  Answer…a good idea.  So, in this collection there are pairing of, for example, Val McDermid and Peter James; or Kathy Reichs and Lee Child.  Read their stories to see how the detectives come together.  Also readers will enjoy the introduction to each story in which they learn a bit about the writers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this fun story collection in exchange for an honest review.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Highly recommended as entertainment, this anthology is a great place to start if you’ve not yet sampled some of these authors.”
—Publishers Weekly

“This box holds a chocolate or two that will be to everyone’s liking.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“This fun format offers the best of both worlds, matching up favorite thriller characters within the intense confines of a short story.”
—Library Journal

“Think Dancing with the Stars, but with mysteries…which offers some delicious pairings.”
—Booklist

A good resource: Marion’s 25 Volume II by Marion Hill

This title includes reviews of 25 books that were selected by the author.  Some of the book opinions included are for Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury; David Coppperfield by Charles Dickens; The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith’ The Pearl by Steinbeck and many more; twenty-five in all.  Mr. Hill gives honest and detailed reviews.  This book appears to be an excellent resource for those who are wondering what to read next.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  October 25, 2020

A Royal Affair A Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery by Allison Montclair

I was very excited to receive this ARC of the second title by Allison Montclair. It was an enjoyable read with elements of mystery, intrigue and humor.

The characters: Gwen Bainbridge and Iris Sparks. Gwen was widowed in the war and it took her a bit of time to find her way again. Iris worked in a secret job during the war.

Their current work: They run an agency that introduces people to one another; it’s a matrimonial bureau.

Their contacts: Gwen can be in touch with the aristocracy while Iris has many war and university contacts.

This case: To be involved in vetting a certain Greek prince who would like to marry Princess Elizabeth.

Overall, this is a light read. It is perfectly fine as a standalone though readers may well want to read the first in the series as well. This book will be enjoyed by those who like historical mysteries, the time period and female protagonists.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date:  July 28, 2020

#ARoyalAffair #NetGalley

So peaceful: The Calm and Cozy Book of Sleep Rest + Dream + Live by Beth Wyatt

The cover of this book evokes its mood; sleep should be a good and relaxing part of each day.  Unfortunately, that is not always the case.  This book tries to help by addressing the issue of sleep from many perspectives, starting by explaining concepts such as the stages of sleep.

This gorgeously illustrated title (with lovely quotations) includes chapters on everything from your bedroom, to getting ready for bed, to falling asleep and, even waking up, plus even more.  This is an excellent and broadly based resource that hopefully will help readers to finds those zzzzzzs.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

pub date:  August 5, 2020

#TheCalmandCozyBookofSleep #NetGalley

An excellent story about the scientist: When Darwin Sailed the Sea Uncover how Darwin’s revolutionary ideas helped change the world by David Long

This is a wonderful book for children who are interested in scientific discovery or for a child that you would like to interest in the natural world.  It tells the story of Charles Darwin in a beautifully illustrated title that was written to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the voyage of the Beagle.  Adults can learn quite a bit from spending time with this title as well.  I know that I did.

Readers discover that Charles lost his mother when he was young, that he did not always like school and that he did not conform to his father’s expectation that he would follow as the third generation doctor in the family.  Rather he became intrigued with the world of nature.  This biography serves to humanize Darwin, a figure who is larger than life in the history of scientific discovery.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#WhenDarwinSailedtheSea #NetGalley

They are on the case: The Detection Club: Part 2 by Art and script by Jean Harambat

I previously reviewed The Detection Club: Part 1.  Fans of that title will no doubt enjoy this follow up.  The style is comic book with entertaining graphics.  The sleuths are members of the real 1930s Detection Club including Agatha Christie, G.K. Chesterton, John Dickson Carr, Dorothy Sayers and others.  Each of these authors is portrayed with their individual personality and style. Will they solve the case?  Can a robot solve it more quickly and/or better?  Read this title to find out if you are a fan of the graphic novel and mysteries that are a bit tongue in cheek.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheDetectionClub #NetGalley