The Mitford Scandal A Mitford Murders Mystery by Jessica Fellowes

The Mitford Scandal is the third mystery in a series by Jessica Fellowes.  Each features one of the six Mitford sisters.  They were quite a group and well worth reading about in books like The Six.

Ms. Fellowes has done her research on the 1920s and 30s and the book is enhanced by what she has learned and shared.  This entry is largely about Diana Mitford and her circle of “Bright Young Things.”  In that circle were artists, writers and those living the high life.  For example there are Lytton Strachey, Waugh and Dora Carrington.  Settings include London, the British countryside, Italy and France.  All are described well.

Diana, herself, marries young to an heir to the Guinness money.  It is hard to realize that she is only 21 or so when she is the mother to two small children.  She leads a glittering life.  The reader learns that she meets and is intrigued by Oswald Moseley, a British Fascist.  This adds further versimilitude to the story.

Oh, and of course there are murders.  SPOILER: A maid, a wealthy man allergic to sesame, his wife and an actress.  There is also a missing maid.  How are these connected?  You will need to read the book to find out.

Readers who are returning to the series will welcome spending time with Louisa and Guy, along with other members of the Mitford clan.

All in all, this was an enjoyable, moderately paced mystery that will be welcomed by fans of historical mysteries.

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

#TheMitfordScandal #NetGalley

Lots of e book bargains for November 29, 2019

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

Circe by Madeline Miller

Normal People by Sally Rooney

The Guest Book by Sarah Blake

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett

Force of Nature by Jane Harper

November Road by Lou Berney

No Time to Spare by Ursula LeGuin

Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon

Cape May by Chip Cheek

Note: I reviewed and recommend The Guest Book. All of these are good titles and worth looking at.

Some ebook bargains for Thanksgiving

A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

Burn Marks by Sara Paretsky

Sister by Rosamund. Lupton very suspenseful

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. Start of a fantasy series. Made into a tv show ad well.

Murder on Cue by Jane Detinger. Read and enjoyed years ago.

From the Queen by Carolyn Hart. Annie Darling short story

Friends Count Dudley & Friends by Lori Brown

Friends Count…indeed they do, both figuratively and literally in this picture book as a pup finds ten things to count. He also finds some friends along the way and they count in that they are important too. The illustrations are pastel like and sweet. Little ones may well enjoy this gentle title as they practice counting.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#FriendsCountDudleyFriendsLoriBrownNewreleaseChildrensbook #NetGalley

Some e book bargains for November 27, 2019

On Her Majesty’s Frightfully Secret ServiceLand of Careful ShadowsThe Cater Street HangmanThe Charlotte and Thomas Pitt Novels Volume One: The Cater Street Hangman, Callander Square, and Paragon WalkI highly recommend Land of Careful Shadows.  It is part of a series set in New York.  The author wrote an excellent mystery while addressing issues related to the life of illegal immigrants.

Editorial Reviews

Review

”Timely and engrossing…The engaging, psychologically complex (Jimmy) Vega must confront unwelcome aspects of his past as his investigation builds to a shocking conclusion.” —Publishers Weekly

”Chazin’s novel is one of the most genuinely phenomenal examples of storytelling. Full of twists and turns, the narrative leaves readers guessing, but it also does a brilliant job getting them invested in the characters. It’s a powerful read.” —Romantic Times book reviews, 4.5 Stars TOP PICK

”The intricate plot and the important social issues combine in this strong debut of a promising series.” —Booklist

”Hits the heart, not just the pulse, with people you come to care about. First rate and highly recommended.” –Lee Child, internationally best-selling author of the Jack Reacher series

”…Keenly moving and suspenseful.” –Julia Spencer-Fleming, bestselling author of Through the Evil Days

For your children: The Paper Bag Princess 40th anniversary edition by Robert Munsch

I don’t know how it is that I never read this book.  It feels like a classic.  This edition is the 40th anniversary one of The Paper Bag Princess.  This is a modern fairy tale for both our daughters and sons.  Elizabeth, the princess of the title, is plucky, brave and clever.  Her prince, Robert, does not appreciate her talents, even though the untidy Elizabeth rescues him from a dragon.  What happens at the end?  Read the book to find out.

This edition has an introduction by Chelsea Clinton and a short piece by Francesca Segal.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.  I give the book five stars.

#ThePaperBagPrincess40thanniversaryedition #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Now out: Hidden Picture Puzzles at the Zoo 50 Seek-and-Find Puzzles to Solve and Color by Liz Ball

This book can be enjoyed three ways. It is a search and find title, although I do think that the objects were not easy to locate and may frustrate younger children. It is also a coloring book and a compendium of interesting facts about zoo animals. This seems like a good title to take on a trip as it could keep a child occupied for quite a while.

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