A Dark Steel Death -DI Tom Harker #10 by Chris Nickson ~ DarkSteelDeath #NetGalley~ PreOrder NOW!

Thanks to Chris Nickson, Severn House and NetGalley for this incredibly exciting 10th Book in the DI Tom Harper series. It was almost impossible to put down, but of course life does go on!

"Leeds. December, 1916. Deputy Chief Constable Tom Harper is called out in the middle of the night.." Well that sounds a bit familiar, but this ends up being a months long stretch of terror for law enforcement and citizens alike. There is a terrorist, with a possible accomplice, wreaking havoc just as his team is depleted due to the ongoing war and manpower losses.

Harper's back is to the wall as this streak of terror keeps on and he has his own personal woes continue. His daughter Mary is recently widowed, but is out on the streets with the war effort and his wife Annabelle has her own battle within her mind.

Thanks to Chris Nickson for the Afterword, where he assured readers like myself how much it means to him that we will be coming along with Tom, Annabelle and Mary. Which, of course, means they are not done with their story yet! So glad to hear that! 

Circle of Influence- A Zoe Chambers Mystery- Annette Dashofy- Finalist 2014 Agatha Award for Best First Novel !!

My first Zoe Chambers book and it won't be the last! I have already downloaded "Lost Legacy" as well as book #11 "Til Death". The author has created a very workable set of characters, and situated them appropriately in a depressed economic area.

"Zoe Chambers, paramedic and deputy coroner in rural Pennsylvania’s tight-knit Vance Township, has been privy to a number of local secrets over the years, some of them her own. But secrets become explosive when a dead body is found in the Township Board President’s abandoned car. As a January blizzard rages, Zoe and Police Chief Pete Adams launch a desperate search for the killer, even if it means uncovering secrets that could not only destroy Zoe and Pete, but also those closest to them"

I can see the 'handwriting on the wall' that tells me most of the series will be a positive unfolding of Zoe and Chief Pete's story. Especially the fact that I'm definitely in for this series!

"USA Today bestselling author Annette Dashofy has spent her entire life in rural Pennsylvania surrounded by cattle and horses. After high school, she spent five years as an EMT on the local ambulance service"

 

#WheretheSkyBegins #NetGalley-Thanks to Lake Union and Rhys Bowen for this fine WWII novel! 5 Stars! PreOrder Yours Now!

 #WheretheSkyBegins #NetGalley-Thanks to Lake Union and Rhys Bowen for this fine WWII novel!

Rhys Bowen is a favorite author of mine, her recent non-series includes many WWII era stories which are written so very well! "Where the Sky Begins" is especially poignant as it illustrates how all classes of people, both in and out of England have been impacted.

Josie grows up in London's East End, helped raise six siblings, was employed and then married. Her
overbearing husband Stan is drafted and she finds a job in a nearby tearoom that she loves. Sadly both the tearoom, and Josie's home, are bombed. She is left injured and eventually is evacuated to the countryside with nothing of her own in the company of mostly children.

Josie begins to try to find common ground with the reluctant elderly wealthy lady, in whose mansion she is placed and is successful. She makes friends in the community, and eventually meets an RAF officer who she becomes good friends with. Stan, meanwhile, who has not contacted her in a year comes there on leave and takes her back to London.

When she returns to Miss Harcourt and the community she has grown to love, Stan is badly injured and she has to go back and care for him. He gets well enough to go out to a pub with his sister which is bombed to rubble and Josie returns to the countryside.

A fairly quick succession of events happens, including Josie being offered a scholarship to university for her mathematical skills. The book ends on a happy conclusion, one that I enjoyed reading

The Locked Room - Dr. Ruth Galloway Mysteries- Elly Griffiths~ Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense~ Multiple Award Winner -

 "Ruth is in London clearing out her mother's belongings when she makes a surprising discovery: a photograph of her Norfolk cottage taken before Ruth lived there. Her mother always hated the cottage, so why does she have a picture of the place? As she died three years ago, Ruth can't exactly ask her, and her father denies all knowledge of the picture. The only clue is written on the back of the photo: Dawn, 1969."

The Ruth Galloway series is a great favorite of mine and this one was no exception. It seems to both illustrate the UK's "lockdown" from Covid and hopefully point towards Book # 15. The ending took me by surprise and I went back 2 chapters and reread. Will Nelson and Ruth get together in the next outing?

After all  "Nelson vows to take Ruth and Kate to live with him. But they, and Dawn, have vanished." So of course I was expecting that!

As always there were multifaceted background stories going on, probably Nelson and Cathbad will discuss their mutual "dream", which brought Cthabad back from the brink. The two of them have quite a bond which they share with Ruth and Kate.

So enjoyable! Cannot wait for the next outing.

The Rising Tide - Ann Cleeves ~ A Vera Stanhope Novel - Book 10~ An Engrossing Read with a Surprise Ending! Pre-Order Now for August~

"Ann is the author of the books behind ITV's VERA, now in it's third series, and the BBC's SHETLAND, which will be aired in December 2012. Ann's DI Vera Stanhope series of books is set in Northumberland and features the well loved detective along with her partner Joe Ashworth. Ann's Shetland series bring us DI Jimmy Perez, investigating in the mysterious, dark, and beautiful Shetland Islands..." 

  Ann Cleeves is winner of  the Diamond Dagger Award 2017, Gold Dagger 2006, The Long Call,2019 so for sure they are great reading! She is the multi-million copy bestselling author behind two hit television series--Shetland, starring Douglas Henshall, and Vera, starring Academy Award Nominee Brenda Blethyn--both of which are watched and loved in the United States. " 

In this one, DI Vera Stanhope has been pondering her age and health  and wondering who she should "give the nod to"  if,when she retires. The two youngest of her assistants both have qualities she admires (They don't really know this because she seldom compliments anyone" She has lived in this same area her whole life, in a  remote cabin she inherited from her father in Northumberland close to the coast.

Synopsis below about a group of friends and former classmates  meeting on Holy Island for 50 years. They meet in a rented house next to the Holy Island chapel and stay for the week-end. One of them ( a minor celebrity) does not live until the second day and is found hanging in the bedroom he always chose because it was not shared.

As Vera and her large crew stay over the weekend to try to solve this crime (hint..how did he die?) more deaths within their groups of friends are lost.  The surprise ending really surprised ME! Get your copy now for Labor Day reading.

"Thanks to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and especially author Ann Cleeves for book #10 on the Vera Stanhope series. 

"For fifty years a group of friends have been meeting regularly for reunions on Holy Island, celebrating the school trip where they met, and the friend that they lost to the rising causeway tide five years later. Now, when one of them is found hanged, Vera is called in. Learning that the dead man had recently been fired after misconduct allegations, Vera knows she must discover what the friends are hiding, and whether the events of many years before could have led to murder then, and now . . ."

5 Stars! Cora Harrison's Mother Superior Series #MurderintheCathedral #NetGalley. Loved this one! Get your PreOrder in now for August!

 The Reverend Mother mystery series is always a favorite and this year I really knew, as I had three review books,(all favorite authors) at one time but read this one until it was done.

What a story and truly a great ending, although I was thinking and hoping, that Eileen and Det.Inspector Patrick Cashman would be getting closer together. It does look close- hoping for at least one more book!  

The background story is that Reverend Mother Aquinas ( Dotty to her close cousin who was raised with her) had become a nun and had run St.Mary's of the Isle School in wartorn Cork for many years. 

Eileen Macswiney, in law school, and Detective Inspector Patrick Cashman, who both grew up without a father and poor on Barrack street were a large part of solving this double murder. They were the Reverend Mother's pride and joy, when at 4 years old and 7 were her students. They were almost surrogate children to her and they both helped to solve this one, Church of Ireland prelate and a poor 7 year old. 

I've said this before but:"my great Uncle Patrick Faunt and family lived in that part of Cork at that exact time..well Uncle Patrick died in 1907, his son in 1913 and his wife and daughter in 1921 but his granddaughters were still living at Little Cross Street in Cork" ..close to all this action and IRA activity.

Dark Enough to see the Stars in a Jamestown Sky- Based on the True Story of the Women and Children at Jamestown - Connie Lapallo- Author, Descendant and Historian

 

“Do not forget us.” Haunted by a woman’s voice whispering these words from the dusty records, Connie Lapallo sought to discover why her grandmother Joan brought a daughter and joined the few women and children settling Jamestown in 1609. Inspired by their courage, Connie tells their stories with compassion and historical accuracy." 

I'm glad that this was a book club read and I intend to order the two sequels " The Sun Is But A Morning Star" and "When the Moon Has No More Silver: The Continuing Story of the Women & Children of Jamestown"  

From the author Connie Lapallo “Do not forget us.” Haunted by a woman’s voice whispering these words from the dusty records, Connie Lapallo sought to discover why her grandmother Joan brought a daughter and joined the few women and children settling Jamestown in 1609. Inspired by their courage, Connie tells their stories with compassion and historical accuracy." 

Prosperity in Virginia sounded promising. Then Joan learned she would have to leave a daughter behind in England. Even that she could bear. But a hurricane at sea, the Starving Time, Indian wars—life at Jamestown in 1609 was nothing like she imagined.

Wanting to understand her (many times great )grandmother would lead the author to Joan’s native England and the writing of the very book, and the two more to follow. Her book is combined with historic facts."From the very first page of 'Jamestown Sky,' the reader is aware of Lapallo's personal investment in making the story historically accurate and beautiful...She said that researching Cecily and Joan, she heard their voices saying, 'Do not forget us.' 

I myself won't forget them and since I, myself, have many intrepid early ancestors, but none quite this early ( 1641 to Accomac County ) but my records don't show who he/they married. I would love to get back that far .

I recommend the book to those who value reading to acquire knowledge of a time now past. The last 10% of the book documented historical facts some known and some acquired since "Jamestown Sky" was published.

The Bee Keeper's WAR - Deborah Carr- Author and One More Chapter | HarperCollins ~ Warm, Engrossing , Vibrant~ Pre-order NOW!

 

Thanks to One More Chapter | HarperCollins and the author Deborah Carr for this engrossing story of life on and off the Isle of Jersey in both WWI and WWII.

From Publisher :' " 1916 At the onset of war, Nurse Pru le Cuirot left her home in Jersey to care for injured soldiers at Ashbury Manor, Dorset. She wanted to do her bit but she never expected to meet American pilot, Jack Garland, so unlike any man she has ever met."

and "1940 .. another war and Pru’s daughter Emma comes to Ashbury Manor. As Jersey falls to the Germans, Emma is fearful for her mother back home. When she meets the mysterious beekeeper who lives in the grounds of the manor she finds herself caught up" in both the past and the present.'

I'm in book clubs and review books for authors but this is a book I read straight through- It was that warm and riveting! I've read many of this author's books and very much enjoyed them but this book makes me hope that more will be written about this time.

From the bare bones I posted from the publisher, I've laid out some of the book but it was a heartwarming and entrancing read! All the characters were vibrant and remained so and were joined by a new young generation in 1940. The Channel Islands and especially Jersey and it's wartime saga(s) over centuries make me want to read more! I'm planning to read "The Poppy Fields" next!

Evan Can Wait ( A Constable Evans Mystery) by Rhys Bowen ~ 5 Stars!

 

"Constable Evan Evans, sole police officer in the charming Welsh village of Llanfair, is assigned to assist an expedition to raise a World War II German bomber plane from the bottom of  ' Llyn Llydaw.' "  which is the King Arthur Lake holding Excalibur. 

"The whole venture is being filmed for a documentary on World War II and Evans tries to assist the film crew by finding them local people with stories to tell. Little does he realize that resurrecting the past can sometimes mean opening old wounds."

Murders happen of course and some WWII murders were connected. He is not the officer on duty but of course almost gets killed as he solves the crime(s).

What a fine read this one was- probably the best of the series so far! I'm delighted that each one gets better, since I love to reread favorite series this will work! 

On to the next in the series where I'm hoping that he and Bronwyn get closer as a couple.

A Taste for Killing (A Bradecote and Catchpoll Investigation #10) by Sarah Hawkswood~ PreOrder your copy Now!

 #ATasteforKilling #NetGalley 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Thanks to Allison & Busby and the great Author Sarah Hawkswood for this 10th outing on Bradecote and Catchpoll ( and let us not forget the young undersheriff Walkelin, who is rising in prowess).

A Medieval Mystery which is always to my liking, and was so glad to read about the new addition to Under Sheriff's family! Of course they solved the complicated mystery, maybe the crime scene could have been discussed a bit less, but a very fine read!

Happily waiting for the next outing!

The Stone Rose ~ The Rose Trilogy by Carol McGrath~ Enthralling and Amazingly Vivid ~ Preorder your copy now!

#TheStoneRose #NetGalley. 5 Stars~   

"London, 1350. Agnes, daughter of a stonemason, is struggling to keep her father's trade in a city decimated by plague. And then she receives a mysterious message from the disgraced Queen Isabella: mother of King Edward III, and widow of Edward II. Isabella has a task that only Agnes can fulfil. She wants her truth to be told. "

" The third instalment of Carol McGrath's acclaimed She-Wolves Trilogy: the gripping series exploring the tumultuous lives and loves of three queens of England - and of three women who lived in their shadow.

Based on the extraordinary true story of the female stonemason who carved a queen's tomb!"

Huge thanks to Carol McGrath, Headline Accent and NetGalley for this very engrossing historical novel. I really read this one straight through, first time I've done that since 2020, it was positively enthralling. Could NOT put it down!

Actually two stories about the life of  Isabella and Edward, as well as  the young female stonemason  who carves and decorates her tomb with her " stone roses", are  intertwined in an almost seamless way, although 30 years or so apart.

There was so very much little known historical data, that I'll be rereading it quite soon to make sure I absorb it all.  I need to understand more about all these real persons in this tale.  Carol McGrath's historical novels are always impeccably researched and contain vivid characters.

Book #1 The Silken Rose is about  Allenore (Eleanor) wife to Henry III

Book # 2 of the She-Wolves Trilogy is The Damask Rose about Eleanor of Castile, wife to Henry II ( the Eleanor Crosses )  I'll go back and get that one now! ) I believe I have anxiously waited for, read and enthusiastically reviewed all of Carol's novels over several years.

#MurderonMadisonSquare #NetGalley ~ (Gaslight Mystery #25) by Victoria Thompson ~ Terrific!! -5 Stars - Preorder now!

#MurderonMadisonSquare #NetGalley. Thanks to Victoria Thompson and Berkley Publishing.

I've read I've read and reviewed every one of her Gaslight mysteries at least twice and buy them as gifts. I'm very happy to have this one, #25 to review.

It was a great read as always with some surprises at the end. I was hoping for a wedding or a baby announcement, maybe next time! I guess what I love the most is how all the main characters have gotten together as one big family type situation! The mysteries are also very well done, not too scary at all. Just right, and the awards the author has gotten highlight that.

This mystery had a somewhat different twist at the end and everyone had a different take on it. The historical context in all the mysteries makes them special also, this one was no exception. Frank and Sarah attend the Madison Square Garden Auto Show in 1900 and the murders abound!

Frank, Sarah, Gino, and Maeve all participate in investigating. It's a very good thing that the older Mrs. Malone is there to watch the children. Loved it!!. Thanks to Victoria Thompson and Berkley Publishing.

"Royal Flush" Her Royal Spyness Mystery (#3) Rhys Bowen ~ Such an Enjoyable Series~

 I don't remember reading this Royal Spyness book before really, maybe I do remember bits of it but it was SO GREAT ! It got this .. "Finalist 2009 Agatha Award for Best Novel" on "Stop You're Killing me and was just very exciting.

Georgie is "sent" to Castle Rannoch and solves several mysteries that were connected to each other.

Darcy and she firmly seem to be together and her grandfather is in Scotland with her too. Poor little Podge, her nephew is kidnapped briefly and Binky was also invalided. Before I forget, Georgie's mother ends up at Scotland in the "mix". Wow!

This one is a 'Must Read', but then so are the first and second. I myself am rereading the entire series from the beginning, buying one or two and library loans also!

Miss Morton and the English House Party Murder ~Catherine Lloyd ~ 5 Stars - PreOrder NOW-!!

 

#MissMorton and theEnglish House Party Murder #NetGalley 

5 Stars 

Thanks to Kensington, NetGalley and of course Catherine Lloyd for this ARC. I was thrilled to get this new book in Catherine Lloyd's new Regency series. 

I have been waiting for this one, as her last mystery series, Kurland St. Mary are favorites that I read ( and reread) with pleasure.

The mystery was a mystery until the end and very much kept my attention. Caroline is a delightful character, as is the Doctor, and Caroline's new employer. Please keep them coming!

BelleGreene A Novel ~ Alexandra Lapiere #BelleGreene #NetGalley

 

#BelleGreene #NetGalley   4.5 stars round up to 5 ! 

Thanks to Alexandra Lapierre author and her translator for this fine work. I had read another authors work and had to balance and compare this one. My Book Club read the other book and we very much wanted to know more actual details, which this one did have.

There is no doubt this family did their best in a world that was unaccepting of different ethnicities. Was it wise overall, who actually could make that decision? Possibly the "we all sink or swim together" seems pretty dictatorial, but by whose standards?

I am very happy to have gotten this book and let others in my book club know. They were also enthusiastic to get it.

God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen - A Royal Spyness Mystery - Great read! 5 Stars

 I really enjoyed this one, Georgie and Darcy are a fun read even thought the subject is murder. Georgie's household for Christmas was amusing too, Granddad, her mother and her brother and family were heart warming.

It got topped off by the fact of a baby coming, can't wait for that!