A Refiner's Fire - Donna Leon

A Refiner's Fire - Donna Leon

Pub. Date: July 9, 2024

She read

This is number thirty three in the Commissario Guido Brunetti series and I have happily read all of them. 

Leon is an excellent writer, sharing wit and wisdom and capturing so well the the pulse and rhythm of Venice.  Not the Venice that the hoards of day trippers experience, but the real city of the Venetians who reside there. It is a joy to read such a literate writer whose books touch on philosophy, classical literature, political science, history, justice. Her books transcend one genre…they are police procedurals, mysteries, literary fiction.

The cases, while always intriguing, are almost secondary to the wonderful characterizations, musings and observations of life, especially Venetian life, by Brunetti. It is always so nice to visit again with all the familiar actors, flamboyant Signora Elletra, strong and wise Paola, philosophical Guido, comical Patta, capable Griffoni, loyal Foa.  

The plot of this installment involving the “baby” (underage) gangs trying to wreak havoc on the islands of the Veneto intersects with Brunetti and Griffoni’s interaction with an acclaimed hero from the suicide attack on the Italian carabinieri headquarters at Nasiriyah during the Iraq War twenty years ago. My only hesitation with this story is that I would have liked to have known what happens next for one of the characters. I don’t want to say any more as I don’t write spoilers, but if you read it, you will know who I mean.  

Leon conveys so much what Venice is all about....the politics, the cynicism, the decaying beauty.  I feel that Brunetti and his family and associates are old friends.  Last time we were in Venice, I passed by the Questore fully expecting to encounter him and stopped at his favorite bar for a coffee.  Leon's books make me want to return to La Serenissima. 

*****

Dog Day Afternoon - David Rosenfelt

 Dog Day Afternoon - David Rosenfelt

Pub. Date: July 2, 2024

She read

This is the 29th in the mystery/legal thriller series featuring the irascible but somehow charming attorney Andy Carpenter. Unfortunately for me,  it is only the second I have read. It works well as a standalone. 

Andy Carpenter, independently wealthy and his wife, Laurie, a retired member of the police department, operate the Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. Surrounded by a support system of colorful characters to assist, Andy takes on occasional legal cases when he thinks the accused is innocent.  

Shockingly, six people at a Paterson, NJ law office are murdered by a masked intruder.  Two people escaped unscathed and both identify the killer as someone who worked there doing odd jobs.  When Andy’s trusted friend, the almost superhuman Marcus, asks him to take on the case, Andy isn’t sure about it.  As he learns more about the accused, he realizes that he is indeed innocent and the murders may have something to do with some nefarious dealings at the firm. 

The book has a decent, well paced plot. What I really enjoyed was the humor spread throughout the book, especially Andy’s snarky wit. This is a book that is a mystery, legal thriller, and comedic.  What more could you ask?

As an aside, for those unfamiliar with David Rosenfelt…in real life he and his wife do have a Tara Foundation for rescue dogs. They have rescued thousands of dogs. How can you not love this author?

Thanks to #NetGalley and @stmartinspress #minotaurbooks for the DRC.

*****

Her Dying Secret - Lisa Regan

 Her Dying Secret - Lisa Regan

Pub. Date: May 14, 2024

She read

This  is the twentieth in the Detective Josie Quinn series and I have read all of them.  Needless to say, I like this series and look forward to each new installment.  Typically, I stay up late to finish each one because I can’t put them down! Josie has an interesting backstory and the author does a good job filling in that information so that these books do work as standalones.   

In this case, Josie is called out to what turns out to be not a routine traffic accident fatality.  The deceased, a passenger in the car, was stabbed prior to the accident and she clutches a child’s drawing in her hand, with the word “help” written on the back.  The driver, who claims she remembers nothing about what led up to the accident, also shows signs of having been attacked.  With the possibility of a child at risk, Josie and her team work diligently to uncover the mystery and find the child. 

I always enjoy revisiting the repeating characters in Josie’s life…except for a character introduced in the last book, a new member of Josie’s team (I’m waiting for him to have his comeuppance!) Despite having had many travails in her life, Josie is a strong, capable, likable, although vulnerable,  female protagonist. The fast paced mysterious plot has twists and turns; I spent the first half of the book wondering what the heck was going on it was so baffling.  

If you like well written, character driver police procedurals/thrillers, check out this book/series.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and @bookouture for the DRC.

A Daughter of Fair Verona - Christina Dodd

 A Daughter of Fair Verona - Christina Dodd

Pub. Date: June 25, 2024

She read

IF Romeo and Juliet had lived, what would their firstborn daughter be like?  Read this clever and witty book to find out! Their survival will be explained and you will enjoy a romp through fair Verona as their headstrong, virginal, unmarried at an “elderly” age (20!!!) daughter, Rosaline, avoids marriage to unsuitable prospects, is accused of murder, pursues an avocation as an alchemist, meets a true love, is trained in swordsmanship and is wooed by a prince.  

Rosaline (Rosie) is a spunky, hot blooded, pragmatic, clever young woman with a biting wit.  Just when she finds the love of her life, she is forcibly betrothed to an unlikable character who is murdered at their engagement party. Soon, a second character is poisoned and suspicion falls on Rosie.  It is up to her and her intrepid, protective nurse to prove her innocence.  Yes, it is historical, but it has a snappy, contemporary feel to it.  

The book ends on a cliff hanger and there is already a sequel in the works.  Do read the author’s notes at the end….where you can find the website for the recipe for the fruit and nut bread so loved by the prince and more information about the series.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and @KensingtonBooks for the DRC.

****

The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh - Claudia Gray

 The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh - Claudia Gray

Pub. Date:  June 18, 2024

She read

This is the third in the Austenesque mystery series featuring Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney.  Written in the style of Jane Austen, Jonathan is the son of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and his wife, the former Elizabeth Bennet.  Juliet is the daughter of residents of Northanger Abbey.  Challenging the mores of the time, they have worked together investigating and solving two prior murders.  This time, they are called to the home of Jonathan’s great aunt, the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who has been the victim of two attempts on her life. As further attempts are made, the pair, somewhat stymied, work diligently to solve the mystery while shying away from what may be a budding romance between them.   Other characters familiar to Austen readers play roles in the story.  

This is a delightful book! I enjoy the young characters….both of  them with their intelligence, unique charm, and Juliet’s willingness to accept Jonathan’s somewhat neurodivergent behaviors.  The mystery is well plotted and kept me guessing.  Gray remains true to the Austen writing style and employs a good sense of humor.   I can’t remember the last book that made me laugh out loud a few times as this one did.

Although I did read and liked one of the prior novels in this series, this one works well as a standalone. They are so charming, though, I would suggest reading all three to thoroughly enjoy the characters. You do not have to be overly familiar (or remember!) Austen’s writings to appreciate these books for their plots and reflection of the society at that time. My advice is to read them slowly to savor the language and nuances.

 I am looking forward to the next installment.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @aaKnopf for the DRC

*****

The Unwedding - Ally Condie

 The Unwedding - Ally Condie

Pub. Date: June 4, 2024

She read

Ellery thought she would be spending her twentieth wedding anniversary at a lush resort in Big Sur with her husband until he told he he wanted a divorce. Since the trip was already paid for, he encouraged her to go by herself.  At first reluctant to leave her three children, she finally agreed.  To rub salt in her wounds, there is a wedding to take place at the resort. That is, until the groom calls it off and Ellery finds his dead body in the pool.  As a storm rages, the resort is cut off from the rest of the world. There is no electricity, no cell service, and the road is blocked.  Soon there is another death and it seems many of the guests, including Ellery, may be harboring secrets.  She teams up with two other guests to try to solve the murders. 

This book started out with a lot of possibilities, and the setting seemed perfect for a thriller, but the story seemed to get bogged down as went on. It just didn’t engage me and, to me,  there seemed to be some disconnect in some of the plot lines. There are other readers who I’m sure will really like this story but it fell a bit flat for me. Kudos for the beautiful setting.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #grandcentralpublishing for the DRC.

***

Tali and the Toucan - Mira Z. Amiras

 Tali  and the Toucan - Mira Z. Amiras

Pub. Date:  Aug. 13, 2024

She read

Tali observes other children as they tumble, roll, swing in all kinds of activities She would like to join them,  but she is fearful and holds back. Through a dream, a chicken who turns into a toucan visits her and shows her how to get over her fear.

Beautifully illustrated, this might work best with a child who is fearful of trying a particular sport or activity.  I’m not sure all children would know what “dojo” is (an activity in which Tali wants to participate), so the adult reading the book may have to explain.  Just as the little engine who could was an inspiration to try things when I was a child, Tali and the Toucan can give children a mantra to repeat (I tou-can) when fearful of doing something.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @thecollectivebookstudio for the DRC.