Fateful Words - Paige Shelton

 Fateful Words - Paige Shelton

Publication Date: April 4, 2023

She read

Kansas born Delaney has married a Scotsman and is settled in Edinburgh, working in a charming bookshop.  When her boss, Edwin, is mysteriously called away on the eve of his annual literary tour of the city, the task of leading it is left to her.  The first day is not without mishap….a man falls from the top of the hotel where her guests are staying, the receptionist there is  knocked unconscious, and one of the tour group seems to have a secret of her own.  As the tour progresses, Delaney is caught up in finding clues about what is happening.  

This is the eighth in the Scottish Bookshop series; it is the first I have read. It worked well as a stand alone. An intriguing, cozy mystery with an intricate plot and some delightful characters, there were twists and turns as the story unfolded in this fast paced read. I liked this book and look forward to reading the next installment in the series.   I particularly enjoyed learning about some of the history and landmarks (although some might be fictional!) of Edinburgh.  

Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinspress #minotaur books for the ARC. 

****

The Soulmate - Sally Hepworth

 The Soulmate - Sally Hepworth

Publication Date: April 4, 2023

She read

Gabe, Pippa, and their two young daughters have moved to what they thought was their dream “cliff” house along the coast.  Unfortunately, the cliff is a location that has been the scene of suicides in the past, although Gabe has successfully talked some of the potential victims “off the ledge”.  One night, a woman appears on the cliff.  Gabe rushes to her, but she goes over the side.  Gabe’s intervention looked suspicious to Pippa, but she keeps those thoughts to herself.  When she discovers that the fatality was known to Gabe, years of secrets, bad behavior, and denial unravel.

The story is told in three timelines…now, then, after and 2 POVs. There are complex relations full of intrigue in this engrossing read.  Hepworth knows how to hold readers’ attention. There are twists and turns as secrets are revealed.  There is also a lot unsaid about what women will overlook to stay in a marriage, even one that is not healthy for them, as well as the toll of mental illness on families. 

It did annoy me that both main female characters turn a blind eye to many warning signs with their husbands, but I guess we all do that at one point or another.  

This is the second book I have read by Hepworth and have enjoyed both of them.  She is becoming a favorite author for me.

Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinspress for the ARC

****

Loyalty - Lisa Scottoline

 Loyalty - Lisa Scottoline

Publication Date:  March 28, 2023

She read

I was a fan of Scottoline’s Rosato and Associates series, but I don’t think there has been a new one in about 5 years.  Lately, the author has branched out into writing other genres, including this piece of historical fiction.

Featuring a wide cast of characters, Scottoline presents a fictional account based on the real story behind the rise of the Mafia in Sicily.  Among them, there is Franco who will never be accepted by the upper class, but will do anything at their bidding until he develops his own army to “protect” the lemon growing industry on the island. He is ruthless in becoming capo di tuti capi.” Dante is one of a number of boys kidnapped from their families in Palermo; Gaetano an attorney who risks all to try to find the missing children; Lucia the Albino child whose rare condition results in  her mother being cast out from her home.  There is also a man hiding his Jewish roots because Jews have been expelled from Sicily; townspeople attribute magical properties to the cheese he makes and claim he is a wizard!

Initially, I felt the plot to be all over the place and the dialog a bit simplistic.  In time, though, the storylines did come together, revolving around themes of justice, revenge, loyalty.  While I wasn’t enamored of the writing, I did enjoy the fast pace, the suspense and learning the historical basis for the Mafia (and the meaning of the term, mafiosi).

Be sure to read the author notes at the conclusion of the book.

Thanks to #netgalley and #penguinbooks #gpputnamssons for the ARC.

****

Her Deadly Game - Robert Dugoni

 Her Deadly Game - Robert Dugoni

Publication Date: March 28, 2023

She read

I am a fan of Dugoni’s writing, in particular, his Tracy Crosswhite police procedurals, so I was happy to receive an ARC of his latest legal thriller.

Keera Dugan, a former chess champion and now attorney,  had worked for the prosecutor’s office until she broke off a romantic relationship with a supervisor and her career there dead ended.  She left and joined her family’s law practice headed by her father, known as the Irish Brawler, but on a downward career path due to his drinking problem. 

When an investment councilor contacts the firm to defend him against a charge that he murdered his disabled wife, Keera is up against her former paramour.  As she investigates the case, she learns more than she really wants to know about the defendant and his history. 

Dugoni weaves a good tale; I read the book in one day because I did not want to put it down! The book is cleverly and tightly plotted, with well developed characters.  I particularly liked Keera and hope this may be the beginning of a new series. Since I don’t play chess, the references to an ongoing chess match were a bit lost on me, although I did appreciate insight into Keera’s strategy. 

Be sure to read the author notes at the conclusion of the book.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasandMercer for the ARC.

*****

Hello Beautiful - Ann Napolitano

 Hello Beautiful - Ann Napolitano

She read

Publication Date:  March 28, 2023

By the author of Dear Edward, this is a multigenerational saga, telling the story of the four Padavano sisters, Sylvie, Julia, and twins Cecilia and Emeline, as well as Willam Waters and his link with the women.  The Padavanos are raised by a cold, quirky mother and a somewhat hapless but loving father. William’s sister died when he was an infant, sealing his parents up into a loveless, avoidant relationship with him.  

As the story unfolds, the reader sees how their lives intersect, how major events, tragedies, and happiness affect their bonds.  It also is a look into parents who are “broken”  and the effects on their children, as well as exploring the ravages of poor mental health.  

Paying homage to Little Women and told in the third person from multiple points of view, this book had ups and downs for me.  I started out really liking it, then it stalled out for a while, picking up again further into the story.  Well written, with strong characterizations and tugging at emotions, this was a very satisfying read. 

****

So Shall You Reap - Donna Leon

 So Shall you Reap - Donna Leon

She read

Publication Date: March 14, 2023

March is one of my favorite months because that is usually when Donna Leon’s latest Commissario Guido Brunetti book is published.  I was fortunate enough to read an #ARC of 2023’s book.

In this case, Guido and his associates look into the death of a Sri Lankan immigrant, who has, coincidentally,  been working for an old school friend of Brunnetti and living in a garden house on their property. The investigation takes the players back to the 1980s and the days of the terrorist group, The Red Brigade. 

This is the thirty second installment of this series and I have read all of them. Obviously, I am a huge fan. Leon captures 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. 

The cases, while always intriguing, are almost secondary to the wonderful characterizations and musings and observations of life, especially Venetian life, by Brunetti. 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.  

While there is an interesting plot, don’t read this book for fast action, but rather savor the words and thoughts, the pace of daily life in La Serenissima. And note that Brunetti’s mother has a lesson modern politicians would do well to heed. 

It was so nice to visit again with all the familiar players, stroll past familiar Venetian landmarks, stopping for a coffee along the way.  For anyone new to Brunetti, this can be read as a stand alone, but why deprive yourself?  Go back to the beginning of the series and enjoy getting to know all of these memorable characters.

Thanks to #netgalley and #groveaatlantic #atlanticmonthlypress for the ARC.

*****

Old Babes in the Woods - Margaret Atwood

 Old Babes in the Woods: Stories - Margaret Atwood

Release Date:  March 7, 2023

She read.

I am not a big fan of short stories, but when I saw this offering by Margaret Atwood, I couldn’t pass it up, both because of the title and the author. Some of these fifteen stories have previously appeared in periodicals such as The New Yorker.  Topics include friend and family relationships, particularly between husband and wife, sisters, and mothers and daughters, as well as the aging process and all that accompanies it. 

The stories are entertaining….humorous and heartbreaking. I enjoyed some of the stories more than others, finding those that touched on sci fi and fantasy less appealing than those focusing on the aging Nell.  That said, the one story involving a mother who is known to practice witchcraft was quite amusing along with its poignancy and the one in which Atwood uses a medium to interview George Orwell was delightful. 

As a woman facing the waning years of life in family, friends, and self, many of Atwood’s stories really resonated with me.  There are some in this collection that I definitely will go back and read again. This was a five star read and I think it would be a great selection for book clubs. 

Thanks to #netgalley and #doubleday for the ARC.

*****

All That is Mine I Carry with Me - William Landay

All That is Mine I Carry with Me - William Landay

Publication Date:  March 7, 2023

She read

 In 1975, ten year old Miranda comes home from school one day to find that her mother is missing.  Suspicion falls on her father and, in time, as adults, Miranda and her brother, Jeff, along with her aunt believe he may be guilty of killing her while brother Alex supports him.  There is no evidence, just suspicion.  Jeff enlists a friend, Phil, to write a book about the case.

Landay employs a unique literary device of four books within the book, each told from a different point of view. It is an engrossing read, although somewhat of a slowburn. I read late into the night, not wanting to put it down. The characters are well developed.  The father is a pig and what the disappearance did to Miranda and Jeff and their emotional well being is heartbreaking.  You may have some questions when finished, but will not be left hanging.  The ending may stay with you for a while….it did me.

This is the second book I have read that does not use quotation marks for dialog.  More accustomed to that style now, I did not find it as unsettling as the first time I encountered it. 

From the author of Defending Jacob,  this is sure to be a best seller.

Thanks to #netgalley and #Randomhouse #bantambooks for the ARC.

*****

What Have We Done - Alex Finlay

 What Have We Done - Alex Finlay

Publication Date:  March 7, 2023. 

She read

Five parentless teenagers were residents of a group home where several female residents went missing. Before the home was closed, they did something that will haunt them into adult life.  Now, twenty five years later, after rebuilding their lives, someone is trying to kill them; one has already been murdered. Three of them, Jenny, Donnie, and Nico will have to unravel the reason why while avoiding the would be killer(s).  

Occasionally, I will start a book and want to put it down as a DNF.  However, wanting to give it a chance, I persist.  Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised and end up really liking the book. Not so with this one.  

I’ve read other of Finlay’s books and enjoyed them, but this one was just too over the top and unrealistic for me.  I don’t like it when I have to suspend belief. With multiple timelines and POVS, the story is fast paced, action packed and suspenseful.  There are many readers who will enjoy this book; it just wasn’t one of my top reads.  

Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinepress #minotaur for the ARC.

***

Her Final Breath - Carolyn Arnold

 Her Final Breath - Carolyn Arnold

She read

Publication Date:  Feb. 17, 2023

This is the seventh in the Prince William County Detective Amanda Steele series; it is the second one I have read.

When a mother and child are murdered and found buried in a local park, Amanda and her partner, Trent, are on the case.  Were they the victims of the mother’s abusive police officer husband or could there be a serial killer afoot?  And why is their acting supervisor behaving a bit mysterious and out of character?

This was an engrossing, fast paced read; I didn’t want to put it down!.  Arnold knows how to capture and maintain her readers’ interest. I like the main characters in this series and enjoy seeing how their relationships change and grow. Attention was shed on the devastating effects PTSD as well as the frustrations in addressing spousal abuse.  My only hesitancy about this story was that the abusive husbands interviewed all seemed to be carbon copies of each other. 

This could easily be read as a standalone. I enjoy Arnold’s books and have added them to my list of must read series featuring police procedurals and  strong, capable female protagonists. 

Thanks to #netgalley and #bookouture for the ARC

****

The War Pianist - Mandy Robotham

 The War Pianist - Mandy Robotham

She read

Publication Date:  Feb. 16, 2023

Marnie Fern works at the BBC in wartime London. When her beloved grandfather is killed during a bombing raid, she discovers he was a radio transmitter, known as a pianist, assisting the Dutch resistance.  She is approached and accepts an offer to take his place, transmitting secret messages to Corrie Bakker, her contact in Amsterdam.   She is thrust into a world of intrigue where at any moment lives could be endangered and traitors could be afoot. Who can she really trust?

I have read and enjoyed quite a few of Robotham’s historical fiction works. 

While this might not have been my favorite, she is a great story teller.  Her books are well researched, tension filled, and engrossing, usually featuring a strong female character.  While there is a lot of inhumanity, horror, and sadness in this book, it concludes with a feeling of hope.  As a reader, I always want to know “what happened next?”.  Her ending answered that question for me. 

Thanks to #Netgalley and #avonbooksUK for the ARC.

****