Like Mother, Like Daughter - Kimberly McCreight

 Like Mother, Like Daughter - Kimberly McCreight

Pub. Date:  July 9, 2024

She read

Kat, a fixer for a law firm, is estranged from her daughter, Cleo and getting a divorce from husband Aidan.  Trying to mend fences with her daughter, she coaxes her into coming for dinner. When Cleo arrives, she finds the dinner burning, a broken glass, Kat’s bloody shoes, and her mother missing.  Oh, but there is so much more to this story…..

There is a lot going on in this book and sometimes it seemed all over the place.  There are multiple characters and different POVs as well as transcripts of therapy sessions, journal entries, text messages, and legal filings. Various timelines move back and forth but are not difficult to follow.  A couple of different storylines centering around Kat give the reader a number of possibilities as to who might want to harm her.  There are almost as many red herrings here as pickled herrings found in a jar in a delicatessen!

The denouement went very quickly and at least one loose end was left hanging.  Despite this, it was an engrossing, fast paced read.

Thanks to #netgalley and @aaknopf for the DRC. 

***

The Burning - Linda Castillo

 The Burning - Linda Castillo

Pub. Date: July 9, 2024

She read

This is the 16th in the Kate Burkholder series.  Kate, formerly Amish, is police chief in her small hometown in Ohio in the middle of Amish country.  When an excommunicated Amish man is found burned at the stake, Kate must unwind his history by interviewing the normally reticent members of that community.  When suspicion falls on her brother, Kate is told to stand down in the case.  Of course, she persists in pursuing the  murder,  knowing that the powers that be are pursuing the wrong line of inquiry.  Along the way, some early history of the Anabaptists is revealed to possibly be a key to the crime and Kate and her new husband’s lives are put in danger. 

Although I have only read three installments, I really like this series.  Well written, with good character development and a solid plot, it is an engrossing, thrilling read. Kate is a strong, well adjusted female protagonist who does seem to get herself into dangerous predicaments. If you are new to this series and expect a cozy mystery, be forewarned that there are a few brutal scenes in it. 

 Where else can you find a police procedural, mystery, a thriller, and insight into the Amish culture? I do recommend this series and look forward to the next book. This book would work as a standalone.

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

*****

Pitch Dark - Paul Doiron

 Pitch Dark - Paul Doiron

Pub. Date: June 25, 2024

She read

This is the 15th in the Mike Bowditch series.  I have only read one other so  far.  This one will work as a standalone.

Mike is a Maine Game Warden Investigator engaged to Stacey, an EMT. Mike’s assistance is requested when he is notified a questionable stranger has gone missing while searching for the reclusive and secretive man who lives deep in the woods while building a log cabin for an acquaintance of Mike’s wife and father in law.  When he learns the recluse lives with his young daughter who is never seen in town and doesn’t attend school, his interest in the man deepens.  What is he hiding?  And, thus he is off on a menacing, dangerous and thrilling hunt in the north Maine woods and neighboring Canada.  

I like this unique take on a police procedural featuring a game warden investigator.  It is fast paced and engrossing with lots of action.  An atmospheric read, Doiron conveys a good sense of place and danger.  Bowditch is a great character.  Persistent, he tries to respect the rules, can often be brash and annoying to others, displays a good sense of humor.  Some of the situations and actions are a bit over the top, but that does make for a good thriller.  

I have added this series to my list of must reads. 

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

****

Meli & Mac:Rendez- vous with a Flamingo

Meli & Mac - Elena Joannides

She read

Meli and her brother Mac are about to embark on an expedition when they meet a flamingo who has lost his way.  He is seeking the Shrimp Extravaganza and they help him.  Mac has a magical bag that contains all sorts of items to assist them in their quest.  Along the way, learn some French expressions as well as find out how flamingos get and retain their color!

This is a sweet book and a fun way to introduce children to some of the French language.  Of course, the adult reading it aloud will have to know (or look up) how to pronounce the French words! There are some additional French expressions at the end.  It is a colorful book, beautifully illustrated.  

Thanks to #netgalley and @literallypr for the digital copy.

****

Death in Bacton Wood - Ross Greenwood

 Death in Bacton Wood - Ross Greenwood

Pub. Date:  May 3, 2024

She read

This is the next installment in the Norfolk Murders series and can be read as a standalone. The plot is labyrinthine…  people buried alive, organized crime, drug use, immigrants, human trafficking, a possible “bent copper”, revenge….what do they all have to do with each other?  And on a personal level will DS Ashley Knight realize that the fellow officer she is seeing is a poor choice for a romantic dalliance and will she cut him loose?  

A solid police procedural, I like this investigative team with their close personal relationships and sarcastic humor.  The criminals in this installment are quite malevolent and their crimes abhorrent while the writing pulls you in in this engrossing, can’t put down read. 

If you enoy police procedurals featuring capable female detectives, you can get in on this series from the beginning as this is only the third book.  I have read two of them.  While this story is grittier than the prior one I read, this author/series has been added to my “must read” list.  

Thanks to #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for the DRC.

****

Long Island Compromise - Taffy Brodesser-Akner

 Long Island Compromise - Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Pub. Date:  July 9, 2024

She read 

A Polish Jewish immigrant escaping the Holocaust comes to New York where he eventually accumulates wealth by opening a factory. When he dies suddenly, his son, Carl is called back to the family compound on Long Island to run the business. In 1980, Carl is kidnapped and held for $200,000 ransom which is paid.  The kidnapping haunts Carl for the rest of his life, as well as affecting his three children, Nathan, Beamer, and the soon to be born Jenny.  And thus the novel embarks on recounting the lives of the siblings, as well as those of the generations that came before, the after effects of the kidnapping and the guiding influences of their wealth.  

Cleverly written with touches of wit, the story gets mired down at times with almost a stream of consciousness accounting of their lives and in particular their self loathing. Both historical and contemporary, it is a long novel (almost 500 pages) that touches on American Jewishness, the privilege of wealth, inherited trauma, self sabotaging , family dysfunction,  women’s roles. There is a bit of a fairy tale ending and it will be interesting to see what readers think of it. I think this is a book that many will love and about which others will be less enamored.  

***

Thanks to #Netgalley and #randomhouse for the DRC.

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.

The Seaside Sisters - Pamela Kelley

The Seaside Sisters - Pamela Kelley

Pub. Date:  June 4, 2024

She read

Hannah, a best selling romance author, is having a bit of writer’s block.  Currently living in Brooklyn, she decides to spend the summer in her hometown of Chatham on Cape Cod, with her aunt.  Her sister, husband and four children also live in Chatham.  Both her aunt and sister are having some marital hiccups. While there, Hannah rekindles a friendship with attorney Spencer and also dates a best selling author whose parents live on the Cape. 

If I had to describe this book in three words, it would be cozy little romance.  There is no significant drama or humor in this story of nondescript characters who seem to live an idealized life.  Told from different POVS, there is a lot of wine (often identified by brand) and descriptions of food (especially bagels, lobster, and brownies). Chatham is depicted in all its charm and those who have visited there will enjoy the journey back.  

I am a stickler for authenticity, even in fiction, and a major activity in the book bothered me. Would attorneys really have an author who is doing research sit in on conferences with clients?  Where is the attorney client confidentiality? I also noticed a bit of repetition in the narrative.

All that said, if you are looking for a nice little no effort quick beach read, this may be for you.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #STMartinsPress for the DRC.

***

Just Some Stupid Love Story - Katelyn Doyle

 Just Some Stupid Love Story - Katelyn Doyle

Pub. Date: June 4, 2024

She read

Molly split with her high school sweetheart, Seth, breaking his heart, just before they were to leave for college. Seth, a divorce attorney in Chicago, believes in soulmates. Molly is a rom com screenwriter in LA, ironic since she always seems to sabotage her romantic relationships. They unexpectedly meet up at their 15th HS reunion and a spark is reignited, but just for one night, although Seth makes a bet they will be together for their 20th reunion.  They play on and off again with their relationship over the ensuing months, with Seth even getting engaged to someone else. Yet, they can’t seem to forget each other.  Who will win the bet?

Romance novels are not my typical go tos, but I loved this book.  Witty, entertaining, fast moving, I recommend this read to rom com fans as well as though wanting to dip into this genre. It is told in dual POVs, alternating between Molly and Seth.  As a Floridian, I was impressed by how much Doyle  really “gets” Florida.  Lots of good humor here! My only hesitation with the book is that Seth is almost too good to be true…but, after all, it is fiction!

Thanks to #NetGalley and @flatiron_books for the DRC.

*****

Wolf at the Table - Adam Rapp

 Wolf at the Table  - Adam Rapp

she read

This is a novel that spans sixty years and four generations of a large Catholic family, the Larkins.  As with many large families, the offspring have a wide range of personalities and levels of success.  There is also one child who has an intellectual disability, one who marries into a family with, unbeknownst to her, a history of  schizophrenia, and one who was abused by local priests as a child and develops an antisocial personality disorder (commonly known as a “psychopath”).  This true cross section of America is revealed through snapshots of family members at different points in time, particularly focusing on two of them who quite disparate in their temperaments. 

Well written, the narrative in this character driven novel is rather objective; Rapp didn’t exploit the emotionalism of the antisocial behaviors and family difficulties.  He touches on serial killers, with passages involving Richard Speck, John Wayne Gacy, and, of course, the Larkin sibling who is a serial killer and we see how family can be complicit or ignorant. There is an undercurrent of danger, perhaps even evil throughout the story.

I couldn’t engage with any of the characters  Often I read a family saga such as this and, although it may be dark, am left with some feelings of hope.  After this one, which was mesmerizing, a generalized bleak feeling remained.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and #LittleBrown for the DRC.

Camino Ghosts - John Grisham

 Camino Ghosts - John Grisham

Pub. Date:  May 28, 2024

She read

This third installment of Grisham’s Camino Island series finds author Mercer Mann, friend of bookshop owner Bruce Cable, stumped when trying to come up with an idea for her next book.  Bruce introduces her to a small nonfiction piece written by 80 year old local resident, Lovely Jackson.  Lovely, the descendent of slaves who settled on Dark Island off the coast of Camino Island, has resided on the bigger island since 1955, leaving the smaller one uninhabited.  Yet, as the last inhabitant, she claims Dark Island is hers and when a big, unscrupulous corporation wants to develop Dark Island including putting a Casino on it, Bruce facilitates her fight for the home of her ancestors.

 Grisham is a talented story teller and this book does not disappoint.  A quick, compelling read, Lovely is a captivating character.  Grisham does an excellent job of capturing the development frenzy that is Florida…the greed of the corporations, the questionable practices of the politicians, the disregard for the environment, the highway  sprawl of businesses. He also acknowledges how the electorate can be so easily manipulated. 

The history of the difference between the British and Spanish owned colonies as relates to slavery is fascinating.  When you read Lovely’s account of the realities of the slave trade, you can’t help but wonder, as did Mercer, how our forebears  could have tolerated such cruel treatment of those who were kidnapped and enslaved. 

This does work as a standalone, although reading the first two in the series gives a broader background of the repeating characters and provides context for some of the references made in this book to action that took place in prior ones. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #DoubledayBooks for the DRC

*****

The "I Love My Air Fryer" Easy Recipes Book - Robin Fields

 The "I Love My Air Fryer"" Easy Recipes Book - Robin Fields

Pub. Date:  April 23, 2024

She read

Air frying has become very popular.  In this book,  175 “easy” recipes are presented with common ingredients and simple steps.

Well organized, the book begins with the basics of air frying as well as some tips, including accessories you might want to purchase to enhance your air frying experience.  I liked that there were no exotic spices called for.  I hate when a recipe needs something that you have to buy and use maybe once or twice!  The recipes are interesting, diverse, and I appreciated the vegetarian section.  Each recipe includes the hands on preparation time as well as nutritional content. Because this was a DRC, I missed having photos of all the dishes; I believe they are present in the final copy of the book.

As I just received this copy, I haven’t attempted any yet, but I have a list that I can’t wait to try, starting with the panko-crusted mahi mahi and moving on to the strawberry galette.

Thank to #NetGalley and @adams_media for the DRC. 

****

If Something Happens to Me - Alex Finlay

 If Something Happens to Me - Alex Finlay

Pub. Date:  May 28, 2024

She read

High schoolers Ryan and Ali were parked at Lover’s Lane when they were attacked, Ryan knocked unconscious, and Ali and her car went missing.  Suspicion followed Ryan causing him to change colleges and even his name.  Skip ahead five years, he is now visiting Tuscany with a group of students from his law school.  Back in his hometown of Leavenworth, Kansas, soldier Poppy has returned home and it is her first day as deputy sheriff working under a close military buddy of her father when Ali’s car is discovered under a lake with two adult male bodies in it. A cryptic note is found in Ali’s pocketbook which was in the backseat of the car. What happened to Ali?

As Poppy tries to solve the mystery, she is seemingly stymied by her boss and has questions about not only his involvement but also her family’s.   Meanwhile, Ryan races across Europe to try to determine if Ali is really still alive. When he spots the man he thinks was involved with her abduction, his and other lives are in danger. 

Told in alternating timelines and POVs, this is a suspenseful, mysterious story. Fast paced and addictive,  there is action, violence, and interwoven plot lines that take the reader on a thrilling adventure. Although a little over the top, this is another solid addition to Finlay’s growing body of work. 

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

****

Think Twice - Harlan Coben

 Think Twice - Harlan Coben

Pub. Date: May 14, 2024

She read

Myron Bolitar has reopened his sports agency and teams up with friend and attorney Win Lockwood when federal agents tell him that his once rival, long thought dead, former client Greg Downing’s DNA has been found at the scene of a murder. Is Greg still alive?  As the pair dig down into the mystery, they find that there are similar puzzling cases in other locales.  Could there be a serial killer and is Myron in danger?

This is the twelfth in best selling author Harlan Coben’s Myron Bolitar series.  I have read many of Coben’s books, but only one or two from this series and that was a very long time ago. Myron and Win are a bit over the top characters; smart, resourceful, and entertaining. There is suspense, action, humor, colorful characters, a twisted plot line in this fast paced, entertaining read. I enjoyed the technique of interspersing the narrative with chapters from the perpetrator’s POV.  

Although this was successful as basically a stand alone for me, My enjoyment of it might have been enhanced had I followed the career progression of these two characters by having read more books in this series. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @grandcentralpub for the DRC

****

The Doctor's Child - Daniel Hurst

 The Doctor's Child - Daniel Hurst

Pub. Date: May 1, 2024

She read

This is the fourth in the continuing “soap opera” series introduced by The Doctor’s Wife; I have read all four.

There is a lot of history between Fern and Alice who lived in a small English village.  Alice had an affair with Fern’s husband, the doctor.  Fern arranged for Alice’s husband, Rory, to kill the doctor and set Alice up to be blamed and imprisoned for it.  Fern killed Rory, escaped to build a new life, met a new man, Greg.   When she found out that Greg was the doctor’s best friend out to catch Fern, she killed him as well.  BUT, Alice was carrying the doctor’s child and Fern was impregnated by Greg.  Skip ahead almost two decades and Alice’s daughter, Evelyn, wants revenge. Fern is now living happily in France with a new husband and her daughter, Cecilia.  When paths cross, revenge and retribution are on the menu. Got it? Whew!

As with the prior three stories, this was an engrossing, fast read that I couldn’t put down. I liked the continued author’s style of alternating chapter POVs from the various main characters, learning their inner thoughts. You may dislike some (or all!) of the characters and think some things a bit over the top,  but you will enjoy this psychological thriller.  It is an entertaining, escapist read. 

While this could work as a stand alone, for those interested, it might be better to go back and read the prior three novels for the history. They are quick, “popcorn thrillers”.  If you read this (perhaps) final in the series, what did you think of the ending?

Thanks to #NetGalley and @bookouture for the DRC.

****

The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna - Erin Palmisano

 The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna - Erin Palmisano

Pub. Date:  May 7, 2024

There is something very special about the women of Naxos, a small village in the Greek Isles; they all have very unique gifts. 

Jory, raised by her mother and eschewing her father’s wealth, loves to travel and has always found home wherever she goes.  Cressida’s plans to open a guest house and taverna on Naxos with her beloved husband are crushed when he dies unexpectedly.  She has done nothing to make the dream go forward and now faces financial ruin.  When Jory travels to Naxos, her developing friendship with Cress and the other villagers is the catalyst to revive that dream.

What a pleasant surprise reading this book. I chose it solely on the basis of its title; I loved all the alluring little Greek tavernas we ate at when we visited there for a month.  Part travelogue, food journey, magic, female bonding, and romance, this story totally charmed me.  I am not typically a fan of magical realism, but this tale won me over.  All the pleasures of a visit to a Greek Isle are here….the landscape, the history, the wine, the culinary delights, the climate, the beaches. I was enchanted with this very fast read.  Foodies and romantics will love it.  It is a perfect vacation escape read.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @GrandCentralPub for the DRC.

The Instruments of Darkness - John Connolly

 The Instruments of Darkness - John Connolly

Pub. Date:  May 7, 2024

She read

Colleen Clark’s child is missing.  When his bloody blanket is found in her trunk, prosecutors with political ambitions are convinced she has murdered him.  Most neighbors, strangers, and even her husband believe her to be guilty.  Moxie Castin is her attorney and he enlists the help of private investigator Charlie Parker. 

There is a lot to consider in this case.  The husband’s story is a bit suspect to Parker. A psychic who has helped and hindered past missing child cases steps forward.  There is a strange, foreboding house deep in the Maine woods. And, what danger does that Fascist group arming themselves in the adjacent woods bring to the situation?

In addition to the basic mystery, there are aspects of horror and the supernatural, along with some humor.  I  typically do not like otherworldly elements in a story, but that did not interfere with my enjoyment of this book.  Although it seemed long, it was an engrossing read and I was anxious to get to the resolution.  

This is the twenty first in the Charlie Parker series.  Incredibly, it is the first one I have read; I felt it worked well as a standalone. I liked the repeating characters (and they are characters!), although I think I might have enjoyed them even more if I had read some of their previous adventures.  

Thanks to @NetGalley and @atriabooks for the DRC.

****

The Return of Ellie Black - Emiko Jean

 The Return of Ellie Black - Emiko Jean

Pub. Date:  May 7, 2024

She read

Twenty years ago, Chelsey Calhoun’s sister disappeared.  It was concluded that she had been killed by her boyfriend who then committed suicide.  Now a detective in the same police department where her father was once chief, Chelsey is notified that Ellie Black, another female who disappeared a few years ago, has been found wandering in the woods.  Traumatized, Ellie is reluctant to share any information about her captivity.  As Chelsey seeks information and answers, she begins to wonder about other missing girls/young women in her area of Washington State. 

This is a very disturbing story with lots of twists. It touches on some very important topics; women as targets, the fear that must be instilled in all girls and women of men who may harm or exploit them, missing girls who receive no real notice if they are minorities or poor, and a point that Chelsey makes about society’s acceptance of women dying at the hands of men. 

The main characters are well developed. Chelsey is laser focused and indomitable in her quest to find the truth and perhaps save other lives. Somewhat damaged herself by the loss of her beloved sister and her parents’ reaction to it, she is driven to close this case, even when she is removed from it and her personal happiness is at stake. The physical and psychological toll of Ellie’s abduction and treatment is a comprehensive case study in victimology.  

Thanks to @netgalley and @simonbooks for the DRC.

****

Summers at the Saint

 Summers at the Saint - Mary Kay Andrews

Pub. Date:  May 7, 2024

She read

The St. Cecilia, known as “the Saint”,  is a sprawling pink themed resort that caters to only the wealthiest on a private island on the coast of Georgia.  Under that lavish, polished exterior, however, all is not what it seems.  

Those who stay here are known as “the Saints”; the townies who can’t afford to and only work there are the “Ain’ts”.  Lifeguard Traci Eddings was an Ain’t until the boss’s son fell in love with and married her.  Widowed when he was killed in a plane crash, Traci now tirelessly runs the resort, trying to continue it’s legacy and save it from financial difficulties. She is often at odds with her unscrupulous brother-in-law who never accepted her into the family. As she strives to staff the resort for the summer, there seems to be something nefarious going on and when someone ends up dead, there is that mystery to solve, along with what is going on with complaints of inferior supplies, as well as what really happened when a young child drown there many years ago. Oh, and, there may be a new man in her life as well!

Mary Kay Andrews is a popular author and this is the first book of hers that I have read.  Despite the length, it was a fast, very engrossing read.  A multi layered story, some of it was predictable, other times there were surprises.  Genre bending and contemporary, there was mystery, family drama, and some romance.  I liked how the first few chapters introduced the main players and their stories before pulling them together and I loved the setting.  This was  a pleasing read, perfect for days at the beach!

****

It Had to Be You - Mary Higgins Clark; Alafair Burke

 It Had to Be You - Mary Higgins Clark;  Alafair Burke

Pub. Date: April 16, 2024

She read

Mary Higgins Clark was one of my mother’s favorite authors.  Even though both my mother and Clark have passed away, I still rush to read anything associated with the author’s name. I guess I do it to keep up the tradition. I have to admit, though, I do enjoy her mysteries, benign though they may be.

This is the eighth in the Under Suspicion series and I have read all of them. The series centers on Laurie Moran, producer of a true crime television show that tries to solve cold cases.  She is surrounded by a cast of supportive characters both at work and at home.  

Laurie is contacted by a young woman who would like the show’s help in solving the murder of her parents years ago.  Her identical twin brothers were under suspicion for the deaths but not charged and the local police really never looked beyond those two suspects.  Now estranged, the brothers agree to participate in the show out of love for their sister and perhaps in hopes of finding out which one of them is guilty.  Of course, all is not as it seems and there are twists to the story that Laurie helps uncover.

This is a typical MHC book; light, quick, easy reading and I couldn’t put it down.  It is perfect for curling up on a rainy day or saving for a beach vacation.  The story is solid; some of the repeating characters are a bit “too perfect”, but what is so wrong with a little bit of saccharin right now? 

 

Nonna Maria and the Case of the Lost Treasure - Lorenzo Carcaterra

 Nonna Maria and the Case of  the Lost Treasure - Lorenzo Carcaterra

Pub. Date:  May 7, 2024

She read

Nonna Maria has lived her entire life on the island of Ischia.  She is familiar to all for her kindness, generosity, local knowledge, and ability to solve problems, particularly if they involve crimes.  To her, though, it is not solving crimes, it is helping friends.  She is quite resourceful.  Everyone loves her; even the head of the Comorra. 

Once again, there are two “cases” in which she becomes involved. Her good friend, the captain of the carabinieri, has become the target of assassins as revenge for his having arrested a crime lord years ago in Florence.  She also teams up with some local characters to help the granddaughter of a deceased friend find treasure that he hid in one of Ischia’s caves years ago.  Both cases place Nonna Maria in danger.  

This is a cozy mystery Italian style with wine and espresso instead of tea.  Nonna Maria is a beguiling older woman known not only for her wiles but also for serving wine, her special coffee, and delicious homemade food and pastries.   She is surrounded by unique and equally charming characters.  

This is the third in the series; it would work as a standalone.  Read this book and the series not only for the mysteries, which are interesting, but also to savor island life and appreciate the special charm of Nonna Maria. And, oh, those descriptions of Italian food!  Yum!

Thanks to @NetGalley and @randomhouse for the DRC.

Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies - Catherine Mack

 Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies - Catherine Mack

Pub. Date:  April 30, 2024

She read

leanor Dash is a bestselling author of mysteries.  Her first book was a loosely masked fictional account about a real crime/mystery she and her then lover, Connor, were involved with.  Her publisher and the public loved Connor and thus she was locked into including him in all the subsequent installments of her vacation mysteries series.  But, she has had it with him and wants to kill him off in the next book.   On a tour of Italy with Connor, her able assistant/sister, some other authors, her former lover whom she lost when she got involved with Connor,  a group of fans, and an outrageous tour guide, it becomes apparent that someone is trying to really kill Connor and her as well.  Some people do die and, as the blurb boasts, “eight suspects, three bodies”…..

It took me a while to realize I really liked this book.  It was a fun romp through Rome and the Amalfi Coast and, despite the murders, amusing and lighthearted.  Eleanor is quite funny and sarcastic;  I loved that she often broke the fourth wall. The setting, especially along the Coast, is stunning and some of my favorite things about Italy (gelato, Aperol spritzes) are included.  Her digs at Goodreads reviews will resonate with a lot of readers and authors! There is even some romance thrown into the mix. 

Mack includes a number of foot notes…kind of asides that Eleanor made to further explain or emphasize something.   They were clever and entertaining, but distracting and interrupted the flow of reading. Genre bending, this is a mystery/cozymystery/romcom/travelogue/comedy. 

 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @stmartinspress @minotaur_books for the DRC.

****

Circle in the Water - Marcia Muller

 Circle in the Water - Marcia Muller

Pub. Date:  April 23, 2024

She  read

Years ago, I read the Sharon McCone mysteries regularly. She was one of the first fictional tough female PIs. Then school, work, life interfered and I got away from reading them.  It’s been a while since I picked one up and Sharon has come a long way from her first book in 1977 when she was a San Francisco PI, on staff at a legal cooperative.  She is married and in partnership with her husband, has her own agency with staff and resources, including a plane. There are 30+ books in the series. 

In this case, there has been vandalism on some of the privately owned streets (who knew some were privately owned?) in the city and Sharon has been hired to find the culprit. Her investigation puts her in danger as she doggedly pursues the truth  

Not a heart racing thriller, this is more a solid mystery procedural.  It is a fast read and taps into some of the present difficulties in SF with housing prices and homelessness. 

Thanks to @netgalley and #grandcentralpublishing for the DRC.

***

Darling Girls - Sally Hepworth

 Darling Girls - Sally Hepworth

Pub. Date:  April 23, 2024

She read

Twenty five years ago, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia were placed in foster care with Miss Fairchild at Wild Meadows in Port Agatha. The placement was a horror show of manipulation and abuse. For survival, the girls bonded together and considered themselves sisters, always having each other’s backs. Now adults, still with strong feelings of sisterhood and their own individual neuroses, they are hurtled back to the past when they receive a call that bones have been discovered on the property that once housed Wild Meadows. They return there to be questioned by the authorities trying to solve the mystery. Are the women witnesses or suspects?

Sally Hepworth is a bestselling Australian author; I have read and enjoyed some of her prior books.  Told in alternating timelines, and POVs, this is a slow burn thriller with excellent character development, twists, and turns.  The  horrors that can sometimes be part of the foster care system especially with a pathological caregiver are chronicled here and endured by three bright, resourceful, loyal to each other young females.  An engrossing, poignant read that is not all sinister; there is also wit, humor (albeit sometimes dark), and hope for the future of these three women who have formed a non traditional, but strong family.

Random thoughts:  Read this book just to find out why Norah’s dogs are named Couch, Converse, and Thong!  I think the ending will elicit varied reactions…..what will you think of it?

****

Next of Kin - Samantha Jayne Allen

 Next of Kin - Samantha Jayne Allen

Pub. Date: April 23, 2024

She read

Annie is now a full partner in the private detective business started by her former sheriff grandfather and Mary Kate, his associate and friend in her hometown of Garnett in hardscrabble Texas.  While the family is preparing for her cousin’s wedding, the best man, the groom’s adoptive brother, Clint, asks her help in finding his birth parents.  As she investigates, she finds that Clint’s father was a bank robber arrested by her grandfather years ago.  When Clint’s biological brother is found dead, it is declared a suicide, but that doesn’t sit right with Annie. She can’t resist further inquiry, even if it puts her and her loved ones in danger.  

This is the third in the Annie  McIntyre series.  Although I have read all of them, this would work as a standalone.  Intricately plotted, and a bit of a slow burn, the writing is atmospheric and descriptive.  It is a good character study of small town Texas and the author paints an illuminating picture of the sights, smells, the feel of the area.  

Thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress @minotaur_books for the DRC.

****

The Inmate - Freida McFadden

 The Inmate - Freida McFadden

Pub. Date: March 5, 2024

She read

After ten years away from her hometown, Brooke Sullivan returns there when her estranged parents are killed in an auto accident and she inherits the family home.  Hoping to make a fresh start with her ten year old son, the only job this nurse practitioner can find is in a maximum security penitentiary.  She is not looking forward to the job as the man who tried to kill her ten years ago is imprisoned there; it was her testimony that sent him to this institution. 

I chose this book because McFadden’s books are such best sellers and I had never read one.  I can see why she is so popular…she weaves a heck of a story.  There were the requisite twists, turns, and red herrings. There also were cliches, the story was a bit over the top, there were times I wanted to shake Brooke for her naiveté, and I thought there were a few unanswered questions.  Yet, I couldn’t put this book down.  Told in two timelines, it was a fast, engrossing read and my life stopped until I finished it. I loved the epilogue.  

 It is what I would describe as a popcorn thriller. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @poisonedpenpress for the DRC.

****

Lucky - Jane Smiley

 Lucky - Jane Smiley

Pub. Date: April 23, 2024

She read

Jodie Rattler grew up with a single mother in St. Louis, a city she loves and to which she continues to return.  Influenced by her family’s interest in music and the folk singers and other musicians of the 1960s, her talent brings her to the fringes of success, providing enough income to support her.   Always independent but with strong family ties, she makes conscious choices how she will live her life. As she passes through the stages of her life, she reflects back, determining whether they were the right alternatives for her.

Well written by Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley, this will appeal to fans of literary fiction, although I fear some readers may tire of the constant musical references and Jodie’s wanderings around England. For people of a certain age and fans of the folk rock genre, this is a nostalgic read recounting the songs and singers of the 60s, as well historical events dating from the early 60s.  There are some very poignant and insightful observations of the various stages of women’s lives and the options open to them. 

I don’t like to write spoilers. Suffice to say that there is a turn at the end of the novel that will cause some to say “brava” and others to say “what the…..?”.   Read the book to see in which camp you will be. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @aaknopf for the DRC.

****

A Calamity of Souls - David Baldacci

A Calamity of Souls - David Baldacci 

Pub. Date: April 16, 2024

She read; he will read it next

It is 1968 in southern Virginia, a place where some of the activities and certainly the attitudes of the abolished Jim Crow Laws are still evidenced to a large extent. Jack Lee is a young White man who has returned to his home town to practice law. Although he does not prescribe to the racial prejudices of many of the people with whom he grew up, he has never really done anything about the hate he sees around him. When a Black veteran of the Vietnam war, Jerome Washington, is charged with murdering the well to do elderly couple for whom he worked, Jack has the chance to do something. When outside forces try to bully him out of defending Jerome, he digs in his heels, just as his mother has taught him to do when facing tormentors.  

Jerome’s wife Pearl is then charged as an accomplice.  Jack worries that he, who has never argued a homicide case, won’t be up to the task. Desiree DuBoise, a Black litigator from Chicago who has participated in many high profile racial cases and even won one before the Supreme Court, partners with Jack as they face all the tension, lies, and grave danger of this racially charged case. As the trial takes on national notoriety, it also becomes a political issue, particularly for the campaign of George Wallace. 

This is a legal thriller; but, oh, it is so much more.  It chronicles the racial tension and injustice of the 1960s while also serving as a cautionary tale for our times as so much of the hate and vitriol expressed by some of the characters is still heard today.

Well written and plotted with characters that truly come to life, Baldacci weaves an edge of the seat tale while making a strong case for equal justice and opportunity for all. As I read this book, I felt an entire range of strong emotions from empathy, to sadness, frustration, anger to fear for our present day political situation.  A five star read that I highly recommend. I think it is Baldacci’s best!

Thanks to @netgalley and #grandcentralpublishing for the DRC. 

*****

The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux - Mandy Robotham

 The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux - Mandy Robotham

Pub. Date:  April 11, 2024

She read

Her publishing house wants to squeeze one more book out of 90 year old author Ruby Devereaux.  She has led a colorful life and her memoir might be just the thing. A Boy Friday is hired to assist her in recording her memories and also in providing her tea and refreshments.  She has traveled the world and had adventures few women of her time have experienced and chooses to recount her history by focusing on her interaction with twelve men in her life. Thus we learn of her history from the days of World War II through the present.  

I have read and enjoyed a number of Mandy Robotham’s historical fiction books, particularly those set during the World War II and Cold War eras.  This book is quite different and yet it is a chronicle of the times spanning the days from the 1940s onward.   While alternating chapters between a book within a book style and interactions with Ruby’s present publisher and staff, Robotham captures well the culture of the various time frames…including the post war peace, the machinations of the Cold War, the haze of the 60s, the hell of Vietnam…while also revealing the personal loves and pains of Ruby’s experiences, as well as a bit of the writing process  

Ruby is an indomitable character, and I enjoyed this romp through life with her. I also loved the different international settings, from London to New York, Venice, Budapest, Vietnam.

Thanks to @netgalley and @ariafiction for the DRC.

****

Weekends with You - Alexandra Paige

 Weekends with You - Alexandra Paige

Publication Date: April 9, 2024

She read

Long Islander (NY) Lucy is living in London developing her skill as a florist working in a small two person shop.  She loves her job but worries that the business might not make it.  When she becomes one of eight twenty somethings sharing a warehouse conversion, she falls for Henry, who is somewhat of an enigma.  The problem is Henry travels for his job as a photographer, returning to his room at the warehouse apartments only one weekend a month.  He makes clear that in his travels he hopes to find a place to call home as London no longer has anything for him.

The book is well written with some sweet (no  pun intended!) aspects and a unique  plot line.  However, I found the interaction between Lucy and  Henry to be very slow moving with no real spark.  That I was more interested in the information shared about the flowers and the monthly activities of the Warehouse Weekend than the relationship  between the two would be lovers does not bode well for the romance aspect of this romcom.  I looked forward to seeing what the group would be exploring on their planned weekends, but I cringed about the interaction between the two main characters. Other than admiring him physically, I couldn’t quite see what Lucy saw in him; he seemed quite emotionless; almost an automaton.  But, who can explain attraction to someone even though at heart we know they may not be good for us? 

I did like Lucy’s talent, ambition, and business acumen. 

Thanks to @netgalley and @avonbooks for the DRC

***

Off The Air - Christina Estes

 Off The Air - Christina Estes

Pub. Date:  March 26, 2024

She read

Jolene Garcia is a TV reporter trying to make a name for herself in the Phoenix market.  Somewhat hapless, she always seems to be one step behind JJ, the golden reporter from a rival station.  When a local contentious radio host is found dead by poison,  Jolene has the advantage of having been the last person to interview him. That advantage soon fades and once again she is playing catch up. When she gets a tip that may lead her to the murderer, will she solve the case, will she avoid endangering her life and will she finally win an Emmy?

Debut author Estes was an award winning reporter and demonstrates she knows her way around this sometimes toxic field.  There is a  fast paced plot, written with humor and characters that were endearing even when they were annoying. This was a refreshing break from some of the dark thrillers I have read recently and I enjoyed the emphasis on the pressure that TV and other journalists are under in this social media crazy world.  Estes even manages to squeeze in some geography and history lessons without being pedantic or preachy. 

I wonder, is this the beginning of a new cozy mystery series?  It  would be fun to read more about Jolene’s adventures. 

Thanks to @netgalley, @stmartinspress, and #minotaur for the DRC

A Great Country - Shilpi Somaya Gowda

A Great Country - Shilpi Somaya Gowda

She and he read.

 Ashok and Priya emigrated from India to the United States to build a better life.  They worked hard, and Priya gave birth to three children.  Their dreams are coming true as they have just moved to the exclusive Palisades Hills area.  But when their twelve year old neurodivergent son is arrested, a nightmare begins for the family and the parents learn a lot about their other two children, some cultural realities about America and the American dream. 

I loved this book and recommended it to my husband who also really liked it.  Well written and plotted, with fully developed characterizations, the author has her pulse on our present day social and political climate. It is an engrossing, fast read that I didn’t want to put down.

The immigrant experience felt by so many is captured and brought to life on the pages of this book.  People work hard, pay taxes, support the economy, provide essential services and yet are vilified.  There is prejudice, often inhumane treatment, and ever present feelings of vulnerability, especially if their skin is dark and the ever present conflict between trying to assimilate yet holding on to one’s heritage.  

I think this would make an excellent selection for a book club…so much “grist” for discussion…not only topics mentioned above but also policing, white privilege, systemic racism, stereotyping, generational differences, the price of upward mobility.  As an aside, it was interesting learning about the present day caste system in India.   

Thanks to @netgalley and @marinerbooks for the DRC.

*****

The Truth About the Devlins - Lisa Scottoline

 The Truth About the Devlins - Lisa Scottoline

Pub. Date:  March 26, 2024

She read

The Devlins and their family firm are legal royalty. Well, all except for TJ, a recovering alcoholic who has served time for negligence and endangerment caused by his disease.  Underneath the crown, though, there are problems.  Mother and sister are loving, supportive people, with Sister Gabby eschewing greed for pro bono work.  When the reader meets Father, he is an egocentric, harsh taskmaster. And something is going on with Brother John, who seems to have some problem that is causing his downward spiral and endangering not only TJ but perhaps the entire family. 

Well written by Lisa Scottoline whose thirty six novels demonstrate she knows her way around family drama, legal thrillers, and a good mystery,  there is humor, pathos, suspense and a strongly plotted story. The Truth about the Devlins is an engrossing, fast paced, page turning thriller.  

I have read many of Scottoline’s books and enjoyed them all.  If you are unfamiliar with her writing, this would make a good introduction to it.  For her fans, this is will be a worthy contribution to her body of work. 

Thanks to #netgalley and @putnambooks for the ARC.

The Mystery Writer - Sulari Gentill

 The Mystery Writer  - Sulari Gentill

Pub. Date: March  19, 20224

She read

Australian native Theodosia Benton quits law school to write a novel and moves in with her attorney brother, Gus, who has emigrated to Lawrence, Kansas.  While working on her project at a local coffee shop, she meets Dan, a famous but reclusive author who becomes more than just a mentor for her.  When she discovers his dead body, a nightmare begins in which both Theo and Gus are alternatively accused of killing him and also in which their lives are in danger from unknown forces.  Throw in online conspiracy theorists, doomsday preppers, and an ultra exclusive publishing house and the plot thickens.

Books about writers and the writing process are always interesting. Add a thriller to the mix and there are all kinds of possibilities.  Although the plot line is a bit wild and after starting out slow the timeline rapidly skips ahead, you are in for an enjoyable, multi layered read.  

I  did cringe at some of the naive choices Theo made, but, after all, she was raised by “feral” (hippie) parents in 

Tasmania, so what does she know of the cruel world?  And especially of a world that seems to be more and more overtaken by conspiracy theories and misinformation and the control they can excerpt over people? 

BTW - Lawrence, Kansas really is the home of Stull Cemetery which has a role in this plot and is purported to be one of the 7 “gateways to Hell.”

Thanks to #netgalley and @poisonedpenpress for the ARC.

Jaded - Ela Lee

 Jaded - Ela Lee

Pub. Date:  March 19, 2024

She read; he is reading it

The daughter of a Korean mother and Turkish father, Ceyda, known as Jade, spends long hours as an attorney for a London firm that fancies itself pro women and pro diversity.  After too much to drink at a firm gala, she wakes up naked with no memory of how she got home.  Slowly, she realizes she has been the victim of a sexual  attack by a co worker.  Struggling to deal with the trauma of the event while balancing career, a boyfriend who seems less than understanding, her traditional parents, and a complicit workplace, her life soon spirals out of control.  

This is a skillful  debut novel and one I hope will receive a lot of attention.  There is much here for reflection and discussion including the treatment of people of color, cultural misunderstandings, cultural identity, racism, consent, the legal system as related to sexual assault, and the  misogyny, bias, nepotism and false benevolence of the corporate culture. While difficult topics, they are presented with intelligence, realism, and empathy. 

And how beautiful and symbolic is this cover?

Thanks to #netgalley and @simonbooks for the ARC.

 

Still See You Everywhere - Lisa Gardner

 Still See You Everywhere - Lisa Gardner

Pub. Date: March 12,2024

She read

Frankie Elkin is is a recovering alcoholic who has lost her one great love and abandoned a settled life to devote herself to tracking down cold case missing people, often putting herself in danger. All of her possessions fit into one small suitcase as she travels around the country, seeking those whom others have forgotten. 

She is contacted by Kaylee,“The Beautiful Butcher”, a brutal serial killer on death row about to have her sentence carried out in three weeks to find the Butcher’s minority age sister, Lea, who was abducted twelve years ago by Kaylee’s former abusive lover, a wealthy mogul.  Her search takes her undercover to a remote tropical island on which he is to build an eco resort.  There she meets a cast of characters, some of whom may be a danger to her.  When the mogul and Lea show up, everyone’s life may be in peril.

This is the third in the Frankie Elkin series; I have read one other.  this would work well as a standalone. 

Lisa Gardner is a successful, prolific writer, and this is another good addition to her body of work.  Although I found the plot more than a bit unbelievable, it was a fast paced, engrossing, suspenseful read. I loved the description of the flora and fauna of the island, which is based on Gardner’s trip to the real life Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific. Read this if nothing else to learn and have nightmares about the omnivorous coconut crab! 

Thanks to #netgalley and @grandcentralpub for the ARC.

The Dubrovnik Book Club - Eva Glyn

 The Dubrovnik Book Club - Eva Glyn

Pub. Date: March h8, 2024

She read

Claire, a UK native staying with family in Dubrovnik, has recovered from long Covid.  Her experience with the disease has made her leery of mixing with people in public.  She must overcome her fear as she has been hired as the temporary manager of the Welcoming Bookstore.  There, she meets co worker Luna who is struggling with coming out in a somewhat non tolerant culture.  Their weekly book club at the store includes Karmela, a visiting professor of history doing research.  She tends to be a self isolate, an after effect of her experiences when her family fled Sarajevo at the start of the Yugoslav War. Claire also enlists her cousin, Vedran, to help with the club.  Vedran is dealing with his own issues, having once been falsely accused of the murder of his girlfriend after she mysteriously disappeared and then the target of vicious social media postings.  

Although there is a bit of, as Claire puts it, navel-gazing, the book is beautifully written and an endearing story.  Written from the POVs of the four MCs, overlying all the storylines is the beauty that is Dubrovnik along with the pain, tragedy, loss of the War.  It is about the bond of friendship and moving forward in life, no matter your adversities.  

I have spent time in Dubrovnik; Glyn’s picturesque descriptions of the old city brought it back to life for me. I also appreciated the refresher on some of the background of the city, including its early history as the Republic of Ragusa as well as the Siege of Dubrovnik. It was enough information to be interesting but not weigh down the plot. 

Although some of the characters are in an earlier book by Glyn, this is not part of a series.

Thanks to #Netgalley and @harpercollinsUK @onemorechapterHC for the ARC.