Strangers in Time - David Balducci

 Stranger in Time - David Balducci

Pub. Date:  April 15, 2025

She read

Fifteen year old  Molly Wakefield returns to war torn London from evacuation in the country in the middle of WWII to find her mother and father no longer in their prosperous home. Fourteen year old Charlie is making his way through the devastation of his home city without parents or schooling.Widower Ignatious Oliver operates a failing bookshop while serving as an air raid warden. This unlikely trio meet and become fast friends, supporting each other as the life that Molly and Charlie once knew  is blown away. Add to that the fact that someone seems to be following  Molly as she tries to learn what happened to her parents, Charlie is running from the law, and Oliver may be involved in some nefarious war activities. 

I really liked this story.I could not put the book down, curious to see what would happen next to this trio. I am not a huge fan of some of Baldacci’s contemporary series that often strain credulity;  I enjoy his standalone books so much more. His recent Calamity of Souls I thought was one of his best. 

Beautifully written, with characters that truly come to life, Balducci paints a desolate picture of life during the London attacks in this latest addition to his body of work. Yet, there is hope. The resiliency of and the bond among the three gives them dignity and is heartening despite all the horror. I really appreciated the denouement to see what transpired in these characters’ lives after the war. This is a tale that will remain with me for a long time.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #GrandCentralPublishing for the DRC.

*****

The Scientist and the Serial Killer - Lise Olsen

 The Scientist and the Serial Killer - Lise Olsen

Pub. Date: April 1, 2025

She read

In the 1970s, at least 27 teenage boys in Houston were kidnapped, sexually assaulted, tortured, murdered and buried by Dean Corll, given the moniker “The Candy Man.” Many were reported missing, but the police never put the cases together and in many instances wrote off the reports as kids who had run away.The horror these boys experienced was only made known when one of Corll’s young accomplices killed him. As bodies and bones were dug up, most of them were in such decayed condition that they couldn’t be identified. They became known as the “Lost Boys” until thirty years later when forensic anthropologist Sharon Derrick was determined to put a name to as many as she could, an effort that took years and was made possible only by scientific advances.  

This is an important story; one that needs to be told and especially the lesson of how, along with prejudice against “ hippies” and homosexuality, 

reports of poor teenagers missing from dysfunctional families were basically ignored by authorities. Equally important is the recounting of Derrick’s relentless search for the identity of the lost boys. The account, unfortunately, gets bogged down a bit in details, shifting timelines, and repetition. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #RandomHouse for the DRC.

***

The Influencers - Anna - Marie McLemore

 The Influencers - Anna-Marie McLemore

Pub. Date: April 15, 2025

She read

“Mother May I” Iverson has created a very lucrative social influencer realm, often on the backs of and to the detriment of her daughters, January, March, April, June, and July. When her second husband, August,  is found murdered and part of her mansion burned, her audience (and the police) carefully follow the family to try to discover the culprit. Soon the family’s true dysfunction becomes fodder for all. 

This book is a great idea. Written from different POVS, including May’s audience, it is very contemporary with some clever actions and Iines…a good satire with harsh truths about our social media driven world. However, it just went on too long. The story dragged. It could have been so much more entertaining if it just hadn’t been so bogged down in length. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #RandomHouseBooks for the DRC.

***

Coram House - Bailey Seybolt

 Coram House - Bailey Seybolt

Pub. Date: April 15, 2025

She read

It is 2010 and Alex, a true crime writer, is hired to ghostwrite the story of abuse during the 1960s at Coram House, a one time orphanage on Lake Champlain in Vermont operated by nuns and priests. Her employer is the attorney who represented former residents in a settlement with the Catholic Church. Her contract gives him total control over what she writes, as well as an NDA. Widowed, and the author of a second novel that led to some disgrace, she moves to Burlington in the middle of a cold, dark winter.  Haunted by the tale of Tommy, a young child supposedly drowned by Sister Cecile and another student, she doggedly investigates that part of the story despite the hostility toward her inquiries. When a murder occurs, and then another, she is convinced they are related to her investigation. Why the silence about Tommy and who is complicit in keeping it quiet? 

Wow!  What a debut novel! Inspired by the true story of abuse at Saint Joseph’s orphanage which operated in Vermont from 1854 to 1974, the book is atmospheric, twisty, and suspenseful. I could not put it down. I liked the writing technique of interspersing the story with testimony of some of the characters during the compensatory trial in the late 1980s. This was a great read.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Atriabooks for the DRC. 

*****

Their Dying Embrace - Helen Phifer

 Their Dying Embrace - Helen Phifer

Pub. Date: Feb. 3, 2025

She read

Detective Morgan Brooks is back on the job after being injured. When a couple two doors down from her and her partner, Ben’s house in Rydal Falls is found murdered, they take the case even though it is their day off. The murders are gruesome and suspicion falls on a number of different suspects. Tension mounts as Morgan finds a threatening note and someone close to her is assaulted in a similar manner to the dead couple’s attack. 

This is the fourteenth in the Morgan Brooks series. Helen Phifer is one of those authors for whom when I see her name, I request the title without reading the synopsis. She writes one of those books I have to force myself to put down or I would accomplish nothing until it is finished. This latest entry in the series does not disappoint. 

There are twists (wait til you read one of them!) in this suspenseful story. Morgan is a capable, empathetic female protagonist. I enjoy her character and the convivial, teasing relationships within the investigative team. 

As an aside, I smiled at the reference to Lisa Regan’s Josie Quinn series, another of my favorites.

If you enjoy mysteries, police procedurals, thrillers, check this one out.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

*****

Written in Stone - Paige Shelton

Written in Stone - Paige Shelton

Pub. Date: April 1, 2025

She read

Kansas born Delaney has married a Scotsman and is settled in Edinburgh, working in a charming bookshop. Delaney is thrilled; she and her husband have been invited to visit the home/studio of reclusive artist Ryory whose speciality is recreating historic Picts, stone carvings from the tattooed tribes who lived in Scotland more than 2,000 years ago.There, she has a chance meeting with Dr. Adam Pace who is from her home state and teaches at her alma mater. When Dr. Pace is murdered and nefarious activities on his part are revealed, Delaney, along with her cohorts from the bookshop, cannot resist investigating. 

An intriguing, cozy mystery with some delightful and quirky characters, this is a fast paced read. Although seeped in history, the role of 3D printers in the story made it quite contemporary. I liked this book and look forward to reading the next installment in the series. I particularly enjoyed learning more about the history of Scotland and a revisit to Edinburgh is always welcome.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinspress for the DRC.

****

 

The Unlucky Ones - Hannah Morrissey

 The Unlucky Ones - Hannah Morrissey

Pub. Date:  March 25, 2025

She read

Black Harbor is a dark place; crime ridden, derelict, drug filled. Hazel, a former police transcriber escaped the town and her abusive ex husband, Tommy, eight years ago and wrote a successful book based on Black Harbor.  When that husband is killed, she returns there, but why? Is it just to find out what happened to Tommy or to re kindle something with her former lover, police sergeant Nikolai Kole? As Kole and Hazel investigate, the true underbelly of Black Harbor is exposed. 

Morrissey paints a grittily atmospheric picture of Black Harbor, a town that most people long to leave. Well written and plotted, with strong character development, this was an engrossing read. There are rays of light in this dark tale.I did find Hannah’s motivations sometimes difficult to understand. 

This is the fourth in the Black Harbor series.  I read the third one that featured other characters, so this was my first introduction to Hazel and Kole who were protagonists in the first installment. This can be easily read as a standalone as the author recounts their history in the narrative.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress @Minotaur_books for the DRC.

****

The Man Who Swore He'd Never Go Home Again - David Handler

 The Man Who Swore He'd Never Go Home Again - David Handler

Pub. Date: March 18, 2025

She read

David Handler is author of the Stewart Hoag (Hoagy) mysteries featuring Lulu, the basset hound. Although this is the 16th in the series, it can be read as a standalone as it goes back in time to the 1980s and is the origin story of Lulu.

Hoagy has written a best seller and is enjoying his success when he meets well known actress, Merilee. Together, they acquire Lulu, a basset hound puppy and a vintage Jaguar. Hoagy’s father had owned a mill in Connecticut that was responsible for pollution and long term health concerns for the population. When he left for college, Hoagy swore he would never return home. That changes when his high school girlfriend calls to tell him her mother, beloved librarian of his hometown, has died. In fact, she was murdered. Hoagy, Merilee, and Lulu head off to the funeral where they witness the devastation left by the mill and its closing. As Hoagy reunites with old acquaintances, his life is suddenly in danger. 

I thought the dialog in the beginning a bit cheesy and perhaps this book wasn’t for me. But the storyline and characters drew me in and I found it to be a quick, entertaining read. Lulu, and her penchant for smelly fish based cat food and anchovies is a delight. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @PenzlerPub for the DRC.

****

Saltwater - Katy Hays

Saltwater - Katy Hays

Pub. Date: March 25, 2025

She read

A mystery/thriller set in Capri….how could I resist?

In 1992, Sarah Lingate fell or was pushed to her death on Capri, where her wealthy family vacationed each year. Her daughter, Helen, was three at the time.Thirty years later, the necklace that Sarah was wearing the night she died is sent anonymously to the family as they make their annual visit.

Atmospheric and suspenseful, family drama, twists, turns, deep held secrets, the monied class behaving badly; they are all here.  Who can anyone really trust? My favorite character in this novel is the island of Capri, beautifully portrayed by the author.This is a bit of a slow burn, but worth sticking with it through the end.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse for the DRC.

****

 

The Summer Guests - Tess Gerritsen

 The Summer Guests - Tess Gerritsen

Pub. Date:  March  18, 2025

She read

This is the second in a new series “The Martini Club" by best selling author Tess Gerritsen. It features retired spy Maggie Bird and her fellow former CIA operatives who dub themselvesThe Martini Club and now reside in Purity, Maine. 

A teenage girl, the grand daughter of a wealthy part time resident on the local lake, disappears and acting police chief Jo Thibodeau is faced with finding her. Maggie and her crew can’t resist getting involved in the investigation. When the skeleton of another young woman is found at the bottom of the lake, long held town and family secrets are revealed.

I really enjoy Gerritsen’s writing, and am a long time fan of her Rizzoli and Isles series. She has a great talent for captivating her readers and this book is no exception.

The story is well plotted, entertaining, and suspenseful. It makes an engrossing read, one I couldn’t put down. It is nice to have “mature" characters featured and so charmingly. There is some lightheartedness and I particularly appreciated the reflections on aging. I live in a resort area; Gerritsen realistically portrays the tension that often exists between locals/year rounders and visitors/part timers.

I have read both books in this series, however, this one can work as a stand alone. I can’t wait for the next installment.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @AmazonPublishing and #ThomasandMercer for the DRC.

*****

The Butterfly Trap - Clea Simon

 The Butterfly Trap - Clea Simon

Pub. Date:  March 4, 2025

She read

Anya is a struggling artist; Greg a doctor working in research. When they meet, he falls hard for what he sees as her butterfly like beauty. He leaves his job to become a surgical resident so that he can support Anya and her pursuit of artistic success. Despite his friend Pete’s attempt to poison Greg’s view of Anya, they marry. But like many relationships, there are secrets and their relationship slowly dissolves. The first half of the book is from Greg’s POV, the second from Anya’s. 

This was well written and the he said she said POVs an interesting approach. Wouldn’t we all like to know what our partner is really thinking, doing? However, I found all the characters truly unlikable. Despite that, it was an engrossing read although I found the ending and denouement a bit rushed. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @severnhouseimprint for the DRC.

***

The Answer is No - Fredrik Backman

 The Answer is No - Fredrik Backman

Lucas just wants to be left alone. His happy introverted world is upset when his apartment board appears at his door demanding to see his frying pan.  Someone has discarded a frying pan in the recycling room and they are out to find out who did it. One thing leads to another, the frying pan sparks a debris pile and Lucas continues to be accosted by the board and other people. 

Backman is one of my favorite authors; he is beloved by many. In true Backman fashion, there is humor, keen observations of human nature, pathos in this delightfully quirky short story. Take a break this holiday season and sit down with this quick read. Anyone who has ever lived in a condo will really appreciate it!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #AmazonoriginalStories for the DRC.

*****

A Dangerous Game - Mandy Robotham

 A Dangerous Game - Mandy Robotham

She read

Pub. Date :Jan. 16, 2025

Harri Schroeder is a police detective in Hamburg in 1952. Despite his anti Nazi proclivities, he survived World War II, although his wife and daughter did not. He is sent on assignment to London. Dexie is a widowed police constable in London. She yearns to do more than just walk the beat and be the one to bring tea to her fellow male officers. 

When He arrives in London, Harri learns that his assignment is to help identify a Nazi war criminal whom he knew as a young police recruit in Hamburg. After meeting Dexie, Harri is impressed by her and requests her as his teammate. They embark on a very dangerous cat and mouse chase made more difficult by the Great London Smog of 1952.

I really enjoy Mandy Robotham’s books and have read a number of them. This adds to her exceptional body of work. Well written, atmospheric, suspenseful, with fully developed characters, this was a five star read for me….another one I couldn’t put down.

Robotham’s books are always historically accurate and I enjoyed learning more of post World War II days in London, the Cold War, and the Great Smog.  

I recommend this for fans of historical fiction or anyone who just likes a good story with fascinating characters.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for the DRC.

*****