25 Alive

 25 Alive (Women's Murder Club) - James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Pub. Date: April 28,  2025

She read

The Women’s Murder Club is back in action when Lindsay Boxer’s former partner, mentor and friend Warren Jacobi is murdered and she heads the investigation. Meanwhile, Yuki is in danger prosecuting a cartel family member for murder which Joe, Lindsay’s FBI husband, gets involved with.

This is the twenty fifth in this best selling mystery series. I have read most of them, although I missed the last few. It was nice being reacquainted with these characters, whom I enjoy.

Trust Patterson and this series to deliver a fast paced, suspenseful story with twists, red herrings, and colorful characters. Fans of this series will welcome this addition. Anyone new to The Women’s Murder Club will have no difficulty catching up with the characters and their professional and personal relationships. This may be my first beach read recommendation of the year!

*****

Thanks to #NetGalley and @LittleBrown for the DRC.

Nightshade - Michael Connelly

 Nightshade - Michael Connelly

Pub. Date: May 20, 2025

She read

trouble. The latest one is stubborn, hard nosed, but very capable  Detective Stilwell. While building a relationship with a local woman, he is faced with solving two crimes; the beheading of a protected buffalo and the body of a young woman found trapped under the sea. While investigating, he crosses some lines and is also forced to work with an old nemesis. 

I have enjoyed Michael Connelly’s books for more years than I care to count so am thrilled that he is introducing a new character in this, his fortieth novel. Connelly writes consistently captivating stories; this is a solid addition to his body of work.

Well plotted, with memorable characters, Nightshade is an engrossing read. I always appreciate the bits of humor Connelly injects into his books. If you are a fan of this author, you will welcome this new character and setting. If he is new to you, be sure to get in on the ground floor of this first of a series.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @LittleBrown for the DRC.

*****

The Doorman - Chris Pavone

 The Doorman - Chris Pavone

She and he read

Pub. Date: May 20, 2025

As readers can easily find an online synopsis of this book, I am not going to summarize it other than to say it is the story of a doorman at an exclusive upper Manhattan apartment building and some of its inhabitants set in the social and political sphere of contemporary times. I don’t like to compare one book to another, but, for me, it is this generation’s Bonfire of the Vanities.

Well plotted and suspenseful, Pavone’s characterizations are masterful. He captures the pulse of New York City, along with the nuances and issues reflective of our societal and political culture. Here is social class, fiscal struggling and striving, racism, prejudice, blowback from so called woke values and initiatives. There are sharp, attuned, sometimes poignant observations of life. I did not want to put this book down and flew through it. Oh, and, yes, it is also a thriller.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @fsgBooks for the DRC.

*****

Hidden Angels - Carolyn Arnold

 Hidden Angels - Carolyn Arnold

Pub. Date: Feb. 20, 2025

She read 

SO HAPPY TO BE ON THE BOOK TOUR!

When Cameron Cofell takes a local priest hostage, a stray bullet exposes human remains in the wall of a church. Cameron believes the priest is responsible for covering up the abuse he received at the hands of his now deceased parents.The human remains are those of a teenage girl who was abducted more than thirty years ago. Detective Amanda Steele and partner Trent Stenson investigate this heartbreaking case which uncovers long hidden secrets and puts another life in danger. 

This is yet another of Arnold’s fast paced, suspenseful police procedurals.She is one of my go to authors and does not disappoint. She knows how to capture and maintain readers' interest and keep them briskly turning the pages. I enjoy the repeating characters, especially Amanda who, despite an earlier tragedy in her life, is a strong, capable, independent female. Yes, she has her flaws and one of them may be caring too much. 

This is the thirteenth in the Prince William County (VA) Detective Amanda Steele series. Although I have read many of them, I think this would work as a standalone. 

If you are a fan of police procedurals, and well written, flowing stories with good character development, do check out this series.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

*****

My Friends - Fredrik Backman

My Friends - Fredrik Backman

Pub. Date: May 20, 2025

She and he read

What can I say about a Fredrik Backman novel that hasn’t already been said? I have loved every one of his that I have read. 

I am not going to attempt to give a short synopsis of this book. You can read on online blurb about it in many places.

This beautifully written book is amusing, poignant, heartbreaking, heartwarming. It is about friendship, the joy and pain of friendships and growing up, found family, the nature of art, art as salvation. Backman’s character development is at his best here. There are so many memorable observations and compelling lines….if you are an underliner, you will be kept very busy noting outstanding parts. 

Take your time reading and savoring this story and all it says about life. BTW, healso read this and said it was the best book he had ever  read. 

My DRC was provided by #NetGalley and @AtriaBooks in exchange for an honest review.

******

Class Clown - Dave Barry

 Class Clown - Dave Barry

Pub. Date: May 13, 2025

She Read

This is self proclaimed "wiseass" Dave Barry’s memoir. For those not fortunate to be familiar with some of his work, this Pulitzer Prize winner is most known for his syndicated newspaper humor columns through the years. Growing up in the 50s and 60s, he recounts memories of those times, his family, his early career, his foray into following politics as a journalist, being involved in the film industry, a member of a rock band, and other experiences. And, yes, he was voted “class clown” in high school.

Reading this, I was laughing out loud by page 2. It is entertaining, witty, intelligent, irreverent, poignant as he shares his autobiography sprinkled with snippets from his columns. Boomers will particularly enjoy his reminiscences through the years and his take on the aging process. 

 In these dark days, we all need something light and humorous to raise our spirits. I particularly liked his reassuring message to readers at the end of the book. It is worth reading for that alone….

*****

Thanks to #NetGalley and @SimonBooks for the DRC

Husband Missing - Lisa Regan

 Husband Missing - Lisa Regan

Pub. Date: March 19, 2025

She read

Josie Quinn has a significant early history which, in this case, comes back to haunt her as her beloved husband, Noah has been abducted.Josie returns home from the scene of a murder to find her house in disarray, blood splatter, and Noah missing. All hands are on deck as the frantic search for him is underway. 

This is another page turner from Lisa Regan.Well written, there is suspense, twists, horror, poignancy. There are some brutal truths here about abuse and its generational effects. In this book, readers learn more details about Josie’s background and it delves a bit more into her psyche as she tries to cope with the devastation of Noah’s disappearance, what may become of him, and the fact that she is not supposed to be involved in investigating this case. 

I enjoyed seeing the bond grow closer between Josie and her birth family as their protective instincts are displayed.I do like how throughout the series, Regan’s characters show growth and change with time and experience. I like Josie; she is a strong, capable, intelligent, though vulnerable young woman. A new character, Turner, was introduced a few books back who has been aptly nicknamed Douchebag by her. I was glad to see that he is finally starting to show some sparks of humanity!

Counting the hours since Noah’s abduction is a good technique that added to the suspense of the story. I also picked up on the hint Regan dropped that foreshadowed the cliff hanger ending….see if you do too. I do hope we find out soon the connection between Turner and Trinity, Josie’s sister, as she certainly seems to be a “Turner Whisperer.

This is the twenty second in the series.  Although I think I have read all of them, this would work as a standalone as the author does an excellent job of filling in Josie’s background.However, I think it might be helpful to have some familiarity with the characters by having read some of the previous installments.

If you like well written police procedurals/thrillers, and are not familiar with this series, I highly recommend it. I can’t wait for #23.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

*****

The Human Scale - Lawrence Wright

 The Human Scale - Lawrence Wright

Pub. Date: March 11, 2025

He and she readAfter recovering from injuries received from a bomb and still dealing with memory issues, FBI agent Tony Malik decides to explore his paternal Palestinian roots by attending a family wedding in Gaza. While there, the chief of police is beheaded and Tony becomes a prime suspect. Once cleared, he teams up with an Israeli police inspector to investigate the murder.

Wow! What an excellent book, well written by Pulitzer Prize winning author, Lawrence Wright. More than just a mystery/thriller, Wright delves into the historical roots of both the Arabs and Israelis and their conflict, with the archival and mythical flowing seamlessly back and forth with the contemporary plot. The story follows characters on both sides, exploring their backgrounds and experiences, culminating in the October 6, 2023 attack in Israel.

Engrossing and informative, I learned much of the historical perspective of both the Arabs and the Israelis. Unfortunately, it left me with the feeling that there will never be justice, peace, or the resolution of this conflict. Despite many peace seeking people on both sides, the hatred and the atrocities that have been inflicted do not seem that they can be overcom

This is a very worthwhile read. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @AAKnopf for the DRC.

Note: He also thought it a five * read

*****

Message Deleted - K.L. Slater

 Message Deleted - K.L. Slater

Pub. Date: March 3, 3035

She read

Saffy receives three text messages from her best friend, Leona, indicating she may be in danger, but then the messages are deleted. Fearing for her friend, she rushes to her home to find all is reportedly well, with Leona denying she sent any texts. Shorty thereafter, Leona, her husband and daughter are missing, blood left behind in their home and Saffy is the main suspect. Her life spirals out of control as she tries to investigate on her own.

Written from different POVs, this psychological thriller/crime mystery, is another page turner from author K.L. Slater, albeit a bit of a slow burn; there were times when I said to myself, “get on with it.” The different timelines allow the story to gradually reveal the history and significant events in the lives of the main characters that culminates in the crime and ultimate solution of the mystery. I have to say I did find the behavior of the police quite obnoxious! 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

****

I Will Blossom Anyway - Disha Bose

 I Will Blossom Anyway - Disha Bose

Pub. Date: May 6, 2025

He and she read

Calcutta born Durga leaves her family for a job in Ireland where she meets Joy, her new BFF and Joy's brother, Jacob, with whom she falls in love. Enjoying the freedom of an independent life, she also recognizes her role in her family and how her new life would be viewed by them. Because she fears her family will not accept Jacob, she hesitates telling her family about him. When she doesn’t invite him to her sister’s wedding in India, they break up. The  nostalgia of returning home for the wedding entices her back to that culture, but is it enough to give up her new life in Ireland?

A fast contemporary read with flowing prose, this coming of age novel touches on so many themes. There is the struggle between finding your own way and obligations to your family, living a cross culture life, taking control of your life, and the misunderstandings that can occur when we prejudge our family’s dynamics. I enjoyed learning more about the Indian culture, particularly the traditions surrounding a wedding and Hindu myths…and all the references to food. I liked the woman Durga became. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse for the DRC.

****

Parents Weekend - Alex Finlay

 Parents Weekend - Alex Finlay

Pub. Date: May 6, 2025

She read

It is Parents’ Weekend at an expensive northern California college. Everyone is on edge because a student has been reported missing. Then five other students who knew the first one also go missing. As the reader learns about the parents of the five students, campus police and FBI Agent Sarah Keller, recently redeployed to this area, search frantically for them.

I have read and enjoyed a few of Alex Finlay’s books and this adds to his body of work.The story is told from multiple points of view, including that of the families of the missing students; they all have secrets they are hiding.It is another example of dysfunctional wealthy people behaving badly. While many of the players were dislikable in their own ways, I do like the FBI agent, Sarah Keller, who has appeared in other Finlay novels, and her family.  She is a great character. 

Along with the mystery and suspense, there are contemporary themes of the danger of social media and predatory behaviors. It makes for a fast paced, entertaining read. 

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

****

Death on Wolf Fell - Nick Oldham

 Death on Wolf Fell - Nick Oldham

Pub. Date: May 6, 2025

She read

Sergeant Jessica Raker has relocated her family from London to rural Lancashire. There is an organized crime ring responsible for drugs and thefts in the area. She is determined to take them down, especially the female head, an enemy of hers from school days. Wolf Fell Hall, a stately home, seems to be the center of their activity and after an incident there, the thrilling chase is on, leaving victims in the wake. 

A fan of British police procedurals, I wanted to try a new to me author. This is the second in a series by Nick Oldham. While I did not read the first one, this worked well as a stand alone.

This is a fast paced thriller with a good story line, action, and well developed characters. All this makes for an entertaining read.  I liked Jessica, an all too human but dedicated individual struggling with some personal issues while trying to make a way for herself in her new position. I look forward to the next installment in this series. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #SevernHouseImprint for the DRC.

****

Murder by Cheesecake - Rachel Ekstrom Courage

 Murder by Cheesecake - Rachel Ekstrom Courage

Pub. Date: April 15, 2025

She read

Based on the characters from the TV show, The Golden Girls, this is a new cozy mystery series. Rose’s niece and fiancé are in Miami to get married. Rose is trying to give them a traditional  St. Olaf wedding while the groom to be’s parents who own a swanky hotel have other ideas. When a man Dorothy meets on a date through a VHS dating service shows up dead in the freezer of the hotel, suspicion falls on her. As Rose is trying to arrange all the quirky details of a St. Olaf wedding, she balances that with working with her three friends to clear Dorothy’s name.

After reading quite a few dark mystery/thrillers in a row, I was up for something lighter, so chose this book. It was a fine palate cleanser as the Golden Girls romp through Miami. If you are a fan of the show, you will enjoy revisiting these entertaining characters in a new situation. It had their distinctive wit and charm. I do think some of the story, especially the St. Olaf references and preparation for the wedding went on a bit too long. Hard to believe that after 40 years, the spirit of these four women can still bring a smile to our lives. After reading this, you may well find yourself wanting some cheesecake, unless you are from St. Olaf in which case you may crave herring.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HyperionAveBooks for the DRC.

***

I See You've Called in Dead - John Kenney

 I See You've Called in Dead - John Kenney

Pub. Date: April 1, 2025

She read

Touted as “The Office meets Six Feet Under”, this tells the story of Bud Stanley, a divorced, middle aged, lonely, on the down slide writer of obituaries who, one drunken night, writes and files his own obituary, greatly exaggerating his accomplishments. His newspaper wants to fire him but is prevented from doing so because the company’s computer has him listed as dead, and they can’t fire a dead man. Dismissed pending a hearing, Bud learns some life lessons from both the living and the dead. 

I had to think a bit about how I felt about this read and then realized how much I really liked it. Well written by a Thurber prize winning author,  there are witty lines, laugh out loud moments, and profound observations. It is also poignant and at times sad, but, ultimately, an affirmation of life. I also loved Kenney’s vignettes of life in New York City.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and @ZibbyPublishing for the DRC.

*****

Death at Horsey Mere - Ross Greenwood

 Death at Horsey Mere - Ross Greenwood

Pub. Date: March 1, 2025

She read

This is the fourth in the #Norfolkmurders series. Although I did read the prior one in the sequence, this can be read as a stand alone.The author kindly provides a directory of the cast of police characters at the beginning of the novel.

 Ashley Knight has been promoted from DI to DS! She and her team become involved in an international crime syndicate when two young local women are missing. Soon they learn of other missing persons and dead bodies start showing up. 

For those with trigger warnings: the storyline includes human trafficking, abduction of young women, and some gruesome attacks. 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, while the writing pulls you in in this engrossing, can’t put down read. There are twists and turns…one you probably won’t see coming! Atmospheric, the descriptions of the Norfolk surroundings are vivid and evocative.  

If you enjoy police procedurals featuring capable female detectives, I encourage you to check out this book. This author/series has been added to my “must read” list. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for the DRC.

****

Nobody's Fool - Harlan Coben

 Nobody's Fool - Harlan Coben

Pub. Date: March 25, 2025

She read

When disgraced former police officer turned independent detective Sami Kierce  was a college student traveling in Spain, he woke up one morning next to a dead woman and found himself holding a bloody knife. He fled the scene, but the incident changed the course of his life. Now, twenty five years later, he thinks he sees the woman he thought murdered. As he tries to find the woman, long held secrets unravel and danger is near.

This is the second in the Detective Sami Kierce series.  I read the first one, Fool Me Once, but it was in 2016 and since I have read well over 1000 books since, I honestly don’t remember it so basically this was a standalone for me and it worked as one. 

Multiple plot lines, an intriguing, twisty story, and colorful supporting characters make this another winner by Coben. It also raises some interesting social and familial issues. It is a fast paced, engrossing, hard to put down read.

Since Fool Me Once  was made into a Netflix series, I am looking forward to this one also being adapted.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #GrandCentralPublishing for the DRC.

*****

Breaking the Dark - Lisa Jewell

 Breaking the Dark  - Lisa Jewell

Pub. Date: March 25, 2025

She read

Jessica Jones has retired as a super hero and lives in Hell’s Kitchen, New York as a private investigator. When Amber Randall seeks out her services because her teenage twins returned from a trip to visit their father in the UK as changed people. They seem to have been replaced by “perfect” specimens. Jessica’s investigation takes her to a small village in England where she too seems to fall under some type of spell. Upon her return to New York, it is up to Jessica and occasional lover Luke Cage to unravel the mystery and put a stop to a nefarious plan.

My bad….I guess I responded to Lisa Jewell as the author (I have read many of her thrillers) and didn’t read close enough that this is a Marvel novel, the first in what is to become a series. Superheroes, sci fi and fantasy are not my typical genre choices. But, I approached the book with an open mind, suspended belief and thoroughly enjoyed the story/mystery. While it didn’t sell me on this genre, I did find myself totally engrossed in the plot.

If you enjoy Lisa Jewell’s writing, but are not a fan of fantasy/Marvel, do give this read a chance. You may like it as much as I did.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HyperionAveBooks for the DRC.

****

My Name is Emilia Del Valle - Isabel Allende

 My Name is Emilia Del Valle - Isabel Allende

Pub. Date: May 6, 2025

She read

In the 1800s, a young Irish woman about to become a nun has a relationship with a Chilean aristocrat and becomes pregnant, giving birth to a daughter she names Emilia Del Valle, after the father who abandons her. All her life, Emilia is told that, despite having a loving step father, she must connect with her birth father and collect her due. An independent spirit, Emilia wants to become a writer and begins writing dime novels under a male pseudonym. Her dream is to become a journalist and she does so for a San Francisco newspaper, but is told she must continue to use the pseudonym. She travels to Chile during their civil war as a correspondent and finally is allowed to use her real name. There, she discovers the barbarity of war, the love of her life, her birthright family, and searches for her soul. 

I really enjoy Allende’s writing and this book adds to her considerable body of literature. She is a skillfull story teller who writes beautiful prose. Allende is known for her magical realism, so the book is fantastical at times, but a truly compelling read. There is so much here….adventure, the brutality of war, especially a civil war, romance, family bonds, cultural heritage, historical accounting, as well as a strong and endearing female character. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse for the DRC.

*****

A Darker Reality - Anne Perry

 A Darker Reality - Anne Perry

She read

Set in the 1930s, young MI6 agent Elena Standish is visiting Washington DC with her parents for her wealthy grandparents anniversary. She barely knows them, having met them only when she was a child.Her British father’s role as ambassador around the world prevented many visits. During the anniversary party, which President Roosevelt and Elenor attended, a young woman, Lila, is killed The evidence points to her grandfather and he is arrested. When Elena discovers the dead woman was a British spy, she works with another agent to uncover the truth. Could her grandfather’s right wing ideas and participation in the Free America movement have played a role in his arrest and just what information was Lila privy to? After all, her husband is a scientist working on splitting the atom and perhaps developing a powerful weapon of war. 

More than a mystery, this is an important book because of the social and political issues raised. Perry captures well the conflicting political views prior to the US entry into World War II.

Although published in 2021, this book may be more pertinent now given what is happening worldwide. The Free America organization in the novel seems to parallel “America First”, a slogan often used to promote racist, xenophobic and isolationist ideas. Pointing out the wide difference in political views, a character notes that “this is healthy, but not when it turns violent.” There are some wonderful quotes in the text of this novel; one that has stayed with me is “patriotism is pretty universal and has been the justification for some of the worst acts on earth.”

There is some beautiful prose in this novel, especially when describing the landscape. Yes, there is some repetition, but I was able to easily overlook it for the message that this book conveyed.

This is the third in the series. Although I have read quite a few of Anne Perry’s many novels, I did not read the first two Elena Standish stories. This did work well as a standalone.There are two subsequent entries in the series; Anne Perry passed away in 2023.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse for the DRC.

*****

Hidden in Smoke - Lee Goldberg

 Hidden in Smoke - Lee Goldberg

Pub. Date: April 22, 2025

She read

Veteran arson investigator Walker and his fairly new partner, former US Marshall Sharpe are back in action chasing down arsonists. Both Walker and Sharpe, nicknamed Shar Pei because of his uncanny resemblance to one, are unique characters, a bit unconventional, but full of wit and intelligence. Best of all in this book, they have some opportunities to team up with Eve Ronin, a detective from one of Goldberg’s other popular series of which I am a fan.

With a few storylines, this is a fast paced thrill ride. I really enjoy the humorous wise cracks throughout the book and the relationship between the partners .A bit over the top at times, it is an entertaining read. An added bonus is insight into the investigative process involved in arson.

 This series is a unique take on crime fiction/mystery/thriller. The third installment,  I did read and enjoy the first two. Although characters from a previous story appear, this would work as a standalone.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasandMercer for the DRC.

****