Death at the White Hart - Chris Chibnall

 Death at the White Hart - Chris Chibnall

Pub. Date: June 10, 2025

She read

A dead body is found in the middle of the road in a Dorset coastal community. The victim has been tied to a chair, with stag antlers attached to his head. Detective Nicola Bridge has just transferred here, her hometown, from Liverpool. Thinking this will be a quiet location, she finds herself immediately coping with a homicide, few support staff, and many suspects. 

From the creator of Broadchurch, this has some of the same, small village quirkiness as the TV show. Well plotted, it is an engrossing, suspenseful read; entertaining, with a bit of humor. There are colorful characters, red herrings, twists, and turns. I like Nicola, a capable individual dealing with personal issues while doing her best at her job. I also like Harry, her younger, less experienced partner who proves to be adept. 

I hope this will become a book series by Chibnall and perhaps optioned for TV as well.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #VikingPenquin for the  DRC.

The Book of Everyday Resistance - Lori Perkins, Christopher Golden, Jessica Pipp, Michele Hornish, David Freed, Ed Stein, Riki Wilchins

The Book of Everyday Resistance - Lori Perkins, Christopher Golden, Jessica Pipp, Michele Hornish, David Freed, Ed Stein, Riki Wilchins

 This is a book of essays responding to our present political situation in the US. The entries are written by people with a variety of backgrounds, including attorneys, teachers, writers, artists, poets, mothers, fathers. They all have been affected in some way by what is happening right now.

Mostly prose, there is some poetry, all providing ways in our lives that we can feel we are doing something to address our concerns. Some of the essays miss a bit, others are right on, some heartbreaking, others uplifting….but they are all worthwhile reads.

Whether you feel helpless, hopeless, enraged, indifferent, there is something here to help with those feelings and what individuals can do to effect positive change.

Available as a free download to all by the publisher (Riverdale Ave Books), I have recommended this quick read to all my friends.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Riverdaleavebooks for the DRC.

*****

The Sublet - Greer Hendriks

 The Sublet - Greer Hendriks

She read

Anne is a ghost writer who has just signed an NDA to write a motivational wellness book for Melody Wells. A bit overwhelmed with balancing the demands of her job with married life and twin children, Anne and her family are in desperate need of a larger apartment. Melody assists her by telling her about an almost too good to be true sublet that is available. After she moves, Anne realizes all may not be as it appears in the new apartment and the history of its previous tenant.

This is a short story written by an author who has co authored a number of books I have enjoyed. This was a quick, but entertaining read. It is a mystery bordering on horror. I loved how Hendriks captured the “new agey”  and cringiness of Melody, a wellness guru. I did think that the story wrapped up a very quickly.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #AmazonPublishing for the DRC.

****

A Question of Betrayal - Anne Perry

 A Question of Betrayal - Anne Perry

She read

Elena Standish, posing as a photographer, is sent to Trieste to rescue fellow MI6 agent Aiden Strother. He is her former lover who betrayed her and possibly his country. It is 1933 and Hitler and Mussolini are ascending. These are dangerous times. Meanwhile, Elena’s sister travels to Germany for the marriage of a friend to a rising star in the Gestapo. Back in Britain, their grandfather, former head of MI6, is tipped off that there are traitors in the government who are helping to fund the Nazis. 

This has been on my TBR for a long time.  It is the second in the Elena Standish series. I read the third one, liked it, and wanted to go back and read the prior installments.

Well written with much historical accuracy, there is suspense, intrigue, and even fashion commentary. It makes for a fast, engrossing read.

Although it was released in 2020 and takes place in 1933, this book may be more pertinent today given our present political climate. There are so many quotes here that resonated with me and I saw as a warning for our times.I found myself underlining line after line to go back to read and think about later. 

This could work well as a standalone.There are three subsequent entries in the series; Anne Perry passed away in 2023.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse #BallantineBooks for the DRC. 

*****

#AQuestionofBetrayal #AnnePerry #Mystery #

All Roads Lead to Rome - Yamile Saied Méndez

All Roads Lead to Rome - Yamile Saied Méndez

 Stevie Choi’s plans for her future encounter a detour by a tragedy when she is seventeen. She compensates for her heartbreak by becoming successful in her chosen job. While attending a friend’s wedding in Rome, she meets handsome, charming Cristian. She has been warned about him, but the attraction is there. Despite living far apart, they choose to remain friends until something tears them apart. Will they ever be reunited and will Stevie find peace in her life? 

The synopsis I read about this book did not emphasize that the traumatic event in Stevie’s life at seventeen and that the long lasting intrusion and affects of grief were an important part of this story, as well as the cool treatment of her by her mother. Had it, I might not have chosen this book. However, it did turn out to be an engaging read. There is not a lot of com in the rom com of this story, yet I liked Stevie’s character and was rooting for her. There is a lot here…friendship, found family, healing, learning to pursue your dreams. Incidentally, despite the title, not a lot of time is spent in Rome. Actually, there is more about Utah, where Stevie lives, along with a captivating visit to Egypt. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @KensingtonBooks for the DRC.

****

To Hell With It - Claire Frances

 To Hell With It - Claire Frances

Pub. Date: June 1, 2025

She read

Pearl is a young woman living in Ireland whose life is inhibited by her OCD. A chance encounter with a handsome stranger ends up with him naked in her bed. She falls for him and with support from her therapist and friends, she uncharacteristically follows him to New Zealand. 

Written by a debut author with wit and compassion, the story is predictable but nevertheless engaging. The first person perspective made me feel close to Pearl. I enjoyed the humor displayed throughout, especially that from Pearl’s best friend, Una. I loved that the townspeople accepted her and often made accommodations for her OCD. There was good insight into some of the coping strategies for people with this condition. There is personal growth for Pearl, but the author is clear that there is no simple “ fix” for this malady.

Thanks to #Netgalley and @OneMoreChapterHC for the DRC.

****

Fox - Joyce Carol Oates

 Fox - Joyce Carol Oates

Pub. Date: June 17, 2025

She read

Trigger Warnings: pedophilia, self harm, graphic descriptions; sensitive readers may find it disturbing.

There is so much to this psychological thriller. In short, a charismatic, chameleon pedophile infuses himself into and captivates an exclusive private school, affecting the lives of students, staff, and residents of a small town in Southern New Jersey. When his car and decayed body are found in a local waterway, the story of his life unravels as do the lives of those around him.

Despite the dark subject, this is beautifully written and despite the length (600+ pages), riveting. With well developed characterizations, there are multiple POVs and dual timelines. The story is unsettling, compelling, realistic, thought provoking and one that just may stay with you a while. 

The publisher’s synopsis notes this book is reminiscent of Lolita and The Talented Mr. Ripley….and it is.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse for the DRC.

*****