The Seeker of Lost Paintings - Sarah Freethy

 The Seeker of Lost Paintings - Sarah Freethy

She read

In a captivating tale told in dual timelines, the story alternates between 1997 and 1940s Italy. In 1997, Beatrice Fremont, a young woman living in London, grapples with the loss of her mother, Maddelena, and the looming threat of losing her home if she can’t find the necessary funds to save it. Seeking guidance, she approaches an art dealer, Jude Adler, to examine some paintings and photographs left behind by her parents. Among them, he discovers what he believes to be a quarter of a painting by Caravaggio, igniting their investigation into the painting’s history and the missing pieces.

As the story unfolds, the narrative shifts back to wartime Italy, revealing the history of Maddalena and Beatrice’s father’s romance and the provenance of the painting. This historical backdrop provides a rich tapestry of context, enhancing the emotional impact of the unfolding mystery.

The novel delves into a wide range of themes, including art history, romance, family relationships, mysteries, secrets, wartime experiences. The beautifully crafted prose and intriguing plot make it a compelling read. The dual timelines are seamlessly interwoven, creating a narrative that keeps the reader engaged. It is well researched, with richly drawn characters that add depth and emotional resonance to the story. While the narrative maintains a suspenseful tone, it also manages to evoke a profound sense of empathy and understanding, particularly through the personal stories of the characters who endured the horrors of wartime and occupation.

Sarah Freethy’s second novel is a testament to her talent as an author. Her debut novel, “The Porcelain Maker,” was equally well-crafted, beautifully written, and deeply moving. As she establishes herself as a prominent figure in the literary world, she is an author to follow.

Thanks to @Sarah.freethy and @SimonandSchuster for the DRC.

*****

Broken Circle - Matt Brolly

 Broken Circle - Matt Brolly

Pub. Date: April 28, 2026

She read

This is the third installment of Matt Brolly’s latest series featuring DS Liam Kilshaw, set along the Cornish Coast. I’ve read all three of them, and while I believe this could be a standalone novel, reading the previous ones provides more context for the characters.

DS Kilshaw is a divorced former Marine grappling with PTSD stemming from a near-drowning incident during his service. The discovery of a teenage girl’s body, posed in a stone circle with her face covered in clay, sets the stage for a chilling investigation. Legend has it that the circle appeared when young females were turned to stone for dancing on the sabbath. As more dead youths are found in locations tied to local myths, Kilshaw collaborates with his boss, Maya, to unmask this cold-blooded killer.

Brolly once again weaves a captivating blend of myth and psychopathy in this gritty, fast-paced, and suspenseful read. Although there is a suspect in focus, there are enough red herrings to make the reader question who the perpetrator might be. The book is a fast paced, atmospheric mystery, thriller, police procedural. 

Liam is an intriguing character, and I particularly enjoy the working dynamic between him and Maya. Additionally, I found the exploration of the local legends fascinating.

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

****

How to Cheat Your Own Death - Kristen Perrin

 How to Cheat Your Own Death - Kristen Perrin

Pub. Date: April 28, 2028

She read

Annie Adams travels from Castle Knoll to London to visit her artist mother, Laura. Laura’s life takes a chilling turn when she discovers an animal’s heart on her doorstep, and soon after, a young woman she has been mentoring is found dead, with her heart removed. This gruesome murder echoes a similar case that occurred in 1968, as chronicled in Annie’s Aunt Frances’ diary. The story behind that murder is slowly revealed by reading the entries in the diary. Haunted by a long ago prophecy about her family’s demise, the tension escalates as Annie grapples with the possibility that her life and her mother’s are in danger.

This is book three of Castle Knoll Files; it is the first I have read. While the plot is intriguing and the structure well-crafted, I found it challenging to connect with any of the characters. Perhaps if I had read the previous installments, they would have resonated with me more.

One major twist in the book was predictable. The dual timeline works, one reason being the use of different fonts for the past and the present.  The ending leaves a promising opening for the next installment in the series.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @DuttonBooks for the DRC.

*** ½

Cognitive Behavioral Precision Therapy - Matthew McKay, Patrick Fanning, Erica Pool

 Cognitive Behavioral Precision Therapy - Matthew McKay, Patrick Fanning, Erica Pool

Pub. Date: April 1, 2026

She read

This comprehensive guide, subtitled “A Clinician’s Guide to Delivering Personalized Treatment for Mood Disorders,” employs cognitive behavioral techniques to provide clinicians with an in-depth understanding of the steps involved in creating individualized treatment plans for various emotional distresses. The book emphasizes the importance of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and includes specific examples to illustrate these techniques. Once published, the book will also feature a website with additional resources to support clinicians in developing treatment plans and techniques.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @NewHarbinger for the DRC.

*****

Stolen Family - Lisa Regan

 Stolen Family - Lisa Regan

Pub. Date: April 9, 2026

She read

During a festival and oppressive heat wave in Denton, PA, a mother and daughter are found murdered while glamping on the festival grounds. The only clue left at the scene are some rare flowers. Soon after, the estranged wife and daughter of one of Detective Josie Quinn’s colleagues are reported missing. Josie and her team race to solve the murders and find the missing women before they meet the same fate. 

This is the 24th book in the Josie Quinn series, and I have read all of them. However, if you are new to the series, it would work as a standalone as the author does an excellent job of filling in the backstories of the characters. 

This is one of my favorite series. As soon as a new installment becomes available, I stop everything I am doing and sit down to read it. The characters are well-developed and have evolved over time. I like Josie.  She is a capable, intelligent, though vulnerable young woman. Finally, readers get insight into the chameleon personality of the character Josie has given the moniker, “Douchbag”, Kyle Turner, the newest member of the team.  Does he have some humanity after all? 

This is cleverly plotted and thrilling as the tension builds and the mystery unravels. It is fast-paced, and there are twists in this character-driven story that combines mystery, thriller, family drama, found family, and police procedural in an entertaining and compelling narrative.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

*****

Bertie's Theory of Ice Cream - Alexander McCall Smith

 Bertie's Theory of Ice Cream - Alexander McCall Smith

Pub. Date: April 28, 2026

She read

This is the eighteenth installment in the episodic series that chronicles the lives of the residents of 44 Scotland Road, Edinburgh. Although I’ve read all of Alexander McCall Smith’s #1 Ladies Detective Agency books and some of the Isabel Dalhousie series, this is my first foray into the Scotland Rd. series. While it worked well as a standalone, I’m sorry I didn’t get acquainted with the characters sooner.

The book is amusing, witty, and quirky.  Even the most mundane discussions become entertaining, and the author demonstrates great insight into the human psyche.  There are many characters to remember, but by the end of the book, I had them sorted and was familiar with all of them

Thanks to @NetGalley and @aaknopf for the DRC.

****

Ghost Town - Tom Perrotta

 Ghost Town - Tom Perrotta

Pub. Date: April 28, 2026

She read

Successful author, the man once known as Jimmy Perrini, reflects on his pre-high school life in 1974 New Jersey. After his mother’s death, he feels lost and alienated from life, finding some solace in two relationships.  One is with a ne’er-do-well boy who spends his time smoking weed and driving around in his fast car, despite being underage. The other is with an older, bright girl from a dysfunctional family who introduces him to a Ouija board. 

Perrotta’s novel evokes a wide range of emotions.  It is nostalgic, wistful, poignant, melancholic, and hopeful, as well as a bit spiritual. Beautifully written, it resonates with anyone who has reminisced about their teenage self.

Having lived through the 70s in New Jersey, the author captures that era and environment realistically. I thoroughly enjoyed all the familiar locales mentioned by name in this narrative. This haunting story will linger in my mind for quite some time.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Scribner for the DRC.

****