The Butterfly House - Katrine Engberg

 The Butterfly House - Katrine Engberg

She read

This is number 2 of 4 in the Korner and Werner series.   have previously read 1 and 4.  I enjoy Engberg’s writing and this series so much that I went back to read this one.

The book opens with a nurse injecting a cardiac patient with a lethal dose of medication and then goes back in time 6 days to when a body is found dumped in a fountain. The victim was murdered somewhere else, the weapon an antique instrument that causes exsanguination. After a second body with the same MO appears in another body of water, Korner discovers that what they had in common is both had worked at a youth psychiatric home that was closed down after a patient committed suicide.

There are still some employees from the facility in the city, including a suspicious psychiatrist.  Who will be the next victim?  Werner, who is on maternity leave,  cannot resist doing her own investigation.  Will it endanger her?

This is a Nordic noir novel, so it is characteristically a bit dark. With a clever plot, good character development, it is a well written, fast read; I couldn’t put it down. I particularly find the main characters entertaining and enjoy the atmospheric descriptions of Copenhagen, especially as its residents prepare themselves for a winter’s night. 

Quite a few characters are introduced initially but as the story progresses, they sort themselves out and it is not confusing telling them apart. Red herrings and an air of mystery will keep readers guessing.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @GalleryBooks for the DRC.

*****

The Soul of a Woman - Isabel Allende

 The Soul of a Woman - Isabel Allende

She read

Published in 2021, this has been on my TBR list for a long time.  I really like Allende’s writing, but somehow skipped over this one. I am so glad I rediscovered it as it was an enlightening, inspiring read.  

Part memoir, part chronicle of what it means to be a woman including the struggles universal to all cultures and others specific to some societies, I can’t say enough good things about this read. Written in her 78th year by a woman who knew she was a feminist at age 5, Allende’s reflections on aging particularly resonated with me. 

Run, don’t walk to your libraries, bookstores, kindles to read this book….especially people residing in the United States; it helps understand the big mystery of our upcoming (2024) election. Some of it is tough  reading, but being a woman in so many cultures is tough.

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

*****

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for C-PTSD - Sheri Van Dijk

 The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for C-PTSD - Sheri Van Dijk

Pub. Date: Dec. 1, 2024

She read 

Focusing on Complex (multiple, chronic, or ongoing trauma) PTSD, this book helps understand the effects of trauma on our psyches and behaviors and provides some good coping skills and ways to manage one’s life.  Utilizing dialectical behavior therapy techniques, this workbook would be useful to both professionals and people wanting to heal from CPTSD and take control of their lives. This is a book that probably should be read and re read a few times to maximize its benefits.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @NewHarbinger for the DRC. 

 *****

No Mercy - Joanna Schaffhausen

 No Mercy - Joanna Schaffhausen

She read

This is the second in the Ellery Hathaway series. I read books 1 and 3-5 and wanted to go back and read this one that I missed.

Ellery is on leave from the Woodbury MA police department as a result of actions that occurred in Book 1. Receiving therapy and enrolled in a survivors group, she is approached by a young rape victim for assistance in finding her tormentor; the police are getting no where. She also encounters a victim of a fire that killed the victim’s son and thinks that the person arrested many years ago for the crime is not the true culprit. She feels compelled to investigate and calls upon FBI agent Reed Markham to assist. They have a history.  Ellery was kidnapped by a serial killer when she was fourteen. She survived because Markham figured out who the killer was and saved her. Markham puts in job in jeopardy once again to rush to Ellery’s side.  

I really like Schaffhausen’s writing and this book is no exception.  Once again, I stayed up late into the night to finish it because I could not put it down. It is another well plotted addition to the the series with good character development. The reader is also given insight into the role of behavior analysis in identifying criminals.

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

****

The Vanishing Season - Joanna Schaffhausen

 The Vanishing Season - Joanna Schaffhausen

She read

When three people go missing in three successive Julys in small town Woodbury, MA, police officer Ellery Hathaway thinks they are related and as that month approaches once again, fears another disappearance.  The only problem is that no one in her department sees it the way she does so she calls upon FBI agent Reed Markham to help out. They have a history.  Ellery was kidnapped by a serial killer when she was fourteen. She survived because Markham figured out who the killer was and saved her. Ellery has reinvented herself and kept her early history secret but now it seems that history may be related to the goings on in Woodbury.

This is the first in the Hathaway/Markham series. I have read three of the more recent ones and wanted to go back to the very first one.  Knowing the future events in these characters’ lives did not interfere with my enjoyment of this story.  

Although I did guess the identity of the culprit, it did not detract from the suspense of this novel. It was well plotted with good character development. It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down, reading it well into the night. 

I really like this author’s writing and will continue to seek out her works.

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

****

The Ever After - Sarah Pekkanen

 The Ever After - Sarah Pekkanen

She read

Josie never suspected. Seemingly content with her married life and two children, she is shocked when she accidentally sees an email to her husband from another woman that suggests they may be having an affair. To what extent will she go to uncover the truth and make a decision about whether to save her marriage or not?

I am a fan of Sarah Pekkanen’s writing, especially her thrillers.  This is an earlier novel, a domestic drama, that I missed and wanted to go back and read it.  Unfortunately, it didn’t resonate with me as much as the more recent books.  I thought the character of Josie a bit naive and the whole account of their situation a bit tedious. It is well written, but I just couldn’t engage with it. 

Thanks to #Netgalley and #AtriaBooks for the DRC.

***

Murder at Home - Faith Martin

 Murder at Home - Faith Martin

She read

This is the sixth in the Thames Valley DI Hillary Greene mystery series.  I have read quite a few of the books featuring her and since I just read the twenty first, this is one I missed and wanted to go back and read it.

A kindly elderly woman is discovered murdered in her home. The evidence is minimal as are the leads as Hillary, dealing with a new DC who has a combative history, another colleague about to get married, and another one who is ineffectual and slightly bent, races to keep her solve rate at 100%.

Faith Martin writes absorbing British police procedurals and this one is no exception. The story is engrossing and entertaining with excellent character development. I really like this series and, in particular the main character. Hillary is a strong, capable individual. She lives on a narrowboat and drives a car she has tagged “Puff the Tragic Wagon” which gives the reader some insight into her character. 

I recommend this series for fans of British police procedurals who favor an engaging protagonist.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and @JoffeBooks for the DRC.

****

Two Broken Girls - Helen Phifer

 Two Broken Girls - Helen Phifer

Pub. Date: Oct. 17, 2024

She read

When college student Melody Carrick is found strangled to death on a riverbank with her gold cross necklace missing, Detective Morgan Brookes is heartsick; she knew Melody and her mother from the cafe she frequents. Another student, Paige Evans, appears at the police station to report that she thinks that Alan, the man living with her mother, kidnapped her best friend and he keeps a special box full of jewelry remnants.  Could resolving the case be that simple? After all, this is Rydal Falls which seems to have more than its share of murders. 

Another engrossing, fast paced read, this is the thirteenth in the Morgan Brookes series. It is the fourth I have read and it would work as a standalone. I like Morgan and although she does often find danger, she also frequently is involved in some amusing predicaments. I also enjoy the collegial relationships within the investigative team.

I recommend this book/series for those who enjoy British police procedurals, mysteries, thrillers featuring capable female detectives with amiable supporting characters. I have added this series to my must read list. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

****

The Widow - Fiona Barton

 The Widow  - Fiona Barton

She read

Jean Taylor’s husband has just been run over by a bus. Yet, she seems relieved. She has tolerated a lot in a married life which revolved around her husband who had unsavory proclivities. He had also been the main suspect in a child abduction case. And now, journalist Kate Waters has bullied her way into Jean’s life for the exclusive story.

Told in multiple POVs and two timelines, this is the first of three in the journalist Kate Waters series; it is the only one I have read so far. It was a fast, engrossing read. Well written and plotted, it is a good study of obsession, perversion, enabling, and contemporary journalism.  

TW: Child abduction; pornography  

****

The Great Hippopotamus Hotel - Alexander McCall Smith

 The Great Hippopotamus Hotel - Alexander McCall Smith

Pub. Date:  Oct. 15, 2024

She read

This is the twenty fifth in the simple but charming No. 1 Ladies Detective series. All the familiar characters are here. And, yes, the talking shoes do make an appearance!

Mma Ramotswe is contacted by the manager of a hotel set in the Botswanan countryside. Someone seems to have it in for the hotel; nefarious things are happening there.  When the Ladies #1 Detective Agency investigates, it is no surprise that one of the suspects is involved with the malevolent Violet Sephotho. But, are things always as they seem?Sidelined by an illness, it is up to Mma Makutsi to do most of the queries on her own.

Mma Ramotswe always manages to come up with clever and successful solutions to problems. Her gentle way and penchant for always finding the positive in a situation is balm for the soul. Her wisdom is profound in its simplicity.  

With interesting plot lines and colorful characters, this is another feel good addition to the series. It makes a nice afternoon or evening read while curled up with a pot of tea. Fans of McCall Smith’s gentle prose and perceptive musings will welcome this latest endeavor.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @aaknopf @PantheonBooks for the DRC.

****

The Rivals - Jane Pek

 The Rivals - Jane Pek

Pub. Date:  Dec. 3, 2024

He and she read

This is the second in what is being called the Claudia Lin series, the first being the very successful The Verifiers which I read and enjoyed.

Picking up where the first book left off, Claudia is co partner with two others in Veracity which, while maintaining a low, secretive profile, provides a service that investigates if those who post in online dating sites are truthful in their interactions with potential partners. When they uncover a possible AI plot by one of the sites which may also involve murder, they work to untangle a web of deceit.    

Similar to The Verifiers, this is a very contemporary story that is so much more than just a mystery.  There are family relationships, cultural stereotypes, information about the internet dating industry and the negatives encountered in our online, AI influenced world, as well as a homage to classic mystery and espionage stories.  I did think that it wandered around a bit in the middle but redeemed itself in the end. Those more in the know about all things tech than I am may not feel so lost.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and @AAKnopf @VintageAnchorBooks for the DRC.

****

The London Year - Yolanda Zappaterra; Sarah Guy

 The London Year - Yolanda Zappaterra; Sarah Guy

Pub. Date:  Oct. 1, 2024

She read

With beautiful photographs, the authors present monthly activities available in London. The well known and the more obscure are discussed here to provide a years worth of fun for London visitors and residents.  There are cultural activities, musical, horticultural, fun, sports; a plethora of events to appeal to everyone, no matter their taste or interests. 

Having read this book, I regret that I don’t have a full year to spend in this lively city to enjoy all that is available.  

Thanks to #netGalley and @QuartobooksUK for the DRC.

****

The Crying Girls - Wendy Dranfield

 The Crying Girls - Wendy Dranfield

Pub. Date: Oct. 7, 2024

She read

Detective Madison Harper is now engaged to PI Nate who disappears to try to come to terms with the fact that he killed a man in self defense. Madison doesn’t have a lot of time to dwell on his absence as a headless, handless body is found in Lost Creek and she has also taken on the cold case of an abducted baby. And then someone places a photo of a young girl on Madison’s windshield with the notation “Sofia, day 1”.  Is there any connection among the cases or will Madison’s attention be spread thin trying to solve all of them?

There are mysteries to be solved here with some twists and unexpected revelations, along with family issues for both Madison and Nate. An engrossing read, there are some disturbing situations in this story with interwoven plot lines. 

This is the eighth in the Detective Madison Harper series.  It is the second I have read.  Although it does work as a standalone, the main characters, who are damaged individuals striving to do their best, have back stories which are alluded to but not fully explained. While it doesn’t interfere with the enjoyment of this book, it does leave the reader wanting to know more about their histories.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

To Boob or Not To Boob - Liza L. Hernandez

 To Boob or Not to Boob - Liza L. Hernandez

She read

To Boob or Not to Boob - Liza L. Hernandez

This is the memoir of a woman’s personal journey in life from a diagnosis of breast cancer, to double mastectomy, to implants, and eventual removal of the implants in a flat closure procedure. 

I enjoyed learning a bit about Liza’s history, family, fears, and joys. Her insight in dealing with her cancer as well as her tips and recommendations for those undergoing a similar journey is helpful as well as hopeful. This book would be a wonderful resource for anyone undergoing a similar experience.  

****