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.  

****