The Seaside Murders by Helena Dixon

 

The epitome of a cozy this story had it all. Village setting, eccentric and nosy characters, beautiful scenery and plenty of intrigue.

England 1941 a naked body on the beach. A harmless Italian prisoner of war, set to work on a nearby farm. Jane and Arthur have been sent down to enquire into this death and to check whether it is linked in some way to the black marketing racket rampant in the region. Add to this the sudden appearance of exotic animals, a black panther supposedly the cause of two deaths and a mauling, a talkative macaw and a smiling big rat, a quokka a native Australian.

Trying to put the various pieces together amidst maybe a budding attraction between Jane and Arthur added much interest to the story.

Very enjoyable read.

Sent by Bookouture for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The House of Lost Whispers by Jenni Keer

 

Olivia lost her parents when the Titanic sank in 1912 and she was sent to live with the Fairchilds who welcomed her into their lives. She felt a bit lost in a household of three boys but her guardians were kind people. The twist in the story is what if those we think are dead, live on in a alternative universe and Olivia continues to live with them as their much loved only child, growing up and having a very different life.

The alternative life is looked at closely in this story which takes you to fantasy (which could be probable) Shouldn’t be ruled out totally though! 

Part mystery, a lot of history, a touch of romance, heart breaking love story in part the story held my interest throughout.

Sent by Boldwood Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

A Death on Corfu by Emily Sullivan

 

Minnie Harper widowed with two young children lives in Corfu. Bound by old customs she is careful of her position as a widow and her reputation amongst the gossipy expat population. When a young girl is found murdered, and the local police try to close the investigation, just arresting a vagrant for the murder Minnie and her new neighbour (a mystery murder writer of repute with a unsavory past) try to get justice of some kind for the girl.

Beautiful setting, varied characters and a mystery set in 1898 in a very insular community of British expatriates. I liked the cover too!

Sent by Kensington Publishing for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

A Lethal Engagement by April J. Skelly

 

An airship in 1890 set the tone for this story. Cora Beaumont is the owner. Sole owner. Does not go down well with many who are used to see husbands, fathers and brothers controlling their fortune. A brutal murder on the first day of its transplanting voyage does not help. Added to that Cora has just got engaged to the second son of a Duke of the enormously influential Tristam family, a point not taken well with the aristocratic daughters of the English who are travelling on the airship.

Cora’s fiancée is mainly absent and neglectful of Cora, and it is left to his brother Nicholas to step into the breach and act as protector and along with Cora, act as detectives when a second and third murder takes place. That someone is out to disrupt the entire line, and besmirch Cora’s name and reputation is obvious.

The setting of the airship travelling through rough seas, the restricted area and then the class distinctions and protocols which governed the people, added so many strands of interest and variety to the story. I also enjoyed the era.

Sent by Crooked Lane Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

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An Unquiet Peace by Shaina Steinberg

 

Evelyn Bishop formerWWII spy has settled into her new space as head of the Bishop firm and is settling in well with the former detective Nick Gallagher, whom she intends marrying shortly. Her hopes for a quiet wedding are dashed by the arrival of her Aunt Taffy who like a whirlwind starts wedding preparations.

On top of that Evelyn gets called in for a covert op to find out the whereabouts of a wife and daughter of a German scientist, who was rescued and whose family was supposed to follow and who never did. Going back to Berlin is dangerous for Evelyn who has many people who will wish her dead. The enquiry is convoluted, nothing is as it seems and the person who is seeking revenge is much closer than she thinks.

The whole book was a complete package combining all that one looks for in a story of history, mystery, intrigue with a touch of romance to add balance.

Sent by Kensington Publishing for an unbiased review,  courtesy of Netgalley.

My first read from this author. I hope I will be able to track down other books.

 

The Bookclub for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick

 

Its the 1960s four very different personalities join a book club and four very deep friendships are forged. Each one had strengths and weaknesses, and it is unbelievable that even in the 1960s the amount of power men had over women’s lifestyles, their attitudes, definitely their finances. 

The Feminine Mystique was the first book that the club read. It opened up vistas for many and for these four it struck a chord that they could be doing more for themselves, their families and their marriages by living the way they wanted to, and not a facade dictated by society, mainly men.

The story about how four women supported each other through crisis after crisis, forming a unique group giving strength to carry out dreams, and live a life they wanted to. 

I was engrossed in reading this book, cheering madly from the sidelines.

Sent by Harper Collin’s/Harper Muse for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Sufi Storyteller by Faiqa Mansab

 

My knowledge of Sufism was restricted to pictures of the dervishes and I knew nothing else. This story was informative on several issues.

A mother and daughter have been separated for decades but now Layla is almost sure she has found her mother. Two murdered women found in proximity to Layla is too much coincidence not just for the detectives but also to Layla. Mira knows more on the subject and realises that Layla is in grave danger, and that somehow she is the key.

Revealing the truth and her history is painful for Mira, but it is the only way that Layla will accept her abandonment at the orphanage. All the minor characters are themselves of much interest including the cat Gul. The preparation of food which was unique to Layla’s background added another layer of interest.

Sent by Unbound/Neem Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

The Cornish Witch by Louise Douglas

 

Meghan’s father gets a letter from his past going back forty years and he appeals to his daughter to go to the remote village of Mawgen Cove to verify facts and find a way of telling his wife about a secret from his youth and he does not know what his wife will make of it.

Meghan’s trip to Cornwall was with this focus in mind. Finding the step sister she never knew about. What she did not anticipate is getting lured into a history going back centuries, to lay to rest two souls who have been wandering in this village, never at peace.

So many inexplicable things we come across with no logical explanation and this is one of those things. May sound silly to some but to the person like Meghan who actually experiences something, it is not so easy to shrug as nonsensical.

An interesting history in this village, a tragic love story, superstitions in days gone by, a family reunited and a stunning setting.

Sent by Boldwood Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Voices of the Elysian Fields by Michael Rigg

 

Set in New Orleans, we move into a more rarefied atmosphere of people of importance and power in the city. Johnathan Grays mentor of forty years has died unexpectedly, and in somewhat suspicious circumstances. Following this the apparent murder suicide of an elderly rich, well established couple seems too much of a coincidence.

Coupled with his Coroner skills, Johnathan moves into the world of detection, working closely with detectives to uncover a web of unexplained disappearances of young women, coupled with murder of a young man within the same family and attempted murder of several other people connected to the enquiry.

Full of proper police procedural and step by step detecting, trying to bring differing stories and people together, set against a city that is vibrant and one which bounced back after Katrina. The story was well thought out and it all came together very nicely at the end.

Sent by Level Best Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

A Poisonous Silence by Jenny Adams

 

1921 Philadelphia and Edie Shippen is trying to establish herself as a private investigator. She hasn’t got a single client but when an actress is poisoned, Edie along with Lizzie is on the case. When her friend Ava appeals to her, to help her as she is thought of as a murder suspect, Edie puts caution to the side. Along with her friend and a romantic interest, Gilbert Lawless from the coroners office, Edie and Gilbert have to tread carefully. Apart from the body count increasing, Gilbert finds that he is bringing the wrath of the mob on his family and they will stop at nothing to protect their own.

The setting of the theatre with its own double standards where women were concerned, what was considered proper for society women like  Edie and the chasm that separates Edie and Gilbert who was just a ordinary middle class guy. Characterization was spot on, there were plenty of blind ends to follow, Prohibition added to the story.

Sent by Crooked Lane Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

After Paris by Mary Ellen Taylor

 

With a dozen books to review, I picked this one up. I think too much of mystery murders and I was looking for something else.

Ruby has lived through a lot for her twenty five years. A cancer survivor with the specter hanging over her head, she returns to America, with a relationship in smithereens when her partner could not cope with the trauma of cancer treatments.  Ruby has embarked on research into the lives of Cecile, a fabulously beautiful French actress who had a bright career during the 1940s during the Paris occupation. Acting in films owned and run by the Germans, made her in the eyes of the French, a despicable collaborator. Only she knew how much information she obtained and forwarded to Emile her sister who worked in the Resistance. With Cecile was Sylvia, her seamstress and confidante, also a refugee and one with a chequered background.

The workings of both women were fascinating. One in plain sight, the other nondescript and hidden and the conduit for information. The manner in which people worked for the underground movements were so clever. Undermine the enemy, sabotage at every turn from massive destruction to simply puncturing the tyres of vehicles, the ordinary folk kept a facade of minding their own business, being strictly good citizens and led double lives. 

Written in two timelines, the unraveling of the story was meticulous.

Sent by Montlake Publishing for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Splintered Justice by Kim Hays

 

My reading is taking me around the world in just a few days. Set in the city of Bern, Switzerland we go back and forth within two timelines and two generations.

Giuliano and Renzo are two detectives who worked together amicably. Renzo very recently separated has feelings for his fellow detective which he feels will be reciprocated though she is married. He steps away and goes into this investigation single handed. A young man badly injured when another young man deliberately shakes the scaffolding he is working on, causing him to fall. Crashing into the suspect by accident, Renzo is able to pull the history of the antagonism between the young men. He then begins to unravel a death which took place years ago, and what was once deemed suicide is now a suspicious death, with plenty of suspects.

There are many points of interest - the small Croatian community in Switzerland, connected to each other closely. Then the very complicated subject of assisted death. Different from euthanasia, this was a subject examined closely in the story in connection with an investigation. The pros and cons of this controversial subject and the very professional workings of the organization called Exit - assisting people with decisions concerning their death, meticulously tabled. Very good subject anyway.

Sent by Seventh Street Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

A Lesser Light by Peter Geye

 

I’ve been reading somber books in a row. I have been wanting a change from the mystery murder genre but did not expect to get philosophy and so much to think about.

1910 and Theodor has got a commission that he deems worthy of his status. He has also acquired a wife who is a total misfit for the isolated island, who is not fearful of him much to his dismay and one who has a mind of her own. A rough fisherman and his clairvoyant niece adds interest to Willa’s life with their interest and compassion, totally at variance with Theodor who having been brought up in a rigid, authoritarian household, does not know to act different.

The politics of an insular society - only a couple of families and the harsh, unrelenting weather makes for an environment stifling for Willa, but one with no escape.

The story with just a few characters, mainly all strong and determined in different ways, the lighthouse a focus and character of its own and one man not knowing how to adapt or handle different circumstances are the focus of this story. The story is slow but that befits this story.

Sent by University of Minnesota Press for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Wandering Season by Aimee K. Runyan

 

An unexpected present of a DNA test from her younger sister reconfirmed what Veronica had always known. Her adoption was never spoken of and kept a secret but she’d always known. Her parents were wonderful people and Veronica certainly did not want to open a can of worms. The present of an European trip highlighting places where her ancestry was most dominant led her to an adventure, which was strange and wonderful.

Fate, or coincidence played a part also the “fey” part of Veronica, gave her a bigger insight into her history and people who may have been her ancestors centuries before. The story interspersed with culinary wonders in the regions she visited added another strand to the story.

A coming of age story this was a book I finished in one go. I also learnt of a new profession - a food broker. 

Sent by Harper Collin’s Focus for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Stars and their Light by Olivia Hawker

 

1947 and the setting is a cloistered order of nuns. Sister Mary Agnes is joining a group of nuns and after twelve years is going to be an external- the person who will be the face of the convent, allowed to interact with outsiders and the community at large. The town of Roswell is a military base and almost every family has links of some kind to the military.

A crash of an aircraft brings the attention of the military who swoop in. Strangely there is no media hype and it is classified as a weather balloon. But the farmer on whose land it crashed knows that it is something else, and so does the officer sent to investigate. Sister Mary Agnes’s involvement starts with a young girl displaying signs of stigmata, after the incident. Inexplicable and incomprehensible, the church itself is dismissive of the affair. With no support from anyone Sister Mary Agnes is the only support for the Campbells as she does believe what she sees. A good bit of historical fiction, a touch of romance and a look into the lives of a cloister, so far removed from modern life. The fact that some things are beyond human understanding is also a feature of this story.

The authors note at the end of the book was an interesting addition to what is anyway a very unusual story.

Sent by Lake Union Publishing for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.