Julia by Heather B Moore (Julia Child)

 

Well renowned as the undisputed master of French cooking what is not very well known is her career in the field of intelligence during WWII. With the outbreak of the War, and when America got dragged into the effort, Julia was not one to stay on the sidelines. She knew she could help and with her intelligence and meticulous methods she soon secured a very important role in intelligence in the Far east. Starting with Ceylon which is breathtakingly described in this book her travels take her far and wide.

Her love for Paul Childs was immense and loyal and she followed him wherever he was stationed. Her love for cooking was a very late start in her life, but like everything else she did Julia gave it her all, not allowing repeated failures to slow her down. Paul and Julia were gourmet cooks and eaters and loved their food. Her efforts to make French cooking available to all, was laudable because she was dealing with an America which did not know about cooking with asparagus, mushrooms, crème fraiche and the travails of French flour!

The book dealt in detail about history and the need for intelligence services during war and then devolved into cooking and how Julia Child, almost single-handedly changed the way Americans looked at French cooking.

I loved the writing style of the author and the depth she carried it in portraying the woman Julia Child.

Sent by Shadow Mountain Publishing for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley 

A Moment’s Shadow by Anna Lee Huber

 

I’ve always been a fan of this author and the series is one I particularly like.

Post WWI England and Ireland. The relationship between the two is fraught with tension. Neither party is willing to give in and the battles are constant. The death toll was appalling (and to a great extent I think unknown to the outside world). The destruction of property was equally vast particularly that of livelihoods was deplorable and reprisals were immediate and brutal. Into this scenario come Verity and her husband Sidney in the pursuit of hidden and now missing phosgene cylinders of gas. Now presumably in the hands of Lord Ardmore, their nemesis. 

Doing a balancing act because they will need both sides to help them if they are to find the canisters and thwart Ardmore, they actually do not know when, how or where it will be used. Both sides watch the other and it is a cat and mouse game with Verity and Sidney being in enemy territory all the time. 

The story set against the background of terrorism, colonial expansion and a determined people fighting for independence, is a strong read with the spread being descriptive and moving at the same time. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the continuing adventures of the young couple.

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

Murder at Arleigh by Alyssa Maxwell

 

The scene set at a wedding is the start of something bizarre. Bessie is convinced her husband is trying to murder and get rid of her. She finds divorce out of the question but seeks Emma’s help to confirm her worst fears.

1903 and the times were not favorable for women despite it being the dawn of more modern times. Husbands and men in general controlled their women folk and the finances and there was a rigid set of rules that governed high society. Emma and Derrick are not fully accepted in this society by some, because their attitudes do not fall within society’s strict guidelines but this does not bother them at all. Emma tries to diplomatically see whether what Bessie is convinced of and there are many things which seem off but all can be also accounted for. When murder happens and Emma is personally threatened, the investigation steps up.

There is a lot of history mingled with the mystery and this certainly adds to the interest in this story. The characters are varied some are typical but people like Emma and Derrick are the breakthrough into more progressive times. It all adds weight to the story.

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

French Leave by Robert Verity

 

Martha works in a very highly skilled job as a social worker. Her French husband equally highly skilled job in a powerful firm. His sudden death in a hit and run accident leaves Martha bereft. Further investigation shows that he had actually taken a day off, unknown to Martha and only known to a trusted coworker of his. Casual clothes including a hoodie, never worn by Thierry found bundled in a briefcase adds to the mystery.

The story unravels with Martha not knowing what she should do next. Vulnerable and susceptible, she falls prey to the smooth talking Pascal while on a break in France, visiting her closest friend Erin. Falling in love with a decrepit, abandoned house was not on the cards but Martha feels that it will give her focus. Apart from Pascal, who is a scammer, Martha discovers that Pascal has a nineteen year old son, whom he was on his way to meet, on the fateful day he died.

The story dealing with how people manage or rather don’t manage grief, how feelings fluctuate between knowing what should be done and the irrational. The loneliness of the bereaved and the isolation when one has no family, no children to act as a support or envelope you in some warmth as was Martha’s case. That Martha had Erin was a godsend. The importance of friends is a highlight as well.

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

Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill

 

Joe after arduous medical treatment and his twin sister Meredith are treating themselves to a trip on the luxurious Orient Express to Istanbul via Paris. Joe is a writer and he hopes to get material for a story whilst traveling. Meredith wants to keep an eye on him. The characters boarding with them are a mixed crowd, some are mere travellers but most of them with ulterior motives, all which unravels slowly.

Murder is the starting point and the first one is mysterious as well. Murder but no body and with no way to dispose of one, the search is on. Coupled with the discovery of a new variant of an infectious disease, which means that two carriages have to be quarantined, adds to the complications of trying to solve the mystery. And then the body count keeps going up. Prevented from proceeding with the journey, the train is halted surrounded by the military and no closer to solving the many murders.

Atmospheric and very descriptive, the story is at turns modern and old fashioned because of its setting. A very good read. Very Agatha Christieish, with Ms Gentill’s own style.

Sent by Poisoned Pen Press for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Secrets of Blackthorn House by Marie McWilliams

 

Evelyn is a young bride, very much in love with her husband. Soon after Peters uncle passes away and he assumes the title of Lord Black and takes possession of Blackthorn House. Here Peter changes from the amiable man Evelyn knows, into a controlling, obsessed freak only wanting an heir and with very creepy tendencies. Isolating Evelyn, not allowing her to have any contact with the outside world, not even her family Evelyn knows even her life is uncertain with the madman Peter has turned out to be.

This was a very gothic read and quite dark. Very well written and suspenseful.

Sent by Quill & Crow Publishing House for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Mrs Endicott’s Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen

 

1938 pre war Britain. Ellie comfortably married is blindsided when her husband asks for a divorce. Acting on impulse and totally uncharacteristic of her she persuades her maid Mavis, the toffee nosed and condescending friend Dora to abscond with her to Europe. She takes her husband’s Bentley, in an act of defiance and sets off.

Their adventures end with a breakdown in the idyllic village of St Benet. Continuing in the uncharacteristic vein Ellie falls in love with a derelict villa and sets to restoring it despite misgivings from all. The breakout of WWII the threat of Hitler, even in this remote hamlet, betrayal, death but also love form part of this endearing tale.

Beautifully descriptive this story had lovely vibes!

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

Beattie Cavendish and the White Pearl club by Mary Jane Riley

 

One of the best mystery/espionage books I’ve read, set in post WW2. Britain not recovered from the devastation, rationing still going on and women who played a pivotal role at every level, now relegated to home and hearth and the background of political life. 

Beattie was one of the lucky ones. Working for the ubiquitous Civil Service, her official role is training typists in secretarial work. Unofficially she works for Ashley Cooper head of a spy network. Her present task is searching for clues in the under secretary of Foreign Affairs Ralph Bowen, and to this end she develops a friendship with his son Ashley.

The story takes an alarming turn when Beattie discovers a body at the Bowen residence, that of their young housekeeper and it is from here the story takes off in different ways. Beattie's involvement is noticed and she is strongly warned to lay off. Her accidental partner in this the Irishman Patrick is warned, his rooms ransacked and he is roughed up. A young man who gave him some information is found drowned, the reporter who was active on the case was told to cool off and the young woman’s brother Martin was also beaten up.

Undeterred Beattie seeks justice for Sophie, because everyone is involved in a cover up but for who and why seems to be the question. The final coup is very surprising and unexpected. Spies are found in the most innocuous of places and clues lie in the open. One has to connect the dots to come to the final denouncement.

A very good story which kept me fascinated from the first page to the last.

Sent by Allison & Busby for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

St James Park by John Doll

 

Set in San Jose against the backdrop of Prohibition and the Depression,an era of political maneuvering and manipulation, corruption in local government, bootlegging and the enormous profits to be made from the prohibited liquor, we have a kidnapping of a prominent young man - Jewish background but brought up in a catholic college. He was found and then disappeared again.

For convenience two petty criminals were arrested and mob violence prevailed. The two men were beaten, hanged in the town square and one was burnt. Mob violence at its worst. We have the worst that the era represented and it is a factionalized telling of what happened in 1933 long before Silicon Valley came into existence.

Not an easy read but life is sometimes full of horror stories too.

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

My Great Aunt’s Diary by Laura Sweeney

 

The inheritance of the cottage comes at a point in Emily’s life that she knows she must actively seek change from the toxic relationship she is in. Not having been back to this rural village for fifteen years, she is saddened and puzzled why her Aunt left this idyllic place to her.

The story falls into two timelines. Violet’s own life - a struggle coping with a mother who was mentally frail, two brothers evacuated and lost to her and Violet having to cope with being the mainstay for her mother. Violets change of life on meeting Zella, her relationship developing into one which would be unacceptable in society and then the heartbreak when Zeyla chooses comfort and a place in society over love. Violets also meets Hugo after the end of the war marries him and lives as happily as she could.

All this is because Emily discovers zeyla’s diary hidden in the cottage.

Emily fighting her feelings for Will, from fifteen years ago realises her feelings have not abated despite time and distance and the search for Zeyla brings them closer than ever before. Emily feels that the cottage was how she brought closure to Zeyla who is still alive and brought love into her own life.

The story was a peaceful and loving read, despite the harshness of WWII, the restrictions placed on homosexual or bisexual people. The characters were strong willed women who found a path for themselves. This added a depth to the story.

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

Fonseka by Jessica Francis Kane

 

This was the unwritten story that Penelope Fitzgerald never wrote. 1852 she and her husband are almost bankrupt. Two children and another on the way, an invitation to visit Mexico, with the tantalizing treat of a legacy for Valpy, her son and apparently the only male heir to the riches of the two aunts. We see Penelope undertake a perilous journey to the aunts home, but the welcome is not that warm, though they like Valpy well enough. There are lots of other contenders for the legacy and everyone is kept at arms length.

The cast is very varied and interesting. In such a community, a certain cut throat attitude is there and that proves Penelope’s downfall and ouster from the race. Nice outline of good and mean features found in humans as well.

Sent by the Penguin Press for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Shakespeare Secret by D J Nix

 

Three women of contrasting social levels meet by chance. The play they watch is mediocre and they think they can do better. But play writing is forbidden for women. They meet in secret but enemies within the Royal circuit read more into the meetings than what is actually happening. Their writings are a huge success, and Shakespeare presents them as his own. Trying to remain secret as well as proving themselves loyal to the Queen is the trouble they have to face and face it they did, in the most ingenious way possible.

This was a very good story with three strong women, a lot of history woven into it with court intrigue, and a masterful plot which kept me guessing till the end.

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

A Hollow Death by Colleen Dumaine

 

Set in the 1890s and this time in Adelaide, Australia, we follow the travails of a female detective battling prejudice because she is a woman, not doing what is considered normal for women of the times. Very seldom do I get to read a story set in Australia of that era, so this had a lot to recommend it.

Looking for missing dogs is Beth’s main means of survival because there is a hard mean gang doing exactly that. But then Beth is approached to find a missing husband, and at first with a lover on the side who has a brutish husband, the reasoning is that he has run away.  The story takes several turns with Eric found dead, but Beth is not happy with the accidental death verdict.

The story also highlights Beth’s personal life, her marriage and life in Afghanistan and Ariffs death and her flight to safety in Adelaide and the fear of kidnapping of her son by Ariffs brother, who is determined to take him back to Afghanistan. The dog robbing ring in Adelaide was a violent one and that added another circle to the story.

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

A Ghostwriters Guide to Murder by Melinda Mullet

 

Maeve ghostwrites mystery novels for a living. The Simon Hills series are thriving but she seems to have a writing blank. Living on a houseboat, amicable neighbours, peaceful surroundings doesn’t seem to help. Until the actual mystery hits her personally. Discovering fifty thousand pounds hidden on the boat, followed closely by the discovery of her ex husbands body floating beside the boat, plus the fact that she is the beneficiary of a fat insurance policy. Arrested on suspicion, it seems the detective in charge wants to get a conviction as conveniently as possible and move on.

Maeve has good friends who rally around and set up their own detection to try to unravel the mess which leads to underhand dealings, sub standard construction and the biggest surprise a corrupt detective right at the top.

A very lovely setting, quirky characters made this an enjoyable read.

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

The Women of Arlington Hall by Jane Healey

 

1947 and all the women working at Arlington Hall are brave and adventurous. They are going where the average woman is not going, into a world of crypto analysis, breaking codes, trying to find the Soviet spies that have infiltrated the US to an unimaginable degree.

Cat Killeen is one of them, giving up the conventional, for a life of intellectual adventure and she has found a band of similar women (and men) who will support her. The story goes from the hunt , Cat joining forces with Jonathan, where they put everything on the line, risking reputation and their careers to bring justice for all. 

The work was taxing and repetitive, but the social life compensated! 

Based on real life, this was a story full of suspense.

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

The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau

 

Le Chateau du Paradis seems magical inside, foreboding from the outside. Three employees to maintain the gardens and get the produce but the chatelaine is an unknown quantity with rigid rules which she will not allow to be broken. Anyone who has broken the rules leaves or disappears. 

Eloise takes up a job there leaving her entire past life behind, to make a fresh start. Numerous failures to start a family, and the breakdown of her marriage has made her an ideal candidate for this job, where one of the conditions is that no children can be seen or entertained on the premises. From the beginning, it is obvious that all the rules are going to be broken, and chaos results. 

The story had a mix of magic and realism and the story of many lives - the ones seen and the few hidden all sad and complicated with dark history. Elements of love and romance also part of the story.

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

Murder on platform Four by Irina Shapiro

 

Inspector Bell has been a favourite of mine and I was delighted to read this story. He pairs off with Gemma and I am really hoping for a happy ending there. Penny is now married but a bit restless with the way the world looks at her - a wife, a mother who should leave her journalistic career behind.

When confronted with a body at Paddington Station at the same time he has arranged to meet his long estranged brother, there is no question in Sebastian’s mind about what should take precedence. Following up on clues despite opposition from higher ups who think this investigation of an unknown poorer woman is of no significance as against bigger and potentially cases which will get better publicity for the police. It seems symptomatic of the times, that poorer people got little attention as against the richer strata of society in England.

The constraints on women were irritating to even read about, and how clever intelligent women had to skirt around people in order not to irritate the men and their egos. It was a hard time for women. The book does well as a stand alone but is part of a very good series.

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

The Sanctuary Keepers by Alexandra Barber

 

Carrie has had a double whammy. Her boyfriend ditched her for the glamorous Paloma and also undercut her at work and got the promotion. Unable to bear the sympathetic words of co workers or the tirade from her ambitious parents, she flees to the Isle of Wight to Hideaway House for healing and a chance to reset.

The House is magical with its own set of benevolent ghosts, supportive neighbours and a charismatic man with his own brand of charm. The story proceeds in a nice manner despite villainous boyfriend reappearing on the scene, a series of misunderstandings resulting, but all ends well.

Descriptive of the workings of life on a remote island, the story is a relaxing one.

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

The Poison Puzzle by Emily Organ

 

Emma Langley was duped by her husband of her inheritance, her confidence and her self esteem, even before she was widowed. London 1989 was not pleasant for someone in reduced circumstances, and she was fortunate to live with benevolent landlords. Her friendship with Penny, a former journalist and someone who helped Emma to solve some cases were one of the few brighter things in Emma’s life. Coming across a strange picture amongst her husband’s belongings, set Penny and Emma on a path to discovering a secret society, amongst the more unsavory and richer men around, the search for buried treasure and the murder of anyone who got in their way.

The story is fascinating not just for the mystery and the detective work, but also of the very descriptive ways of life in London for young women. In this case one respectably married and comfortable, the other living on limited resources and still having to maintain an aura of respectability. They both lived in a world with very little tolerance for women seeking any interest outside hearth and home and thought it “unnatural” if one had an intellect and liked to use it.

They book was sent by Storm Publishing for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Myth Maker by Alie Dumas-Heidt

 

Cassidy is a devoted detective. This is all she wants to do. Restricted by a protective family, and a very clingy boyfriend she now finds herself needing time and space to help in solving the most cryptic of murders. A series of random girls found murdered and posed in scenes reminiscent of Greek mythology. It’s a case which baffles the detectives and no one knows what to expect next.

The FBI gets drawn in and the case gets more complicated when Cassidy gets photographs and notes relating to the death of her dearest friend, decades ago. Are the killings related and is Cassidy now a focus for the killer? 

I like the pace of the story but at the end it was not as sharp as it could be. A good story though.

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

Arsenic and Old Lies by Benedict Brown

 

Marius Quinn did not expect to find a murdered man in his library. That he was the fiancé of Bella, whom Marius was madly in unrequited love, made it much worse. Told to stay away from the investigation, steered him in the direction of Felicity Mortimer who has served fifteen years for a crime she didn’t commit. 

Marius finds a too convenient thread of overlooked in your face facts in Felicity's defense. Determined to unlock the reason why Felicity was neglected over and over again, takes him and Bella into Felicity's own home where a killer is waiting to strike to cover secrets from fifteen years ago..

Very good story and excellent characterization, set in the 1920s an age just emerging into modern times.

Sent by Storm publishing for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Murder at Castle Vyne by Louise Marley

 

It’s a decade old murder. Eighteen year old Sarah’s body was found floating in a lily pond in the nearby Castle. No one was arrested but Natalie her sister felt that stuff was hidden, too many secrets were around mainly in her family, and her talking about the murder has upset some people.

Within weeks of her return, bodies turn up and particularly one and the same place as Sarah’s, also that of a young girl. DCI Doug Cameron has a hard task ahead of him, with so much of the stories hidden.

The story has plenty of false starts and turnarounds but the ending is totally unexpected. A very good mystery thriller. Gothic almost in content and a good standalone book.

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

Summer on Lilac Island by Lindsay Macmillan

 

Mackinac Island seems idyllic. A horse and buggy town with scooters for the very few elders, archaic rules no one wants changed but a place Gigi Jenkins wanted to run away from. Her few visits back home to see her mother have only been during winter. Now she is returning in summer when the island is on full display because she is broke, not in a relationship and without a place to stay. Her relationship with her mother is cool, the one with her younger sister warmer and her absent and disinterested father holds her warmest feelings.

Setting her mother on a date because her mother engineered one with the town doctor was a tit for tat response but her mother’s date went from strength to strength, gathering momentum that no one foresaw. Gini’s date fizzled out. Much to her chagrin because Gigi was used to calling the shots.

The story was charming, full of historical detail, typical of small town life where every movement was scrutinized and analyzed but surprisingly still full of secrets.

Sent by Harper Muse for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Blood Caste by Shylashri Shankar

 

Set in 1895 Victorian India, the story highlights life during the British Raj for even educated Indians. Mutilated bodies keep turning up and chief inspector Soob is turning up more and more suspects. From the Rulers Son, Ali to Arthur Templeton an editor of a newspaper suspicions run riot, because the murderer is always one step ahead.

The story of palace intrigue, a story as old as time to patricide and fratricide all are part of the story. So many red herrings, blackmail, massive financial losses all found in this fabulous read. Not just a mystery but an outline of life under a British Residency and the need which was galling, for people to kowtow to their invaders. The personal story of a high caste Brahmin was an intriguing addition to the story.

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

The War of the Roses by Warren Adler

 

A 1980s marriage seemingly very strong till the wife decides to end it. Her husband bewildered and then getting progressively angrier by the day, refuses to move out of the home he has painstakingly built from scratch. The retaliation between the couple starts out as trivial until you know it’s a fight to the death, as it becomes vitriolic on both sides till the tragic end. 

The story highlights how much value we place on material possessions and in this case any shred of humanity and goodness are left behind. It is a stark reminder to everyone not to get too attached to anything. The book was harsh to read, and frightening because it is very probable.

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

The case of the body on the Orient Express by Kelly Oliver

 

Starting from Paris in 1938, we have two brilliant authors bound for Constantinople on the glamorous Orient Express. Accompanying them is the competent secretary of Dorothy Sayers - Eliza. Also aboard is Theo, an aristocrat slumming as a laborer on the train. Well known to Eliza, he is madly in love with her, but too frightened to approach her.

Before the journey can start, a sudden violent death takes place, setting Eliza detecting with Theo. The list of suspects keep increasing with each mile including Dorothy, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own. A second death ups the tension and now the search for the murderer is very fast paced.

Very witty and humorous despite being a mystery murder, with nice characterization.

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

The Italian Vineyard by Anita Chapman

 

 

Set in two timelines of 1939 and present times, a family saga set in the English countryside and the vineyards of Verona and the stories of two women and the love they had for each other.

Lady Charlotte lost her husband due to an accident very soon after marriage. It was no great loss to her as he was indifferent, an alcoholic and only married her for her money. Going to Verona with an idea of reviving one of the few vineyards in England was her temporary escape. Falling in love with her head gardener was not on the cards but it happened. Heartache followed with Bertie being killed in the war, and Charlotte pregnant with a baby that she passed off as being that of her husband.

Fast forward to present times and Kate, after a short disastrous marriage returns to Verona to uncover what exactly happened years before. She discovers enough letters and photographs to follow the trail and returns to Copeland Park, determined to prevent its sale, turn the vineyard around and make it a profitable concern. Kate has also in a similar manner like her grandmother, fallen in love with the head gardener and is not giving him up.

The love stories and the family saga spread over two countries was emotional but very good reading. It was descriptive and brought to life the beauty and history of Verona in particular.

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

Martyrs Convent by Jody Brettkelly

 

Isla Johnson is looking for a big story and when she receives a call about an impending drug shipment giving her details of time and place, she knows this is a big one. The informant is strange - a nun. The next day the nuns body is fished from the Thames. The convent is a peculiar one, a closed order and no one is willing to shed any light on the death of a much loved nun.

The involvement of an aristocrat who is the nuns brother adds to a strange mix. He appears to Isla as being supportive and distraught over his sisters death, but he has lied over many things that Isla begins to realise he is manipulating her for his own ends.

The whole story right from the start was tense with many loose ends which did not seem to connect at all. Declan who was Isla’s partner was also at times not supportive torn between his need to protect his daughter and the need for his partner. The widely contrasting characters of nuns, gang members, the aristocrat brother, the police were brought together very skillfully in the final telling of the story. The story is emotional but quite dark with a slight gothic twist.

Sent by the author for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Death at a Paris Hotel by Verity Bright

 

We follow the escapades of Lady swift, her beau now her husband, Clifford the suave butler and Gladstone the fat pug on their journey in Paris. Just married but with butler and pug in tow, they start sampling the delights that Paris has to offer, when murder literally falls into their laps.

Despite this being a murder mystery story, with two victims, suspects galore and our heroine and heroes being incarcerated, it is a light and refreshing read. Descriptive of Paris, its food and even police procedures and practices in France, overall a very comforting read.

You know it will end well and justice will prevail.

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

The Dark Library by Mary Anna Evans

 

Estella has come back to her ancestral home, a grand and much talked about house. Her father dead, her mother has disappeared and everyone wants to know what is going to happen. Her mother’s disappearance seems suspicious, but Estella wants physical proof of her mother’s death and so far there is none. The police feel that Estella is hiding family secrets (as she is). Her father’s library uncovers several clues as to what actually transpired in her parents life.

On top of it all Estella was treated badly in her professional life and one she is finding hard to deal with. Ignored by her boss for even small requests, and more importantly put on a lower pay grade than her male counterparts. Her boss himself commits suicide minutes after talking to her which adds to the pressure Estella has to face.

With only two friends to turn to, the entire town apparently hated her father and are quite happy he dead. Her mother with her condescending, patronizing ways is equally unpopular with the women so Estella is not give a warm welcome. The seemingly popularity has been just a facade hiding a history of fear of her father’s hold over people. Uncovering all this adds to the mystery surrounding her parents life and discovering her mother’s whereabouts which was unbelievable.

A Gothic mystery set in fairly modern times. Very interesting family saga.

Sent by Poisoned Pen Press for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

French Windows by Antoine Laurain

                                     

Nathalie does snapshots of people’s lives. Those she can see from her own flat, going up the entire five floors and puts together a real life peep vicariously into what is going on, including a murder. The book is very French in flavor though that is not an apt description on my part. The stories are very different in both the telling and the listening to, and seem somehow different.

Dr Fabre is the therapist but one never knows whether the stories are true or not or whether Nathalie is maneuvering the older man for reasons of her own. The final story is the quirkiest and the end.

Entertaining and a quick read.

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

A Deceptive Games Ensues by Sophie Barnes

 

Adrian Croft escaped being executed by a whisker. But he has been warned that any future transgressions will not be tolerated. Bent on revenge for the murder of his sister, he is very sure that the Duke of Wrengate is behind his sisters death. Recently married to Samantha, a former spy herself, Adrian knows that his actions could have repercussions on his wife.

Drawn into the disappearances of several young people over a period of one year Adrian and Samantha see a pattern in the choice of people who have disappeared and convince the Chief Constable and his Runners that this has to be further investigated. This brings them straight away against a select group of medical doctors, part of a select cult, determined to find a way to anasthize patients using Chinese herbal medicines and folklore. How many people die in the process is not their concern. Their concern is only the progress of medicine.

New enemies surface before the old enmities can be laid to rest. There are several strands in the story which are distinct from each other. A quiet, peaceful life for the newly weds is far from happening right now.

Sent by an Independent Publisher via Book BuzzNet, courtesy of Netgalley.

A Daughters Guide to Mothers and Murder by Dianne Freeman

 

Frances and George enjoying a quiet interlude in Paris, away from family for much deserved leisure time. Cut short with an enquiry re a young man, a potential suitor for the daughter of family friends.

This was the beginning of the story where Carlson Deaver, master of the double life is slowly uncovered, a dead wife miraculously reappears, complicated liaisons under the pretext of respectability, and all the hypocrisy of double standards of the Victorian age are uncovered.

Very nicely told as a story, several strands of the lives of diverse people are brought together in a tale of murder and mystery galore.

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

The Secrets of Thorndale Manor by Syrie James

 

Anthea has done what she had dreamed about for years. Governessing had been hard but she and sister Selena had stuck it out and now opened their school for girls. The Manor was spacious and ideal for the purpose but what they did not take into account was its history. The previous owners sister was charged with the murder of her husband and was hanged for it. When just weeks into her ownership, a young housemaid was found drowned in a nearby river, the gossip and insinuations started that the house was doomed and the success of the school and getting more pupils was low.

Despite warnings to the contrary Anthea was determined to get to both mysteries. Why and who would want to murder an inconsequential house maid unless she had valuable information that she could use as blackmail, and who hated Caroline Vernon so much that she got implicated in the murder of her husband. 

Anthea finds herself in a dangerous position of not knowing whom she can trust, because all of them have plenty of secrets to hide.

The ending was surprising and unexpected. Always a nice surprise. This Victorian setting gothic themed read was a good one.

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

A Botanists Guide to Rituals and Revenge by Kate Khavari

 

Saffron is returning home to Ellington after a long time and mainly to check on her grandfather who has had a heart attack. There are several strands in the story which have to be handled separately. The enigmatic Doctor treating her grandfather is no doctor and his presence means he is looking for something. Her late father’s research papers are the key but they seem to have disappeared. Her mother seems distanced and vague when asked anything about her father. The spiritual medium who is now in the neighbour hood preying on families who have lost loved ones in the War, adds to the problems in the house. Saffron has also brought her partner Alexander with her, and that is not proving acceptable to the family. All told very tense, and very fractured relationships.

The final outcome of healing the relationships within the family were good to read but the unfinished business with the Doctor is I think left for another book.

Historical detail is ever present in the story and the botanical highlights is interwoven throughout the story and this is what sets it apart.

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

Just Emilia by Jennifer Oko

 

Three women of different ages caught in a stuck elevator in a time travel episode is the main theme of the story.

All three women tell a story of one life - the teenager, the middle aged woman who seems to be the narrator and the older woman wanting to be closer to her estranged daughter. A journey of self discovery for all three and for each to try and turn the negative into the positive after this experience.

The story will make the reader self examine a little more closely than before. Were there things we could have handled better in the past and is there a way to be better in the future to avoid pitfalls as shown in this broken down elevator.

A story that will get you questioning yourself which is not a bad premise.

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

Question of Guilt by Sally Rigby

 

When Daryl approached Seb and Birdie, private investigators regarding a decades old case - her mothers murder, her fathers incarceration till he died in prison, there was little hope that anything new could be discovered. To the contrary, what turned up was a slew of missed interviews of people relevant to the case, corrupt cops and a carelessness which was planned and callous to pin the murder on the husband.

The slow unraveling of a case decades old was different. Files had been destroyed, many of the key people from police to witnesses were dead, there was shoddy paper work and just to get the timeline right took a lot of work.

Despite the time lapse, it was obvious that powers that be were uneasy at the pace of the investigation, and Seb and Birdie had to be cautious that they wouldn’t be the next victims.

The story telling was excellent and I did like the way the procedurals were followed in the investigation.

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

Off Menu by Amy Rosen

 

Hilarious most of the time, Ruthie pines for Dean whom she had a fling with in Thailand. She can’t get him out of her head but also thinks of looking at her future as a chef and registers for culinary school courtesy of grandma’s legacy. 

Interspersed with wonderful cooking lessons and mouth watering food is another romance, someone who breaks Ruthie’s heart, scams her out of her money and disappears. Ruthie has to concentrate very hard to get her priorities right and focus on what is important.

Lots of young fun, delicious food and a simple story which caught my interest.

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

The Lights of Shantinagar by Nidhi Arora

 

A fresh look at joint family life in a small town where everyone purportedly knows everyone else’s business. Joint family living has never been easy, not then not now and in this story there is a easy going mother in law and father in law ( half the battle won), a well established elder sister in law who has no wish to loosen the reins and the newest daughter in law, who is wise enough to compromise on many things. The men are harmless, non interfering. Very unusual in itself.

The happenings in one house are linked with their neighbours and so examinations, entrance to colleges, marriage proposals are all very much a communal issue. How lives get micro managed by everyone in their circuit, the inevitability of it all is highlighted. It is not callous and uncaring or harsh. Far from it. Everyone believes one is acting for the common good and the betterment of the unit.

I liked the story very much but for those who need personal space, this would be a bit of an eye opener. Reminiscent of what happens even today (maybe with a few tweaks here and there) this was a very good story.

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

Her First Mistake by Kendra Elliot

 

Noelle Marshall is a detective in the sheriffs office. Thirteen years ago she was the fashionable stay at home wife of Derrick Bell, Assemblyman. Derrick Bell was found brutally bashed to death and Noelle was left for dead. The case was not solved, despite thorough investigation.

Now the cold case is being reviewed and though Noelle never got her memory of the incident back she has made a life for herself, far away from her toxic in laws who tried their best to make her out as being in cahoots with the murderer. 

Noelle has secrets of her own and Derrick himself turned into a manipulative, narcissistic being totally different to the man Noelle fell in love with. As the case is being reopened, questions are being asked from both families as the detectives feel that the answer lies there. When a series of incidents take place culminating in a bomb attack on Noelle’s car, the detectives realise that they are getting closer to the truth than ever before.

The final revelations are totally out of the blue, and this is what made this a fabulous, intriguing read.

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

The Fire Concerto by Sarah Landenwich

 

This was a story where one needed all your wits around you. It was complicated, went off in wildly parallel story lines and then finally came together.

Clara a piano playing prodigy is one of the main characters. Injured in a fire which she blames on her teacher, she has turned away from music and now works in a bar. A unexpected inheritance to several notables in the music world including Clara took all by surprise. Madame Sikorska who was Clara’s mentor was not known for generosity or kindness.

The inheritance sparked off a search into its history, including the ownership as doubts arose whether it was part of looted property from Jews fleeing Poland. The metronome purported to belong to the composer Starza has been missing since 1885. It was also supposed to be the one used in his murder. However nothing seems what it appears to be and history may have to be rewritten as far as Starzas loves and life was. It also may provide the impetus to propel Clara back into her professional life.

This was a complicated quite emotional, violent and traumatic retelling of a hidden story where facts are being uncovered a hundred years later. It was sad too because characters were misunderstood and forgotten completely.

Sent by Union Square & Company, a subsidiary of Sterling Publications, courtesy of Netgalley.

Keeping the Countess by Lille Moore

 

After a series of murder and mystery, this was the reading required.

A new vicar with secrets and revenge on his mind. The young Countess being embezzled by her steward. Holding on just to get Adam her young stepbrother into university, she is prepared to sacrifice anything. 

Falling in love with the Reverend was not on the cards. For the Reverend his feelings of wanting to protect the young mistress of the Castle was surprising and messed up his real plans for his future.

A mix of a love story and shades of a mystery which needed to be solved, aided by young people,  greedy, grasping employees and a society which would not give any woman a place of authority or power, this was a light but cautionary story.

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

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay

 

Lily is proud of her achievements and position in the art world. As assistant to the famous art curator Diana Wilken, Lily has organized a Picasso exhibition in London. The opening night is glittery, filled with celebrities until the moment Lily announces to the world at large, that one of the Picasso is a forgery. It captures the attention of all including the media and both Lily and Diana’s jobs are on the line when the story breaks out.

That is just the bare bones of the beginning of the story. What follows is a convoluted tale of greed, deceit and avarice for position not caring whom you destroy in protecting your own interests. How ruthless human beings can be in a cut throat business where stakes are very high. It also highlights integrity on the other side and being true to what you believe in.

The 1970s art and fashion scene are vividly described in this story. 

Stories like this rich in a different era and environment add so much variety to a reader who may never get to experience such places. 

Sent by Harper Muse for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

Hayley Hope is Gone by Michele Dominguez Greene

 

All Agent Emily Ray wants is to have a peaceful holiday with her ailing father in a place which had happy memories for her family. She did not think she would get embroiled in a case of a drowned teenager. The neighbour of Emily is convinced that it is murder, and an abduction run by a gang of corrupt law keepers who control the town.

Knowing she is out of her area limits and acting outside the boundaries of her mandatory leave, Emily slowly uncovers a trail of missing teenage girls, a cult fixated by their wishes to protect their own and very dangerous to outsiders.

The plot unravels slowly but Emily is not giving up. She is a voice for those girls without anyone to speak up for them. The predators seem to go for those in foster care, knowing that they are helpless.

Poignant and tense this was a good story about human trafficking, still prevalent today.

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

A Shipwreck in Fiji by Nilima Rao

 

Sergeant Akal  Singh is not in the good books of his colonial bosses. Facts misrepresented means that the so called disgrace follows him wherever he goes. The year 1915 in Fiji was for me a good background for the story with overt racism, colonial bullying and simmering discontent.

Charged with accompanying two English ladies to an island, Sergeant Akal, also has to keep an eye out for a group of German soldiers, find them, capture them and bring them back. The story involves two murders with a history of past misdeeds going back decades to India and a rebellion there, the English ladies with a secret of their own and the capture of a group of Norwegian soldiers aka Germans which was the coup d’etat for Akal.

History not so nice for the native population, very descriptive of life in this unusual setting with British overlords ruling the roost on a diminishing Empire.

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

A Marvellous Murder by David S. Pederson

 

Historical tones, plenty of mystery and detective work, a nice setting of Hollywood circa 1939, a background of homosexual relationships and the cover up that was so necessary at the time make up for this easy going read.

Set against the enactment of a film, the obnoxious director disliked by all even his girlfriends whom he has forced into bed with him is found shot in a room in the classic all doors windows locked. The police detectives are quick to rule it as suicide though many are skeptical how such a selfish man could do such a thing. Victor Marvel an almost has been takes it upon himself to investigate further and brings a trail of suspicion on him. Unearthing clues as he goes along, he solves it and presents it to the Police as a fait accomplie.

Detailed and descriptive this was a pleasant read.

Sent by Bold Strokes Books Inc for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.

The Socialiste’s Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets by S K Golden

 

Evelyn Murphy lives in a hotel with her dog and cat. She is an heiress with a penchant to solving crime. She also has a dislike or a phobia of stepping out of the hotel and spends her entire day in the hotel.

When one of her guests falls ill whilst dining and subsequently dies and Evelyn herself is a witness, the death is ruled as murder and Evelyn is determined to get to the bottom of it and clear Chef Marco’s name and the reputation of the hotel.

Set in 1958 the story is descriptive not just of the era, but also of this particular class of society. I enjoyed a book by this author before but there seemed to be a sameness to the style and story in this one as well. 

There is a lot of the manner in which rich people of the time behaved which they thought perfectly normal. This grated after some time. 

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